Good Evening,
Whilst it is understandable that the continuing events at Ibrox remain a hot topic among all Scottish Football Fans — especially given the views of some sections of the press on such events– the never ending rush down the marble staircase is certainly not the only show in town.
The other morning we were treated to the “scoop” that Alistair Johnstone is afraid that Craig Whyte– the once proclaimed Multi Billionaire from Motherwell- may well still be pulling all the strings at Ibrox! This is a fear which is shared by those who walk the corridors of Hampden Park as they, too, are terrified of the prospect of Whyte returning in some shape or form and coming back to haunt them, especially as he has been deemed unfit and proper, banned sine die, and generally ridiculed for his past actions.
However, the Hampden jackets know fine well that their realm only stretches so far and that if by means of the proper application of company law, contract or some other piece of paper Whyte controls the shareholding of the self proclaimed “parent company” to the football club then they are in a fix. In fact, I will wager that they just would not know how to deal with such a situation as after all RIFC PLC neither holds a licence to play football nor is a member of the SFA and so, on the face of it, who owns it has nothing to do with them.
At this juncture, no one in authority knows who Blue Pitch Holdings are and, strangely, no one in authority knows who Margarita Holdings are either! Yet these two “holdings” whoever they may be, may well hold all the power down Govan way…… with the SFA completely powerless to find out who they are let alone get into any dialogue with them. All the SFA can do is talk to the appointed Directors and officers of The Rangers Football Club Ltd.
This, is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs.
Meanwhile, they will have no difficulty in finding out who the new shareholders of Dunfermline Athletic are. Those shareholders will come from the fanbase and will be clearly registered at Companies House, with the result that ultimately those fans/shareholders will appoint Directors who will then attend meetings and speak and opine on their behalf and in essence be the ” Voice of Dunfermline” at Hampden.
Perhaps, similar will follow from Heart of Midlothian?
However, those at Hampden — if they have any sense at all– will be most wary of events happening in the east end of Glasgow come November.
In the middle of the month, Celtic PLC will hold its AGM and amidst the items on the agenda is the fan driven notion that the Club— through its Directors—- should go further in holding the SFA to account and enquire into the granting of club licences, and in particular how it granted Rangers a club licence that allowed entry to the Champions League in 2011 when the small tax case was outstanding.
The Celtic board have deemed this motion as “Unnecessary” and in support of that contention have released documentation showing that they raised this very issue with the SFA on behalf of the shareholders and fans. Further– and here is the rub— The Directors reveal that they were not satisfied with the SFA response and have disclosed that they took the matter further and wrote to UEFA.
Ultimately, UEFA also provided a reply, which backed the SFA approach and which Celtic had little option but to accept in the absence of admissible contradicting evidence..
It is on this basis, that Peter Lawell and Co say the AGM motion is not necessary. Note that saying that the motion is not necessary, is not at all the same thing as saying that what the motion seeks to achieve is not necessary or does not have the support of the board!
There will be those at Hampden who severely hope that the Celtic Board are successful in voting this measure down as obviously they deem their original reply sufficient and would like to end the discussion there.
However, my own view, is that whether the motion is successful or not, there are those within the SFA who will recognise there is trouble staring them in the face here. Real Trouble!
Let’s recap for a moment and draw some threads together.
Celtic’s past Chairman, Dr John Reid, said only a couple of years ago that the SFA was clearly not fit for purpose. He did so in the context of events surrounding Neil Lennon and other matters, but was unshakably robust in his condemnation of an institutionalised uselessness which he saw pervaded the Hampden ranks.
Prior to that, Henry McLeish produced a report which stated that he too had concerns about the Governance of Scottish Football and called for openness and transparency.
In the intervening period, we have seen Mr David Longmuir, former Chief Executive of the Scottish Football League, find himelf without a position following reconstruction– and this partly as a result of club chairmen being apparently kept in the dark about his payment, bonuses and expenes. I understand that there was considerable anger from some at the way in which they had been treated by Mr Longmuir.
Then there is Mr Campbell Ogilvie, El Presidente, who himself benefited from a Rangers EBT and who held sway at Ibrox during a period of time when Rangers– by their own admission— made unlawful and illegal payments to three high profile players in breach of tax laws and SFA/SPL rules. It is these breaches and the consequent Wee Tax Bill which has caused all the angst among Celtic fans and has lead to the highly regulated legal step of tabling a motion at the club’s AGM.
Basically, the position seems to be, that as at the due date when the appropriate documents and declarations were made for a Euro Licence by Rangers for 2011, the wee tax bill was outstanding and due. If it was overdue, then the SFA could not and should not have granted them a licence……. and potentially Celtic should then have been put forward as Scotland’s representatives in the Champion’s League.
However, that did not happen, and Ranger’s were granted a licence– something that the Celtic Directors clearly felt was not correct.
They may have disagreed with the awarding of the licence because there were those at Rangers at the time who declared that a payment to account had been made to the tax office– allegedly £500,000– and that they had entered into an agreement to make payment of the balance by instalments. Had that been so, then all would have been hunky dory and no more would have been said.
Alas, however, no such payment appears to have been made at all, and no such agreement was entered into and so, on that basis, the tax bill was overdue and outstanding as at 30th June in terms of Article 66 and as such no Euro Licence should have been granted.
However, the argument does not end there.
Auldheid, has posted frequently on these pages about the ins and outs of the licensing provisions and the mechanism and so I will leave that detail to him as he is far more expert in these areas than me.
Now, one of the SFA functions is to have an auditor– someone who can check books, contracts, paper work and so on, and it is part of the SFA licensing function to be satisfied that all the paperwork is of course correct and in proper fashion before they issue any licence.
In this case, it is alleged that the SFA did not perform their function properly.
In relation to the wee tax case, it is said that either they did not make sufficient enquiry of Rangers re the payment to account or the agreement which they were told was in place. At the time it was mooted in the press that no such agreement was in place as at the relevant date ( June 30th ) and a simple check with the revenue would have shown the truth of the matter.
Yet, for whatever reason, no such check appears to have been made, and if you recall a Radio Scotland interview with Alistair Johnstone, Rangers submitted the forms, the SFA replied with one or two enquiries about the BIG tax case which were answered, and thereafter the Licence appears to have simply dropped through the letter box without further ado.
