Good Evening.
As we ponder the historic vote to create a new Governing body to oversee Scottish League football, I cannot help but wonder what brilliant minds will be employed in the drawing up of its constitution, rules, memorandum and articles of association?
Clearly, Messrs Doncaster, Longmuir and even Mr Regan as the CEO of the SFA will be spending many hours with those dreaded folk known simply as “ The Lawyers” in an attempt to get the whole thing up and running and written down in the course of a few short weeks.
In truth, that scares me.
It scares me because legal documentation written up in a hurry or in a rush is seldom perfect and often needs amendment—especially when the errors start to show! The old adage of beware of the busy fool sadly applies.
It also scares me because the existing rules under which the game is governed are not, in my humble opinion, particularly well written and seem to differ in certain material respects from those of UEFA. Even then, adopting the wording and the approach of other bodies is not necessarily the way to go.
I am all in favour of some original thought– and that most precious and unusual of commodities known as common sense and plain English.
Further, the various licensing and compliance rules are clearly in need of an overhaul as they have of late produced what can only be best described as a lack of clarity when studied for the purposes of interpretation. Either that or those doing the studying and interpreting are afflicted with what might be described as tortuous or even tortured legal and administrative minds.
If it is not by now clear that the notion of self-certification on financial and other essential disclosure criteria necessary to obtain a footballing licence (whether European or domestic) is a total non-starter — then those in charge of the game are truly bonkers.
Whilst no governing body can wholly control the actions of a member club, or those who run a club, surely provisions can be inserted into any constitution or set of rules that allows and brings about greater vigilance and scrutiny than we have at present—all of course designed to do nothing other than alert the authorities as early as possible if matters are not being conducted properly or fairly.
However, the main change that would make a difference to most of the folk involved in the Scottish game – namely the fans— would be to have the new rules incorporate a measure which allowed football fans themselves to be represented on any executive or committee.
Clearly, this would be a somewhat revolutionary step and would be fought against tooth and nail by some for no reason other than that it has simply not been done before—especially as the league body is there to regulate the affairs of a number of limited companies all of whom have shareholders to account to and the clubs themselves would presumably be the shareholders in the new SPFL Ltd.
Then again to my knowledge Neil Doncaster is not a shareholder in The SPL ltd– is he?
I can hear the argument that a fan representative on a league body might not be impartial, might be unprofessional, might be biased, might lack knowledge or experience, and have their own agenda and so on—just like many chairmen and chief executive officers who already sit on the committees of the existing league bodies.
Remember too that the SFA until relatively recently had disciplinary committees made up almost exclusively of referees. I don’t think anyone would argue that the widening of the make up of that committee has been a backward step.
However, we already have fan representation at clubs like St Mirren and Motherwell, and of course there has been an established Tartan Army body for some time now. Clubs other than the two mentioned above have mechanisms whereby they communicate and consult with fans, although they stop short of full fan participation– very often for supposedly insurmountable legal reasons.
As often as not, the fans want a say in the running of their club, but also want to be able to make representations to the governing bodies via their club.
So why not include the fans directly in the new set up for governing the league?
Any fan representative could be someone proposed by a properly registered fan body such as through official supporters clubs, or could be seconded by the clubs acting in concert with their supporters clubs.
Perhaps a committee of fan representatives could be created, with such a committee having a representative on the various committees of the new league body.
In this way, there would be a fan who could report back to the fan committee and who could represent the interests of the ordinary fan in the street in any of the committees. Equally such a committee of fans could ensure that any behind the scenes discussions on any issue were properly reported, openly discussed, and made public with no fear of hidden agendas, secret meetings, and secret collusive agreements and so forth.
Is any of that unreasonable? Surely many companies consider the views of their biggest customer? This idea is no different.
Surely such a situation would go some way towards establishing some badly needed trust between the governing bodies and the fans themselves?
If necessary, I would not even object to the fan representatives being excluded from having a right to vote on certain matters—as long as they had a full right of audience and a full right of access to all discussions and relative papers which affect the running of the game.
In this way at least there would be openness and transparency.
In short, it would be a move towards what is quaintly referred to as Democracy.
Perhaps, those who run the game at present should consider the life and times of the late great Alexander Hamilton- one of the founding fathers of the United States of America and who played a significant role in helping write the constitution of that country.
Hamilton was a decent and brilliant man in many ways—but he was dead set against Democracy and the liberation of rights for the masses. In fact, he stated that the best that can be hoped for the mass populace is that they be properly armed with a gun and so able to protect themselves against injustice!
Sadly, Hamilton became embroiled in a bitter dispute with the then Vice President of the nation Aaron Burr in July 1804. Hamilton had used his influence and ensured that Burr lost the election to become Governor of New York and had made some withering attacks on the Vice President’s character.
When he refused to apologise, the Vice President took a whacky notion and challenged him to a duel! Even more whacky is the fact that Hamilton accepted the challenge and so the contest took place at Weehawken New Jersey on the morning of 11th July 1804.
The night before, Hamilton wrote a letter which heavily suggested that he would contrive to miss Burr with his shot, and indeed when the pistols fired Hamilton’s bullet struck a branch immediately above Burr’s head.
However, he did not follow the proper procedure for duelling which required a warning from the duellist that they are going to throw their shot away. Hamilton gave no such indication despite the terms of his letter and despite his shot clearly missing his opponent.
Burr however fired and hit Hamilton in the lower abdomen with the result that the former secretary to the treasury and founding father of the constitution died at 2pm on the twelfth of July.
The incident ruined Burr’s career (whilst duelling was still technically legal in New jersey, it had already been outlawed in various other states).
In any event, in Hamilton’s time full and open democracy in the United States of America would have met with many cries of outrage and bitter opposition. Yet, today, the descendants of slaves and everyone from all social standings, all ethnic minorities and every social background has the constitutional right to vote and seek entry to corridors of power.
