The Tin Man

Rangers have made an approach for Amiens midfielder Bongani Zungu France Football report that Scottish outfit Rangers have made an initial approach for 27-year-old South African international defensive midfielder Bongani Zungu. Zungu, who currently plies his trade at recently relegated to Ligue 2 side Amiens, told Get French Football News in an interview last month of his desire to depart the Picardy club. Under contract until June 2021, Zungu was approached back in January by RCD Mallorca and still has interest from La Liga. However, Steven Gerrard’s side recently made enquiries about the player’s quality from various sources. Strasbourg also like his profile, with ASC seeking between €2m to €3m in order to part with the ex-Vitoria SC talent.

Another one fir the future... ?@RFC_Youth are delighted to announce the signing of James Graham from Ross County. While there was interest from a number of top English clubs, the 16 year-old striker has opted to choose Rangers as the place to continue his footballing development.

Quick reminder that Mr Lawell will be a board member next season. What could possibly go wrong... The Scottish Professional Football League has issued a resolution to clubs asking them to cede Covid-19-related decisions to its board for next season. The resolution only relates to disruption caused by coronavirus and is limited to season 2020-21, with the ability to change the start date for the following campaign. There would be an express requirement to consult with clubs over decisions. The organisation is keen to avoid a repeat of the recent in-fighting. At present, major decisions taken by the SPFL must be ratified by the 42 member clubs. A majority voted to curtail the leagues after coronavirus had caused the suspension of football in March. The SPFL then held an indicative vote for clubs to adopt a 14-10-10-10 league structure, which was rejected, and Hearts and Partick Thistle began legal action to try to overturn their respective relegations from the Premiership and Championship. SPFL clubs vote against independent investigation Rangers say clubs have lost faith in SPFL Hearts and Partick claiming £10m in compensation if relegation is not overturned The letter sent with the resolution to clubs warns that failure to approve it would mean the SPFL placing the onus on Covid-19 decision making with the member clubs once again "with all of the rancour and division that we saw in season 2019-20". The letter also states that it was "apparent earlier this year, SPFL rules do not adequately cover the situation where a season has to be curtailed, with a number of games remaining to be played". A series of divisional meetings will take place over the next few weeks to discuss the resolution. It requires the backing of nine of the 12 Premiership clubs, eight out of 10 in the Championship, and 15 from 20 in Leagues One and Two combined. Clubs have 28 days to respond and have been informed if their voting return backs the resolution they cannot later change their decision. If the board receives enough support prior to the 28-day period the resolution will pass.

Thete is now a full blown on going spat between Rangers Twitter and something called KPop Twitter that seems to have erupted over the use of the word Dykes. 2020 gets weirder by the fucking minute!

The Dykes rumour appears to be gathering pace on social media apropos the man himself dyeing his hair blue Seems legit??‍♂️

A boardroom leak according to C1872 if I’ve read it correctly

They’ve had plenty time to get it set up but to be fair I’ve no idea how difficult these things are. Lot of folk a bit pissed off that they gave the exclusive to the Sunday Mail only a week after that scurrilous pishy article they wrote. Strange decision at best!

We are delighted to confirm that over 32,000 supporters have renewed their 2020/21 season tickets. This is a phenomenal response from our support whose loyalty continues to surpass their own high standards. Rest assured, Rangers are working hard to facilitate supporters back into Ibrox, as quickly and safely as possible. The club understands that a gradual increase of supporters within the stadium, may begin in late August, subject to the appropriate government guidance. The deadline for current season ticket holders, where prices were frozen, is 30th June, with flexible payment plans still available. MyGers has reached another significant milestone with over 16,000 members. We are proud that this is now the largest club football membership in Scotland with members dotted across the globe. Thanks to MyGers, the season ticket waiting list continues to grow. This will be activated during July, if any seats are remaining. As an additional reward for the loyalty of supporters who held a 2019/20 season ticket and did not request a refund, they will be awarded an additional 25 MyGers points. These reward points will be included as part of the first MyGers points update scheduled for the 15th July 2020. MyGers members who are non-season ticket holders will be able to join the season ticket waiting list in the coming weeks. We will send an email with more information to the thousands of MyGers members who are in this category, so that they can join their preferred season ticket waiting list. We also have a large number of supporters who have remained patient on the club’s historical season ticket waiting list, we will contact them with more information on how to become a MyGers Member and join the 2020/2021 season ticket waiting list. MyGers can be joined HERE and in addition to the benefit of joining the club’s season ticket waiting list and priority ticketing access, members can also access a range of experiences, competitions and exclusive content. The first batch of MyGers Welcome packs will shortly be dispatched and members around the world can look forward to receiving a personalised membership card and exclusive Rangers merchandise. Lastly, we have worked to achieve a temporary virtual solution for season ticket holders who are unable to access Ibrox due to Covid related restrictions. All 2020/21 Season Ticket holders will receive the following benefits until Ibrox is back at its full 50,000 capacity: Access to live coverage of all home Premiership matches (an individual access code will be provided to each season ticket holder) Enhanced RangersTV Live match coverage with a pre-match, half-time and post-match show, hosted by Rangers personalities and other special guests An exclusive match day preview video shared on each matchday ahead of the live show Complimentary RangersTV live coverage access for ALL Ibrox 20/21 pre-season matches (schedule to be announced in due course) Complimentary digital match programme provided ahead of each matchday (light version)

