As regards Rangers, events have moved faster than a Coatbridge resident who has spied a bottle of Buckfast fifty yards away.
So much for the 5-10 days they appearently had to appoint administrators; the taxman moved swiftly to try and get the men of their choice in charge of the affair, but Whyte kept half a step ahead of them and brought in a group from Manchester, Duff And Phelps (who sound more like an 80s TV police cop partnership). It has already been noted that a director of this company was actually involved in Whyte's original takeover - lending more credence to the theory that going into administration was always part of the Rangers' owner's grand plan.
Interestingly, the reason given by Duff And Phelps for today's move was not the potential bill related to the, shall we say, 'creative' ways Whyte's predecessors avoided paying tax for so many years. In fact, it finally emerged in the public domain that Rangers have not been paying their VAT and PAYE since Whyte's takeover...a cool £9 million. Whilst Sir David Murray undoubtedly deserves much of the blame for the current circumstance, it is also finally indisputable (as if there was much doubt left) that Craig Whyte is a shady character indeed.
This whole fiasco increasingly resembles a feud between Whyte and HM Revenue and Customs. There appears to be no chance of Rangers getting away with a slap on the wrist and an agreement on a drastically reduced and affordable payment. So by taking Rangers down the slip-road marked Administration, he has done the business equivalent of going all-in at a Poker table. He has bet everything on this move. He's hardly going in with pocket aces, but on the other hand he's not stuck with an off-suit two and seven either. (Anyone who doesn't play poker should just ignore the last few lines)
Don't forget that managing failing businesses appears to be Whyte's forte. He either turns them around and walks away with a big fat cheque, or lets them go bust and just walks away. I think it is safe to assume that he predicted the actions of HMRC today, and from his point of view, this is almost a no lose situation for him, business-wise. If the taxman caves in, then Rangers come out of this a bit worse for wear, but ultimately, after a few years of pain, there is a good chance that they return to their recent status by the middle of the decade.
Alternatively, if the taxman squeezes till the pips squeak, then Whyte lets Rangers go bust. He, it seems, can walk away with little or no financial loss, or alternatively will be in the prime position to pick up the pieces and start up 'Rangers 2012' or whatever the new club would be called. Of course, by this process (and indeed administration itself) lots of people - mostly those in the background, such as office staff, canteen workers, cleaners etc - will lose their jobs and suffer significantly (these are the only people involved in all this who deserve even a modicum of sympathy), but Whyte doesn't lose.
As Winston Churchill said after El Alamein, "This is not the end, nor is it the beginning of the end. But perhaps it is the end of the beginning". Plenty will happen in the near future. With no prospect of selling players for four months, I wonder if the administrators will have to sack players in order to cut costs. We have the result of that tax tribunal to come in the next few weeks. And ring the 31st of March on your calendar - this is the date by which Rangers have to submit independently audited accounts if they are to be allowed to compete in Europe next year. If they don't get out of this mess by then, they will be denied a UEFA licence and wouldn't be allowed to compete in continental competition.
The SPL's reaction to all this will be extremely interesting to watch. Depressingly, the only penalty they can give Rangers at the moment is a 10 point deduction, which sends them plummeting to...second in the league, still, with a decent cushion over third placed Motherwell. Will they mollycoddle Rangers, or will they flog them?
L.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Rangers chickens come home to roost
Considering the larger figures that had been banded around in the press for weeks previously, most Scottish football fans were surprised when Rangers received only £5.5 million for star striker Nikica Jelavic from Everton on the final day of the transfer window.
A degree of cynicism is a requirement when reading the Scottish papers, and so many raised a quizzical eyebrow at claims that Rangers had, a week earlier, rejected an offer of £7 million from West Ham United. Of course, it was in neither party's interests to refute the story; it gave the impression that Rangers were playing hardball and holding out for a fatter cheque, and allowed West Ham fans to believe money was no object in their quest to return to the Premier League.
But, when David Moyes' approach for Jelavic was accepted, I wasn't the only one to suspect that the Croatian was going to Goodison Park because Everton might be offering to pay all the cash up front.
Today, less than a fortnight later, Rangers announced they have filed papers signalling their intention to go into administration. Whilst Jim White's claim on Sky Sports News that "The world of football has been rocked by what has happened to one of it's biggest clubs" certainly overstated the position of Scottish football on the global radar, there is no doubt that this is a huge day in the history of our domestic game.
I'm not even going to try to hide my delight. My hatred of the Old Firm is no secret at all. But the scars left by growing up in the nineties as a non-Old Firm fan, where all my friends jumped on the nine-in-a-row bandwagon have never quite healed. It could easily be argued that there is a huge taint on the countless league titles and other trophies won by the club during Sir David Murray's stewardship, when the Ibrox club paid obscene transfer fees in order to try to compete in the Champions League, as well as to steamroller all domestic opposition.
But that was then and this is now. Right now, there is a realistic concern that Rangers Football Club cannot be salvaged. To many football fans, 'administration' means a way to cheat debts and start afresh, with nothing more than a points penalty. But the Rangers situation is precarious indeed. For a start, the Daily Record reported only last week (the only time I have bought that newspaper in 15 years) that current owner Craig Whyte had mortgaged the next four years worth of season ticket sales in exchange for a short term cash boost - dramatically reducing their scope for bringing in future income.
Many clubs who have been in administration have got some dosh in quickly with a fire sale of players. But the closure of the transfer window prevents Whyte from selling players until the summer. The only way to reduce the wage bill in the short-term would be through making players and staff redundant. There are certainly some higher-profile players who will be earning weekly wages in excess of five figures - Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Steven Whittaker come to mind - and one only hopes that the claims by Daniel Cousin's agent that he has returned for a second spell at the club on a £5,000 a week contract (he signed a contract for the rest of the season this morning) really is as ridiculous as it sounds; The Gabonese forward looked good during a year at Ibrox before leaving for Hull in 2008, but since then he has scratched around the Greek league and more recently turned up in Gabon's domestic league. He is now 35. If he is the answer, then what is the question?
Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked. We've already talked about the reduced potential for income. What about the money they owe? We already know about the two tax bills they are fighting. The first of these, which would cost them £4.2 million, is still being disputed (though the taxman has a court order forcing the money to be ringfenced in Rangers' accounts). The second, more recent case, a verdict on which should arrive at the beginning of March, would, should Rangers lose, cost them anywhere between £20 million and £49 million. Given that HRMC have been under considerable criticism in recent months for coming to generous arrangements with major businesses over unpaid tax bills, it is not unreasonable to believe that they will fight tooth-and-nail to get raid the Ibrox coffers. If a bill for that much cash turns up in the postbox at G51 2XD, then the greatest administrators and accountants in the world could not save Rangers.
So there is not so much a dark cloud as a cyclone hanging over Govan today. Where do Rangers go from here? How severe could an SPL punishment be? Can the business be salvaged from bankruptcy? If not, can a new Rangers club rise from the ashes, and where would they fit back into the Scottish football system.
And, more importantly from the point of view of a non-Old Firm supporter, could this be the making, or the breaking, of Scottish football?
Some of these questions are easier to answer than others. All I know is that developments over the next few days will be very interesting indeed.
L.
A degree of cynicism is a requirement when reading the Scottish papers, and so many raised a quizzical eyebrow at claims that Rangers had, a week earlier, rejected an offer of £7 million from West Ham United. Of course, it was in neither party's interests to refute the story; it gave the impression that Rangers were playing hardball and holding out for a fatter cheque, and allowed West Ham fans to believe money was no object in their quest to return to the Premier League.
But, when David Moyes' approach for Jelavic was accepted, I wasn't the only one to suspect that the Croatian was going to Goodison Park because Everton might be offering to pay all the cash up front.
Today, less than a fortnight later, Rangers announced they have filed papers signalling their intention to go into administration. Whilst Jim White's claim on Sky Sports News that "The world of football has been rocked by what has happened to one of it's biggest clubs" certainly overstated the position of Scottish football on the global radar, there is no doubt that this is a huge day in the history of our domestic game.
I'm not even going to try to hide my delight. My hatred of the Old Firm is no secret at all. But the scars left by growing up in the nineties as a non-Old Firm fan, where all my friends jumped on the nine-in-a-row bandwagon have never quite healed. It could easily be argued that there is a huge taint on the countless league titles and other trophies won by the club during Sir David Murray's stewardship, when the Ibrox club paid obscene transfer fees in order to try to compete in the Champions League, as well as to steamroller all domestic opposition.
But that was then and this is now. Right now, there is a realistic concern that Rangers Football Club cannot be salvaged. To many football fans, 'administration' means a way to cheat debts and start afresh, with nothing more than a points penalty. But the Rangers situation is precarious indeed. For a start, the Daily Record reported only last week (the only time I have bought that newspaper in 15 years) that current owner Craig Whyte had mortgaged the next four years worth of season ticket sales in exchange for a short term cash boost - dramatically reducing their scope for bringing in future income.