In that light, is it really asking too much to allow football fans to have a say and a presence in the running of a game they pay so much to support?
iamacant says:
June 28, 2013 at 9:20 am
As an Aberdeen fan, my opinion is that what Milne said there was aimed at selling season tickets. His actions in the last year (blocking the abolition on 11-1 for example) appear to me to be aimed at putting everything back the way it was. I don’t think his vision is aimed at any higher than 3rd – ever.
Just my opinion.
borussiabeefburg says:
June 28, 2013 at 8:57 am
You’re right. I had to leave for work before I could confirm – hence the (I think) in from of that one. Stenhousemuir indicated that they would vote yes, and in the end didn’t because the bri… er reconstruction incentives were not specific enough for them. Hamilton on the other hand did vote yes to Sevco in SFL1.
As we’re into reconstruction, how about some new regulations. Basic avoiding conflicts of interests rules.
1. Any club officials or directors (including NEDS) who own, or have ever owned shares in another club are banned from taking up a position in the new body, or in the SFA.
2. Clubs are not eligible to have a seat on the SPFL board if they employ any club officials or directors who own shares in another club.
iamacant on June 28, 2013 at 10:28 am
1 0 Rate This
“Neil Doncaster and David Longmuir are vying to become chief executive of the newly created Scottish Professional Football League.”
———-
You’d think Longmuir would get it in a straight vote among the 42 clubs. Doncaster’s recent pay rise may be included in some beneficial way in his ‘cheerio then’ package. Forward planning? With newco Rangers back as full members, the magic debt-removal miracle is now complete.
“Rangers chief executive Craig Mather said the “best bit of the day” was that his club now had full membership and voting rights, following its associate membership status with the SFL.
“I’m very happy,” he said. “It’s been interesting but we’ve got there. We’ve always been active. We continue the road and will be humble.”
________________
I’m not quite ready to condemn Mather yet.
That was a difficult sound bite. He walked the tightrope of acknowledging full membership without sounding like he felt it was something Sevco were entitled to (just because they were Sevco) or that that rule had been put in place just for them.
Imagine how many people CG could have offended in a similar situation…
What’s the financial difference between full and associate membership?
ElCapitano2013 says:
June 28, 2013 at 10:25 am
2 0 Rate This
Apologies in advance if this is a stupid point or irrelevent.
According to this BBC website article regarding league reconstruction, TRFC have now been granted full membership and voting rights – is this correct?
———————————
I believe the “new” org has no Associate member status – therefore Sevco will become full members of the new organisation and will now have full voting rights.
Also, the 22 players > 21YO rule does not exist in the “new” organisation – so Ally can keep his burgeoning squad of 2nd division whores (well, they are clearly only interested in money and not playing at the highest level they can, so whores seems fair enough in this situation)
However, the newly signed whores still can’t be registered until 1st sept, and also, the “new” organisation does not allow for trialists to play – this means the 1st few games of the season will be entertaining as I dn’t think they have a keeper with a 1st team game on their books just now.
There is no mention of whether the “League Cup” competition will remain or not – as it was an SFL competition, I guess it will morph over to the SPL, but wonder if old SFL rules apply or new SPL rules apply.
Anyway, despite my misgivings that no one currently involved (at the governing body level) in the game is fit to run it properly then I can only approve that about a third of them will now be gone.
We should start to see some level of consistency and less wiggle room and rule bending – as there are fewer rules to bend.
How did Sevco attain full membership and voting rights,is there a completely new constitution ? That was bloody quick.They only agreed in the early hours to amalgamate.
I thought they had to be associate members for 3 years,or have I got that wrong (again).
ptd1978 says:
June 28, 2013 at 11:11 am
“Rangers chief executive Craig Mather said “…we… will be humble.”
________________
Imagine how many people CG could have offended in a similar situation…
————————-
I wouldn’t trust CG to order a fish supper without offending anyone, he’s no benchmark against which to measure humility.
I’ll believe Mather if over the next 12 months his club prove that – the last 12 months have proved the exact opposite. Otherwise, it reminds me of someone…
“Uriah Heep is a fictional character created by Charles Dickens in his novel David Copperfield. The character is notable for his cloying humility and insincerity, making frequent references to his own “‘humbleness”.”
Next time I’ll refresh before I post. All my questions answered,I think,
More photos of the world record bus….including McCoist’s big chair….
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BNm_9TWCYAADUZQ.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BNm9XHKCAAAEGfk.jpg:large
ptd1978 says:
June 28, 2013 at 11:11 am
Of course Mather could have topped off his well constructed sound bite with a humble apology for threatening all and sundry.
Lest we forget that only a few weeks ago he was saying the following:-
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There will be times when you want us to tackle our enemies and it will seem like we’re somehow reluctant to do so or that we don’t care,” he said.
“You might believe we don’t feel hurt to the same extent as you, but we do. Sometimes you have to wait. We’ve chosen, and we will continually choose, the right moment to strike.
“Please, never believe that I or any other directors don’t know the names of the people who have tried to damage this club. We know them all.
“We know what each one’s tried to do and I can assure you we will never, ever forget about that.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/10096386/Craig-Mather-channels-Charles-Green-with-vow-to-take-on-Rangers-enemies.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As I keep saying they all get grabbed as they walk uo the marble straicase and some dark force injects them in the neck with a hefty dose of bile, hatred and bitterness.
The smooth talkers in suits shaper than Charlie’s are most probably the ones to watch the most!!
And more PR work…..
Even the breweries need a strong RFC it seems………is there no end to the queue of folks who need them at their “rightful” place? And of course MSM is right on song…..
http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/company-news/greene-king-boss-hopes-for-rangers-return.21471576
Greene King boss hopes for Rangers return
Tim Sharp
City Editor.
