Rangers FC lodge papers to go into administration

Savage Tyrant · 24-06-2012 12:58PM

At this rate they'll struggle for promotion from Div 1 ... They might be better off building a team from the third div.

http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/rangers/107702-steven-naismith-and-steven-whittaker-reject-move-to-rangers-newco/

Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker reject move to Rangers newco

Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker have turned down the transfer of their contracts to a newco Rangers and have become free agents.
In statements issued through their lawyers, the players said they have informed Sevco 5088, the company set up by Charles Green to form a new Rangers FC, that they now consider themselves to be unemployed.
Simon Catto, the solicitor dealing with the players’ contracts, said: “Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker are formally intimating their objection to becoming employed by the transferee In accordance with Regulations 4(7) and 4(9) of the TUPE Regulations.
“Accordingly, Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker will not be attending for training or any other meeting next week and consider themselves to be under no contractual obligations to any party. They consider they are not employed by any party and are free to consider any employment options they wish.”
Naismith, 25, who joined Rangers from Kilmarnock in 2007, said he made the “difficult decision” after talking with his family. The Scotland international said he took a 75% pay cut at the Ibrox club in the hope it would get out of administration through a CVA.
He said: “Both Steven and I and our agent fought hard with administrators during negotiations to insert clauses that offered protection to staff and players at the club. I am extremely proud of the actions we took but I am disappointed and angry that Rangers Football Club no longer exists in its original form.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Walter Smith, Ally McCoist, Kenny McDowall Ian Durrant, Jim Stewart and the rest of the backroom and medical staff and everyone that works at Ibrox and Murray Park for their support during my time at the club.
“Finally I would like to thank the fans for all their backing. Everyone knows I am a life-long Rangers supporter and so I share in the disappointment and anger of what has happened to the great Rangers Football Club."
Former Hibernian player Whittaker said he believed he had made the right decision after a long time thinking through his options.
The 28-year-old Scotland player said: “I will always have a great deal of affection for the supporters who have shown me great respect throughout my time at Ibrox, I will always be grateful for the support they have given me as a Rangers player.
“Whatever form the new club takes, I wish everyone connected with it the very best for the future.”

Pompey Magnus · 24-06-2012 01:00PM

I half thought Naismith would stay, he was hinting at it a few months ago. He should have no trouble getting a club in England, I reckon his injury played a big part in Rangers' downturn in form last season.

To think D&P rejected £2.5m for him about 10 weeks ago and then sell the entire club for £5.5m and Naismith walks for free, what a shower of chancers they are.

Dempsey · 24-06-2012 01:05PM

It wont stop there, Green has made a complete mess of handling the players contracts.

First the Webster Ruling, what will they call this??

A Dub in Glasgo · 24-06-2012 01:05PM

Naismith

'I am extremely proud of the actions we took but I am disappointed and angry that Rangers Football Club no longer exists in its original form'

Savage Tyrant · 24-06-2012 01:08PM

If the sex-Pest Goalie runs then I think they'll be fcuked. Well, they're fcuked anyway, but it could cripple the Newco for years.
They'll have no valuable resaleable assets bar the real estate value.

Dempsey · 24-06-2012 01:09PM

A Dub in Glasgo wrote: »

Naismith

'I am extremely proud of the actions we took but I am disappointed and angry that Rangers Football Club no longer exists in its original form'

Jelle wont be impressed by that notion! :pac:

Pompey Magnus · 24-06-2012 01:12PM

Even relegation to Division 1 could see them struggle for promotion if they lose enough players...unless the powers that be introduce a ruling that they will be guaranteed promotion no matter where they finish.

Dempsey · 24-06-2012 01:19PM

Pompey Magnus wrote: »

Even relegation to Division 1 could see them struggle for promotion if they lose enough players...unless the powers that be introduce a ruling that they will be guaranteed promotion no matter where they finish.

Extending Sky coverage to Div1 and compensating clubs for this ordeal would be the way Scottish Football once again rigs the game so that they can their 'glamour match' several times a season.

Pompey Magnus · 24-06-2012 01:53PM

Steven Whittaker: "It's a new company. There's no history there"

PauloMN · 24-06-2012 02:19PM

Dempsey wrote: »

Extending Sky coverage to Div1 and compensating clubs for this ordeal would be the way Scottish Football once again rigs the game so that they can their 'glamour match' several times a season.

Scandalous. No other word. Scottish football will suffer bigtime if they go down that route, I guarantee that.

Dempsey · 24-06-2012 02:52PM

PauloMN wrote: »

Dempsey wrote: »

Extending Sky coverage to Div1 and compensating clubs for this ordeal would be the way Scottish Football once again rigs the game so that they can their 'glamour match' several times a season.

Scandalous. No other word. Scottish football will suffer bigtime if they go down that route, I guarantee that.

absolutely. you cannot ignore the fans at this stage. this goes far beyond what club anyone supports. a div1 dump would piss off the entire sfl.

