Good Evening.
When considering any type of protracted negotiation or discussion that seems to be going on too long, there is a story that is always worth remembering– whether it is actually a true story or not as the case may be.
It is said, that heads of state all met at a congress in what is now modern Germany sometime after the Franco Prussian war of 1870-1871.The entire congress was being run almost singlehandedly by the then Prussian Chancellor Otto von Bismark and he was keen to get all the necessary signatures on paper to seal some deal or other.
However, others at the congress were not too keen to sign up to certain elements of the proposed deal and so they hithered and dithered and in the eyes of Bismark they simply waisted time by concentrating on the minutiae- the little matters, with a view to ensuring their own interests were best served in these small areas– and did not focus on the big issue.
Having tried to talk these others round and educate them in his own beliefs and point of view on the bigger picture without any success, Bismark grew weary of the continuing delay and the posturing of his colleagues. All attempts at reason and diplomacy had failed in his eyes and so he decided to take a different tack.
Accordingly, it is said that whilst others were still inside debating endlessly on this matter or that, Bismark left the building and began simply shooting the windows in with the aid of a riffle which he just happened to have handy.
Those inside were naturally alarmed at this turn of events. They soon forgot about the minutiae under debate, they abandoned the previously expressed self interest and simply signed up so that they could get away from the mad chancellor and his house.
Job done so to speak.
Whilst I do not in anyway condone the behaviour of Otto von Bismark in this instance, and have no doubt that he was an autocrat, what I will say is that he believed that there was too much time being spent on the unimportant stuff and not enough time recognising what really needed doing– from his point of view of course.
Today– and it seems every day for months— we have endless debate about the future of Scottish Football. League reconstruction and the redistribution of footballing wealth has become a marathon– even before it has started.
Yet I believe that at the moment all parties concerned are not focusing on the radical reform that is fundamentally needed which is the creation of one, strong, properly structured and constituted body which is capable of the proper and ethical governance of Scottish Football and the business that surrounds football.
No matter what system you try, or distribution you agree, without proper sensible strong governance you are wasting your time.
Further, whatever body is set up, and whoever is chosen to be its CEO (or whatever the head honcho is going to be called), they must tackle the issue of corporate and fiscal compliance and the proper administration of any body corporate which actively takes part in Scottish Football– and that includes any such body or person who is involved in the running of a member club.
In addition, in so dealing with any corporate malfeasance or chicanery or whatever, the rules have to be applied with a rod of iron by an iron body.
As we can now clearly see, Football clubs and football in general is not, and never will be, immune from the effects of bad corporate governance and on occasion downright manipulation of facts, figures and contracts.
Whilst great play has been made of the fact that Gavin Masterton has handed over his shares in Dunfermline FC ( or its holding company ) the fact of the matter is that this in no way solves the problem faced by the football club. Whoever gains control of that club will still have to rent the ground from Mr Masterton’s company– and it is a rent that the club may just not be able to afford.
Ever!
It is only my opinion of course, but I am of the view that Mr Masterton has sealed a loan deal with his bankers which is of a type and duration which could not normally be achieved by other borrowers. The Loan has a lengthy period during which no repayments are necessary and interest can continue to accrue.
All very good you may say, but the level of debt concerned is not one that appears to be sustainable by Dunfermline FC and so whoever buys the club as a going concern ( if anyone buys it at all ) will have to pay an agreed rental to Gavin Masterton– and if the rental is not sufficient to repay Mr Masterton’s lenders, then I suspect that the end game here will be a search to find a buyer for the ground at some point over the next twenty years or so, with the hope that as part of the deal a space will be found somewhere for a new ground like New St Mirren park– the difference being that in that instance St Mirren were in charge of their future whereas Dunfermline are not.
The Governance of that club and the financial arrangements behind the club should have been looked at and examined by the SFA long before now– and the Dunfermline fans warned about the dangers of any such arrangements. Effectively those finance arrangements, should they continue, will probably mean that the club will have no option but to move from its established home!
All to suit one man!
Thankfully Dundee were spared a full takeover by Giovanni Di Stefano, however is it not a bit worrying that this man who has been jailed for over 14 years for various fraudulent acts, was allowed to roam around Scottish Football for a prolonged period?
Not so long ago Di Stefano did play a part at Dens, was in line to buy almost 30% of the shareholding, and was oft quoted in the papers and so on. The thing is that there were those who were prepared to give him a place at the Dundee table and in so doing invited him into Scottish Football.
