Steve1872

Friday July 6th 2012 The club has this evening received the notice of resolutions to be voted on next Friday and we are told to expect an information pack at some time next week. We hope that this pack will present a more balanced report to SFL member clubs than they have so far received. At last Tuesdayâ??s meeting, financial information provided by Neil Doncaster showed an unrealistic worst case scenario. It showed the impact of potential total loss of 3 TV contracts, all of which had been inexplicably agreed on the basis that the broadcaster could walk away if either Rangers or Celtic were not in the SPL. His information did not, however, set out the potentially positive impact of negotiating replacement contracts with other broadcasters or alternatively the much mentioned possibility of launching SPL TV (which we understand could have been launched within a matter of months). Mr Doncaster warned SFL members that if these contracts were indeed lost, this would mean the annual payment to the SFL under the Settlement Agreement would either be greatly reduced or not paid at all. Raith Rovers FC believes this not to be the case, and that the SPL would remain both contractually obliged and able to pay the £1.9m â?? £2m annual sum, even in that worst case scenario. We call upon the SFL Board to clarify its view on this vital point urgently, before club boards finalise their positions on these important votes. We are also concerned that there has not as yet been an opportunity for clubs to receive legal advice from the SFL and/or debate the potential consequences on the smooth running of our league in the event that the Courts are asked to annull/strike down any of the corporate transactions that have led to the current position of Sevco Scotland Ltd as owners of certain assets of the Rangers oldco. Indeed, the position as regards the potential sanctions to be applied by the Scottish FA via its Appellate Tribunal has also still to be bottomed out. In summary, we remain concerned that the SPL clubs have overwhelmingly voted to pass on this potential time bomb, which may yet explode once passed to the SFLâ??s jurisdiction, and we are being asked to accept this new company into membership, worse still in our top division. Without all of this information, and the opportunity for clubs to further discuss these issues on a fully informed basis amongst themselves before the formal SGM, in a similar format to last Tuesdayâ??s meeting, we are concerned that the fairness and transparency of the process itself is at risk of being compromised. Raith Rovers FC will consider its stance with regard to attendance at this meeting once we receive the information from the SFL.

@johnbomberbrown Green wont meet me as it will be the end game. The last line says THE FANS WIN.

John Bomber Brown‏@johnbomberbrown Got all the info today. Charles green meet me and answer WHO has 1st Standard security for ibrox park,car park and murray park ?

The Scottish Corrupt Football Association is responsible for the operation of the Scotland national football team, the annual Scottish Cup and several other duties important to the functioning of the game in Scotland. That day, these eight clubs formed the Scottish Corrupt Football Association, and resolved that: The chief executive of the Scottish Corrupt Football Association oversees the development of football in Scotland http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Football_Association

