Generic Sevco / Rangers meltdown thread

[Lungo--Drom]

More than likely exactly the reason he doesn't allow comments. There would be a constant stream of people commenting on his **** 'journalism' and he is probably just intelligent enough to know that.

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I sincerely wish he allowed comments on his blog, if only to see what people think of his 'journalism'

[Spike Mandela]

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My apologies, it's now been changed to the 13th. Jeezus!

Friday 13th! Aggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Armageddon, disaster, meltdown, end of the world, doomsday aggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Newry Hibs]

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My apologies, it's now been changed to the 13th. Jeezus!

I've obviously missed something here - but are there 2 SFL votes?

First one on 13th where all current SFL1 clubs only decide if newco can get into SFL1? (minus Dunf or Dundee). Does this need a 5-4 majority? Surely with all the clubs statements it's a 'no'.


Second one (only if first is a 'no') at a later date to decide if newco enter SFL at all (i.e. SFL3) or indeed another club is preferred?

[CropleyWasGod]

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I've obviously missed something here - but are there 2 SFL votes?

First one on 13th where all current SFL1 clubs only decide if newco can get into SFL1? (minus Dunf or Dundee). Does this need a 5-4 majority? Surely with all the clubs statements it's a 'no'.


Second one (only if first is a 'no') at a later date to decide if newco enter SFL at all (i.e. SFL3) or indeed another club is preferred?

Vote 1 is all SFL clubs (except Dundee) voting on whether Sevco can come into SFL1. It needs >50% to be passed, ie 15 votes. Thus far, 11/12 clubs are voting against.

Vote 2, if needed, is to consider all new applications to the SFL for the vacant place.

[jgl07]

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I've obviously missed something here - but are there 2 SFL votes?

First one on 13th where all current SFL1 clubs only decide if newco can get into SFL1? (minus Dunf or Dundee). Does this need a 5-4 majority? Surely with all the clubs statements it's a 'no'.

Second one (only if first is a 'no') at a later date to decide if newco enter SFL at all (i.e. SFL3) or indeed another club is preferred?

They have no vacancy at the moment and therefore no opportunity for other clubs to apply.

I assumed that it was all SFL clubs that took the decision.

[Crazyhorse]

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Friday 13th! Aggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Armageddon, disaster, meltdown, end of the world, doomsday aggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Maybe on the assumption that the orcs will be too hung over after celebrating religious and political liberty for all to cause any 'social unrest' the day after the glorious 12th.

I hope that's not the real reason.

[Newry Hibs]

Thanks CWG & Jgl07. I'm away on my hols for a week, so God knows how it's going to take to catch up with all this. It's about an hour a day every day and the bosses are wondering why the work rate has dropped.

[VickMackie]

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Worth getting some Hibs momentum behind a new twitter account thats got 400 followers in half an hour of thereabouts. @spltogether #spltogether

Had a look at this and whilst I've just followed I believe the stance should be pro SPL and selling the benefits rather than the negative view we don't need gers.

It's the same thing but should be cast in a positive light rather than just anti rangers, IMO.

That's why I don't sign a lot of the petitions that go around.

[silverhibee]

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Aye no bother Jim, Rangers leave creditors high and dry to the tune of tens of millions, and have cheated our system and national game for decades.....Yet the fans/clubs who cite sporting integrity are knuckle draggers.....Christ I thought our media could not get any lower, but you have managed succinctly, well done Jim....Lets all power high five you and bow to your superior knowledge.....

Just read that and a we thought came in to my head, may be a lot of tom kite i am thinking here, but here goes, McGregor and Ferguson both embarrass the Scottish Nation and should never have played for there country again after the way they conducted them self's in a hotel and then at the national Stadium during a Scotland game, now both were Rangers players at the time, one is back playing for Scotland and the other turned us down after Potter done his hardest to get him back in to the Scotland squad, now had that been a Motherwell Kille Hibs etc player doing that i am sure that would have been the end of there national football, do/did Rangers have that kind of power in the SFA that made sure these two players got back in to the Scotland squad and if i remember right even though the press said it was disgusting behaviour regarding there two fingered salute(which was allegedly aimed at the press ) the press still wanted them back in the squad and made a big deal about it, sure Jim Traynor had plenty to say about it.

