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.
Is it not about time that the perennial Ibrox tyre kicker – Brian Kennedy of Sale Sharks rugby club – made an obligatory appearance…?
And this new PR guy will go the same way as the ex-RFC Director Chris Graham. In the job for a day / week ?
"Everyone But Anyone" (from a non-WATP background).
tony 17th March 2020 at 10:10
Yes indeed, saw that elsewhere.
It will be interesting to see if Michael Stewart has anything to say, given his disdain for what went before re the Govan PR machine!!!
wottpi 17th March 2020 at 09:34
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.
…………………….
as a Buddie pal of mine pointed out, “How can a lifelong supporter of an 8 year old club have built up a billionaire portfolio?”
Podcast on COVID 19 crisis
Stuart Gibson – Link to Cayman Islands
https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/21008469
I note Sevco don't want to play behind closed doors….No money in that I suppose…
I'm with you wottpi :-
A horrible club then, a horrible club now, a horrible club forever.
Regarding the govt pumping in funding BP re the podcast. I doubt any govt can justify funding players wages, when our vital emergency services will be coming under such financial strains.
I also think if your man Gibson has the stated funds, he would be better served using it to finance a CVA.
Good listen (podcast), agree with most of what David said , there will be no investment coming in from Japan at this time , there will be no assistance from Govt for sports clubs and a few will go under.
From BBC Sport https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/51924564
Euros has been postponed to 2021
The Norwegian FA have tweeted:
“UEFA has decided that the European Championship is postponed to 2021. It will be played from 11 June to 11 July next year. More information coming.”
Is it an easy solution?
In short, no.
Uefa has its own TV contracts and sponsors to satisfy, so moving the men’s Euros is not without consequences.
Other competitions due to be played in the spring and summer of 2021 that will be impacted include: the Women’s European Championships, the Nations League and the European Under-21 Championships.
Uefa wants to make sure these tournaments are played and will want co-operation from the leagues and their clubs to make that happen.
The Nations League was supposed to be 2-6 June. The Under-21 Championships was scheduled for 9-26 June. The expanded World Club Cup was also due to be played in June 2021.
Norway has gone rouge
UEFA had been trying to keep everyone tight-lipped over what was happening in their video conference calls today.
The final decision cannot be made until it is signed off by the executive committee.
But the Norwegian FA have ignored the edict.
It is what everyone was expecting.
Euro 2020 is to become Euro 2021.
From the BBC :
"Rangers*: Dave King has no plan to sell shares
Rangers chairman Dave King says he does not intend to sell his Ibrox shares but has confirmed plans for a share issue.
King announced at the club's AGM in November that he would step down from the helm after five years in charge.
Reports on Tuesday said Far East real estate tycoon Stuart Gibson is set to lead a multi-million pound investment in the club.
"I am not selling any shares," King told the Press Association.
"As I said at the AGM, we will raise new funds.
"No existing shareholders are selling."
The South Africa-based businessman owns a 25.58% stake in Rangers held by his family firm, New Oasis Asset Limited.
The Daily Record reported on Tuesday that Gibson is "on the verge of ploughing millions into Rangers and becoming the most influential figurehead in the Ibrox boardroom".
Rangers announced in November they would need £10m in investment before the end of the season after announcing an annual loss of £11.3m."
——————————————————————————————-
So what now? Has Gibson done a deal to invest only on condition that everyone stays onboard and possibly also ponies up some more cash? Dilution for everyone? A mix of equity investment and a loan secured on Ibrokes? (I was going to say security over Morelos but there is enough fantasy in this whole thing already and in any case that is surely against the rules and would be a threat to the integrity of the game, con't P.92)
So many questions and I can almost hear the SMSM beavering away getting answers to them….
Scottish Football needs a strong Arbroath.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ScottishFootball/comments/fk5ano/tweets_by_a_stuart_gibson_from_tokyo_japan/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
Fancies himself
@redlichtie
I refer the honourable gentleman to the opinion of Judge Brian Southwood
From UEFA
https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/mediaservices/mediareleases/newsid=2641071.html
Has anybody seen this Stuart Gibson in the flesh?
Are we just to assume that the SMSM is accurately reporting that this chap 'has visited Ibrox a few times' recently?
Or is that just a load of old b*llox as well?
And secondly: if a potential investor had made his money in commercial property development / management, [and regardless of any 'emotional attachment' to RFC/TRFC],
…then why the hell would he even consider touching Ibrox with a smelly stick?
And further: to quote the legned that is John Brown,
"Where's ra deeds?!"
https://twitter.com/jamesdoleman/status/1239958865900376064?s=21
Now we know why *Rangers appointed a GWM as HR guru. He’s got nothing to organise for the marching season.
Coronavirus: Scotland Euro play-off rescheduled for June
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51929297
Scotland's European Championship play-off against Israel has been postponed until June due to the coronavirus.
Uefa have confirmed that the match, scheduled originally for 26 March at Hampden, will now be played in the international break this summer.
However, there may be a further delay with the governing body, who have delayed the Euros until 2021, claiming the revised date is subject to review.
Scotland topped their Nations League group to reach the play-off stage.
If Steve Clarke's side were to progress beyond Israel, an away tie against Norway or Serbia would be the only thing keeping Scotland from their first major tournament since 1998.
"We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent," said Uefa president Aleksander Čeferin.
