LNS – A Summary

 

cropped-sfmSquare.pngLNS is currently back in the headlines. It might therefore be a good time to try to set out a timeline describing correspondence we had with the representatives of the authorities over discrepancies and anomalies that appeared to have arisen. None of this is necessarily predicated upon the recent findings of the CoS in the Big Tax Case, but stands on its own.

Back in February 2014 The Scottish Football Monitor wrote to Harper MacLeod, the law firm that the SPL had engaged to gather evidence for the Lord Nimmo Smith (LNS) Commission investigating the full and proper registration of players paid by Rangers Football Club under Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) arrangements.

The initial set-up of the LNS Commission on 5th March 2012 by the SPL (View File) charged LNS with a look at EBTs from 1st July 1998 (when the SPL came into being).

In practice though, the Commission only looked at EBTs from 23 November 2000 onwards.

This change of date was based on the earliest side letter supplied by Duff and Phelps, although Harper MacLeod had requested ALL documentation from 1998 to March 2012 relating to ALL EBTs.

This prompted a series of letters to Harper MacLeod from The Scottish Football Monitor, although Harper MacLeod’s replies failed to address the issues raised.

The passage of time blurs memories but this archive is designed to remind readers of those blogs and correspondence, and the key points contained in them.

It also highlights the apparent inability or unwillingness on the part of the SPL and SFA to engage with us in any meaningful way.

NB: The SFA were informed of our correspondence by Harper MacLeod in October 2014.

It is extremely difficult to be concise in this situation. There are various strands of argument and details seemingly small, but vitally important – however the following is an attempt to make the material accessible and provides links to the relevant files in chronological order (links are in green).

 

  • Item 1: The first SFM letter of 19th February 2014 to Harper MacLeod
  • Item 2The Annexes containing the documents apparently not supplied to Harper Macleod in the spring of 2012 along with other pertinent information about the testimony given to LNS during the Commission.
  • Item 3The SFM response of 29 March 2014 to Harper MacLeod’s reply to the first letter.
  • Item 3.1: An SFM analysis of Harper MacLeod’s initial reply attached to response at 3.
  • Item 4: An SFM blog of 5th September pointing out how the documents not supplied had a direct impact on the advice given to the SPL Board to accept The Decision of The LNS Commission.
  • Item 5: The last letter of 4th October 2014 to Harper MacLeod answering points raised by them (see next) and thanking them for passing our correspondence to the SFA Compliance Officer who has so far deigned not to reply.
  • Item 5.1Harper MacLeod’s actual response to SFM 5th September letter.
  • Item 6: An SFM Blog (Inc. a transcript of an interview between Alex Thomson and Stewart Regan).
  • Item 6.1: Truncated version of above blog.
  • Item 7: A clearer extract of key document from Item 2 Annexes

 

Having no locus to demand answers from the SPL or the SFA, all we can do is provide information – information that we believe presents a prima facie case that LNS was deeply flawed even before the latest developments in the Tax Case came to light. The challenge for us is this: what can we do about it?

It is clear from the meagre response we have received that the authorities are unwilling to engage with us, so it is fair to assume that further correspondence will be met with the same lack of response.

Are we merely a bunch of obsessed nut-jobs with our own take on the Flat Earth conspiracy? If that is the case, surely a few words of explanation to dispel our doubts would have had traction with the rest of the football public. Indeed the lack of any reply undoubtedly serves as confirmation of our belief that something may be seriously wrong.

The questions have been posed. The SFA appears to think that not answering them is a wise course of action. Given that anecdotal evidence presents a compelling case that the general football public are widely in agreement with us, are there any journalists out there who will take the time to look at what we have observed and what we seek clarification on?

There are undoubtedly inferences to be drawn from the evidence we have, and from the silence of the authorities.

The statement by Celtic on Friday 13th November is certainly a start in the process we wish to begin, but it only mentions the elephant in the room. It gives no clue about how it could be transported to another place.

In the first instance we at SFM seek only explanations, and despite the inferences mentioned earlier, we are still eager to be satisfied that rules were followed and justice done.

Is there really  nobody in the MSM who has the courage to seek the answers we seek? I suspect not. What we do in the absence of that courage is important. We are at a crossroads. Either we give up on the game altogether and spend our Saturdays and Sundays doing other things – or we find a way to get these questions out of blog pages and into the mainstream.

We need an alliance of fans of all clubs to do that, and we will be looking to build that alliance. I would urge fans of all clubs to give this material to fan sites of their own clubs.

These are not just words. There can be no movement on this issue unless our reach is extended. SFM alone does not have the clout required to bring the clubs to the table or the MSM to fair and balanced reporting. We need that alliance of fans desperately. We don’t seek leadership of that alliance – but we are happy to provide it if required.

This is not a campaign to have Rangers punished. I understand that Rangers fans (since their club is in the middle of this mess) are reluctant to see us as anything other than a bunch of Rangers haters.

That is unequivocally not the case from the perspective of the moderators of this blog. SFM is committed to justice, and to the integrity of the sport we all love.

Justice is ON THE SIDE of Rangers and their fans – it does not conspire against them. A growing number of Rangers fans are coming round to our way of thinking and our tone must reflect that. This is not a Celtic or  Hearts or Aberdeen or anybody else v Rangers issue. This is a fans v corrupt authorities issue.

We all deserve answers, and hopefully our alliance will compel each individual club to act in the interests of the fans .

 

 

 

 

 

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Tom Byrne

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.

2,349 thoughts on “LNS – A Summary


  1. wottpi 27th November 2015 at 8:56 pm #
    So in the blink of an eye King, Park, Letham, Taylor, Murray and Bennett, Rangers men strong and true, can rustle up £5m to see off MAs loan. (Yes I know we don’t know whose pockets are the deepest!)
      ———————————————————————————————
        I reckon Ashley would be legally entitled in these days of money laundering laws, to demand 100% provenance of source before reaching any decisions as to his next move…Wouldn’t it be funny if they never had it, or it was coming via a circuitous route previously unknown to SARS


  2. Compare and contrast while ticking off the relevant check boxes for subjects /mentions designed and needed to keep the Bears onside.

