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Celtic Diary Friday July 7: No Excuses. Time For Change

It’s worse than we thought !

Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata could miss entire Champions League qualifying campaign with knee ligament injury

Hang on, its Gordon Parks, in the Record, so its probably not that bad.

Belgian newspaper La Derniere Heure claims the severity of Boyata’s knee problem would see him struggle to be available for potential play-off round clashes in mid-August. 

Little less worrying, and then there’s the actual article in La Derniere Heure…

Shortly before the half-time of the friendly against Slavia Prague, his knee turned.
The verdict fell after a scan on Wednesday: rupture of the internal ligament, which will
result in an absence of six weeks. This injury is particularly bad because it comes at a crucial time for Celtic to start his
European campaign in the second round of the UEFA Champions League playoffs. If the Northern Irishmen of Linfield do not constitute an insurmountable obstacle
(to go on July 14, return on the 19th), the program will be more bodied in the third round
(25/26 July and 1st and 2nd August) then in dams with scheduled meetings August 15/16 and
22/23 even though Celtic will be protected by its seeded status.
The club hopes to be able to count on its defender to cross this last stage before the group
stage.

Right, so he could be back for the final qualifier, or he might not be. 

But that wouldn’t sell papers.

Though it does leave us one central defensive injury away from a problem. Kolo Toure , Erik Sviatchenko and Jozo Simunovic should be able to do the job between them, though , so perhaps its just the jitters that we usually get this time of year that has me nervous..

Might be an idea to get someone in this weekend…

It’s been a funny old week.

Two Scottish clubs have exited European competition already, a feat matched only by Moldova, ( I think its in or near Romania ) yet there is no crisis meeting.

No one is asking why year after year the clubs are doing badly. Then again, that would mean something would have to be done about it, and the powers that be in Scottish football hate it when they have to do something.

That leaves Aberdeen and Celtic to carry the banner for the nation, and whilst Aberdeen are good enough to make the group stages their lack of seeding means they will probably face at least one big club on their way there.

Celtic have the benefit of seeding, but it still won’t be easy.

Summer football ?

It has to be.

Start the season in May, have a break in December/January, and kick back in in February for the bit when the medals and cups are dished out.

That would mean finishing in March, when the players can go away during bad weather for a break in the sun to recharge ready for the qualifiers.

How long before the authorities realise that the system just isn’t working at the moment, and the nations stock in europe, which affects sponsorship revenue and television money, is falling faster than a Portuguese managers credibility ?

Something else that affects revenue is the image of the game. Its not just about quality, a good salesman can sell anything to anyone. Charles Green, for instance, sold season books for a new club by dressing it up as an old one.

If you have a good honest game with good honest clubs ran by good honest people with the games best interest at heart, people will stop by and have a look.

Right now, we don’t have that.

The Supreme Court has confirmed that one club cheated the tax man, and everyone in scottish football -supporters, shareholders, television companies, sponsors-with their imaginative outlook on income tax.

The game is now forever tainted.

At least until those in power who sanctioned it are removed.

Thats everyone at the SFA, and everyone at the SPFL.

There can be no exceptions to this.

Rip it up and start again.

We don’t have the money that is in English football, so we don’t have the millionaire players at every club. They live in a televised bubble, with more and more clubs losing their identity.

What we do have are players who want to play the game. We still have local lads making it at their local club.

We need to sell this aspect, and we need to stop competing with the bigger leagues for airtime and publicity.

Like football is supposed to be.

The media must concentrate on our game-all the clubs, not just the two Glasgow giants. Well, one giant and one basket of assets.

The shennanigans at Ibrox have given us the perfect opportunity to change the game for the better. So far, there has been no reaction from the authorities except to hide under their desks and hop it all goes away.

Its not going away, it was never going to go away.

But we are going to make them go away.

With a boot up their arse.

Fans of all clubs, including the one at Ibrox, as they have been fleeced possibly more than anyone, need to stand together and force the issue.

Some, notably Aberdeen, have already made their position clear.

Keep the pressure on.

The cracks are starting to show.

Lets break down those walls.

Friday wouldn;t be Friday without

Knob of the Week

This week its very difficult to single out one person from the many, many candidates who have put in a tremendos amount of effort over the last seven days.

But some of them are going to be disappointed.

But I’m sure they will step back and double their efforts in the coming week.

This week, we have to salute Michael Grant of the Times.

The times is usually a little more accurate than this article..

Use of EBTs was not illegal but it finally broke Rangers

Er, yes it was. did he not see the Supreme court verdict ?

The article itself wasn’t enough to win him the award, but the use of this picture was..

Whyte was cleared of a fraudulent takeover of the club

Exactly what did Craig Whyte have to do with the EBT scandal ?

Craig Whyte Retweeted Michael Grant

Typical dishonest media article. Picture of me and personal insult directed at me in an article about EBTs which occurred under Murray.

Could the Times not have found a picture of David Murray ?

Or is their something more sinister in this attempt, though subtle, to keep the words “Murray”, “EBT”, “cheating” and “bastard” out of the same article ?

Head and shoulders above a quality field, this weeks

Knob of the Week 

Michael Grant-The Murray correspondent at the Times.

