Spare a thought for the Serious Professional.
Yesterday, as he surveyed the financial wreckage he had one questions for the universe.
“How are we going to pay for this?”
Going into the window he thought that everyone in the Sevco High Command was on the same page.
Essentially Pedro’s high earners would have to be shifted off the wage bill, either by transfer or loan deals.
Obviously, the former would be more advantageous.
Then low-cost local players would be brought in.
Overall it was a decent enough plan and Director of Fantasy Mark Allen and young Master Murts were fully on board.
However, it hasn’t really gone to plan.
So far only Señor Carlos Alberto Peña Rodríguez has been pushed halfway out the door to the tune of £10k per week.
The Holding Company vehicle is still picking up the majority of his pay cheque and all of his signing on fee.
At time writing Senhor Bruno Eduardo Regufe Alves is the highest paid player at Sevco and Scotland.
There was some interest in the ex- Cagliari defender, but he wanted a payoff from the basket of assets.
The same situation applies to Senhor Fábio Rafael Rodrigues Cardoso.
Some interest in the player, but the wages being offered were less than what Sevco are paying.
Consequently, the player would require a lump sum pay off before he would consider moving.
Ar the end of all of the embarrassments around attempting to buy players Sevco finally came up with some money.
I know, I know…
The first tranche for Greg Docherty will be in the region of £300k.
It was this move in the transfer market that caused the Serious Professional to experience serious levels of stress yesterday.
One wise Sevco observer steered me in the direction two possible sources where this money might have been accessed.
Firstly, a portion of the matchday earnings from the Aberdeen game.
Secondly, there had been some indication that the Sevco High Command had been looking at securitising season ticket money.
They had approached several companies, but only one of them had even entertained the prospect.
Even then the conditions were onerous.
I am not saying that this has happened, but that it was examined.
Either way, the money for Greg Docherty didn’t come from a surplus within the business, as there isn’t such a thing.
I’m told that the shortfall in the January wage bill was covered by interventions from Mr Johnston and Mr Scott.
The former is the real deal.
Emotionally committed and dipping into this personal wealth.
However, he isn’t a billionaire and his wealth is not off the radar.
I suspect that Mr Scott is more hard headed with his “generosity”.
Meanwhile, the bills are stacking up and there are now more players on the wage bill.
That anguished question from the Serious professional remains unanswered.
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If they are still paying signing on fees monthly to players either no longer at the club or no longer in Murty’s plans , ditto payments to previous management teams, on top of a wage bill bloated by incomers with only Pena going the other way how are they balancing the books plus talk of more players coming in!
Unless King has won the lottery or someone is sold for 7 figures before the window closes then it’s a fair assumption that fresh money has come to the table, but whose?
Still Feb, March and April to get through before May’s ST windfall.
King’s pushed the cold shoulder thingy a few weeks down the line but it’s not gone away.
With UEFA FFP rules being trampled underfoot on what basis will Regan and his licencing committee wave through Newco’s application for next season?
The financials are a disaster with the current financial year likely to be worse than last due to the inflated wage bill.
Revenues are maxed out and sponsorship deals are thin on the ground due to the toxicity of the club.
King’s been in the country for a couple of days now and even managed to take in a couple of games, noticeably not Chelsea nor Liverpool.
Is there moves afoot? Is a meeting with Regan on the cards?
I see the media is absolutely slaughtering Regan and the blazers today. He’s quickly finding out that he’s short of friends and will bear the blame entirely for any misdemeanors that have taken place under his watch whilst Ogilvie, Bryson, Dickson, Broadfoot, Fleming,McCrae et al, just continue to do what they do, however badly, because the only person ever to be fired from the SFA will be the next national team manager.
As unlikely as it is wouldn’t it be fun if Neil Lennon was to get the gig, perhaps thinking he’s hit the wall with Hibs?
Oh the joy of seeing the sparks fly as Lenny pushes against the status quo and the handshake brigade.
