ian1964

So what is the answer to the latest attempted attack on Neil Lennon? And just exactly why has 71 year old MSP Trish Godman been targeted along with Paul Mc Bride QC? It would appear that Trish Godman’s only connection is that she is a self-confessed Celtic fan. Paul Mc Bride, like all QC’s has defended the dregs of society, Murderers, Drug Barons, Rapists, and Armed Robbers; but he defends Neil Lennon and gets sent an explosive device through the post. I believe that Celtic should now pull out of the rest of this season by refusing to fulfil the rest of our fixtures due to the unprecedented death threats to our Manager. I have never before known any manager in any country to be put under so much pressure; how he is expected to function under these circumstances is beyond me. I think now we have to stand up and be counted; I’m sure Lenny knows that he has the 100% support of everyone connected to Celtic FC; in our 123 years of proud history we have never had to face such threats; or rather; no Celtic Manager or Players have had to face such threats; I don’t know if Celtic FC can continue to play football under such circumstances. Many times on this site I have said that we are isolated within Scottish Football, I have not heard one word of condemnation from anyone with the exception of Stewart Regan of the SFA, where is Alex Smith of the league Management Association? Where is Fraser Wishart of the Players Union? The SFA had the opportunity to show their impartiality recently when the Ibrox 3 appeared before them; they failed miserably to come out of that with any credibility whatsoever. We had the so-called olive branch being offered by Peat, that was probably because this story was about to break; and he knew it. The Celtic support has absolutely no confidence in the SFA in its present to form to fairly administer Scottish Football. I don’t think Celtic will do as I suggest and pull out of the rest of the season; so we can only hope that we get through the season and end up with the Double in the trophy cabinet. If we continue in Scottish Football next season then I sincerely hope we raise the boycott issue again; I certainly believe we should withhold any financial contribution to at least some of the other teams within Scottish Football; and I would personally start with the first away match at Kilmarnock. Lenny certainly doesn’t need me to fight his battles; he has shown throughout his career that he can stand up for himself; and the last thing he will want is trouble at this week ends match at Snake Mountain. So let’s go along there and support our Manager and Team in the manner in which we have become famous; and when the clock shows 18 minutes; let’s all stand and applaud our Manager, the Legend that is NEIL LENNON. YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE NEIL. Mad Joe http://www.celticsupporterassoc.co.uk/showthread.php?t=884&p=4318#post4318

Tha gu math, tapadh leibh Right,that's enough,I canny be bothered googling again:grin:

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/dundee-united-rangers-spl-april-2011-9087391/

madainn mhath

I think she enjoyed herself

Davis is a good shout,but I'm going for Lafferty,the amount of abuse he gets is OTT,the big man always puts in a shift and scored a cracking goal. Whittaker also had a good game.

Welcome to gersnet mate

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9463275.stm

That's just the thing mate,none of us knows what the fuck is going on while we have these guys playing Rangers FC as a game

That is funny.............................................also sad as it sums up Rangers FC just now

I really don't know who is best for Rangers,but i am thinking I'd like a fresh start and CW seems to be that man.The current board should walk IMO as they have sat back and watched the club being ran into the ground and only now do they want to step in with a bid????,something stinks here.

Then the media really need to get their arses kicked for this,using bomb threats to sensationalise a football game,shameless.

Do these bombs,bullits,threats only get sent in the build up to Rangers v BHEAST games????. It is totaly unacceptable and I really hope the people responsible get caught and chucked in prison.

