Scottish Football and the case for a Bismarck!

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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.

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About Trisidium

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

5,402 thoughts on “Scottish Football and the case for a Bismarck!”


  2. Green must be ecstatic at the outcome of yesterday’s board meeting.

    An investigation that will take some weeks. Cynics could say this could buy the master plan some time.

    A gagging order on Green has also been suggested. Well wouldn’t that be a great way to avoid a lot of awkward questions one might be facing.

    I see that Ally is also welcoming the investigation. If Green is gagged I wonder if Ally with his comfort at the goings on will now be the voice of season ticket sales.


  7. “In football stability is everything” Peter Lawwell on reconstruction reasons.

    The statement goes a long way to explain Celtic’s silence over the past year. It would have been impossible to blow on the house of cards without bringing it all down.
    New and stronger foundations are needed first and whilst BRTH is spot on with regard to SFA reform a united leage set up will set up a much stronger pressure base to make the SFA get their act together.

    The SFA unfortuneatly are still required as a separate body but their role that must put sporting integrity and governance above commercial considerations has to be defined.
    The new league will push their commercial interests the SFA’s job is that the leagues do not push sporting integrity into the abyss in the process
    Checks and balances with an overeaching ombudsman authority called in to ensure both SFA and SPL are working to their defined roles.
    It requires a total culture change at SFA to become servants of the clubs and through them supporters, not bungling masters who master nothing.


  8. if stv would confirm who the spokesman was, it would help.
    who was Mr “for the avoidance of doubt” ??


  9. barcabhoy on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 07:30

    Thanks for the timeline and explanation, I was just wandering what the current police investigation is about. I thought it was to investigate the sale of the assets to Green?

    If the sale was illegal, does that mean BDO get the assets to sell on behalf of creditors?


  10. The Sevco timeline when read in conjunction with Duff and Phelps official reports makes for interesting reading

    March 29 …

    .Sevco 5088 formed

    May 3…….

    .Green appointed Director of Sevco 5088

    May 9 …..Whyte and Earley appointed Directors of Sevco 5088

    May 23 ….

    Green signs forms confirming disapplication of shareholder rights. Effectively canceling the rights of Whyte and Earley to receive share options

    May 29

    Sevco Scotland formed

    May 29

    Duff and Phelps issue CVA proposals naming Sevco 5088 as preferred bidder, with a legally binding contract to purchase assets regardless of whether CVA succeeds or fails

    June 12

    CVA rejected

    June 14

    Sevco Scotland purchase assets from Duff and Phepls, despite creditors never having been informed of Sevco Scotland’s existence, far less of their new status as the preferred bidder. There was an obligation in the CVA document for Duff and Phelps to issue a failure certificate should the legally binding contract with Sevco 5088 not crystallize. They issued no such certificate

    July 10

    Duff and Phelps issue interim report. For the first time they report that the owner of the assets is Sevco Scotland

    December 27

    Green signs forms to wind up Sevco 5088

    Summary

    It appears that Green has persuaded Duff and Phelps that Sevco Scotland is a successor company to Sevco 5088. This however is not legally correct. They are separate entities. Whyte will argue, with some justification , that Green acted illegally on at least 3 occasions.

    1 He removed the entitlement of Whyte and Earley to own shares at a board meeting that they were not informed of and therefore could not attend. A board needs a Quorum to hold a meeting, and 1 out of 3 does not constitute a Quorum.

    2 He represented to Duff and Phelps that Sevco Scotland was a successor to Sevco 5088, and he did not have the approval of the Sevco 5088 board to do so

    3 He attempted to strike of Sevco 5088, thereby getting rid of the opportunity for other documents to be lodged, and he did this without the approval of the Sevco 5088 board

    All of the above enabled Green to become the beneficial owner of approximately £4million worth a Rangers shares at a cost of roughly £40,000.

    Everything I have written here is recorded at Companies House and in Duff and Phelps Official reports. The non executive directors at Rangers do not need an independent enquiry to decide Greens future. The facts are readily available. Their job is to interpret the information and make a decision. The Non execs are being paid a total of £220,000 a year for part time work. They need to start making decisions and not passing the buck

    The only possible question they may want answered is from Duff and Phelps. ” What did Charles Green do to prove to you that Sevco Scotland was a successor company to Sevco 5088″

    I very strongly suspect the answer will be we needed a Scottish registered business to own an SFA member club and as the shareholders are the same it’s a technical and adminstrative necessity

    Based on the timeline above and the questionable legality of Greens actions the asset sale may be illegal, the IPO illegal and the SFA and SFL memberships improperly awarded

    This isn’t just about Green, it’s about much more, and should be the subject of a Police investigation
    It was definitely after. The membership was granted about 2nd August, well after Sevco Scotland was stated in D&P’s update of 10 July.

