Harper Macleod and LNS

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A guest blog by Auldheid

In the previous blog (http://www.tsfm.scot/how-not-to-govern-scottish-football/), TSFM wrote to Harper Macleod raising questions on their advice supplied to the then SPL Board in February 2013 when the Lord Nimmo Smith Decision re use of EBTs and side letters was announced.

A reply was received from Mr McKenzie on 18th September the gist of which can be discerned in the following reply sent on 4th October.

Dear Mr McKenzie                                                                                                    4th Oct 2014

Thank you for your response of 18th September to my letter of 5th September regarding the consequences of information on the true nature of EBTs for Craig Moore, Ronald De Boer and Tor Andre Flo being withheld from your good selves when establishing in 2012 the Lord Nimmo Smith Commission into the use of EBTs and side letters by Rangers FC from 1999.

In recognition of the points you made about publishing your responses on line, your letter of 18th September will not be published although readers of TSFM will be able to gather from this reply which is being published what those points were.

Anonymity.
It is a matter of real regret that not only was anonymity required, but that Harper MacLeod were used as a conduit to try and elicit a reply from the SPFL or SFA. In terms of anonymity there were three factors at play:

  1. Security. The individuals asking the questions are aware that any raised concerning Rangers can attract threats from the worst of the Rangers support. We know that they are a minority but nevertheless, as we have recently witnessed, some are ready to turn threat into action. It is a condemnation of Scottish society that fear has played its part in preventing the truth being revealed about Rangers FC’s use of EBTs since 1999.

    2.  

  2. Collective. The Scottish Football Monitor is made up of supporters of many clubs in Scottish football and is in effect a collective. The letters reflect to a large extent the thinking and feelings of the majority of readers. If a name is required for any future correspondence from the SPFL or SFA, then it can be addressed to Mr John Macnab, and a Post Box address can be supplied if necessary in addition to this e mail address press@tsfm.scot.

    3.  

  3. Accountability. The final factor is the most important because it is why Harper Macleod were approached. It was not just because you were responsible for commissioning the Lord Nimmo Smith enquiry, but because there is absolutely no form of direct accountability by either the SPFL or the SFA to the supporters of Scottish football clubs. Correspondence can be ignored or the content not fully addressed and the customer who pays the wages of both organisations has no means of redress at all. Had there been some oversight in say an Ombudsman type role, it would not have been necessary to involve Harper MacLeod and indeed your good self. We sincerely apologise for doing so along with our thanks for actually responding to our correspondence, but we would like the reasons for our approach being addressed by the clubs who make up both footballing authorities. We hope you pass this particular point on to both SFA and SPFL.

 

Provenance.
You ask what the provenance is of the information/evidencethat you were given. The answer is we do not know, it was taken from material uploaded mainly in June last year for purposes unknown. Whilst its provenance may be in doubt there is no question as to the veracity of the content of the material itself.

This, when put together, sets out the narrative that prompted our correspondence. This question of provenance simply looks like an excuse for football authority not investigating what the material suggests took place when Duff and Phelps were asked to supply all documents relating to EBTs (no distinction being made) from the inception of the SPL.

Even if the material itself could not be used directly, it should have prompted questions that would have either corrected the narrative or established that the Lord Nimmo Smith Commission was indeed misled either by accident or design, when those documents were not supplied.

The SPFL must surely have the powers to seek the original documents from BDO and the SFA cannot be totally impotent in that regard either.

Then there is the personal knowledge of current SFA President Campbell Ogilvie to draw on. A simple statement explaining why he saw no reason to make any distinction between the irregular DOS REBTs that he launched in 1999 and the later MGMRT EBTs of which he was a beneficiary would surely help clear the air?

Existence of Side Letters.
We note that the Commission were aware of the existence of side letters to Moore, De Boer and Flo at the time of its decision of 28th February 2013 and these were taken into account when determining the appropriate sanction. The existence of side letters is not the issue that was raised in our previous correspondence, it was the nature of the EBTs that was the issue raised. In fact it would seem that the Commission themselves were confused by the switching from the irregular REBT ebts in 2002/03 to the MGMRT EBTs that are subject to further appeal with regard to regularity by HMRC.

The side letters to De Boer and Flo of 30th August and 23 November 2000 related to the DOS REBTs that they were both paid under. It is not known if they had subsequent side letters relating to the MGMRT EBTs , which is possible, but as set out in previous correspondence there were two distinctive types of EBTs and the side letters supplied relate to the earlier irregular type.

The position regarding the Moore EBT is interesting in that whatever EBT side letter was known to the Commission in February 2012 it could only have related to payments made to him under an accompanying side letter from the MGMRT ebts after 2002/03.

That Mr Moore was paid under the REBT scheme in 1999 is a matter of supplied evidence. However there is no record of any side letter in relation to the payment under the 1999 arrangement, which may or may not have been reported in the contract lodged with the SPL and SFA. It was the absence of any side letter in respect of this payment that prevented HMRC pursuing the tax due on it as they did for De Boer and Flo in what has become known as “the wee tax case. “ The evidence of deliberate concealment by the Murray Group of the side letters to De Boer and Flo allowed HMRC to seek repayment outside the normal 6 year time limit.