Now Steven Fletcher who has no connections with Rangers at all, decides to text an administrator at the SFA to ask to be excluded from a game as his own team (Wolves) had important games coming up and asked to be excluded for that reason, Potter took the huff and has now basically said he will not play for Scotland again while Potter is in charge.

Here is my thoughts, imagine if Fletcher was playing for Rangers, do you think he would still be excluded from the Scotland squad, no chance he would be straight back in to the squad, and yet a guy who has just had a £10m price tag slapped on him cannot get a sniff at the Scotland team.

It seems the SFA will do anything for Rangers and probably celtc too, but for everyone else there is a different set of rules for them.

[Baldy Foghorn]

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Just read that and a we thought came in to my head, may be a lot of tom kite i am thinking here, but here goes, McGregor and Ferguson both embarrass the Scottish Nation and should never have played for there country again after the way they conducted them self's in a hotel and then at the national Stadium during a Scotland game, now both were Rangers players at the time, one is back playing for Scotland and the other turned us down after Potter done his hardest to get him back in to the Scotland squad, now had that been a Motherwell Kille Hibs etc player doing that i am sure that would have been the end of there national football, do/did Rangers have that kind of power in the SFA that made sure these two players got back in to the Scotland squad and if i remember right even though the press said it was disgusting behaviour regarding there two fingered salute(which was allegedly aimed at the press ) the press still wanted them back in the squad and made a big deal about it, sure Jim Traynor had plenty to say about it.

Now Steven Fletcher who has no connections with Rangers at all, decides to text an administrator at the SFA to ask to be excluded from a game as his own team (Wolves) had important games coming up and asked to be excluded for that reason, Potter took the huff and has now basically said he will not play for Scotland again while Potter is in charge.

Here is my thoughts, imagine if Fletcher was playing for Rangers, do you think he would still be excluded from the Scotland squad, no chance he would be straight back in to the squad, and yet a guy who has just had a £10m price tag slapped on him cannot get a sniff at the Scotland team.

It seems the SFA will do anything for Rangers and probably celtc too, but for everyone else there is a different set of rules for them.

I think we all thought that silv, however the reality is now the SFA are actually showing it to be the case....Scottish Football = Old Firm, the rest don't matter.....

PS sent STV Edinburgh news an email about Derhun being reported on constantly... Bog standard reply about how Scottish Football was changing and it was mainstream news

[givescotlandfreedom]

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We now know without any doubt, those at the top of OUR game are corrupt. Where does this corruption stop, every dodgy decision that goes against us now, every penalty?

The seed of doubt has gone, we know the SPL and the SFA will fight to give rantic preferential treatment. Could referee's and linesmen be next on their radar, make sure both teams win, we cant have any teams beating their favorites, am i wrong or too late?

They employ Craig Thomson...

[green glory]

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I've obviously missed something here - but are there 2 SFL votes?

First one on 13th where all current SFL1 clubs only decide if newco can get into SFL1? (minus Dunf or Dundee). Does this need a 5-4 majority? Surely with all the clubs statements it's a 'no'.

Second one (only if first is a 'no') at a later date to decide if newco enter SFL at all (i.e. SFL3) or indeed another club is preferred?

I don't think the SFL have specified if the vote on SFL3 is also taking place on the 13th. Can they seriously adjourn again in the event if a no vote for SFL1?

As I posted previously, Newco doesn't meet the criteria for an SFA license. Any duscussions on where they will play should be academic unless the SFA fails to apply it's own rules AGAIN. They didn't meet the financial criteria last year. Will the SFA repeat the error?

[CropleyWasGod]

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I don't think the SFL have specified if the vote on SFL3 is also taking place on the 13th. Can they seriously adjourn again in the event if a no vote for SFL1?

