Theres talk of a possible glamour friendly between Celtic and Barcelona in Dublin sometime in early August, which will give us a chance to get a look at them before our annual pairing in the group stages of the Champions League. Even the friendlies are geting repetitive these days. Talks are said to be at an advanced stage at bringing the two clubs to Irelands capital, though whatever squads turn up will depend on how the World Cup goes. A Honduras v Nigeria final could be calamitous for Celtics pre season.<\/p>\n
With Barcelona staffed by Spanish and Argentinian \u00a0players its fairly certain they will be involved in the latter stages in Brazil, so it probably won’t be a full strngth side, but its a day out in Dublin, and thats the important thing.<\/p>\n
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According to Ronnie Cully in the Evening Times, Celtic are “sizing \u00a0up ” a bid for Robert Snodgrass, who has helped norwich to the brink of relegation from the English Premiership. apparently he was on the wanted list in January but the asking price of \u00a36m was too much then. Now, with division One-or the Championship, or whatever its called, beckoning, Snodgrass could be tempted north.<\/p>\n
He’s “understood ” to be willing to take a pay cut, as he is a Glasgow boy, from the Gallowgate, and is a Celtic fan. With Norwich having sacked Chris Hughton and Snodgrass having just twelve months of his deal left, it makes him an option. Not an exciting option, but he would at least play for the jersey.<\/p>\n
There may be a lack of competition at senior level in Scottish football, but the U-20s league is proving to be a bit of a battle. Celtic lost 2-0 to Hibs at Cappielow yesterday, which means the Edinburgh side are now three points clear with the young Celts having two games in hand.<\/p>\n
With youngsters appearing in all the Premier sides this season, the knock on effect is that kids now feel they have a genuine chance of a first team spot, and the U-20s seem to have reacted positively to this, not just at Celtic , but elsewhere. It’ll be interesting to see how the league pans out.<\/p>\n
West Bromwich Albion could be ready to raid Celtic Park for a couple of players. Well, try to, anyway. Liam henderson has been watched by the midlands club, and they were also looking at Efe Ambrose earlier this year. Both players have the same agent, which means it could be just lazy reporting.<\/p>\n
Or a lazy agent.<\/p>\n
Still, West Brom are a glamourous club. Look at the delight on nicolas anelkas face when he signed for them.<\/p>\n
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Celtic don’t have a game tomorrow, which means we’ll have to find another way to spend the day before the wife thinks of one for us. Mine has been pointing to the lawnmower, pointing to the lawn, and pointing at me. she’s probably trying to tell me something, and I’ll have to have a sit down and think about it soon.<\/p>\n
However, Sky Sports will be showing the Scottish cup semi final tomorrow between former Celt Jackie MacNamaras Dundee Utd and plucky third division minnows Second Rangers. MacNamara has been handed a touchline ban after he forgot to tie his shoelaces, or something, but will appeal and should be able to take his place at the side of his team.<\/p>\n
Second Rangers will be without keeper Cammy Bell, who banged his head, as well as an assortment of first team players. More call offs are expected as the game draws nearer and the hapless huns realise that they are out of their depth for this one. Fortunately for the Ibrox side, Bobby Madden, the refereee, has declared himself fit and raring to go. \u00a0Madden once sent an entire Celtic team off for not wearing the same colour boots.<\/p>\n
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The new club had their most recent accounts out in the public eye yesterday.<\/p>\n
Scott McCulloch in the Record takes up the story, the mood of which was set by the accompanying picture;<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/i2.dailyrecord.co.uk\/incoming\/article3396401.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/Rangers-gatesJPG-3396401.jpg\")
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Presu<\/em>mably the photographer fell over laughing when he saw the figures…\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n The Rangers Football Club Ltd (TRFCL) has reported an \u00a318.19 million pre-tax loss for the 13 months to June 30, 2013.<\/p>\n The company, with operates \u201ca professional football club in Scotland, together with related commercial activities\u201d, reports it owes parent company Rangers International Football Club Plc (RIFC), \u00a316.16 million.<\/p>\n TRIFC notes the amounts owed to Rangers International \u201care unsecured, repayable on demand and do not accrue interest.<\/p>\n It adds: “The parent company has indicated that it has no intention to recall the balance in the foreseeable future\u201d.<\/p>\n Last October the parent company, RIFC, which describes itself as \u201cthe holding company for the Scottish football club ‘Rangers’\u201d, reported operating losses of \u00a314 million for the 13 months to June 30 after raising more than \u00a335 million in finance in the year, including a rights issue last December.<\/p>\n In March, RIFC reported losses of \u00a33.5 million for the seven months to December 31, 2013 and its auditors warned a fan boycott of season tickets could jeopardise the clubs ability to continue trading.