The Covid 19 Pandemic is a truly serious game-changing situation for us all.
We are all currently staring into a future with no declared road map exit of
how we might move back to normality and the certainty of disruption now and
long into the future.
Against the background of lockdown to curb the virus spread we have all run smack bang into economic and social chaos.
We have gone from normality into unheard of times virtually overnight and with horrendous economic consequences coming every which way into the future.
Football is not important in the greater scheme of things but still has issues that need attention and urgently because it affects people’s lives.
This Week’s SPFL Plan to Move On
The SPFL are simply the members association who run our leagues on a “for the members, by the members, for the members” kind of way in theory.
For reasons known to them they collectively took the decision to start to draw an end to season 2019 – 2020 with its Covid 19 uncertainty.
This was probably to allow them and all their members (our clubs) to at least
start to plan for the future when income streams will return.
From speaking to those involved from the club side and reading and hearing more at a truly astonishing pace since Wednesday 8th of April, just 3 day ago, the SPFL decided in their wisdom that the best solution was to conflate two particular issues.
To back their case quite forcibly they also provided a dossier of over 100 pages of supportive material. All good bedtime reading for our club’s boards I have been told, but i haven’t seen it.
The issues the SPFL decided to conflate were to ‘pro-rata’ all games played so far this season so they could equalise and close the Championship and Leagues 1 and 2, with the Premiership going the same way if it became clear that fixtures could not be completed.
If and only if the motion was agreed by the members then the end of season prize money would be forthcoming from the SPFL bank almost immediately.
Money desperately needed by some members. A real lifeline in troubled times.
There was also another possible wee carrot dangled.
This might have been of a sort of half-hearted agreement to look at re-organisation of Scottish Football. This because despite the dossier urging clubs to vote yes, the SPFL knew some clubs would not be happy with their proposals and would not agree.
In the Real World of Challenged and Stressed Football Clubs
The SPFL conflation of “do this or no money” meant things like.
The title would be handed to Celtic eventually if Premier Clubs then followed suit, despite Rangers having a mathematical, albeit statistically unlikely, chance of catching their rivals.
Hearts would be relegated despite having enough games to catch their nearest rivals and stay safe possibly by a play off (if they hadn’t already been cancelled).
Partick Thistle would be relegated because they failed to play one league game while playing another SPFL competition and also had a bunch of games left to save themselves.
Stranraer would go down despite being proven late season successful relegation fighters.
Brora (declared Highland Champions) and Kelty (current leaders in Lowland League, by a bawhair over Bonnyrigg) would have no play off with a likely game against Brechin or whoever was going to be bottom of the SPFL2 league.
And these are just the tip of what football chiefs I’ve spoken with have termed an ill-considered iceberg of matters arising from a hapless attempt to bring some certainty to the SPFL membership.
72 Hours of Mayhem as Peter was Played Against Paul
People are interconnected today and from the moment clubs were pushed into a corner they discussed it together and in depth.
They all know who voted how why and when and have WhatsApp records too.
They all feel they could have done it better. I can’t try to sum up the sheer enormity and quantity of what has happened since Wednesday night but after I had penned a piece for SFM on Friday with suggestions that there was a civil war brewing that is just indeed what happened.
Every club effectively had a moral and economic choice and sometimes they were conflicting.
Friday was too close to call
I was in a few communication loops sitting at home on Friday afternoon as the vote unfolded.
I had been warned how close it was going to be and it was fascinating with first Inverness seen as the potentially key vote then an acceptance just before 5 that the whole thing had failed.
Then, 5.30ish, a different and quite hopeful view came out that after the vote had been seen to have failed that a 14, 14, 14, compromised was likely. Sense seemed to be prevailing. Then later and very late in the day a view that 1 vote (Dundee) had still to come and was in effect now the casting vote with all the power that casting votes carry.
Since then we have first seen Dundee castigated in the press and by unthinking media pundits as the villains for holding everything up.
(But that’s now old news).
Today (Sat 11th April), ICT Chief Executive Scott Gardiner was on BBC Sportsound alongside Richard Gordon, Michael Stewart Tom English, Kenny Miller and later on Willie Miller. It wasn’t a normal filler show in a period with no football.
It was truly amazing with some hard facts and honest insights. Uncommonly so.
I should have been forewarned after one well know football finance insider had tweeted last night (Fri) ahead of the curve that “Dundee will have earned some concession and will now change their vote” or words to that effect.
Wow he was ahead of the tsunami that burst this afternoon. If you haven’t heard BBC Sportsound at 2 pm today then the first hour or so is unmissable.
Since then matters have gone on apace we have now heard that Douglas Park, interim Chairman of Rangers, wants the SPFL CEO Neil Doncaster and legal counsel Rod Mackenzie (Rangers links) to stand down ahead of an independent inquiry.
So less than a day after a yet to be agreed vote outcome and genuine internecine war is brewing and exploding with Mr Parks claiming he has damning information from a whistleblower.
In turn he has been asked by the current SPFL Chairman Murdoch MacLennan to substantiate his “very serious accusations”. .
So Who Scored the Own Goal and What Can We Do About It?
As of now I actually don’t care who did what and when.
Stuff has happened and in the fullness of time we can look at how it happened and what we can do to avoid it into the future.
Today we need to move forward and that needs leadership.
Here is a 5 point roadmap.
Ditch this divisive plan
It doesn’t matter how Dundee vote just consign all this crap to history.
Pay all the monies due
This week no strings and if that needs a vote then vote on that and that alone.
Agree what happens and how to end the season
Scottish Football Supporters Association say this must include no relegation and pyramid winners should be included. Don’t penalise anyone at this time.
And an interim plan would be fine of three leagues like nearly got agreed for 20 minutes on Friday.
Take time
End the season properly and fairly and plan for the future to reinvigorate our game for the greater good. The world has changed but we haven’t.
Involve all stakeholders especially the fans
This should all be on the record and transparent.
The Time To Stop The War is Now
For the record I have no objection to Celtic an Dundee Utd being given their titles on the basis of a good points lead and a low probability of being caught.
