Thoroughly enjoying yesterday’s coordinated effort by Newco fans who have rushed to the coattails of Dave King. To be fair to the fans, the time for them to act was years ago, before Sir David Murray set Oldco on a path to destruction, there is little positive that can be done now. Still, that’s no reason to dive headlong into destruction.
After the debacle of 2012, when Oldco were liquidated, the assets were scooped up by people who wanted to make a lot of money. The moment Charles Green and his consortium owned the assets, this reality should have been acknowledged. No amount of 13th hour Blue Knight revisionism was going to change things.
Green made off with his money a year ago, but as a consequence of that, there are newer investors, with exactly the same objectives. There are also local investors in the form of the Easdale brothers. Neither of these groups will be bullied into submission.
King’s escrow plan, which hopes to gain security of the stadium and Murray Park, cannot be accommodated by the club. How many fans do you think they will convince to hand their season ticket money over, 1000? As many as 3000? Whatever your guess figure, this does not have the look of a high participation endeavour.
With many more fans likely to renew, and more still likely to be completely turned off by the nonsense, the The Rangers Football Club Ltd have a legal duty to their shareholders (Rangers International PLC) and creditors (coincidentally, also Rangers International PLC) to retain security of company assets. Placing them beyond the reach of creditors would be a remarkably brave and self-defeating act.
It now suits the club for King’s plan to appear to be effective, or at the very least, reduce season ticket renewals to a trickle. They can cite this as the action which tips The Rangers Football Club Ltd into administration. As the overwhelmingly major creditor, Rangers International would control this administration and their agents will set about reducing costs.
I would expect to see Newco to continue trading as a youth team for the foreseeable future, with Rangers International taking security of Ibrox and Murray Park, to satisfy their unresolved debt. This will be sold to the masses as ‘securing the stadium’, but it would be the key separation of club and stadium which King as sought to prevent.
Going forward, The Rangers Football Club Ltd will have no significant assets, no playing assets to speak of, and a substantial rental to pay to Rangers International, whose shareholders will still require their financial return. Don’t lose sight of this, the Piper Always Needs to be Paid. Always.
I haven’t revisited the RIPLC accounts which drew comment last week (might be worth an update later), but the important information to glean from them is the cost of running a football operation at a stadium which can occasionally host >40,000 people. You’re looking at circa £19m annually, before you employ a footballer.
I don’t see a way forward. This is a dead multi-club football franchise, killed by 1,000 reckless acts. Even the youth team scenario is unaffordable.
The hedge funds will know this already. Remember what John Brown claims Charles Green told him he would do to Ibrox if he was messed with? Raze it to the ground, apparently. After Newco Youth Team has spent a year-or-so bouncing around, we’ll hear that Ibrox is unsustainable as a football stadium (which I could believe). It will be razed and re-designated as an industrial area.
Celtic better have their plans in place now, as should the rest of Scottish football. There was a notion that there would be a three year hiatus before it was business as usual. This will not be the case.
We need to stand together, as a club, and with other clubs, wherever possible. We need to support the game, primarily through season ticket purchases, but we must find common ground with other clubs and fans.
Leppings Lane
Everything was wrong about football back then. Stadiums were not so much designed, they were built to fit the space and available materials. The lower Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough will be remembered as the worst terracing in football but, in truth, it was just where the next big disaster happened. It could have been anywhere.
After a decade or so of football hooliganism in England, fans were penned in, 8’ fences blocked entrance to the field, some topped with barbed wire. If you were at the fence, you were staying there until the thousands behind you headed home. Hampden Park had these fences, a legacy of the 1980 Cup Final, but they were absent from other grounds in Scotland. The Jungle had some high fencing but with regular breaks. If you wanted to get onto the field, you could do so.
Leppings Lane had further chronic safety violations. As well as a fence at the front the terrace was divided into four pens with fences running back to front. Once through the turnstile, fans were free to choose which pens to join; most would choose the central two. Of course they would.