Surely the SFA, had they been inclined to, could quite easily have pointed out that many of the claims of Mr Di Stefano were at least dubious if not completely incorrect? Yet nothing was being said at the time and silence prevailed.
Whilst not in the same calibre as Di Dtefano, Vladimir Romanov has now been at Hearts for a prolonged period. While I have no quibbles about the legality of Romanov’s takeover of Hearts, any money of a sizeable size which is transferred into Scotland from a foreign country will be subject to scrutiny by the Crown office to ensure that it is clean. Lithuania in particular is said to have a banking system which is governed loosely and sometimes does not meet the compliance standards expected in this country.
With his bank having gone bust, Romanov still retains the majority shareholding at Tynecastle, but there are questions still to be answered about what has happened at Hearts but life will be very different for the Edinburgh club going forward.
Again– could the SFA have done more to monitor the situation and could they have demanded clarity and detail from the Hearts owner as to his business dealings and the detailed arrangements with his bank?
At Ibrox, well things just go from the weird and inexplicable to downright astonishing– and all through a tremendous amount of smoke and mirrors.
It is clear that the SFA have no idea what to believe from Charles Green or for that matter Craig Whyte. On the face of it, there are clear links between Whyte and Green with the former paying over a six figure sum in return for absolutely nothing it would appear– with similar transactions going between Whyte’s colleague, Aiden Early, and Charles Green.
What is clear is that Green gave a clear undertaking to the SFA that he had nothing whatsoever to do with Whyte and would have nothing to do with Whyte going forward. Now, at the very least he is admitting that he met Whyte on several occasions, and whilst he may have made representations to Craig Whyte— these were all lies designed only to get Whyte to where Green wanted him.
This is hardly the act of someone who has been bona fides in his business dealings either with Whyte or with the SFA as the licensing body.
It is against this background that the Scottish Football Agencies need to wake up before they find the fans of the game ( at least those who want to stay interested in the game ) doing a Bismarck and panning in the windows of this whole house of cards.
Football Clubs, football fans, and indeed football itself needs protected from the financial and corporate shenanigans, and the governing body must be much more active and permanently vigilant in watching out for and if necessary anticipating the people and the transactions which have and will jeopardise clubs and the game in general going forward.
It is clearly no longer acceptable to rely on self regulation or mere declarations and undertakings from the clubs themselves. The Administrators must be much more active and employ far greater professional expertise in carrying out an almost constant analytical and reporting function in relation to club finance and corporate regulation.
All and any changes in funding, boardroom changes, investor changes and anything else major should be the subject of immediate and proper scrutiny by the SFA and there should be fair, immediate and stiff sanctions for non compliance, and any type of dilatory behaviour on the part of club officials who would seek to conceal the truth or who fail to properly disclose vital matters which should be out in the open.
Further, the funding detail– such as the never ending loan re Dunfermline should be a matter of public record in all its detail so that fans and investors can make information based value judgements when dealing with any club.
Such stiffer regulation should not develop into anything like a corporate witch hunt or any kind of draconian big brother syndrome, however the need for change given all of the current troubles is obvious to one and all.
Further, the attempted fudge surrounding Rangers league status last summer and the ongoing disquiet surrounding the position of Campbell Ogilvie does nothing to boost faith in and the reputation of Football Administration in Scotland.
Things are far from clear and there appears to be continual dithering and fudging. No one has any idea where the Nimmo Smith Report has gone nor what import it is to have— if any. Why is that?
Dithering and bumbling over detail is no longer an option. Strong clear governance is required to protect the game from being hijacked by those who have their own corporate and financial agendas.
Such people cannot be allowed to determine the way Scottish Football runs or to conduct themselves in a fashion that leaves football and everyone involved in limbo.
It is time for Scottish Football to find its own Iron Chancellor! There is a need for someone who will, if necessary, come along and shoot the lights out of any club or Company Director who wishes to play fast and loose with the game of football.
Firstly, as indicated by other posters, he’s not said when.
Secondly, it won’t be soon enough.
Thirdly, the role he has in RIFC means he can leave the ‘club’ TRFC, and still be with ‘Rangers’.
Furthermore, I hear Harry Redknapp’s dug is on the shortlist to replace him…
🙂
greenockjack says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 13:53
___________________________________
Allyjambo
If you read my post again I recognize the part business plays but feel it´s influence has grown and now dominates the Sport.
I´m saying that the balance needs to be redressed.