However for a small number of other clubs there are fine margins in terms of points and games to play that cannot and should not be so easily dismissed at this early stage.
Having considered the permutations across the leagues, there are no certainties with regards winners, losers, promotions and relegations. Many may disagree; however, taking every scenario in to account, the application of every rule makes every league's outcome too unpredictable.There is too much uncertainty.
Without argument, it is those clubs that have abondoned the system of rules and practices, by which they are directed, that have become significantly more susceptible and least likely to weather this horrible storm.
It's been commonplace for many years for fans to question overspending by some clubs and under investment (or lack of) by others. Quite often, a club's fanbase has demanded more activity in the transfer markets regardless of the strength of the 'company' and too often clubs have indulged in the demands of their fans.
Personally, I have no issue with monies being distributed, but absolutely not awarded, before the season is determined. But it must be fair.
Above all, lessons MUST be learned and Scottish Football must demand corporate governance regardless of the stature of a member club. Without exception. After all, corporate governance is the measure of the viability of any company.
Scottish football must be for the greater good. Give them the money. We've (I've) no wish to punish the many.
https://twitter.com/gjust67/status/1249474195609845761?s=21
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more surreal. Bonsoir encore un fois.
I've not been that active on SFM or other blogs because of an illness in Scotland called "scunnert" often expressed as "fair scunnert".
I've been blogging about SFA Reform, Domestic Financial Fair Play, Increasing UEFA Solidarity payments/decreasing rewards to clubs that qualify for UEFA competitions.
With great assistance from some SFM stalwarts for which I'm very grateful, we put together a time line of fraud and skulldugery by the SFA, The SPL/SPFL and the chameleon club/company, depending on the issue, resident at Ibrox.
https://www.res12.uk/
A timeline that also covers how the Lord Nimmo Smith Commission was deceived and how it, like other so called judicial processes established by the SFA/SPL/SPFL were set up to achieve a desired result by hook or by crooks.
A result that Celtic, contrary to appearances, have had no more interest in overturning any more than they have bringing the SFA and Board members of the current version of Rangers who served on the Board of Rangers FC to account for obtaining a UEFA licence in 2011 under false pretence to Celtic's financial cost and who accepted the 5 Way Agreement they denied sight of at the last AGM.
The game is rotten to the core, run by liars and charlatans and if it collapsing under the weight of its own mendacity were to produce right minded thinking leaders and something we could all enjoy being part of, I might hope that the words of Kahil Gibran were taking form before our very eyes.
"Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses
your understanding.
Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its
heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.
And could you keep your heart in wonder at the
daily miracles of your life, your pain would not seem
less wondrous than your joy;
And you would accept the seasons of your heart,
even as you have always accepted the seasons that
pass over your fields.
And you would watch with serenity through the
winters of your grief.
Much of your pain is self-chosen.
It is the bitter potion by which the physician within
you heals your sick self.
Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy
in silence and tranquillity:
For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by
the tender hand of the Unseen, (edit no not Fenian)
And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has
been fashioned of the clay which the Potter has
moistened with His own sacred tears.
Did they not say it had been attached in a PDF file so it could have tripped the firewall seems like something you would not leave out of your skullduggery statement, Unless you were trying to drive a certain agenda.
Admin may remove this.
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/18375828.glaring-omission-scot-gardiners-radio-revelations-will-disappoint-spfl-conspiracy-theorists/
Doncaster and the heavy handedness of last week has well and truly lit the internecine war blue touch paper.
With no option of standing together the clubs have had to address their own self-interest driven questions and to choose what they considered as best for them as individual businesses.
To most it was a pragmatic financial and moving on decision based on the realities they could foresee of ending this season now, where they would be next year and what they see as the probable revenue streams.
As in any and every season some clubs are major financial losers although arguably unfairly in a contracted season.
One club has a particular problem and issue with what they saw as the likely champions award in the top league.
Fair enough but it didn’t have to be this way.
The SPFL board and the strangely quiet and absent SFA have had their share of rightful criticism from this site.
This whole unnecessary episode is simply more of the same and is down to the leadership vacuum that is Scottish Football.
In these unprecedented times the SPFL board should have gone on to a war footing and protected their membership as best they could.
They didn’t.
In doing that they have failed us all and have set club against club.
Now we have the outcome predicted by this site last week.
There is a danger that some might see this as just one team following a futile mission to stop their rivals crystallising their significant points difference.
I understand that but that is a sideshow, won’t happen and moves nothing forward.
The real issue here is that the SPFL lacks leadership, vision, insight and empathy.
Our way out is not about imposing something that will harm our game and I include both Friday’s ill thought vote and any attempt at null and voiding.
Necessity can become the mother of invention and we need to pay the monies out as soon as possible and find a way that is for the good of the game, not the simplest tick-box closure plan attempted by our well paid administrators.
I think things will get much worse.
Finloch 13th April 2020 at 09:21
I think things will get much worse.
==============
I said in an earlier post that if the SPFL are sure of their ground then they should advise Rangers to withdraw their allegations or discuss the matter in the Court of Session. Likewise Rangers, if they do have compelling evidence, only need to hand it to one of their many media friends to publish, bringing the whole shooting match down in one fell swoop. If the SPFL are sure of their ground, they need to stop Rangers in their tracks. Much of the online community are now wholly convinced there is a fenian conspiracy at play, and that the entire thing is being orchestrated by Celtic. Does anyone seriously think if Celtic were being allowed to dictate matters Rangers would not have included it in one of their seemingly endless statements? Ah..statements. Like the one Rangers issued a few days back demanding PRIZE money be paid out now. Then the one yesterday which denied what they had actually written in that statement! Interestingly yesterday's statement was devoid of insults and threats, and merely spoke of LOANS, as part of their denial of what was actually said.
Let's get this in court. Even the threat of such will be enough if Rangers are bluffing. Likewise a threat of court would surely prompt Rangers to go public with the evidence if they have it. Otherwise the monster has the bolt through it's neck, has been charged with electricity, and is about to wreak complete havoc. It can't be allowed to.
