Scottish Football and the case for a Bismarck!

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.

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


  1. Tic 6709 says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:16
    0 0 Rate This

    he is not allowed to report on game, probably join in in the celebrations though.


  2. chipm0nk says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 13:21

    Banning Hugh Keevins for printing lies about the club is not the same as banning a journalist.

    Freedom of expression is indeed a right, but it is not an unqualified right, it can have ramifications.

    Ask Abu Hamza.

    And also, people write things that I’m sure football clubs don’t like all of the time. they are not banned for doing that. However there has to come a time when any club simply feels a specific writer has crossed the proverbial line. They have every right to then ban them from access to their ground, players and staff.

    Frstly – Hugh Keevins/Abu Hamza. You’re drawing a comparison between the two. Before I can take this seriously, I would need you to expand just a little on how this is a valid comparison. Just a little.

    Secondly – I see the BBC have just crossed a line with the Ibrox club again. That’s OK then, according to your logic? Yes? No? Confused silence?


  3. scapaflow14 says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:10

    Fortunately for Celtic, there is no beginning to Mr Keevin’s journalistic talents, so banning him, whilst foolish, was relatively risk free. Not sure the same can be said about Aunty, time to get the handbag out!

    So it’s wiser for a football club to ban a relatively insignificant journalist than an entire news corporation?

    Isn’t that the reasoning of a bully?

    There is an important principle at stake here and I am hugely enjoying the efforts some go to avoid acknowledging that.


  4. Night Terror says:

    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:49

    NT, I think you’ll find that, although I’m a celtic man, I am actually on your side on this one. Scroll a bit further up!


  5. john clarke says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:14

    TheTributeAct (@TheTributeAct) says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:08
    ‘.. Malcolm Murray will probably have been the one who sent the BBC packing..’

    He may have given the order, but it was that Judas of a turncoat , James Traynor, who actually asked Mc Laughlin to leave!
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    yes,yes we all love a bit of drama but can someone please tell us how the crossbar challenge went.


  6. monsieurbunny says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 12:03

    A very measured and balanced rejoinder monsieur le rabbit. I wasn’t being critical of you as I largely agreed with your comment. It was a gut reaction to encourage the poster concerned. Anyone with the soubriquet ’embarassinglyneutral’ automatically triggers my allegaince since I think neutral stances are important in cultivating the discussion. As for the potential threat offered by your species, I can only say, ‘My, what big teeth you have’.

    Moving on, Ally’s pursuance of SPL players last season seems to me only to make sense if it was believed an SPL berth could be found for his club under an accelerated time frame. The mooted (cast iron, copper bottomed, cast in stone, utterly irrefutable) suggestion that his moneypot may (definitely has, absolutely no doubt about it whatsoever) have evaporated, to me suggests that this plan has been derailed.

    Heard Mr Longmuir earlier commenting on the breakaway SFL clubs and he bore the tone of desperation that is becoming a resonant drone currently.

    Methinks we may soon hear the grinding and gnashing of a structure under extreme pressure followed by the invetible snapping and cracking of structural members.

    The current gush of ingressing liquid could turn into a torrent.


  7. scapaflow14 says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:54

    NT, I think you’ll find that, although I’m a celtic man, I am actually on your side on this one. Scroll a bit further up!

    I’ll take your word on that, but it’s not altogether apparent on this page as far as I can see.

    I don’t think describing banning Keevo as “foolish” really describes the full import of the action. But it’s certainly one of a range of words that could be used.


  8. scapaflow14 says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:54

    Night Terror says:

    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:49

    NT, I think you’ll find that, although I’m a celtic man, I am actually on your side on this one. Scroll a bit further up!

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Me too. Keevins is all the things everyone above says he is and more but that is playing the man not the ball. NT is right to highlight the principle of protecting press freedom.

    I doubt Keevins made the story up from nothing. I suspect he had a bad source or got caught up in some internal political game.


  9. If one errs/lies and prints
    BUT
    does not withdraw/apologise
    THEN
    Bin in my opinion
    Simples


  10. If Keevins is banned from commenting/reporting on Celtic or anyone else then that is appalling and does hinder ‘Freedom of Speech’
    If he is banned from the grounds then it doesn’t.


  11. Loamfeet,

    Ok, I think we are breaking out in agreement here on the matter that there are limits; the mechanism for dealing with it is where we differ, which is fine.

    The issue for me with the legal recourse is the time it takes to get a result, and the result may still not be deemed satisfactory, so may require an appeal, etc.; meanwhile, there is still the opportunity for the “journalist” to keep on going as if nothing had happened.

