Good Afternoon.
As virtually anyone on the internet who follows Scottish Football has come to realise, there is a reasoned and determined attempt at ignoring the content of the Charlotte Fakeovers files on the part of the mainstream print media— and indeed by the broadcast journo’s to an extent.
There is widespread speculation that the accessing of the information provided by Charlotte the Harlot was not all above board and the reluctance of the journalists to mention or comment on the documents, so far published on the internet, is often explained away by the lawyers allegedly advising that the content is tainted and so on.
That indeed might or might not be the case, and only the editors, lawyers, journalists and so on will truly know what their stance is on the revelations. Some will want the whole thing suppressed and others will be desperate to get into print, but thus far are frustrated in any attempt to do so.
However, as the documents do appear on the net only to be quickly followed by file disappearances and so on, there is an ever burning question which must be asked and thrown open to debate and argument.
The issue is not just how independent are the Sports Press in Scotland, but whether or not the relationship between certain sections of the press and Rangers or The Rangers is in fact lawful and deserving of football sanctions.
There is no doubt that many big businesses, local authorities and Governments use the services of PR firms and the likes to get information out to the public and to put their slant on any given situation. That is fair enough.
However, in recent days we have seen the release of documentation which, if accurate and true, shows that a leading Scottish PR company were specifically employed to place stories with the press which were designed to damage the reputation of, to embarrass or cause problems for certain other teams and personnel involved in Scottish Football.
Again I stress that all of this is subject to the caveat that what Charlotte is publishing may or may not be real and accurate. However, if what has been produced is in fact the genuine correspondence between the club and its professional advisers then that correspondence needs to be looked at.
The SFA and indeed the SPFL are the bodies that lay down rules which govern the conduct of clubs and their officers and employees.
So looking at these regulations let me just repeat some of them here:
Fisrt the rules of what was the SPL and which I presume are the rules of the SPFL:
A3.1 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.
A3.2 No Club, either by itself or its Club Officials, shall by any means whatsoever unfairly criticise, disparage, belittle or discredit any other Club, the Company or the League or in either case any such other Cub or the Company’s directors, officers, employees or agents (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, exclude supporters).
The SFA handbook at article 5 places obligations on members to observe the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship in accordance with the rules of fair play, and to refrain from engaging in any activity which would constitute a breach of sections 1, 2 and 6 the Bribery Act 2010.
The details of the Bribery act can be found here:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/23/section/2
Basically, I think these rules mean that you cannot criticise belittle or try to damage the reputation of a club outwith the rules of the games and must at all times behave with integrity, in a sporting manner and with THE UTMOST GOOD FAITH!
The details,as released by Charlotte, show that there is at best a conflict of interests at times with various parties being both employed by the club and paid by radio stations or newspapers to comment on matters relating to all aspects of Scottish Football. As a member of the PR staff at Ibrox presumably such employees are paid to tow a certain party line when commenting in the media and so throw a spin on any given set of facts and circumstances that suits whoever is in control of Ibrox.
Further, it has been suggested that certain individuals acting in this way can also represent the views of for example Walter Smith — and so act as their mouthpiece if necessary.
Such practices may be unpleasant and undesirable but not necessarily against the laws of the game. It would just mean that the newspapers and broadcasters concerned cannot be regarded as independent or objective in their comments or views — they are merely towing an employers line. In short they are HMV— His Masters Voice!
Equally, we have seen supposedly independent journalists and editors referred to in such a way that it is clear they are being asked to spin news a certain way for whatever reason — including the suggestion that if they do not comply then some kind of action will be taken which the parties concerned would rather avoid — such as private matters becoming public.
However, of far greater interest is the suggestion that where necessary the newspapers or whoever will be used to spread negative stories about another club, its employees, directors or whoever.
Such a position may well amount to a breach of articles 3.1 and 3,2 of the SPL ( now SPFL rules) and against the principals set out in the SFA handbook.
Both the SFA and the SPL ( SPFL) has a press office and legal officers.
Both grant rights to broadcasters and journalists, and allow members of the press access to their officers and officials.
Both bodies are free to set out what is acceptable conduct on the part of clubs in this area…… and what is not!
Without even alluding to the detail of the Charlotte revelations, or needing to enquire into the details of the Charlotte documents, I would have thought that the governing bodies would be capable of issuing a formal reminder, to all clubs currently playing at any level in Scottish football, of the content of these rules and that any breach of the rules will not be tolerated.
Of course the matter becomes more convoluted if any officers of the SFA or SPL were involved in the employment of any PR companies or agencies on behalf of a member club and engaged in briefing any such agency about what to say when it comes to the affairs of other clubs. Surely you cannot have an executive officer of a governing body who is in any way linked to the employment of an agency which breaks rules on behalf of a member club?
However, few of these people ever appear on the airwaves to answer questions on a personal basis, and very few expose themselves to questions from the public.
However, many of the commentators and journalists named in the Charlotte documents are regulars on the airwaves and could, in theory, be asked whether or not they are no more than “Their master’s voice” as would appear to be the case if the Charlotte documents are in fact genuine.
If the Scottish Footballing Public are to be entrusted with the truth — and why shouldn’t they in this era of open and transparent football governance– then I think they are entitled to enquire direct whether or not the journalists, players, ex players,managers directors, broadcasters and governing body officials believe in articles 3.1 and 3.2 of the SPFL rules and article 5 of the SFA handbook?