Finloch 13th April 2020 at 09:21
I agree with you 100% on this.
The SPFL Board and its advisors who are driving the agenda seem to be intent on advocating a “herd immunity” solution. If enough of of us stick together (75%) then we can get through this. So what if a few old clubs get seriously damaged or die. We must keep what we hold dear to our way of doing business.
I notice even Mathew Lindsay of the Evening Times seems to have a big question mark over Scot Gardiner's vote for ICT.
However that's not my point. It's just that you learn something every day.
Football players, managers and coaches regularly jump from one club to another. It's a profession. Sometimes c/w a fondness or loyalty to certain clubs.
Likewise it's common knowledge that Non Executive Directors can be on the boards of multiple firms.
But I didn't realise that there were individuals who move around executive posts at football clubs.
In this current story, Eric Drysdale, Dundee Secretary used to be CEO of Raith Rovers. And Scot Gardiner, ICT's CEO used to be in senior positions with Hearts and Dundee!
He seems to be a very ambitious man. I wonder where he is aiming for next in his career? The pinnacle?
Finloch 13th April 2020 at 09:21.
It seems to me that the SPFL at least tried to do the right thing, by calling the lower divisions, (thus releasing prize monies), but not calling the league overall, (thus keeping UEFA and broadcasters sweet).
As the SPFL have pointed out, short term loans would be available to the top tier as back-up, but I would think they would need to be securitised. The prize monies themselves cannot be used as security, because without the league positions being finalised, they are not secure. (Null & Void is a possibility with no prize money due).
However they did make a monumental howler by releasing the voting position prior to all votes being made. A ballot is secret, to avoid voters being influenced by herd mentality.
I am not privvy to how much pressure the SPFL were under from clubs needing funds tout suis, but the urgency by which they sought response, points to it being quite a lot. . I think the voting standings should have been kept under wraps until the process was completed. That was their only mistake. Reconstruction cannot be on the table until how many building blocks are available to build with, is known. That may be some time away.
Again though, the clubs themselves are not innocent in all this, as cliques appear to have formed, and influence via the herd clearly not so much an issue. Clubs were aware of how other clubs intended to vote…………The vote really should have been for individual clubs to make their own decision. Instead pacts were made, (or at least appear to have been), with much lobbying undertaken. Some clubs revealed their voting intentions prior to the vote.
Although voting percentages required were sectioned by divisions, the overall league vote was a landslide in favour of the SPFL proposals.
Balanced between keeping UEFA/broadcasters sweet, and getting funding out to those in need, it's difficult to see how they could have gone about it any other way.
Having said all that, if evidence of malfeasance is produced, then it must be acted upon, but to date, that evidence lies solely in the imaginations of the lobbyists, until shown otherwise.
I stand to be corrected here, however there is now talk of the Police becoming involved. Am I not correct in saying that if someone has evidence of the commission of a criminal offence they are obliged to give it to the Police.
Maybe I just watch too much TV.
So what do the SPFL do now.
I would suggest that they must announce that they are doing nothing until the first week in May. If it is true that No voters are entitled to change that vote to Yes then they must wait until the deadline before they can actually announce the result.
Unless the 75% Yes is now achieved in the Championship, as it has been in the other two polls as far as I can remember. A Yes cannot be changed so is final and better to act as quickly as possible if it is achieved.
So the clubs can wait until the first week in May. Then a decision can be made on what should happen next. Either finalise the league (UEFA may withdraw their objections by that time) or come up with some other plan and put that to the members.
Abandoning a resolution which so many people support cannot happen. If it is to fail it has to fail through the proper process. We have had enough of people just making it up as they go along.
Homunculus 13th April 2020 at 10:55
Abandoning a resolution which so many people support cannot happen. If it is to fail it has to fail through the proper process.
——————————————————
Isn't that the point? It did fail through the proper process. As a result, the SPFL board took it upon themselves to nobble what was, we are led to believe, the only vote out of 42 cast that somehow failed to get through thanks to a technical glitch, or, if you prefer, it did get through but was subsequently withdrawn, with that withdrawal somehow successfully by-passing the technical glitch.
Now call me a sceptic for casting doubt on the veracity of Doncaster & co but the chain of events we're expected to swallow would be rejected by Hans Christian Andersen as beyond fanciful.And that's without going into the SPFL's unwarranted insistence in tying up the release of funds with passing their resolution. I really do hope the police get involved as quite a backlog has built up for them to investigate since 2011.
Highlander 13th April 2020 at 11:17
Homunculus 13th April 2020 at 10:55
Abandoning a resolution which so many people support cannot happen. If it is to fail it has to fail through the proper process.
——————————————————
Isn't that the point? It did fail through the proper process.
================================
How could it have failed, they were only a few days into a 28 day deadline.
Given that No voters can change their mind the proper process cannot be completed until the deadline is reached. Any abstainers then automatically become No.
Unless the resolution is accepted there is no option but to wait 28 days for a final result.
jimbo 13th April 2020 at 10:08
I notice even Mathew Lindsay of the Evening Times seems to have a big question mark over Scot Gardiner's vote for ICT.
========================================================
David Low's twitter has a few other snippets on his timeline Jimbo.
https://twitter.com/Heavidor/status/1249592044496052224
Technically, the point about 28 days is correct.
However, as we don’t really have that amount of time to save what is widely regarded as quite a number of clubs from going ‘to the wall’.
Although I accept the old saying that common sense is not so common, I feel the resolution will be passed (today?). However, the in- fighting and blame games will continue.
Final thought though – Does this guy Gardiner think he’s Dominic Cummings – or does he just want his 15 minutes of fame?
If so many clubs are at risk of their demise couldn't the SPFL immediately pay out to each club an interim amount of the minimum their individual divisions would receive as prize money while this is sorted? At least it would allow most clubs to pay their April wages.
Prem – £1,125,000
Champ – £175,000
One – £70,000
Two – £45,000
CO, That’s a strange one. David Low states that Scot Gardiner is not a director of ICT. So I looked it up! On Wiki. He is. But on the club official website he is not! Indeed they say:
“ICTFC’s board is rooted in the local community; It has ambition and heart. These are Inverness people who love the Club and the City.”