Many clubs who have been in administration have got some dosh in quickly with a fire sale of players. But the closure of the transfer window prevents Whyte from selling players until the summer. The only way to reduce the wage bill in the short-term would be through making players and staff redundant. There are certainly some higher-profile players who will be earning weekly wages in excess of five figures - Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Steven Whittaker come to mind - and one only hopes that the claims by Daniel Cousin's agent that he has returned for a second spell at the club on a £5,000 a week contract (he signed a contract for the rest of the season this morning) really is as ridiculous as it sounds; The Gabonese forward looked good during a year at Ibrox before leaving for Hull in 2008, but since then he has scratched around the Greek league and more recently turned up in Gabon's domestic league. He is now 35. If he is the answer, then what is the question?
Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked. We've already talked about the reduced potential for income. What about the money they owe? We already know about the two tax bills they are fighting. The first of these, which would cost them £4.2 million, is still being disputed (though the taxman has a court order forcing the money to be ringfenced in Rangers' accounts). The second, more recent case, a verdict on which should arrive at the beginning of March, would, should Rangers lose, cost them anywhere between £20 million and £49 million. Given that HRMC have been under considerable criticism in recent months for coming to generous arrangements with major businesses over unpaid tax bills, it is not unreasonable to believe that they will fight tooth-and-nail to get raid the Ibrox coffers. If a bill for that much cash turns up in the postbox at G51 2XD, then the greatest administrators and accountants in the world could not save Rangers.
So there is not so much a dark cloud as a cyclone hanging over Govan today. Where do Rangers go from here? How severe could an SPL punishment be? Can the business be salvaged from bankruptcy? If not, can a new Rangers club rise from the ashes, and where would they fit back into the Scottish football system.
And, more importantly from the point of view of a non-Old Firm supporter, could this be the making, or the breaking, of Scottish football?
Some of these questions are easier to answer than others. All I know is that developments over the next few days will be very interesting indeed.
L.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
SPL January dealings - team by team
ABERDEEN
THE BIG STORY
The return of the prodigal son, Russell Anderson, four and a half years after he left the club for Sunderland. The former club captain was released by Derby County in December; the Dons have signed him till the end of the season, though a hamstring injury will prevent him from contributing for a few weeks yet.
UNDER THE RADAR
There's a bit of a Dad's Army feel to the Pittodrie squad now after Anderson (now 33) was joined by former Scotland international midfielder Gavin Rae (now 34), who left Dundee to join his home town club. Craig Brown also brought in two players from his Motherwell days, midfielder Stephen Hughes and defender Mark Reynolds, the latter on loan from Sheffield Wednesday. Little is known about his other signing, young Nigerian forward Daniel Uchechi.
The most notable departure was captain Ricky Foster, after Bristol City paid £250,000for the full-back. Promising youngster Jack Grimmer was poached by Fulham.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
Dons fans could not be happier that Foster has gone; he burnt his bridges with them after agreeing to a one-year loan at Rangers last season and his performances over the last few months have been poor. Anderson's contributions depend on his fitness, Rae is a short-term fix, and the boss will hope that he can get Reynolds and Hughes back to the level they were playing at a couple of years ago. Overall Aberdeen have a bit more depth at the back, but they still lack creativity, particularly with Rob Milsom out for the season.
CELTIC
THE BIG STORY
For all the rumours, it was a docile window for Celtic. The biggest story was the arrival on loan of Polish striker Pawel Brozek from Trabzonspor - mainly because Rangers apparently wanted him first.
UNDER THE RADAR
Swedish international defender Mikael Lustig signed on a free from Brondby. Young Nigerian Rabiu Ibrahim impressed on a trial after being released by PSV Eindhoven and was given a contract, but he's probably one for the future. I bet Celtic bit Southampton's hand off when they offered £1.5million to sign Jos Hooiveld permanently. Defender Josh Thompson (Chesterfield) and forward Paul Slane (MK Dons) are off south on loan, while young full-back Lewis Toshney is off to Rugby Park for the rest of the season and Badr El Kaddouri returned to Ukraine after his unimpressive spell at Parkhead on loan.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
Lustig and Brozek are somewhat unknown quantities at the moment - but the important thing for Neil Lennon is that his team haven't been weakened to the extend Rangers have.
DUNDEE UNITED
THE BIG STORY
One young player left - Scott Allan signed for West Brom for £400,000 after rejecting a new contract - but another, forward Johnny Russell, stayed despite Celtic supposedly offering £500,000 plus Danish forward Morten Rasmussen.
UNDER THE RADAR
Irish midfielder Richie Ryan arrived after starring in the Irish League last year with Sligo Rovers, while Slovakian forward Milos Lacny was signed from Sparta Prague on loan to replace Lauri Dalla Valle after the Finn rejected the chance to extend his loan from Fulham. Surprisingly, United declined to cash in on Garry Kenneth, even though the defender is certain to leave when his contract expires this summer.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
If even one of Ryan or Lacny turns out to be a hit, boss Peter Houston will be laughing. He will certainly be relieved that some of his other promising youngsters did not leave. It's unclear whether they are better off than they were at the beginning of the month though.
DUNFERMLINE
THE BIG STORY
After the season-ending shoulder injury to Paul Gallacher and the performances in relief by Chris Smith (his blunders which earned Caley Thistle a cup replay and then a tie with Celtic earned us £160,000), it was no surprise that Jim McIntyre brought in ex-Everton keeper Iain Turner on loan from Preston - though Turner has not distinguished himself so far either...
UNDER THE RADAR
McIntyre's other solution to keeping the Pars up appears to be bringing in defensive midfielders - former Aberdeen skipper Mark Kerr returns to Scotland after a spell in Greece, while Kyle Hutton arrived from Rangers on loan. Another bluenose, full back Jordan McMillan, signed permanently after Jason Thomson returned to Hearts. This probably won't improve the defence as much as getting rid of John Potter (on loan to Queen of the South) will. Reserve striker Pat Clarke also dropped down a division, joining Raith on loan. Veteran Craig Easton will leave when his short term contract expires.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
The goalkeeper situation could relegate Dunfermline, unless Turner finds form. No strikers were brought in, and I'm not convinced that the current options (Andy Barrowman, Andy Kirk and Liam Buchanan) are enough to keep them up.
HEARTS
THE BIG STORY
So much for the mass exodus! In the end the sale of Eggert Jonsson to Wolves for a rather generous £200,000 allowed Romanov to pay the players and give Rudi Skacel a contract extension till the end of the season. No new players were brought in though.
UNDER THE RADAR
After he went on strike over the wages issue, it wasn't surprising that Ryan Stevenson signed for Ipswich for £50,000. John Sutton, out of favour with boss Paulo Sergio, will move on loan to Australia's Central Coast Mariners if international clearance is given. Third-string goalie Janos Balogh was let go, as was Calum Elliot; the latter signed for Lithuanians Zalgiris Vilnius, who aren't the team owned by Romanov. A few other young players, including Robert Ogleby and Conrad Balatoni, were released as well.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
Most Hearts fans will be relieved at how the squad looks, considering the rumours of the previous few months. Whilst there were no reinforcements brought in, the Tynecastle club still have the talent and depth to be considered the favourites to finish third.
HIBERNIAN
THE BIG STORY
There was much embarrassment for Rangers (and amusement for everyone else) when their Honduran trialist midfielder Jorge Claros chose to sign on loan for Hibernian instead. Not content with the team, manager Pat Fenlon seems to have decided to loan an entire new one - in came defenders George Francomb (Norwich), James McPake (Coventry) and Matt Doherty (Wolves), midfielder Tom Soares (Stoke) and striker Roy O'Donovan (Coventry).
UNDER THE RADAR
I think we know what Pat Fenlon thinks of the signings his predecessor, Colin Calderwood, made - he punted most of them during the window. Junior Agogo is a-gone-gone (couldn't resist it, sorry), as are Matt Thornhill, Akpo Sodje and Victor Palsson. Michael Hart, a John Hughes signing, is offski too. It's easy to forget that, at the beginning of the month, Hibs signed Irish forward Eoin Doyle, while on deadline day they also brought in Pa Saikou Kujabi, 'the Gambian Roberto Carlos', apparently. Draw your own conclusions.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
Whilst the Hibees have shifted a lot of dead wood, integrating eight new players is going to take a bit of time...which they don't really have, given that they are locked in a relegation battle. I can't help remembering that Calderwood tried a similar stunt last January, and look how that went...
INVERNESS
THE BIG STORY
ICT's failure to convince on-loan Wolves midfielder David Davis to stay at the club beyond January was a huge disappointment; the young Englishman was in outstanding form and it is galling that he chose to return south to join Chesterfield (bottom of League One) rather than stay in the Highlands.
