Celtic Rumours Archive May 08 2012

08 May 2012 20:50:04
Ed, can you tell us, at what point after Sundays matches would Rangers still be classed as in administration for the purposes of automatic points deduction in a new season? {Ed007's Note - It is at the start of next season's league campaign.}

08 May 2012 18:56:40
Celtic have scooped four trophies in the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League's end-of-season awards.

Neil Lennon, Charlie Mulgrew and James Forrest have been recognised as manager, player and young player of the year respectively.

Young midfielder Paul George completed the set by winning the league's Under-19 League player of the season award.

Both Mulgrew and Forrest have won their second awards of the season, having also been successful in the PFA Scotland vote.

Kilmarnock's James Dayton has won the goal of the season prize for his strike into the top corner against Dundee United on December 17 last year.

Save of the season went to Rangers' Allan McGregor for his stop from a Joe Ledley volley in the most recent Glasgow derby.

St Mirren have won a brace of trophies for their off the field activities, winning both the SPL Family Champions award and Best Community Relations prize.

For the fourth consecutive year, Motherwell have been recognised as having the league's best club media relations.

A panel of 'Scottish football expert'� ruled on the winners of the manager, player, young player, goal and save awards, with coaches in the Under-19 League making the pick for their player of the season award.

All of the award winners will receive their prizes at an event in Glasgow on Tuesday evening.

Neil Doncaster, chief executive of the SPL said: 'The Clydesdale Bank Premier League Awards showcases the very best in Scottish football, both on and off the pitch.

'The Clydesdale Bank Premier League is more than just 90 minutes on a Saturday and these awards celebrate the excellent work our clubs do off the pitch to support their local community, develop young Scottish talent and improve the match day experience for fans.'

Jungle Bhoy.

Congratulations to Neil Lennon et al for scooping the awards tonight. As a Rangers fan I must admit that each acolade was well deserved this season. {Ed007's Note - Thanks for that, you are getting in early, I thought it was your grandchildren that would support CFC.....?}

08 May 2012 15:41:02
Ed - Any further information come out with regards the connection between Ellis and Millar.

Ellis confirmed several weeks ago that he was speaking with Millar.

Also, anything further known as to whether Ellis did take out any court proceedings against Whyte.

There is the makings of something not right here. Whyte quickly sacked the old Ibrox board when they made moves against him. Ellis threatens to sue Whyte, yet he remains a Director of Rangers and Rangers Group. Ellis is also sole Director of around another 3 companies with Rangers in the title (Finance and Shop being 2 of them) which have a registered address of Ibrox.

Thanks.

K-Dot. {Ed007's Note - Ellis has connections with Club 9 Sport, there is no OFFICIAL relationship between C9S and Miller according to C9S CEO Jon Pritchett, although why he needed to use the word official seems strange to some. As for Ellis legal challenge against Whyte, as far as I know he is suing him for 24.9% of Rangers.}

If Ellis is suing for 24% of Whyte's shares, does that mean he cant sell them until the case is resolved? {Ed007's Note - There are so many questions, I wouldn't even attempt to try and work it out. If Whyte is irrelevant then why is Ellis wanting 24.9% of an irrelevant, debt ridden club?}

08 May 2012 17:21:14
So Bill Miller walks away.Tick-Tock.

Jungle Bhoy.

08 May 2012 17:19:07
the comedy continues, bill miller has walked away. Sly spurts news. Andy63

I'm a Rangers/Linfield fan, I just thought I'd come on your site to hear the laughter.
Billy J.

08 May 2012 16:37:22
if rangers become a newco as bm intends how can they keep their historyas a rangers born in 2012surely cannot show a history before this date

08 May 2012 14:35:20
Afternoon ED007, I am going to suggest something I think you posted a few months ago, regarding getting our overseas fans in USA, Canada, Australia etc involved we keep hearing Scottish football needs Sly but if we can get a Celtic TV showing all games overseas live at say £40 per season if we only get 1m viewers that is still £40m, we then offer other SPL teams say £1m a season, more for cup games etc..
That would still leave Celtic much more than we get from SlY just now,
yes I know there are hurdles to overcome but surely Celtic could even do a deal with Sky or ESPN etc.. if organised properly in time we could get more than 1m viewers and every benefits I would be interested to hear the thoughts of yourself ED007 and all the regulars on here.. Timalloy {Ed007's Note - I am all for anything that taps into the overseas market Tim as you know. The money CFC are losing out on through this is ridiculous.}

Timalloy, great post. I like your thinking. I dont know if you are remote as I am but you need to speak with some people who have real contacts in the higher echelons at CP ( no disrespect Ed 007 ). I just cant get my head around why CFC dont explore this fully and even in Scotland CFC only know the season book holders and Hoopy club members or whatever its called these days. Why no registration of every fan with cards issued and fees taken. Then the club knows the real potential of the fan base not the assumed fan base. Starting off with a card membership in US Australia etc seems like a pretty straightforward first step then the TV initiative is a logical next step. PS belated HB Ed, I am forgetting my manners and had a KRAFT moment. Sopot Celt {Ed007's Note - Myself and a few people from here and abroad have tried to get something done SP, they don't even sell official Nike merchandise at the USA conventions and CFC say it is because of shipping costs, import/export taxes, yet Nike have bases/shops all over the USA.}

Timalloy - there is a lot or merit in what you are suggesting.

