Oh, that would be so cruel.:greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by jgl07
In years gone by, there was a 19-team Second Division, so there is precedent...... :cb
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Oh, that would be so cruel.:greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by jgl07
In years gone by, there was a 19-team Second Division, so there is precedent...... :cb
That would be perfect - they then would have no where to go / play!Quote:
Originally Posted by jgl07
Who decides if it's a 11 team league or if Dundee get promoted ? (I still think it should be Dunfermline - even if JJ is there manager!)
Going to be interesting to see who else applies for an SFL place from lower leagues.
Alex Thomson at Channel 4 tweeting about Green maybe selling the empty shell on again.
Hunmedia going daft with the same thing. Talking about rumours of an 'American Consortium'.
St. Johnstone say no, that makes it 6 clubs to 2 (Rangers and Killie)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Salt & Sauzee
http://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/...php?param=2060
well done the saints:thumbsup:
People Power indeed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mainboy19
Well done Saints!Quote:
Originally Posted by Brando7
Well done to the SPL clubs involved to ensure at least some justice will be done :agree:
I don't see how any individual or consortium can even contemplate buying them when they don't know exactly what they're buying, who'll be left to play for the team, what league they'll be playing in or even if they'll be allowed to play at all?!Quote:
Originally Posted by green glory
They don't even have a bank account ffs.
It's like paying a pound for a lucky dip at the shows knowing damn well you'll probably end up with a penny chew!
So, if I've got this right, the "no to newco" decision renders any future footballing punishment related to the EBTs/dual contracts redundant...i.e. the SPL share is not being transferred to SevCo...therefore SevCo can't be punished by SPL for crimes attached to a football share they do not hold. So if they join SFL they are free from EBT investigation?
However, the SPL's Independent Commission should still sit to determine culpability and determine historic punishment, i.e. stripping of titles/honours they cheated their way to whilst an SPL club?
Talking of things that should be stripped of titles, where the hell is Doncaster at the moment? Hiding under his Rangers duvet? He has got to be emptied at the end of all of this....
Partick Thistle, Glasgow's second biggest club :agree::thumbsup:
We must now as individuals and as Clubs put pressure on the SFA not to bend their own rules and allow a club with no history or accounts to become members. Particularly in cases such as this where bona fide football club(s) and existing member(s) would suffer.
:agree: :top marksQuote:
Originally Posted by Jack
pompey have apparently been granted a CVA, 2p in the pound :rolleyes:
Too late for the Huns though.Quote:
Originally Posted by cabbageandribs1875
Nice one! :aok:
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdinCapitals
:rolleyes: :crazy:Quote:
Originally Posted by cabbageandribs1875
Surely the team without a fixture could play a friendly against Newco Disunited?Quote:
Originally Posted by NJ Hibee
Gives the Huns a game to watch and would be a good way for the SPL team to try out new players.
:tin hat::tin hat::tin hat::tin hat::tin hat:
To be fair, there's not a lot he can do at the moment. No vote has been taken, therefore no action can be taken.Quote:
Originally Posted by Offside Trap
Only one problem. Newco aren't a football club, just a property portfolio.Quote:
Originally Posted by snooky
If they are even that.... he says, banging the same old boring drum again. :greengrinQuote:
Originally Posted by green glory
My money would be on Craigy running faster than Sir David, still wouldn't put it past him to tighten up Sir Davids nuts just to make sure he has duped him before you know. :wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by ronaldo7
On a serious note, here's hoping that there'll be a significant reduction in domestic abuse
:eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by gringojoe
Quote:
Originally Posted by CropleyWasGod
Shell Company with a concept of attracting shell suits. :greengrin
Shameful behaviour from the Kilmarnock board. I hope that all away fans will observe a boycott of Rugby Park.
Here my theory
Rangers newco as it exists won't get in the spl, green sells it, the next owners take a year to finalise the club, by that time the SFA put in plans for an SPL2 and at the beginning of next season they walk into that.
...and we've passed the million views mark!
:thumbsup:
@JimDelahunt: Defo no Gers SPL next season. Will they be in position to even apply for SFL? Increasingly likely year out minimum. Loads more to come out.
Surely the knighthood is on a shoogly peg, Her Maj cannae be pleased that her finest eleven are no more.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dashing Bob S
Maybe thats why she is speaking to Martin Mcguiness this week, he might know a way to punish Murray.:devil:
Could see that happening :agree:Quote:
Originally Posted by carnoustiehibee
Don't want this saga going on throughout the whole season but think it will with all the legal proceedings.
