Fair Play at FIFA?

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The following post comes about as a result of the research and work put in by Auldheid.

He has drafted the submission to FIFA detailed below after closely looking at their rules, and taking on board the points contained in the Glasnost “Golden Rule” blog. TSFM has attached the blog’s name to the report since the overwhelming – but not unanimous – view of our readership is that the SFA and the SPL have again gotten themselves into an almighty and embarrassingly amateur fankle over this issue.

We believe that tens of thousands of football fans will be lost to the game if the outcome of the LNS enquiry is not perceived to be commensurate with the scope and extent of the rule breaking that LNS found had taken place. In view of this, we believe that we have to do what we can to explore all possibilities for justice for those who love the game so much and yet are utterly disillusioned by recent events.

LNS is not being questioned here. He has found that RFC were guilty as charged by the SPL.

What is being questioned is the SFA’s crucial – and seemingly conflicted  – role in the LNS enquiry, as is the effectiveness of LNS’s recommended sanction as either a deterrent or an upholder of sporting integrity.

It came to our notice last week that FIFA have created a web site at

https://www.bkms-system.net/bkwebanon/report/clientInfo?cin=6fifa61&language=eng

that tells us that FIFA have implemented a regulatory framework which is intended to ensure that all statutory rules, rules of conduct and internal guidelines of FIFA are respected and complied with.

In support of that regulatory framework FIFA have set up the above site as a reporting mechanism by means of which inappropriate behaviour and infringements of the pertinent regulations may be reported.

FIFA say that their jurisdiction encompasses misconduct that (1) relates to match manipulation; (2) occurs in or affects more than one confederation, so that it cannot adequately be addressed by a single confederation; or (3) would ordinarily be addressed by a confederation or association, but, under the particular facts at issue, has not been or is unlikely to be dealt with appropriately at that level.

Discussions arising from the previous blog on TSFM, “Gilt Edged Justice”, which was published after Lord Nimmo Smith (LNS) ruled on the registration of Rangers players who had contractual side letters that were not disclosed to the SFA as part of their registration, suggest that there may be possible unfortunate consequences for football arising from the evidence presented by the SFA to the LNS enquiry that informed its findings on registration and consequent eligibility. There is also a question of the propriety of the SFA providing evidence on an issue which could have had a negative impact on them had it been found that they had failed to carrying out their registration duties with due rigour over a period of ten years when the existence of EBTs was known to officials within the SFA.

On the basis that the LNS findings require that registration rules be clarified by FIFA and rewritten globally if necessary to remove any ambiguity and under clause 3 above, this appears to be an issue that the FIFA should examine and that the SFA cannot address.

The following report has therefore been submitted by TSFM on behalf of its readers to FIFA drawing on the content and debate following the “Gilt Edged Justice” blog in respect of the possible footballing consequences of the LNS enquiry.

The hope is that by speaking for so many supporters, FIFA will give the TSFM submission some weight, but individuals are free of course to make their own points in their own way.  We await acknowledgement of the submission.

The report Submitted to FIFA is as follows;

This report was prepared on behalf of the 10,000-strong readership of The Scottish Football Monitor at http://scottishfootballmonitor.wordpress.com/
It is our belief that FIFA general rules of conduct were breached by the SFA and their employees in both creating and then advising The Lord Nimmo Smith (LNS) enquiry into the non disclosure of full payment information to the Scottish Football Association (SFA) by Rangers F.C during a period of player registration over 10 years from 2000.

We believe that although the issue has been addressed by the SFA the particular facts at issue suggest that it has not been dealt with appropriately and we therefore ask FIFA to investigate. The facts at issue are that the process and advice given failed to uphold sporting integrity, and that a conflict of interest was at play.

We believe the advice provided and the enquiry set up, where SFA both advised and is the appellant body, breaches not only the integrity the registration rules were intended to uphold, but also totally undermines the integrity of the SFA in breach of General Conduct rules 1, 2 and 4. (See below.)

1.  Firstly we believe that the advice supplied to LNS that an incorrectly registered player was eligible to play as long as the registration was accepted by the SFA however unwittingly, undermines the intent of the SPL/SFA rules on player registration and so undermines the integrity of football in three ways.