UNDER THE RADAR
Another Wolves youngster, striker Sam Winnall, has joined up on loan for the rest of the season, as has 6ft 4in centre back Steve Williams from Bradford. Meanwhile, not being content with just one Gregory Tade, Terry Butcher has brought in another French player of exactly the same style - Claude Gnakpa, of Walsall. Oft-injured winger Aiden Chippendale was shunted back to Huddersfield when his loan spell expired, while it was a shame to find out that young midfielder Lee Cox, whose season has been blighted by injury, had been sold to Swindon Town for £50,000.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
With so many players out with long-term injuries, the new players at least provide some depth. The team are just a goalscorer away from being real top six challengers - will Winnall be the answer?
KILMARNOCK
THE BIG STORY
Somehow Killie found enough cash down the back of the sofa to sign the manager's son, Dean Shiels, on a permanent deal after his impressive loan spell from Doncaster - a critical move as he has been the star player for the team this season.
UNDER THE RADAR
Shiels also did well to bring Ben Gordon, the Chelsea full-back, in on loan for the second time - Gordon had a successful six months at Rugby Park last season. Veteran centre-back Michael Nelson arrived from Scunthorpe and should provide experience. Another loan player, Celtic's Lewis Toshney, offers another defensive option, while little is known about Belgian forward Dieter Van Tornhout other than that he has an awesome name.
Leaving the club were Swedish defender Billy Berntsson (Hammarby), striker Ben Hutchinson (Mansfield) and defender Patrick Ada. Spanish striker Jorge Galan had his loan spell from Osasuna cut short. Young forward Rory McKenzie was sent out on loan.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
Nelson's signing should allow Kenny Shiels to push Manuel Pascali back into midfield. Certainly the defence looks stronger. Unless Van Tornhout proves a hit, Kilmarnock will have a real problem up front if top scorer Paul Heffernan gets injured.
MOTHERWELL
THE BIG STORY
Estonian forward Henrik Ojamaa signed on a free transfer and hit the ground running, scoring 4 goals in his first 5 games. Motherwell want to sign him on a long-term deal pronto.
UNDER THE RADAR
A deadline day offer from Blackpool for young forward Jamie Murphy was accepted, but the under-21 international rejected the move. Stephen Hughes failed to impress after returning to the club for a couple of months and was let go; he signed for Aberdeen.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
I'm pleasantly surprised Stuart McCall was able to hold on to everyone he wanted to keep. Ojamaa adds an extra threat that should keep Well in the fight for third place.
RANGERS
THE BIG STORY
Craig Whyte finally cashed in his prize asset, Nikica Jelavic - and completely failed to find a replacement. Ally McCoist declared at the start of January that he needed to bring players in, but all he got was Swedish under-21 winger Mervan Celik on a free transfer.
UNDER THE RADAR
Despite a lack of options, McCoist has loaned out the likes of John Fleck, Kyle Hutton and Darren Cole. David Weir finally decided it was time to start collecting his pension. Disturbingly, young players Thomas Bendiksen and Jordan McMillan turned down new contracts and moved on.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
With Steven Naismith out for the rest of the season, McCoist now has to try to win the SPL with David Healy and Kyle Lafferty as his only notable attackers. Whilst quality players like Steve Davis and Allan McGregor have remained, this is as threadbare a Rangers squad as I can remember.
ST JOHNSTONE
THE BIG STORY
I can't help feeling a lot of the 'Rangers for Sandaza' stories were mainly an attempt to unsettle the Spanish striker before the game between the two sides. In the end, Sandaza has agreed to stay till the end of the season, when he'll be able to take his pick of suitors. Jody Morris was linked with a return south, but nothing came of that either.
UNDER THE RADAR
Extending the loan deal of Sandaza's strike partner, Cillian Sheridan, was a real coup. Steve Lomas did a lot of business in the loan market; whilst I'm unsure if Falkirk midfielder Jack Compton is good enough for the SPL, I've no doubt that Derby wideman Lee Croft is (and his other half is a looker too!). Young Celtic striker James Keatings is a highly-rated prospect, while I'd be lying if I claimed to know anything about Tottenham forward Kudos Oyenuga.
Lomas did well to clear the decks a bit; it was no surprise that Willie Gibson's loan spell from Crawley was allowed to expire, while backup strikers Sean Higgins (Ayr on loan), Sam Parkin (Queen of the South) and Stephen Reynolds, and defender Graham Gartland (Shamrock Rovers) came off the wage bill.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
St. Johnstone seemed to be punching above their weight, but they've not only managed to keep their best players - they've brought in some intriguing loan signings too. A top six place seems assured - can they go any better?
ST MIRREN
THE BIG STORY
Who'd have thought the Buddies would be the biggest spenders of the window north of the border? Their £35,000 purchase of Dougie Imrie from Hamilton was the only transfer fee paid by an SPL club. There was talk of midfielder Kenny McLean leaving, but a fractured collarbone put paid to that, at least for now.
UNDER THE RADAR
Joe McKee was sent back to Burnley after an unsuccessful loan spell, while Dutch defender Ilias Haddad left at the end of his short-term contract. Young forward Jon McShane was loaned out.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
None of Danny Lennon's best eleven departed during the window. Imrie is a hard-working player who can fulfil a number of roles. This is just as well as there doesn't seem to be too much depth in the squad. A few badly-timed injuries may scupper their top six ambitions.
L.
THE BIG STORY
The return of the prodigal son, Russell Anderson, four and a half years after he left the club for Sunderland. The former club captain was released by Derby County in December; the Dons have signed him till the end of the season, though a hamstring injury will prevent him from contributing for a few weeks yet.
UNDER THE RADAR
There's a bit of a Dad's Army feel to the Pittodrie squad now after Anderson (now 33) was joined by former Scotland international midfielder Gavin Rae (now 34), who left Dundee to join his home town club. Craig Brown also brought in two players from his Motherwell days, midfielder Stephen Hughes and defender Mark Reynolds, the latter on loan from Sheffield Wednesday. Little is known about his other signing, young Nigerian forward Daniel Uchechi.
The most notable departure was captain Ricky Foster, after Bristol City paid £250,000for the full-back. Promising youngster Jack Grimmer was poached by Fulham.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
Dons fans could not be happier that Foster has gone; he burnt his bridges with them after agreeing to a one-year loan at Rangers last season and his performances over the last few months have been poor. Anderson's contributions depend on his fitness, Rae is a short-term fix, and the boss will hope that he can get Reynolds and Hughes back to the level they were playing at a couple of years ago. Overall Aberdeen have a bit more depth at the back, but they still lack creativity, particularly with Rob Milsom out for the season.
CELTIC
THE BIG STORY
For all the rumours, it was a docile window for Celtic. The biggest story was the arrival on loan of Polish striker Pawel Brozek from Trabzonspor - mainly because Rangers apparently wanted him first.
UNDER THE RADAR
Swedish international defender Mikael Lustig signed on a free from Brondby. Young Nigerian Rabiu Ibrahim impressed on a trial after being released by PSV Eindhoven and was given a contract, but he's probably one for the future. I bet Celtic bit Southampton's hand off when they offered £1.5million to sign Jos Hooiveld permanently. Defender Josh Thompson (Chesterfield) and forward Paul Slane (MK Dons) are off south on loan, while young full-back Lewis Toshney is off to Rugby Park for the rest of the season and Badr El Kaddouri returned to Ukraine after his unimpressive spell at Parkhead on loan.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
Lustig and Brozek are somewhat unknown quantities at the moment - but the important thing for Neil Lennon is that his team haven't been weakened to the extend Rangers have.
DUNDEE UNITED
THE BIG STORY
One young player left - Scott Allan signed for West Brom for £400,000 after rejecting a new contract - but another, forward Johnny Russell, stayed despite Celtic supposedly offering £500,000 plus Danish forward Morten Rasmussen.
UNDER THE RADAR
Irish midfielder Richie Ryan arrived after starring in the Irish League last year with Sligo Rovers, while Slovakian forward Milos Lacny was signed from Sparta Prague on loan to replace Lauri Dalla Valle after the Finn rejected the chance to extend his loan from Fulham. Surprisingly, United declined to cash in on Garry Kenneth, even though the defender is certain to leave when his contract expires this summer.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
If even one of Ryan or Lacny turns out to be a hit, boss Peter Houston will be laughing. He will certainly be relieved that some of his other promising youngsters did not leave. It's unclear whether they are better off than they were at the beginning of the month though.
DUNFERMLINE
THE BIG STORY
After the season-ending shoulder injury to Paul Gallacher and the performances in relief by Chris Smith (his blunders which earned Caley Thistle a cup replay and then a tie with Celtic earned us £160,000), it was no surprise that Jim McIntyre brought in ex-Everton keeper Iain Turner on loan from Preston - though Turner has not distinguished himself so far either...