If they are out of football for a year and manage to get into an SPL 2 this time next year it's still a farce :agree:
Fantastic!!!! This really is great entertainment.Quote:
Originally Posted by Matty_Jack04
I'm pretty sure HMRC are only a minority creditor in that case, I may be wrong though?Quote:
Originally Posted by cabbageandribs1875
In what part of cloud cuckoo land do they dream up this pash.....:confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by green glory
New consortium story not a rumour, Consortium revealed here http://gspawn.com/.Quote:
Originally Posted by RossHibs
Chumlee will be finance director.
:wink:
It would be brilliant if they were the major creditor!Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Todd
Chumlee is class :agree:Quote:
Originally Posted by Minder
I can't find anything recent about Killie. What is this referring to?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dashing Bob S
Last I saw Killie were going to consult with fans although think the board already dug their own grave with their statements
Quote:
Originally Posted by RossHibs
It was Brian Laudrup the last time I looked ,they were getting a bit stroppy with each other about what shirts they would be wearing next season
got pretty nasty their admins just as bad after the first page it gets very heated , vicious in fact arguing with each other maybe its all getting to much for them poor lambs
http://forum.rangersmedia.co.uk/inde...owtopic=223860
Theres a thread titled wait for it "Should We Be Getting Sympathy " :faf::faf::faf::faf::faf::faf:
One of the funniest threads but if truth be told it was pathetic, was one about a pre-season tour of Germany. They were discussing fine details about hotels and flights as if life was going on as if nothing was happening to their glorious club. I wonder if the tour actually exists and more importantly will they have a team to take on it.Quote:
Originally Posted by cad
That thread is comedy gold... Gonna no post " what will the name on the shirt be " " what will the badge be " gonna no !
I thought Green was due to meet with officials of the players’ union today??? He's probably in shock n dreading making a statement
I would suggest something inspired by a Simpsons episode where Krusty gets busted by the IRS for tax fraud and they rebrand all his stuff...Quote:
Originally Posted by ...WentToMowAnSPL
Attachment 8383
So a variant of that but Ibrox and the Taxman face :wink:
http://pfascotland.co.uk/2012/news/p...charles-green/Quote:
Originally Posted by Brando7
Quote:
PFA Scotland and its legal advisors Bridge Litigation today had a constructive meeting with Charles Green, CEO of the Rangers newco.
The burning issue of the TUPE transfer of our members to the newco was discussed but only briefly. Chief Executive Fraser Wishart said;
“It was important to meet with Mr Green as we have not spoken previously. We both acknowledged that whilst we disagree upon the fundamental issues surrounding our members rights to object to the transfer to the newco, we can at the same time respect the other parties position and allow the process to flow without acrimony.”
“Mr Green discussed his plans for the newco next season although of course he is not in control of many of the circumstances with regard to the football authorities and the other clubs decisions. We welcome the opportunity where we could both speak frankly and look forward to further positive dialogue in the coming months and weeks.”
“I would like to make it clear that the players who have objected so far have had to make a decision which has been a footballing one. In recent days SPL clubs have made their postion clear and it is now increasingly unlikely that the newco will be playing in the SPL next season.”
“This, added to the three year ban from European competitions, the uncertainty over which league they will play in and what further sanctions the football authorities may impose has left the players who have ambitions to play for their international team and in Europe with an extremely difficult decision.”
PFA Scotland will meet with the players who agree to the transfer on their return to pre season training as our role is to ensure that all their contractual obligations are transferred with them.
We will also continue to advise any member who wishes to take up the option of objecting as to his rights under employment law, a position which we have made clear previously and has not changed
Green interviewed by STV
http://local.stv.tv/glasgow/107908-r...medium=twitter
Quote:
Originally Posted by Green
I Get the Feeling That Green is resigned to not playing SPL fitba.. But i Also reckon he Will walk away if They Dont Get Division 1... :agree:
Was one of Green's first statements to the True Blues that he hoped to have the Club playing in the English Championship within 5 years ?
The man is a complete *rsehole and ideally suited to his current position. :agree:
Spiv.Quote:
Originally Posted by grunt
And not a very bright spiv.
Like the word spiv.
And expunged.
The spiv was expunged.
he doesn't give a flying **** about scottish football, it all about the pennies n poundsQuote:
Originally Posted by grunt
Why is it that only the east coast clubs have said no so far?
