SFM – The Next Steps

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As we all know, this site emerged from the ashes of RTC. The wish of the original administrator of the site, one which I wholeheartedly share, was to keep together the wonderful community RTC had built, in terms of both personnel and spirit. There are still many individuals around who were also part of RTC, and regrettably many who are no longer with us. The RTC spirit however, that of a cross-party football site where issues can be discussed in a respectful and insightful manner remains. The “wisdom of the crowd” phenomenon is also with us to perhaps an even greater extent than before, and consequently SFM’s credentials as a formidable alternative to the print media have grown.

In recent times, many contributors have expressed frustration that we are pretty much a talking shop and little else; characterised as “a lot of gum bashing and no teeth”. I think that is fair comment up to a point, but then again our aim – up to now – has been to simply present an alternative view – a view that has increasingly become the fan view as opposed to the industry view (the industry being made up of club officials, players, and press).

In fact the way I see it personally, SFM has evolved to a point where it has become the watchdog (monitor if you will) of an industry which is subject to very little oversight. The Rangers situation will eventually be done with (no laughing at the back please), and like everything else will be consigned to history (albeit more than one). The same self-interest and lack of regard for sporting integrity though will still remain, and the need for oversight will remain also.

Having arrived at those conclusions,  we have two alternatives; the first is to remain as we are (which is not a bad place to be), and the second is that SFM has to expand its role.

In recent weeks, the mods have met to discuss this, and we think that we ought to give the latter option a try. As to how we want to achieve that, and we have come up with a skeleton plan as follows;

1. We need to move into the area of gathering news content as well as commenting on what appears elsewhere;

2. We should act as a cross-club portal to get good fan site content from all clubs to a wider audience;

3. We need to highlight the positives in the game as well as the negatives;

4. We should become an actively campaigning body, aligning with fan groups to lobby for the changes we think important.

 In order to achieve these objectives, more time will need to be spent on communication like podcasts, adding news content, expanding membership and building links with other fan groups. Time will also need to be spent  setting up features, attending press conferences etc. Later in the year, one of the mods will have much more time on his hands to help achieve this.

Podcasts, premium content, labour, organisation and all of the above costs money, and ultimately a subscription based model backed by sponsorship seems to be our best way of achieving that. In order to give us a head start, we will in the next few months be putting together a business-plan and a pitch for Crowd Funding investment.

This is not to say that our existing model has been a failure. We have successfully managed to keep ourselves afloat through the ad-hoc generosity of people in our community, although the inability to keep the podcasts going has been a bit frustrating. Finding income streams which are more solid will allow us to respond to events more quickly (for example mounting an ad campaign to respond to some event or other, or buying new equipment), and hopefully achieve all of our objectives – and build a bigger audience base for our message.

Of course a move of this nature will require that, in the interests of transparency, anonymity of SFM will have to be set aside. That will not affect any of our contributors, and our practice of using (sometimes) imaginative names on the blog will remain. However, for crowd funding to be successful, we will require to have a board in place, and there is no hiding place from Companies House. The make up of the board is also crucial, and in addition to consideration of blog members for that role, we will be looking to have respected people from without.

I imagine there may be a consequent subtle effect on moderation policy to take into account.

The reason I have made this post is to keep the community up to speed with events. Although we have decided to move forward to see if we can get support for our business plan, that plan is by no means finished. As I said earlier, the “wisdom of crowds” has made our community unique and given it its credibility. There’s a lot more wisdom out there we hope to tap into before we go ahead with our initiative.

We already had someone in mind for chairman of the new board, but events have conspired tragically to rob us of that – and had the effect of postponing this announcement. However we would like to hear suggestions for suitable outside candidates for board and committee places.

We also want to hear from you if you have a suggestion to be added to our wish list of SFM function above – or even if you think it is a mistake to embark on this course.

This is a very big move for SFM, so we don’t want to rush into anything. We need to listen to what you folks have to say, because if the merging SFM is not considered a better SFM by our community there is very little point in looking to fund it.