___________________________________________
I realised that but felt I should answer your direct question.
________________
I wrote a long winded response to your suggestions, which I agree with in principle, but it was mince (my response I mean). So my take on it is it just comes down to; there is money involved in football, and where there’s money, there’s people, mostly honourable, who will get involved and think they can do better than the previous chap, and so break the mould, then we are back to square one. Then there’s the ones who are not honourable…
Oh, and most, no matter how honourable, aren’t nearly as clever as they think they are!
That’ll be a spare (freebie) ticket for the Peterhead game tomorrow then.
Charlie’s first step on the ‘Green Mile’.
Araminta Moonbeam QC says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 14:48
If Sir Walter d’EBT is appointed as CEO, then it may well sent ST sales through the roof, but it would also prove that this incarnation of Rangers is on a kamikaze mission.
Whatever his talents as a team manger, what skills, experience,has he got that makes him fit for a CEO role in any business, let alone one in the sort mess RIFC is in.
Alcoholic in charge of the pub…..
meant to add STV reporting that Rangers hoping to make AIM announcement before 16:00 today
Alex Thompson re-enters the fray with:
“I can’t say more but it’s clear the Whyte camp believes it owns Murray Park and Ibrox and intends making good on that claim”
Yeah, we’re down with that, Alex. Craigy Whyte might have mentioned it already…
This is all part of the plan and was always intended to happen. Green leaving I mean. he has played out his part in the charade and can now get his payday. On planned step closer to a debt free peepil in the SPL.
As people on here will know, goosygoosy has posted many time with regard to the art of Spivery.
Sometimes I think his explainations are far fetched and often give me a sare heid trying to work them out.
However he has remained constant by telling us that that Spivs, switch things around all the time to avoid detection, hate filing end of year accounts and get out at key times e.g like when being investigated.
I fear that the doors at Ibrox will once again be closed and they will want to deal with matter internally and we may never know the full story because it is far too embarrasing.
In years to come maybe, just maybe, The Rangers fans will praise the day they dodged a bullet.
The hard work starts now to try and salvage the club and reform it in a form fit for the 21st century.
scapaflow14 says:
_________
Of course, Watty isn’t exactly discharging his duties as a NE Director (if he even understands what they are). But they need a front man to flog season books, the cash must have dried up and they have some costly litigation pending.
Apparently, he’s going to get round the whole issue by buying the history of an honest person.
Araminta Moonbeam QC says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 14:59
Short term, maybe, but I don’t think Malcolm Murray is that stupid
BBC reports says CG is the subject of an Independent Commission investigation. This is surely new news as I wasn’t aware the IC had been convened, who was appointed in the end? Or are the BBC Scottish sports dept as usual stretching the actualite when reporting on Sevco, I thought the Board had just resolved to appoint an IC at some vague undetermined future time, probably in expectation that CG would be resigning once the confidentiality terms had been agreed and rherefore just a stalling tactic. BBC treating us all like idiots as usual I suspect.
Follow on from above….
Of course my thoughts of the other day about having bases covered still stands.
He has shares in RIFC and is a direcotr of Sevco 5088 who lay claim to the assets.
Still a long way to go me thinks.
So sad, it’s such a shame should such a fine man has been hounded out by us internet bampots, oh, and a few Celtic people. I was so enjoying the show, and felt he had a lot lower to take TRFC before departing the scene, but, hey ho, welcome back, Craigy!
Tres interessant
“Scotzine @scotzine 25s
So Green quits the same day as financial firm Deloitte starts its independent commission into Greens links with Whyte?? Coincidence?”
So it’s out of the frying pan then?
Green to stay at New Rangers?
Don’t think so.
Charlie’s a performer.
He loves the spotlight and enjoys the applause.
He doesn’t do backstage.
Enter Sir Wally stage left with Bombadier Brown as his enforcer.Midshipman McCoist cowers in a corner.”Three cheers all round.Hip hip hurrah” Mutiny,what mutiny?
Oh for Heaven’s sake, Scottish football has lost it’s best loved racist liar now.
This really is Armageddon.
the the rangers are deid
we’re having a laugh!
I think old Greeny is on a winner which ever way he goes. As stated above he is still part of Sevco 5088 who lay claim to the assets, could reeive a nice pay off for Green if they do still own them or Green may get a pay off just to leave as CEO or he can cash in his shares. Bonza Wheeze Charlie
While everyone’s watching Charlie who’s minding the money?
