I hear legendary Sevconian statement issuer, Jim “Rangers are dead” Traynor, is now firmly established in the Dave King camp. You may have found recent statements familiar, including last night’s, which focusses more on interrupting Celtic’s period of domination than building a well-run and sustainable football club.
Or it could be that Dave King is in Traynor’s camp, it’s hard to tell who is the monkey and who is the organ grinder when it comes to that lot and their long and dysfunctional relationships with PR masters.
My suspicions were raised when the Sunday Mail ran a complete non-story on their front page. Someone submitted a frivolous complaint to police – this is your news, Scotland. This was the kind of article which would be found in the same publication when Fergus McCann was in charge at Celtic; an unadulterated attack on the club. Now poor (not actually poor) Graham Wallace has to deal with them.
What price ‘loyalty’ after Traynor had his snout in the trough to a spectacular level too. We actually have a recipient of some of that enormous over-spend criticising the enormous over-spend. After his money was banked, of course. For the life of me I can never understand why the other lot put up with these types.
King’s eight point statement was an absolute hoot and completely inspired by Celtic’s position. There seems to be a pattern here: do wrong, then criticise others for doing as you did.
Point One:
King first addressed the liability for blame, and possible criminal investigations, which he believed should be heading towards the Rangers International board in the wake of comments made by chief executive, Graham Waddell, five months ago. He wrote:
….“It is beyond doubt that the CEO (and other board members) was aware last December that there was insufficient cash to last until the end of the season and the board failed to respond to my previous question in that regard. The CEO is now subject to a criminal complaint on this very issue but I believe that his comments were made with the full knowledge of the board. Certainly no one came out to contradict him. We should therefore expect any criminal investigation to extend to other board members.”
Dave King was a director of now-liquidated Rangers throughout the entire Craig Whyte era, when the club borrowed money from Ticketus to fund the payment of Lloyds debt, failed to pay social taxes and came crashing down. Whyte lied about the Ticketus deal but his non-execs kept their eyes, ears and mouths shut.
King was also a director of Rangers for over a decade, including the period of the David Murray-Campbell Ogilvie EBT shambles, which was proven to be illegal on five counts, the other counts are currently subject to an Upper Tier Tribunal.
Point 2:
“If cash was wasted as a result of mismanagement (presumably Charles Green etc.) then what steps are being taken to hold management accountable for this?”
As a non-executive director of failed Rangers FC PLC King was employed to ensure interests of stakeholders were being looked after. He failed singularly in this regard and has yet to be held to account.
Point Three:
“The board has conceded that it does not plan to effectively compete with Celtic in our first season back in the Premier League.”
This is sanity, not vanity. To suggest Newco throw so much money at the team that the instantly become competitive to Celtic is a sure-fire way of guaranteeing yet another insolvency event. These. People. Never. Learn.
Point Four:
“This is a great review for Celtic fans. It is stated that the board might only raise 20 million over the next 3 years. This paltry amount will guarantee that Celtic will be in a league of its own for the next few years- and possibly permanently thereafter. Celtic will continue to enjoy exclusive access to the Champions League windfalls and will go from financial strength to strength. The gap could become financially irreversible.”
Agree that Celtic will go from strength to strength and be remain a league of their own. Disagree that the review was great for Celtic fans. The review is little more than a laugh for Celtic fans, it changes nothing for us. I like the “permanently thereafter” line, though. It carries a bit more weight than “Generation of Domination”, which sounded ridiculous to some 9 years ago when it was first mooted but now sounds a tad understated.
Point Five:
“The board still does not have a clear plan for raising capital despite knowing for some months that a financial crisis was looming.”
Correct. On a related matter, Mr King has offered unspecified notions that he would encourage other people to buy tens of millions of pounds of shares, no clear plan has been identified, exactly what he accused Newco’s board of.
Point Six:
“It is interesting that the credit card companies agree with me that the season tickets should not be released to the club. However, it is genuinely shocking that this board has, for several months, withheld the knowledge that fans would not have access to credit card facilities when renewing season ticket purchases. The board preferred to blame “external parties” in an attempt to hide this serious non-disclosure. How can this board ask fans to ever trust them again?”
I think Mr King may have composed this comment ‘after a long lunch’. Credit card companies have not suggested season tickets should not be released to (sic.) the club, they simply don’t want anything to do with these transactions.
It is not shocking at all that the decision by credit card companies was not shared by fans for a number of months. Wallace would have spent much of this time looking for an alternative. It would have been inappropriate for a PLC to disclose sensitive financial negotiations to the general public months before that information becomes relevant.
Point Seven:
“The board continues the blame game and takes no responsibility for the current debacle. In truth, it is this board’s stubborn refusal to secure fresh equity that is the cause of the present fragile state of the club’s finances. The board clearly hoped to muddle along by using the season ticket advances from fans. This review should reinforce to fans that this board cannot serve as an appropriate custodian for their season ticket money.”
