Ryan's Rangers trip postponed

Updated January 07, 2013 11:10:03

Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Mat Ryan has had his 10-day training period with Rangers indefinitely postponed because of injury.

Ryan sustained a minor shoulder ailment in the Mariners' 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers at Parramatta Stadium on Sunday.

He was due to train with fallen Scottish giant Rangers, but both clubs have agreed it is in the best interest of Ryan to stay in Australia under the care of the Mariners' medical staff.

Ryan is expected to be available for Saturday's clash with Melbourne Victory in Launceston, a fixture he was set to miss had he made the trip to Glasgow.

The Mariners' initial decision to allow Ryan to train with Rangers drew strong criticism from former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.

Rangers now play in the Scottish four-tier competition, having been demoted because of financial troubles, and they are also under a transfer ban.

Bosnich questioned the wisdom of the Mariners' to agree to Ryan to train with Rangers, as he believes Scottish football is below the standard of the A-League.

"He's going for a 10-day trial for the right to play against the likes of Elgin City, Montrose, Clyde and Stirling, and he's going to miss a top of the table clash with Melbourne Victory," Bosnich told Fox Sports on Sunday.

"This is one of Australia's best young talents and he's going to go down to the fourth tier of Scottish football.

"The Scottish Premier League isn't as good as the A-League.

"I don't know what he's thinking, I don't know what the club's thinking."

Ryan is off contract with the Mariners at the end of the A-League season.

ABC/AAP

Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, gosford-2250

First posted January 07, 2013 11:10:03

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Rangers booted out of top-flight

Updated July 05, 2012 07:30:53

Rangers were dramatically kicked out of next season's Scottish Premier League after rival clubs voted overwhelmingly to exclude the ailing Glasgow giants.

The soon-to-be-liquidated Ibrox club had applied to rejoin the league after reforming as a new company (newco) but their request was turned down following a vote of the other clubs which make up the Scottish top-flight.

"At today's General Meeting, SPL clubs today voted overwhelmingly to reject the application from Rangers newco to join the SPL," an SPL statement said.

The statement came after more than five hours of talks at Hampden as Rangers' new management clung on to the hope of staving off exclusion.

It caps a humiliating fall from grace for the most successful club in Scottish football history, who were plunged into crisis earlier this year after entering administration following a tax dispute.

It was not immediately clear where Rangers' new incarnation will begin life next season. One option under consideration is to start in the First Division, the league below the SPL.

Rangers chief executive Charles Green reacted to Wednesday's snub by confirming that Rangers would apply to join the Scottish Football League (SFL).

"We are deeply disappointed that our application to rejoin the SPL has been rejected overwhelmingly by the member clubs," Green said in a statement.

"We will now proceed as we had planned from late June to apply for membership of the SFL.

"It is entirely a matter for them whether our application will be accepted or rejected and we will make no representation to any member club prior to that application being considered.

"If our application were to be accepted, Rangers will play in whichever division the SFL sees fit and we will move forward from there."

The SPL, SFL and Scottish Football Association (SFA) are all mulling the First Division option, which would also include significant league reform and ?1 million ($1.6m) payment for the second tier's television rights.

Safeguarding the multi-million pound commercial deals on which all of Scotland's professional clubs rely so heavily is central to the issue, with a new TV deal worth ?80 million ($125m) over five seasons reputedly dependent on the screening of four Rangers v Celtic Old Firm derbies a season.

Broadcasters are said to be prepared to go no more than one year without these showcase matches, meaning Rangers may end up in the First Division.

But clubs in the lower leagues are already speaking out against the prospect of Rangers going straight into the First Division, despite being told by the SFL that their own existence would be at risk if Rangers are forced to start in the Third Division.

The view of many lower league clubs is that Rangers should be forced to start from the bottom of the league ladder, as has happened in the past when clubs have been punished for financial mismanagement.

In 2008, Gretna were relegated from the SPL to the Third Divison -- and then went bust -- after being unable to guarantee that they would fulfil their fixtures, while a year later Livingston were relegated from the First Division to the Third Division after breaching league rules on insolvency.