Leeds Utd went down the pawning of future ST sales route and just look at the glowing success that has been. Surely this has got to be the last throw of the dice of a drowning (in debt) man. Then again , I can’t see any money lenders chucking their cash at a club circling the drain, knowing full well they’ll probably have to settle for pence in the pound when the roof falls in (pun intended). Scottish football is going to be a far duller place without the ongoing shenanigans at Fortress bigotry, we may have to start honing our focus on BRs shortcomings ie: we need a central defence that can actually defend…..
Someone will always come up with the money to keep them alive because it’s not about a football team. It’s what they represent. Defeating Celtic is not about winning a football match but trampling down the usurpers(in their eyes) and the whole of Scotland is behind them. It sickens me to be part of this society and I have no hope of it changing.
I have no doubt that Phil’s information is accurate but they are not going to die and, if the people at Parkhead think that this year’s league is in the bag without a fight, they are in dreamworld. Every referee will also be aware of the potential success at Ibrox.
My fears surrounding our team is that there are not enough fighters to stem the blue tsunami that is heading our way.
Why have the media turned on Regan now ?
A 2nd insolvency event at Ibrox under his watch would not only leave his position untenable but would hamstring his ability to usher in another 5way type agreement .
A new face is desperately needed to smooth the way for Third Rangers.
‘Securitising’ season ticket money?
Sounds familiar!
Tickets and Octopus or whatever comes to mind!
If they can’t pawn the STs, will it be time for “every true fan to show their love and loyalty by buying a seat for life” – or in many cases – buy a seat for life again.
You may laugh now – but remember where you heard it first.
Of course, all RRM will know instinctively not to ask what happened to the previous seats for life – only a Timmy FB would do that 🙂
Today, I’ll mostly be singing “Life after Death” by Ian Hunter
Looks like a big gamble by sevco and maybe they think they can push Celtic real close this season.
Lets be honest if the dons had defeated them 3 times then the title race would be a lot closer.
The last match at Celtic park was poor from us whilst they have strengthened we have stagnated and if we dont get it sorted then a defeat against them looms closer.
Cummins Murphy Dochery will give them even more threat.
I think they are closer to us than many believe and they are closer than they have ever been in their short history to getting their first victory. I hope im wrong though.
I totally agree with this comment. It gives me no pleasure to sit here and watch them sign this one thatnpne and the next one irrespective of whether they are loan deals or not they are there and we’ve done little to strengthen from a position of strength.
They are much much closer than we give them credit for. We should stop listening to all this pish about them going into liquidation next week. a lot of rubbish , they are getting backing from somebody . We have plenty in the coffers and aren’t spending a bean. On any given day if we are as shite against them again they will punish us properly … Sad but true unfortunately …..Getbthe fuckin finger out Brendan and Lawell . You’ve had too dollar from the supporters for years , we want some payback with good quality signings … The Time is Now …!!!!!
Unfortunately you are not wrong my friend. Triggers broom FC will now definitely finish 2nd. It will be interesting to see the points gap at the end of the season.
Remember, this club do not pay bills
#anotherSPORTINGadvantage
Stories of money appearing from nowhere to cover wages,and transfer fees, don’t sound like a club that is struggling to survive.
Hard headed businessman throwing money away,good one,wish I could meet them,as I have only met people looking for money.
What’s the real story? Where is this money coming from?
Best bet is this club will survive,unless the real source of this money is uncovered,which may stop this happening.
Think its time this site spent so much time on sevco and castle greyskull.Its about time we should be.more concerned about in the words BR revolving door.Not one decent signing defence a shambles,constant injuries,best striker always on the bench Leigh.If we dont win the next 2 games Hibs,Hearts then BR and the board will know forget the champions league qualifiers.Hail Hail.
In other news, Skybet have re-instated the 150/1 available on Sevco finishing bottom 6.
No firm brave enough to re-open finishing bottom as of yet.
I just checked Skybet and 3 teams are missing from bottom 6 betting, Celtic, Ross Cty and a Sevco……
When was this? I had a look and Sevco aren’t included in the selection.
And meanwhile Club1690 is trying to milk another million out of the hard-of-thinking, with the shameless help of the SMSM, for a share issue that will never happen – for a whole list of reasons – not least because King promised it – ergo . . .