Consultation result: 36% in favour of "NO" to "Newco" In recent weeks I have taken all appropriate soundings, having canvassed the views of all shareholders and all season ticket holders aged 18 or over. I also attended the meeting organised by the Supporters' Association and the Supporters' Trust when I shared a fair amount of commercially sensitive information with those present and answered a number of questions from the audience. The result of the consultation process (36% of all shareholders and all season ticket holders aged 18 or over in favour of "NO" to "Newco") was far removed from the mood of the supporters' meeting but of course involved almost 2,500 shareholders and adult season ticket holders, as opposed to the 150 or thereby at the meeting. As everyone now knows, the SPL clubs voted by 10 - 1, with Kilmarnock abstaining, to reject Rangers "Newco" application to join the SPL. I elected to abstain in order to reflect the result of the consultation process and in recognition of a number of other factors, not least of which was Section 172 of the Companies Act concerning my fiduciary duty as a Director to act in the long terminterests of The Kilmarnock Football Club Limited and to ensure its success as a business. I also believe that the plan to parachute Rangers "Newco" into SFL1 is highly controversial and wished to register my concern about the timing of the SPL vote and the resultant pressure now placed on the SFL clubs to accommodate "Newco" in SFL1 when they vote on the issue on 13th July. If the SPL can't function in its present form without four "Old Firm" derbies, then the SPL should have come up with a solution rather than passing the buck to the SFL. In the course of the SPL General Meeting, prior to the vote, it became evident that a number of clubs which had previously been ambivalent about how they would vote were leaning towards "no" to "Newco" and the result of the vote was a foregone conclusion before it was taken. My abstention was therefore symbolic and was never going to influence the outcome. I'd like to thank all of our supporters who have shared their views on this issue with the club through the various consultation processes undertaken. It is now of utmost importance that all Kilmarnock supporters focus on helping the Club to maximise season ticket and sponsorship revenues in order to mitigate the financial consequences of the exclusion of "Newco" from the SPL. These can be overcome but only if we put the "Newco" debate firmly behind us and unite in support of Kenny and the team. The current situation is not of our making and the bond which exists between the Club, its supporters and the town will see us overcome this crisis. Scotlands oldest professional football club is at the heart of our community and the "Killie effect" was demonstrated to all when we lifted the League Cup for the first time in our history in March. Please buy a season ticket if you have not already done so and encourage your friends and family to do the same. I look forward to welcoming you to Rugby Park on 4th August when we take on "Club 12". Michael Johnston, Chairman http://www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk/articles/20120705/official-statement_85961_2833623

http://www.rangerstv.tv/viewfree.php?it=10386&c=archive&r=236678734985

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. 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

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 3rd 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.

I'm sure it's a relief for everyone involved in Scottish football to see the SPL clubs finally vote on the issue of a 'newco' Rangers. The general consensus seems to be that the 'no' vote clearly proves the SPL clubs don't need Rangers and that 'sporting integrity' has triumphed. It may well be the popular view, but it's not the one most Rangers fans would share. More than any other week, the actions of the SFA and SPL have made it quite clear that sporting integrity is a sham, and that Scottish football needs Rangers or it will be finished. There is no doubt that the highly successful â??no to newcoâ? campaign ensured that the same SPL chairman who might possibly voted 'yes', had no choice but to say 'no'. Too many fans threatened their own clubs with a boycott if Rangers were automatically invited back. The anti-Rangers fervour reached such heights that according to a poll of St Mirren fans, 80% would prefer possible administration for their own club, than see Rangers in the SPL. It's unlikely that only the Saints fans shared this self-destructive madness, so the clubs had to say 'no' or in the short-term they would lose their fans â?? and few clubs could have survived that. If the 'sporting integrity' mantra had any truth for the majority of clubs then that would have been the end of their concern for the SPL. The SFL would deal with the rest. However, the problem now facing them was that - as the SPL document sent to the SFL shows - Rangers in the third division, "takes approximately £16 million out of the game [and] commercial partners [will] walk away and seek compensationâ?. For all the high-minded ideals preached, it had become painfully obvious that the only concern from the start had been finance. The only compromise possible now was to force the SFL clubs to go against every notion of fair-play and tell them that if they did not put Rangers in Division One, they would lose money and a new 'SPL2' would be created. It puts the SFL clubs in a horribly unfair situation. As Clyde FC said in a recent statement: â??There will be no winners. Any level of integrity for the sport will be lost by one outcome and financial collapse, we are told, will fall upon the SPL with the other. Sadly, the SFA and SPL have decided that whilst they say they are looking for a collaborative solution, they have very clearly made sure that by their own inaction that the blame will sit with the SFL - no matter what the outcome. â??The Board of the SFL are being put under intolerable pressure by the other bodies looking to avoid the implications of properly applying their own governance procedures.â? Notice that at no point in this have Rangers fans been consulted. Any supposed financial collapse would come about because the SPL could not afford to lose more than 30% of the SPL fanbase for more than a year, yet that same group of people have no say whatsoever. It's not widely known that far from begging the SFL to take Rangers into Division One, according to a recent 'Rangers Fans Fighting Fund' poll more than 75% of Rangers fans would prefer the third division. It's shocking to realise that the football authorities wish to keep the cash from Rangers fans rolling in, but will refuse to take their views into account. If the SFA and SPL clubs don't want a 'newco' Rangers in the SPL, then they are perfectly entitled to vote 'no'. What they are not entitled to do is pretend they are doing so for noble purposes - while refusing to give the the SFL and Rangers fans a voice and forcing them into a division few want - just to protect their own finances. To coin a phrase, how about some 'sporting integrity'? John DC Gow is a Rangers fan who blogs for sites such as The Rangers Standard http://sport.stv.tv/football/109515-rangers-fans-ask-where-is-the-sporting-integrity/