Weary Rangers fans meanwhile have expressed a preference for starting from scratch in the Third Division.

A poll of season-ticket holders conducted by the Rangers Fans Fighting Fund voted 75 percent in favour of dropping down to the bottom tier.

"It shows the depth of feeling among our fans who have shown that they don't want any favours from the rest of the clubs - or any preferential treatment," a spokesman for the fans group said.

"What these Rangers fans are saying is: 'If that is what is to happen to us, then let it happen and let us move on. We will support Rangers - no matter where they are playing'."

AFP

Tags: scotland, soccer, scotland

First posted July 05, 2012 07:30:53

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Rangers dropped to Scotland's lowest tier

Updated July 14, 2012 09:39:29

Rangers will play in the lowest tier of Scottish league football next season following a vote of Scottish Football League (SFL) clubs.

Already expelled from the Scottish Premier League (SPL), following months of financial turmoil that led to the formation of a new company or newco, Rangers were dropped to Third Division, the fourth and lowest tier of the Scottish league system, during a meeting of SFL chairmen.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan had said that demoting Rangers to the Third Division would cause financial catastrophe and a "slow, lingering death" of the Scottish game.

Regan argued the 140-year-old Rangers, Scottish football's most successful club, should be dropped just one tier to the First Division.

But it was announced on Friday that 25 out of the 30 SFL clubs had voted for Rangers to be entered into the Third Division instead.

And that meant Rangers, a club with an average home attendance of over 46,000 at Ibrox, would be playing sides such as East Stirling, whose average gate at Ochilview Park, the ground they rent from Stenhousemuir, is just 321 out of a capacity 3,776.

"It has been a very, very important day for Scottish football," SFL chief executive David Longmuir said.

"The only acceptable position will be to place Rangers FC into the Third Division from that start of this season, 2012/13.

"Today's (Friday's) decision has been one of the most difficult for all concerned but it has been taken in the best interest of sporting fairness, which is the fundamental principle of the SFL."

Rangers newco chief executive Charles Green says the club accepts the decision.

"We are grateful to be accepted as members of the SFL and accept their decision to vote us into Division Three," he told Rangers' website.

"From the outset, we made clear we would play where we were told to play and we just want to get back to playing football."

AFP

Tags: soccer, sport, scotland, united-kingdom

First posted July 14, 2012 08:56:14

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Rangers takeover deal accepted

Updated May 13, 2012 20:50:20

Administrators for crisis-hit Scottish giants Rangers have accepted an offer from a consortium headed by former Sheffield United chief executive Charles Green.

Duff and Phelps, who were given the task of getting the 140-year-old club back on the rails after it entered administration in February, said: "We are very pleased to announce that we have accepted an offer from a consortium headed by Mr Charles Green for the purchase of Rangers Football Club.

"Mr Green has secured, via a substantial financial commitment, a period of exclusivity to complete the purchase of the Club and this is expected to be finalised at a creditors' meeting on June 6.

"The structure and quantum of the offer from Mr Green is such that it is acceptable to us as administrators and, having been in discussions with major creditors throughout the process, we believe this presents the best prospect of financial recovery for creditors."

News of the takeover was made public just hours before Rangers' final Scottish Premier League game of the season, with Green saying: "I am delighted our proposal to purchase Rangers has been accepted and we are working night and day to finalise matters.

"This is a great football club with a tremendous history and we will preserve that while building a solid platform for the future."

The go-ahead for Green's takeover at Ibrox came just five days after US tow-truck tycoon Bill Miller, the original preferred bidder, pulled out over concerns about the exact nature of Rangers's finances and anti-American sentiment from some of the club's fans.

Administrators were called in to Rangers on February 14 after British tax authorities went to court to seek payment of an unpaid bill that had built up since current owner Craig Whyte took charge at Ibrox in May last year.

Entering administration meant Rangers were docked 10 points - a move that effectively handed the SPL title to arch Glasgow rivals Celtic, who were recently crowned champions.

