As we all know, this site emerged from the ashes of RTC. The wish of the original administrator of the site, one which I wholeheartedly share, was to keep together the wonderful community RTC had built, in terms of both personnel and spirit. There are still many individuals around who were also part of RTC, and regrettably many who are no longer with us. The RTC spirit however, that of a cross-party football site where issues can be discussed in a respectful and insightful manner remains. The “wisdom of the crowd” phenomenon is also with us to perhaps an even greater extent than before, and consequently SFM’s credentials as a formidable alternative to the print media have grown.
In recent times, many contributors have expressed frustration that we are pretty much a talking shop and little else; characterised as “a lot of gum bashing and no teeth”. I think that is fair comment up to a point, but then again our aim – up to now – has been to simply present an alternative view – a view that has increasingly become the fan view as opposed to the industry view (the industry being made up of club officials, players, and press).
In fact the way I see it personally, SFM has evolved to a point where it has become the watchdog (monitor if you will) of an industry which is subject to very little oversight. The Rangers situation will eventually be done with (no laughing at the back please), and like everything else will be consigned to history (albeit more than one). The same self-interest and lack of regard for sporting integrity though will still remain, and the need for oversight will remain also.
Having arrived at those conclusions, we have two alternatives; the first is to remain as we are (which is not a bad place to be), and the second is that SFM has to expand its role.
In recent weeks, the mods have met to discuss this, and we think that we ought to give the latter option a try. As to how we want to achieve that, and we have come up with a skeleton plan as follows;
1. We need to move into the area of gathering news content as well as commenting on what appears elsewhere;
2. We should act as a cross-club portal to get good fan site content from all clubs to a wider audience;
3. We need to highlight the positives in the game as well as the negatives;
4. We should become an actively campaigning body, aligning with fan groups to lobby for the changes we think important.
In order to achieve these objectives, more time will need to be spent on communication like podcasts, adding news content, expanding membership and building links with other fan groups. Time will also need to be spent setting up features, attending press conferences etc. Later in the year, one of the mods will have much more time on his hands to help achieve this.
Podcasts, premium content, labour, organisation and all of the above costs money, and ultimately a subscription based model backed by sponsorship seems to be our best way of achieving that. In order to give us a head start, we will in the next few months be putting together a business-plan and a pitch for Crowd Funding investment.
This is not to say that our existing model has been a failure. We have successfully managed to keep ourselves afloat through the ad-hoc generosity of people in our community, although the inability to keep the podcasts going has been a bit frustrating. Finding income streams which are more solid will allow us to respond to events more quickly (for example mounting an ad campaign to respond to some event or other, or buying new equipment), and hopefully achieve all of our objectives – and build a bigger audience base for our message.
Of course a move of this nature will require that, in the interests of transparency, anonymity of SFM will have to be set aside. That will not affect any of our contributors, and our practice of using (sometimes) imaginative names on the blog will remain. However, for crowd funding to be successful, we will require to have a board in place, and there is no hiding place from Companies House. The make up of the board is also crucial, and in addition to consideration of blog members for that role, we will be looking to have respected people from without.
I imagine there may be a consequent subtle effect on moderation policy to take into account.
The reason I have made this post is to keep the community up to speed with events. Although we have decided to move forward to see if we can get support for our business plan, that plan is by no means finished. As I said earlier, the “wisdom of crowds” has made our community unique and given it its credibility. There’s a lot more wisdom out there we hope to tap into before we go ahead with our initiative.
We already had someone in mind for chairman of the new board, but events have conspired tragically to rob us of that – and had the effect of postponing this announcement. However we would like to hear suggestions for suitable outside candidates for board and committee places.
We also want to hear from you if you have a suggestion to be added to our wish list of SFM function above – or even if you think it is a mistake to embark on this course.
This is a very big move for SFM, so we don’t want to rush into anything. We need to listen to what you folks have to say, because if the merging SFM is not considered a better SFM by our community there is very little point in looking to fund it.
With reference to Celtic being a “selling club”, I would add:
Collins to Everton
Evans to Chelsea
Fernie to Middlesbrough
Fred and to Man United
And many more. Personally, I gave up when Jock Brown told us they hadn’t sold Di Canio, they had “traded” him for Reggie Blinked !!
StevieBC
I’ll tell you at 9.30 tonight (with a possible request for an extension until Sunday) 😉
For a wee quiet smile, have a dekko at
bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-32889845
and scroll down to ‘How deep are the US ties to the case’ , and then to
” … Concacaf ( the football federation under FIFA that governs the game in North America..)”
and on to his
‘ Concacaf has been in trouble in the past.In 2012 Concacaf turned itself in to US tax authorities and admitted to not paying taxes for several years.
Among those at the helm of the organisation wad Secretary- General Chuck Blazer…’
I nearly choked with laughter on my wee swally of
Fat Yak .
Tax evaders, and a guy called Chuck, and a reference to ‘blazers’.
I acknowledge that I got this reference from a tweet by Jonathan Sutherland.
Touch of John Clark tabletitis,
Fred and, should be Crerand !
Oddjob
Money talks
Especially when someone is offering to double/treble your wages
How interesting that the word ‘swally’ has to be censored! ( my post of a few minutes ago refers).