"It is at times like these, that the football community needs to show responsibility, unity, solidarity and altruism."
StevieBC
made his money in commercial property
will ibrox be aldi soon
don't know how to put photo on here,but looks like all nations have agreed to finish leagues by 30th june,
Has the new Ibrox media guy resigned yet?
Or is he going to be resigned, a la Warburton?
And whilst they're at it: the MD Robertson should do walking away too: looks like the incessant pressure running Ibrox has seriously affected his judgement.
"Everyone Anyone" my @rse!
Nothing much from the Grier v Police Scotland hearing this morning.
There was yet more discussion about disclosure of documents. Why this wasn’t resolved months ago, I haven’t a clue. The discussion went along the lines of:
Grier’s QC: We want all the documents and emails that you have (e.g. the CF database)
PS QC: We can’t do that for various reasons, , volume, search capability, data protection, etc., you will have to be more specific.
Grier’s QC: Since we don’t know what you’ve got we can’t be specific
PS QC: So it’s a fishing exercise.
Both QCs were ordered to come to an agreement on what would be handed over within 7 days, or he would decide for them (probably after another hearing).
The Lord Advocate was also represented and his QC provided Lord Doherty with some background on the CF database of audio files, emails and other documents. He recounted the expiry of Whyte’s domain, it being acquired by William Stevenson with access to the cache, it being sold to and passed onto the police by King, but not before 100s of documents were published via the CF twitter account. He also argued the the Crown didn’t need to handover anything as PS had a copy of everything requested.
On the future of the case, it looks like it has some way to run. Grier’s team want a proof hearing, while PS want it discharged. There was some discussion on expert witnesses, but not much progress. We can expect further procedural hearings.
Lastly on expenses, PS QC was looking for a ruling on enhanced expenses to be awarded because of the complexity of the case and new issues encountered. Grier’s QC disagreed and suggested that PS’s claim (£200k?) was unreasonable and that it should go to an auditor. As an example, PS’s legal team had claimed 200 hours for preparing DCI Robertson’s witness statement. Grier’s QC noted that was 5 weeks, working 9 to 5, without breaks, on behalf of a police officer who was already familiar with the preparation of witness statements. Lord Doherty wanted to hear a bit more discussion after the lunch break, before making a decision. I didn’t hang about to hear the outcome.
Coronavirus: Scottish FA ‘committed’ to finishing Scottish Cup
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/51935742
The Scottish FA says it is “committed” to finishing this season’s Scottish Cup and its preference is for the season as a whole to be completed.
The Scottish Cup semi-finals, scheduled for 11 and 12 April, have been postponed as has the final.
Scotland’s European Championship play-off against Israel has already been delayed until June.
Scottish football was suspended indefinitely on Friday due to the coronavirus crisis.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell says they “will consider future dates for the cup ties when the situation becomes clearer” but the decision to delay the cup final, scheduled for 9 May, suggests the governing body does not expect any football to take place before then.
Maxwell added that it is “difficult to envisage” Scotland’s play-off with Israel taking place in June, despite Uefa’s announcement earlier on Tuesday as European football’s governing body also delayed Euro 2020 by a year.
Hearts were due to face Hibernian and holders Celtic were to play Aberdeen in the last four of the Scottish Cup in just over three weeks’ time.
“It’s a flagship event for the Scottish FA and it means a lot to clubs, players, and supporters to watch their team lift the Scottish Cup,” Maxwell added.
“We want to give every supporter that can the chance to come and watch those games, so we’ll look to reschedule those games as soon as possible.”
The announcement from the Joint Response Group on the impact of the coronavirus, which has input from the SFA and the league body the SPFL, did not comment on when the Premiership and other domestic leagues might be able to resume but said only that the preference was for the season to be finished.
Hearts owner Ann Budge, whose side are currently four points adrift at the foot of the top-flight, says the club will consider legal action if the season they were to be relegated with the season incomplete.
Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson said on Monday the season must be finished to maintain the sporting integrity of the leagues.
I think Rangers* might as well go 100% in and announce a no Catholic signing policy . The orange tops and employing a DUP councillor as head of PR (with no PR experience) cannot be dressed up as anything but pandering to the extremist £ . I would call them dinosaurs but apparently they don't believe they ever existed . I would love to know who sanctioned this appointment , it could only be King,Park or Robertson (imo) . Is it an act of utter desperation or just total ignorance ? either way they have reached the bottom of the barrel and I sincerely hope the end of the road. As for their newly proposed saviour from Japan , if those tweets are accurate and he does refer to his female employees as "his slaves" then he is the perfect company for that company* . A vile club* for vile people and a sad day for Scottish football.
If I was organising a same sex marriage would I be able to book Ibrox Stadium for the reception.
https://rangers.co.uk/club/ibrox/weddings/
Asking for a friend.
#everyoneanyone
Homunculu
Don't be a dinosaur mate of course you would.. oops sorry Mr Graham
wottpi 17th March 2020 at 10:32
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tony 17th March 2020 at 10:10
Yes indeed, saw that elsewhere.
It will be interesting to see if Michael Stewart has anything to say
………………..
If Traynor is away? And i have not read any statement (And they like a good statement down ibrox way)
Was the Michael Stewart highlight, the final nail in Traynors coffin?
easyJambo 17th March 2020 at 18:43
Thanks again.