You will also recall that the existence of the wee tax case became known BEFORE Craig Whyte bought David Murray’s shareholding in May 2011. In fact it was the subject of News Paper headlines weeks before the deal was completed, and so the fact that there was a wee tax bill was well and truly in the public domain.
When it came to filling in the appropriate forms,either, the SFA were mislead by those then at Rangers with regard to that tax bill, OR, they simply failed to do the requisite checks and make reasonable enquiries before they issued the licence.
However, the uncomfortable fact also remains, that one of the chaps who must have been in the know re the admittedly unlawful and offending side letters, contracts and payments to the three players concerned was Campbell Ogilivie who was on the Rangers Board at the relevant time when the contracts and irregular payments were made under the Discount Options Scheme from 1999 to 2002/3. Indeed he may even have initiated the first payment to Craig Moore in 1999. I reiterate that no one has ever contested that this was an unlawful scheme, and the irregular payments and paperwork are not denied in relation to that scheme.
There are Celtic shareholders who believe, rightly or wrongly, that when it came to the granting of the Euro Licence, the SFA did not play them fair on this occasion and that the wheels within Hampden were oiled in such a way that Rangers were favoured and Celtic were disadvantaged. It is a point that looks to have already been considered by the Celtic Directors in 2011, with the result that they concluded that they should formally write to the SFA and seek clarification.
However, we now have the prospect of those same directors having to go back to Hampden and say ” Sorry, but I am forced to bring this up by my shareholders. I have a legal duty to them to enquire further”. Even if the motion is refused, the point has been made– there are shareholders who are demanding answers– just as shareholders of other clubs demand answers about the ever so secret 5 way agreement and other matters which have hitherto been not for public consumption.
The SFA have nothing to fear of course as they can simply repeat their previous answers,demonstrate that all was above board, and rest easy in their beds.
Except that answer did not satisfy the Celtic Directors on a previous occasion as they decided to take the matter to UEFA, and it would appear that some Celtic shareholders remain dissatisfied with the known stance of the SFA and so they want the Directors of the club to delve further. Without wishing to point out the obvious, if it turns out that the 2011 Licensing process was somehow fudged and not conducted rigorously or that those at Hampden were in any way economical with the truth or omitted certain details from the previous explanation, or covered up a failure in procedures—- well such omissions have a habit of becoming public these days whether that be through the internet or otherwise.
The point here is that the actions of Hampden officials are coming under organised, legal and planned corporate scrutiny over which they have no control. The Blazer and club mentality that was once so widespread within the governing bodies is under increasing attack and is being rendered a thing of the past.
In short, the move by Celtic shareholders, is making it plain that they will demand proper corporate governance from their club in ensuring that any alleged failure in corporate governance by the SFA or SPFL is properly investigated and reported on.
Of course, if it turns out that the 2011 Licensing process was somehow fudged and not conducted properly for whatever reason, then it could be argued that Celtic were disadvantaged in monetary terms along with other clubs who may have been awarded Europa League licences, then the consequences could be cataclysmic. Hence a tendency to circle the wagons rather than admit to failures in the process that need addressing.
It is this reluctance to come out and accept that the licensing process appears to have failed, say at what point the process failed and what needs to be done to address those failures that in many ways has driven the resolution. It is clear to all that something is amiss but the SFA will not admit it, probably from fear of the consequences of doing so? Perhaps some form of indemnity, a lessons learned enquiry with no prejudice might help?
It would come as no surprise to me at all if there were those at Hampden who live in dreaded fear of admitting that their processes were flawed and that a grave mistake was made. Under these circumstances, there may well be those at Hampden who simply wish that Celtic and their fans would just go away!
re Rafat Rizvi and his connection to Brian Stockbridge
Stockbridge was the director of finance at Allenby capital from January 2010 to January 2012. A period of 2 years and one month , as confirmed on Stockbridges own Linked in page
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/brian-stockbridge/22/b79/b39?_mSplash=1
Guess who was an Allenby Capital client. From the City Spy column
* City Spy hears Rizvi continued attending official Tembusu meetings through last year even after his resignation, sometimes turning up instead of Zhang Yun. Tembusu’s new broker, Allenby Capital, says its extensive due diligence shows Rizvi now has no connection or influence on the business. His wife used to run Tembusu anyway, Allenby points out, so she was the natural replacement despite the legal travails of her husband. Tembusu’s previous broker, Religare, was less convinced, City Spy’s mole at the London Stock Exchange whispers. Religare dropped the account like a hot potato and notified the LSE of its concerns as soon as Rizvi was convicted, particularly worried that neither he nor his wife had seen fit to notify Religare when the courts in Jakarta found him guilty in December.”
Full report from Evening Standard.
http://www.standard.co.uk/business/markets/city-spy-law-may-be-closing-in-on-runaway-rizvi-6400392.html
Now factor in a direct quote from Rangers, in a column by Keith Jackson on leaked tapes showing Rizvi had invested with Charles green
Stockbridge has declined to make any on-the-record comments about the recordings and the issues they raise. Rangers insist Stockbridge met Whyte only on one
occasion and that there are no links between the pair.
An Ibrox spokesman said last night: “An independent forensic inquiry has been conducted inside Ibrox and the club and management have been cleared to carry on with their business.”
The spokesman added: “Brian Stockbridge has not had and does not have connections to Rafat Rizvi.”
The entire article is linked here.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-takeover-tapes-reveal-secret-1997376
Hopefully Keith Jackson and others follow through on the information I have provided and question Stockbridge. The harsh reality is that it is highly likely a convicted fraudster on Interpols most wanted list owns or owned a controlling interest in Rangers. It is equally very possible that Rangers issued a false and misleading statement over connection between this criminal and the only executive director at Ibrox currently.
Rangers have mislead the public , investors and the tax and football authorities since the late 90’s . Credit has to be given to those , including Jackson who are calling out the guilty. However Jackson cannot be selective about those guilty and unfit individuals. He needs to be as robust on Murray and King as he has been on Whyte, Green, Ahmad, & Rizvi
http://sport.stv.tv/football/international/245873-scottish-fa-face-fifa-sanctions-for-croatia-fans-setting-off-flares/
FIFA – never mind the corruption (no brown envelopes here, move along), let’s tackle the most important issues relating to football/soccer – the flares !!
Re Keef Jackshun’s exclusive:
Firstly can’t resist a snidey dig at this paragraph – after all its a snidey dig at all of us.
