Rangers FC lodge papers to go into administration

Fratton Fred · 15-02-2012 3:40pm

Rangers won't go into liquidation because their creditors will get more out of a restructuring deal than they will out of liquidation.

We will enter administration on friday and be deducted ten points, this time through no fault of anyone at the club, so I fully understand what Rangers fans are going through.

HMRC are going after football in a big way. They are pissed off with the dodgy tax deals, the disappearing money and backhanders into offshore accounts named after a pet dog.

Pompey were the first, now it is Rangers turn. Evetuallt they will get to the biggest teams in the country, because they are all at it.

Jelle1880 · 15-02-2012 3:44pm

bobmalooka wrote: »

correct, wait till we see their treatment of Rangers compared to say Dundee for example.

You ever find that IRA chanting you heard at the Hearts game?

Are we talking about Dundee, who managed to survive after being punished the same way Rangers are now ?

Or are you alluding to some secret conspiracy that will see Rangers go unpunished ? :rolleyes:

Like I said, even here it's been mentioned that pro-IRA chants were sung, so there you go.

Dempsey · 15-02-2012 3:47pm

Fratton Fred wrote: »

Rangers won't go into liquidation because their creditors will get more out of a restructuring deal than they will out of liquidation.

We will enter administration on friday and be deducted ten points, this time through no fault of anyone at the club, so I fully understand what Rangers fans are going through.

HMRC are going after football in a big way. They are pissed off with the dodgy tax deals, the disappearing money and backhanders into offshore accounts named after a pet dog.

Pompey were the first, now it is Rangers turn. Evetuallt they will get to the biggest teams in the country, because they are all at it.

Rangers appointed Administrators yesterday at ~15.30, Rangers have been deducted 10 points already.

I agree, HMRC have had football in its sights for a good while now. They suffered a setback with CVA's at Portsmouth but are determined to get everything right with Rangers so they can set a legal precedent when they go after clubs that owe alot more than Rangers. I'd say the level of tax avoidance bordering on evasion is extremely high in British Football because of the 50% tax band

KeithAFC · 15-02-2012 3:50pm

For Rangers to go into liquidation (if it happens), the main question is what happens to Scottish football and the Scottish Premier league? One club winning the league every season by 15-20 points? Who will watch that and what TV company will pay money to watch it?

I don't see the English Premier League allowing any of the clubs in, so we are stuck with Scottish football. Scottish football in a one club league would be a complete disaster for interest.

Jelle1880 · 15-02-2012 3:51pm

bobbysands81 wrote: »

Looks like they were right though eh?

Out of curiosity what did they get wrong?

Off the top of my head:

- 'No more funds for the day to day running of the club', months ago: Wrong.
- Numerous claims that it would be a matter of weeks: Wrong

The way he now is moaning about how he 'humiliated the Scottish media' is strongly similar to a certain pseudo-journalist from Donegal.

If you keep repeating something day in, day out and it finally happens then you can always claim 'See, I told you so'.
But if you claim that it happens every few weeks and keep getting it wrong ? That's not 'getting it right'.

bobbysands81 · 15-02-2012 3:54pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

For Rangers to go into liquidation (if it happens), the main question is what happens to Scottish football and the Scottish Premier league? One club winning the league every season by 15-20 points? Who will watch that and what TV company will pay money to watch it?

I don't see the English Premier League allowing any of the clubs in, so we are stuck with Scottish football. Scottish football in a one club league would be a complete disaster for interest.

If you think that's the "main question" if you go into liquidation then that's delusional.

Dempsey · 15-02-2012 3:55pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

For Rangers to go into liquidation (if it happens), the main question is what happens to Scottish football and the Scottish Premier league? One club winning the league every season by 15-20 points? Who will watch that and what TV company will pay money to watch it?

I don't see the English Premier League allowing any of the clubs in, so we are stuck with Scottish football. Scottish football in a one club league would be a complete disaster for interest.

