As the tributes pour in from supporters saddened and shocked by the death of Turnbull Hutton, it is worth remembering the words of the former Raith Rovers chairman in the summer of 2012.
The start of Rangers liquidation had thrown the Scottish football hierarchy into panic after a generation of obsession with the Old Firm.
With commercial and broadcasting deals sold on the back of that fixture the prospect of it’s demise brought phrases like Armageddon and social unrest to the fore.
While most club chairman squirmed uncomfortably about the prospect and others began to speak to supporter groups about the issue the straight talking Fifer delivered some clarity from the steps of Hampden Park.
A nervous SPL had rejected an application from the new Ibrox club to be parachuted into the top flight- a decision made in the likelihood that the SFL would provide a home in the First Division to ensure a club from Ibrox would be in the top tier in 12 months time.
Asking supporters to pay money for a farce of a league programme wasn’t an option for Hutton with his criticism aimed at the top of the SPL and SFA as they attempted to push the SFL into solving their problem.
“This is the same Rangers whose supporters threatened to torch our stadium and whose manager demanded one of our directors was named over his involvement with an SFA judicial panel,” he stated outside Hampden.
“That resulted in TV cameras camping outside his door and threats being made by various outlandish factions.
“We also had Sandy Jardine publicly calling for repercussions for those clubs who have not supported Rangers.
“Given that, how could I be expected to roll over and have my tummy tickled by some inducement to allow Rangers to come into the First Division.
“I gave my opinion to the board on Monday night and the board had a position which was not in any way different from my own. That does not mean a vote will go the way we want it to go.
“I imagine some clubs will see some short-term advantage but if long-term you cheese off your season ticket-holders and supporters and backers is it
worth it?
“Do you sell your position for 30 pieces of silver for some short-term advantage or take the moral high ground?”
Almost three years on from the creation of the secretive Five Way Agreement the damage to the Scottish game is still being felt.
Having budgeted accordingly for the new season Hibs, Falkirk and Raith Rovers find their challenge for a play off spot impacted by a club that required £6.5m of emergency loans to keep the light on on April Fool’s Day.
Financial Fair Play and licensing issues are still given lip service with the prospects of administration hovering over Ibrox with two of the architects of the old club’s demise currently calling the shots.