You certainly couldn’t attribute those qualities to Scot Gardiner.
Why are so many pundits saying he is CEO? I am confused. Is it possible to be a CEO but not on the board?
Homunculus 13th April 2020 at 11:27
With respect, that serves only more amply demonstrate how the SPFL board tried to bludgeon its way to its desired outcome by insisting that only No votes could be withdrawn, not Yes votes.
I note you steered clear of commenting on what was in any case my main point, that the board realised it was about to lose a democratic vote, so it intervened in order to prevent that happening.
With TRFC posturing for the benefit of their support, and their ST sales,
the Ibrox club’s behaviour is consistent: we demand everyone does what we say, we don’t give a monkey’s about other clubs, WATP!
With the SPFL unusually daring to answer back, TRFC might have to deploy its standard, ‘big stick’, final threat;
withhold the ‘blue pound’ and boycott those ‘Rangers hating’ clubs.
…oh wait…
It’s a club acting like an elderly, punch drunk fighter: full of noise, empty threats and bluster;
“I coulda been the SPL Champion…”
Corrupt official 13th April 2020 at 11:36
David Low’s twitter has a few other snippets on his timeline Jimbo.
https://twitter.com/Heavidor/status/1249592044496052224
====================================
I’ve been keeping an eye on David Low’s tweets and his spat with Tom English.
I’m disappointed that David feels that he has to “play the man” in this circumstance, casting doubt on Scot Gardiner’s motives and calling for the ICT owners and Directors to get involved because of the precarious nature of ICT’s finances, and even raising the issue that SG may be furloughed, so isn’t allowed to work.
Perhaps he should raise the same question of other clubs, their owners, directors and executives, who report year on year losses, that are funded by owners, shareholders or other benefactors. That would include Livingston, St Johnstone, Ross County, Dundee, Dundee United, Morton, Falkirk, Raith Rovers and a few more household names.
The bottom line is that ALL clubs are losing out financially as a result of this crisis, with no income but having to pay some wages, and other fixed costs. The SPFL’s prime consideration should be to ensure that the impact of the crisis on ALL clubs is minimised, so that they can ALL get through to the end of the crisis. That means working together for a common purpose rather than the self interest that is all too evident at the moment.
Highlander 13th April 2020 at 12:19
Homunculus 13th April 2020 at 11:27
With respect, that serves only more amply demonstrate how the SPFL board tried to bludgeon its way to its desired outcome by insisting that only No votes could be withdrawn, not Yes votes.
I note you steered clear of commenting on what was in any case my main point, that the board realised it was about to lose a democratic vote, so it intervened in order to prevent that happening.
=====================================
As I understand it that is actually the law, not something the SPFL just put in themselves. A yes vote cannot be revoked.
I didn't "steer clear of anything". Like everyone else here I discuss what I choose to. However as you brought it up, they had no need to "intervene" at that stage. They had 4 weeks, as the deadline is only met at those 28 days, or if the resolution is passed.
296 Procedure for signifying agreement to written resolution
(1) A member signifies his agreement to a proposed written resolution when the company receives from him (or from someone acting on his behalf) an authenticated document—
(a) identifying the resolution to which it relates, and
(b) indicating his agreement to the resolution.
(2) The document must be sent to the company in hard copy form or in electronic form.
(3) A member's agreement to a written resolution, once signified, may not be revoked.
(4) A written resolution is passed when the required majority of eligible members have signified their agreement to it.
I get that Scott Gardiner may be the biggest blue nose on the planet but he is the CEO of ICT.
Surely the club's decision on such an important matter was made by their board.
How is it we are told that serious professionals at other clubs have little control and have to do their board's bidding (whether they knew about it or not) but appear to being asked to believe the ICT CEO is some kind of rogue operator.
If he saying or is doing anything out of turn in relation to the ICT stance then I would expect him to be getting his P45 soon so he is free to head to a role at Ibrox that many appear to believe awaits him.
The interweb awash with claim and counterclaim regarding the CEO at ICT. Whatever the truth is, unless the directors of said club make clear that he is doing their bidding then Gardiner will be forever regarded as duplicitous, something that will be reinforced should he ever find a career opportunity elsewhere.
Jimbo
TRFC’s CEO is not on the plc board. Not necessary, but ill-advised according to David Low.
And David would have, I think, checked with Companies’ House for his info.
Corrupt official 13th April 2020 at 11:36
‘..David Low’s twitter ..’
“”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
A wee while ago I used the phrase ” the obliquity of the ecliptic” which I had lifted (as many will have known) from ” The Greek Interpreter” , a short ‘Sherlock Holmes’ story which I was re-reading at the time.
David Low’s opening words in his tweet “This Gardiner fellow..” tickled me, because they might very well have been used, perhaps a little disdainfully, by such as, say, Dr Watson and perhaps the great defective himself.
And I’m still curious to know whether this Gardiner fellow was approached by the BBC or had phoned in on his own initiative. (It appears that one cannot email BBC Scotland ?)
Since 2012 contributers to this site will know that I have been a constant and consistent critic of members of the SPFL, and others, who put their own organisations' financial interests ahead of rules, morality and (in some cases) outright legality.
Let me make this absolutely clear. I have no doubt whatsoever that key personnel within the SPFL ensure that it will do, at all times, what is in its own best interest – regardless of whether or not their actions are favourable or prejudicial to individual clubs.
The SPFL is now, as always, looking after itself.
But, is it currently suggesting that it should break any rules? Is it proposing to do anything that is immoral? Is it undertaking any action that is unlawful?
In 2012 I have no doubt the answer to all three questions was yes. Its actions cut deep in the heart of the integrity of the competition it is entrusted to manage.
In contrast, how it is proposing to respond to the financial tsunami our clubs are ensuing is broadly fair. I believe that, in this case, the SPFL is playing a relatively straight bat.
Has it made mistakes? Absolutely.
Are its key personnel to be trusted? Absolutely not.
