Imagine you are one of those people who have a nice big mahogany desk, with a gloss finish set in a big corner suite office which comes complete with a picture window, a break out area, a couch to lie down on in moments of stress, a quietly playing stereo sound system, fridge, plush carpet and loads of wee executive toy like things of your choosing.
Imagine, just for a moment, that outside your office you have the executive German car that is almost compulsory when you work in such an office. Added to that, you also have the benefit of a large six figure salary, a pension scheme, substantial holidays, a bonus scheme which nicely enhances your already excellent salary, fantastic perks and trips abroad as part of your job, and that you fill a position which leads to invitations to the most fantastic events, do’s, and sporting occasions imaginable.
Imagine the respect you must command from your peers, your family and friends.
Imagine the awe that you must be held in at dinner parties and social events when you are introduced to strangers for the first time– strangers who will have heard your name, and know of your position in society.
Imagine the personal and professional respect you must command from others in your field — or any other field for that matter — when you go to conferences and meetings in foreign cities and with foreign counterparts.
Imagine the envy that many others sometimes feel for someone who has succeeded in business and society to this extent.
Then imagine that the big office described above is at Hampden?
What a bummer!!
Now, I mention all of this because if you were one of the big cheeses at at Hampden, I wonder just what you do with yourself when the large rosewood door of your office closes behind you when you get in there each morning?
Maybe you make a coffee? Read the papers? Check the mail? Go to a meeting about the latest in 3G or is it 4G pitches being installed in a ground or two in the Shetlands?
However, no matter what you do and who you speak to THAT file is always there— always at the corner of your desk, neatly up there at the top left hand corner just beyond the desk top golf set and above the Newton’s cradle with the balls that spell your name or whatever.
That file– the one that relates to the finances, compliance, directors details and ownership of Rangers Football Club.
At least that is what the top of the file says. Though to be fair it is a continuation file… continuing from the one that was opened two months ago and is fit to burst already with reports, memo’s and letters- which in turn was a continuation of the one before that and the one before that and the one before that and on and on.
Maybe that is not the correct name for the club?
Maybe that is something that can be clarified at the next meeting with the Directors and CEO of the club— whoever they might be at that time?
No matter where you go in the room, you can see that file from every position. There is just no getting away from it.
Who owns The Rangers?
There are all sorts of reports, share prospectuses, memos, deeds, documents, contracts, letters, e-mails all asking the same thing. And there you are— none the wiser.
Please clarify this, please clarify that, are there any signed but unrecorded documents, or contracts?
Are the Companies House records accurate? is the Land register accurate?
At the end of the day you just lie on the couch, place a cold cloth over your head and hope it will all go away.
Then the accounts come out. Oh the figures are shocking and they confirm that most of the people you negotiated with to get their team playing football somewhere after the collapse and liquidation of RFC PLC have exited stage left with huge severance cheques.
They now live in France, or Singapore or the Cayman Islands and you can bet they will never darken a door in Mount Florida on a wet February morning ever again.
But that is not the worst of it — the bleeding internet is full of leaks— documents, letters, e-mails, contracts, company forms and all sorts.
You wouldn’t mind if the documents leaked were ones that you had seen before, but in the main they are things that you have never seen and never had disclosed.Every day someone calls and asks ” Have you seen the latest?” and of course you haven’t so you stand there feeling like a complete chookie!!!
Every day you call the compliance and monitoring guys:
” Eh have you seen this? Have you been notified that he is a director?”
” No boss – never seen that? Never knew it existed?”
” So who owns the company if that is correct?”
” Eh Dunno boss — not sure of anything over there any more!”
“Ok have you checked the titles with the lawyers?”
” yes but the title as registered looks ok, but there is no guarantee that it hasn’t been sold to someone else and they have not registered their title for the moment!”
” Have you spoken to the lawyers? Have you asked for clarification?”
” yes Boss — the Lawyers don’t really answer our questions– well at least not fully!”
” What about these accounts – there are 57 pages there – what do they tell us?”
” Well they tell us that the figures are not good, boss, but not immediately critical.”
” Are they paying their taxes?”
” Appear to be boss– but we can’t be sure.can we? We were told they were paying their taxes before and … well you know the rest.”
” Ok, but Pinsent masons rule out the Whyte guy being involved?”
” Ah well not really – they don’t go into the company he says he owns – they sort of ignore that part!”
” But they carried out an independent investigation, surely?”
” True boss, but the independent investigation was only into what the non independent guys wanted investigating Boss, and they appear to have finished their report without speaking to all the witnesses.”
” Ok but the accounts – what do the accounts say about Whyte being the real owner — I mean they are from Deloittes for God sake – they must make the position clear?”
” Well we have had a look at them boss and in that regard the accounts are King Kenny!”
” King Kenny?”
” Aye King Kenny Boss – with regard to Whyte’s claim they say ” maybes aye– maybes naw” and they leave it at that”
” Jesus, well have you written to the Directors?”
” Aye – half the letters have come back marked “Gone away”.Boss”
” Do you know who the shareholders are?”
” Naw Boss”
“Do they have a bank account and a bank reference ?”
” Naw Boss”
” Who’s coming to the next meeting from their side?”