    For the record, I do agree with the action Celtic took on this occasion, as the story was completely untrue, caused severe offence to all involved with the club, and was not retracted or apologised for. The ban was immediate action, and clearly distanced the club from the “journalist” in question.


  12. If it was Mr Traynor who did the ejecting, then its possible he could be open to disciplinary action by the NUJ, if a complaint is made. Ah well, something else he would have in common with the man with the wee white bricks


  13. The trophy for eclipsing all the part-time opposition in the fourth tier of Scottish football has just been presented to the The Rangers amidst ludicrously inappropriate (compare previous title award “celebrations”) scenes in front of over 50,000 fans, allegedly, and described live on Radio Scotland. This is a fitting culmination to a season in which they, and the Scottish sports media, have desperately attempted to convince us of their continued relevance. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s eight-page pullout in the Sunday “Liam”.

    Seriously, though, in respect of the oldclub/newclub debate it would be very illuminating to find out what will be engraved on the trophy. Anyone with any contacts in the engraving business?


  14. whisperer18 says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 15:14

    If one errs/lies and prints
    BUT
    does not withdraw/apologise
    THEN
    Bin in my opinion
    Simples

    Much too simples.

    As bogsdollox says above, we don’t know where journalists get their info. There is almost always a kernel of truth to them, or a source who wanted their preferred version of events to make it out into the open air.

    Even when something turns out not to be accurate, it doesn’t mean there wasn;t something to it.

    I have no idea if any of this applies in HK’s case, but it doesn’t matter. Banning journalists is the thin end of a wedge that hurts us all.

    As Thomo mentions, it is shameful that there is no concerted press action in response to one of their own being banned. I doubt there will even be any as a result of the BBC being banned. For what reason in the latter case, I await to be amused.


  15. Night Terror says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 12:13
    ————————————-
    You need to differentiate between journalists who tell the truth and are banned and those that tell lies and are banned.

    In the former category we have the BBC in relation to Alex Ferguson’s son; he took a hissy fit and wouldn’t speak to them for years.

    Also into that category, like him or not, falls Chris McLaughlin who actually spelled out just now on radio that Craig Mather was the author of the Pippa Middleton piece on Rangers; Chris also said categorically that he stands by his story, regardless of what the head of PR for TRFC says.

    In the latter category we have the once eminent journalist, Hugh Keevins; he wrote an article which was based on a lie and which upset not just Celtic but the family of Sean Fallon here and in Ireland.

    Hugh and his then editor, James Traynor, were given statements by both of those parties and asked to print a retraction which they declined to do, but at the same time they also refused to issue a statement standing by their story.

    Those are weasel actions of a weasel paper.

    Alex Thomson, from his lofty abode, has failed to check his facts and once he has studied all of the evidence, I am sure we will hear more from him on this particular point.


  16. described live on RS ?
    they’re not taking that ban lying down then………….. who’s in charge now Jim !!!


  17. It’s not often I disagree with AT but I just don’t accept his statement: ‘I don’t know what he did or why. And you know what? I don’t care much either. Because it doesn’t matter. If you don’t like what someone writes as a club, you sue them or you take it. That goes in other walks of public life and it should go in sport too’.

    I would defend the right of any journo to express a balanced and objective opinion without a club getting heavy-handed just because they don’t like it.

    But if the journalist is making a snide comment for an ulterior motive or has got his facts well and truly wrong then they have to be prepared to apologise and their employer has to be prepared to print a correction or retraction.

    If that is done then the matter should be left to rest as we all do make mistakes. But if the same journalist makes a similar gaffe against the same club then I would have no problem with a ban because the journo would appear to me to be either incompetent or biased.

    But these things seldom arise from one clear-cut incident but ususally have a background to them. I don’t know the details to the HK issue but from the various bits and pieces I have seen aired it doesn’t appear to be a straightforward as some would have us believe.

    But my main objection to AT’s piece is its attempt to equate bloodthirsty regimes with UK football clubs and managers in how they deal with the press. The regimes I talk of don’t ban journalists they murder, torture and disappear them. AT knows that fine well and his piece is a serious disservice to all those brave joiurnalists throughout the world who have given their life to reveal hidden truths.

    I am sure AT when he reflects on the issue will know exactly what I am getting at.


  18. therampantbaron says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 15:27

    You need to differentiate between journalists who tell the truth and are banned and those that tell lies and are banned.