Image result for michael Grant the Times

and now, something for you to interpret..

NYC's daily life 50s

 

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Puggy67
6 years ago

Caption: Man complains to police after bird shits on his car windscreen. She’s 5 foot 2, medium build, brown hair.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Caption:Monti is the winner,”followed” closely by puggy67.

P.S.Ralph,could you please ask Peter to bring your meeting forward considering recent events,no not signings,don’t be really silly…..

Mick
6 years ago

Caption : It’s no use Mr Doncaster, I can’t seem to remove the blue tint from your windshield.

6 years ago
Reply to  Mick

Winner.
I’m no even trying today.

6 years ago

New song for the coming season (aimed squarely at both Ibrox and Hampden) should be Paul Young’s “I’M GONNA TEAR YOUR PLAYHOUSE DOWN”, then when Laurel and Hardy are kicked out on their arses, what better way than to leave to the tune known as Dance Of The Cuckoo’s?

By the way – I think you got KOTW wrong this week… having read his nonsense on the ET website earlier, BFDJ must surely be the runaway winner, with his garbage about fighting to retain their (tainted) titles!

6 years ago
Reply to  Steven R

Hate what Paul young did to the joy division classic

Damian Gallagher
6 years ago

CAPTION; Like the SFA they can wipe away most things , but seemingly not titles.

Patrick Street
6 years ago

With regards to the current loss of Boyata, while we have Simunovic and Schiavchenko, is Toure really a better third option in the next few weeks than, say, Lustig, Ajer or Mc Cart?

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Patrick Street

Alternatively, we could go into the transfer market, buy a central defender then sell Boyata, he’s pish anyway!

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Lustig, Sviatchenko & Jozo could play as a three in the meantime.

IBhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  Patrick Street

Interestingly, KT played in central defence after Boyata’s injury. And strolled it.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  IBhoy

Nah no for me, he’s a left back m8

Irishmaninporto
6 years ago

Apologies for the source … but an early contender for next weeks title of Knob of the week … step forward Level 5 powered Murdo MacLeod

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-legend-murdo-macleod-gives-10750985

6 years ago

I know he’s for selling both CB’s who are fit and keeping the one that’s currently injured.
Retire Murdo you have now reached Level 6

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Just been informed from a legal eagle who is a rugger man(blame the private schools) that we are fixated with title stripping and missing the massive ramifications regarding the cup competitions.He stated that the club in liquidation didn’t win every cup,every year during their “cheating” years.This means that some clubs played the cheats,were beaten or won against them.Others didn’t play against them on the way to finals and wins,hence the competitions were unfair and all trophies should be declared null and void because cheats were taking part but not everyone came up against them.Advantage to those who managed to avoid them and an unfair one.

Puggy67
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Think he may have taken a few blows to the head. Ridiculous argument that’s unsound in law, presedence and even fails the common sense test. So someone cheats in a sporting competition and therefore the competition is null and void? So every time an unregistered player plays in a cup tie the whole competition is a bogey? Really.

6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Better watch this rugby guys rob a lot of them are ac/dc if you know what I mean specially the embra ones

ROB O'KEEFFE
6 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Exactly Ian,he is from the East and talks about lions and all blacks, hope that’s not racist, but he’s all excited, hopefully not in that way….i’ll check with Donald later about this trifling matter…

broxburnbhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

I played rugby for a few years – it explains my confused posts – knocks to the head. Trust me a rugby field is no place for the weak of heart or body. Good for drinking after the game too.

Uralius
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

I see where he is Coming from.

Can you ask him about the suggested class action lawsuit suggested in yesterday’s comments? Oh and what school?

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Uralius

Uralius,I asked him and he got slightly annoyed in a steroid rage (allegedly) sort of way.To paraphrase he stated that you f…. football p…. know f… all and are too used to getting screwed.Charming.He is adamant,however,that his premise is correct and he did some work.Rangers(IL) won 7 Scottish Cups and 8 League Cups during the doping years,losing only one final in each.He states that because there was a cheating club involved in the competitions,playing some clubs and not others,a sporting advantage was gained by the cheats and by clubs that managed to avoid playing a club with the supposed best players.These are grounds for declaring the results of those years null and void.Class Action Lawsuits info can be found at law.freeadvice.com. He lastly said,if your Club had the balls,their lawyers could present a pretty water tight case and to stop annoying him and his bill will be on my desk on Mon.Charming.I’m sending the bill to Peter@World Class.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

St.Leonard’s in St.Andrews then onto Glasgow Yooni.He’s quite smart for somebody from the East coast.I thought he could become a Bhoy but he thinks football is corrupt,Masonic and full of riff raff.Where does he get those ideas from?…..

Martin67
6 years ago

Caption: papa bear to union bear ‘a fecking ticket this week just goes from bad to worse’

Morto
6 years ago

Caption:
No we don’t give out parking tickets anymore, this is a season book for the bigotdome.

6 years ago

“It’s an Ibrox I son,like a Taxi without the Tax bit, its gets you there quicker and cheaper, but with no advantage apparently”

Morto
6 years ago

On the subject of the cheats, it’s time that the supporters associations of the various clubs to work together and speak with one voice.
We can return to calling each other names ones the corruption is removed from our game.
If those in power won’t deal with the issues then we move above them to UEFA and if need be FIFA.
Yes, I realise the irony of asking FIFA to investigate corruption but with any form of complaint you keep pushing it up the chain until it’s dealt with properly.

