The Scottish Football thread

[Lineker]

Rangers chairman Charles Green believes the club would still be playing in the Scottish Premier League had the verdict of their First Tier Tax Tribunal been delivered in May or June.

The long-running case against the club by Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs came to a conclusion this month.

"When something was tried in January, why did it take 11 months to get an opinion out there?" said Green.

"When the verdict came out would have changed things dramatically."

The tribunal came down in Rangers' favour by saying payments to players under an Employee Benefit Trust scheme operated during the reign of Sir David Murray were loans rather than wages.

And Green is angry it took so long to conclude, arguing that, had the spectre of a multi-million pound tax bill been removed, the club would have been able to come out of administration instead of heading for liquidation.

He thinks Rangers would have retained their SPL membership, would have been able to retain their top players, would have received £2.5m in prize money and would not now be subject to a signing ban.

"The thing that turned many people against Rangers, quite wrongly in my opinion, was the spectre of EBTs and to have that case awarded in favour of Murray Group has been a substantial step," Green told Rangers' website.

When Green's consortium took charge, it failed to win support from creditors for a Company Voluntary Arrangement to come out of administration and a new Rangers company was formed that had to start life in Division Three.

February's CV required a 75% approval from unsecured creditors, but HMRC accounted for £21.5m of the £55m total debt.

However, Green claims: "When you look at the numbers now, Ticketus would have been the single biggest creditor and they were inclined to support the CVA, so things could have been substantially different.

"What we shouldn't start getting carried away with is that this club would still have gone into administration. I don't think there is any chance that this wouldn't have happened.

"However, if a CVA had gone through, we would still be playing in the SPL and perhaps even be playing in Europe.

"We said from day one that the CVA was our preferred route. It does get you really annoyed to think that all of this hate and all the problems that the fans have had to endure were for no real reason.

"You have to remember that the case was against the Murray Group, because Rangers at that time was a subsidiary of the Murray Group.

"So the first position is for Sir David Murray and his advisors to decide what they will do next.

"I have read, and a number of our fans will have done the same, that Sir David is unhappy with a number of issues and so, with his legal advisors, he will be looking at all the options open to him.

"For me as CEO of Rangers it's a different thing and I have to focus on the future and not on the past."

[METALMAN]

Oh fuck off rangers

[Colly]

From the Daily Fail:

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is understood to be in negotiations with Rangers for naming rights to the Glasgow club’s iconic Ibrox Stadium. The proposed deal would lead to one of football’s most famous stadiums, which opened in 1899, being renamed the Sports Direct Arena to promote Ashley’s sports retail empire. Rangers have been exploring image rights deals since the Charles Green-led consortium took over the troubled club last June, shortly before they were demoted to the Third Division.

However, any move to rename the stadium is certain to anger many Rangers fans, even given the club’s financial plight. Indeed, many would never acknowledge Ibrox being called anything else. Ashley caused fury on Tyneside a year ago by renaming Newcastle’s own historic St James’ Park as the Sports Direct Arena, to showcase the branding opportunities to potential naming rights partners. But Newcastle reverted back to St James’ Park last month in a bid to appease growing supporter concern about another re-naming —to the Wonga Arena —after a new £32million shirt sponsorship deal was signed with the controversial short-term loan company who charge huge interest. Now, despite that setback, the opportunity to have his company name on an even more world-renowned football venue greatly appeals to Ashley, who is expanding his Sports Direct business in Scotland.

It feels funnier this time round...

[Lineker]

Scottish Premier League clubs have unanimously agreed to pursue their plan to expand the top flight to two divisions of 12 teams.

Chief executive Neil Doncaster says the present 12 clubs were united at their meeting at Hampden Park.

They will now propose what they describe as their 24-18 model to the Scottish Football League and Scottish Football Association on Thursday.

The 18 refers to the remaining SFL clubs not included in the top leagues.

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson's resignation from the SPL board last week had placed some doubt on the ability of the 12 clubs to produce a consensus.

However, after a three-hour meeting at Hampden, Doncaster emerged to say that agreement had been reached with a plan that would result in the two leagues splitting into three leagues of eight midway through the season.

"I'm delighted to say that we have unanimously agreement in principle from the 12 SPL clubs to the 24-18 team model," Doncaster told BBC Scotland.

"We are looking forward to sitting down with the Scottish Football League and the Scottish FA to talk about the details.

"What we aim to have is a consensus model that cares for all of Scottish football and that's got to be objective."

The SFL's 30 clubs had previously voted in support of its proposal for leagues of 16, 10 and 16.

However, the SPL has been speaking informally to SFL clubs and the top flight believes it has the numbers necessary to gather sufficient support.

The SPL would invite clubs to enter the league, determined by their league positions prior to the start of any re-organised season.

It hopes that this would head off criticism from those who might argue that re-organisation is being used as a vehicle to accelerate Rangers' return to the top division.