By jim Traynor on Jul 5, 12 07:40 AM in spl NOW it's all so much clearer. The fate of the entire Scottish game lies with the SFL. The SPL have made their decision which means the clubs they left behind must now save us. At least and at last a degree of clarity. But hold on ... Oh My God. Does this mean everything depends now on the view of Turnbull Hutton? And John Yorkston? Whatever cash is left in the game we'll need for clean underwear. Turnbull, the bold John and their mates will shape the game's future. Stand aside, women and children first. By saying "no" to Rangers newco the SPL have thrown THEIR problem at the SFL hoping the smaller clubs will give Charles Green's venture a home. They will find space for Rangers but it might not be in their own top division. The SFL clubs, who still harbour a deep grudge because they were cut adrift by the top sides in 1998, are in no mood to be railroaded into helping. They'll demand concessions and rightly so. Their chief executive, David Longmuir, has already listed demands which will include an absolute commitment to streamline the administrations - three governing bodies is a nonsense - better governance, which would include a change to the voting structures, and a fairer distribution of whatever wealth remains in the game. The SPL, because they neglected to craft legislation to deal with insolvency traumas, now desperately need the help and understanding of the clubs they left behind. A number of those clubs have been waiting for this day and they'll make the most of their moment. It would be difficult to argue they aren't entitled to be rubbing their hands gleefully but this isn't about getting even. This is about the survival of the game. Leaders of the SPL and SFL have warned something like £16million could be lost to our football but a growing number among the SFL chairmen are sceptical about the figures. And neither do they believe that as many as 10 clubs from the game's four levels could go to the wall. But it is understood just more than £12m would be lost from altered TV deals and at least £4.5m could be drained from sponsorship contracts if Rangers go to the Third Division. TV accounts for a third of the average SPL club's income and that's why it's too simplistic when fans and some misinformed - and frankly ignorant - commentators say they should wean themselves off this dependence on telly cash. Now that we know the extent of the financial fallout, it isn't sense or pragmatism which is making hacks and chairmen stick to their sporting integrity and fair play themes. It's a mixture of settling old scores, blind hatred and downright malice. Of course Rangers should and would have been ordered to apply for admission via the bottom tier had the SPL regulars been more concerned with proper governance over the years rather than forming divisive cabals and little power bases. But because Scottish football is a complete mess other factors must now be taken into consideration. So surely a sensible compromise rather than a spiteful one must be found. But justice is justice they all wail. We can't put a price on fair play they scream. Get real and stop wearing out your knuckles on your keyboards. What real fan would want his club, innocents in all of this, to shut because of a desire to get at the real culprits? Rangers did this and they are suffering. But this need to put them down further will endanger other innocent clubs. When the greed of bankers dragged the world into this deep recession the right thing to do would have been to let them close and take the big salaries and bonuses. But we didn't because that would have amounted to financial suicide and made life even tougher for the rest of us. Common sense had to prevail but not here. Not in Scottish football where heads are used only to nod goals. But if we refuse to engage our brains we will score the most damaging own goal in the history of our game. And all because when the fans railed our chairmen failed. Instead of thinking ahead they thought only of the moment. Must sell season tickets, must listen to fans. Just the other day one SPL chairman said: "It's hopeless. If I don't vote 'no' fans won't buy season tickets and I'll be shut. "If I vote 'no' and Rangers are put down to the Third Division the money lost to the game will mean my club will have to be closed. It's madness." And it is crazy. So-called fans who dominate their message boards appear to be running the show and are now pressing SFL clubs into doing the right thing, which is actually the wrong thing for the game in general. But is it really the will of the people or the ignorant views of semi-literate gangs of keyboard clatterers? There are still a few men at the heart of this who know a compromise has to be found and Longmuir is working away and calming members on the verge of panic. Longmuir and one or two others realise the folly of shunting Rangers all the way down and are trying to make people step back from the brink. Not because Rangers shouldn't be punished further but because the collateral damage would be unacceptable. The SFL will meet next week to decide the fate of the game. Entertaining though it is to listen to your rants Turnbull, just think. That's it, just think, and if enough of us do we just might not blow our brains out.

