The Scottish Government has now set out its plan to get us out of lockdown. It's quite simple really ... we will continue to have social distancing until a vaccine becomes available. As I've been suggesting for a while, this is a disaster for our club, for the economy, but most of all for people's lives (many more of which will certainly be lost as a result of this approach).
Since this is a forum about our club though, let's focus on that.
If the club is able to allow fans back into Ibrox, it is highly likely to be limited. By how much? By my own estimation, considering the 2m rule, we would be operating with an absolute maximum capacity of around 11,000, unless the club can fit Perspex separation somehow (which just isn't practical). This means that we need to reduce our operating costs by around 70%, with all other things being equal.
For how long? Here's the biggest problem. According to the UK Government's chief medical adviser, it is unlikely that we will have one for another 12 months. And then how long will it take to make it widely available? My own guess is 6 months but that's perhaps optimistic. So, we can expect to operate with these restrictions on income for at least another 18 months?!?!?
I am deeply concerned what this means. In some ways it doesn't matter because if this is indeed the approach governments choose to take, football is the least of our worries. In the future I am certain that our grandchildren and great grandchildren will look upon this time as the biggest screw up ever. China may or may not have created this virus, but it's our reaction to it that will change our lives forever. Unbelievable!
Back to our club though ... we need to drastically cut back starting TODAY. If we wait until other clubs and businesses start, we will not get the same value for our assets. We need to be having pragmatic discussions with all staff and players to negotiate huge reductions in salaries. We need to be making all players available for sale, but in such a way that gets maximum value (I.e. managing the perception of a fire sale). Even if players don't agree I think we need to cut what is paid anyway. We may end up in court but you have to be alive to be summoned there.
Actually the club has a huge opportunity here too, but,only if it acts right now.