    No real need for a share issue, cash a plenty
    Financially strong, in rude health
    No debts
    Make comparisons with giants of world football
    We own our greatest assets Ibrox and Murray Park (Actually a millstone but that’s another story)
    All of the above is of course accompanied in the background by Zadok the Priest!!

    http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/charles-green-rangers-finances-are-fantastically-1407015

    http://m.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/14109514.Dave_King_reckons_Rangers_are____one_of_the_strongest_clubs_financially_in_the_world___/?ref=twtrec


  3. Kings 5 mil for SD

    1. It didn’t come from him
    2. Where it did come from as alluded to above should be scrutinised carefully.
    3. In what form will it be paid?
    4. When?
    5. For what reason?

    Apart from . the above (which only worries me to be honest) if I was Mike Ashley and if especially 2. is satisfactory explained then I would be happy to find Rangers CICs dough (small bills no dye on it) in my bank account Monday morning.05
    But It wont.07


  4. So, what were the results of the AGM. I thought the results took a couple of hours to count?


  5. So what would happen if the ‘Company Board’ payed Ashley the 5m. The board get the assets, brand etc. Then they don’t get the share rights issue. Is it CVA time, with all the RRM holding most of the cards?


  6. MercDoc 28th November 2015 at 12:07 am # So, what were the results of the AGM. I thought the results took a couple of hours to count?
    ===================================
    I think it was one of those things like they have in despotic regimes whereby the count happened before the result15


  7. StevieBC 27th November 2015 at 9:11 pm
    ‘…Maybe a few years down the line it transpires what King’s visit was really about and there is proof that the SPFL was not transparent – ‘
    _____
    And, for all the amusement that many are getting from the absurdity of the pronouncements of King and the idea that he could whistle up £5M in an hour when NONE of the RRM could or would over a period of months save the ‘Rangers Football Club of their fathers’ from death by Liquidation with that sum of money, the real concern, as you point out, is still the fact that our Football Governance people are the problem.
    The 3 year old ( incorporated 2012)  club may or may not be anything that the glib  Castlemilk son of a polisman says that it  is.
    It may live, and prosper. It may die the same ignominious death that RFC(IL) is slowly dying.Its fate is of no great seismic importance.
    But we know that the very existence of TRFC in Scottish football is down to a bit of a fiddle, and we know also  that RFC was protected from the consequences of the cheating by SDM, and we suspect that that  cheating was known about for many years by the SFA and the then SPL.
    The CWs, CGs, DKs, the Imrans, the Stockbridges, the Gordon Smiths, …..(and all the rest) are what they are, the kind of people best left to the people who idolised, honoured and paid their good money to, to judge. It’s their business.
    It’s the really really bad baddies supposedly in office to legislate for our game, and see to it that the rules were observed, and whose failure to do so has  corrupted the very heart of our Sport ,who are our business.
    And I am deeply concerned that our clubs, who elect and appoint the office holders and members of their associations, even now are staying schtum, when they MUST know that there are serious questions to ask.
    They must be made to realise that their individual ‘businesses’ are at risk if our game is even perceived to be rigged, let alone proved to be.
    More importantly, they must know in their hearts that they are in effect by their silence inviting upon themselves the epithet used by the late, very honourable Turnbull Hutton: corrupt.


  8. wottpi 
    I looked at one of those links and gave up after this…

    RANGERS chief executive Charles Green has described the club’s financial position as “fantastically strong” as he seeks to mastermind a return to the Champions League.
    The Third Division club…

    The Third Division club.

    How many 3rd division clubs are currently in better financial health than Sevco , and talking 
    about Champions League football without being laughed at by Keef Jackoff and his ilk.

    But no one batted an eye when Sevco spouts this garbage.


  9. From The Daily Mail:
    “Dave King has informed Mark Warburton that any signings made in January must be capable of helping Rangers push for European qualification next season.
    The Ibrox chairman revealed the transfer criteria after Friday’s AGM, at which he insisted funds would be made available for the ‘one or two’ additions manager Warburton has stated he needs.
    Rangers are currently embroiled in an engrossing Championship title contest against Hibs, with the Easter Road club having wiped out an eight-point deficit over the course of this month.”

    Whereas it is good to be ambitious and to be thinking ahead, is it wise to be saying these remarks out loud in a public forum?  Hibs are on the Ibrox clubs tails, if I was DK I would be concentrating on getting out of the Championship first (remember last season?), then if that is achieved, establishment  in the top league.  Talk of European qualification at this stage just makes him sound silly as per chuckles when his team was in the lower levels and he predicted Champions League music at Ibrox on the horizon.  How did that work out?

    Does DK realise how much 2x CL players cost?  Celtic admitted recently they cant afford them so how is DK going to have the wherewithal in January.?  Got a spare £15 – 20M  ?

    I think he will need another magic hat to pull this one off.


  10. Keef
    can you do us a favour,as the countries award winning journo,for the umpteenth year,ask a couple of questions over Govan way,can you ask the finance chief if he agrees with his chairman that the club will be totally debt free once the SD loan is paid back this week and the club has a cash flow that will see them through January’s transfer window and also day to day running until the end of the season ,I realise these are pretty mundane questions but if you could ask them there are a few folk minds would be put at rest.
    Go for it Keef
    Thanks


  11. “As I say, once the Sports Direct debt is repaid, we have no external debt whatsoever. Barcelona can’t say that, Manchester United can’t say that.

    “Our stadium is paid for. Auchenhowie is paid for. We are in a very strong financial position.”