As I posted previously, Newco doesn't meet the criteria for an SFA license. Any duscussions on where they will play should be academic unless the SFA fails to apply it's own rules AGAIN. They didn't meet the financial criteria last year. Will the SFA repeat the error?

They would have to, I reckon. Otherwise, it would be unfair on those other teams who may wish to apply for the vacancy.

[SJNB Hibby]

I presume Rangers are not competing in the U-19 League next year? Moot point if all the kids are in the first team I suppose

[RyeSloan]

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I presume Rangers are not competing in the U-19 League next year? Moot point if all the kids are in the first team I suppose

Even more moot when its an U21 league

[Onion]

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I was mystified that Regan could put out that interview, which on a first reading (and indeed second reading) is astonishing.

However, for the sake of debate (and because I admit to being a bit of a Regan apologist as I'm impressed with other stuff he has done for the grassroots of the game), I think it warrants further analysis:

1) He doesnt say that Rangers need to be in because of an affection for or allegiance to Rangers. I dont think he has any. It isnt a case that we need Rangers to help Rnagers, it is that he belives we need Rangers for the sake of everyone else. (I dont agree with him, but thats opinion).
2) Assuming the above, it doesnt indicate corruption at all.
3) Assuming he believes that the financial implications of no hun would result in the administration/liquidation of several member clubs, he presumably has a duty to work in th einterest of those clubs if he genuinely believes them to be at risk.
4) The "social unrest" related to no hun, not div3 hun. Stupid thing to say either way, bit not scaremongering to ge tthem to div 1
5) I agree with the tribalism element. Of course thats what football is.

I believe he is wrong - I'd stress that. I think allowing the hun back into div 1 will absolutely kill the game because of the strength of feeling, but I can see where he is coming from when you take the understandable distaste for hundom out of the consideration process.

The two main problems I have with Regan's statement are:

1. Stating in no uncertain terms that the game in Scotland is DEAD if Sevco don't get put into Div 1 has joined him at the hip to that event. If Sevco do not get elected into Div1, Regan will have to resign. We simply cannot have someone who believes that there is no positive future for the game in charge of the SFA. No company, organisation or club in the world would accept that.

2. Regan's desperate comments suggests that he has simply FAILED to convince the majority of the 30 SFL Chairmen of the need to place Sevco in DIV1. If the arguments are so compelling (as he's suggesting) or they held his views in high regard, then there would be no debate the SFL would be going along with this. The FACT is Regan and Doncaster have completely cocked this up. You win hearts and minds through logic, reason and persuasion but Regan & Doncaster have reverted to threats, emotive language, exaggeration and unsubstantiated claims - which basically means they have already lost the argument.

[Piqué]

http://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/news/2012/07/05/790/

Stenhousemuir will vote yes to newco

[s.a.m]

Stenhousemuir have issued a statement. They're opting for Div 1 (or at least, that's what he implies)

Rangers Newco We refer to the above and take this opportunity to make a statement on behalf of the club. Firstly we appreciate that there have been numerous calls for us to produce such a statement specifically outlining our voting intentions with regard to Rangers Newco entering the SFL. We have been of the opinion that we did not wish to issue a statement when a) we had no actual proposal and therefore no decision to make, and b) more importantly, until we were in full receipt of all the facts. We are now in a more enlightened position.
Many clubs have made statements, some shorter than others. We believe that in this statement, we have set out clearly the options that are currently facing the game with regard to Rangers Newco and the impact this situation will have on the game.
As a Board of Directors, our first priority is the wellbeing of Stenhousemuir Football Club. Therefore, in assessing the various options, we have evaluated each in the following order of priority, a) the impact on Stenhousemuir Football Club, b) the impact on the Scottish Football League (SFL)c) the impact on the overall game in Scotland including the impact on the Scottish Premier League (SPL). Our statement therefore is lengthy but we felt you would appreciate this level of detail given the complexities.
As you will be aware, the club was represented at a meeting on Tuesday 3^rd July at Hampden with our fellow SFL members. This meeting was called purely to provide members with a thorough account of the facts and presentations were delivered by David Longmuir (Chief Executive of the Scottish Football League), Neil Doncaster (Chief Executive of the Scottish Premier League) and Stewart Regan (Chief Executive of the Scottish FA). It was not a call to vote on any proposals despite media suggestions to the contrary.
David Longmuir presented us with the options from an SFL standpoint but the main factual presentation in terms of finance was delivered in detail by the SPL, information which was verified by the other associations. The financial information set out by the SPL summarized the impact on the SPL clubs firstly and the subsequent impact on the SFL clubs.
In essence there were two main options outlined in terms of their financial implications:
1. Rangers Newco playing in Division 3 of the SFL
The financial impact of this would be:

• Loss of Sky broadcasting payments of circa £10m/season
• Loss of ESPN broadcasting payments of circa £5m/season
• Loss of Sportfive broadcasting payments of £2.7m/season (overseas broadcasters)
• Loss of sponsorship of £1m/season
• Additional new broadcasting deal with income of £3m/season

The net loss of income therefore would total £15.7m/season. The above is on the basis that each of the contracts have termination clauses should either of the Old Firm not be involved in the SPL.
The financial effect on most SPL clubs would be a reduced income of around £1m/season. More importantly for us, the settlement agreement payment (the annual payment from the SPL to the SFL agreed when the SPL was established) of approximately £2m would not be paid. The reason this would not be paid would be due to the reduced SPL income, the money to meet this obligation would no longer be there.
2.Rangers Newco playing in the second tier of Scottish Football.
(This would be either Division 1 of the SFL or a newly formed SPL 2)
The financial impact of this would be:

• Sky and ESPN have committed to retain their deals but include Rangers Newco content during the season
• Loss of Sportfive broadcasting payments of £2.7m/season (no requirement if no Old Firm games)
• Loss of sponsorship of £1m/season

The loss of income therefore would total £3.7m/season. The SPL confirmed that in this situation the settlement payment between the SPL and the SFL would be paid.
Should Rangers Newco be in Division 1 of the SFL, in order to satisfy Sky and ESPN, the SPL would make a payment to the SFL of £1m/season for the broadcasting rights for Rangers Newco matches for as long as Rangers Newco remain in Division 1. This therefore was not a payment for accepting Rangers Newco into the SFL division 1 but instead a straight business deal to purchase SFL broadcasting content.
Subsequently there was a lengthy discussion on the impact of these options and we take this opportunity to set these out together with the likely impact on our club. Again, we have evaluated each option in the following priority, a)the impact on Stenhousemuir FC, b) the impact on the SFL, and c) the impact on the SPL and the game in general.
Rangers Newco in Division 3
The impact for Stenhousemuir FC of this option would be the loss of the SFL central payment aligned to the SPL settlement payment. That would total £50,000/season. This is a significant amount of money for the football club and we would have to find ways to cut our costs to cover this shortfall. Given that we have made commitments to playing staff for this season the playing budget cannot be reduced, therefore, the only option open to us to make significant savings would be in scrapping our youth system to release the pitch for hire to the general public, together with a reduction in staff who oversee our community programme.
Dependent on the success of hiring the pitch we would potentially reduce the playing budget in year 2. We are also unclear on the impact of the changes on East Stirlingshire FC which may affect their ability to meet the hire costs of Ochilview.
The impact for the Scottish Football League will vary from club to club and it is clear from the meeting that some clubs would be unable to accommodate this reduction in income and others would reduce their costs in a similar manner to us. Many clubs suggested their youth development element would be a most likely casualty. Some smaller clubs suggested this reduction would lead to their inability to meet their costs for the season with administration a possibility.
The impact on the SPL clubs is well documented with a number of them admitting they would move to administration very quickly as their debts to the banks in particular could not be serviced. Whilst this may be of lesser significance to our supporters, it is reasonable to assume that the standard of player in our game will reduce significantly, leading to further and future erosion of TV contracts and sponsorship. Again, youth development expenditure was seen as an area for cost savings.
Rangers Newco in Division 1
The impact for Stenhousemuir FC would potentially be financially positive given the additional media rights payment and the retained settlement agreement.
The impact for the Scottish Football League would potentially be positive from a financial position given the media rights payments. However, it is acknowledged that the implications of supporters not returning to the game due to the adverse reaction of this could have a financial and lasting impact.
The impact for the Scottish Premier League would be a reduction in their income of approximately 30%, a reduction which the SPL appear ready to accept and accommodate.
Rangers Newco in SPL2
This option is less clear and although it was not used as a threat, it is a genuine option for the SPL. A limited number of clubs would be invited from the SFL to join the SPL2 which would incorporate Rangers Newco. It was clear from the meeting and subsequent discussions that if the SFL clubs were faced with this option then a sufficient number of full time clubs could take up this invitation to form a viable SPL2 despite the many statements being made by clubs who would most likely be invited.
In this scenario the settlement payment from the SPL to the SFL would be reduced proportionately to the number of clubs who have left the SFL. On the surface therefore it may be assumed that there would be no reduced benefit to Stenhousemuir FC. However, the reduced payment would be a serious reduction in income for the SFL and threaten its ability to cover its running costs. In addition, the SFL would be unable to organise and run the Scottish League Cup, further reducing the SFL income. It is unclear what the actual financial impact on the club would be but is expected to be at or greater than the impact of Rangers Newco in Division 3. Our need therefore to reduce our running costs as set out in the Division 3 scenario would be similar. In football terms, if Stenhousemuir was not part of the new SPL2 which is almost certain, then the club would in effect drop down to playing in the third tier of Scottish football.

