A Guest blog by redlichtie for TSFM
From what I can see Mike Ashley is likely to be the only game in town for RIFC/TRFC fans unless they want to see another of their clubs go through administration/liquidation.
That particular scenario potentially allows for a phoenix to arise from the ashes but on past evidence it is probably going to be an underfunded operation with overly grandiose pretensions taking them right back into the vicious circle they seem condemned to repeat ad nauseam.
Ashley has the muscle to strongarm the various spivs to give up or greatly dilute their onerous contracts and I suspect that is what has been happening behind the scenes.
From Ashley’s point of view I believe that what is being sought is a stable, self-financing operation that he can then sell on whilst retaining income streams of importance to SD.
I also suspect that he will come to some arrangement with the SFA to dispose of his interest once he has stabilised the club.
The problem for RIFC/TRFC fans is that Ashley is not going to fund some mythical “return to where they belong”, though that is beginning to appear to be the second division of the SPFL where they are heading to have a regular gig.
Like at Newcastle, Ashley will cut their coat according to their cloth. This will mean, again like at Newcastle, a mid-table team with good runs every so often. If the finances can be fixed then they will have an advantage over most other Scottish clubs but in the main we will be back to actual footballing skills and good management being what is important (pace “honest mistakes”).
With recent results and footballing style clearly those are issues that will require attention and McCoist seems likely to present RIFC/TRFC with an early opportunity to address at least one aspect of that if he continues with his current “I’m a good guy” press campaign. It may take just one unguarded comment or action and he will be out.
But will the Bears go for Ashley’s plan? So far they seem antagonistic and still cling to their belief that the world owes them a top football club regardless of cost.
If the fans don’t get behind the current entity I can see Ashley deciding the game’s not worth it and cashing in his chips. Some ‘Rangers Men’ will probably turn up and create a new entity for The People to believe in and Ashley will continue to draw in income from shirt sales and, most likely, charging fans at the world famous Albion car park which he will then own.
The upcoming AGM is crucial and from what we have seen of Ashley so far he gets what he wants.
The crushing reality about to descend on The People is that there really is no Santa Claus. A Sanity Clause, perhaps but no Santa Claus.
scapaflow says: January 16, 2015 at 7:24 pm
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Vladimir Romanov wasn’t on the Board of Hearts either, but the football authorities tried to gag him.
With regard to King, the AIM authorities may not approve his appointment either. That may be reflected in his supposed comments about replacing the NOMAD. Perhaps WH Ireland have suggested that they can’t support his appointment.
easyJambo says:
January 16, 2015 at 7:29 pm
AIM may actually be more of an obstacle, than the SFA.
The efforts to gag Vlad the mad were never what one might call successful
Things appear to be getting very ugly down Edmiston Drive,a “Mob” storming the staircase, won’t do Lofty and the gang any favours with Ashley.
Is the under soil heating not working 😉 and just as a wee after thought …….. Mike Ashley very probably expected this 😕 as most of you on here did too, he’s very probably ready for it …….. Call in the £3million pronto 😆
According to the DR King “has promised a forensic financial audit”
Well I guess he’s got some experience of these.. 😈
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/rangers-crisis-dave-king-calls-4992298?
King statement
easyJambo says:
January 16, 2015 at 7:41 pm
King statement
“Any malfeasance will be pursued aggressively and transparently.”
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A ha ha ha….Oh my sides….
All the SFA has to do here is follow its own rules.
http://thecelticblog.com/2015/01/blogs/sfa-face-key-king-decision
Simple, or what?
If there’s anything illegal about secured finance, then I’ll have to be on to my mortgage provider.
Any bampots with mortgages or car finance may also wish to pursue this like the Rangers fans groups are advocating.
Undersoil heating?
No?
This is painful to watch …… Pitch totally unplayable 🙁
Richard Wilson @timomouse 24s24 seconds ago
BT saying that the ball is a spare the kitman found… Beyond parody
Doesn’t look like the undersoil heating has been on either, in all serious why is this game going ahead?
Watching Hearts Pretendygers, should never have been started, and Bobby Madden in charge. Anything could happen.
Probably forced to play by the polis who wanted the mob off the streets.
Ridiculous.
So… cutbacks clearly extend to under soil heating too:
Why is this match being played? That can neither be safe nor fair.
Am I being too cynical in suggesting its so that if Hearts look like winning minutes the match can be abandoned and a replay called, whereas if Sevco are winning the result will stand?