However, I do find it difficult to find empathy with those who are advocating various 'solutions' to the current problems that are contrary to existing rules, are morally dubious and, as I understand them, are likely to be unlawful.
Those answers, in my opinion, are no answers at all.
The SPFL is certainly tainted: but we need to look at every proposed solution on its own merits.
As Homunculus said in an earlier comment, we should be playing the ball, not the man.
Big Pink, I’m probably giving my age away. When I was younger I seem to remember the terminology Managing DIRECTOR rather than CEO. I assumed CEOs were still directors who run the business on a day to day basis.
I blame the yanks for all this new fangled work speak.
I’m off for a power nap. (Afternoon sleep)
I agree with those who think that castigating Scott Gardner because of his views is quite simply wrong.
I happen to take the same view as he does though
My problem with him is that he appears to be the guy whose intervention has caused an escalation of the crisis, an intervention that appears to have left out some crucial information which would have explained the snafu over Dundee’s email.
Perfectly possible for an attachment to fall foul of a spam or virus filter, but for a subsequent post from the same address (although in this case it was from a different address), to be received.
I believe the SPFL board, two of whom I know fairly well, are more than capable of riding roughshod over others to get what they want, but as Homunculus says, in this instance it doesn’t appear to be necessary given the 28 day rule.
I am far more inclined to believe Ann Budge’s assertion that coercion was used. I’d also be inclined to believe the TRFC assertions, except for the barrage of accusations, contradictions and foot-stomping, which have the effect of obscuring the Wood with the trees.
One question though does bother me. Who benefits from the resolution being passed? I mean specifically in this way? I doubt it is Celtic or Dundee United. They are shoo-ins for the title anyway.
We certainly know who is (unfairly in my view) penalised. Hearts and PT.
The UEFA angle doesn’t hold any longer either since they have assured the Belgians that their Euro places are safe next year
More questions than answers. In this climate it is easy to sow the seeds of distrust.
Homunculus 13th April 2020 at 10:34
I bet you don't
John Clark
My information (from a producer at BBC) is that Gardner initiated the call. I don't think that there is much to be inferred either way though.
If he felt strongly enough about the situation he was entitled to broaden his reach.
Sorry BP. Much as I respect your position as ‘custodian’ in my ‘bampot’ team of the other day, I have no time for this guy who, quite simply, is playing fast and loose with our game for his own selfish ends (not ICTs or anyone else’s)
He’s a chancer, ‘coarner boy’, opportunist – call it what you will.
And here’s something else – whether there’s any truth in the rumour of him being offered a position at the crumbling dome (from The Celtic Star) or not, the intrepid reporters (where are they?) of SMSM would have been all over this story had CFC being the alleged club involved.
Big Pink 13th April 2020 at 13:38
'…My information (from a producer at BBC) is that Gardner initiated the call..'
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
I'm happy to hear that, and , of course, Gardiner is as free as anyone to phone the BBC to express an opinion or provide factual information.
I would have been sorry indeed if the BBC had conspired/contrived to ensure that a particular opinion in a controversial matter had been solicited, with no countervailing opinion from a contributor of equal 'standing'.
easyJambo 13th April 2020 at 12:21
Corrupt official 13th April 2020 at 11:36 David Low’s twitter has a few other snippets on his timeline Jimbo.
https://twitter.com/Heavidor/status/1249592044496052224 ====================================
I’ve been keeping an eye on David Low’s tweets and his spat with Tom English……………
==============================================
I agree with all you say EJ wrt the good of Scottish fitba'. However as club CEO he has a duty to his club alone, and it's responsibility to it's creditors. It may well be that the creditors are not of a nervous disposition, but that would be rare in the world of finance, although not completely unheard of.
That is the difficult tightrope being walked here. Emotional decisions will always be over-ridden by legal responsibilities. As you say, many clubs are in the same boat, and some may have more nervous creditors influencing their decision making, but that is not of SPFL doing. It's what the law requires.
I don't think David Low is suggesting Gardiner has acted outwith his legal obligations, but merely pointing out that there are other factors to consider, other than emotions, when decision making. Factors that English may not be aware of.
It may be a worthwhile question for English to put before Gardiner, as that is his job, and hopefully clear the air. Gardiner seems to be quite comfortable in front of a microphone, and hasn't been shy to date.
Big Pink 13th April 2020 at 13:30
One question though does bother me. Who benefits from the resolution being passed? I mean specifically in this way? I doubt it is Celtic or Dundee United.
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It’s a question I have asked myself. I can give a personal opinion on what each club in the Premiership would see as their own preferred outcomes, notwithstanding the SPFL’s current proposals.
Can all of the above be achieved? Almost! The only ones that conflict are the award of the title to Celtic and the null & void scenario as desired by Rangers.
Can all the above be achieved and minimise the hardship on ALL clubs? Yes with the exception of null and void, as that could require the redistribution of funds including those already received by clubs.
Rangers would not be adversely impacted financially by dropping their null and void claim, so I’d suggest that is the way forward.
In summary, everyone could get virtually everything they want (and more importantly need) if there was a collective willingness of all the clubs to act for the greater good. It would mean compromise in terms of the league structure and financial distribution model for next season, but as it stands we haven’t a clue what next season will look like in any event. Let’s sort what we can now and start planning alternative strategies to cope what might impact on next season.
So as it stands to my untrained and innocent eyes, that the following would perhaps, be a sensible approach to adopt, to get us out of the current impasse?
1. Due to ongoing COVID-19 crisis end current season immediately
2. As above, give out prize money and european spots based on placings
3. As above, agree league reconstruction to avoid clubs being relegated( for one season?)
4. Er……that's it?
Corrupt official 13th April 2020 at 14:03
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Thanks for the response, but I'd add that as well as SG having a responsibility to his own club, his club also has a shared responsibility towards the other clubs that participate in the League.
The SPFL's rules also state the following:
Relationship between Clubs and the League
B1 In all matters and transactions relating to the League and Company each Club shall behave towards each other Club and the Company with the utmost good faith.