By jim Traynor on Jul 5, 12 07:40 AM in spl NOW it's all so much clearer. The fate of the entire Scottish game lies with the SFL. The SPL have made their decision which means the clubs they left behind must now save us. At least and at last a degree of clarity. But hold on ... Oh My God. Does this mean everything depends now on the view of Turnbull Hutton? And John Yorkston? Whatever cash is left in the game we'll need for clean underwear. Turnbull, the bold John and their mates will shape the game's future. Stand aside, women and children first. By saying "no" to Rangers newco the SPL have thrown THEIR problem at the SFL hoping the smaller clubs will give Charles Green's venture a home. They will find space for Rangers but it might not be in their own top division. The SFL clubs, who still harbour a deep grudge because they were cut adrift by the top sides in 1998, are in no mood to be railroaded into helping. They'll demand concessions and rightly so. Their chief executive, David Longmuir, has already listed demands which will include an absolute commitment to streamline the administrations - three governing bodies is a nonsense - better governance, which would include a change to the voting structures, and a fairer distribution of whatever wealth remains in the game. The SPL, because they neglected to craft legislation to deal with insolvency traumas, now desperately need the help and understanding of the clubs they left behind. A number of those clubs have been waiting for this day and they'll make the most of their moment. It would be difficult to argue they aren't entitled to be rubbing their hands gleefully but this isn't about getting even. This is about the survival of the game. Leaders of the SPL and SFL have warned something like £16million could be lost to our football but a growing number among the SFL chairmen are sceptical about the figures. And neither do they believe that as many as 10 clubs from the game's four levels could go to the wall. But it is understood just more than £12m would be lost from altered TV deals and at least £4.5m could be drained from sponsorship contracts if Rangers go to the Third Division. TV accounts for a third of the average SPL club's income and that's why it's too simplistic when fans and some misinformed - and frankly ignorant - commentators say they should wean themselves off this dependence on telly cash. Now that we know the extent of the financial fallout, it isn't sense or pragmatism which is making hacks and chairmen stick to their sporting integrity and fair play themes. It's a mixture of settling old scores, blind hatred and downright malice. Of course Rangers should and would have been ordered to apply for admission via the bottom tier had the SPL regulars been more concerned with proper governance over the years rather than forming divisive cabals and little power bases. But because Scottish football is a complete mess other factors must now be taken into consideration. So surely a sensible compromise rather than a spiteful one must be found. But justice is justice they all wail. We can't put a price on fair play they scream. Get real and stop wearing out your knuckles on your keyboards. What real fan would want his club, innocents in all of this, to shut because of a desire to get at the real culprits? Rangers did this and they are suffering. But this need to put them down further will endanger other innocent clubs. When the greed of bankers dragged the world into this deep recession the right thing to do would have been to let them close and take the big salaries and bonuses. But we didn't because that would have amounted to financial suicide and made life even tougher for the rest of us. Common sense had to prevail but not here. Not in Scottish football where heads are used only to nod goals. But if we refuse to engage our brains we will score the most damaging own goal in the history of our game. And all because when the fans railed our chairmen failed. Instead of thinking ahead they thought only of the moment. Must sell season tickets, must listen to fans. Just the other day one SPL chairman said: "It's hopeless. If I don't vote 'no' fans won't buy season tickets and I'll be shut. "If I vote 'no' and Rangers are put down to the Third Division the money lost to the game will mean my club will have to be closed. It's madness." And it is crazy. So-called fans who dominate their message boards appear to be running the show and are now pressing SFL clubs into doing the right thing, which is actually the wrong thing for the game in general. But is it really the will of the people or the ignorant views of semi-literate gangs of keyboard clatterers? There are still a few men at the heart of this who know a compromise has to be found and Longmuir is working away and calming members on the verge of panic. Longmuir and one or two others realise the folly of shunting Rangers all the way down and are trying to make people step back from the brink. Not because Rangers shouldn't be punished further but because the collateral damage would be unacceptable. The SFL will meet next week to decide the fate of the game. Entertaining though it is to listen to your rants Turnbull, just think. That's it, just think, and if enough of us do we just might not blow our brains out.