Their having to scrape ice away to take free kicks. Mental.
jimlarkin says:
January 16, 2015 at 1:18 pm
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Apparently MA’s Loan for Security has NOT been decided yet.
From STV
…”Rangers require funding to ensure they are able to trade until the end of January. The amount Ashley is willing to offer in return for security over Ibrox and Murray Park has not yet been disclosed.
Rangers have 34 days to complete the application with regards to Ashley’s potential loan.
——————–
Rangers require funding to get to end of Jan – that’s 15 days from taday, Rangers have 34 days to complete…. etc ……… What am I missing here?
Did one of the football clubs ( Kilmarnock I think 2008/09 )get fined for not turning on their under soil heating?
Could Sports Direct not contribute a free orange ball as a goodwill gesture?
Tartanwulver says:
January 16, 2015 at 8:06 pm
Probably want the car park as security.
Brenda
says:
January 16, 2015 at 8:05 pm
Did one of the football clubs ( Kilmarnock I think 2008/09 )get fined for not turning on their under soil heating?
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IIRC no requirement for undersoil heating in the Championship
Bobby madden put sevco finances ahead of player safety.
Match abandoned, should never have started
Correct decision by Bobby Madden. Finally.
Somebody was going to get hurt.
Not trying to be funny,but does Ibrox have undersoil heating that works?
Match abandoned- a complete farce. How can this be allowed? And I know for sure that there will be no sanctions whatsoever.
pau1mart1n says:
January 16, 2015 at 8:13 pm
Bobby madden put sevco finances ahead of player safety.
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Going by Chick Young’s crowd estimate of 6 – 7k and assuming a good chunk of them are ST holders he’d probably have saved them money by calling it off…
comeongetaff says:
January 16, 2015 at 8:15 pm
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Not trying to be funny,but does Ibrox have undersoil heating that works?
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Nope on that evidence.
Guess the mob will resume the protest.
comeongetaff says:
January 16, 2015 at 8:15 pm
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Not trying to be funny,but does Ibrox have undersoil heating that works?
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Only if you stick some money in the meter.
Did I really hear a bbc guy say that Police Scotland sent in four horsemen?
So Mr Doncaster, when you spoke to Mr Llambias about the financial health of his club/team/company(whichever it is), you did ask if they had enough money to pay the electricity bill and maintain the equipment at their ground? You did, didn’t you?
Answers on a postcard to BBC, Question of Sporting Integrity, London W1A. Scottish Mainstream Media journalists need not apply.
Oh not them again.
Undersoil heating was very expensive to run back in 2006 when a contract groundsman forgot to turn it on at Firhill leading to a match being called off.
Match wasn’t in the SPL so no requirement but it might have been a cup game but too hazy a memory.
Anyway, the main point is how expensive it is to switch it on…
The match started, does that mean supporters will have to pay again, or does it have to go to half time before TRFC could insist on this?
Does anyone know if the undersoil heating was turned on? I’ve never seen a match played, with undersoil heating on, where the snow covering remains so consistent. I know there’s no requirement in the lower leagues for a club to have undersoil heating, but if you’ve got it…
Well thats my Friday-night scuppered.Now what am I going do with the remains of my New Year carry-out?
Allyjambo says:
January 16, 2015 at 8:27 pm
It was called off early enough for everyone attending to get free ticket for the replay.
On a serious, the misses is going ballistic, was in Glasgow today, trying to leave now, GCC have not gritted the rods & traffic is a nightmare, so be safe if you’re driving in Glasgow tonight.
Mibbees they will now regret getting rid of the wee men and women who would normally have been available to clear the pitch?
Hope the Hearts fans get back safe. Not sounding to good.
Hope the Hearts fans get back safe. Not sounding too good according to Tom English.
Not exctly a good omen for the game of the century either 👿
You’d think that with the world’s most expensive gardener (£750k pa) th pitch would hhave been in better shape.
Bur seriously, undersoil heating clearly not on/working and why was there no “all hands on deck” to clear the pitch before kick off. Speaks to a complete colapse of morale within the organisation.
Tweets and photo showing Hearts fan being attended to by emergency services after being kicked while on ground by up to 10 TRFC supporters (possible exaggeration of numbers?). As has been said, doesn’t augur well for Celtic match.
Are you watching Doncaster? Things will get worse for TRFC supporters between now and the semi-final, what’s your plans to make it safe for all decent supporters? You facilitated this club and it’s supporters, you carry a heavy responsibility for their actions! That’s the actions of both their support and their board and club officials. Remember those dog-whistles, Neil?
