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.
Highland_Bhoy says:
Member: (7 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 11:01 am
Parttimearab made the valid point that the FPP regulations are merely guidelines and would undoubtedly collapse in a court of law.
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The problem is that it isn’t really in a court of law, I mean do supporters really care who buys and owns them, so long as they are successful. I mean do Chelsea fans wring there mitts worrying were Abramovich’s money game from, similarly an outspoken poster on here seems fit to slag the scottish regime yet conveniently ignores the pedigree of his own middle eastern slave trader owners. if they are successful? Yes we would all like to be like Barcelona, “more than a Club” with no shirt sponsorship … eh that was until before the vote for the world cup, and what do you know Spain voted for Qatar, and low and behold we have Qatar Foundation embazoned across their shirts. Easily explained just swapping one charity for another … so where did Qatar Airways come in to it then.
Corruption is all through our game and no one gives a monkey, until the other side gets an advantage.
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Please try to take things in context. The point being made by pta was in the event of FPP status being refused and what would happen if he the took the SFA to court. This is not a ‘Rangers’ site where contributors confuse an SFA enquiry/tribunal with a court of law.
The rest of your post is a massive deflection and smacks of trolling.
neepheid says:
Member: (580 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 10:17 am
Highland_Bhoy says:
Member: (5 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 2:38 am
My information from a fairly well connected source is that the vote was unanimous.
I have also been briefed by a Celtic source that Celtic are privately “appalled”.
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Hi, how can we be privately appalled when the vote was unanimous … who was voting? The SFA professional board? If that is the case that makes no sense.
===========================
That puzzled me too. The only way it would make sense is if Lawell has declared a conflict of interest and took no part in the matter. But then that would raise interesting questions regarding Ogilvie’s involvement. Mind you, the questions can be interesting, but there will doubtless be no answers forthcoming. That’s how Scottish football operates, sadly.
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Apologies if I did not articulate my thoughts better.
My inference is that one of the two sources is being economical with the truth. They both can’t be correct.
I used this anomaly to highlight the sort of spin the clubs will put over to the fans. “It wasn’t us. It was the other guys!”
If the first source is accurate, then we are beyond hope. If the second is accurate, then there may be a glimmer.
I should say that we had to seek out the first source. The second was unsolicited.
Smugas says:
Member: (788 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 10:58 am
Btw there’s a few buddies would like a quick word with you!
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Buddies, for the avoidance of doubt, there’s nothing I’d like better than to see King’s face as the seventh hits the back of the net and the reality of his victory sinks in. F&P = Fecked & Pumped.
So what was the reply from SARS ,what where they asked,has anyone seen the communication between the SFA & SARS, surely they were not asked anything at all against a tax dodger that they are no doubt still investigating and has been already found guilty of massive false disclosure of earnings and agreed to pay umpteen fines against all the charges brought against him,I don’t believe for a second the questionnaire sent to SARS had the name Dave King contained anywhere in its content.
Howdy. Like most of you on here i’m completely hacked off at the way we are treated by those in charge of our game. They do not give a flying F*** about anyone: the fans, the clubs, how they are perceived by others. No-one. They couldn’t care less and don’t care who knows it. They know that there will be those who will continue to harangue and harrass them, call them out for what they are; assissters of cheats, blackguards, scoundrels and liars. They’ll just turned their back with nary a sideways glance. Shameful. And you are our protectors??
Someone mentioned before that they are playing the long game. I can remember the outcry when banning smoking in bars and restaurants. Everyone up in arms, even the pubs were crying ARMAGEDDON and now……not even a whisper. Its like its the norm and what was all the fuss about.Yip,the long game. Everyone will remember it but it will be like it never happened and just be the norm. Not even a whisper. All the current cast will shed their capes and exit stage left and leave the mess for the next guys. Who will carry on as if nothing had happened. And all for the continuation of the only football team they ever cared about.Shocking!
mcfc says:
Member: (1233 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 11:54 am
For the avoidance of doubt, I think the ‘Buddies’ Smugas was referring to are the recently relegated St Mirren, who are oft referred to as ‘the Buddies’.
Just thought I’d let you know in case you were unaware of this nickname 🙂
Why should anybody but TRangers fans give a monkey, after all its them that face further unscrupulous and merciless exploitation, isn’t it? Well, there is also the fact that Scottish football has been here before and every club and their entry-paying fans has had to pay for it. Murray, Whyte, Green, King et al – each as fit and proper as the next, wouldn’t you say!
Highland_Bhoy says:
Member: (8 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 11:57 am
Nor a St Mirren site, Hibs, Dundee United etc, it belongs to, and is open to, supporters of all clubs and has long sinced stopped confusing SFA enqiries, such as LNS, with courts of law. Unlike TRFC sites that like to use favourable decisions as providing them with legal status.
I will leave it to the mods to decide if my impression of your post I previously referred to is correct.
scapaflow says:
May 20, 2015 at 11:15 am
bordersdon says:
Member: (2 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 10:43 am
Saw that too. Unusually for me, I have made a complaint to the Editor. If we cannot trust newspapers to tell the truth, about something as trivial as football, how can we trust them to tell the truth on the big issues?
borderson, sorry to differ but the Chris Jack piece didn’t contain any lies – it was truthful. The problem with it was what the writer chose to omit. That selectivity suggests either bias or an unenquiring mind. These may be part of the job description for a reporter employed by Newsquest. It may simply be editorial choice. Apologies to Mr Jack if there just wasn’t enough room either online or in print to get the full story in.
yourhavingalaugh says:
Member: (235 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 11:54 am
So what was the reply from SARS
………….