    No I don’t. There are professional and legal ways of dealing with inaccurate stories. Banning reporters is not one of them.


  19. Ally live on Sky spouts “We are the people” total embarrassment of a man.


  20. john clarke says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:14
    6 0 Rate This

    TheTributeAct (@TheTributeAct) says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:08
    ‘.. Malcolm Murray will probably have been the one who sent the BBC packing..’

    He may have given the order, but it was that Judas of a turncoat , James Traynor, who actually asked Mc Laughlin to leave!
    ———-

    Amusing statement from Richard Gordon on Sportsound a wee while ago that the BBC were banned today ‘because Rangers take exception to the facts’. How inconvenient when journalists report facts instead of just relaying Ibrox press releases. Where will it all end? 😀

    PS Apparently Chic Y. was offered a match seat anyway but Chris M. was asked to leave!


  21. pau1mart1n says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 15:28

    described live on RS ?
    ————————————————————————————–
    To clarify: Chick Young audio-described the Sky television pictures.


  22. Seems like those at ibrox have declared war on the BBC, that will prove to be a fatal mistake. Listening to Open All Mics, it sounds like they are waiting to get stuck into that club and its PR exec in particular.

    Or maybe thats my reading with the feel good factor with Hearts currently winning 🙂


  23. If Craig Mather’s fingerprints are all over the leaked report, it spells more instability behind the scenes..he won’t even had a chance to say what music he has to hear played at Ibrox before he leaves…still, probably a good deal richer.


  24. Yahoo sports

    ‘Despite failing to add to their lead and impress the 50,048 inside Ibrox, many of whom had decided to leave early, Rangers secured the victory and celebrated lifting the Third Division crown’

    Many decided to leave early? How odd.


  25. Brian McHugh (@pbmchugh) says:

    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 15:45
    Yahoo sports

    ‘Despite failing to add to their lead and impress the 50,048 inside Ibrox, many of whom had decided to leave early, Rangers secured the victory and celebrated lifting the Third Division crown’

    Many decided to leave early? How odd
    ========================================

    They were the ones that paid to get in.


  26. To clarify: Chick Young audio-described the Sky television pictures.

    that’s even worse.
    altogether now..
    “I CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU………”


  27. Night Terror says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 14:42

    chipm0nk says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 13:21

    Frstly – Hugh Keevins/Abu Hamza. You’re drawing a comparison between the two. Before I can take this seriously, I would need you to expand just a little on how this is a valid comparison. Just a little.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Hugh K —— Hook

    No?


  28. internetbampots says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 15:44
    3 0 Rate This

    If Craig Mather’s fingerprints are all over the leaked report, it spells more instability behind the scenes..he won’t even had a chance to say what music he has to hear played at Ibrox before he leaves…still, probably a good deal richer.
    ——-

    Sky showed a grinning Mr Mather up on the podium milking the triumph of the most expensive Division 3 title in history for all it’s worth. Something of a John Terry moment.


  29. Danish Pastry says:

    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 16:06

    One genuine world record accrued to Rangers today,, well 2, actually, as DP says most expensive Div 3 title ever, and biggest losses over a season by any Div 3 club ever. Both records unlikely to be matched, well at least until Rangers go down for the third time….


  30. mullach says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 15:02

    Heard Mr Longmuir earlier commenting on the breakaway SFL clubs and he bore the tone of desperation that is becoming a resonant drone currently.
    =====================================================

    I’m making a calculated guess here, but I suspect some of the breakaway club Chairmen might tell Mr Longmuir in private he should not have tried to do the bidding of Sevco earlier in this mess.


  31. I’m curious as to what Sevco expected the BBC to do with the report in its possession. Given that Sevco have not denied the veracity of the report it seems yet another indication of the control they were able to exhibit over the media for decades.


  32. Danish Pastry says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 16:06
    ——-

    Sky showed a grinning Mr Mather up on the podium milking the triumph of the most expensive Division 3 title in history for all it’s worth. Something of a John Terry moment.
    ===================================================

    Oh come on, Coisty frequently gave lectures at the Flat Earth Society informing them it was the hardest title to win of his entire career. I understand at the end of each lecture Chick Young stood in front of the audience and held up a large board with the word ‘applause’ on it.


  33. Mr Mather may as well enjoy the moment (like Whyte and Green before him)..it will be all too brief in his time at the club. Celebrating winning the 3rd division as if it was the Champions League, given the resources at McCoist’s disposal was never in any doubt. Winning the first title in any club’s history has got to be sweet.