• It incentivises clubs to apply for a player to be registered even if they know that the conditions of registration are not satisfied, in the hope that the application will somehow ‘slip through the net’ and be granted anyway (in which case it will be valid until revoked).

• A club which discovers that it has made an error in its application is incentivized to say nothing and to ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ – because it would be in a better position by not confessing its mistake.

• And most importantly, it incentivises fraud.  By deliberately concealing relevant information, a club can ensure that a player who does not satisfy the registration conditions is treated as being eligible – and therefore allowed to play – for as long as a period as possible (potentially his entire spell with the club). Then, if the club is no longer around when the deception is finally discovered, imposing meaningful sanctions may be impossible.

2.   Secondly we believe the process followed was inappropriate due to a Conflict of Interest. Had the LNS enquiry not ruled on the basis of advice supplied by The SFA, they and those persons advising the LNS enquiry, could have been subjected to censure and the SFA to potential compensation claims had LNS found that the players were indeed ineligible to play and results then been annulled as was SFA practice when an ineligible player played.

3.  Finally we contend that a law should not be applied according to its literal meaning if to do so would lead to an absurdity or a manifest injustice or in this case loss of football integrity.
See http://glasnostandapairofstrikers.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/gilt-edged-justice/

4. We therefore ask FIFA to investigate both the process used and advice given to Lord Nimmo Smith to satisfy themselves that FIFA’s intentions with regard to upholding the integrity of football under FIFA rules have not been seriously damaged by the LNS findings and also to reassure Scottish football supporters that the integrity of our game has not been sacrificed by the very authority in whose care it has been placed to promote the short term cause of commercialism to the games long term detriment.

General Rules of Conduct (These are taken from the FIFA web site itself and can be found as part of completing the submission process)

1. Persons bound by this Code are expected to be aware of the importance of their duties and concomitant obligations and responsibilities.

2. Persons bound by this Code are obliged to respect all applicable laws and regulations as well as FIFA’s regulatory framework to the extent applicable to them.

3. N/A

4. Persons bound by this Code may not abuse their position in any way, especially to take advantage of their position for private aims or gains.

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About Trisidium

Trisidium is a Dunblane businessman with a keen interest in Scottish Football. He is a Celtic fan, although the demands of modern-day parenting have seen him less at games and more as a taxi service for his kids.

4,057 thoughts on “Fair Play at FIFA?”


  1. >> finloch says:
    >> Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 12:20
    >>Breaking news

    But one of the three doesn’t get a vote (due to associate status)… who are these other people?


  2. There is real merit in LTL’s and Ecobhoy’s suggestions this morning to do more to publicise Auldheid’s excellent letter to the whistleblower site – the more publicity we can generate, the less chance there is of it simply being ignored. I really liked the wording of Ecobhoy’s supplementary press release.

    I know we’re not great at organising ourselves (and others) as a group – see Senior’s suggestion about Stayaway Saturday as an example that divided us somewhat, but to expand on LTL’s suggestion re public display through banners etc, is there any way we could manage to organise some sort of walk out weekend to draw attention to our submitted concerns? Senior’s suggestion was seen as a step too far by some, because staying away would hurt their own club rather than those who should be harmed. Thinking now, I can see how DAFC, for example, simply cannot afford to lose out on a home gate. Would people be willing to go to matches on a particular weekend, give your club the usual money you would spend – tickets, programme, pie & bovril, whatever – then walk out immediately after the half time interval? This protects the clubs, but would undoubtedly attract media (and perhaps UEFA/FIFA interest? Imagine the impact if we could organise it so well that grounds across Scotland were actually empty for the second half!!

    TU if you think this is something that could work. Written responses if you have any ideas on how it could be organised properly.


  3. The FIFA approach may or may not work. It is the right approach, something official that cannot be ignored. it may be legal action by fans, or better still an official fans group, will be the only thing that will grab the attention of the SPL / SFA and the MSM. This is one for the legal eagles on the board. Costs can mount up, but something along the lines of what they call a “group action” in the US might work. If enough people make a commitment then the costs per head are reduced.