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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.

3,023 thoughts on “SFM – The Next Steps”


  1. keith jackson ‏@tedermeatballs 9 mins9 minutes ago
    Ashley is not going after the £5m in court in London or Edinburgh today. Much more likely to be an attempt to gag the RFC board.


  2. zerotolerance1903 says:
    Member: (13 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 11:37 am

    keith jackson ‏@tedermeatballs 9 mins9 minutes ago
    Ashley is not going after the £5m in court in London or Edinburgh today. Much more likely to be an attempt to gag the RFC board.

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

    How can we be less that dismissive of someone stating categorically what it ISN’T without knowing exactly what it IS? A journalist from life’s seconds bin


  3. James Doleman ‏@jamesdoleman 50 secs51 seconds ago
    counsel for RIFC opens by telling court that there are proceedings ongoing in Scotland, asks for adjournment

    Edit

    Restarts at Noon, High Noon, with RIFC outnumbered 5 – 1 in the court room, lol


  4. I’m just stepping out for a moment, joining James Doleman on twitter. Will be back soon 😉


  5. John Clark – back from the land down under just in time.

    Looks like you may need a good supply of pencils and notepads this summer 😀


  6. SD asking for gagging order to prevent RIFC disclosing confidential contract details. RIFC have pledged not to disclose some details, but SD saying the pledge doesn’t go far enough.

    Will the SD counsel go the “glib and shameless” route?

    Edit,

    OK Sd may be stretching things a bit, if they are trying to gag people from talking about ongoing discussions


  7. I now hope RIFC win the right to open their collective gob and really p*ss Ashley off at the EGM!


  8. If it’s a gagging order, does that suggest the retail deal is as sh*t as TRFC* have been suggesting?


  9. I don’t get it, all this effort at gagging. Everyone will merely become more suspicious of SD. Spells something to hide.


  10. Danish Pastry says:
    Blog Writer: (1238 comments)

    Onerous contracts don’t only exist in the Sevco Triangle


  11. I hate to be the one to say it but it would appear Phil’s sources have got it wrong…..again.

    I have an image of Lee Wallace being sold at some point in time and Phil saying ‘told you so’.


  12. From James Doleman’s twitter court coverage – looks like a total breakdown of trust between Ashley & King – not good news for the bears – they are on their own with King – with Ashley ready to spring traps whenever he can – the worst possible combination for “getting back to . . . ” IMO.

    Thanks for the excellent coverage James.


  13. Danish Pastry says:
    Blog Writer: (1238 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    I don’t get it, all this effort at gagging. Everyone will merely become more suspicious of SD. Spells something to hide.

    _________________________________________________

    Or perhaps its maybe about getting into court the fact that RIFC have breached the confidentiality provisions of the £5m loan agreement by leaking details to the Daily record.
    Thereby establishing a primae facie case for default of the terms of the agreement, and triggering default and enabling any punitive ‘breach’ clauses therein?


  14. Crivens. What will this be doing for Keith Jackson’s ego :slamb:

    James Doleman ‏@jamesdoleman · 9m9 minutes ago
    This is the first time I’ve been in court when a Daily Record article is the key piece of evidence 🙂


  15. scapaflowscapaflow says:
    Member: (1220 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    Onerous contracts don’t only exist in the Sevco Triangle
    ————

    It would really seem so. Fuel to fire of the ‘King the Messiah’ faction. Maybe there’s more to come today? More than the issue of confidentiality? @jamesdoleman doing a great job. Hope the Ibrox faithful appreciate his reporting.

    PS You’re way ahead of me @Resin. Very good point.


  16. I’d say Ashley fully expects all to be leaked eventually by King – no injunction will stop that – just a stake in the ground to pin the leaks on King – preparation for possible claims for loss of business, damage to stores and intimidation of staff by lunatic fringe.