    It will be somewhat soured however given Mather’s handiwork for the ‘future’ of TRFC, and the apparent absence of one for McCoist in the plan. It doesn’t look good for one of them in the short term – maybe even both. Perhaps the whole kitbag and caboodle…


  34. upthehoops says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 16:25
    1 0 Rate This

    I’m curious as to what Sevco expected the BBC to do with the report in its possession. Given that Sevco have not denied the veracity of the report it seems yet another indication of the control they were able to exhibit over the media for decades.
    ———

    Perhaps Mr Traynor expects them to be ‘loyal’ just as he was. Maybe he’s taken the huff because Chris M didn’t run the article by him for vetting 😀


  35. Interesting points made by Chick Young on Sportsound (c15.15) today.

    He noted that Sportsound have made it into the hallowed pages of Private Eye – the Coleman Balls section. Chick also pointed out that it was an honour for Sportsound to receive a mention in that hallowed publication.

    Surprisingly Chick made no reference to the “In the City” section of Private Eye – did he possibly miss the lengthy article on the goings on at Ibrox way and the battle between Messers Whyte and Green.

    That’s balanced reporting.


  36. Craig Paterson on Sportsound parroting the usual mantra.Hearts in trouble,Dunfermline,blah de blah,we need Rangers at the top for Scottish football to move forward.What a complete @r&e!


  37. Might I suggest to the BBC that they play Rangers at their own game and no longer report on games from Ibrox, nor seek interviews with Ibrox staff?

    This to continue until an apology is received.

    BBC – there are plenty games in the three divisions above Rangers that are worthy of half the coverage you have given Rangers this season. Just tell us the score, that’ll do.


  38. Is it true that Mr McCoist is playing to the baser element of his clubs’ support again and that he came out with the WATP comment.

    I wonder how many season tickets that particular act of dignity sold.


  39. Re the H/K debate.
    If someone comes into my house,is given a cup of tea etc.,then leaves and starts telling lies about me,surely I am entitled to ask him/her not to come back.
    Anyway H/K is an insignificant neverwasser.
    And I come from Partick.


  40. Angus ,seriously what was the score ,and did the x bar fest go ahead ,will their be an open top bus parade in Govan tonight


  41. Angus

    Absolutely if they disappear off BBC news they effectively disappear from about 120 news outlets worldwide who simply regurgitate the BBC. The 500 million worldwide fans will be wondering why its all gone quiet.


  42. Surely Sevco have just banned the Beeb in order to foster that infamous ‘siege mentality’ and prop up ST sales?


  43. angus1983 @ 16:57

    Might I suggest to the BBC that they play Rangers at their own game and no longer report on games from Ibrox,

    There seem to be very strong suggestions that nobody will be.


  44. ianagain says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 17:07

    …..The 500 million worldwide fans will be wondering why its all gone quiet.

    I wonder how will the MBB find out from France how his £1 investment is progressing ?


  45. chipm0nk says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 17:04
    1 0 Rate This

    Indeed he did Chip. Just when you think he can’t get any lower. he must surely be the Scottish Limbo Champion by now.

    I noticed this nugget of truth in his DR interview ;

    “Asked if a £10 million transfer kitty would be appropriate in the humble context of SFL2 McCoist replied: Probably not, but, if I am going to be totally selfish about it, I would have to spend it to get out of the division and keep me, Ian Durrant, Kenny McDowall and the rest of the staff in a job.


  46. The CE says:

    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 17:14

    The more I read that particular quote, the more it reads like we are for the off soon


  47. The CE says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 17:14

    So, on the day that they collected the third division trophy, and their last game of the season we had Rangers banning the BBC from the ground, and Mr McCoist including the WATP line in his speech to the fans.

    I think you are spot on with regard what it was about.

    Siege mentality, circle the wagons, sell the tickets.


  48. internetbampots says:

    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 17:14

    ianagain says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 17:07

    …..The 500 million worldwide fans will be wondering why its all gone quiet.

    I wonder how will the MBB find out from France how his £1 investment is progressing ?

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

    Don’t worry he has tape recorders planted everywhere !


  49. OT

    But I must stato- like update last weeks comment that when Higdon scores we always win to Except Celtic and now ICT. Well done some game. Armageddon totally super lets have more.


  50. Anyway, I think some of you are being a bit harsh.

    Ally McCoist was celebrating his teams first ever silverware, and quite possibly his own last. There was always a chance he would get carried away.