http://leggoland2.blogspot.com/2011/04/david-murrays-motives.html

By Tom English So this is how it is all going to end, is it? Paul Murray, who has been sleeping with his undoubted wealth kept firmly under the mattress for the three years and more that Rangers have been on the market, has suddenly decided to invest �£25million in buying the club. Murray and others. A consortium, Dave King rumoured to be one of them. King, the Scot in exile in South Africa, the people's champion at Ibrox. So how will it work, then? The consortium pay-off Lloyds Banking Group and, with the rest of their �£25m, they buy Sir David Murray's shares and wave him goodbye. Then they do a share issue, raise tens of millions of pounds, and live happily ever after. Er, no. First of all, there is the beginning of a new round of speculation as to who else is behind Murray and King. In fact, let's just stop at King for a second. Johnston is said he is worried about the finances of the Whyte proposal. Well, let's take a little trip to South Africa why don't we? It's typical of this saga that the image of the Whyte Knight is less believable for some at Ibrox than the vision of King Dave, a man who the South African Revenue Services are still hounding for an alleged tax bill of �£240m and about whom a respected judge in their legal system has had this to say recently: "We saw King testify in chief and in cross-examination for four days and are unanimous in finding that he is a mendacious witness whose evidence should not be accepted on any issue unless it is supported by documents or other objective evidence. "It was remarkable that King showed no sign of embarrassment or any emotion when he conceded that he had lied to the Commissioner in a number of his income tax returns. "In our assessment he is a glib and shameless liar." From the very start of the Rangers takeover saga, when a chap called Graham Duffy bounced on to the scene and declared he was going to front the purchase of the club without actually investing a brass farthing of his own money, this tortured business has had an element of farce about it. Never more so than yesterday. Early morning began with tormented Rangers fans denouncing Alastair Johnston, the Ibrox chairman, for putting the brakes on Craig Whyte's bid to buy the club. In early evening, in the time it took them to read his statement on the matter, the same Johnston changed from villain to hero in the supporters' eyes, from the man who was castigated on every Rangers forum for putting the club's very existence into doubt by stalling Whyte's prospective takeover to a champion who had at his heart the best interests of the club. The sale of Rangers was convoluted before yesterday. Now it's convoluted and bitter. In his statement, Johnston attempted a controlled explosion of Whyte's credibility as a man of sufficient means to take the club forward in a meaningful way. It was bizarre and possibly dangerous to the future of the club. There may still be a lot of secrecy about Whyte's business plan for Rangers, but it is an indisputable fact that he has proven he has the funds to buy Murray's shares and pay-off the debt owing to Lloyds Banking Group. As far as bona fides go, that's not a bad start. Johnston accepts that Whyte has the wherewithal to end the Murray era and bring a conclusion to the divisive relationship with Lloyds. Whyte has deposited �£28m as proof of his financial clout. He has spent a large six-figure sum on lawyers and accountants and due diligence stretching back six months. He has said publicly, more than once, that he is committed to investing �£25m over five years on new players. He has stayed in the game and has worked out a "mechanism" to deal with whatever HMRC may through at the club. He has stayed in the deal, also, despite the nasty little surprise of a �£2.8m unpaid tax bill was discovered. He has hung around and inched things forward despite all of that and regardless of the two UEFA charges of sectarian chanting that are hanging over the club at present. Unless he's a complete madman - spending millions on getting rid of Lloyds and Murray and then not bothering to invest in the business he has just bought - then we must assume that he is going to do what he says. He has hung his reputation on delivering what he has said. What is Johnston thinking? That Whyte will take control of the club and then go, "HaHa! Fooled ye all! I don't have another bob to my name! We're all going down in flames!" At the very least, he deserves a bit more respect than he got from Johnston yesterday. It was hard to know what infuriated Whyte the most when he read what Johnston had to say; the chairman's rather one-eyed appraisal of things or the final paragraph of his statement which painted Whyte as an understanding soul whose reaction to the bombshell of being told about a rival bidder was all very amicable and constructive. It was not. The truth is that Whyte spent much of yesterday in anger at Johnston before his anger gave way to a determination to stay involved in the deal. In early evening a source close to Whyte was saying that the directors "had better be careful what they wish for" in connection with the proposed second bidder. Later, his mood was said to be focused on getting the deal done rather than departing the scene. There is a problem with Johnston, though. In effect, what Johnston was doing was telling Whyte yesterday was to go and wait in the corner while the Rangers vetting party consider the merits of the new player in town, Paul Murray with a rumoured backing from King. Had Whyte told him to get stuffed he would have been within his rights. The attention now turns to Paul Murray and his cohorts and to what Sir David Murray and Lloyds make of their interest. It is suggested that the first that Whyte knew about it was when Johnston released his statement, though it was already known by some journalists at that point. Whyte would have understandable cause to be annoyed at being kept out of the loop. The new interested party are at an early stage in their thinking, hence Johnston wanting to put the whole thing off until after the end of the season. It is, of course, a huge gamble on the chairman's part. Whyte still wants to buy the club but if he feels he's being taken for a ride by the directors he may still withdraw. That's the great fear. That Whyte disappears and then the other bidder finds that they can't deliver the money. Rangers would be back to Square One at that point. What Lloyds make of all this will be interesting. They have a deal with Whyte. And David Murray has a deal with Whyte. David Murray has in the past criticised Paul Murray and King and Douglas Park, who may also involved in the consortium, for sniping from the shadows. If there is any substance to them at all, it's time they proved it. There is no immediate end to this affair. It's Rangers' good fortune, though, that Whyte's determination is so strong. If he wasn't so focused on this deal, he'd have had cause to pull the plug once Johnston sought to humiliate him in his strange statement. http://sport.scotsman.com/football/Tom-English-Craig-Whyte39s-Rangers.6754890.jp?articlepage=3