    But if the other Sevco should have been the club’s owners, it could be argued that Green was acting fraudulently.and unfortunately that gives the SFA its get out clause, it wont matter to them if he acted fraudulently, they will claim that is up to the courts to decide, in their eyes at the granting the application, he was the owner of sevco scotland and whyte was not involved with that company, until a court decides if the asset sale was illegal or not i cant see the SFA revoking the licence.Exactly what i was getting at mate :thumbsup:


  11. Interesting that Bummer Brown is now being praised for being right all along by some TRFC fans. Also very interesting was a comment made by a pundit on radio the other day that Bummer felt isolated after his infamous speech at the doors of Ibrox. The pundit, I’m sorry I can’t remember which one, says that Bummer felt that he only had five friends left after his claims.

    I always found it strange that he wouldn’t have confided in Smith or McCoist what he knew. Why would he not tell either of these Ibrox legends, remember these two men only ever do what is best for the rangers. I wonder if Ally and Walter were amongst the ones that Bummer felt shunned by.

    I am of course assuming that Bummer had more than five friends to begin with.


  12. liveinhop says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 11:40

    The Sevco timeline when read in conjunction with Duff and Phelps official reports makes for interesting reading
    __________________________________________________

    To which timeline can be added Green’s appointment to RFC PLC (In Administration).

    6 June 2012: Charles Green appointed to assist in the day-to-day management of the business of the Company (at no cost to the Company or the Joint Administrators), in order to manage the ongoing trading costs of the Company and allow for a smooth transition in ownership.


  13. Did anyone listen to Britney on radio Scotland this morning?

    Apparently Tiger Woods ‘bent the rules’ to his advantage yesterday but wasn’t disqualified.

    Listeners phoned in with their thoughts. Most condemned the decision to let him continue.
    Some of them wondering where the game’s integrity would be if he actually won?

    Nearly choked on my toast though as one caller claimed that “Golf needs a strong Tiger Woods!”

    Now, where have I heard this stuff before? Hmmmmm…


  14. Question

    Who is on this independent panel?

    Anybody know?


  15. I think we need a Bismarck Broadcasting Corporation.

    A fellow, but non posting devotee of RCT & TSFM (and drinking chum of BroadswordCDB) received this from Auntie:

    Dear Mr PolPot Thatcher Eichman & Ogilvie

    Thanks for contacting us about BBC News broadcast on 30 March.

    We understand you believe we reported inaccurate information about Rangers by stating the club was starting “their climb back up Scotland’s leagues” and saying they’d been relegated. We note the two reason you feel this was inaccurate are that this is a new club and that the former club was liquidated not relegated.

    When we refer to the business dealings of the club, in its previous and its current form, we refer to the ‘oldco’ and the ‘newco’; when referring to the activities of the team on the field, we refer to it as ‘Rangers’. Rangers is still how the club is known to its fans and is still the term used by the press as a whole.

    We’ve covered Rangers’ financial problems extensively during this report we stated:

    “They were relegated to Scottish football’s fourth tier at the end of last season after a series of financial problems.”

    Therefore, we believe we qualified our use of the word “relegated” and feel this is acceptable shorthand which would be understood by a majority of our audience.

    Nevertheless, we appreciate your concerns about this report and we’d like to assure you that we’ve registered your complaint on our audience log. This is a daily report of audience feedback that’s made available to many BBC staff, including members of the BBC Executive Board, channel controllers and other senior managers.

    The audience logs are seen as important documents that can help shape decisions about future programming and content.

    Thanks again for taking the time to contact us.

    Kind Regards

    Pauline Propaganda

    BBC Complaints

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints


  18. good post ecobhoy, especially offtopic, self-same Establishment sold their country when Union with Britain looked financially more attractive to them.
    ——————————-
    never understood why people are proud of a union forced on their country, how could any true Scot be proud of that.
    ——————————-

    I still find it strange why loudspeaker brown was once day standing at the steps rabble rousing then the next day he was effectively gone. Also, Green has been another loud mouthpiece who has suddenly gone quiet, turned up at interviews looking bedraggled and struggling with any question asked.

    why the sudden change of character.


  19. broadswordcallingdannybhoy says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 12:03
    1 0 Rate This
    I think we need a Bismarck Broadcasting Corporation.

    A fellow, but non posting devotee of RCT & TSFM (and drinking chum of BroadswordCDB) received this from Auntie:

    Dear Mr PolPot Thatcher Eichman & Ogilvie

    Thanks for contacting us about BBC News broadcast on 30 March.

    We understand you believe we reported inaccurate information about Rangers by stating the club was starting “their climb back up Scotland’s leagues” and saying they’d been relegated. We note the two reason you feel this was inaccurate are that this is a new club and that the former club was liquidated not relegated.

    When we refer to the business dealings of the club, in its previous and its current form, we refer to the ‘oldco’ and the ‘newco’; when referring to the activities of the team on the field, we refer to it as ‘Rangers’. Rangers is still how the club is known to its fans and is still the term used by the press as a whole.

    We’ve covered Rangers’ financial problems extensively during this report we stated:

    “They were relegated to Scottish football’s fourth tier at the end of last season after a series of financial problems.”

