Regular readers will not be at all surprised by the analysis in this piece in the Daily Mail by Stephen McGowan yesterday.
Indeed, the headline picked by the sub-editor could have appeared here at any time in the last two years.
This fact was pointed out when the piece was posted on X.
I was pleased to see football finance guru Kieran Maguire quoted in the piece as someone who knows his stuff.
He pointed out that the Ibrox club “can’t do a Manchester City or a Paris Saint-Germain or a Chelsea when they were acquired by hyper-wealth individuals or sovereign wealth funds” because of UEFA’s FSR ordinances.
Dear reader, that quote could have come from your humble correspondent over the last few years.
Here is Mr Maguire in the Huddle Breakdown last year, being gently advised by Alan Morrison. The key conversation happens after 23 minutes.
Alan points out that the annual financial gap between both Glasgow clubs is structural and that £15m is substantial in Scottish football.
For the Ibrox klanbase, UEFA’s FSR has ushered in a dystopian landscape in which their new club is simply the second best.
In this century, the original Rangers could counteract Celtic with EBTs and side letters.
Since the Off Licence Putsch, the Sevco High Command under Mr King could print share confetti to keep the lights on.
Now, all that is left is what the business generates.
Across the city, the city formed by immigrants is a financial juggernaut by comparison.
Moreover, they have to be open and transparent about such matters as with last year.
Then again, last month, something similar.
More good financial news incoming.
It is fanciful to imagine that if Rangers International Football Club were publicly listed, it would be in a position to send such a communication to the Stock Exchange.
Both clubs will publish their year-end accounts (calculated until June 30th) in the coming months.
Like the last Glasgow Derby match the comparison is cruel.
As Alan pointed out to Mr Maguire a year ago, Celtic’s financial advantage over its city neighbours is structural and annual.
That is the reality that the Transcendental Chairman has to deal with.
There was a time when people in positions of power at Celtic wanted the Ibrox club to be closer on and off the park to enhance the frisson of rivalry.
Thankfully, the days of Lawwellball are long gone, as the last transfer window demonstrated.
On that note, I would not be surprised if the current Chairman of the Parkhead Club is about to call it a day.
Interesting that the end of the year results following that mcguire drivel were Celtic were 70m in the black Sevco -15m
Peter Lawwell is a Celtic supporter. The club grew to where it is under his guidance while having its most successful period ever on the pitch.
Behind the scenes he is also a big player in the ECA who pushed for the new UEFA financial fair play rules. He played a big part in that & we should thank him for his service.
He has given us many more positives than negatives if you look at the big picture.
Brian Quinn,
Former Chairman Statement regarding Celtic finances. 2003
Celtic Football Club, After a Fantastic run in Europe. Our Bank showing is incredibly Low. Drastic cuts in wage bill is required.
Young Accountant by name Peter Lawwell enters Paradise. As CEO.
The rest is unbelievable fortunes on off the Park..
£100 Million in the bank.
Almost 40 trophies.
Careful Bhoy’s
Remember The Abuse of
The Great Fergus McCann.
Very interesting point re PL retiring. What age is he now? Is he at retirement age?
I am sure his past earnings will have built up a sizeable pension pot.
he is a celtic man … stayed too long .. for sure ..but made a big contribution to Celtic and should be applauded for that.
Well said mate.
If some rich sevconian wanted to “invest” (i.e. give their money away), what would there be to stop sevco from creating a “special season ticket” that cost £20m or something? Would that not then count as business income?
Would come under accounting principles such as substance over form. ie Treat a transaction as it is in economic reality, not what you want it to be.
they could just print the blue pounds that scottish football couldn’t survive without .
As always in football, follow the money.
Oh, and I do hope the comment about Mr Lawwell does come to fruition as is a man who has caused our club some difficulties during his tenure/s.
Onward and upwards…
I remember watching cowboy films with my Dad when I was younger. I always wanted the good guy to win. Celtic have the white boots on and Sevco have the black boots on. Mon the white boots
“Hotline tells incensed Rangers punters there is NO Ibrox crisis but simple Celtic reality they’ll have to accept”
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-rangers-james-tavernier-hotline-33588892
hard to accept 2 nd when you are the people .
As they do say Phil , they very rarely come back as before …with few exceptions ! And this alas , is not one of them