Apr 20 2011 Exclusive by Keith Jackson DIRECTOR Paul Murray last night emerged as the mastermind behind a new bid to take over Rangers ââ?¬â?? but he faces a battle to persuade Lloyds Bank to accept his proposal. The shock new bid is the reason Craig Whyteââ?¬â?¢s planned buy-out has been delayed but it does not yet have the backing of Lloyds. Murrayââ?¬â?¢s camp claim their takeover would provide new boss Ally McCoist with an instant Ã?£25million war chest. But Whyteââ?¬â?¢s people hit back last night, claiming their bid is worth Ã?£52.5m. And a source close to Whyte also suggested if he is forced to further delay his attempt while Rangers directors scrutinise Murrayââ?¬â?¢s plan it might be too late. The source said last night: ââ?¬Å?He will not wait much longer.ââ?¬Â Record Sport understands Murray has assembled a consortium of wealthy Rangers fans who are willing to pledge a small fortune to get the club back on its feet. Financial expert Murray wants new shares to be released and has told the Rangers board his group have the cash in place to underwrite the scheme to the tune of Ã?£25m ââ?¬â?? all of which would then be pumped into McCoistââ?¬â?¢s first-team coffers. But the plan hinges on Lloyds keeping the current credit facility in place and allowing the Ibrox debt to be repaid in instalments. The bank still favour Whyteââ?¬â?¢s bid because it guarantees them their money and Murray still has to persuade them to back his offer. Murray made his move after holding crisis talks with current owner Sir David Murray last week. It is understood Murray, who was at Tannadice last night to watch his team take on Dundee United, now plans talks with Sir David and Lloyds in a bid to thrash out a deal. But the word last night was that Murray ââ?¬â?? who teamed up with exiled Rangers director Dave King in a failed Ã?£18m bid for Murray Internationalââ?¬â?¢s shareholding in 2009 ââ?¬â?? wants to do business quickly. Murray, 46, has almost two decades of experience in the private equity industry, working for companies including 3i plc and Deutsche Bank in executive positions. We understands his shock ââ?¬Å?plan Bââ?¬Â proposals have already gained support at boardroom level and also with the current management. A source close to Murrayââ?¬â?¢s group told us: ââ?¬Å?Paul felt it was time to act with a matter of urgency. ââ?¬Å?He has now acted and is looking to get everything finalised as quickly as possible. There is no reason why this canââ?¬â?¢t be concluded in a four to six-week timescale. ââ?¬Å?This is a credible and real solution to the situation which is crippling Rangers. ââ?¬Å?Paul expressed an interest a while ago, as was reported at the time. It came to nothing but things have deteriorated a lot since then. When Craig Whyte arrived on the scene Paul was open-minded. He was prepared to try to help the guy. ââ?¬Å?But itââ?¬â?¢s been dragging on for six months, meanwhile the situation at the club has been getting worse. ââ?¬Å?That is why Paul acted last week. He felt things had reached the point of no return. ââ?¬Å?He loves the club and he could not stand back and allow this crisis to continue. The situation inside the club is critical. ââ?¬Å?He would not put his name to this if he wasnââ?¬â?¢t confident of getting it done.ââ?¬Â Murrayââ?¬â?¢s move came to the fore yesterday in a statement from club chairman Alastair Johnston which was also made to explain to supporters why his board have moved to block Whyteââ?¬â?¢s takeover until the end of the season. Whyte had hoped to conclude the deal on Monday afternoon but the independent five-man board set up to run the rule over any bids refused to pass his offer. They donââ?¬â?¢t have power of veto but business etiquette and boardroom politics means they can delay the process further ââ?¬â?? to allow Murray time to make his move. The independent board will have to examine and question Murrayââ?¬â?¢s plan just as they have tried to do with Whyteââ?¬â?¢s package. And Johnston, in a statement last night, hinted the documents detailing Whyteââ?¬â?¢s offer did not add up. Whyteââ?¬â?¢s team then claimed that any suggestions he didnââ?¬â?¢t have the money or funding he said he could provide were not only untrue but defamatory. Whyte was said to be furious about the further delay but the independent board ââ?¬â?? Johnston, chief executive Martin Bain, finance director Donald McIntyre and non-executive directors John McClelland and John Greig ââ?¬â?? insist they have only recently been able to look at the detailed agreements which David Murray, Lloyds and Whyte have been working on. And it is fair to say they are far from happy or convinced. Johnston said: ââ?¬Å?Based on the documents we have only been able to review within the last week, we are disappointed they did not reflect the investment in the club that we were led to believe for the last few months would be a commitment in the purchase agreement. ââ?¬Å?Given the requirement to repay the bank in full under the proposed transaction, there appears to be only a relatively modest amount of money available that would positively impact the clubââ?¬â?¢s operations, especially as it relates to an urgent requirement to replenish and upgrade the playing squad.ââ?¬Â http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/04/20/rangers-director-paul-murray-reveals-rival-bid-to-buy-club-as-craig-whyte-bid-falters-86908-23073941/