Does Mr Scott’s latest “investment” mean that we should expect a price increase on Cillit Bang products? I’m all for good kitchen (and bathroom) hygiene, but I will not be shifting grime and lime at any price simply to finance the basket of assets. ?
The general principle of a controlled liquidation would be a debt dump.
Why not ramp the debt up & kick those stupid enough to give them terms, right in their income stream.
All’s fair for The Rangers, so says the SFA.
Sevco are like the eternal gambler, just when he gambles the last of what he had away, he has another lucky win which continues to feed the habit and so it goes. Eventually the luck runs out and everything, including the house, is gambled away. The serious professional is like the gamblers wife, watching it all go down the drain around her. Eventually Sevco’s habits will catch up on them, just like they did before.
I genuinely think if there was a vote cast for the world’s most stupid football club, Sevco would top the poll. Sanity is in short supply over there, but then again you have to wonder was that club ever sane? The saying the lunantics are running the asylum has never been more apt when it comes to the current entity.
In Brendan Phil and Sevco incompetance we trust.
Oh dear! Poor guy. Perhaps he would like a stiff drink to ease his troubles?
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/mix-your-own-sevco-cocktail/
Financial chicanery aided and abetted by the authorities, boring stuff really, in that it’s allowed yo go on until it blows up real good….again. NYE Bells will toll…..eventuality. The real concern is what are Celtic doing make progress in Europe possible? The other stuff, is, well, embarrassing for Scottish football, but with the authorities doing nothing, the death will be long, protracted with many a fool and his money being parted.
Despite the on going shambles at Ibrox and the hopeless state of their finances which have been well documented by your goodself. They are still currently the “second best” team in Scotland. We continue to mock, but what does their league position say about the remainder of SPFL teams.
The Board at Celtic recognise that they have no incentive or need to spend millions to be ahead of this lot (so they wont) They are happy to make the right sound bites about competing in Europe without doing anything meaningful as results over the last few years have shown.
With little or no competition in Scotland, Celtic will quickly stagnate. We need to seriously examine any way we can to get out of the SFPL
Despite their financial problems they sit in 2nd place. They have a most very excellent manager who does not lose matches away at Celtic Park. He also appears to do well against Aberdeen, Hibs and Hearts. Meanwhile, I remember not so long ago, Celtic fixtures at Partick Thistle, Tynecastle and Rugby Park were a stroll in the park. Today I’m not so sure
“A most very excellent manager” sounds like a line from the Marigold Hotel.
An exceptionally very excellent manager who is gunning for the spfl trophy
Yip. When will Celtic fans start to see that brilliant as he is Brendan does not walk on water. And as for big Peter and his biscuit tin. As a STH at CP I sometimes wonder if we are as big as mugs we laugh at in Govan
Which is why financial doping isn’t permitted…….
Except in Scotland …. By both the member clubs and authorities
Id love that… But only if we can ‘ go solo’ and not be part of any ‘Glasgow ‘ (refuse to use the OF term no longer of relevance) deal that involves taking the dirty old basket case along with us…
How many single goal wins have they had? How many were penalty kicks?
HOW MANY WERE Penalty Kicks or Offside Goals or “honest mistakes”.
I think therein may lie the answer.
How many more till the end of the season or until top 6 cut off point?
MIBs ( Masons in Black ) ride to the rescue.
And all the other clubs accept it.
What a Cynic I am.
Exactly just seen the pen Ross County should have had just prior to them shooting themselves in the foot
All in with a king high, bad poker play
They have once again managed to get through another wage cycle and at this point, I have given up on them crashing. There always seems to be another fool who’s willing to part with their money to keep them with their nose above the waterline.
I’m have deeper concerns about what is going on (or what isn’t) at Celtic!
Patience Peter, if they’ve exhausted Park’s altruism and now rely on Johnson & Scott then the end is most definitley nigh.
As for pawning the ST’s – I assume the one company interested was not Ticketus
Think you might be right on Ticketus…. 🙂
They are not only burning the candle at both ends, they have thrown it in the fire. Is this gambling with a strong hand or going blind with the last of your dosh? Hell mend them.