I know that the top English clubs are looking at streaming their own games and moving away from Sky and they will make considerably more revenue from this. I've seen some of the english Eds comment on this.

I understand that this is one of the reasons Rangers failed to attract serious interest from several buyers, they have sold of some form of their media rights.

You would have to think that there would be some coming together by the English clubs in the advertising the product to foreign markets, and although we can target our own market directly, there would also be an opportunity to piggy back onto the back of EPL clubs and other European clubs subscribers.

K-Dot

Timalloy, There are many many Markets Celtic have not tapped into, Online games is one, and as Ed explained regarding the exporting of the shirts is another. Sadly I think for the shirts Nike dont think they would get enough sales on their own in the likes of the USA. There are mega soccer stores that stock them and usually alongside the likes of Man Utd, Barca etc etc which is decent ish exposure, but only to existing football fans.

I think an option is to franchise out the Celtic brand (yes back on franchises Ed lol) Places like Boston with their Celtics, i know there are already some merchandising that goes on between us and them, but a Franchise in terms of a club or even a sponsor to one of the larger College soccer teams, Ie simply have them playing in our shirts and expose the Celtic brand etc etc etc so many ways that could be done.

Big clubs have never done enough with thier TV rights, its been handed over to the likes of Sky, ESPN, Canal+ (although think they are offshoot of sky) and left at that and tied up in the terms and conditions. Clubs a long tme ago handed over too much powers of control to their respective leagues in terms of image rights and TV scotland included. This Way that is suggested by mr Timalloy is a good way forward especially for our club and like the other point made before it begins an accurate figure needs to be ascertained as to exactly how many fans there are, and then how many would be willing to pay to see the club play, cos lets face it if it was being broadcast people would stream! its easy and free. And free is most peoples first choice of payment to watch something or to receive well anything. This said even with a bigger push there are ways it could work. I also agree with the point that other SPL clubs will need reimbursed for showing their games online and im sure if say this was a 40 mil income they would want a hell of a lot more than the 1 mil each! Recent events are proving this point.

Christ even Ed's april fools idea with guiness would be a fantastic idea if it could be done imagine getting a pint o Guiness with the Celtic badge inprinted on the head.

Evinguu

Good post. My opinion is that its about time in this day and age that any fan should be able to watch their team playing, even sat 3pm online or on tv.The extra revenue for some teams would be phenomenal. Sure smaller teams with less support would not earn as much but that isnt a fans fault. The argument that people would stop going to matches if they could watch on tv is old hat and us fans who cant attend matches for various reasons(mine being distance, tho I do manage at least 10 a season)could still support their team and would happily pay for it.
Welshbhoy

I think your definitely on the right track mate. Live streaming is going to take over it's only a matter of time. Good post

Celtic TV is out there for anybody with broadband abroad, and they charge 3 times �40,

I've been trying to get the club to open shops in NY,Boston + Chicago for years.I felt they are missing out on a massive opportunity to expand the club also,but no joy.They are always looking for ideas but when you suggest something 9/10 times they don't do anything.

Jungle Bhoy. {Ed007's Note - We found the same lackadaisical attitude JB when we tried to talk to anyone about it.}

Would clubs not demand 50% of revenue from games that involve them

Give them 50%. More money in the Scottish game can only be a good thing.

Next time Lawell meets a fan group make sure you have a proposal ready, he is highly unlikely to turn down a multi-million pound idea.

08 May 2012 13:11:26
In reply to eveninguu, just wouldn't work as constitutes restriction of trade. Also believe the transfer ban could be successfully challenged as breaches competition law and the right to free trade for anyone who could potentially join Rangers. Fully believe Rangers will emerge from this with impunity.

Tam the Tim {Ed007's Note - Like Sion challenged their ban...........If UEFA back the SPL/SFA then if Rangers take them to court that is actually breaking UEFA's statutes (laws), you are forbidden by UEFA law to take them to court and Rangers would face further sanctions.}

Surely any punishment of any kind could be challenged as restriction of trade. Even giving them this �160,000 fine that they have at the minute is restriction of trade cos thats money they could argue would go to wages etc and potentially send the club to the wall.

So many legal loopholes in everything going on. This is why footballing matters are not dealt with in the civil courts as Ed suggested citing Sion. You are probably right it would be viewed as unworkable but I feel it is one idealistic option for a happy medium to all. I feel put like that Rangers could accept their punishment ( maybe less strict with the figures etc) But if they are forced to give up 75% of TV revenue for 3 years surely thats restriction of trade so is a points deduction and it goes round and round like that. Free Trade to clubs is allready hindered by rules such as 3 under 21's have to be in matchday squad, Cannot sign South Americans or non EU citizens unless they have so many caps etc even though they would get a work permit for the UK or the EU. All these things exist already, its merley a temporary continuation of this as a temporary punishment.