    I think Mr King may have forgotten that in it’s 3 sets of account Rangers have shown trading losses totaling somewhere in the region of £30m, and it seems likely that the 4th year will show further losses.

    He may also have forgotten that they currently can’t employ a NOMAD or get a listing on any of the markets.

    It may even have slipped his mind that they don’t actually have any sort of normal banking arrangements.

    So to claim to be in a “very strong financial position” and “one of the strongest clubs financially in the world” may be being a tad disingenuous.


  12. jimbo 28th November 2015 at 2:21 am

         “Whereas it is good to be ambitious and to be thinking ahead”
       ———————————————————————————————–
      Its called facing up to the dream while denying reality Jimbo. 
    Trifling wee matters like contempt of court charges, a seven year cast iron retail deal, assets that may be deemed the proceeds of crime, Mike Ashley, that kind of thing.
        It was the PLC AGM after all.  


  13. Or was the courtesy visit just Regan and Doncaster flying their last kite and hoping if DCK pays off MA he might go away and drop certain legal cases? 
    I suspect MA is beyond that and will continue even if he ever gets his 5m back.


  14. I (and I think, we) am at that deja vu stage, again, where, just after a period of pretty devastating news for the bears, things suddenly appear to be on the up for them after their (current dodgy) chairman makes an unexpected announcement of all is well, and it’s full steam ahead to the Champions League.

    As always, the question might be asked by those with the sense to ask, why now? Assuming the money is coming from people already involved with the club, or even wealthy supporters from outside the Rangers Gullibility Trust, why now?

    Why now, when until a few months ago the potential future for TRFC was a bit less bleak, with no court cases, both criminal and civil, on the horizon, but there was the same serious lack of funds and income (and credibility) was being lost because of the MA loan? No one then appeared to be ready to put up £5m, or at least able to raise this amount, to get rid of that millstone of the Ashley loan. 

    If that money is genuinely there (wherever ‘there’ might be), then to me it can only mean that without it administration was inevitable, and it was a case of put up or say bye, bye to (current) ‘Rangers’!

    With no announcement, that I am aware of, of the results of the resolution votes, I can only think that it is, at the very least, a tight call, or maybe not the call they need. What then? Issue what shares they can, leaving the loans to the 3Bs (and whoever else) outstanding? Can the fans’ money legally be used as a loan without the irrevocable commitment to convert it to shares?

    The only thing I can think of is that this is King’s last play. But not only King’s, it’s the last play for RIFC/TRFC! And even assuming things go as planned, there’s in excess of £8m of potential share uptake, from the most likely of all investors, gone, with the next £2.5m already spoken for to see them to the end of the season (if that is, indeed, all that’s required).


  15. The SFA fine is a test case for MA in that sense it is like the EBT case for HMRC. Looked at that way the SFA problem will not go away even if there have been courtesy readings of riot acts in quiet corners of the bunker.
    Earnie Shavers said of Don King that if he offered you five million you needed to make sure that he was not talking about snowballs before signing up- not only the name is similar.


  16. Spoke to an events manager last night who estimated Rangers AGM will have set them back approx. £30K . Considering they basically live hand to mouth on crisis loans I wondered why they did that. I answered my own question by stating it was a very successful PR stunt if nothing else. Of course, PR only works if there is a media waiting to lap it up without question, and that is the natural advantage Rangers have over any other club, particularly Celtic.  It was left to John Collins at a press conference yesterday to rightly point out where Rangers would rather be, yet yesterday was a throwback to the days of David Murray in his prime. Shocking stuff.


  17. Never assume any direct corelation between what DCK says and what he thinks.


  18. It’s amazing how split Scottish football is with regards to the media here.  If this site (and others I read) are anything to go by the SMSM are complicit with all the issues around the oldo/newco and the football authorities.  Yet in the Q and A session at the AGM on Friday one of the biggest replies from the board addressed the reporting of TRFC:
    —————————————————–
    Q: Is there any chance we can ban some of the papers and certain TV stations from Ibrox because of the way they go on with quite negative stories?
    Stewart Robertson: We understand the frustration about some of the reporting. It’s trying to get a balance. We have had meetings with some of the broadcasters and journalists and there have been people who have been away from Ibrox for periods of time.
    All were looking for is a fair kick of the ball and balanced reporting. You don’t want to react to everything. Were trying to build relationships and work on them to get more balanced reporting. There’s a lot being done behind the scenes to try and improve things.
    John Gilligan: We’re trying to rebuild relationships but we’ve also taken a strong stand against people we believe have been unfair to the club. That will continue.
    But you can only build relationships with those who want to have one with you. When we get constant negative press…
    At very short notice last week, following a judgement that had absolutely nothing to do with the current board, that’s a good example of where we get frustrated.
    We won’t take it anymore. It is as simple as that.
    When you get people in foreign countries blogging about you, telling lies about you, it’s very disturbing. We’ll not have that either.
    Be assured, we are fighting the fight.
    ——————————————————-

    Negative stories?  I don’t know which papers they read.  Is it possible we have got it all so wrong looking through our (insert your club colours) tinted spectacles?


  19. The Cat NR1 25th November 2015 at 11:25 pm #valentinesclown 24th November 2015 at 9:01 pm #On the AGM this Friday if the shareholders could have 1 question answered honestly what would/should it be? ================================= Given the surreal nature of all things Ibrox, I would guess it would be something along the lines of “How big will the transfer warchest be ahead of the Champions League campaign in 2017-18?”.
    ===================================
    It seems that my tongue in cheek comment was actually not too far wide of the mark after all.


