The “Lawwell Letter” is trending everywhere this week. To elucidate, it is email sent to (among others) Peter Lawwell and Eric Riley of Celtic on 26 July 2012 by SPL CEO Neil Doncaster.
The email came with an attached copy of the Five Way Agreement (hereafter “5WA”, the deal between Sevco, Rangers, the SFA, the SPL and the SFL). Now that it has been made public, it seems safe to speak openly about what it all means for us as folk who believe in sporting integrity.
I would preface my comments with a caveat though. On the face of it, the Celtic Chief Executive appears to have misled the gathering at the recent Celtic AGM. He was asked by a shareholder if Celtic were involved in the Five Way Agreement. Lawwell replied, “No”, and gave same “No” response to the follow up question, “have you seen it?”
Given that a copy of that email was in the possession of a few folk before that AGM, I have to admit to being surprised by that answer – although even more surprised at the apparent lack of due diligence implied by the lack of knowledge of its content.
We have attempted to contact Mr Lawwell to ask him if he would like to comment on the apparent discrepancy between the evidence and his answer (and I am sure we are not the only ones to have done so). To date, we have received no response. Given the complete lack of acknowledgement of the existence of this anomaly in the MSM, we should perhaps assume that none will be forthcoming.
Perhaps there is an explanation (yes I know), but Celtic should know, like Rangers old and new have come to realise, that silence on these matters breeds deep suspicion and distrust.
Assuming for the minute that Occam’s Razor applies here, there may be an uncomfortable truth emerging for Celtic fans – that Rangers (old and new) do not have a monopoly on dishonesty. There is also an uncomfortable truth that should emerge for Rangers fans too – that as we have said all along, this has never been about just Rangers, but about the governance of the game.
If the Celtic CEO did lie to the AGM a few weeks ago what are the consequences? He broke no laws as far as I can see. One insider I spoke to said simply this,
“So he lied. So what? What happens now? It’s irrelevant”
That is of course absolutely true. As long as controlling shareholders are happy that Resolution 12 is buried, and that no deep inquiry into governance is held into the workings of the game in Scotland, the lie is nonpunishable, though it would be a mistake to believe that accountability is confined only to the corporate rules governing Boards and shareholders; the corporate veil of “I was only following company policy” can be readily challenged in the court of public opinion, which has no statute of limitations.
What all this demonstrates of course is that Celtic have been saying one thing to their fans and shareholders, nodding agreement in private meetings about how appalling Rangers behaviour was, tut-tutting over how amateurish the authorities were, and wringing their hands in frustration at what a sham the LNS inquiry turned out to be.
At the same time, they have done nothing, allowed small shareholders to spend not inconsiderable suns progressing the matter, and quietly hoped that the “appetite” for justice would diminish so they could get back to whatever it is they and the rest do when subject to little or no scrutiny.
Whilst ten in a row is on the table of course, they can get away with it. To Celtic fans right now, understandably, nothing else matters. But what if TIAR is derailed? Not a stretch to imagine that the Parkhead kitchen could get uncontrollably hot in that circumstance. And when the TIAR squirrel finally ends its scurry, in either success or failure, where will the fans attention be diverted?
Perhaps the arrogance that permits making (allegedly) false statements to a general meeting, and (allegedly) misleading shareholders over Res 12 is borne of the knowledge that the parachutes are ready to be deployed when either of the above scenarios come to pass? If TIAR is achieved or goes south, are they already prepared for an emergency exit?
Celtic have two major shareholders whose combined holding is over 50% of the club’s shares. Dermot Desmond and Nick Train. Desmond is now in his eighth decade and Train is reportedly having some business difficulties. Both may well be moved to get out anyway, but fan unrest would make their decision a whole lot easier.
And Lawwell himself is – if you believe the MSM – on the wanted list of nearly as many top clubs as Alfredo Morelos.
The foregoing of course is extremely “Old Firm” centric, and as the two biggest clubs in the country they certainly have the biggest impact on the game, culturally, socially and financially. However there is no get-out clause here for others.
We KNOW there is evidence of fraud surrounding the licencing issue in 2012. We KNOW there is evidence of a cover up over that, and the EBT-related registration issues for Old Rangers. We KNOW that the Five Way Agreement was signed by football authorities in the knowledge that it would rob their own rules of judicial authority with regard to compliance by RFC prior to 2012.
We also know that NOT ONE club has taken a meaningful stand against any of it.
Clubs are saying one thing to supporters and doing their best to derail those supporters’ efforts on the other. We can also infer (not unreasonably) that the folk who run the clubs think that we as fans have no right to interfere in how they run their operations.
As I said earlier, Celtic can do what they like whilst TIAR is live, but afterwards, however it ends, the fans and shareholders involved in Res 12 will still be asking questions. Celtic in particular know how fatal it can be to alienate their own fan base – a fan base that has flexed its muscles with devastating effect for the boardroom in the past. And it is the wrath of the fans of all clubs that will eventually see the charlatans get their just desserts.
Our job as fans is to continue to hold those who care little for the honour and beauty of football to account, to continue to press them on their refusal to deal with arguably the biggest sporting scandal in Scottish history.