Yes
The SARS can confirm that it is in order for an SA Resident to invest in a Scottish Football Club. However it must be done in accordance with the tax laws of SA
If you require more information please provide the name and address of the Resident concerned
Rumours of a big money bid from the Comedy Central channel to televise Scottish games for the forseeable future.
Prohibby says:
Member: (52 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Totally agree with you, a nail on head moment.
Might I wish you and your team all the luck in the world, and 50% of the ref’s decisions, tonight and until whatever time a result is reached on Saturday.
After that it’s back to all out war 😈
I won’t be able to watch your match tonight, gave up BT Sport over a month ago, and I’m at the theatre tonight watching a musical about the SFA being conned by TRFC. It’s called ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’, or at least I think that’s the subject matter…maybe it’s about the SFA and TRFC conning the rest of us!
Tartanwulver 12.18
The SFA episode of South Park is going to be a doozy.
yourhavingalaugh says:
Member: (235 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 11:54 am
“So what was the reply from SARS ,what where they asked,has anyone seen the communication between the SFA & SARS,..”
I have posted many times on this, the last a few days ago, and agree completely with you and Goosy. All it needed was for the SFA to ask SARS if it is still OK for DCK to be a Company Director in South Africa and the answer will be yes.
If, however, they asked what the outcome of the tax case was and SARS answered that he paid some GBP 41m equivalent to avoid an 82 year jail sentence, then that would be something completely different.
A question I asked some time back was why the SFA even felt the need to approach SARS for any clarification because the full details are there on the internet for everyone to read for themselves. Of course we all know the answer and why, as Blu says, the SMSM don’t want to repeat certain parts of the story.
So where to go from here? I really do wish the clubs all speak up – it would be good to hear something from the new TH’s in Edinburgh in particular but also the rest.
Here’s hoping karma returns to bite the FPP decision with some force.
Scottish Football needs a stronger Arbroath and East Fife next season – and some decent administrators.
Allyjambo says:
Member: (941 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 12:01 pm
For the avoidance of doubt, I think the ‘Buddies’ Smugas was referring to are the recently relegated St Mirren, who are oft referred to as ‘the Buddies’.
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Well, I’ll have to plead English to all charges and hope for the best that an amicable settlement can be reached 🙂
No offence meant Buddies, good luck Hibbies.
bordersdon says:
Member: (3 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 11:28 am
Be good to hear if you get a reply from the Herald editor Scapaflow. That was not just biased reporting. It was lies!
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It pains me to say it but it’s not lies. It is, as Scapa said, misleading. The statement is correct but misses out the convictions (a minor detail!)
It is proof that, whilst polishing a turd remain elusive, some hacks make a living out of trying. The writer knows that some readers will be delighted and emboldened by what he wrote and others will be enraged into telling their friends. Win-win in the twisted world of hackdom.
For info, predictive text for “hackdom” is “Jackson”. You couldn’t make it up!
Unfortunately, Blu, you’re actually spot on. The Herald report isn’t lies, as it’s true that he did reach a ‘settlement’ and that charges were dropped against him.
The fact that it’s giving the impression that ALL charges were dropped, rather than SOME, and that the settlement was over a massive fine he had to pay to avoid jail…. well…. I’m sure it was just a bit of a typo by the author and he’s probably as embarrassed as we are on his behalf. :slamb:
parttimearab says:
Member: (336 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 9:30 am
Matty Roth says:
Member: (159 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 12:10 am
parttimearab says:
Member: (335 comments)
May 19, 2015 at 11:16 pm
Trisidium says:
Moderator: (202 comments)
May 19, 2015 at 10:54 pm
Just to clarify my previous comments, I can’t tell whether the SFA decision is good or bad as the basis of that decision is unknown
That IMO is wrong and fans/paying public deserve an explanation.
I have however become somewhat exasperated at the expectation that the SFA should have ruled DK not to be FPP.
I grant that a case can be made, but even if accepted I’d ask that some thought be given to what the ruling should have been if that were the case?
Since Die ban? Really, would that have been sustainable under challenge in court?
And if not Sine Die then how long? What term should a ban be, on what basis would that term be founded?
1 1 Rate This
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How about a block based on a rehabilitation of offenders type timescale?
Is the excuse of “it would only be challenged in the courts” really a viable one? I’d have thought that as long as the process and the decision followed the stated rules and procedures of the SFA then the courts would leave them to it.
Surely the courts would only find in Kings favour if the SFA operated outside of their rules.
I’m sure I’m being naive ……
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Matty, the Rehabilitation Of Offenders Act bases the expiry of an offence on the disposal not the crime and for a fine that’s one year from the sentence being passed.
In DK’S case his expiry date is long gone.
Wrt a court challenge that’s always a tricky one.
If a ban interfered with his (legitimate) ability to run a company it would, I think, be open to challenge.
If any ban did not take the Rehabilitation Of Offenders Act into account, more so.
And, as you see above, any ban now would be contrary to the Act.
I wouldn’t claim that a ban would fall, or indeed that DK would have challenged it, but you’d think (and this must have crossed the minds of the SFA) that he would and could well have been successful.
6 1 Rate This
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Thanks for the reply PTA.
Is it not the case then that the F&P rules are perfectly legal within the constitution of the SFA?
I’d assume this organisation has the power to pick and choose its members within the confines of its published rules?
I assumed this would mean that the SFA could declare King not Fit and Proper and inform Rangers their membership would be removed if he was appointed chairman. Is this interfering with King running a company? I don’t know, they are free to appoint who they want I’d think but membership of the SFA has to have some conditions otherwise what is the point?