UNDER THE RADAR
McIntyre's other solution to keeping the Pars up appears to be bringing in defensive midfielders - former Aberdeen skipper Mark Kerr returns to Scotland after a spell in Greece, while Kyle Hutton arrived from Rangers on loan. Another bluenose, full back Jordan McMillan, signed permanently after Jason Thomson returned to Hearts. This probably won't improve the defence as much as getting rid of John Potter (on loan to Queen of the South) will. Reserve striker Pat Clarke also dropped down a division, joining Raith on loan. Veteran Craig Easton will leave when his short term contract expires.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
The goalkeeper situation could relegate Dunfermline, unless Turner finds form. No strikers were brought in, and I'm not convinced that the current options (Andy Barrowman, Andy Kirk and Liam Buchanan) are enough to keep them up.
HEARTS
THE BIG STORY
So much for the mass exodus! In the end the sale of Eggert Jonsson to Wolves for a rather generous £200,000 allowed Romanov to pay the players and give Rudi Skacel a contract extension till the end of the season. No new players were brought in though.
UNDER THE RADAR
After he went on strike over the wages issue, it wasn't surprising that Ryan Stevenson signed for Ipswich for £50,000. John Sutton, out of favour with boss Paulo Sergio, will move on loan to Australia's Central Coast Mariners if international clearance is given. Third-string goalie Janos Balogh was let go, as was Calum Elliot; the latter signed for Lithuanians Zalgiris Vilnius, who aren't the team owned by Romanov. A few other young players, including Robert Ogleby and Conrad Balatoni, were released as well.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
Most Hearts fans will be relieved at how the squad looks, considering the rumours of the previous few months. Whilst there were no reinforcements brought in, the Tynecastle club still have the talent and depth to be considered the favourites to finish third.
HIBERNIAN
THE BIG STORY
There was much embarrassment for Rangers (and amusement for everyone else) when their Honduran trialist midfielder Jorge Claros chose to sign on loan for Hibernian instead. Not content with the team, manager Pat Fenlon seems to have decided to loan an entire new one - in came defenders George Francomb (Norwich), James McPake (Coventry) and Matt Doherty (Wolves), midfielder Tom Soares (Stoke) and striker Roy O'Donovan (Coventry).
UNDER THE RADAR
I think we know what Pat Fenlon thinks of the signings his predecessor, Colin Calderwood, made - he punted most of them during the window. Junior Agogo is a-gone-gone (couldn't resist it, sorry), as are Matt Thornhill, Akpo Sodje and Victor Palsson. Michael Hart, a John Hughes signing, is offski too. It's easy to forget that, at the beginning of the month, Hibs signed Irish forward Eoin Doyle, while on deadline day they also brought in Pa Saikou Kujabi, 'the Gambian Roberto Carlos', apparently. Draw your own conclusions.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
Whilst the Hibees have shifted a lot of dead wood, integrating eight new players is going to take a bit of time...which they don't really have, given that they are locked in a relegation battle. I can't help remembering that Calderwood tried a similar stunt last January, and look how that went...
INVERNESS
THE BIG STORY
ICT's failure to convince on-loan Wolves midfielder David Davis to stay at the club beyond January was a huge disappointment; the young Englishman was in outstanding form and it is galling that he chose to return south to join Chesterfield (bottom of League One) rather than stay in the Highlands.
UNDER THE RADAR
Another Wolves youngster, striker Sam Winnall, has joined up on loan for the rest of the season, as has 6ft 4in centre back Steve Williams from Bradford. Meanwhile, not being content with just one Gregory Tade, Terry Butcher has brought in another French player of exactly the same style - Claude Gnakpa, of Walsall. Oft-injured winger Aiden Chippendale was shunted back to Huddersfield when his loan spell expired, while it was a shame to find out that young midfielder Lee Cox, whose season has been blighted by injury, had been sold to Swindon Town for £50,000.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
With so many players out with long-term injuries, the new players at least provide some depth. The team are just a goalscorer away from being real top six challengers - will Winnall be the answer?
KILMARNOCK
THE BIG STORY
Somehow Killie found enough cash down the back of the sofa to sign the manager's son, Dean Shiels, on a permanent deal after his impressive loan spell from Doncaster - a critical move as he has been the star player for the team this season.
UNDER THE RADAR
Shiels also did well to bring Ben Gordon, the Chelsea full-back, in on loan for the second time - Gordon had a successful six months at Rugby Park last season. Veteran centre-back Michael Nelson arrived from Scunthorpe and should provide experience. Another loan player, Celtic's Lewis Toshney, offers another defensive option, while little is known about Belgian forward Dieter Van Tornhout other than that he has an awesome name.
Leaving the club were Swedish defender Billy Berntsson (Hammarby), striker Ben Hutchinson (Mansfield) and defender Patrick Ada. Spanish striker Jorge Galan had his loan spell from Osasuna cut short. Young forward Rory McKenzie was sent out on loan.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
Nelson's signing should allow Kenny Shiels to push Manuel Pascali back into midfield. Certainly the defence looks stronger. Unless Van Tornhout proves a hit, Kilmarnock will have a real problem up front if top scorer Paul Heffernan gets injured.
MOTHERWELL
THE BIG STORY
Estonian forward Henrik Ojamaa signed on a free transfer and hit the ground running, scoring 4 goals in his first 5 games. Motherwell want to sign him on a long-term deal pronto.
UNDER THE RADAR
A deadline day offer from Blackpool for young forward Jamie Murphy was accepted, but the under-21 international rejected the move. Stephen Hughes failed to impress after returning to the club for a couple of months and was let go; he signed for Aberdeen.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
I'm pleasantly surprised Stuart McCall was able to hold on to everyone he wanted to keep. Ojamaa adds an extra threat that should keep Well in the fight for third place.
RANGERS
THE BIG STORY
Craig Whyte finally cashed in his prize asset, Nikica Jelavic - and completely failed to find a replacement. Ally McCoist declared at the start of January that he needed to bring players in, but all he got was Swedish under-21 winger Mervan Celik on a free transfer.
UNDER THE RADAR
Despite a lack of options, McCoist has loaned out the likes of John Fleck, Kyle Hutton and Darren Cole. David Weir finally decided it was time to start collecting his pension. Disturbingly, young players Thomas Bendiksen and Jordan McMillan turned down new contracts and moved on.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
With Steven Naismith out for the rest of the season, McCoist now has to try to win the SPL with David Healy and Kyle Lafferty as his only notable attackers. Whilst quality players like Steve Davis and Allan McGregor have remained, this is as threadbare a Rangers squad as I can remember.
ST JOHNSTONE
THE BIG STORY
I can't help feeling a lot of the 'Rangers for Sandaza' stories were mainly an attempt to unsettle the Spanish striker before the game between the two sides. In the end, Sandaza has agreed to stay till the end of the season, when he'll be able to take his pick of suitors. Jody Morris was linked with a return south, but nothing came of that either.
UNDER THE RADAR
Extending the loan deal of Sandaza's strike partner, Cillian Sheridan, was a real coup. Steve Lomas did a lot of business in the loan market; whilst I'm unsure if Falkirk midfielder Jack Compton is good enough for the SPL, I've no doubt that Derby wideman Lee Croft is (and his other half is a looker too!). Young Celtic striker James Keatings is a highly-rated prospect, while I'd be lying if I claimed to know anything about Tottenham forward Kudos Oyenuga.
Lomas did well to clear the decks a bit; it was no surprise that Willie Gibson's loan spell from Crawley was allowed to expire, while backup strikers Sean Higgins (Ayr on loan), Sam Parkin (Queen of the South) and Stephen Reynolds, and defender Graham Gartland (Shamrock Rovers) came off the wage bill.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
St. Johnstone seemed to be punching above their weight, but they've not only managed to keep their best players - they've brought in some intriguing loan signings too. A top six place seems assured - can they go any better?
ST MIRREN
THE BIG STORY
Who'd have thought the Buddies would be the biggest spenders of the window north of the border? Their £35,000 purchase of Dougie Imrie from Hamilton was the only transfer fee paid by an SPL club. There was talk of midfielder Kenny McLean leaving, but a fractured collarbone put paid to that, at least for now.
UNDER THE RADAR
Joe McKee was sent back to Burnley after an unsuccessful loan spell, while Dutch defender Ilias Haddad left at the end of his short-term contract. Young forward Jon McShane was loaned out.
STRONGER OR WEAKER?
None of Danny Lennon's best eleven departed during the window. Imrie is a hard-working player who can fulfil a number of roles. This is just as well as there doesn't seem to be too much depth in the squad. A few badly-timed injuries may scupper their top six ambitions.
L.
Monday, January 30, 2012
'Trial by TV' is for the best
The SFA's new penchant for 'trial by TV' as the Scottish rags are calling it, underwent a backlash last week.
Unsurprisingly, it came from parties who had been punished; Motherwell, after forward Michael Higdon was given a one match ban for what appeared to be a GIRUY gesture as part of a goal celebration at Tannadice (directed at his own fans), and Hibernian, after BBC Alba cameras picked up Leigh Griffiths giving a middle-finger salute.