Former Rangers goalkeeper Andy Goram has urged the club's chief executive Charles Green to sell up, claiming he does not have the trust of Rangers supporters. Goram claims Green has given a figure that would persuade him to sell the club, as he continues to struggle to get the Ibrox club on track. Scottish Premier League clubs overwhelmingly rejected Green's application for his Rangers 'newco' to join the top flight and the club's fans are refusing to buy season tickets en masse. Green's Sevco consortium have rejected at least two bids since buying Rangers' assets for £5.5million on June 14 - the first from a consortium led by Walter Smith and the second from a group involving ex-Rangers player John Brown. Goram has backed former team-mate Brown's attempts to assume control of the club on behalf of supporters and believes Green must sell if the figure is reached. It is understood work will continue on plans for putting together a fans-led buyout over the weekend. Goram told Sky Sports News: "John Brown put a bid in last week of £8.7million and it was refused point blank. "We all know Charles Green is not in it for the long run. "There will be an announcement next week and hopefully it will be successful with the figure that he wants. He can't backtrack on that now. "Hopefully that will happen and get it back to the fans because John's idea is no one individual will run the club. "The fans deserve to be involved. That's his plan, bring Rangers men back to the club and really start from there. "Charles Green really must consider his position. There is no long-term plan at all, there is no investment coming in. "They keep coming up with figures but they have never proved it. "John Brown tried to get his legal team in to have a look at the title deeds to make sure everything is above board. "If that's the case, then sure, go ahead and buy your season tickets but hopefully something else will be in place before then and we can move forward in a different direction." http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/425/7870453/goram-urges-green-to-sell-up 4Min video-Andy Goram

Daily Record journalist Hugh Keevins says it could be 'armageddon' for Scottish football if Rangers are dumped in the third division and claims clubs north of the border are 'at war with each other' over how the Ibrox club should be punished. http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/richard-keys-and-andy-gray/120705/keevins-rangers-must-be-put-first-division-or-it-will-be-armageddon-175928

Football league rules changed after Wimbledon/MK dons. Reality is we can't acquire an existing club. We could join non league. England anybody