If none of this is legal then the SFA surely should have any F&P rules at all, but then you have to ask how many of their rules are actually legal and/or worthwhile.
Why bother with an association at all if its membership is a meaningless constitution.
Which I suppose brings me back the original conclusion that no matter how I look at it the SFA is a pointless waste of everyone’s time.
AllyjamboAllyjambo says:
Member: (941 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 12:29 pm
Thanks, AJ. Enjoy your show. I would add that, like Anne Budge, I grew up in an extended family made up of Hibs and Hearts fans. I was fortunate to attend either Tynecastle and ER most weeks in my teens, along with my Jambo cousins. Generally we, together, cheered on the home team except for Derby matches, of course. What value has any sport if it doesn’t bring folks together in friendly and honest competition, is my humble opinion. I obviously hope Hibs do the business tonight but, being a long time Hibs fan, I have learned to live with disappointment and defeat. All I ask of the team is that they do their best and play as a team and for the team. As for the refs, I only ask that they do their honest best as well!
Club Statement
May 20, 2015
Following reports in the media suggesting the Club is in talks with Newcastle Jets, a Dundee United spokesperson said, “Dundee United is not involved in talks with the Newcastle Jets, this is a personal venture for the Chairman as part of a consortium.
“Any involvement of Mr Thompson in this or any other venture is entirely his prerogative and the board, which he remains fully committed to, is focused purely on Dundee United FC delivering a positive end to the season and building for next season.”
Highland_Bhoy says:
Member: (8 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 9:23 am
Whether it’s appropriate? Big Mike gives them £5million to keep the lights on and pay the wages and Mr King questions the appropriateness of this?
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The problem is that Big Mike as you call him installed his own people that negotiate the loan. It is yet another dubious deal, and it is questionable. Come on a guy with less than 10% of shares put two guys on the board that subsequently became CEO and CFO then negotiated loans that are not in the clubs interests … it is just another comical factor of rangers (new or old)
___________________________________
Was it in the club’s (company’s?) interest to experience another ‘insolvency event’? Because that was really the alternative.
When Wonga is your only option you shouldn’t expect to be offered favourable terms. Given that the previous incarnation left a trail of creditor haircuts to the tune of tens of millions of £s , any creditor of the latest Rangers is entitled to offer terms that reflect the risk. That is no-one else’s fault but the club/company/clumpany’s, hence they have been a magnet for this sort of “deal” (crisis loan) , whilst other clubs have managed to get on fine without this kind of “investment” :slamb: :slamb: :slamb: by… *shock!* … living within their means
Good Afternoon
Anyone who doubts that there is a pro-King spin operation out there (there may be someone…), need look no further than this piece from Gary Ralston…
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-ralstons-take-rangers-mike-5729446
Exhibit A:
“Don’t be surprised if Ashley is challenged in the coming months over the validity and legality of his Rangers contracts like he has never been challenged before.
Who knows, rather than being in hock to the Cockney billionaire to the tune of £5million, Rangers just might argue he actually owes them, opening up the likelihood of a long court battle, from which King will not flinch”
Good grief.
Lamb cooked on Level5?
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
Nick Leeson, Robert Maxwell, Robert Mugabe, Colonel Gadaffi, Pol Pot, Ming the Merciless, The Klingons, Dick Dastardly and Muttley, Katie Hopkins….. your boy took a helluva beating…..
your boy took a helluva…. oh no, wait..!
http://t.co/QXvXNh94PT
A fresh press release from Level 5- sorry, it’s Gary Ralston’s latest DR piece on King- how could I become so confused?
Just a wee excerpt-
This is the voice of the SMSM, loud and large. Mess with the “Rangers” at your peril. Nauseating doesn’t come close to describing it.
John Clark says:
Member: (852 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 1:44 pm
Oh,for crying out loud! What stupid bloody things these daft tableys are.
Mod, please strike out that gobbledegook that my Fat Yak- free fingers just typed a minute ago.
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Same problem with my tabley. So I got this, I call it a dobber.
“tablets, even!”
____________________________
Biased reporting once again John Clark(e)
Real scoreline,
Result : Tablet 1(won)v digits 0 (nil)
TheClumpany says:
May 20, 2015 at 2:35 pm
Good Afternoon
Anyone who doubts that there is a pro-King spin operation out there (there may be someone…), need look no further than this piece from Gary Ralston…
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-ralstons-take-rangers-mike-5729446
Exhibit A:
“Don’t be surprised if Ashley is challenged in the coming months over the validity and legality of his Rangers contracts like he has never been challenged before.
Who knows, rather than being in hock to the Cockney billionaire to the tune of £5million, Rangers just might argue he actually owes them, opening up the likelihood of a long court battle, from which King will not flinch”
Good grief.
Lamb cooked on Level5?
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
_______________________________________________________________________
Not so much spin, more one of those G Force gyroscopic NASA/top gun pilot accelerator training things.
Thing is… if they can get away with the kind of verdict they got on EBTs, twice, then who’s to say what madness may actually be allowed to pass when it comes to this clumpany.
On the other hand, Mike Ahley and SD are no HMRC.
neepheid says:
Member: (582 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 2:44 pm
Of course there will not be any need for such detailed scrutiny of others wanting to get involved in Scottish Football being that the bar has now been set.
In years to come anyone with a conviction less than Murder will be welcomed by the SFA with open arms.
AmFearLiathMòr says:
Member: (55 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 1:01 pm
blu says:
Member: (165 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 12:15 pm
Unfortunately, Blu, you’re actually spot on. The Herald report isn’t lies, as it’s true that he did reach a ‘settlement’ and that charges were dropped against him.