Griffiths is a bizarre case. The former Dundee striker, on loan from Wolves, has now picked up three bans for similar actions in the space of only six weeks. First there was a one match ban for giving the GIRUY to Rangers fans at Easter Road who mocked him for losing his footing. The two subsequent offences, which occurred in a cup game at Cowdenbeath (after he scored a goal) and in a home league game against St. Johnstone, were, incredibly, aimed at his own supporters.
Whilst I can easily believe that Hibs fans might turn on their team quite quickly at the moment, considering that they are the biggest under-achievers since Charlie Chaplin entered and failed to win a Charlie Chaplin lookalike contest, I can't help feeling this is a rather sad indictment of Griffiths. It will surely have been noted by his parent club that, if he can't cope with the pressure cooker that is Central Park (Cowdenbeath's ground is better known for it's stock car racing track than it's atmosphere), then he doesn't really stand a chance playing at Molineux or other English Premier League grounds.
I also wonder how far Griffiths has to go before Hibernian and their new manager Pat Fenlon tire of him as well. So far the repeat offending has led to a total of five matches without an important first team player. It would have been quite easy to get shot of him - the decision to extend his loan spell beyond January actually came after the Cowdenbeath incident. Considering the club's problems in recent times with on- and off-field discipline, it would have been an opportunity for the new boss to stamp his authority. Fenlon has so far accumulated only 4 points from 8 league games in the Easter Road hotseat; he badly needs Griffiths to prove that his trust is not misplaced.
As for Higdon, the case was a bit less clear-cut - it has been argued, not without justification, that he often celebrates goals in this manner. What was more disturbing were the comments coming out of Motherwell, whose manager Stuart McCall appeared to imply that whether players were caught or not depended on the affiliations of whoever was editing the match highlights for Sportscene, and whose spokesperson released a statement after the ban was upheld containing lines such as 'We have material concerns about the approach, the informal communication around it and the obvious disproportionate nature of the suspension' and 'We do not believe this process as executed is doing anything other than setting all of us back. The focus is supposed to be on football, more needs to be done to keep the administration of the game on that track'.
You'd think Higdon was being sent to prison by a kangaroo court, not banned slightly harshly for the grand total of one game.
I previously questioned how long Compliance Officer Vincent Lunny's patience would last as the inevitable criticism rained down on him; prior to this he has been slagged off by Rangers (after banning Sone Aluko for diving) while Hearts' Ryan McGowan was suspended retrospectively after a headbutt. On the other hand, it has been used successfully to clear players who have wrongly been sent off - Caley Thistle's Greg Tansey is a case in point. Aberdeen midfielder Peter Pawlett, of course, got both ends of the stick - an unfair red card for a sliding challenge was rescinded...but he got a two match ban for a dive ten minutes earlier that won a penalty.
I'm all for this retrospective stuff. Officials are bound to make mistakes even if they are top drawer (not a description that can be applied to many north of the border). While obviously there has to be a limit - there aren't enough hours in the day to go through every single iffy decision - I'd rather there was some action than none at all. Only time will tell if this becomes a deterrent or not, but certainly I'd like to think that, for example, forwards will think twice about 'simulation' if they know that they will get a subsequent ban, as well as having their reputation damaged.
So, the longer that Mr. Lunny puts up with this - it must seem like a picnic compared to his previous job, which was trying war criminals in The Hague (no, really) - the better. And hopefully clubs will concentrate less on bemoaning the system and more on encouraging their players to show some integrity and to behave like adults.
L.
Unsurprisingly, it came from parties who had been punished; Motherwell, after forward Michael Higdon was given a one match ban for what appeared to be a GIRUY gesture as part of a goal celebration at Tannadice (directed at his own fans), and Hibernian, after BBC Alba cameras picked up Leigh Griffiths giving a middle-finger salute.
Griffiths is a bizarre case. The former Dundee striker, on loan from Wolves, has now picked up three bans for similar actions in the space of only six weeks. First there was a one match ban for giving the GIRUY to Rangers fans at Easter Road who mocked him for losing his footing. The two subsequent offences, which occurred in a cup game at Cowdenbeath (after he scored a goal) and in a home league game against St. Johnstone, were, incredibly, aimed at his own supporters.
Whilst I can easily believe that Hibs fans might turn on their team quite quickly at the moment, considering that they are the biggest under-achievers since Charlie Chaplin entered and failed to win a Charlie Chaplin lookalike contest, I can't help feeling this is a rather sad indictment of Griffiths. It will surely have been noted by his parent club that, if he can't cope with the pressure cooker that is Central Park (Cowdenbeath's ground is better known for it's stock car racing track than it's atmosphere), then he doesn't really stand a chance playing at Molineux or other English Premier League grounds.
I also wonder how far Griffiths has to go before Hibernian and their new manager Pat Fenlon tire of him as well. So far the repeat offending has led to a total of five matches without an important first team player. It would have been quite easy to get shot of him - the decision to extend his loan spell beyond January actually came after the Cowdenbeath incident. Considering the club's problems in recent times with on- and off-field discipline, it would have been an opportunity for the new boss to stamp his authority. Fenlon has so far accumulated only 4 points from 8 league games in the Easter Road hotseat; he badly needs Griffiths to prove that his trust is not misplaced.
As for Higdon, the case was a bit less clear-cut - it has been argued, not without justification, that he often celebrates goals in this manner. What was more disturbing were the comments coming out of Motherwell, whose manager Stuart McCall appeared to imply that whether players were caught or not depended on the affiliations of whoever was editing the match highlights for Sportscene, and whose spokesperson released a statement after the ban was upheld containing lines such as 'We have material concerns about the approach, the informal communication around it and the obvious disproportionate nature of the suspension' and 'We do not believe this process as executed is doing anything other than setting all of us back. The focus is supposed to be on football, more needs to be done to keep the administration of the game on that track'.
You'd think Higdon was being sent to prison by a kangaroo court, not banned slightly harshly for the grand total of one game.
I previously questioned how long Compliance Officer Vincent Lunny's patience would last as the inevitable criticism rained down on him; prior to this he has been slagged off by Rangers (after banning Sone Aluko for diving) while Hearts' Ryan McGowan was suspended retrospectively after a headbutt. On the other hand, it has been used successfully to clear players who have wrongly been sent off - Caley Thistle's Greg Tansey is a case in point. Aberdeen midfielder Peter Pawlett, of course, got both ends of the stick - an unfair red card for a sliding challenge was rescinded...but he got a two match ban for a dive ten minutes earlier that won a penalty.
I'm all for this retrospective stuff. Officials are bound to make mistakes even if they are top drawer (not a description that can be applied to many north of the border). While obviously there has to be a limit - there aren't enough hours in the day to go through every single iffy decision - I'd rather there was some action than none at all. Only time will tell if this becomes a deterrent or not, but certainly I'd like to think that, for example, forwards will think twice about 'simulation' if they know that they will get a subsequent ban, as well as having their reputation damaged.
So, the longer that Mr. Lunny puts up with this - it must seem like a picnic compared to his previous job, which was trying war criminals in The Hague (no, really) - the better. And hopefully clubs will concentrate less on bemoaning the system and more on encouraging their players to show some integrity and to behave like adults.
L.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
SPL must tread carefully with Hearts
Vladimir Romanov might be regretting his decision to pay his players on time.
Hearts had picked up 13 out of a possible 15 points in the league prior to Saturday's travel to Inverness; it seems that (Ryan Stevenson, who remains 'on strike' over the late wage payments, aside) all the rigmarole surrounding the club had served to stiffen the will of the players, rather than break it. Last week's 5-2 win over St. Mirren, in a match where the Tynecastle side played 80 minutes with ten men, was not a result or performance which suggested a lack of motivation. They lie third in the table.
January was supposed to be a nightmare month, with Romanov flogging any player he could, and an exodus the like of which had not been seen since Moses complained to the Egyptian Pharoah about the working conditions for immigrants. No sign of that so far - only Eggert Jonsson (sold to Wolves for a generous £200,000), Calum Elliot and Janos Balogh have left so far.
The squad finally got the money they were owed last week, and promptly lost 1-0 in the Highlands. Coincidence?
Of course it is. Hearts were far from their best, but they were battling the elements as much as their opponents; the gale force wind might have been in their favour in the second half, but it was so strong that it was as much of a hindrance as an advantage. But one never knows what is going on in Mad Vlad's mind, or what conclusions he might draw from hearing that result, whilst sitting in his castle, drinking human blood...(or at least that's what I imagine he does)
Maybe Ian Black shouldn't ditch the painter-decorator sideline he had going in the lead up to Christmas just yet, in case that February paycheck gets delayed as a result.