The bottom line (which is of course what the folk in boardrooms care about) is this. They need us far more than we need them. As fans of different clubs, the sensibility of those of us at SFM recognises that the real battle, the real war, is not between rival fans or rival clubs, but between the arrogant, self-entitled clique who run our game; who lie for fun, who cheat and belittle the sport; and the good folk who make it possible for the game to prosper.
Resolution 12 is not just about Rangers – nor is it just about Celtic. It deserves to be embraced by every true football fan in the country. The Res 12 franchise needs to widened
Sooner or later the fans will demonstrate their unhappiness with the money men. They did it in 2012, and they will inevitably do so again.
Exceptional circumstances necessitate exceptional counter measures. I can’t really see football resuming before the end of 2020 at the earliest. Season 2020/21 could be written off entirely.
Should that the case then the SFA /SPFL should consider suspending itself and allow clubs to effectively go into abeyance outside their jurisdiction, until it is safe to resume. Clubs should consider going into administration and not be constrained by the SFA/SPFL rules on points deductions / football creditors / contracts etc. Administration would allow clubs to shed staff, including players, while they have no income, then re-engage them if and when they are in a position to do so.
Once the leagues are ready to resume then it could be done by invitation or application with priority given to former clubs. It could also lead to major and long needed reconstruction of the professional game, probably with many of the part time clubs in regional rather than national leagues.
David Provan writes
Under the heading Doncaster hasn’t a clue.
If celtic were awarded the title with eight games left, where does that leave the ols sporting integrity argument?
……
There is no sporting integrity argument you absolute clown of a man, any sporting integrity died in 2012.
He continues..
Besides given the choice i’ll bet Neil Lennon would want to play every game. He wouldn’t want an ounce of controversy around a ninth consecutive title. Putting an asterisk beside celt’s achievement would be unfair.
….
The goverment bodies never put an asterisk next to an ibrox clubs cheated titles,so why would they put an atrerisk next to a title that is won on the only fair outcome because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The guy is an absolute clown of a man.
And as this is not the BBC i invite the clown to come on to SFM and defend himself.
easyJambo 15th March 2020 at 13:01
Would that really fit with the purpose for which administration was introduced.
It sounds a lot like using a piece of legislation to achieve an end for which it was not intended. Mainly sacking people who have done nothing wrong, in order to avoid having to make them redundant and compensating them.
Big Pink 15th March 2020 at 12:22
people like Douglas Park, George Letham and others who actually believe that TRFC are a worldwide brand. I think they believe that if they deal with kings poisonous influence and make peace with Ashley, they could stabilise the club and sell it.
……….
worldwide brand…Hugh Adam put that to bed.
make peace with Ashley… Would not sit well with the ibrox fan base, the banter years would raise a notch.
the club and sell it….No one realy wanted the old ibrox club when it was going for a pound.
So what’s so special about horse racing? 44 races at 6 different racecourses yesterday in the UK. Today there’s racing at Carlisle and Market Rasen. To be absolutely clear, I’m not a betting man.
"Cometh the hour, cometh the man."
And for OUR Scottish national sport, that man is Ian Maxwell, CEO of the SFA since April 2018.
At any organisation in crisis, the rank and file – and the customers and other stakeholders – want/need to see strong leadership.
Maxwell has no business or legal or any other, known tertiary education or qualifications.
He has 7 (seven) years of business related experience – acquired entirely with one organisation: Partick Thistle FC.
That's where Scottish football leadership is currently.
This break in football SHOULD also bring into sharp focus the obsolete, old boys' network and well established 'Buggins' Turn' which permeates throughout the SFA hierarchy.
A meritocracy at Hampden, it ain't.
And this is the result: unqualified, inexperienced individuals deciding on the immediate future of the national game, which could have potentially, significant long-term impacts.
That is yet another scandal that the SFA – and all of OUR clubs – have negligently allowed to develop and operate unchallenged for decades.
This SFA leadership scenario of a relative rookie CEO backed up by the next-in-line, unchallenged appointment of a well dodgy President should never have been allowed to happen in the first place, IMO.
Does ANY footy fan feel confident that the SFA will handle the Corona virus fallout in anything like a competent manner?
Homunculus15th March 2020 at 13:35
easyJambo 15th March 2020 at 13:01
Would that really fit with the purpose for which administration was introduced.
It sounds a lot like using a piece of legislation to achieve an end for which it was not intended. Mainly sacking people who have done nothing wrong, in order to avoid having to make them redundant and compensating them.
=====================
It’s exactly what administration is for, when a company is unable to pay its day to day bills.
Scottish football clubs live hand to mouth for the most part with many only surving on handouts from their major shareholders.
What I outlined is perhaps a worst case scenario, but who is going to pay players wages if you can’t sell STs or have no match day income.
The football authorities have no cash. The TV companies will probably be able to terminate their contracts if there are no games to be played.
Many businesses will go to the wall if there are restrictions for an extended period. Football clubs are no different.
I’m in Amsterdam at the moment and I can see that bars and restaurants are being hit hard with the loss of customers. The Netherlands has a 100 limit on gatherings and the bigger pubs have been hit.
We were told last week that the UK won’t hit the peak for 10-14 weeks with probably the same again on the downside of the curve. That would take us into mid September in a reasonable case scenario. I can see lots of clubs having to take drastic action before then.
If fixtures can’t be completed this season then I’m not sure what the right course of action is. I don’t envy whoever has to make that call as the impact on many of our clubs could be disastrous.