B2 No Club, either by itself or its Officials, shall by any means whatsoever disparage, belittle, discredit or unfairly criticise any other Club, the Company or the League or the Directors and the directors of any other Club and the Company's and other Club's officers, employees and agents (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, in the case of the other Club, exclude its supporters).
I'd suggest that there have been a number of breaches of those rules over the last few days, if not directly, then by proxy through selective briefings to the SMSM or individuals via social media.
The legal requirements have been eased somewhat as a result of the Covid-19 crisis in that Directors liability in certain circumstances has been relaxed, e.g. trading while insolvent.
easyJambo 13th April 2020 at 14:08
Rangers – 2nd place cash now, null and void and access to the EL qualifiers
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That makes no sense, if the season is null and void how can a team be in second place.
If the season is finished, absolutely no problem, but that is a different scenario.
I know you are not advocating anything, just saying what you think each club wants out of the situation. However if that is what Rangers want it really can’t happen in any sensible World.
If the season is null and void then the only options are no prize money for anyone or an even split for everyone in the league.
Homunculus 13th April 2020 at 14:37
I agree wholeheartedly, but that is where we’re at.
vascodapars 13th April 2020 at 12:11
If so many clubs are at risk of their demise couldn't the SPFL immediately pay out to each club an interim amount of the minimum their individual divisions would receive as prize money while this is sorted? At least it would allow most clubs to pay their April wages.
Prem – £1,125,000
Champ – £175,000
One – £70,000
Two – £45,000
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Whilst there is a scenario of a null and void season and the money being split evenly amongst all of the teams then that wouldn't really work.
You could use your system but the maximum payment would have to be c£595k.
Though that would only really matter for the teams in the Premiership, so it does sound like a sensible solution.
I think the SPFL would have to insist on some sort of security. They would be providing loans to businesses with every prospect of them suffering an insolvency event prior to being able to repay those loans.
Wouldn't this be a good time for Rangers* to finally issue their interims and show how a club can successfully come through trying circumstances? A role model to follow for the rest of Scottish Football….
…which urgently needs clear leadership from the Chairman of the SPFL to sort out this mess and not let it drag on for up to three further weeks.
Homunculus 13th April 2020 at 14:48
vascodapars 13th April 2020 at 12:11
If so many clubs are at risk of their demise couldn't the SPFL immediately pay out to each club an interim amount of the minimum their individual divisions would receive as prize money while this is sorted? At least it would allow most clubs to pay their April wages.
Prem – £1,125,000
Champ – £175,000
One – £70,000
Two – £45,000
———————————————–
Whilst there is a scenario of a null and void season and the money being split evenly amongst all of the teams then that wouldn't really work.
You could use your system but the maximum payment would have to be c£595k.
Though that would only really matter for the teams in the Premiership, so it does sound like a sensible solution.
I think the SPFL would have to insist on some sort of security. They would be providing loans to businesses with every prospect of them suffering an insolvency event prior to being able to repay those loans.
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A possibly far-fetched and perhaps not universally popular option would be asking Celtic to take a look down the back of their sofa and come up with equivalent cash to underwrite these loans?
It would of course be better if they volunteered – for the greater good of Scottish Football and all that. From the Haves to the Have Nots? Remember that without the other clubs Celtic could not have had access to Champions League cash….
Clubs who do not wish to accept such a loan would be quite at liberty to elect not to participate.
SFNASA
Just had a look at the Tom English v David Low Twitter spat. David is a very successful man in the world of finance and was heavily involved in the Fergus McCann Celtic takeover. Tom says he doesn't know what he's talking about though. Also, David is only the latest Celtic fan to basically be told by Tom that any view on this matter from a Celtic perspective doesn't count. Tom writes well, and seems a clever guy. However the meaning of arrogance, or showing some humility towards others seems to have escaped him.
Tom has ridiculed the views of Celtic fans since he first worked in Scotland, writing for Scotland on Sunday. It is interesting how he is getting into such a lather over this current issue having been so dismissive of the slam dunk case of Rangers being incorrectly awarded a European licence in 2011, or the gerrymandered LNS outcome, with the quite absurd one off ruling made by the SFA on incorrect player registrations. Meanwhile the SFA continue to fine other clubs, dock points, and throw them out of competitions for incorrect player registrations.
Just another point…
What we are calling 'prize money' is technically 'fee payments' as per the SPFL's articles of association.
The quantum of fees due to each club is determined thus:
This places the SPFL under a binding contractual obligation to disburse those revenues to clubs as fees in the precise manner set out by the existing rules and the percentages shown within the table.
It would need to be tested in court; but, in my view, any changes to this article and the associated rules would not override the existing contract that exists between the SPFL and each and every member club to make payments on the current arrangements. Any club that loses out would, in my opinion, be able to claim damages for losses.
Simply speaking, the SPFL appears not to have any discretion in the use of its Commercial Revenues.
…and, in any case there is zero chance that sufficient clubs would agree to amend this article and those rules.
easyJambo 13th April 2020 at 14:29
Corrupt official 13th April 2020 at 14:03
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Thanks for the response, but I'd add that as well as SG having a responsibility to his own club, his club also has a shared responsibility towards the other clubs that participate in the League.
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You're welcome EJ. …..Doesn't usurp the law but I'll give you that as I happen to agree with the sentiment.
.
I also agree with Cygnus X-1 above, and it pretty much settles every position other than Sevco's. I would let them fight their own corner on that while they are dealing with the disrepute charges that must surely come their way regarding the allegations meted out. Remember this was the same mob responsible for translate-gate, and I doubt anything is beneath them.
It's also the same mob who engineered a next day go-ahead for an abandoned home gate v Livi.
That is not a financial situation that has improved any, yet here they are, delaying what will be a substantial payment (for 2nd spot) to themselves….A dated payment they must surely have expected.
For some reason, Covid 19 appears to have upset a schedule they had planned. I get the impression that money will be arriving too soon if paid out now…….I say call the league, and give them their league payout immediately.
I have a feeling it will go in a p in the £ to creditors, and not be available to help finance a new start for the same club, not company, later.