” Dunno Boss”
” Is there anything you can tell me that lets me close this file and get it off my desk for good?”
” Naw boss”
” Well who did we grant membership to last year?”
” The first time or the second time Boss?”
” What do you mean – first time or second time?”
” We started out granting membership to one company and then changed it to another”
” Two companies – owned by the same people?”
” Dunno Boss– but they sounded the same.”
” And which one got a licence?”
” Dunno boss”
” What?”
“Was the licence not granted by Mr Longmuir boss? And then ratified by us as a formality?”
” Why are you asking me, you are the compliance guys?”
” Aye but we were told it would all be ok by … well by someone ….. and by Mr Longmuir”
” When did he tell you that?”
” Told us one day at Ibrox Boss – I think it was at half time?”
” Half Time?”
” Aye – though it might have been full time boss ….. free bevvy and sandwiches so can’t quite remember”.
” Well who has the paperwork?”
” Lost boss”
” Lost?”
” Yes Boss – it was meant to come up from the SFL but never appeared. Turns out that the SFL was run as an unincorporated body and none of its records etc, are intact or have ever been audited …… Boss. Mr Ballantyne might have them in his garage Boss! ……… Boss? ….. are you still there? Boss?”
The man in the corner suite leaves the phone dangling, goes to his fridge for a cold drink and switches on the executive plasma hanging on the wall by way of the remote control on his desk.
The screen beams into life and an advert for the brand of soft drink that he is holding fills the wall. The very same brand of soft drink that has just been announced as the official soft drink to partner Scottish Football.
The executive, looks at his drinks can, looks at the file on the corner of the desk, looks at the abandoned phone and finally looks at the screen just as the speakers spell out clearly ………….. the benefits of coming from a long line of Fannies.
This is Scottish Football Administration in the 21st Century.
neepheid says: (837)
October 14, 2013 at 8:34 am
12 0 Rate This
________________
I believe South Africa was via Dubai, for Mather at least. That’s what the official statement about the trip said.
They might just want to be seen standing next to a ‘Rangers man’ now that Smith and Ally are a wee bit past their sell-by date. In reality, they may have known all along that King was a non-starter but that it’s useful to make him appear as though he’s almost chairman. In fact, they might even want to make sure he’s a non-starter for any official position, his money will do.
tcup 2012 says: (55)
October 14, 2013 at 8:33 am
In relation to the link posted by tcup:
Can someone explain why the “TIDM ” is allowed to be RFC???? Every single icon related to data re “RFC” Surely this cannot be allowed?????
Perhaps the ducks are being lined up in an alternative row?
If the CVA was approved then Mr King could have come back, a club would have been playing football in the SPL.
Liquidation put a well placed spanner into the works.
Now that the company has little or no money to put at the club’s disposal those looking after the purse strings can announce to the fans – all of the money is gone, we cannot secure alternative funds, we will need to consider a sale and lease back of the assets if football is to continue.
Perhaps the endgame was a sale and lease back afterall?
neepheid says: (837)
October 14, 2013 at 8:34 am
“This shower are in deep trouble, that’s a certainty”
I agree with you and this all smacks of desperation. As for his flight unless going via Heathrow your choice ex Glasgow is usually Emirates via Dubia or KLM via Amsterdam.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24513026
[Edit] Beat me to it DP
upthehoops says: (550)
October 14, 2013 at 7:17 am
So who has decided to run with this?
—-
Well, now that the Dave “Look, a squirrel” King story has been exposed by the Nomad as a fantasy for the time being, they need to ensure the next squirrel is around the corner. What better than a story about how celtic fans want to kick “rangers” when they’re down…
500million squirrels world wide (copyright acknowledged)
Paul McConville @Paulmcc12 1h
Rangers Forced to Confirm Dave King is NOT Returning Now as PLC Chairman http://wp.me/p1Adbc-16t
—————————————————————————-
When will this factual news appear in the Red tops.?Looks like Sevco have fouled up on stock exchange rules (shock and stunned).
Why do the club in Govan think that stock exchange rules, football licence rules, fit & proper rules, rules for paying taxes, football rules in fact ANY rules or Laws to not apply to them. Is it because they play in a blue strip and their genetic fabric is somehow different to the fabric of all clubs
There must be someone not outside the law working in Ibrox, surely. I do not say that with conviction to be honest.
Long Time Lurker says: (646)
October 14, 2013 at 9:06 am
re sale and leaseback being the end game, a couple of relevant steps first if I might say.
1/ What if the Lying King was promised first refusal on a sale and leaseback. On the plus side that keeps it in understanding hands, on the downside, well Mr King is at -£20m at the moment. Will he still pay top dollar? Also the purchase, whilst from TRFC, would yield cash that would no doubt go against the RIFC debt something he is presumably keen to avoid. Give chuckles his due, he continues to have them bound like turkeys.
2/ What better than a veiled threat re sale and leaseback. If the 500m bearz would just dip, no double dip, no hang on triple dip just once more then sale and leaseback could be avoided and world domination, by which I obviously mean timmy domination, would be just around the corner…..again.