Ye should have thought of that before avoiding tax for 10+ years

bobbysands81 · 15-02-2012 3:56pm

Jelle1880 wrote: »

Off the top of my head:

- 'No more funds for the day to day running of the club', months ago: Wrong.
- Numerous claims that it would be a matter of weeks: Wrong

The way he now is moaning about how he 'humiliated the Scottish media' is strongly similar to a certain pseudo-journalist from Donegal.

If you keep repeating something day in, day out and it finally happens then you can always claim 'See, I told you so'.
But if you claim that it happens every few weeks and keep getting it wrong ? That's not 'getting it right'.

1. Surely he's been proven right in that you've had no money for the day to day running of the club? You've sold FOUR years season tickets in advance to get you to where you are now, ergo, he was right!

2. Claims it was only a matter of weeks... see above! You extended admin because you sold everything you could get your hands on thus prolonging your lifetime for... eh... weeks! Even the 5.5m you got from Everton 2 weeks ago couldn't prevent admin.

Jesus mate, you sound like someone on the Titanic whilst it's sinking complaining that their food is cold!

Dempsey · 15-02-2012 3:59pm

Jelle1880 wrote: »

Off the top of my head:

- 'No more funds for the day to day running of the club', months ago: Wrong.
- Numerous claims that it would be a matter of weeks: Wrong

The way he now is moaning about how he 'humiliated the Scottish media' is strongly similar to a certain pseudo-journalist from Donegal.

If you keep repeating something day in, day out and it finally happens then you can always claim 'See, I told you so'.
But if you claim that it happens every few weeks and keep getting it wrong ? That's not 'getting it right'.

Craig Whyte avoided paying PAYE and Taxes since the takeover to fund the club from day to day. He sold 4 years of season tickets aswell. Where is that money?

A matter of weeks is a subjective term

Jelle1880 · 15-02-2012 3:59pm

bobbysands81 wrote: »

1. Surely he's been proven right in that you've had no money for the day to day running of the club? You've sold FOUR years season tickets in advance to get you to where you are now, ergo, he was right!

2. Claims it was only a matter of weeks... see above! You extended admin because you sold everything you could get your hands on thus prolonging your lifetime for... eh... weeks! Even the 5.5m you got from Everton 2 weeks ago couldn't prevent admin.

:rolleyes:

He claimed that we had no money to run the club a long time ago, a long time before the PAYE issue became known.
Up to now there have been no stories of players not being paid, staff not being paid,...

So yeah, he can claim all he wants about 'getting it right' but if you claim Rangers have cashflow issues and there is nothing to back it up, then you're either clueless or spreading lies.

And if he was supposedly aware of all that happened re. the not paying of PAYE, VAT, NI,... then surely he would have come out with that a long time ago, instead of just claiming 'There's no money' ?

RoryMac · 15-02-2012 4:01pm

I wonder could the liquidation of Rangers allow them to re-claim some of the revenue streams sold off under the previous and present owners?

For example the deal cut to mortgage future season ticket sales, the selling of their merchandising to JJB etc, could liquidation be Whyte's plan so that a Rangers Newco can start again with a proper revenue stream?

bobbysands81 · 15-02-2012 4:03pm

Jelle1880 wrote: »

:rolleyes:

He claimed that we had no money to run the club a long time ago, as of now there's still money to run the club (Unless I missed the stories of players not being paid etc.)

So you think there's still enough "money to run the club"?!

That's the funniest thing I've read in months!!!

If there was enough "money to run the club" mate you wouldn't be in administration!

PauloMN · 15-02-2012 4:06pm

bobbysands81 wrote: »

Jesus mate, you sound like someone on the Titanic whilst it's sinking complaining that their food is cold!

Would that be the succulent lamb?

bobbysands81 · 15-02-2012 4:07pm

PauloMN wrote: »

Would that be the succulent lamb?

More like succulent Abrakebabra these days!

