Congratulations to SPL chief executive, Neil Doncaster, who delivered a remarkable increase in the league’s TV deal with Sky and ESPN; £80m for five years until 2017. The one concession he had to trade, was the possibility that he had to subjugate the link between sporting meritocracy and the commercial imperative.
When news of the deal broke yesterday a Rangers fan was quick to suggest that Sky and ESPN would not have bid on such terms if they had any doubt Rangers would survive in the league, however, later details emerged to prove the exact opposite. The entire deal is dependent on a clause assuring Celtic play Rangers four times each season. If Rangers were eliminated from the league, or even if they failed to earn enough points after an administration penalty to finish in the top six after 33 games, the TV deal becomes invalid.
While this clause was crucial in Doncaster getting his deal it does nothing for the sporting integrity of the competition. It has been five years since Rangers finished outside the top two in the league but if they go into administration, or worse, a fire sale of assets and a point deduction is likely.
The league has now introduced a contractual ceiling on whatever penalty would be applied to a financially deviant club, irrespective of the offense. Doncaster will now also set off to find a sponsor to replace Clydesdale Bank, promising the TV exposure his deal with Sky and ESPN provides. By extension, not only will TV income be dependent on four Celtic-Rangers games per season, so too will league sponsorship income.
Can you imagine the goings-on if Rangers enter next season in administration, with a 10-point deduction and a skeleton squad? Beating Rangers, making it less likely for them to reach the top six, could cost each team in the league millions. Clubs have a clear incentive to ensure Rangers are in no danger of finishing outside the top six.
Neil Doncaster, who is likely to be financially incentivised to deliver TV money, is a member of the SPL board who would decide whether or not to admit a prepack company into the league in the event of an existing club failure. His partiality would be compromised by this deal, so too would other board members from clubs without the liquidity to cope without TV or sponsor income.
While TV broadcasters have a clear financial incentive to lobby for whatever it takes to keep Rangers buoyant, the financial incentives will touch everyone with their snout in the trough, and that includes non-TV media and referees.
This is a dreadful deal as it inserts a clause which compromises the sporting integrity of the competition. Can you imagine giving the team talk to a club, safe from relegation, about to face a Rangers team needing a win on game 33? What about the referee who makes a mistake in Rangers favour, late in the season, under similar circumstances? How would Sky, ESPN and others frame the debate in the event of Rangers going into administration?
I can understand why Sky and ESPN want clause, but the rest of us might as well chuck it.
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Morning all from gay Paree, a lot of fog about this morning, cold and a bit chilly.
What shall I watch tonight?
AC Milan v Barcelona
or
Tic v Pars (Ch67)
Only joking lads, only joking…
A barrowload of goals would be great tonight, but the first thing is to secure the three points. We’ve done a lot of good, hard work in away games. Now let’s back it up with a couple of home wins
THE Battered Bunnet @ 9 26—–
I wouldn’t rule out progressing in the Europa League.
1 home game against a team with a sieve like defense and an injury crisis.
1 away game — in a small half empty stadium against a team who don’t give a damn about the Europa League.
Udinese were dreadful in the away game with Atletico —- Despite the Manager’s much publicized intention to pay his first picks he fielded Udinese B . They didn’t try a leg . They were thrashed.. One journo saw fit to mention that Udinese have a conviction for being involved in a betting scam.
Everything to play for but who knows what will happen in the farcical Sion thing . Great doubts being expressed in Italy re the likelihood of Sion bothering to turn up at the Court for Arbitration in Sport . Common belief is that Sion will continue to slug it out with UEFA in the Swiss Courts and, if possible , in The European Courts..
Be positive !
I have always had a soft spot for Broonie and believed that we could get a lot more out of him. I think there is no doubt that with him on the right, Ledley & Kayal in the middle and Commons on the left that we played some of our best and consistent football of the last couple of years.
But there are a few big howevers. It would appear his ankle injury is chronic and he will miss large parts of a season. As captain he leads by drive and energy rather than being a focal point. He still seems to have an inflated sense of worth.
Now not having read the Ranger I would suggest the story has been placed by his agent to push into a deal that has stalled due to his demands. Newcastle, appear to have been genuinely interested when Big Sam was manager but that was 4 managers ago. Any time that it is rumoured that Broonie will go they always appear. It would actually suggest that there is a lack of interest.
If he goes he goes but I believe we can spend £25k a week elsehwere.