    Therefore, we believe we qualified our use of the word “relegated” and feel this is acceptable shorthand which would be understood by a majority of our audience.

    Nevertheless, we appreciate your concerns about this report and we’d like to assure you that we’ve registered your complaint on our audience log. This is a daily report of audience feedback that’s made available to many BBC staff, including members of the BBC Executive Board, channel controllers and other senior managers.

    The audience logs are seen as important documents that can help shape decisions about future programming and content.

    Thanks again for taking the time to contact us.

    Kind Regards

    Pauline Propaganda

    BBC Complaints

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints

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

    In other words, nothing to see here, move along quickly.
    Terrible response, that is why I believe the ASA will also find in their favour if the national broadcaster can utter such nonsense.
    Have you a reply line up?


  21. liveinhop

    its polite on here not to pass someone else’s work as your own


  22. Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 10:17

    =========

    very good spot and very relevant to the current discussion


  23. chipm0nk says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 12:31
    0 0 Rate This
    Someone asked about Rangers stating that the assets had been bought by Sevco 5088, I think this is the relevant thing.

    http://s22.postimg.org/m2zuvfx75/sevco_5088_scotland.jpg

    Interesting wording from the club spokesman. Clearly stating that the assets are held by the company which IS rfc……obviously not up to speed with the people’s line.


  24. Below is the reply I have had from FIFA regarding individuals who are banned from owning or running a professional football club…

    Clearly the legal consequences make it akward for FIFA to be more specific.
    ————————————————————————————————–

    Dear Sir,

    Thank you for your e-mail.

    In general, the FIFA statutes and the disciplinary code provide guidance in those matters.
    http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/officialdocuments/doclists/laws.html

    For any specific queries, please get in contact with our Legal Affairs Division through the following procedure:
    As our Legal Affairs Division is not in a position to reply via e-mail to queries that have a legal impact please submit your enquiry either via fax or ordinary (or courier) mail. It has to be duly signed by the sender.

    FIFA
    FIFA-Strasse 20
    PO Box
    8044 Zürich
    Switzerland

    or

    Fax : +41 43 222 77 55

    We trust that you understand this situation and apologise for any inconvenience it might cause.

    Kind regards,
    *****
    Communications & Public Affairs Division
    FIFA – Fédération Internationale de Football Association
    http://www.FIFA.com


  25. Rangers’ lineage is now being formally and publicly challenged and the DNA test being considered. I wouldn’t normally watch but this could be one episode of The Jeremy Lyle Show not to be missed (if it ever happens).
    I note that McCoist makes two mentions of the investigation taking plenty of time – almost as if he’s been asked to say this. Another can to get kicked way past the recycling point at Asda, Govan. Possibly nearer to Asda, Toryglen, to join the others. Barcabhoy has laid a can full of answers in front of them. Can they kick it? “Absolutely – in a heartbeat”.

    Sorry for the Weegie references.


  27. fantastic semi final today, congratulations to both teams. Penalty? Hand ball goal? just honest mistakes I’m sure……;)


  28. After the independent investigation and they find that Green was in fact connected with Whyte we shall here the expression that is often used by a bully after he steals yir pint in the pub and you question it.

    ” Aye ah did and what you gonna do about it”


  29. Another tense dramatic semi final.

    Either team could have won that with no complaint from anyone.

    This Armageddon is producing some exciting games to watch.


  31. A great weekend for Scottish football.So mush to be positive about.


  33. Armageddon my ar$e – great semi-finals this weekend.

    The only down side – looked to be a low attendance.


  34. Did you know?

    Quote from Wiki-spiv – “A spiv is a particular type of petty criminal who deals in illicit, typically black market, goods of questionable authenticity, especially a slickly-dressed man offering goods at bargain prices. The goods are generally not what they seem or have been obtained illegally. “

    Blimey


  35. Ayethatllbright (@AyeThatllbRight) says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 15:32

    From the timeline put together by barca

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

    June 12

    CVA rejected

    June 14

    Sevco Scotland purchase assets from Duff and Phepls, despite creditors never having been informed of Sevco Scotland’s existence, far less of their new status as the preferred bidder. There was an obligation in the CVA document for Duff and Phelps to issue a failure certificate should the legally binding contract with Sevco 5088 not crystallize. They issued no such certificate

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

    So even a couple of weeks after the sale (to Sevco Scotland) Rangers are still telling people “for the avoidance of doubt” that the assets were sold to Sevco 5088 and transferred to Sevco (Scotland).

    Green was making it up as he went along, so it would seem were Duff and Phelps. They were using the old “similar names” trick.

    Like Rangers International Football Club, The Rangers Football Club, it all just becomes the same thing in people’s minds.

    Sorry to use the cliché again, but it really is all smoke and mirrors.