:wink:
""Well, of course, I accept that that's a view but what we also have to look at is Scottish Football is driven by two factors: Rangers and Celtic. And the income drivers, the generation, the media, the marketing is all about two clubs, and really I think what we have to do is start looking now at what's best for Scottish Football and we all have to now unite behind the club and make sure that the decisions we take going forward achieve that result."
Well, Charlie, it looks like Scottish football is going to be driven by only one team for the next few years. Just for the record however it's worth noting that during your team's absence ( the longer the better) eleven SPL clubs will be taking steps to dnsure that your duopoly is confined to the history books and that the league is a healthier place for all concerned.
:pray: I would really love it if this was a new beginning for Scottish Football.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim44
Amen !!! Bloody hell I wish we had journalists who could write as well as that .... 10/10Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim44
Killie Statement.............................Quote:
Originally Posted by joe breezy
Shareholders and Season Ticket Holders - Consultation
Dear Shareholder/Season Ticket Holder,
"Rangers Newco" in the SPL
Much has been said and written in recent weeks about “Rangers Newco” and the upcoming SPL General Meeting on 4th July when all twelve clubs (including “Rangers in Administration”) will vote on whether or not the SPL share (or membership) currently held by “Rangers in Administration” may be transferred to “Rangers Newco”. The vote will be decided by an 8 - 4 majority.
Clubs are consulting their stakeholders to varying degrees. I considered holding a public meeting but the logistics of planning and conducting such a meeting highlighted a number of practical difficulties and the alternative of canvassing the views of the club’s shareholders and season ticket holders (2011-12 and 2012-13) by email and letter recommended itself as a means of establishing the carefully considered views of the club’s most important stakeholders based upon an analysis of the relevant facts in a non-contentious environment - your own home.
Contrary to some media reports, I have not committed our club to supporting “Rangers Newco”. For a more balanced report of my views as at 22nd May, see the Daily Telegraph article by Roddy Forsyth - copy annexed. This interview preceded the Panorama expose regarding the use of EBT’s by “Rangers Oldco” as a means of supplementing players’ wages in an illegal manner in breach of SFA and SPL rules. There then followed an appeal to the Court of Session by “Rangers in Administration” contrary to the tenet that clubs should not invoke civil courts to deal with football sanctions, a principle strongly advocated by FIFA and UEFA. It must be said that “Rangers Oldco” and “Rangers in Administration” have not done Rangers Football Club any favours in terms of gaining support for “Rangers Newco” in its ambition to be accepted as a member of the SPL on 4th July.
Kilmarnock Football Club, which is of course entirely blameless in this situation, finds itself in serious danger of suffering severe financial penalties if our opening fixture and subsequent home fixture on 6th April 2013 of the 2012-13 SPL season are against a “Club 12” which does not enjoy a travelling support of circa six to eight thousand (@ £26 per person), because that is what we have budgeted for, in line with every other SPL season since the league’s inception in 1998. This means a potential drop in revenue of around £300,000 net.
If the vote on 4th July goes against “Rangers Newco”, the SPL will have breached its contract with “Sky” and other commercial partners who require “Old Firm” derbies as part of the SPL’s contractual obligations. Termination or re-negotiation of these contracts may follow with unquantifiable (but certainly negative) financial consequences for all twelve member clubs.
This would have a profound impact on the operating conditions of our club. We no longer have access to “soft loans” from a wealthy owner and seven years of debt reduction is unlikely to be reversed by Lloyds Banking Group offering increased borrowing facilities. The excellent support which we enjoy from sponsors and supporters would hopefully continue unabated but even the slickest of sales and marketing campaigns would struggle to fill the financial void in the short term. Spending cuts in the club’s administration and hotel have already been implemented. There is no room for further savings in those areas without causing major operational issues. This leaves the playing squad to bear the brunt of a serious funding shortfall. Expenditure on the club’s Youth Development programme and community projects would also come under severe pressure.
The statement issued by Motherwell FC on 18th June (excerpts annexed) captured the dilemma facing the majority of SPL clubs.
I firmly believe that the success and prosperity of our club will always come first with our supporters. I also believe that our supporters appreciate the progress we've made over the last two seasons and are keen to be a part of what we hope will be an exciting period ahead. Thus the healthy season ticket sales to date - ahead of last year's figures.