Of course, some of you will have, by now, have noted the deliberate mistake in the opening paragraph. The Hearts players were not, by the SPL's definition, paid 'on time'. Romanov claims the club processed the payments on Monday and, for various admin reasons, not all the money arrived in accounts until Tuesday. The subsequent charge handed down of 'failing to behave with the utmost good faith' by the Scottish Premier League can, it seems, be roughly translated as 'taking the f****** piss out of us' and implying that the delay was pre-meditated.
Hard to believe that, in this whole debacle, the SPL could manage to lose some of the moral high ground, but they are doing their best to do so, not least after the BBC's Chick Young appeared to have picked up insider information that the likely penalty when the organization's board meet is an eight point penalty. The fact that this has got out is deeply embarrassing, especially since, as pointed out by Guardian journalist and unashamed Jambo Ewan Murray, the men who will decide Hearts' punishment include representatives of St. Johnstone, Motherwell and Dundee United - who happen to be the three teams directly below them in the league and who therefore stand to benefit most from taking points off the Edinburgh club. It could be comparable to letting Orange, O2 and T-Mobile convene to punish Vodafone for not paying tax...if, of course, Vodafone were actually being punished...
A points deduction seems, to this author, to be a somewhat inappropriate punishment - taking away the fruits of the players' laudable efforts during a difficult time. I'm not saying Romanov and co. should get off Scot-free - a fine might seem counterproductive at a time where there are obviously financial issues, but perhaps a transfer embargo? Preventing the signing of new players for this transfer window, and perhaps even the coming summer, seems like enough of a slap on the wrist.
Considering the fact that the SPL have done little more than bat an eyelid to so many other offences in the past - the constant sectarian singing (a fixture in the away end at both Caley's home games against the Old Firm this season), the claim by the Scotsman that six clubs were late with at least one payment to the taxman in the last year - it would seem incredible, and incredulous, for them to hit Hearts like this.
It has been a week where the back pages in the Scottish rags have been unanimously dediated to events at Tynecastle, which seems staggering considering a much, much bigger story going on just along the road in court in Edinburgh, where the tribunal into Rangers' ongoing tax saga finally concluded. The result, to be announced in approximately six weeks, could of course plunge the Gers into administration.
If Hearts get an eight point deduction for all this, then what on earth would Rangers get in the hypothetical situation that they can't meet a £30million-plus bill to the taxman? One wonders...
L.
Hearts had picked up 13 out of a possible 15 points in the league prior to Saturday's travel to Inverness; it seems that (Ryan Stevenson, who remains 'on strike' over the late wage payments, aside) all the rigmarole surrounding the club had served to stiffen the will of the players, rather than break it. Last week's 5-2 win over St. Mirren, in a match where the Tynecastle side played 80 minutes with ten men, was not a result or performance which suggested a lack of motivation. They lie third in the table.
January was supposed to be a nightmare month, with Romanov flogging any player he could, and an exodus the like of which had not been seen since Moses complained to the Egyptian Pharoah about the working conditions for immigrants. No sign of that so far - only Eggert Jonsson (sold to Wolves for a generous £200,000), Calum Elliot and Janos Balogh have left so far.
The squad finally got the money they were owed last week, and promptly lost 1-0 in the Highlands. Coincidence?
Of course it is. Hearts were far from their best, but they were battling the elements as much as their opponents; the gale force wind might have been in their favour in the second half, but it was so strong that it was as much of a hindrance as an advantage. But one never knows what is going on in Mad Vlad's mind, or what conclusions he might draw from hearing that result, whilst sitting in his castle, drinking human blood...(or at least that's what I imagine he does)
Maybe Ian Black shouldn't ditch the painter-decorator sideline he had going in the lead up to Christmas just yet, in case that February paycheck gets delayed as a result.
Of course, some of you will have, by now, have noted the deliberate mistake in the opening paragraph. The Hearts players were not, by the SPL's definition, paid 'on time'. Romanov claims the club processed the payments on Monday and, for various admin reasons, not all the money arrived in accounts until Tuesday. The subsequent charge handed down of 'failing to behave with the utmost good faith' by the Scottish Premier League can, it seems, be roughly translated as 'taking the f****** piss out of us' and implying that the delay was pre-meditated.
Hard to believe that, in this whole debacle, the SPL could manage to lose some of the moral high ground, but they are doing their best to do so, not least after the BBC's Chick Young appeared to have picked up insider information that the likely penalty when the organization's board meet is an eight point penalty. The fact that this has got out is deeply embarrassing, especially since, as pointed out by Guardian journalist and unashamed Jambo Ewan Murray, the men who will decide Hearts' punishment include representatives of St. Johnstone, Motherwell and Dundee United - who happen to be the three teams directly below them in the league and who therefore stand to benefit most from taking points off the Edinburgh club. It could be comparable to letting Orange, O2 and T-Mobile convene to punish Vodafone for not paying tax...if, of course, Vodafone were actually being punished...
A points deduction seems, to this author, to be a somewhat inappropriate punishment - taking away the fruits of the players' laudable efforts during a difficult time. I'm not saying Romanov and co. should get off Scot-free - a fine might seem counterproductive at a time where there are obviously financial issues, but perhaps a transfer embargo? Preventing the signing of new players for this transfer window, and perhaps even the coming summer, seems like enough of a slap on the wrist.
Considering the fact that the SPL have done little more than bat an eyelid to so many other offences in the past - the constant sectarian singing (a fixture in the away end at both Caley's home games against the Old Firm this season), the claim by the Scotsman that six clubs were late with at least one payment to the taxman in the last year - it would seem incredible, and incredulous, for them to hit Hearts like this.
It has been a week where the back pages in the Scottish rags have been unanimously dediated to events at Tynecastle, which seems staggering considering a much, much bigger story going on just along the road in court in Edinburgh, where the tribunal into Rangers' ongoing tax saga finally concluded. The result, to be announced in approximately six weeks, could of course plunge the Gers into administration.
If Hearts get an eight point deduction for all this, then what on earth would Rangers get in the hypothetical situation that they can't meet a £30million-plus bill to the taxman? One wonders...
L.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Pars in Peril
The fourth official held up the board. SIX minutes.
The most surprising thing about the amount of time added on was that no-one in the ground was surprised.
There were no signs of protest from the away dugout; Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre stood, arms folded, face impassive. He knew as well as anyone that his side had done everything that was possible to slow the game down, waste time, extend stoppages. Entire civilizations have risen and fallen in the time taken to make a single substitution. As early as the 55th minute, his goalkeeper had been given the ball back after an injury stoppage...and promptly refused to pick it up until an opposing player had sprinted fifty yards to hurry him up.
All this might have been excusable had it not been for the fact that it was not at Ibrox or Celtic Park that Dunfermline were clinging onto a precariously 1-0 lead in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. Rather, it was a Caley Thistle side who had been reduced to ten men for an hour, with the Pars scoring from the free kick that followed Kenny Gillet's red card. Most teams, especially when they already had two strikers on the pitch, and two wingers as well, would have kept the ball, stretched the play, and worn the opposition down. Dunfermline instead stuck nine players behind the ball, and showed no inclination to press for a decisive second goal. They gambled everything on Inverness lacking the ingenuity, or energy, to break them down, but they did not reckon against the footballing gods displaying a rare sense of justice to go to their dark sense of humour.
Four of the six added minutes had elapsed when keeper Chris Smith came out of his area to deal with a long punted clearance from the Caley backline. TV pictures are inconclusive as to whether the ball took a bobble; there is no doubt that Smith's right leg swung so wildly that he might have had his eyes closed. His foot missed its target by more than a few centimetres. Inverness winger Jonny Hayes, closing him down more out of hope than expectation, couldn't believe his luck, tapping into an empty net to earn his team an unlikely replay next week.
If Dunfermline were looking for some solace from a league campaign where, after going unbeaten for their opening four matches, they have picked up just six out of a possible forty-eight, they did not find it. They might not have lost in the Highlands, but its fair to suspect that, once the players had returned to the dressing room, it felt like a defeat.
How things have changed since May, when they were first division champions and returned to the SPL after four seasons in the second tier. They hardly played like Barcelona, but McIntyre had established a philosophy of passing football, and stuck to it even as fans grew impatient over a failure to challenge for promotion in his first two full seasons in charge. Last Spring's success seemed to justify the actions of the manager, and his chairman John Yorkston.
But, in my season preview, I wrote "Dunfermline's problem is that that their squad is based around several players who have SPL experience...but were simply not good enough the last time round". And, so far, they haven't been up to the task this time round either; the exception, goalkeeper Paul Gallacher, will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. His understudy, Smith, proved himself unreliable even before this weekend's match when he punched a corner into his own net in a game against St Johnstone.