    Gloves off now – you leak my docs – I’ll crash your bus – legally and above board – means sod all to me.


  17. mcfc says:
    June 11, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Agree. I don’t think this is really about the commercial confidentiality. “A sprat to catch a mackerel” springs to mind.

    This is about getting statements of position on record in front of a judge. You can change your story as many times as you like in front of the MSM but not a judge.

    Interestingly, SD’s Counsel referred to the Ranger’s Retail arrangement being put in place in 2012 “after rangers got into financial difficulty”. No mention of liquidation and New Co. MA happy to go along with the continuity myth so as not to jeopardise future sales.


  18. Don’t forget Ashley has stuff to leak too – he was in at the start with Green – he knows who gets what and why for Ibrox (from L&L) – he probably has the final copy of the Five Way Agreement. Ashley could be the SFA’s Chuck Blazer (ironic?) but without the need to plea bargain.

    I have a half cousin twice removed who was a bit of a lad and often in scraps. He used to say when faced by someone screaming blue murder at you – “jab them in the nose and see if they’re serious” . Well – this could be Ashley’s exploratory jab.


  19. Any news on what was going on in the Edinburgh courts??

    Same thing I assume?


  20. Tincks says:
    Member: (127 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 12:59 pm
    mcfc says:
    June 11, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Agree. I don’t think this is really about the commercial confidentiality. “A sprat to catch a mackerel” springs to mind.

    This is about getting statements of position on record in front of a judge. You can change your story as many times as you like in front of the MSM but not a judge.

    Interestingly, SD’s Counsel referred to the Ranger’s Retail arrangement being put in place in 2012 “after rangers got into financial difficulty”. No mention of liquidation and New Co. MA happy to go along with the continuity myth so as not to jeopardise future sales.
    ////////////////

    Or maybe they were in financial difficulties right from the off
    Just praying for the IPO to be some sort of success. :mrgreen:


  21. “James Doleman ‏@jamesdoleman 2 mins2 minutes ago
    Judge notes there has been no denial from counsel for RFC that the board leaked confidential information to the Daily Record”

    That could be the most important outcome from these proceedings


  22. scapaflow says:
    Member: (1221 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    “James Doleman ‏@jamesdoleman 2 mins2 minutes ago
    Judge notes there has been no denial from counsel for RFC that the board leaked confidential information to the Daily Record”

    That could be the most important outcome from these proceedings

    _________________________________________________

    I think even if the injunction is not granted, MASH has achieved what he set out to.

    The agreements will and always were going to come out. But a UK judge has basically said in a UK court of law that this RIFC board are basically untrustworthy.

    And will probably now make them £ pay for the privelege of having done so.
    (which explains the 5 SD lawyers £ £ £ £ £. MASH can afford them King can’t) .

    Mission accomplished MASH.


  23. James Doleman ‏@jamesdoleman 2m2 minutes ago
    Breaking: Judge at Royal Courts of Justice agrees an injunction from Sports Direct over commercial confidentiality at tomorrow’s EGM

    SD asking for RFC to pay legal costs too


  24. “James Doleman ‏@jamesdoleman 22 secs23 seconds ago
    Breaking: Judge at Royal Courts of Justice agrees an injunction from Sports Direct over commercial confidentiality at tomorrow’s EGM”

    Reply to every question tomorrow will be, “Sorry, SD’s injuction prevents me from answering that”, the perma-rage will break Level 5 on the Traynor Scale


  25. Ashley 1 – RIFC 0
    Second leg to be played in the Court of Session Edinburgh


  26. James Doleman‏@jamesdoleman·3s3 seconds ago
    Legal Costs claimed by sports direct are”shocking” judge tells court.

    Get used to that Dave – “this ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco – this ain’t no fooling around” (Life in Wartime, Talking Heads)


  28. I think SD have overcooked the legal costs making them less than pallatable to the judge given JD’s latest tweets


  30. wottpi says:
    Member: (647 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 1:25 pm

    Ashley 1 – RIFC 0
    Second leg to be played in the Court of Session Edinburgh

    _____________________________________________

    Away goals count double. Imo anyway.