<\/p>\n In accounts now filed with Companies House, TRFCL has reported operating costs of \u00a335.3 million for the 13 months to June 30, 2013 on turnover of \u00a317.6 million, with the first team wage bill for the year having come in at \u00a37.8 million.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n TRFCL also notes \u201cother operating charges\u201d totalling \u00a311.89 million for the year, which includes matchday costs such as policing, stewarding and pitch costs.<\/p>\n The tactic of reeling of figures is designed to make Ibrox fans stop reading. In fact its designed to make us all stop reading.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n The last full-year accounts filed by oldco Rangers ( now called RFC 2012 plc \u2013 in liquidation) for the 2010 year, show ‘other operating charges of \u00a313.59 million, when Rangers had played in the top flight of Scottish football and had participated in the UEFA Champions League.<\/p>\n Mentioning liquidation means that no true bluenose will get any further than this paragraph. So its time to chuck in a directors wage.<\/em><\/p>\n Total staff costs for the 13 months to June 2013 ran to \u00a317.61 million, with the highest paid director taking home \u00a3933,376.<\/p>\n TRFCL notes the wages to turnover ratio for the 13 month reporting period was \u201c99 per cent\u201d.<\/p>\n Wow, thats at least an “A” plus. Well done.<\/em><\/p>\n Creditor amounts falling due within one year total \u00a330.7 million, including \u00a316.1 million owned to the parent company, \u00a38.15 million in deferred income, \u00a31.8 million in tax and social security, \u00a31.82 million in accruals and \u00a3464,000 to \u201cother creditors\u201d.<\/p>\n Tax and social security ? Changed days indeed. Oh wait, its a different club.<\/em><\/p>\n The company notes the amounts owed to the parent company, Rangers International Football Club plc are \u201cunsecured, repayable on demand and do not accrue interest\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThe parent company has indicated that it has no intention to recall the balance in the forseeable future\u201d.<\/p>\n Even if they did they wouldn’t get it. But since its only money and they’re all pals its not a problem.<\/em><\/p>\n TRFCL also notes it paid out severance payments totalling \u00a3468,000 post year-end, and notes two directors having resigned after June 30, 2013 \u2013 former chief executive Craig Mather, who stepped down in October 2013 and former finance director Brian Stockbridge, who left in January, 2014.<\/p>\n So theres actually more to come on that one.<\/em><\/p>\n TRFC notes it expects to see \u201cmodest increases\u201d in season ticket sales for 2014\/15 \u201cand beyond\u201d.<\/p>\n Good luck. a recent poll an a Rangers website indicated that over 90% were more than unhappy with the way things are going at the club, with around 77% unlikely to renew…<\/em><\/p>\n The company intends to introduce \u201cprogressive increases in season ticket prices as we move towards the Scottish Premiership, while still remaining below those when the club was previously in the SPL\u201d.<\/p>\n The company’s auditors, Deloitte, have included and \u201cemphasis of matter \u2013 going concern\u201d qualifications in the accounts.<\/p>\n Deloitte notes: \u201cThe company has made key assumptions in relation to the timing of season ticket monies, the volume and pricing of season ticket sales, increased matchday income and sponsorship, the timing and value of dividends and further cost reductions\u201d.<\/p>\n The auditors have taken into account the timing of receipt of season ticket monies, along with assumptions relating to growth in season tickets, sponsorship, hospitality and commercial revenues \u201creflecting customer confidence returning\u201d, and \u201cfurther cost management measures\u201d being implemented.<\/p>\n Deloitte notes, based on the information provided, \u201cindicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern, and therefore that the company may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business\u201d.<\/p>\n Theres the warning. Deloitte thinks they are full of shit as well.<\/em><\/p>\n The auditors have also notes a further emphasis of matter relating to the \u201cuncertain outcome of potential litigation\u201d, which relates to letters before claim issued by Craig Whyte, the previous owner of RFC 2012 plc (now in liquidation) and his business partner, Aidan Earley.<\/p>\n Deloitte notes despite the company having conducted an \u201cindependent investigation\u201d, and despite the \u201cinherent limitations of a private enquiry\u201d from which the company concluded the claims has no legal merit, Deloitte notes the \u201cultimate outcome cannot presently be determined, and accordingly no adjustments have been made\u201d.<\/p>\n Whyte is claiming legal right to the Rangers assets as oldco Rangers administrators, Duff & Phelps, had entered into a binding agreement with Sevco 5088 in May 2012 to sell the Rangers assets in the event of a CVA being rejected.<\/p>\n The assets were ultimately transferred to an unrelated entity, Sevco Scotland Limited, now The Rangers Football Club Ltd (TRFCL).<\/p>\n TRFCL notes at the foot of the 2013 accounts, under related party transactions: “On 14 June 2012 Sevco 5088 Limited entered into agreements for no consideration to legally reassign its beneficial interest in funding placing letters held and novate the trade and assets purchase agreement with RFC 2012 plc (in administration) to Sevco Scotland Limited (now the Rangers Football Club)\u201d.