……………….
Timtim 17th March 2020 at 19:06
I would love to know who sanctioned this appointment , it could only be King,Park or Robertson (imo) . Is it an act of utter desperation or just total ignorance ?
…………….
There is an old saying that goes something like.
Beggars can’t be choosers, maybe it was the only kind of candidate that applied for the job.
No football related chat from me today. I just want to wish everyone on SFM and their families well, and hope we all get through this crisis and can one day get back to the normality of debating football.
easyJambo 17th March 2020 at 18:43
'..Nothing much from the Grier v Police Scotland hearing this morning.'
…………………..
Well done for attending, eJ.
In my self-isolation , I spent an hour or two reading through (without a great deal of understanding)
http://www.files.services/files/431/2019/1022/20200207164955_56565550_en.pdf
Needless to say I got lost after a couple of paragraphs of IPO- speak,
However, I was interested in the fact that the core businesses in which Gibson is involved are to do with storage space and the logistics of the space requirements of , say, wholesalers and shippers/transporters of goods.
Who knows but what he might have eyed up the Ibrox property as a beautifully sited location, logistically speaking: acres of space for storage sheds ,right on the motorway network!
I cannot help but think that the new PR guru is the perfect fit for what is ahead , a man to deliver the bad news as Traynor sneaks away quietly having lost all credibility. His experience isn’t in delivering effective and professional public relations or media management but in rousing the brain dead knuckle scrapers into action. A man who can march at the head of a delegation while banging his lambeg as they attempt to intimidate any who oppose a tribute act of a tribute act in buying titles from a club that bought titles from another club that won many of them by not paying their taxes. The flute is swapped for the dog whistle as the mob demand that to punish them from the effects of Covid 19 would be kicking them while they are down ,with a fever a bad cough and a sore throat .Desperate people do desperate things and this has all the hallmarks of desperation. Rangers1 was a permanent embarrassment and an occasional disgrace , Rangers 2 was a permanent disgrace and a total embarrassment , if Rangers* 3 is allowed with these characters it will be an utter horror show.
Cluster One One
Might just be the preference of the guys who are currently bankrolling the fiasco . Didn't one of the directors say that one of the banned songs was a nice wee tune ? Tradition for some folk .
Darkbeforedawn 17th March 2020 at 23:07
'…hope we all get through this crisis..'
……………………..
I think it was really only today that I emotionally accepted the reality.
The medical chap I heard on Radio 4 chilled me with his statement that if the death toll is less than 20 000 we'll have done well!
Like you, I hold no such strong disagreement in the matter of 'football business' with anyone as would make me wish him personal harm from disease or illness!
I hope that any and all posters on this blog , especially those few (?)
who may be , like me, in the high risk category of age, or those of whatever age, who may have an underlying medical conditions, escape the virus or recover from its effects if they contract it.
Cluster One 17th March 2020 at 22:07
'.maybe it was the only kind of candidate that applied for the job.'
…………….
Well, I have posted once or twice that maybe they should employ me!
Or any of us!
The whole aggressive, we 'demand', 'we will fight' '“Let me reassure the fans that we will not be found wanting in this situation' is so 17th century as to be boring in the extreme.
There is not a director of TRFC or of RIFC plc who does not know in his mind and heart that they are out on a limb of misrepresentation as to factual reality.
They know, as we do and as the SPFL and SFA do, that SevcoScotland was not RFC of 1872.
They remind me of the film '' The Wild Bunch"- bad guys who know they are bad, but persist in their badness in being self-destructively evil.
Rangers appoint DUP councillor and senior Orange Order figure as new PR chief By Herald Scotland Online
https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/18309122.rangers-appoint-dup-councillor-senior-orange-order-figure-new-pr-chief/
A DUP councillor and senior Orange Order figure is to quit his role on Belfast City Council to take up the role as head of communications at Rangers.
David Graham will replace Jim Traynor as the new media supremo at Ibrox after standing down from his position as a councillor of the Balmoral district of the Northern Irish capital.
Traynor announced his intention to leave Ibrox when his contract expires in May after an eventful eight years in the role.
READ MORE: Police launch appeal after Rangers media boss Jim Traynor attacked
Mr Graham, who is a ‘worshipful master’ in the Order according to his registered list of interests, is one of the most senior members of the George Telford Memorial Orange Lodge.
The organisation drew criticism last year after allowing guests from the Govan Protestant Boys to march through Belfast City Hall during centenary celebrations.
Footage of the incident was later shared on social media, sparking fierce anger over
Mr Graham, who describes himself as a boyhood Rangers fan, was also special adviser to Education Minister Peter Weir before the Stormont Assembly collapsed in 2017.
He told the BBC: "As a lifelong Rangers supporter, it is an honour to work for the world's most successful football club. When the opportunity arose, I was very pleased to fulfil this role and am looking forward to getting started.
READ MORE: Michael Stewart will not appear on BBC Sportsound after 'change of plan' amid Traynor row
"I am excited by the board's vision for Rangers as we work towards our 150th anniversary and beyond."
Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson added: "David shares our vision, passion and enthusiasm for the club.
"We are delighted David has chosen to join us and strengthen our team. He is a welcome addition and I look forward to working with him."