Oh– and maybe the same people could provide some practical examples of what they would consider to be breaches of these rules and what the appropriate sanctions might be?
Specifically– do the actions mentioned in the Charlotte documents ( if true ) fall within the football rules or not?
Or do the SFA and SPFL just ignore placed press releases and comments?
It would be interesting to know.
While I think we are getting somewhere from the efforts of
Not The Huddle Malcontent contacting
http://kassiesa.home.xs4all.nl/bert/uefa/data/method4/trank2014.html
and
Auldheid contacting
http://www.financialfairplay.co.uk
the responses are not official UEFA responses.
Given the ability for those in the corridors of footballing power to twist and turn like a twisty turning thing I don’t see us getting any satisfaction until Platini himself makes the announcement that T’Rangers is a new club while standing on the famous marble stair case!!
Keep up the good work guys, it is appreciated and we may get there one day.
The new SPFL web site have got Rangers founded 1872 instead of 2012, yet have Airdrieonians founded 2002?
Hello there Toots,love the new name.
Leggo must be one of the most deluded human beings on the planet,if his blog is written by a human and not a random computer programme compiled from piles of horse manure.
tcup 2012 says:
August 2, 2013 at 10:25 am
So that looks like Clyde being added to the, now bulging, Ibrox Big Book of B*stards to be Boycotted.
Will there be any media outlets left that they actually trust?
The Sun’s recent introduction of a charge for on-line content may make even more Bears head to Rangers directly for their team’s ‘biased’ good news stories.
As discussed the other day supporters of the green side of Glasgow are equally disparaging about the BBC, Radio Clyde, the Daily Ranger and the Scum but the club itself appear, currently, to have reasonably healthy relationships with most of the MSM.
Excuse the mixed metaphors but it seems like a case of those in charge at T’Rangers are battening down the hatches while keeping their heads in the sand.
What happened to all the talk of transparency and making friends on their journey back to the top?
They seem awfay touchy when awkward questions are asked or opposing arguments are voiced.
What chance there are further storms brewing down Govan way?
slimshady61 says:
August 2, 2013 at 8:20 am
‘…. is it too much to hope that the games organising committee and Glasgow City Council are discharging their duties appropriately in that regard?’
——–
Isn’t there some proviso in the deal (under which Ibrox is to be used ) that all necessary work to ensure the venue is safe falls to be met by the owners of the club?
Wouldn’t it be just like the thing for the Council to be forced to fund such work , for lack of an alternative and with only some months to go.
( I’m sure the text of the agreement appeared on here, in some connection. Anybody?)
Coventry dead, RIP
Talksport claiming the first to go into liquidation since Maidstone 20 years ago
cowanpete says:
August 2, 2013 at 10:12 am
Finloch says:
In a kind of twisted wee way I hope the Sevco Rangers win the Scottish Cup in 2014 and qualify for Europe.
Then we’ll have some fun.
==============================
Please no.
Apart from the fact I could not live with the jingoistic celebrations that would follow their win, we all know that the SFA would find some way of bending the rules (yes, even UEFA;’s) to make sure TRFC would be allowed to play in the Europa League competition.
===========================
The rules (Art 15) cater for an exception to be made and for the SFA to make it. However like the FFP expert I think they would not be allowed to participate. My reason is that to do so would undermine the purpose and strength of Article 12. The lack of any consecutive history of ratified accounts will also go against them even if they managed to get one set produced and ratified with no going concern considerations
At the end of the day the UK taxpayer has been cost millions by Rangers actions already and if the UTT find for HMRC that amount will rise. The SFA with a tax searchlight homing in on them would be fools to make a case, which would need to make a distinction between oldco and newco but then again they aint exactly smart. However even if the SFA were to pass the buck I am confident UEFA would uphold the principles in Art 12 and make sure requirements under other Articles were met.
Article 15 – Special permission
1 If a club qualifies for a UEFA club competition on sporting merit but has not
undergone any licensing process at all or has undergone a licensing process
which is lesser/not equivalent to the one applicable for top division clubs,
because it belongs to a division other than the top division, the UEFA member
association of the club concerned may – on behalf of such a club – request an
extraordinary application of the club licensing system in accordance with
Annex IV.
2 Based on such an extraordinary application, UEFA may grant special permission
to the club to enter the corresponding UEFA club competition subject to the
relevant UEFA club competition regulations. Such an extraordinary application
applies only to the specific club and for the season in question.
To continue.
One problem the SFA would face is that they would have to be making an application for a new club as UEFA see The Rangers. But even for a new club UEFA would look at how they became a new club and take the circumstances into account in respect of the undermining of Art 12.
This is another area where the same club mantra will create anomalies and if by any chance UEFA were to grant permission it would be to the new club as UEFA see it and as the SFA would have to admit to it being in presentingt the case. So if they insist on being the same club with the same history there is no chance of Europe for 3 years even with a SC win.. I think its called a snooker in billiards.
Here is Annex IV
ANNEX IV: Extraordinary application of the club licensing system
1. The UEFA administration defines the necessary deadlines and the minimum
criteria for the extraordinary application of the club licensing system as specified
in Article 15(1) and communicates them to the UEFA member associations at
the latest by 31 August of the year preceding the licence season.
