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.
I don’t think that there will ever be a definitive answer which will be accepted by all to the club died/club survived conundrum. As others have said, people will believe what they want to believe, and nothing will cause them to change that viewpoint. One doesn’t have to look too far to see other examples of that sort of blind faith despite all evidence to the contrary.
However, in my opinion, The Rangers (or whatever they end up being called), in whatever form they take, will be irredeemably tainted by the events of the last 3 years, in particular, the 280-ish creditors who got stiffed.
TRFC supporters can argue until they are “blue” in the face that these were holding company debts, but it’s basically an ongoing PR nightmare for the “club”, with no end in sight for generations. As long as there is some sort of continuous thread back to the liquidation, the shame will remain, and it’s something that the supporters, shareholders and officers of that organisation will have to put up with being thrust in their face at ad nauseum.
The only way to have averted it would have been to start again from scratch a la Wimbledon AFC. Forget history (including the bigotry), establishment, dignity etc etc and create a New Model Rangers.
Does that opportunity still exist?
Craig Houston’s latest
Howdy all! Not posted fur dunkeys but been lurking. Completely off topic but here goes.
It was noted on TSFM and widely reported elsewhere that when Oor Craigie was detained in Mexico and subsequently reappeared in the parish, his appearance had somewhat changed. The slicked back barnet, designer stubble, fancy schmutter, not at all how Our Hero was remembered round these parts.
Had a drink last night with a guy who has long been ‘acquainted’ with Whyte Jr & Sr and other denizens of the particular sub-strata of the business world they occupy. It would appear that CW is well known in such circles as something of a bon viveur, smooth operator, serial wumminiser, sharp dresser and all round Bengal Lancer.
When he was applauded down Edmiston Drive, flaunting his off the radar moolah, it caused great hilarity in Spivdom. Here was a masterclass in the art of flummery. The ill-fitting suit, hesitant delivery, stumbling gait. Pure quality. Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump? And he got an Oscar? Nae contest.
In the ongoing farrago that is TRFC / RIFC I have always come back to the ‘role’ played by CW, how he auditioned for the role and his casting. If, as it would appear, we have not seen the last of the MBB, may I further the sentiment for future performances, Break a Leg.
@ FinchleyFlyer I think that the oppurtunity has always existed, as AFC Manchester have proved, and still does. However at present they would have to be called ‘The Rangers Disunited’. The various fans factions were disunited in 2012 and even more so today and that might be a ploy by the board to make sure there is no organised revolt which might be backed by the majority of fans like a new start up away from Ibrox. The problem is who would bankroll it and I expect most would still want it to be OPM (other people’s money)
Caveat Emptor says:
December 24, 2014 at 10:39 am
6 0 i
Rate This
Howdy all! Not posted fur dunkeys but been lurking. Completely off topic but here goes.
It was noted on TSFM and widely reported elsewhere that when Oor Craigie was detained in Mexico and subsequently reappeared in the parish, his appearance had somewhat changed. The slicked back barnet, designer stubble, fancy schmutter, not at all how Our Hero was remembered round these parts.
Had a drink last night with a guy who has long been ‘acquainted’ with Whyte Jr & Sr and other denizens of the particular sub-strata of the business world they occupy. It would appear that CW is well known in such circles as something of a bon viveur, smooth operator, serial wumminiser, sharp dresser and all round Bengal Lancer.
When he was applauded down Edmiston Drive, flaunting his off the radar moolah, it caused great hilarity in Spivdom. Here was a masterclass in the art of flummery. The ill-fitting suit, hesitant delivery, stumbling gait. Pure quality. Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump? And he got an Oscar? Nae contest.
In the ongoing farrago that is TRFC / RIFC I have always come back to the ‘role’ played by CW, how he auditioned for the role and his casting. If, as it would appear, we have not seen the last of the MBB, may I further the sentiment for future performances, Break a Leg.
==============================================
THAT……………Is tease of the year mate 😆
Caveat Emptor says:
December 24, 2014 at 10:39 am
7 0 Rate This
Howdy all!