“….This is a club which currently employs more spin doctors than it does directors, a business which is engulfed in a cloud of its own toxicity. A company which attempts to confuse its own customers with an unrelenting barrage of spin and counter-spin.”
All mutually exclusive though, eh Keith 😉
I thought this part was both a worthy comment in its own right though, and deserving of some comment here too.
“…It would do Rangers a world of good if one day the whole truth emerges from this distasteful debacle, no matter how unpleasant or even inconvenient that truth might be…”
It’s the inclusion of the word “whole” that caught my eye. Not the Jack Irvine truth. Not the Richard Wilson truth but actually the Whole truth that’s called for. Also, that the effect of the “whole truth(sic)” emerging would be distasteful, unpleasant or even, big man forbid, ………inconvenient!!! Not damaging (to Sevco) or scandalous (to sevco) or even mutually destructive, but inconvenient no less. 😈
Kind of in the same way that it was inconvenient that I attended football grounds all over Scotland for 10 years when the game was formally rigged. That kind of inconvenient do you mean?
Still, gift horses and all that…
Greenock Jack says: (110)
October 28, 2013 at 10:56 am
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That’s a bit surprising and I wonder just where the editorial of the DR sit right now – But keep on chasing Keith and while your at it, phone up minty and ask him what he knew of Craig Whyte and his dad prior to him giving Craigie those deeds and the thing that upset poor bomber so much that he literally ran away from Charlie’s office and almost tripped down that marble staircase in his haste to phone auld hairy chops Findlay. The QC (who has seemingly lost more cases than won) presumably advised bomber to shut his mouth and likewise did the same himself.
That has to be a better place to start, Keith and much easier and surely more productive probably than cold-calling crooks who are highly profiled on Interpol’s most wanted list.
Or even better, cold call Campbell Ogilvie and ask him why Minty gave him 95 grand.
Funny how the seemingly easiest and most apparent things are completely blanked. I don’t know if Keith Jackson has woke up recently and suddenly realised what a reporter actually is (maybe he had a dream where he and Keevins were in the shoes of Woodward and Bernstein) I doubt it myself…but you never know…but back in reality, it’s probably a question of just how far will a PR battle be taken.
Next move Jack I suppose…well, it is always sort of funny seeing the dirty laundry of the fallen-out being aired and now auld pee-stained Leggat has had to call the polis. Dear dear…would be enough to drive anyone to…ahem…drink
The real issue is just how crucial is Campbell Ogilvie to the feasibility of Sevco/TRFC and how important has Campbell’s actions been throughout the shameful disaster of the dead club. That would be the 95k question Keith.
p.s. TSFM, apologies for the overly gratuitous descriptions of Chick Young that had a previous post sent to internet hades.
Maybe we should ask Chic’s opinion on Rafat Rizvi. I am sure that he is a decent bloke and a very nice man. Chic can also ask Rafat if he has a brown pair of brogues.
Maybe these offences against Rafat are minor ones that have been settled. I am sure that the establishment club want people of the highest calibre only in the running of their club, history shows us that.
Of course there are no available halls … It’s installation season !!!
Not “Coronation of King” season !!!
There’re two apparently forgotten people I hope will see justice when Scottish football is put to rights as it needs to be. Both were of the officiating class. Neither was exactly saintly. Both showed a degree of courage, for which they paid the price.
First up, Steven Craven, assistant referee who blew the whistle on the Dougiegate lies. Having eventually come clean, this young man was removed from the A list, or whatever it’s called, of match officials. He must love the game, for he started officiating in Sunday league football, no picnic for any official. This came to the attention of the pleasant people at Hampden, headed by the “very nice” C. Ogilvie. These likeable people kangaroo tried him, found him guilty and banned him for life from all football pitches in Scotland, and therefore the FIFA world. Take that!
Then there’s referee Charlie Richmond, who was told he did not fit in. He was then given the equivalent of a zero hours’ contract, forcing his resignation. He seems to me to be a decent enough, personable chap, maybe more so than many of his confreres at the refereeing table. Nobody has been told how he did not fit in. It’s certain he did not conform to the networking standards set by the Hampden powers. Was his handshake too strong? Did he lack an apron? Did he fail the seven points of contact? Who knows? Charlie is not saying. The controllers stay quiet of course.
These are just two more wrongs which need to be righted if our game is ever to gain any level of justice and fair competition.
willmacufree says: (217)
October 28, 2013 at 1:35 pm
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And where was the support from fellow referees, I seem to recall them all going on strike in support of something else around that time…’Dallas, we have a problem’…
Richard Wilson’s description of King’s £43m tax dodge as ’41 minor breeches of the Income Tax Act’ tends to make super-journo Chick Young’s £95K ‘price of a good night out’ description seem quite reasonable 😆
Is it sheer stupidity, or are these journalists so blinded by their ‘Rangersness’, that they just can’t see how unbelievably dumb they all look? Tom English doesn’t have to try too hard to be considered the best sports writer in Scotland with his belated attempt at ‘proper journalism’. All he has to do is avoid crass stupidity and he’ll succeed at a canter.
Even if we accept that Scotland’s sports hacks have been put under so much pressure by their editors that their integrity (I know, I know) can’t withstand, surely they can make a better effort at avoiding quotes that make their succulent lamb odyssey so blatantly obvious, and that they are stupid to boot!
BigGav says: (57)
October 28, 2013 at 10:52 am
The whitewashing continues.
This from Richard Wilson in today’s Herald:
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/king-confident-of-meeting-sfa-criteria-as-rangers-discussions-continue.22543835
At the end of his long-running dispute with the South African Revenue Services, all fraud charges against King were dropped, and he admitted to 41 minor breaches of the Income Tax Act.
Forty-one ‘minor breaches’ for which he was sentenced to a total of 82 years imprisonment, escaping jail only by paying a large fine.
Hang your head in shame, Wilson.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Good God almighty………after all that has been aired in public that this guy can write that and get it past an editor beggars belief……..speechless……
Re Jabba – Director of Comms is a vanity title and he was never a company director
hampdenhorrorshow says: (22)
October 28, 2013 at 1:46 pm
willmacufree says: (217)
October 28, 2013 at 1:35 pm
—————————————————————————————————-
And where was the support from fellow referees, I seem to recall them all going on strike in support of something else around that time…’Dallas, we have a problem’…
———————-
You’re right. They were with almost total support from SMSM throwing a tantrum because the truth was being told about their quality of performance.