    There is no doubt that many football “feel” a loss from the cheating of Rangers over the years. Interested to see if there is a basis to bring a case, and if enough people are willing to put their money where their mouth is.


  4. smugas says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 10:09
    25 1 i
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    thereek says:
    Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 23:28
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Smugas

    Simply put I don’t believe Celtic had anything to do with the colts message. For motives I defer to Mr Hutton who, paraphrasing, said it was an idea put forward by Longmuir to give one club a trophy and a promotion. Tom English has,as you say, also cast doubt over Longmuir’s approach. I believe Celtic is the only club to make a public statement querying the non withdrawal of trophies so I hardly think they’re now involved in a scheme to give them one.

    Delighted you reaffirm your support for Auldheid’s efforts and I do believe that we can, as a unified group, achieve something here.


  7. “Tom English has,as you say, also cast doubt over Longmuir’s approach.”
    ______________________________

    He could have went further and cast doubt about his sanity. This is an insane idea, but of course is only being use as a smokescreen.


  8. In addition to nawlite’s suggestion at 12:41, I wonder whether it is feasible to organise something like a massive show of red cards by fans around the grounds on specified days as a highly visible protest at the mismanagement of the game.


  9. Re colts nonsense
    What’s the betting Celtic knew nothing about it until they read it in the msm ?
    if so the aim can only be to draw them into a public debate about reconstruction
    Lawell should continue to ignore these muppets


  10. The submission to FIFA is an excellent idea but requires the maximum publicity, we the humble fans, can generate.
    Talk of walking out of games at specific times only creates empty terracings, which we know will be used by the MSM to reinforce their long- trumpeted view that Scottish football cannot survive without TRFC and their legions of fair-minded fans.
    Similarly, blanket displays of red cards lack clarity of purpose. What we need is a concerted effort to get over our message that Scottish football lacks proper governance. We need to make maximum use of the humble banner held aloft at EVERY televised match to get our message over. Not an old bedsheet, a pot of paint and an illiterate signwriter, but a clearly legible, block capitals job that can be seen by all supporters and more importantly by tv cameras. These need to situated where cameras are obliged to show them, viz behind goals, on the halfway line and at corner flags.
    Supporters groups need to be contacted to try to guage opinion on suitable wordings. It must be simple and concise and ideally common to ALL grounds.
    For what it’s worth, I suggest something along the lines of:-

    “SFA, SPL, SFL, – NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE.”


  11. So would these colts team be given prize money depending on their league finish? In a few years time we could have both old firm colt teams monopolising the Championship (current div 1) top two in years to come?
    Just as we try to give a fairer split of the cash to all clubs, the newly increased prize money could be finding it’s way back to these two clubs to subsidise their youth academies?


  12. Slightly off-topic but context is useful in terms of what can individuals achieve when acting collectively and using social-media and other communication tools effectively (apologies to Telegraph readers…)

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/mar/13/edf-lawsuit-environmental-activists-backlash

    In particular I was drawn to this section of the story:

    “EDF’s bullying lawsuit has bitten the dust because people power fought back,” she said. “They thought they were taking on 21 of us, but they soon faced a movement that stood with us against an energy giant and its lawyers … only a few of us went up that chimney, but 64,000 people came down.”


  13. Colt teams? So we could find Celtic and tRangers winning all 4 leagues?

    Anyone who thinks this will help Scottish football is either seriously deluded, Chic Young or both!


  17. “It may well be the case that league reconstruction won’t happen before next season,” Longmuir told STV. “But it is clear we have to get this right.”

    ——

    What he has to “get right”, of course, is the promotion of TRFC out of the bottom league.

    By this sudden (forthcoming) decision that reconstruction can’t happen this year despite insisting it was an absolute necessity until now, TRFC will get their promotion to the lofty heights of Div 2 without the “sporting merit” card having to be played to get them out of a reconstructed bottom league.