  36. arabest1 says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 15:19
    8 2 Rate This

    fantastic semi final today, congratulations to both teams. Penalty? Hand ball goal? just honest mistakes I’m sure……;)
    ———

    @arabest
    He didn’t have a great midweek that ref, although his linesmen may have been to blame. No way he could see Commons’ arm hitting it in and the penalty must have been an instinctive judgement, although probably wrong. Doubt Jackie M or DU will make a song and dance about it though, which is the way it should be 😉

    What was great, apart from two terrific semis, was the number of young Scots on show. I believe DU started with 9 Scots (?), and during the match played an impressive 16 and 17-year-old. Well done DU for that too! Another fine detail was a big green Saltire among the Celtic fans. Nice.

    Some company should cash in and create an Armageddon pie, drink or chocolate bar. ‘Irn Bru Armageddon’ has a nice ring to it 😀


  37. Don’t disagree with your comments DP, just could not resist a mention of two pivotal decisions that mysteriously went with the sponsors choice. 😉 I think the officials mare in midweek meant they would not risk the formidable persecution apparatus landing on top of them in tomorrows press.

    Wonderful games this weekend, nothing wrong with our game if the showpiece competition can produce two matches like that.


  38. Danish – the 16 and 17 year olds, Souttar and Gauld, both started and played the majority of the match. Both look tremendous prospects, with Gauld one of those players, like GMS, who gets you out of your seat in excitement. Augurs well, along with Falkirk’s youngsters but it is to be hoped that our national bosses don’t display their usual reticence in promoting young players. Get these 17 year olds fast tracked into the under 21s!

    On the Commons goal, his arm was down by his side, he was unaware of where the ball was and the ball may or may not have gone in off it. A goal is the correct decision. I remember Hugh Dallas being pilloried during a World Cup for letting a German defender away with a goal-line clearance where the ball came off his arm which was in it’s natural position by his side. We cannot penalise players for having arms!


  39. Richard Wilson (@timomouse) says:

    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 12:
    1

    0
    Rate This

    Quantcast
    http://www.thefootballlife.co.uk/post/47941353312/on-hearts-to-vote-yes-for-change

    Seeing as there is the small matter of a vote tomorrow, on Hearts detailed (but not that detailed) explanation of 12-12-18
    ————————————————————————————————————

    Another huge flaw is what happens if a team in the second tier starts the season with, say, six straight wins. Their fans know they are going to be in the top four after 22 games. What is the point in them shelling out their hard earned to travel to away matches? Managers are fond of saying “the season begins here”, it really will begin for real after the split! I’m sure the majority will continue to support their team for home games but if it’s costing maybe £40-£50 for a day out, why bother? Apparently a trophy will be awarded after 22 games. I would suggest the Ramsdens Cup would be more valued than a trinket for an abridged season.


  40. rantinrobin says:

    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 11:59
    Rate This

    Question

    Who is on this independent panel?

    Anybody know?

    Robin. Names just released: Pugh,Pugh, Barney Magrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub.


  41. arabest1 says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 16:31

    Don’t disagree with your comments DP, just could not resist a mention of two pivotal decisions that mysteriously went with the sponsors choice. I think the officials mare in midweek meant they would not risk the formidable persecution apparatus landing on top of them in tomorrows press.

    Wonderful games this weekend, nothing wrong with our game if the showpiece competition can produce two matches like that.
    ………………………..

    Yep you could argue the 2 decisions you mention…likewise we could also highlight the incident that could easily have seen Willo flood dismissed…or the United right back who deliberatly tripped Forrest when the ball was some 5-6 yards away…technically (theres that word again) serious foul play…which Stephan McManus was sent off for exactly the same crime against Hearts 3 seasons ago…

    Thats what is great about football…the aftermatch debate…great game neither deserved to lose.


  42. It wasn’t just STV that were being fed the Seco 5088 line. The BBC were told the same.

    from 19 June 2012

    Green’s consortium confirmed to BBC Scotland that a purchase of the assets and intellectual property of The Rangers Football Club P.L.C. has been concluded with the administrators Duff & Phelps, which includes the company name.

    A Rangers spokesman told BBC Scotland: “The administrators have already given their approval for the name change and the process will be completed shortly.

    “The company name was part of the assets of the company which was sold to Charles Green’s consortium.”

    The spokesman also said any regulatory problems related to changing Sevco 5088’s name to The Rangers Football Club Ltd are not currently an issue because liquidation of the old company has not yet commenced.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18509619


  43. Bismark, windaes & Rangers!

    All very well in a Utopian world but in practice utterly impossible.

    Big business & money rule the world & football is no different.

    I laugh when hear the SPL/SFA getting abuse in relation to the RFC fiasco. FFS the police, crown office & the regulatory bodies that oversee businesses are unable to unravel the shambles so what chance do the jumped up blazers that run Scottish football have?

    Its no different in other countries & UEFA & FIFA are both a stage beyond corrupt.

    The sanctimonious clap trap that’s being churned out by fans & media in Scotland is beyond belief.