Those amongst us with long memories who were movie goers from ages 10 will remember the days when a movie was around 100 minutes long or less and the show consisted of an A movie and then a B movie, one shown before and the other after an interval. (That’s when you got a choc ice)
If you got the timing wrong and turned up half way through a movie and if you were lucky enough not to get thrown out at the interval, you could sit and watch the A Movie part showing then leave when the A movie reached the part when you arrived which you had watched earlier.
The position Scottish football is in reminds me of those movie going days because it has reached the part of the performance when you think – this is where I came in, time to go.
No one could have foreseen the current epidemic (well maybe Bill Gates but what does he know?)
https://www.geekwire.com/2020/bill-gates-warned-us-covid-19-like-pandemic-watch-ted-talk-2015/
but you would think that after Rangers self destructed in 2012 and the toxic consequences of mitigating the financial consequences for all clubs, that at the very least there would have been an appetite for domestic FFP for good sporting and business reasons.
I am at loss to understand why this was not a requirement of the 5 Way Agreement apart from it being driven by short term thinking and desperation to keep the TV deal alive. Had some form of domestic FFP been introduced in 2012 the financial consequences of the current stoppage in play might not be as serious for one club in particular as David Low set out in the podcast.
To domestic FFP there now has to be added some form of bond each season set aside for the day when the rain becomes a deluge. Alternatively UEFA increase the solidarity payments to national associations to hold for a rainy day and reduce the rewards to the CL participants that might then reduce wage inflation, though not its main purpose.
A quote from Soccernomics I liked was “as oil is to the oil industry, so stupidity is to football” and it is going to take more than a rescheduling of games and restructuring of the leagues to stabalise Scottish football.
The governance of the game itself needs totally overhauled to allow men of vision and integrity a place, but also the supporters, who can draw on the wisdom and talents of the crowd to avoid those who do remain after the movie has reached the part they have already seen twice, deciding they are walking away for good.
The Chinese apparently say that crisis brings opportunity (not suggesting they started this pandemic to create opportunity of course) but if survival, not just in the short but in the long term thinking takes hold, the opportunity to create something more sustainable will present itself.
I’ve used the long spoon story before, but this tells beautifully what needs to be done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mGVOekKMRs
not just in football of course and the coming months will be interesting to see which choice folk will make, a choice that will shape our future for better or worse and way more important than winning the banter war.
Auldheid 18th March 2020 at 02:24
I am at loss to understand why this was not a requirement of the 5 Way Agreement apart from it being driven by short term thinking and desperation to keep the TV deal alive. Had some form of domestic FFP been introduced in 2012 the financial consequences of the current stoppage in play might not be as serious for one club in particular as David Low set out in the podcast.
=================================
My thoughts are that domestic FFP will never be introduced as long as Rangers are behind Celtic. Of more immediate concern to me is why Rangers never seem to fall foul of UEFA FFP. Is there not a limit on how often a club can dilute existing shares and introduce new ones in order to keep financing itself? Why didn’t the mega rich owners of PSG and Man City just do that, and keep doing it in order to pump as much into the club as they liked? I have read on other forums that Rangers current accumulative losses over a period do meet the criteria for UEFA action. My fear is that in order for UEFA to look into Rangers finances, the SFA would have to raise a concern, which will never ever happen.
Headline from the DR today;
"Who is Stuart Gibson as Rangers new money man is revealed
Business writer Ken Symon provides insight into the man set to plough money into Rangers.
By Ken Symon 08:08, 17 MAR 2020.
UPDATED 08:42, 17 MAR 2020"
==========
"…provides insight…"
The article content is virtually lifted verbatim from his company website.
No quotes from the man himself.
No quotes from anybody who has ever met him or worked with him – or anyone from Paisley who is related to him, or even from anyone who claims to have known him at school!
IF it is true, when the article claims that Gibson has been visiting and attending games – including the LC Final at the beginning of December – then that would imply that the 'seriously interested investor' from Japan has effectively been kicking the tyres at Ibrox, up close and personal, for at least 3 or 4 months.
…and still no 'offer'.
To state the bleedin' obvious: I smell sh!te.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/exclusive-potential-rangers-investor-stuart-21709740
A source said: “Stuart thinks it’s still a bit premature to make any official statement. He’s considering investing in the club but he has not been in talks regarding taking over the club from Dave King. He’s just a well-meaning fan trying to support the club.
“In the meantime, Stuart will continue to focus on his business in Asia.”
It’s understood no set timescale has been agreed between the parties but, with Rangers in need of an urgent fresh finances at a time of global crisis, the Ibrox club will be hoping Gibson’s cash boost will arrive before the end of this month.
This is the sound of a Japanese investment truck reversing at high speed, the final sentence in the quote above is quite revealing, "end of the month"
https://twitter.com/harrybradycu/status/1240005319914328064?s=21
Since there’s no football just now.
King has stated he won't be selling his shares , that's because he cannot find anyone to buy them . He has also stated the share issue will be going ahead , well that costs money that they don't have and is unlikely to raise any capital in this current environment not to mention the difficulty finding people to invest in a company currently run by a man who is cold shouldered. It's intended to calm debtors fears on the solvency of this company*. All companies will be having cash flow issues at the moment and calling in debt is "nothing personal , it's just business" . King's own business continues to lose capital down to 160 from 220 just 10 days ago, I doubt Mr Park will be doing much business at the moment either , but don't panic Mr Close we have a Japanese based uber fan with over a billion under his control and there's also our 100m rated loan player we can buy for just 4m. That's not including our other loan player who couldn't get a game at Hibs but is better than French Eddy . In my opinion it's all over bar the finger pointing and fortunately for King he can blame a number of factors for the collapse rather than his own disastrous mismanagement.
https://twitter.com/independent/status/1240223732666335232?s=21
What have the Russians ever done for us?
