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Feb 10

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Taxman Cometh

The HMRC (after this Week’s clearance of our ‘Harry’) remains intent on targeting and exposing the leading clubs on alleged tax evasion.  This statement derived from inside information from Sporting Intelligence (SI).

I understand that it’s such as ‘perks’ for players that are to come under some scrutiny. By perks, the sorts of things included are ‘partner’s’ benefits, holidays, offshore accounts, expenses, hospitality etc. All finance directors in the Barclays Premier League were recently consulted and the findings from that research have led to this predicted action by the taxman.  The foreign immigration will be focused upon also especially in terms of whether players are totally compliant with N.I contributions.  Why shouldn’t they be exposed to such an investigation – after all we all pay them?

SI quotes: “HMRC has found big discrepancies in at least one club and they now want to make sure these discrepancies are not widespread”.  The Government apparently seeks £8Bn “claw back” and of course the football industry is high-profile enough to make an example that might strike home.  The whole matter falls under a strategy to bring football in line with other industries.

Feb 8

FA clowns

Tonight’s news says that the majority of pundits feel that the FA was right on their stance to deal with Fabio Capello in the way they did. I’ll not get into the John Terry racist allegation – as I would be commenting without an appreciation of evidence for or against (though of course, any form of racism is wrong).

The reason I suggest ‘clowning’ is in response to a question of whether it is the FA’s right to decide on removing a Captain (before his trial concludes) and without any consultation with the Manager.  In my mind, the answer is no and if anyone did so in any other walk of life wouldn’t there be a case for constructive dismissal.  The definition is: “If you resign from your job because of your employer’s behaviour, it may be considered to be constructive dismissal.”  Doesn’t Fabio have a legal background – could this be his next step?  I’ve not heard anyone else predict that this could be the following episode in this debacle.

The usual suspects come out of the woodwork to air their opinions.  Brian Barwick, yawn yawn.  England players tweet their gratitude to the Italian – some possibly eyeing up future transfers if he were to remain in the game and pop up elsewhere? A replacement suggested for this top coaching position is Guus Hiddink. What?  Do I think the Turkish FA would give a glowing reference – I think not.

I think it’s a Harry Redknapp appointment – though personally I might be inclined to shortlist Martin O’Neill on capability.  But maybe to satisfy the FA the puppet pictured would be an ideal choice?

Jan 31

Barcode fans

Clever use of technology but not nice!  Have to applaud the innovatory concept of using a QR code to brandish insults at the opposition’s fans though.  This is exactly what happened when Karsiyaka taunted arch rivals Gozteppe. 

At the risk of offending, the message was akin to the referee’s parenthood being questioned, with a translation by me, of one set of supporters being the offspring of a prostitute.  Other football blog sites suggest a close alternative interpretation.

I have been involved in the use of QR codes but for sensible, non-inflammatory marketing tactics.  

But this has given me an idea?  Which club over here will mimic the use of QR codes first?

How do we stop it exploding into abusive communications – guess every steward needs a smartphone with scanning app!

Jan 25

TVR

‘Thames Valley’ Rumpus.  It only seems like yesterday that Robert Maxwell (deceased) announced plans to merge Oxford and Reading to establish a new club, Thames Valley Royals. I witnessed the furore when a former Director purchased the domain ‘Manstock’ in a potential relocation of County.  It’s rare to witness the positivity expressed by fans of combining two rivals.  It has been said could Stockport and Oldham form a potential ‘giant’?

Thames Valley Sports Investment has now appeared and an alleged 26 years’ old  ‘billionaire’ Russian has just agreed a heads of agreement to acquire Reading FC.

The rumour mill is going into overdrive with suggestions that the outgoing owner will sell but retain some income and commercial activities.  Deja vu Mr Kennedy (Stockport) or Mr Wood (Bury)?

We talk about ‘fit and proper’ and more besides but if the authorities had any teeth there would be much diligence needing to be undertaken prior to any such move that ‘smells’ not quite right to an outsider.

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