2. UEFA member associations must notify the UEFA administration of such
extraordinary application requests in writing and stating the name of the club
concerned by the deadline communicated by the UEFA administration.
3. The UEFA member associations are responsible for submitting the criteria to the
club concerned for the assessment for the extraordinary procedure at national
level. They must also take immediate action with the club concerned to prepare
for the extraordinary procedure.
4. The club concerned must provide the necessary documentary proof to the
licensor that will assess the club against the fixed minimum standards and
forward the following documentation in one of the UEFA official languages to the
UEFA administration by the deadline communicated by the latter:
a) a written request to apply for special permission to enter the corresponding
UEFA club competition;
b) a recommendation by the licensor based on its assessment (including the
dates and names of the persons having assessed the club);
c) all documentary evidence provided by the club and the licensor as requested
by the UEFA administration;
d) any other documents requested by the UEFA administration during the
extraordinary procedure.
5. The UEFA administration bases its decision on the documentation received and
grants special permission to enter the UEFA club competitions if all the set
criteria are fulfilled and if the club ultimately qualifies on sporting merit. The
decision will be communicated to the UEFA member association, which has to
forward it to the club concerned.
6. If such a club is eliminated on sporting merit during this extraordinary procedure,
the UEFA member association concerned has to notify the UEFA administration
immediately, and this procedure is immediately terminated, without further
decision. Such a terminated procedure cannot be restarted at a later stage.
7. Appeals can be lodged against decisions made by the UEFA administration in
writing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with the
relevant provisions laid down in the UEFA Statutes
john clarke says:
August 2, 2013 at 11:17 am
Could it be the basis of a case for spending more tax payers money on The Rangers?.
tcup 2012 says:
August 2, 2013 at 10:25 am
“Rangers goto war”
————————-
The opening section of Leggat’s piece that I could be bothered to read betrayed an irritated disposition.
For some reason Corporal Jones of Dad’s Army’s stock phrase came to mind; which he directed at the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzies’..
“They don’t like it up ’em!”
wottpi says:
August 2, 2013 at 10:27 am
UEFA stonewall on questions like that asked of the FFP guy.. They just send you a copy of the rules and leave the rest to the reader. It should not be so but in the presence of that stonewall other means have to be found.
I’m not reacting to any perceived criticism here, your point is perfectly valid., I just want readers to know what we are up against.
http://youtu.be/fhWlAKdlQp4
Great post ‘Auldheid’ – top marks for your persistence.
Please interpret Craig Mather’s statement as yet another attempt to cement a siege mentality at Ibrox for sound commercial reasons, those of us with a functioning brain do recognize the glaring differences reflect the glaring differences in the scale of improper financial governance, to compare the actions of Craig Whyte to anyone on planet earth is in itself an insult to my intelligence. The crime is not just about going into administration but how one gets there, the fact that Craig Whyte has not been charged yet with trading while insolvent or orchestrating a liquidation event is a mute point.
Auldheid says:
August 2, 2013 at 11:44 am
No criticism intended. I wholly undersand why you and others are having to choose a different angle of attack.
Just wanted to make the point that people shouldn’t get carried away thinking ‘we’ have nailed the issue.
The site has readers with keen forensic skills who know the score but also some who, from time to time, grasp at new information in the hope that we have found the holy grail.
After all your sterling work I should be apologising for being a party pooper and a pedant 🙂
john clarke says:
August 2, 2013 at 11:17 am
“Isn’t there some proviso in the deal (under which Ibrox is to be used ) that all necessary work to ensure the venue is safe falls to be met by the owners of the club? ”
———————–
Here’s something that might shed some light.
http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1rkpkjn
Craig Mather statement:
RANGERS Football Club notes today’s verdict by the Disciplinary Tribunal who ruled that Hearts cannot register any players over the age of 21 between now and February 1, 2014.
We also recall that Dunfermline were given a similar sanction in May.
But in particular, Rangers are aware of the glaring differences in the sanctions imposed on three clubs who entered administration.
Our club, Rangers, was hit with a £50,000 fine and given a 12 month registration embargo.
While no-one at this Club wishes to see others fall on hard times, questions must be asked about these anomalies and we fully understand the rising anger among our fans.
They are entitled to think there is one rule for our club and another for everyone else.
We will be seeking clarification for our fans.
===========================================================
Lots of negative reaction to this statement from Mr Mather but I’d have thought all TSFM readers would agree with him – some clarification from our esteemed administrators on the differences between the offences and sanctions for the three clubs would be appreciated by all those with an interest in Scottish football. Maybe the latest in line dog whistler already has an agreement that he won’t get an answer?
😕
In the madhouse following the collapse of Lehman Brothers [in September 2008], there was a fire sale of assets around the globe. Elias simply took the bonds entrusted to SLS and sold them for cash to blue-chip banks across the world at around a quarter of their real value says an investigator.
But once the bonds were illegally sold on,
Elias effectively operated as a Ponzi scheme – a pyramid-style scam.
With no underlying investments, he paid income from any new money coming in. But that could not last and by the spring of this year Keydata and its investors were heading for trouble.
http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN05394
Castofthousands says:
August 2, 2013 at 11:56 am
—
Thanks, CoT.