However the absence of a side letter or tax demand for Mr Moore does not mean this particular payment is not deserving of further scrutiny since

  1. It was an irregular payment that other clubs could not avail themselves of (as applies to the other two EBTs to De Boer and Flo)

    2.  

  2. It is not known if it was reported to the SPL/SFA under the registration rules of that period.

Finally thank you for forwarding our letter of 5th September and previous correspondence to the SFA Compliance Officer. Hopefully any further correspondence will be between him and ourselves, first to our email address, later to a PO Box if required.

It is the hope of all readers of The Scottish Football Monitor that the SFA will stop hiding behind the provenance excuse, which is destroying any semblance of integrity and proper governance of Scottish football and they will use their powers to properly acquire the information that will set the record straight and in doing so start to restore some of the lost trust which is essential for the wellbeing of Scottish football.

John Macnab

TSFM

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About Trisidium

Trisidium is a Dunblane businessman with a keen interest in Scottish Football. He is a Celtic fan, although the demands of modern-day parenting have seen him less at games and more as a taxi service for his kids.

3,442 thoughts on “Harper Macleod and LNS”


  1. Surprised to see that TRFC actually got a mention on the ‘UK front page’ of the Sky News site.
    “Rangers CEO quits as Ashley agrees bailout”

    Maybe one ‘unintended’ benefit of Ashley’s involvement with TRFC is that more English based, non-lamb munching, sports journalists will take an interest in the TRFC – and maybe even the SFA – shenanigans ?

    http://news.sky.com/story/1360948/rangers-ceo-quits-as-ashley-agrees-bailout


  2. well the Radio 2 (on at work 😯 ) news just quoted Glasgow Rangers as having been demoted to the lowest tier in 2012


  3. Re sun sourced speculation on Scott Gardiner. It might of course make sense to appoint him CEO of TRFC essentially with the instruction “get the footballing ship back in safe regulatory waters with accurate forecasts of how much its going to take to get to wherever we tell you we want you to be.”

    Meanwhile Ashley’s team now boarding the good ship RIFC can get on with the big boy job of creaming, and creaming, and creaming some more.

    Just on Ally I noted Eco’s comment earlier about (apologies if I paraphrase I hate quoting on smart phones) “Ally being proud of the rangers he envisages in the rightful place that he envisages them” or more eloquent words to that effect. Whilst that’s correct, in terms of simple ability, on the basis the Smithian HBoS blunderbus isn’t going to be available to achieve it this time, Ally simply won’t have the footballing ability to get them there. Political? Hell yeah, with spades on. But coaching wise, I just can’t see it.

    That Greek beach is going to be awfae crowded. But oh, the tips!!!


  5. I was just wondering since the Ashley move seems to be all over the National News what journos and ordinary punters down south make of the ‘Rangers Saved with £2 million injection’ which is further billed as giving or increasing Ashley’s control.

    English Premiership and Championship clubs probably spend £2 million per annum for training day coffees at their local Nando or equivalent. So if Rangers can be saved for petty cash then it really has become a real minnow in footballing terms but that seems to have escaped our SMSM journos.


  6. ecobhoy says:
    October 27, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    According to the Chronicle piece Ashley now owns the Albion & Edmiston, which he describes as a massive car park just off the M8, (hadn’t thought about a privately owned park & ride :mrgreen: ) as well as a big office building, (which is probably cheaper to demolish and rebuild), and all the retail outlets. All for a measly £2 million. sub-text These jocks are really thick, unfortunately this particular sub-text has evidence to back it up :mrgreen:


  7. I tend to try and not become involved in the new club/old club debate. But I just watched Easdale being interviewed on BBC TV lunchtime news against a huge offishal Rangers billboard exhorting Bears to become ‘founder members’ of their club.

    It might be just me and the way my mind works but if it’s the same club as it’s always been how can you become a ‘founder member’. Indeed all the original founder members are long gone as is their club.

    Nothing makes much sense in this saga I’m afraid although it would be nice hearing the ASA response to a complaint of misleading advertising 😆


  8. ecobhoy says:
    October 27, 2014 at 1:51 pm

    Myths, are to be enjoyed, if you start de-constructing them, the magic evapourates


  9. scapaflow says:
    October 27, 2014 at 1:49 pm
    1 0 Rate Up

    ecobhoy says:
    October 27, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    According to the Chronicle piece Ashley now owns the Albion & Edmiston, which he describes as a massive car park just off the M8, (hadn’t thought about a privately owned park & ride :mrgreen: ) as well as a big office building, (which is probably cheaper to demolish and rebuild), and all the retail outlets. All for a measly £2 million. sub-text These jocks are really thick, unfortunately this particular sub-text has evidence to back it up :mrgreen:

    =============================

    I find the way the news coverage have reported events in contrast to the official statements quite fascinating.