NEIL CAMERON: How Jim Traynor's replacement David Graham is a PR disaster for Rangers
By Neil Cameron Sport Columnist
https://www.thenational.scot/sport/18312937.neil-cameron-jim-traynors-replacement-david-graham-pr-disaster-rangers/
RANGERS are not a new club. They didn’t die in 2012. I’ve never believed that or written anything close to it.
Those who spend their life banging on about Sevco need to find a hobby. Or a friend. Those who believe a football club’s identity exists on deeds, who the owner happens to be or all that boring stuff usually aren’t that into football.
Despite me being “wan of them” I have never been intimidated or antagonised by any Rangers fan, have always felt welcome at Ibrox and – you can Google it – this column more than once asked those whose noses aren’t blue to stop their prejudice, or at least re-evaluate what they believe the average Bear to be.
The anti-Catholic signing policy was lifted 31 years ago. Rangers are still seen as a Protestant club – and I’ve no real issue with that and neither should anyone else – but I’ve seen for myself a significant cultural change within the support.
For every “FTP” mouth-breather, there are 20 who don’t want anything to do with that. Nor do they care what school a player went to. All they are interested in is whether they can do it on the pitch. Lorenzo Amoruso was captain. Rino Gattuso remains a cult hero.
Celtic fan Neil McCann got roundly cheered as he helped Rangers to two trebles and a double. The most popular player at Ibrox right now is Alfredo Morelos. Nacho Novo will probably get a statue one day. All “left footers”.
Sectarianism remains an issue because of the club’s history and because within the Rangers support remain people with King Billy tattoos. William of Orange had the political backing and private financial support of Pope Innocent XI – the Mo Johnston of his day. That never gets a mention in any song…
And because at every game anthems are belted out with blatant sectarian messages across an increasingly secular Scotland.
I’ve always been a defender if not a supporter of Rangers. I’ve met so many good people at that club. Most of my mates are Rangers fans. I was and remain of the opinion that more should have been done to keep the club in the Premier League in 2012; not that they didn’t deserve what happened to them per se, but the impact on the other clubs and our game as a whole was hugely negative.
To quote the great Kevin Bridges: “We had a two-horse league and we’ve lost a horse.”
But then they go and appoint DUP councillor David Graham who is a “worshipful master” of the Orange Order to be the face of the club.
No club is without sin when it comes to making appointments. Dundee had Giovanni de Stefano on their board – a jailbird, friend of terrorists and Saddam Hussein’s lawyer.
Vladimir Romanov was for years a popular owner of Hearts. Hibernian almost went to the wall under the, cough, leadership of chairman David Duff – a man with a perfect surname.
And as for Celtic, where to begin? Well, let’s start with John Reid as chairman, a man who is “at ease with his conscience” about when, as a Labour government minister, he supported the war in Iraq.
But we are talking about Rangers here and the appointment of Graham is, in my view, a bad call.
Why, when Rangers are supposedly doing their best to show themselves to be an inclusive club, have they given a job to a member of a Northern Ireland political party with links to many Unionist paramilitary groups that continue to haunt them.
The DUP is ostensibly anti-homosexual, has a pro-creationist faction within the party and aren’t keen on women having control of their own bodies. I had to check the calendar there to make sure this was the 21st century.
Speaking to Good Morning Ulster yesterday about his new role, Graham said: “The future includes everyone, irrespective of sexual orientation, religious background or cultural affiliation.”
His membership of the Orange Order is not illegal. Indeed, who am I or anyone to tell another person what to do in their spare time. But while the OO says it isn’t anti-Catholic, it wouldn’t be outrageous to suggest they aren’t overly keen on them.
Is this really the type of person Rangers need right now? Graham will replace Jim Traynor, a controversial figure who happened to be my boss for the best part of 10 years.
He gave me a job at the country’s biggest selling newspaper at that time and made me, at just 27, one of the best paid members of my extended family.
With him as my gaffer, I was sent all over the world to watch football and golf. I got to write columns with Ally McCoist and Jim McLean. I was given a freer role than most on the desk, at least for a time, a period in which I had my best times in journalism.
In so many ways I owe him a lot but I’ve never felt that. I don’t like the man. Anyway, it’s good that he’s going, it’s just that his successor shouldn’t be a DUP and Orange Order member.
Why didn’t they go for a bluenose journalist, there’s plenty of them, who would bring calmness to such an important role?
Instead the powers that be have acted like the Rangers from the bygone days. See, I told you they were the same club.
Sannoffymesssoutizz@11.20
“RANGERS are not a new club. They didn’t die in 2012. I’ve never believed that or written anything close to it.”
Anything written after that opening paragraph is completely redundant. The article could have been written by the great man himself.
sannoffymesssoitizz 18th March 2020 at 11:20
Neil Cameron: "RANGERS are not a new club. They didn’t die in 2012. I’ve never believed that or written anything close to it.."
…………………..
