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.
bill1903 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 16:56
0 0 Rate This
Dundee relegated
———————————-
Safe now for TSFM buddies to come out from under the bed now.
Only joking really 😉
abigboydiditandranaway says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 17:02
thank you redetin…
you are a gentleman/lady…
_______________________________________
The Red-Etin of Ireland
Ance lived in Ballygan,
And stole King Malcolm’s daughter,
The King of fair Scotland.
a gentleman AND an educator!
(slight nod of the head in acknowledgement)…
every day’s a school day here…
love it!
guess what my name refers to?
must you?
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/s720x720/575602_10151361377597026_1573184827_n.jpg
Another ticket priced at £0. Can someone tell me what is the point of this, is it just to bolster the crowd?
bill1903 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 16:56
Shame. No lover of the boys in (the other) blue, nor do I have any particular gripe with either StM or Partick but there’s no doubt the shift last season to 50% of the SPL teams being north/east of Perth ruffled a few feathers. Some of the suits would have missed their tea before they got home off the gravy train for goodness sake.
Genuine shame for the Dee though. Stuffed before they even started thanks to the unnecessary shenanigans of last summer.
Nope
Its deja vu
The ST posturing has started
The Spiv priority is to maximise ST money before they wind up RIFC
If they manage to get £15m in STs that is worth around 23p/share
It will actually be greater than this since those who still havent paid cash for their shares will get nothing
Its too messy and too prolonged for RIFC to put TRFC up for sale after siphoning off the ST cash
However
When RIFC go into liquidation TRFC are automatically up for sale to the highest bidder on a sold as seen basis
Any serious Consortium needs to buy off Worthingtons claim to the assets if they want to use Ibrox and MP…..
If they don`t,
Worthington could get an injunction in the middle of an RIFC liquidation preventing the assets being sold before until ownership is resolved
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Meanwhile
McCoist seems to have sold out to the Spivs
His speech yesterday looks like the first salvo in maximising ST income
His freebie shares give him a good profit when RIFC are liquidated
The WATP comment was premediated
As was banning of the BBC
In the next few weeks look out for
Hints at massive investments needed to upgrade Ibrox
Mathers first visit to NI
A new strip
A plethora of quotes from stars desperate to join TRFC in Jan 2014
A veiled attack on certain SPL clubs for “relegating” TRFC and similar nonsense
Its all so predictable
Its deja vu
Ally prepared to move sideways..
Like a fiddler crab or a side winder snake ?
bill1903 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 16:56
1 2 Rate This
Dundee relegated
…………………………………………..
PHEW! 🙂
At Tynecastle yesterday, I was almost in despair…
Dundee did brilliantly from a standing start… And, grudgingly, Broon did far better than I could have imagined….
If/when TIRFC plc bites the dust, you would think that that would be the opportune time for the SFA to “put its foot on the ball” wrt TRFC and get clarity on ownership of club and assets.
If this opportunity arises during the close season and the SFA continues to look the other way then, IMO, by default the SFA will then be committed – again – to supporting TRFC through the next season regardless of financial and further reputational risk to Scottish football.
To reiterate previous observations: at what point does the SFA put its own organisation at risk of being sued for blindly supporting TRFC – assuming the SFA has not already passed that point?
And is there any potential, personal liability risk for Regan – and even Ogilvie ?
Alex Thomson is on Talksport at 7, speaking about clubs banning the media.
Palacio67 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 17:55
Another ticket priced at £0. Can someone tell me what is the point of this, is it just to bolster the crowd?
——
Not that big of a deal, I’d say. Either hospitality, or a carrot to get people to come back.
Remember Celtic v St Mirren and Ross County at Xmas-time? 2 freebies each for ST holders. Hibs also handed out free tickets to ST holders for the Celtic game in December. Aberdeen gave out free under-12 STs with the purchase of a full one this year, and also let disabled Away supporters and their carers in for free.
angus1983 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 19:12
2 0 Rate This
Palacio67 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 17:55
Another ticket priced at £0. Can someone tell me what is the point of this, is it just to bolster the crowd?
——
Not that big of a deal, I’d say. Either hospitality, or a carrot to get people to come back.
Remember Celtic v St Mirren and Ross County at Xmas-time? 2 freebies each for ST holders. Hibs also handed out free tickets to ST holders for the Celtic game in December. Aberdeen gave out free under-12 STs with the purchase of a full one this year, and also let disabled Away supporters and their carers in for free.