Keydata: why were investors sold “death” bonds?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10284269
Where did Chris Chipperton appear before?
CtH………………….
——————————————————————-
Jack Irvine
Jun 07, 2010 at 13:46
Briefing note to media and interested parties
(Issued on behalf of Mr Stewart Ford)
Re: Lifemark/Keydata
Monday,June 7, 2010: The Swiss-based founder of Keydata, Mr Stewart Ford, has appointed a multi-disciplinary investigation team to examine the circumstances surrounding the administration of his company on June 8, 2009.
The strategic partners involved in the investigation will be:-
1. Media House International, a City-based Crisis Management and Political Affairs specialist led by a former News International editor and MD, Jack Irvine. Irvine worked on the Cash for Honours case involving biotech entrepreneur Sir Christopher Evans, the MG Rover Inquiry and most recently devised the successful media strategy for the team opposing the £400million Uralchem placement on the LSE. He is also political and media adviser to Cayman Finance.
2. Aegis Tax LLP, a City-based tax investigation specialist led by Chris Chipperton. Chipperton had a 22-year career with HMRC including 15 years with their investigation division. He has handled major cases including tax evasion, money laundering and drug trafficking. He was UK liaison officer in the Middle East from 1993-98. Chipperton also worked with KPMG and Ernst & Young.
Irvine and Chipperton’s brief is to examine the following puzzling aspects of the Keydata/Lifemark affair.
1. Why the FSA took precipitate action to put Keydata into administration when a mutually agreeable tax solution could have been negotiated with HMRC.
2. Why HMRC was led in a certain direction by the FSA when a routine solution to correct the tax/ISA compliance position was easily possible. Did the lack of a tax settlement prompt the FSA to “manufacture” a tax liability thus imposing administrators on an otherwise solvent business.
3. Who appointed PwC as administrators and allowed their costs to spiral alarmingly? There appears to be a feeding frenzy on their fees- what have they achieved ?
4. Do PwC have a conflict as administrators to Keydata and auditors to SLS in Luxembourg? In whose best interests are PwC acting?
5. PwC had concerns over £103m. of investors’ money yet Keydata Investment Services had over £2.5 billion under its control. Was the PwC action proportionate?
6. Why HMRC lost control of the case.
7. The thought processes behind FSA’s aggressive action when they must have realised that their actions would disadvantage thousands of policyholders.
8. What exactly the FSA are doing to determine the whereabouts and size of the deceased fraudster David Elias’s estate.
All inquiries relating to the Media House/Aegis investigation should be addressed to the following:-
Jack Irvine.
http://www.mediahouse.co.uk
jack@mediahouse.co.uk
Cellphone: 07860 457 456
Chris Chipperton
http://www.aegistaxllp.co.uk
chris.chipperton@aegistaxllp.co.uk
Cellphone: 07525 201 868
Steerpike says:
August 2, 2013 at 11:52 am
Don’t think you will get many Thumbs Down for that post being most people on here know the score re the need for the management at T’Rangers to keep ‘duping’ the fans for sound commercial reasons. We also accept the fans want to be duped because they believe thats what is required to ‘the club’ in business.
However where do you think such statements from your CEO sit within the traditions a ‘the club’ where words like respect and (quiet) dignity are often used?
I was only the a few months back Mather was talking about going in with Walter to build bridges with the SFA etc
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/new-rangers-chief-executive-craig-1852378
Then in June he was urging the SFA to go easy on Hearts
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rangers-chief-craig-mather-sfa-2017786
The hope all along was, of course, to try and get some ammunition to play the victim card yet again and rally the Bears.
He takes his own fans for mugs and no sooner has he tried to build a bridge he burns it by implying the SFA have rules for one club and rules for everyone else. Well on here we know which club has benefitted from the bespoke rules created in their favour.
Treating your own fans and the ruling authorities with neither respect or dignity doesn’t seem like the traditional Rangers way to me.
Must be a new club after all?
http://t.co/2iIdPCkdcD
He’s back
ChuckieG – Consultant (Sevco)
So Craig Mather pops his head about the para-pit or does he. The statement apparently from him looks nice and provocative and certainly got an instant media response which is not something Traynor is very good at. I wonder who would write a statement for Rangers (probably been written some time ago) that would provoke a reaction and get lots of sympathetic Rangers column (and internet) inches? Charlotte would obviously know.
Sam says:
August 2, 2013 at 12:40 pm
Keydata: why were investors sold “death” bonds?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sam, any other Keydata connection to Scottish football?
🙄
At around this time, Elias told friends he was suffering from pneumonia.
He died, at 56, from complications on 8 May in Malaysia. His body was rapidly cremated and the ashes scattered.
But is he really dead? ―Given his previous record of using medical conditions to escape creditors and the law, that the only witness to the body‘s identity was a manservant, and the ease of obtaining death certificates in some parts of the world, no one can 100% assume he is really deceased, says a source close to the investigation.
andy graham says:
August 2, 2013 at 12:53 pm
—————————————
Welcome back Charles.
Let the fun and games begin.
What chance a move to get Ally and his pals sacked as a ‘cost cutting measure’, force Sir Walter of Cardigan out the door and Charles to become non-exec Chairman to guide his placeman CEO Mather through the asset strip??