We done that in the winter break. Turnt oot they were all fuckin chaff!

It’s already happening, Callum McGregor being first out the traps saying how he backs “ a late season derby bonanza”

BREAKING: James Anderson has reached an agreement with the SPFL Trust to make a donation of over £3m to help clubs. Every SPFL side will be eligible for a £50,000 grant - provided they give evidence of community benefit. Must say that’s jolly decent of him

We already are to some extent. The results being more miss than hit. Ojo and Ejaria were found wanting and Kent whilst showing some signs has still yet to prove his worth for me.

He’d probably just be coming back from a 6 month loan spell at Dens ?

Following on from something Der Berliner said in the transfers thread, I’m beginning to wonder if there’s any point in having an academy. We keep hearing about the exciting youngsters we have coming through such as Atakyi,Patterson, Mebude etc but none of them ever seem to bridge that final gap. Off the top of my head Barry Ferguson is the last one to properly make the transition, McCrorie still might but in all honesty I doubt he’ll play for the 1st team again and with the pressure of trying to stop 10 (9/34) I don’t see many opportunities for any of them this season either.

RANGERS are delighted to announce the pre-contract signing of Calvin Bassey from Leicester City. The highly-rated 20-year-old defender has made the decision to join the Gers on a four-year-deal with Rangers paying training compensation to Leicester after Bassey decided to make the switch from the Midlands across the border to Scotland. Italian-born Bassey, who can play as a left back or centre back, is also eligible for Nigeria and England, and will officially become a Ranger when the transfer window opens. Speaking about his new signing, manager Steven Gerrard said: “There was a lot of clubs interested in Calvin and for us it’s pleasing to secure the services of another young talent. “He’s a strong and dynamic athlete who is very much the modern day full back. He will develop further and we are excited to have made another strong addition to our group. “He’s left-footed, physically powerful and enjoys driving forward and is certainly equipped to thrive in the combative nature of Scottish football. We continue to look ahead to next season and Calvin is another positive addition as we continue to build the strength and depth of our squad.” Sporting Director, Ross Wilson underlined his delight at securing the signing, adding: “Calvin has a really bright future and we are pleased to have attracted him to Rangers. “The scouting staff identified him at the end of last year and Steven and I have been tracking his situation extensively since then. His ability to play as a full back and centre back will provide us with new depth defensively and doing that was one of our primary targets for this summer. “He is a young man bursting with enthusiasm and positivity and I know how excited he is to be continuing his journey under the guidance of Steven and the staff.” Calvin Bassey commented: “I am delighted to join Rangers and secure my future at a club of such stature. When I entered talks with Rangers, I knew this club was right for me. Of course I am thankful for everything Leicester has done for me and I am now very excited about working under Steven Gerrard and his coaching team to continue my progression. “I have heard about the amazing atmosphere at Ibrox. I can’t wait to start pre-season and take my career to the next level in the famous blue Rangers jersey.”

? #RangersFC are delighted to announce the pre-contract signing of Calvin Bassey from @LCFC. Calvin Bassey: “I am delighted to join Rangers and secure my future at a club of such stature. When I entered talks with Rangers, I knew this club was right for me."