————
You just missed the Western nostagia, Caveat 😆
I always thought that castle in the highlands was part of the props and make-up. Added that touch of laird authenticity. He wasn’t remotely interested in it and hardly used it, but it was a nice touch. If it’s true that his Google history was doctored he must have a ripping yarn to spin. Never mind Ally’s book, CW’s is the one we want to read.
He must have been pretty sure about succeeding on the Euro money that never materialized. Question is, was he given assurances that, come what may, the admin and debt dump would not affect top tier status? Makes you wonder.
finchleyflyer says:
December 24, 2014 at 10:25 am
The Rangers (or whatever they end up being called), in whatever form they take, will be irredeemably tainted by the events of the last 3 years, in particular, the 280-ish creditors who got stiffed.
==========================
In which case every Scottish club which has undergone an insolvency event is similarly “tainted”.
I don’t imagine that a creditors make much of a distinction between being “stiffed” through liquidation or through a CVA.
Also not beyond the bounds of possibility that the final settlement for creditors once BDO are finished may have a larger pence in the pound return than at least one previous CVA involving a Scottish club.
Wages Day! Been getting less attention than usual on here, and, I suspect, over on more Rangers/TRFC centric websites too.
No doubt Mr Ashley is prepared to provide the readies, but can anyone be sure until he actually does?
I’m thinking of this ‘revelation’ by the SoS guy (pretty brave actions on his part, so brave he must, at least, believe them to be true) and how it might effect Ashley’s thinking.
I’ve no doubt he couldn’t care less how many enemies he makes in life, but surely doesn’t want, in any situation, to completely alienate his potential markets, and whatever his plans are with Rangers Retail, his market is almost entirely wrapped up in bears. If he alienates every bear, he has no market for Rangers Retail. So why bother? What’s left for him? Heritable Assets? Or creating a successful football team, perhaps? Creating a successful team might get him his retail market back, but it’s going to be very expensive, much more so than what seemed more likely, by keeping the club going at a sustainable level.
As more and more bears hear about the SoS revelations they must surely be going more and more ballistic and the anger towards Ashley will almost certainly lead to more demonstrations and staying away from Ibrox, or at least not paying to enter the ground!
Could these revelations (perhaps/probably not divulging anything illegal but definitely very damaging) make Ashley decide his sojourn in Scottish football is over, and will it be immediate? Will he pony up another million, especially if there’s no more security available? There must be a point where the cost and hassle is just too much for any businessman, even one as rich as Mike Ashley, to be bothered with. Whatever Mike Ashley might plan, will Derek Lambias be prepared to stick around to face the flack, from people who have no need to demand the names, because they have a right to know, as they already know?
Craig Houston, a working class Sevco fan, is merely being used as a puppet on behalf of the Blue Knights/Dave King protagonists.
He’s a relative newcomer in terms of “fans groups”, only really appearing from the woodwork around the time the Blue Knights et all were sent packing in 2012.
Whilst I’ve no doubt he believes in what he’s doing and trying to achieve, he’s clearly being fed & supplied info from others, and naively getting used for others benefit.
Just look at the message he brings & who in the SMSM continually afford him space.
I’d like to offer up an appropriate moniker for the now infamous AGM tent: The Spivouac
Re Craig Houston’s recent “revelations”. Is it possible that someone given the boot in the latest tranche of redundancies has taken a stash of e-mails with them?
Merry Christmas to all at TSFM
Tincks
Statement from SFA at 1pm
Watched an interesting programme last night about lottery winners. It showed the diversity of human character. They all get professional advice on how to manage their changed circumstances. Some won £1mil and are happy as Larry years later, one elderly couple won £7.5mil and took great pleasure giving most of it to charities. Then there were those who won £10mil or more and burnt the lot in no time with nothing to show for it but broken marriages and repossessed homes.
It reminded me that just two years ago Mr Green had raked in £22.2mil from the IPO and was crowing about being “debt free”, staying at Ibrox forever and dancing to Zadok the Priest. £22,mil would have be enough to keep whole divisions in clover for a decade. Ah well, I guess it takes all sorts …
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ffd749a8-49f4-11e2-8002-00144feab49a.html#axzz3MonKORhb
Merry Christmas everybody and a Happy New Year
Interesting that the BBC can use leaked emails when it suits them
Rejected
The SFA love releasing statements when everyone’s attention is focused elsewhere.