  32. Hear that low rumble over on the south side of Glasgow?

    That will be the sound of tanks being parked on the lawn.

    Or perhaps the Albion Car Park.

    Injunction? Costs? Show of strength more like.


  33. tykebhoy says:
    Member: (176 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    I think SD have overcooked the legal costs making them less than pallatable to the judge given JD’s latest tweets

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

    Just another message from Ashley to Kings – for every five QCs you bring, I’ll bring twenty five”. Every action will be a chance to blow a six figure sum, not all judges will be as flabbergasted by legal costs.


  34. tykebhoy says:
    Member: (177 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    20k less for the warchest then ?

    _____________________________________________

    plus RIFCs own costs.

    So… that’ll be on to the next case then…

    Unless RIFC want to settle all out of court, of course.


  35. so, er, a major shareholder of the rangers and the board of the rangers are now involved in a court battle… the board owing the shareholder £5m and being unable to pay… the board’s stated solution being to sell more season tickets than ever before (while playing in the second tier) and resisting requests for repayment of the seven figure debt to the legitimately aggrieved shareholder… yes?


  40. It has been posted that the £20,000 is an interim award. The judge has asked for a detailed breakdown of costs she described as extraordinary.


  41. Oh Dear
    The Ninjaman has spoken,it seems the writing that’s been on the wall has now been read and fully understood,it’s never to late,for what thou.


  42. Just to lighten the mood a wee bit, in between courtroom news bulletins.

    http://www.celticfc.net/news/8430
    Celtic’s latest season ticket marketing advert is under the heading

    “This is not a journey – it’s an adventure”

    This follows on from

    “We don’t need anyone else – just you” on 9 June, and
    “We’ve missed them… Now we want them back” on 4 June.

    Cheeky Bhoys 🙂


  43. yourhavingalaugh says:
    June 11, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    Oh Dear, The Ninjaman has spoken,it seems the writing that’s been on the wall has now been read and fully understood,it’s never to late,for what thou.
    _______________________________________

    Could you provide a link – or even C&P the post? – thanks


  44. Tincks says:
    Member: (128 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 2:25 pm
    Phil’s latest. Today all part of a bigger plan. If true heaven help Dave King and the 3B’s

    http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/sevco-confidential/#more-6447
    ======================================================================
    Assuming Phil’s source is correct – and Ashley’s 3 pronged attack is indeed followed through…

    Then, IMO, it’s the 3rd prong that could prove fatal for King and the 3 bears.
    It will be difficult to prove deliberate share manipulation in court – but the risk is that they are found guilty of fraudulent, criminal activity, [I presume].

    Either way, it has the potential to rack up huge legal fees on both sides – and King might have to put his hand in his own pocket !

    And as mentioned yesterday:King is still not officially listed as a Director of RIFC ?
    [Has he retained a potential defence of “it wisnae me, honest judge”… 🙄 ]


  45. Is there any news of the Edinburgh court appearance today – checked the MSM but …..


  46. Is the Chris Graham urging fans to boycott the merchandise because of the cruel and unfair retail contract the same Chris Graham as the one who stood foursquarely behind Charles Green while said contract was being arranged? 😕

    If it is, then perhaps he might like to reflect on that while he offers his unwavering support to Dave King.


  47. Fascinating day in court, was telling that SD had a barrister and 4 solicitors while RIFC had one solitary lawyer.

    The RCJ is a civil court so was a narrow issue, did the board of Ranger breach the clause in their contract that required confidentiality. The learned judge ruled they had after being shown a Keith Jackson piece from the Daily Record.

    Have not heard anything from the Edinburgh case, anyone know how that went?


  48. So do I get this right
    The fans are now proposing a boycott (yet another one) of official club merchandise.
    Therefore whatever small amount they get from the SD deal is gone.