    At least he didn’t say “surrender no”


  51. Night Terror says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 15:31

    therampantbaron says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 15:27

    You need to differentiate between journalists who tell the truth and are banned and those that tell lies and are banned.

    No I don’t. There are professional and legal ways of dealing with inaccurate stories. Banning reporters is not one of them.
    =======================================================================

    Myopia can lead into trouble as can memory loss. I seem to remember that we have just had a major review of the Press because it has been out of control for years and there was no adequate redress open to those it had wrongly damaged. And it would appear that the Press proprietors are opposed to the system of control suggested by the Government following the recommendations issued by LJL.

    You also appear to ignore the fact that many people unfairly or wrongly savaged by the Press don’t wish to subject themselves to legal proceedings and all the emotional stress that can bring even if the party can afford the legal bill.

    Many snide stories which cause most hurt are also ‘couched’ in such a was as to ensure that they aren’t legally actionable no matter how morally reprehensible they might be. That’s why papers ‘legal’ stories – the process doesn’t certify that a story is actually true but is designed to identify actionable bits. And even if a lawyer declares that it is totally unsafe to publish something an editor can totally ignore the advice.

    He isn’t constrained in any way and usually takes the decision based on whether an increase in circulation will more than cover the damages and legal costs. In the case of HK I would assume the paper took the decision that Celtic wouldn’t take legal action quite probably because the family involved wouldn’t want a repeat of the slur.

    From reading other posters on the specific HK issue I find it difficult to see what meaningful action Celtic could have taken to deal with HK if it is correct that he refused to apologise and the paper involved refused to retract the story. This isn’t an issue which solely affected Celtic but also the club’s support and most importantly one of its true legends and his family.

    It isn’t enough for a journalist, editor or media organisation just to declare: ‘Publish and be Damned’. The story must be accurate and preferably have some public interest and not be driven by a dubious agenda.


  52. I agree with the BBC ban and Sally’s WATP speech being aimed at the gullible
    All too predictable now ,they deserve each other .
    I am more perturbed about Guidi saying more than once on radio today that the ragers have won their 55th trophy .
    NK radio


  53. I’ve searched the Rangers Blueprint and can’t see any mention of the club’s future Director of Football being instructed to use the motivational WATP exhortation 🙂


  54. TRFC official statement confirming that BBC no longer welcome at Ibrox or Murray Park.
    Would they need to be reporting from there next week, at all?


  55. It’s clear now that in terms of reconstruction, Longmuir and Green were an unholy alliance determined to wreck it so that a fast-track solution for TRFC could be incorporated in a fudged solution.

    Longmuir sowed seeds of doubt amongst some of the lower SFL clubs, particularly those in Div 3, whilst Green consorted with St Mirren and whispered sweet nothings in the ears of his little black and white friends and thus it came to pass that neither the SFL nor the SPL had the requisite numbers in terms of votes to pass reconstruction.

    Now Green has gone and Longmuir has simply been bypassed by 10 SFL chairmen of integrity; he is surplus to requirements and not fit for purpose.

    Given today’s results, it is not inconceivable that we could have SPL 1 & 2 next season, with St Mirren grateful to be offered a place in the second tier.

    As for TRFC, there are only so many times you can readjust the cushions under a corpse to prop it up; it’s not going to work guys, so stop trying and making Scottish football look ridiculous.


  56. From BBC Text :

    A statement on the Rangers site says:

    “Rangers Football Club can confirm the BBC is no longer welcome at Ibrox Stadium or Murray Park. The club asked BBC journalists to leave the stadium ahead of today’s Division Three title party against Berwick Rangers”.

    The club can happily do this now the season is over and there is a more than desperate need to plead for season ticket renewal. Burning bridges instead of building them…seems like the Gers way to rally the troops. Us against them mentality to get the punters through the doors.

    If it wasn’t so sad and predictable it would be funny.


  57. Before anyone suffers apoplexy, clarify the quote finished after Berwick Rangers.


  58. Long Time Lurker says:

    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 16:45
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Far too many big words for wee Chick to digest in that section of the Eye. 🙂


  59. Lets see a total North Korean style news blackout by BBC viz a viz Pretendygers. Then lets see how long before JT takes to come crawling from his bunker.

    Wont be longer than a week I guarantee.


  60. BBC Banned By Club
    Written by Rangers Football Club
    RANGERS Football Club can confirm the BBC is no longer welcome at Ibrox Stadium or Murray Park.

    The club asked BBC journalists to leave the stadium ahead of today’s Division Three title party against Berwick Rangers.