The fact that it’s giving the impression that ALL charges were dropped, rather than SOME, and that the settlement was over a massive fine he had to pay to avoid jail…. well…. I’m sure it was just a bit of a typo by the author and he’s probably as embarrassed as we are on his behalf.
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Can one of you experts give me the full/actual/details then? If you can be ar**d! Cos sure as hell the Herald piece (as written) is going to be thrown in my face!
I think Ralston’s piece in the Record is perhaps the lowest point they have sunk to. It has undoubtedly evolved into a Rangers fanzine.
The problem is that there are some good people who work there, but if and when some truth is ever reported in the paper, nobody will now believe it, such is their surrender of journalistic principles.
The irony is that the dogged denial of existential truths about TRFC is contributing to the fast demise of what was once, as recently as four decades ago regarded by working class Scots as the go-to vendor of news.
Our own rules against pejorative railing prevents me from going further. It is quite simply disgusting. Not because it defends Rangers, but because it has knowingly sacrificed truth.
MoreCelticParanoia says:
May 20, 2015 at 2:54 pm
TheClumpany says:
May 20, 2015 at 2:35 pm
Yup wasting fan’s and investor’s cash pursuing a potential long legal battle against Ashley’s top notch business savvy solicitors when your own guys have just taken a kicking in the South African courts is really going to help get the club get back on its feet.
No more than Charlie Green type spin of trying to portray yourself as dealing with the enemies of the club instead of bucking down to the real hard work that is actually required.
Until we see the colour of King’s money it just looks like history repeating itself.
Mibbees the F&P delay was caused by King – who simply refused to accept clearance from the SFA until they also gave him a guarantee that TRFC will be in the SPL next season – by whatever means necessary ? [Doesn’t actually sound that crazy !]
And now that King has been officially ‘rehabilitated’ by the SFA…
Whenever King now appears in the SMSM to inform Scottish football fans about what is best for Scottish football – it will be a repeated, metaphorical but painful kick to the goolies every time for those who believe he shouldn’t be allowed near ANY football club.
And you have to ask yourself why your own club is still involved at all with the SFA.
Is it because your club just wants your cash…and doff your cap for being allowed to be a supporter ? The clubs’ boards are just not interested in the ‘little people’ ?! 👿
Trisidium says May 20,2015 at 3.24 p.m
“..not because it defends Rangers..”
___________
When RTC (whoever he/she might have been) drew attention to the tax problems that arch-cheat SDM’s RFC had, the story was about Rangers, and SDM’s ‘ for every five…’ and where that got him.
The story since Liquidation and the grovelling 5-way Agreement ( God, I do hope somebody goes to jail) has rather been about the concerted corruption of the Football Authorities and the support that corruption has had from the SMSM.
They cannot, it seems, help themselves.Lying journalists supporting the degradation of governance of a sport by men prepared to throw their personal integrity and the integrity of sport to the wind for the most base reasons.
God grant that individually they each pay for their betrayal of their office and functions.
Each and all of the actual cheats ,from at least SDM to the latest FPP , and the rotten to the core hacks who champion them, will in one way or another, (unless they actually be sociopaths) feel now the wave of contempt that washes over them. More tellingly, they will know in their own hearts that they are contemptible
borderson @3:12pm. Originally over 300 charges were made against King including alleged fraud and money laundering. There was a settlement as described below in a joint statement from the South African Revenue Service (SARS)and King after he pleaded guilty in court in Johannesburg.
source:http://www.sars.gov.za/Media/MediaReleases/Pages/29-August-2013—Joint-Media-Statement-%E2%80%93-Settlement-between-the-State-and-Mr-DC-King.aspx
There are similarities with the media coverage of Rangers FC’s tax dealings (Big Tax Case) when the cases held against Rangers were somehow disregarded as being worthy of reporting because Rangers ‘won’ the majority at a Tax Tribunal. The Wee Tax case which HMRC won and the complete non-payment of tax in the period that Craig Whyte was at the club, which led to its liquidation, are not deemed worthy of comment or condemnation by the media.
bordersdon says:
Member: (4 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 3:12 pm
Can one of you experts give me the full/actual/details then? If you can be ar**d! Cos sure as hell the Herald piece (as written) is going to be thrown in my face!
==================
I’ll have a go. When King agreed to plead guilty on his tax evasion charges, and pay up £40+million in lieu of a lot of jail time, the prosecutors agreed to drop the other charges against him, which were for stuff like fraud, market manipulation, etc.(that’s from memory- someone correct me if I’m wrong). So charges were dropped when King settled with SARS- just not the charges he was found guilty of.
The Ralston article is irresponsible rabble rousing which has no place in decent discourse. However given that We are dealing with a sport at the same level of sporting integrity as WWE then we should expect the same level of accuracy as found in the statements of the Hulk Hogan’s of this world. However I believe of of the top men in the WWE is called The Undertaker and the possibility of his attendance at the Govan franchise remains.
I’ve enjoyed the forum’s response to the FPP judgement. Great to see the decision disected rationally and with no real evidence of Rangers-hating, but focussing more on the uselessness of our authorities and MSM. While accepting the general view that declining DCK wasn’t do-able due to the threat of a challenge in the courts, I still think the SFA should know in their hearts that he is not F&P and I agree with the one dissenting post that as a members association, they have the right to refuse anyone membership if they so choose. I’m guessing Groucho Marx would now turn down any offer of membership!!
In that frame of mind, I sent this to Darryl Broadfoot at the SFA last night. As I say in the email, I’m neither asking for nor expecting an answer, but they should still know how I feel about them.