The defence has not been helped by the injury that has sidelined centre-back Kevin Rutkiewicz for the entire campaign so far, but even his presence would not alleviate the horrendous lack of pace or mobility in the back line. The midfield, like last season, depends almost entirely on the 35 year old (and increasingly fragile) Martin Hardie for its engine. Most damningly, McIntyre's marquee summer signing, Ross County striker Andy Barrowman, has failed to shed the reputation he acquired during 18 months as Caley Thistle's highest paid player, when he managed only three goals and earned a reputation for being lazy and for shirking a battle. His tap-in from a goalkeeping gaffe on Saturday was, remarkably, his first goal from open play in Inverness; he had scored only a penalty in seventeen games playing at home for Caley Thistle.
Gone is the passing game. Even when a man to the good on Saturday, and with two wingers on the pitch (in fact, David Graham and Joe Cardle might be the club's two outstanding players), there was nothing but long balls up the middle; in the end, there were more hoofs than at the Grand National (I'll get me coat). To go along with that was a deeply cynical edge - the only thing that they have perfected to a tee appears to be the tactical foul. Those hardy supporters who had travelled 150 miles to sit in the away end on a dreich Highland Saturday must have been in need of an intravenous infusion of antidepressants by the end.
And, to cap it all, there appears to be precious little cash to spend in the January window. Chairman Yorkston has already admitted that the club overbudgeted, expecting an average attendance far higher than the current 5300 total. They didn't even have the finance to keep on-loan Hearts full-back Jason Thomson after his deal expired at the beginning of this month. McIntyre needs to get players through the exit door in order to get new faces in, and his success in touting his reserves to first division clubs (and in persuading them to go) might make all the difference.
He also desperately needs his first team to do the job properly when they face Inverness all over again next midweek, in a replay that should never have happened. A win and a cup run might just bring a little bit of confidence back. For, if Dunfermline continue to play like this, they are certs for relegation. And if they continue in their current style, no-one will miss them.
L.
The most surprising thing about the amount of time added on was that no-one in the ground was surprised.
There were no signs of protest from the away dugout; Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre stood, arms folded, face impassive. He knew as well as anyone that his side had done everything that was possible to slow the game down, waste time, extend stoppages. Entire civilizations have risen and fallen in the time taken to make a single substitution. As early as the 55th minute, his goalkeeper had been given the ball back after an injury stoppage...and promptly refused to pick it up until an opposing player had sprinted fifty yards to hurry him up.
All this might have been excusable had it not been for the fact that it was not at Ibrox or Celtic Park that Dunfermline were clinging onto a precariously 1-0 lead in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. Rather, it was a Caley Thistle side who had been reduced to ten men for an hour, with the Pars scoring from the free kick that followed Kenny Gillet's red card. Most teams, especially when they already had two strikers on the pitch, and two wingers as well, would have kept the ball, stretched the play, and worn the opposition down. Dunfermline instead stuck nine players behind the ball, and showed no inclination to press for a decisive second goal. They gambled everything on Inverness lacking the ingenuity, or energy, to break them down, but they did not reckon against the footballing gods displaying a rare sense of justice to go to their dark sense of humour.
Four of the six added minutes had elapsed when keeper Chris Smith came out of his area to deal with a long punted clearance from the Caley backline. TV pictures are inconclusive as to whether the ball took a bobble; there is no doubt that Smith's right leg swung so wildly that he might have had his eyes closed. His foot missed its target by more than a few centimetres. Inverness winger Jonny Hayes, closing him down more out of hope than expectation, couldn't believe his luck, tapping into an empty net to earn his team an unlikely replay next week.
If Dunfermline were looking for some solace from a league campaign where, after going unbeaten for their opening four matches, they have picked up just six out of a possible forty-eight, they did not find it. They might not have lost in the Highlands, but its fair to suspect that, once the players had returned to the dressing room, it felt like a defeat.
How things have changed since May, when they were first division champions and returned to the SPL after four seasons in the second tier. They hardly played like Barcelona, but McIntyre had established a philosophy of passing football, and stuck to it even as fans grew impatient over a failure to challenge for promotion in his first two full seasons in charge. Last Spring's success seemed to justify the actions of the manager, and his chairman John Yorkston.
But, in my season preview, I wrote "Dunfermline's problem is that that their squad is based around several players who have SPL experience...but were simply not good enough the last time round". And, so far, they haven't been up to the task this time round either; the exception, goalkeeper Paul Gallacher, will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. His understudy, Smith, proved himself unreliable even before this weekend's match when he punched a corner into his own net in a game against St Johnstone.
The defence has not been helped by the injury that has sidelined centre-back Kevin Rutkiewicz for the entire campaign so far, but even his presence would not alleviate the horrendous lack of pace or mobility in the back line. The midfield, like last season, depends almost entirely on the 35 year old (and increasingly fragile) Martin Hardie for its engine. Most damningly, McIntyre's marquee summer signing, Ross County striker Andy Barrowman, has failed to shed the reputation he acquired during 18 months as Caley Thistle's highest paid player, when he managed only three goals and earned a reputation for being lazy and for shirking a battle. His tap-in from a goalkeeping gaffe on Saturday was, remarkably, his first goal from open play in Inverness; he had scored only a penalty in seventeen games playing at home for Caley Thistle.
Gone is the passing game. Even when a man to the good on Saturday, and with two wingers on the pitch (in fact, David Graham and Joe Cardle might be the club's two outstanding players), there was nothing but long balls up the middle; in the end, there were more hoofs than at the Grand National (I'll get me coat). To go along with that was a deeply cynical edge - the only thing that they have perfected to a tee appears to be the tactical foul. Those hardy supporters who had travelled 150 miles to sit in the away end on a dreich Highland Saturday must have been in need of an intravenous infusion of antidepressants by the end.
And, to cap it all, there appears to be precious little cash to spend in the January window. Chairman Yorkston has already admitted that the club overbudgeted, expecting an average attendance far higher than the current 5300 total. They didn't even have the finance to keep on-loan Hearts full-back Jason Thomson after his deal expired at the beginning of this month. McIntyre needs to get players through the exit door in order to get new faces in, and his success in touting his reserves to first division clubs (and in persuading them to go) might make all the difference.
He also desperately needs his first team to do the job properly when they face Inverness all over again next midweek, in a replay that should never have happened. A win and a cup run might just bring a little bit of confidence back. For, if Dunfermline continue to play like this, they are certs for relegation. And if they continue in their current style, no-one will miss them.
L.
Monday, January 2, 2012
The SPL kids who will flee south in 2012
Let's face it, Scottish football is to the rest of the world as Iran is to international politics; a bunch who shout loudly and claim to be far more important and significant than anyone else believes, and, to extend the metaphors, known mainly on the international stage because of a couple of belligerent figureheads who either loved or hated in their own country and who generally cause nothing but trouble.
There's no doubt that the standing of the SPL is diminishing as the years go by. No longer do most young prospects make their living here, unless they are at the Old Firm - and even then they often look to leave the nest as well. More money and fame, as well as the opportunity to test themselves at a higher level, lie over the border. In the last 18 months alone, the likes of James McArthur, Aiden McGeady (who of course went to Russia), Danny Wilson, Leigh Griffiths (now back on loan at Hibs), Craig Bryson, Chris Maguire, Craig Forsyth and David Goodwillie have left for bigger and better things...with varying degrees of success.
As the income of SPL clubs diminishes, the number of young players fleeing south seems likely to only increase. So who are the most likely fledglings to make the move in the next 12 months?
FRASER FYVIE (ABERDEEN)
It's already been nearly two and a half years since this ginger-haired midfielder made his debut at 16, making him Aberdeen's youngest ever player. Fyvie has thankfully showed no ill effects after his return from the cruciate ligament injury that forced him to write off most of the last campaign. Rumours were abound in the summer of a seven figure bid from Fulham; whilst this came to nought, it seems likely that before long the Dons will have to cash in on his precocious talent.
JAMES FORREST (CELTIC)
As Neil Lennon pointed out after Celtic's recent Old Firm win, the remarkable thing about Forrest is his consistency; the 20 year old winger has been a fixture in the team this year, and it's hard to think of a poor performance, sometimes putting veteran teammates to shame. Comparisons with former alumnus Aiden McGeady are inaccurate - Forrest is less about tricks and more about sheer pace - but there's no doubt that he's the best prospect Parkhead has produced since the Irish international. His only weakness is a dependence on his right foot. He's the best young Scotsman in goodness knows how long, and I wonder if the SPL is too small a pond for his talents to blossom.
ADAM MATTHEWS (CELTIC)
I'm cheating slightly here, as Matthews was brought north from Cardiff City only last summer and is not quite a prospect in the same manner as the others on this list. But the right back has established himself as first choice over more experienced colleagues, and even at 19 is a Welsh international; in fact he was one of the Celtic players contacted over potential availability for the GB Olympic team. Good defensively, and with a good enough crossing foot that he often takes corner kicks, Matthews has already been linked with Everton and Fulham, among others.