The central two pens were accessed via a tunnel running under the upper stand. On That Day, fans entering at the rear of the tunnel had no inclination of the crush ahead. By the time they were part of the crush, others had gathered behind them. Space to retreat was quickly lost.
The outer pens were empty, the central two, death-traps. Fans piling into the tunnel knew nothing of the crisis ahead.
For some minutes it was possible for the police to burst open the pens and allow fans to flood free onto the pitch but they were still in crowd control mode. By the time they realised there was a disaster underway, it was too late.
There were lies and cover-ups. Fans were blamed, and accused of atrocious acts, all untrue. The government were complicit. The Sun were the worst media offenders but by no means the only one.
Two weeks ago a fresh inquiry into the events of that day opened in Warrington. At long last, the truth, which we’ve all known for years, will out. Too late for many campaigners and bereaved, who died fighting the combined weight of the establishment, but welcome nonetheless.
Tomorrow, CQN’er, Iain McGovern, sets off on a 232 mile walk from Celtic Park to Anfield, where he hopes to arrive 11 days later, in aid of the Lola Commons Fund for SiMBA. It’s his way of commemorating Hillsborough. Supporting him could be yours.
I’m delighted (actually excited) to confirm John Hughes will be on the blog on Thursday morning. John is Celtic’s seventh highest goal scorer in our 126 year history. He has remarkable insights into some of the great times and characters of our history. Tune in and ask him questions online.
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Stokesy ,is Correct.
Celtic, need Rangers back .
Lawell, n Kojo.. Also.. want the Rangers Back.’
We need Mair Pressure..Mair.. Competition.
Competition, plus the Rivalry… with the Bitter Rivalry, from Rangers,which it Brings.. is the Thing that we are Lacking.
To DENY that We Need a Rangers Team , as it is a Strong Competitor,which will ALWAYS… test us Fiercely… is
just.. Plain…
Wrang!
Kojo
Still,Laughin’
Mullet
Where does it say about Murray being a contributor to SNP ?
I thought he was Tory contributor
My friends in Celtic,
Travelling home, made me think.
1887 : Andrew Kerins, John Glass, Pat Welsh, Michael Davitt et al thinking of forming a football team. Conversation goes something like this :-
See this new Tennents drink only a couple of years old It will never last :-)
HH.
I assume that we all know that the Glasgow Cup is now an under 17s competition, which nicely dovetails with Paul’s assertion in today’s article that Newco will continue trading as a youth team for the foreseeable future.
Under 17s CSC
my boss is peter principle
Exactly. Instead of being liquidated. We don’t have that power if the shoe was on the other foot. Thanks for highlighting that.
HH
my boss is peter principle
20:27 on 15 April, 2014
If you don’t know what I am on about, I suggest you read up on Irish history……?
Queen Elizabeth 11 actually, and commendably, apologised to the Irish for the ‘history’ of their suffering…….England has moved on…… others here, and in the North of Ireland, have no intention of doing so……they still wallow in their sectarian hatred of all things Irish, Celtic, Catholic ……..their loss, sadly….
Mullet,
While Murray has almost gone the nations favourite pet thing has not. Football being above any enforceable government ruling upon them. So while our sphere might be increasing it is notably powerless within UEFA. Any power we gain will only be due to playing the Old Firm game.
HH
Would be interesting to know what plans Celtic have in place if Rangers don’t come back. Whilst we all enjoy viewing the car crash, can’t help feeling that its not good for Celtic unless we can find some sustainable competition elsewhere.
67 heaven
There’s a lot we could learn – often from the most unexpected sources and individuals.
HH jamesgang
67 heaven
With you entirely re the RFC swindle
Unfortunately I’m not surprised in the slightest that CFC embraced RFC as the same entity at the first opportunity
Disappointed but not surprised
bankiebhoy1 @20.30 hrs.
