Michael Johnston: hang your head in shame

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DevAdvocate said:
I accidentally got caught up in flame frenzy last week in Glasgow, I was late going home and as I walked up Buchanan Street the streets were lined with people going berserk as the torch passed by. Cameras and phones were flashing everywhere and people were clambering atop objects to get a clearer view of some nonentity, metaphorically baring his arse in public to promote an event which is no more than another massive fundraiser to rebuild London...again.
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Accidentally? Sure, sure.

Dev in failure to come to terms with his irrational flame excitement hell.

DevAdvocate: said:
The whole of Britain is buying into this charade that we are all involved, by God they'e even given us Scots some Women's football matches for some bizarre reason, we should duly tug our collective forelocks and be grateful for the meagre scraps tossed to us from the table which gets bigger every passing year.

I've always said that 80% of the Great British public are imbeciles, this proves it, we are getting the Joan Collins special and some people cannot even see it.
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It's horrible, isn't it? The forced jollity, the forced sense of community, the forced sense that this is actually important. I didn't realise that Scotland had been given some women's football. How does that work? I thought this thing was being held in London? How weird and pointless and faintly patronising.

But the whole thing will regenerate various communities and the facilities will be used by poor people with bad skin after the event so it's well worth paying all this money to host the thing. I think we're maybe told this every time.

You feel 80% of the Great British public are imbeciles? That feels like quite a generous estimation. At times, I have this figure in the mid to high nineties. What is wrong with people? It rips into me.

Right, I need to head into Cork for the afternoon, thank goodness, otherwise I can see that this might develop into a full-blown rant. Lucky escape, Dev, lucky escape.
 
StereoTypist said:
Good news for when you get back from Cork:

ABERDEEN have quelled a revolt by their Red Army by agreeing to vote for a Rangers’ newco being dumped into the Third Division.
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http://www.footballcourier.com/news...rt-and-insist-club-will-vote-for-rangers.html<ok>
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Nice one, Stereo, how lovely to come home to a gift. :emoticon-0152-heart

And going by the headline and first paragraph &#8211; great news. Going by the rest of the article, however, nothing much appears to have changed. They&#8217;re working from the same quotes I posted above (from Duncan Fraser) and choosing to interpret them in a way that isn&#8217;t entirely accurate &#8211; no real surprise to find a newspaper doing this, but galling (every time) all the same.

I may be too cynical and jaundiced, but with the quotes given - A large numbers of our supporters have made their views and feelings very clear and as a Club I can assure everyone that these are being taken into account. The integrity of sport in general and football in particular must be central to any decision &#8211; the club has committed itself to nothing much more than merely listening to the fans (who they may then ignore) and has failed to clarify what is meant by the integrity of sport or football. Those running the club may have a different definition of such things than we do, say, or those Aberdeen fans who continue to protest. Duncan Fraser has left plenty of wriggle room and appears to have been very, very careful with his words - which is a good trait, don't get me wrong, but it may also be used to allow others to apply meaning that may not actually be there.

Until the votes are offically cast, I'll continue to treat their words with extreme caution (bordering on outright disbelief), whilst acknowledging a seeming step in the right direction.

Up until roundabout ten o'clock this morning, however, it had been raining for 36 hours solid, so I'm not exactly in the brightest of moods. A couple of leaks in the roof of an outhouse means my collection of fire wood is now sodden. <grr>
 
Sorry to hear that Psycho. If it's any consolation (which I doubt very much) it is cold and wet here in Edinburgh. In fact, as I sit vegetatively staring out the window at Corstorphine Hill, I have to say that if it were not for the fact that there are still chlorophyll-rich leaves on the trees, I would swear we are very much in the grip of autumn.

Anyway, getting back to the point at hand, the following has been published in our illustrious local paper, the tram-obsessed Evening News:

http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsma...ay-no-to-newco-1-2358638#.T9yBW_pjUNc.twitter

Again, no indication of what way the club itself will vote but it does add to the clamour for Team X to be playing in Division 3 next season.

I also note that the Kilmarnock Chairman, Michael Johnstone, has called for it to be a secret ballot. I wonder why?
 
A secret ballot? Why bother? If it goes against The Rangers then doubtless we will hear the usual nasal screams of "We demand" (insert appropriate grievance here). Make it an open vote with a show of hands and let the lunatics threaten the "Guilty" from the off so we can react to it. Otherwise we will have weeks of argument whether or not someone reneged or was otherwise a hypocrite. The people who vote to reject The Rangers entry into the SPL shall thenceforth be known as the men who "Kicked Rangers when they are down". They may as well get it out of the road right away and get used to it.
 
StereoTypist said:
Sorry to hear that Psycho. If it's any consolation (which I doubt very much) it is cold and wet here in Edinburgh. In fact, as I sit vegetatively staring out the window at Corstorphine Hill, I have to say that if it were not for the fact that there are still chlorophyll-rich leaves on the trees, I would swear we are very much in the grip of autumn.