Rangers, now controlled by Charles Green's consortium after the old organisation went into liquidation, are playing in Division Three.

Doncaster did not wish to go into detail about what was on offer for the SFL clubs and the mechanics of any change.

"I think it's important to show those teams the respect they deserve and talk to them first," he said.

"There was no formal vote today, but every club gave an informal indication of where they were and, on the back of that, we got 12 clubs unanimously agreeing to this on an in principle basis.

"Unanimity among SPL clubs has sometimes been difficult to achieve when talking about reconstruction.

"We are in a position where we have that unanimous in principle agreement from the 12 clubs about their preferred way forward.

"We now have the opportunity to sit down with the rest of Scottish football, with the remaining 18 Scottish Football League clubs, in fact all the Scottish Football League clubs, with the Scottish FA and how we might try to agree a package that works for everyone for the benefit of Scottish football.

"We understand that there needs to be a lot of redistribution from the biggest clubs and that is something the clubs in principle bought into today."

Hearts say the £450,000 tax bill due to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs has been paid in full.

The Edinburgh club had agreed an extension that would allow them further time to pay.

Hearts had been the subject of a winding-up petition last month after falling behind in payments.

However, the immediate threat of closure was lifted when the Edinburgh club agreed an arrangment to pay the bill in two instalments.

First-team players had agreed to defer their November salaries to help out and a group of former Hearts players set up a fighting fund to help safeguard the club's future.

Meanwhile, Hearts Youth Development Committee has thanked Hearts fans for their fund-raising.

"HYDC are very aware and grateful that many supporters, groups and Hearts FC have been raising monies to purchase shares and then donating them to HYDC to look after on their behalf," it said on Hearts' website.

"Until the share issue closes on 19 December, we are unable to thank all the people who entrusted us with the responsibility of looking after these shares.

"Suffice to say, that this is a responsibility that we will take very seriously and will always act in a way that is best for the future of Heart of Midlothian Football Club.

"The response from supporters has been tremendous, but HYDC would ask supporters to keep supporting the club in any way they can whether it be by attending matches, buying Hearts merchandise or supporting the share issue."

[Lineker]

Hearts have had their signing embargo extended indefinitely for not paying "a number of bonuses and appearance payments due to players".

The Edinburgh club said in a website statement that it is "consulting with its legal advisors and will make no further comment at this time".

Hearts had hoped to have their current ban on transfers lifted by the Scottish Premier League next week.

But the SPL has announced that the club incurred a "remuneration default".

The club would be subject to an embargo "until such time as the SPL board is satisfied that the remuneration default no longer continues".

Hearts, whose current ban was the result of two consecutive months of late payments to players, will also be required to attend a disciplinary hearing before the SPL for breaches of its rules.

Following Saturday's 2-2 draw with St Johnstone, manager John McGlynn had insisted that all payments were now up to date and that he expected the embargo to be lifted once December wages were paid on time on 23 December.

And, in response to speculation in the media, a notice on the club's official Twitter page read: "All Scottish Cup final bonuses have been paid."

Meanwhile, it is believed that Hearts will argue that there is no fixed date in player contracts for the payment of appearance money.

The SPL announcement came as a statement was expected from the club outlining full details of their share issue among fans.

BBC Scotland understands that more than £1m had been raised at its conclusion on Wednesday after majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov put approximately 10% of his stake in the company up for sale.

That total, mostly raised from supporters who have taken part in fundraising activities during the past eight weeks, is short of their £1.79m target.

Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas had warned that, with a predicted £2m shortfall in funds by the end of the season, the club could be forced to sell players in January .

However, they had also lined up striker Arturas Rimkevicius , presently with Siauliai in his Lithuanian homeland, as a January recruit to resolve their problems up front.

The club recently settled a £450,000 tax bill to ward off the threat of a winding-up order and agreed to pay £1.5m to HM Revenue and Customs over a three-year period following a separate £1.75m tax dispute.

[Lineker]

Rangers might have to play in the bottom tier of Scottish football again next season if clubs choose a 12-12-18 structure for the game. Scottish Football League chief executive David Longmuir hinted that the Ibrox club would not be fast-tracked into the second tier if agreement over reconstruction is reached in time to implement change for next season.

[Colly]

I was watching SSN earlier as they went through the details, and apparently if the new structure goes through the top two leagues of 12 split into three leagues of 8 during the season. I don't get it...

[HailtotheYo]

The top two divisions would split after two rounds of fixtures in which teams had met home and away.

The top eight clubs would then meet a further twice home and away, while the bottom four clubs would play against the top four from the Championship.

These eight clubs would have their points re-set to zero then meet twice, home and away, with the bottom four clubs being relegated at the end of the season.

The bottom eight clubs in the lower division would also play-off against one another.

[Colly]

It took me a while, but I think I get it!

[Adam]

I actually really like that idea. It's a bit different and makes the end of season stretch meaningful for all the teams. Hope it goes through.