Whatever is announced could be similar in significance to the Olympic opening 5way associate membership pronouncement?
The Scottish FA Board convened on Tuesday, 23rd December to hear a submission from the Board of Rangers Football Club. This meeting was arranged in respect of a request set out in an Application to Consent to an increase in MASH Holdings Limited’s shareholding in Rangers International Football Club to a maximum of 29.9% of the issued share capital.
The Board has now carefully considered the Application and has decided, unanimously, that the Application should not be granted.
The Board, under Article 13 of the Scottish FA Articles of Association, is required to have due regard to the need to promote and safeguard the interests and public profile of association football, its players, spectators and others involved with the game. This test is set out in full in Article 13.6.
http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=2986&newsID=14129&newsCategoryID=1
The man from the SFA he say NO
SFA have turned down Ashley
Armageddon beckons
Wonder if todays payroll will be met
Campbell and co. must be hoping it’s the Rangers fans that are focused elsewhere today.
Ouch 😆
Now that is a shock!!! 😯
Is this Campbell setting things up for the only show left in town King?
tykebhoy says:
December 24, 2014 at 1:14 pm
He did indeed.
One of those occaisions when I am delighted to be both surprised and wrong! A nice wee dollop of hope for the future on Christmas Eve
So what happens if Ashley calls SFA’s bluff and goes ahead and subscribes to/underwrites a share issue up to 29.9%. Would the SFA have the b@@ls to withdraw Rangers license to play? This could get tasty!!!
Meanwhile the DR is struggling with a new concept
keith jackson @tedermeatballs 26 mins26 minutes ago
Rangers and Celtic fans both celebrating the SFA’s decision to block Mike Ashley’s Ibrox power grab. Strange times.
Rangers have issued a statement, that breaks all previous world records for brevity
“WEDNESDAY, 24 DECEMBER 2014 13:20
Club Statement
WRITTEN BY RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Statement
THE Board of Rangers Football Club are very disappointed with the SFA’s decision and we will now consider all our options.”
At least we are now spared the rants
scapaflow says:
December 24, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Meanwhile the DR is struggling with a new concept
keith jackson @tedermeatballs 26 mins26 minutes ago
Rangers and Celtic fans both celebrating the SFA’s decision to block Mike Ashley’s Ibrox power grab. Strange times.
________________________________________________________
That’s right Keith, bring Celtic F.C. into the argument regardless. Oh, and by the way, make sure you tell your tiny readership that Lawwell was the puppetmaster of today’s decision.
Palacio67 says:
“December 24, 2014 at 1:13 pmThe Board has now carefully considered the Application and has decided, unanimously, that the Application should not be granted.”
============================================
Woo…surprising, very surprising…
Would want more detail wrt the application but first thought is that the SFA must have thought their own rules didn’t give them any wriggle room ❓
What now ❓
Don’t think MA is the walking away type..could go to court…then again does he really want more next to worthless stock when he can loan against the assets ❓
They’d need to be shown to be unencumbered and MA has the money to put CW’s letter before claim to the sword…that’d go down well with the bears…and it’d hardly be his fault that he had control of MP and Ibrox…bears will blame SFA for that…
Interesting times…
Would have posted before but had to calm myself down and stop laughing.
One of the chaps over in the Den reckons that all that it means is that Ashley will now have to sell NUFC.
Oh, and it’s all Lawell’s doing.
The SFA decision should not surprise anyone…doing the right thing should never be a surprise!
However…due to their track record of bizarre and downright dishonest decisions previously based around this particular club…it will create surprise…and yet it shouldn’t!
The fact is…it was the correct decision..in truth it was the only real decision they could and did arrive at…based on their own articles of association.
