NO SHOW WITHOUT PUNCH - Murray ducks out of Rangers AGM - McClelland fails to deliver
I've left writing this article for a couple of days because of my anger at the conduct of the meeting.
David Murray's credibility amongst Rangers fans is now at zero as the largest shareholder and leading off-field personality ducked his responsibility and failed to show at the AGM for the second year.
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Despite his continued involvement in the day to day running of the club - the Rangers official website and the Rangers News detailed his leading role in the sale of Barry Ferguson, the signing of Emerson and his negotiation of Alex McLeish's new contract - Murray failed in his duty to Rangers at the time of our greatest crisis when his talents were most needed. It is a dereliction of duty which cannot and will not be forgotten or forgiven.
Instead, and deeply disappointingly, he left it to John McClelland to fact the flak.
McClelland turned in a disgraceful performance which was a tawdry display of contempt for the assembled shareholders and slap in the fact for the support as a whole. The inept and contemptuous way the meeting was handled can leave no fan with more than two brain cells to rub together that the current Board do not have it in their hearts to make any genuine changes in any area of the club's operations without being forced to do so.
The meeting began with mood music provided by Mario Lanza performing Panis Angelicus (strangely not Ave Maria!). This faded to a video of the Treble and as this finished the Board trooped on stage in an rather hamfisted attempt to garner the onfield credits for themselves in a faux Leni Riefenstahl moment where we were obviously intended to transfer our adoration of the players onto our Glorious Leaders.
What followed was a curious mish-mash - a combination of studied insults to the intelligence; shameful evasion; manipulation; abdication of responsibility; slander; low farce and a generous dollop of fear. It would be a truly shameful performance.
The scene was set by company secretary Douglas Odam when he announced with obvious relish that the Chairman held 87.5% of the vote via various proxies and that only 0.05% were held elsewhere. This was intended to convey an image of overwhelming power - it also pointed to the absence of Murray and Dave King.
The formal business of the meeting was concluded as quickly as normal with the financial report and the re-election of directors achieved with majorities unseen since the fall of communism in Albania.
The main focus of the AGM has always been the Question & Answer session. This year there were to be many departures from normal practice - most of them shameful.
Usually the Q&A lasts about an hour and a half and at the last two 41 and 43 questions were asked. This year the Chairman deftly used a presentation to Alex McLeish (never seen that done during a Ranges AGM before) as a device to curtain the debate after 21 questions and only 50 minutes.
McClelland stated early on that he considered David Murray's only sin had been one of ambition and gave the impression treated the £68 million debt as akin to the wind and the rain - something which was there but not my fault guv. The unspoken part was, of course, that they have decided not to be ambitious in Europe in the future.
NORMAN COLLIER RIDES AGAIN
Shareholders asking questions of a personal and trivial nature were allowed to ramble on as long as they wanted and top come back as often as they wish with supplementary questions in an obvious attempt to run down the clock. Several of those who asked rather more searching questions of a financial nature found their microphones turned off after their initial contributions and on a couple of occasions only an uproar from the floor forced them to reply to direct questions.
The Rangers Supporters Trust made their presence felt with five or six questioners identifying themselves as members when asking questions and a few more popping up incognito. It was an impressive series of contributions with the questions set in a calm, pleasant and very sensible manner befitting the gravity of the situation the club is in.
It is undoubtedly true that in it's few months of existence (formally launched in April) the Trust has rattled the current Board because of the quality of the people involved and the systematic way it has gone about it's business. To that end they thought they could buy off or blunt the Trust by announcing at the AGM the formation of a Rangers Supporters Assembly which would be given an office at Ibrox and be invited to talk to the Board on behalf of it's members. The response to this announcement was completely underwhelming and cynical.
Do that Board think our heads button up at the back? Once again they have decided to form a fan's organization and have done so without any consultation. Do they think we have forgotten the promises made two years ago that the Supporters Alliance would be given £20,000 a year and offices? They still wait for both. This is not just a bribe - but an insult.