Following the emotional rollercoaster of our season ending match with Falkirk in 2010, we have recorded steady improvements, both on and off the pitch. This, of course, culminated in an unforgettable day at Hampden in March when the League Cup was won for the first time in our history, completing our "treble" of Scottish football's major honours.
Since last season ended, Manuel Pascali, James Fowler, Garry Hay and, most importantly, our cup winning manager Kenny Shiels have all signed extended contracts. Kenny is very much a “man with a plan” and has already given a number of young players first team experience as he builds for the future.
We have a sound platform to build from. It is our intention to add to the core of last season's squad by bringing in quality players in key positions and also to give further opportunities to the talented young players who are pushing for inclusion in the first team.
It's frustrating that due to circumstances outwith our control we are being hampered in our preparations for next season.This is a particularly difficult and anxious time as we look to manage our finances to create a playing budget that will allow us to match our ambitions for the club next season with our estimated income in the club's financial year to 31st May, 2013.
Normally, this is down to our projections on season ticket sales, gate receipts, commercial income from sponsors and our share of central revenues from the SPL - all of which is generally predictable. However, the uncertainty over Rangers' participation in the SPL and the potential consequences of that for the level of gate receipts and TV revenues received via the SPL has meant that we have not been able to press ahead with our plans.
The next few weeks are critical in terms of preparing the playing squad for the new season. The players reported back for pre-season training today. One or two of last season's first team regulars remain out of contract and we would like to be able to make offers to them and the signing targets highlighted by Kenny as soon as possible to give us the best preparation for next season.
For that reason, the news on season ticket sales offers encouragement and, hopefully, we'll be able to continue to report positive news as we proceed through the renewal process. Each year, our clear objective is is to increase sales and we’re on target to do that for the second year in succession. It's a sobering thought, however, that we'd need around 1,000 additional adult season ticket sales to make up for the loss of two home fixtures against Rangers next season - but if that becomes a necessity, then that's what we'll aim to do.
So, we're looking for the wider issues to be resolved quickly, which will allow us and the rest of the SPL clubs to finalise budgets and pre-season plans and get back to playing football. Now, perhaps more than ever before, we need our true supporters to back the club - regardless of who "Club 12" turns out to be.
Very recently, "Rangers Newco" has offered to accept a range of sporting and financial penalties for the wrongdoing of "Rangers Oldco", as well as undertaking to support a change to the SPL's iniquitous 90% (11-1) voting structure to a more democratic 75% (9-3), if allowed entry to the SPL. This is not insignificant and is recognised in the third option on the consultation response slip.
I want to go to the SPL General Meeting on 4th July with a clear impression of the opinions of our most important stakeholders - the club's shareholders and season ticket holders - so please reply by email to [email protected] or use the response slip and reply paid envelope provided if you have received this letter by post. Responses must be received by 12 noon on Monday 2nd July.
There are three options to which you should respond
1 - YES - the "New" Rangers FC should be admitted to the SPL in order to avoid the SPL being in breach of its contractual obligations to "Sky" and other commercial partners
2 - NO - the "New" Rangers FC should NOT be admitted to the SPL under any circumstances, regardless of the consequences for Kilmarnock FC
3 - YES - subject to the "New" Rangers FC accepting a range of sporting and financial penalties (short of exclusion from the SPL) for the wrongdoing of the owners of the "Old" Rangers FC
AND undertaking to support reform of the SPL's voting structure, the "New" Rangers FC should be admitted to the SPL
Please include 1-YES or 2-NO or 3-YES in your subject heading which will help us to evaluate the responses.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Johnston,Chairman,
Kilmarnock FC
League Cup Winners 2012
Quote:
Originally Posted by SonOfTortolano
Celtic are bricking it. They figured they'd get away with voting NO as we'd all vote the newco back in. Now their in a position where they need to vote yes to keep things the way they are. Imagine how their own fans will take a yes vote. Their board are having to tread carefully. Killie are a given to vote yes as they are likely to go under without the newco and St.Mirren are in the middle of a take over so they can't say either or.
This just gets funnier.
http://forum.rangersmedia.co.uk/inde...owtopic=223968
:faf::faf:
Never read such an unbalanced pleading in my life. As long as he is in charge of them top of the black list for me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spike Mandela
Kilmarnock F.C. @killiefanpage
Johnston to vote against newco is the latest Apparently 1500 online consultations have been emailed saying no to newco since release at 9am
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He's voting no according to Killie fansQuote:
Originally Posted by PatHead
I have said already that Killie have a higher debt to turnover ratio of any SPL club...they are probably pretty likely to go under unless they can increase income from ST's dramaticaly or restructure debt (banks not really playing that game at the moment)..