“CQteN package arrived………..thanks lads! (Paul 67, Doc, BRTH, Winning Captains et al)
Cheers CSC”
——————————-
Ditto, many thanks. Mrs Greenpinata has scoffed the miniature tho. hic
Many thanks in anticipation.
HH.
Rioskorrie,
think we have a mutual friend,surname McNab,plays the pipes,would that be right
Kojo
Agree with a lot of your fitba posts. You have a decent tactical knowledge and know a player. Both you and I trumpeted young Henderson before he played for the first time.
However , and u knew there had to be a but……. Got tae disagree wi your last post .
We need a string Sevco like a hole in the Heid.
What we need is a way out of this footballing Pygmy nation , away from the cheating and corruption .
I pray it comes soon bud.
HH
67heaven … i am neil lennon, supporting wee oscar..!!.. ibrox belongs to the creditors
20:47 on 15 April, 2014
So let me get this right it is ok for our fans to sing not for football songs but themselves should be fined?
I love rebel songs, sing them with pride but they have a place and a football arena is not that place no matter what colour you wear
As some of you are aware I went to the FAC demo in Aberdeen on saturday and while the turnout wasn’t great those that did turn out made their presense felt. It’s always great to meet new people, especially those of the Celtic persuasion.
After arriving back in Glasgow a couple of us went for a few refreshments and I had the opportunity to get to know some of the guys a bit better.
I have met Eddie Toner a few times at demos in support of FAC but never really got a chance to speak to him at any lenght so it was great to hear his stories of growing up and wow does he have some great stories of the Lions and Big Jock.
The thing that came across from listening to him was that he seemed to be unaware of the importance of some of his stories to our history. His father was Celtic’s groundsman for over 30 years and knew Jock and the players on first name terms. His mother was on the bus also and I bet she must have some great wee stories aswell.
So to any lurkers that were with us on the bus, thanks for your company, you were all great and I look forward to meeting you all again.
String Sevco should have said strong Sevco!!
Celtic. …. And your other half !
Does your partner tolerate your love of Celtic ? Do they help or hinder your support? Any good stories about Celtic being your first live and not them?
My wife was instructed to tape a live Celtic match for me (VHS) as I was coming back from London and NOT to tell me the score. Got back to airport around 10, shut my ears in case I heard the score, radio off in car, into house and she had successfully taped it. Quick change, can of Guinness, cheese sandwich. She says am off to bed now. “DONT KNOW WHY YOU WANT TO WATCH IT, THERES NAE GOALS!”
Live = Love
scullybhoy
19:06 on 15 April, 2014
I hope that was not a Freudian slip as I meant to say dude!!!!!!!!!! Sorry Alfie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry, Scullybhoy, but I think you were right first time.
The 100 metres needs a strong Ben Johnson
The Tour de France needs a strong Lance Armstrong
Said no one ever
Kikinthenakas
gordybhoy64 20:53
Aye indeed we have. That’d be the Portknockie McNab clan then?
Would like to stay and blether but gotta go – wee fellah to collect fae school.
Catch yeez later.
Kikinthenakas
Excellent and very apt comparisons
Kikinthenakas
Brilliant summation
Stokes, DD and a few others mention that they enjoyed “old firm” games and would like to see them return and we get the knee jerk reaction of calls for non-renewal of season tickets until Celtic sort out the offenders
Maybe they do want the “international” fc back, maybe they just play the game and torture them some more by failing to give them oxygen, failing to give them the headline they want
Watching the Families Hillsborough stories on LTV,, never forget.
Awe_Naw
There is an anti Irish/Catholic bias in Scotland but do you honestly think that any of the jokers currently in the boardroom at Ibrox have influence over the political, justice and education system in Scotland AND the European Commission, Uefa etc etc.?
Celtic’s recent director, Ian Livingstone is in the Cabinet. Brian Wilson, a current director was in the cabinet as was John Reid. A Catholic lady, Eilish Angolini, was Lord Advocate recently.