Club Statement Posted July 4, 2012 Due to speculation surrounding the issue of â??Rangersâ? and its possible admission to the SFL, the Board of Cowdenbeath FC wishes to clarify the following. At the regular monthly Board Meeting held on Monday 2nd July 2012, the Board of Cowdenbeath resolved that it would support any application made by â??Rangersâ? to join the SFL. It would not support any attempt to admit â??Rangersâ? into the First Division of the SFL. Today, â??Rangersâ? have been excluded from the SPL. At an Emergency Board Meeting held at Central Park tonight (4th July 2012) the Board again considered the matter. The Board decided that it would support any application by â??Rangersâ? to join the SFL but would vote against the present proposal which, amongst other matters, would admit â??Rangersâ? directly into the First Division of the SFL. This decision has been taken in the interests of football and the best interests of Cowdenbeath FC. A Board spokesman said â??If integrity in our game is to survive, then Rangers must start off SFL life in the Third Division. This is an SPL problem but the Clubs of that league have taken their decision for reasons which they must explain to all Scottish football supporters. The SPL and SFA should have resolved this long before now. They have tried to pass the buck to the SFL clubs and have tried to force them to accept â??Rangersâ? into the First Division â?? to provide the greatest benefit to the SPL. This lacks any integrity and casts a dark shadow over our game. Cowdenbeath FC condemns this approach. The Board is in no doubt that our stance is consistent with integrity and the long term financial future of our Club. We ask all supporters of what ever Club, who share our views, to rally round and back us in the Season aheadâ?. Chairman Donald Findlay added â?? â??Speaking for myself, and myself alone, it is clear to me that people at the highest levels of our game have tried to hold a gun to my head and the heads of my colleagues. That will never work. But I have a long memory and will not forget what they tried to do and the way they tried to bend me, and this Club, to their will. That will never be allowed to happenâ? http://www.cowdenbeathfc.com/index.php?act=viewNews&id=1075

Last comment on after meeting chat with Malcolm Murray who I have warmed to by the way, he said "if Charles Green's position.. becomes untenable, I will sack him!!" Malcolm Murray seems a genuine guy in my opinion for what that's worth

Green "I have to deliver 20m of funding, no debt and then I get my shares of 10% Green asked about buying Bury...says he's looked into all opions Green - logistics don't allow Rangers to buyout/merge an English club Green away to meeting re SFL, MM saying he'll be demanding no sanctions in SFL Board meeting over guys. Malcolm Murray finished with next time he wants to be bouncing up down is out there on the terraces

Stephen James‏@Steff_James84 Meeting over

Bomber claiming Duff + Phelps accepted Green's 5,5m when there was an 11m bid on the table at the same time

Ally - gospel truth - Duke of Edinburgh asked what was happening with the Rangers :-)

AM - Healey has left. Little and Kerkar offered new deals.

SJ asking to be removed from SFA hall of fame, mccoist will think about it. (didn't know about it before now)