Rangers and Celtic would both have 'B' teams in the bottom tier of a 14-14-18 league set-up being proposed by the Ibrox club for next season. Kelty Hearts and Brora Rangers would also be invited into the SPFL to make up an expanded League One, with the "innovation paper" also suggesting Hearts and Partick Thistle avoid their respective relegations. Both Old Firm B sides would immediately pay a £125,000 joining fee, with further payments to be made in each of the following three campaigns. That money would go to third-tier clubs and would reduce by £25,000 each term across a four-year deal, with the entire plan worth a total of £1.2m of "new finance". What else is in the 'innovation paper'? Rangers and Celtic B teams can only get promoted as high as the Championship; Their players will have an age limit of 21; The Old Firm will purchase at least 200 tickets at a cost of £15 for each away game, with the money paid in advance; They will also pay £1000 to stream each of those matches, should facilities be in place Other Premiership clubs can apply to have 'B' teams starting in the Highland and Lowland leagues - replacing Kelty and Brora - with a joining fee of £25,000; Alternatively, they could forge strategic partnerships with lower-league outfits that would allow up to six players, plus one coach to be loaned by the Premiership club; Those partnerships would have a minimum three-year commitment and would cease if the lower-league club reaches the top flight. How would the divisions work? Hearts and Inverness Caledonian Thistle would be added to top 12; League would split into a top six and bottom eight after 26 matches; Top six would play home and away (total 36 games) as would the bottom eight (total 40 games); One team would be relegated, and another would face a play-off as currently. Raith Rovers, Falkirk, Airdrie, Montrose, East Fife and Dumbarton would be moved up; League would split into a top six and bottom eight after 26 games; Top six would play home and away (total 36 games) as would the bottom eight (total 40 games); One team would be promoted, plus three more would make play-offs as currently; Bottom two would be relegated, with the 12th-placed team in play-off. Teams would meet twice each season; Top two would be guaranteed promotion, with teams in third, fourth, fifth and sixth in play-offs to decide who would face off with 12th team in Championship; Bottom side will enter play-off with Highland or Lowland League play-off winner as currently; There is scope for second bottom team to also become part of play-offs. Why are Rangers proposing it? The Ibrox club say their objectives are to ensure no club is worse off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and to inject "new finance" into the "vulnerable" lower leagues to improve standards. Furthermore, Rangers say they want to achieve the "freshness" that reconstruction would bring while making sure "the pyramid is respected" and keeping each club's share of prize-money distribution the same. Another plank is to tackle the "player transition challenge" with a "menu" of options for different-sized clubs ranging from B teams to the existing loan agreements and reserve league. What happens next? It is unclear how much support exists for the proposals, although it is understood Celtic do back them. All Premiership clubs are aware, and will have had the full document presented to them by Rangers by Tuesday. Furthermore, the Scottish Football Association and SPFL have both been briefed, and other lower-league outfits have been sounded out. There is also thought to be broad support for the strategic partnerships - an idea initially suggested by Stenhousemuir chairman Iain McMenemy. Were the plan to go to a vote, it would need 32 of the 42 clubs to support it. Seventeen of those would have to be in the Premiership and Championship, with 11 of them in the top flight. While Rangers are aiming for this to be introduced next season, they recognise that will be difficult and are prepared to adapt elements once they have consulted more widely. Further stumbling blocks are that, while Stranraer would technically avoid the relegation from League One meted out after the early curtailment of last season, they would still end up in the bottom tier. Clyde, Peterhead and Forfar Athletic would be in a similar situation, while Cove would stay in the bottom tier despite winning League Two last term. Earlier this week, SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster wrote to clubs asking if they would back a 14-team Premiership for next season and, if not, how might their objections be overcome. That followed Hearts' owner Ann Budge's failed attempt to gain support for a 14-14-14 structure for the next two seasons.