Jelle1880 · 15-02-2012 4:10pm

bobbysands81 wrote: »

So you think there's still enough "money to run the club"?!

That's the funniest thing I've read in months!!!

If there was enough "money to run the club" mate you wouldn't be in administration!

I'm not talking about now, I'm talking about months ago when he claimed it.
Back then there was no inclination about the PAYE, VAT, NI,... issue.

Back then the general idea was: Rangers have problems and have to wait until the tax case is over to see the problems facing them.
That's it, nobody knew about the stuff we do now.

edit: Hope your Abrakebabra gives you the runs

PauloMN · 15-02-2012 4:28pm

Jelle1880 wrote: »

That's it, nobody knew about the stuff we do now.

Even Whyte/White?

KeithAFC · 15-02-2012 4:34pm

Dempsey wrote: »

Ye should have thought of that before avoiding tax for 10+ years

Yes but the point is it destroys the Scottish Premier League. I am a firm believer in competition raises standards. Celtic will not even need the OK players now in Hooper, Forrest etc to even win the SPL if Rangers weren't in it. So you would probably sell them players on to English clubs.

Which then raises questions about the potential of Scottish clubs to compete in the Champions League. I don't know if players would move to Celtic if Rangers didn't exist because the Old Firm would be gone and what good players would want to play in a league which has one team which will dominate the league every season and win it by 15-20 points?

These are important points to make. This is a vital period in the history of Scottish football. I actually understand why some Celtic fans are loving it at the minute, that is fine, I can understand it. But I really hope Celtic fans understand in the long run this would completely destroy the league.

Dempsey · 15-02-2012 4:41pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

Yes but the point is it destroys the Scottish Premier League. I am a firm believer in competition raises standards. Celtic will not even need the OK players now in Hooper, Forrest etc to even win the SPL if Rangers weren't in it. So you would probably sell them players on to English clubs.

Which then raises questions about the potential of Scottish clubs to compete in the Champions League. I don't know if players would move to Celtic if Rangers didn't exist because the Old Firm would be gone and what good players would want to play in a league which has one team which will dominate the league every season and win it by 15-20 points?

These are important points to make. This is a vital period in the history of Scottish football. I actually understand why some Celtic fans are loving it at the minute, that is fine, I can understand it. But I really hope Celtic fans understand in the long run this would completely destroy league.

You're only concerned now for other clubs because ye are fúcked. Your only interest here is that of Rangers. You want Rangers punishment to be minimal for the benefit of Rangers. Your bleating fools nobody.

Coillte_Bhoy · 15-02-2012 4:42pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

Yes but the point is it destroys the Scottish Premier League. I am a firm believer in competition raises standards. Celtic will not even need the OK players now in Hooper, Forrest etc to even win the SPL if Rangers weren't in it. So you would probably sell them players on to English clubs.

Which then raises questions about the potential of Scottish clubs to compete in the Champions League. I don't know if players would move to Celtic if Rangers didn't exist because the Old Firm would be gone and what good players would want to play in a league which has one team which will dominate the league every season and win it by 15-20 points?

These are important points to make. This is a vital period in the history of Scottish football. I actually understand why some Celtic fans are loving it at the minute, that is fine, I can understand it. But I really hope Celtic fans understand in the long run this would completely destroy the league.

For once keith i'm in broad agreement with you.:eek:

Fenian Army · 15-02-2012 4:43pm

The NGA suggestion was fairly tongue in cheek lads, although it is a great cause.

A charity with a celtic connection perhaps?

http://www.goodchildfoundation.com/Home.aspx

Helps kids with downsyndrome.

Fratton Fred · 15-02-2012 4:49pm

Dempsey wrote: »

Rangers appointed Administrators yesterday at ~15.30, Rangers have been deducted 10 points already.