The Board played with figures - claiming that we would reduce the debt to the level of turnover in a few years time - at a press conference afterwards they said they'd take £20 million off of it - it's all smoke and mirrors - last year we lost £29 million so they must be living in cloud cuckoo land if they think we believe they are capable of turning in those numbers. In any case, it should now be obvious to them that after 15 years or so of Murray's ownership a very sizeable proportion of the support don't want them to be in charge even if the club was in profit and reducing the debt they incurred. We can to feel part of the club with policies we can believe in with ambitions we are working to fulfill - they have proved they don't want the same - for them it is just a business.
At one point McClelland claimed that if 'there were more Rangers supporters on the Board the debt would be £168million.' It was a rather bizarre way of showing his contempt for his "customers" - you are so stupid you'd make an even bigger mess than us is what he was saying.
Martin Bain's recruitment policy came under attack again - to refresh you memories it involves the active discrimination against Bluenoses when all other things between candidates are equal. He started off with a petted lip accusing the questioner of asking the same question last year. (He wasn't as a matter of fact but why correct his paranoia?!) So what if he did? Perhaps he wanted a straight answer this year? Bain then twisted and turned and at one point physically hid behind Alex McLeish. He claimed he didn't recruit people who simply hid a lack of talent behind claiming to be a supporter. Fine, but that wasn't what the questioner claimed he was doing. The question never got a straight answer. Bain claimed he stood by his comments - I refer our readers to the article in the Herald of the 1st August 2001 where his snobbery and contempt for fans is clearly evident.
YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN
When a questioner asked the Chairman about the woeful performance of the club's PR Department he lost his self-control and indulged in a bout of self-pity. The Chairman publicly abdicated responsibility for the club's image and advised the media that it's open house for attacks on the club and it's support by his pathetic response. Anyone who didn't like something in the press could always write to the editor. It was their choice.
That of course profoundly and deliberately misunderstands the question in two ways
1/ it should be the function of a PR department to defend and promote the club's interests - not to ignore attacks simply because the directors are afraid to stick up for the club.
2/ it is a far different matter for an individual fan to take on a newspaper than it is for the club - the club with it's full-time staff, resources and the ability to give or deny access to the press box or players is in an infinitely more powerful position to take on the club's media enemies
Not content with washing his hands of the PR function the Chairman then went on to reveal his own alienation from reality when he claimed that the Rangers Supporters Trust had been the only people demonizing Rangers in the previous week! It was a truly appalling and embarrassing moment. There were two reactions from amongst the 2,500 audience - one sycophant clapped (he has since been nicknamed the 'performing seal') - the other reaction was a collective intake of breath and shock of disbelief. Even his fellow-directors were embarrassed at that one, and on either side of him the top table looked at their watches, adjusted their ties or examined their shoes.
The relationship with Murray's other companies miraculously obtaining so many contracts in so many different areas of the club's operations was laid open to discussion - they were defended by the board on the grounds of best value. But like a dog with an old bone some of the shareholders sensed unease and started to gnaw away at it whilst some at the top table clearly became uneasy. The question that remained unanswered was simple - "why do we keep going deeper into debt while Mr. Murray's companies keep making profits?"
Unease also rippled around the top table when the lack of strong independent voices in the boardroom was noted - the number of them obtaining all their income from either RFC or other Murray companies was noted - McClelland chose to hide behind the spurious claim that this didn't apply to Dave King (co-owner with Murray of Murray Sports) or Daniel Levy. Levy is now chairman of Spurs and was last seen at Ibrox on the day Lord Lucan was spotted riding Shergar down the main street of Brigadoon.
The fact is - Murray is the only one who really counts - he should be on the Board, he should have been at the AGM and the Board should be for setting overall policy not for rubberstamping the actions already undertaken by those employed by the club.
McClelland also tried to stymie debate on the finances by claiming that financial questions should have been asked during the financial report - this despite the tradition being that almost all questions are asked in the Q&A session at the end.