——————————————
I think the ticket was for the lower half of one of the stands, so I do not think it is Hospitality. The other thing that I cannot be sure of, is the game for charity, like the Milan game last year?
StevieBC says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 18:23
To reiterate previous observations: at what point does the SFA put its own organisation at risk of being sued for blindly supporting TRFC – assuming the SFA has not already passed that point?
And is there any potential, personal liability risk for Regan – and even Ogilvie ?
++++++++++++++++++++
Regan and Ogilvie have acted with the backing of the clubs throughout. Not a single club has called for a vote on the position of either of them. In fact I’m struggling to recall even one negative comment from any club. So I reluctantly conclude that the clubs actively support the actions of the SFA throughout this fiasco.
As for the SFA being sued, I don’t see who could sue them, or on what basis. The only people losing out due to their incompetence and favouritism towards one member are the rest of their members- who have been complicit throughout.
Been away for the weekend so apologies in advance if this has been said.
Rangers ban BBC, so will McCoist no longer make appearances on QoS? or when it comes to Ally’s income are all critical faculties are suspended?
Alex Tomo on talk sport.
Bulk of the interview about the situation at Newcastle. Alex was introduced as breaking major stories about Rangers – in response he said that he hopes to break more [Rangers] stories, although he gave no details or time scales.
neepheid says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 19:27
4 0 Rate This
Regan and Ogilvie have acted with the backing of the clubs throughout. Not a single club has called for a vote on the position of either of them. In fact I’m struggling to recall even one negative comment from any club. So I reluctantly conclude that the clubs actively support the actions of the SFA throughout this fiasco.
===========================================
I’m willing to be corrected neepheid, but was there not talk of a no confidence vote in Regan last Summer, which was somehow vetoed by Jim Ballantyne?
arabest1 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 19:29
Been away for the weekend so apologies in advance if this has been said.
Rangers ban BBC, so will McCoist no longer make appearances on QoS? or when it comes to Ally’s income are all critical faculties are suspended?
——————————————————————–
Can’t wait to see the programme where they show a video of Craigy walking down Edminston Drive accompanied by scores of RFC fans treating him like a god,then Sue says,
“OK Ally,what happens next” 😆
goosygoosy says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 18:00
25 0 Rate This
Nope
Its deja vu
The ST posturing has started
The Spiv priority is to maximise ST money before they wind up RIFC
If they manage to get £15m in STs that is worth around 23p/share
It will actually be greater than this since those who still havent paid cash for their shares will get nothing
Its too messy and too prolonged for RIFC to put TRFC up for sale after siphoning off the ST cash
However
When RIFC go into liquidation TRFC are automatically up for sale to the highest bidder on a sold as seen basis
Any serious Consortium needs to buy off Worthingtons claim to the assets if they want to use Ibrox and MP…..
If they don`t,
Worthington could get an injunction in the middle of an RIFC liquidation preventing the assets being sold before until ownership is resolved
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Meanwhile
McCoist seems to have sold out to the Spivs
His speech yesterday looks like the first salvo in maximising ST income
His freebie shares give him a good profit when RIFC are liquidated
The WATP comment was premediated
As was banning of the BBC
In the next few weeks look out for
Hints at massive investments needed to upgrade Ibrox
Mathers first visit to NI
A new strip
A plethora of quotes from stars desperate to join TRFC in Jan 2014
A veiled attack on certain SPL clubs for “relegating” TRFC and similar nonsense
Its all so predictable
Its deja vu
============================================
surprised at you GG !!
“His freebie shares give him a good profit when RIFC are liquidated”
= = = don’t think so. if [and when] RIFC are liquidated, the “shares” will be worth SFA ?!
he doesn’t have shares in TRFC ?
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/could-the-monday-blues-lead-to-traumatic-tuesday/#more-3698
Irritatingly coy blog from Phil Mac. I predict increased orders for replacement keyboards on Tuesday, (broken F5 keys), as a result 😉 (Wonder if Phil gets commission from Amazon lol)
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/could-the-monday-blues-lead-to-traumatic-tuesday/#more-3698
jimlarkin says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 19:58
==============================================
May just be me Jim,
If the RIFC board dumped the loss making subsiduary,forget about selling it,then punted the assets,ie Ibrox,Murray Park and the Car Park,Edminston club etc,they could probably raise say £25m or so.Go for an MVL and distribute cash amongst all shareholders,especially the genuine fan who put in his hard earned £500.