Tim Buffy
6 years ago

Strange stuff from Michael Grant. He’s regularly touted on Radio Shortbread as a Celtic supporter. I suspect it’s the usual story of a journalist writes one thing but it comes out as something else after the subs get their hands on it.

Bob Cobb
6 years ago

“You see, son, if you don’t follow the rules and hide the paperwork and then don’t pay the fines due, you’ll be able to afford a better car than everyone else.”

mike
6 years ago

I’m with Monti, bring in another robust centre half, someone who is a good in the air with his elbows as well as his heed.

Alan Puttullo “stripping titles will have little effect” gawn yersell Knob of the week.

Mario Pasalic, oh yeeeeaaa. Mikey likey.

mike
6 years ago

The zombies are coming!!

With their sash and flute, they took a chance,
huffed and puffed, strutted and pranced,
oh yeeaahh at the Zombie dance.
can they win anything else, no fucking chance.

Broxburnbhoy
6 years ago

I see David Hay has joined the fray. Good man. Eventually this has to reach the door of Minty Murray. A knight of the realm that presided over illegal tax avoidance at his club. As
Soon as the taxman goes after the tax owed you can bet the recipients will lawyer up and blame Minty. They will
Claim they knew nothing and it was Minty what done it !

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Broxburnbhoy

The tax experts here are saying, that hector will NOT go after the individuals, only the dead club, that will reduce the offer to the many creditors face painters et all.

6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike each individual who knowingly took taxable income should be hounded To pay proportionate tax , isn’t that the law ?whether they are footballers, plumbers or practice goat husbandry

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Absolutely, but that is what I was told and has been reported on the telly, that the individuals will probably not be chased by hector and that they will go after the oldco, therebye reducing the pot of the creditors to zero.
Was it not Boomsong who was offered an EBT but refused it, he was smarter than the rest who were only to glad to cheat.

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,

Not sure that makes sense. Hector will not get all that it is owed if it pursues only Rangers. There is simply not enough in the pot.
Surely what is relevant in explaining Hector not going after recipients now is the 2019 deadline. If they repay the loan by then, they are not subject to tax. Hector must wait until after that deadline to pursue individuals….IMHO.

Rebus

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Rebus, it confused me also, but the BBC broadcast a Tax expert and she said, “that the tax man would claim back the tax from oldco, and that she did not think that he would go after the individuals”, the same was said in the press.(I do not believe them).
She said that the individuals would be relieved about that.
It has also been reported that a lot of EPL clubs would be worried about the “Rangers” EBT scheme and that they would have to look out for hector as they used the same scheme.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

We also are led to believe that the “Rangers” EBT scheme was a test case and that oldco being liquidated, that it was the creditors pot that they were after. The EPL and other companies who used the same scheme will be a targeted now by hector.
They I assume are the real targets and explains why hector took this case to the supreme court.

6 years ago
Reply to  mike

@mike
This is exactly why HMRC pursued this case in Court they have little or no interest in Liquidated Rangers now the real money lies elsewhere and now they have the verdict rubber stamped in the highest court in the land they don’t even need to take the rest to court.
Pay up / Settle or go to Jail.

broxburnbhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

What experts Mike?

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  broxburnbhoy

Tax experts B.B. in the media and on the telly.

Monti
6 years ago

Caption: ” Da…why are we kettling this fud “?

Monti
6 years ago

Supporters need to understand they can affect change, it really is that simple.
The clubs & fans need to put out statements, the pressure on Doncaster & Regan must be intensified. they are not, they have not applied their own rules to this fucking monstrosity of a ‘club’!
Get them both tae fuck and don’t let up now, sometimes you need to see a job through!

6 years ago

Caption
“Sorry officer fuckhead , please don’t give me a citation I was waitin for granpaw mcbroon here, he was havin a. Shite”

ROB O'KEEFFE
6 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Language Ian, you’re not in Hairymill noo….

mike
6 years ago

Swiftly turn on jabba’s wheel,
while the mankies are down at heel,
disny matter how you feel,
Celtic are the real deal.

Never say that you will kneel,
let them shout and squeal,
the circle turns on the spinning wheel,
let the truth come out, the big reveal.

No huns in Europe, no huns in Europe.

Tim Buffy
6 years ago

There seems to be much confusion over whether or not HMRC can reclaim unpaid tax from EBT recipients. Depending on what you read/hear/watch one “expert” says they can while another says they can’t.
All I know is that if I had underpaid my taxes they’d be after me like a hound after a fox.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Tim Buffy

Ditto, Nobody likes paying tax, however you know that you should, because of who and what it provides for.