  20. Now that £5m is sitting in the RIFC bank account (copyright D King), any bets on how long it will be before Ashley actually gets his money back? Given the extreme haste in raising the £5m, you would assume repayment first thing Monday morning, wouldn’t you?
    Of course, that assumes that Ashley doesn’t have the right to refuse repayment. I wouldn’t bet against that scenario, and if he can block repayment, then I am sure he will. After all, the £5m is nothing to Ashley, and he wants to make King suffer.
    But let’s say everything is as stated by King14, Ashley gets repaid, and TRFC get the securities released, the IP back, and the RR shares returned.
    King and the 3 (4?) bears will then be in for £8m in loans, money they will never get back, but might be able to swap for shares if Ashley fails in his promised legal challenge to block the required AGM resolution.
    This is starting to look like a very expensive exercise for King’s allies. They are piling money into a loss-making business just to keep the lights on. More loans are required very soon. By the end of the season, loans will total at least £11m . Plus the cost of a couple of European standard players in January. This makes absolutely no sense in business terms.


  21. neepheid, it’s just so unbelievable, you get the feeling that the foundations of a catastrophic event at some point in the future are now in place.  As you say it makes no sense.

    Everyone laughed at the gazebo last year but at least it was cost free. This years agm £30k.


  22. jimbo
    do you think this was just a case of “look we have money”so fans will stump up again


  23. tony, I think was a ‘two fingers’ to the previous regime who were trying to be prudent financially.  ( btw Celtic’s AGM held ‘in house’ min. cost.)   Of course it looked ‘wealthy’ in the Clyde Auditorium.  Smoke & Mirrors PR.  We are not fooled. 0312


  24. jimbo 28th November 2015 at 1:31 pm
    “When you get people in foreign countries blogging about you, telling lies about you, it’s very disturbing. We’ll not have that either…”
    ___
    That is an absolute hoot!
    I wonder which people in which foreign country the very Irish-named  Mr Sean MacGiollagain can possibly mean? 03


  25. Just listened to the King set-piece interview.
    http://rangers.co.uk/news/rangers-tv/video-chairman-interview/
    Two possible scenarios spring to my mind, either, both or neither of which may be the case.
    1. Ashley (as our friend Phil suggests) has demanded his money and threatened legal action which Rangers could not afford to contest. This probably fits well with the timing of King’s change of heart

    “I hadn’t really realised the extent to which the advance of those funds was affecting other things in the club as well.”

    Weak, weak, weak!
    What an admission for a chairman of a club who made the decision to withhold said funds – despite the warnings of Phil Mac and everyone on here who have known exactly how the terms of the MA loan, if not paid back timeously, would hamstring the club.
    2. King is planning an insolvency event

    “… a necessary precursor for some of the actions we’d like to take.”

    ‘Actions’ – is anyone else hearing ‘administration, CVA and debt dumping’, whilst retaining the precious assets. Getting rights and assets back will be a necessary precursor, if the RRM are to emerge with control of the club/entity.
    I may be well off the mark with this, of course. However, it seems to fit with the recent visit to SFA HQ.
    If correct it looks like Rangers are once again planning to stiff creditors (possibly with blessing of SFA). All of which exposes the desire to ensure people at Rangers receive a ‘living wage’ for what it was – another smoke screen and a dig at Celtic and Ashley (when will he learn?).

    “… I asked if that (living wage) was something that affects Rangers …”

    This is so weak (written all over it) and, again, something a chairman should not need to ask! Passing the buck, deflecting responsibility away from himself – nothing new there! Suddenly a conscience – I find that very difficult to swallow.

    Anyway, as I say, I may be off the mark with both scenarios. Scenario 2 may just be wishful thinking – we’re probably not that close yet. But if the SFA have promised reconstruction then Rangers could have nothing to loose from Admin.
    Travelling Wilburys – It’s a dirty world, it’s a dirty world …


  26. Is it possible that, on his recent visit to Hampden, that Mr King was told that there would be no licence for a third version of the eternal entity to play anywhere in the SPFL? If he crashed this version, aka plan A, then version three would be consigned to the amateur ranks. 

    Therefore the RRM now have no choice but to save this version.


  27. Giovanni 28th November 2015 at 3:50 pm #
    Is it possible that, on his recent visit to Hampden, that Mr King was told that there would be no licence for a third version of the eternal entity to play anywhere in the SPFL? If he crashed this version, aka plan A, then version three would be consigned to the amateur ranks. 
    Therefore the RRM now have no choice but to save this version.
    ======================================

    In my humble opinion Rangers could stiff HMRC and other creditors for evermore and the authorities would always allow an entity to continue and claim to be the same club as always. Let us not forget the number of politicians who also demanded they be let off with tax evasion in 2012. 


  28. The smsm is what it is and this AGM reporting/non reporting sums it up.
    Financially best in world next year?
    Champions League talk again
    Everyone hate us 
    We will not forget our enemies in a vieled threat Govan style.
    My favourite unbalanced reporting by the press. FFS
    Now can you imagine if the press did proper reporting I say imagine as realistically we know how they work. 
    How many of the pundits/press members/radio pundits/SFA/SPFL as of this minute in time are ex rangers players, or supporters of the Ibrox club?  Really how many? In the past how many ex rangers directors worked in SFA (think about during Murray’s tenure). Think how absurd (no qualifications Gordon Smith) got appointed. It is really IMO the appointments of these ex rangers men that ensures biased help to the Govan club and is one or the reasons (IMO the main rreason) of why we are where we are at present. 
    If King fails who knows how they will deal with it. 
    If he wins we all know how they will deal with it


  29. armchairsupporter,
    “This is so weak (written all over it) and, again, something a chairman should not need to ask! Passing the buck, deflecting responsibility away from himself – nothing new there! ”

    I was thinking along those lines when the tweets were coming in at the agm.  At one point DK announced that he had asked James Blair to advise/ rule on what could be said around Sports Direct/ MA stuff.
    So if a line was crossed DK could say at a future point in time, ‘it wisnae my fault! Blame James Blair!’