The Taxmancometh
The resolution does not ask for a sanction. It asks Celtic to get the UEFA Club Financial Control Body to investigate the circumstances under which a UEFA licence was granted in 2011.
It would be up to the CFCB to decide within their rules what if any sanction to apply to the SFA.
The only issue the resolution requires action on is the 2011 licence because it is the only point amongst the general concerns expressed that Celtic shareholders can argue that in theory at least they suffered financially.
The article at http://www.onfieldsofgreen.com/ provides details of the case for requesting an enquiry.
Regarding Celtic shareholders asking about Rangers licence why not as we all doubt the legality of it and the SFA has not assured us in any way.
Upthehoops.
The smsm spinning a story. Well who could have expected that?
In publicising the issues they draw attention to them and now the PR begins to focus on the only piece of the resolution that matters which is the UEFA licence and the handling of it.
The SFA could easily deal with this by setting out how they complied with the rules.
This is all about the SFA and that is where the focus has to be made.
It may well be JI being mischevious but that will not make the issue go away and if it leads to a boisterous Celtic AGM so what? A few more boisterous AGMs around clubs might get the message re SFA reform across.
I’m afraid your opinion of the merits of Martin Williams is not shared by me, Neepheid. No non-sporting journo I can think of has so assiduously blurred the old club/new club distinction as this hack.
While his story this morning is welcome, it has all the hallmarks of being written to another, as yet unperceived, agenda. Williams is a puppet.
Would a “proper journalist” have elided so gently over what transpired in the South African courtroom as this disingenuous gem:
No, Martin, more than 200 criminal charges were dropped after King pleaded guilty to 41 charges of tax evasion, each of which carried a two-year jail sentence in lieu of a a massive fine. He pleaded guilty to 41 crimes, Martin, he didn’t “settle” anything. But good try anyway! 🙂
STV’s updates:
Monday October 14, 2013 9:40
Cara Sulieman@carasulieman
Rangers hearing due to start at 10. As usual, can’t tweet from inside courtroom so will update with what’s happened in the breaks.
Monday October 14, 2013 10:05
Cara Sulieman@carasulieman
Well, that was quick. Adjourned until 11 so lawyers for Rangers can read over a late submission. Might come back earlier.
Auldheid
What’s the point of investigating something unless you intend to do something at the end of the investigation?
What do you expect UEFA to do to the SFA if they find that they were aiding a club cheat?
It would appear, from the AIM announcement and more informed press reports, that there was never really any chance of King making it onto the board of TRFC or RIFC.
I cannot believe he was not aware of this.
He appears to be backing the current board, though, by allowing himself to be used as their latest deflection stooge; but he is not stooge material. This latest round of deflection puts King clearly in the Green/Sevco camp, and that he has been waiting in the background, the Sevco background, all along.
It didn’t make sense to me, at first, that, at this stage, he should get in bed with the side becoming more and more hated by the bears and increasingly looking like a sinking ship. Why not join those perceived as the good guys? Unless, of course, he is already committed to the other side!
I know Kings involvement in Sevco has long been suspected, but this recent part of the rich tapestry being sewn, serves to make this more than just suspicion.
It may well be, on the other hand, that Jim McColl and his merry band are a notch or two above King on the integrity scale and want sod all to do with him!
Fisiani says: (13)
October 14, 2013 at 7:38 am
16
1
Rate This
The Celtic AGM story is a classical MSM piece of deflection. Get everyone talking about it. When they are talking about Celtic there is no talk about the spivs. Do not take your eyes off the ball.
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
Agreed Fisiani, all too convenient.
With all the focus on DK, the Celtic AGM, what the cardigan thinks, etc etc. I despair at the lack of focus
on David Murray.
History will hopefully highlight him as the main reason that our game took a nosedive for decades, including
the national team.
His crazed spending of the bank’s cash and the sleekit schemes deployed to keep the old gers winning most
of the trophies most of the time forced other, more honest clubs to try and play ‘catch up.’ They could only try
but they didn’t have Masterton on their side, so Murray could retain the peepil’s club’s ‘rightful’ place without any real challenge at all.
Remember this is the man who will be forever remembered by decent football fans for his arrogant, shameless “Every fiver” boast! I ask, with the odds so massively stacked in his favour, how the hell can they glory in their tinny success? The only shock should have been when they failed to come first!
I only hope that we can climb from the mire created by this man and his many ‘nodding dogs.’ I think
we all need to accept the scale of the damage done in that era, and if all the complicit parties can recognise the massive errors of Murray’s tenure, we can rebuild all the faster. I won’t hold my breath…
Make of this what you will:
David Leggat – giving it to you straight
Monday, 14 October 2013
JACK IRVINE SET TO BE AT CENTRE OF NEW DAVE KING STORM
THE man almost every Rangers fan loves to hate, highly paid spin doctor, Jack Irvine, could find himself at the centre of a new storm over an alleged email which appears to have claimed that for a payment to an agent, confidential tax information about Dave King could be bought from the South African authorities.
The alleged bombshell statement from Jack Irvine comes in an email, which if it is authentic, – and it comes from the same source which included the email which contained the Irvine slur on John Greig – suggests that for a payment someone in the South African Revenue Service could provide their secret files on King .