AFP

Tags: sport, soccer, scotland, scotland

First posted May 13, 2012 20:50:20

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Rangers panel calls in police

Updated April 26, 2012 11:18:31

The judicial panel who imposed a one-year transfer embargo on Glasgow Rangers has been given police advice after threats were made against them.

The transfer ban was the latest blow to the club, which threw Scottish football into shock after it went into administration two months ago.

In a statement issued on Wednesday (British time), the Scottish Football Association (SFA) lamented the situation which has left the three-strong panel at risk.

An SFA spokesperson said: "We are deeply concerned that the safety and security of judicial panel members appointed to a recent tribunal has been compromised by a wholly irresponsible betrayal of confidential information.

"They are appointed on the basis of anonymity yet all three panel members have reported intrusion into their personal and work lives, including abusive and threatening communication.

"This has been extended to directors of the Scottish FA, whose private details have been published on internet sites and who have, themselves, been victims of abusive communication.

"This culminated tonight (Wednesday) in a visit by Strathclyde Police, who are taking seriously the threats made towards the individuals involved. We are thankful for their advice and support in these matters."

News of the police intervention came just a day after an angry McCoist, a former Rangers and Scotland striker, had called for the panel's identities to be made public.

Rangers went into administration two months ago, prompting a raft of drastic measures including players agreeing to wage cuts of up to 75 per cent to avoid redundancies.

Amid efforts to attract a new owner, the SFA on Monday hit Rangers with a STG160,000 ($A251,000) fine and a 12-month embargo on registering players aged over 17.

The club was found guilty of five charges in relation to their finances and the appointment of Craig Whyte, whom the SFA banned for life from any future involvement in Scottish football, as chairman.

US businessman Bill Miller and the Blue Knights group led by former Rangers director Paul Murray are still vying to buy the club after Singapore's Bill Ng scrapped his STG20 million ($A31 million) offer last week in frustration at the bidding process.

According to a report by administrators Duff and Phelps released earlier this month, Rangers' total debt could amount to STG134 million ($A210 million), with the 140-year-old club awaiting the outcome of a tax tribunal case that could cost them STG75 million ($A118 million).

AFP

Tags: sport, soccer, united-kingdom, scotland

First posted April 26, 2012 11:04:20

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Scottish champs Rangers head for administration

Updated February 14, 2012 14:43:38

Scottish champions Rangers face administration after running into financial problems centred on a disputed tax bill, a move that would effectively hand the title to perennial rivals Celtic.

Rangers chairman Craig Whyte, who bought an 85 per cent stake in the club for a nominal one pound last year, said there was no 'realistic or practical' alternative course for the Glasgow giants, champions a record 54 times.

"It is extremely disappointing the club finds itself in this position but decisions have to be taken to safeguard the long-term survival and prosperity of the club both on and off the field," Whyte said in a statement.

"The harsh reality is that this moment has been a long time coming for Rangers and its roots lie in decisions taken many years ago. If we do not take action now the consequences and the risks to the club are too great," he added.

Rangers could face a bill of more than 50 million pounds ($79 million) if they lose the case currently before a tax tribunal and the club warned it could not pay that amount.

They are second in the Scottish Premier League, four points behind Celtic, but face a 10-point penalty if they do go into administration, a decision expected over the next 10 days.

In England, there were media reports that championship (second division) club Portsmouth was set to go into administration over an unpaid tax bill of 1.6 million pounds.

Portsmouth has been struggling since November when Russian owner Vladimir Antonov was arrested in connection with alleged fraud at a Lithuanian bank.

Rangers said they would have to cut costs and review staffing across the club if they were to go into administration.

They sold Croatia international striker Nikica Jelavic to English Premier League club Everton last month.

Whyte vowed that the club, founded in 1872, would survive.

"I can reassure Rangers supporters that the club will continue and can emerge as a stronger and financially fitter organisation that will compete at the levels of competition our fans have come to expect."

The club is expected to come up with a proposed restructuring that will ensure creditors would be paid and provision made for the tax case.

The aim is to minimise any points deduction and allow Rangers to play in lucrative European soccer next season.