“Darryl,
I take it that the SFA realises that because of Dave King’s recent ‘indiscretions’ he would not be able to obtain a starting position within one of Scotland’s other ‘institutions’ due to his criminal convictions. If our now reputationally-bereft banks would deem him not fit and proper for a junior role, I’m at a loss to explain how the SFA has reached the conclusion it has.
That said, I am disappointed, but not surprised that he has been ushered through. He is, after all, the only show in town when it comes to meeting the criteria for acceptance by Rangers fans and yourselves, who are wedded to the belief that only a strong Rangers is good for the game in Scotland. A real Rangers man who has promised to invest in the club, although whether that’s his own £50m; £20m or matching what other people will put up is still open to question as he changes his story so often. Then again, what can you expect of a man described by a judge as “a glib and shameless liar”?
I really hope for the SFA’s sake that Mr King lives up to his promises. Otherwise, you’ll have a lot of angry Rangers fans on your case again. Remember how it’s your fault for declaring Craig Whyte fit and proper? It’ll be worse this time if it all goes wrong since Dave is a real Rangers man and they’ll be convinced you’ve been taken in again.
As a Scottish football fan, I’m embarrassed at this latest decision. Remember when we got angry at the Italians for allegedly bribing refs? Remember when we laughed at match fixing elsewhere? Now it’s our turn to be laughed at! We welcome a convicted criminal into our midst; we welcome a man who has already stated that his solution is to spend enough money to get Rangers back where they belong – the exact same strategy that got them liquidated in the first place; we ignore our own clearly stated rules because we cannot see anything good in Scottish football except the ‘Old Firm’; We welcome a glib and shameless liar into our midst. I am embarrassed.
I’m not even going to ask for details of the evidence that allowed the SFA to ignore its clearly stated rules – the unreleased detail of the documentary evidence that allowed you to take the view that he is good for Rangers and good for Scottish football, so lets ignore the fact that he is caught out by our rules because this evidence says he’s a good guy. I’m not going to ask for information on who voted for and who voted against – anyone who continues to work with the SFA after being involved in reaching this decision (pro- or anti-) is as bad as the decision itself if they hang around.
I’m not going to ask because from past experience I know you will find a way to avoid providing any information and that is why I – like so many others – are done with Scottish football.
Thanks SFA.”
Yes, I was angry.
@bfbpuzzled
The Ralston article is good in one respect, it contains this:
Of course, the fallout continues from the decision of the eight-man SFA board to grant King fit and proper status, which was always at their discretion, even if he did not pass two key criteria on paper.
So, do we know if DK actually did make the FPP criteria, or did the board use their “discretion” to pass him regardless?
Only one thing has changed since yesterday
• The SFA are no more conflicted and contemptible
• The MSM are no more craven and sycophantic
• King is no more mendacious
• The RIFC business model is no more insane.
The one thing that has changed is the quantum of your understanding of these realities.
The question is, does this change your willingness to give the SFA your money via your club.
If I had an SPFL ST renewal slip through the post I’d be inclined to return it with a note explaining how I’ll be spending the money on alternative activities – and why. I’m sure Liam Byrne wouldn’t mind if you paraphrased him; “Dear Club Secretary, There is no money left for the corrupt SFA.”
Could this be SFM’s first campaign?
Can anyone update on when CO is due to stand down as El Presidentie or are rules about to be changed there also.
Nawlite that was pretty measured and sensible so it is not easy for the SFA -an apposite acronym if ever there was one- to dismiss into the ranting raving bin. I congratulate you.
It will be interesting to see how many are done with scottish football. No doubt if it a significant number that it will be spun as showing how badly trfc are needed to avoid Armageddon!
Afternoon All (again)
The Gary Ralston gibberish prompted me to rattle off another blog about the fawning media, and lack of apparent plans at Sevco. Do have a read if you can stand the experience. You may spot a very subtle reference to a milestone of popular culture…
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/that-lamb-you-like-is-going-to-come-back-in-style/
Enjoy the rest of the day!
Matty Roth says:
Member: (160 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 1:14 pm
I’d assume this organisation has the power to pick and choose its members within the confines of its published rules?
I assumed this would mean that the SFA could declare King not Fit and Proper and inform Rangers their membership would be removed if he was appointed chairman. Is this interfering with King running a company? I don’t know, they are free to appoint who they want I’d think but membership of the SFA has to have some conditions otherwise what is the point?
If none of this is legal then the SFA surely should have any F&P rules at all, but then you have to ask how many of their rules are actually legal and/or worthwhile.
Why bother with an association at all if its membership is a meaningless constitution.
===========================
It is Matty something of a conundrum.
If the SFA had banned DK they would not have acted outwith their rules.
Yet equally DK has done nothing wrong ( 🙂 ) in as much that he is able to be a company director.
My guess would be that all parties have sought counsel’s advice in this matter and one would assume that this advice was heeded in coming to a decision.
Of course we don’t know what the advice was, pity we don’t have an advocate on the site who could give us a wee pro bono opinion.
For my own part I suspect that the F&PP rule is to the SFA articles what the appendix and a vestigial tail are to the human body.
Once upon a time it would have been inconceivable that a member/club would challenge an SFA ruling – those days I think are long gone – it may simply be that the rule book is in need of updsting/ammending.
It may be that the SFA simply suffers from self importance and likes to be seen to be taking this sort of decision whereas, in reality, that sort of power now resides elsewhere.
If there is indeed such a thing as Karma…
then Hibs will win tonight, and also at the weekend.
King then might have second thoughts on the cost to complete ‘the journey’, and jet off PDQ back to SA.
And the SFA will be left looking like even bigger prize chumps !