  44. Carfins Finest. (@edunne58) says:

    rantinrobin says:

    Question
    Who is on this independent panel?
    Anybody know?
    ___

    Went along yesterday for interview – bit of a queue, – spotted two FTT guys, LN, white bricks, about a hundred incensed creditors, one shredding machine, HMRC, Uefa/Fifa + Plod
    They said they`d let me know 😉


  45. Carfins Finest. (@edunne58) says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 17:11
    5 0 Rate This
    rantinrobin says:

    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 11:59
    Rate This

    Question

    Who is on this independent panel?

    Anybody know?

    Robin. Names just released: Pugh,Pugh, Barney Magrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub.
    ———————————————————————————————————————–
    ah yes ,firecrew in Trumpton

    Nobody from the Muppets then? Wombles?


  46. wottpi says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 17:19

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

    http://videocelts.com/2013/04/blogs/latest-news/green-appointed-whyte-as-sevco-5088-director

    According to the STV report: “The directorial appointment forms, which have been filed several months late, show the signatures of the former Sheffield United chief executive, alongside those of Mr Whyte and Mr Earley. It is believed the forms were signed during a meeting in London on May 9, 2012, three days before Duff and Phelps signed an offer letter with Sevco 5088 in a £5.5m deal for the club’s assets.

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

    So the timeline seems to be

    9th May Green signs papers making Whyte and Earley Directors of Sevco 5088

    12th May Sevco 5088 and Duff and Phelps arrive at a binding agreement for sale of assets

    12th June CVA rejected

    14th June Sevco Scotland purchase assets from Duff and Phelps, however see barcsa’s comments re this.

    19th June Green’s consortium confirm to BBC Scotland that Sevco 5088 have bought the assets

    27th June Rangers are still telling people “for the avoidance of doubt” that the assets were sold to Sevco 5088 and transferred to Sevco (Scotland).

    To me it is as plain as eggs. The original plan was to do the sale of assets via Sevco with Green and Ahmed fronting for Whyte and Earley. However at some point after the deal with the administrators was made that was changed to Sevco (Scotland). However that appears to have been kept very quiet, in spite of the fact that Duff and Phelps were adamant they had a “binding agreement” with one company, but sold the assets to another one.

    The only real question is, who instructed this was to happen and who agreed it.

    BDO will know or will find out. There has to be paperwork in the relevant files.


  47. Alex O’Henley ‏@OHenleyAlex 9h
    #SPL clubs will also let #SFL decide what league Rangers play in next season if reconstruction goes ahead.
    ===========

    The cowards are at it again,


  48. rantinrobin says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 11:59

    Question

    Who is on this independent panel?

    Anybody know?

    ——

    Well, may be I be the first to say “I demand to know!”?


  50. rantinrobin says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 17:57
    4 0 Rate This
    Carfins Finest. (@edunne58) says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 17:11
    5 0 Rate This
    rantinrobin says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 11:59
    Rate This
    Question
    Who is on this independent panel?
    Anybody know?
    Robin. Names just released: Pugh,Pugh, Barney Magrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grub.
    ————————————————————————
    ah yes ,firecrew in Trumpton
    Nobody from the Muppets then? Wombles?
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Certainly not The Wombles. They tidy things up.

    I reckon The Clangers. As in they’ll drop one. Whilst making blue string soup!


  51. The timeline seems to be

    9th May Green and Whyte sign forms to make Whyte a director of Sevco 5088

    12th May Sevco 5088 and Duff and Phelps reach binding agreement for Sevco 5088 to buy assets

    12th June CVA rejected

    14th June Asstes are sold to Sevco Scotland , see barca’s comments

    19th June Greens consortium discuss the assets being sold to Sevco 5088 with the BBC

    27th June Rangers again confirm, for the avoidance of doubt that Sevco 5088 bought the assets and transferred them to Sevco Scotland

    However if one looks at the Duff and Phelps interim report of July

    “Sevco Sevco Scotland Limited of Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow G51 2XD
    (Company number SC425159)”

    So for the purposes of that report Sevco are Sevco Scotland.

    Then

    “Having regard to the remaining offers the Joint Administrators were satisfied that the Sevco offer provided the best potential return to creditors of the Company. Therefore on 12 May 2012 the Joint Administrators accepted the Sevco offer.”

    So they are now saying that the “binding agreement” was with “Sevco Scotland.

    This is particularly interesting as Sevco Scotland were registered later in May

    Company Register

    Status Active – Newly Incorporated

    Registered date 29/05/2012

    Company number SC425159

    Type Private limited with Share Capital

    Country of registration GB
    Previous Names

    Previous name SEVCO SCOTLAND LIMITED

    Date changed 31/07/2012

    You would think that the administrator would have mentioned that in their report. That the limited company they now claim they made the agreement with didn’t actually register as a limited company until over a fortnight later.


