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I really appreciate your many informative links ian but did you really have to include that pic on this page?

The Rangers board is quite right to attempt to use the existng governance to tackle the issue. They've asked for the whistleblowing policy and drawn a blank. This is dangerous for the SPFL because all organisations with a corruption or bribery risk should have one. Failure to take this seriously or to have sufficient controls in place can result in a prison sentence. Without such a policy, the club will now attempt to gather support for an inquiry from other clubs. If this fails I would imagine they will go to the court of arbitration for sport. If they go there they will be asked to demonstrate that they took all reasonable steps and attempts to resolve this, hence the reason why the board is currently doing what it's doing. If (and as I suspect it will) it goes to the CAS, I think the SPFL trio are in serious trouble. In many ways I hope this attempt to gather support fails with the other clubs because CAS will be thorough in its investigation and will want to make an example of such corruption when it discovers it. I don't know who is advising the SPFL but this is a dangerous game he or she is playing. After the FIFA scandal there is a great deal of scrutiny on bribery and corruption in sport. If they want further opportunities to clean the game up, we can surely provide them a cracker here in Scotland.

It is within its remit but the SPFL would have to agree to it too. If not, this will end up in court. With all the history we have in court battle failures I don't hold much hope for us if it goes that far, unless our evidence is strong. I've read the SPFL rules myself and I believe that the vote breaches at least 3. What I don't understand (and hence why I am so suspicious about the intent) is that if it seems so clear that a breach has taken place (which it must be to any lawyer either in the SPFL or from an individual club), why doesn't the SPFL just confirm that but say there were special circumstances requiring these breaches. This would have blown over by now. The problem the SPFL has now is that it's tried to cover up the issue of breaches to its own rules, and attempted to mislead the members further with this sham of an investigation. In any bribery and corruption cases I've been made aware of previously, this cover up is regarded as being more serious. In addition it's the cover up that then implicates other people who were actually innocent of the original breach. The other SPFL board members or executives will all be in serious trouble, even if they had nothing to do with the initial bribery and corruption. Roberson will be fine thanks to this public statement by the club, but the others need to make sure their protests are at least minuted in the board meeting documentation. I don't think they realise how serious this might be for them. I've seen CEOs fined huge amounts, and even sent to prison and yet they personally were not involved in bribery or corruption. They are punished however because they did not ensure that adequate controls existed or they did not have awareness of (or respond promptly to) corruption in their organisation. This is why a whistleblower policy is so critical. If you have one and it's well publicised within your organisations, it can serve as a strong defence that you've been taken reasonable measures to identify and deal with bribery and corruption, or any other wrong doing.

Club Statement THERE are key issues to be discussed and agreed within Scottish football including the circumstances and dates on which football can resume, the health and safety of all involved and the financial implications for members. It is vital that those involved in making those decisions have the confidence and support of member clubs. An independent investigation provides a route to achieving this. It has always been Rangers’ intention to produce our evidence at the appropriate time. The evidence will be provided to all member clubs well in advance of a general meeting to approve an independent investigation. https://rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/independent-investigation ------------------------------------------------- Short, to the point and a promise of sharing evidence in a timely way. You could read it and for the first time think leadership. More importantly, I think that going into the meeting, many clubs will appreciate it. Odds on getting a Yes vote have shortened.