The new right back worries me more. I don’t think Mathews has done enough to earn a big fee (as well as he has done). My major concern would be a long term plan for him at left back and Izzy being punted. We have 3 right backs at the club (all be it 2 injured) and surely we need more cover elsewhere.
greenjedi: 23 November, 2011 at 09:55
“We should tell Brown to sling his hook.”
On the basis of what is written in the Scottish media?
These people would have their dwindling band of readers believe the Huns are only club not in crisis within Scottish football. Go figure.
The only plus about negative headlines on Scott Brown means the Green Brigade get the day off.
Neil Lennon Tribute – Something Inside So Strong
coorslad is Neil Lennon says:
23 November, 2011 at 09:48
‘Another thing these players on long term contracts,why dont the clubs insist in putting in a clause in the deal that new contract talks must be started and concluded with 3/4 transfer windows remaining.’
Because it wouldn’t serve any purpose.
What happens if you don’t reach agreement?
You’d just be in the same position we’re in at the moment.
There was nothing stopping the Board saying to SB months ago, ‘there’s the deal, you’ve got four weeks to take it or leave it. If you don’t accept fair enough, but the offer falls and won’t be renewed if you don’t accept.’
I’m not a great fan of Brown’s. He has obvious deficiences in his play but we need him for the SPL. He has the dig necessary for the game here. I’m don’t know what shenanigans his agent has been up to but I would keep him for the remainder of the season, if he won’t sign a new contract. Let him go for nothing in May/June. The young lhads will mostly have had 2 seasons experience then and, hopefully, can deal with what passes for football here.
if anyone receives an email from me with no subject please delete it..
seems like a virus, I have no idea how it came about.
sixtaeseven @10 01 —
Watch Celtic and then watch Milan Barca .
Idiot man child motormouth Ibrahimovic has spent the past 2 weeks bad mouthing Guardiola and Barca in the media . He also rants and raves about his loathing of Guardiola and Barca in his recently published autobiography . Wonder why ?
There has been a war of words ., the game could be very tasty. On the other hand, with both teams looking certs to progress it could be a play it safe 0- 0
Steinreignedsupreme says:
23 November, 2011 at 10:07
greenjedi: 23 November, 2011 at 09:55
“We should tell Brown to sling his hook.”
On the basis of what is written in the Scottish media?
These people would have their dwindling band of readers believe the Huns are only club not in crisis within Scottish football. Go figure.
The only plus about negative headlines on Scott Brown means the Green Brigade get the day off.
……………….
No on the evidence of my own eyes. He was not worth what we paid for him, he was not worth his wages over the last 5 years and is most certainly not worth wasting anymore money on!
He is all what is wrong with the modern game, a “good engine” and plenty of heart, but no real skill.
He has had a handful of highlights for us in 5 (FIVE) years, time to cut our losses. We resigned Sammi hoping to make a fast buck on the transfer fee, Brown would be the same mistake!
Morning CQN.
James Forrest @ 02:41
JF, Europe is the route we are probably going to have to go to challenge this bs bill. There is already a Legal Defence Fund set up to defend Celtic fans on a case by case basis;
http://www.celtictrust.net/?func=d_home_article&id=328
I think it is really important that everybody contacts their MSP regarding this proposed legislation and the conveniently deleted COPFS data, and raises their concerns. How can anyone assess the efficacy of the existing legislation when nobody has access to the COPFS data? It is impossible to judge if the existing legislation is not working or not.
http://www.celtictrust.net/?func=d_home_article&id=323
Some may consider this a futile exercise, but to me it is collecting evidence that could be used at a later date when this issue goes beyond Holyrood.
Get writing CQN
HH
Blantyretim,
So you’re not going into the pharmaceuticals business then?
Blanytretim
Aye, I got that email. opened it and nothing, it didn’t work.
Nae idea what it even was a link to.
Not sure if it is a virus.
Anyway, if you wreck my computer I’ll come after you with great vengeance and furious anger.
Celtic Euro rivals rocked by injury
By RONNIE CULLY
CELTIC have been handed a huge boost ahead of next week’s crunch Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid after it was revealed the Spanish side are also suffering an injury nightmare.