Anyway, getting back to the point at hand, the following has been published in our illustrious local paper, the tram-obsessed Evening News:

http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsma...ay-no-to-newco-1-2358638#.T9yBW_pjUNc.twitter

Again, no indication of what way the club itself will vote but it does add to the clamour for Team X to be playing in Division 3 next season.

I also note that the Kilmarnock Chairman, Michael Johnstone, has called for it to be a secret ballot. I wonder why?
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In fact, it is some consolation to hear that others are similarly afflicted, thank you. I'm cheap that way. Spooky that you should say the thing about feeling as if we're in Autumn, as I said exactly the same to my wife the other day - the conversation round our way is electric.

I've not heard anything about the Edinburgh tram system for ages, but imagine that everything will be on time and on budget. And I've not read the Evening News for years and years. As local papers go, it's maybe not that bad, actually, and the staff would probably be failing in their duty if they were not seen to be crazily obsessed with the trams. Still, the Hearts thing makes for good reading.

One thing, though: should this new company/club be allowed into the third division? I'm not really sure about that anymore. It depends on the rules, of course, but I read somewhere (a couple of places, in fact) that any new applicant must be able to produce three years of audited accounts - something this new entity would be unable to do, naturally enough. If these are the rules - and I'm not at all sure that they are - then three years in some local league is probably the equitable way forward. It's not a punishment - why should a new club be punished, after all? - merely an application of the rules and a demonstration of the very necessary fact that all are considered equal before them. If these aren't the rules, fair enough, maybe an allowance will be made and the new club can start in the third division.

And why would Michael Johnston ask for a secret ballot? Because he hates the fans of Kilmarnock and the fans of Scottish football and would prefer they simply stumped up cash, week in week out, without having the temerity to have an opinion or dare to hold him to account? Because he's weak? Because he wants to encourage a system whereby secrecy - a nod and a wink - trumps accountability and transparency? I've no idea. The man entirely baffles me.




rogueleader: said:
PS; weather is lovely at the moment.
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<grr>
 
The Wog Boy said:
**** Rangers and The Rangers.

That's my informed and balanced opinion.
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You'd **** anything ER.

Interesting news from Motherwell on the subject of NewCo:

http://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2012/06/21/well-society-to-vote-on-newco-rangers

I've no idea how many 'well supporters there are in the Society. I'm also a bit cynical of the Board's claim that "An impartial guidance document on the likely risks to club finances of each outcome will be supplied as part of the information Society members will receive in order to vote. This will be our assessment based on the information available to us at this time. In reality this analysis will never be perfect as it relies on estimates which change daily."

One wonders, given the language of the 'well Board in recent weeks, just how impartial this document will be.

Still, it's good to see a club recognise the importance of the views of it's supporters for once.
 
SaTan's Evil Twin said:
You'd **** anything ER.

Interesting news from Motherwell on the subject of NewCo:

http://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2012/06/21/well-society-to-vote-on-newco-rangers

I've no idea how many 'well supporters there are in the Society. I'm also a bit cynical of the Board's claim that "An impartial guidance document on the likely risks to club finances of each outcome will be supplied as part of the information....."

One wonders, given the language of the 'well Board in recent weeks, just how impartial this document will be.

Still, it's good to see a club recognise the importance of the views of it's supporters for once.
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I share your cynicism, mister. I don't trust anybody in all of this and will continue not to trust them until they've actually voted "No" and declare such a thing clearly and unashamedly in public. (Just look at the tangle Aberdeen are getting themselves into. Dear oh dear oh dear.) The Hearts statement was brutally direct and often quite funny, I liked it a lot. Vlad tidings we bring to you and your King.....:emoticon-0159-music

The Wog Boy said:
Good.

If Milne cops out then I hope AFC go down the tubes. Having been a diehard for 40 odd years that takes a lot for me to say it. But **** 'em quite frankly.
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Nicely said, Wog Boy. I'd very happily see Aberdeen go straight out of business if Milne (and his remaining cohorts) ignore the depth and strength of feeling amongst the fans. I don't want to be associated (on any level) with a club like that. I will definitely continue not to travel over from southern Ireland every week to watch the team. <ok>

Edit: I see that you're simply ER with a new name, Wog - I didn't compute that Stereo had called you "ER". Gutted. I thought we had a new fan here. <grr>

Further edit: Unless my memory deceives me, Stereo's father was/is an Aberdeen fan, you know? I think Stereo may harbour a fierce (yet secret) love for our team - and for the two of us, as well. Stands to reason.
 
Psychosomatic said:
I share your cynicism, mister. I don't trust anybody in all of this and will continue not to trust them until they've actually voted "No" and declare such a thing clearly and unashamedly in public. (Just look at the tangle Aberdeen are getting themselves into. Dear oh dear oh dear.) The Hearts statement was brutally direct and often quite funny, I liked it a lot. Vlad tidings we bring to you and your King.....:emoticon-0159-music



Further edit: Unless my memory deceives me, Stereo's father was/is an Aberdeen fan, you know? I think Stereo may harbour a fierce (yet secret) love for our team - and for the two of us, as well. Stands to reason.
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Sadly Psycho, it appears our scepticism was well founded:

http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/...f-rangers-could-put-well-into-administration/

In conclusion, the guidance note states: &#8220;Whatever decision is made on the newco vote by the SPL clubs, the financial position of Motherwell Football Club will suffer. There are clear risks to the financial stability and very future of this club presented by the current situation.