They could argue that this course of action actually got the best deal for shareholders in RIFC and right now they may be right.
Obviously though,this would maybe give the fans around 40-45p per share for the 70p they paid.It would ,however,pay Charlie and the boys the same for their shares for which they paid 1p each.
Nice work if you can get it!.
Well I can imagine a few of the conspiratorial St Mirren haters who frequent this blog are not too happy at today’s outcome at Dens.
Still nothing for SMFC to celebrate though, 11th place is no where near good enough for the players Danny Lennon now has at his disposal. Still a fantastic season though, relegation was about the only thing which could have dampened the afterglow of our LC win. Glad I will be able to enjoy our last home game without the specter of relegation hanging over us.
Congratulations to Dundee for putting up a spirited fight and dragging it on this long, and inducing a few squeaks from my behind. Although I’m not sure if Bomber will be as successful in the SFL next season, but I said he’d be a failure in the SPL, so what do I know?
Can’t wait to see what the next season of Armageddon brings us.
tibfkaelc says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 20:12
0 0 Rate This
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/could-the-monday-blues-lead-to-traumatic-tuesday/#more-3698
Disappointing to see Phil stoop to mention Malcom Murray’s drinking habits. His sources and work on the finances of Sevco are normally strong enough to stand on their own without this sort of snide attack.
scapaflow14 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 20:13
Irritatingly coy blog from Phil Mac. I predict increased orders for replacement keyboards on Tuesday, (broken F5 keys), as a result (Wonder if Phil gets commission from Amazon lol)
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/could-the-monday-blues-lead-to-traumatic-tuesday/#more-3698
———————————————————————
Is Phil saying that Sevco have run out of cash?
I understand that season books for 2013/14 are not yet on sale – do the Board know that the games a boguy and they cannot offer season books for sale knowing that they do not have a product to sell?
The CE says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 20:29
I suspect that by the time next season starts, we will be ready for some light relief. Hopefully, by then we will be able to concentrate on the football. However, I won’t be holding my breath, just as LBJ would choose the crooked way because that’s the way he liked to work, the Scottish footballing authorities seem to choose the fecked up way for much the same reason
Much more fun and depression to come….
The fan who suffered a heart attack at todays game has died, I’m sure everyone has prayers for their family and friends
Just catching up with the days events. Congrats and relief to the Buddies fans and bad luck to the Dee. Horrible news about the fan at the Killie game, puts all the other nonsense in perspective.
As for the team in blue down Edmiston Drive, the lack of STs being punted off the back of the triumphalist nonsense yesterday means one of two things:
1) The jig’s up and they know they are going out of business (again)
2) They have a nod and a wink that they will be joining a breakaway league.
The number of TRFC related people popping up in the SMSM to say ‘ah, but it is a NEW club’ in the last couple of days sets my spidey senses tingling, in anticipation of Admin 2.
Long Time Lurker says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 20:38
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scapaflow14 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 20:13
Irritatingly coy blog from Phil Mac. I predict increased orders for replacement keyboards on Tuesday, (broken F5 keys), as a result (Wonder if Phil gets commission from Amazon lol)
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/could-the-monday-blues-lead-to-traumatic-tuesday/#more-3698
———————————————————————
Is Phil saying that Sevco have run out of cash?
I understand that season books for 2013/14 are not yet on sale – do the Board know that the games a boguy and they cannot offer season books for sale knowing that they do not have a product to sell?
———————————————-
I imagine none of what Phil wishes for will come true, or, that if that is what he was saying it is true.
I was asking some questions on Friday night, and after last night’s Longmuir inspired, MSM developed and chosen few delivered larksong, all in unison ( and like linties by the way) about Sevco’s restoration I have a different take on Phil’s agenda for Monday. I really believe we are all sleeping to what goes on and why it has to.
A totally different debate from who’s name is here and what they might own and when article 25989 about sardines in the clubhouse ( stairways excluded) on a Wednesday when a non-member is signed in etc.
Put your law/ accountancy/ football fan ‘ for dummies’ away! Its happening – they are calling the shots ( the ones that matter ) – and, we should never forget, they are the peepil. I imagine a few announcements this week, none that Phil will like. And it hurts me more than it will him.