There is no evidence to suggest that anything ever came of this, likewise, there is no evidence it did not.
In the email Jack Irvine is alleged to have said that there was an opportunity to meet with an agent of the South African Revenue Service and that for a payment, it is alleged Irvine claimed that agent could deliver the secret South African Government files on Dave King.
I have a copy of the email which appears to have been sent from Jack Irvine’s Media House email address on June 21st 2011, just after Craig Whyte had conned Sir David Murray into selling Rangers to him for £1 and then paid off Lloyds Bank with cash he illegally raised from Ticketus before he concluded the deal which made him Rangers owner. Whyte was assisted by lawyer Gary Withey, then of London law firm Collyer Bristow. He no longer works there.
The email was sent to “Gary and Craig.” In the email, which was allegedly written by Jack Irvine, is the advice that it had to be established whether “Dave King was temporarily or permanently toxic.”
The email also adds that “enclosed is a diary item from the Sunday Times of South Africa which is a) good because all the witnesses appear to be dead b) bad – because the case is delayed once again until November.”
That was of course November 2011. King is now free to invest in Rangers after having resolved his difficulties with the South African Revenue Service.
Irvine, however, still seems hell bent on trying to dish the dirt on King. On Friday, in the wake of the news that King is planning a comeback to become chairman of a new Rangers board and then invest mega millions, Irvine sent an email to a number of newspaper editors which claimed that AIM, on which Rangers are listed on the London Stock Exchange, would not allow King to become a director.
This followed false claims on a number of Celtic web sites which said that King would not pass the Scottish Football Association’s fit and proper person test.
All of which raises an interesting question. In whose interest is Jack Irvine working? Rangers, who employ him as a consultant and whose executive directors, Craig Mather and Brian Stockbridge, plus non executive director, Bryan Smart, want Dave King back on the board? Or non executive director James Easdale, who along with brother Sandy, also employs Irvine as a spin doctor and who may take a different view of Dave King’s return to the Blue Room?
Which poses another more pertinent question. Is Jack Irvine conflicted?
No doubt, if he returns in triumph, the extremely wealthy Dave King, a hard man if ever there was one, will sort out the issues surrounding Jack Irvine and Media House once and for all.
posted by leggoland @ 08:54
Taxmancometh
Why dont you do what I do and find the answer for yourself?
Its in the CFCB rules.
There are sanctions from a slap on the wrist upwards. I would expect only a slap on the wrist but the mission of getting the truth out would be accomplshed
Interesting that Leggo is pushing a hard-man image for Dave King. Perhaps that is why Leggo’s brand of PR has been rejected by even the Spivs.
Firstly, is “hard man” the image TRFC want for DK?
Secondly, given that he has been diddled out of £20m and there’s no blood on the moon …
… Really?
From the Leggo blog,
“On Friday, in the wake of the news that King is planning a comeback to become chairman of a new Rangers board and then invest mega millions”
They just don’t get the concept of sustainable financing. No cost cutting or even attempting to live within their means, it’s all about getting another sugar daddy who’ll invest his money into a broken format.
torrejohnbhoy(@johnbhoy1958) says: (1070)
October 14, 2013 at 11:37 am
———————————————————
Make of this what you will:
David Leggat – giving it to you straight
I have a copy of the email which appears to have been sent from Jack Irvine’s Media House email address on June 21st 2011, just after Craig Whyte had conned Sir David Murray into selling Rangers to him for £1
——————————————————————-
Oh dear…. any relevant, important or even interesting points are lost when he insists that David Murray was in any way conned by Craig Whyte, a full report was given to DM and he chosse to ignore that, either because he already knew the content, was not interested or had his arm twisted by the bank. Either way, he was never conned.
loamfeet says:
October 14, 2013 at 6:58 am
I remember watching a documentary about American politics in the 1930s …
——
You’re obviously older than you look.
Leggat:
“Craig Whyte had conned Sir David Murray into selling Rangers to him for £1.”
Who had conned whom?
@Auldheid
I really think you are barking up the wrong tree if you think UEFA would do anything about this.
It would open up a can of worms that they don’t want opened. At the top of the can would be Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Best to let it go.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24458891
This sort of ties in with the chat on here earlier about fan ownership (don’t know if it’s been posted here before) – not only for Dunfermline, but I can’t help but think that the fans groups for The Rangers could do worse than read this.
tomtom says: (473)
October 14, 2013 at 12:14 pm
6 0 i
Rate This
The guy clearly loves his money – the fact that he went to such extraordinary lengths to stop the SA government getting their hands on any of it suggests that he’s not easily parted from it…… so why would he throw millions …..sorry, MEGA millions, down a money pit?
DK says “ My settlement with the authorities in South Africa provides me with a unique status of credibility”…no repentance a new blue buzzword?
And so some of the very same people who by omission or commission were party to the dubious corporate strategy of numerous property revaluations and tax avoidance scheming to prop up a flawed business model are coming back.
They must now believe any potential claims on the undervaluation and sale of heritage property assets are now beyond HMRC , legitimate creditors and small shareholders reach.
