Despite Walter Smith urging “Rangers fans to get fully behind the resolutions which last week were presented to the Board and shareholders”, which include sacking chief executive, Craig Mather, he added, “Craig Mather, as I have said before is doing a good job. It is unfortunate that this has happened but when change does come I hope he’ll be allowed to continue the job he has started”.
Smith is clearly close to, but not in tandem with, those who requested an Emergency General Meeting.
As well as support for the chief exec, on the manager, Smith says, “As for Alistair McCoist, it is important that we all appreciate that no other Rangers manager has had to work with poorer or more trying circumstances. It is my fervent hope that when the dust settles and Rangers have a clearer path and future he is given the chance to manage under conditions similar to those which were afforded his predecessors.”
Here we get to the crux of the problem. Rangers International face enormous financial challenges. With a half decent football manager, they would be able to win promotion from the third tier of Scottish football with a football budget of around £1m, or several times that of their nearest rivals. If, as the Herald suggested this week, there is not enough money to finish the season, the most immediate responsibility of the directors is to cut costs accordingly.
Cutting costs is not the reason anyone gets into football, and it is certainly not what Walter Smith knew in his time at the Rangers group of clubs, but at times it is absolutely necessary. The non-executive directors of Rangers International would serve their fans interests best by telling this unpalatable truth.
Failure to do this will pale in comparison to some other potential consequences. In setting his stall behind McCoist, Mather’s team building exercise and the EGM protagonists, Smith has almost ensured collapse if those demanding change cannot command the support of 51% of shareholders. To succeed, Paul Murray will need to demonstrate the leadership and deal management skills which were lacking a year ago.
Meanwhile, John Brown’s warning about Green turning Ibrox to dust hangs over the place, a bit like dust.
There is one overarching concern, however. Green is critical to fending off any impending action by Craig Whyte. His evidence will be necessary to explain how Sevco Scotland Ltd assumed the irrevocable entitlement of Sevco 5088 Ltd. Even with Green on-side, this looks like a challenge, but if the main protagonists in this action are separated from those who will have to defend any action, you suspect Whyte will be enormously encouraged.
When Whyte believed he was double-crossed he went nuclear. All Green would need to do is corroborate a sliver of Whyte’s evidence to bring Whyte’s legal challenge into sharp focus. For this reason, Green has to be part of the picture going forward. Demonising him is tempting, and may be deserved, but it’s self-defeating – and these people know all about self-defeating.
Section 111
Two weeks ago I said “place your bets” on what would happen after Celtic issued their “final warning” over a number ongoing issues in section 111. No one was in control of the situation, not Celtic, and not members the Green Brigade, who I believe had nothing to do with several of the issues.
Since then I’ve watched the debate. Some, like Phil Mac Giolla Bhain, attempted to inform on the debate, interviewing handicapped supporters and independent safety experts. Anticipating this day would come, I thought about interviewing the Council, but decided against, not wanting to draw them into making a public stance they would be unable to back down from.
Yesterday felt as inevitable as what’s going to happen next in Govan. Can the situation be rescued? Of course. Will it? Place your bets, people…
I’m not a regular newspaper buyer but the front page of one of today’s is a keeper. Celtic have a lateral movement issue, which dominates the front page, when the utter implosion at Ibrox is relegated to a side column. It’s a testament to our age. We will survive. I can’t say that with any certainty about the other lot.
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Corky, aye of course it did, it was a green parrot.
Mon ra hoops:-)
Kev J
Surely you qualify for a £50 season ticket…….
MattE
09:16 on 7 August, 2013
___________________
Hah :)
Hail Hail
just back from my walk around the scheme Kevjungle. I would be happy if more than half your predictions about this season come true but not so sure abour playing second rangers and not just because they might find it difficult to get past first round. Starve them of oxygen and they will stay zombies. Semi final in EL would be fantastic would happily skin myself to get back home for that one and a chance for another Euro final. Why so serious indeed Kevjungle. Oh yes you are. Hail Hail.
I think the current squad is at Euro-Ramsden’s level, in terms of quality.
Doesn’t mean we can’t qualify for the real stuff.
If we score tonight I can’t see them scoring 3.