With those three sentences Cameron shows himself to be either a fool or a stranger to the truth, and a panderer to those who defend the creators of the Big Lie of the 5-Way Agreement at the cost of abandonment of any kind of sporting principle.
There's no place in journalism for such as he.
https://twitter.com/theclumpany/status/1240220626348134400?s=21
Scottish football needs a strong Nairn.
So Rangers think the league should be judged after 2 rounds of games – how about we do it after zero games therefore alphabetical order ie Aberdeen champions and Rangers relegated !
Cluster One 17th March 2020 at 22:07
…………….
There is an old saying that goes something like.
Beggars can’t be choosers, maybe it was the only kind of candidate that applied for the job.
Or
1, The fans are loving it, if they ever get a shirt manufacturer look out for hints of citrus fruit (not lemon or lime) in the colour scheme.
2, Massive squirrel. Though is that really needed just now.
3, GIRUY. Nobody likes us, we don't care.
Timtim 18th March 2020 at 08:49
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/exclusive-potential-rangers-investor-stuart-21709740
A source said: “Stuart thinks it’s still a bit premature to make any official statement. He’s considering investing in the club but he has not been in talks regarding taking over the club from Dave King. He’s just a well-meaning fan trying to support the club.
“In the meantime, Stuart will continue to focus on his business in Asia.”
It’s understood no set timescale has been agreed between the parties but, with Rangers in need of an urgent fresh finances at a time of global crisis, the Ibrox club will be hoping Gibson’s cash boost will arrive before the end of this month.
And that extract just sums up the fairy-tale world the SMSM live in – business normally just doesn’t work like this. It can take months to thrash out appropriate legal agreements and undertake due diligence.
The ‘end of the month’ is 13 days away. A quick check with their business colleagues would have thrown up a red flag for any sports journalist writing on this subject. Quickly, the focus should pivot to why there is such an immediate need and what the consequences will be if the cash doesn’t materialise.
And the phrases “He’s just a well-meaning fan trying to support the club.” and “In the meantime, Stuart will continue to focus on his business in Asia.” indicates to me that he’s either had his desired amount of publicity or looked under the bonnet and quickly backed off.
My own view is that in a rational world RIFC/TRFC would go into administration very shortly with a pre-pack and new investment from the likes of the Gibsons of this world – picking up stakes in brands on the cheap. Much like Mike Ashley does.
What interests me is what role Mike Ashley might play – at least as king maker if not an equity holder. How much would he be owed or potentially owed?
Scottish Football need a strong Arbroath.
John Clark 18th March 2020 at 12:13 sannoffymesssoitizz 18th March 2020 at 11:20 Neil Cameron: "RANGERS are not a new club. They didn’t die in 2012. I’ve never believed that or written anything close to it.." ………………….. With those three sentences Cameron shows himself to be either a fool or a stranger to the truth, and a panderer to those who defend the creators of the Big Lie of the 5-Way Agreement at the cost of abandonment of any kind of sporting principle. There's no place in journalism for such as he.
_____________
Another one of those idiots who think they can state something as a fact without ever providing any proof, justification or reasoning for what they state. Of course, as he appears to be a Roman Catholic?/Celtic supporting journalist, he has to ingratiate himself to the bears, both thinking and unthinking, to continue to make that income that is better than most of his extended family enjoy – now putting something like that in print says enough about the man to chuck any suggestion of integrity right out of the window.
Interestingly, there's a lot more words in that piece about people (himself included) other than David Graham, the subject of the piece, than there are about that subject of the piece himself. And, of course, he says nothing new that hasn't already been posted on the internet by people not credited with the designation 'journalist'.
Anybody else fed up with the headlines, "Celtic will/will not, be handed the SPFL title?.
Too effin' right they won't !
If the title comes Celtic's way prior to the completion of all games, it will be by dint of the fact they are top of the league. Won more games. Lost less games. Whatever…..In short they will have earned it.
It will be a league won by merit alone, by the most worthy.
I can't recall a time ever, Celtic being "Handed" anything in Scotland.
There have quite a lot of views expressed on here about the fairness and morality of Sevco going into administration this season, and start the next one with a 'clean slate'
However, as I am a selfish CFC supporter, I hope they do (wishful thinking?), and incur the points deduction penalty which would render the League mathematically over – thereby handing the title to Celtic. 9IAR – and 'goodnight Vienna' anyway.
Oh wait a minute – hopes dashed! Here comes David 'my altruism and generosity knows no bounds' Graham with his £20 m to see out the season and pay off Big Mike. Aye right!
Not so much 'a rabbit out of the hat', more a 'rabbit in the headlights'.
Corrupt Official
We where handed a closing down order, does that count
Corrupt official 18th March 2020 at 16:17
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No Celtic supporter I know wants to be "handed the SPFL"
The opinion of everyone I have spoken to is that they want all games played, even if it is behind closed doors.
Quite frankly, and with no disrespect to anyone else, especially Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs, the Celtic supporters want to win the treble and they want to win it on the park.
There will of course be nonsense about the validity even if that does happen. Bearing in mind some supporters seem to think that any competition is invalid if they aren't in it, or don't have a strong team, or if their manager isn't up to much, or other teams have better players than them, or if the referees hate them … basically if they don't win it.
Homunculus 18th March 2020 at 16:43
No Celtic supporter I know wants to be “handed the SPFL” The opinion of everyone I have spoken to is that they want all games played, even if it is behind closed doors.