6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Fuck it mike any opportunity to avoid paying tax is taken by most. Fuck this puritanical shit however when it’s obscene amounts the little guy wants questions answered

broxburnbhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Yes pay the minimum tax one can legally. Nothing puritanical about it. If it is illegal then its illegal and a crime has been committed.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  broxburnbhoy

Yes that is absolutely true, canny argue with you about that, however we know that our taxes contribute to education, health and social justice, I for one was always happy to pay my share for them.
But I will not be a hypocrite and say that I did not try to AVOID paying them.

broxburnbhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  broxburnbhoy

The word avoid is misleading Mike. You paid what you had to and not a penny more. That is good financial sense. The difference between managing what you pay in taxes legally and avoiding paying at all is a wide one, the latter being a criminal offence. I also pay my taxes ( and here in the USA they take that very seriously ) and I pay what is asked of me with the appropriate deductions. We all do. Some people or organizations think they can skip the whole process like Oldco and then that is illegal and immoral

George Lazenbhoy
6 years ago

Don’t worry mate, you don’t need to pay it. Just rangers it.

jimmybee
6 years ago

The huge problem we have is that the governing bodies running our game is part of the cause not the solution to the end game.
The reason for title stripping is this.
Without a ploice force from another area, investigating a transfer irregularity those side letters would never have been found.
Murray would have kept them buried for ever.
This is why the titles must be stripped.
They would never have disclosed their cheating ways.
Thankfully it wasnt the masons from police scotland who conducted the search and so the truth was out.
So anyone who thinks we should just move on, should think of this.
They tried to hide their cheating ways, they were allowed to manipulate the lns inquiry which did not have the full facts.
Those like Regan,Doncaster should be removed.
The titles should be stripped.
They have banned an innocent man, why not murray.

6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

I for one don’t want to move on but if I pursuit of this title stripping takes our focus off getting through the qualifiers then be damned with it. This cohort of players can do something in Europe this year and the last thing they want is being affected by the past. We need our board fully concentrating on what’s ahead and possibly signing suitable players and offloading unsuitable ones . This shit can go on the back burner.for a bit if that’s the case

jimmybee
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

That’s the whole argument m8 without the interferance from an outside police force they would have.

mike
6 years ago

Good to see Whyte tweet his annoyance of them printing his picture in relation to the EBTs and him putting them straight, also telling them that they were gonny be liquidated because of Murray anyway.
The succulent lamb munchers, still trying to feed at Minty’s table of greed.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

No I am joining the red army with the wee red book.

Oh he’s more than a number in my little red book,
he’s more than a number one.
Any sea view for me ?

6 years ago

Surely the issue is the side letters, the players insisted on side letters because they dd not trust the management at Rangers. Their agents knew that a verbal agreement is worthless. Therefore the side-letters and undeclared earnings mean they were playing with unregistered players for a decade. This breaches SFA and UEFA rules. It is a no brainer. Every game featuring illegally registered players was lost 3-0. They lost all of these games. Just think Sion and Legia. They knew what they were doing hence the secretive side-letters not declared to the SFA. I completely agree with MOnti. It will take the supporters to get stuff done. Hopefully the CSA is reaching out to other clubs associations because Celtic will not get it done alone. I was shocked that Celtic made a statement so early, But we will need to keep the pressure on the board as I still feel they will be inclined to give up if other clubs are not involved.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  john

Said the same yesterday, but is hope all we can do? Can we not ask Joe o Rourke if he has any plans to contact any other Associations, I tried yesterday to do that and could not get through, any idea how we could? I am also up for a protest, care to join me?

rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,

Excellent idea.If I can help, contact me through Ralph.

Rebus

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

cheers rebus will do. But if Ralphy could give me the heads up on Joe’s e-mail addy I would contact him to see if we can take some positive action.

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,

My email is

Upants@thunderwear.com

Good luck with that,

Rebus who has appalling taste in books

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

fuckin hell rebus no much can get me tae raise an eyebrow but a imagined you as a bitty an auld square but after seeing that email i am fuckin dumbfounded ha ha ha ha aint imagination grand he he

rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Charlie,

I am an old fart, not tart. I am cursed with a sense of humour.I hope I can continue to surprise you.

Rebus

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

rebus if ye were an auld tart monti woulda tried tae nip ye by now ha ha

mike
6 years ago

Caption, We bhoy there is a note on Mr. Murrays windscreen, what does it say officer dibble, it says tax in the post!!!

ROB O'KEEFFE
6 years ago

WEERED, I pray you’ve been too busy on Ticketmaster to participate so far??

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  ROB O'KEEFFE

Nope,just football thanks….smiley face…..

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  ROB O'KEEFFE

Still on sale,Ticketmaster……..Hearts play them tomorrow,hopefully a few injuries for both sides…..

rebus67
6 years ago

I see there are attempts to muddy the waters on the cheating issue. The argument is that titles and cups should be retained by Rangers because they were won on the field. Let’s extend that “logic”. So any result obtained on the field is valid irrespective of how it was achieved…including breaking the law of the land and the football association rules. The argument is so stupid, it defies belief that anyone would make it, or want to have their name associated with it.
Wait a minute, did Sevco sources or those supporting the same not recently make the argument that Progres, who won on the field, should have their win negated because they played someone who may have taken an asthma drug three months before the relevant game? Do these two positions seem consistent to anyone?
What is happening is that attempts are being made to spread uncertainty by throwing any old mud at a wall, hoping something sticks.
For Celtic supporters this will have little effect, but it may just work for supporters of other clubs who do not give a toss about who wins a league because their team is rarely in with a chance. If the agencies of Sevco can shift the battleground to one that seems to be Celtic vs Oldco, then they will have won a major victory in their attempts to retain titles for the old club.
The situation is very simple. Rangers used an unlawful means to recruit players that they could not otherwise have acquired. Since this means was unlawful, it was not open to other clubs who played by the rules. What Rangers achieved on the field was obtained unfairly. Any team eliminated from any cup competition by Rangers was beaten unfairly. Teams were denied a fair shot at winning any of the cups. It is not just a question of league titles.