Friday 28 June 2013
THE fortunes of the Old Firm are proving of concern as far south as Suffolk as Rooney Anand, chief executive of Greene King, said he would like to see Rangers Football Club promoted back to the top flight so the brewer and pubs chain could benefit from increased business on derby days.
Greene King, owner of Dunbar-based Belhaven, reported a strong year with a 6.6% increase in pre-tax profit to £162 million for the 52 weeks to April 28 as it saw a 2.3% rise in like-for-like sales.
The earnings increase came despite continued cold weather muting demand at its pubs, 90% of which have outside areas, as well as the continued economic malaise.
It now faces a summer with no major sporting event that can compare to last year’s Olympic Games to give it a boost.
Mr Anand said: “Conditions are still pretty tough both in terms of the economy but also because in the last 12 months, even by British standards, we have been the beneficiaries, in inverted commas, of some pretty disappointing weather.”
Greene King runs 300 pubs in Scotland and last year spent £1.6m across 43 of them to expand dining spaces and kitchens as it continues to target the family dining market.
“Our Scottish estate is performing strongly,” Mr Anand said. “Our Scottish pubs have made a pretty good contribution to the Greene King performance.”
But he indicated that he would welcome the return of Rangers to the upper tier of the league, something that is at least two seasons away, due to the business created for the pubs trade when the team plays Glasgow rivals Celtic.
Mr Anand said: “It would be great in Scotland to see Rangers get promoted and re-establish a very important fixture.”
Greene King has sought to attract more diners to its outlets by increasing the number of what it calls “fresh, home-made dishes” as well as customisation options such as “build your own burger”.
Humility? For a start, what about the ludicrous ‘5 stars of shame’ on the shirt? It always reminds me of seeing a supermarket brand of food with misleading labelling that implies it’s low in fat and salt…you think it’s good information, but then you find out that it’s not an industry standard at all, it’s only ‘good’ in relation to some nominal standard they’ve invented themselves. Similarly, the implication that ‘five stars’ might somehow equate to other jerseys that record world cup and champions league victories – utterly preposterous, an inferiority complex in graphic form.
Prove me wrong Mr Mather, if 12 months from now your club has managed to show the dignity, humilty and class that it has so studiously avoided for the last couple of years, I will welcome it and be very happy to acknowledge it.
TW – in addition to the 5 stars, they have also very nicely added 1872 on the back of the shirts
http://kerrydalestreet.co.uk/single/?p=12297043&t=8817196
You can see the label still on the shirt as it will be put back on the Sportsdirect rack for sale after the photo shoot!
Hi All
I might have missed any post on this but does anyone know what the dissedents where holding out for and did they get any concessions or result for what was there issues with the original restructure proposal ,or was it a kite flying exercise ,we should be told.
They don’t even hide it anymore. Rotten to the fetid core.
Debt free.
Guilt/penalty free.
SFA main players squabbling for position in the corrupt Hampden cabal. The Cosa Nostra could learn from these crooks.
My only cause for hope is the Tribute act wither on the vine before getting to the top league.
If justice will not be done then Karma will suffice.
Bawsman says:
June 28, 2013 at 11:57 am
They don’t even hide it anymore. Rotten to the fetid core.
Debt free.
Guilt/penalty free.
SFA main players squabbling for position in the corrupt Hampden cabal. The Cosa Nostra could learn from these crooks.
My only cause for hope is the Tribute act wither on the vine before getting to the top league.
If justice will not be done then Karma will suffice.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I’m with you on the Karma point but without wanting to introduce religion into the blog is it actually possible to transfer Karma between two completely different entities?
Exiled Celt says:
June 28, 2013 at 10:31 am
OT in a way from the blog – but this is a really good story that I think anyone with an interest in life and touching others by this beautiful game of ours – I would like to think this inspirational story can inspire us never to give up regaining control of our game from the Spivs and their lackeys – because it is a huge and wonderful world out there sometimes and more often united by the beautiful game invented and exported (ahem!) form Scotland
Please read this and hopefully it shows what can be done out of terrible situations and events……
http://www.eltnews.com/columns/patontheback/2013/06/reamonn_gormley_thai_tims.html
==================================================================
Thank you for that Exiled Celt – I actually cried reading it in a strange mixture of sadness, pride and hope.
Yourhavingalaugh says:
June 28, 2013 at 11:45 am
1 0 Rate This
Hi All
I might have missed any post on this but does anyone know what the dissedents where holding out for and did they get any concessions or result for what was there issues with the original restructure proposal ,or was it a kite flying exercise ,we should be told.
—————
The Annan chairman seems to have been the only one willing to speak out. But if the Record is correct then it went a bit like this:
“The SFL board expressed their concerns when they refused to pass Resolution Three at their first meeting of the day and asked the SPL chairman Ralph Topping to join them for consultation.
Topping, Record Sport understands, told the SFL member clubs they had to take the SPL on trust.
But there was a lack of unanimity over whether that was possible.
Another meeting after a break for lunch was abruptly ended when the SPL finally agreed to make a full
disclosure of their finances.
They had originally been requested by the SFL’s auditors to provide that information last month, but had declined to do so.
Lawyers acting for both sides then stepped up their efforts to accelerate a decision on the way forward.
Delegates were asked to return at four o’clock, only to adjourn yet again after a short meeting and agree to meet up once more three hours later.
The coming and going prompted one delegate, who asked to remain anonymous, to remark that it wasn’t so much the dawn of a new era as a new error.”