    On the one hand, the official sources claim MASH have about 9% shareholding and have now provided a £2m pound loan, secured on certain assets. MASH have then used their influence as both shareholders (“only” 9% remember) and major lenders in this time of crisis to remove 2 directors and gain a significant concession in being able to pick 2 new board members.

    However, in various sources I’ve seen claims he has won control of the club, as if he has full control and is the new owner of RFC. Now suggestions he owns some of the assets we are led to believe are being used as security.

    So which is it? Is he in full control or not? Does he somehow own other shares? Does he own other assets? Or is he still “just” a significant shareholder with increasing influence due to the recent loan deals….


  10. Matty Roth says:
    October 27, 2014 at 1:58 pm

    maybe its just a case of a number of necessary legal fictions, to cover the reality on the ground. There are, I have no doubt, a lot of exaggerations in the media pieces, but I suspect they convey the reality on the ground quite well.


  11. scapaflow says:
    October 27, 2014 at 1:49 pm
    =============================================
    The Albion carpark has spaces for 1200 cars apparently. While checking the size I came across the undernoted info which is interesting albeit historical.

    http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/ibrox-car-park-deal-may-cause-unrest-1.680052

    Ibrox car park deal may cause unrest

    WILLIAM TINNING
    Thursday 18 May 1995

    RANGERS Football Club have called an extraordinary general meeting to seek shareholders’ approval for the long-term lease of the club’s Albion car park which is owned by a subsidiary of chairman David Murray’s property group.

    In a complicated deal, Manchester-based NWS Property Investments Ltd will pay one of Mr Murray’s companies, PPG (Leisure) Ltd (PPGL), #3.9m for a 125-year lease of the former training ground.

    NWSPI will then sub-lease the car park back to Rangers, charging #250,000 a year for the first five years, #330,000 from years six to 10, increasing by 4% a year until a 34-year term is complete.

    Thereafter, Rangers will pay a ”peppercorn rent” of #3930 a year until the 125-year lease is complete and the control of the car park reverts to PPGL.

    NWSPI is a subsidiary of the Bank of Scotland, which is also a major backer of Mr Murray’s privately owned group of companies, Murray International Holdings, involved in metal, property, and leisure.

    A financial expert predicted last night that it is possible the latest proposal would create some unrest among shareholders, anxious that ”a shuffling of assets” was being arranged to accommodate the chairman’s business interests outside the club. This would mirror the response of several shareholders who were angered when Rangers sold the ground in April, 1990.

    However, the club claims the move is the only way to guarantee the future operation of its #22m club deck stand, building permission for which was given by Glasgow District Council only on condition that a minimum amount of car parking space was made available at the former Albion training ground.

    Mr Murray caused some raised eyebrows in September, 1989, when he formed MBS — a joint venture company — with the Bank of Scotland.

    Although the bank had only a 20% stake in the venture, it initially advanced #30m in a revolving loan facility; #10m of that was used to acquire five sites, including Rangers’ Albion training ground and another area of South Gyle in Edinburgh.

    An extraordinary general meeting will be held in Govan Town Hall on May 30 to consider the proposal.

    The Albion car park has space for 1200 cars — almost half of which are taken up by corporate box holders and their guests and the holders of the most expensive season tickets. The other spaces are sold to the public on a first-come, first-served basis on match days.

    Mr Douglas Odam, Rangers’ financial controller, said the price of car parking — normally #2 per car — would be reviewed only as part of the club’s overall operation of the stadium.

    Because of the potential conflict of interest between Mr Murray’s property group and Rangers Football Club, Mr Murray will not take part in the vote.


  12. ecobhoy says:
    October 27, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Thanks Eco, I quite often have to go to Glasgow, and had never thought about the Albion as a potential parking solution. It would actually be quite convenient


  13. Martin says:
    October 27, 2014 at 10:31 am

    Chris McLaughlin ‏@BBCchrismclaug 9m9 minutes ago
    Sandy Easdale says no plans to change manager also says Mike Ashley should bring stability to #Rangers. Doesn’t know about long term plans.

    ………..
    “No Plans”

    If that actually means anything

    ( BTW, Nice Lamb)


  15. I’ve Been Told the Moon is Made of Swiss Cheese

    Ally’s been told his job is safe. To me that would be about as reassuring as a public vote of confidence from the Chairman – who may also be looking for alternative employment – hopefully at a better hourly rate.

    Ally’s ricocheting between “I know nothing” and “I’m in with the in crowd, and I know what the in crowd now” has brought many a smile to my face throughout this entire panto.

    McCoist: I’ve been told my job is safe

    http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/mccoist-ive-been-told-my-job-is-safe.1414418900


  16. easyJambo says:
    October 27, 2014 at 10:01 am

    @AndyDev28: Hearts CEO Scot Gardiner, a former Ibrox employee, being heavily touted as next Rangers chief executive.
    ====================================

    So Scot Gardiner may soon become the most dignified, honourable and honest man in Scottish Football, to be addressed only as Mr Gardiner. That IS the way it works, isn’t it?