Rebus

broxburnbhoy
6 years ago

spot on

broxburnbhoy
6 years ago

If there is a tax lawyer Celtic man on here. I have two questions. With both employee and employers in the know that the EBTs were a tax dodging scheme and side letters written in each case, who is held responsible in law for paying the appropriate taxes? the employer or the employees or both?
If an employer knowingly designed and executed an illegal tax avoidance scheme, then who in that Employer organization is held responsible for that and what are the consequences?

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  broxburnbhoy

Brox,

I am not a lawyer but the recent changes to deal with ebt’s indicate that recipients will not be subject to tax if they repay in full by a fixed deadline. This suggests that the recipient is responsible, whether solely or partially, I do not know.

It would seem unfair if the organisation escaped without some penalty.

Rebus

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  broxburnbhoy

Players and Murray were told that the scheme was legal,so can say that they didn’t knowingly indulge in tax evasion.Brian Quinn at Celtic,thankfully thought that the whole process was a quagmire and told the board not to go down that route.Thank goodness.HMRC state that it’s not in their interests to go after the employees especially.They have bigger fish to fry with this ruling coming through for them….

6 years ago

Caption
Ur ye no gonny dae this cunt fur nae road tax then Officer?
Naw it’s fine he’s goat a side letter oan the dash

jimmybee
6 years ago

RIP John McStay.
Thoughts and prayers with the McStay family on the loss of their father. A lovely man I have met a few times,so much he has given to Celtic.
You’ll never walk alone.

jimmybee
6 years ago

JOHN McStay, the father of Celts, Paul, Willie and Raymond McStay has sadly passed away. The McStays, of course, have been part of the very fabric of Celtic Football Club for over 100 years now since Jimmy McStay first joined in 1912, followed by his brother Willie – the great-uncles of the 1980s’ brothers.
John was a scout at Celtic for many years and paved the way for several players to join the club.
Celtic Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the McStay family at this sad time.
“Paul and Willie McStay gave many years of faithful service as players to Celtic Football Club and John McStay was instrumental in their love of the team.”
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Park and the entire Celtic Family are with the McStay family

jimmybee
6 years ago

Boyata out for 3 months

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Oh,no! Signed Monti (caption winner and activist)….

jimmybee
6 years ago

Caption oi I was watching that motor fuck off and get yer own street says the wee guy.

jimmybee
6 years ago

Now this is shameless
Personal statement by Dave King to Rangers supporters on the “Big Tax Case”

THIS statement is made in my capacity as a former director and shareholder of Oldco to provide supporters with the true position following the final tax ruling and to correct any false impression created by David Murray’s conflicting evidence in the Craig Whyte trial. It is unfortunate that we have already witnessed typical bouts of hysterical reporting from certain sections of the media and we should continue to ignore those responsible by boycotting their publications and outlets.

The Celtic board issued a statement agitating for a re-opening and reversal of the decisions previously made when, in fact, nothing has changed. It is disappointing that they have attempted to influence the footballing authorities to alter its historic football honours by calling on administrators and lawyers to achieve off the pitch what its teams failed to do on the pitch.

As an investor and board member during the period of the so-called benefit I can categorically assure all supporters that the Club received no benefit whatsoever. The opposite is true as the effect on the Club was wholly negative. It was charged huge sums for advice from other Murray Group entities and it bore the consequences when that advice proved inadequate. Every single player that was signed during that period would have been signed whether the Murray Group tax scheme was in place or not. The real beneficiary was the Murray Group.

All board members were aware during that period that we were often deliberately spending more than we earned and this was reported in the annual financial statements. The cash needed to fund any shortfall came from share placements, shareholder loans, and third-party bank finance. As David Murray was personally dealing with transfer expenditure, I sought assurances in a board meeting each year that he would stand behind any deficit that could not be immediately funded if he over extended in the transfer market. He gave these assurances and he honoured them until the Murray Group got into financial difficulty.

Put simply, the Murray Group tax scheme helped David Murray reduce his overall investment into Oldco while simultaneously reducing any reliance on increased third-party bank finance. The benefit went exclusively to David Murray and the Murray Group. Whether the scheme was in place or not, or whether it survived tax scrutiny or not, made no difference whatsoever to the playing squad of the Club during that period and hence had no impact on the performance on the pitch. We won all of our titles fair and square.

A good analogy of what happened at the time is the present position following regime change. As we rebuild the squad we are deliberately and transparently spending beyond our income. Once we commit to expenditure it is my job to secure the required funding. If I create a scheme (as David Murray thought he had) that reduced the amount of cash needed to support the Club then I would save on my required investment – but the Club and the player squad would be exactly the same.