I personally don’t have a clue what the correct decision is but hope people at our clubs can remain healthy, employed and financially ok. That same hope is extended to the clubs themselves and society in general.
Whatever the authorities do in Scotland, if decisions are taken here and not at UEFA/FIFA level, there is no chance everyone will be satisfied. Some people will use that outcome to push agendas/paranoid ramblings to fit their already predetermined views. Scottish football in a nutshell (but predominantly Celtic and Rangers fans) if you peruse the social medias.
Not even a global pandemic can get in the way of petty point scoring. Stay healthy everyone.
easyJambo 15th March 2020 at 14:24
Absolutely, if they became unable to pay their bills, I have no issue with that.
I misread you as meaning every club should just do it as a matter of course. My mistake.
I am of the opinion that games should take place behind closed doors as long as the players are not affected health wise , at least that way competitions can be concluded , (limited) income can still come in , games can be watched on tv and a backlog does not pile up for next season. It gives clubs a better chance of staying solvent than doing nothing . Players could always be asked to to take a temporary wage cut or have them deferred to later when hopefully life returns to normal , half a wage is better than no wage at all. I doubt they can turn to Govt for a bailout as there will be many more important business' and people that will need help before them .Season ticket holders could be asked to forego any refund in exchange for a reduction in next seasons ticket and I think most may do that. I know there may be some who think paying players big money is more important than paying for ambulance services but I'm not one of them.
Timtim 15th March 2020 at 15:12
==========================
In three weeks time we should have a better idea where we are heading. If there are no confirmed cases within Scottish Clubs then why not go for the closed doors option? However some media reports today indicate the Westminster Government are going to use emergency laws to end the season in any case.
The SFA / SPFL will follow what the EFL does, either on the basis of UEFA or Westminster instruction. They have no option really, and it's an easy course of action as it moves any responsibility away from them. The UEFA meeting is on Tuesday and with any luck that will provide a definitive answer of some sort. If it doesn't and simply says wait and see, or delegates decisions to individual member associations then the EFL will in effect decide for Scotland. In that event, I cannot foresee a situation where Liverpool are not crowned Champions.
Tear this to bits…..
Cancel the league cup next season.
Start the league at the end of august.
FIFA to move the first series of world cup qualifiers from September to February 2021 freeing up a midweek and a saturday.
By my reckoning we would need 5 weeks to complete the league and scottis h cup.
Playing sat/midweek it would take 3 and a half weeks to complete the league which would end on a Wednesday scottis h cup semis the following weekend with the final the week before the league starts.
That means we have until late July. That's over 4 months!
What's the rush
We should in the next few months have a better idea as to how this virus is evolving. It could be that by June the worst is over.
I just think that it's a bit premature to .come to any definitive answer.
HS
incredibleadamspark 15th March 2020 at 14:36
"..Not even a global pandemic can get in the way of petty point scoring."
…………………………………………..
I think you misread the situation, incredibleadamspark.
Many of us believe that Scottish Football governance was so corrupted in first, lying a number of years ago in order to slide some millions of pounds to a cheating club, and second, in bending every effort to accommodate a brand new club by allowing it claim sporting honours and titles to which it is not entitled by reason of the fact that they did not exist over the period of time in which these honours and titles (those of them that were honestly earned!)
We are ready to believe that the same governance body would be ready to the nth degree to bow to the wishes of those who support the new club and 'fix' things in whichever way was most advantageous to that new club. [The BBC this afternoon gave a huge uninterrupted chunk of airtime to one 'pundit' to insist that voiding the season was the only fair way to go]
There's no petty point scoring : just a stark reminder that the unanswered Res 12 question and the 5-Way Agreement demonstrated that any belief in the Integrity of Scottish Football governance is misplaced.
Timtim 15th March 2020 at 15:12
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Rate This
I am of the opinion that games should take place behind closed doors as long as the players are not affected health wise
………………….
Some players may not be effected health wise, but some players family may be, i don’t believe it would be fair to ask players to play games when their mind may not be up to the task in hand.
How could any manager pick a team if half the squad may have ill family members, even the managers mind may not be focused on football
Hear, hear JC.
Absolutely: all footy fans should be able to simply assume that the governing bodies will do the right thing during this crisis – for the good of the game.
But we have all observed in the recent past just how blatantly corrupt the SFA and SPFL are – and how they work in tandem for the good of one club in particular – and above all else.
On the contrary: the Internet Bampots should be ever vigilant as it's not unreasonable to think that the Hampden occupants might try to exploit the crisis for their own nefarious purposes. Leopards and spots…
There’s things far more important in life than football but sadly many fans and the media see this as an opportunity for points scoring! Delaying the league causes no end of logistical problems when contracts run out and loan deals come to an end. To cancel a season where both Liverpool and Celtic are so far ahead does not seem fair, but then to award Juventus or Barcelona the title would no doubt cause serious legal fights by Real Madrid and Lazio! I don’t envy whoever makes the decision and hope UEFA propose a consistent approach across all nations.
If it’s left to the SFA, the only fair option I can see is to try and play the games up until the split and then award the positions based on where they are then. Cancel the international games (assuming the European championships are pushed back) and cancel the Scottish cup to free up dates to complete the season. By playing up to the split gives every team an opportunity to fight for positions and stops the likes of Celtic or Dundee Utd being robbed of a title win. Since the Scottish cup would be cancelled the final European place would go to 4th place in the league.