2012-07-04â??SPL COULD FACE REPERCUSSIONS IN THE RANGERS AFFAIRâ? SAYS DEVILâ??S ADVOCATE GIOVANNI DI STEFANO. THE RANGERS ACQUISITION â??A SIMPLE FRAUD THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DETECTED.â? NO BLAME ON MURRAY. BY GIOVANNI DI STEFANO Craig Whyte is not actually a bad guy. He is however, an unlucky one and maybe also an irrational speculator. At the age of fifteen the stuff of legend has it that he bought some shares and made some money on the stock exchange. He then invested that in his fatherâ??s plant hire company only for that to go bankrupt with debts that today would equal in the millions. An omen for what was to come? But by his mid-twenties he tried again but never really managed to grasp anything until he moved to Monaco where the author also holds a residence. He was seen at the Hotel de Paris but was rarely given the accommodation of prestige restaurants like â??Le Grillâ??. His ability to manipulate the media and internet search engines is one of some alarm. Today notwithstanding his serious financial troubles his Wikipedia page has been manipulated with the co-operation of â??user friendlyâ?? â??give us a bungâ?? Wikipedia editors to state: â??He is chairman of a complex maze of interlinked firms from around the world thought to be worth more than £1 billion.â? It beggars belief and the fury of Rangers supporters if that statement is true because if he truly were worth anything of the like it would be a mere formality to pay the liabilities he was contracted and obliged to pay for acquiring Rangers. David Murray on the other hand is 20 years older than Craig Whyte. In 2008 after years of honest and diligent work he was conservatively valued (including shares and assets) at almost £800m. As a direct result of banks manipulating the economy and openly cheating the public and those like David Murray the following year his net value dropped to under £100m. There is no doubt that honest and diligent men as David Murray were defrauded by banks and government policy based upon dishonest intentions. The victims were those like David Murray. But David Murray was to be a victim again. Knowing that he could not sustain Rangers Football Club he sold the company to Craig Whyte for £1 believing that Whyte would pay the debts and sustain the club. After all, David Murray had lost some £700 million in one year whilst Craig Whyte was supposedly worth billions. Originally the deal with Whyte was that Murray would sell Whyte the debts of the club and Whyte would have a minority stake. In the end Whyte bought 80% plus of the controlling shares in The Rangers Football Club Ltd on the strict understanding that the debts of the club would be transferred to a company called Wavetower Limited incorporated on the 17th September 2010. That did happen but another condition was that the bank debts i.e. money owed to Lloyds Bank PLC would also be transferred to Wavetower Limited. That would effectively make Rangers Football Club debt free. On the 6th May 2011 the deal was cemented in stone although it had been in discussion since 2010. Wavetower Limited became The Rangers FC Group Limited. That company and that company alone should have been the company that held the legal liabilities of the Rangers Football Club PLC. What is more important is that Lloyds Bank PLC signed an assignment that codified the transfer of bank debts from Rangers Football Club PLC to Wavetower Limited whose new name would be the confusion that Whyte sought to ensure any payments due to Rangers Football Club PLC would be in fact paid to Wavetower Limited whose new name confused all even the bankers, auditors and ultimately the SFA/SPL/SFL. Craig Whyte uses confusion to ensure success. Wavetower Limited now known as The Rangers FC Group Limited was in fact part of his â??bigâ?? company called Liberty Capital PLC. That company was incorporated on the 12 December 2007 and had anyone bothered to check would have found it was a dormant company. David Murray and his advisors certainly accepted on face value that Craig Whyte had complied with the agreement to acquire Rangers Football Club PLC namely that Wavetower Limited shortly after known as The Rangers FC Group Limited had â??with the important consent of Lloyds bank PLC- legally transferred the debt from Rangers Football Club PLC to The Rangers FC Group Limited.. Rangers Football Club PLC should technically have been on the 6th May 2011 debt free. By deliberately confusing the newly named Wavetower Limited as The Rangers FC Group Limited evidence that has now come to light is that funds that were destined for The Rangers Football Club PLC that was debt free actually were paid to Wavetower Ltd whose new name The Rangers FC Group Limited was confusing to the debtors of Rangers Football Club PLC and to the bank since it would appear Whyte ensured his companies banked with Lloyds Bank PLC. The Rangers Football Club PLC established and incorporated as a Limited Liability Company in 1899 was thus starved of income, whilst incurring day to day liabilities. The deceit is actually a simple one that required only institutions to be confused between the companies. Party to this deliberate and simple deceit albeit innocently are Lloyds Bank PLC who permitted payments scheduled for The Rangers Football Club PLC to be paid to The Rangers FC Group Limited again an easy error but one which constitutes both civil and criminal liabilities. Obviously clear that a company starved of its true income cannot last long. The Rangers Football Club PLC within a year was insolvent even though it should not have been. But Craig Whyte played his insurance card. He knew that if he was to be absolved of any wrongdoing he would need a scapegoat. He too would have to claim he was a victim as he did when his fatherâ??s company was bankrupted owing to his schemes and only his age saved him from prosecution then. Whyte blamed an aide who had a previous conviction for fraud and that; he thought was his insurance policy. That is yet to be seen. The police have now opened an investigation into the acquisition and it may well uncover a can of worms that will spread from Monaco to Glasgow and involving banks, investment house, auditors, advisors, stockbrokers all of whom must or should have known what was happening. One person who will forever blame himself will be David Murray but he holds no fault only praise. His deal was simple namely that the debts of The Rangers Football Club PLC be transferred to what he believed to be Wavetower Limited soon changing to The Rangers FC Group Limited and Lloyds Bank PLC assigning the bank debts to Wavetower Limited which it did. The SPL have today voted in its secret session not to admit The Rangers Football Club PLC to the SPL. They say that company no longer exists and since the company is in administration and insolvent then it has no right to play in the SPL and fails the criteria test. If The Rangers Football Club PLC had not been openly defrauded of part of its income it would not be insolvent. It was not insolvent on the 6th May 2011. The Administrators have failed to institute proceedings or obtain at least Restraining Orders against the Companies that benefited from the fraud. Lloyds Bank PLC that permitted payments directed to The Rangers Football Club PLC and paid instead to The Rangers FC Group Limited may well carry a liability and at the end of the day it will be the case that The Rangers Football Club PLC was not insolvent. The SPL itself a Limited Liability Company may well find itself before the Courts for damages. That is why there is a rush to liquidate The Rangers Football Club PLC so the potential fall-back is mitigated. It is estimated that millions of pounds that should have been paid to The Rangers Football Club PLC was diverted to The Rangers FC Group Limited and other names with similar â??Rangersâ?? in the title. One company however, that is solvent and which the SPL could use to permit Rangers Football Club namely the team to play is RANGERS LOTTERIES LIMITED that started its life in 1964 as RANGERS POOLS LIMITED. It is certainly part of the â??Rangersâ?? family and the SPL Rules do permit associated companies in specific circumstances to assume the share held. It is an avenue the SPL would be well advised to consider quickly because once it is established as it will that The rangers Football Club PLC was not insolvent and was defrauded by a simple mechanism escaping all the sophistications now in force any damages caused by the SPL or other sporting bodies may well cause those bodies to be insolvent. http://eturnkeysec3340002378c9.users.site2you.com/content/sitenewsreadmore/infobox/news/template/default/active_id/859