For the avoidance of doubt, I am not looking at such a scheme. Given the negative consequences for the Club of such financial engineering in the past, I cannot conceive of any circumstances in which that might change. While I am Chairman, Rangers’ overspending will always be on a sustainable and robust basis and one that safeguards the future of our Club.

It is reassuring to note that the SFA promptly and correctly put out a statement confirming, against Celtic’s attempt to influence, that the final tax ruling has no impact whatsoever on the practical and legal findings already made. This is now another matter that we can finally put behind us.

jimmybee
6 years ago

Now tis us shameless.
Personal statement by Dave King to Rangers supporters on the “Big Tax Case”

THIS statement is made in my capacity as a former director and shareholder of Oldco to provide supporters with the true position following the final tax ruling and to correct any false impression created by David Murray’s conflicting evidence in the Craig Whyte trial. It is unfortunate that we have already witnessed typical bouts of hysterical reporting from certain sections of the media and we should continue to ignore those responsible by boycotting their publications and outlets.

The Celtic board issued a statement agitating for a re-opening and reversal of the decisions previously made when, in fact, nothing has changed. It is disappointing that they have attempted to influence the footballing authorities to alter its historic football honours by calling on administrators and lawyers to achieve off the pitch what its teams failed to do on the pitch.

As an investor and board member during the period of the so-called benefit I can categorically assure all supporters that the Club received no benefit whatsoever. The opposite is true as the effect on the Club was wholly negative. It was charged huge sums for advice from other Murray Group entities and it bore the consequences when that advice proved inadequate. Every single player that was signed during that period would have been signed whether the Murray Group tax scheme was in place or not. The real beneficiary was the Murray Group.

All board members were aware during that period that we were often deliberately spending more than we earned and this was reported in the annual financial statements. The cash needed to fund any shortfall came from share placements, shareholder loans, and third-party bank finance. As David Murray was personally dealing with transfer expenditure, I sought assurances in a board meeting each year that he would stand behind any deficit that could not be immediately funded if he over extended in the transfer market. He gave these assurances and he honoured them until the Murray Group got into financial difficulty.

Put simply, the Murray Group tax scheme helped David Murray reduce his overall investment into Oldco while simultaneously reducing any reliance on increased third-party bank finance. The benefit went exclusively to David Murray and the Murray Group. Whether the scheme was in place or not, or whether it survived tax scrutiny or not, made no difference whatsoever to the playing squad of the Club during that period and hence had no impact on the performance on the pitch. We won all of our titles fair and square.

A good analogy of what happened at the time is the present position following regime change. As we rebuild the squad we are deliberately and transparently spending beyond our income. Once we commit to expenditure it is my job to secure the required funding. If I create a scheme (as David Murray thought he had) that reduced the amount of cash needed to support the Club then I would save on my required investment – but the Club and the player squad would be exactly the same.

For the avoidance of doubt, I am not looking at such a scheme. Given the negative consequences for the Club of such financial engineering in the past, I cannot conceive of any circumstances in which that might change. While I am Chairman, Rangers’ overspending will always be on a sustainable and robust basis and one that safeguards the future of our Club.

It is reassuring to note that the SFA promptly and correctly put out a statement confirming, against Celtic’s attempt to influence, that the final tax ruling has no impact whatsoever on the practical and legal findings already made. This is now another matter that we can finally put behind us.

6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Hugh Adam

6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2161850/Rangers-crisis-Dave-King-apologises.html

Former Rangers director Dave King has said sorry to Scottish football for the EBT scandal which has plunged the game into civil war.
On a day when a Walter Smith-led takeover consortium pulled out of a £6million bid to buy the club, King expressed concern over a perceived lack of humility and acceptance of wrongdoing from the club’s powerbrokers.
A First Tier Tribunal into the ‘big tax case’ involving the old club’s use of Employee Benefit Trust schemes has yet to deliver a verdict. Speaking after the SPL ruled that Rangers had a case to answer over the alleged use of dual contracts, however, King offered the first concession from an Ibrox figurehead that the club may have gained a competitive advantage over their rivals….
‘I think we should be sorry – and I certainly am sorry,’ King told Sportsmail. ‘We owe both the Rangers fans and the Scottish footballing public an apology.
‘Some of the representations made have betrayed more of a victim status. But I think somebody needs to apologise.
‘Clearly, that is not for Charles Green to do. But I am happy to say that I really believe we should be saying sorry and I think there is something to be sorry about.
‘And as a former director when these things were going on, I am minded to do so.
‘With regard to EBTs, I was on the board so I have to take some responsibility.
‘And I follow the logic of the argument that if we lose the tax case then we probably gained some competitive advantage.
‘I believe that, on behalf of myself and most of the board members who were with me and probably agree with me, that we should apologise for that.
‘I know that the Murray Group might not say that, because it might be tantamount to admitting it.
‘But I am happy to say it as a director of the football club. And, having been there for the last couple of days, and getting a sense of the anger and anxiety, that it is absolutely appropriate for the previous regime to be sorry.’
Club chairmen will decide on July 4 if an Ibrox newco should be allowed to play in the top tier next season.
Even if the chairmen vote yes, however, SPL sources have warned that the club could still face expulsion if dual contracts were operated by a board of directors on which King was a member for 12 years.
Insisting there was no attempt to gain a deliberate competitive advantage from the use of a Murray group EBT, King added: ‘No one on the board, when I was there, would have had any intention of gaining an advantage.
‘But the fact is that I can understand the perception out there now.
‘And the way that Rangers have treated the authorities – instead of having a conversation with them around reparation – has been regrettable.
‘One of the things I would have looked at as part of a consortium in terms of funding is to try and fund them so that they could make some sort of commercial reparation to the other clubs.
‘But let’s do it in a way whereby it is seen to have happened and we come out of it strongly.’