I’m of the same mind H, and would rather games be played in a safe environment, than not. However if deemed safe to play, (behind closed doors), I am not in favour of a “live” broadcast. I reckon that would only move the possibility of spreading infection around in pubs.
A full match recording following a scoreline black-out, broadcast after chucking out time would be my preference.
John Clark 18th March 2020 at 12:13 and Allyjambo 18th March 2020 at 14:58
Interestingly, there’s a lot more words in that piece about people (himself included) other than David Graham, the subject of the piece, than there are about that subject of the piece himself. And, of course, he says nothing new that hasn’t already been posted on the internet by people not credited with the designation ‘journalist’.
This is probably the most cringing application for Graham’s PR position that will ever be written.
Neil Cameron: "RANGERS are not a new club. They didn’t die in 2012. I’ve never believed that or written anything close to it.."
And the earth is flat too. Don't they teach journalists to actually investigate and secure underpinning evidence for any claims they make? Have they no self-awareness?
Scottish Football needs a strong Nairn.
PS Still nae interims.
redlichtie 18th March 2020 at 18:09
PS Still nae interims.
————————————–
Aye, They've ran out of the bog-roll they use to write them on.
Looks like Hearts players have been asked to take 50 % pay cut.
Looks like Hearts players have been asked to take a 50% pay cut.
valentinesclown 18th March 2020 at 18:22
Looks like Hearts players have been asked to take a 50% pay cut.
======================================
I think they will just be the first of many clubs to take similar decisions
https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/news/article/club-statement-1-2-3-4-5-6
Part of the statement:
Sorry about that duplicate entry it does not mean Hearts players will receive no wages. ☹
Hearts had budgeted £9m for wages in the current financial year for playing and non playing staff (advised at the AGM in December). That is £750k a month or £173k a week, so you can see the level of cuts being proposed.
It also demonstrates how Ann Budge has run the club finances in recent years, only spending money that she already had or was expected/promised. When the expected money failed to materialise, the club was exposed to problems paying wages. In an interview yesterday with the Edinburgh Evening News, she indicated that £1m of income between now and the end of the season had been lost. Uncertainty about the league conclusion, relegation and what to do with Season Tickets for next season will also be factored into this decision.
It also backs up Barcabhoy’s figures from earlier in the week.
Just watch for other clubs making similar “difficult decisions” in the next few days.
Yesterday's exclusive in the beano:
"Japanese based Scot to buy kings shares and take over sevco"
Today's exclusive in same by our keith:
"Japanese based Scot won't be buying out king"
Anyone remember the following headline
"World war 2 bomber found on the moon"
Followed a few days later by
"World war 2 bomber disappears from the moon
HS
easyJambo 18th March 2020 at 19:09
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I can't see Hearts being the last club to implement such measures. At least they have been up front about it, although if they hadn't been I am sure someone would have tipped off the media.
On a wider note you hear every day now of people being put on reduced or zero earnings. Very sad and worrying times.
Higgy’s Shoes 18th March 2020 at 20:00
…
Anyone remember the following headline “World war 2 bomber found on the moon”…
====
A classic tabloid front page: The Sunday Sport if I’m not mistaken?
As a teenager I was on a car trip with friends and we stopped for provisions – and bought the paper for a laugh.
That particular “World Exclusive’, IIRC, contained quotes from “a leading scientist” or “a leading expert”, etc. : no names.
Thank goodness the MSM has progressed since the ’80’s…
Now the SMSM uses;
“a source said”
“it is understood”
“an insider said”
etc.
If Keef came out with an abandoned plane on a moon or planet – at least it would give us all a laugh.
But, it looks like he’s just regurgitating the same mince from 2011, and just scribbled out Whyte’s name for Gibson.
Stoopid boy has learnt nuffink in the last 9 years.
upthehoops 18th March 2020 at 20:05
easyJambo 18th March 2020 at 19:09
——————————-
I can’t see Hearts being the last club to implement such measures. At least they have been up front about it, although if they hadn’t been I am sure someone would have tipped off the media.
On a wider note you hear every day now of people being put on reduced or zero earnings. Very sad and worrying times.
================================
Rather than make people redundant, large travel companies such as Virgin Atalantic, Emirates, easyJet and Marriot have all gone down the “unpaid leave” route.
It puts Hearts decision into perspective.
I appreciate people's thought process 're the announcement of a T'Rangers sugar daddy being timed for season ticket sales.
However the new reality is that, for all clubs, a good numbers of fans may soon not be in a position to even afford season tickets when football does restart, if people start getting laid off or see their business income streams dry up.
It really is going to be nightmare the way things are going.
Timtim 18th March 2020 at 08:49
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https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/exclusive-potential-rangers-investor-stuart-21709740
A source said: “Stuart thinks it’s still a bit premature to make any official statement. He’s considering investing in the club but he has not been in talks regarding taking over the club from Dave King. He’s just a well-meaning fan trying to support the club.
“In the meantime, Stuart will continue to focus on his business in Asia.”
……………..
It reminds me of the time when the ibrox club was in administration and all we read about was American tycoons, blue knights, Bill Nig The Brian kennedys and new bids have links to gers.