However the rotund lady on this has not warmed up yet as I’m sure this will run for a bit once options are considered down Govan way…
Putting aside the club involved and those sitting on the panel…they have a duty to protect Scottish football…a duty to protect the fans and employees of any club who find themselves in the same situation…and a duty to protect the image and integrity of the game in Scotland…
The fact CO or PL sat on the panel should be irrelevant…the relevant point is the right decision was reached for Scottish football.
Now let the bun fight begin 😆
mungoboy says:
December 24, 2014 at 1:55 pm
Would have posted before but had to calm myself down and stop laughing.
One of the chaps over in the Den reckons that all that it means is that Ashley will now have to sell NUFC.
Oh, and it’s all Lawell’s doing.
===============================
That was a fizzy juice up the nose moment….
The thing is Mungo…the guy who posted that…will genuinely believe that…
Fortunately I do not subscribe to such a web site…but thankfully someone like yourself can bring this Monty Python-esq behaviour to our attention giving us…well certainly me ANYWAY…one huge almighty belly laugh…
That really has made my day…thanks pal.
Paulmac2 says:
December 24, 2014 at 1:56 pm
It shouldn’t matter who is on the board, as they are supposed to be acting for the good of Scottish Football as a whole, not in a particular partisan interest.
That said, I suspect people are confused over Mr Ogilvy’s view, he strikes me a Rangers man of Findlay’s stripe, rather than a disciple of Ashleynomics.
delayed deals of 2 times 1,000,000 shares traded on Monday, but share price now at all time low of 17.5p. One day we may learn what it all means 🙂
I don’t suppose Mike and Derek are surprised by the decision – after all it is the decision of least resistance.
Could they cause panic on the sixth floor by bouncing today’s pay cheques ?
More fun in store for the new year.
Paulmac,
You are spot on with that.
These guys really DO believe it.
You can just imagine them saying to Ashley,
“stick wi’ us kidder! we’re gawn places so we urr, no like they jawdies. Whit hiv they ever won?”
Oh, and for the avoidance of doubt, I don’t subscribe to it.
I pop in there from time to time to marvel at the mindset involved although I note that the standard in Scottish schools seems to have taken a turn for the worse from when I was a lad.
Mind you, some great sweery words that even I never knew existed.
Absolutely!!
melbournedee says:
December 24, 2014 at 1:28 pm
8 0 Rate This
So what happens if Ashley calls SFA’s bluff and goes ahead and subscribes to/underwrites a share issue up to 29.9%. Would the SFA have the b@@ls to withdraw Rangers license to play? This could get tasty!!!
. . . .
Unless I misunderstood him…Phil Mac says, he has been advised that MA and Sevco (legally) should indeed be able to go ahead with this type of transaction
(So presumably, the SFA would have to accept the transaction is legal, but breaks their rules or . . . ????)
I do find it hard to believe that the entire SFA board have suddenly and unanimously discovered some merit in sporting integrity….
I also find it hard to believe that Mike Ashley wants the existing incarnation of Rangers to survive. What he wants he already has in his pocket – the image and merchandising rights.
I suspect that the SFA “no” will suit Mike Ashley just fine. Did he really want to throw several unsecured millions of share capital into the RIFC financial black hole? Now he can liquidate whilst pointing the finger of blame at the SFA! Not allowed to put in equity, and no effective security available for further loans? Collect on his loan securities, and his IP contracts which have been carefully designed to survive liquidation…
And does it not seem likely that the Rangers establishment types have already changed course from sailing with the good ship Sevco to establishing a Third Rangers lifeboat fuelled by the limitless dignity of some “real Rangers men”? Hence yesterday’s unanimous “no”? After all, it was no less a “real Rangers man” than Donald Findley who publicly kicked off the current trend to disassociate Sevco and RIFC from the “true spirit of Rangersness” (okay, I paraphrase somewhat…)
After all, Sevco have Worthington’s claim hanging over their heads, and criminal investigations ongoing into their very founding. The immortal and eternal celestial entity that we know as Rangers now desperately needs a new body (with Scottish Premiership credentials appropriate to the dignity and history of the everlasting club) to replace the existing zombie one. If I were a fan of St Mirren I would be hoping for relegation to take them off the target list. And if I were a fan of Hamilton or Partick Thistle, I would be very wary of imminent possession…
Jimlarkin say
December 24 2014 @2.23 pm.