If only Carlsberg did Karma… 😉
Hugh Keevins aside, what I’ve heard from Wishart & McCulloch on SSB tonight (so far) is actually quite sober and showing a sense of realism compared to the egregious Brown, Ferguson & Wilson on last night’s Sportsound.
nawlite says:
Member: (138 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 4:46 pm
Beautifully put.
Just caught last night’s Sportsound spat between Tom English, Jim Spence v John Brown and D Ferguson.
How does anyone deal with the kind of muddled aggressive thinking displayed by Brown and Ferguson?
It’s like talking Mandarin to a Martian that communicates by bottom burps.
Asking for clarity is having a go. Attacking TRFC. Let’s move on.
Well we would if we thought our points were being understood never mind answered.
Richard Wilson seems to think this leaves no questions on Scottish governance.
Where has he been living the last 3 years?
It is secrecy or lack of transparency that allows the SFA to operate as it likes.
If integrity is to recovered then the SFA must be challenged on this front.
Imagine for example you had pretty compelling evidence of wrongdoing by a club and possible complicity by the SFA, how on earth could it ever surface if it could be ignored with impunity?
That is the challenge supporters face and I sense that in English and Spence and hopefully more there might be a readiness for some of our msm to push the accountability/ transparency agenda.
What is needed is a vehicle for doing so that ignores the muddlethink of Brown and presses ahead to achieve that aim.
It would be interesting to see if the msm split and on what lines if demand for SFA accountability and transparency not only refused not to move on but insisted on getting answers before it did.
The other point that came across loud and clear was that nothing else mattered to B and F as long as TRFC were ok.
You would think they only played first v second team every week and no other clubs existed.
Can the Scottish football association (SFA ) pass anyone FPP to be a director of any company?
Or can they only pass a person FPP of a company who run a club.But who will not be a director of the club board
Good evening.
In todays’ Herald, Graham Spiers writes:
“Rangers FC – “old” or “new”, whatever your take – has gravely suffered. Never in anyone’s wildest dreams was it imagined that the club would be liquidated. But it was, in 2012.”
The club, liquidated. An old story, but still rare and refreshing to read the truth in the SMSM.
(apart from the “gravely suffered” bit of course, that’s just nonsense).
The whole article can be seen here:
http://tinyurl.com/ptobs3m
Well, at least it’s always uplifting to see the newspapers print more photos of Dave King and his big beaming smile. Never fails to cheer the heart!
Auldheid says:
Blog Writer: (428 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 7:31 pm
Just caught last night’s…
———–
You know, I gave it another stream today while walking the dog since I thought I was probably too harsh on the broadcast. I wasn’t. A bit sad that. Brown was an utter disgrace, and I’ve had a bit if sympathy for him because he took — what seemed — a principled stand against an injustice.
Ooft.
King on BT Sport deflecting direct and decent questions from Mark Guidi (!). Hmm…
Tartanwulver says:
Member: (156 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 7:42 pm
Well, at least it’s always uplifting to see the newspapers print more photos of Dave King and his big beaming smile…
=====================================
Sorry Tw…but ‘I don’t believe it !’ 🙄
A link to a ‘beaming King’ is needed as proof.
And it has to be a real smile.
Althetim says:
Member: (3 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 7:40 pm
Good evening.
In todays’ Herald, Graham Spiers writes:
“…Never in anyone’s wildest dreams was it imagined that the club would be liquidated. But it was, in 2012…”
=============================================
Well actually Spiers is wrong with that assumption.
The RTC-reading Bampots knew in August 2011 – after their Euro exit – that RFC was definitely destined for administration, and possibly even liquidation.
And IIRC, there were also several Bampots on various sites, [including CQN], who had raised concerns about the ‘creative’ RFC balance sheet valuations, and accrued / unsustainable losses – well before 2010.
And those Bampot concerns were based on publicly available information.
Information which was also available to Spiers and any other journalist.
But Spiers and the rest of the SMSM simply continued to copy/paste from the PR handouts from Irvine. :slamb:
Althetim says:
Member: (3 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 7:40 pm
Good evening.
In todays’ Herald, Graham Spiers writes:
“Rangers FC – “old” or “new”, whatever your take – has gravely suffered. Never in anyone’s wildest dreams was it imagined that the club would be liquidated. But it was, in 2012.”
The club, liquidated. An old story, but still rare and refreshing to read the truth in the SMSM.
(apart from the “gravely suffered” bit of course, that’s just nonsense).
The whole article can be seen here:
http://tinyurl.com/ptobs3m
…………………………….
Good post.
But
As we know
… Liquidation doesn’t actually mean anything in the Sevco mindset, they see it as the same as going into ‘administration’
Mr Speirs was very prone at one time (he may still be I gave up both the Herald and Times long ago) to refer to his theological education. There was much bandying of hermeneutics and exegesis. He seems to have forgotten what he learnt about Death to adhere to the smsm view of the effect of liquidation is not just heterodox but heretical let him be anathema as all the best theology has it.
Danish Pastry says:
Blog Writer: (1170 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 7:52 pm
Auldheid says:
Blog Writer: (428 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 7:31 pm
Just caught last night’s…
———–
You know, I gave it another stream today while walking the dog since I thought I was probably too harsh on the broadcast. I wasn’t. A bit sad that. Brown was an utter disgrace, and I’ve had a bit if sympathy for him because he took — what seemed — a principled stand against an injustice.
Ooft.
King on BT Sport deflecting direct and decent questions from Mark Guidi (!). Hmm…
///////////////////
Now now Danish
How are you managing to watch BT Sports?