They have made themselves a target now where some will boycott no matter how they vote as a NO will be seen as political rather than genuine
Any link to their forum site ?? Tried killie pies are good but couldn't find it ! Sorry for being lazy !!Quote:
Originally Posted by joe breezy
...................and yet he talks about adding signings when they have no money.Quote:
Originally Posted by down-the-slope
Interesting to note that the word "integrity" is not mentioned at all in this statement. And is it not more than a little pathetic to include the phrase, "Kilmarnock Football Club, which is of course entirely blameless in this situation..."? Does he mean to imply that other SPL clubs ARE to blame? Thank heavens he's not our Chairman.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spike Mandela
Chic Young will not be renewing his contract at the BBC next season...
From Barcabhoy on Rangers Tax Case
:lolrangers:
I like the "mid day tomorrow? Say 12?" :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by joe breezy
As the cast of Grange Hill sang back in the 80's "Just say no"!
RAOFL RAOFL :D
These guys have major identity issues. The sad bit is they really mean it :O
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hovehibby
I prefer the Monty Python style quote, name a time and ill be there, 12, sorry I'm busy then.Quote:
Originally Posted by GordonHFC
Too late for him IMO. There's a difference between doing the right thing because you want tae and changing your mind because you ken you're going tae be on the losing side and suffer a double penalty of nae huns and a boycott of other supporters.Quote:
Originally Posted by joe breezy
Stating the obvious but Rangers not playing anywhere 2012 / 2013 is becoming the most likely scenario
Jim Delahunt @JimDelahunt
Thanks to those asking about year out. SPL a NO, SFL a maybe but SFA could suspend for year (min) and we don't know if newco even viable.
:greengrin
This has been my opinion for awhile now, there simply isn't time for them, never mind adding in the many legal challenges, investigations, criminal investigations, Green having no money, no clubs wanting them in their leagues...Quote:
Originally Posted by joe breezy
As I said a few pages ago, a year out could be the best thing for them. A chance to let the dust settle, the governing bodies to finish their investigations and punishments handed down to the Oldco, the Police and the Revenue to nail those responsible and a chance for some new owners, or the fans themselves to rebuild their club.
Their return could be tied into a restructure for next season onwards adding them to whatever the lowest league is etc.
Theres too much still to be cleared up/investigated, I cannae see them playing anywhere next season either.
Aye, some folk have jobs.Quote:
Originally Posted by GordonHFC
yeah, the wife kicked **** oot o' me the ither night, acused me o' bein' pished and aw ah hud wis 2 shandies.Quote:
Originally Posted by EdinCapitals
Well, without Rangers, he's got nothing to offer as a journo. They're all he knows. I mean there is St Mirren allegedly, but they'll not let him sniff the seats there and I doubt they have succulent lamb on their menu.Quote:
Originally Posted by joe breezy
How bloody pathetic is option 2?!Quote:
Originally Posted by Spike Mandela
Now admittedly this situation could drag on for some time, it sure has until this point, but the fact that we have reached this point at all with clubs in the SPL publically coming out and stating they don't want a New Co near the SPL should be taken as a massive credit by forums such as this along with some excellent blogs which have appeared since Feb,continualy asking relevant questions and keeping asserted issues in the public domain. The fan polls offering a true representation of what is really being felt should be credited massively- well done those who created, positioned and administrated them.
I hope that after all said an done the pandering media are never allowed to forget that they did not effect this systemic change, some can hold there heads up for actually asking the questions, built the majority have not set the agenda in the slightest but followed the direction driven by the fans of the so called 'diddy' clubs. The likes of Jim Traynor should never be allowed to forget that he has been well and truly found out, he should be reminded consistently on his weekly call programme that he is no more a 'true voice of football' than my mother is.