That’s the way I read it. Since NUFC, and TRFC are not in the same leagues, the decision today could be overturned on appeal.
Therefore, today, the SFA May have played a get into, and, get out jail card simultaneously.
They obviously (both parties) will have considered all the legal ramifications, before today.
If Ashley appeals and wins, the SFA can say ,”well we tried”.
Then again Ashley may not think it’s worth the bother, and take his money elsewhere.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 😀
Wow, just wow. Might have taken a very long time, but it would appear that, as a unit, the SFA have grown a pair.
I’m sure there’s more to this than meets the eye, but I never expected them to be so forthright in their response to someone as, financially, powerful as Mike Ashley. I’m sure there will be much to ponder, not least, did the FA perhaps make contact with Hampden over the matter? UEFA? Or someone from within the Rangers’ family, perhaps?
Regardless, cap doffed in the direction of Hampden Park, at least for now.
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.”
—————————————-
Auldheid says:
December 22, 2014 at 12:55 pm
“The way to do that will be for TRFC to sign up to domestic FFP and given statements at AGM and AIM I think Ashley will have no problem with that.”
—————————————
That’s a very elegant solution Auldheid.
It’s important to remember that the upcoming SFA hearing is about MA’s current holding and influence; NOT the proposed increase to 29.9%.
Given the strident nature of the SFA statement (the emphasis on unanimity, for example), I can’t see the Jan 27 event going well for Ashley either.
Is it possible Regan has simply had enough? He was new in the job 3 years ago and the only advice he got from those around him was that Rangers had to be saved and parachuted back in at the highest level lest the game (and indeed Scottish society) fall apart. He now knows that simply wasn’t and isn’t true.
Club Statement
WRITTEN BY RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB
Club Statement
THE Board of Rangers Football Club are very disappointed with the SFA’s decision and we will now consider all our options.
,,,,,,,,,,
TRFC have no options only RIFC
Most Likely
The Spivs will proceed to Liquidation
Why would they buy more shares in a rights issue simply to stand still?
Most likely they will instruct LLiambas to reject any more loans from Ashley This will precipitate a cash crisis,unlawful trading and an application for MVL
I bet this is the advice the SFA got from their lawyers
If the SFA have started to govern by the rules, and I reserve judgement on that, then I imagine PL has a lot to do with it. Not by being strident and defiant or demanding ,but simply by being there as an equal and a witness. As the presence of a single female is said to have a moderating influence on a group of males, maybe PL’s lack on clubability simply means that some solutions are never even brought to the table.
jimlarkin says:
December 24, 2014 at 2:23 pm
melbournedee says:
December 24, 2014 at 1:28 pm
………………
I believe the legal opinion was that it would be difficult to enforce that part of the rules….however there is more than one way to achieve your objective…
MA strikes me as the type of person who would do it…not because he needs to do it…but because the SFA said no and he ain’t having anyone tell him what he can and cannot do…and so he would simply do it for spite sake…
Scottish football has become a playground for him…unless all of Scottish football…clubs fans…media etc stand up to him…he will grow in confidence that he can do whatever the phek he likes to Scottish football..
I guarantee you this…this would not be tolerated in anyway shape or form by the English FA…and he would not be trying it on as he is now..
I wonder if the SoS revelations helped the SFA reach their decision today? Not necessarily change their minds, just make it easier due to the TRFC supporters’ anger building from the AGM and the weeks leading up to it. If there is any truth in the claim, and the SFA might well know the truth by now, the anger towards Ashley will be almost unanimous amongst the bears, and the SFA will be seen in no worse a light than they were at 12.55pm.
y4rmy says:
December 24, 2014 at 2:43 pm
==============
And 4 days before a semi final anaw?
GoosyGoosy says:
December 24, 2014 at 2:45 pm
or he could increase his shares by getting some friend who owns an offshore company to buy them for him.
y4rmy says:
December 24, 2014 at 2:43 pm
1 0 Rate This
It’s important to remember that the upcoming SFA hearing is about MA’s current holding and influence; NOT the proposed increase to 29.9%.