From 5 star hotels to can’t afford to clear the pitch of snow for their biggest league game of the season. The march to their rightful place continues.
Will be interesting to see if the news coming out of social media tonight will make it to the old fashioned news suppliers in your local newsagent tomorrow.
My post last night about the sickness I feel around the upcoming LCSF was deleted.
I feel equally sick tonight.
What a mess!
Given the scenes outside Ibrox tonight, and the shambles before, I think it would be quite fitting if it turned out that this farce was the last fixture to be played by this embodiemnt of the Ibrox club.
Then they’d have been unable to make it to the end of a fixture, never mind the season.
Allyjambo says:
January 16, 2015 at 9:35 pm
It will be interesting to see what Ms Budge makes of tonight’s showcase for the Championship. I await her statement with great interest 😉
Utterly appalled at the scenes tonight. Was there any forward planning by police and/or contingency plans?
For those who keep going on about the Beeb, Tom English and Willie Miller didn’t hold back criticising the Ibrox club for not making a better effort to clear the pitch. Farce, shambles, reflection of the state of the club etc all terms and more used. No one appeared to disagree
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAFB93uX6dA&feature=youtu.be OH DEAR ?
Tom English @TomEnglishSport Jan 15
These guys at Ibrox are truly unembarrassable. Quite remarkable. Shameless individuals.
after heating failure in 2010 Geoff Brown said “The game going off will cost us a six-figure sum because of everything that goes with a match of that size.”
Does anyone think that’s come down in five years?
Anyone? Anyone? Madden?
Truly shameful scenes 🙁
Brenda, to answer your question about the heating:
Jim Spence @bbcjimspence 21m21 minutes ago
No sanctions for no undersoil hearing I’m told since merger of league bodies.
0 replies 58 retweets 16 favorites
Para Handy says:
January 16, 2015 at 8:26 pm
Undersoil heating was very expensive to run back in 2006 when a contract groundsman forgot to turn it on at Firhill leading to a match being called off.
Match wasn’t in the SPL so no requirement but it might have been a cup game but too hazy a memory.
Anyway, the main point is how expensive it is to switch it on…
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January 12th 2008? I think I got as far as Shotts before hearing the game was off. Glasgow Warriors got the blame, if I remember.
As to cost, a quick bit of research suggests that a cost of £5k to £10k was typically incurred by the systems at Perth and Dunfermline. It was usually deemed worthwhile as the cost would be more than outweighed by the drop in income from a midweek game. Of course, if conditions were so bad, the game could be called off anyway (e.g. poor conditions in the stadium’s “footprint”, or temperatures being so low the system couldn’t cope) and hence those factors had to be taken into account.
Hugh Keevins said something interesting tonight on SSB re the power of the SFA. ( He did, he did)
He said that they could withdraw Rangers licence (and they can) but the response was that will never happen.
Hugh then listed things that have happened that no one would have believed 3 years ago – sold for a penny, administration, liquidation and the power of the licence.
The SFA do have power, indeed a responsibility to take control.
Its not a football competition that the media want back, its the televising of a square go.
This could all stop tomorrow if the SFA said to TRIFC “enough” you are not operating on proper business lines. You appear incapable of hosting an event that required extra resources for safety sake and your Board actions are creating a level of hostility that is not confined to targeting the Board but can spill over on any unfortunate passer bye wearing the wrong club colours .
This can no longer be tolerated.
We are suspending your licence for the rest of the season and you have until the start of next season to do the following – and then set out a normalisation plan with conditions that must be met before a licence can be reinstated.
Tonight should be setting alarm bells going of in Edinburgh with Celtic and TRFC due to meet in February, but if the SG do get involved in any pre summit “summit”, it would be a grave error to think this is a two club issue. This affects the whole of our game which has been shown to be leaderless and spineless.
This is no longer just about who runs TRFC, this is about who runs Scottish football. Thugs and thieves at Board room level or decency of which most is concentrated in the supporters of the clubs themselves. They must be involved as should the redtops to change their thinking that still longs for the return of “square go football”.
So, who else thinks MA may just pull the plug?
What can the shareholders do if the Board puts RIFC & TRFC into administration tomorrow and does a pre-pack with SD buying the two companies?
Scottish Football needs a right clearout of these “RRM” who poison our game.