Higgy’s Shoes 15th March 2020 at 17:38
……………..
Some clubs have a lot of loan players and players who may have come to the end of their contract, some clubs may only have half a squad, then you have a problem with signing players who then may contract the virus, so many things to work out on this long road ahead.
John Clark 15th March 2020 at 18:29 ___________________________________________
John, I wouldn’t necessarily disagree with your description of the situation and many have legitimate concerns over governance issues in Scottish football.
There is also currently quite a lot of petty point scoring on Celtic and Rangers social media where speculation about potential outcomes are based on their own agendas.
Where a selection of both sets of fans believe the exact same media, newspapers, pundits, SFA, SPFL, government are out to get them. Where a global pandemic will give those in power a convenient opportunity to indulge prejudices to benefit their team and punish rivals.
Your view and my view can exist at the same time without anyone misreading the situation.
Which club could this be I wonder!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51901725
upthehoops 15th March 2020 at 19:47
A source told…
Alex put the phone down and move away from the table.
………………….
They want the season null and void but still want the prize money
My tuppence worth…
IIRC, if a player who has participated in a minimum number of league games, (10?), he qualifies for a league winner's medal.
This applies if he has departed the title winning club during the season or maybe suffered a season ending injury.
Ergo, for consistency, if the league card has progressed by this same minimum number of rounds/games, then the latest league positions should be valid if the league stops abruptly thereafter, IMO.
Conversely, if the league had only completed e.g. 9 games before the enforced hiatus, then potentially any argument could be deemed fair / reasonable…?
Cluster One 15th March 2020 at 20:08
They want the season null and void but still want the prize money
==================
Yes I saw that. Null and void surely means withholding of prize money too?
I have to say it's a concern that the BBC are only allowing the view of people who want the season to be null and void. Sportsound this afternoon was handed over to Neil McCann and Billy Dodds to make their demands. Likewise Chick Young and Tom English previously.
If we live in exceptional times, uncharted territory, whatever you want to call it, then nothing can be removed as an option. All of these people seem happy for anything to happen, as long as they get a guarantee beforehand that Celtic being awarded the title will not be permitted under any circumstances. Yet the wording in the SPFL rules seems to state the SPFL board DO have an option to end the season when they choose.
It really would be better if UEFA or FIFA make the decisions on this though. Upsetting Rangers fans who want to see nine in a row stopped at any cost will not be a consideration to either of those bodies.
Barcabhoy on Twitter just tweeted a table outlining the cash reserves of the SPFL clubs. Some dramatic figures in there. The tweet is protected and can’t be linked from here. Definitely worth a look.
upthehoops 15th March 2020 at 19:47
They only mentioned two specific clubs in the article.
Celtic and Hearts.
Homunculus 15th March 2020 at 21:01
They only mentioned two specific clubs in the article.
Celtic and Hearts.
====================
Yes, but they only reference 'a club' in terms of who is making the demand.
By Barcabhoys estimate. Rangers have 7 days before the cash runs out.
Covid-19 is likely to be around for some time to come if the predictions of Public Health England prove to be accurate. An article in the Guardian suggests that there may be a lessening of cases during the summer but a return later in the year.
I fear that we will be without football for a lot longer than the Sportsound pundits have so far been able to contemplate.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/15/uk-coronavirus-crisis-to-last-until-spring-2021-and-could-see-79m-hospitalised?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboard
incredibleadamspark 15th March 2020 at 19:17
'..Where a selection of both sets of fans believe the exact same media, newspapers, pundits, SFA, SPFL, government are out to get them.'
…………………..
There is such a thing as objective fact, of course!
TRfC is as a matter of sporting reality a 7 -and-a- bit- years old football club.
And RFC of 1872 was not stripped as it ought to have been of the dishonestly obtained titles and honours 'won' during the EBT ineligible players cheating scam.
And the Ibrox board recognised that they actually owed and were being dunned for tax actually and unarguably due.
'My' belief is founded on fact.
TRFC's 'beliefs' are not at all factually based.They may be sincerely held by the punters in the stands-but that does not make those beliefs square with reality.
"SPFL face call to 'null and void' Scottish Football Season" (BBC Sport Scotland Website).
I know that the reasons stated (fake noos?) don't really matter since UEFA will determine what will happen but interestingly they came from a source in the first paragraph to they in the second (clumsy grammar at best!).
I offered the view on here last week that this Operation Null and Void as its become known would grow 'arms and legs' from the usual suspects, and I believe the thinking behind it has become quite delusional and pathetic – for the reasons stated above.