Given the strident nature of the SFA statement (the emphasis on unanimity, for example), I can’t see the Jan 27 event going well for Ashley either.
———————-
Indeed. And if Ashley can no longer extract boardroom influence in return for his loans what motivation does he have to continue making them?
The fat lady is warming up stage left…..
Allyjambo says:
December 24, 2014 at 2:56 pm
===================
As strange as it might seem….for the SFA to now be seen as a body who appear to be on the same page as the SoS then it is the ideal opportunity for the SFA to drift into the background for the angry brigade…whilst being able to make the correct decision….and thus any decision that gives MA cause to liquidate etc is solely seen as a MA decision without the SFA being seen as the ones who pushed them there!
Like many others I am glad to see the SFA finally growing a pair and fighting for Scottish Football. For TRangers fans it must really hurt but we have to get real protect our game from the potential actions of money men and dafties who have no real interest in the clubs they seek to own/control. The mess left at Dundee and Hearts are all the precedents we need as is the actions of Green and his cohorts of which Ashley was an early gang member.
With those two aforementioned clubs appearing to be back on the straight and narrow it would be madness to go down that road again.
No one club should be bigger than the game.
As has been pointed out by others, TRangers fans need to get back to the idea of watching and supporting a football team instead of pure glory hunting. Maybe then they could play a huge part in developing a club with new traditions and a solid base that, with the potential fan base, could flourish in the future.
Anyway as opposed to the goings on down Govan a real panto is calling me so I shall bid all fellow bampots a Merry Christmas and would like to pass on huge thanks to the folks at TSFM, organisers, contributors, moderators etc for all their efforts in keeping the site going over the past year.
And on that note I bid everyone who comes to this site who contribute…who administer the site…or who simply come to read and be informed…I wish you, your family and friends a very merry…peaceful and safe Christmas…
howiemac says:
December 24, 2014 at 2:26 pm
7 1 Rate This
…The immortal and eternal celestial entity that we know as Rangers now desperately needs a new body (with Scottish Premiership credentials appropriate to the dignity and history of the everlasting club) to replace the existing zombie one. If I were a fan of St Mirren I would be hoping for relegation to take them off the target list. And if I were a fan of Hamilton or Partick Thistle, I would be very wary of imminent possession…
———-
@Howiemac, there is an alternative to outright takeover and that is an amalgamation to create a single new entity club.
I’ve mentioned before that the two clubs who created FC Copenhagen merged their main resources into one new club in the 1990s. The two previous clubs still exist in the lower leagues and continue youth work, their history is intact and their proud history is listed on their respective websites.
Neither KB nor B1903 were ever going to compete with Brøndby, who were the big shakes in the late ’80s. So the cunning plan was put into action. KB played at the national stadium at the time and so Copenhagen FC began life there. The principle of two being better than one has worked pretty well for the new club and has 20-year history and loyal fans.
Would that work with Rangers support and say a St Mirren? Hard to say but it would bring something to the table for both sets of fans. And ‘Mirren Rangers’ or, even better, ‘St Rangers’ could surely be a fan-owned entity.
I couldn’t see die-hard types letting their baggage go but a younger generation, less bothered by dinosaur issues might just get on board.
It’s alternative thinking and has been shown to work, with the right people guiding the process.
“I’m very curious as to what contracts survive a liquidation event”
Sell assets, intellectual property etc before liquidation and they are not part of the company when the event occurs
Re SFA announcement – excuse my cynicism and obvious lack of detail.
Will it be another new club – enter Dave King/Blue Knights etc. etc. – everything back to Rangersness? All football fans just eventually accept this (despite the convictions etc.) as SFA did something it’s meant too?
How will the new, new Rangers argue it’s the same club? Will it employ the same argument as before? SFA can’t argue against that, can they?
Here’s my thought – I don’t really get MA being involved in a cluster—-. I’m unsure why he’s got involved to such an extent, when he didn’t know how the SFA would react.