  20. smartie1947
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 14:44
    Another idea worth considering, Smartie but perhaps there’s room and a need for more than just one approach. I suggested the red card idea, because I think it’s a course of action that many, perhaps most, fans might be inclined to support. It would have the benefit of being cheap and easy to organise. Supported by a strong and clear statement of what it represented, I don’t see how it lacks clarity of purpose. It would be a clear statement to the footballing authorities, the media and home viewers that the paying supporters are angry at the way the game is being run and that the corrupted management of the game must be sorted out. Surely that is a message worth getting across!


  21. Well,at least we can always rely on the great Turnbull Hutton to dish the dirt and openly state his case for the fans.

    in addition his release of gate money to Dunfermline Athletic is both gracious and noble.

    A man of integrity in a world of despicable,feckless chicanery.


  22. angus1983 says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 10:36
    31 0 Rate This
    ===============================
    Will this do?

    SPL regulas scripta sunt perlucide.
    In SPL deliberatumque, dissimulauit regulas.
    In SFA fuerit admodum debilis et indulserit plures violationes regulas.


  23. HirsutePursuit says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 16:05
    3 0 i
    Rate This
    angus1983 says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 10:36
    31 0 Rate This
    ===============================
    Will this do?

    SPL regulas scripta sunt perlucide.
    In SPL deliberatumque, dissimulauit regulas.
    In SFA fuerit admodum debilis et indulserit plures violationes regulas.

    ________________________________________________________________________________

    I think there’s something mssing!!


  24. If reconstruction cannot be brought in for next season, for whatever reason, good.

    It has always been my view that changing things during the season is wrong. I don’t care who it helps or hinders. If there are to be changes then there has to be one clear season before the change is brought in. That is only fair on everyone concerned and allows proper planning on things like expenditure, borrowing levels, disposal of assets. It allows coubs to cut their cloth to suit the circumstances and their own aspirations.

    If they can have a plan in place prior to the new season starting, to be brought in after that season but before the next then fine. So long as people know the procedures etc before a competition starts that is fair.

    I include rangers in that. To say during a season that they would not be promoted if they win, because the whole structure for the following season would be changed anyway is simply wrong. That goes for every club effected.


  26. David Longmuir says:-

    “I have to look at how we bring the fans back. With that, I am looking at all aspects of improving our game.”
    ________________________________________________________________________________

    David,

    You’ve missed one.


  27. Did someone get an increase in salary at the SFA as reported earlier on this site of some 28%, maybe I got that wrong. I’m thinking is this in case he gets a pay off, making sure I’m all right jack should some bloggers get their wish.


  28. Sky Sports Scotland ‏@ScotlandSky
    Petition to wind up Dunfermline has been lodged at the court of session in Edinburgh by HMRC.


  29. Coin

    From now, whenever I go East, to view the Boys in Green,
    I’ll throw away a single coin – a sight that’s seldom seen.
    Anathema to Scots it seems, if apocrypha’s believed,
    But symbolism gives it worth for I feel so aggrieved.
    Aggrieved at loss of something dear, that never should be lost,
    The fairness of the Scottish Game – destroyed, and at what cost?

    I’m sad at lost integrity – no more the even field,
    For those in charge are compromised with power that they wield,
    The Head’s for those atop the game, false majesty is theirs.
    What will we have of our great game, to hand down to our heirs?
    The Tail is for this wagging dog, the few that rule the many,
    Integrity? It seems unknown – for these guys haven’t any,

    My coin will symbolise so much, though it be such a waste,
    A sign to Celtic PLC, their tawdry dollar chased,
    But sadness it will represent, when arcing through the air,
    There’s more to sport than wealth alone, we NEED to have things fair.
    My coin will come to rest in time, below our Big Jock Stein.
    There it will remain as I go in to watch my team.

    But not all’s lost, it seems to me – I’ve more if this to tell,
    Big Jock is talisman of hope – He’ll be my wishing well.
    Other fans could join in this, with tokens at their grounds.
    With any coin available – from pennies up to pounds.
    My wish is for a better game – that’s fair for all to play,
    I hope you all can join me ‘til we get our wish one day.


  30. rantinrobin says: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 16:46

    Sky Sports Scotland ‏@ScotlandSky
    Petition to wind up Dunfermline has been lodged at the court of session in Edinburgh by HMRC.
    ====================================
    🙁 Eight days to come up with the cash. Brenda …. start your countdown clock.