If fans want to know who to blame for the death of Rangers and the undignified mess Newco are in, they need look no further than the boards headed by Sir David Murray and Craig Whyte, both of which Dave King served on. Blaming Wallace instead is nonsense.
Point Eight:
“The board has admitted that Rangers is not presently a “going concern” and yet offers no plan on how this will be dealt with in the short term. Fans could once again lose their season ticket advances if given to the club at this time. It is unconscionable that this board has done nothing to bolster the finances since the last AGM.”
Fans of Oldco or Newco have never lost their season ticket advances. What is he thinking of? Does he know what club he’s talking about?
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Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
14:47 on
29 April, 2014
Big Jock would pack it in for Leeds.
Union Berlin looking for a new coach
HH
..
Did You Not Desert/Boycott Scotland/Celtic/Rangers/SFA/SPL/SNP/SFA..
When we were still in World Cup and going to UEFA Finals..
Summa
The whole Sami affair is a curious thing to me. It’s well documented on CQN I am a long term admirer and would dearly love him to sign on for another 3 years.
However given he hasn’t I would not be playing him- albeit he is playing superbly of late.
It sends out the wrong message to other guys trying to stake their claim.
Unless….? Unless …he is about to make the best decision of his life and sign on again?
I think he is right to test the market and I would expect Celtic to give him a decent re signing bonus and a handsome wage to boot… Cheaper than a replacement.. Unless we have someone already at the club ( if so ain’t he starting in Sami ‘a place?)..
Anyone else finding this situation intriguing?
I think Dave King deserves more respect than he gets on here. I mean if the hun listen to him — their new club will die sooner. Isn’t that what we all want? All meaning those of us of a Celtic persuasion.
Happy Tuesday.
007:
was that last part meant for me or awe-naw?
CultsBhoy
Re: Sami
I think Neil Lennon said that he owed Sami the chance to play before the WC based on his previous committment and good service.
hail hail
leftclicktic We are all Neil Lennon 14:17 on 29 April, 2014
From TSFM
“What will it take for our football authorities to lay charges against the Govan club for bringing the game into disrepute?We’ve had tax men,sheriffs officers,and now Police Scotland investigations and yet,still silence from Blazerville.An absolute scandal”.
—————————————————————————-
They’ve been punished enough already…….
Bourne
Scandalous that you should plague with such images!!
OffTheHookCSC
Super Sallary delivers treble
CultsBhoy
I think Neil Lennon still hopes to convince Samaras to stay.
It doesn;t look like he has signed on elsewhere and if he doesn’t receive a better offer than Celtic big Georgios may just be tempted to stay at Paradise.
LB
Summa
I find your post both incredible and saddening.
That you’ve held a season ticket for 15 years whilst residing thousands of miles away is an incredible commitment to make.
That you feel so let down by the lack of action re the Rangers situation that you will not renew is the sad part and I genuinely feel for you.
On a bright note, a wee swatch at Bourne’s shocking link may just cheer you up :-)
.
Kit..
100% Awe Naw..
I Rarely read or take Interest in Continually Negative posters but 100% believe they eventually affect other Celtic fans Thoughts/Decisions..
Kitalba..l have copy and pasted your Quote.. the rest l have quoted are my Interpretation of that Quote..But i get your point if l use 2 Commas and You use 1 that is Not Exactly what You said..;-) Oh Deer..
Summa
Awe_ No_
Rosary beads now an offensive weapon? Should we turn up at Parkhead in our thousands and display our rosaries openly?
coneybhoy
That makes sense…be good to see the big fella underline his class at World Cup…
Summa
When we were still in World Cup and going to UEFA Finals..
is this Barcelona 1972 and the West German World Cup your talking about ?
Should I not come back home Summa ? also like the last time you will run away and not answer
HH
CultsBhoy
15:01 on 29 April, 2014
As I’ve said before my take on events is that NFL wants Sammi to stay and wants PL to do whatever it takes to sign him.
He’s the only player in the squad that quality European teams would have any concern about. Everyone else they can take in their stride.
If he goes we’re unlikely to find a suitable replacement any cheaper.
Regarding broken seats last night, I’m hearing that some were also nicked… A sad attempt to show that they CAN still swipe plastic :)
I’ll get my coat.
Hail Hail,
KevinBhoy.
Re the rosary beads.
I saw a guy get lifted at a game for swinging a thurable.
Fortunately their was no incense in and he wasn’t wearing a dog collar.
.
HamiltonTim..
I’m sure l sent a Text to a Certain Kitty to keep a Eye on a Guid Celtic Man l had met ..Because he had been Hit with a Ball on his Heid..
Ps..It was Kit the gave up his SB..;-(
Summa
Summa
It’s those ‘images’ a’ tell ye, am no thinkin straight :-)
Summa of Sammi….
I am sorry to hear you will not be renewing your ST and to a lesser extent, Celtic TV. Fair play to you, not a critisism at all. I am curious to know if you have informed Celtic of your reasons and if the ticket office take any note of this (doubt it with the latter).