I agree, HMRC have had football in its sights for a good while now. They suffered a setback with CVA's at Portsmouth but are determined to get everything right with Rangers so they can set a legal precedent when they go after clubs that owe alot more than Rangers. I'd say the level of tax avoidance bordering on evasion is extremely high in British Football because of the 50% tax band

"We" being Pompey. We will be going back into administration.

KeithAFC · 15-02-2012 4:51pm

Dempsey wrote: »

You're only concerned now for other clubs because ye are fúcked. Your only interest here is that of Rangers. You want Rangers punishment to be minimal for the benefit of Rangers. Your bleating fools nobody.

Well duh. Of course I am concerned. The argument that the Scottish Premier League will grow as a league and improve doesn't add up. I don't see any other club in Scottish football being able to compete with Celtic. So what happens when Celtic are say winning 5-6-7 titles in a row and every season winning the title by 15-20 points? The interest would be long gone.

I was listening to Hugh Keevins on Clyde radio saying the Celtic attendances had actually went down when Celtic had been in the later stages of 9 in a row.

Like I said, competition is vital to raising standards. I actually think Celtic have a bloody good wee team now and I think that is not only because you look after yourselves off the pitch but because Rangers had won the last 3 titles. You wanted to win the title back and by getting a good side together now, you could push on in the Champions League (potentially) but after 3-4-5 years, the standards would just drop because of the lack of competition to push you on.

So it doesn't surprise me to hear comments about people higher up talking about donating money to Rangers because these people are only interested in looking after the product and making TV companies wanting potentially invest in it in the future.

Without Rangers, I don't see this happening and I really do fear for the Scottish Premier League.

Dempsey · 15-02-2012 4:59pm

I bet you werent moping about Celtic, falling attendances, lack of competition back in the 90's. Your concerns are self serving and short sighted.

The Scottish Game is in need of an overhaul, that was known since the 90's. Maybe in the aftermath of Rangers demise, the more contentious changes can finally be put through and Scottish Football finally starts thinking long term rather than the current 'whats the best way to milk the Old Firm' SPL format.

user2011 · 15-02-2012 4:59pm

I wonder where the fear was when Rangers were out spending Celtic by 2-1. More or less trying too do what your afraid of is going to happen now..

Also just had a look at league standing since 99-00 too 2011. Interesting finding that Celtic won the league by 17-18 points in 4 of them. Rangers winning 1 by 21 points.

KeithAFC · 15-02-2012 5:03pm

Dempsey wrote: »

I bet you werent moping about Celtic, falling attendances, lack of competition back in the 90's. Your concerns are self serving and short sighted.

The Scottish Game is in need of an overhaul, that was known since the 90's. Maybe in the aftermath of Rangers demise, the more contentious changes can finally be put through and Scottish Football finally starts thinking long term rather than the current 'whats the best way to milk the Old Firm' SPL format.

But this is 2012. We are in a different era now. The point still stands. The league would not survive. You can try and overhaul it anyway you want Dempsey, it will not work because the lack of competition will hurt Celtic and will not push the standards up to do better in Europe.

What good players would want to join Celtic in a one team league which they dominate every season? You would not even need *good* players to win the title. The board of Celtic could just do as little as possible to win the league every season as they don't need to push the boat out as they say. So the quality on the pitch would get worse.

Madam · 15-02-2012 5:05pm

I don't remember anyone saying Rangers could'nt survive without Celtic when they were in trouble;)

Dempsey · 15-02-2012 5:09pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

But this is 2012. We are in a different era now. The point still stands. The league would not survive. You can try and overhaul it anyway you want Dempsey, it will not work because the lack of competition will hurt Celtic and will not push the standards up to do better in Europe.

What good players would want to join Celtic in a one team league which they dominate every season? You would not even need *good* players to win the title. The board of Celtic could just do as little as possible to win the league every season as they don't need to push the boat out as they say. So the quality on the pitch would get worse.

You were just making a point on about the 60/70's when Celtic were one of the best sides in Europe, I made a counter argument about the 90's which Celtic had serious financial problems. Which era would be more relevant?