Makes you wonder. You’ve got to toally respect the Div 2 & 3 teams who argued on a point principle, while others opted for the best worst solution before they ran out of pizza. Funny thing is, the fans have been forgotten, they are still waiting for a bigger league and fewer repetitive matches. Hopefully, this will be a stepping stone.
Castofthousands says:
June 28, 2013 at 10:27 am
“He is the puppeteer and hes pulling CF strings on every release why else has he not threatened legal action, CF is about the only person in this whole fieasco he hasnt threatened to take to court!”
———————-
spanish, that is certainly one of the conclusions that can be drawn but not the only one. What seems to be happening is that blog conversations are triggering her to investigate the material from different perspectives. Our narrative is being fed by her releases. To a large extent we control that narrative since the topics have been built up over a long period of time.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I have to say Charlotte’s incredibly light on SDM related stuff (nothwithstanding a hint yesterday about him using an alias).
Why not search the audio files first. They will be held in a different format from the other stuff and easier to spot and probably more informative as some people (Irvine aside) are reluctant to put their real thoughts in writing.
I’d just like to congratulate the Sevco Currents for their meteoric rise the the 1st division.
I believe it is a world record series of promotions from nothing to 1st division in just over 12 months.
Does anyone believe Trading Standards would be interested with this new club not even a year old having 1872 and five stars on their new Jersey?
Is it worth a query?
Danish Pastry says:
June 28, 2013 at 12:12 pm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It seems remarkable that only an act of brinksmanship at the 11th hour forced the SPL to disclose their finances in full. Having failed to do so for a protracted period during the due diligence process. The SFL were being asked to “take it on trust” – WOW!! -. What are they hiding? Are we missing a story here?
They can put 5 stars and 1832 on their shirt if they want.
Given that neither actually mean anything it’s simply a bit of the design.
Drew Peacock says:
June 28, 2013 at 12:03 pm
————————————————–
I don’t do religion Drew but my late wife used to have a wee saying that was “what’s for ye, won’t go bye ye”
Usually used on occasions when a we bit of positivity was required where our kids were concerned.
I keep thinking of that saying when I see them dodge every charge by ignoring rules, regulations, basically thumbing their noses in their usual arrogant manner.
I’ve said for a while now, it will be something completely out of left field that will bring the whole stinking edifice to the ground.
Karma paying a visit to Hampden and Govan will be so sweet and hopefully “what’s for them, won’t go bye them”.
Now that The Rangers have a new team bus to transport them on their travels around
SFL2 next year, I wonder if the new catering facilities on board will be serving “Humble Pie”
on the menu.
Unlikely, but maybe one day they will show some contrition for all there previous
misdemeanours.
Don’t hold your breath too long though.
Drew Peacock says:
June 28, 2013 at 12:03 pm
Bawsman says:
June 28, 2013 at 11:57 am
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I’m with you on the Karma point but without wanting to introduce religion into the blog is it actually possible to transfer Karma between two completely different entities?
===================================================================
There actually is a major debate raging in the Buddhist ‘rule books’ as to whether karma exists and if it does whether it is a good or bad influence never mind whether it or ‘merit’ can be transferred to others.
A quote from Wiki: ‘Karma has been used to rationalize racism, caste, economic oppression, birth handicaps and everything else. Taken literally, karma justifies the authority of political elites, who therefore must deserve their wealth and power, and the subordination of those who have neither.
‘It provides the perfect theodicy: if there is an infallible cause-and-effect relationship between one’s actions and one’s fate, there is no need to work toward social justice, because it’s already built into the moral fabric of the universe. In fact, if there is no undeserved suffering, there is really no evil that we need to struggle against. It will all balance out in the end.’
An idea that has posed a number of thorny questions and conceptual difficulties for Buddhist thought and the history of the Mahāyāna is that often referred to as ‘transfer of merit’ (puṇyapariṇāmanā). The process of pariṇāmanā (Tib. yons su bsno ba) in fact constitutes a most important feature in Mahāyāna, where it denotes what might perhaps best be termed the dedication of good (puṇya, śubha, kuśala[mula]; Tib. bsod nams, dge ba[‘i rtsa ba]) by an exercitant in view of the attainment by another karmically related person (such as a deceased parent or teacher) of a higher end. Yet such dedication appears, prima facie, to run counter to the karmic principle of the fruition or retribution of deeds (karmavipāka). Generally accepted in Buddhism, both Mahāyānist and non-Mahāyānist, this principle stipulates that a karmic fruit or result (karmaphala) is ‘reaped’, i.e. experienced, solely by the person – or more precisely by the conscious series (saṃtāna) – that has sown the seed of future karmic fruition when deliberately (cetayitva) accomplishing an action (karman).
The related idea of acquisition/possession (of ‘merit’, Pali patti, Skt. prāpti), of assenting to and rejoicing in it (pattānumodanā), and even of its gift (pattidāna) are known to sections of the Theravāda tradition; and this concept – absent in the oldest canonical texts in Pali, but found in later Pali tradition (Petavatthu, Buddhāpadāna) – has been explained by some writers as being due to Mahāyānist influence, and by reference to Nalinaksha Dutt’s category of ‘semi-Mahāyāna.'[68]
Yourhavingalaugh says:
June 28, 2013 at 11:45 am
All
I might have missed any post on this but does anyone know what the dissedents where holding out for and did they get any concessions or result for what was there issues with the original restructure proposal ,or was it a kite flying exercise ,we should be told.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I suspect this will come as a disappointment to you but we’re far too busy on this blog these days talking about the Rangers new team bus to bother with trivial matters like league reconstruction being conducted like a shoot out at the Ok Corral.
ecobhoy says:
June 28, 2013 at 1:03 pm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Please desist.
Palacio67 says:
June 28, 2013 at 12:18 pm
4 2 Rate This
Does anyone believe Trading Standards would be interested with this new club not even a year old having 1872 and five stars on their new Jersey?