@ExLudo
https://twitter.com/timtimbelgium/status/1239341751715991553
I've copied the figs here
They figs are from end of December and show they have been surviving on fumes and match day income , if they are correct then it's game over for a few teams
I note a certain Mr Gerrard is keeping out of any debate on what should happen to the league. My guess is he knows it would be foolish to say on one hand Celtic should not get the Scottish title, while being fully supportive of Liverpool getting the English one.
upthehoops 15th March 2020 at 20:45
BBC supporting Null and Void Season
Driving north yesterday, instead of flying to Italy. I entertained myself with listening to Sportsound, not only Dodds and McCann, but Ryan Stevenson, Gerry Britten and Jack Ross too. I maybe didnt catch it all but that was not my recollection of the programme. I thought all of these guys gave reasonably fair summaries of the incomplete and ongoing story. I was especially heartened by the comments of Ross and Stevenson on the gravity of the situation regards journeyman players, end of contracts, paying mortgages, the health of communities, etc. Stevensons offer to return his pay to Stranraer as he is part-time and has alternative income was a credit to the man. Jack Ross was reasoned and articulate, and although Hibs chasing Europe/ top six, would not be as adversely affected as Celtic 9iar, Hearts relegation, Dundee Utd promotion etc.
They also discussed league reconstruction, summer football (or did I imagine that?). But overall I thought it was a fair attempt 'to fill airtime schedule' I didn't think, overall. it was in anyway supportive of 'null and void' season. In fact I believe McCann was of the opposite opinion of null and void, with comments that supported outcomes that benefited both Celtic and Hearts? (I remember saying to my wife that McCann will have upset a few Sevco fans there). We live in interesting times. and the situation could get a lot worst from a health point of view, however, my sense of fair play is that season should be completed by whatever means, be that dance offs, penalty kicks, tosses of coins, whatever. etc
The BBC get a lot of stick, but this programme was not the worst.
Timtim@00.07
Chapeau, as a certain Irish blogger says from time to time.
Headline from the GT today;
"Matthew Lindsay: Why it's time for invisible Dave King to sell up and move on"
====
Unsurprisingly, the article content doesn't add anything new for the Internet Bampots.
What is surprising is the tone of the headline.
It seems that battle lines have been drawn: did anyone expect King to depart Ibrox in a quiet, co-operative manner?
A bit of internal fighting – and settling of old scores in public – before the Ibrox cash finally runs out?
King has absolutely nothing left to offer, IMO.
Stevie BC @ 0914:
RIFC has found two unicorns with £10m each (or £20m in total) of new money to 'invest'. These unicorns apparently want King to sell up & be gone before committing. Doesn't that involve finding more unicorns to buy DCK's shares for £13m or whatever?
Who will buy them? As McCoist might say, 'Who are these unicorns?'
John Clark 15th March 2020 at 21:32 ————————————————————————————Again wouldn’t disagree with what you have written. There is good and bad content out there.
My totally subjective view is that on a fairly consistent basis social media is fuelled by petty point scoring, pearl clutching and playing to the gallery. I don’t like this.
It contains quite a bit of reactionary, ill informed, agenda driven opinion based on an individuals subjective bias.
There are also fantastic resources out there that on a fairly consistent basis contain plenty of comment and opinion that is measured, well informed and based on objective facts. I’m sure we both prefer these places.
Where websites/posters try to get the truth out there to as many people as possible.
Simply acknowledging that some Celtic fans and some Rangers fans have a propensity to, on occasion, talk mince is not the most controversial of online opinions. I hope.
incredibleadamspark 16th March 2020 at 10:56
'..Simply acknowledging that some Celtic fans and some Rangers fans have a propensity to, on occasion, talk mince is not the most controversial of online opinions. I hope.'
……………………
If you allow me to include the SMSM /BBC radio Scotland hacks and pundits as less pardonable 'talkers of mince' , I'd agree with you.
The difference is of course the fans talking mince are not being well paid for it. The media are!
If George Orwell had been Scottish as opposed to just writing on Jura then he might have coined the term ‘mincespeak’.
To be fair to BBC Sportsound they managed to make a reasonable fist of their discussions over the weekend as opposed to ClydeSSB who might struggle to meet the challenge of talking about football when there isn’t any. There’s only so far the horse racing analogy can stretch.
Galloways mince anyone?
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51909322
A DUP councillor is to swap Belfast City Hall for Ibrox after being appointed as head of communications and media relations by Rangers.
David Graham will resign from his position on Belfast City Council to take up the newly-created role at the Glasgow club.
Has Mr Traynor sneaked out the back door before the SHTF ? was he pushed ? As for recruiting straight from the DUP well…….goes well with the orange top , oh I forgot it's mandarin in tribute to the far east investors . Anyway an interesting move.
13. Please detail any membership or position of general control or management that you have in a private club, society or association operating within the Belfast City Council boundary
Name of Body
Orange Order (Worshipful Master)
Royal Black PreceptoryTaughmonagh
Young Mens Football Club – President (since January, 2020)
Extract from BCC register of interests re Mr Graham.
Timtim 16th March 2020 at 15:14
Yer man states
As a lifelong Rangers supporter, it is an honour to work for the world's most successful football club.
Except
1. Al Ahly – Egypt – 118 trophies
The most decorated club in the world, if trophy count is what should be believed, are Egypt’s Al Ahly.
Politicians , eh ?
WARNING this statement includes sporting integrity
RANGERS are continuing to monitor the ongoing situation regarding Coronavirus and its impact on football at all levels.
I reiterate Steven Gerrard’s comments this morning that football is secondary to the health and well-being of the citizens of the United Kingdom. Life is precious and as a society, we must endeavour to do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable in our community. As a club, we will continue to follow government guidelines and advice relating to the health and safety of all members of staff.
