Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson gave what passes as an unusually honest and frank interview to BBC Radio Scotland before his team beat champions, Celtic, this afternoon. Thompson represents one of the four SPL clubs on the league board who, unless the entire league agrees to change their constitution, will vote on whether a Newco will inherit the void when Rangers die next week.
I’m pretty sure Thompson’s mind was made up weeks ago, he clearly planned to vote Newco into the league, despite misplaced brinksmanship, but he’s been spooked by pressure from his own fans talking about boycotting games if he votes Newco in.
Here’s the dilemma. Gang of 10 clubs have pushed a mantra for years that they have been exploited by a Glasgow duopoly (although clearly they use less accurate phraseology). They complain about “the Glasgow media” and, don’t laugh, referee favouring the “Old Firm”.
Now, if he votes for Newco, he makes a lie of all of this. The power to change one of the key concerns for fans of provincial clubs lies in the collective hands of their chairmen. Can they really pass this up?
It’s decision time. Since Celtic Quick News first raised the alarm on this issue in October last year we predicted that only Celtic would vote against Newco. We are about to find out if we have 12 independent teams in the SPL or 11 Rangers supporters – and if they change the rules to give support to Rangers, this is exactly what they are.
I had a bit of sympathy for Thompson, a first for me. He spoke about the money going into United causing issues in his family and the consequences of losing circa £1m per year in a league without Rangers. Some harsh decisions ahead, if he does the right thing, but the alternative, voting for Newco and having Dundee United fans walk out on the club at the betrayal, gives him what he called a “lose-lose” situation.
I was delighted to hear this. He claimed to be undecided, but at least he is a man who now understands there are huge consequences if he votes for Newco. There are three potential financial hits if he does: some United fans will turn away from the game, Celtic fans will boycott next season and even Rangers fans have threatened to boycott if Newco is subject to penalties associated with their terminal football team. The combined cost of this may be less than £1m but not by much.
There are two extra points for Mr Thompson to consider:
Without Newco in the SPL he and he the Gang of 10 can breeze through their future-revenue-changing plan to alter the voting structure, which should help fill any shortfall. It would be humiliating if they had the chance to deliver what they wanted long-term but couldn’t pass up a chance to help the Rangers.
Also, this is not the end of the road for the terminal football club. Any Newco inheriting Rangers SPL share will also inherit the punishment for the alleged improper Registration of football players for a decade or more. The only appropriate penalty for this would be expulsion from the league.
It’s perhaps best to man up and take the trash out now.
You can buy a hard copy of the new issue of CQN Magazine via Magcloud here.
The graphic below is just for a flick through, to read the magazine go here to it’s dedicated site.
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TBOTOB gets an airing when something nasty happens like ” your Manager being attacked in full public view ” OR
“SPL league clubs voting in NEWCO cheats”
Old Habits CSC
No7,
I agree. The whole thing is a scandal which damns Scotland IMHO. It seems patently obvious all the potential sanctions for 2 decades of cheating are being delayed till the Huns perform the ole switcheroo.
After that, a few bullets will be fired into the dead corpse.
Maybe we should just accept our lot and be happy that we have a league to play in. No moaning at the next last min decision against us or the honest mistakes for newco. We have been told they are needed for the good of the country and the game so they should be allowed to win at all costs.
macjay1 for Neil Lennon on 7 May, 2012 at 11:07 said:
It won’t happen, but your sentiments are justified….
67Heaven@11:07
Roddy Forsyth is indeed a dyed in the wool blue nose
Macjay1
You’re not the first of the advocates of the ‘pay up whatever’ to tell other Celtic supporters to Feck Off and you won’t be the last. I’m assuming telling fellow Celtic supporters to Feck Off would be entirely acceptable to those forefathers too?
HH
I’d be grateful for a bit of help guys for those of you who attend games regularly.
I’ve stirred myself to come up next week bringing my brother in law who’s not a football fan to see why I constantly bore him with my Celtic obsession.
Foolishly (I think ) I took one of the Thos. Cook packages which appears to mean that I have to pick up tickets on the match day from the Ticket Office and still have no idea as yet where the seats might be. After the match we’ll be heading South back to the East Midlands (6hours or so)and what I’m wondering is where might be sensible and safe to leave my car for quickest access to the motorway South.
If any of you have experience of parking on matchday I’d be appreciate your suggestions.
☠ SFA☛☛☢♞
No 7 …… LOL ….. THAT’s really what they want us wee timmies to do …. They are really that stupid …….we shall not be moved….our day has come
SOUTH OF TUNIS 1102
Really? Thanks for that. Honestly,I’ve waited forty years for an answer to that question.
Ever since I had a fall-out with one over an apple. I think I won,but only by fighting dirty.