The likes of Traynor and others for that matter have effected the problems the former club know as Rangers find themselves now in by consistently bigging them and the other side of the old firm up making them and theire supporters actually believe that they were involved in the biggest clubs in the world who were the envy of the world over - there not, they never have been and the 'old firm' is not the biggest derby in football. But print it enough times and they fell for it, believing that they were so big and powerful that nothing but success and glory could come there respective ways.......all it did was make them all from senior management down to supporters forget to ask some searching questions when required.....and when they were what did we hear a few seasons ago? - "we deserve better" - well so does the rest of Scottish football, and guess what its happening ;-)
If what jim spence has tweeted is correct and rangers could get in the SFL they need a swing of 23 clubs to vote for them, so the whole of the 2nd and 3rd division plus a few div 1 teams interesting,
:agree: that voting system, by its wording, pushes people towards option 1Quote:
Originally Posted by MyJo
There are three options to which you should respond
1 - YES - the "New" Rangers FC should be admitted to the SPL in order to avoid the SPL being in breach of its contractual obligations to "Sky" and other commercial partners
1 YES - the "New" Rangers FC should be admitted to the SPL in order to avoid sporting integrity being more important than financial gain.
2 - NO - the "New" Rangers FC should NOT be admitted to the SPL under any circumstances, regardless of the consequences for Kilmarnock FC
2 - NO - the "New" rangers FC should NOT be admitted to the SPL under any circumstances, regardless of the consequences for Scottish football.
3 - YES - subject to the "New" Rangers FC accepting a range of sporting and financial penalties (short of exclusion from the SPL) for the wrongdoing of the owners of the "Old" Rangers FC
AND undertaking to support reform of the SPL's voting structure, the "New" Rangers FC should be admitted to the SPL
3 -YES - "New" rangers should have no input into the determination of their penalties, and the SPL voting structure should be reformed without the need for "New" rangers to have any voting rights whatsoever.
Please include 1-YES or 2-NO or 3-YES in your subject heading which will help us to evaluate the responses.
Quote:
Originally Posted by El Presidente
Could be tough for them, considering a few clubs have made their feelings known about the Rangers situation. Might end up coming down to the options available in who else applies for the space, but who else would apply? A Highland league team? Spartans? Whoever it is would need to have some financial backing.
Of course the fairest way to do it would be an open application process to give these teams the chance to play in the 3rd division and most of them are good enough! What a think might maybe get rangers in is the propect of the "new pyramid system" which will give these teams a chance in the lower leagues and very rightly so!! No way shape or form to rangers even deserve to walk back in!
Why bother asking the fans if you're gonna load the options? Pretty pathetic really.Quote:
Originally Posted by 1875godsgift
It's as bad as heating ping-pong balls. :wink:
Glad to hear somebody else voicing this opinion. I've mentioned it a few times but felt that I was being accused of being unnecessarily vindictive since a 'no' vote was assured and it didn't matter what the fence-sitters were going to do. I hope Johnston and Killie get it tight next season.Quote:
Originally Posted by Desperate Dan
Never! They don't do that, do they? :confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by snooky
That's about as believable as the president of the SFA being a dyed-in-the-wool hun with a history of tax evasion.
Oh, wait a minute.........
yep and still everyone has replied No to the Huns...Quote:
Originally Posted by snooky
What a diddy, feel sorry for the fans, a real chance they'll be boycotted next season
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/ranger...-1-2375352\\By CRAIG P STEWART
Published on Tuesday 26 June 2012 00:00
IRONY will be at the forefront of the minds of certain members of the Scottish Football League with long memories when they vote on the future of ‘The Rangers’.
Five clubs which will be involved in determining which division the Ibrox club will play in next season – Albion Rovers, Berwick Rangers, Brechin City, Stenhousemuir and Stranraer – may think back 48 years when the boot was on the other foot.
In 1964, this gang of five survived an attempt to oust them from senior football in a move led by Rangers.
The Glasgow giants wanted to reduce the number of clubs in the then top two divisions from 37 to 32 and proposed that the minnows should drop out.
Rangers proposed that the five clubs with the smallest gate receipts should be kicked out and were at the vanguard of moves to make it happen, including sending out correspondence to the other member clubs and deliberately excluding the targeted clubs.
Amid much legal wrangling, the smaller clubs – supported by Celtic and their chairman Robert Kelly – survived the move. SFL Operations Director David Thomson recalled: “The book that was launched to mark the centenary of the SFL in 1990 records what happened. The five clubs were in danger of being voted out. However, Stenhousemuir committee member Robert Turpey, who was also a lawyer, and strongly supported by the other clubs, was successful in raising an interim interdict on their behalf.”
The matter was eventually resolved out of court in November 1964 amid promises that the clubs would remain in the SFL and any new league that was formed. Thomson added: “That decision probably marks the start of a move to three professional leagues that started a decade later when the Premier League along with Divisions 1 and 2 were created.”