All in all it was a mixed bag. Ominously for the Board the only positive reactions they got were when they hid behind McLeish. One attendee said to me that the atmosphere was of sullen hostility only suppressed by the not wanting to turn the AGM into a shambolic shouting match.
For those of us who want radical change there were positives and negatives.
THE NEGATIVES
The Board obviously doesn't want any change.
The would like to front it out and continue to run the club as their own private little moneymaking machine.
They abdicated responsibility for the image of the club.
They don't want an atmosphere inside Ibrox.
There is no serious long-term plan to significantly cut the debt.
They have no ambitions in Europe - and unlike Adolph they mean it!
THE POSITIVES
The quality of the sensible questions from the floor indicates a sea change in confidence and organization amongst the fans.
The Trust has got them very, very worried.
The garbled announcement of the Supporters Assembly is a major sign of weakness and confusion.
The Bears want their club back and don't care who is upset by that.
We just need to keep pushing.
GRANDMASTER SUCK
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THOSE QUESTIONS
(Synopsis provided by WestEncRanger)
I was at the AGM this morning and wrote down all the questions and a summary
of the answers and who answered.
I wrote the answers down in my own pathetic shorthand, so I have edited them
a little (i.e. not word perfect)
Q1: Regarding the revaluation of Ibrox and Murray Park by £40, and what
would the net liability position be without it.
A1: Joliffe- Last revalue 5 years ago...common practice to revalue...admitted
net liability position would be negative without it this year but said it
was normal practice.
Q2: Were 3000 Stuttgart tix rejected. Are Rangers fans being forced to go
straight to OT for Man U game.
A2: Bain-Stuttgart, don't know. Man U, McIntyre is still dealing with Man U,
so don't know.
Q3: Re ticket shambles of 2/9/03.
A3: Bain-apologized and admitted admin errors, also hinted at problems with
smartcard software. The idea behind 6 packs was to try to reduce crowd by
letting ST holders pick up packs for workmates, friends & family etc.
Admitted this backfired spectacularly. Claimed that Rangers focus groups had
been approached to decide how to sell them. Would try to make sure Rangers
'CUSTOMERS' were better handled in future.
Q4: Struth's grave.
A4: Ogilvie-Will go personally and see what can be done.
Q5: Rangers Supporters Assembly, who will be invited?
A5: JMcL- Made up from RSA and others.
Q5supplementary: Will RST be invited?
JMcL: I will consider it.
Q6:What position does Joliffe hold and did King's £20M go into RFC or Murray
sports?
A6: JMcL: Joliffe, dir of finance. King's money went into the infrastructure
(no direct answer)
Q7: Tribute to AMcL, walk on water etc
A7: AMcL: Thanks.
Q8: What is clubs stance on Blue Order?
A8: Bain- RFC want supporters singing and creating atmosphere. Police say
that you cannot stand in stadium.
Supp Q:At the meeting with TBO it was stated that if you had known more
about TBO it would not have happened.
Bain- Strongly refuted quote, said problem is that TBO is too big and that
when 100's stand at same time, it gives police and stewards problems.
JMcL: Atmosphere is improving, but police rules are holding it back. Would
prefer terracing.
Q9: PR Department inadequate to deal with demonisation of club.
A9: JMcL: PR is a major challenge. The clubs policy is to ignore criticism
because if you challenge it, the controversy rumbles on for a long time and
they don't want that. Claimed the RST is to blame for much of the
demonisation of the club in recent months, but it wasn't their fault. (Cue
some booing and heckling) It is therefore open season on RFC to any journo's
at all who can write anything and it will not be challenged by the club.
Q10: Catering turnover reduced by 16%. conflict of interests by DM here?
A10: Joliffe, Reduction in turnover was down to lack of Euro games in season
and no other reason. Azure is corp hosp only and provides good value. All
DM related companies have business contracts which are put to open market
and reviewed.
Q11: Young Supporters CLubs, diff packs for diff ages?