Is it worth a query?
+++++++++++++
They can put 1690 on their shirts, and have it made up entirely of stars if they want. As can any other team. Trading standards might be more usefully employed in considering whether it is legal to sell season tickets when they are almost certain to run out of cash by Christmas.
Afternoon all.
As result of conversation on Twitter I had cause to look at
http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/resources/documents/ClubLicensing/Part2:National/Part2Sect8_Legal,Admin,FinanceandCodesofPractice%20Criteria.pdf
specifically
8.11 Entry level requirement for Audited accounts to be submitted.
8.12 The landscape note that allows for exceptional dispensation that might get around 8.11
8.13 Insolvency events that I interpret as the Entry Level box being applicable and the SFA setting certain conditions on a licence being granted.
So is 8,13 likely to be the get out clause for not applying 8.11 or is it 8.12 Exceptional dispensation etc or if it is 8.13 should all supporters, particularly of The Rangers, not be made aware what the certain conditions are?
See rules? there is a story behind them all Must tweet STV Grant.
The furore on here over the gleaming new strips, the 5 stars, the 1872 origins and the megabus with the hover seats, the personalised headrests, the plinth to hold the Champions League Trophy and the floating kitchens, remind me of a Hector Nicol joke.
This involved an experienced boxer who was a bit taken aback before the fight at seeing his youthful opponent jump into the ring and promptly bless himself.
“What does that mean?” the boxer asked his trainer
Replied the trainer “It means nothing if he canny box”
A reply to my email to AIM has arrived-
Thank you for your email regarding Rangers International Football Club Plc (the “Company”).
AIM Regulation is the department within London Stock Exchange that is responsible for the regulation of AIM. AIM Regulation investigates all complaints made as regards the conduct of AIM companies and nominated advisers in respect of their compliance with the AIM Rules for Companies (“AIM Rules”) and for Nominated Advisers (“Nomad Rules”). We can assure you that where concerns arise in relation to a company or a nominated adviser’s compliance with the AIM Rules or Nomad Rules, AIM Regulation investigates any potential breaches of those rules and takes action where appropriate. Such action may include sanctions as provided for by our rules and in certain circumstances referral may be made to other regulatory bodies. Please note that for reasons of confidentiality we are unable to discuss how we consider or take action in respect of any breaches of our rules which are brought to our attention by complainants.
In the meantime, noting you wish to access the Company’s half-yearly results, we would refer you to the Company’s pre-admission Schedule One announcement which indicates that the Company’s accounting reference date is 30 June. The Schedule One announcement also sets out the dates by which the Company will publish its first three reports following its admission to AIM (Schedule One link: http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail.html?announcementId=11419096).
As per the Schedule One announcement, the Company’s first set of half-yearly results was notified by the Company on 4 March 2013 and can be accessed via the following link: http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/prices-and-markets/stocks/summary/company-summary.html?fourWayKey=GB00B90T9Z75GBGBXASQ1
Kind regards
AIM REGULATION
Further to my previous post this should be interesting from
http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/resources/documents/ClubLicensing/Part2:National/Part%202%20Section%202%20-%20Roles%20and%20Responsibilities.pdf
2.6 Confidentiality and Transparency
The Scottish FA guarantees the clubs full confidentiality as regards all non-public information disclosed during the Licensing Process.
However and without prejudice to the foregoing generality, each club hereby expressly consents to the Scottish FA notifying the club’s respective league body of any failure to obtain a licence and the reasons for that failure.
Furthermore, the financial information as detailed in Section 8.12 of Part 2* of this Manual with the exception of the net debt information will be made freely available to members of the public via the Scottish FA website.
The Scottish FA also reserves the right to disclose any award decision at any time. Subject to the disclosure to the club’s respective league body referred to above, the reasons for such decisions however will remain confidential. The Licensing Administration will adhere to the following guidelines:
The Scottish FA has concluded a confidentiality agreement with each club. This will be updated as and when necessary;
Members of the Licensing Committee, the Appellate Tribunal and any other individual engaged by the Licensor in the Licensing process must sign a confidentiality agreement before starting his or her tasks. Licensing Administration employees are subject to confidentiality provisions in terms of their employment contracts;
The level at which an award is presented to a club (overall and under each criteria heading) will be made available for general consumption via the Scottish FA website.”
So keep your eyes on the SFA web site especially the journos looking for a story if there are any.
* 8.12
Turnover £
Wages (Total Payroll Costs) £
Wages to Turnover Ratio %
Profit or Loss for Period £
Net Assets at Period End £
easyJambo says:
June 28, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Now its just getting silly.
This is why the addict fans will never get anywhere and those in power will go on their merry way.
Silly petty distracting little side arguments while the big horror picture continues to be payed out infront of our very eyes.
Keep the heid and stick with it. I have always enjoyed your contributions and banter and I guess many are indebted to you and Ally for providing us with an insight into things down Gorgie way.
neepheid says:
June 28, 2013 at 1:47 pm
A reply to my email to AIM has arrived
===========================================================
So we won’t see another financial report until 31/12/2013 from Ibrox.
The bus is actually quite a clever move. It gives the impression of permanency and a rebuilding process. It is the “good news” story required to boost ticket sales and create a fresh feel good factor.
Three question though.
1, Who actually owns it. Is it Rangers or will they just be using it.
2, With this be used to travel to away games, rather than expensive hotels.
3, Will it be available to other groups to hire.
Is it in fact a cost cutting exercise.
iamacant says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:07 pm
&
easyJambo says:
June 28, 2013 at 1:25 pm
If EJ’s post was one at 9:05 then it is sitting in the Comment Moderation Thread with a response from TSFM at 9:35 for all to see and make up their own minds.