    I know there always seems to be brinkmanship around such orders, but I have a bad feeling about this one.


  32. briggsbhoy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 16:41
    2 0 i
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    Did someone get an increase in salary at the SFA as reported earlier on this site of some 28%, maybe I got that wrong. I’m thinking is this in case he gets a pay off, making sure I’m all right jack should some bloggers get their wish.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~
    Doncaster at the SPL got the 28% rise. Your general point is probably still as valld though.

    Brings his annual figure to £200K apparently but then good people don’t come cheap !


  33. Sky Sports Scotland ‏@ScotlandSky
    Petition to wind up Dunfermline has been lodged at the court of session in Edinburgh by HMRC.

    Surely some mistake here? The petition is just to wind up a company. Nothing to do with the Club, which has now been defined by the Scottish football administrators and D&P as being above company law and will therefore float away to reattach to some other new company, and carry on as normal.


  34. One would think that Mr Longmuir was deliberately trying to scupper any chance of league reconstruction for next season unless it can be seen to benefit The Rangers.

    These ill-considered, fly-by-night ‘colt team’ proposals appeared just in time to distract from current negotiations with the aim of putting off reconstruction until his favoured team can gain a place in SPFL 2 with the potential for a couple of Ex-Firm games per season.

    Well done again to Auldheid and TSFM for being prepared to take a stand. I am in full agreement with these proposals. Its well past time for the fans to ‘Stand Up For Integrity’.


  36. Reconstruction path blocked until further notice, diversion via Dunfermline for Sevco?
    Division 1 for the start of next season?


  37. So would these colts team be given prize money
    ————————————————————————–

    stop talking nonsense, they would not be allowed to win a league or be relegated, they would just make up the numbers


  38. If the “parent” club are reporting £1m loss per month in the recent unaudited accounts, how can Longmuir be suggesting that they can also “fully fund” an offspring team as a separate competitive entity?

    All those extra overheads to print programs, pay security/staff, policing costs, additional grounds maintenance, etc. It’s quite likely that the parent will die childless


  39. chipsandblog says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 18:25

    stop talking nonsense, they would not be allowed to win a league or be relegated, they would just make up the numbers.
    ………………………………………………………………
    So a team who finishes third might be the leagues actual winners!, now that is nonsense, a team could finish maybe 30 to 40 points behind one of the “colts” but still win the league.
    Scottish football would look even more like a two pony show to people outside Scotland, and if anything this would make Celtic and eventually T Rangers even stronger and the gap wider still.

    Sack these clowns now, they are not up to the job and there are guys on here who are far better qualified.


  42. Paranoia alert – conspiracy theory no. 546
    A. Plan to fast track Rangers up the leagues has run into flak, new plan needed.
    B. Dunfermline finances suddenly reach crisis point, splutter to a halt.
    C. Dunfermline for the knacker’s yard.
    D. One club less in first division.
    E. For the good of Scottish football, etc, etc proposal made that The Rangers are elevated up the leagues to take their place.


  43. schottie59 says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 19:25
    6 11 Rate This
    Pope Francis….Argentine…good luck…
    ___________________________

    What the F**k does the Pope or leaders of any religion have to do with a Scottish Football website????

    Imbecile……………..

    _______________________________________

    On another matter if not already posted, the Peterhead chairman has seen right through Longmuir.

    http://sport.stv.tv/football/217494-peterhead-fear-sfl-colts-plan-could-end-league-reconstruction-talks/


  44. So a team who finishes third might be the leagues actual winners!, now that is nonsense, a team could finish maybe 30 to 40 points behind one of the “colts” but still win the league.
    Scottish football would look even more like a two pony show to people outside Scotland, and if anything this would make Celtic and eventually T Rangers even stronger and the gap wider still.
    ————
    Reserve teams in Spain play in the same league system as the senior team, rather than in a reserve team league. They cannot play in the same division as their main side, however, so Barcelona B is ineligible for promotion to La Liga and cannot play in the Copa del Rey.


