Michael Johnston on Rangers

[Loyal Bear 72 363]

From Yahoo Sport

Johnston urges caution over Rangers

Tue, 22 May 17:21:27 2012

Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston has further dampened expectations of heavy sanctions for a newco Rangers in the Scottish Premier League as he highlighted the "substantial penalties" already imposed on the administration-hit Ibrox club.

The SPL clubs are due to meet next Wednesday to vote on proposals for sanctions on newco clubs and increased penalties for clubs who go into administration.

Charles Green, who is fronting a Rangers ownership consortium, plans to push for a newco if a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) is rejected and there is a feeling among many non-Gers fans that if the club is allowed to remain in the SPL, its forfeit must be heavy.

However, SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster has laid the ground for leniency by claiming there is little difference between both exit routes from administration and Johnston has claimed new owners should not be hamstrung by punishments.

Rangers have already been fined £160,000 and had a 12-month signing ban imposed on them by the Scottish Football Association for financial irregularities and the loss of their UEFA licence means they miss out on a Champions League qualifying place next season.

Speaking to Press Association Sport at Rugby Park after manager Kenny Shiels signed a new two-year deal, Johnston flagged up those sanctions by way of addressing the Rangers dilemma faced by the SPL clubs.

"I am a solicitor by profession and in terms of the distinction between a CVA and a newco, it can become quite complicated but at the end of the day, from a creditors' point of view, there is maybe no difference," he said.

"In terms of how it affects a sporting competition, I do share the view and I think the football authorities have traditionally taken the view, that a football club is not to be identified 100% with the people that own it, or the corporate entity that owns it.

"A football club has its own identity which consists of various components - the history of the club, the stadium, the players but most importantly, the supporters. So you have got to be careful if you are trying to protect a football club which is a very long-standing and historical institution.

"You have got to be very careful not to come in too heavily with penalties and points deductions or financial penalties going forward which actually put people off investing in that club and trying to make it healthy. After all, it's not the new owners who have done the damage, it is the previous owners."

[Ben10 2,257]

He's a good cunt, also terrified of a Rangerless SPL.

[nachothelegend 1,932]

A man that speaks sense at long last.

[kanjo 26,327]

I would be afraid too if i thought one third of my annual clubs income was going to be removed.

[Senna 735]

Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston has further dampened expectations of heavy sanctions for a newco Rangers in the Scottish Premier League...

I wonder who was expecting heavy sanctions levelled at us.

(I use the word 'wonder' there quite wrongly.)

edit: post 6,000. have some tits.

[trueblueal 2,117]

Stark contrast to the St J chairman. Probably because Killir are in heavy debt and St J aren't. It's all about looking after number 1 with the SPL

[elephants stoned 2,994]

I agree hes looking out for Kilmarnock, as he should be, but its nice to hear a voice of sanity at last. The St Johnstone chairman on the other hand is dancing to liewells tune, he will change his mind when saints are in admin and bleating to all who will listen. Never Forget Bears

[MosesMcNeil 1,664]

"In terms of how it affects a sporting competition, I do share the view and I think the football authorities have traditionally taken the view, that a football club is not to be identified 100% with the people that own it, or the corporate entity that owns it.

"A football club has its own identity which consists of various components - the history of the club, the stadium, the players but most importantly, the supporters. So you have got to be careful if you are trying to protect a football club which is a very long-standing and historical institution."

That's one in the eye for those with an (inexplicable) emotional attachement to the oldco

[Sheikh Salim 215]

I wonder who was expecting heavy sanctions levelled at us.

(I use the word 'wonder' there quite wrongly.)

edit: post 6,000. have some tits.

I approve of your kindness sir. Have some ass in return.

[OlegKuznetsov 10,816]

Nice to hear somebody out with our own speaking some rational sense on the matter.

I think we should publicly state that Kilmarnock are off the boycott list.

[islandblue 366]

Take it you mean Kilmarnock cos St Johnstone now top of my list

[caseyjones 3,009]

"In terms of how it affects a sporting competition, I do share the view and I think the football authorities have traditionally taken the view, that a football club is not to be identified 100% with the people that own it, or the corporate entity that owns it.

"A football club has its own identity which consists of various components - the history of the club, the stadium, the players but most importantly, the supporters. So you have got to be careful if you are trying to protect a football club which is a very long-standing and historical institution."

That's one in the eye for those with an (inexplicable) emotional attachement to the oldco

Agreeing with a hypocritical cunt whose club is in dire straits through overspending.

Suits you, sir.

[trueblueal 2,117]

Killie and hearts are fucked so that's two votes against. Who else?

[Gallows high 208]

Think killie are off the boycott list and st Johnstone are on it mate

[trueblueal 2,117]

Think killie are off the boycott list and st Johnstone are on it mate

No what I meant was that Killie and Hearts are financially fucked and will vote against heavy sanctions for newcos. Who will join them?

[OlegKuznetsov 10,816]

Take it you mean Kilmarnock cos St Johnstone now top of my list

Good catch, mate.

Can't believe I did that.

[MosesMcNeil 1,664]

Agreeing with a hypocritical cunt whose club is in dire straits through overspending.

Suits you, sir.

Not only do I agree with the man - it's easily understood why people like you don't.

Suits you.

[caseyjones 3,009]

Not only do I agree with the man - it's easily understood why people like you don't.

Suits you.

People like me? Care to explain?

[MosesMcNeil 1,664]

People like me? Care to explain?

I need no help from you.

Figure it out - clever boy that you claim you are.

[Bad Robot 21,133]

I think we need to give credit where credits due instead if bitching why they might be doing it

[54andcounting 627]

My earler thread on this, disappeared like the titanic!!!

[caseyjones 3,009]

Figure it out - clever boy that you claim you are.

A shitebag into the bargain.

[southcoastbear 1,639]

To me the difference between the reaction from St. Johnstone and Killie chairmen reaction demonstrate who is contemplating relegation from the SPL next year.

This may explain part of it, one may also just be a sad, bitter, twisted man prone to extended periods of self abuse.

[caseyjones 3,009]

To me the difference between the reaction from St. Johnstone and Killie chairmen reaction demonstrate who is contemplating relegation from the SPL next year.

This may explain part of it, one may also just be a sad, bitter, twisted man prone to extended periods of self abuse.

One runs his club by balancing the books, the other one is in a heap of shite(plus he's a Bluenose).

[JCDBigBear 10,805]

"In terms of how it affects a sporting competition, I do share the view and I think the football authorities have traditionally taken the view, that a football club is not to be identified 100% with the people that own it, or the corporate entity that owns it.

"A football club has its own identity which consists of various components - the history of the club, the stadium, the players but most importantly, the supporters. So you have got to be careful if you are trying to protect a football club which is a very long-standing and historical institution."

That's one in the eye for those with an (inexplicable) emotional attachement to the oldco

Johnston has taken a pragmatic view of the situation for Kilmarnock, the SPL, Rangers and Scottish Football in general. In Scotland there are far too many narrow-minded, parochial people who hate to see others do well. It's refreshing for someone to actually come out with a sensible statement.