(Wonder what salary he is on?)
So CG is back as a consultant!
It’s not clear (to me at any rate) if its TRFC or RIFC that he’s back to as a consultant..The club? the company? the club company? or the company that holds the company of the club? or the club of spivs that holds the companies that hold the club?
Strange also that no questions were asked (or answered?) about how much he is getting paid for his services.
hmmmm….what’s that noise? I think I hear the bullshit detector going off…
Anyhoo, happy weekend, football fans! Now we have real football to pass the time as well as the excruciating delights of TSFM and the quest for truth.
Forest Hills says:
August 2, 2013 at 12:53 pm
——————————————-
Can’t have been Traynor, he’s too busy with his new blog Broken Record. Note how the pro-Sevco forces are mounting a concerted effort ahead of the start of the season – Mather’s blather, Jack’s various acolytes on here in increasing numbers in the past 3 weeks and now Traynor spouting nonsense on how he’s creating a media storm in his new role at Ibrox
Oh in case anyone is still listening to phone ins, don’t. We now know for a fact that some of the “experts” on these shows are actually in the pay of Rangers while not disclosing it; it is patently clear to me that some of the callers will also be paid to phone in pretending to be supporters of clubs other than Rangers who want to criticise “their own club”.
The radio stations have no way of verifying the bona fides of these people (other than Tommy obviously) and so you are wasting your time listening to them.
There are plenty of podcasts on the internet to cater for all tastes and I hear one coming from TSFM in the near future
54 (ways to follow Scottish football other than the MSM or SSB)
@wotpi
” However where do you think such statements from your CEO sit within the traditions a ‘the club’ where words like respect and (quiet) dignity are often used? ”
My football club has only one tradition that interests me, and it is playing football, I do not indulge myths, not even ethical myths, I leave that sort of tripe to the self righteous, Rangers is a football club not the bastion of my morality( thankfully). Its not my fault football clubs welcome lost souls indulging in some kind of bizarre ancestor worship, as far as I am concerned they all need a psychiatrist, but each to their own.
At least he is not dipping his toes in the slime of sectarianism, something I resented Mr Green doing.
Seems over in Bearsville the return of Green was rumoured
This article form Chris Graham was posted on the Bears Den this mornijng at 08:49
http://www.therangersstandard.co.uk/index.php/articles/current-affairs/275-ahmad-s-group-to-return
Squeeky Bum time for Chris?
nowoldandgrumpy says:
August 2, 2013 at 10:41 am
36 0 Rate Up
The new SPFL web site have got Rangers founded 1872 instead of 2012, yet have Airdrieonians founded 2002?
========================
i thought clyebank were older than that!
andy graham says:
August 2, 2013 at 12:53 pm
2 0 Rate This
http://t.co/2iIdPCkdcD
He’s back
ChuckieG – Consultant (Sevco)
=============================
the man who left because of his shameful use of racist language is back….dignity indeed.
at least Celtic fans objected to Dr Reid’s appointment!
Steerpike says:
August 2, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Fair comment and indeed I believe many football fans just want their teams to do that – play football.
However you now deep down it is more than that.
Even when I was attending my boy’s local club end of season fun day I stood there with other families thinking ‘isn’t this just great’. We were all there supporting sporting endeavour but were also teaching the youngsters about community, discipline, self development, achievement, reward and at times how to best deal with dissappointment.
Football clubs large and small have a wider effect on the community that is much more than just watching 22 lads kicking a ball about.
As for Green it looks like you may have spoken too soon.
The chancer looks like he is on his way back.
Good Luck with your ideal of just going along to merely enjoy the game.
” at least Celtic fans objected to Dr Reid’s appointment! ”
I was not aware Dr Reid used racist language.
Steerpike says:
August 2, 2013 at 1:25 pm
0 0 Rate This
” at least Celtic fans objected to Dr Reid’s appointment! ”
I was not aware Dr Reid used racist language.
—————————
i don’t know if he did either, but i know he is a despicable character who should have been nowhere near the Celtic boardroom.
@wotpi
” Good Luck with your ideal of just going along to merely enjoy the game. ”
i believe it is those who do otherwise that are the exception to the rule, like most I support sporting teams for entertainment not to prop up some identity crisis.
” but i know he is a despicable character who should have been nowhere near the Celtic boardroom.”
This was said by the majority of Celtic fans about Fergus McCann, please do not mention despicable characters in the boardroom, I am still traumatized by the financial genius known as Craig Whyte, the only man who orchestrates an insolvency but forgets to secure his liabilities.
” The chancer looks like he is on his way back.”
He will stay until December, in the meantime he will join the Orange Order, the Masons, the Free Church of Scotland , the UVF and the KKK, business is business. There are certain disadvantages to being an atheist and Scottish nationalist…and a Rangers supporter.
wottpi says:
August 2, 2013 at 1:13 pm
Seems over in Bearsville the return of Green was rumoured
This article form Chris Graham was posted on the Bears Den this mornijng at 08:49
http://www.therangersstandard.co.uk/index.php/articles/current-affairs/275-ahmad-s-group-to-return
Squeeky Bum time for Chris?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
As bear-media goes, that’s brave stuff and asks questions that need to be asked. There is clear reference to Walter Smith and that it is time for him to take action. Interesting article.