SCOTT ALLAN (DUNDEE UNITED)
By the time you read this Allan may already be over the border; West Bromwich Albion are looking to complete a £400,000 deal for the under 21 international. We haven't seen that much of him in the Arabs' first team, partly because he was dropped for rejecting a new deal and demanding £1,600 a week (in SPL terms, this is a lot of money!). But his performances in an attacking midfield role attracted interest from plenty of clubs, and it seems someone will be willing to meet his wage demands.
JOHNNY RUSSELL (DUNDEE UNITED)
Could Russell follow in the footsteps of former teammate David Goodwillie, whom United sold to Blackburn for £2.5m in August? Recently at Inverness he came off the bench early in the second half with the team 2-0 down, and scored twice as United came back to win. But he was only a sub that day because of inconsistent performances in previous games. A forward who has the speed to play wide as well, Russell scored against both Celtic and Rangers last season, proving he is not overawed by big occasions. A little more maturity could see him go a long way.
SCOTT ROBINSON (HEARTS)
Robinson had largely disappeared off the radar after making his debut as a 16 year old in April 2008, when he became the SPL's youngest ever player. Initially used as a striker, his diminutive 5ft 7in frame may be one reason why he has dropped deeper; he has in the last couple of months established himself in the middle of the park at Tynecastle where he has the engine, bite and skill to make him a real prospect as an all-round midfielder. At 19, you can't help feeling there is plenty of improvement yet to come as well, and he's likely to get plenty of first-team action as his club look to get rid of their more experienced earners.
LIAM KELLY (KILMARNOCK)
There has been plenty of upheaval in the Killie midfield over the last year or so, but Kelly, an under 21 international, remains pencilled in on the teamsheet. Last year he was often found drifting in the from the right flank, but the departures of Bryson, Taouil and Eremenko mean he is now often to be found right in the thick of the action. A deeper position on the pitch means he has yet to score this term, but his 8 goals last season prove that he can be a threat going forward too.
JAMIE MURPHY (MOTHERWELL)
The big surprise about Murphy is that he hasn't left Motherwell before now. This season, his team's use of Michael Higdon as target-man and fulcrum has seen the 22 year old forward playing more of a wide role, and as a result his goals tally is only a mediocre six so far this term. But Murphy showed last season the damage he can do with his pace and assured finishing; just think of the sumptuous solo goal he scored in the Scottish Cup semi against St. Johnstone. He's not going to get much better staying in the SPL, so expect a move to at least a Championship side in either January or the summer.
GREGG WYLDE (RANGERS)
Wide midfielder Wylde has easily outstripped the stagnating John Fleck to become the best of Rangers' young players, though he still lacks consistency; too often his final ball is, well, a bit wild. But his pace is blistering and he has a good grasp of his defensive duties for one so young. Rangers' potential financial problems might mean Wylde becomes a first choice on the left flank for years to come, or it might mean they are obliged to cash in on his potential.
KENNY MCLEAN (ST MIRREN)
McLean has been the figurehead of manager Danny Lennon's push to make St. Mirren more of a creative passing team; after some rough experiences last season he has exploded in form in this campaign, adding a goal threat to his midfield play. His assurance on the ball has already brought comparisons with Barry Ferguson. Talk is that Burnley have offered £350,000 for the Buddies' prize asset; with McLean under contract till 2014, expect them to hold out for a much bigger fee.
It'll be interesting to see how many of these I'm correct about. Given the accuracies of my blogs in 2011, I'm betting on between zero and one...
L.
There's no doubt that the standing of the SPL is diminishing as the years go by. No longer do most young prospects make their living here, unless they are at the Old Firm - and even then they often look to leave the nest as well. More money and fame, as well as the opportunity to test themselves at a higher level, lie over the border. In the last 18 months alone, the likes of James McArthur, Aiden McGeady (who of course went to Russia), Danny Wilson, Leigh Griffiths (now back on loan at Hibs), Craig Bryson, Chris Maguire, Craig Forsyth and David Goodwillie have left for bigger and better things...with varying degrees of success.
As the income of SPL clubs diminishes, the number of young players fleeing south seems likely to only increase. So who are the most likely fledglings to make the move in the next 12 months?
FRASER FYVIE (ABERDEEN)
It's already been nearly two and a half years since this ginger-haired midfielder made his debut at 16, making him Aberdeen's youngest ever player. Fyvie has thankfully showed no ill effects after his return from the cruciate ligament injury that forced him to write off most of the last campaign. Rumours were abound in the summer of a seven figure bid from Fulham; whilst this came to nought, it seems likely that before long the Dons will have to cash in on his precocious talent.
JAMES FORREST (CELTIC)
As Neil Lennon pointed out after Celtic's recent Old Firm win, the remarkable thing about Forrest is his consistency; the 20 year old winger has been a fixture in the team this year, and it's hard to think of a poor performance, sometimes putting veteran teammates to shame. Comparisons with former alumnus Aiden McGeady are inaccurate - Forrest is less about tricks and more about sheer pace - but there's no doubt that he's the best prospect Parkhead has produced since the Irish international. His only weakness is a dependence on his right foot. He's the best young Scotsman in goodness knows how long, and I wonder if the SPL is too small a pond for his talents to blossom.
ADAM MATTHEWS (CELTIC)
I'm cheating slightly here, as Matthews was brought north from Cardiff City only last summer and is not quite a prospect in the same manner as the others on this list. But the right back has established himself as first choice over more experienced colleagues, and even at 19 is a Welsh international; in fact he was one of the Celtic players contacted over potential availability for the GB Olympic team. Good defensively, and with a good enough crossing foot that he often takes corner kicks, Matthews has already been linked with Everton and Fulham, among others.
SCOTT ALLAN (DUNDEE UNITED)
By the time you read this Allan may already be over the border; West Bromwich Albion are looking to complete a £400,000 deal for the under 21 international. We haven't seen that much of him in the Arabs' first team, partly because he was dropped for rejecting a new deal and demanding £1,600 a week (in SPL terms, this is a lot of money!). But his performances in an attacking midfield role attracted interest from plenty of clubs, and it seems someone will be willing to meet his wage demands.
JOHNNY RUSSELL (DUNDEE UNITED)
Could Russell follow in the footsteps of former teammate David Goodwillie, whom United sold to Blackburn for £2.5m in August? Recently at Inverness he came off the bench early in the second half with the team 2-0 down, and scored twice as United came back to win. But he was only a sub that day because of inconsistent performances in previous games. A forward who has the speed to play wide as well, Russell scored against both Celtic and Rangers last season, proving he is not overawed by big occasions. A little more maturity could see him go a long way.
SCOTT ROBINSON (HEARTS)
Robinson had largely disappeared off the radar after making his debut as a 16 year old in April 2008, when he became the SPL's youngest ever player. Initially used as a striker, his diminutive 5ft 7in frame may be one reason why he has dropped deeper; he has in the last couple of months established himself in the middle of the park at Tynecastle where he has the engine, bite and skill to make him a real prospect as an all-round midfielder. At 19, you can't help feeling there is plenty of improvement yet to come as well, and he's likely to get plenty of first-team action as his club look to get rid of their more experienced earners.
LIAM KELLY (KILMARNOCK)
There has been plenty of upheaval in the Killie midfield over the last year or so, but Kelly, an under 21 international, remains pencilled in on the teamsheet. Last year he was often found drifting in the from the right flank, but the departures of Bryson, Taouil and Eremenko mean he is now often to be found right in the thick of the action. A deeper position on the pitch means he has yet to score this term, but his 8 goals last season prove that he can be a threat going forward too.
JAMIE MURPHY (MOTHERWELL)
The big surprise about Murphy is that he hasn't left Motherwell before now. This season, his team's use of Michael Higdon as target-man and fulcrum has seen the 22 year old forward playing more of a wide role, and as a result his goals tally is only a mediocre six so far this term. But Murphy showed last season the damage he can do with his pace and assured finishing; just think of the sumptuous solo goal he scored in the Scottish Cup semi against St. Johnstone. He's not going to get much better staying in the SPL, so expect a move to at least a Championship side in either January or the summer.
GREGG WYLDE (RANGERS)
Wide midfielder Wylde has easily outstripped the stagnating John Fleck to become the best of Rangers' young players, though he still lacks consistency; too often his final ball is, well, a bit wild. But his pace is blistering and he has a good grasp of his defensive duties for one so young. Rangers' potential financial problems might mean Wylde becomes a first choice on the left flank for years to come, or it might mean they are obliged to cash in on his potential.
KENNY MCLEAN (ST MIRREN)
McLean has been the figurehead of manager Danny Lennon's push to make St. Mirren more of a creative passing team; after some rough experiences last season he has exploded in form in this campaign, adding a goal threat to his midfield play. His assurance on the ball has already brought comparisons with Barry Ferguson. Talk is that Burnley have offered £350,000 for the Buddies' prize asset; with McLean under contract till 2014, expect them to hold out for a much bigger fee.
It'll be interesting to see how many of these I'm correct about. Given the accuracies of my blogs in 2011, I'm betting on between zero and one...
L.
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