Hmmm
its songbook time at 2-0. Eejits
tcup 2012tcup 2012 says:
Member: (195 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 8:53 pm
——-
Ha! Yes, I was actually watching on the Stalker software — but it froze
Got the last bit via my paid IPTV subscription which seems to have more stable servers.
The Stalker thing is very good, though, which makes me wonder how long the big boys of global broadcasting will allow this type of thing. Mind you, Linux OS distros are doing well and improving all the time, so why not alternative broadcasting annaw?
Hibees need a goal, btw. A dull & functionsl Sevco Scotland/5088 are walking away with this. The tie has a Stoke v Arsenal atmosphere about it — and Stoke are leading 2-0, although financially, Stoke are FC Wall Street 1929 🙂
You’ve got to give Stuart McCall some credit.
He’s turned a hopeless bunch of over paid has beens into a semi decent outfit.
Hibs don’t like they can score enough in the return leg .
I can’t say I’d fancy Motherwell to win over two games but you never know
Danish
I have BT on my iPad but can’t access this due to being on the west coast of Ireland(temp) I on the BBC live text commentary,always be thankful for small mercies,just about at the end of the game hibs have had 12 corners to
Rangers 0 ,a new ibrox record maybes
Oops ,should always wait until the fat lady sings.
Hibs gd passing woefully inept up front
And let’s face it both teams would be wipping boys in the top leauge
Hibs are average when at their best (sorry all hibs fans but true)
TRFC losing half their team over the summer and arguably their best player since January heading back down south
I think one Hearts fan posited that Hibs can always be relied upon to screw up when it really matters. Can’t blame their defeat tonight on anything else.
I thought Rangers was the hungrier of the two teams, but for all their dominance of territory and possession, Hibs seemed to play with a lot of fear. Ibrox was worth a goal to Rangers tonight; and Hibs played against the crowd instead of the eleven guys in blue.
Might be different in the next match, but it is difficult to see how the journey can be stopped in its tracks.
Back on the iPad as opposed to the phone,bigger key pads to hit,no fat yacks,cheers John, to blame,to be honest,sipping a nice Irish a bit peaty but the Guinness helps,OT,but they do a small bottle of exported that is about 7.5 bit high but chilled is superb,not available in the UK to my knowledge,on the game it does look like Stuart McCall has came in at the right time and respect to him ,team selection etc seemed spot on,Hibs ,well ,let’s wait until after Saturday,but if I was a Motherwell man I would be planning for a different league next season.
yourhavingalaugh says:
Member: (239 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 10:00 pm
Back on the iPad as opposed to the phone,bigger key pads to hit,no fat yacks,cheers John, to blame,to be honest,sipping a nice Irish a bit peaty but the Guinness helps,OT,but they do a small bottle of exported that is about 7.5 bit high but chilled is superb,not available in the UK to my knowledge,on the game it does look like Stuart McCall has came in at the right time and respect to him ,team selection etc seemed spot on,Hibs ,well ,let’s wait until after Saturday,but if I was a Motherwell man I would be planning for a different league next season.
=======================================
Well we will see how that goes starting with how the SFA view the ludicrous red card for Skippy appeal by the ‘Well. (You know vice DK is a lovely uncriminal type chap).
We have 3 players all with experience of winning at Ibrox Skippy being the one most likely to bother them.
We will see.
Personally I would be advising whoever takes the corners if we go to Govan to fill their shorts with paper balls to fire back at the lovely Pretendygers fans. (The Hibs players obviously didn’t know this was a new pastime allowed by the Ibrox stewards). How they laughed.
Hibs better find that scoring touch for the next game or Motherwell will be coming to Ibrox. I think the best Hibs can hope for is taking it to extra time but will they have the bottle to see it through ?
yourhavingalaugh says:
Member: (239 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 9:43 pm
———-
And to think the rights to these matches have been sold for a single Woodbine and a bag of chips! Is Doncaster actually a 5th columnist for BT Sport’s commercial department?
Dick ‘Dutch’ Advocat emotional on Sky Sports the noo. Sunderland’s £££ Saviour. Must be the joyous thought of managing Sevco Scotland 2012 next season. What else?
Why ‘Scottish’ football supporters sing about ‘Old Derry’s Walls’ when their team scores a goal is still an enigma wrapped in a sash, to me at least. ‘Mancunian Candidates’? Are there any psychiatrists on the blog who can explain this phenomenon?
Danish Pastry says:
Blog Writer: (1172 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 10:26 pm
yourhavingalaugh says:
Member: (239 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 9:43 pm
———-
And to think the rights to these matches have been sold for a single Woodbine and a bag of chips! Is Doncaster actually a 5th columnist for BT Sport’s commercial department?
Dick ‘Dutch’ Advocat emotional on Sky Sports the noo. Sunderland’s £££ Saviour. Must be the joyous thought of managing Sevco Scotland 2012 next season. What else?
Why ‘Scottish’ football supporters sing about ‘Old Derry’s Walls’ when their team scores a goal is still an enigma wrapped in a sash, to me at least. ‘Mancunian Candidates’? Are there any psychiatrists on the blog who can explain this phenomenon?
================================================================
A psychiatrist writes.
I’m now and again in yon Holidae Inn /expressum by the Clyde Side.
Frequently its burdened by travellers from a far Nord Ireland which are Pretendygers folks by their hunners.
Many low budget hostelries are similarly encumbered.
Yons yer answer.
Prof Boswell (psych)
Re the spat on Sportsound . My take
Tom English isn’t scared to ask a tough question . He adheres to the old fashioned view that journalists are there to get to the bottom of an important story.