  52. bobferris70 says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013

    On the Commons goal, his arm was down by his side, he was unaware of where the ball was and the ball may or may not have gone in off it. A goal is the correct decision. I remember Hugh Dallas being pilloried during a World Cup for letting a German defender away with a goal-line clearance where the ball came off his arm which was in it’s natural position by his side. We cannot penalise players for having arms!
    ———————————————————————————-

    ..but the ref can penalise Willo Flood for ‘having arms’ 12 seconds before the Commons incident? The benefit of the doubt goes against a midfielder on the halfway line, but is given to the striker when a goal is scored? I have just read the BBC report, no mention of either incident had it been the other way around, these incidents would have been in the headline, introduction and conclusion of the BBC report. If Jon Daly had used an arm to score a goal it would have been a big cheese for Lennon and Celtic, just as, had Sean Dillon wiped out Hooper 6 feet from the ref, Lennon would be demanding ‘clarification’. I happen to admire Neil Lennon as a coach and as a man, and have a great deal of sympathy for his situation; attacked in the street, attacked on the touchline, death threats, nail bombs, utterly disgraceful that any manager should suffer even one of these never mind all of them! consequently I would not blame him one bit for having a persecution complex, its the persecution complex that is stitched into his club blazer that grates on me.

    Accuse me of wearing my tangerine shimmy shades, but then I am a football fan and reserve that right. 😉


  53. There is no “independent panel”. All the RIFC Board agreed to do “to commission(verb) an independent examination and report”. That examination may well be carried out by an individual, rather than a group of people.

    There is also no indication of the skills, experience or status of the person(s) carrying out the examination, e.g. a experienced legal bod (D Findlay?), or a footballing administrator (C Ogilvie?) or another Spiv.(SDM?)


  54. Totally ot I stand to win 800 quid if Tiger wins Masters, in the name of sporting integrity, should he have walked?


  55. Long Time Lurker says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 15:35
    19 0 Rate This
    Armageddon my ar$e – great semi-finals this weekend.

    The only down side – looked to be a low attendance
    ———————————————————–

    Great advert for Scottish football.
    I never miss any game to support my team but I have and I have made a stance this year not to set foot in Hampden (not easy for me) till Campbell Ogilvy and others are brought to task.

    I know of other fans who also take this stance.
    Torture watching it on tv but like the other semi it was magic.


  56. paulmac2 says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 17:18

    The incidents you cite are open to question for sure, but the incidents I cite involve a two goal swing, just not the same!


  57. bobferris70 says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 16:53
    7 0 Rate This

    Danish – the 16 and 17 year olds, Souttar and Gauld, both started and played the majority of the match. Both look tremendous prospects, with Gauld one of those players, like GMS, who gets you out of your seat in excitement. Augurs well, along with Falkirk’s youngsters but it is to be hoped that our national bosses don’t display their usual reticence in promoting young players. Get these 17 year olds fast tracked into the under 21s!

    On the Commons goal, his arm was down by his side, he was unaware of where the ball was and the ball may or may not have gone in off it. A goal is the correct decision. I remember Hugh Dallas being pilloried during a World Cup for letting a German defender away with a goal-line clearance where the ball came off his arm which was in it’s natural position by his side. We cannot penalise players for having arms!
    ————

    It’s an inspiration to see these youngsters Bob. I’ve always felt the mass import of players sent the signal to our youth that they were not good enough, somehow second-rate human beings. It is an utter nonsense and a terrible message to send to the next generation. Football talent is mostly nurtured.

    I suppose my only ‘disappointment’ with today’s match was to see just 3 Scots in the Celtic line up. It sounds a bit xenophobic to go on about that, and nationality should really be of no relevance. But I’d have liked to have seen 8 Scots and maybe 3 foreign nationals, that’s a better balance, at least as far as our national game is concerned. It makes financial sense too. It also gives kids a dream if they see they can one day reach big time football – instead of only having an outside chance of being the token Scots in an essentally international mercenary line up.

    No doubt the Commons goal would have been disallowed by some refs, allowed by others, had they seen it. I’d rather dwell on the positives after matches, and there are so many positives to take from this weekend.


  58. Great cup weekend. Delighted to see so many young players involved. Several good prospects, but the man to watch is, IMO, young Harris from Hibs, Man of the Match.


  60. Danish Pastry says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 16:06
    23 0 Rate This
    arabest1 says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 15:19
    8 2 Rate This
    Some company should cash in and create an Armageddon pie,
    drink or chocolate bar. ‘Irn Bru Armageddon’ has a nice ring to it
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Half-time advertisements?

    Bloke at bar, in pub showing each game, turns to mates and says:

    “Armageddon the Magners in. Who wants one?”

    Which is met by a chorus from the entire pub

    “ME!”


  61. Senior says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 18:43

    —————————-

    Agreed, I thought he was man of the match as well, excellent young player.


  62. chipm0nk says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 15:23
    47 1 Rate This
    Another tense dramatic semi final.

    Either team could have won that with no complaint from anyone.

    This Armageddon is producing some exciting games to watch.