  45. HirsutePursuit says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 16:05

    Will this do?
    —-

    A superbly concise piece, HP.

    However, it no longer seems to be a slow news day in Rome. 🙂


  46. easyJambo says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 16:55
    12 0 Rate This
    rantinrobin says: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 16:46
    Sky Sports Scotland @ScotlandSky
    Petition to wind up Dunfermline has been lodged at the court of session in Edinburgh by HMRC.
    ==================================
    Eight days to come up with the cash. Brenda …. start your countdown clock.
    I know there always seems to be brinkmanship around such
    orders, but I have a bad feeling about this one.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    I hope something can be done here. Shirley Masterton could flip a coin or something?!

    I have fond memories of playing 5-a-sides with Jim ‘Ziggy’ Bowie (and Jim McQueen of Meadowbank Thistle) at the Kirkgate centre in Leith and also, on one memorable occasion (I scored! 😀 ), with the late Norrie McCathie (at the Jack Kane centre).


  47. Can someone explain the references to Rome? Is there something going on that I should know about? What is the reference to Scottish football?


  48. As I understand the rules, and if they apply in the SFL, then if Dunfermline do fold then there simply won’t be any relegation from SFL1 this season and the team coming up from SFL2 will make up the league back up to 10.

    In other thoughts Dunfermline will rejoin in SFL3, debt free, and work their way back up the leagues. It’s actually quite a good way to go. Lose your debt, get the same players back in, rent the same ground and start over. All you need is a new company, couple of quid “off the shelf” will do.


  49. dent…

    would dunfermline need to change their name to

    the dunfermline

    dunfermline international

    oor dunfermline

    your dunfermline

    a’body’s dunfermline

    . . . ?????????


  50. jimlarkin says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 20:26
    0 0 Rate This
    dent…
    would dunfermline need to change their name to
    the dunfermline
    dunfermline international
    oor dunfermline
    your dunfermline
    a’body’s dunfermline
    . . . ?????????
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    The Dunfermline re-Building Society?


  51. TW (@tartanwulver) says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 19:37

    To add to the conspiracy theory – Gavin Masterton perhaps giving his old pal (S)DM a helping hand to rescue TRFC (hypothetical of course)


  52. TW (@tartanwulver) says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 19:37
    …
    D. One club less in first division.
    E. For the good of Scottish football, etc, etc proposal made that The Rangers are elevated up the leagues to take their place.
    =========================
    But this is what I don’t get…

    If the administrations want TRFC back in the top league ASAP for commercial reasons, then they have to elevate TRFC directly into the top league, IMO.

    For argument’s sake, say TRFC is indeed slotted into an ex-DAFC berth in SFL1 for next season.

    Is there any guarantee that McCoist would get his team promoted from SFL1 at the first attempt ?
    Will he have been given funds to buy better players ?
    Or, if he has left by then, who would replace him – and would they get a budget to build their own team ?

    There is just too much risk to simply assume that TRFC will immediately gain promotion into the top league. It ‘should’ be immediate – but then again it could take 2 or 3 seasons even from SFL1 – who knows ?

    …and then of course, when TRFC do eventually get into the top league the administrations will have to subtly tweak the rules so TRFC cannot be relegated… 🙄


  53. Long Time Lurker says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 20:39
    1 0 i
    Rate This

    TW (@tartanwulver) says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 19:37

    To add to the conspiracy theory – Gavin Masterton perhaps giving his old pal (S)DM a helping hand to rescue TRFC (hypothetical of course)
    =============

    In conspiracy terms it’s not really up there with David Icke’s “The Royal Family are lizards.”

    Anyone who doesn’t believe that Masterton didn’t aid and abet Murray should be sectioned.


  54. Andrew Woods says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 20:55
    0 0 Rate This
    Long Time Lurker says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 20:39
    1 0 i
    Rate This
    TW (@tartanwulver) says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 19:37
    To add to the conspiracy theory – Gavin Masterton perhaps giving his old pal (S)DM a helping hand to rescue TRFC (hypothetical of course)
    =============
    In conspiracy terms it’s not really up there with David Icke’s “The Royal Family are lizards.”
    Anyone who doesn’t believe that Masterton didn’t aid and abet
    Murray should be sectioned.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Andrew ~ I’m not (entirely) convinced that the Royal Family are ‘lizards’ but if you subtract ‘Z’ (for Zombie) & ‘D’ (for Departed), what are you left with?