Frank McGaaaarvey
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Hunbelievable double standards from Squinty McSquintface. One eye is saying one thing and the other is saying the complete opposite. If he had 3 eyes he would be a fruit machine!

6 years ago

🙂

6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2115140/Rangers-crisis-David-Murray-wrong–Hugh-Adam.html

EXCLUSIVE: You’re wrong! Adam hits out at Sir David’s EBTs defence
By John Mcgarry
PUBLISHED: 22:49, 14 March 2012 | UPDATED: 00:07, 15 March 2012

15
View comments
Hugh Adam has railed against Sir David Murray’s defence of Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs), claiming they were simply part of the Ibrox stars’ salaries.
Murray broke his silence on Tuesday to confirm the two main allegations Adam made in Sportsmail last month.
The man who created Rangers Pools claimed EBTs had been used in the 1990s and that they had been excluded from player contracts registered with the SFA and SPL.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Kings comments relate to when he was no longer a board member and was extremely unhappy at having lost his £20 mill. pounds.
Now that he is back on board so as to speak, its another lie altogether, he will say and do whatever is in his best interest.
Hugh Adam was the same, he took a different view to Murray’s use of EBTs and left oldco, he imo was the only oldco director with a hint of honesty.
So King my answer to you would be PISH.

6 years ago
Reply to  mike

It could just be levelled at him that he’s nothing more than a Glib and shameless liar 😉

broxburnbhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Seems like the civil war is beginning on who is to blame. King pointing at Sir Minty – will there be a riposte? Funny though what we have here is the classic case of the Pot calling the Kettle black.

Broxburnbhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  broxburnbhoy

Lol

rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

On the basis of the Dave King statement posted by Jimmybee, I’d like to make the following points. Mr King’s comments are in quotes, followed by my remarks.

“…in fact, nothing has changed…..”

Factual incorrect because the decision that the ebt’s were a tax avoidance scheme has been upheld. So something has changed alright, namely income tax is now due. In fact, it is overdue, and there will be penalties.

“Celtic ….attempted to influence the footballing authorities….”

That is rich coming from Mr King. What was his exclusive meeting with Regan all about? Surely, he was not attempting to get a licence for Europe! No, that would be influencing the football authorities.

“….the effect on the Club was wholly negative….” And then, “….Every single player that was signed during that period would have been signed whether the Murray Group tax scheme was in place or not…..”

Murray has already admitted that Rangers could not have afforded certain players if they had not used the ebt scheme. These players were the reason that Rangers triumphed on the park. They were the unfair competitive advantage derived from an illegitimate scheme. So, why did Rangers not receive any benefit, and why was the effect wholly negative when they won titles and cups?

“…….The cash needed to fund any shortfall came from share placements, shareholder loans, and third-party bank finance…..”

In other words, the company was trading while insolvent!

“……As we rebuild the squad we are deliberately and transparently spending beyond our income. Once we commit to expenditure it is my job to secure the required funding…..”

Mr King’s scheme of financing will, indeed, be similar to Mr Murray’s….it will lead to administration.

“……Rangers’ overspending will always be on a sustainable and robust basis and one that safeguards the future of our Club……”

In other words, the overspending is dependent upon soft loans. The last one as recently as June. So, soft loans are “sustainable”? Somebody will need deep pockets!

“……This is now another matter that we can finally put behind us…..”

You hope it is!

Mr King’s negative remarks about Mr Murray suggest that we now have a divided camp amongst past and current Rangers/Sevco power brokers. Will Mr Murray respond? Surely he must!

Rebus

6 years ago

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dundee-united-fans-group-demand-10755229

Dundee United fans group demand investigation into Rangers EBTs and say Supreme Court ruling shows Scottish football was ‘cheated’
The Arab Trust have added their voice to growing calls for a fresh probe into the Ibrox club’s use of EBTs after Supreme Court judges found in favour of HMRC over the ‘Big Tax Case’.

rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Charlie,

Excellent!
Interesting question who would have been relegated each season if the games against Rangers were declared 3-0 losses to the Gers?

Oops! Better not look.

Rebus

rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

Unfairness does not just apply at the top of the league but throughout it. Relegation, payouts depending on league position, Qualification for Europe. Oh Dear, Oh Dear…it looks like every club was affected!!