He’s a very rich scapegoat.
Someone dumped 30K of RIFCL shares at 2.21pm this afternoon.
Insider trading with knowledge of the CG news perhaps?
The are of the possible
Craigie gets The assets.
Charlie sells his shares.
Rangers get rangers minded people
The move up the leagues is facilitated
And Longmuir gets dream job
You have to feel for the Dallas Cowboys: where does this leave them now?
Green will get no pay off, I would imagine there is already enough evidence to have him removed. It has clearly been agreed to allow him to resign and end the embarrassment on both sides but the board would not, and could not afford to, pay him another penny.
On the plus side though he will now be able to sell his shares (if he can find a buyer). He’s got about 5,000,000 shares, say at 60p (if he moves fast) – that should just about be enough to buy St Mirren?
Walter doesn’t have any ability to be CEO – there really is no way. Also if he becomes CEO he can’t remain a NED as CEO is an executive director appointment. So we have a CEO waiting in the wings and if Malcolm Murray and the rest of the Neds have any success they will hire a strictly financial guy with no previous Rangers relationship.
I think there will be massive cost-cutting at Ibrox and a clear message to the Bears that this is the new reality if their club is to survive in the long term. We mustn’t lose sight of the assets of course and who controls them.
However this really could be the start of a new beginning for Rangers and also for some Celtic supporters and the whole of Scotland.
Perhaps not but we must be ready to open arms if a decisive blow can be struck against sectarianism and for the good of Scottish Football. This has been a very corrosive period that should never have happened and the reasons it was able to be manufactured must be investigated as there are those still in Scotland who remain more culpable that Green IMO.
He saw the chance to make a buck and I don’t actually attack him for that – his methods I do – but the shadow Scots deeply involved are still here and they will still be organising furiously for their own ends. They have to be exposed nothing less will be acceptable.
If I was going to write about this for tomorrow’s papers, these are the facts I would want:
Will he / his consortium still have control of the board?
Is he still going to be a director?
Will he still draw an unjustifiably high salary in a different role?
Is this:
1. Ar$e covering due to his being investigated.
2. Putting up a figurehead to inspire season ticket sales.
3. Rearranging his affairs in some way as a best response to Green.
4. Getting out of the limelight so he can amscray quietly at a later point.
How many of these questions will get asked tomorrow?
The thought of Sir Walter D’ebt being appointed CEO is an intriguing one. Of course the media and the peepil would collectively wet themselves, and season ticket books would fly out. But is Walter really cut out for the role of CEO? Could he actually handle it? What track record of being a CEO of a publicly listed Company has he really got? This is purely my opinion, and I would not wish to be seen casting aspersions on the capabilites of Walter, but I’m not so sure that would end well.
Apparently..Mr.Charles was summoned to a board meeting earlier today,just at the time when the Ibrox DJ happened to be testin the new big screen p a system & played “Zadok the Priest”
..Chaz immediately jumped right up out of his chair,punched the air & shouted t’Yaaaasssssss…am outta here !!!
ecobhoy says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 15:21
Walter doesn’t have any ability to be CEO – there really is no way. Also if he becomes CEO he can’t remain a NED as CEO is an executive director appointment. So we have a CEO waiting in the wings and if Malcolm Murray and the rest of the Neds have any success they will hire a strictly financial guy with no previous Rangers relationship.
I think there will be massive cost-cutting at Ibrox and a clear message to the Bears that this is the new reality if their club is to survive in the long term. We mustn’t lose sight of the assets of course and who controls them.
However this really could be the start of a new beginning for Rangers and also for some Celtic supporters and the whole of Scotland.
Perhaps not but we must be ready to open arms if a decisive blow can be struck against sectarianism and for the good of Scottish Football. This has been a very corrosive period that should never have happened and the reasons it was able to be manufactured must be investigated as there are those still in Scotland who remain more culpable that Green IMO.
He saw the chance to make a buck and I don’t actually attack him for that – his methods I do – but the shadow Scots deeply involved are still here and they will still be organising furiously for their own ends. They have to be exposed nothing less will be acceptable.
———————————————
Another chance at a new beginning maybe, fingers crossed (again) that the club can draw the poison and recreate itself as something more positive. Still an awful lot of baggage (and many types of it) still hanging around the club though. And that’s an understatement
It is obviously unclear what the full story is at this time but remember he is CEO of RIFC plc and still holds Directorships of TRFCLtd and other companies with Rangers in the title. What is going to happen there? Did he not set up directorships of a security compnay with links to the Ibrox operation.