OK, i’m really confused
RIFC PLC was the company floated on AIM (not TRFC Ltd)
the AIM reply above points us to schedule 1 – which states the dates on the 1st 3 reports due as 31 March 2013, 31 December 2013, 31 March 2014.
How can a company formed in December 2012 have HALF YEAR accounts for March 2013? that is only just over a qtr? I can see them having completed a full year by dec 2013 – but i don’t imagine they’d get teh annual results out in a matter of weeks.
also, the “half year” accounts released in march state this
” interim results for the seven-month period from incorporation to 31 December 2012″
That would suggest RIFC was formed in May 2012 – which we know it wasn’t. Sevco Scotland (not TRFC) was, but TRFC Ltd is not floated on AIM
is someone muddying the waters here a bit using TRFC instead of RIFC PLC
seems they are not only using the “same club/different club argument when it suits them” argument but are doing teh same with AIM “some company/different company” when it suits as well.
Re; the new Bruce’s megabus. I see that some wag on ‘Follow Follow’ is wondering why the Easdales haven’t had it torched yet.
Gaz says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:10 pm
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The bus is actually quite a clever move. It gives the impression of permanency and a rebuilding process. It is the “good news” story required to boost ticket sales and create a fresh feel good factor.
Three question though.
1, Who actually owns it. Is it Rangers or will they just be using it.
2, With this be used to travel to away games, rather than expensive hotels.
3, Will it be available to other groups to hire.
Is it in fact a cost cutting exercise.
————————————————————————–
OK, a little digging
Does THIS bus sound familiar – http://brucecoaches.com/services/luxury-coaches
OK, well, if it was THE RANGERS bus, what do you think it would say OUTSIDE the bus? RANGERS? or BRUCES? or even BOTH?
Well, the story on Rangers.co.uk has a nice exterior picture of THE BUS – http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/4330-new-coach-for-gers
It is remarkably like a standard Bruces Luxury coach – no?
So, I reckon that what we are seeing here is that Sevco have bumped Parks and won’t be taking up Easdales fleet and are now using Bruces luxury coaches.
They have agreed a deal for 1 (or more seasons) and in return, Bruce has put a Rangers carpet on the floor and some embroidered headrests. Oh and 5 stars on the front.
You want to hire it – well, contact Bruces and you can hire it. They have probably offered Sevco a slight discount on the cost by allowing them to market it direct to Sevco mug punters.
I am sure they’ll charge extra if you want the Rangers carpet and headrests in place (it probably comes out on the days it is being used elsewhere)
So, the whole story is…..they have a new coach company.
And yeah, i reckon this means the end of the excessively expensive hotel stays (to be honest, that is a good thing for ANY team – it seems an outrageous expense IMO for a country where most journeys are less than 2 hours)
Not The Huddle Malcontent says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:13 pm
This has been the pattern all along. Craig Whyte did it with The Rangers Group Ltd owning Rangers PLC. Green and Whyte did it with Sevco 5088 and Sevco Scotland. They are doing it now with Rangers International FC PLC and The Rangers FC Ltd.
They can use old club / new club as it suits. They talk about the new club and the holding company as if they were interchangeable.
It all helps to muddy the waters and cause confusion.
NTHM, from Companies House – two companies different incorporation dates and accounting reference dates.
Name & Registered Office:
RANGERS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL CLUB PLC
IBROX STADIUM
150 EDMISTON DRIVE
GLASGOW
UNITED KINGDOM
G51 2XD
Company No. SC437060
Status: Active
Date of Incorporation: 16/11/2012
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Company Type: Public Limited Company
Nature of Business (SIC):
None Supplied
Accounting Reference Date: 30/11
Last Accounts Made Up To: (NO ACCOUNTS FILED)
Next Accounts Due: 16/05/2014
Last Return Made Up To:
Next Return Due: 14/12/2013
======================================================
Name & Registered Office:
THE RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED
IBROX STADIUM
150 EDMISTON DRIVE
GLASGOW
G51 2XD
Company No. SC425159
Status: Active
Date of Incorporation: 29/05/2012
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Company Type: Private Limited Company
Nature of Business (SIC):
None Supplied
Accounting Reference Date: 30/06
Last Accounts Made Up To: (NO ACCOUNTS FILED)
Next Accounts Due: 28/02/2014
Last Return Made Up To:
Next Return Due: 26/06/2013 OVERDUE
Mortgage: Number of charges: 1 ( 1 outstanding / 0 satisfied / 0 part satisfied )
Previous Names:
Date of change Previous Name
31/07/2012 SEVCO SCOTLAND LIMITED
blu says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:31 pm
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NTHM, from Companies House – two companies different incorporation dates and accounting reference dates.
————————-
so, are AIM interested why RIFC PLC is reporting the trading history of TRFC Ltd and passing it off as 6 months trading for RIFC PLC?
Could the original AIM regulation complainant ask them?
Not The Huddle Malcontent says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:28 pm
Thanks for that.
As you say the real story seems to be that Rangers are now using Bruce’s coaches.
I copied this from the site you kindly linked to
====================================
Luxury Coaches
Our luxury coaches are the ultimate in luxury travel. Perfect for Weddings and Corporate trips where comfort and luxury are a necessity. We’re not the cheapest but if you’re looking for something special – we’re definitely the best.
Our luxury coaches have the following features:
Toilet
Kitchen with Commercial grade microwave, coffee machine and Full size oven
Luxury seating – with extra legroom for longer trips.
Fridge to keep those refreshments cool.
Television for everyone – a range of flatscreens throughout the coach
A ‘lounge’ at the back with 9 inward facing seats.