I’m ignoring ALL the current and past spiv’s “supposed” infighting as playing to the galleries; as everyone seems to have gone legal on each other at some point or has threatened to.
The recent IPO even added some properties back into the corporate portfolio; wonder who got that little windfall benefit in these harsh economic times?
Will this new chairman’s to do list for his first 100 days include renaming Murray Park….. thought not.
SouthernExile says: (115)
October 14, 2013 at 12:30 pm
3 1 i
Rate This
@Auldheid
I really think you are barking up the wrong tree if you think UEFA would do anything about this.
It would open up a can of worms that they don’t want opened. At the top of the can would be Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Best to let it go.
————————————–
I can’t really see that being a problem, to be honest. We’re a small football backwater that no-one except us really cares about – what better environment to show that UEFA mean business with all their talk of financial fair play…… without penalising their favourite big hitters?
Normal football rules don’t apply in Spain and Italy – just look at the match fixing Calciopoli scandals from Italy a few years back. Not only did AC Milan manage to appeal to their way out of a 15 point deduction, they managed to keep it up until they were re-admitted to the Champions League, and subsequently won the trophy. No-one from UEFA batted an eyelid.
Sell your training ground to the Spanish government for 250 million, and then buy it back for £10 million? Not a problem, apparently that’s just good business sense. I’m sure the tax payers of Spain (those that are left anyway, given the state of the country) were happy in the knowledge that their hard earned loot was being used to subsidise a bloated, financial car crash, but again, not a peep from UEFA.
Auldheid
JI is an obvious suspect, those he represents have an obvious interest in this going way. However, his clients, are not the only ones who may have reason to be happy with this morning’s press. Much as it saddens me to say it, I’d keep an eye on your backyard…..
The bubble around Mr King, seems to be dissipating quicker than expected. AIM doesn’t like the cut of his jib, who could have predicted that???
The Man who would be King is a great story, and a wonderful film, the bears should really watch it all the way through, it doesn’t end well…… …. and neither will this.
STV update from you know where:
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman
Petitioners are asking Lord Tyre to grant an interdict forcing Rangers to include the notice in AGM and to stop the AGM from happening.
Petitioners are Malcolm Murray, Paul Murray and other shareholders.
When I say notice I mean attempt to appoint Murrays, Scott Murdoch and Alex Wilson to the board.
The signatures in question are on behalf of 3 company shareholders – Hargreaves Lansdown, Bank of New York and Singer Nominees.
Rangers are arguing they didn’t accept motion as it was not authenticated. They say 3 signatures were not authenticated.
Petitioners are arguing enough evidence was submitted to Rangers to authenticate the signatures.
Petitioners say that, anyway, Rangers received an “on the face of it” authenticated motion & it should go to AGM.
Petitioners say AGM should not go ahead as even if motion is circulated, there isn’t enough time before AGM on Oct 24.
With AGM in 10 days, petitioners say not enough time to post motion, statement & allow shareholders to nominate proxy.
Lawyer for petitioners keeps referring to Rangers “waging guerrilla warfare” against the motion.
Lord Tyre responded: “It seems to me you want me to think this is a nitpicking exercise you want me to disapprove of.”
Lord Tyre: “It just boils down to whether they (signatures) should be validly authenticated or not.”
And that’s about it. After lunch, Rangers’ lawyer will continue.
You would have thought that someone at Rangers … maybe the finance director … would have realised there would be issues with the statement they released on the official website. For a PLC to be (as much as) announcing a new chairman and a fund raising exercise, on the interweb first rather on the stock exchange is simply ignoring the rules.
For that person to be Dave King, with his antecedents, both at the ex club and with the tax authorities really is pushing things.
Unless you genuinely believe that the rules don’t apply to you.
Brian Stockbridge
————————-
Assistant Secretary Panel on Takeovers & Mergers
April 2001 – September 2003 (2 years 6 months)
Regulation of takeovers & mergers
Senior Manager Grant Thornton Partnership;
1001-5000 employees; Accounting industry
1996 – 2005 (9 years)
Associate Director Noble & Company
2006 – 2009 (3 years)
Director – Corporate Finance Allenby Capital Banking industry
January 2010 – January 2012 (2 years 1 month) London, United Kingdom
Director in Corporate finance advising small to medium sized companies on public and private fundraisings and on M&A
==================================
Oh and again, Dave King hasn’t “settled his differences” or “resolved his issues” or anything else like that. He has admitted to large scale tax fraud and accepted financial penalties in lieu of going to prison.
Read from BOTTOM up
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 10m
And that’s about it. After lunch, Rangers’ lawyer will continue.
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 11m
Lord Tyre: “It just boils down to whether they (signatures) should be validly authenticated or not.”
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 12m
Lord Tyre responded: “It seems to me you want me to think this is a nitpicking exercise you want me to disapprove of.”
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 13m
Lawyer for petitioners keeps referring to Rangers “waging guerrilla warfare” against the motion.
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 15m
With AGM in 10 days, petitioners say not enough time to post motion, statement & allow shareholders to nominate proxy.
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 16m
Petitioners say AGM should not go ahead as even if motion is circulated, there isn’t enough time before AGM on Oct 24.