    My guess is that there is most likely a minimum shirt order that the club will have to stump up for each year so they will be quids down on that deal if there are unopened boxes in the Megastore storage room.

    Red 32 will like to see there name on TV but also on the street with folks wearing replica strips so they are likely to pull out of the deal as soon as they can.

    Ashley of course has first dibs on the shirt sponsorship once Red 32 are out of the way.

    So like it or not unless big Mike is bought out SD will most likely be on the tops for 2016/2017,

    All angles covered.


  49. James sorry not to meet up again, got stuck in Basing.
    Thanks for all your efforts at last minute.
    COS Rolls no trace of RFC Mash or SD. Maybe it was belt and braces stuff.


  50. Nowt as Queer as Folk

    King seems to be clueless in this game of chess – does he have any strategy at all? If so, can someone please explain it for me – because he just seems to be lashing out with no understanding of the consequences.

    Meanwhile the idea above that Red 32 would pull out and The Rangers would be lumping and hoping with Sports Direct on their shirts would be just too cruel – defo no merchandise sales to the bears – but they may become the ultimate irony fashion item for other fans.


  51. anagain
    June 11, 2015 at 5:54 pm

    COS Rolls no trace of RFC Mash or SD. Maybe it was belt and braces stuff.
    ————————————————————————-
    If SD are going to the RCJ then presumably the contracts in question must be under English Law. So could they go to the COS to enforce it in any event?

    No doubt some legal eagle will advise.


  52. Billy Boyce says:
    Member: (56 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 3:33 pm
    yourhavingalaugh says:
    June 11, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    Oh Dear, The Ninjaman has spoken,it seems the writing that’s been on the wall has now been read and fully understood,it’s never to late,for what thou.
    _______________________________________

    Could you provide a link – or even C&P the post? – thanks
    ===========================
    I’m assuming this is the piece in question…

    https://rangerssupportersloyal.wordpress.com/

    As usual long on criticism (much of which warranted IMO) but short on alternatives/solutions…would be an awful lot more credible if he/she had a view on a way forward for Rangers…and, in the absense of that, the not unnatural suspicion is that Bill/Ninjaman are simply Jack’s representatives on earth…


  54. Could well be wrong but portents and signs regarding new Rangers manager have been seen in the heavens (or the Evening Times at any rate…)

    http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/mobile/rangers/odds-slashed-on-scottish-coach-ian-cathro-being-appointed-rangers-210029n.128758362?

    Would be interesting if goes that way as highly regarded in terms of (young) player development but untried as a manager.

    Likely to be popular with Bears from what a can gather…Which might well be a factor..


  55. From KDS:

    DhenBhoy
    11 Jun 2015, 05:15 PM

    So nothing from the CoS ??

    According to Sky Sports Scotland Twitter(@scotlandsky), sports direct granted an interim interdict against the zombies by the Edinburgh Court of Session. 2-0 to Big Mike :rocker:

    An interim interdict *for what*?

    Sky’s twitter didn’t specify, but is an interim interdict not the Scots law equivalent of an injunction? If so, i would think it would be on the same grounds as the High Court case….a double whammy for Ashley then.


  56. An “interdict” is the Scottish term for an injunction.

    One of my favourite ever tweets was from a London Lawyer “If Scotland goes independent they may end up with a weird legal system no-one else understands”

    🙂


  57. Parttimearab – McCAll’s odds also shortened quite a lot. Warburton is out of the country on a UEFA coaching course in eastern europe until next week apparently.


  58. I think it is a stick on certainty that SD went to the CoS to tie up any loose ends and get an interim interdict (Scots Law). No nasty surprises for MA tomorrow at the “Big Hoose”. The “soap opera” moves on.