Playstation 3 or X-box games consoles
DVD Player
Full Hi-Fi system with speakers throughout
Soft velour seat covers
WiFi internet connection
Privacy glass
Our luxury coach hire service is perfect for:
Corporate trips
Airport transfers
Corporate hospitality – take your clients out in style
Trips to the theatre
===================================
I think it’s likely to keep the Rangers customisations though, as the number plate is pretty distinctive. Presumably Bruce’s will lease it to other people who want to use “The Rangers Team Bus”.
Not The Huddle Malcontent says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:28 pm
_______________________________________________________
Ok…I have held off commenting on the ridiculousness of “the bus” but I can hold it no more….
Can you believe Sevco release a press statement and have an article on their website to boast about their new bus………I thought this was a wind up when I first saw it….
Sevco say……the only one of its kin d in Scotland, EPL class…..really?
Lots of pictures all over the web…
It is a standard Bruce’s “luxury” bus….several of which the exact same specification are available for hire….
There are no logos on the outside apart from the owners…who are the coach company Bruce’s…
Further…if you have a swatch at the interior pictures I think you will find that the carpet, the head rest covers, and anything else with a Sevco logo are all Velcro and easily removable…
So…Monday to Friday…regular Bruce’s coach for hire……Sat-Sun…transforms into the Sevco Mystery Machine…..
Great deal…….
And by the way…the registration being 1 WTP is nonsense…..seems some trepid internet bampots did a license plate search…that plate does not even exist….
Is this really how low they have sunk……trumpeting about a hire bus……oh dear…
So if TRFC’s accounts are overdue and no serious financial model exists that sees them making it beyond Christmas before running out of money, are they eligible for a licence to play next season??
It would appear that Rangers have announced season ticket renewals (to date) of 25,000. The total sales last year were reported as being in excess of 38,000.
That means they are sitting at roughly 2/3 of last years figure. They must really be hoping that there will be an upturn in renewals and a lot more people buying in. Otherwise the financial position will become even worse.
Peterjung says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:42 pm
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And by the way…the registration being 1 WTP is nonsense…..seems some trepid internet bampots did a license plate search…that plate does not even exist….
R1 WTP See for yourself it’s on the official club site
http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/4330-new-coach-for-gers
Maybe it’s a liquidated zombie plate
Why Won’t the Media Mention “Charlotte Fakes” and Her Rangers Documents? http://wp.me/p1Adbc-ZK
Article from Paul McConville. Make your own mind up.
TRFC’s new hire bus story is designed to trump the Celtic wifi story. It’s a ‘…for every fiver Celtic spend, we’ll get a return!’
Not The Huddle Malcontent says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:35 pm
===============================
AIM simply posted a link to a form provided by RIFC – the Schedule 1, and that asks for the ANTICIPATED ACCOUNTING REFERENCE DATE. It may well be that it would have been tidy to have the same for both companies and there’s nothing to it. The fact that the accounts for TRFC are listed as OVERDUE should maybe stimulate more interest than hiring a bus to take players to matches but I’m sure there’s nothing serious in that just yet.
davythelotion says:
June 28, 2013 at 3:11 pm
Yes, because Rangers changing which coach company they use will really enhance the match day experience for the fans.
Celtic Paranoia says:
June 28, 2013 at 3:05 pm
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Peterjung says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:42 pm
4 0 i
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And by the way…the registration being 1 WTP is nonsense…..seems some trepid internet bampots did a license plate search…that plate does not even exist….
R1 WTP See for yourself it’s on the official club site
http://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/4330-new-coach-for-gers
Maybe it’s a liquidated zombie plate
———————————————————-
Another example of RFC “doing everything it possible can” to eliminate sectarianism
Maybe it’s a false plate for show but that would in fact be even worse
Peterjung says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:42 pm
3 0 Rate This
Not The Huddle Malcontent says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:28 pm
_______________________________________________________
Ok…I have held off commenting on the ridiculousness of “the bus” but I can hold it no more….
————-
It’s not a daft punt from Bruce’s (thanks NTHM, I was wondering who Bruce was). The PR article notes that it can be hired for weddings and funerals, so I reckon there’s no end of fans who’d use it for those kinds of occasions. Smart move all round for a lower division outfit. The former company must feel a bit put out though – the £7,000 they’re owed for transporting ‘the same Rangers’ to matches could almost be considered a football debt, come to think of it, everything was a football debt.
PS This is what a real team bus looks like (in the German Div 2), Dundee United’s opponents on 12 July, btw:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sludgeulper/4985019916/
On the buses
“It’s a Premiership-level coach which is fully equipped with multimedia systems including Sky television, smart TVs and a PS3.
I thought the Bears were non too happy last season when some players were tweeting they were home early from training and planning to watch DVDs and Play video games.
What chances if results are poor the bus windaes and the multi medai system will be getting tanned?
Gaz says:
June 28, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Is it in fact a cost cutting exercise.
————————————
Assuming, in light of the posts above, that it is simply a cost-cutting exercise, with a bit of a PR puff added as a face-saver, that seems to me to be a good way for them to be going. Hotel bills over a season must be pretty huge, and it’s not like they’re travelling across the US or Australia where distances would make hotel stay obligatory. Maybe the first sign that they are trying to cut their cloth a bit? A long, long way to go, I know, but you have to start somewhere. Of course, bringing in a bunch of new players might argue that they’re still addicted to spending, but maybe they are planning to shift a few out before the new season.
For the benefit of those people who never read the posting rules and are super-quick to take offence, there have been NO comments removed today.
A quick scan through the FAQ will confirm the rules we had in place from day one here, and also a new addition (now around ten days old) to them.
I would prefer it if problems with moderation were discussed in private, but if posters feel the need for the oxygen of publicity, the new rules facilitate that somewhat.
That’s enough about the bus, I hope.