37 different types of the blasted things in Sicily,think I’ll stay in Swindon,thanks!
But honestly,thanks for the info. Though I still reckon the ecosystem would manage fine without them,haha…
As for my forefathers they would be disgusted if what looks like happening is accepted by myself and our generation. They fought against bias not allowed it to prosper openly.
67Heaven … I am Neil Lennon..!!..Truth and Justice will always prevail on 7 May, 2012 at 11.07
Thank god for that.
I feel reassured.
As an expat.,I tend to think that views expressed on here may be representative.
Celtic are too important for the kind of ” walk away ” huntalk we have to tolerate.
Cheers,my fellow Tim.
Where is the logic in continuing to support an Old Firm Celtic PLC ?
Celtic PLC sign a TV deal with NEWCO that will make any away boycott ANYWHERE totally useless ?
I would love to hear an intelligent coherent debate without any emotion on this one.
In fact if it is presented I might even engage.
Hail Hail
Dontbrattbakkinanger on 7 May, 2012 at 09:26 said:
Not to pre-empt the ole Hampden circle jerk but according to Wiki [[SIMBT] today is ‘National Mast#rbati#n Day’; so all hands on the pumps, I guess.
———————————————
I thought it was a Bank Holiday!
Derbyshirebhoy
Your best bet is one of the car parks on London Road, about approx 500 yards walk to the stadium.
The one I park in is right at a speed camera on the left hand side as you approach the stadium. It’s £5, fairly expensive, but it’s safe and you get a quick getaway.
Enjoy your visit.
67 Heaven.
I see how it will pan out next season some bhoycotts will happen, year after a little less next year none will happen and all will be forgotten.
Scotland’s Shame ➦ ☢
How many of out forefathers told Sir Robert Kelly to feck off in 1952
ǝsoɥ ǝɥʇ ǝɯ ssɐd ‘sʞɔıʞ ʎןɟ ɥbnouǝ (o) /o\ z ʍoɹ on 7 May, 2012 at 11:02 said:
Thanks for a reasoned argument on the issues rather than an attack on the person
On the WWF issue i no longer watch the majority of professional sport, cancelled SKY a few years ago political integrity also an issue with Sky, much of professional sport is WWF it is rigged, draws are loaded in UEFA competitions to ensure the money teams get into the latter stages, sponsers for big events want the teams and personalities which give them the biggest return for their investment in the final stages, as a result sporting integrity unfortunately is being relegated in most sports
I do regret the fact that many fine Celtic men like yourself will through their own value judgements on what transpires with the Celtic board and newco Rankers make a decision to walk away from season tickets to Celtic park, we are as you say still all Celtic supporters
67Heaven … I am Neil Lennon..!! 7 May, 2012 at 11:11 said:
We really do need to work on getting men into the box…..no point in majoring on wing play if we don’t get men in the box…very frustrating all season (for me)
———————-
It’s very frustrating, don´t get me wrong when we have our passing game going and playing neat little ones twos around the box, it’s great to watch. Doesn´t always come off for us. I long to feel a sense of anticipation as a cross is whipped.
Kitalba
I’m assuming you’re advocating pressing the nuclear option? Thought you were waiting for more info and seeing how it pans out?
Aw Naw
If that happens you’ll get emotional, excited and frustrated and then you’ll start messing about.
HH
Good morning all. PFA awards were very entertaining – had a brief chat with Neil – said I was dissappointed for him – he didnt seem to bothered.
I would say I am incredulous at Celtic being reported to the SPL for singing the BOTOB – particularly in the light of Rangers fans singing no pope of rome at Celtic park. But I am not. Its another indicator of how we are viewed in this country – second class citizens etc.
And today our Club will let us down……
Its all very very sad.
Wasps are fine, but it’s the yak killer hornet that’s the bees knees.
ǝsoɥ ǝɥʇ ǝɯ ssɐd ‘sʞɔıʞ ʎןɟ ɥbnouǝ (o) /o\ z ʍoɹ on 7 May, 2012 at 11:15 said:
Macjay1
You miss the point,pal.
I`m talking TO Celtic supporters about conditional Celtic supporters.
Love is unconditional.
You obviously don`t get the distinction.
You pays your money etc.etc.
derbyshirebhoy on 7 May, 2012 at 11:15 said:
There’s a free secure car park right outside the stadium………when you come off the motorway, head along London Road, until you reach traffic lights very close to the stadium…..turn right at the lights, then FIRST left into the stadium area….(rankers end)…first left again into car park (stewards at the entrance)
BUT YOU NEED TO BE VERY EARLY….AT LEAST 90 MINUTES BEFORE KICK-OFF
Row Z
stop your messing around
better think of your future
Hail Hail
NegAnon2 on 7 May, 2012 at 11:26 said:
Our Club will not let us down today ……they have already made their position clear….how often do they have to repeat it ……
You are spot on…….the bhuns sing the most vile lyrics with impunity
Yaks are hardly talkative
Macjay1
You think so? Love may be unconditional. You going next season and if so how often?