A Tale of Two MPs. The week began with a forty second video on social media. The location was a quiet cul-de-sac in Uddingston. An elderly denizen questions a much younger man about the necessity of flying an Irish tricolour from his window? The young man approaches his retreating elderly neighbour, gesticulating and insisting, "shut the fcuk up". On reaching the complainer's fence, and as the elder man is anxiously opening his door to get away, an offer is made to settle any dispute by fighting, "come ahead"? Clearly, you see younger man's wife/girlfriend run up behind him and plant her elbows on the fence. No intention to restrain or intervene, she was taking up the spot of prime viewing. It's classy stuff, the younger man is Steven Bonnar MP and triumphalism is his game. When swearing his oath of allegiance at the Palace of Westminster, he tipped off the photographer to catch his crossed fingers and his lily motif cuff links. Steven is the epitome of a growing number of Scottish Nationalist representatives who prefer the symbolism of Irish republicanism to the Saltire. The Green Brigade encouraged the bold Bhoy to remain unrepentant and the national broadcaster has his back. It's only two months since Michael Stewart proclaimed, "I agree with the political sentiments of the Green Brigade". Here is PQ's amelioration of the story : MP apologises over Celtic flag argument. An MP has apologised after an altercation with a neighbour over a Celtic flag. Coatbridge, Chryston, and Bellshill SNP MP, Steven Bonnar said, "I was drawn into an argument after my neighbour took exception to the flag". The flag was in the window of his Uddingston home. Footage of the row was caught on video and later uploaded to social media. Mr Bonnar said, "I regret being drawn into a dispute with a neighbour and reacting hastily to comments made". Now, we could extrapolate on the MP concerned being a Rangers supporter hanging a Union flag and how PQ would have reacted? Off the Ball would have invited an artillery of ridicule before Sportsound led a bayonet charge. However, we don't need to speculate because another MP, Rangers supporter appeared live on Sportsound yesterday. Forty minutes into a discussion hosted by Big Dick, on the SPFL on line vote, Gregory Campbell MP explained his Early Day Motion. The contributors to the discussion were Tom English, Michael Stewart, Wullie Miller, and Pat Boner. Big Dick explained the SPFL Chairman, SPFL Chief Executive, and a couple of SPFL Board members had been invited to participate, but all had declined. He did not explain Dave Cormack's absence either, well he didn't need to. English, Stewart, and Miller dismissed the Deloitte report and findings. Brian McLauchlin summarised another timeline, then English condemned the continuing farce and attempts to draw a line under it. Michael Stewart wanted it resolved for the good of Scottish football and then took the line from both last week's and this week's comments by Stuart Cosgrove, "what are the emotional issues" and, "the self interest is killing it". Michael unified the studio by demanding, "what do Rangers want"? He declared, "Rangers are one of our bigger clubs" three or four times; however, we don't do things in a big club way. Any Rangers collated evidence must be presented now, condemned the pressure we put on both Neil Doncaster and Rod McKenzie, and we don't have a rational, "ah don't get it"? English jumped on the change of direction, he had spoken to clubs during the week, "you won't be surprised to hear, not to Rangers", and if Rangers do not present their evidence from the whistleblower, "they will deserve humiliation". Big Dick warmed to this line and Pat Boner agreed. Wullie Miller disagreed and Michael Stewart went on the attack again, this time claiming Rangers and self interest do not help Scottish football. At this point, Big Dick introduced Gregory Campbell MP for Londonderry East. Big Dick asked several questions on the motivation for his early day motion. I thought Campbell played a straight bat, "I am a life long Rangers supporter and thought the shambles of the SPFL on line vote was deserving of further attention". He spoke uninterrupted for several minutes, in general terms. Big Dick explained his inclusion was because so many others had failed to appear. After Campbell commented upon further progress of the motion, his line was ended and Tom English commented, "why was that man allowed on the show"? Michael Stewart feigned he knew nothing of the early day motion(in excess of 30,000 signatures) and asked for an explanation? Tom interjected, "don't bother, it's a rehash of Rangers seven points". I suspect a Producer intervened? Wullie Miller again took up criticism of the process. Michael claimed Campbell had dodged Big Dick's questions and Pat Boner said nothing. I am afraid you will have to believe my interpretation because BBC Scotland has wiped from their playback service Gregory Campbell MP's contribution entirely. Later, Michael Stewart took to social media to thank all contributors by name to the afternoon's discussion. All, apart from Campbell; apparently, the discussion was for the good of Scottish football. Every week, both DrStu' and Tam Cowan are screaming, "we want to hear from Rangers supporters". One comes on and Beeb Scotland wipe his contribution.

Tom English is a foreign journalist and his wages are funded by the BBC licence fee, which is paid by UK citizens. Gregory Campbell is a democratically elected UK MP. I think it shows how low PQ has sunk when someone like English says something like that about a Member of Parliament.

In my early teenage years, I played with Fir Park Boys Club . We were coached by Joe Wark and Sammy Campbell, and were part of Motherwell's official youth set-up. We enjoyed modest success, the fly in the claret and amber ointment in those days was Celtic Boys Club. National cup competitions ended when you met CBC, usually in the quarters/semis, by at least a three goal margin. Three dozen lads replete in green blazers and neckties would appear, all carrying the official CBC flight bag, desperate to pull on the jersey. Only two subs in those days, thus 13 lads stripped. Every one of the three dozen could walk into our team.Almost half a century later, I wonder how their ensuing 'separate entity' status fits? I was queuing for thirty minutes this morning to gain entry to a supermarket. The chap in front was perusing his mobile for a few minutes, then looked up, smiled, and asked if my left foot was still chocolate? We played in the same Fir Park BC team for three years. We discussed our constant disappointments, his were eased by a short professional career. We did the catch up thing, careers and family. He was semi-retired, having spent the last couple of decades increasingly involved in Hedge Fund management. Looking forward, he was anxious to take his grandson to Fir Park this coming season? We spent 15 minutes talking SPFL. There was agreement on the shambles that has overtaken the SPFL on line vote, and how damaging the continuing fall out will prove going forward. We got on to the Deloitte investigation, and again agreed it was another failed attempt to get everyone singing from the same hymn sheet. Here's the nub of this posting, he went on to outline the extent of cross pollination that has occurred in the last twenty years, among Deloitte, Harper/MacLeod, the SPFL, and Celtic. Recently, he had an instance that is occurring more frequently. A client firm had dealings with Dundee United, he read the various contracts, signed off for United by a Laura McCallum, Head of Football Administration and Legal Affairs. He remembered the name from the past, and looked at the references. Laura began as an intern at Sellik Park, moved on to Harper MacLeod, before joining the Tannadice Admin' team. Apparently, Laura is Lawyer of the Month at the mo' and is looking forward enormously to getting back to Parkhead. I have spent this afternoon plodding through the net, to see if any other names jump out. The Financial Director at the Chamber of Secrets these last four years is Christopher McKay. His previous employment was at Deloitte. Another name screaming from Deloitte is Declan Lawwell. Anyways, a chat in a queue has thrown up an idea to check the extent and expanse of cross pollination?