DIRECTOR Paul Murray last night emerged as the mastermind behind a new bid to take over Rangers – but he faces a battle to persuade Lloyds Bank to accept his proposal. The shock new bid is the reason Craig Whyte’s planned buy-out has been delayed but it does not yet have the backing of Lloyds. Murray’s camp claim their takeover would provide new boss Ally McCoist with an instant Ã?£25million war chest. But Whyte’s people hit back last night, claiming their bid is worth Ã?£52.5m. And a source close to Whyte also suggested if he is forced to further delay his attempt while Rangers directors scrutinise Murray’s plan it might be too late. The source said last night: “He will not wait much longer.” Record Sport understands Murray has assembled a consortium of wealthy Rangers fans who are willing to pledge a small fortune to get the club back on its feet. Financial expert Murray wants new shares to be released and has told the Rangers board his group have the cash in place to underwrite the scheme to the tune of Ã?£25m – all of which would then be pumped into McCoist’s first-team coffers. But the plan hinges on Lloyds keeping the current credit facility in place and allowing the Ibrox debt to be repaid in instalments. The bank still favour Whyte’s bid because it guarantees them their money and Murray still has to persuade them to back his offer. Murray made his move after holding crisis talks with current owner Sir David Murray last week. It is understood Murray, who was at Tannadice last night to watch his team take on Dundee United, now plans talks with Sir David and Lloyds in a bid to thrash out a deal. But the word last night was that Murray – who teamed up with exiled Rangers director Dave King in a failed Ã?£18m bid for Murray International’s shareholding in 2009 – wants to do business quickly. Murray, 46, has almost two decades of experience in the private equity industry, working for companies including 3i plc and Deutsche Bank in executive positions. We understands his shock “plan B” proposals have already gained support at boardroom level and also with the current management. A source close to Murray’s group told us: “Paul felt it was time to act with a matter of urgency. “He has now acted and is looking to get everything finalised as quickly as possible. There is no reason why this can’t be concluded in a four to six-week timescale. “This is a credible and real solution to the situation which is crippling Rangers. “Paul expressed an interest a while ago, as was reported at the time. It came to nothing but things have deteriorated a lot since then. When Craig Whyte arrived on the scene Paul was open-minded. He was prepared to try to help the guy. “But it’s been dragging on for six months, meanwhile the situation at the club has been getting worse. “That is why Paul acted last week. He felt things had reached the point of no return. “He loves the club and he could not stand back and allow this crisis to continue. The situation inside the club is critical. “He would not put his name to this if he wasn’t confident of getting it done.” Murray’s move came to the fore yesterday in a statement from club chairman Alastair Johnston which was also made to explain to supporters why his board have moved to block Whyte’s takeover until the end of the season. Whyte had hoped to conclude the deal on Monday afternoon but the independent five-man board set up to run the rule over any bids refused to pass his offer. They don’t have power of veto but business etiquette and boardroom politics means they can delay the process further – to allow Murray time to make his move. The independent board will have to examine and question Murray’s plan just as they have tried to do with Whyte’s package. And Johnston, in a statement last night, hinted the documents detailing Whyte’s offer did not add up. Whyte’s team then claimed that any suggestions he didn’t have the money or funding he said he could provide were not only untrue but defamatory. Whyte was said to be furious about the further delay but the independent board – Johnston, chief executive Martin Bain, finance director Donald McIntyre and non-executive directors John McClelland and John Greig – insist they have only recently been able to look at the detailed agreements which David Murray, Lloyds and Whyte have been working on. And it is fair to say they are far from happy or convinced. Johnston said: “Based on the documents we have only been able to review within the last week, we are disappointed they did not reflect the investment in the club that we were led to believe for the last few months would be a commitment in the purchase agreement. “Given the requirement to repay the bank in full under the proposed transaction, there appears to be only a relatively modest amount of money available that would positively impact the club’s operations, especially as it relates to an urgent requirement to replenish and upgrade the playing squad.” http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/2011/04/20/rangers-director-paul-murray-reveals-rival-bid-to-buy-club-as-craig-whyte-bid-falters-86908-23073941/