EJ
Pretty much sums up the stations that the gravy train can call at. Weighing it all up, it seems to me that Hearts and Partick Thistle and Stranraer have an issue that they would be reasonably expected to go to war on.For the same financial reasons, so perhaps might Dundee United, Raith Rovers and Cove Rangers.
But what would compel the SPFL board to make a huge issue of this? Nothing seems so critical that anyone would want to start WW3 over. That is what is puzzling. How does anyone on the SPFL benefit so greatly from this resolution that they would risk a fragmentation of the industry?
Easiest way to foster unity would have been to deal with the relegation issues pragmatically. Have a vote on reconstruction along the lines we have been suggesting for weeks and publish the votes (given the 11-1 requirement of the top division).
Why is reconstruction such a stumbling block? Makes no sense to me at all.
HirsutePursuit 13th April 2020 at 15:44
Do you think it's as high as zero.
The clubs in League 2 get paid between £45k and £67.5k
If there is an even split they would all get c£595k
Literally every club below the Premiership would get more money, even the Championship winner.
The lowest placed club in the Premiership would lose about £530k.
Null and void and equal split of the money would be great for the lower division teams, it would potentially be financial suicide for the Premiership clubs.
BP
What ‘huge issue’ do you think the SPFL has making?
There has been a lot of noise around its proposal; but, what detail do you think it can/should let go?
What, in practical terms, could/should it have done differently to get consensus?
Homunculus
13th April 2020 at 16:13
………
Yes, zero chance is likely to be an overestimate.
HP
I think you misunderstand me. I don't see what compelling reason they would have at all. However there have been accusations of coercion, so that leads me to ask what compelling reason they may to employ coercion?
Is it the usaul rough and tumble of everday life? I've been in the Labour Party most of my life. Coercion is very often the tactic of first resort, and I'm sure the politics of business is pretty much the same.
Of course if you're at the pointy end of the decision, you will cry 'foul!', but in the current circumstances, perhaps folk are even more sensitive to that?
I read that Germany and Italy are actively trying to get the remaining league games played behind closed doors and televised live. If this comes to pass then the pressure on the epl and the spfl will be to follow suit.Perhaps waiting for the 28 days for the result of this fiasco will allow the top league to play to a finish after all..as long as the pitches are still ok.
gunnerb 13th April 2020 at 16:37
Unless there was to be
a, A change in Government policy
b, A vaccine
c, Some way of demonstrating that no-one involved (players officials etc) had the virus and therefore could not spread it between them.
There is no way of this happening.
The Police have been instructed to disperse groups of people. There would be a minimum of say 50 people involved in a gum. I'm basing that on 20 per team plus various officials, medical staff etc.
That's without mentioning things like fitness of the players, officials etc.
BP
I don't know in what form any alleged coercion has taken place. I do wonder though, if being told hard truths is being seen as such?
Image you are the chairman of a Championship club sitting in a challenging position – say in second or third. Maybe your club is at the foot of the division, but not far off the next club.
In any case, I tell you that the only realistic opportunity to get the season's prize money early is to agree to declare the season over and pay out on current positions.
Is that coercion?
Or is it simply a hard truth that – depending on your position in the league – you might not want to hear?
Homunculus 13th April 2020 at 16:51
EDIT
c, Some way of demonstrating that no-one involved (players officials etc) had the virus and therefore could not spread it between them.
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I think this is what the German/Italian football authorities are pinning their hopes on. I have no idea how realistic this might be in relation to the SPFL.
The Lowland League shows some leadership, and with a modicum of common sense.
http://slfl.co.uk/season-ends-with-immediate-effect-kelty-hearts-crowned-as-champions/
Season Ends With Immediate Effect – Kelty Hearts crowned as champions
13/04/2020 By Media Team
The board of the SLFL have today decided to end the league competition with immediate effect. The board took into account the points per game average based on the standings at the cessation of football on the 13th March, and as such have declared that Kelty Hearts are this season’s champion Club.
Furthermore, the board would like to make it clear that it feels that no member club should be disadvantaged by the current health crisis we face, and as such there will be no relegation from the SLFL in season 2019/20. We are aware of the implications for our fellow pyramid leagues, the EoSFL and SoSFL, and will announce contingency plans to cover this in due course.
I would anticipate that the contingency play will involve running with a 17 or 18 team league next season.
Kelty was 6 points ahead of Bonnyrigg with 5 games left (out of 30)
Bonnyrigg had a game in hand, so was likely to be just 3 points behind, with a game at home to Kelty still to play.
Btw
I have no insight here – but I wonder if a compromise of sorts could be found.
If the top league is not being called right now, why not leave open the possibility of playing the play-off games?
I don't think there is any realistic prospect those games would actually be played, but it would still allow the prize money to be paid on finalised league positions.
It would need a complete revote – since the conditions are different from the current resolution.
Might this bring ICT and Dundee on board?
gunnerb 13th April 2020 at 17:22
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The advent of some form of self testing, even if it took 24 hours to get a result, would make it reasonably straightforward I would have thought.
I say that because to do it when it wasn't being done regularly for front line workers would just be wrong.
This is quite recent
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/04/13/test-kit-covid-coronavirus-antibody/
To add a final twist to this farce…
If the SPFL and the clubs eventually agree a cash pay out, etc.
…and then Big Mike enters stage left, to slap in an injunction (?) to freeze the prize monies due to RIFC/TRFC?
Everyone knows that the Ibrox finances were already shaky, and this could be a rare 'payday' in cash – which could be legally ringfenced to help offset their damages liability to Ashley?
Now that would be too funny.
Corrupt official 13th April 2020 at 16:07
while they are dealing with the disrepute charges that must surely come their way regarding the allegations meted out. Remember this was the same mob responsible for translate-gate, and I doubt anything is beneath them.
…………………..
That reninded me.
What became of the SFA charge after the ibrox players and staff failed to conduct themselves after the derby clash?
If i remember the players conduct was clubbed together with the club conduct to save the players getting a ban.
But i can’t remember the outcome, if there has been an outcome.
…………….