While Hoops boss Neil Lennon is finding it difficult to identify enough fit players to field a recognisable starting XI, his Atletico counterpart, Gregorio Manzano – whose team face Real Madrid on Saturday – is also counting the cost of a tough schedule. The weekend’s 3-2 win against Levante came at a high price, with Tiago and Silvio both limping out of the action and struggling to make it to Glasgow for the game a week tomorrow. Portuguese midfielder Tiago has suffered a rib injury and the extent of it is being assessed by the club’s medical staff. But defender Silvio is already causing more concern after an MRI scan confirmed he sustained damage to a medial ligament in his left knee. With captain Antonio Lopez already ruled out after undergoing a cartilage operation, and £30million striker Radamel Falcao a serious doubt after tearing an abductor muscle while training with Colombia 12 days ago, the Atletico problems are growing almost daily. Lennon will check on the progress of his own plethora of injured players ahead of tomorrow’s SPL game against Dunfermline, which could see them move to within seven points of leaders Rangers. But the heavy casualty list has already convinced the Hoops boss he must add more players in the January transfer window, and Swedish defender Mikael Lustig believes he could be one of them. The 24-year-old Rosenborg defender’s agent is in talks with Celtic and Lennon watched him play in last week’s friendly against England. The man who will play his final game for the Norwegian club this weekend and will become a free agent next month is keen on a move to Parkhead, and said: “I can confirm my agent has been in contact with Celtic. “What do I think about the possibility of playing in Scottish football? It seems very exciting. It is maybe not the best league in Europe, but it’s very interesting. “I know Celtic are interested and have been to see me a few times, but there is nothing clear. There are a few other clubs showing interest.”
Us
BT
I didn’t get an email from you. I’m feeling left out.
Oops double negative alert! That should have read;
It is impossible to judge if the existing legislation is working or not.
On the basis of what I’ve seen of him over the last 4 years, SB should be told to sling his hook, favorite description he’s the only player in the team who can trap the ball for 10 yards, sums him up, first touch bounces off his foot second touch is a tackle. No good to Celtic.
I can count on one hand the times I’ve praised him for MOTM performances, thats not good enough for the money he’s paid and wants.
good morning CQN from a dry bright london
greenjedi: 23 November, 2011 at 10:16
I don’t know how much he earns. But the topic of over-paid footballers is an entirely different debate.
His game has improved greatly under Neil Lennon and I think we are missing his drive at the moment to be honest. The Hibs game was a great example of that when we were flat throughout the match and had no one to lift the tempo.
I certainly wouldn’t argue he is the best in the world, but he is certainly good enough for us.
Ernie lynch,if no agreement is reached,sell him,if he is that good clubs will buy him,but if they see a chance to get him for free,well of course they will wait a few months..Thats why we must give ourselves a couple of seasons to tie these contracts up..if the likes of Newcastle sit down now and say,we have a chance of retaining this top 5 spot,but we need a few in,well they have only Jan window to do that,and we have left the same window as our only chance to sell,thats why we must give ourselves more time..Of course you could have another Bobo situ on your hands,but I dont see that happening again..
These sharp dressed men are paid to get the club a good deal,but it seems to me the only people getting a good deal are the sharp dressed men..Just watch in Jan window how these clubs in the Spl that are in trouble are invaded and raped like small nations,thier prize assets taken from them and then pimped around well no point saying the ‘old Firm’for the want of a better frase,because the huns are one of the clubs in bother,nut always seem to sell well and have these long term deals tied up well.Mine is a sugestion,may not be the answer,maybe a wee study of how other clubs operate will have the answers..
Bigotry, Bombs and Football – Part 1 of 2
Bigotry, Bombs and Football – Part 2 of 2
Glenn Loovens, Charlie Mulgrew and Mohamed Bangura remain on the sidelines for Celtic’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Dunfermline at Parkhead but have shown signs of progress.
Defenders Loovens and Mulgrew have been out with hamstring injuries and striker Bangura has struggled with a knee complaint but while all three have joined in training in the last couple of days, it might be the weekend game against St Mirren before they come back into contention.
Stopper Thomas Rogne is still out with a hamstring injury which means Victor Wanyama is likely to remain in defence.
Dunfermline will be without key defender Austin McCann.
McCann (hamstring) is the latest to join a lengthy Pars casualty list, but Gary Mason is available again following suspension, while Andy Dowie is rated 50-50 to make the game following a calf injury.
Martin Hardie (knee) and Craig Easton (calf) remain out alongside Jason Thomson, Kevin Rutkiewicz and Steven Bell, while Nick Phinn is back in training but it is too soon for him to be involved.
Manager Jim McIntyre will urge his side to travel with confidence.
Second-placed Celtic will be seeking to cut the gap to leaders Rangers to seven points with their game in-hand against the Pars, who were promoted to the top flight last term and currently sit 10th in the table.