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 17m
Petitioners say that, anyway, Rangers received an “on the face of it” authenticated motion & it should go to AGM.
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 18m
Petitioners are arguing enough evidence was submitted to Rangers to authenticate the signatures.
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 20m
Rangers are arguing they didn’t accept motion as it was not authenticated. They say 3 signatures were not authenticated.
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 20m
The signatures in question are on behalf of 3 company shareholders – Hargreaves Lansdown, Bank of New York and Singer Nominees.
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 26m
When I say notice I mean attempt to appoint Murrays, Scott Murdoch and Alex Wilson to the board.
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 27m
Petitioners are Malcolm Murray, Paul Murray and other shareholders.
Expand
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 27m
Petitioners are asking Lord Tyre to grant an interdict forcing Rangers to include the notice in AGM and to stop the AGM from happening.
It could be a bad day for the bears if they lose both Dave King and the right to fill the board with “Rangers men”.
declan and timmy on the other hand, those chaps must be sighing with relief.
Tif Finn says: (526)
October 14, 2013 at 1:30 pm
0 0 Rate This
It could be a bad day for the bears if they lose both Dave King and the right to fill the board with “Rangers men”.
declan and timmy on the other hand, those chaps must be sighing with relief.
=======
Seems to be like a pantomime in order to have a valid excuse to “postpone” the AGM, I am of the opinion each is playing their part to ensure that there is no AGM
smoke n mirrors
After this mornings announcement is another visit to “Nomads ‘R’ Us” on the cards?.
P.S..Does Fisianis figure of £38k a day burn include court costs?.
If the current board win then why would the AGM be postponed, no reason that it can’t just go ahead.
Unless of course they plan on losing.
“Fans live a dream and a lot don’t care about finances.” – IMO nothing would temper fans’ demands for spending money like having to raise it !
Whilst I like the Lying King idea, I’m more disposed to ‘King convicted tax cheat or similar. Not looking for copyright ownership as I believe in opensource systems 🙂
Tif Finn says: (527)
October 14, 2013 at 1:42 pm
0 0 Rate This
If the current board win then why would the AGM be postponed, no reason that it can’t just go ahead.
Unless of course they plan on losing.
======
That’s a bingo!
They are all playing their parts in the plan
jockybhoy says: (233)
October 14, 2013 at 1:49 pm
“Fans live a dream and a lot don’t care about finances.” – IMO nothing would temper fans’ demands for spending money like having to raise it !
Whilst I like the Lying King idea, I’m more disposed to ‘King convicted tax cheat or similar. Not looking for copyright ownership as I believe in opensource systems 🙂
————————————————————————
I agree wholeheartedly.
I’m just pointing out an obvious(to me)pitfall.Some fans will invest and will take more of an interest in the finances.They’ll try and run the club on an even keel.
There will be those,however,who won’t invest time/cash and just want a winning team.They’ll be baying for blood when they don’t get what they want,even though they didn’t join the ownership scheme.
2 factions.That’s all I’m saying.
I’m sure clubs could get good people to run them.
Strong stuff from CQN:
http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/
This is the world Celtic has to operate in
14th October 2013
There was a fascinating and completely unfounded angle to the Daily Record’s story today about Celtic’s forthcoming AGM, “Celtic’s directors insist Rangers (sic) were dealt with fairly”.
Oh no they don’t. This is an incredible dose of poison to inject into the Celtic family.
The matter in question is a resolution before the AGM urging Celtic to write to the SFA and Uefa regarding club licencing for season 2011/12. As a result of this resolution Celtic’s written response to the AGM confirms that they questioned the SFA’s licensing at the time directly with the Association, a fact which had not previously been revealed. The matter was also raised with Uefa. Both bodies backed the SFA actions.
I knew how this played out at the time and I was keen for the matter to reach the AGM, where questions could be asked and responses given, but lines like “Celtic’s directors insist Rangers were dealt with fairly” are put out just to mess with you.
The Record addresses another point in the same article, “the Scottish champions are also acutely aware of how official action would heighten tensions between fans of the two clubs”. If you think Charles Green was the only one on the receiving end of threats and intimidation last year, when these matters came to light, you’re wrong.
Celtic pursued the licencing question as far as they were permitted to do, this is quite different than insisting Rangers (sic) were dealt with fairly. The SFA are not interested and Uefa are not interested. As a result of this resolution, this issue can be properly examined in front of the supporters.
The club’s public comments, or often, the lack of public comments, put the safety of their employees and supporters, which was already acutely in focus, first. Not so long ago office staff at Celtic had to go through training on how to open the mail following specific attacks.
Despite popular mythology, Celtic don’t control the SFA, re-orientating that organisation will take a while. The issue of licensing in 2011 was pursued as far as the club were allowed to do so. Get along to the AGM, look the board in the eye and ask your questions on this. Celtic also have a responsibility – and a lot of formal security advice – to staff, each other and all of us when it comes to public comment. This is the world Celtic has to operate in. The sooner we are out of here the better.