&#8220;In the event of serious financial difficulty, the board will have to look to the members, shareholders and supporters to step up their support for the club and the Well Society. This is likely to be in the form of increased prices, higher attendances and further Society memberships and contributions.

&#8220;It is clear that if we are unable to replace significant amounts of income lost under either scenario, the club would be facing an insolvency event. This would lead to a 21 point reduction.&#8221;
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Remember, this is a club who, by the actions of Rangers FC, are in the Champions League this year. This is a club which has benefited more than any other due to the death of Rangers. Yet, despite this, they are still trying to bully their fans into accepting NewCo back into the SPL.

You've seriously got to wonder how John Boyle ever became a rich, successful businessman. Did he inherit the business from daddy or something? Not only has he taken Motherwell into administration once before but he's now threatening to do so again on the back of losing a team who are a toxic threat to the rest of Scottish football.

The sooner the fans get their hands on the club, the better.

ps. Yes my father was/is an Aberdeen fan having been born up in that part of the world. I say was/is as he seems to have little time for Scottish fitba these days, sadly like so many, preferring the EPL and Man Utd especially.
 
SaTan's Evil Twin said:
Sadly Psycho, it appears our scepticism was well founded:

http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/...f-rangers-could-put-well-into-administration/



Remember, this is a club who, by the actions of Rangers FC, are in the Champions League this year. This is a club which has benefited more than any other due to the death of Rangers. Yet, despite this, they are still trying to bully their fans into accepting NewCo back into the SPL.

You've seriously got to wonder how John Boyle ever became a rich, successful businessman. Did he inherit the business from daddy or something? Not only has he taken Motherwell into administration once before but he's now threatening to do so again on the back of losing a team who are a toxic threat to the rest of Scottish football.

The sooner the fans get their hands on the club, the better.

ps. Yes my father was/is an Aberdeen fan having been born up in that part of the world. I say was/is as he seems to have little time for Scottish fitba these days, sadly like so many, preferring the EPL and Man Utd especially.
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Jesus. It just gets worse. Already, though, this feels like old news as events unfold at pace. (Sorry about the delay in getting back to you, by the way.) Scotland is entirely disgracing itself. We might only hope that all of this leads to some kind of bloodletting and radical overhaul, whilst suspecting that it may lead to nothing but outright (sporting) calamity.

I'm sure your dad's not alone, by the way. It seems to be the trend, unfortunately. I've never understood the appeal of English football (and almost never watch it), but loads of people seem to think it's great. To me, never minding the actual football on display, it looks and feels hubristic and bloated, an increasingly impatient accident just waiting to happen.
 
Some positive news Psycho. Aberdeen have signed former Celtic player, Niall McGinn.

Not a bad signing. He's direct and quick. Just needs to improve on his final ball.
 
I think I (vaguely) remember that guy. Nice one. From a distance, it certainly seems like an okay signing, a gradual improvement in the overall quality of the squad.

Speaking to Aberdeen&#8217;s official website, he said: "Aberdeen is a massive club and I'm really looking forward to be back playing in Scotland."

You hear that? A massive club. Your dad will be kicking himself, for sure.

And Jonny Hayes is a pretty good signing, as well, come to think of it. I wouldn't go so far as to say that things are looking up for Aberdeen - that's just crazy talk - but we might at least allow ourselves to momentarily shift our gaze from our shoes every once in a while.
 
Breaking news: SPL votes "overwhelmingly" to reject the new club's application to play in the top league. I wonder if we'll find out how the votes were cast (by each club).

A good first step, anyway.
 
Michael Johnstone, goodbye dickhead!

cant wait to hear his analysis on this one. Would have rather he had the balls and said " weve listened to the fans, but decided rangers bring more money than the fans so for financial reasons voting yes to newco" no instead he just sits there and doesnt vote like a muppit. Hasnt even given a reason yet as to why he abstained. This may have just cost him a fortune is season ticket sales that fans would have bought to support the club for having the balls to stand for the right thing, but no we get this.
 
This is a tough situation for fans of SPL clubs now.

I suppose the thing to do is to follow the lead of Kilmarnock fans. They want Johnstone out. They should tell other fans how they can be helped in that aim. A lot of early chat was to never darken the door of Rugby Park ever again but absolute credit to the fans of Killie who got the message out there very fast and very clearly that the abstention was done "not in their name". I do hope that message is heeded.

Genuinely the best response may be a boycott from all SPL supporters including Killie until they get their man out. I don't know how Killie fans feel about a little short term pain for long term gain.
 
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