  59. parttimearab says:
    Member: (353 comments)

    June 11, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    Billy Boyce says:
    Member: (56 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 3:33 pm
    yourhavingalaugh says:
    June 11, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    Oh Dear, The Ninjaman has spoken,it seems the writing that’s been on the wall has now been read and fully understood,it’s never to late,for what thou.
    _______________________________________

    Could you provide a link – or even C&P the post? – thanks
    ===========================
    I’m assuming this is the piece in question…

    https://rangerssupportersloyal.wordpress.com/

    As usual long on criticism (much of which warranted IMO) but short on alternatives/solutions…would be an awful lot more credible if he/she had a view on a way forward for Rangers…and, in the absense of that, the not unnatural suspicion is that Bill/Ninjaman are simply Jack’s representatives on earth…
    ___________________________________

    I agree with you, but you are assuming that there is a more credible way forward. I suspect that the only credible way forward is with the help of Mike Ashley (a limited help would be best for the club, and Scottish football) but for the (apparently) more enlightened bears to promote that idea would take a great deal of bravery and would probably be ridiculed or completely ignored into the bargain.

    Common sense was required at the start of the ‘journey’, it may well be too late now!


  60. James Doleman says:
    Member: (78 comments)

    June 11, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    ianagain

    Was a lot more interesting than the last case we went to. 🙂
    ====================================================
    Sure and snappier. Though it still niggles me we never got to hear the denouement to that one and the tapes, squad valuation (snigger) etc.
    Guess the insurers got to keep that under lock and key as payment for caving in.


  61. I see over on twitter that some people are giving it laldy over Jackson publishing details of the SD contract, though James Doleman is, correctly in my opinion, defending his right to publish. I wonder, though, if the bold Keith realises how his brilliant piece of journalism/PR work was used to Mike Ashley’s advantage in court today! It was also noted by the judge, so, no doubt, is available for use as evidence should Ashley pursue King and TRFC in some more serious, and expensive, case some time in the future. Also noted was the fact that the TRFC board don’t deny that they leaked the information. Together, these two ‘notes’ might cost the club, and board members, a pretty penny or two!


  62. An interesting day. Noticeable how both STV and BBC teatime news basically made little of the Sports Direct court victory (or was it two victories?) against TRFC today. It will be interesting to see the postive spin they give us tomorrow should the TRFC shareholders vote against the Sports Direct resolution, as expected. For me the exposure in a court that TRFC appear to be in cahoots with the Daily Record was very enjoyable, if not at all surprising. The big question is where will Sports Direct go next with court action though?


  63. Chris Jack (for it is he) quoting extensively from an RST spokesperson.

    “Mr Ashley must think the Rangers support are suffering from some sort of mass delusion…”

    Further comment is unnecessary.


  64. I wrote this over six months ago. Obviously a few points have been overtaken by events but the basic situation is the same. If writing it now the only change to the second last sentence would substitute EGM for AGM!
    Plus ca change….. Are the Bears now listening?

    “A Sanity Clause for Xmas?
    Trisidium | December 22, 2014
    A Guest blog by redlichtie for TSFM

    From what I can see Mike Ashley is likely to be the only game in town for RIFC/TRFC fans unless they want to see another of their clubs go through administration/liquidation.

    That particular scenario potentially allows for a phoenix to arise from the ashes but on past evidence it is probably going to be an underfunded operation with overly grandiose pretensions taking them right back into the vicious circle they seem condemned to repeat ad nauseam.

    Ashley has the muscle to strongarm the various spivs to give up or greatly dilute their onerous contracts and I suspect that is what has been happening behind the scenes.

    From Ashley’s point of view I believe that what is being sought is a stable, self-financing operation that he can then sell on whilst retaining income streams of importance to SD.

    I also suspect that he will come to some arrangement with the SFA to dispose of his interest once he has stabilised the club.

    The problem for RIFC/TRFC fans is that Ashley is not going to fund some mythical “return to where they belong”, though that is beginning to appear to be the second division of the SPFL where they are heading to have a regular gig.