  30. The idea that there is no £5m didn’t even cross my mind!


  31. armchairsupporter 28th November 2015 at 5:06 pm # The idea that there is no £5m didn’t even cross my mind!
    ________________________________

    Whereas the thought that King might be lying never leaves mine 14 

    I would always be suspicious of company chairman, even one with no record of dishonesty, who announces a complete U-turn at an AGM without first justifying to shareholders the change of direction. Especially when that change of direction moves from a position backed by a vote at the previous General Meeting!

    Just a wee thought, if my memory is correct that there was a resolution passed at that last EGM not to repay the Ashley loan, should there not have been similar action required to reverse it? I honestly don’t know the answer to that, but I bet Big Mike does.


  32. Allyjambo 28th November 2015 at 5:37 pm #
    Just a wee thought, if my memory is correct that there was a resolution passed at that last EGM not to repay the Ashley loan, should there not have been similar action required to reverse it? I honestly don’t know the answer to that, but I bet Big Mike does.
    =============
    Here is the background to that EGM vote against repaying MA his £5m.
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33106081


  33. Sorry this I going to be a long post.  Recently I have felt a bit guilty that most of my posts may have sounded a bit Anti-Rangers and it is this sites stated view to be all inclusive.  A few months ago Big Pink said something about going forward the blog might have a links section for fan sites of Scottish clubs and asked for our help in that.  I took that on board, bought into it and ‘spoke’ to Merlin on RSL (the best Rangers site I knew) and he seemed interested.  Unfortunately RSL disappeared off the blogosphere shortly afterwards (unconnected).  John James has now took over the mantle.  A blogger who I think is 75% minded with this site.

    My point is there are precious few Rangers fans on here and I don’t what the answer is.  If I were a bear it would be very uncomfortable reading.  Porobably prefer to take comfort in Rangers sites where I could buy in to Dave King and his promises and the Mark Warburton revolution – lets face it after Ally McCoist that’s just about what it is.

    So what else can we post about?  It seems the only story in town revolves around Rangers.

    The sites aims:
    “SFM is an online community drawn from fans of all Scottish Football clubs. Its overriding goal is to see sporting integrity restored to paramountcy in Scottish Football. To help achieve that SFM will ask the questions that the mainstream media consistently fail to ask of the authorities, who in turn consistently fail to govern the sport in accordance with their own rules.”

    All clubs.
    Sporting Integrity.
    SMSM.
    The authorities.

    Here we go: Join the dots,
    Rangers allowed to play in Europe despite being ineligible, Tax problems.
    EBTS & Other Clubs – Sporting Advantage, finance, 
    EBTS and CO with Rangers,  CO with the SFA
    EBTS & Tribunals and the COS
    EBTS & Stripping Titles, Ineligible players, Bryson interpretation of such.
    LNS Controversy – a stitch up.
    The funding of Rangers, SDM/ BOS, CW/ Ticketus, CG, MA, DK
    The effect of Rangers playing fast & loose with other peoples money on other clubs in Scotland, trying to keep up with the inflated player costs.
    The Football Authorities,  Complicit, Secret meeting with CW, well aware of Rangers problems, plan ahead to save.  Secret 5 way agreements.  Armageddon predictions, scaremongering.  Shoehorning.
    No to Newco.
    The Media, Ranger bias, now puff pieces from level 5.  Succulent lamb.

    What else is there to talk about? Everything of import revolves around one club.


  34. Sorry, Jimbo, I think it revolves around two clubs, RFC(IL) and TRFC , and sentiments like that may be off-putting for Rangers fans .


  35. neepheid 28th November 2015 at 6:01 pm # Allyjambo 28th November 2015 at 5:37 pm # Just a wee thought, if my memory is correct that there was a resolution passed at that last EGM not to repay the Ashley loan, should there not have been similar action required to reverse it? I honestly don’t know the answer to that, but I bet Big Mike does. ============= Here is the background to that EGM vote against repaying MA his £5m.http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33106081
    ____________________________________-

    Thanks for that, neeps. It would appear that they’ve voted to reject MA’s request for repayment, so, unless he’s made another request, I’d have thought the resolution must stand and a resolution be required to countermand it. Perhaps an EGM will be required before payment can be made and this particular can might be kicked further down the road, while, in the meantime, the actions of some other party prevent the board carrying out their plans!

    That old ‘plausible deniability’ for whatever happens next, perhaps?


  36. AllyJ
    That old ‘plausible deniability’ for whatever happens next, perhaps?
    ——————————————————————————
    Court again. Undoubtedly. Gary Ralston will be joining them.


  37. Allyjambo 28th November 2015 at 6:50 pm #neepheid 28th November 2015 at 6:01 pm # Allyjambo 28th November 2015 at 5:37 pm
         ———————————————————————————————–
    @Ally, @Neeps.
        From memory I recalled that the boards shareholder advice carried the rider that they could pretty much ignore the vote if it never went their way. I was looking for a direct link to it, but could only find this. 
            http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33001278
    “The company has taken advice from Senior Queen’s Counsel on the terms of this resolution and been advised that it would not, in any way, oblige the directors legally,” said a statement from the Rangers International Football Club PLC board.


  38. StevieBC 27th November 2015 at 6:31 pm #And the AGM – IMO – has served its purpose: it’s bought King a bit more time.
    =====================================================
    Stevie…from my lofty perch in Essex, the only purpose I can see that the AGM has served is indeed to buy Mr King some more (precious) time…and allow him to  refine his “escape route”…both literally, legally and fiscally (if fiscally is a proper word…but no doubt John Clark(e) will confirm as to its acceptance as a word…and no..I do not play Scrabble!)