There are a number of supports in the same position whom, for reasons of principle, have decided not to renew or purchase merchandise. I would hate that these supports are simply seen as a drop in numbers and not to be recognised for the reasons behind their decisions.
ernie lynch
15:19 on
29 April, 2014
Unfair on Big Fraser
BSR -one of those the spaghetti pie, ole MWDs signature dish?
Summa of Sammi:
What are you on about?
If I get it right you believe I wrote something, or meant something that was not there because of ‘A’ quantity, or location, of a comma or commas?
.
we_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
15:18 on
29 April, 2014
Summa
When we were still in World Cup and going to UEFA Finals..
is this Barcelona 1972 and the West German World Cup your talking about ?
Should I not come back home Summa ? also like the last time you will run away and not answer
HH
World Cup..Was that Not 98′..UEFA Cup..Surprised You did Not know that it was Seville 2003..May i think..;-)
Run away..?? Ehhh..
l Take it that was a Sick Joke as You probably know of My Situation..
Summa
cultsbhoy- bad asset management IMO ,Samaras could have a great WC and can sign for another club and we don’t get a penny.I don’t think he wants the earth,give him a contract with an agreed buy out if he wants to move on,simples.I hope he stays,he owes us nothing given the financial sacrifice he made when he signed for us IMO.
DBBIA
Sallary appears to have missed school on Maths day, and munched Alphabetti Spaghetti Bakes.
Spelled the ole recipe for a disaster CSC
I said I would not contribute financially to Celtic or go to any future games after plod took my 12 year old daughters picture on the way in to the ground.
For my recently celebrated birthday my mother in law gave me an £80.00 voucher for the No 7 Restaurant.
She is also booking myself, my good lady and wee lassie into a nearby Travelodge for the same evening so that I do not need to drive.
(my wife doesn’t drive)
Dilemma.
BSR- he looks like he’s got through a few tins of the ole Moshi Monsters.
A tour of the Stadium is also included.
I should have added.
Summa
Ah so you dont answer the question.
I left Scotland in 1985. There has been plenty of world Cups since then even ones where bonnie Scotland participated. You obviously dont know that.
Seville I was there and sorted out many other tims in getting a ticket for the final. wIthout Charge I may add
I know nothing of you except for the brainless cheerleading part. That is very obvious.
Lets just ignore one another from now on for the sake of the blog.
Your not worth my ire
HH
!!bada bing!!
I agree. Sami IMO is the last truly top class signing we are likely to see at Celtic while we remain in the hell hole of Scottish football.
Having said that I feel Griffiths has all the attributes to surprise a few folk in Europe if he can mature properly. I like LG – he’s already my 2nd fav playing from the current squad
Philboy
Why is the plod’s actions Celtic’s fault?
Did you report it? Any comeback?
Not necessarily pointing the finger at you on this one but just wonder if some fans are being quick to jump on the bailing out of the bhoys bandwagon.
CultsBhoy
I think that is harsh on the current playing squad. VVD looks a top notch signing and so was Fraser Forster.
LB
The blog seems to be in good spirits and even humour this afternoon.
;>{}
.
Awe Naw..Said..
“Seville I was there and sorted out many other tims in getting a ticket for the final. wIthout Charge I may add..”
Never thought Cheerleading would Ever be Louder that Humility..But there You go..
Do You have German Citizenship..?
Summa
I’ve never had a season ticket but I support CFC through attending games when I can, I also purchase merchandise and have taken the occasional corporate day.
I think the club need to radically up the match day experience. Toilet facilities, food, parking are simply not good enough.
A contingent should be dispatched to USA to see how it’s done over there. Food is brought to supporters in their chairs at certain events..
Let’s face it, given you can wait till the week of the game and chose your seat.. They need to
Try harder IMO.
googybhoy- don’t speak too soon amigo…….
In the matter of Her Majesty… versus Gerard Patrick Conlon…
the case is hereby dismissed.
My husband died in your prison an innocent man!
I’m going out the front door. I’ll see you outside.
This way.
I’m going out the front door.
What about Giuseppe Conlon? Your Honour, he was an innocent man!
Mr Conlon, that’s not a good idea.
Use the back, for security reasons.
I’m a free man, and I’m going out the front door.
In the matter of Her Majesty versus Paul Hill…
the case is hereby dismissed.
Leave me alone! I’m going out the front door with Gerry!
In the matter of Her Majesty versus Patrick Armstrong…
the case is hereby dismissed.
In the matter of Her Majesty versus Carole Richardson…
the case is hereby dismissed.
I’m an innocent man! I spent 15 years in prison for something I didn’t do!
I watched my father die… in a British prison for something he didn’t do!
And this government still says he’s guilty! I want to tell them…
that until my father is proved innocent… until all the people involved in this case are proved innocent… until the guilty ones are brought to justice…
I will fight on… in the name of my father and of the truth!