SantryRed · 24-06-2012 03:51PM

How on earth does the old Rangers club get a vote on the new Rangers club entering the SPL. Thats fcuking hilarious.

Lawrence1895 · 24-06-2012 03:58PM

SantryRed wrote: »

How on earth does the old Rangers club get a vote on the new Rangers club entering the SPL. Thats fcuking hilarious.

Because they need a club with a large travelling support to cash in on tickets?

lubo_moravcik · 24-06-2012 04:01PM

The former Rangers FC players Steven Naismith and Steven Whittaker issued statements to explain their decisions to reject a transfer of their contracts to Sevco 5088, which will form the newco Rangers club.

The pair decided under TUPE legislation not to move to the new company, and are now free agents.

Steven Naismith

“I have discussed this decision with my fiancée, my family and my advisors. It has been an extremely difficult decision to make but I believe it is the right decision.

“As players we were put in a difficult position by the administrators whereby we were asked to take a 75% pay cut to contracts that we entered into in good faith. As players we collectively saw this as the only way to get Rangers Football Club out of administration by way of a CVA and thereby protect the staff jobs and the history of the club and give the creditors who had also entered into contracts with Rangers in good faith the best chance of being paid.

“Both Steven and I and our agent fought hard with administrators during negotiations to insert clauses that offered protection to staff and players at the club. I am extremely proud of the actions we took but I am disappointed and angry that Rangers Football Club no longer exists in its original form.

“I am proud that the result of the squad’s decision to take a 75% pay cut for 3 months was successful in our aim of protecting the players and staff at Ibrox and Murray Park’s conditions that has resulted in the opportunity for each member of staff to TUPE over or not to the new entity keeping their original pay and conditions.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Walter Smith, Ally McCoist, Kenny McDowall Ian Durrant, Jim Stewart and the rest of the backroom and medical staff and everyone that works at Ibrox and Murray Park for their support during my time at the Club. I am proud of the success we achieved during my time including three SPL titles, a Scottish Cup and two Scottish League Cups.

“Finally I would like to thank the fans for all their backing. Everyone knows I am a life-long Rangers supporter and so I share in the disappointment and anger of what has happened to the great Rangers Football Club.

“I hope that a successful new Rangers can emerge and wish everyone connected with the new Club, including Mr Green and his consortium, the very best for the future.”

Steven Whittaker

“It has been really difficult time for all connected with Rangers Football Club. And this has been such a difficult decision to make. I have discussed it at great length with my wife, family and advisors and believe I have made the right decision to object to joining Sevco.

“I am extremely proud to have played a part in the success during my time at the Club including winning leagues and cup titles and a Europa League final appearance. It has been a pleasure to work with Walter Smith, Ally McCoist, Kenny McDowall, Ian Durrant, Jim Stewart and the rest of the backroom staff, especially the medical team and all the staff at Ibrox and Murray Park.

“I will always have a great deal of affection for the supporters who have shown me great respect throughout my time at Ibrox, I will always be grateful for the support they have given me as a Rangers player.

“I am, like Steven Naismith, proud of the players for taking a 75% pay cut, arguably against our own commercial interests. I believe we did the right thing as we could have refused which could have brought about liquidation earlier and/or resulted in significant redundancies.

“I am glad that the staff have the opportunity to TUPE over or not and that if they choose to their conditions are protected.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, the players and especially the supporters. Whatever form the new club takes, I wish everyone connected with it the very best for the future.”

Jelle1880 · 24-06-2012 04:39PM

Talk about taking things out of context.

I just saw the video where Whittaker mentions it and it sounds to me he's talking about how there is no history between him and the new owners, and how it's the Newco that has no history (which is technically true).

The history is with the club.

Seems like McLaughlin 'accidentally' turned those words around.

edit:

http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/rangers/107714-full-video-steven-naismith-and-steven-whittaker-announce-rangers-exit/

Helix · 24-06-2012 04:44PM

how many players have refused transfer now? is it just the two so far?

you'd have to assume that the vast majority of the players will decide to go elsewhere rather than playing at a lower level

Jelle1880 · 24-06-2012 04:49PM

Helix wrote: »

how many players have refused transfer now? is it just the two so far?

you'd have to assume that the vast majority of the players will decide to go elsewhere rather than playing at a lower level

4, with rumors that McGregor will go too soon.

Press are reporting that about half of the current playing squad will go.

On a sidenote, I'd love to see the email that Green sent to the players, must have been pretty bad to make them want to leave.

Wouldn't surprise me if he threatened them (like he is doing now in public).

lubo_moravcik · 24-06-2012 07:23PM

Savage Tyrant · 24-06-2012 07:28PM

Brillliant Lubo! Brilliant!

S28382 · 24-06-2012 07:30PM

Its a disgrace if Rangers are allowed to play in the SPL again they messed up the club themselves so they should be punished like any other club would be punished if that was a lowly club in Scotland they would be nailed to the wall and i hope they send Rangers down a division and let them earn their way back into the premier division. And its not an anti Rangers thing its about doing the right and fair thing.