  17. scapaflow says:
    October 27, 2014 at 2:19 pm
    ecobhoy says:
    October 27, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Thanks Eco, I quite often have to go to Glasgow, and had never thought about the Albion as a potential parking solution. It would actually be quite convenient
    =======================================================
    I could be wrong but I think it’s only open on match days and no longer a £2 charge but something like £7.

    Following link quite good for parking spots in Glasgow:

    http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/glasgow/


  18. McCoist put a brave face on it as he spoke to the media on Monday, adding that he was hopeful Ashley’s latest move would give the crisis-hit club some much-needed stability.

    “I’m obviously saddened by the departure of Graham,” said McCoist. “On behalf of the staff and the players I would like to thank him very much for his input. Graham was great to work with and was 100% committed to taking the club forward. The news of Mike’s involvement is good news. Of course it is good news. I’ve said all along the club needs investment, so we’ve got it.

    “I spoke to the chairman David Somers on Monday morning for about 15 or 20 minutes and I spoke to Sandy Easdale on the phone as well. A lot of it will remain private but what I would say is that both board members are very, very pleased and comfortable with the situation at the moment.

    “The chairman gave me an indication of why they have decided to accept the investment from Mike. They are happy with that and I have to respect that. I don’t expect to speak to Mike but I would speak to any shareholder or any board member for the benefit of the football club. Change is always a concern but I have been told that this change is moving the club forward, which is absolutely fantastic.”


  19. Llambias it is.

    Just read that he is also director of the Keith Bishop PR company used (currently?)by TRFC.

    Small world. Another 120-day review?


  20. As ever, I’m getting confused about what is really going on down Govan way. 😯

    But I suppose – on the face of it – at least TRFC does have a genuinely, seriously wealthy individual involved. The big unknown of course is whether Ashley is interested in spending any of that wealth on ‘returning Rangers to where they belong’, which won’t come cheap. [Especially as Rangers is dead. 😕 ]

    Got absolutely no idea what is going to happen next.

    The unpredictability does keep this never ending saga interesting though.


  21. All the time he was at Newcastle he was “Lam-bee-ass” – I nearly choked on my pork pie when Brian McLauchlin read it out as “Lamb bias”.

    Wonder how long before Dennis Wise is appointed as Director of Football at Ibrox?


  22. Gym Trainer says:
    October 27, 2014 at 3:17 pm
    …
    Wonder how long before Dennis Wise is appointed as Director of Football at Ibrox?
    ===================================
    And Joe Kinnear as manager ?!

    The football might not improve, but the press conferences would be hilarious…


  24. Lot of SMSM distraction
    The `loan` reputedly gets them to end of December co-incidentally last date for Accounts.
    It`ll either be a `going concern`for the next 6 months – or it will not
    mtp


  25. Surely the £2M is just to get accounts signed off and get to the AGM?

    Then we might see what direction is next.

    twopanda – you got in first!


  26. desf says: October 27, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    Surely the £2M is just to get accounts signed off and get to the AGM?
    ========================
    £2M won’t get the accounts signed off. Deloittes will need evidence of funding for 12 months beyond the sign off date, i.e. to Nov/Dec 2015.


  27. desf says:
    October 27, 2014 at 3:34 pm
    Surely the £2M is just to get accounts signed off and get to the AGM?
    ====================================================================
    The accounts “going concern” statement covers the 12 month following the period the accounts cover. I think Dave’s £12mil offer (non-offer) was closer to the amount needed for that statement to be a neutral – or at least non-damning. I expect Mike will need to extend his credit facility to a similar amount before the accounts are signed-off – once his men are in place and have absorbed the full enormity of the story the detailed books tell. The depth of the mire will be directly proportional to what he asks for in return for his largess. Oh dear.


  28. In the retail trade (with the exception of Gerald Ratner)
    is there not a belief that, ”all PR is good PR’

    and for a little (in M.A terms) outlay of a few million £

    he get as much PR as possible as the Lamb Munchers fight to get the 1st Scraps and hope to get invited to the Banquet.


  29. desf says:
    October 27, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    Surely the £2M is just to get accounts signed off and get to the AGM?

    Then we might see what direction is next.
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    I would be very surprised if Deloittes give an unqualified thumbs up to the accounts on the basis of a £2m loan repayable in 6 months. It doesn`t add up
    So either some other deal involving a cash injection is in the offing or this £2m is simply to fund an Administration


  30. Gym Trainer says:
    October 27, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    I nearly choked on my pork pie when Brian McLauchlin read it out as “Lamb bias”.
    ======================================================
    Gym – I sprayed my succulent lamb lunch with fine wine when I read that 🙂


  31. I’m showing my ignorance here, I suppose, but I’m assuming that both the RIFC plc board and the TRFC [irritatingly referred to as RFCL in the deal)have full executive powers to appoint board members, without reference to shareholders ( except that a subsequent AGM has to ratify them).
    I wonder if any reference was made to LP or Artemis or the Miton group, and if not, it would be interesting to hear their views, they between among themselves ( when I last looked) having about 30% of the shares.
    If I were a journalist I think I would ask for a comment.If I were a shareholder in any of them, I definitely would ask for a comment!