    —————————————————————————————————————-

    I concur Chippy, following on from the fantastic League Cup Semi’s and final, the last two days has seen four teams(all of them with good young Scots playing a part) provide tremendous entertainment and excitement.

    It makes you wonder why some people are determined to run our game down and are now telling us that our game will ‘die’ unless we take a dodgy take-it-or-leave-it reconstruction offer.


  63. I believe Celtic have two excellent prospect in Chalmers and Fraser. Defenders I believe. Now that the league is won perhaps Neil Lennon should give them a few starts. Wasn’t it Fraser who was excellent in a European match last season? Are Kelvin Wilson and Efe Ambrose that much better than our own youngsters?


  64. MICK DERRICK (@DERRYMICK) says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 09:19

    1 Green enquiry begins.
    2 It finds against green (whatever than means) in time for ST renewal.
    3 Out With Green in with wattie
    4 Rise in ST prices but no one cares because Wattie is the saviour.
    5 Rangers fans duped for the 3rd time.
    ==========================================

    The joys of DIY allowed me to listen intently to the radio from 12-6PM on Saturday 13 April, flitting between Radio Scotland and Radio Clyde. One thread shone through all day, and that was that ‘real’ Rangers men can be trusted beyond doubt to do the right thing, especially one with no surname. It was also clear that the pundits have decided that Malcolm Murray too, is a ‘real’ Rangers man, worthy of the traditional deference afforded to such individuals by the Scottish media. One pundit (Keevins as I recall) went as far as to say that ‘Walter’ is a very, very clever man and as such will ensure the entire situation is properly managed and concluded. It’s a pity nobody saw fit to ask Keevins what exactly Smith would know about Corporate governance, takeover rules or company law.

    The continued media view that people like Walter Smith, Ally McCoist, Malcolm Murray, John Greig, Alastair Johnstone, Martin Bain, David Murray etc are men of the utmost dignity and honour simply by dint of being Rangers men is why we will always struggle to truly get to the bottom of what has really gone on at Ibrox. When the starting point is certain individuals are beyond reproach no matter what, there is no point in going on really.


  65. nowoldandgrumpy says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 18:12
    17 2 Rate This
    Alex O’Henley ‏@OHenleyAlex 9h
    #SPL clubs will also let #SFL decide what league Rangers play in next season if reconstruction goes ahead.
    ===========

    The cowards are at it again,

    ——————————————————————————————————

    Another good reason to vote against it NOAG, and that’s before we even get started on the retention of 11-1 until Sevco hopefully make an appearance in the top tier.


  66. The detailed analysis and ongoing litany of the Rangers saga suggests to me that footballing authorities would struggle to keep up with the shenanigans that businessmen are prepared to employ in pursuit of their own personal indulgences and profit. A governing body wouldn’t be able to keep pace, no matter how well informed and qualified. This thing is a moving target and shooting it down could easily result in collaterol damage. Rather, let unofficial scrutineers like those on here tag the villains and lay their plans open for wider scrutiny. The football authorities, like ambulancemen, can only really intervene after the crash has occured.

    Generally well formed constitions have two levels. The base level is where all the work gets done. Above that sits an auditing level that intervenes periodically to check everything is being carried out in accordance with agreed procedures. Its always possible to con auditors but they should still act as a curb on the worst excesses. Therefore I think there would still need to be an SFA overlooking the whole scheme of things (the auditor). Then “who guards the guards”. You do. The court of public opinion. Just like you’re doing right now. As an occasional contributor I am surprised by the ongoing enthusiasm of the regular bloggers who have sustained this site for so long. It might be that it is not going away anytime soon. You must embarass the hell out of people at times. There is a bit of leaping to conclusions going on but the underlying theme is being maintained. The complexity of the timeline could almost be recited by heart by some, in the same way that a child learns its times tables.


  67. The CE says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 19:28

    Scottish football totally lost the plot when Sir David Murray implemented his “For every £5 they spend …” policy. Rangers started spending money they didn’t have, Celtic followed suit, so did most other clubs. We are where we are to a large extent because of that.

    However, people are realising that it is totally unsustainable and they cannot do it and survive. That means that more young players, particularly Scots will have to be used and brought through. We have seen quite a lot of that over the weekend, boys of 16 and 17 included. They performed well and got good experience, providing tense exciting football matches into the bargain. Just what the fans want. Hibs and Celtic made the final, but just as easily it could have been Falkirk and Dundee Utd.

    This is for the good of the game, and will directly help our international team, as more young Scots get to play at the higher level, in front of decent crowds, gaining experience you simply can’t buy. Exciting football matches, with goals, and everyone in with a chance of winning will also hopefully bring the support back.

    Scottish football is just finding it’s level again, everything is not doom and gloom, far from it.


  68. nowoldandgrumpy says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 18:12

    Alex O’Henley ‏@OHenleyAlex 9h
    #SPL clubs will also let #SFL decide what league Rangers play in next season if reconstruction goes ahead

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

    Is that not a non sequitur.