points are more important than goals this season,if the BHASTS drop any points tomorrow,oops tonight,and we beat them on Sunday it's all over,if the BHEASTS beat Killie and we beat the BHEASTS on Sunday,it's still all over:p

WS post match interview http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/13138366.stm

That is exactly what I would hope to happen,these board members need shooting

Celtic manager Neil Lennon, his QC Paul McBride and the politician Trish Godman, a Celtic supporter, were each sent a package containing improvised explosives with the power to kill or severely wound the recipient. A team of Strathclyde Police officers are now hunting the bomb-maker, who sent the packages to his intended victims at a time when Old Firm sectarian tensions are running high. The Scotsman understands that all three bombs were intercepted by the Royal Mail or the police before they reached their intended victims, all of whom are Catholics. It is understood the devices, which may have been made by someone with a military background, were home-made and crude, but nonetheless could have killed the recipients if they had exploded when opened. The letter bomb plot has been under intense investigation for nearly a week by the police and the destruction it could have wrought, as well as the heightening of sectarian tensions ahead of Sunday's game between Rangers and Celtic, have caused grave concern at the highest levels of the Scottish Government. After being given the details, First Minister Alex Salmond convened a secret Cabinet meeting on Saturday night to discuss the situation. High-level discussions have also been taking place between the First Minister and the police about the matter, which has only now be made public. Mr Salmond said last night: "We will not tolerate this sort of criminality in Scotland, and as an indication of the seriousness with which we view these developments the Cabinet sub-committee met last Saturday to ensure that the police investigation has every possible support to come to a successful conclusion. We are confident that this will be the case." Last night, former Celtic director Michael Kelly said he was shocked by the turn of events. "This goes well beyond football and this goes well beyond sectarianism," he said. "This is terrorism and should be treated as such. We have seen the First Minister call a summit to deal with minor scuffles and claiming successes. But this is actually an act of terrorism – it is political or religious, and this is certainly not football supporters doing this for football reasons." Lennon has already been the subject of several death threats. The Celtic manager is now under police guard and is said to have a panic button installed in his house. Early last month, police discovered a fake nail bomb and bullets that were intended for the Celtic manager. Last night, however, it emerged that he was sent a bomb at the end of March that had the potential to kill. A similar device was sent to Mr McBride, the outspoken lawyer who has been acting for Lennon and has accused the Scottish Football Association of being biased towards Rangers. A third bomb was sent to Mrs Godman, a deputy Presiding Officer in the last Scottish Parliament, who is a Celtic supporter but has had no involvement in recent controversies that have dogged the Old Firm fixture. The Scotsman understands that she was targeted because she wore a Celtic strip on the day that the Holyrood Parliament broke up for the election. "We believe she wore a Celtic top to the last day of parliament," a police source said last night. "I know you shouldn't differentiate between the bombs, but the Trish one just shocks. It is just outrageous." The bomb sent to Lennon was picked up by the Royal Mail on 26 March in the Kirkintilloch sorting office. At first it was thought to be a fake, similar to the one discovered on 4 March in the Saltcoats sorting office. But after further tests were carried out on the second bomb, it was found to be a viable device with deadly potential. Two days after police were alerted to the bomb at Kirkintilloch, they intercepted a similarly device that had been delivered to Mrs Godman's constituency office in West Renfrewshire. Mrs Godman has just retired from parliament after spending the past decade as a