As discussed earlier to day, even if the shares he holds get sold later on at 20p a pop he still bags a million for just over a years work.
I raised this issue with Tom English on his internet Q&A and he (and his business finace colleagues) didn’t see that there was a way of cashing in via an early exit.
Wrong – Charles will get his pay day one way or another.
Mr. Green said he was at Rangers for the long haul.
Imagine him breaking his word.
The Zombies have now been shafted by Mr. Whyte and now Mr. Green.
Who will become their next ‘saviour’?
There’s much speculation as to why Mr.Green has chosen to dip out now.
Are accounts not due to be published soon?
Maybe that’s the main reason.
Apparently Charles Green has had a parting shot at the SFA
He said “This is victimisation, the Celtic support called their keeper Packie for years and the SFA did nothing about it”.
Just in case you all missed it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E4SYVHej4o
wottpi says:
🙂
Oh I see comment that Deloittes were appointed for the independent commission, must have missed that news.
For those who are only able to get unpopped popcorn… here’s a recipe for you: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Kettle-Corn/Detail.aspx
allyjambo says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 15:06
———————
The internet bampots did not force him out, we only told everyone for months that this was what he was planning, he is not a victim, he is the perpetrator….. or an accomplice… take your pick
Araminta Moonbeam QC says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 14:48
I take it Sir Watty of Dignityshire will now be wheeled out at CEO, to appease the hordes?
=======================================================================
David Longmuir evens fav
Sir ‘Walter’ of Smith 6-5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXIwUjo5__c
If Walter Smith is announced as the new CEO of Rangers International FC PLC it will be the most obvious “figurehead”, cosmetic exercise, fan appeasment and ticket selling exercise possible.
No harm to him, but nothing suggests that he is even remotely suited to the job. It would be no different to David Murray standing down as Chairman, did anyone actually believe that he wasn’t still in control and making the decisions.
Will be receiving the “gold watch” for his services to..RIFC Plc.. 🙂
A large smattering of commentary on whether Lord Cardigan of Brogue is suitable CEO material – was our man Mr Charles? Was Rev Whyte?
alex thomson@alextomo56m
I can’t say more but it’s clear the Whyte camp believes it owns Murray Park and Ibrox and intends making good on that claim.
More weight to the suggestion that a cease and desist order may come shortly?
wottpi says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 14:59
The hard work starts now to try and salvage the club and reform it in a form fit for the 21st century.
======================================================================
Commendable sentiment, but what’s the odds of that happening?
wottpi says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 15:35
Just in case you all missed it.
=====================================================
Imagine The Priest at Ibrox.
Should have been banned.
Could have caused a riot.
Green has brought a few people onboard hoping to make money out of Rangers and it will all be extra cost getting rid of them as well. I think Green will walk with a big pay-off plus his shares. Ahmad will go as well and Stockbridge will stay to help steady the ship and not fall out with AIM – but he will go as well as he is too closely associated with the Green era.
Doesn’t bode well for Rangers shares and for the fresh flotation which will be necessary sometime next year. Still Kenny Miller will be happy and should be looking forward to his £15k a week 🙂
youtawknaboot says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 15:50
Will be receiving the “gold watch” for his services to..RIFC Plc.. 🙂
============================================================
It won’t be the: ‘Look no Tic’ one that’s for sure and there are at least two meanings to that 🙂
No stock exchange announcement, not good, not good at all
Big DJ on SSB tonight 😉 should be fun and the usual pile of tosh too of course, might even have a wee refreshment tonight ………… Cheers Phil 🙂
Nope
When a Spiv walks its in the direction of money
An Opinion
The saga seems to be moving into a new phase where the key players are likely to be genuine external investigators Hard information may dry up for a while
I reckon
Murray has been trying all week to fend off an investigation by AIM and has failed. An AIM
announcement may be imminent
Green wasn`t fired last week because he would have been a useful ally in combatting Whytes claims. He probably still had the support of the major Spivs who put up the money to
buy the assets
The Worthington RNS announcing it had acquired Sevco5088 and its claims to the assets means that innocent shareholders may have been duped at the IPO into believing that RIFC had a clean title to Ibrox and MP
Whether or not this is the case is now irrelevant to AIM.