Greenock Jack at 11:28am
NickMcG
Perhaps the article brings up new pointed and direct questions.
Jackson went on to write: “Could it be that Brian Stockbridge, for example, is to be found standing behind Margarita’s door?
_______________________
Is it news in your wee world that Brian Stockbridge is connected to Rafat Rizvi?
Barcabhoy (above) is bringing attention to his role at Allenby Capital on behalf of Rizvi’s firms. Those links were also established 15-16 months ago.
Jackson knew all that but chose not to publicise it because Rizvi’s frontman, Charles Green, was ruling the Ibrox roost at that time.
Now Paul Murray & Co have given Keef permission to act like a journalist.
It’s all quite comical, really.
Does Keith Jackson expect us to believe he was able to reach one of Interpol’s Ten Most Wanted on the phone? Seriously?
I suspect he has caught a dose of something from Dave King. Glib and shameless lying would appear to be contagious.
Torquemada says: (29)
October 28, 2013 at 3:08 pm
That was my first thought too, Torquemada. So Rafat has been on Interpol’s wanted list for how many years, yet Keef ‘Poirot’ Jackson can find him by phone whenever he fancies a chat?! I know they all think we’re stupid, but seriously?
Torquemada says: (29)
October 28, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Does Keith Jackson expect us to believe he was able to reach one of Interpol’s Ten Most Wanted on the phone? Seriously?
I suspect he has caught a dose of something from Dave King. Glib and shameless lying would appear to be contagious.
==============
Absolutely, T.
When I first read the article my immediate reaction was: it’s encouraging that Jackson is doing some digging now and at least trying to ask questions.
…but then I read it again and gave myself a slap…of course it’s a load of b*llox. 🙂
Jackson could have basically written anything about his imaginary ‘conversation’ with Rizvi – because the most-wanted chap is hardly likely to make a formal complaint to the DR or PCC [?] and provide his own contact details ?
Pretty desperate stuff from the ‘Scottish Sports News Journalist of the Year’, 2 years running…
… and yet the Government are satisfied that he is living in London (Park Lane or Mayfair, no doubt). He may be on Interpol’s list but they can’t arrest anyone and as far as I am aware, we still don’t have an extradition treaty with Indonesia, so RR is pretty safe where he is. Just because he is on Interpol’s list does not mean they are actively looking for him. I’m sure they know exactly where he is. They just can’t do anything about it.
“Two wealthy backers of Paul Murray,” have apparently said they will pay for the hire of a hall to facilitate a quick AGM for RIFC. Not Paul Murray himself as he is not a wealthy man. If he is such a great businessman/banker/finance expert, why is he not a wealthy man?
nawlite @ 3.17pm
Keef ‘Poirot’ Jackson 😆 that made me giggle, thank you 😆
I had to refresh my knowledge of Rizvi’s crimes.
This is from the Jakarta Post, in August:
“…….
Rizvi, a 52-year-old British national was sentenced in absentia to 15 years by the Central Jakarta District Court in 2010 for numerous counts of bank fraud that led to financial difficulties prior to the Bank Century bailout scandal.
Rizvi, the former owner of Bank Century, along with convicted Saudi Arabian national Hesham al Warraq, fled overseas in April last year and stashed their stolen money in Hong Kong and Europe, according to the National Police.
In total, the pair embezzled around Rp 12 trillion of bank assets, according to the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) in November 2009. Bank Century, now renamed Bank Mutiara, received a state bailout worth Rp 6.7 trillion after it’s near-collapse in 2008.
Amir denied there were talks between the two governments about a swap following British media reports. ..”
The ‘swap’ in question was for Jakarta to release a condemned-to-death- for- smuggling- drugs British woman in return for the UK delivering Rizvi.
But the laws in neither country apparently cannot allow such a swap.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/08/31/govt-will-not-swap-sandiford-with-rizvi.html
Excuse my ignorance, but is it possible to do an FoI on meetings politicians have with outside people? I was just wondering if the meeting between the First Minister and Craig Whyte/Ali Russell at Bute House on the 15th December 2011 has a minute taken of it? or is it all private?
could someone clever about these things ask?????
Maybe the MBB will have taped it!
BDO Survey – The Annual Survey of Football Finance Directors 2013
http://www.bdo.co.uk/sectors/leisure-and-hospitality/sports-and-fitness-clubs/the-annual-survey-of-football-finance-directors-2013
Where to start………………….?
Blimey 😉
Madbhoy24941 says: (298)
October 28, 2013 at 9:45 am
17 0 Rate This
Joburgbhoy says: (10)
October 28, 2013 at 8:33 am
Tartanwulver says: (454)
October 28, 2013 at 7:56 am
All I want for christmas is Jeff Randall to interview Dave King
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I’d rather he were interviewed by Marty Hopkirk.
A wee plug for Jim Craig’ s History blog. Great piece about the Wembley Wizards – and another about a pre John Thomson on-field death.
http://cairney2.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/part-10-the-wembley-wizards/
twopanda says: (439)
October 28, 2013 at 5:40 pm
‘….Where to start………………….?’
——
Right here:
” It is also interesting to see that the revenues of the SPL (now Scottish Premiership) clubs have not been adversely affected when compared with the other leagues surveyed. Tellingly, SPL2012/13 was the first season without Rangers.”
Craig White, Paul Murray, Dave King etc…are they fit and proper?
We may be getting confused of how we interpret this term. We would imagine it would mean something along the lines of all above board and nothing shady in their background.
Where as Sevco and the shameful SFA may understand this term to be along the lines of do these brogues fit and are you a proper Rangers man. The SMSM may think this term means can you fit into an orange top and are you a proper billionaire?
So whose term is more valid?, or does it not matter a jot to Campbell Ogilvie as he definitely fits into Govan brogues and is properly looking after the Ibrox club..
BroguesRoguesAndILikeThePogues says: (71)
October 28, 2013 at 5:50 pm
at 7:56 am
All I want for christmas is Jeff Randall to interview Dave King
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I’d rather he were interviewed by Marty Hopkirk.
================================================================================
…both “Deceased”…?…giving our great ages away there BRILTP….!
Everyone left?