Scapaflow
God speed the fan to his place of rest,thoughts are with the family and friends .As to Malcolm Murray ,I have a friend who worked with him in London a few years ago ,yes the man takes the odd tipple more than his doctor.now there’s a yardstick.but as my friend says ,he is not a bad man,but what he is into at Sevco is a way back into his field and really could finish his career ,its a big risk for him and he has got to make it work and it wont be for the lack of trying,that is what this guy has in his locker ,but ,what he is up against will gaurantee failure,for sure .Transparencey Alastair,you demanded it but fail to deliver ,shame on you.
jimlarkin says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 19:58
“His freebie shares give him a good profit when RIFC are liquidated”
= = = don’t think so. if [and when] RIFC are liquidated, the “shares” will be worth SFA ?!
he doesn’t have shares in TRFC ?
=================================
As far as I am aware the only shares in The Rangers Football Club Ltd are held by Rangers International Football Club PLC.
The former is a private limited company, wholly owned by the latter which is a public limited company.
If and when RIFC are liquidated then it’s assets will be sold, that includes the club. The proceeds will be split amongst the owners (shareholders). That would do away with any inconvenient mucking about with selling the shares in the PLC, when there is no-one buying them.
tibfkaelc says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 20:12
Someone posted earlier about the body language of various individuals at ‘Rangers’ title celebration yesterday. I had a look at some of the photo’s (purely for research purposes) and thought the ones where Ally shakes hands with Craig Mather looked revealing.
Mather seemed ebullient and in control whereas Ally looked sullen and disconsolate. Seemed a bit strange to me. Mather is only just in the door so doesn’t have a big emotional investment in the club whilst Ally had some right to be in celebratory mode, even if it was a hollow victory. Now I’m thinking Ally’s speech might have been a farewell. He had radically downgraded expectations to fans by saying they would get a few free transfers in. It was as if the actionable parts of the leaked spoof document were about to be implemented.
Ally looked a bit shocked really. Was his WATP moment a last recital of a well worn greeting?
Why was Mather so composed?
Why would he be?
If disaster was looming why would the CEO not share at least some of Ally’s humility? Is Mather part of the next stage in the plan? Is he the terminator?
So many questions and so many hours to count before they can be answered.
Start the clock Brenda. T-36 hours.
chipm0nk says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 16:28
The idea that a person or organisation must speak to a reporter is just wrong.
——————————————————————————————————–
I agree with everything you have said and would only add that a reporter has absolutely no legal rights beyond that of any member of the general public.
What they do have is the capability of creating adverse publicity for an organisation which refuses to speak to them. That happens quite a lot with news/investigative reporters if the publication thinks they should be supported.
Happens less with sports journos because it is a ‘wee club’ and the journo is usually expected to work it out with the club and get it sorted. I think the fact that it hasn’t happened is a mark of how seriously Celtic views the situation. I can’t comment on that objectively as I don’t know the details of how HK appears to have got is so wrong. If HK has got it wrong and refuses to apologise then I doubt the matter will be settled amicably or soon.
upthehoops says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 19:50
I’m willing to be corrected neepheid, but was there not talk of a no confidence vote in Regan last Summer, which was somehow vetoed by Jim Ballantyne?
++++++
You may be right, and I’m working on memory here, but wasn’t the call for a vote of confidence by the SFL clubs regarding Longmuir, at the meeting where they refused to accept Sevco into SFL1? I’ll check it out once I get to a proper computer, these touch screen phones do my nut in. (nothing to do with my big sausage fingers, of course!)
yourhavingalaugh says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 21:02
Mr Malcolm Murray is a decent guy and an honest businessman, who probably wakes up every morning wondering what the hell he did that merited getting lumbered with this mess. But, he volunteered. A long, long, time ago I learnt that a volunteer is a silly b*!tard who misunderstood the question. I’m afraid Mr Murray now has little choice but to deal with that decision as best he can, I don’t envy him one little bit.
neepheid says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 21:16
There was a call for a vote of confidence, but it was ruled out of order IIRC
Mullach I’m on it 🙂
scapaflow14 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 20:43
——
to the person who gave that post a thumbs down
you should be ashamed of yourself
Rangers will be bringing in free transfers and youth in the summer apparently.
Craig Mather’s day job is http://ssm.uk.com/management/
One is forced to wonder if the two are linked.
Reassuring I suppose in a perverse way to learn that it’s not just in Scotland that shame is brushed under the carpet of expediency, as Juventus won their 29th scudetto today.
Immediately after the match a huge banner and numerous badges were unfurled with the number “31” emblazoned on them.
