It’s been a few weeks now since the BBC broadcast their report on Rangers owner Craig Whyte. The programme asked some questions about Mr Whyte business background. It’s worth noting that this blog will not repeat any of the allegations disputed by Mr Whyte, as his immediate reaction to the programme was to threaten legal action and then put a stop to all communications with the BBC. If he were to break all communications between Rangers and Scottish Comedy FC then it would hardly be a major blow to us here at the site – it’s not like any of us have direct access to Ally McCoist’s mobile number – but legal action would definitely not be something we would welcome. We are a bunch of comedians and have less spare cash than even Rangers do.
“Craig Whyte strenuously refutes these unfounded and defamatory allegations and has instructed his lawyers, Carter Ruck, to commence immediate legal proceedings against the BBC. Any repetition of these false accusations will also be met with legal action.”
His use of law firm Carter Ruck is noteworthy, given their own high-profile status gained by acting for high-profile clients in libel cases. Past clients have included Liam Gallagher, Sir Elton John, Simon Cowell, Jude Law, Chelsea, Tesco, The Church of Scientology and the State of Qatar. Not exactly a small-time operation then. It is worth noting though that they do offer some services on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, although we don’t know whether that’s what swung Whyte’s decision when choosing them.
This raises the question, why come out all guns blazing when he knew that one of the main claims was not actually a claim, but a fact? It’s not like forgetting where you put your keys then suddenly finding them in that jacket you hadn’t worn in a couple of weeks. It’s a very serious matter. Serious enough that he now faces investigation by the SFA into whether or not he meets their ‘fit and proper person’ criteria.
Then there was the departure from the board of John Greig, a man voted by fans as the club’s ‘Greatest Ever’ and who has essentially given a lifetime’s work to Rangers. Whatever his reasons for leaving, the manner of his departure can be considered a PR disaster for Craig Whyte.
Then throw into the mix what can be considered his biggest failing since taking over at Rangers, his unwillingness to actually engage with anyone. After the BBC programme, Whyte could have come out and said “this bit was true, this bit wasn’t, I’m going to raise legal action against them for the bits that were not true”. As it stands, his admission regarding the disqualification – over a month after the broadcast and after his threat of legal action – must lead even the most hardened of Rangers fans to feel that greater clarity and communication would be welcome.
Who knows, it might all turn out ok. The HMRC case (a whole piece on Rangers and this is the first time that’s come up, what is the world coming too!) might end up in Rangers favour, McCoist may win the double, and Whyte may broker deals which leave Rangers in a much more secure financial position. As long as he gives us a clue then he will help his own case dramatically.
———————————————————————————————————-
About the Author
John started his comedy career back in 2008 after his wife signed him up for a comedy competition in the Sunday Mail, without his knowledge. He ended up winning it and going on to the final of So You Think You’re Funny. A year later he won Scottish Comedian of the year. He talks about his home life with his wife and 3 daughters mostly as there is very little else exciting that happens in his life.
He has followed Rangers all his life. As a 5 year old boy he spent his birthday money on his first Rangers strip complete with number 9 on the back. It was also around that time that he was taken to a barbers for a haircut and asked to get his hair done like Frank McAvennie. As he had short, brown, poker straight hair the barber struggled to recreate the long blonde permed look that McAvennie sported at the time. This is a tale that his mother likes to share from time to time.
He also distantly related to Rangers hall of fame member Willie Waddell. It is very distant, but its close enough that he likes to use this to make him look like a big man.
His football career took a nose dive in secondary school when he found out he was actually a better rugby player than footballer. Brief stints at 5 a sides in 20′s followed. Since a tragic accident in which he slipped and fell on some ice due to his insistance on wearing converse all stars, he broke his left leg. Since then he has been too much of a big Jessie to grace a pitch again.
“All the makings of a class act” – Chortle
“Brilliant” – Sunday Mail
“Hard hitting and side splitting” – Daily Record
“There’s a rosy future ahead for John Gavin” – Scotsman
“Very Impressive” – Edinburgh Evening News
Follow John on Twitter – @johngavincomedy
John’s website – www.johngavincomedy.com
I know this has been a long one, but thanks for reading.
We were talking in the pub about this guy last night and the general consensus was” that there is something not quite right aboot him”.
Good post.
Fair play to someone from the blue corner willing to be sceptical about the current owner (when does he stop being “the new owner” by the way?). In my experience this is very rare, although perhaps the doubts are simply being kept in the family.
Anyway, I was particularly interested in the statement – “As long as he gives us a clue then he will help his own case dramatically”. This is very similar to the stock defence of Whyte offered by the average semi-sceptical Rangers fan of “we have to give him time to show his true intentions” (again we have to ask at what point has Whyte had “enough time” to show his “true intentions”.
The trouble with both these premises is that they both assume benevolent intent, which given Whyte’s background would hardly seem a safe assumption.
How long do you give a lion to show his “true intentions”? When its incisors are on the prey’s jugular? You can’t expect a vulture to come out and say “I’m a vulture”, that’s why wolves have sheep’s clothing.