C Green back really have heard it all now. Surely any reasonably minded Newco fan’s the alarming bell’s must be ringing, plus all the other thing Phil has provided about the dodgy dealing. I think this may well be there last warning about trying to save there new institution as the great swindle begin’s. But, as we know the warning will not be heeded.
@Ryan
Apropos the warning not being heeded second time around:
I think you are on very safe ground there 😉
Steerpike at 1:44
There are certain disadvantages to being an atheist and Scottish nationalist…and a Rangers supporter.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
I’m sure there are Steerpike,something of a collective oxymoron.A minority ,of the TRFC fans tick all three boxes might I suggest.
Sam says …….
——————–
some background for those following Sam’s story …
Q:
What were the responsibilities of Keydata in relation to the Category One funds?
A:
The Secure Income Bond issues 1, 2 and 3 were promoted and administered by Keydata. They comprised investments in bonds issued by a Luxembourg company, SLS Capital S.A (the SLS Bonds). Investors in the Secure Income Bonds paid their money to Keydata, who then purchased the SLS Bonds as agent for those retail investors. The SLS Bonds were held by Keydata (through its nominee company) as nominee of the retail investors. The nominee held the legal title to the relevant SLS Bonds and kept a record of the holding of each underlying retail investor. Under the terms of the SLS Bonds, SLS Capital S.A. was required to use the investors’ money to purchase senior Life Settlement Policies issued by US and Canadian Insurers rated A or above by Standard & Poors. SLS Capital S.A. was responsible for making payments on the bonds (held by Keydata nominees) and Keydata was then responsible for paying income to the retail investors. However, Keydata was not responsible for investing the monies raised by SLS Capital S.A.
————————
Only thing is …… SLS liquidated the assets
Chipperton link is good one Sam ….
Guys ….. don;t forget Jack’s role ….
And yes (from earlier posts), it feeds back to Merchant Capital ….to…..Merchant House Group…to….pritchards…..to….Liberty Capital….to….Craig Whyte…..to…..Jerome Pension Funds….to…. MCR….to….D&P …..to …..some very interesting questions regarding the floating charge on the Ibrox assets
Lot’s more to come I’m sure ….. keep it up Sam 😀
Steerpike says:
August 2, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not one of those people who believe clubs and individual players should be our ideal roll models.
A club or player with a ‘reputation’ in any sport adds to the entertainment and as do those with exceptional talents that everyone can admire and look on with awe.
However there is point when things can go over the score.
A opposed to just wanting to ‘watch the game’, the outrage at last years attempted fudge showed normal fans from many clubs across the country in all divisions were concerned about their sport and how entertaining it would be to continue to turn up week after week paying good hard earned cash to watch what was perceived as a rigged game.
I said long time ago on RTC that if T’Rangers, the club and the fans had issued an apology (a la Dunfermline) and got on quietly with the business of getting back to the top, people would have moved on long ago and we could have all got on with just enjoyng the game. Indeed that is what the boards of most clubs have tried to do. Whether all the fans feel the same is up for debate.
I see nothing currently eminating from Ibrox as being good for the game or the entertainment business. The announcement that Green is back on scene just adds to that view and my guess is many fans from many clubs who were looking forward to just going along to watch the game this coming season will now be more inclined to keep an eye on developments.
@Ryan
Let me give you my perspective on any future boardroom machinations, the club has their 20 million and it is non-refundable, and the fans have the power to dictate policy. If short term investors are disgruntled then the only damage they can cause is to the share price, like Celtic fans I do not give too hoots about the share price. I thank all investors for contributing to the rebirth of my club but only if they are genuinely interested in my football club and not some short term snatch and grab.
Steerpike says:
August 2, 2013 at 1:44 pm
PS.
Nice to see contributions from a Rangers fan on here. Amongst a few nutters and dedicated trolls there have been some good contributors putting the other side of the debate but they rarely hang around for long.
I for one welcome hearing other views.
59. newtz says:
August 2, 2013 at 2:03 pm
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Thanks for the refresher Newtz. The Dundee CEO was connected to Ford at Keydata wasn’t he?
@wotpi
” I said long time ago on RTC that if T’Rangers, the club and the fans had issued an apology (a la Dunfermline) and got on quietly with the business of getting back to the top, people would have moved on long ago and we could have all got on with just enjoyng the game. ”
Since I do not attach my life to my football club I will not apologize on their behalf, it is up to my club to apologize for their own actions, just as it is not my place to apologize for the neanderthal bigots that infest my club. I apologize for my own actions not the actions of others.
I am sure some Rangers representative apologized, or maybe that is wishful thinking on my part.
Steerpike says:
August 2, 2013 at 2:11 pm
1 0 Rate This
Steerpike I honestly do hope you save the club from another disaster. Any club can be swindled all too easily, just look at Coventry & Hearts just now. In my opinion Dunfermline are also very very lucky just now, their fan’s deserve great praise however, Mr Masterton could have consigned them to liquidation but must have had a moment of conscience. If The Ranger’s were to have another administration (First admin some will argue) which Phil has hinted toward’s and with his record in this story I take his word, who would save your club from the current director’s? Mr Smith perhaps but with his previous failure, and little power he has what could he really do?