Part 2 follows.....

[s.a.m]

Stenhousemuir part 2:

The impact on the Scottish Football League could potentially lead to its demise. It would be very difficult to retain the organisation as it stands and ultimately would lead to some new structure or league being agreed, potentially with the existing non-league organisations. Should this happen then the implications for Stenhousemuir FC would eventually to be part of another league structure. The impact on the SPL would appear to be minimal other than agreeing a new payment regime with the SPL2 clubs.
The meeting was then addressed by Stewart Regan. He set out the SFA position very clearly. As the governing body they considered that the punishment forRangers Newco needed to be significant. The punishment they are proposing of relegation from the SPL, a one year transfer embargo, a significant fine and the related EUFA 3 year ban from Europe was fair and just. This did not include any subsequent punishments which may or may not be raised re the dual contracts enquiry.
Due to the financial implications, the Scottish FA stated that they cannot allow Rangers Newco to be relegated to Division 3, given the likely ramifications for the game including a number of clubs either moving to administration and potentially subsequent liquidation as well as the impact on the playing standards etc which would emanate from reduced investment. Scottish Football would ‘wither on the vine’ and the Scottish FA could not, in their position, allow that to happen.
The SFA stance is that Rangers Newco moving to Division 1 is absolutely the only decision to be made but that it must come with a resultant list of structural changes in the league set up including:

• Merging the two league bodies (SPL and SFL) into one new league
• Newly structured governance to a more equitable approach
• Potential new payment distribution model
• Introduction of play-offs into the top division

This would lead to a better future for the game and potentially a stronger overall position from that previous to the start of this episode.
Should the SFL vote not to accept Rangers Newco into Division 1, the Scottish FA would expect the SPL 2 proposals to be tabled. Whilst this is not the preferred option of the Scottish FA it would be the most likely outcome. In this situation however the Scottish FA would allow Rangers Newco current appeal against sanctions to be heard by the appellate committee.
With the Scottish FA’s position fully laid out it was evident that some of the options which were under consideration would not be supported by them and in fact limited our ability to affect the final outcome.
In reality therefore the only decision open to us and the other clubs is to a) accept Rangers Newco into the SFL, or b) refuse Rangers Newco admittance to the SFL. If accepted then Rangers Newco would be in Division 1. If not accepted into Division 1, it is apparent that SPL 2 will be the outcome.
Our view
The Board members have therefore discussed the above options. We have also taken into consideration the comments and views put forward by the Trust and our supporters. These comments were very effectively asserted at the meeting, similar as they were to the majority of other clubs.
In deciding how to move forward and given the two straightforward options now available, the club does not feel any decision should be based on ‘punishing’ any other football clubs; that is neither our role nor our priority. Instead, we believe we have a duty to move forward with whichever option we believe will be in the best interests of Stenhousemuir Football Club. 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.
We have met as a board formally on two occasions to discuss this in depth and there have been numerous other communications between Directors. Be assured that the implications for the club represent an honest assessment of the scenarios and are not over dramatised or overstated.

