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The Summer 2012 Transfer Window


9th July 2012

The question on everyone's minds in the current transfer window of Scottish football: What will happen to the Rangers players? With their SPL membership rejected, there has been a split between contracted employees who intend to remain (including current manager Ally McCoist) and those who wish to leave. Five top players have found new clubs on free transfers, on the advice of the players' union who insist that they are free agents, while six more are refusing to join the new company[1]. Several of the players who remain have been assured by representatives of the board that they are confident that they will play in the Scottish Football League next season.

However, any transfers are yet to gain international clearance, as Rangers still seek compensation for the moves and thus the SFA will not authorise them. Charles Green has publicly insisted that his company retained the contracts from the old company through TUPE rules. Muddying the waters further, of course, is the fact that the SFA are arbiting over transfers for a company that is to be liquidated on behalf of a new company which are not yet members. The confusion continues.

Late July-Early August, 2012

Several more Rangers players have asked to leave with the news that they will not participate in any SFA sanctioned league this season. Dorin Goian, Maurice Edu, Carlos Bocanegra Of the first team from last season, only captain Lee McCulloch remains, who has previously made it clear that he is sticking with his club whatever happens. Ian Black pulled out of a deal agreed in principle, and a move for Kilmarnock midfielder Dean Shiels ultimately fizzled out after the announcement.

Rangers has announced its plans to host exhibition matches and restructure, and reapply to the regional leagues next season. McCulloch will be joined by several youth players - including standouts Barrie McKay and Lewis Macleod - as well as several experienced players who are still free agents. The hope is that trading on the Rangers name will allow them to build prominence and pay off their debts.

The Rest of the Scottish Clubs

The July-August transfer window has been fairly eventful for the 12 clubs in the Premier League.

Celtic, now unrivalled in financial dominance in the league, signed the impressive Fraser Forster from Newcastle United early in the window. Various first team players and fringe players left, however, including the midfield star Ki Sung-yeung (to Swansea) and defender Cha Du-ri (to Fortuna Düsseldorf). With the incoming range of players looking overall rather thin, the transfer deadline day has brought them defender Efe Ambrose, as well as Venezuelan striker Miku on loan. Niall McGinn and Mo Yaqub have left to join fellow Scottish clubs, Aberdeen and St. Mirren respectively.

Hearts saw their top scorer and Scottish Cup Hero last season, Rudi Skácel, leave, as they struggled with financial difficulties of their own, whilst St. Johnstone brought in Gregory Tadé, Nigel Hasselbaink, and Peter Pawlett (loan) from fellow Premier League clubs. Aberdeen brought in, along with Niall McGinn, Jonny Hayes from Inverness. Dundee made several signings to cope with a surprise season in the Premiership, including ex-SPL player Davide Grassi.[2]

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[1] Leavers are as in OTL. This does not include Gregg Wylde and Mervan Celik, who had already left in March.
[2] Assume that most transfers happened in this window as in OTL, except for players going to Rangers.​

Can you tell I have no idea what I'm doing in terms of writing yet? Next update will be a brief detour for how the Scottish clubs in Europe this season did.

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