A11: Bain-10,000 in YSC, very difficult to get a pack for everyone. Try to
improve every year.
Q12: Pre-match music & DJ disliked, bring back flute bands.
A12: Laughter and moved on.
Q13: Man U game not 5% of capacity for Rangers fans.
A13: Bain- 3067 tix for MAn U game, spaces for stewards come out of the away
allocation. UEFA make final decision on allocations. We do the same to oppo
teams at Ibrox.
Q14: Cust svs, personal complaint about the training day and supp q about
DM's catering etc contracts taking money out and should be an ind enquiry
A14:JMcL: Apology for training day and will see individual personally.
Ambition alone is the cause of the debt and they are guilty of showing too
much ambition. Claims Auditors are independant and if anything specific
write in to them.
Q14supp: Can supporters come to Auchenhowie?
A14: JMcL- No due to lack of parking facilities. Seperate training days at
Ibrox are the compromise between letting the players get on with it and fans
demand.
Q15: Is club looking to develop USA/Canada market both in marketing and
youth players?
A15: Peel- Always looking to new overseas markets. Regarding USA, 2 new
deals just signed with supplier network in east and west coast. more details
to follow to NARSA clubs.
Q16: Sunday Herald trying to get dirt on RFC for this weeks rag
A16: Peel- Knows about it. Not specific to RFC, a general feature on
merchandise in football.
Q17: Union flags in bin at Tynecastle.
A17: JMcL: Union flags most welcome at Ibrox and always will. Hearts ban all
flags from all clubs. Scottish Executive not happy with Hearts decision and
are looking into it.
Q18: Cant see behind dug-out, please do something.
A18: Bain- will look at individual seat and see what can be done.
Q19: With departure of Skelly from board, leaves Murray only people on
board. No dissenting voices cant be good.
A19: JMcL: King and Levy are on board and there are plenty of dissenting
voices on the board. ALthough King and Levy are not at AGM they do attend Board meetings.
Q20: Accused board of gross financial mismanagent. Asked Bain for story
regarding non employment of rangers fans.
A20: Bain made it clear he was not misquoted but clarified the position by saying that if a rangers supporter only wanted to work at Ibrox to see the players and walk about with a club tie on, then he didnt want them in the jobs. Must have people prepared to work and graft to do the job for Rangers and he beleives they all do.
JMcL: If we had only Rangers fans on the board we would be £168M in debt.
Q21: Get the money in from clubs who have still to pay us (Gattuso, Flo and Bronckhurst)
A21: All payments have been paid on time to us at this point.
of the answers and who answered.
I wrote the answers down in my own pathetic shorthand, so I have edited them
a little (i.e. not word perfect)
Q1: Regarding the revaluation of Ibrox and Murray Park by £40, and what
would the net liability position be without it.
A1: Joliffe- Last revalue 5 years ago...common practice to revalue...admitted
net liability position would be negative without it this year but said it
was normal practice.
Q2: Were 3000 Stuttgart tix rejected. Are Rangers fans being forced to go
straight to OT for Man U game.
A2: Bain-Stuttgart, don't know. Man U, McIntyre is still dealing with Man U,
so don't know.
Q3: Re ticket shambles of 2/9/03.
A3: Bain-apologized and admitted admin errors, also hinted at problems with
smartcard software. The idea behind 6 packs was to try to reduce crowd by
letting ST holders pick up packs for workmates, friends & family etc.
Admitted this backfired spectacularly. Claimed that Rangers focus groups had
been approached to decide how to sell them. Would try to make sure Rangers
'CUSTOMERS' were better handled in future.
Q4: Struth's grave.
A4: Ogilvie-Will go personally and see what can be done.
Q5: Rangers Supporters Assembly, who will be invited?
A5: JMcL- Made up from RSA and others.
Q5supplementary: Will RST be invited?
JMcL: I will consider it.
Q6:What position does Joliffe hold and did King's £20M go into RFC or Murray
sports?