To move to more mundane matters, how about the appointment of a CEO for the SPFL. Should it be Longmuir, Doncaster, or a competent individual? The main competence required, in my view, is the ability to negotiate a worthwhile TV contract. That’s goodbye Doncaster, then.
My response to AIM Regulation :
to AIM
Thanks for your reply, but I remain somewhat confused. You have referred to rule 18. This says:
Half-yearly reports
18. An AIM company must prepare a half-yearly report in respect of the six month period from
the end of the financial period for which financial information has been disclosed in its
admission document and at least every subsequent six months thereafter (apart from the
final period of six months preceding its accounting reference date for its annual audited
accounts). All such reports must be notified without delay and in any event not later than
three months after the end of the relevant period.
In the case of RIFC PLC, I followed the link which you kindly provided to the Schedule 1 announcement, where I find the following-
(i) ANTICIPATED ACCOUNTING REFERENCE DATE
(ii) DATE TO WHICH THE MAIN FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THE ADMISSION DOCUMENT HAS BEEN PREPARED (this may be represented by unaudited interim financial information)
(iii) DATES BY WHICH IT MUST PUBLISH ITS FIRST THREE REPORTS PURSUANT TO AIM RULES 18 AND 19:
(i) 30 June
(ii) 31 August 2012
(iii) 31 March 2013, 31 December 2013, 31 March 2014
Now perhaps I’m not understanding this properly, but if the date at (ii) is 31 August 2012, then under rule 18 the 6 monthly report should be to 28 February 2013? The interim accounts to 31 December 2012 do not appear to satisfy the requirements of Rule 18. I look forward to clarification,
Regards
I like Charlotte and appreciate the inputs. Anyone who exposes jackmedia nastiness in itself is enough for a gold credit. It can`t be easy receiving the abusive re-tweets within a rotten culture in addition to thankless time consuming fair effort she`s sustained daily for weeks now. twopanda respect gal!
ptd1978 says:
June 28, 2013 at 11:02 am
You’re right. I had to leave for work before I could confirm – hence the (I think) in from of that one. Stenhousemuir indicated that they would vote yes, and in the end didn’t because the bri… er reconstruction incentives were not specific enough for them. Hamilton on the other hand did vote yes to Sevco in SFL1.
*******
While this is probably not the place for us to enter into a dispute, you had the Stenhousemuir info wrong, and trying to lessen your error by making another one is unhelpful. Where did Stenhousemuir ‘indicate’ that they would vote ‘yes’? Maybe you read something in the msm, but the club itself never made any such indication. And to infer that a bribe was offered is deceitful.
As I’ve stated, none of the top league sides made any statement approaching the level of annoyance and disappointment of the game’s leaders shown by Stenhousemuir on their official website.
I think most would agree that TRFC need to change their coach, but not with a wheeled version.
valentinesclown says:
June 28, 2013 at 3:10 pm
5 0 Rate This
Why Won’t the Media Mention “Charlotte Fakes” and Her Rangers Documents? http://wp.me/p1Adbc-ZK
Article from Paul McConville. Make your own mind up.
————–
Seems a pretty fair accessment. Although, I feel none the wiser after reading that.
As you were.
Oh the irony .
Longshanks has the gall to put his CV in for the new post of the cobbled together league .
This tells me two things
1. Someone in authority has told him he is in with a shout
2. He has already got the gig
Scottish football ……meet the new boss same as the old boss
If there is one thing we the internet bampots will get out of the debacle of the last two years ,it is the evidence of how corrupt the game in this country has been for as many years as I can remember .
That my friends is something the present incumbents can never take away from us and when the dust settles it will look ten times worse when all the evidence is neatly put together .
It would help rangers cause if they put out to supporters substantive data rather than media quips
borussiabeefburg @ 5.07pm
“Where did Stenhousemuir ‘indicate’ that they would vote ‘yes’?”
http://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/news/2012/07/05/790/
Specifically the following:
“In this situation and having considered the consequences for the club primarily, but also that of the many other clubs who would suffer significantly, we will support Rangers Newco joining the SFL on the strict proviso that the various elements of restructuring and merging of the league are agreed to our satisfaction. For the reasons stated above, we would anticipate that the Rangers Newco would be entering at Div 1.”
They did, however, add:
“However, the positives of this can be a stronger and more equitable league structure going forward and you have our assurance that we will apply every pressure to the authorities to achieve this outcome.”
The above link contains the full statement.
y4rmy says:
June 28, 2013 at 5:17 pm
4 0 Rate This
I think most would agree that TRFC need to change their coach, but not with a wheeled version.
———–
I think people are beginning to tyre of waiting for the bus posts to stop; unless you’re on board it can seem like a one-way street, humour-wise. Funny as it is, I reckon we may be accused of trolleying if we keep driving the subject and wheeling out the same jokes and puns. It’s probably not fare, but a return is not an option, on this silly subject 🙂
Danish Pastry says…
That’s just the ticket, Danish! Hope you weren’t coached on your comments though.
All I will say on the Sevco new bus story is
they can’t be the same club as ragers as ragers used to be unveiling a multi million pound signing at this time of the season not a BUS
comeoangetaffthebustopic
So no sooner has Sevco been declared full members of the cobbled together league and they are all over the MSM shouting about getting their voice heard .
For the newest club in Scottish football they sure have a high opinion of themselves .
As to the SFA ,you lie with dogs your bound to get fleas .
neepheid
Keep up the good work.
Can anyone tell me who is actually the club between RIFC and TRFC just so I don’t get confused when one gets liquidated in the future .
jonnyod says:
June 28, 2013 at 6:49 pm
1 0 Rate This
Can anyone tell me who is actually the club between RIFC and TRFC just so I don’t get confused when one gets liquidated in the future .
====================
TRFC are the Club/Company……..see what I did there?