Despite having a depleted squad McIntyre hopes his side can claim a shock result on Dunfermline’s first trip to Parkhead in four years.
McIntyre said: “These games are there to be embraced, these are the games you want to play in as a player and test yourself.
“When you get promoted these are the types of games you look at the fixture list for. “You want to go there, do yourself justice and test yourselves against the best players in the country.
“There’s nothing to fear because the expectation’s all on Celtic.”
kitalba Your on a roll big man – I was getting worried in case you had six on the brain…:-)
steinreigns…,
yer havering, he certainly is not good enough to wear the Celtic jersey, over the last 4 years our best winning runs have been when he was out injured, thats got to be a step for a hint surely.
It’s only Faith but it is Yours and Yours alone, cherish it.
BT
Got your subjectless email.
You use those sites?? Well Well.
Anyway, somebody has hacked yer mail password….change it!
Hail hail
Estadio
Steinreignedsupreme says:
23 November, 2011 at 10:32
greenjedi: 23 November, 2011 at 10:16
I don’t know how much he earns. But the topic of over-paid footballers is an entirely different debate.
His game has improved greatly under Neil Lennon and I think we are missing his drive at the moment to be honest. The Hibs game was a great example of that when we were flat throughout the match and had no one to lift the tempo.
I certainly wouldn’t argue he is the best in the world, but he is certainly good enough for us.
…………………..
Kayal, Ledley, Ki, Forrest, Wanyama, Commons & McCourt!
6 players who should all get a game before him. He is not the Magnificent 7, he is the God Help Us 7!
Neil canamalar Lennon hunskelper extrordinaire: 23 November, 2011 at 10:40
“yer havering, he certainly is not good enough to wear the Celtic jersey, over the last 4 years our best winning runs have been when he was out injured, thats got to be a step for a hint surely.”
I thought he played in nearly all of the matches in the second half of last season?
steinreigns…,
there you are then
To all those saying Brown should sling his hook – fair enough you don’t think he’s done a turn or been value for money.
One way to mitigate that poor value for money is to get him on a new contract then sell him. It’s good business sense if nothing else.
Sling his hook total cost £10M (or thereabout)
Contract+sell total cost £5-7M
Are the baby huns really worth 50,000,000 times more than the huns ?
Look at that number peeple 50,000,000 and dont forget;
The baby huns are carrying twice the debt that the huns are carrying.
The baby huns squad valuation is much less than the huns.
The baby huns projected income is much less than the huns.
Why the big disparity ?
Is it because Sir David Murray is an incredible philanthropist ?
Hail Hail
My favourite Celtic player is Scott Brown. I’m quite happy in my own company. If half the players in our squad had half the bottle of Scott Brown we would not be talking about ten point reductions in shameful hope.
Who would come in for Brown,Mowbury,Big Eck,maybe Swansea or Norwich,naw dont thinl Lambo would touch him..Top end championship player,cant see him goin into a dog fight to stay in the premiership..
greenjedi: 23 November, 2011 at 10:42
“Kayal, Ledley, Ki, Forrest, Wanyama, Commons & McCourt!”
“Kayal, Ledley, Ki, Forrest, Wanyama, Commons & McCourt!”
It is never that clear cut though is it?
Aside from injuries restricting the manager’s choices, Brown his never had an attitude problem. He is a different type of player to Forrest, Commons and McCourt.
Wanyama is a promising youngster who has not shown enough yet to be in ahead of Brown – and there is a case for stating his best display for Celtic came at the weekend when he was playing in central defence.
weeminger says:
23 November, 2011 at 10:45
To all those saying Brown should sling his hook – fair enough you don’t think he’s done a turn or been value for money.
One way to mitigate that poor value for money is to get him on a new contract then sell him. It’s good business sense if nothing else.
Sling his hook total cost £10M (or thereabout)
Contract+sell total cost £5-7M
………………
That was the plan for Samaras.
DOH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
weeminger,
hardly, and then get stuck with him on crazy money, as far as I’m concerned, fingers burnt, get shot, give him his P45 right now and tell him he’s a free agent.
Your plan will see us with a bill for wages and treating his injuries for the next year, sorry pal your idea is short term madness. Quit while we’re ahead, he’s relatively fit (can walk) let him go find another club, lawwells greed has cost us big time with his money grabbing stupidity. Player that shou;ld h
Neil canamalar Lennon hunskelper extrordinaire: 23 November, 2011 at 10:44
“there you are then”
Which is why I said his game has improved greatly under Neil Lennon.