Needless to say, 7 years after the shame of Calciopoli, relegation, life bans and the stripping of two titles won by cheating, Juventus brazenly choose to ignore the loss of the 2005 and 2006 titles.
Maybe it’s as well title stripping didn’t catch on here?
It’s nonsense of course to suggest that RFC(IL) might ever have sought to phone referees directly in an attempt to influence matches. After all, Campbell Ogilvie worked in an office next door to Hugh Dallas for 8 years
timtim says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 21:34
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scapaflow14 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 20:43
——
to the person who gave that post a thumbs down
you should be ashamed of yourself
———
I suspect that was me – in error, wrong son on my lap, wrong button pressed. Apologies. Not shame.
achillesacronym says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 22:05
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timtim says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 21:34
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scapaflow14 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 20:43
——
to the person who gave that post a thumbs down
you should be ashamed of yourself
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I suspect that was me – in error, wrong son on my lap, wrong button pressed. Apologies. Not shame.
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You can change a thumbs up/down by double clicking the opposite thumb to the mistake you made
Just noticed this tweet from Lindsay Herron earlier today.
Lindsay Herron @rfc_lindsay 13h
More drivel from Stevie Naismith in The Sun today. He really
doesn’t get it.
http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/leaguedivision3/4915667/Naismith-My-relief-over-Green.html
I’d love to hear Mr Herron’s explanation of what it is that Mr Naismith doesn’t get. From that Sun article, it looks to me as if Steven has a pretty good grasp of the facts.
Surprise surprise Neil Lennon didn’t get manager of the year! 🙂 but at least butcher and McCall didn’t either 😉 well done Allan Johnston 🙂
Anybody missing Craigie Boy?
He`s a rascal
But his tapes are great fun
goosygoosy says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 22:34
careful what you wish for, lol, we are about due the next episode
Lord Wobbly says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 22:26
Just noticed this tweet from Lindsay Herron earlier today.
========================
M’lud,who is Lindsay Herron ?.
Tic 6709 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 22:41
1 0 Rate This
Lord Wobbly says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 22:26
Just noticed this tweet from Lindsay Herron earlier today.
========================
M’lud,who is Lindsay Herron ?.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From his twitter a/c:
Lindsay Herron
@ rfc_lindsay
Glasgow
Editor in chief of the Rangers Media operation – RangersTV,
rangers.co.uk, publications
http://www.rangers.co.uk
neepheid says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 21:16
these touch screen phones do my nut in. (nothing to do with my big sausage fingers, of course!)
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I appreciate where you’re coming from with that one. Further compounded for me this morning when I forgot my reading glasses!
Lord Wobbly says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 22:55
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Ta.
therampantbaron says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 21:56
‘..It’s nonsense of course to suggest that RFC(IL) might ever have sought to phone referees directly in an attempt to influence matches. After all, Campbell Ogilvie worked in an office next door to Hugh Dallas for 8 years.
——
Cleverly put!
upthehoops says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 22:56
neepheid says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 21:16
these touch screen phones do my nut in. (nothing to do with my big sausage fingers, of course!)
==================================
I appreciate where you’re coming from with that one. Further compounded for me this morning when I forgot my reading glasses!
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£10 phone from Tesco and 24 pairs of 3.5 strength specs from Poundland would solve all your problems!!
john clarke says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 23:07
therampantbaron says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 21:56
‘..It’s nonsense of course to suggest that RFC(IL) might ever have sought to phone referees directly in an attempt to influence matches. After all, Campbell Ogilvie worked in an office next door to Hugh Dallas for 8 years.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Actually that begs the question
Was CO one of the people sent the offensive email for which Dallas got the sack?
Or did he get one of those blind copies that nobody knows about?
Remember ,the old Kelvin Hall ,circus acts ,amusesments and so on,now that ,area of Glasgow was not too far from Park Gardens,as we now know another highly entertainment that we need to see the accounts for ,oh look , a squirrel,
goosygoosy says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 23:19
‘..Was CO one of the people sent the offensive email for which Dallas got the sack?
Or did he get one of those blind copies that nobody knows about?’
——-
Nobody knows!
But you have reminded me of that disgraceful episode and evidence of the WATP arrogance and sense of invincibilty that seemed to be in the very bloodstream of SFA employees at the time, who seemed to think that the SFA was simply an extension of one particular club.
An attitude that, regrettably, seems still to lie at its heart.