However, Rangers’ role in the wrangle caused a lot of anger at the time, especially in Stranraer. Present-day committee member Shaun Niven said: “I know that a lot of people in the town were unhappy with what had gone on. Stranraer are Scotland’s third oldest team as we were formed in 1870 after just Queen’s Park and Kilmarnock. We waited over 80 years to be admitted to the old-style Division Two and to be told after ten years that we were not wanted caused a lot of resentment. The clubs that had been targeted rallied round to win their case and remain in the SFL to this day.”
Looking at Rangers’ present predicament, Niven added: “This situation is another of the great ironies that football throws up. We could now determine whether Rangers get into the SFL and what division they come into after they tried to throw us out all those years ago.
“This whole situation is full of issues going full circle as it has probably accelerated the amalgamation of the SPL and the SFL 15 years after they were spilt apart by SPL sides led by Rangers and Celtic. Now one league body is seen as the way forward.”
Berwick, of course, took a measure of revenge on the park less than two years later when they defeated Rangers 1-0 in a Scottish Cup tie, and now the fate of the club that wanted to expel them and four others could sit in their collective hands.
If it comes to a vote at the SFL, Stranraer would have to balance the prospect of placing Rangers in the First Division for the good of the game overall against their own promotion to the Second Division, as they were the losing play-off side last month and weigh up the benefit of eight local derbies against Queen of the South and Ayr United to an overall package that benefits the SFL overall.
Niven added, “Nothing will be pre-judged based on what happened nearly 50 years ago. If we have to make a decision we will do that based on what is best for Stranraer FC and Scottish football overall.”
Aye.....:faf::faf::faf:...i read that one.. :faf:Quote:
Originally Posted by cad
Exactly how I feel about it. A spineless coward who tried to look after his own interests, and wasn't even blessed with the common sense to determine what that was. Way too late for a U-turn as far as I'm concerned, I won't be putting money in the pocket f this sad quisling.Quote:
Originally Posted by Desperate Dan
Worth bearing in mind that should any kind of 'Rangers' be playing anywhere in Scottish football next season, come Scottish Cup draw time the traditional heated ping-pong balls are going to be back in service, but to achieve entirely the opposite objective...Quote:
Originally Posted by snooky
Although it seems unlikely, I really do hope we are acknowledged as to which clubs vote which way next Wednesday. Surely most will say no now to protect their own behinds but I feel so strongly against any team that sympathize with Sevco 5088 that I will protest against giving them money.
I am now looking to purchase a season ticket now as well, now that this is 'almost' all done and dusted.
I don't really get the Kilmarnock hate-fest. Their supporters seem to be as solidly against Newco as anybody else's. As far as the club's directors are concerned, they potentially face a real chance that Killie will go under if Rangers disappear. If Hibs faced that prospect, does anybody believe that RP would be quite so adamant in his 'no to newco' stance?
If we and other teams' fans boycott Killie then they go out of business. Is that what we want for them and more particularly for their fans who have voted "no"?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dashing Bob S
- Another SPL team disappears because of the Huns cheating?
- Huns feel vindicated and can point and say "told you so"?
- It potentially expedites the new Huns return to SPL?
I think a more measured approach is required than a straightforward boycott. And the Killie fans are going to ensure their club votes no - why punish those same fans?
Any club who's position is more influenced by financial need than sporting integrity should probably be out of business anyway, and should not be a part of this league. Their position is fatally and morally compromised. The Killie Board should have the guts to recognise this and restructure the club. If that means going into Admin, starting again with a sustainable financial model, then so be it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Twiglet
If one thing has come out of this it's that other SPL teams can't live or die on the existence of 2 other teams who they have no control over.
You make a very good point. Would the same have happened pre internet days?
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Originally Posted by Onion
It’s been said many times on here "the fans are the club", why should the hard core Killie fans lose their club because of the current guardian? It wasn't the fans fault in 1990, when we were vulnerable & if it wasn't for the golden generation, our debts would have been far more than it is today.
With rangers, for the non arrogant fans, who support their club for the right reasons, I have sympathy, however, they have far too many that are outside that category & that’s why there the attitude towards them is so different.
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Originally Posted by Onion
100% :agree:
Scottish football is on a "crest of a wave" just hold on as it could be a bumpy ride .... :wink:
I didn't know Killie had hardcore fans.... They must be the Brian Kerr of Scottish Football fansQuote:
Originally Posted by Ray-in-ireland