Particularly exciting Corrie or what?
🙂
Big Pink says: (120)
October 28, 2013 at 8:47 pm
Was thinking the same. Anyway, how are you?
It’s the calm before the storm….. 😀
twopanda says: (439)
October 28, 2013 at 5:40 pm
16 0 Rate This
BDO Survey – The Annual Survey of Football Finance Directors 2013
http://www.bdo.co.uk/sectors/leisure-and-hospitality/sports-and-fitness-clubs/the-annual-survey-of-football-finance-directors-2013
Where to start………………….?
Blimey
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
21. hmrc has major ongoing projects challenging complex salary structures including certain image rights payments and employee beneft trusts. This could lead to a potentially large Paye bill for affected clubs. which of following statements best refects your view?
% all leagues ePl flc fl1 fl2 sPl
Not concerned, the tax position on payments to our players is robust and very defensible – SPL = 80%
Somewhat concerned that a sizeable challenge could create a problem – SPL = 20%
Very concerned that a sizeable challenge would create a problem – SPL = 0%
“It is no great surprise that nearly a quarter of all clubs are expressing concern about a possible challenge from HMRC into complex pay structures. The pressure on remuneration planning has increased as a result of legislative changes, policy and the increased media attention. If the appeal in the case of Murray Group Holdings v HMRC (involving Rangers FC) fnds in favour of the tax man then we can only expect heightened activity by HMRC into arrangements by other clubs. Apart from salary structures,
payments made to agents are also under HMRC’s spotlight”
jean7brodie says: (325)
October 28, 2013 at 8:58 pm (Edit)
Big Pink says: (120)
October 28, 2013 at 8:47 pm
Was thinking the same. Anyway, how are you?
____________________________________________
I’m very well thank you Jean. Yourself?
Hi Big Pink
I’m fine too, just a bit lonely tonight. Looks like we’re getting some company though so all is well 😉
jean7brodie says: (326)
October 28, 2013 at 9:13 pm
0 0 Rate This
Hi Big Pink
I’m fine too, just a bit lonely tonight. Looks like we’re getting some company though so all is well
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Evening Jeanie. BP.
Big Pink says: (120)
October 28, 2013 at 8:47 pm
%%%%%%%%
David’s been kicked out ‘Ouse cos he tried to whack Nick for cheating on him wi’ ‘is girlfriend and ee got paternity test done. Chesney’s mate’s shafted him about stock from stall cos it turns out he didn’t have lock-up insured. Sally’s been made a mug out of by her new man cos ees just a using get. Sally’s daughter, Sophie, has been given the heave-ho by her partner. Steve’s mum, Liz, who runs the Rovers, turns out to have a harder face than a nun’s knee. Rita’s got a throp on with ‘er man because he tried to ponce her engagement ring with that scheming cow Tracy Barlow. Tina’s only gone and lobbed a brick through Tracy’s shop window and she’s let David move into her gaff, Tommy, her boyfriend has done one when he found out. Anna’s got herself into a battle of wits with Sally over Faye’s affections. Grace, Faye’s friend, is exploiting the situation for her own ends. Owen, the builder, has spotted that Grace is at it, but Anna won’t be told. Hayley, who used to be a man, is facing up to the fact that she’s dying but Roy, her husband can’t cope with her wish for a living will. Fizz, who used to be married to a serial killer, is in the process of convincing Roy that Hayley should have her way. Tyrone, the gormless car mechanic, who’s also going with Fizz, is blissfully unaware of all this. Audrey, David’s granny has told Nick that his wife, Leanne, doesn’t want to know him and that Leanne has left with Simon-Peter Barlow’s son from another woman- and won’t be coming back. Peter Barlow’s introduced an ’employee of the month’ award in the knicker factory, Beth has decided to go for it but she’s asked her niece, Sinead, to help her out. Sinead has designed a new apron for Cheney, he’s now the manager of Dev’s kebab shop.
And yet the Sevco side show’s more complicated!!!!
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this post call Howard J Blowmey.
I”ve just had a read at Tom English’s Twitter timeline and he is taking pelters from the alleged intelligentsia among the Rangers support. His ‘crime’ has been to speak the truth about Dave King. He is handing them their dinner on a plate but there is something not right about a group who cheered Craig Whyte in the front door, and applauded Charles Green from the rooftops, taking exception to a convicted tax evader being described as such.
According to those who want to usher King through the door unchallenged Rangers are the grandest of the grand, the noblest of the noble. They take honesty and dignity to previously unknown levels. Yet they are willing to lift their skirt to every con-man, shyster, spiv and convicted criminal who comes along. You have to wonder what type of person they actually would consider to be unsuitable.
You really couldn’t make it up.
Thanks Davey.
I was sitting looking at a blank TSFM screen (apart from the loyal BP) and all that happened on Corrie!!!
Anyway I was dismayed earlier on reading the comments of Keith Jackson and Richard Wilson.
(Sorry I said I had a laugh about it. I meant about their stupidity)
BroguesRoguesAndILikeThePogues says: (71)
October 28, 2013 at 5:50 pm
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All I want for Christmas is Jeff Randall to interview Dave King
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All I want for Christmas is to have the South African NPA interview Dave King regarding potential insider trading – see http://www.iol.co.za/business/opinion/king-still-on-the-hook-for-insider-trading-1.1575272#.Um7UTPm-3LQ
We are at present witnessing one of the most unscrupulous, lie-ridden, dishonest, inaccurate outbursts of reporting (and that’s saying something) in a desperate show of support for a Dave King-led rescue for the tribute act, currently holed below the water line and sinking beneath the combined weight of Ally McCoist, his wallet, his lunch and his ego.
As well as the usual suspects such as DJ and Kenny MacIntyre, we now have “Accurate” Al Lamont and “that’s a bit Rich” Wilson writing in ever strident tones about the South African millionaire, whose wealth has been admittedly off the radar – at least the South African Revenue Service radar for some considerable time.
“Minor breaches” was how Wilson described King’s 41 admissions of guilt on serious charges of tax fraud for which he was sentenced to 82 years (even Carlos the Jackal only got 35).
Meanwhile Accurate Al was busy talking about an out of court (=in court) settlement (=guilty verdict carrying a sentence of 82 years), again on minor charges.(=serious tax avoidance).