[Lineker]

Rangers will consider leaving Scottish football if plans to restructure the leagues are pushed through.

Clubs are set to vote on a proposal which would create three divisions, with 12 teams in both of the top two leagues and 18 in the third flight.

But Rangers chief executive Charles Green is not in favour of the plan.

"If that's what we have sat here eagerly awaiting, my advice is the quicker we can leave Scottish football the better," he told the club website.

Earlier this week, representatives of seven Scottish Premier League clubs and eight Scottish Football League clubs met with administrators from the governing bodies at Hampden.

It was announced that teams will be asked to vote on the implementation of a Premier League of 12 sides, a Championship also of 12 and a National League of 18.

However, Green, whose Rangers side are 17 points clear at the top of the Third Division, believes this plan would not make the league more appealing.

He said: "I can't see anything that is going to transform the finances, the status or the excitement.

"If this does happen, what is the point of us finishing the season?

"Why should we send players out to get broken noses - like Ross Perry last week - or have players getting surgery when no-one can get promoted and no-one can get relegated?

"We might as well have a winter break from now until August. I can't see any point in carrying on with meaningless matches.

"In what league do you win a division and then end up playing the same teams again the following season? There is no meaning to it, in reality."

The subject of Rangers and Celtic leaving Scotland has long been discussed but Green knows there is no existing escape route.

Any club playing matches in Scotland needs the blessing of the Scottish Football Association, Uefa are currently opposed to cross-border leagues and England's top-flight has rejected the notion of welcoming the Old Firm.

"On first glance, of course, there is nowhere for us to go because Fifa have made their feelings known on cross-border leagues," added Green.

"Hand on heart, there isn't an option but that doesn't mean we shouldn't start looking for an option.

"If all we have to look forward to over the next four years is more madness then we would be failing as directors not to explore the alternatives."

However, Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell insisted his side were "committed" to the SPL, and that the club supported the proposed reforms.

"We support the SPL, we're committed to the SPL," he said.

"We as a club support it. It's not perfect, but it's the best available, and I don't think you throw out the best in pursuit of the perfect.

"I think it will be beneficial to the game."

[Adam]

Whilst I agree with him that the rest of this season is pointless for the Third Division sides if this is implemented immediately, he seems to think anywhere else would want his team or that it'd be allowed. What are they gonna do, form the Rangers League?

[brenchill]

It's hardly the time for them to be crowing about wanting to drop out of Scottish football with the side they currently have. If they started at the bottom of the English football pyramid they would probably stay there in their current state. A few years ago they were good enough for the Premier League, but right now they would struggle in League One.

I think they just need to get their heads down and continue their climb back to the top. This re-formation of the league doesn't really change anything. Yes, they will be playing the same teams, however, providing they get straight promotions they will be back in the SPL in a couple of years.

[Crybaby Bunting]

If I was Charles Green, I'd be shitting myself because it looks like the fantastically assembled team was banking on the Scottish Leagues restructuring at the end of the year, allowing Rangers to be parachuted (well, launched?) into the SPL. Now that they most likely aren't, he's going to have to take at least that level of financial hit per year until they get back to the SPL/New SPL.

Rangers can't afford to spend more than one season in the lower leagues with THAT kind of wage bill.

[Lineker]

Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths is facing disciplinary action over a racist comment on Twitter.

In response to a tweet, Griffiths told user Zak Iqbal to go "back to your own country".

The player - who is on loan from Wolves - later apologised for the tweet, which he admitted was "out of order".

Hibs said the player realised that "despite the provocation", his language had been "unacceptable". Wolves said they were "angry and disappointed".

Lothian and Borders Police said they had been made aware of the matter and were carrying out initial inquiries.

Griffiths - a Scotland international - has now restricted access to his Twitter account, which has almost 13,000 followers.

In a statement, Hibs said: "The player supports the club and the whole of Scottish football in its stance against racism, bigotry and anti social behaviour.

"The player will be subject to a disciplinary process which will be a private matter between the club and the player."

A Wolves spokesman said: "Wolves are aware of an alleged racist comment made on Twitter last night by Leigh Griffiths.

"The club condemns such comments in the strongest possible terms and are extremely angry and disappointed.

"The player is currently on loan at Hibernian FC and is likely to remain there for the rest of the season.

"He is, therefore, subject to the disciplinary procedures of Hibernian FC and those of the Scottish Football Association.

"However, Wolves are in dialogue with Hibernian and are making their feelings known on the matter."

[King Ellis]

No wonder Benji loves him.

[Lineker]

So, Gordon Strachan is the new Scotland national team manager.

[Lineker]

Dundee United have confirmed that manager Peter Houston will leave the club at the end of the season.

Also Hearts have had their transfer embargo lifted but are still under certain restrictions of signing players.

[Colly]

Its very late, but just saw this on another forum and it amused me. I hope there's small print saying 'graph not to scale' at the bottom somewhere.

[METALMAN]

Maybe the graph doesn't begin at 0 :/