Now you are concerned for Celtic, thats very nice of you! :rolleyes:

The changes needed are in the McLeish report, it outlines how the entire Scottish game can be made more competitive, which would benefit Celtic more in the long term. I'd be more inclined to go by that than your self serving concerns.

KeithAFC · 15-02-2012 5:09pm

Madam wrote: »

I don't remember anyone saying Rangers could'nt survive without Celtic when they were in trouble;)

The best thing to happen to Rangers was when Celtic was saved. The problem was the people running the club at Rangers had not been running the club properly. David Murray = moron.

KeithAFC · 15-02-2012 5:13pm

Dempsey wrote: »

You were just making a point on about the 60/70's when Celtic were one of the best sides in Europe, I made a counter argument about the 90's which Celtic had serious financial problems. Which era would be more relevant?

Now you are concerned for Celtic, thats very nice of you! :rolleyes:

The changes needed are in the McLeish report, it outlines how the entire Scottish game can be made more competitive, which would benefit Celtic more in the long term. I'd be more inclined to go by that than your self serving concerns.

The point about the 60s and 70s was about actual interest. It wasn't my point but by Hugh Keevins.

user2011 · 15-02-2012 5:14pm

Is there much difference between beating one good team and beating 9 other ok teams?

Lets say Celtic loss their good players then they will come closer too the rest of the league? First part of that sentence is more then likely going to happen then you will have a competitive league which in turn will drive itself forward all be that all clubs involved are run right and none of the stuff thats been found here is going on.

Dempsey · 15-02-2012 5:16pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

The point about the 60s and 70s was about actual interest. It wasn't my point but by Hugh Keevins.

You still brought it up like it had some relevance then tried to tell me that what happened in the 90's was irrelevant. It was a stupid thing to say.

Celtic's benchmark for investment is qualification for European Competition, not the state of Rangers and the SPL.

KeithAFC · 15-02-2012 5:19pm

Dempsey wrote: »

You still brought it up like it had some relevance then tried to tell me that what happened in the 90's was irrelevant. It was a stupid thing to say.

Celtic's benchmark for investment is qualification for European Competition, not the state of Rangers and the SPL.

Which will NOT happen. After 3-4-5 years in a one team league, you will not attract even the good players to help you get into the Champions League. Think long term and not short.

RoryMac · 15-02-2012 5:25pm

user2011 wrote: »

Is there much difference between beating one good team and beating 9 other ok teams?

Lets say Celtic loss their good players then they will come closer too the rest of the league? First part of that sentence is more then likely going to happen then you will have a competitive league which in turn will drive itself forward all be that all clubs involved are run right and none of the stuff thats been found here is going on.

Yes the gap between Celtic and the rest would close somewhat but it would be very hard for any of them to compete with Celtic on a regular basis. The difference between Celtic/Rangers and the rest in terms of turnover is huge, Hibs, Hearts etc aren't suddenly going to start to get 30 - 40k attendances at games nor will they start selling merchandising etc at the same levels.

user2011 · 15-02-2012 5:30pm

What is their highest attendences?

RoryMac · 15-02-2012 5:33pm

user2011 wrote: »

What is their highest attendences?

Team Average Attendance
Celtic 49472
Rangers 45852
Hearts 13545
Hibernian 9728
Aberdeen 9477
Dundee Utd 7692
Motherwell 5397
Dunfermline 5350
Kilmarnock 5270
St Mirren 4857
Inverness CT 4140
St Johnstone 3950

Hearts had a high of almost 16k

user2011 · 15-02-2012 5:41pm

That makes for shocking reading. Speechless

Coillte_Bhoy · 15-02-2012 5:50pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

What good players would want to join Celtic in a one team league which they dominate every season? You would not even need *good* players to win the title. The board of Celtic could just do as little as possible to win the league every season as they don't need to push the boat out as they say. So the quality on the pitch would get worse.