The laughable thing in all of this nonsense is that Easdales won’t be letting the King anywhere near the boardroom anytime soon. They even humiliated him by making him go to the bus garage at Inchinnan for the first of his “important meetings” where presumably he sat in the waiting room until called into the presence of the two Proxy Bears
And even if he were given the keys, it’s doubtful he has the means or inclination to invest into the tribute act. In terms of means, there is no sign that he has anything other than fairly il-liquid assets. Also both the South African and UK Revenue would be looking closely at any investment to ascertain its provenance, and whether it originated from a source which has been declared to any legitimate Revenue authority.
No, as RIFC lurches from crisis to crisis, unable to even arrange a simple shareholders’ meeting for fear of blood (or is it just red wine?) on the carpet, Scotland’s leading journalists focus on a new war chest from an old source.
You couldn’t make it up but seemingly they do. One of these days no-one will actually buy the Herald, and the editor will be left wondering why as the doors are shut for the final time.
davythelotion says: (181)
October 28, 2013 at 9:22 pm
‘…David’s been kicked out…’
—-
Thought for a minute it was Mr King as was was kicked out…..
But I followed that storyline a whole lot easier than I can follow the real life story at Ibrox!
slimshady61 says: (280)
October 28, 2013 at 9:38 pm
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Good post ss, with a nice piece of contextualisation : “even Carlos the Jackal only got 35” !
Having been dragged up in Inchinnan myself, I am just gobsmacked that the Easdales / King meeting was at the bus depot. That is seriously taking the p*ss… 🙄
slimshady61 says: (280)
October 28, 2013 at 9:38 pm
0 0 Rate This
BroguesRoguesAndILikeThePogues says: (71)
October 28, 2013 at 5:50 pm
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Why anyone buys ‘The Herald’ is mystery that’s up there with Peter Andre’s popularity or George Osbourne’s economic credibility. Richard Wilson is regurgitating the Media House pap that he’s been fed. It’s been many years since The Herald could be considered a serious newspaper. The reinvention of DK as a repentant scamp, who’s real offence was getting caught, is utterly unbelievable. Murray Park is now Auchenhowie, nobody in the press has challenged this Newspeak.
Lord Wobbly says: (943)
October 28, 2013 at 9:19 pm
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Evening, my Lord. And Jean7. And BP. And everyone else, for that matter.
I wasn’t watching ‘Corrie’ : it’s never been the same since Ena popped her clogs!
StevieBC says: (856)
October 28, 2013 at 9:51 pm
At the risk of repeating myself, they allegedly got on like a bus on fire!!
Read an interesting (historical) passage today by Russell Baker (American writer, satirist). It was concerned with the reaction of the press when faced with a story that’s more challenging than normal or may have extremely polarised views. They have a tendancy to ‘fudge’! Would you believe it?!! Obviously it was discussing American political journalism, but the final sentence I found to be particularly pertinent:
“In brief, society is teeming with people who would become furious if told what the score is.”
And therein lies the problem. Obviously the furious blue are more worrisome than the furious bampots.
Scottish football needs a hard-man journo.
paulsatim says: (594)
October 28, 2013 at 9:59 pm
StevieBC says: (856)
October 28, 2013 at 9:51 pm
At the risk of repeating myself, they allegedly got on like a bus on fire!!
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Yes, I did laugh the first time… 😉
Seems like the Easdales ‘have King’s number’…and I don’t mean the no.34 to Castlemilk.
Torquemada says: (29)
October 28, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Does Keith Jackson expect us to believe he was able to reach one of Interpol’s Ten Most Wanted on the phone? Seriously?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Agreed
Apart from the gullible many……
Nobody believes anything this guy says
So the focus is elsewhere
Like
If you were after the job as replacement for Jabba
Would help your case to be slinging mud at Stockbridge in the run up the AGM?
Lest it be thought we are just hitting journalists over the head for the sake of it, we should acknowledge that the challenges facing the press have never been greater.
Journalists are given little leeway and even less expenses. They are not encouraged to go out and look for stories, they are actively discouraged from doing so.
In the old days, Alex Cameron or Ian Archer would leave the Record/Herald building and go over to Ibrox to get a story from Jock Wallace. He would then head across the city to Celtic Park to see Jock Stein.
Stein would ask what the news from Ibrox was and usually reply “that’s a good story, but I’ve got an even better one….” and so on as the one-time rivals tried to out do each other in the PR stakes, with not a PR guru in sight.
And so it went on – the journalists competed amongst themselves for genuine “exclusives”, papers sold in their hundreds of thousands, Glasgow supported two evening papers, even on a Saturday when the late goals were posted in the “extras column” even as the matches were still being played.
Today journalists are encouraged to get a story without leaving his or her desk; scan the web, call a couple of mates/PR gurus – generally the mindset is to look for things handed to you on a platter, even when it is palpable nonsense.
No one is encouraged to incur expense and even if they do, they are certainly not encouraged to claim it back from their employer.
On the Sports desks around the country, people are genuinely afraid of losing their jobs and also genuinely afraid of offending “the love that dare not speak its name. ”
And so we get cheap, sycophantic copy, bereft of investigation or challenge. The general sentiment is no doubt that only by getting a team called Rangers into the SPFL are they going to do anything to safeguard their employment.
That of course flies in the face of the BDO football report widely quoted here and elsewhere today which suggests that far from Armageddon, Scottish football whilst not exactly sticking its feet up in the garden of Eden is nonetheless evidencing something of a renaissance, despite (because of?) the corpse rotting in the copse.
Some try -Stephen McGowan in the Mail makes a fist of it, Glen Gibbons can still use his grey cells to produce stimulating copy, as for the rest, I’d rather listen to paint dry.
That said it is important we still bring them to account for their laziness, their inaccuracies, their dissembling, their economies with the truth, their blatant partiality – whenever and whenever we come across.
Scottish football nearly died because of the lack of truth out there – some small sense of truthfulness has returned but it would be all too easy to let our collective guards down and allow the nonsense to prevail.
Above all, Rangers are dead – remember that so that some good may come of it.
Sorry if OT….
Some time back, the BBC invited a Rangers fans’ spokesman onto the evening football discussion show.
My memory tells me he declined to appear as he would be joined by a Celtic fan, I can’t remember either of their names.
I was wondering if the Celtic fan was ever invited back on – can anyone with a superior memory to mine please help fill in the blanks?