They should have had McCoist on the park showing his skills with a shovel, as it seems they were short of groundsmen to clear the pitch.
From Police Scotland
Govan
Inspector John Haynes
You told us your greatest concerns are drunk or disorderly behaviour; assault and violent crime; drug dealing and drug misuse; and housebreaking and other theft. You can see how we are tackling your concerns in our plans below.
Govan
This team covers the areas of Greater Govan, Ibrox, Cessnock, Kinning Park, Tradeston and Dumbreck.
Your Priorities
1. Youth Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour
2. Drug Dealing
3. Housebreaking and Theft
4. Road Safety
We are acting on these priorities to influence policing activity in your area. For more information see the Multi Member Ward Plan.
=====================================
Im Guessing JH was behind the locked doors at the stadium tonight and now has a very up front good look at his number 1 priority
scapaflow says:
January 16, 2015 at 10:10 pm
Well, she hasn’t replied to my email about Doncaster’s same club nonsense, so maybe she only talks about things that go on at Tynecastle 😐
I hope, though, that if she does make a statement about the TRFC fans’ behaviour, she, once again, points the finger at our own quota of morons who always seem ‘up for a fight’ when circumstances merit it in their eyes. There are reports on jamboskickback that there was some charging towards the bear morons (inside the ground), I suppose the usual ‘hold me back’ stuff, but, no doubt, some of them would be getting fly kicks in if any bear got close enough. The big problem seems to be a dire lack of custodians of the law outside the away end to keep the two sets of fans apart (might be worth a comment or two) and, presumably, a lack of stewards. Looks like there was no effort to make the away fans wait until the home support had dispersed either. A farce on every level!
Someone has posted on jamboskickback that the supporter attacked while on the ground is in hospital but OK, so hopefully that is accurate.
I was so chuffed tonight because I’m at work but was able to get the BT coverage online with the ropey wifi here actually working OK. What a let down.
Heard tv say that the sevco kitman had to a rummage about to find the only yellow ball. No orange ball available. You’d have thought they could have gone to the superstore and got one!
Auldheid says:
January 16, 2015 at 10:46 pm
Spot on.
My thoughts have been turning to the Semi Final for some time and I have already been full of dread. On a night of awful weather and a low turnout there is an element that has not been able to control itself to anything approaching a decent standard. Turning thier anger not just on their Board but Hearts Supporters just trying enjoy a game of footie.
What will happen when the massess come face to face with their “hated enemy”? Some posts on Rangers forums tonight have been blood curdling. And no doubt there are some who claim to be supporters of Celtic who are up for the fight.
Unless TRIFC implode or the spineless authorities get a grip in the manner you suggest I don’t see how this can end at all well, I really don’t.
redlichtie says:
January 16, 2015 at 10:50 pm
absolutely – it looks to me as if that is his game… he seems to be taking every opportunity to rile the bears, and I think his main target is the RRM and I suspect that he would very much enjoy rendering their recent share purchases worthless at a stroke. Call in his 3 million, having pre-empted any attempt of others to use Ibrox and Murray Park as security. Send out a strong message – don’t mess with Mike! Presumably we will not have to wait long to find out if this is the case…
Tincks @ 9.17pm:
“You’d think that with the world’s most expensive gardener (£750k pa) th pitch would hhave been in better shape.”
Aye, but the six yard boxes were immaculate. Always was the only place he was any use.
(I jest, of course. I recall one superb strike for Scotland against Switzerland in Euro ’96 that he struck superbly from comfortably outside the area.)
Auldheid says:
January 16, 2015 at 10:46 pm
I’d be astonished if Hugh Keevins has had an original journalistic thought in his life, if he’s pushing this line, it because a source he trusts is feeding it to him.
The question is why?
Putting pressure on Ashley, is the obvious answer, sure Ashley getting more control over Rangers, presents the SFA/SPFL with a headache,
but,
Dave King & Paul Murray getting positions at Rangers is equally problematic, though the twits in Hampden probably believe they can finesse that.
The new First Minister, knows Govan well
,but, I have never noticed any great love for football flooding out of her, I’d be surprised if she wades into this mess.
Tonight’s appalling behaviour, and, amateur hour management of the match, will be the talk of the Steamie tomorrow, but I expect the message from Edinburgh will be, its your mess, you broke it, you fix it.
I learned a few years back that undersoil heating needs to be switched on at least 24 hours (and preferably 48) before kick off to be effective. Clubs are reluctant to do it because it is prohibitively expensive and the police might call your game off anyway because of conditions outside.