  32. A £2m loan pays the bills at Ibrox for a month, barely- so Ashley is really screwing them over. He has his directors in for peanuts, and once the month is up, he will kindly offer further funds for further consideration. And so on, and so on, until every asset is either transferred over to Sports Direct, or mortgaged to them.

    Many people (peepil?) believe that Ashley suddenly wants nothing more than to hear Zadok the Priest from the Blue Room. Personally, I think he just wants to make sure his investment produces a great return. And he has achieved that already. He will only put money in if he’s guaranteed to get more back out in short order. There is more chance of me catching Rangeritis than Mike Ashley. And that’s no chance whatsoever.


  33. mcfc,

    yes, but once his men are ‘under the hood’ I’d be surprised if the reaction then was to say “OK chaps take the car/club out the back and scrap it.” You would have thought that was a decision more easily made previously just by tyre kicking (or more specifically, 20mins reading this blog!). I just don’t see the benefit of admin, and what of course will be sole responsibility for said admin a la Whyte the charlatan as opposed to that nice Mr Murray, to any long term Sports Direct emblazoned plan.


  34. ecobhoy says:
    October 27, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    Ta very much 🙂


  35. Smugas says:
    October 27, 2014 at 4:02 pm

    ==================================
    Agree – can’t see admin as Ashley’s style – although am expecting wieither split of TRFC from RIFC or TRFC/RIFC being taken private. Haven’t thought throguh the scenarious yet


  36. It seems that just because Ashley has money the MSM and loads of other have suddenly reached the conclusion the good ship T’Rangers has been saved.

    The current loan deal is no different from the Laxey/Letham/Easdale one that got them to the end of last season.

    I have always said someone would put enough cash in to get them back to the Premiership. The question, as Neepheid says above, is what will Ashley screw them for with each of the required loans or promissory underwriting to get the accounts signed off and allow them to get closer towards next years season ticket monies.


  37. n the reports about the manager’s position, Easdale added: “I’ve not spoken to Ally, he is the manager and he continues to be the manager. We’ve not got any ideas of changing the manager so that’s not on the agenda.”
    And McCoist revealed he has held talks with plc chairman David Somers and Easdale.
    “Having spoken to both gentlemen, they have confirmed to me that they want me to continue my job as Rangers manager,” he said.

    ……………..

    Is it just the timing,
    (when the Succulent Lamb was being dangled)
    or
    is Ali saying One thing and Mr Grimsdale saying another, as one is admitting to a conversation and the other is denying it!?


  38. That’s my guess. Rather than starve them out which was essentially what King Dave had been waiting for he (Ashley) appears to have taken the view to take it under his wing to keep the knights at bay and will then navigate from point to point strategically, with only as little fuel as they need to get to the next hurdle – whereupon the next loan document sits, with conditions attached of course. As Neepheid said, its the ultimate Jim Bowen, showing them a tantalising glimpse of the top division, past glories* 😈 and even the holy old firm grail before spinning the board and saying but that is only what you could have won, but didn’t.

    Like you I believe there might be a possibility that he seeks to essentially franchise out TRFC on a sale and leaseback basis, with admin only being the fall back ‘threat’ position should some of the silly cardigan wearing bears get ideas above their station.

    Time will tell. But I don’t see admin as Ashley’s end game. Or even the beginning of his end game.


  39. wottpi

    Not being of an accounting persuasion, does Ashley particularly want a going concern clearance? Surely that would just be another damaclean sword to hang over them as a reminder just who is in charge, no?


  40. mcfc says:
    October 27, 2014 at 3:49 pm
    desf says:
    October 27, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    Surely the £2M is just to get accounts signed off and get to the AGM?
    ====================================================================
    The accounts “going concern” statement covers the 12 month following the period the accounts cover. I think Dave’s £12mil offer (non-offer) was closer to the amount needed for that statement to be a neutral – or at least non-damning. I expect Mike will need to extend his credit facility to a similar amount before the accounts are signed-off – once his men are in place and have absorbed the full enormity of the story the detailed books tell. The depth of the mire will be directly proportional to what he asks for in return for his largess. Oh dear.
    ==================================================
    Ashley will have his men in the executive director positions which gives him the ability to see what really is happening under the Ibrox blue bonnet.

    But on top of that he has a large pool of experienced number crunchers on-tap who won’t need to do a 127-day Review to know exactly what is required to ‘save’ Rangers.

    I would reckon 7-14 days will provide enough time for Ashley to have a reasonably full understanding of Rangers’ current and predicted financial position. At that stage he will decide what he should do and what the timescale will be and it won’t be lengthy.

    I think he’s just bought a bit of time to be able to do his own due diligence and any premature rejoicing that he is a ‘real billionaire’ who is going to inject £squillions into Rangers to set them on the road to their ‘rightful place’ is actually laughable.