Rebus

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

Cup results null and void……

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

algorhithm wits that …….birth control for aligators

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

aye that will do me a lotta good next time a go shopliftin he he

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie
charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

charlie sais yer some man for yon research ………..monti will be askin ye tae dae his homework he ha

6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Aye a golf course munching magic mushrooms …

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

see the last time a went pickin majic mushrooms …………..nah ile leave it in case the polis are tunin in he he

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Ya cheeky hoor 🙂

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

monti i had a course wance it was on account ae ma bad taste in wummin when me drunk ha ha ma doctor sais ile learn but ime no sure ha ha ha ha aint drunkin nights grand

Pensionerbhoy
6 years ago

Ralph,

I have family due anytime so I have to make this short – me!!!!!!

I just saw something about the criminal chairman hitting back at Celtic. If Peter Lawwell – and Dermott Desmond – needed a reason to come right out, surely this is it. He simply cannot allow this fucker to to say what he wants about our club without challenge. As usual, he comes up with totally skewed facts and presents them as his “truth” and expects everyone to accept them. It is time to tell him Celtic simply will not do so and that opens the door to expand on all the shit Scottish football has had to face because of crooks and criminals at that place!!

Fucking pig sick of all of this. Rules, regulations, laws, the lot being farted out of bigoted arses without the slightest embarrassment and getting the thumbs up from the crowd in charge who cannot smell the fart for their own stink.

Now, fucking visitors all weekend as well. What a fucking Friday!!!!!!

Bless me Fr., I just may have swore – aye, a know, me????

H H

Pensionerbhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  Pensionerbhoy

“to to say” – developing a fucking stutter now! What next? Fuck, she’s just come in.

Ta, ta!!

H H

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  Pensionerbhoy

enjoy yer weekend pb …….and dont dae fuck all a widny ya auld crackpot

Cartvale88
6 years ago

You can argue till your blue in the face, but the EBTs allowed them to gain an unfair advantage on the field. On the same basis that if you purchase an item you pay no VAT.
Kings statement smells of desperation, also trying to blame Sir Minty.
The fox is now loose amongst the hens and over the next year we can enjoy more jelly and ice cream, Pedro is the cherry on top
Caption
No officer it’s the New York Rangers for me

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Cartvale88

Blue in the face,classic…..

charlie
6 years ago

caption inside the car the glib and shameless one sais clean it wae yer tongue regan ……weres dungcaster so a can get him tae blaw ma exhaust pipe

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

weered it probably wisnae worth readin anyway he he

rebus67
6 years ago

I posted a response to Dave King’s statement. Seems to have gone for a walk.
Can it be retrieved and monitored if needed.

Rebus

Puggy67
6 years ago

Caption: Man with Irish sounding surname gets done by Police Scotland for possession of a blade.

charlie
6 years ago

wan for weered

charlie
6 years ago
Frank McGaaaarvey
6 years ago

I see Saidy Janko has moved on to St Etienne (the football team not the whimsical 90s group). Wonder if we received a bicycle as a transfer fee? Will it have pride of place in the trophy room alongside the Big Cup?

FredCDobbs
6 years ago

newcastle goalie?

jimmybee
6 years ago

The importance of the side letters should not be under estimated in this case. The EBTs was not the downfall of the oldco,but the failure to disclose the side letters which seal their fate,and the lengths they went to conceal them,mean that they knew it was illegal. HMRC gave them every oppertunity to admit to them,they said they had none. Only by the coppers from London investigating another financial matter,were the side letters found.
This is fundamental for the case of title stripping.
This from previous posts.

On multiple occasions after 2004, HMRC asked Rangers if such side contracts existed. The denials from the club were forthright and frequent. No such ‘side-letters’ existed. Accordingly, these binding contractual documents were not sent to the SPL despite player registration and eligibility to play in league games being conditional upon all documentation related to all forms of payment to players- including even legitimate loans- being submitted for each player. (SPL rule D1.13). The existence of the ‘side-letters’ would not be exposed until the City of London police raided Ibrox in July 2007 as part of an unrelated suspected fraud investigation that did not result in any charges. Heel-dragging and evasive responses on how Rangers were operating the scheme continued.

If they had acted properly in 2004 they were faced with a bill of about 12 million,which their bankers would have given them the credit for. The tax liability would have been paid,and whatever sanction would have been served. Administration,and liquidation would have been avoided.
The reason they chose not to disclose them was simple.
Celtic were on the up .Murray could not stomach going toe to toe on a fair playing field. Dermot was flexing his financial muscle and Martin could sign the top players.
Murray had to cheat to stop the Bhoys,nothing more nothing less. He cheated,and in the last game of the season all players who took the field were on the EBT scheme. They won the league by one point. The titles must be stripped.
Not to give them to us,or whoever,but because it is the right thing to do.

6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

The side letters are key but what also must not be forgotten is the fact they were caught “red handed” with the Discount Options Scheme (DOS-Wee TAx Case) previously and admitted it on 5 seperate players accounts.
That information of course was never submitted to Nimmo Smith during his rigged enquiry into the EBT’s.
The SFA knew there would be only one outcome had he seen those.
I say rigged because he was hand picked and the enquiry was not conducted outwith the realm of those who set it up.
The Govt should be stepping in here with a public enquiry with ALL THE EVIDENCE laid out from start to finish.
The SFA have colluded to bury this IMO knowing fine well senior members/ex members were complicit in a blind eye being turned regarding RFC 1872s financial practices during the period of Sir David Murrays tenure.

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