I understand TJB – and there is always a ying to the yang…
TBH I drifted onto RTC from CQN as I couldn’t be bothered with factions at the time – the “Speculators to Accumulators” and the “Biscuit-tinners”, the “Back-the-Boarders” versus the “Sack-the-Boarders”, the “mine-shafters” and the, huh, can’t remember what their “evil Spock” was, but I agree there would be fan-factions. What they would have though is transparency and a direct input into the running of their respective clubs.
I think we all (well all sane fans) agree that’s a good thing. 💡
Purely coincidental of course that both the report in the Record and the Express both completely fail to mention the central crux of the resolution and rather highlight what within Scotland will easily be the most controversial part (valid none the less IMHO).
That both these reports appear in the Scottish National Press, on the same day that the appointment of Dave King is shown up for the nonsense it always patently was and when Rangers are having a bitch fight with themselves in court can only of course be another one of those strange coincidences in life…….
tomtom says: (473)
October 14, 2013 at 12:14 pm
Except of course it’s not even about that though is it.
The simple fact, and I do mean fact, is that under FFP regulations individuals (oligarchs, oil sheikhs, ex-patriate individually wealthy individuals with dubious tax histories) can no longer simply pour money into football teams.
There would appear to be nothing stopping Mr King from spending his ‘hard-earned’ but that can’t take the form of a cheque or a gift. For reference, Dermot Desmond and others on the CFC Board, are precluded from gifting capital to their Club.
This therefore creates a challenge to the assertion that a return to the free-spending-of-other-people’s-money will soon return to the team playing at Ibrox.
If the role of the TSFM is to ask the questions that the media won’t ask, then it’s incumbent on any and all of us, to ask the question of Sportsound, SSB and any other popular outlet to ask THEM how they expect Dave King’s wealth to benefit RIFC/TRFC.
Furthermore if he’s there to raise additional capital, how will this address the ‘structural deficit’ in the balance sheet?
It would seem that there is a high degree of mis-placed expectation among the Klan and it will be interesting to see how this plays out. Of course the SFA will not prevent the convicted criminal from taking on a role at RIFC/TRFC, but the Court of Session might, and so should Fair Play rules, should Mr King wish to ‘spend’ some of his undoubted wealth.
The ‘bampots’ should remain alert…
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 2m
Lord Tyre has retired to make his decision. Will return sometime after 3.30pm.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-24518257
A mealy mouthed piece by Douglas Fraser which includes this beauty:
“The protracted criminal proceedings against him brought by the South African tax authorities have been dropped, in a rather expensive deal for Mr King…”
Someone might want to complain to the BBC about gross factual inaccuracies regarding the convicted tax dodger.
Re Leggat: “All (the entire debacle from Murray to Green via Whtye) of which raises an interesting question, on who’s behalf is Jack Irvine operating?”
Seriously, that’s the only interesting question you think it raises? SERIOUSLY?
Re the CQN stuff. Have I missed 2 pages of relevant discussion somewhere? Were CFC aware that due to the Wee tax case crystallising (I know I’ve jammed three chapters of legal text into one sentence for brevity) that the SFA were technically in breach in issuing the licence AND pursued it as far as it would go?
In which case why was the LNS decision allowed to stand? They were in breach in 2011 but not when looked upon from 2013?
Can’t have it both ways. I want the SFA’s heads on plates – the decent thing they should have done themselves – if CFC get caught in (IMO) deserved cross fire then so be it.
Auldheid you are absolutely correct to pursue this. I just want the truth.
EDIT: not looking for a Jack Nicolson-esq response here!
I was just posting on another forum (shame on me) When something dawned on me 💡
Is Mather and Stockbridge actually telling the truth ❓ They say there will be 1m left in the bank by April
This Could be very very TRUE 🙂
But will the 1m be the 1m that is currently UNAVAILABLE to them that’s in the bank just now ?
So according to the Leggo blog, Jack has allegedly been offering cash for secret SA government files on DK. I’d say the fact that it hasn’t been removed may give credence to the story.
He (JI) seems to be a man suited to our rather dark period of history on planet earth.
They also don’t mention whether there will be £1m left at the start of April or at the end. I suspect it is the former.
Quite an important distinction I would have thought.
Greenock Jack says: (47)
October 14, 2013 at 3:02 pm
—————————————–
If my memory is correct, I believe that Charlotte may have published an email in which an identified person noted that they could secure private records on Mr King from person(s) working for the SA government.
tcup 2012 says: (56)
October 14, 2013 at 3:00 pm
I was just posting on another forum (shame on me) When something dawned on me 💡
Is Mather and Stockbridge actually telling the truth ❓ They say there will be 1m left in the bank by April
This Could be very very TRUE 🙂
But will the 1m be the 1m that is currently UNAVAILABLE to them that’s in the bank just now ?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
From what is already in the public domain vis a vis the recent accounts, I think any notion that there will still be £1M left in the bank by April is fanciful. According to the figures we have (accepting that the whole truth is difficult to pin down), the money runs out in February. Unless of course the mystery £2.5M ”facility” that is at the spiv’s disposal is taken up (secured on a sizeable asset…any ideas?) to allow them to stumble to the end of the season. In any event £1M in the bank at April equals massive crisis. I think the Bears are starting to be softened up for the inevitable sale and leaseback on the basis that the ”alternative” is unthinkable.