It is our firm view that this season’s league competition (2019/20) is only complete when all 38 games are played by all teams. For the avoidance of doubt, we believe that final standings can only be confirmed when all games have been completed, not before. Any attempt to finish the season with a significant amount of games still to play, impacts upon the integrity of sport in Scotland.
Furthermore, we are strongly opposed to playing games behind closed doors. Rangers fans have stuck by our club in the darkest of times. Their loyalty will not be forgotten and they will not be left behind.
We are cognisant of the uncertainty surrounding the future of many businesses and peoples jobs because of a potential lengthy extended break. We must be mindful that football goes well beyond the result of a match. Football brings us all together, it provides countless people with a livelihood and we will work to ensure no one runs roughshod over people’s lives.
We will continue to maintain a watchful eye on the decisions of footballs governing bodies. Let me reassure the fans that we will not be found wanting in this situation.
Rangers FC Managing Director, Stewart Robertson
Billy Boyce 16th March 2020 at 17:26
And the definition of "significant " is …… ?
Coronavirus: Rangers say fixture calendar should be completed 17:39 Monday 16th March 2020
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51913599
The Scottish season should be finished with all teams completing their fixtures, says Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson.
The SPFL has suspended domestic matches until the government or Scottish FA say otherwise due to the coronavirus.
The Ibrox club are currently second in the Scottish Premiership, 13 points behind Celtic with a game in hand.
"We believe that final standings can only be confirmed when all games have been completed, not before," he said.
"Any attempt to finish the season with a significant amount of games still to play, impacts upon the integrity of sport in Scotland.
"Furthermore, we are strongly opposed to playing games behind closed doors. Rangers fans have stuck by our club in the darkest of times. Their loyalty will not be forgotten and they will not be left behind."
Meanwhile. Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has said postponing the remainder of the season until later in the year due to coronavirus could have an adverse impact on players.
"Player welfare is paramount right now," the Rangers manager told Rangers TV.
"We're doing everything we can from a medical point of view to make sure all the right precautions are in place. I'm in regular contact with the board and the club on a daily basis to see what happens.
"I think we have to try and trust the authorities to try and find the right solutions. I'm not one who thinks we should be merging seasons because that has different types of problems for the players playing too much football in such a short space of time."
Why release that today when UEFA is to make it's decisions after the conference tomorrow ? And what are the views of the other 41 professional clubs in Scotland ? As a Jags fan , I think we had enough in the tank to at least get into the relegation play-off place , but if the season finishes now ,we'd just have to suck it up .
May I remind Mr Robertson of a previous club whose behaviour truly impacted upon the integrity of sport in Scotland :
“The panel’s report, written by Gary Allan QC, stated: “Only match fixing in its various forms might be a more serious breach. They brought the game into serious disrepute.
“In the case of the non payment of tax, which was possibly by the smallest margin the most serious breach, the massive extent of the failure and the intentional and calculated manner in which it was carried out aggravated the breach even further.”
Perhaps he would care to comment on that?
Scottish Football obviously requires a brass neck.
Jeezo!
How could you possibly make a media appointment who was worse than Traynor?
From the GT;
“…Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson added: “David shares our vision, passion and enthusiasm for the club…”
So, how does David’s ‘exclusive’ values align with the Ibrox club’s “Everyone Anyone” campaign?
I don’t think this chap will be starting in his new job – if anyone at Ibrox has an ounce of (commercial) awareness.
Dave – It's all gone Pete Tong
Jabba- I know
Dave- You better prepare the statement
Jabba- You mean THE statement , the one delivered from the front steps?
Dave- Fraid so
Jabba- Fukk that ,I aint going out there , are you mad
Dave – Well we need someone to do it
Jabba – you'll need a halfwit in a bowler hat with their knees dripping in Timmy tomata sauce
Dave – any contacts in the DUP ?
Jabba- genius , I know just the Stauncher
Dave – exit stage right
Jabba – exit stage left
tamjartmarquez 16th March 2020 at 08:16
===============================
Ideally I think everyone would like to see the season played out in full. However if some expert views are correct, it might not be possible to do so. For the last time (because I am probably boring people by now), I hope that UEFA come up with guidance that all Associations must adhere to. In my view the worst situation imaginable would be the Scottish Authorities making a decision on their own.
@David Graham
#everyoneanyone
https://rangers.co.uk/news/tag/everyoneanyone/
:LOL:
That is all.
Rangers* insist all 38 games are played , they also state they are against playing games behind closed doors . Funny how they were happy enough to travel to Germany and play Leverkusen without any fans . If the season is ended early and the title awarded then it also scuppers any plans to call an admin and take the 15pt hit this season , however if they were to call an admin before the season is officially halted then the 15 pt penalty would automatically hand the title to Celtic without dispute . No wonder Mr Traynor handed his lipstick over because this is one pig that can't be tarted up.
Timtim 16th March 2020 at 19:07
I reckon that there will be a lot more than one club facing admin events and a solution would be found , enabling them to continue in the league , but somehow mitigating points deductions or replacing that with a different sanction .
It's fascinating.
That TRFC statement is a couple of days late & yet it still manages to jump the gun.
It smacks of knowing that the season's over for them, but being embargoed from telling (by the SFA/SPFL) until UEFA does the tele-conference thing tomorrow & makes it official.