I wish I was more nervous about the outcome; I must be smokin’ KevJungle’s jazz cigarettes.
BobM, you had to go and spoil my day by mentioning my favourite dram ya bass. Too early in the day even for me to be visiting the vault. And you’re right, there’s no excuse for mixing up my Gordon/ Gordy 64’s except that…….. I wonder if Gordybhoy64 is a reference to his six fit four stature? Maybe he’s a Rutherglenner too.
Catch you later bud, I’ve a busy day keeping the oil flowing in the pipe.
HH
Celtic
Kevjungle
A bit of what you say is right. Probably why I am no fan of WGS as Inassociate him with downsizing – he was complicit but in truth not the driver that I characterise him to be.
However to give balance , Lawwell and co have safeguarded CFC in a what is a turbulent era. They are hamstrung by being forced to play in Scotland. You know this so you need to balance up your posts.
As for selling players – if they were selling players below what they are worth, I’d be sympathetic.truth is they have played a stormer. Vic , Hooper were great but they were not irreplaceable and we got more than they were worth in return.
I’m just happy we are the DOMINANT force in Scottish football for the rest of my life. I’m 46 . I aim to live to 100.
ACGR
If you find time,give me a quick call before noon or after eightish.
Ta
Bmcuw
Morning saddo
midfield maestro
residential BB only
ACGR
And btw,keeping the oil flowing in the pipes must be a full-time job at your age….
Not Celtic related. I watched both these programmes on Sunday and I thought the scheduling was a bit strange, but hey anything that pisses that twat Jeremy Clarkson off is alright in my book:
http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-08-06/jeremy-clarkson-and-richard-hammond-left-fuming-after-top-gear-is-followed-by-german-car-documentary?
Taurangabhoy
09:19 on 7 August, 2013
” Starve them of oxygen and they will stay zombies. ”
__________________________________________________
I would predict that – 60% of the content on CQN is aboot the zombies.
Starve them of oxygen ?????
I nearly swallied ma inhaler when I read that :)
HH
Mickybhoy
Obviously policemen were never taught the meaning of the word “politely”.
It was used for a reason….
Vmhan .i got infinity broadband and i can only get ch.57.trying to get through on pnone like trying to convince a bhun they are deed.
CultsBhoy loves being 1st forever & ever
09:23 on 7 August, 2013
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I always cooncil maself by saying – “…if we are so good and all is fine and dandy – why are awe those seats empty ?”
HH
BobM@ 09.27……………
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uSTOHa4Im4
I’ll bell you once I clear this blockage:-)
Morning all
Feeling a bit melancholy this morning – yesterday was the 4th anniversary of my mum’s passing- so feeling a bit gloomy about tonight.
Elfsborg didnt look much last week and everybody, myself included, thinks if we score there is no way they’ll get 3. But we have a bad habit of losing early in Europe – jeez going back to Sachsenring- and if that happens it is all as Brian Moore said ‘up for grabs now’.
Last season’s CL adventures were terrific but they are only relevant if we demonstrate the professionalism and nous we built up last year tonight.
Jimbo
pnone =phone.
Pod I
Wee question on this BT footy broadband thing – seeing as you appear to be up to speed.
I’m with Plusnet (offshoot from BT?) – got unlimited broadband/ no charge for UK landline calls through line provided by BT. Can the footy package be done via this or do you need to switch your account back to BT?
Cheers!
Only just over 9 hours to K.O.
coybig
2-1 for the hoops will do nicely.
FAVOURITE UNCLE @ 09:31
i’ve got the same issue so hopefully fixed today – i’ll let you know
PS – with Infinity you should be getting channels 507 – 509
FAVOURITE UNCLE @ 09:31
PPS – just switched on TV and it’s bliddy working!!!!
.
When did OldTim start Working for Rangers FC..?
WTF..;-)))
Summa
Will Lennie play KelvinWilson and should he ? the big guys mind appears to be set on a move to Notts.Forrest so in my opinion his mind would not be 100% on the game and he will know if he gets injured it may cost him the move.It is a tough call for Lennie but if it was me I wouldnt play him by all accounts we are going to get 2.5 Million for a player we signed when he was out of contract a good bit of business but a wee bit worrying that we are loseing so many good players.H.H.