Broadswordcallingdannybhoy
It wasn’t a Celtic fan. It was Paul McConville (an Albion Rovers man) and Chris Graham (an educated and articulate Rangers fan) – sorry – no ironic smiley 🙂
Graham bottled it because – well just because – no need to spell it out.
slimshady61 says: (281)
October 28, 2013 at 11:16 pm
%%%%%%
Sports scribblers are not alone in this predicament. How often have you heard on radio a newsreader go to an outside correspondent only to hear the same story with no new additional info? How much foreign/overseas news is reported on either BBC or ITV? Both organisations usually regurgitate news from other state owned broadcasters.
News budgets in print and broadcast media have shrunken dramatically, journalists are no longer time served professionals. Usually they are a relative of someone more senior.
Naturally people are migrating away from traditional sources and are increasingly looking to online sources for information and facts. Governments and Murdochs are falling behind the pace and struggling to control information. Bampots, like Shakespeare’s fools, are speaking the truth.
I spent my entire working life of 45 years working in the MSM, seven national newspapers in four countries. I’m a life member of the NUJ. I can honestly say that while the newspapers for which I worked would occasionally spin a story by changing the emphasis to suit the political stance of the publisher, I never, ever was told to write a lie or to allow a blatant untruth to pass through the editing process. Lies are unnecessary when clever wordplay can lessen the sting of unpleasant or unwelcome facts.
What is happening with the Sevco story is all but unparalleled in my experience. George Bush and Karl Rove would blanch at what is occuring. Downright lies are knowingly passed off as fact; proven criminal tax evasion is blithely ignored or downplayed; tax avoidance on an industrial scale is presented as legitimate because it hasn’t (yet) been deemed illegal; company law is rewritten to claim that liquidation is not the end but a necessary step in the regeneration process; criminal charges and felony convictions are treated as misdemeanours; a succession of spivs and criminals are hagiographed as captains of commerce and admirals of industry; and the fantasies of practised liars posing as public relations experts are taken as gospel by semi-literate inadequates who make me embarrassed for a profession to which I was once proud to belong.
If it wasn’t so depressing it would be hysterically funny. But I won’t be depressed for long and you may rest assured that we will have the last laugh.
I note on the Bears Den site that ‘Boardroom and Financials’ discussion, since yesterday, has been moved to a separate thread which seems to prevent access to non-members.
Generally welcomed by users as it appears to give most of them a ‘sair heid’, though don’t think that was the reason for doing so – keeping ‘timmy’ from prying more like. 😥
Torquemada says: (30)
October 29, 2013 at 12:15 am
2 0 Rate This
Excellent, and well written copy, if I may say so.
On that point and I hope not off topic, may I ask why there are no apparent developments regarding extending the reach of this blog?
Most of us here are aware of the reach of new media and the possibilities for widening debate.
I think it is perhaps time to look at this?
@Torquemada
“What is happening with the Sevco story is all but unparalleled in my experience.”
It really is remarkable, it can’t even be characterized as ‘spin’.
This is lying on an Orwellian scale, especially since the liquidation happened to Rangers (1872-2012).
Chapeau
The BDO report was posted on TSFM around 4 months ago IIRC… I think I did a post on it.
Aside from the fact that Scotland is fairing better without RFC (shock horror), the bit I found most interesting was Q21 about tax positions. Only 58% of the English PL sides were confident that their tax position regarding player payments were correct.
Which makes me wonder, how much of the LNS decision was made with pressure from the English FA? If half the league is suddenly hit with massive PAYE bills and duel contract issues, wouldn’t it be convenient to point to a decision north of the border that says “nothing to see here, move along please”, rather than strip titles from the Man U’s/Chelsea’s etc of this world?
(I have no idea what the EPL rules state with player registrations so this may be wide of the mark, but I have long suspected since the RTC days that the big fish as far as HMRC is concerned are south of the border.)
stevensanph says: (186)
October 29, 2013 at 2:49 am
“… point to a decision north of the border…”
______________________________
Don’t think that would ever hold water, let alone be attempted with fiercely independent judiciaries. Couple that to the sneering disregard a lot of, not all mind, southerners regard the Scottish game and I can’t imagine they would be overly enamoured at taking their medicine as shown by the Scots.
Torquemada says: (30)
October 29, 2013 at 12:15 am
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It says much that this new media forum has been able to attract a man of your background. Your knowledge will be very valuable to the ongoing debates.
Regards the demands from the rebels to get the AGM held ASAP .
I read that one of the excuses for not holding one was ,that the club could not afford to hire a venue and were holding off for a slot in the Ibrokes schedule .
Should this not have alarm bells ringing over all the ludges in the land and why is no bears groups asking how could this be a problem when only last week BS/DK assured everyone that there is not urgent need for fresh investment .
Also the MSM resorting to calling Murky park Auchinhowie all of a sudden ,gives me hope that the authorities may actually be about to serve Dave some bitter medicine
v
andy g says: (6)
October 29, 2013 at 12:25 am
I note on the Bears Den site that ‘Boardroom and Financials’ discussion, since yesterday, has been moved to a separate thread which seems to prevent access to non-members.
Generally welcomed by users as it appears to give most of them a ‘sair heid’, though don’t think that was the reason for doing so – keeping ‘timmy’ from prying more like. 😥
====================
For once “move along,nothing to see here” is probably the truth.
upthehoops says: (591)
October 28, 2013 at 9:29 pm
You have to wonder what type of person they actually would consider to be unsuitable.
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UTH, the sad fact is, I think most of us already know what they consider an unsuitable person. Even in the 21st century!
davythelotion says: (183)
October 28, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Why anyone buys ‘The Herald’ is mystery that’s up there with Peter Andre’s popularity or George Osbourne’s economic credibility. Richard Wilson is regurgitating the Media House pap that he’s been fed. It’s been many years since The Herald could be considered a serious newspaper.
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I don’t know Richard Wilson personally but I believe he would be an excellent Journalist if he moved down south as a football and possibly athletics writer, as I understand he is also a keen athlete. While he remains here he appears to be nothing more than a Rangers fan with a laptop desperate to believe the next good news story that comes along.
upthehoops says: (592)
October 29, 2013 at 7:10 am
0 0 Rate This
££££££
The sad fact is that if he were a genuine fan, then surely he would feel compelled to get at the truth rather than pass off titbits from Jack ‘n’ Jabba as serious reportage.