    Like at Newcastle, Ashley will cut their coat according to their cloth. This will mean, again like at Newcastle, a mid-table team with good runs every so often. If the finances can be fixed then they will have an advantage over most other Scottish clubs but in the main we will be back to actual footballing skills and good management being what is important (pace “honest mistakes”).

    With recent results and footballing style clearly those are issues that will require attention and McCoist seems likely to present RIFC/TRFC with an early opportunity to address at least one aspect of that if he continues with his current “I’m a good guy” press campaign. It may take just one unguarded comment or action and he will be out.

    But will the Bears go for Ashley’s plan? So far they seem antagonistic and still cling to their belief that the world owes them a top football club regardless of cost.

    If the fans don’t get behind the current entity I can see Ashley deciding the game’s not worth it and cashing in his chips. Some ‘Rangers Men’ will probably turn up and create a new entity for The People to believe in and Ashley will continue to draw in income from shirt sales and, most likely, charging fans at the world famous Albion car park which he will then own.

    The upcoming AGM is crucial and from what we have seen of Ashley so far he gets what he wants.

    The crushing reality about to descend on The People is that there really is no Santa Claus. A Sanity Clause, perhaps but no Santa Claus.”

    Scottish Football needs a strong Arbroath and East Fife. Not moonbeams and convicted criminals.


  65. DCK/T’Rangers faced a formidable legal team at the chancery today. If I was hanging my hat on DCK’s peg, I would be a tad concerned DCK didn’t splash the cash for such a vital tie, and send out a team that could compete.


  66. RFC 2012 Plc (Formerly The Rangers Football Club Plc) – In Liquidation

    Reports to Creditors

    RFC 2012 PLC (formerly The Rangers Football Club PLC) was placed into Liquidation on 31 October 2012. Malcolm Cohen and James Stephen of BDO LLP were appointed Joint Liquidators.

    The Joint Liquidators’ statutory reports to all known creditors will be published on this site within six weeks of each six-month anniversary of the date of Liquidation.

    That’s today.

    Any sign?


  67. I’m looking for a “case” in the Rolls list. Their need not have been one. DOH!

    From the Scots courts law site.

    “Interdict A judicial prohibition or court order preventing someone from doing something. In an emergency, interim interdict can be obtained in the absence of the person against whom the order is sought (i.e ex parte).

    Interim In the meantime. A temporary court order made until a final order is made”.


  68. I had yon old Matt McGinn song in my head about “you can go to the court o’ session” about the Men o Knoydart and it clicked


  69. Corrupt official says:
    Member: (70 comments)

    June 11, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    DCK/T’Rangers faced a formidable legal team at the chancery today. If I was hanging my hat on DCK’s peg, I would be a tad concerned DCK didn’t splash the cash for such a vital tie, and send out a team that could compete.
    ===========================================
    Been happening of late Thursdays and Sundays 😀


  70. Allyjambo says:
    Member: (1015 comments)

    parttimearab says:
    June 11, 2015 at 6:24 pm

    I agree with you, but you are assuming that there is a more credible way forward. I suspect that the only credible way forward is with the help of Mike Ashley (a limited help would be best for the club, and Scottish football)
    ==========
    My problem here is the limited help.

    I’ve been pondering the Ashley/King pros and cons wrt the broader picture of Scottish fitba.

    The obvious perceived problem with King is the suspicion that we’re heading down another debt fuelled binge with the same old predictable consequences.

    If Ashley is not simply being bitter and twisted and intends ousting King the perception is that Rangers will be run on a sustainable level albeit as a diminished force.

    While the latter may be preferable at first glance we run into the dual ownership issue.

    Ashley would either have to hide behind a third party (not I think a good thing) or head to court and overturn the SFA ruling (probably would have a good chance IMO).

    Could we end up with a Rangers wholly/substantially comprised of NUFC players (and not broken ones this time) ❓

    I’d rather see Rangers fans attempt to map out a future devoid of the need to be bailed and perpetually reliant on assorted millionaires/billionaires.