HH
I wanna tell you ’bout Tax less fellatio and the Big Cheat
Comes out of the Virginia swamps
Cool and slow with plenty of precision
With a back beat narrow and hard to master
Some call it heavenly in it’s brilliance
Others, mean and rueful of the Western dream
I love the friends I have gathered together on this thin raft
We have constructed pyramids in honor of our escaping
This is the land where the Pharaoh died
The Negroes in the forest brightly feathered
They are saying, “Forget the night.
Live with us in forests of azure.
Out here on the perimeter there are no stars
Out here we is stoned – immaculate.”
Listen to this, and I’ll tell you ’bout the heartache
I’ll tell you ’bout the heartache and the lose of GOD
The meager food for souls forgot
I’ll tell you ’bout the maiden with wrought iron soul
I’ll tell you this
No eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn
I’ll tell you ’bout Tax less Fellatio and the Big Cheat
Soft driven, slow and mad, like some new language
Now, listen to this, and I’ll tell you ’bout the Tax less
I’ll tell you ’bout the Tax less fellatio
I’ll tell you ’bout the hopeless night
Wandering the Western dream
Tell you ’bout the maiden with wrought iron soul
blantyretim on 7 May, 2012 at 11:23 said:
How many of out forefathers told Sir Robert Kelly to feck off in 1952
Sir Robert Kelly supported the Celtic ethos in `52 against G.G.and his anti Irish bigotry. And ……….he won.
Don`t quite get your point.
Aw Naw
As a conditional supporter you need to flounce off now and stop upsetting the pure and driven………
HH
Row Z
Actually I was messing about trying to figure out how to do upside down writing , putting chevrons around upsidedown and then switching back does not work for me. Those little ditties should have been placed on previous threads.
I have had my say on what I am going to do, I’ve made my mind up, I don’t need to keep repeating myself to prop up my convictions, neither am I trying to change the minds of others. We are all big boys and girls here, we can follow our hearts without fear.
Others, well that is up to them if they choose to repeatedly repeat their repetitive opinions.
Please…….
can someone explain why upside down blog names are being posted, is naebody talking in here.
If I may say so I don’t do upside down blog names, Lennybhoy :¬)
DBBIA—
Yak Killer Hornet ?
Remember watching a documentary about the good ole Vicious Vespa — voiceover said that their annual human kill score in Japan is typically higher than the average annual homicide rate in Japan.
Sorry if posted already
Statement from the Celtic Trust
Published on Monday 7th May, 2012 by
Celtic Trust statement on current events
Statement from the Board of the Celtic Trust
Over recent days there has been much discussion amongst Celtic supporters, (indeed amongst all football supporters,) about the implications of the present situation of Rangers FC Plc (in administration) and how this will impact on the future of the SPL.
Some Celtic supporters have expressed disquiet that the various organisations representing the Celtic support have not publicly responded to recent events.
However, we would like to reassure Trust members that the Trust Board has been monitoring the situation closely and has been actively involved in developing strategies to meet future situations. Over the past two weeks we have:
•· Held discussions with other Celtic supporter organisations to devise a joint response.
•· Been a signatory to a letter sent from all the Celtic Supporter organisations to the Chairpersons of all SPL Clubs and to Neil Doncaster Chief Executive of the SPL, prior to the meeting at Hampden last Monday stressing that sporting integrity must be paramount in any decision made.
•· Had two meetings with the Celtic Chief Executive at which we have conveyed to him the very strong feelings being expressed by the support
•· Been invited to meet with Neil Doncaster and this meeting will take place on the first available date which is Tuesday 8th May.
Be assured that we will continue to monitor events as they unfold and keep members informed of developments. We are totally opposed to a so-called ‘newco’ being admitted into the SPL. Should this come about we will be consulting with our members and with other Celtic supporter organisations with the aim of deciding on an appropriate response.
In the meantime we are very keen to hear the opinions of our members on the present situation and would welcome any contribution to the debate members may wish to make. Any member who wishes to do so please contact us at celtictrust@hotmail.com
ǝsoɥ ǝɥʇ ǝɯ ssɐd ‘sʞɔıʞ ʎןɟ ɥbnouǝ (o) /o\ z ʍoɹ on 7 May, 2012 at 11:31 said:
Macjay1
You think so? Love may be unconditional. You going next season and if so how often?
Oh ,god.
I`ve already said I`m an expat.
Staggeringly boring.
I’ve not received a ST renewal, they should be out by now.
Is it just the one area of CP ST holders thats not received them?
BM