@paddy
I doubt there will be just the single casualty in the days ahead , I have ranted previously on the economic situation and this virus is just the pin that pricked an over inflated bubble that has been ready to burst for a long time. In some ways it may help to get some order back and an end to ridiculous wages ,transfer fees and ticket prices that have all but ruined the "peoples game" .
"Former Record Sports editor Traynor informed the Ibrox board last year he was planning to stand down after almost eight years when his contract expires at the end of May." another piece of news that just happens to come out after the event . I'm not buying it
About 5:30pm yesterday I was in a tram in Amsterdam heading towards a pub to meet some friends (two of them Dutch) before going out together for a meal in a nearby restaurant.
One of my Dutch friends phoned me to say that the Dutch PM had just announced that all pubs, clubs, restaurants were closing for three weeks, starting at 6pm yesterday. So with 30 minutes notice, thousands of peoples' livelihoods were hit, with no information or certainty of how they will survive, particularly if the lockdown is extended.
That is the reality of the situation, and here we are debating what is the right way to conclude a football season that is 80% complete. Only a few clubs have have comments attributed to them thus far, but each has given a "self interest" solution that will least disrupt or disadvantage "their" club. Self interest beats all in the football world.
The debate shouldn't be about who gets awarded what or who gets relegated. It should be about how to keep people healthy and, as far as possible, still in gainful employment. I suspect that a number of well run community clubs could fold, but could be reformed if there is a will to do so.
I don't care if Hearts get relegated, Celtic get to 8.79 in a row, or Rangers scream "sporting integrity" from the rooftops. Football is just a minor consideration in the bigger picture. If some of the more pessimistic predictions are correct we are heading to something not too dissimilar to war time measures where it was necessary for everyone to look after everyone else. The official football leagues shut down for several years during WW2, yet somehow it managed to survive, but all we are getting now are clubs getting their knickers in a twist about how to handle a 1, 3, 6 or 12 month break.
I think I have figured out which premiership club want the season null & void.
It is not Sevco. They have came out today and stated strongly they want the remaining games played at some point.
It is not Hearts, A. Budge has said if the season cannot continue, no relegations from the premiership. increase league to 14 teams next season.
So if it’s null & voided who gains most? If we restart with the position we were in at the start of 2019/20, Kilmarnock would qualify for Europe again. As it stands at the moment they are in EIGHTH PLACE and so little chance of Europe if the season was played out, or frozen at this moment in time.
ergo, KILMARNOCK.
Like the responsible folk we are, Mrs C and I are selves-isolating to reduce the risk of being infected by covid-19.
Accordingly and with regret I will not attend the Court of Session tomorrow for the Procedural hearing of Grier v Gormley, before Lord Doherty.
[I don't think I would've attended anyway:, because I think 'between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm' might mean any time between those times depending on what other business his Lordship has on his plate, and not that it will start at 10.00 and last till 1.00 pm!]
It’s not a Motherwell born billionaire this time, but a Paisley one.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-mystery-investor-revealed-real-21703185.amp?
Edit: Perhaps he is dyslexic and thought he was buying into a $1bn whorehouse.
Just looking if there are any potential vested interests within the SPFL board.
What happens if the board use rule c52 to call the results for the outstanding games (assume 1-1 draws all round)?
Motherwell finish 3rd and get a UEFA Europa League place.
Hamilton finish 11th and avoid relegation.
TRFC finish 2nd and get a UEFA Europa League place.
Dunfermline finish 6th in Championship.
Ayr Utd finish 4th in the Championship.
Brechin finish last in Division 2 and would normally be involved in a play-off to remain in the division (direct relegation unlikely as there can be no resolution to who would take its place).
Following today's statement I think we can assume that Stewart Robertson would vote against using rule c52 to resolve the outstanding matches.
Brechin's Ken Ferguson may also favour a "null and void" season as the safest option to protect his club's league status.
On the other hand both Lanarkshire clubs have good reason to bring the season to a close at this point.
So, in terms of vested interests in 'calling' the season, it's probably two for, two against and two unknown.
However, I think the over-riding fiduciary duty to protect the company's financial interest is likely to sway the three non-club board members. If so, they would probably want to use c52 to 'complete' this season's fixtures and protect its commercial contracts.
It appears that there 'should' be a built-in majority in favour of closing out the season. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.
Whatever Stuart Gibson’s net worth was 2 months ago you can bet your bottom dollar, if you have one, that his net worth has taken a hit as the world stock markets stumble.Most major businesses will be reviewing their plans and risking £20 million in an ailing Scottish football club would be very brave.
List of unicorn startup companies
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unicorn_startup_companies
https://www.esr.com/en/about_senior_detail.php?id=1&item=0
Stuart Gibson
Executive Director, Co-founder & Co-CEO
Appointed as Director in 2016 and re-designated as Executive Director in February 2019, Mr. Stuart Gibson has been the co-CEO of our Group since January 2016 and was also a co-founder and CEO of the Redwood group. Mr. Gibson is responsible for overseeing ESR’s overall operations and business development. He has over 24 years of real estate development and investment experience in Asia, which includes 15 years in the Japanese industrial real estate sector. Mr. Gibson was formerly the country head of Prologis Japan, and former co-founder and co-CEO of AMB BlackPine, which was subsequently incorporated into Prologis. He was also the Chairman of AMB Property Corporation Japan Advisory Committee.