Sam appears to be exposing the bigger picture ….. I won’t steal his thunder
But an interesting observation in one of CF audio’s …… remember CG (Hi again Charles …. we have unfinished business …… )
Remember when he described trying to open a bank account for the newco rangers ….. interesting response from the bank guy ….. LOL
PS ….. don’t forget who he eventually opened one with ….. and the links back to Octopus !
Sad news today regarding Coventry ……. unfortunately in their situation and if they are to survive (assuming no emotional investment), there’s only one type of money that it can sensible attract ….. 🙄
@Steerpike … Hi ….. you say you are a business man and accountantcy background ……. what is considered reasonable as the … cost of doing business …. for ‘Dirty Money’. …… just curious like ! …… 40% reasonable ?
And for everyone else …… think about that for a mo !
Welcome back C GREEN.
Personally I have missed you 🙁
Can’t wait for your first couple of RANTS sorry I mean Well thought out and eloquent statements 😛
Steerpike: “the fans have the power to dictate policy” do they?
So would that include “guilt by omission” of allowing OldGersto run up massive debts with no censure from “the fans”?
Would that include benefitting from well known “tax-efficient”/dodging accounting?
Would that include the effective endorsement of generations of sectarian recruitment policies?
If you think the only OldGers fans who should apologise are, in your words, “sectarian bigots”, you might want to take a closer look at Rangers fanbase and their actions throughout the administration, liquidation and second coming but also the previous, say 100 years…
” If The Ranger’s were to have another administration ”
You will have to excuse my blatant cynicism, like everyone else I am a product of my genes and environment, in a nutshell there are 3 potential scenarios:
1. Rangers run out of cash and the investors have to stump up more cash or off to administration we go, and they lose most of their capital.
2. Rangers goes into administration, loses 10 or 15 points, still wins the division and a fan consortium buys it back through a CVA.
3. Rangers does not run out of cash.
I really do not see a down side.
For the record, some Celtic fans objected to John Reid’s appointment, I didn’t.
” Steerpike … Hi ….. you say you are a business man and accountantcy background ……. what is considered reasonable as the … cost of doing business …. for ‘Dirty Money’. …… just curious like ! …… 40% reasonable ? ”
Hello newtz,, the price of freedom rises with age, I am of the age where no return would tempt me, in general it depends on the sums and the risks involved.
Steerpike says:
August 2, 2013 at 2:46 pm
” If The Ranger’s were to have another administration ”
You will have to excuse my blatant cynicism, like everyone else I am a product of my genes and environment, in a nutshell there are 3 potential scenarios:
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Your worry free scenarios assume the assets can be purchased and ignores CW’s claim on them.
I may be wrong but would the current director’s and mystery investor’s not be secured creditor’s in the event of admin? Therefore giving them the right to reject CVA’s etc. Asset stripper’s might be more inclined to making money through selling the training ground, and renting stadium to any new incarnation perhaps? I would be very wary just now to say the very least.
@Ryan
I doubt that Murray Park is a great asset for any Gordon Geko type.
Even if the land were re-zoned for residential development the days of the property boom are long gone.
It is a fine training establishment (in need of repair and upgrade just like Ibrox), but of little use for anything else IMO.
Probably correct Phil just having a guess at the the end game I guess only the fullness of time will tell what the con men had planned.
jockybhoy says:
August 2, 2013 at 2:47 pm
For the record, some Celtic fans objected to John Reid’s appointment, I didn’t.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Also for the record. I’m not a Celtic fan but I too object to John Reid.
Alistair on the apparent contradictions between the treatment of Hearts and RFC:
“I will be honest with you, I don’t really know the full situation. I know we were fined £50,000 and I think that was for going into administration. …”
Mendacity or stupidity?
Steerpike says:
August 2, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Rangers goes into administration, loses 10 or 15 points, still wins the division and a fan consortium buys it back through a CVA.
…
I really do not see a down side.
—————————————–
That you do not see a downside to this scenario, is part of a major reason many do not want to see the new Rangers prosper.
Right and wrong don’t matter, only Rangers.
Steerpike says:
August 2, 2013 at 2:46 pm
If administration does come then it may not be worry free.
If it does happen better hope T’Rangers have a good lead in whatever division they are in.
Next time ‘real’ administrators may get hold of the club.
Points deduction meets severe cuts = a bunch of youngsters hanging on to see the season out – or even worse starting a season.
Tough ask to gain promotion.
However on the plus side if McCoist and his huge salary went, then the youngster may actually do better and you would get more entertaining football, regardless of where you end up 🙂
On any housing redevelopment of Murray Park as part of any spiv end game – forget it.
Cala Homes has been trying to build up to 500 homes on a site close to Murray Park for over 6 years. It has had plans rejected, accepted then withdrew them in face of local opposition, land previously promised sold on to other developers amid wrangles over a cash injection to fund a replacement leisure centre with the local council. Not a brick laid in anger as yet.
So even if spivs did sell to a developer it would be at a price that reflects the difficult planning environment – ie a lot lower than you think. Should Cala ever get around to closing a deal on 350-500 houses what chance would another developer have of getting a similar number through the council quickly – none.