A Dub in Glasgo · 24-06-2012 07:46PM

I have just read the most whinging sanctimonous shite from Billy Dodds in the Sunday Herald

'Don't take away my title'

lubo_moravcik · 24-06-2012 09:13PM

Hibs to Vote NO
http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/20120624/club-statement_2262950_2821039

Jelle1880 · 24-06-2012 09:34PM

S28382 wrote: »

Its a disgrace if Rangers are allowed to play in the SPL again they messed up the club themselves so they should be punished like any other club would be punished if that was a lowly club in Scotland they would be nailed to the wall and i hope they send Rangers down a division and let them earn their way back into the premier division. And its not an anti Rangers thing its about doing the right and fair thing.

Actually, other clubs who went into administration have been let off easier, for example Gretna who got money from the SFA to end the season.

But I understand your point, and I doubt that Rangers would be put in the SPL.

A Dub in Glasgo · 24-06-2012 09:45PM

Rangers have only been deducted 10 points for going into Administration,Gretna were also deducted 10 points. The other clubs in the SPL agreed to pay the playing staff of Gretna so that they could fulfil their fixtures. This was done to ensure the SPL could finish. The Rangers players decided to take a pay cut to ensure Rangers could fulfil their fixtures.

Tell me how Gretna were let off easier compared to Rangers?

Savage Tyrant · 24-06-2012 10:33PM

lubo_moravcik wrote: »

Hibs to Vote NO
http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/20120624/club-statement_2262950_2821039

Fantastic statement there from the Hibees... To acknowledge that voting against the admission of Sevco FC will cause them collateral financial damage but the integrity of the game should be the main concern.
Hopefully at least 4 other clubs will be as steadfast.
And hopefully it is a transparent voting process so no club (including Celtic) have the opportunity to welch on their fans wishes.

The_Kew_Tour · 24-06-2012 10:49PM

Good to see the Hibs board do the right thing.

PauloMN · 25-06-2012 07:11AM

Jelle1880 wrote: »

4, with rumors that McGregor will go too soon.

Press are reporting that about half of the current playing squad will go.

On a sidenote, I'd love to see the email that Green sent to the players, must have been pretty bad to make them want to leave.

Wouldn't surprise me if he threatened them (like he is doing now in public).

He's threatening legal action against any clubs who sign them up also. The guy is clearly nuts.

Green, however, was having none of that and said: “I can assure those players and clubs who may be interested in signing them that Rangers will seek damages for breach of contract and for inducement to break contracts.
“We have no wish to go to court on these matters but the players involved, their agents and clubs who may be pursuing these players should be in no doubt that we will do whatever it takes to protect the club’s interests.”

From here:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/rangers/2012/06/25/rangers-in-crisis-charles-green-launches-attack-on-walkaway-stars-86908-23900519/

Pompey Magnus · 25-06-2012 09:23AM

PauloMN wrote: »

He's threatening legal action against any clubs who sign them up also. The guy is clearly nuts.

I don't think he is, I reckon he is simply playing to the gallery. He is saying the right things to get the Ibrox faithful on his side, just like Craig Whyte did with relative ease. I am sure he never really believed he had this 20+ consortium, that he would ever be signing 19 players, that HMRC had given him a nod and a wink that the CVA would be accepted or that the players had to transfer to the new club whether they like it or not. He simply said the things that he knew the same people who welcomed Craig Whyte would also welcome him.

Soups123 · 25-06-2012 10:05AM

Pompey Magnus wrote: »

I don't think he is, I reckon he is simply playing to the gallery. He is saying the right things to get the Ibrox faithful on his side, just like Craig Whyte did with relative ease. I am sure he never really believed he had this 20+ consortium, that he would ever be signing 19 players, that HMRC had given him a nod and a wink that the CVA would be accepted or that the players had to transfer to the new club whether they like it or not. He simply said the things that he knew the same people who welcomed Craig Whyte would also welcome him.

I would seriously fear for the Newco if this guys is left in charge, he really doesnt have the interest of Rangers at heart, a lot of Rangers players do have an emotional connection with the club and he'd have done better by working with Ally and playing on that rather and going into attack mode from the off.
I am in now way knowledged of the ins and outs of all this but I'd be amazed if a new company can buy the rights to own you without your permission! if they have a contract with a company and that company goes bust surely nobody has the power to make you owned by a new company.

A Dub in Glasgo · 25-06-2012 10:11AM

Soups123 wrote: »

but I'd be amazed if a new company can buy the rights to own you without your permission! if they have a contract with a company and that company goes bust surely nobody has the power to make you owned by a new company.

It would appear so as long as you object before the business is sold. See here for more info on TUPE

http://businessdatabase.indicator.co.uk/article.php?nlid=UKTAPSAR_EU100905&src=search&domid=88

Rangers FC lodge papers to go into administration

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