All just fantasy, and i believe we are going down that road once again.
upthehoops 18th March 2020 at 07:05
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Auldheid 18th March 2020 at 02:24
I am at loss to understand why this was not a requirement of the 5 Way Agreement apart from it being driven by short term thinking and desperation to keep the TV deal alive. Had some form of domestic FFP been introduced in 2012 the financial consequences of the current stoppage in play might not be as serious for one club in particular as David Low set out in the podcast.
=================================
My thoughts are that domestic FFP will never be introduced as long as Rangers are behind Celtic. Of more immediate concern to me is why Rangers never seem to fall foul of UEFA FFP. Is there not a limit on how often a club can dilute existing shares and introduce new ones in order to keep financing itself? Why didn’t the mega rich owners of PSG and Man City just do that, and keep doing it in order to pump as much into the club as they liked? I have read on other forums that Rangers current accumulative losses over a period do meet the criteria for UEFA action. My fear is that in order for UEFA to look into Rangers finances, the SFA would have to raise a concern, which will never ever happen.
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Whilst it is the SFA's responsibility to apply UEFA honestly and fairly, what I don't get is why the Boards of other clubs don't vote in Domestic FFP because the business model TRFC follow puts Scottish football at risk in financial and integrity terms. I wonder too that their fans don't seem to press them to act.
It puts their own clubs (bar Celtic) at a greater financial disadvantage than if Domestic FFP operated and undermines the integrity that the licensing rules protect if properly applied and which is cast aside when the consequences of financial recklessness manifest themselves.
Of course the biggest risk takers are "Rangers" themselves but they seem incorrigible and if Neil Cameron is right about the majority of Rangers supporters, why aren't they demanding financial prudence? At what point do they say "Enough, we have seen this horror B movie before"?
Allyjambo 18th March 2020 at 14:58
Interestingly, there’s a lot more words in that piece about people (himself included) other than David Graham, the subject of the piece, than there are about that subject of the piece himself.
……………….
It read more like The job should have been mine, Traynor brought me under his wing and i was promised next in line. You can almost hear him crying it should have been me.
Cluster One 17th March 2020 at 21:48
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wottpi 17th March 2020 at 10:32
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tony 17th March 2020 at 10:10
Yes indeed, saw that elsewhere.
It will be interesting to see if Michael Stewart has anything to say
………………..
If Traynor is away? And i have not read any statement (And they like a good statement down ibrox way)
Was the Michael Stewart highlight, the final nail in Traynors coffin?
…………….
NEIL CAMERON: How Jim Traynor’s replacement David Graham is a PR disaster for Rangers.
…………..
So Traynor could be away, can we claim this as an exclusive for SFM;-)
" Naebody move, there's been a virus"
Taggart 2020.
I think the end of June to finish games is too early. It might apply ok for clubs in countries further east who have already locked down, but as the UK probably has to ride the wave in June it might be end of July, but mid July might be possible.
The league positions would be frozen as they now stand to form a top and bottom 6, perhaps splitting the points on the outstanding game between TRFC and St Johnstone 1 each to allow organising on a post split basis as well as splitting points for the remaining games for all clubs before the split.
If the points difference at the end of season for top place is 2 to Celtic award TRFC 2 points and settle on goal difference. If its one point award TRFC 2 Points and they win on merit as reducing current 10 point gap (ignoring the St J game) would be meritorious, same if the number of points are even.
That is 5 meaningful games spread over 2 weeks, Sat/Sun, Tuesday/Wed, Sat/Sun, Tuesday/Wed, /Sat/Sun.
If general situation not improved enough to allow large crowds to attend limit the numbers to the ground capacity that allows safe distance between fans. Sell the TV rights abroad and PPV globally.
There should be more than one plan to meet alternative circumstances.
Auldheid 18th March 2020 at 22:48
Whilst it is the SFA's responsibility to apply UEFA honestly and fairly
=====================
Surely there is a case that they've not been doing that?
Imagine what would happen if the SFA refused Rangers a licence? (I know , I know!) Statement o'clock would become statement 24/7, the media would be in uproar, and the gates of Hampden would be stormed. Therein lies the problem. Rangers can do what they like, as long as they can get money from somewhere.
It's a wee shame that Jabba had to shoot off without the opportunity to wave cheerio, but I reckon translate-gate done for him. It was either he, or his employers, who were due the firing squad for that, and it looks like he was the one handed the blindfold.
Always a vindictive fat scroat, with the goods on the gossip writers, and a pocket-book full of SMSM connections, I suppose he could have remained a threat to his successor, and employers alike. It was probably a wise move from Sevco to bring in a new bod with stronger "connections, (allegedly).
I wonder if plod are any further down the line investigating his recent sore face. It certainly appears it was sore enough to affect his mouth……Mebbe that's why he couldn't say cheerio………
Just saying that I doubt there will be a book in the offing. Crayons and stookied fingers are not the best of bed fellows.
“NEIL CAMERON: How Jim Traynor’s replacement David Graham is a PR disaster for Rangers…”
=====
That headline alone is very telling.
The reader could infer that this ‘journalist’ believes that Traynor himself was NOT a PR disaster for TRFC…
whilst there is a HUGE body of evidence to the contrary: Lambogate, China bids for Morelos, doing the finger waving at a presser after having hauled Warburton away, etc…
And after Traynor’s incredibly short fall from grace, I suppose that there’s only one place left that will welcome him as their ‘PR expert’: the SFA.