A6: JMcL: Joliffe, dir of finance. King's money went into the infrastructure
(no direct answer)
Q7: Tribute to AMcL, walk on water etc
A7: AMcL: Thanks.
Q8: What is clubs stance on Blue Order?
A8: Bain- RFC want supporters singing and creating atmosphere. Police say
that you cannot stand in stadium.
Supp Q:At the meeting with TBO it was stated that if you had known more
about TBO it would not have happened.
Bain- Strongly refuted quote, said problem is that TBO is too big and that
when 100's stand at same time, it gives police and stewards problems.
JMcL: Atmosphere is improving, but police rules are holding it back. Would
prefer terracing.
Q9: PR Department inadequate to deal with demonisation of club.
A9: JMcL: PR is a major challenge. The clubs policy is to ignore criticism
because if you challenge it, the controversy rumbles on for a long time and
they don't want that. Claimed the RST is to blame for much of the
demonisation of the club in recent months, but it wasn't their fault. (Cue
some booing and heckling) It is therefore open season on RFC to any journo's
at all who can write anything and it will not be challenged by the club.
Q10: Catering turnover reduced by 16%. conflict of interests by DM here?
A10: Joliffe, Reduction in turnover was down to lack of Euro games in season
and no other reason. Azure is corp hosp only and provides good value. All
DM related companies have business contracts which are put to open market
and reviewed.
Q11: Young Supporters CLubs, diff packs for diff ages?
A11: Bain-10,000 in YSC, very difficult to get a pack for everyone. Try to
improve every year.
Q12: Pre-match music & DJ disliked, bring back flute bands.
A12: Laughter and moved on.
Q13: Man U game not 5% of capacity for Rangers fans.
A13: Bain- 3067 tix for MAn U game, spaces for stewards come out of the away
allocation. UEFA make final decision on allocations. We do the same to oppo
teams at Ibrox.
Q14: Cust svs, personal complaint about the training day and supp q about
DM's catering etc contracts taking money out and should be an ind enquiry
A14:JMcL: Apology for training day and will see individual personally.
Ambition alone is the cause of the debt and they are guilty of showing too
much ambition. Claims Auditors are independant and if anything specific
write in to them.
Q14supp: Can supporters come to Auchenhowie?
A14: JMcL- No due to lack of parking facilities. Seperate training days at
Ibrox are the compromise between letting the players get on with it and fans
demand.
Q15: Is club looking to develop USA/Canada market both in marketing and
youth players?
A15: Peel- Always looking to new overseas markets. Regarding USA, 2 new
deals just signed with supplier network in east and west coast. more details
to follow to NARSA clubs.
Q16: Sunday Herald trying to get dirt on RFC for this weeks rag
A16: Peel- Knows about it. Not specific to RFC, a general feature on
merchandise in football.
Q17: Union flags in bin at Tynecastle.
A17: JMcL: Union flags most welcome at Ibrox and always will. Hearts ban all
flags from all clubs. Scottish Executive not happy with Hearts decision and
are looking into it.
Q18: Cant see behind dug-out, please do something.
A18: Bain- will look at individual seat and see what can be done.
Q19: With departure of Skelly from board, leaves Murray only people on
board. No dissenting voices cant be good.
A19: JMcL: King and Levy are on board and there are plenty of dissenting
voices on the board. ALthough King and Levy are not at AGM they do attend Board meetings.
Q20: Accused board of gross financial mismanagent. Asked Bain for story
regarding non employment of rangers fans.
A20: Bain made it clear he was not misquoted but clarified the position by saying that if a rangers supporter only wanted to work at Ibrox to see the players and walk about with a club tie on, then he didnt want them in the jobs. Must have people prepared to work and graft to do the job for Rangers and he beleives they all do.
JMcL: If we had only Rangers fans on the board we would be £168M in debt.
Q21: Get the money in from clubs who have still to pay us (Gattuso, Flo and Bronckhurst)
A21: All payments have been paid on time to us at this point.