If they really did turn it on just before kick off in the hope that it kick in during the game then it is just another example in a long line of catastrophic decisions.
Tweets from sevconians in hospitality about not beingable to leave for fear of violence AND that they were told the reason for the abandonment was the violence going on outside.
@philturnbull85 rangers confirmed to those in hospitality that game was postponed due to the demonstration outside.
Is this the beginning of Armageddon ?
Will we know for sure if the SFA carry on doing nothing
Not sure there is much hope with given the “leadership” the fans receive
Frankie @GersnetOnline 7m7 minutes ago
A few fans perhaps got a bit over exuberant for a few mins with some pushing & jostling but mainly peaceful enough. Went well!
https://t.co/Ma9KHlzcwP
Bam Potter says:
January 16, 2015 at 11:12 pm
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Tincks @ 9.17pm:
“You’d think that with the world’s most expensive gardener (£750k pa) th pitch would hhave been in better shape.”
Aye, but the six yard boxes were immaculate. Always was the only place he was any use.
(I jest, of course. I recall one superb strike for Scotland against Switzerland in Euro ’96 that he struck superbly from comfortably outside the area.)
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Yup heartbreaker that night.
Scotland upheld their side of the bargain and came within a whisker of an unlikely quarter-final berth, only to be denied by events elsewhere in Group A.
With a solitary point to their name heading into their final fixture in the section, Scotland knew victory and a sizeable shift in goal difference was required for them to progress at the Netherlands’ expense. While Ally McCoist’s 36th-minute strike set them on their way for the triumph they required, the Auld Enemy, England, had taken a 4-0 lead against the Dutch – Craig Brown’s side were, remarkably, second in the group with time running out. Patrick Kluivert scuppered their hopes, though, earning the Dutch a late consolation which ensured they squeezed through to the last eight on goals scored.
The Scots could have found themselves in an even rosier position prior to Kluivert’s effort had McCoist not spurned two presentable opportunities prior to his goal. It was a case of third time lucky, however, the Rangers FC striker beating goalkeeper Marco Pascolo with a rasping first-time drive from outside the penalty area.
Gary McAllister and Stuart McCall were an assertive force in midfield and though Switzerland rarely looked like working their way back into contention, the Scots were unable to add the second which would have put them through on goal difference.
Surely the authorities must act fast and nip this farce in the bud
I dread to think of the potential scenes at the semi final.
How’s that going to look to the rest of civilisation?
http://t.co/C1mEKlnw3e
A taster of bear on bear action with the hospitality bears v the protesting bears
paulsatim says:
January 16, 2015 at 11:19 pm
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Tweets from sevconians in hospitality about not beingable to leave for fear of violence AND that they were told the reason for the abandonment was the violence going on outside.
@philturnbull85 rangers confirmed to those in hospitality that game was postponed due to the demonstration outside.
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That Phil Turnbull is one of Hearts media guys. Apparently got a police escort out the ground.
I wonder if the Glasgow Chief Constable (if there still is one 😐 ) sent a memo round all stations today requesting Celtic supporting bobbies to put their names forward for ‘Rangers Board Protection Duties’ for tonight’s game?
easyJambo says:
January 16, 2015 at 11:34 pm
Shocking, but somewhat unsurprising scenes. Hope all the Jambo’s got home safe.
You’ve got to think that with King (a) calling for the boycott – arguably depressing the share price (I know… I know) and clubs ability to raise revenue and (b) hoovering up shares and (c) acting in concert with teh 3 bears, then mergers and acquisitions will take the view that this is a hostile takeover.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see a small share trade go through for a big number tomorrow.
Thus would set the minimum proce at which the takeover group would have to offer all existing shareholders.
And if they found the onerous contracts survived a change of board (and tbh I suspect they will, because if there was an easy way out, Philip Nash would have found it – wasn’t this the real reason for Wallaces 120 day review? ) the bears could end up paying over the odds for a club that they could not afford to run.
doh!
redlichtie says:
January 16, 2015 at 10:50 pm
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So, who else thinks MA may just pull the plug?
What can the shareholders do if the Board puts RIFC & TRFC into administration tomorrow and does a pre-pack with SD buying the two companies?
Scottish Football needs a right clearout of these “RRM” who poison our game.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,
MA could become a national hero if he pulled the plug next Monday and had the site bulldozed by Friday