Murray Park may be sold but for housing that is wishful thinking.
Drew Peacock says:
August 2, 2013 at 3:21 pm
‘..Also for the record. I’m not a Celtic fan but I too object to John Reid.’
———-
Also for the record, I too was not a Reid supporter,and I am not a Brian Wilson fan,either.
Their kind of politics puts them ‘way beyond the upper limit of the “Ha!” scale of contempt, as far as I’m concerned.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/analysis-the-bigger-picture-of-charles-greens-shares-and-rangers-future.1375452575 Herald admitting cash is running out
Listening to Sky Sports News on the situation regards Coventry and they keep mentioning Rangers in the same story. I’m sure I just heard the reporter say Rangers went into Administration and were relegated to the 3rd division. How can you be relegated if you don’t exist any longer
@Jockybhoy
I think it is safe to say Rangers fans are a bit more interested in the finances of their club than they used to be, under SDM there was little doubt he was not interested in making a quick buck, this cannot be said about our current collection of carpetbaggers.
” So would that include “guilt by omission” of allowing OldGersto run up massive debts with no censure from “the fans”? ”
Guilt by omission with my football club ?? Now that is an interesting and novel concept, one my mind struggles to fathom, maybe I am immoral. Up until fairly recently every football club in Scotland was in debt, Rangers debt was being serviced by its owner and then he could no longer service it, at which point does my guilt kick in ? Should I be guilty of not having a crystal ball ?
” Would that include benefitting from well known “tax-efficient”/dodging accounting? ”
Good grief man, few football fans study the minutiae of their clubs balance sheets, I personally had no problem with my club using legal methods to reduce tax, if they prove to be illegal then the guilt falls on the owner not me, I am not blessed with clairvoyant abilities. If the EBT’s are deemed to be illegal then any team who used them must be stripped of titles and trophies where these players took part, simple really.
” Would that include the effective endorsement of generations of sectarian recruitment policies? ”
Now I am completely lost, Rangers altered their policy some 30 years ago, how far back do you wish me to feel guilty about ? Scotland as a nation ( excluding me) turned a blind eye to religious discrimination in all parts of society not just football, I hope I am not responsible for this in some way, heavens man I will never sleep.
Sugar Daddy says:
August 2, 2013 at 3:37 pm
Cala Homes has been trying to build up to 500 homes on a site close to Murray Park for over 6 years. It has had plans rejected, accepted then withdrew them in face of local opposition, land previously promised sold on to other developers amid wrangles over a cash injection to fund a replacement leisure centre with the local council. Not a brick laid in anger as yet.
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i seem to recall a bit about this on either RTC or the early days here.
There is a Council sports facility in need of upgrading not too far away and that land is not in the “green belt”
Pretty sure a developer could wangle some sort of deal to gift the “state of the art” Murray Park to the council in return for getting the site that the existing leisure centre is sighted on (plus some rights to develop the Murray park site too)
I don’t think it’s impossible. And given that CG has returned, i reckon he is there for 1 reason only – maximise their return on exiting.
I see TRFC Ltd being sold off to someone – take your pick – easdales, king, Blue Knights (won’t be a fans consortium though!!)
RIFC keeping both properties – Ibrox and MP
MP being sold to a developer (as above scenario)
Ibrox being leased to TRFC Ltd on a full repairing and insurance lease
RIFC PLC will change it’s name to Soccerball Property CO (or similar) and may even buy tynecastle with the balance of the cash they have and do the same to hearts!
TRFC Ltd will then have a share floatation to fund their ambitions (and pay the rent/keep the lights on/sign a very poor quality squad)
slow lingering death – but CG and co will walk away with a nice wee pension.
@rebusrad
” Right and wrong don’t matter, only Rangers.”
Right and wrong do matter, the trick is to establish what is right and wrong, the only thing you have established is it is wrong for there to be no downside.
@Drew Peacock,
” Your worry free scenarios assume the assets can be purchased and ignores CW’s claim on them.”
CW’s claims on the assets do not worry me, his sanity worries me.
jockybhoy says:
August 2, 2013 at 2:47 pm
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Good for you JB. Me too, we didn’t hire John Reid for his politics which are at best hypocritical, at worst west of Scotland Labour; Celtic hired him because we realised we were dealing with some of the dirtiest fighters in football. No trick is too mean for that lot, they’d sell their granny for a £10 (especially if we’ve sold ours for £5) and then try to play her as a trialist
A holier than thou attitude gets you nowhere when dealing with pond life. For a bit of street fighting, John Reid was the right wing man in the right place at the right time. And he went when it was clear his services were no longer required.
54 (clauses in the Labour manifesto that they broke after 1997)
Steerpike says:
August 2, 2013 at 2:46 pm
2. Rangers goes into administration, loses 10 or 15 points, still wins the division and a fan consortium buys it back through a CVA.
——–
A 2nd Administration normally gets much worse than 10-15 points…. if you are the same club (Dundee, for example). Unless of course its another club…. that might end a few arguments right there. 🙂
And if there is a 2nd admin (or 1st, whichever), then the playing squad this time might be severely depleted ?
Perhaps this is a problem or 2 with this option ?
Cash gates at Firhill tonight for Partick Thistle v Dundee United – is everyone thrilled that the league season is starting?