The new SPFL broadcasting deal with Sky Sports has been substantially devalued with additional matches added to the package for the first year as a sweetener to the broadcaster after the curtailment of the 2019/20 season, it can be revealed. It was announced this week that the new five-year partnership would see Sky show up to 48 games a season. But Express Sport understands the agreement with the SPFL will actually enable Sky Sports to show 61 games for the first year of the contract. That works out at one extra match for each club, plus another extra one for Celtic for the unfurling of the flag game on their first home match of the season. On the financial terms of the deal that would see each game’s value drop from £520,833 to £404,918, which will see Scottish clubs missing out on just over £7m. And despite the SPFL insisting the deal is as publicly advertised, Express Sport has seen proof that the recommendation to clubs sent on May 29 included new proposals allowing Sky to broadcast five live matches from their home stadium, and six in the case of Celtic, an addition from the previously agreed four matches for each club. This comes despite chief executive Neil Doncaster insisting the deal was an ‘excellent outcome’ and that it was ‘vital’ the 12 SPFL clubs approved the deal. The need to renegotiate with Sky was due to the curtailment of the 2019/20 season, and the broadcaster being due around £5m in compensation for the games they didn’t show. hat debt was renegotiated to £1.5m and will be spread over the five years of the deal at £300,000 a year, meaning Sky will now pay the SPFL clubs £24.7m each season. But despite Sky offering to cut the debt by 70% on last season they have in fact got a far better deal for the next five years. The BT Sport liability also remains a mystery that leaves the SPFL clubs in limbo as they begin preparations for the new season. Along with the announcement of the new TV deal Doncaster said: “This is an innovative and pragmatic solution to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and I’m grateful for the flexibility shown by our clubs and by Sky Sports. “This agreement means that any liability for games not delivered during Season 2019/20 has now been settled, on terms that reflect Sky’s status as a committed partner and supporter of Scottish football.” The new deal will allow Scottish clubs to stream home games to season ticket holders which will help them generate revenue while games are played behind closed doors. In most cases this has been greeted positively although some clubs face a battle getting the services up and running for fans. St Mirren will join a host of clubs who rely on the services of Stream Digital, a video production company based in Livingston. They are set to hold talks with the company but don’t foresee any issues due to the success the company has had with streaming for a number of other clubs including Celtic. Hamilton are also understood to be pleased with the deal having only had one game outside of those against Rangers and Celtic last season shown on TV, meaning their 700 season ticket holders will get to watch the games from their homes until it is safe to return to stadiums. Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell has praised Sky Sports for the new deal and the invention of the new virtual season tickets. “This is an innovative and pragmatic solution to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and I’m grateful for the flexibility shown by our clubs and by Sky Sports,” he said.

The SPFL's new Sky Sports deal has been substantially devalued by the addition of 13 sweetener matches. The deal was recommended by Neil Doncaster on May 29 & he told clubs it was an ‘excellent outcome’ & it was ‘vital’ club agree despite missing out on just over £7m Full story here... https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1291984/SPFL-Sky-Sports-deal-devalued-additional-games-exclusive/amp?__twitter_impression=true

Courtesy of Club 1872... Rangers will update supporters in due course on a number of topics of interest but we are in a position to confirm that season ticket holders will be granted complimentary access to all home games streamed via RTV as a result of those matches being played behind closed doors.

Aberdeen have stated that the virtual ST will be free to all ST holders for all behind closed doors games so I’d imagine we’ll follow suit...

The SPFL have basically passed the liability on to the fans, that’s if they’re prepared to pay for this virtual ST. I’d hope that Rangers would be offering this free of charge but I wouldn’t be surprised if the don’t.

The Scottish Professional Football League and Sky Sports have agreed terms that provide a framework for the top-flight of Scottish football to resume in August. The Scottish Premiership clubs will create a ‘virtual season ticket’ for the 2020/21 season, providing an alternative source of matchday income while social distancing measures prevent fans from attending matches. During the 2020/21 season, each Premiership club will be able to sell a package to season ticket holders to watch all home games. From August, Sky Sports will be the only broadcaster to offer live coverage of the SPFL with 48 games available on the new home of Scottish football, as Celtic aim to make history and win a tenth consecutive title. The return of a new season in Scotland at the beginning of August would follow on from the conclusion of the English Premier League season. The SPFL and Sky have also agreed to spread the financial settlement for the games unable to be completed in Season 2019/20 across the term of the new five-year contract, providing security and financial stability to the competition and its clubs. SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “This is an innovative and pragmatic solution to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and I’m grateful for the flexibility shown by our clubs and by Sky Sports. “This agreement means that any liability for games not delivered during Season 2019/20 has now been settled, on terms that reflect Sky’s status as a committed partner and supporter of Scottish football.” Rob Webster, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “Sky Sports is proud of our long-standing relationship with Scottish football and we have been committed to finding a positive solution for the SPFL and clubs. The virtual season ticket for the 2020/21 season is an innovative way to maintain the connection with fans and provide economic stability for the clubs, and we are very happy to support it. “The new season promises to be a unique experience for the Scottish Premiership and our approach is to be as flexible and supportive of the clubs as we can be in these unique times.”

Scottish Premiership clubs have been advised training can resume from 11 June. Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive: “We now have a firm target of starting the 2020/21 Premiership season on the weekend of August 1

According to reports from the BBC this morning The SFA and SPFL will ask permission to begin the season on Aug 1st.