Graham Spiers @GrahamSpiers 2h
@Davidyoung19 This ‘euphoria’ at winning the 3rd Div title has been more than a tad fake, but point taken. I want RFC back competing at top.
…………………………………..
RFC no longer exist….Mr. Spiers said so himself…yet he still insists on suggesting they still exist…this new club were never at the top Graham…stop peddling the lie…as you have suggested before you want the old club to still exist because your job relies on it…
And yet he states Celtic fans are obsessed about repeating they are dead….whilst he obsesses they still exist…go figure?
I would still like Mr. Spiers to explain what happened to his shares in the old Rangers FC that were liquidated?
Graham Spiers @GrahamSpiers 3 May
@Seaside_Ranger Not as a fan, but yes, I did own Rangers shares – until last year!
……………………………..
Did they vanish with the club Graham?
Jean
24 at a time! I keep me pound shop spec expeditions to four at a go in the hope the 2.5s don’t go out of usefulness and I need to trade up to 3s
scapaflow14 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 21:21
Don’t know MM at all, but I am disappointed at PMG undermining the cause of fairplay by bringing personal frailties (real or otherwise) into the debate. If there was corruption or illegality that compromise performance, fair enough: state it as a fact. If he was driving while under the influence – fair enough:
But propogating Innuendo about a potentially serious personal/medical problem?
Can we not be better than that and leave that level of attack to those who think they are better than us, but aren’t?
If the man is an alcoholic, say he is an alcoholic. And be prepared to substantiate the assertion.
But don’t insinuate.
If he is an alcoholic, he is probably an inspiration to alcoholics everywhere and worthy of plaudits.
And if he isn’t… why mention this at all?
No TRFC fan, but MM is starting to elicit some symathy! CG tried to play this card. We are better than that surely?
I don’t think I’ve expressed that terribly well. But I think there is a difference between ripping off the taxpayer and millions of gullible punters, and suffering a personal addiction which affects you and your close family. One is public property. the other isn’t.
My father was an alcoholic. He died on the back of it almost a decade ago. We all suffered badly from his illness for many may years. That didn’t make him a bad person. But it took me many hard years to realise that!
resin_lab_dog says:
Monday, May 6, 2013 at 00:12
Well said, can relate to that…
resin_lab_dog says:
Monday, May 6, 2013 at 00:12
‘..My father was an alcoholic. He died on the back of it almost a decade ago. We all suffered badly from his illness for many may years. That didn’t make him a bad person. But it took me many hard years to realise that!.’
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Good man yourself!
I’m glad you have forgiven your dad and forgiven yourself as you began to understand these things .
paulmac2 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 23:54
Paul, I think most Rangers fans get it, but, lets face it, the attachment people have for “their” football club isn’t always rational, its also tied up with their identity. Isn’t it hardly surprising that people will go to bizarre lengths to avoid admitting that a wee bit of themselves died too?
resin_lab_dog says:
Monday, May 6, 2013 at 00:12
scapaflow14 says:
Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 21:21
Don’t know MM at all, but I am disappointed at PMG undermining the cause of fairplay by bringing personal frailties (real or otherwise) into the debate. If there was corruption or illegality that compromise performance, fair enough: state it as a fact. If he was driving while under the influence – fair enough:
But propogating Innuendo about a potentially serious personal/medical problem?
Can we not be better than that and leave that level of attack to those who think they are better than us, but aren’t?
If the man is an alcoholic, say he is an alcoholic. And be prepared to substantiate the assertion.
But don’t insinuate.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You’re right insinuation is no substitute for good journalism. If Keevins had said it he’d have been slaughtered.
Well said rld.
As I said I at time Phil has really let himself down over this.
http://willievass.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/040513-Rangers-v-Berwick-Rangers/G0000gRQl3Zo8BLc/I0000NwGlBAXlpx4/C0000sbCaiIq4raw
Looking through Willie Vass’ pics of the title party at Ibrox on Sat., one could be forgiven for thinking that TRFC had won The Champions League !! The only thing missing was the right trophy. It was a complete mis-match.
50,000 turned up with flags and banners of every possible size –
for the award of the SFL 3rd Division trophy !!
The longer I looked at those photographs, the more I saw that this wasn’t as it appeared.
This was about more than football.
This was a rally.
A show of strength.
A quasi-political demonstration.
A statement, verbalised by McCoist but not needed –
‘ We are the peepil ‘ .