    Rangers Director of Communications James Traynor said: “We are aware of our contractual obligations but we also have to be aware of our duty to protect the players, manager and supporters against reporting which lacks logic, balance and fairness.”
    ____

    Protect? – Wasn`t It an internal report leaked or not ? – Blimey


  61. Rangers Director of Communications James Traynor said: “We are aware of our contractual obligations but we also have to be aware of our duty to protect the players, manager and supporters against reporting which lacks logic, balance and fairness.”

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

    Clearly Mr Traynor does irony.

    He doesn’t it seems do logic, balance or fairness. Then again he didn’t do it when he was at the record either.


  62. JT

    Here comes yet another fine. this time from the SFL. Well done. Got loads to spend don’t we?


  63. Oh here goes Spiers again. Get them invited back. Don’t they get it “meritocratic”.? There is no – no merit in Rangers (and no money). Radios going off. Had enough. Now its done the time forgive everything FFS.


  64. angus1983 says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 16:57

    26

    0

    Rate This

    Might I suggest to the BBC that they play Rangers at their own game and no longer report on games from Ibrox, nor seek interviews with Ibrox staff?

    This to continue until an apology is received.

    BBC – there are plenty games in the three divisions above Rangers that are worthy of half the coverage you have given Rangers this season. Just tell us the score, that’ll do.

    __________________________________________________

    Just back from Caley 4-3 Motherwell with my 15 year old son, for example.
    Breathless. They’d have to put the reporters on double time today to do it any justice I reckon:

    Goals? check – 7
    Penalties?: check 2. Scored =1
    Crcucial saves?: Check – including 1 penalty.
    Hatrick?: Check: Billy Mackay, Inverness.
    Amazing comebacks? Check. Motherwell. 3-0 to 3-3.
    Diving?: Check : motherwel (1 booking)
    Sending offs?: Check…Motherwell, (count 1)
    Late Winners?: Check: Caley Thistle.
    Nailbiting last minute defending?: Check Caley thistle against battling 10 man ‘well.
    Atmosphere? – check.
    Sportsmanship between players (handshakes and applause after whistle)?: check.
    Entertainment & incident? Oh yes, indeedy.

    Financial impropriety, bigotry, sectarianism, racism, crowd trouble: All missing (presumed dead).

    Still loving this armageddon!!!


  65. angus1983 says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 16:57
    34 0 Rate This
    Might I suggest to the BBC that they play Rangers at their own game and no longer report on games from Ibrox, nor seek interviews with Ibrox staff?

    This to continue until an apology is received.

    BBC – there are plenty games in the three divisions above Rangers that are worthy of half the coverage you have given Rangers this season. Just tell us the score, that’ll do.

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

    well, do we not want to know who scored the sevco penalty and how many of the sevco opponents got sent off for looking at ian black the wrong way.


  66. Long Time Lurker says:

    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 16:45

    16

    0

    Rate This

    Quantcast
    Interesting points made by Chick Young on Sportsound (c15.15) today.

    He noted that Sportsound have made it into the hallowed pages of Private Eye – the Coleman Balls section. Chick also pointed out that it was an honour for Sportsound to receive a mention in that hallowed publication.

    Surprisingly Chick made no reference to the “In the City” section of Private Eye – did he possibly miss the lengthy article on the goings on at Ibrox way and the battle between Messers Whyte and Green.

    That’s balanced reporting.
    =========================================================
    We all know he borrowed it from Stuart Cosgrove to read the catalogue of spivvery laid out clearly for all to see in the Planet Football section before he laughed at Murdo McLeod in Commentatorballs. You decide which was more worthy of comment.


  67. Oh and Stuart /McCall admits Ojama dived and said he’s in trouble – Bit different from other diatribes we get from losing managers – check


  68. ianagain says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 18:09

    Or STV got spoofed
    ——

    Or it’s from December 2011 … 😉


  69. ianagain says:
    Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 18:21

    1

    0

    Rate This

    Oh and Stuart /McCall admits Ojama dived and said he’s in trouble – Bit different from other diatribes we get from losing managers – check
    _________________________________-

    And I was up the other end, but the Caley pen did look a bit soft. Cracking match though. A credit to both teams!


  70. Further to the BBC being given the cold shoulder for daring to report a half-story, they now have carte blanche to do a bit of factual investigative reporting without comeback.

    Were they at all spiteful, I’m sure they’d have clever chaps digging into the Rangers enigma post-haste.

Comments are closed.