We are a strong club with our own initiatives and identity which would be heavily impacted by any other outcome. 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.

Bill Darroch
Chairman

[Piqué]

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Stenhousemuir part 2:

The impact on the Scottish Football League could potentially lead to its demise. It would be very difficult to retain the organisation as it stands and ultimately would lead to some new structure or league being agreed, potentially with the existing non-league organisations. Should this happen then the implications for Stenhousemuir FC would eventually to be part of another league structure. The impact on the SPL would appear to be minimal other than agreeing a new payment regime with the SPL2 clubs.
The meeting was then addressed by Stewart Regan. He set out the SFA position very clearly. As the governing body they considered that the punishment forRangers Newco needed to be significant. The punishment they are proposing of relegation from the SPL, a one year transfer embargo, a significant fine and the related EUFA 3 year ban from Europe was fair and just. This did not include any subsequent punishments which may or may not be raised re the dual contracts enquiry.
Due to the financial implications, the Scottish FA stated that they cannot allow Rangers Newco to be relegated to Division 3, given the likely ramifications for the game including a number of clubs either moving to administration and potentially subsequent liquidation as well as the impact on the playing standards etc which would emanate from reduced investment. Scottish Football would ‘wither on the vine’ and the Scottish FA could not, in their position, allow that to happen.
The SFA stance is that Rangers Newco moving to Division 1 is absolutely the only decision to be made but that it must come with a resultant list of structural changes in the league set up including:

• Merging the two league bodies (SPL and SFL) into one new league
• Newly structured governance to a more equitable approach
• Potential new payment distribution model
• Introduction of play-offs into the top division

This would lead to a better future for the game and potentially a stronger overall position from that previous to the start of this episode.
Should the SFL vote not to accept Rangers Newco into Division 1, the Scottish FA would expect the SPL 2 proposals to be tabled. Whilst this is not the preferred option of the Scottish FA it would be the most likely outcome. In this situation however the Scottish FA would allow Rangers Newco current appeal against sanctions to be heard by the appellate committee.
With the Scottish FA’s position fully laid out it was evident that some of the options which were under consideration would not be supported by them and in fact limited our ability to affect the final outcome.
In reality therefore the only decision open to us and the other clubs is to a) accept Rangers Newco into the SFL, or b) refuse Rangers Newco admittance to the SFL. If accepted then Rangers Newco would be in Division 1. If not accepted into Division 1, it is apparent that SPL 2 will be the outcome.
Our view
The Board members have therefore discussed the above options. We have also taken into consideration the comments and views put forward by the Trust and our supporters. These comments were very effectively asserted at the meeting, similar as they were to the majority of other clubs.
In deciding how to move forward and given the two straightforward options now available, the club does not feel any decision should be based on ‘punishing’ any other football clubs; that is neither our role nor our priority. Instead, we believe we have a duty to move forward with whichever option we believe will be in the best interests of Stenhousemuir Football Club. 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.
We have met as a board formally on two occasions to discuss this in depth and there have been numerous other communications between Directors. Be assured that the implications for the club represent an honest assessment of the scenarios and are not over dramatised or overstated.

We are a strong club with our own initiatives and identity which would be heavily impacted by any other outcome. 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.