  39. As one, who in earlier years attended and supported both their Chairman and CEO, at hostile AGMs of a listed company, which paid my grossly inflated salary and benefit package 202020, may I ask the following simple question in relation to the following (factual) scenario:
    1 AGM 1… Mr King states..”.we refuse to repay the £5m loan”…standing ovation 07
    2 AGM 2 Mr King states..”.we desperately wish to pay to repay £5m loan…standing ovation07
    …what has happened in the six months between AGMs to provoke such a reversal in attitudes…my minimal understanding of company law fails me! 


  40. essexbeancounter 28th November 2015 at 8:21 pm #
    …what has happened in the six months between AGMs to provoke such a reversal in attitudes…my minimal understanding of company law fails me!
        —————————————————————————————–
    Essex, In company law terms, “His erse drapped oot his troosers”  21   
        It may not be anything has changed in company law, but a lot has changed by way of tactics and the pressure now being applied on both King and the SFA via the courts. No matter how it is presented and dressed for the shop window, it is a massive climb down. 
       Bleeding and on the ropes.


  41. If RIFC aren’t keen on criticism from abroad, maybe they should consider removing ‘International’ from their name.  If John Gilligan has an issue with liars, he’s in the wrong job.  If they refer to Phil Mac, he’s given several opportunities for his blogs to be refuted – they haven’t been, though.  Instead, it looks like grandstanding to the converted (converted to agree the exact opposite of what they agreed a few months ago – both opposing views getting it right up Mike Ashley, apparently).


  42. essexbeancounter 28th November 2015 at 8:21 pm # As one, who in earlier years attended and supported both their Chairman and CEO, at hostile AGMs of a listed company, which paid my grossly inflated salary and benefit package  , may I ask the following simple question in relation to the following (factual) scenario: 1 AGM 1… Mr King states..”.we refuse to repay the £5m loan”…standing ovation  2 AGM 2 Mr King states..”.we desperately wish to pay to repay £5m loan…standing ovation …what has happened in the six months between AGMs to provoke such a reversal in attitudes…my minimal understanding of company law fails me! 
    ———————————————————-
    Me also
    Welcome Essex.
    Should we perchance revive the SFM  Southern branch meeting on the 9th of the next month whereon myself and other(s) and maybees ? James D hurl up at yon HC of Justice  to witness the next instalment in this farce?
    A small soiree afterwards a kind of SFM pre Christmas party.
    Whether DCK chooses to join us might be up to the judge though.
    PM me anyway if you or any others fancy it.


  43. essexbeancounter 28th November 2015 at 8:21 pm # As one, who in earlier years attended and supported both their Chairman and CEO, at hostile AGMs of a listed company, which paid my grossly inflated salary and benefit package  , may I ask the following simple question in relation to the following (factual) scenario: 1 AGM 1… Mr King states..”.we refuse to repay the £5m loan”…standing ovation  2 AGM 2 Mr King states..”.we desperately wish to pay to repay £5m loan…standing ovation …what has happened in the six months between AGMs to provoke such a reversal in attitudes…my minimal understanding of company law fails me! 
    ________
    What chairman would get away with announcing such a massive about face at an AGM without offering the reasoning behind it? No attempt to justify paying back a loan that such a short time ago he said wasn’t really a loan and didn’t need repaid. He couldn’t even justify the revrsal with a lie!


  44. armchairsupporter, don’t worry a lot of posters have been sent to the naughty step.  Sometimes the next day I think ‘what have I said?’  When you move from club sites to this one it’s precarious.  21  I try my best.   I had two nights of joy with the new smilies – made up stories with them and then thought, no not here.  Wish I knew of a site where you could indulge in such fun.  But on here it is infra dig. 070303211912


  45. Ill inject a wee bit of gloom if I may as we head into December.

    Some of the guys who are shareholders have seen the financials for the Well and I quote,

    The latest club accounts make dire reading, a loss of approx £1.2 m with outstanding loans of £1.6m. To paraphrase the auditors comments if our projected cash flows from football performances and players sales don’t materialise we will require additional funding to survive the next year.
    If that isn’t achieved then there is a ‘ material uncertainty which may cast doubt as to the company’s ability to continue as a going concern’.
    To say we have major problems ahead is clearly an understatement.    
    So Armageddon for us  seemingly.
    The only upside to this is likely 300k for Erwin and some moneys due from Jamie Murphie’s exploits down south.
    So it is kind of down to the Well society members to “save” the club. Or we discover  a youngster that at this point does not look likely. 
    Most of the problems are well known Motherwell Wishaw and the area surrounding it are just being battered by closures etc.
    Anyhow thanks a million to Hearts who brought 1760 to FP today.04


  46. With the recent AGM leading to huge acclamation for DCK, I was wondering if we should brace ourselves for his inclusion in the New Year’s Honours List?

    Bearing in mind the unchallenged last minute ‘strategic’ reversal over the SD loan I thought a title like “Duke of York” would be appropriate…..marching men up hills and all that.

    More seriously, I have a feeling that the coming month may not be quite the Season of Goodwill the bears are hoping for both with current legals and the possibility of more on the way from MA/SD.

    Scottish Football needs a strong judiciary both here and in Englandshire.


  47. ianagain 28th November 2015 at 8:57 pm
    ‘…… on the 9th of the next month whereon myself and other(s) and maybees ? James D hurl up at yon HC of Justice .’
    _______
    When I spoke to him last, James D  fully intended to get to that ‘next instalment’!
    You might want to tweet him, in case he doesn’t see your post.He knows his way about, in Court rooms, and is a very obliging and helpful chap.


  48. John Clark 28th November 2015 at 10:38 pm # ianagain 28th November 2015 at 8:57 pm‘…… on the 9th of the next month whereon myself and other(s) and maybees ? James D hurl up at yon HC of Justice .’_______When I spoke to him last, James D  fully intended to get to that ‘next instalment’!You might want to tweet him, in case he doesn’t see your post.He knows his way about, in Court rooms, and is a very obliging and helpful chap.
    __________________________________
    JC
    Yes I’mfairly sure James  will be down. We last met at the Collyer Bristow BDO thing and as I arrived late he took me out for a brief on where it was all at, being non tweet able.
    Mind you he hates London (Don’t you James). He happened to be there for the Sun Brooks thing and popped over.