Ps, It is very quite down ibrox way today, have they ran out of ink? I have a few Black cartridges that are compatible with an Epson if they want to send Mark Hately round to collect.
Whit ye like Stevie.
……Everybody knows Memorial Walls are first in the queue. 
C1…..”What became of the SFA charge after the ibrox players and staff failed to conduct themselves after the derby clash?”
6 game ban for Neil Lennon.
Corrupt official 13th April 2020 at 18:46
'.Everybody knows Memorial Walls are first in the queue..'
StevieBC 13th April 2020 at 17:50
'.…and then Big Mike enters stage left, to slap in an injunction (?) to freeze the prize monies due to RIFC/TRFC?.'
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"The Court of Session website has effectively indicated that only essential civil business will be dealt with" says a partner in a law firm in an article in today's 'The Scotsman'.
He says the Coronavirus (Scotland)Act 2020 " hands meaningful tools to courts, allowing them to continue to conduct business but their logistical capability to actually do so remains a huge concern.
I doubt whether an injunction against TRFC would be the first item in any pile of cases filed.
Wonderful luck that insolvency laws are modified, Companies House rules relaxed, and court proceedings indefinitely delayed when a club on its financial knees might be given a wee lifeline to stagger on for a month or two before going belly-up because a creditor can't take legal action!
Keef reporting that John Nelms is now going to vote "Yes"
I note the DR reporting ICT's chairman Ross Morrison's views on the SPFL and the events of last week.
As discussed previously, it sounds very much like the tactics used in 2012 which Turnbull Hutton was so widly applauded for calling out in public.
Bugger !……I was going to have a long lie, but now I'll have to get up early to watch the ragin'.
Of course, if Dundee do submit a yes vote it doesn’t, quite yet, finalise the positions in the Premiership.
So clubs in the top division will need to wait for the board to make its determination in the coming weeks.
While they’re waiting on their own prize money, I wonder how many Premiership clubs will be applying for emergency loans from the SPFL to keep the lights on?
Be interesting to know the maximum loan amount it would make and how much due diligence it will undertake before funds are released.
Probably just as well the clubs who might need financial assistance most urgently have been extremely supportive of the league in these difficult times.
It’s always good to have friends who will help you out when you need it most.
Two questions for Murdoch Maclennan chairman of the SPFL
If Dundee now change their vote which we all knew was coming was there any kind of quid pro quo in their favour?
If the Lowland League board (with no remunerated members) can close their season down, declare bona fide champions and come up with a plan where both their current members and their prospective pyramid leagues members were not further damaged why can't the SPFL board do the same?
The most ironic SMSM headline in the history of Scottish football?
Unsurprisingly, from The DR today;
"OPINION SPFL voting farce proves Rangers claim that something's rotten in the running of Scottish football – Hotline"
Perhaps Ann Budge should seek that the SFA should award Hearts the Scottish Cup and put Hearts forward as one of Scotland’s EL entries, on the basis of their record in this season’s competition being superior to any of the other clubs left.
I wonder what Aberdeen, Hibs and Celtic would think about that.
It’s an absurd suggestion I know, but there is a logic behind it based on the precedent of what the SPFL are proposing.
StevieBC
The most ironic SMSM headline in the history of Scottish football?
Unsurprisingly, from The DR today;
"OPINION SPFL voting farce proves Rangers claim that something's rotten in the running of Scottish football – Hotline"
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Such great investigative journalism – only around 20 years too late…..
Scottish Football and media need an injection of self-awareness.
StevieBC 14th April 2020 at 08:45
The most ironic SMSM headline in the history of Scottish football? Unsurprisingly, from The DR today; “OPINION SPFL voting farce proves Rangers claim that something’s rotten in the running of Scottish football – Hotline”
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How much more proof do you need Stevie…………Of how sensibly opinioned Daily Record readers are?….There was me thinking it was LNS, The Pinsent Mason report, A secret 5-W-A., and a brand new club with 54 titles under it’s belt that proved it.
Never mind, they got the correct answer eventually, but they should have shown their workings.
It’s at times like this we should be thankful that Sevco limited Celtic’s exposure, and it’s only 750 of Celtic’s fans they will eventually have to pay back ticket money to…We owe them a debt of gratitude
……………. And they will owe those fans thirty seven and a half grand…..Winding up orders?
easyJambo 14th April 2020 at 09:31
Perhaps Ann Budge should seek that the SFA should award Hearts the Scottish Cup and put Hearts forward as one of Scotland’s EL entries, on the basis of their record in this season’s competition being superior to any of the other clubs left in the competition.
I wonder what Aberdeen, Hibs and Celtic would think about that.
It’s an absurd suggestion I know, but there is a logic behind it based on the precedent of what the SPFL are proposing.
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Cat amongst the pigeons
Finloch 14th April 2020 at 07:44
'…If the Lowland League board (with no remunerated members) can close their season down, declare bona fide champions and come up with a plan where both their current members and their prospective pyramid leagues members were not further damaged why can't the SPFL board do the same?'
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I notice,Finloch, that BP referred to UEFA having withdrawn its threat to cut the Belgians from UEFA comps for ending their season prematurely?
Not doubting BP, of course, and my attention has wandered a little over the last few days, but if that is true, then you ask a very pertinent question: if European places are secure even if the PL season is truncated, then what indeed is to stop the SPFL board from devising an arrangement that ensures that no club in that league is more afflicted than any other by the consequences of things that were not in anyone's control, while not taking extraordinary measures to help clubs whose financial troubles predated (by a long way) the pandemic?
John Clark 14th April 2020 at 10:09
if European places are secure even if the PL season is truncated, then what indeed is to stop the SPFL board from devising an arrangement that ensures that no club in that league is more afflicted than any other by the consequences of things that were not in anyone's control, while not taking extraordinary measures to help clubs whose financial troubles predated (by a long way) the pandemic?
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Indeed John, but I think we'll discover that the health of Scottish football club's was in pristine condition prior to the closure, and will be proven so in their financial declarations required for European entry.
Completely away from fitba' but I can't recall reading anything from AllyJambo for a while. Hope you are OK pal….. Pop in and say hello.