I actually see my Punishment as just, and fair to both rangers and to other scottish clubs. It will never happen though sadly. Thanks for the response tho!

Evinguu

It is not a restriction of trade as it is not a transfer ban, merely a registration ban. Rangers are theoretically able to sign (employ) anyone they want they just cant be registered for competetive matches. They could sign Messi for their next Linfield friendly.

Mac

08 May 2012 12:46:41
Thinking about Fair punishments from the poster below. How about points deductions for the number of years they are found to have cheated through Financial Doping?

Probably not. But hows about something that could be of a benefit to rangers in the long term and scottish football as a whole. Place a ban on the players they can play. Only scottish players under the age of 23 can play for them for 8 years (or however long they cheated 8 is just a number plucked from the air). This would force a newco rangers to really return to grassroots. Allow them to not have major outgoings on player signings apart for the under 23's they wish to sign. It would force them to realise that a club found to have done what they have is punished but not punished to oblivion and is then turned into a club to provide some good for the scottish game as a whole. After the players reach 23 they must be sold on With money 50% of the money going to the SPL pot for prizemoney and the other 50% split 2 ways, 25% to youth development schemes like the schools of excellence and 25% to Rangers themselves.

This i Feel would be relativley fair. It would force them to live within their means, force them to downgrade, and force them to put something back into scottish football for their crimes and also keep the TV happy that there is still a Rangers in the SPL. Benefits us as there could be a first refusal clause on all their players contracts with maximum transfer values to clubs in scotland say £750,000 ? Allows them to fet some money for their player, and for the scottish game to benefit from youth in scotland actually getting a concerted opportunity. Christ they could survive off loans from other SPL clubs youths etc. I feel all round this keeps us happy as they get a punishment, It helps the SFA and SPL both financially and in footballing terms. It helps the finances as the SPL remains a draw for sponsors with the new firm in tact and it appeases the gers because at the end of a period of adjustment they get a viable scottish club back in a relativley healthy state.

Just an Idea.What does everyone think

Evinguu

Would rather go down to 3rd division and help the smaller clubs than stay in the SPL just so everyone else can feed off of us! {Ed007's Note - Wouldn't the 'smaller' clubs in the 3rd division be feeding off you as well?}

Ed you forgot the 2nd and first and the SPL when they get back again, basically the whole of scottish football (or vultures as rangers fans think of them) will be gorgeing off them to a much higher level throughout their recovery period. Also more oppertunity to make money back quicker in the SPL, will Alloa bring 100's of fans to Ibrox? no. Try more like 10 !

I am blinkered in my own opinion, i feel to see how it is unfair on anyone. Its a fair punishment maybe a little bit grey in legal terms, but if sanctioned by the SFA utterly enforceable. May even provide a new model for other clubs like aberdeen etc to follow, Stick to youth and nothing else if they get to 23 and no one else wants to buy them then tough to them they arent good enough, give the next generation a chance. Harsh but overall gives more people a shot. And relativley cheap to keep up in many ways but expensive in others. Could maybe make it anyone from anywhere under 23 rather than just scotland possibly. But deffo think all round once again I have thrown a curveball ! not that im blowing my own trumpet...... well ok maybe I am lol.

Evinguu {Ed007's Note - We will draw a veil over any images of you 'blowing your own trumpet' I think. Was this helped by rib removal?}

Ha ha ED007, loved that reply, er Evinguu watch out or wee Pat will be singing "Evinguu, the elephant man...."
sorry this reply is so "trunk" - ated LOL Timalloy

Haha Ed nooooo, Im doing the Santino dance lol

Thinking of images did you get the tax disk image i tried to upload?

Evinguu {Ed007's Note - Yes mate, it should be uploaded. Sorry I was so long, I had an appointment this afternoon.}

08 May 2012 12:26:31
If a NewCo Rangers is let back into the SPL then surely they must suffer big points deductions for the next 3 seasons!

This is the time it would take to progress through the leagues(at best)

25 point deduction for 3 years sounds about right. They would stay in the league but not have a hope in hell of winning it!

Even the most die hard of Rangers fans must agree that a severe punishment has to be dealt out here!

After these 3 years they could be competing again while living within their means.

Seems like a fair solution!

Not enough as they have cheated for more than 3 years,.,.kbarry

54 titles and there not tainted !! We're still going strong!

54 and are not tainted? really and Scottish football is to feel sorry for them? deluded maccabhoy

08 May 2012 10:15:19
UEFA requested meeting this week with SFA to discuss Financial Fair Play regulations. That should be interesting after yesterday.

It is my understanding that UEFA can expel Scottish Clubs and the International team from their competitions because of the actions and inactions of our governing bodies.

If rangers are let of lightly.it is up to the celtic fans,to show we have as much clout as the rangers fans, we can boycot as well,be ready,