They have two member companies claiming ownership of assets that were the key components in a recent IPO
Murray may have bought time by the Green “investigation” announced last week However I suspect it all exploded with the Worthington RNS
Since that announcement littel of any time has been spent investigating Green.
Its been spent negotiating a Spiv package in exchange for a Spiv silence
Only one of these is durable,guess which one?
As for Cardigan and the ST part of the scam?
Anyone who stays on board this ship is now liable to be seen as part of the problem
The blue Knights must be rubbing their hands
wottpi says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 15:27
————————–
Green won’t necessarily trouser a large amount. In the event of misconduct, there may be a clause in his contract which enables the shares to be bought back for a pittance.
On Sir No Name, he has no chance of being CEO. This is an AIM listed company and the NOMAD would insist on someone with recognisable experience of leading a listed company.
There will be a lot of cost cutting once the new CEO comes in, presumably a non-RFC person who has nothing other than a sound business mind. It strikes me that any such person might take one look at the books and conclude that the business is verging on insolvency.
carntyne says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 15:29
5 0 i
Rate This
Mr. Green said he was at Rangers for the long haul.
Imagine him breaking his word.
The Zombies have now been shafted by Mr. Whyte and now Mr. Green.
Who will become their next ‘saviour’?
______________________________________________
I’m sensing a ‘reservoir dogs’ theme developing here….
Will it be Mr Pink perhaps?
Have we got to the bit where they slice the ears off yet?
Will it all end in a massive mexican stand off with the police bursting in after the carnage has finished?
scapaflow14 says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 16:03
No stock exchange announcement, not good, not good at all
—————————————-
What did the report by STV mean when it said “Rangers are believed to be trying to announce it on the London Stock Exchange before 4pm on Friday”
What would have prevented them doing so? Do the stock exchange insist on checking out things or have to have to approve the wording before they will let a statement be issued?
Just pondering recent events …. I have a feeling we may be about to witness the return of the “king” … As in Dave ! … Aye ? Naw ? … Since this saga began it seems to me that Dave is the only one who had/has any sizeable amount of dosh … And from where I’m standing no matter what happens TRFCL were totally gubbed … Done … Finished …. Without a fairly large injection of dosh over and above ST money …. His silence is deafening !
Under the circumstances I could see a de-listing from AIM being considered in order to save money, and the existing shareholders being left to a matched bargain service. I assume that CG and his cohorts have the majority voting rights needed to bring this about.
[I have no information on this situation; I am not making any recommendations regarding the sale or purchase of shares; my bs is no better nor worse than anyone else’s].
carntyne says: Friday, April 19, 2013 at 15:29
“The Zombies have now been shafted by Mr. Whyte and now Mr. Green. Who will be their next ‘saviour’?”
Mr Orange? That’d do the tric….
Does Imran Ahmed now refer to Green as his little “sackied” friend?
“What the fans want”
I’m hearing this phrase quite a lot lately over the 12/12/18 issue and the 14 or 16 team SPL issue. Well sorry, but it seems a little bogus.
There are lots of things I *want* in Scottish football. Breaking up the Old Firm and having nine or ten competitive sides around west central Scotland instead – around the same size as Hearts/Hibs/Aberdeen – would create an instantly competitive top flight and lots more meaningful competition. It would also address the problem of a league that has been regularly blighted by two large mutant clubs among a group of sides that are a lot smaller, or tiny by comparison. It might even go some way to eradicating bloc-sectarianism in the country. But there would be howls of protest were the move ever seriously suggested, Rangers and Celtic fans would quite rightly ask why their clubs should disappear for the good of Scottish football and it is complete pie in the sky.
Failing that, I *want* a route up and out of the SPL into a more heavyweight transnational league for clubs that merit promotion. With our population of 5.3 million we will never ever compete with clubs from England, Italy, Germany or Spain and we’re on schedule to be forever locked out of the top of European competition. But if Scottish clubs had access to a league that drew on a wider population, was supported by richer TV contracts and clubs could then start to match the turnover of teams from the larger associations, we might be looking at tangible improvement. Either that or we just come to terms with the fact that the Champions League will be won forever by a club from one of the big four countries – and maybe PSG now they have serious cash.
In the end, I don’t think I’m going to get what I want. Enough teams of sufficient stature to make a 20 team SPL feasible would be another big *want* but we don’t have that so another pipe dream goes awry.
It seems fairly clear that clubs say, over and over, that a 16 team SPL just won’t work – it doesn’t matter how much you *want* it. In that sense 12/12/18 might have been a decent compromise – better than a dreary 10 team SPL playing each other four times a season…
Maybe they could’nt finish the paperwork or something.