  49. Congratulations to Tyson Fury. Just listened to it on 5live and by all accounts both boxers gave their all.


  50. As  a neutral on here I would like to wish ICT the very best tomorrow and suggest that a friend of mine’s prediction of a victory for the visitors 0 – 4 and Celtic to score the first goal is a load of nonsense.  Scottish Football needs a strong Inverness. 08 (Don’t know what that smiley represents, but seems the right one.)


  51. jimbo 28th November 2015 at 6:09 pm
    ‘…Everything of import revolves around one club.’
    jimbo 29th November 2015 at 12:07 am
    ‘…As a neutral on here I would like to wish ICT the very best ..’
    _______
    Your neutrality does you credit, of course, jimbo, as do your attempts to ‘reach out’.
    But, of course, neutrality is not an option in the face of the great evils practised upon us all by , first , SDM ( aided and abetted by the succulent lamb types), and then by the Regans, Doncasters and Longmuirs, and, for the last couple of years,  by all kinds of charlatans who have variously claimed to ‘own and operate’ a new club that they assert is the same identical club that is as a matter of law languishing in Liquidation..
    Wrongdoing, no matter how heinous, can be forgiven, certainly.
    But not when it is not repented of, and the wrongdoers give you the two fingers!
    I would be the first to forgive our Football Authorities-once they own up to their guilt, and undo and make restitution for the damage they have done.
    There can be no meaningful dialogue and conversation about ‘football issues’ until the great gaping wound of corruption has been healed: and that will be when the  Big Lie is acknowledged as such, and truth and integrity are restored.
    In my opinion.


  52. Allyjambo 28th November 2015 at 9:29 pm #What chairman would get away with announcing such a massive about face at an AGM without offering the reasoning behind it?
    ===============

    The answer is whoever is the Chairman of Rangers. He knows he is guaranteed unquestioning, sycophantic media coverage therefore can safely make such statements. I wouldn’t bet against it being a case of pay Ashley now, or a court would soon be ordering them to pay anyway.  I await with interest to see whether Ashley accepts whatever ‘deal’ is offered. King has said and done enough in his life to give people the absolute right to doubt him on these matters. 


  53. John Clark 29th November 2015 at 12:40 am
        You are so correct John, distrust will destroy our game. From every “Honest” honest mistake, to every “unusual” disciplinary decision, to every hot and cold ball in the bag, the distrust will eat away at it. Distrust is something we have plenty of, and there is plenty enough people have it.
        The only reason for that is that our governors are not worthy of our trust. They have shown it time and time again. I am not a religious man,. but I too believe that repentance is one way forward, and would be happy to hear mitigating factors, but frankly, I will make no bones about it…..They better be effin better than the sh*te we have heard in the SMSM.
       They can put all of their court-cases aside for one moment and stop looking for loop-holes and tachnicalities to save their scrawny necks and pensions, because in the end, Scottish fitba fans will be their jury, and they will have no pension if it is not funded.
       The appeal deadline draws near, and so far I can live with, and understand, the fact that our clubs have remained mute. How long after that I will remain “understanding” I do not know.
       Some posters have informed the monitor of having written to their clubs, but I have not seen any posts relating to whether they have received a reply yet from anywhere other than a holding statement from Celtic Park.
       I sincerely hope that is not an indicator of the shape of things to come.  


  54. I would imagine the amounts of money that was moved about in an incredibly short time would be subject to the financial authorities scrutiny ,the Metro Bank would be duty bound to report this,it would be very interesting to find out the names of all the depositors,as King stated most of the board ,some big investors,the SFA,wait a minute,wipe the last one,for now,I take it this will have been transferred to the owner of the loan PDQ by close of play Friday,unless it has went through a 3rd party bank,of Kings??? ,Monday I would expect SD to release a statement that  they have had the transfer and they have handed the securities back,and they look forward to a good relationship with the company and if they require further loans just ask,I just hope the monies have not went through a SA bank,it can be difficult to move it back out again ,as we all know.


  55. I am reading Arild Stavrum’s Exposed at the Back (reduced to clear: sorry Arild). A decent player and at least as good an author. Talks well too. Book worth getting in a Xmas football sock.
    There are three threads to the plot.
    Agents – predictably unsavoury.
    Abuse of import of youngsters from Africa (which we know about)
    New to me was the idea that artificial pitches are a health hazard. I was finding that a bit unlikely so Googled it and sure enough lots of stories in the US…
    Personally I an only lukewarm on global warming, not kept awake by fracking, heap on the  GMO food so I am not suggesting mass hysteria at artificial pitches. But it might be worth keeping an eye on US.
     
    Ps And the plot suggests football authorities in Norway cannot negotiate a TV deal either.


  56. John Clark,  03 It’s funny how when you read something in the cold light of day it reads differently from the previous evening with a few wines in you.  That’s always a danger with the written word as opposed to face to face. In the real world I can have a dry sense of humour which doesn’t come over in print.

      In no way am I a neutral, there is only one team I support.  I think a better word is respectful.  There is no team in Scotland I dislike other than Rangers and I don’t blame myself for that.  Until they get themselves sorted out on a myriad of levels that’s the way it will be.  Of course I can’t see that happening any time soon, not when they are encouraged by the media and the authorities.
    But I do agree strongly with the ethos of this site that is why I tried very lightly to hold out the hand of friendship to some thinking bears.