Rangers are one of the best supported clubs in Britain, with an average home attendance this season of more than 45,000.

However, the 12-team Scottish Premier League is a poor relation to its English counterpart in terms of television revenue and sponsorship deals.

Rangers' fierce rivalry with Celtic often adds to sectarian tensions between Protestants and Roman Catholics in Glasgow and the surrounding areas.

Aberdeen, then managed by Alex Ferguson, took the Scottish league title in 1985 - the last time it was not won by one of the Glasgow giants.

Reuters

Tags: sport, scotland, soccer, scotland, united-kingdom

First posted February 14, 2012 07:24:10

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Moore implores McKay to stay at Rangers

Updated January 10, 2012 07:26:02

Former Socceroos captain Craig Moore has urged Matt McKay not to lose heart despite making only three appearances so far in his debut season at Rangers.

McKay signed with the Scottish giants in August but has been unable to earn regular selection at Ibrox.

The midfielder, who turns 29 this week, has become a regular fixture for Australia over the past 12 months.

However he is desperate to establish himself at club level and maintain career momentum after picking up the Footballer of the Year and Professional Footballers Australia Player of the Year awards in October.

The Roar have ruled out trying to lure the midfielder back to the A-League but Moore said there would be speculation surrounding McKay's future until he established himself at Rangers.

"For me, he is a fantastic player," Moore said.

"He is a box-to-box player, left of the midfield, not a wide left.

"He has not had too many opportunities, which is a shame.

"But he is a determined wee fella and he's in there and he's trying his heart out and he'll continue to do so.

"He's desperate to work his way into that team."

McKay's most recent appearance for Rangers was a 0-0 draw at home against St Johnstone on November 19 when he was replaced in the 63rd minute.

Moore enjoyed two stints at the Scottish heavyweights and advised McKay to sign with Rangers.

"The whole reason to come over to Europe was to strengthen his case for maintaining a position in the starting XI for the national team and also to go to the World Cup," Moore said.

AAP

Tags: scotland, soccer, sport, scotland

First posted January 10, 2012 07:26:02

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McKay makes impact in first Rangers start

Updated November 06, 2011 15:05:49

Socceroo Matt McKay has made an impact in his maiden starting appearance for Scottish giants Rangers, setting up the opener in a 3-1 home win over Dundee United.

The former Brisbane Roar captain delivered a cross in the 19th minute with Nikica Jelavic drilling a powerful header into the back of the net at Ibrox.

The reigning Australian footballer of the year signed on for Rangers in August but a knee injury and his league-leading team's form forced him to bide his time before Saturday's run-on appearance.

It is hoped his efforts will encourage manager Ally McCoist to provide the 28-year-old with more game time in the coming months.

The result stretched Rangers' lead on the ladder to 15 points, the club enjoying an undefeated start to the season with 12 wins from 14 matches.

McKay will fly out in the coming days to join his national team-mates for Australia's World Cup qualifiers in Oman this Friday and in Thailand on November 15.

Scott McDonald, who missed selection for the national squad, snapped his 10-match goal drought in the English Championship with a controversial 41st minute goal in Middlesbrough's 1-0 win over Watford.

The Australian, goal-less from 25 internationals, enjoyed a slice of luck at the Riverside on Saturday afternoon with the diminutive striker appearing offside from a pass from Barry Robson.

McDonald's initial shot was blocked by the goalkeeper but he slotted home the follow-up.

Meanwhile Socceroos midfielder Neil Kilkenny set up the final goal in Bristol City's 3-1 win over Burnley.

The former Leeds player put Albert Adomah through a hole in the Burnley backline, the Ghana international running from halfway to score the sealer in the 73rd minute.

Tim Cahill came off the bench for Everton but was unable to score the equaliser as Newcastle maintained their unbeaten start to the English Premier League season with a 2-1 win at St James' Park.

Chris Herd prepared for national duties by playing in Aston Villa's 3-2 home win over Norwich.

AAP

Tags: scotland, english-lower, english-premier, soccer, sport, scotland, england, united-kingdom, australia

First posted November 06, 2011 09:51:21

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