Re Stuart Gibson. Obviously I know nothing of the man, and he may be a very nice man of the highest moral fibre and integrity, who speaks nothing but honest words, and does everything for the greater good. Aside from that his personal fortune, which is separate from the assets his company controls, may run to hundreds of millions, much of which he is prepared to ‘invest’ at Ibrox to ensure Rangers regain their ‘rightful place’ in the Scottish game. As I said he may be all that, I don’t know. What I do know is that he is guaranteed to be portrayed as all that by the Scottish media – such fawning, unquestioning admiration is automatic.
Why do I know that? I will give you four reasons why I know that. (1) David Murray (2) Craig Whyte (3) Charles Green (4) Dave King.
Do you think this is where trfc are getting money to stay afloat, the DUP with the announcement of new media mogul
The DR appears to have learned nothing and conflate company figures with a personal storyline. Mr Gibson may indeed be extremely wealthy but the article provides no real evidence of that or of the scale should it be the case.
The scale of the Ibrokes financial problem has however been discussed ad nauseam on this forum. Even before very recent developments someone who was prepared to enter the fray would not in my opinion be rational. The lack of interest in such investment over the history of the new club clearly supports this view.
We shall doubtless discover shortly whether this is just a press ploy to somehow ‘persuade’ the football authorities that the financial situation is being fixed and that a European licence should be granted for next season.
Scottish Football and media need a sniff test.
PS Still nae interims.
Like most Bampots, never heard of the guy Gibson.
(But then again, most had never heard of Whyte either.
)
The SMSM simply lifted – or were sent – Gibson’s photo and bio from his company website.
Well, we wouldn’t expect any journalism would we?
Lots of big numbers quoted – as you would expect with someone involved in commercial property development / management.
But, no mention of Mr.Gibson’s net worth.
Is it “off the radar” or not?
I think we should be told.
More holes in this whole ‘investment scenario’ than a Swiss cheese.
But, helpful to add a bit of detail to the story – and just when a Euro licence application approval is needed.
And/or helpful to convey that there are ‘wealthy investors’ interested in RIFC/TRFC… prior to an enforced ‘restructuring’ at Ibrox?
StevieBC 17th March 2020 at 08:18
Like most Bampots, never heard of the guy Gibson.'
………………………………………….
Come now, young feller! The Guy Gibson was this fellow. (You must have seen the movie!)
"Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson, VC, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar (12 August 1918 – 19 September 1944) was a distinguished bomber pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He was the first Commanding Officer of No. 617 Squadron, which he led in the "Dam Busters" raid in 1943, resulting in the breaching of two large dams in the Ruhr area of Germany."
Didn't we all have these as kids? Maybe not at that price though! 🙂
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Airfix-Lancaster-B-III-Dambusters-Aircraft/dp/B00CA1MDIO
So Stuart Gibson is now the latest in a long line of 'life long supporters' of the clubs from Govan who apparently has money to burn.
Where were all these guys during the Murray, Whyte and Green years when both clubs needed them?
As discussed plenty times before, when Hugh Adam was keen to determine where the world wide support was, there was none to be seen.
It may be he turns out to be the sugar daddy they crave but on past form more likely just another bit of piss blowing in the wind.
As for their latest appointment to replace Jabba it just confirms what we all knew. Instead of turning over a new leaf and joining the rest of us in the 21st century they have been exposed as being : –
A horrible club then, a horrible club now, a horrible club forever.
You really have to wonder about the likes of Stewart Robertson and others as to where their moral compass is with this type of thing going on.
My guess is that it will only be a matter of time until the Worshipful Master comes a cropper with some ridiculous outburst.
'easyJambo 16th March 2020 at 23:50
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-mystery-investor-revealed-real-21703185.amp
…it’s understood the life-long rangers supporter was initially attracted to the idea of investing in the club around six months ago after discussions with current director george taylor…
Redlictie@09.28
I can’t remember if I built that model but it was the sort of thing that could be bought in Woolworths for not a lot of money. I do remember building a “Dog Fight Double” consisting of a Sopwith Camel and a Fokker Dreidecker. The latter came out the box already painted red. I suspect model building could become popular again as everyone self isolates.
I concur with Wottpi@09.34. The new Ibrox PR guy will eventually put his foot in his mouth or some embarrassing video will be uncovered from the past.
Jingso.Jimsie 17th March 2020 at 09:40
'easyJambo 16th March 2020 at 23:50
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-mystery-investor-revealed-real-21703185.amp
…it’s understood the life-long rangers supporter was initially attracted to the idea of investing in the club around six months ago after discussions with current director george taylor…
I see Stewart Regan has been wheeled out by the media to talk about maintaining the integrity of the Scottish game. A completely compromised individual who wanted to parachute new Rangers straight into the top league, allowed the Bryson interpretation on eligibility, was there at the time of the 2011 European Licence award, and who refused an independent inquiry into Rangers illegal tax evasion and how the SFA handled it. Who is this guy to talk about integrity, and why are the Scottish media promoting his views? Even by their standards it looks truly pathetic.
All part of a grander scheme? Talk about opportunism!
wottpi
https://twitter.com/tamsellicsoniii/status/1239653932810539008?s=12
Like this you mean