Someone earlier said these meetings don’t occur without the detail having been addressed earlier. I agree completely. If the detail wasn’t previously addressed, then it’s a cluster—-, therefore I don’t believe MA would be involved to this extent. At this stage, I just don’t believe it.
I am however, prepared to believe. Consequently, I’m really quite intrigued – 😈 – as I await developments.
It really must be very painful for Rangers fans, and they have my sympathy. Yes they do. But please spare me the ‘establishment’, ‘traditions’ etc. talk – we all know what that meant in reality. And that, is now over. Welcome to the new Scotland – soon to be the new, new Scotland.
Is this SFA decision really all that significant. MA already has Sevco by the balls. He already has almost all of the revenue from shirt sales. His guy is the CEO and it seems as if he also has the Chairman in his pocket.
He has control over the assets from the loans he’s advanced so far.
Why does it matter whether MA has 9% of the shares or 29% of the shares? Either way, he’s calling the shots.
Opps!!
……… it’s meant to?
Cygnus X2 says:
December 24, 2014 at 3:36 pm
0 0 Rate This
Is this SFA decision really all that significant. MA already has Sevco by the balls. He already has almost all of the revenue from shirt sales. His guy is the CEO and it seems as if he also has the Chairman in his pocket.
He has control over the assets from the loans he’s advanced so far.
Why does it matter whether MA has 9% of the shares or 29% of the shares? Either way, he’s calling the shots.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Ashley is only calling the shots as long as the majority of the shareholder are prepared to be diluted
Thereafter they are better off with liquidation
and thats where we are at now
Not too sure what to think of the SFA’s apparent ‘tough stance’ wrt Ashley.
Why would the SFA suddenly change its behaviour now, when it has compliantly bent over at every opportunity for RFC/TRFC in the recent past ?
As many have mentioned already, I’m sure there’s a lot more behind the decision.
But presumably, chaps like MA/Llambias will have factored in this risk.
So will we either see a very rapid withdrawal of his support to TRFC – or if there is now silence from Ibrox would this indicate that MA is hanging around to keep TRFC ticking over ?
And as it’s Christmas: the RFC/TRFC twists & turns could be a great basis for a board game for someone to develop ?! 🙄
Danish Pastry says:
December 24, 2014 at 3:33 pm
@Howiemac, there is an alternative to outright takeover and that is an amalgamation to create a single new entity club.
—
An interesting option, though it may be a bit too alternative for the traditional types?
If I was a TRFC fan, I would be most worried at McDowall’s comments below.
Not exactly a rallying call to get the bears excited and to return to Ibrox…
“…McDowall’s first match in charge will come against Hibernian this Saturday but he knows defeat will all but kill-off their automatic promotion hopes.
However, he warned fans not to expect sweeping changes when he names his line-up for the Easter Road clash.
He said: “There’s not a whole load I can change because everything Ally was doing was with my backing.
“The players appreciate that they have got to do a bit better on the park in terms of consistency…”
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/rangers/u/mcdowall-talks-of-mccoists-farewell-speech-and-durrants-demotion.1419356618
Hamerdoon says:
December 24, 2014 at 3:36 pm
How will the new, new Rangers argue it’s the same club?
—
I assume they will adopt their traditional methods – blatantly lie about it, and threaten anyone who suggests otherwise… this has worked for them so far, after all 😕
Well it didn’t take long for the Old Pretender to make an appearance
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30598877?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Thank goodness its the holidays, or we would be back to statement o’clock
An early Christmas present from the SFA? Unbelievable!
Maybe we really are seeing changes after all …
http://www.onfieldsofgreen.com/an-early-christmas-from-the-sfa/
jimlarkin says:
December 24, 2014 at 2:23 pm
11 1 Rate This
==========================================================
The chap is a top (and I mean seriously at the pinnacle) of specialist sports lawyers in the UK.
I merely offered his expert musings.
I’m in the dark on this stuff.
However one thing that is very clear is that if he decides to go the legal route Big Mike has enough funds to pay for the best lawyers.
Torquemada says:
December 24, 2014 at 2:38 pm
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
………………………………………………………………….