  57. In reply to Corrupt Official about contacting our clubs. I have written and emailed Aberdeen FC five times since the Supreme Court decision. I have not received a reply nor even a  good mannered acknowledgement from them. I will wait until the appeal date has passed for me to pass judgement on my club. I am hopeful they will support the Celtic statement. I think I would have been happy if Aberdeen had only stated that at the time and no more.


  58. cosmichaggis 29th November 2015 at 11:20 am

       Thanks for the reply cosmic haggis. (Love the name). Hopefully they are just keeping their powder dry. Aberdeen FC, and their fans, are one of the clubs I am more confident about. 02


  59. cosmichaggis 29th November 2015 at 11:20 am
    ‘…..In reply to Corrupt Official about contacting our clubs. I have written and emailed Aberdeen FC five times since the Supreme Court decision..’
    ________
    Well done.
              ______
    In the hope , and readiness to believe, that the new President of the SFA is indeed a man of some integrity,I expect that come midnight on 4th December and no Appeal is lodged against the CoS judgement, he will of his own initiative, call an EGM of the general membership of the SFA expressly to revisit the ineligibility aspect, which is perhaps the deepest running sore.
    It is a free-standing aspect, not dependent on the outcome of criminal trials of any kind: payments made to players were deliberately not disclosed. There are no  excuses, least of all the absurd Alice-in-Wonderland Bryson ‘interpretation’, and LNS’s view that there was no sporting advantage is also such an absurdity that only someone like him would have had the brass neck ever to appear in public again..
    The knighted cheat’s own words in evidence to the FTTT show clearly that he got up to his tricks expressly to gain ‘sporting advantage’.
    While our  clubs which  suffered in consequence have largely remained silent, it cannot be the case that they are happy.
    If Mr McCrae makes takes strong leadership action , threatening to resign, many of the other clubs will find the courage to speak up.
    It’s the least an honourable man can do.


  60. In his latest piece, John James is claiming that King’s offer to repay Ashley’s £5m is conditional on Ashley withdrawing all legal actions, and undertaking not to start any more. King knows that Ashley will refuse those terms, so he doesn’t really need to have the £5m, and he can blame Ashley for the loan not being repaid. And he can also tell the SFA/SPFL that he did his very best to get Ashley out of their hair, but Ashley wasn’t reasonable.
    That seems to me to portray King as a seedy charlatan, who is playing the “peepul” , and the authorities, like an old violin. None of us can possibly go along with that, I’m sure.
    But let’s just say JJ is correct. Surely such a ploy would make Ashley even more determined than ever to nail King. What is King’s end game? Does he want to walk away, but blaming Ashley and with his RRM credentials (such as they are) intact? Is he that bothered? He’s surely in this for the money. So what’s in it for King?
    https://johnjamessite.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/ashley-will-not-fix-it-for-king/


  61. neepheid 29th November 2015 at 1:02 pm #

    As I so often find, JJ states something as fact but offers up no confirming references. I always enjoy his posts but do find them less than definitive. I wish they were, for his Rangers credentials make his case so much more forceful than, say, PMGB’s (but Phil trumps him every time because of his ability to say, obliquely, where his information comes from, his NUJ card helps also). I really do want to believe John James, every time, but as an example, can anyone confirm the following from his latest post? I genuinely hope to see this confirmed.

    “The £5m offer is conditional upon Ashley withdrawing from all litigation in regard to RIFC and the SFA’s fit and proper determination.
    King told us as much. Rather than a quick call to David Forsey at SD with the offer, King stated that it would be handled by solicitors. Ashley will not agree to these conditions. These conditions include his withdrawal from raising injunctions to stop the misappropriation of equity.”

    I haven’t read King’s AGM pronouncements word for word, and may have missed this, so, if ‘King told us as much’, I’d love to read it.


  62. Off topic but hooked on the tennis at the moment.
    what a sportsman Andy Murray is. A Scottish giant and someone in whom we should all take enormous pride.

    a credit to Scotland is our Andy.


  63. rangerstaxcase posted: “With the news that there will be no appeal to The Supreme Court, a line can be finally drawn under the Rangers Tax Case. However, Scotland’s football authorities still have a critical decision to make. They can face the wrath of Rangers fans unhappy that ” New post on Rangers Tax Case
    In the final analysisby rangerstaxcase With the news that there will be no appeal to The Supreme Court, a line can be finally drawn under the Rangers Tax Case. However, Scotland’s football authorities still have a critical decision to make. They can face the wrath of Rangers fans unhappy that the sporting records have been set straight or they can oversee […]
    Read more of this postrangerstaxcase | 29/11/2015 at 12:14 pm | Categories: General | URL: http://wp.me/p1sJnS-tZ __________________
    did anyone else get this email today ?
    when i click on the link theres nothing there 


  64. andy 29th November 2015 at 3:20 pm

    did anyone else get this email today ?
    when i click on the link theres nothing there
    ===========

    Yes, I got this too, with the same result. I assume that it’s either been taken down for legal reasons, or it was just a spoof. We’ll all find out soon enough regarding the appeal, so I don’t understand the purpose of this. Diversion?


  65. Allyjambo 29th November 2015 at 2:16 pm
    As I so often find, JJ states something as fact but offers up no confirming references.
    ============
    Agreed- I’ve looked at DK’s pronouncements over the last few days, but can’t find anything to support JJ’s assertion. Maybe JJ knows more than me (wouldn’t be difficult) or maybe he’s making it up.
    We are definitely in the “fog of war” right now, and it’s very difficult to distinguish fact from propaganda (or Level5PR ).


  66. andy 29th November 2015 at 3:20 pm #                 

    I got no email and there’s nothing on RTC’s twitter, nor reference by anyone I’d expect to pick it up. Smells like a spoof to me.


  67. PropaGander @Propa_Gander Hearing King and RST are phoning around to crowdfund @JolyonMaugham

    just seen this on twitter 

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