Jim Spence is like many on here ( probably why he is so popular in these parts ) He’s a fan , an enthusiast and he just wants the game to prosper , preferably with the Arabs at the summit , but that doesn’t stop him questioning obvious B*** S*** ,no matter the source
Derek Ferguson is a knowledgable ex player , who should only comment on the technical aspect of the game ( for which he is well qualified ) . For his own reputation he should stay well away from the politics ( where he is completely out of his depth )
John Brown is a moronic aggressive bully. He shouldn’t be anywhere near the BBC ,other than as an example of Neanderthal thinking from a ( hopefully) bygone age
Anyone any ideas what this case is about in the Rolls bldg. Chancery division ?
APPLICATIONS
The Football Association Premier league Limited v Borley & Ors
The Football Association Premier league Limited v Gough & Anr
The Football Association Premier league Limited v Landrake Limited & Ors
The Football Association Premier league Limited v Upper Green Leisure Limited
The Football Association Premier league Limited v Yates & ors
The Football Association Premier league Limited v Brandon Davis Publishing Ltd (Gibraltar) & ors
Broadcasting ?
Re Danish Pastry
“Why ‘Scottish’ football supporters sing about ‘Old Derry’s Walls’ when their team scores a goal is still an enigma wrapped in a sash, to me at least. ‘Mancunian Candidates’? Are there any psychiatrists on the blog who can explain this phenomenon?”
Apart from all the sociological reasons I think it’s simply that they have very few pro-Rangers songs because they are defined by their hatred of XY&Z.
I know this isn’t a Celtic blog but I reckon that the top songs likely to get belted out at Celtic Park and joined in by the majority of the stadium are; You’ll Never Walk Alone, The Celtic Song, I just Can’t Get Enough, Willy Maley, Glasgow’s Green & White, Fields of Athenry…… and I know most clubs have a repertoire of acceptable club songs without resorting the less savoury ones. Perhaps we just need to give the new club a chance to develop a decent song book….no I don’t believe that’ll happen either…..once a b*goted supremacist with a false sense of entitlement always a …..
The Well Bois doing another food bank thing. For any Thistle fans Thanks
SIWY Fanzine
4 hrs ·
.
Motherwell Bois Food Drive – Saturday 23rd May.
On Saturday 13th December we coordinated a food drive at Fir Park with all proceeds being donated to Basics Food Bank.
Again, like we did at the time, we would like to thank each and every person who donated that day.
The amount of parcels collected from very generous ‘Well fans as well as some far travelled Ross County supporters was overwhelming and highlighted the real community spirit throughout Motherwell and across Scotland.
Unfortunately these donations can only go so far and we strongly believe that supporters of Motherwell have a duty of care not only to support the football club during difficult times but also support their community.
We would like to emphasis that in the current climate the day to day running of a Foodbank can be extremely challenging due a decrease in supply yet increase in demand.
For that reason we will be coordinating another collection on Saturday 23rd May at Fir Park prior to the match against Partick Thistle.
We understand that for many people across the country times are tough however we would like to encourage ‘Well fans, and fans of Partick, to give what they can!
Where to find us – Outside the Davie Cooper Stand / The Well Shop from 1:45pm up until kick off!
What to bring – Non perishable food! The following items are desirable: tinned custard, tinned fruit, tinned meat, tinned fish, soup, noodles, beans, tea bags and any basic toiletries. Please note this list is advisory, not exhaustive.
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ianagain says:
Member: (479 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 11:05 pm
Anyone any ideas what this case is about in the Rolls bldg. Chancery division ?
==========================
On the basis that Upper Green Leisure appear to be involved in the licenced trade I’m guessing were looking at unauthorised transmission of EPL games.
There has been a ruling down south on this before and IIRC it went against the EPL.
I’m guessing copyright infringement in this case but that’s just a wild stab in the dark on my part.
“Why ‘Scottish’ football supporters sing about ‘Old Derry’s Walls’ when their team scores a goal is still an enigma
————————————
Yes indeed however to my Irish friends, us singing the Fields, is also an enigma, as is most of our pro-IRA stuff. Sorry to say but neither of us look particularly sane when being viewed from the outside. Come to think of it it is not just, Celtic and Rangers, most other teams have a huge amount of obnoxious songs … Mancunians included, so I wouldn’t try to win the ugliest baby competition by trying to score points via this route.
Billy Boyce says:
Member: (50 comments)
May 20, 2015 at 10:56 am
here is a link to last night’s BBC Sportsound podcast. Give it a minute to load:
http://ic.51834e38.1163ef.aod-pod-uk-live.bbcfmt.vo.llnwi.net/mpg_mp3_med/2c97c5944cfb7a51014d6d7d16e0247e–audio–sportsound-podcast-19-may-2015_mpg_mp3_med.mp3?s=1432088397&e=1432131597&h=fb8136d3a9c0622ec1c0215c64dfba1a
__________________________________________________________________________________
Has anyone been able to access the BBC Radio Scotland podcast from the Sports sound programme of May 19?
I have tried the link provided by Billy Boyce as above but just leads to a blank page for me?
I have also tried via the BBC Scottish Football Podcast page where despite the May 19 podcast being put up a day late the actual link given does not work and only leads to:
Access Denied
You don’t have permission to access “http://aod-pod-uk-live.edgesuite.net/mpg_mp3_med/2c97c5944cfb7a51014d6d7d16e0247e–audio–sportsound-podcast-19-may-2015_mpg_mp3_med.mp3” on this server.
Reference #18.a40d0317.1432167567.aab13f5
I tried going via the iPlayer but this leads to the same bad link as above.
Has anyone been able to access this?