    He will make cold-headed, hard-hearted and non-emotional financial decisions as to what Rangers can bring to the SportsDirect warchest. That’s what he’s good at and that’s what he’s about and that’s what good businessmen do.

    Anyone who thinks otherwise is in for a rude awakening. When his name first entered the Ibrox scene quite some time ago now I remember posting that I thought he was the best solution for Rangers although I did realise that he also posed the biggest threat to Celtic in footballing terms when he financially stabilised Rangers.

    The Rangers’ financial situation has much worsened since then and I doubt if Ashley has a clue yet as to what moves he will make. He’s simply bought a bit of time which protects his merchandising deals through Rangers Retail until he can decide whether Rangers are worth saving and whether he is prepared to meet the cost although he won’t do this on his own which poses a problem for the Easdale proxy of mystery overseas investors IMO.

    Things may well go quiet for a short time and give the impression that peace and harmony has returned to the Blue Room. But still waters run deep and that’s where the white sharks patrol before moving in for the kill.


  41. Smugas says:
    October 27, 2014 at 4:29 pm

    Ashley is a totally different class of operator to any that have been involved im Rangers, including Murray IMO.

    No idea how this is going to go, but I think we are all going to be watching a master class in making the most of out of as little as possible 😀


  42. Timed out Edit to Smugas @ 4.32

    That is not to infer of course that Mr Ashley is indeed in charge of course. He’s not, just in case any SFA Rules Adherence Officers are looking in.

    :irony: :irony: :irony: :irony: :irony: :irony: :irony: :irony: :irony: :irony:


  43. jimlarkin says:
    October 27, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    is Ali saying One thing and Mr Grimsdale saying another, as one is admitting to a conversation and the other is denying it!?
    =================================================
    Ah but which Mr Easdale is he referring to? It’s a bit like the ‘clumpany’ references when we are never sure whether it’s TRFCL; RIFC Plc; or Rangers Football Club that is being referred to!


  45. Martin says:
    October 27, 2014 at 4:43 pm
    ======================================

    Tantalising 😆

    BY ROBERT McAULAY
    Published: 43 minutes ago

    A MAN faces a charge of extortion after police began probing the release of Rangers secrets on the internet.

    The 45-year-old male also faces allegations involving breaches of the Computer Misuse Act and the Communications Act.


  46. Not everything going MA’s way today.

    A small legal victory by an ex employee on a zero hours contract.

    Worth remembering that MA has made a big chunk of his fortune by means of this exploitative employment practice. That alone should be enough reason not to spend money in his stores.

    Interestingly, the legal action was crowd-funded via 38 degrees. A small victory for bampots perhaps? Maybe pointing the way to which ordinary folks can hold those in power and authority to account in future. SFA anyone?

    Related to this I seem to recall a supporter backed motion at the last Celtic AGM for the club to pay the living wage. Can Auldheid or someone update on any progress?

    http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/oct/27/sports-direct-zero-hours-contract-terms


  47. mcfc says:
    October 27, 2014 at 4:09 pm
    ‘… or TRFC/RIFC being taken private.’
    ————-
    Yes, de-listing might be Ashley’s intention:it gets rid of pesky controls that inhibit rapid, autocratic decision-making. (He has a kind of SDM megalomaniac , cold,fish-eyed stare….)

    But, apart from becoming all-powerful head honcho of a lowly and ailing football club with a toxic whiff about it, what would he gain, really, that he couldn’t gain by putting a few millions elsewhere?

    Why, in fact, did he get involved in the first place? Pure vanity? Just to show that he could make a success of a football club? Or for use of football as a wee hidey-hole for other monies, or for losses for tax purposes?
    It’s going to be quite interesting.


  48. Well the Sun extortion story from the little I have posted above looks like someone is alleged to have tried to extort money or a ST from Rangers by threatening to reveal Ibrox ‘secrets’.

    The wording would suggest that the ‘secrets’ might have then been posted online which would suggest the alleged extortion attempt failed.

    The only thing of any moment recently I can think of which provided anything of any significance was the Rangers Standard piece at: http://www.therangersstandard.co.uk/index.php/articles/current-affairs/329-rizvi-lawyers-ready-to-tuck-into-the-rfc-carcass-all-over-again

    The fact that the link is still live seems to negate my suggestion that is the info possibly referred to,

    Even if that is the info concerned that doesn’t mean that Rangers Standard or anyone there was aware of any alleged extortion attempt.

    Of course I could be totally wrong with my surmise but the only other revelation I can think of fairly recently was the VB expose about a football official allegedly abandoning the 5-way Agreement discussions early to have dinner with his wife 😆

    However I am truly gobsmacked that Rangers have any ‘secrets’ left – Phil just isn’t doing a good enough job IMO 🙄


  49. Tincks says:
    October 27, 2014 at 4:57 pm
    ‘..Related to this I seem to recall a supporter backed motion at the last Celtic AGM for the club to pay the living wage. Can Auldheid or someone update on any progress?’
    ———
    The same motion is on the agenda paper for this year’s AGM- and not supported by the Board.
    ( And not by me, either, I have to say. ‘Setting an example’ in matters that are the responsibility of the electorate in a modern democracy, which ought to be the shapers of national economic policy, is not the way to tackle these things. The ballot box is where we need to seek social and economic JUSTICE, not charitable gestures from individual companies.)