    If reconstruction goes ahead then there won’t be SPL teams and SFL teams there will be one league with all of the teams in it. Surely they must all decide on

    a, The structure

    and

    b, the decision on how the leagues are made up for the first season.

    To me there is only one sensible and fair way to do it with 42 teams, and on the basis of 12-12-18

    First Division – Teams 1-12 based on how the 42 finished up at the end of this season.

    Second Division – Teams 13 – 24 based on how the 42 finished up at the end of this season.

    Third Division – Teams 25 – 42 based on how the 42 finished up at the end of this season.

    What’s to decide.


  69. Sorry Chippy, but surely the Jags deserve their SPL spot next season?


  70. chipm0nk says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 19:46
    ============

    Agree totally, but you must wonder why it is on the table?


  71. They would be in it at the end of the season.

    Sorry if I didn’t express that properly, if they finished top of the SFL one then they would be team 12, Dundee (presumably) would be the 13th team.

    The new league would just be starting using placing for all 42, based on what place they would have been had the leagues not re-structured. That’s why I think it’s the only fair way.


  72. nowoldandgrumpy says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 20:07

    chipm0nk says:
    Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 19:46
    ============

    Agree totally, but you must wonder why it is on the table?

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

    If they did it there would be a 12 team division and an 18 team division with a vested interest.

    So if Rangers were to get jumped into Division 2 there would be them plus 11 who would vote for that. What would be in it for the other 18, particularly the 1 which would have to lose out.

    If 29 teams in addition to Rangers get a vote then for the majority of them their better financial position is Rangers being in the 3rd Division.


  73. Will 17 of the SFL clubs eligible to vote deny themselves the right to their payday against
    the world record holders of world records? The extra gate income, tv income and advertising.?
    Will the other 12 vote to limit their chances of promotion to the SPL by welcoming in the dead certs to win that league ?
    The only way a majority of these clubs will vote to become a turkey at Christmas is if they were bribed to do so .
    Thank goodness Charles has the integrity and dignity to not even suggest such a thing could be arranged,I’m sure if he did the blazers would tell him that it would’nt be dignified behaviour.
    Any leg up for these shysters will spell the end of Scottish football
    By right my club should have be looking at winning the 3rd Division title this year
    We have been denied that honour by the bending of the rule book .
    By right my club should at least be entitled to a play off spot for promotion to Div 2
    are we to be denied this as well because the format of the league which was in place at the
    start of the season is altered with just 3 games left to go ?
    and they say its for the “good of the game” !!
    We have 136 years of history ,and we didnt buy it for £1
    These people would’nt know sporting integrity if it slapped them on the erse
    Ludere Causa Ludendi


  74. Rangers’ sponsors Tennent’s confirmed it made an official complaint against Charles Green over his recent racist remarks, as the Rangers board pulled Charles Green in for an emergency meeting yesterday.

    The comments led to Tennent’s, owned by the Dublin based C&C Group, contacting the Ibrox marketing department to make an official complaint, as well as the SFA noting that it would be investigating the matter.

    Paul Condron, the marketing director of Tennent Caledonian Breweries, said in a statement: “As you would expect Tennent’s completely disassociates itself from any racist comments.

    “We have reiterated this in our conversations with the club.”

    As such, the club’s board held an emergency meeting yesterday over Green’s use of racist language as well as recent claims he acted as a frontman to former owner Craig Whyte when he took over at the club. The meeting resulted in the board announcing it would be conducting an independent enquiry into the allegations.

    Rangers said in a statement: “The board is to commission an independent examination and report in view of recent allegations in the media concerning the chief executive, Charles Green, the commercial director, Imran Ahmad, and their management of the club.

    “The independent report will be commissioned and completed as speedily as possible and presented directly to the non-executive directors of the company. The chief executive will not be involved in the conduct of the examination.

    “Also at today’s meeting, the chief executive of the club apologised unreservedly to board members and the wider Rangers support for any offence caused by remarks he made in an interview last week regarding Imran Ahmad.

    “Mr Green told the board that in trying to make a point in the interview that, as Chief Executive, he would not countenance any form of prejudice towards employees or players at the Club, he had exercised poor judgement in the words he chose. He apologised.

    “The board accepted the explanation that there had been no intention to cause offence and accepted the chief executive’s apology.

    “The board is satisfied that the chief executive did not act in a racist manner but reminded him of the importance of all office bearers at Rangers upholding the standards expected by the club.”

    Tennent’s sponsorship of Rangers ends after this season, however, The Drum contacted Ranger’s new sponsor for next season, Blackthorn Cider, also owned by C&C, for a comment and is awaiting a response.


  75. It will be so ironic if tomorrows vote of SPL clubs fails to achieve the 11-1 majority that is so valued by Celtic and Aberdeen. The irony will be if they had conceded 9-3 majority voting when it was proposed late last year, then tomorrow’s expected 10-2 vote would have been sufficient to carry the day on the league reconstruction plans.

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