These facts cast a modicum of doubt on your assertions. We have friends in positions of influence. We don’t need to dream whilst our liquidated rivals are going through Limbo, Putgatory on the road to Hell.
KEEP THE FAITH
Burghbhoy
Thanks,pal.. Fur the Recognition.
Appreciate it.. a Loat.
n Ah Thoroughly… agree..with that we need tae Leave Scotland.
n.. We wull.. Eventually, Ah am Confident of that.
Howevahhhhh..
In the Meantime.. while we ur waiting fur that Bus tae come alang.
We wull be faced with a Severe Lack of Competition.
unitl…. the Rangers do Return to the Big Leagues.
Their Continued Absence, Hurts us..
In Several ways..
But mostly.. in the Pocket book.. which.. It bad for us..as we need every farthing that we kin get.
Competition,is always the Lifeblood ..
of
INTEREST.
Lack of Competition.. ALWAYS equates tae
LACK OF INTEREST.
Sure, the Rangers are Contemptible.. in every way.
Fur they are SUPPOSED TAE BE!
n.. That is Why they are oor Bitter Rivals..
ye canny be Friendly , wi a Rival..
right…??
Yep.. we Need the Rangers n Don’t Ye ever furgeet it.
Kojo
Still, Laughin’
kikinthenakas
20:58 on 15 April, 2014
Goods point. Well put.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Kojo
You’re some bhoy!
I’ll settle for a strong Aberdeen and Dundee UTD until we can escape.
Money ain’t everything bud , but our Champions league money keeps us sweet.
Hail Hail
I have sent this to jptaylor@celticfc.co.uk
Dear John,
Celtic`s recent Press Release re the Glasgow Cup is worrying. I object to the new club at Ibrox being referred to as Rangers instead of The Rangers or RIFC. If Celtic are seen as being complicit in pretending that Rangers did not indeed enter Liquidation, then many of us will consider not renewing. I am certainly of that mind. If anyone at Celtic FC reads the online Celtic sites, they will know that that is the dominant feeling among Celtic supporters.”
I would suggest that others who feel the same should send JP an email. It is important that Celtic know how we feel.
Cheerio,
JJ
my boss is peter principle
20:55 on 15 April, 2014
Your entire post is nonsense, to quote someone from earlier…… :) ……. Seriously, though, There are none so blind as those who will not see….. Resistence v Aggression
Ger57
I believe that bias and passion for them ensures they don’t need it. We are still awaiting justice for hilsborough so its far from as incredulous as you make out.
All whom you mention seem to have benefitted greatly from their association with us but it has not been reciprocated.
I think we do need to dream.
of a level playing field on and off the pitch and that should be a given for a professional national sport.
Sorry if I have misunderstood your post.
HH
Kojo
We need honest rivals. That excludes any Ibrox Club.
JJ
Jungle Jim
Sent JPT a tweet earlier on registering my disgust.
Will send an e mail as well
jungle jim
21:18 on 15 April, 2014
I will also write to JP…. thanks for the email address…….is there a precedent for a football Club, or a Business being Liquidated and just IGNORING IT, CARRYING ON AS THOUGH NOTHING HAS HAPPENED……surely that is breaking Business Law……!!??
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/the-unplanned-journey/#more-4552
HH
Burghbhoy
Thanks , again,pal..
N..
So ur YOU!
Ah like yer attitude..
Yes, a Strong Aberdeen n a Strong Dundee United.. plus a Load of Strong Ither Teams tae go alang wi wi them..
are always Great Thing tae Hiv.
But. Honestly..
be Honest,pal.
Doncha get a Far Bigger Jump in Yer Blood Pressure..
A loat Mair Thump tae ye Heartbeat…
every time Ye View A Celtic Team. run oan tae the Park..
TAE CONFRONT a DAMNABLE RANGERS Ootfit ???
No need tae Answer That!
Nice Chatting
Kojo
Still,Laughin’
Phil mac’s twitter article is (as so often) def worth a read.
HH jamesgang