  50. StevieBC says:
    October 27, 2014 at 12:54 pm

    Maybe one ‘unintended’ benefit of Ashley’s involvement with TRFC is that more English based, non-lamb munching, sports journalists will take an interest in the TRFC – and maybe even the SFA – shenanigans ?

    StevieBC says:
    October 27, 2014 at 12:54 pm

    Maybe one ‘unintended’ benefit of Ashley’s involvement with TRFC is that more English based, non-lamb munching, sports journalists will take an interest in the TRFC – and maybe even the SFA – shenanigans ?

    Just caught the tail end of the midday news – sports section (BBC1) first time I’ve seen anything relating to TRFC down this way (Yorkshire) for ages. Seems the Ashley connection has already resulted in some reporting albeit highly sanitised. The way they skimmed over two years of days in the life of TRFC anyone not up to speed with goings on since 2011 could be forgiven for believing that all the previous maladministration was/is the fault of GW and Nash with Ashley riding to the rescue. The anchor man did a quick resume on RFC entering administration but that was as far as he went. There was no mention of the ensuing descent into liquidation whilst owing the British tax authorities (and thus them thar English people) 10’s of millions. This was then followed by a quick blurb about them working their way back up the leagues after being blah de blah de blah.

    Selective reporting by the Beeb, unless of course the report was a retransmission of a SKY item. As I said, just caught the end.


  54. John Clark says:
    October 27, 2014 at 5:01 pm

    Why, in fact, did he get involved in the first place? Pure vanity? Just to show that he could make a success of a football club? Or for use of football as a wee hidey-hole for other monies, or for losses for tax purposes?
    It’s going to be quite interesting.

    ==================================================================

    John – why is he there? I suspect he was invited in by Green (or others) and said “yeah why not, I know football (now) let’s have a bit of a punt to add some interest”. I imagine like many others he never imagined the complexity of the machinations down Ibrox way. It will be interesting to see if he can fashion a strategy out of his (and their) current position. I’d expect remarkably simple actions quite quickly. Ally? Somers? Costs? Squad? RFC/RIFC structure,? co-owners? SFA 10% restriction? Naming? Fan Groups? Property?

    I was a big fan of John Harvey-Jones and his Troubleshooter series. His MO was first study the books carefully then talk to the people. Compare what you know (the books) and what you are told (the people). Identify problem people, identify helpful people. Fix the problems that stand out as “bleedin’ obvious” first. As a result his recommendations were always very simple in a “well I could have done that” sort of way..

    Interesting times indeed. We’ve all enjoyed an education in spivery over the past 3 years – I think we are about to get an education in classic, for-profit, cost control and re-structuring.


  55. shortbread saying that McCoist will soon be able to invest in the team. exactly the same wide eyed uncritical optimism that greets each new sugar daddy


  56. JC & Scapa,

    Thanks for the update and info.

    I agree whoelheartedly with your assertion JC, that lasting and real change is only ever achieved through the ballot box. I’ve posted too many leaflets and knocked on too many doors to say anythig else. Believe me, it’s no fun being a leftie down here in essex at the best times and with UKIP on the rise it’s even less so now.

    However, I disagree with your assertion that Celtic should not engage in “Charity” by being alone in paying the living wage. To get change through the ballot box it is necessary to change minds.

    In the 19th and early 20th Century employers such as Cadbury and Crittals (here in Essex) set new standards for how ordinary working people should be treated by establishing decent housing at affordable rents. They changed expectations and so changed what people voted for.

    If the motion is won, Celtic can be at the forefront of changing expactions.

    Sorry to everyone who finds this off topic. Back to lurking.


  57. Just seen sandy easdale’s interview on BBc News

    Would sum it up as “Fecked if I know what’s going on or what’s going to happen” :mrgreen:


  58. scapaflow says:
    October 27, 2014 at 5:12 pm
    ‘.. I’ll leave my view of the no trades union recognition to a more appropriate fora 👿 ‘
    ——-
    Why post that old link,then? Canny hav it both ways, scapa. 🙂


  59. John Clark says:
    October 27, 2014 at 5:01 pm

    Why, in fact, did he get involved in the first place? Pure vanity? Just to show that he could make a success of a football club? Or for use of football as a wee hidey-hole for other monies, or for losses for tax purposes?
    It’s going to be quite interesting.

    ==================================================================

    Or Mike walking away from his loose-change punt, shaking his head and muttering something about “feck! the feckin’ thing’s feckin’ fecked.”


