What exactly does the above (well used) phrase actually mean? I actually think it means if Rangers are not strong enough to compete with Celtic then their fanbase will diminish to the size it was in the early 80s. Whether that is a threat or an admission of the inevitable I don’t really know. Despite the hyperbole and defiance which is contained in the “We don’t do walking away” retort which has become the new battle cry of some Rangers fans, that is exactly the scenario which we are being told will unfold should Rangers become just another also ran in Scottish football. The fans will "walk away". That is not a supposition nor is it a dig or a suggestion of hypocrisy, it is simply a statement of fact because if Scottish Football really does need a “Strong” Rangers then it can surely only be for one reason, namely that those Rangers supporters pay lots of money to follow their team and this money trickles down. If the team is not “strong” (read competitive) then fewer fans will turn up to follow them every week and therefore gate receipts across the SPL will fall. That is what has been suggested by most in the MSM and a view that has been echoed by “neutral” observers within Scottish football. In effect what we are being told is that Rangers fans are no different to any other set of fans, if they are not winning things then the supporters will vote with their feet and stay away. Maybe not right away of course (although season book sales may show otherwise) but if Rangers are shackled by sanctions on top of financial constraints - which other clubs have had to live with for years- then naturally they will have to downsize and live within their means and this will have an impact on their ability to win trophies or even qualify for European Competition. Of course this will mean that Celtic will become the dominant force in Scotland, probably true but this is certainly a bit of an insult to other SPL clubs. Because there is no Rangers to provide balance Celtic will reign supreme? That’s maybe not what people want to hear as a reason to have a strong Rangers, especially non Old Firm fans. I doubt if if they give a tinker’s cuss whether the “Bigot Brothers” have a duopoly or Celtic have a monopoly.
The only people who say it are the rangers fans working in the media. They only say it because they don't want the embarrasement of playing in the 3rd division. It's a bit like there claim of this is unprecedented and never happened in scottish football. Rubbish, gretna went bust formed as a newco and asked to take there place but were subsequently told to go to the 3rd division, as all new teams should. Ultimately they couldn't give the guarentee's they would fulfill there fixtures and were kicked out but the same rules should apply. Scottish football needs competition, ever since the old firm really started dominating in the 90's onwards attendances have been dropping everywhere. Send rangers to the 3rd division and spread the wealth same with the tv and gate money.
Could Scottish football exist if it was run in a fair and honest way. Or does it need to be bullied and cheated as we have seen. Sandy Jardine, a legend in his own eyes has gone on the rampage over the past week and threatened everyone who wanted to have a fair and just SPL. He even said he knew where these people lived. Ally mentioned "kill" and demanding names of people who made what they considered a fair judgement. There is absolutely no chance of either these people been interviewed by the police. Without doubt the SPL/SFA the Government of Scotland and the police want a strong Rangers. There is also no doubt based on all their reputations, none of these care how the strong Rangers come about and none will enforce any rule or law that prevents them.
From RTC Frank Galvin says: 05/05/2012 at 4:24 pm 52 0 Rate This Can I just make the comment that since the SPL was formed in 1998, that all of Dundee, Dunfermline, St Johnstone, St Mirren, Falkirk, Hamilton Accies, Hibernian and Inverness have all survived relegation. The consequences of their relegation included the loss of two home matches against Rangers – not to mention the loss of home matches against Celtic. Despite that, they have all survived. Why then, is there the argument that says that if a newco Rangers are not allowed into the SPL some of our clubs could die? It simply does not stand up to scrutiny. Just shows they want the money rather than need it, sticks in your throat the actions of these chairmen.
And, they also lost the TV money. But, as you say, they have all survived and, indeed, some are now stronger due to their stringent financial management. If it is the opinion of some SPL chairmen that their clubs will die, then tell these chairmen and their respective boards to have a look at the previously relegated clubs. This is a total nonsense from the SPL chairmen and patently self preservance only. EUFA will be watching these events very closely (Platini is a stickler for financial fair play) so don't be surprised if all of this charade is just another paper seller or delaying tactic.....................................meanwhile kaacching!..............another £6000 today for Dumb & Dumber - or are they? A certain Mr Whyte employed these particular administrators, hmmmmm!
clyde tonight hammered the idea that there would be no TV deal if rfc were not in the SPL. Now ESPN for one have come out and said that they intend to renew the contract with the SPL and that they have always had a good working relationship with the league. OK the deal will have to be renegotiated if there is no rfc, however, given the pittance which Miller can bring to the table, I cannot see how rfc can finance a competitive team with Celtic and arguably not even most of the SPL, even if a Newco is allowed. So if rfc newco have to field a very weak team and fall out of the top 6 then there is only 3 OF games. What then happens to this contract 3/4 of the way through the season.? How do clubs adjust their finances if 3/4 through the season expected and budgeted for revenue is reduced? A new rfc in the SPL creates as many problems as no rfc in the spl. It is the MSM who want a newco in the spl. As I have said on another thread, Uefa will step in and refuse a licence, otherwise the integrity of European football is at risk. We are part of the EU and if Uefa applies its rules unequally then they will be in trouble.