I've asked that question a few times and Dempsey hasnt even attempted an answer. I'd be genuinely interested to hear what he has to say on this

RoryMac · 15-02-2012 5:50pm

user2011 wrote: »

That makes for shocking reading. Speechless

Yeah there is a massive gap and obviously Celtic/Rangers other incomes in relation to merchandising and sponsorship dwarf the other clubs so the likelihood of clubs mounting a serious challenge to Celtic on their own is very slim.

Serious reform of the league setup would certainly help improve the product but I don't see how Rangers being out of the picture for a sustained period can be anything but bad for Scottish football.

Dempsey · 15-02-2012 5:54pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

Which will NOT happen. After 3-4-5 years in a one team league, you will not attract even the good players to help you get into the Champions League. Think long term and not short.

Your fairly desperate with your concerns for Celtic's future

I am thinking long term, Celtic have downsized before and achieved European Football. The fallout from your cheating will not affect Celtic's turnover as much as you think.

user2011 · 15-02-2012 6:00pm

How did Murray square for every 5 Celtic spend im going to spend 10 in his head? When they have a smaller stadium or attendences then Celtic? Alarm bells should of been ringing with the fans?

@ RoryMac. Yeah i never realised it was that bad i had it my head they'd get aroud 20-25k and then with Celtic getting weaker "gloryhunters" would come running pushing it up.

KeithAFC · 15-02-2012 6:01pm

THE administrators of Rangers today held talks with the Scottish Government as they began the process of trying to sort the club's finances.
Officials from Duff and Phelps spoke to Scottish sports minister Shona Robison a day after being appointed by the club.
The group had already held discussions with Strathclyde Police yesterday to ensure the club's SPL home clash with Kilmarnock would go ahead after the force expressed concern over payments.
Joint administrators Paul Clark and David Whitehouse were appointed after Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs forced the issue in the Court of Session in a bid to secure payment of £9million in PAYE and VAT, accrued since Craig Whyte took control of the club in May last year.
Robison said: "In a telephone conversation this morning with the administrator, I explained that we want to see an outcome in the best interests of Rangers staff, supporters and the game of football in Scotland as a whole, whilst enabling the club to meet its obligations.
"A key concern for us is the future of those employed by the club and the potential economic impact of administration.
"The Government stands ready to offer assistance to anyone affected by implications for jobs and we will stay in contact with the administrator throughout the process to ensure we are informed of any developments."
Duff and Phelps are expected to issue a statement this afternoon.

The Establishment might just come to our rescue. Dark forces at work some would say

Dempsey · 15-02-2012 6:04pm

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

I've asked that question a few times and Dempsey hasnt even attempted an answer. I'd be genuinely interested to hear what he has to say on this

Have you? You certainly werent directly asking me for my opinion at any stage on anything regarding this.

What havent I explained myself on?

Blatter · 15-02-2012 6:08pm

It's imperative for Celtic and the SPL that Rangers stay afloat and remain in the SPL.

The spokesperson or whoever from Celtic that came out the other day and said it wasn't, is a liar, and came out with the sort of claptrap that you'd expect a man in his position to come out with.

The simple fact of the matter is that the SPL will lose a lot of it's appeal without the competitive edge of the Old Firm, which will mean that less TV stations will be willing to pay to broadcast it (or will demand rights for significantly less £), which will inevitably mean that the SPL, and Celtic by extension, will become poorer and less attractive propositions.

Bad bad news for Celtic and the SPL if Rangers sink and anyone who thinks otherwise is just deluding themselves. I hope Rangers can get themselves sorted somewhat and avoid going under because as a football fan it's not nice to see any club in trouble like this.

