http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18703183 I'm shocked..! No, I really am. The SPL chairmen has voted against allowing the New Rangers into the SPL. This means NRangers have to pop a few yards down the corridor to where the SFL operate, and apply to their leagues. Thing is, there's absolutely no precedent to enter anywhere other than the lowest division. I didn't think the SPL had the balls for it, but I misjudged them. Did fan power actually have an influence..? Apologies if this news has already been posted [it isn't bang upto the minute].
When Rangers made a public apology for their behaviour I really thought that a compromise (or cop out) was about to happen. Surprised, but pleased.
Shocked, I thought they were greasing the wheels to let newco straight back in like nothing had happened.
Yep, same here. And like Fran I'm quite pleased about it too. Not because its a traditionally big and successful club like Rangers [although, that doesn't hurt a jot ] but because the SPL has stuck to rules they themselves have laid down for every club, and no-one is exempt, however much peripheral influence they wield.
They should start at the bottom where all new clubs would have to. Oh and congratulations Celtic on your 2012/13 SPL title.
Strange that the rules in Scotland are so different. Also, technically, its not a new club, just a new holding company... Personally, I think it's the first recorded case of Turkeys voting for Christmas and they might as well present Celtic with next seasons trophy now.
I wonder how the rest of the Spl clubs, who did vote against them returning, feel about one of the biggest moneymaking games of their respective seasons, no longer taking place. Usually a full house at home to Rangers. Will the replacement club draw as many? Who can tell?
As far back as 2000, the Scottish Premier/Football Leagues were quite happy to lose both Celtic and Rangers to the English Leagues. It was talked about and practically agreed upon. Only the English Premier League clubs objected to it, even though it was guaranteed they would not be affected for a minimum of 3 seasons.
If Celtic and Rangers left Scotland then the Scottish league would very quickly become about the same standard as the Welsh or Northern Irish leagues.
Isn't it already..? Seriously though, I think with clubs like Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs being there, that wouldn't happen anymore than it is now. Plus, there would be a different name on a trophy. The competition would be far better. Many people call for top English clubs to bugger off and form a European League, and the two top Scots clubs moving to English Leagues would be a similar situation to that, for the other Scottish clubs left behind.
I think if Celtic and Rangers left there would be absolutely no TV market, and they would lose the big away following they get from the Auld firm clubs. Perhaps the increased levels of competition would improve attendances slightly, but I just don't see it compensating enough.
It'll be like the Northern Irish league now anyway. Now that Glentoran have fallen by the wayside, Linfield are pretty much the only team that are going to win it, and it'll be the same in Scotland now.
Quite right Rickie. There are no winners in this debacle, but hopefully it`ll encourage transparency and fairness in how clubs are run in future.
The Rangers fans are already saying that they will boycott the away games at those grounds that voted against them.
But they won't be playing at the grounds of those teams anyway if they've not been accepted back into the SPL...!!