Celtic have released a statement in which they express the integrity of Scottish football as the main reason behind their opposition of newco Rangers entering the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. Rangers' Old Firm adversaries have also admitted the financial ramifications of losing their main rivals will be 'significant' but that the club can survive, and flourish, without the presence of their Glasgow neighbours. Clydesdale Bank Premier League clubs voted to reject the newco Rangers application after five hours of talks at Hampden earlier on Wednesday and the Ibrox club will now start their new life in either the First or Third Division with Celtic outlining their reasoning in a statement on the website. It read: "Celtic Football Club today confirmed that it opposed readmission to the Scottish Premier League by Rangers newco. "Today's decision to refuse access into the SPL was an overwhelming one and demonstrates the depth of feeling amongst everyone involved in Scottish football. "Fundamentally, the Celtic Board has also been very mindful of the need to take what it believes to be the correct course of action in protecting the integrity of the game in Scotland. "Throughout the whole sequence of events leading up to today's decision the Celtic Board has been of the singular view that the integrity of the game in Scotland is of paramount importance. "Our only other consideration has been to protect the interests and right of the club and our supporters." Celtic's board have maintained throughout the Rangers fiasco they are not financially reliant on the Old Firm clashes and are protecting the Hoops' best interests. The statement continued: "Whilst the financial implications of today's vote for Celtic and for the Scottish game as a whole will be very significant, we have already stated that Celtic has a business plan and strategy independent of any other club. "Our supporters can rest assured that we will continue to fight to protect Celtic's best interests within the Scottish game. "In addition, we will be working with our other fellow SPL clubs in the days and weeks ahead to take all possible steps to maximise commercial returns, which remain crucial in these economically-challenging circumstances. We will also play an active role in mapping the future of Scottish football." A rallying call to the Parkhead supporters and an agreement to work on the commercial aspects of the league were also on the club's agenda. "We will be working with our other fellow SPL clubs in the days and weeks ahead to take all possible steps to maximise commercial returns, which remain crucial in these economically-challenging circumstances. "We know our own supporters will be acutely aware of the significant challenges that lie ahead. We enter next season as champions of Scotland and look ahead to retaining our title and to making an impact in a European context. "We know how difficult this will be and we call on our supporters to join us in tackling these challenges, to take their place at Celtic Park, to invest in the club and to continue to give us the kind of support for which they are renowned." http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/429/7868838/celtic-give-integrity-as-reason

http://rangerstv.tv/viewfree.php?it=10383&c=archive&r=236678734985