THE RANGERS SHOP LIMITED
Current directors and secretaries
Current Officer Name Appointed
Mr Brian Stockbridge 14-06-2012
Mr Charles Alexander Green 14-06-2012
Shareholders
Latest Shareholders Equity Figure:
£0
Issued Share Capital:
£100
Shareholders (Top 20 names shown)
DAVID EDWARD MURRAY
RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB PLC
GAZ1 First notification of strike-off action in London Gazette (Section 652). 12-01-2013
http://companycheck.co.uk/company/SC132239#people-tab
Who’dathunkit, rangers shares up 44p at close. What a strange place, the LSE.
Mark Hateley says Chuck stepping down is as good as a new signing
RIFCL shares close £0.015 up on the day
http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/prices-and-markets/stocks/summary/company-summary.html?fourWayKey=GB00B90T9Z75GBGBXASQ1
Amazing! An A4 sheet of paper and some bubble writting “Green must Go” at the Linfield game and he gets a result, take ma hat aff tae the boy.
Company Rangers Int F.C. PLC
TIDM RFC
Headline Directorate Change
Released 16:55 19-Apr-2013
Number 8335C16
RNS Number : 8335C
Rangers Int. Football Club PLC
19 April 2013
19 April 2013
Rangers International Football Club plc
(“Rangers”, the “Company” or the “Club”)
Directorate Change
The Company announces that Charles Green has notified the Board that he wishes to step down as Chief Executive with immediate effect. Recent weeks have seen media interest in the circumstances surrounding the period prior to the acquisition of The Club by the consortium led by Mr Green. Whilst Mr Green strenuously denies any wrongdoing, he has recognised that this negative publicity is a distraction and is detracting from the achievements and reputation of The Club. As a result, Mr Green has informed the Board that he will leave his post with immediate effect and leave the Company, following an orderly handover, by the end of May. The Board has commenced the search for a new Chief Executive and expects the role to attract high quality candidates from both within and outwith the industry. A further announcement will be made in due course.
Malcolm Murray said, “Charles Green was instrumental in helping to secure financial stability for The Club. The impact that he had in turning The Club around from the dark days of last summer will never be forgotten by the fans who I am sure, like me, will thank him for this and for choosing to put The Club ahead of his personal position at this time”.
Charles Green said, “Recent events have undoubtedly been a distraction for both myself and all involved with Rangers and I feel that it is appropriate that I step down so that The Club can continue to progress back to where it belongs at the pinnacle of Scottish football. I am very proud to have been associated with a club of the stature of Rangers and am proud of the achievements of The Club during my tenure as Chief Executive. My thanks go to the Rangers fans, whose support has been tremendous during my time at The Club.”
For further information please contact:
Rangers International Football Club plc
http://www.rangers.co.uk
Investor enquiries: Malcolm Murray, Chairman
Media Enquiries: James Traynor
Tel: 0141 580 8647
Cenkos Securities plc
Stephen Keys, Adrian Hargrave, Max Hartley (Corporate Finance)
Tel: 020 7397 8900
Russell Kerr (Corporate Broking)
Newgate Threadneedle
Graham Herring / John Coles / Roddy Watt / Fiona Conroy
Tel: 020 7148 6143
About Rangers Football Club
Rangers Football Club, formed in Scotland in 1872, is one of the world’s most successful clubs, having won 54 League titles, 33 Scottish Cups, 27 League Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972. The Club’s loyal and sizeable supporter base, both in Scotland and around the world, enables the Club to boast one of the highest percentages of season ticket holders in the UK, with over 38,000 having been sold for the current season. Playing at the 51,082 seater Ibrox Stadium and benefitting from the world class 37 acre Murray Park training facility, the Club has been a dominant force in Scottish football for decades. This world class stadium, training infrastructure and a loyal and passionate global fanbase provide an excellent foundation for the Rangers Group.
Currently the Club is competing in Division 3 of the SFL, though it is the intention of the Directors and the manager for the Club to return to top level football as soon as possible. The history, facilities and ambition of the Club are such that the Club remains a desirable destination for foreign and domestic players alike. The first team squad is managed by Ally McCoist, the former Rangers forward, who remains the Club’s all-time leading goal scorer.
For more information please visit the website: http://www.rangers.co.uk
Could Green’s departure be linked to Whyte’s claimed ownership of Ibrox/Murray Park?