Big Pink says: (122)
October 29, 2013 at 12:00 am
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I had some e-mail correspondence with the BBC about that particular issue. My question was why there was a need for balance on that particular show when Gordon Smith had been on a programme that very morning giving an extremely one-side view of the Rangers situation with nobody to counter that view. I got an answer from them but it in no way covered my question.
Not enough money to rent a big room 1000 pounds. One million left by the end of the season. Both statements cannot be true. I reckon the truth lies between both, The AGM will beheld late December in the midst of the Christmas shopping and hope to sneak under the media radar. I reckon they will be bankrupt before Christmas,, they are losing 1,000,000 a month.
Good to see the Scotsman regurgitating the “billionaire” & “tycoon” adjectives – there really is no better way to describe Dave King
Every incarnation of Rangers should have one
Tic 6709 says: (510)
October 29, 2013 at 6:52 am
3 0 Rate This
v
andy g says: (6)
October 29, 2013 at 12:25 am
I note on the Bears Den site that ‘Boardroom and Financials’ discussion, since yesterday, has been moved to a separate thread which seems to prevent access to non-members.
Generally welcomed by users as it appears to give most of them a ‘sair heid’, though don’t think that was the reason for doing so – keeping ‘timmy’ from prying more like.
====================
For once “move along,nothing to see here” is probably the truth
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Yet another attempt by Jack to stifle debate on the board. Watch for a screwing down of ‘board stories’. Due to the cancellation of the Pars game sevco now have four consecutive home times in November. Obviously the plan is to gather in as much ‘pay at gate’ cash as possible, rely on Ally to continue the winning run, get to the ‘sell-by’ date and bury the AGM under the Christmas tree.
The Sons of Struth will fade into the background and it will be ‘get behind the team’ from the MSM.
Four months ago they had £11m (but no access to £1m of that). Since then they have had two months with no football at a cost of £2.5m per month and precious little other income. They have or have recently had to pay their most recent VAT bill plus unplanned legal costs. It is my firm belief that they will be sitting with something of the order of £3m just now (if that). The question is, do they force the administration event before the transfer window or sell during the window in an effort to reach the end of the season?
The current two directors should (if they have the best interests of the shareholders in mind) be securing that £16m (more now?) debt from TRFC to RIFC before any AGM, if it is not already secured.
Fergusslayedtheblues @6:35am.
Which begs the question ….What happened to the Fighting Fund? Or is that a stupid question?
I noticed they are also starting to complain about the quality of the merchandise. Badges peeling off after a couple of washes and excessive wear etc. That won’t augur well for future sales
Some of have access to the new forum on bears den 😳
They are cock a hoop with King getting clearance from the LSE to join T’Rangers
scottc says: (342)
October 29, 2013 at 8:03 am
*********
Is the punishment for administration? Is it still a points deduction or is it relegation?
Living in denial
1 John MacMillan, former general secretary of the Rangers Supporters Association, said of the picture: “I am quite sure it was not meant to be a Nazi salute.
2 At the end of his long-running dispute with the South African Revenue Services, all fraud charges against King were dropped, and he admitted to 41 minor breaches of the Income Tax Act
3 Lloyds must understand that Rangers fans will quickly withdraw business if there is any risk whatsoever of the Club’s current situation being worsened by their actions.
Andy Kerr, President, Rangers Supporters Assembly & Rangers Worldwide Alliance
Stephen Smith, Chairman, Rangers Supporters Trust
4 Rangers: English fans are to blame
Rangers last night sought to blame English football casuals for the ugly scenes of violence that marred the UEFA Cup final.
Headlines in many newspapers after Manchester
5 “As the SPL struggles with reduced TV money, a debt free Rangers could go to the third division with a galvanised support behind them. They would be free to do some TV deal and may earn more money than most teams in the SPL on a reduced SKY deal. There is then the possibility of Rangers returning to the SPL as the most financially viable club with some SPL teams struggling and possibly looking at or being in administration”
The Rangers Standard forecast the future under Charles Green
6 Green is at pains to point out that no money will be taken from the share issue to fund this project. He stated that, working with Imran Ahmad, he had previously raised billions for investments so I would guess that is where the money would come from but they would be operating the scheme to create revenue streams for Rangers. Sitting listening to Green and Ahmad is quite hypnotic. The plans are spoken about with such enthusiasm and gusto that you find yourself being swept along.
The Rangers Standard forecast the future under Charles Green part 2
There are so many examples of this living in denial , this post could turn into War & Peace. This permanent state of mind is an open goal for the type of ownership Rangers , in all its forms, have had for the last 25 years. This isnt an accident or a co-incidence, and there is no sign of it coming to an end any time soon
Torquemada says: (30)
October 29, 2013 at 12:15 am
Excellent post from someone with MSM experience your contribtion is most welcome. Why was this story in your opinion reported in this way on such a large scale by several papers? Who could make such a decision and under whose orders.
It says much about The Rangers fans unwillingness to look at the facts around Dave King and see only Rangers-ness that prove they are once again entirely able to put their heads in the sand. It doesn’t require ‘Timmy’ or anyone else pointing out his sheer lack of ‘suitability’ – the facts speak for themselves.
Despite the irrefutable nature of his recent conviction on serious tax evasion, and that he could pay to acquire his ‘get out of jail’ card, Rangers fans, and indeed swathes of the Scottish media, adorn him the man to lead the new club to the promised land. It really does make you wonder who would be unsuitable. The club already have one convicted tax cheat on their books, what’s the problem with another one? The SFA have the chance, again, to grow a pair and give Mr King short shrift. It truly makes The Rangers a laughing stock, if any further help was needed, to welcome the services of a man who could be resting his bones for the next 80 or so years at the pleasure of the South African government. So all these upstanding TRFC fans who huff and puff regarding the incumbent spivs and their ill-begotten means and say Struth would be birling in his grave – pause for thought. You had a chance as a new club to get things right, to make a new start, to change things for the better, to set the club higher standards that brought the old club to its end. Instead you welcome with open arms, a man so closely associated with its demise. I guess there is no replacing Rangers-ness with a level of – dare I say it – integrity, honesty and fair play. Nah, Rangers-ness wins every time, thats too bad. Or as they say in a French chateau or in the Monaco principality – ‘Tant Pis !’