Massive game tonight. I think we are good enough to score over there and that will see us through.
Talk is that Kelvin Wilson will play before moving back to Forest. I can understand him wanting to move nearer home but would have thought he would have other clubs interested rather than moving back to a club where it didn’t end well.
Anyway – as long as nobody pizes away ‘posterbhoy’ Joe
then the roof wulny cave in :)
HH
Morning Folks.
I’m afraid I am on to bang a drum.
The Mackenzie Furniss appeal is urgent as she really urgently needs treatment– and that means funds.
Accordingly, in a bit of fun and with a hopefully feelgood factor, I have set the Mackenzie challenge over on twitter saying I will donate £5 for every goal Celtic score tonight– and asking fellow Celts to join me.
The Battered Bunnet has come on to say he is in– but that away goals count double!
I am not over keen on coming on here and asking CQN’ers to give more money for anything– there has been plenty of that already this year– but– the wee girl will die unless something is done.
So– if you are up for it then instead of maybe putting a bet on at the bookies– or maybe if you put a bet on for Mackenzie……
Her donations page and story is here http://www.justgiving.com/Appeal4Mackenzie and you can text MACK83 £x and send it to 70070 if you prefer.
Cheers and Thanks
Come on you bhoys in Green!
pizes = prizes
typo sorry
that’s what I git for trying tae be smart, eh ?
Tough game ahead of us tonight. Watched them playing against AIK at the weekend and for the first 20min of the second half they played some good direct football, saying that their energy levels are not so good.
We need to defend well when they decide to attack and none of the nervous pash from our centre backs, i would play big Charlie instead of Wilson as i think Bang Bang has no fear of Wilson, watch out for Keene tonight as he will be used as a battering ram.
We are good enough for at least 1-1 but our bhoys have to be on fire, glad Joe is back as Kayal is pretty weak.
KTF 1-1
POD1.CH.58 AND 59 tell me to insert viewing card.i don’t have one and got no where to insert it.hhhhhhmmmmmmmmm if you follow.any more help PLEASE.
Bmcuw @ 09:30
Sorry
GOOD morning how are you this fine day Saddo
A wee self help page for your good self
http://bloggingwithsuccess.net/blogging-addiction/
Morning CQN,
was apposite to hear BTM wheeling out his ‘take it on the chin’ phrase wrt Boro’s league cup exit on the radio this morning.
We’ve come a long way since then!
Think it’s the case that tonight’s game is on BBC2 Scotia?
In terms of watching via iPlayer that makes it tricky I think? Regional variations aren’t available when watching live….except possibly in that region.
Upshot is iPlayer no use tonight in England, Wales, Scilly Isles etc…
HH!
Tonight BBC 2 Scotland or channel 970 on Sky. 6.45 kick off.
C’mon the Hoops
summa of sammi.
Could you explain that comment @ 09.42am, Haven’t read back.
Kevjungle
Empty seats but still pulling more fans through the turn styles than any other Scottish club?
As the playing field. ( in Europe ) becomes les and less even and as we become undisputed winners of a one horse race in domestic competitions it is inevitable that attendances will drop. Only a change of league or a resurgence of another domestic challenge can alter attendance figures…
Grounds for opTIMism :-
Competitive Record v Swedish Clubs
21/08/2012 CLQ3/1 Helsingborg AWAY W 2-0 Commons (2), Samaras (75) 12,200
29/08/2012 CLQ3/2 Helsinborg HOME W 2-0 Hooper (30), Wanyama (88) 51,566
31/07/2013 CLQ2/1 Elfsborg HOME W 1-0 Commons (76) 40,153
P 3 W 3 D 0 L 0 F 5 A 0
We’re looking a bit threadbare if Kelvin Wilson goes to Notts. Forest suddenly. Bizarre – but if that’s what he wants we cant stop him.
Mulgrew doesn’t look quite fit yet and van Dijk is a couple of weeks from training…
Maybe get Matthews in right back and Lustig as CB for a while? Is Mouyokolo good enough for CL?
… doubt we will see Ambrose in a midfield role for a while.