    Easy, no – do-able, yes, I think, although painful in the short/medium term, but it could be transformational for them in the long run.


  71. parttimearab says:
    Member: (354 comments)
    June 11, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    pta,

    I wasn’t so much mapping out a credible way forward as pointing out the pitfalls as they are many fold (good old Ernie, and he drove the fastest…). I think, unless there is someone in the wings we are unaware of, then Ashley is the bears only hope (though they don’t realise it), regardless of how the SFA view him. If King leaves, then Ashley might decide to do his bit, not to make TRFC successful, just to maintain that small corner of his empire. He might manage to broker a deal with the SFA, who knows? and honour any commitment, and do no more than ensure the club is sustainable and able to live on gate receipts, sponsorship etc without any further monies from him. The alternative might be that Ashley is so sick of it all that, after exposing and seeing off King and Murray, he just disappears with his contracts and securities all stitched up and leaves the 3bears to get on with it…or not.

    For if TRFC go into administration, regardless of onerous contracts, he will hold all the rights to the IP and crests and badges, and be the only kit supplier who can supply kit with the last remaining link to the old RFC! It won’t matter who, or what, emerges after admin or liquidation, if they want to pretend to be ‘Rangers’ they have to get their kit from him, and if the fans don’t buy the kit, the club will have to pay for the right to wear, and display around the ground, ‘his’ crests and badges!

    This is the ‘deluded’ bit. Ashley wins, regardless of what the bears, King or anyone else brings down upon him! Ashley is a very bad enemy to have, and probably not a very good friend either.


  72. ekt1m says:
    June 11, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    I think it is a stick on certainty that SD went to the CoS to tie up any loose ends and get an interim interdict (Scots Law). No nasty surprises for MA tomorrow at the “Big Hoose”. The “soap opera” moves on.
    ___________________________________

    Is it the case that if a court order, arrest warrant etc is granted in the English courts then to be enforceable in Scotland it needs to be “endorsed” here by the appropriate sheriff or judge. If my memory serves me correctly, the Serious Fraud Office in London was granted a restraint order for King’s assets in the UK. The SFO had to get the order approved/endorsed in the Scottish courts for it to be valid north of the border.

    The timing of the two court hearings suggest that once Ashley was granted his injunction in the RCJ this morning, his agents could then appear at the Court of Session in Edinburgh later today to have that injunction (interim interdict)endorsed.

    I know the contract was drafted under English law but there may have been legal loopholes that the RIFC board could exploit due to being in another jurisdiction – in the same way that, say, English gagging orders are happily ignored by the Scottish newspapers in certain scandal cases.

    Perhaps one of our legal eagles can clarify the situation.


  74. Good Evening.

    Regardless of the actual issue at hand in court today, the fact that Ashley was prepared to throw his considerable financial and legal muscle into protecting his interests should have the RIFC board thinking very hard about their relationship with him. This is a man who is not to be messed about.

    We knew that already, but the board has had it confirmed to them in a very heavy-handed and expensive fashion.

    I wonder how they are feeling about that £5m loan tonight?

    It will be fascinating to see how MASH/SD plays the EGM tomorrow. Who they send, and what questions they ask etc?

    I suspect that very few actual answers will be provided tomorrow, so it may be that the events in subsequent days could be even more interesting!

    Here are some expanded thoughts on all of this:

    https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2015/06/11/the-seven-year-snitch/

    Enjoy the rest of the evening!


  75. parttimearab says:
    Member: (354 comments)

    June 11, 2015 at 8:21 pmIf Ashley is not simply being bitter and twisted and intends ousting King the perception is that Rangers will be run on a sustainable level albeit as a diminished force.
    ————————————————————-
    Maybe instead of a RRM (real rangers man) have a RRM (real retail man)??
    Not sure if Ibrox fans will accept this.

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