Barry Ferguson reckons the new cinch deal that will see Rangers cash in despite being cut loose of their sponsor obligations is a humiliating defeat for SPFL chief Neil Doncaster.
The Record Sport columnist says it’s time for a change after accusing the league’s top brass of underselling our game.
And it was a view shared on the Hotline.
Eddie Easson, Ballingry, was first up to vent his anger, saying: “It’s painfully obvious that Neil Doncaster and his fellow hangers-on have got the cinch debacle wrong from the start.
“Surely to God this ought to have been discussed with all clubs before any announcement was made. Then Rangers could've put their case forward and all these court cases could've been avoided, saving thousands upon thousands.
“It's time for Doncaster to go and bring Barry Hearn in.”
Robert Pender said: “An organisation can rise no higher than its leader, hence the shambles at SPFL.”
Jimmy Mac, Glasgow , added: “It's clear to all everyone bar the anti- Rangers brigade that Rangers FC and Park's of Hamilton have a legal and binding contract between both parties.
“The SPFL were informed of said contract before they entered into talks with cinch for sponsorship yet both Murdoch MacLennan and Neil Doncaster chose to ignore Rangers FC and Park's contractual legalities.
“Heads must roll. Both MacLennan and Doncaster must resign from their disgraceful leadership of the SPFL which both believe is their personal little empire to do with as they wish and be held accountable to no-one.”
Rangers insist the decision to tweak the cinch deal, effectively removing them from the terms of the tie-up, is “vindication” of their year-long opposition to the deal.
And Edward Fraser said: “So if I'm not mistaken because Neil Doncaster ballsed up a sponsorship deal with cinch, one team will still receive its share of the deal without having to advertise this sponsor's name anywhere. No wonder this team feel like winners in this battle now they're getting paid for doing nothing. You really couldn't make it up - another example of Scottish football at its best.”
John Stewart, Glasgow , added: “Getting paid for NOT promoting the sponsor's product - now that’s original. This is the first step towards the demise of professional football in Scotland. Shame on everyone involved.”
And Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill , emailed in: “It seems that some of the people phoning the Hotline are totally ignoring the facts on Neil Doncaster's deal with cinch.
“Rangers have done nothing wrong and have of course been vindicated 100 percent.
“Douglas Park has poured money into Scottish football and when a deal with a rival company was struck with the SPFL, he was well within his rights to take a stand.”
But not everyone thinks the SPFL are totally at fault.
Gordon Ashley, Ayr , called to say: “Who do Rangers think they are demanding apologies? The SPFL have explained themselves and there will be no apologies. This is just the annual event of Rangers causing as much trouble as they can because they blame everyone else for their liquidation and can’t accept that Celtic are Scotland's biggest club.”
Martin Leggat said: “Is Park’s statement the tail wagging the dog? They are joined at the hip with Rangers, who are only using Park’s of Hamilton as legally Rangers cannot say anything at present.”
Meanwhile, Aberdeen youngster Calvin Ramsey is closing in on a sensational £8million move to Liverpool.
John Bruce said: “It was good to hear that Aberdeen received £4.5 million up-front for Calvin Ramsay with another £3.5m due in add ons - and refreshing to see one of Scotland's smaller clubs having the courage to hold out for a club record transfer fee for their star player.
“It also augurs well for Rangers, should they decide to sell any of their prize assets. If Aberdeen can receive £4.5 million for a player from a team that finished third bottom of the league, what could Rangers expect for some of their players who, in the last two seasons, have won a league title, a national cup and played in a European final?”