  55. Andrew Woods says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 20:55

    Are you seriously suggesting that the Royal Family are not lizards ? 😉


  56. Time for a reality check.
    The ship sailed long ago.
    Nearly two weeks after the Nimmo Smith announcement you are still debating whether to sent a letter to FIFA asking them to help you get your ball back.
    Having spent 8 months eschewing the outside world, you’re going for the big one.
    If the letter ever gets sent, what do you think the honest, upright guardians of the world game will do? Dispatch a minor official to report on who these TSFM guys are. Look in the mirror now and answer that for yourselves.
    Stick to your erudite posts, (undoubtedly) fine legal argument and smatterings of Latin. But remember one thing, you’re neglecting your train sets.


  57. Just noticed the empty spaces in the stands at the Blackburn v Millwall game. If only we knew of an unwanted football club that could ride to the rescue of English football…


  58. Can two parts of one team actually play in leagues in two different associations/countries, as in big boys and colts, one in Scotland and one in England?


  59. Lord Wobbly says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:26

    Just noticed the empty spaces in the stands at the Blackburn v Millwall game. If only we knew of an unwanted football club that could ride to the rescue of English football
    ==========

    This might be the deal buster. (Pity)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNA4GkVVHCQ


  60. newshedenvy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:26

    Time for a reality check.
    The ship sailed long ago.
    …
    But remember one thing, you’re neglecting your train sets.
    ==============================================

    I don’t have a train set, and never had one as a child as I came from a large family, so I didn’t have many toys…or am I missing a subtle metaphor whizzing over my head ? 🙄

    You are of course correct: ‘time for a reality check’.

    Scottish football is corrupt to the core in its continuing efforts to aid one club.

    Thanks for reminding us.


  61. Andrew Woods says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:36
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Sorry Andrew. I no longer seem to be able to view embedded videos on my phone. You’ll need to tell me what to search for on Youtube.


  62. Lord Wobbly says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:51
    0 0 i
    Rate This

    Andrew Woods says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:36
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Sorry Andrew. I no longer seem to be able to view embedded videos on my phone. You’ll need to tell me what to search for on Youtube.

    ==========

    Just carnage on the streets of Manchester that would have the English Polis and County Councils having a field day against them travelling south of Berwick.


  64. Andrew Woods says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:57
    0 0 Rate This
    Lord Wobbly says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:51
    0 0 i
    Rate This
    Andrew Woods says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:36
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Sorry Andrew. I no longer seem to be able to view embedded
    videos on my phone. You’ll need to tell me what to search for on Youtube.
    ==========
    Just carnage on the streets of Manchester that would have the
    English Polis and County Councils having a field day against them travelling south of Berwick.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Are you telling me that Charles bought that history as well? Not very picky, is he…?


  65. Just saw a report on sky news where some lower league chairmen(Alloa and Stenhousemuir) were looking forward to the ‘colts’ playing.
    Then big Eck was on saying how much Celtic were missing The Rangers
    I switched off at that point


  66. Just a question,to progress up the leagues in scottish football is there a financial criteria you must meet and not just being the foetus of the governing bodies that might park in any space that becomes available because its their pram and they can do what they want,or even lets just say sporting integrity that if DAFC where to go under the club that finished 2nd in the 2nd div where promoted,now where did that happen just recently,to take DAFC place ,no I smell a stench that lingered just a few months ago wafting out of the Hampden cess pit,an acrid stench that left scottish football fans so ill we all thought this was the end ,no ,the fans survived this bile and are more than ready for what the beast that lives out of Hampden can and will try and again this beast is wounded and like all wounded animals can be at its most dangerous ,the only way to rid us of this danger is to kill of this 4 headed monster before it can attack again.