We are still in charge.
Oh they are very not, as we and they will shortly see. Private no more.
manandboy says:
Monday, May 6, 2013 at 00:44
‘…This was a rally…’
‘..A quasi-political demonstration.’
—–
Leni Riefenstahl was good on rallies.
And the WATP attitudes, we have seen, are ,sadly,shared by senior people in Scottish politics.
manandboy says:
Monday, May 6, 2013 at 00:44
A statement, verbalised by McCoist but not needed –
‘ We are the peepil ‘ .
We are still in charge.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
They sure are. You only have to look at the stylish way they strode head and shoulders above the opposition to win Div 3 and how, at all times bar non, their owners and hangers on conduct themselves with the utmost dignity.
They are in a sorry state and it won’t be long now before it all goes boobies up.
john clarke says:
Monday, May 6, 2013 at 00:34
4
0
Rate This
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Tx. Well said. Its the only way you can move on.
(…happy ending… met this lass etc… now taking my 3 kids to watch scots football… not all at the same time obviously… its not like we’re not loaded!)
its not like we’re loaded… extra not sneaked in!
paulmac2 says: Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 23:54
Graham Spiers @GrahamSpiers 3 May @Seaside_Ranger Not as a fan, but yes, I did own Rangers shares – until last year!…
==============================
I actually find that Tweet to be astonishing on a couple of levels.
I – perhaps naively – always considered Spiers as a cerebral journalist – at least in comparison to his peers including Traynor and Jackson et al. 🙄
Unless I missed it previously, but for a sports journalist – and predominantly a football sports journalist – to hold shares in any club is incredibly poor judgement, IMO.
To now Tweet about his shareholding in RFC(IL) in a flippant manner, (I.e. “…until last year!”), shows Spiers for what he really is.
He may speak in an articulate manner to camera/radio microphone – but he is no better than Jackson, Keevins and the rest of the underwhelmingly inadequate Scottish sports churnalists.
Shirley, now is the time for some inexperienced, unbiased, hungry young journalists to be given their chance to replace the old guard of Scottish sports journalism…please !!
StevieBC says:
Monday, May 6, 2013 at 01:34
paulmac2 says: Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 23:54
Graham Spiers @GrahamSpiers 3 May @Seaside_Ranger Not as a fan, but yes, I did own Rangers shares – until last year!…
==============================
I actually find that Tweet to be astonishing on a couple of levels.
I – perhaps naively – always considered Spiers as a cerebral journalist – at least in comparison to his peers including Traynor and Jackson et al. 🙄
Unless I missed it previously, but for a sports journalist – and predominantly a football sports journalist – to hold shares in any club is incredibly poor judgement, IMO.
To now Tweet about his shareholding in RFC(IL) in a flippant manner, (I.e. “…until last year!”), shows Spiers for what he really is.
He may speak in an articulate manner to camera/radio microphone – but he is no better than Jackson, Keevins and the rest of the underwhelmingly inadequate Scottish sports churnalists.
Shirley, now is the time for some inexperienced, unbiased, hungry young journalists to be given their chance to replace the old guard of Scottish sports journalism…please !!
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Two things –
One – He’s not cerebral at all (unless compared to Gym,Chick or Schuck). He just talks well because he’s midlle class. You only have to listen to Cosgrove rip him a new one on Radio Shortbread every week to appreciate that. It’s men against boys as far as intellect goes. Clever schemie vs posho from somwhere nice.
Two – he may be flippant about the shares but at least its an admission that RFC died.
I see no difficulty in him holding shares in the club he supports. He’s never hidden his love of Rangers and to his credit has been less than complimentary to SDM in the past.
bogsdollox says: Monday, May 6, 2013 at 01:48
StevieBC says: Monday, May 6, 2013 at 01:34
paulmac2 says: Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 23:54
Graham Spiers @GrahamSpiers 3 May @Seaside_Ranger Not as a fan, but yes, I did own Rangers shares – until last year!…
==============================
I actually find that Tweet to be astonishing on a couple of levels…
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Two things –
One – He’s not cerebral at all (unless compared to Gym,Chick or Schuck)…
(Yes – that’s what I implied.)
Two – …I see no difficulty in him holding shares in the club he supports…
(No – with all due respect, I fundamentally disagree with that statement. Not dissimilar – IMO – to Ogilvie or his wife holding RFC(IL) shares.)
The old Scottish sports journalists need replacing – about 10 years ago.