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 3m
We’re going back in to hear the decision. Will tweet it as soon as I can.
@LTL
Your memory is spot on, Charlotte posted that email from Jack. I clearly remember the “good news all the witnesses are dead” phrase
A man goes to court charged with attempted murder – he plea bargains and agrees to a lesser charge of assault with a dangerous weapon.
Would the MSM then say he was found innocent? Or that he was not really a violent man? Or is it just Dave King who is afforded this leeway?
SMSM also reporting that Celtic fans want the board to explain why they did not punish RFC more – nonsense! We want to know why SFA are being allowed to cost Celtic money by giving a UEFA license to RFC when they plainly did not qualify to play in Europe.
RTC was started to counter act the SMSM nonsense regarding hover pitches, SDM business acumen and a billionaire status that all turned out to be utter and complete nonsense….TSFM also needs to monitor the SMSM and highlight that not only can they not investigate anything, they never question anything that Jack Irvine has provided for them. Otherwise they will print what they want and then 6 months later say, see we told you so…..(copyright Keith Jangles Jackson)
The pantomime continues
“Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 13s
Lord Tyre has granted an interim interdict preventing the AGM from going ahead on Oct 24.”
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 45s
Lord Tyre has granted an interim interdict preventing the AGM from going ahead on Oct 24.
Cara Sulieman
@carasulieman
Lord Tyre has granted an interim interdict preventing the AGM from going ahead on Oct 24.
So the AGM is postponed – there is a HUGE surprise.
I predicted that it would not be held in Oct.
You would think there was some plan by ALL of them to hide the accounts and avoid the questions…………
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 45s
Lord Tyre has granted an interim interdict preventing the AGM from going ahead on Oct 24.
— …— —…— —…—
This is embarrassing.
a few thigs if i may
1) blotto and his blog…….wasnt that long ago that all sevconians were screetching about who leaked this email, who leaked that one. never did they think about the contents…………….why the change?
2) with all the rangers ( well a majority now. its as close to a consensus as they will get) fans lining up to oust mather,stockbridge et all, and putting thier (blind) faith in dave king as the saviour, how does it sit with them that king appears to be lining up with the current board
3) cant remember what i was going to say 😳
LTL
Leggo mentions this e-mail and clearly but indirectly indicates where it came from.
“The alleged bombshell statement from Jack Irvine comes in an email, which if it is authentic, – and it comes from the same source which included the email which contained the Irvine slur on John Greig – suggests that for a payment someone in the South African Revenue Service could provide their secret files on King”
http://davidleggat-leggoland.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/jack-irvine-set-to-be-at-centre-of-new.html
Note: “Clearly” for anyone who has been following all this.
TRFC have to pay petitioners expenses
Cara Sulieman
@carasulieman
Judge also ordered Rangers to pay petitioners’ expenses.
So what now.
He has granted the intedict, does that mean the requisitioning chaps can now get their motion to have them voted onto the board added to the agenda for the AGM.
Or do they have to start negotiating that again and getting the application put to the current board.
When can the AGM be held.
Cara Sulieman @carasulieman 45s
Lord Tyre has granted an interim interdict preventing the AGM from going ahead on Oct 24.
————-
Hmm…SMSM…I’ll wait for John Clarke to get home and confirm it!
I guess this means that carcass stripping and bone boiling activities down Govan way will now be ramped up.
When can the AGM be held.
21 days at least, from the notice date is it not?
As I understand it what the interim interdict does is stop the AGM going ahead as things currently stand.
It isn’t really a win for anyone per se, it just puts everything on hold.
Babylon Beachboy on October 14, 2013 at 3:26 pm
7 0 Rate This
tcup 2012 says: (56) October 14, 2013 at 3:00 pm
———————————-
I agree with you completely
All I am saying is The 1m that is unavailable at the moment
May be all there is
And as pointed out When does it become available ?
So although I agree completely that there may be no fund’s available to them
There may still be 1m in the bank
So the spivs have to pay the brogues’ costs! 😆 Along with the costs of setting up another AGM?
And now there’s a danger that the brogues will get their four (or is it six) added to the board?
Is that the sound of a plug being pulled I can hear? 😎
Its OK Dave,
Dont be too down on yourself that AIM rules and Insolvency Law prevent you from becoming chair at RIFC, and Insolvency Law and the SFA’s stated position prevent you from becoming chair of TRFC.
There’s plenty more Rangerses kicking about.
🙂
What odds on Dave King issuing a statement that he will walk away if any of the requesitioners are elected to the board? How would TRFC support react to the idea of their potential sugar daddy and saviour walking away?
After todays verdict, the spivs are now on the backfoot in more ways than one.
Can Jack be as conflicted as D&P ? 😯
I don’t suppose the Ministery of Spin has a thick volume on the good conduct guide for practitioners as it would defeat what they are all about.
Yes, just got in to Central library and had to wait for a pc.
Interim interdict awarded in favour of Petitioners. Agm has to be fixed for another day.
Expenses of today’s proceeding awarded against RIFC plc.
I”ll report more fully when I get home, but there was a cracking comment from Dean of Faculty ( for the Petitioners) about the expenses being relatively little for a company that paid its directors so well!