  60. Carfins Finest says:
    October 27, 2014 at 5:17 pm

    Man faces allegation of extortion in probe into Rangers online leaks. http://bit.ly/ZUiPIF
    =================================
    usual sloppy journalism. First par says ‘man’ has been reported to fiscal and second par says ‘man’ will be reported to fiscal.

    Obviously journos these days don’t appear to read what they have written before hitting ‘send’ and it seems sub-editors are an extinct species.

    If they get something as simple as this wrong no wonder they can’t hack anything complicated.


  61. joe millers shorts says:
    October 27, 2014 at 5:35 pm
    ‘..shortbread saying that McCoist will soon be able to invest in the team….’
    ———-
    Nearly choked on my baked bean when I heard that being said seriously! It wasn’t a quote from McCoist, it was McLaughlin himself who said that, wasn’t it?
    It’s one thing for the odd poster on a blog to give expression to what he/she might like to be the case- quite another thing for a public broadcaster to expose his own personal innermost wishes! Man’s a fool, if not like one or two of his colleagues, a knave.


  62. smallchange says:
    October 27, 2014 at 5:31 pm

    So is the bar open tomorrow evening, or not? 😕
    =============================================
    Yea and I just heard that Ashley’s going to be handing out free pints to the massive queue at the ticket office 😆


  63. John Clark says:
    October 27, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    Blast, mea culpa wrong bloody article sorry folks


  64. ecobhoy says:
    October 27, 2014 at 5:49 pm

    Yea and I just heard that Ashley’s going to be handing out free pints to the massive queue at the ticket office 😆

    ==================================================================

    Yeah Mike likes a pint with the fans – until they start chanting he’s a Jeremy Hunt becuase he won’t bankroll their delusions – then he makes it 100% clear how much he gives a damn about what they think by selling all their best players – oh – Mike may have a problem there 🙂


  66. Can’t help wondering what Paul McConville makes of all this looking down – sadly missed, fondly remembered.


  67. ecobhoy says:
    October 27, 2014 at 5:44 pm
    3 0 Rate This

    Carfins Finest says:
    October 27, 2014 at 5:17 pm

    Man faces allegation of extortion in probe into Rangers online leaks. http://bit.ly/ZUiPIF
    =================================
    usual sloppy journalism. First par says ‘man’ has been reported to fiscal and second par says ‘man’ will be reported to fiscal.

    Obviously journos these days don’t appear to read what they have written before hitting ‘send’ and it seems sub-editors are an extinct species.

    If they get something as simple as this wrong no wonder they can’t hack anything complicated.
    ——————————————————

    . . . at the same time, it is obviously serious enough if you are being accused of such a ‘crime’ and it’s ironic how the ‘Journalists’ have been able to ‘find out’ about this story.
    It’s it Charlotte fakes – perhaps?
    It can’t be CWU as he is apparently only 43 ?


  68. jimlarkin says: October 27, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    It’s it Charlotte fakes – perhaps?
    =======================
    Or RTC?
    How old is Phil Mac? 😈


  70. easyJambo says:
    October 27, 2014 at 6:23 pm
    1 0 Rate This

    jimlarkin says: October 27, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    It’s it Charlotte fakes – perhaps?
    =======================
    Or RTC?
    How old is Phil Mac?

    Not sure, but iirc, he remembers experiencing, as a child, the Greatest day in Scottish football history – May 25th1967, so he must be older than 43


  71. Martin says:
    October 27, 2014 at 6:23 pm

    Sounds like it could be CF, which would make those revealing documents genuine. Hopefully the accused will be able to defend themselves with the defence of ‘veritas’ and ‘in the public interest’.

    If, however, there has been any attempt at extortion, I hope the accused gets the book thrown at him/her. It would be nice to think that the authorities will deal just as zealously with those who appeared to be less than honest within the leaked documents.

    Worrying times at Hampden, perhaps, though perhaps only with a fallout from those they are supposed to represent – or even UEFA – rather than the police!

    I expect the word ‘zealous’ will not be used to describe any investigation into the goings on at Ibrox, nor the wider connections within football and Scottish society.


  72. Martin says:
    October 27, 2014 at 6:23 pm
    ‘It is understood the allegations relate to private information concerning the football club that were posted on social media last year.’
    __

    Last Year?????
    Odd timing this – Why now? – Why today of all days?
    mtp


  73. Hugh Keevins seriously bigging up Ashley on SSB.

    All sweetness and roses in the new Ashley Era.

    “Scottish football finished if Rangers lost again.” No Hugh, The Rangers will be finished if The Rangers are lost.

    Fans actually questioning McCoist’s pay and putting some serious questions, but Keevins defending the indefensible. The billionaire stardust has fallen on the SSB studio. :slamb: :slamb: :slamb:


  74. All credit to TSFM for having the foresight to ban the CF ‘revelations’ from here, regardless of whether or not it is CF who is in bother.


  75. Clyde SSB even more embarrassing than usual
    Keevins & Johnstone saying (Mr) Ashley is the man to cut costs & run the club like a business
    Nevertheless the miraculous progression to UEFA CL is all but guaranteed
    These clowns deserve each other

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