Labour MSP. The most recent bomb, addressed to Mr McBride at the Faculty of Advocates, was picked up on Friday before it could reach its destination. A source close to Mr McBride said: "He was appalled at someone behaving in this fashion and he had nothing but praise for the way the police have conducted this very difficult inquiry." Police believe one person was behind the attacks. Although they have not ruled out the suspect having some military experience, the devices are not thought to have been the work of a seasoned terrorist. "The bottom line is that they could have killed someone," said a police source. With another Old Firm match scheduled for Sunday, police are today expected to appeal for calm when they host a morning press conference to release details of the attacks. A source said: "One would hope that sensible voices are going to say that this has got well out of hand. "We have got a bunch of resources on this. An investigation like this has a lot of people working on it." Scottish Labour Leader Iain Gray said: "I am shocked and appalled at this sinister development. It is vital, though, that people keep calm and do not let the situation spiral out of control as that would be playing into the hands of the extremists behind this vile act." Sectarian tensions erupted last month after a Scottish Cup replay that saw Lennon and Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist clash on the touchline. Police arrested 187 people for disorder before, during and after the match. Another 40 were arrested for domestic abuse. After the managerial altercation, Lennon, who already had misconduct offences this season, was given a touchline ban for four matches. McCoist was given a two-match touchline ban, which he later successfully appealed. Rangers players Madjid Bougherra and El-Hadji Diouf were given red cards during the quarter-final replay. After McCoist won his appeal against his ban, Mr McBride said: "The SFA have been shown to be not merely dysfunctional and not merely dishonest, but biased." In reply, the SFA chief chief executive, Stewart Regan said: "Paul McBride's wild and inaccurate statements are defamatory. The Scottish FA is now considering whether to sue." http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/news/Celtic-manager-Neil-Lennon-QC.6754847.jp

CRAIG WHYTE has come out fighting after it was claimed he doesn't have the cash to buy Rangers. The would-be Ibrox owner is furious that Gers chairman Alistair Johnston blocked his �£25million takeover at the 11th hour. He wants to delay until the end of the season after it emerged a rival bid - understood to be backed by Lanarkshire motoring tycoon Douglas Park and South African businessman Dave King was being brokered behind the scenes. Whyte - who has spent over �£700,000 getting his offer to the table - insisted last night his deal was the right one for Rangers. Sources close to the Whyte deal told SunSport: "There is no doubt this is the RIGHT deal for Rangers. "This move makes no sense at all. It is a clumsy and deliberate attempt to delay the deal, which is worth �£52.5million. This is more than DOUBLE the amount being suggested by this unnamed director. Craig Whyte would clear the club's debt to Lloyds. "On the first day of a deal being completed �£10m will go into Rangers' account as working capital. Any suggestion this is not the case is completely untrue and also defamatory. "The Whyte proposal has been agreed by Sir David Murray and Lloyds bank. It appears to be two or three members of the Rangers board intent on delaying this deal. "If this were to happen then it would be very bad news for Rangers FC and their loyal fans." The six-month takeover saga took a major twist when Johnston revealed concerns over the amount of money available to spend on players and that an Ibrox director - understood to be Paul Murray - had proposed a new �£25m deal. That is understood to have left Whyte angered and frustrated. Last night it emerged Lloyds Bank - stunned Ibrox chiefs are putting the deal in jeopardy - are set to publicly back the Whyte bid. A source said: "They are gobsmacked. They will be coming out shortly in support of Whyte. It is the best deal for everyone." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3536580/Board-stupid.html#ixzz1K0yVbElM