Bill Darroch
Chairman

Beat you today

[s.a.m]

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Beat you today

I'd have been there first if my first attempt hadn't been rejected for being too long

[VickMackie]

I just read the division 3 part. Basically a yea vote to keep their 50k they're being blackmailed for.

[mayo hibee]

Summary of Stenhousemuir press release:

"We have been bullied into accepting Sevco as a new club into a division two levels above where they should be. We are willing to allow this to be done to us and are not interested in standing up for ourselves or sporting integrity."


No mention of calculating how much they could have gained from hosting Sevco twice in their deliberations either.

[Matty_Jack04]

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Summary of Stenhousemuir press release:

"We have been bullied into accepting Sevco as a new club into a division two levels above where they should be. We are willing to allow this to be done to us and are not interested in standing up for ourselves or sporting integrity."


No mention of calculating how much they could have gained from hosting Sevco twice in their deliberations either.

My thoughts exactly

[CropleyWasGod]

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Summary of Stenhousemuir press release:

"We have been bullied into accepting Sevco as a new club into a division two levels above where they should be. We are willing to allow this to be done to us and are not interested in standing up for ourselves or sporting integrity."


No mention of calculating how much they could have gained from hosting Sevco twice in their deliberations either.

No chance that they might actually believe what they are saying, then?

[Emerald]

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http://www.stenhousemuirfc.com/news/2012/07/05/790/

Stenhousemuir will vote yes to newco

This is a disgrace, they are being blackmailed by the SFA and SPL, its a joke.

I suspect and hope he is going to have a very full in box.

[marinello59]

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Summary of Stenhousemuir press release:

"We have been bullied into accepting Sevco as a new club into a division two levels above where they should be. We are willing to allow this to be done to us and are not interested in standing up for ourselves or sporting integrity."


No mention of calculating how much they could have gained from hosting Sevco twice in their deliberations either.

The problem should never have been dumped on them in the first place. If the SPL and SFA didn't have the gumption to deal with it I wouldn't blame any lower league team taking the chance to profit from the situation. Sporting Integrity was flouted in the SPL, not their league where every single penny is a prisoner. It's between the SFL clubs and their fans now.

[JeMeSouviens]

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In reality therefore the only decision open to us and the other clubs is to a) accept Rangers Newco into the SFL, or b) refuse Rangers Newco admittance to the SFL. If accepted then Rangers Newco would be in Division 1. If not accepted into Division 1, it is apparent that SPL 2 will be the outcome.

No it's not. At least 7 SFL clubs would have to agree to join and at least 8 of the existing SPL clubs (I'm sure it should actually be 11 but let's assume another Herculean rule-bending attempt from the DonkMeister) would have to agree to change the structure of the SPL.

Why are they so sure they'll manage to get those votes given how well they've done so far?

[JeMeSouviens]

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The problem should never have been dumped on them in the first place. If the SPL and SFA didn't have the gumption to deal with it I wouldn't blame any lower league team taking the chance to profit from the situation. Sporting Integrity was flouted in the SPL, not their league where every single penny is a prisoner. It's between the SFL clubs and their fans now.

No, it really isn't. It's between those who would see corruption enshrined in Scottish football versus those who still cling to the last vestiges of hope that it's a proper sport.

They cannot get this *******isation of the game through without coercion from the SPL clubs in the shape of threatening not to pay the SFL settlement.

[EuanH78]

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This is a disgrace, they are being blackmailed by the SFA and SPL, its a joke.

I suspect and hope he is going to have a very full in box.

Absolutely.

The Stenny statement is an instructive one - At least they bothered to break everything down properly rather than with bullet points. Seems to be missing some minor comment though.

On what grounds can the SPL withhold payments to the SFL clubs (that the SPL does not have the ability to pay at the end of the season is irrelevant, the SPL itself must be put into administration surely?) A flawed business model from the outset so should be scrapped and started again.

It does show why Doncaster and Reagan are so insistent on the Division 1 option but that does not excuse the threats and intimidation. Assuming ZombieHuns get into division 3 Stenhousmuir could expect 2 home gates versus them to cover the shortfall.