Madam · 15-02-2012 6:08pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

The Establishment might just come to our rescue. Dark forces at work some would say

The eternal optimist Keith?;)

blahfckingblah · 15-02-2012 6:14pm

KeithAFC wrote: »

THE administrators of Rangers today held talks with the Scottish Government as they began the process of trying to sort the club's finances.
Officials from Duff and Phelps spoke to Scottish sports minister Shona Robison a day after being appointed by the club.
The group had already held discussions with Strathclyde Police yesterday to ensure the club's SPL home clash with Kilmarnock would go ahead after the force expressed concern over payments.
Joint administrators Paul Clark and David Whitehouse were appointed after Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs forced the issue in the Court of Session in a bid to secure payment of £9million in PAYE and VAT, accrued since Craig Whyte took control of the club in May last year.
Robison said: "In a telephone conversation this morning with the administrator, I explained that we want to see an outcome in the best interests of Rangers staff, supporters and the game of football in Scotland as a whole, whilst enabling the club to meet its obligations.
"A key concern for us is the future of those employed by the club and the potential economic impact of administration.
"The Government stands ready to offer assistance to anyone affected by implications for jobs and we will stay in contact with the administrator throughout the process to ensure we are informed of any developments."
Duff and Phelps are expected to issue a statement this afternoon.

The Establishment might just come to our rescue. Dark forces at work some would say

Establishment F.C has a good ring to it

Blatter · 15-02-2012 6:16pm

Ben Smith @bensmithTimes
#Rangers administrators say: "fans can be reassured that Rangers will continue as a football club. "

Fratton Fred · 15-02-2012 6:17pm

Rangers fans hoping the SNP will get them out of the crapper?

Eirebear · 15-02-2012 6:19pm

RoryMac wrote: »

Team Average Attendance
Celtic 49472
Rangers 45852
Hearts 13545
Hibernian 9728
Aberdeen 9477
Dundee Utd 7692
Motherwell 5397
Dunfermline 5350
Kilmarnock 5270
St Mirren 4857
Inverness CT 4140
St Johnstone 3950

Hearts had a high of almost 16k

Quite interesting given the respective Stadium capacities.
(Capacities taken from Wiki, percentages rounded to the nearest 1%)
Rangers 45852 (52182) 90%
Celtic 49472 (60,832) 81%
Hearts 13545 (17,420) 78%

"Faithful Through & Through" eh?

RoryMac · 15-02-2012 6:22pm

Blatter wrote: »

It's imperative for Celtic and the SPL that Rangers stay afloat and remain in the SPL.

The spokesperson or whoever from Celtic that came out the other day and said it wasn't, is a liar, and came out with the sort of claptrap that you'd expect a man in his position to come out with.

The simple fact of the matter is that the SPL will lose a lot of it's appeal without the competitive edge of the Old Firm, which will mean that less TV stations will be willing to pay to broadcast it (or will demand rights for significantly less £), which will inevitably mean that the SPL, and Celtic by extension, will become poorer and less attractive propositions.

Bad bad news for Celtic and the SPL if Rangers sink and anyone who thinks otherwise is just deluding themselves. I hope Rangers can get themselves sorted somewhat and avoid going under because as a football fan it's not nice to see any club in trouble like this.

The TV money means little to Celtic, they are paid a pittance and I've seen a figure of tv money accounting for 3% of Celtic's turnover so a cut there will have little impact. The same cannot be said of the other SPL clubs.

Obviously losing a high profile TV deal with SKY/ESPN would lead to drops in the sponsorship deals available to Celtic so eventually it would begin to impact on Celtic.

It would also be a lot harder for Celtic to attract the same quality of player if the league was a one horse race every year.

IMO Celtic can go 3 - 4 years without Rangers challenging before it would need to start down-sizing themselves.

But should the effect this could have on Celtic and other SPL teams mean that Rangers get off lightly for a situation they have caused themselves?

KeithAFC · 15-02-2012 6:23pm

But should the effect this could have on Celtic and other SPL teams mean that Rangers get off lightly for a situation they have caused themselves?

Yes.

Rangers FC lodge papers to go into administration

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