RANGERS chairman Alastair Johnston has sparked a high-stakes game of poker - with the club's future in the pot. Late on Monday night, with would-be Gers buyer Craig Whyte desperate to finally seal his �£25million takeover, Johnston REFUSED to be railroaded into rubber-stamping the deal. Instead he listened to another Gers director - understood to be chartered accountant Paul Murray - who promised he could broker a rival �£25m bid to underwrite a new shares issue in the club. SunSport believes that proposal is backed by the financial muscle of South African multi-millionaire Dave King and Lanarkshire motoring tycoon Douglas Park. As manager-in-waiting Ally McCoist sweats over what funds he will have, though, the nightmare news for Gers fans is that process could take 10 WEEKS. Forget all the financial posturing and alleged stalling tactics, the reality is that new boss McCoist could be marooned on July 1 with NO IDEA what his transfer budget is, with the SPL season due to start on July 23. Johnston, though, insisted he had grave doubts whether the transfer budget Whyte promised would materialise. And he said: "Based on the documents we have only been able to review within the last week, we are disappointed that they ultimately did not reflect the investment in the club that we were led to believe for the last few months would be a commitment in the purchase agreement. "Given the requirement to repay the bank in full under the proposed transaction, there appears to be only a relatively modest amount of money available that would positively impact the club's operations, especially as it relates to an urgent requirement to replenish and upgrade the playing squad. "Whilst the proposed transaction has addressed the interests of Lloyds Bank, the Murray Group and Craig Whyte, our perspective is solely directed towards the future of Rangers Football Club." Whyte had pledged McCoist would get at least �£5m per season towards improving the champions' threadbare squad. Johnston, though, is prepared to gamble on examining the shares issue option. He said: "The board has had an approach from one of its directors who wishes us to consider an alternative funding option. This would involve a fresh issue of new capital to raise �£25m to be invested directly into the club. The board believes it has a responsibility to examine this proposal whilst continuing its review of the Craig Whyte transaction. "After six months of limited engagement in the process, the board believes it is not in the best interests of its stake-holders for it to be pressed into an unrealistic timescale." The Independent Sub-Committee of the Rangers board has taken a huge risk. Johnston's soundbites claim he is desperate to make sure the best interests of the 26,400 minority shareholders are served. When the fan in the street picks through the legal language and peers through the smokescreens, though, this looks like one thing. A stalling tactic. Majority shareholder Sir David Murray, Lloyds Bank and Whyte himself are desperate to get the deal over the line. The bankers are CONVINCED the funding is there. Johnston, chief executive Martin Bain, finance director Donald McIntyre, non-executive directors John McClelland and John Greig CAN'T veto the Whyte deal but can shunt it into the sidings at a critical time. Meanwhile, the fans suffer once more. Johnston, though, said: "We have only very recently had the opportunity to meet Craig Whyte and his team. "Moreover, it is only in the last few days we have started to receive the draft agreements outlining the transaction. "We are still awaiting a detailed working capital statement demonstrating there is sufficient funding in place to meet the club's pressing needs. "On Monday, I had a lengthy conversation with Craig Whyte explaining the dilemma the board faces. It was a constructive dialogue, and whilst he expressed his frustration, he understood our position." Read more: http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/3536471/We-wont-be-railroaded-into-selling-Gers-Craig.html#ixzz1K0whqlEN

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/13138370.stm :spl:

Same shit,different day man