Quick look aroud various places and I don't think the importance of this statement has hit home. For me, it´s got more of a punch to an SPFL solar plexus than the longer and louder statement that first mentioned the evidence.

I think we have a situation here where the SPFL trio simply cannot afford to allow an independent investigation because they know they're stuffed if they do. So they will do anything and everything to avoid it. Death or glory

The EDM has seven signatures. There is a petition floating about which may well have 30,000 signatures but I fear neither EDM nor petition will have any effect.

https://mobile.twitter.com/CupRigby/status/1254367113856397312

Is that actually what happened? Jesus f*cking wept...

Great post.

Apologies...Ive came into the thread late on and secondly was using my phone for typing the last 2 hours. Granted RE linguistic challenges, ive been away 17 out of my 40 years though so technically I can apply for a passport from nowhere.

Shocking from an Aberdonian. They have more than enough linguistic challenges of their own without importing the west coast inability to handle the past participle.

Gone. ?‍? "Would have been gone through with a fine....." Weegies eh? ?

The evidence Rangers claims to have could easily be revealed to an independent and qualified third party under a binding non-disclosure agreement, who could give a general opinion as to the importance and potential impact of the information disclosed.

TBH I usually do a 3-5-2 and had almost that bar the keeper and Blanc. I originally had Blanc but then compared the stats in the Premier League and Leboeuf played for 5 years while Blanc was winding down. Same for Dechamps - a wonderful technical midfielder but he cant oust Vieira or Kante. And then I had to put Evra in for what he won at Man Utd, when he and Vidic joined they looked out of their depth but went and won multiple titles and reached 3 CL finals. Ginola and Pires switching wings all day long - two geniuses. Will see if a few other posters want a crack at a French side then I will put up a Dutch squad this evening or tomorrow morning. Then compare the two sides. I would see the Dutch and French have provided the best imports. Will look into the Germans and Italians after that.

How can they relegate any team when they can survive it's a bit like hanging the prisoners before their appeal

Does anyone else think they'll rubber stamp Separate Entity FC getting the title at tomorrow's SPFL meeting? I hope our long game works.

Not far off mine Compo. 9 out of 11. I liked Le Sulk a lot (Anelka) but he would be too similar to Henry. Could have easily dropped Evra for a back 3 and put Makelele in the midfield also. Kante and Makelele though - you would only need 1 of them and its a flip of a coin. Lloris Gallas Desailly Leboeuf Evra Pires Vieira Kante Ginola Cantona Henry

Wee bit more fun in these boring times. Here is another tough one to do. Pick a French XI who have played in the Premier league. I have drafted a squad. Keepers: Lloris, Barthez Defenders / Full Backs: Blanc, Clichy, Desailly, Evra, Gallas, Koscielny, Laporte, Leboeuf, Mendy, Sagna, Silvestre. Midfielders / Wingers: Dacourt, Deschamps, Diarra, Ginola, Kante, Makelele, Malouda, Nasri, Petit, Pires, Pogba, Laurent Robert (incase anyone was wondering who Robert was), Vieria. Forwards: Anelka, Cantona, Djorkaeff, Dugarry, Henry, Malbranque, Payet, Saha, Wiltord

PQ thread on action at PQ goes LIVE ? - Support for Independent Investigation from various (most) - Billy Dodds chucks in a mini grenade with character assanination of Big John (Dundee CEO) !! - Dundee and SPFL have refused to come on programme. The 388K public face of the SPFL is still hiding. - Big Dick (copyright 26th) is doing his best to shield the men who are scared to show face or lift a telephone.....I´ll call instead, I´ll dae it, gonnae, please !! - Michael Stewart (with Tom English and callers for Big Dick in support) go after Rangers because of the "whistleblower evidence" statement. IMO it WAS an OG on our part and left this avenue of attack open. - Stewart in "looking for Blue Sky thinking" shock - Cormack (sheep) says Aberdeen voted No, then quickly changes to Yes - Cormack defends Doncaster. Apparently you cannae just blame the 388K man. - Cormack not happy with timescale given by SPFL to consider resolution but not aware of bullying (later part teed up by fellow sheepie in studio, ie. nice to finish on a positive) - Doncaster called Cormack before vote cast to advise re score on the doors - Cormack gets muddled and fuels more questions than he gives answers - Cormack backs call for Independent Investigation (difficult not to after the confusing pish he came out with just before) - English goes after Doncaster, Big Dick with passionate defence of the invisible man - Doncaster must really love Big Dick - Falkirk chairman Gary Deans..."wasn´t really to do with the money" - Deans is not happy with handling of the whole thing - Deans not bothered about investigation but at same time says Independent aspect apeals (confused), something has to be looked at but now not the time - Deans not happy with Cormack/Doncaster phonecallgate - Deans rips pish out of Dundee/SPFL IT story with joke Independent Investigation gathering support Tom English smells a story starring The Invisible Man and Sheep Big Dick has really uncovered himself today #alternative_transparency ?