  67. StevieBC says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:38
    11 0 Rate This
    newshedenvy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:26

    Time for a reality check.
    The ship sailed long ago.
    …
    But remember one thing, you’re neglecting your train sets.
    ==============================================

    I don’t have a train set, and never had one as a child as I came from a large family, so I didn’t have many toys…or am I missing a subtle metaphor whizzing over my head ?

    You are of course correct: ‘time for a reality check’.

    Scottish football is corrupt to the core in its continuing efforts to aid one club.

    Thanks for reminding us.

    ____________________________________________________________

    Nothing subtle about my comment, Stevie.

    I have often wondered what the long-timers on here used to do with their lives. I have an image in my head of some fine OO layouts gathering dust in the attic.

    FIFA is corrupt to the core.


  68. newshedenvy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:26
    5 26 Rate This

    Time for a reality check.
    The ship sailed long ago.
    Nearly two weeks after the Nimmo Smith announcement you are still debating whether to sent a letter to FIFA asking them to help you get your ball back.
    Having spent 8 months eschewing the outside world, you’re going for the big one.
    If the letter ever gets sent, what do you think the honest, upright guardians of the world game will do? Dispatch a minor official to report on who these TSFM guys are. Look in the mirror now and answer that for yourselves.
    Stick to your erudite posts, (undoubtedly) fine legal argument and smatterings of Latin. But remember one thing, you’re neglecting your train sets.

    ___________________________________________________

    To be honest, I regret that last sentence.

    One glass too many. Apologies if I offended anybody.


  69. newshedenvy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 22:26
    2 3 Rate This
    newshedenvy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:26
    5 26 Rate This
    Time for a reality check.
    The ship sailed long ago.
    Nearly two weeks after the Nimmo Smith announcement you are still debating whether to sent a letter to FIFA asking them to help you get your ball back.
    Having spent 8 months eschewing the outside world, you’re
    going for the big one.
    If the letter ever gets sent, what do you think the honest, upright guardians of the world game will do? Dispatch a minor official to report on who these TSFM guys are. Look in the mirror now and answer that for yourselves.
    Stick to your erudite posts, (undoubtedly) fine legal argument and smatterings of Latin. But remember one thing, you’re neglecting your train sets.
    ___________________________________________________
    To be honest, I regret that last sentence.
    One glass too many. Apologies if I offended anybody.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Fair play for coming forward, but are you sure you only regret the bit about neglecting train sets?


  71. Lord Wobbly says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 22:43
    0 0 Rate This
    newshedenvy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 22:26
    2 3 Rate This
    newshedenvy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:26
    5 26 Rate This

    … Stick to your erudite posts, (undoubtedly) fine legal argument and smatterings of Latin. But remember one thing, you’re neglecting your train sets.
    ___________________________________________________
    To be honest, I regret that last sentence.
    One glass too many. Apologies if I offended anybody.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Fair play for coming forward, but are you sure you only regret the bit about neglecting train sets?

    ___________________________________________________

    Yes


  72. newshedenvy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 22:45
    0 0 Rate This
    Lord Wobbly says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 22:43
    0 0 Rate This
    newshedenvy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 22:26
    2 3 Rate This
    newshedenvy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 21:26
    5 26 Rate This
    … Stick to your erudite posts, (undoubtedly) fine legal argument and smatterings of Latin. But remember one thing, you’re neglecting your train sets.
    ___________________________________________________
    To be honest, I regret that last sentence.
    One glass too many. Apologies if I offended anybody.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Fair play for coming forward, but are you sure you only regret the bit about neglecting train sets?
    ___________________________________________________
    Yes
    ~~~~~~~~~
    That’s a shame.


  73. alex thomson ‏@alextomo
    Frank The Pope. Apparently the NewPo will start off in the Third World and work his way up. We are the Papal


  74. as long as he does not claim to be the previous pope


  75. nowoldandgrumpy says:
    Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 22:52
    0 0 Rate This
    alex thomson @alextomo
    Frank The Pope. Apparently the NewPo will start off in the Third
    World and work his way up. We are the Papal
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Yet there will continue to be questions about eligibility. And are you sure that ‘work his way up’ doesn’t mean demanding some sort of non-performance based promotion?

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