<\/p>\n TRFC notes, based on the assessment of available evidence, \u201cRIFC plc considers that the investigation found no evidence that Craig Whyte had any involvement with Sevco Scotland Limited (now called The Rangers Football Club Limited) which ultimately acquired the business and assets of RFC 2012 plc from its administrators; nor which would suggest that Craig Whyte invested in The Rangers Football Club Limited or Rangers International Football Club plc, either directly or indirectly through any third party companies or vehicles\u201d.<\/p>\n The note adds: \u201cOn May 28, 2013 a further letter before claim was sent to (inter alia) The Rangers Football Club Limited and Rangers International Football Club plc on behalf of Craig Whyte, Aidan Earley and (purportedly) Sevco 5088 Limited.<\/p>\n \u201cThe board is of the view that the claims set out in the letter before claim are entirely unsubstantiated based on legal advice received to date by the board and the outcome of the investigation\u201d.<\/p>\n TRFCL also notes a claim raised by former commercial director Imran Ahmad has \u201cno substance\u201d and \u201cno obligation to pay a bonus arises\u201d.<\/p>\n Ahmad has raised a claim for \u00a3500,000 in lost bonuses – which is down from the \u00a33.4 million figure he had initially intended to pursue \u2013 and that case is still to be heard in the Court of Session.<\/p>\n All of which effectively means that the club thinks they will be fine, and Deloitte doesn’t. but lacks the proof to say it. Effectively the club has told the auditors they will be fine, and used their predictions of incoming season book money to play down the impending financial crash. \u00a0Deloitte have said that they aren’t so sure.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Noticeably, there are no questions to anyone involved at the club about these accounts. And no attempt to explain them to the masses. ( they hate being called that )<\/p>\n Journalism at its best.<\/p>\n It looks like i wasn’t the only one with a horrible taste in my mouth at the mention of \u00a0Atletico Madrid yesterday. Former striker Dixie Deans came down off the fence to ad his tuppence worth.<\/p>\n “You can’t help yourself if you lived through that match. I hope those bastards lose”.<\/p>\n \u201cThey had three players sent off for violent conduct and received a total of seven yellow cards. But I felt myself losing the plot in retaliation from time to time.<\/p>\n \u201cI seem to remember Davie Hay and me finishing up scrapping in the tunnel at time-up with one of their players, Ruben Ayala.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere was a lot of frustration because no one could understand why Atletico would want to come to Celtic Park and conduct themselves the way they did.<\/p>\n \u201cThe most galling thing was that, even though they were down to 10 men, we still couldn\u2019t stick the ball in the net.\u201d<\/p>\n Er, it was actually eight. Which probably won’t make him feel any better.<\/p>\n Dixie continued;<\/p>\n \u201cThose were less sophisticated days then, so you didn\u2019t know as much about foreign teams as you would do now.<\/p>\n \u201cThey had a big South American influence, Ayala included, and that produced fiery consequences.<\/p>\n \u201cDavie and me slapped him about a bit but just to keep him awake at that time of night.\u201d<\/p>\n And he wonders why the Spanish public didn’t take to the players when they arrived in Madrid for the return. Death threats, fans outside the hotel all night. Probably not the best away trip.<\/p>\n Deans remembered;<\/p>\n \u201cWe only went there to protect our club\u2019s good name. There was no way we were going to walk off that pitch having won the return leg, and the Celtic players knew that before a ball was kicked.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were confined to the hotel for three days and only allowed out for training.<\/p>\n \u201cFans would gather in their hundreds outside the hotel in the early hours of the morning to make noise and put us off our sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n There are four teams left in the UCL. Only Bayern Munich would be popular winners.<\/p>\n There were some rather rude suggestions-though nonetheless funny-to yesterdays caption competition. If you haven’t seen them, have a look.<\/p>\n Today, with the Celts having some time off, we can’t find any pictures of them so, a blast from the past…<\/p>\n Whats upset Gordon ?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Theres talk of a possible glamour friendly between Celtic and Barcelona in Dublin sometime in early August, which will give us a chance to get…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":4845,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/etims.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/brothers-in-arms.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2J7If-1g8","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4844"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4844"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4844\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4846,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4844\/revisions\/4846"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4844"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4844"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4844"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"http:\/\/images.sportinglife.com\/09\/05\/330\/Hibernian-v-Celtic-Gordon-Strachan-pa_2308099.jpg\")
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