Has someone (the IC?) arrived at the early conclusion that for whatever reason Green and Whyte have through their ‘business dealings’ contrived to place such ownership in Mr Whyte’s safe hands?
Why no AIM statement despite press leaks? Will the statement cover more than Green stepping down?
The gift that keeps on giving….
Scottish Football needs a strong Arbroath!
“19 April 2013
Rangers International Football Club plc
(“Rangers”, the “Company” or the “Club”)
Directorate Change
The Company announces that Charles Green has notified the Board that he wishes to step down as Chief Executive with immediate effect. Recent weeks have seen media interest in the circumstances surrounding the period prior to the acquisition of The Club by the consortium led by Mr Green. Whilst Mr Green strenuously denies any wrongdoing, he has recognised that this negative publicity is a distraction and is detracting from the achievements and reputation of The Club. As a result, Mr Green has informed the Board that he will leave his post with immediate effect and leave the Company, following an orderly handover, by the end of May. The Board has commenced the search for a new Chief Executive and expects the role to attract high quality candidates from both within and outwith the industry. A further announcement will be made in due course.
Malcolm Murray said, “Charles Green was instrumental in helping to secure financial stability for The Club. The impact that he had in turning The Club around from the dark days of last summer will never be forgotten by the fans who I am sure, like me, will thank him for this and for choosing to put The Club ahead of his personal position at this time”.
Charles Green said, “Recent events have undoubtedly been a distraction for both myself and all involved with Rangers and I feel that it is appropriate that I step down so that The Club can continue to progress back to where it belongs at the pinnacle of Scottish football. I am very proud to have been associated with a club of the stature of Rangers and am proud of the achievements of The Club during my tenure as Chief Executive. My thanks go to the Rangers fans, whose support has been tremendous during my time at The Club.”
For further information please contact:
Rangers International Football Club plc
http://www.rangers.co.uk
Investor enquiries: Malcolm Murray, Chairman
Media Enquiries: James Traynor
Tel: 0141 580 8647
Cenkos Securities plc
Stephen Keys, Adrian Hargrave, Max Hartley (Corporate Finance)
Tel: 020 7397 8900
Russell Kerr (Corporate Broking)
Newgate Threadneedle
Graham Herring / John Coles / Roddy Watt / Fiona Conroy
Tel: 020 7148 6143
About Rangers Football Club
Rangers Football Club, formed in Scotland in 1872, is one of the world’s most successful clubs, having won 54 League titles, 33 Scottish Cups, 27 League Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972. The Club’s loyal and sizeable supporter base, both in Scotland and around the world, enables the Club to boast one of the highest percentages of season ticket holders in the UK, with over 38,000 having been sold for the current season. Playing at the 51,082 seater Ibrox Stadium and benefitting from the world class 37 acre Murray Park training facility, the Club has been a dominant force in Scottish football for decades. This world class stadium, training infrastructure and a loyal and passionate global fanbase provide an excellent foundation for the Rangers Group.
Currently the Club is competing in Division 3 of the SFL, though it is the intention of the Directors and the manager for the Club to return to top level football as soon as possible. The history, facilities and ambition of the Club are such that the Club remains a desirable destination for foreign and domestic players alike. The first team squad is managed by Ally McCoist, the former Rangers forward, who remains the Club’s all-time leading goal scorer.
For more information please visit the website: http://www.rangers.co.uk“
Rangers statement: “As a result, Mr Green has informed the Board that he will leave his post with immediate effect and leave the Company, following an orderly handover, by the end of May”
Can anyone explain what “and leave the company” means? Or is it open to interpretation re. ceasing to be a being director, shareholder or whatever?
What happens to the club/business when a CEO resigns?
TW (@tartanwulver) says:
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 17:04
Leaving boards and selling up
But Scapa the funny thing is if you visit the website at http://www.rangers.co.uk, there’s nothing on there about this statement.
What kind of amateur do they have running their media output these days?
“I am very proud to have been associated with a club of the stature of Rangers and am proud of the achievements of The Club during my tenure as Chief Executive.”
What’s your particular favourite Charles, winning the 3rd Division of the SFL, or getting knocked out of the ramsden’s Cup by Queen of the South.
Or is it off field and the fantastic governance which has led to a club making those fantastic achievements also losing an average of £1m per month.
Maybe it’s your own personal achievements, with all the lies, rabble rousing, overt racism etc.
So much to choose from.