I’m still waiting (yearning) for Dave King to “jet in”:
Hark! The Herald papers sing:
“Glory to the airborne King.”
Then it’ll be Christmas proper. But we are being spoiled, either way. These past few days have been unforgivably funny.
Pete Lambie says:
December 24, 2014 at 3:23 pm
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Pete, you are absolutely correct. The way to make a contract Liquidation-proof is to take a function of the business and create a separate company (outwith the current corporate structure) to perform that function. Rangers Retail are a perfect example.
Just a thought:
MA currently owns just under 10% of RIFC plc. With 81m shares in issue that gives him around 8m shares.
If MA was the only buyer, he could purchase no more than 22m new shares (or thereabouts) to keep under the magic 30% of shares in issue.
22m shares @ say 15p raises £3.3m in “new” money. We are told that they need £8m to get to the end of the season.
The SFA asked “Rangers” to show them the business case in support of MA’s application. I just don’t think there is one.
And lest we forget, should there be ‘an administration event’, MA has the right to buy the half of Rangers Retail that he does not already own, at a pre-determined price. RR have the licence to all the badges etc. Very nice
David Somers really isn’t having a very good week.
His performance at the AGM was by all accounts an absolute car crash….
…and although he was elected back onto the board percentage wise the vote was hardly a ringing endorsement..
…then there’s the leaked e-mail…
…and there was this wee gem shortly before the AGM…
“I have been very disappointed to realise that outside of Ibrox, there sadly still exists a great deal of anti-Rangers feeling, perhaps (although I hope not) even in the football establishment.”
Maybe this wasn’t the cleverest move when your clubs up in front of said establishment a few days later….
If MA decides to go the legal route then surely UEFA would come down hard on the SFA and force them to do likewise to TRFC, presumably by suspending them. I think he is more likely to wash his hands of the whole affair
scapaflow says:
December 24, 2014 at 4:12 pm
6 0 Rate This
Well it didn’t take long for the Old Pretender to make an appearance
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30598877?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Thank goodness its the holidays, or we would be back to statement o’clock
———————————————————————-
On cue. Boy am I cynical.
I’ve read several statements from King where he criticises people for potentially failing to meet company laws……………………..unbelievable, just unf—–gbelievable. What a hide; metres thick.
Does anyone know – is this a bun fight for control, or a pre-arranged WWF (or whatever the new name is) smokescreen of epic & scandalous proportions? Is the SFA paving the way for Third Rangers?
Help. Cynicism is killing my faculties.
As a frequent lurker, occasional financial contributor and ongoing student of law, finance and football as seen through the prism of TSFM and its community – whether here or on other blogs – I just want to wish you all a very happy and relaxing Christmas and a very fair and sporting 2015. Thank you for allowing me to keep the faith in sporting integrity – and for reminding me that fans of all the other clubs share the same hopes and fears as I do. For that continual reality check, I am very grateful.
THC
scottc says:
December 24, 2014 at 5:06 pm
If MA decides to go the legal route then surely UEFA would come down hard on the SFA
=========================
The international football authorities (and I think FIFA rather than UEFA) tend to look unkindly on political interference…I can’t think of them attempting to interfere in countries judicial processes…am happy to be corrected on this ❓
OMG
. . . “David Murray’s successful tenure. . .”
http://therangersreport.com/2014/12/24/its-time-to-follow-follow/
HirsutePursuit says:
December 24, 2014 at 5:00 pm
2 0 Rate This
Just a thought:
MA currently owns just under 10% of RIFC plc. With 81m shares in issue that gives him around 8m shares.
If MA was the only buyer, he could purchase no more than 22m new shares (or thereabouts) to keep under the magic 30% of shares in issue.
22m shares @ say 15p raises £3.3m in “new” money. We are told that they need £8m to get to the end of the season.
The SFA asked “Rangers” to show them the business case in support of MA’s application. I just don’t think there is one.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Agreed
Whether its an increasing % of the shares or an increasing % of the debt, every time Ashley puts money int oRIFC he gets a bigger piece of the assets in liquidation and the Spivs get a smaller piece
Which is why an early liquidation seems the least worse option for the Spivs