Have we a prohibitionist in the ranks of the mods? (wee smiley thing).
btw – I hate to be a wet blanket – but let’s remember that the Americans are indignant – and rightly so – that their banks have been used to process bribes – a federal crime – and that corruption has taken place involving American citizens and companies (perps & victims). Anything outside that will be left to the authorities of other nations to pursue – authorities that have chosen to turn a blind eye to overpowering rumours for so long. There is something of the Jimmy Saville in this for all the major football countries to address. It will be instructive to see how the different cultures act – or do not.
oddjob says May 28,2015 at 2.40 p.m
‘Touch of John Clark tabletitis’
________
As Sybil used to say in ‘Fawlty Towers’, “I know, I knoooow, ‘ what you mean.The keys have a mind of their own.
UEFA contemplate boycotting FIFA meeting over corruption charges.
Yet UEFA stand by and allow a convicted criminal and a former director of a liquidated club (within the previous five years) be appointed chairperson of a new football club.
This SFA is affiliated to UEFA – perhaps a new definition of hypocrisy.
I wonder would the above fact be any help to the FBI
I think Alex Thompson would be great for a podcast and use Regan’s Swiss trip as the base for any discussion, especially as he seems to have found his twitter voice and ears.
MCFC asked about the whole of British football. Well, I see Greg Dyke (EFA) has said he will not work with Blatter but can with the Prince – at least he is seeing the long term future. However he, and the rest of UK, knows that if Blatter wins then the UK can forget any football tournaments while he is still around.
I also fear for the African continent though. As in a recent post I understand why none of them will change from voting for Blatter (and because Hayatou the CAF President is the same as Blatter through and through – he also needs removing and maybe Blatter’s ousting will help there?). However short term thinking and short term profit is likely to rebound on them. As soon as Blatter is ousted the whole continent could be made to suffer the consequences and the same goes for anyone else who supported Blatter. At least the Aussies see the winds of change and are voting for the prince so maybe the Asian federation will have a change of heart also. However even if UEFA do all vote for the Prince it might not be enough unless others follow?
How does Blatter get moved – well they once said the same of Al Capone but eventually they got him on a tax dodge. Similarly the US authorities have Chuck Blazer bang to rights on his tax avoidance and he is now singing like a canary about FIFA (Blatter & co should never have tried to bin the Garcia report on corruption) and thus the arrests to date. But be warned the Americans are saying this is just the start. Platini has tried to get Blatter to step down now but he has refused and so one can suspect he still thinks he is in the clear but he will do well to remember that Al and Chuck thought they were too; not forgetting Jack Warner.
But the winds of change are blowing – Platini is now envisaging UEFA boycotting the World Cup which would hit the TV rights massively but that is a few years away unless Platini says UEFA will not compete in qualifiers which would be very interesting! I wish Turnbull was around because with him and the Edinburgh ladies [and others one hopes) I am sure enough noise would be made to give the SFA and SPFL a threat of their own Armageddon and threatening to go their own way unless the 6th floor resigns en masse.
If only………… 🙄 🙄 🙄
None of you are going home until I find out who did this!!!
Who TD’d my comment “Arise Sir Andrew?”
http://www.sfmonitor.org/sfm-the-next-steps/comment-page-16/#comment-55709
Was it a mistake?
Were you being silly?
Are you drunk?
Are you just a contrarian by nature?
Are you Sepp Blatter?
Do you celebrate corruption?
Is investigative journalism offensive to you?
Do you work for Level5/MSM?
Is it coz I is English?
Are you the saddest, most belligerent old git who ever drew breath ?
Well – I’m waiting – and I can wait longer than you can !!!
mcfc says:
It wisnae me…………… 😆
Mcfc
Maybe a FIFA official
yourhavingalaugh says:
Member: (262 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 5:50 pm
Or a fat finger on one of those tablety things 😐
SFA’s Mr Regan talking (on BBC radio shortbread) about
. . . ‘Prince Ally” !!
(I didn’t know they were THAT close) !?
Being naturally suspicious, I think all this FIFA nonsense is a massive squirrel to divert public attention from what is about to happen tonight in the Steel Men/Steal Men match.
A number of Mad Men in Black will ensure that 500 million folk on God’s Blue planet will be assured that all is well on Planet FitBa’ Ecosse.
All will be well, and it’s as you were for 15/16 after the unfortunate 3-year HIATUS.
(28 May 2015 – 06:46 PM)
Motherwell: Long, Hammell, McManus, Ainsworth, Lasley, Law, Erwin, Johnson, Laing, Pearson, McDonald #RFCvMFC
AllyMax : (28 May 2015 – 06:45 PM)
Looks like he’s gone with an attacking line up….
Twitter : (28 May 2015 – 06:44 PM) Tweet(@MotherwellFC): Motherwell subs: Twardzik, Ramsden, Sutton, Moore, Watt, Straker, Grant #RFCvMFC
senior says:
Member: (55 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 4:00 pm
UEFA contemplate boycotting FIFA meeting over corruption charges.
Yet UEFA stand by and allow a convicted criminal and a former director of a liquidated club (within the previous five years) be appointed chairperson of a new football club.
========================
Small beer Senior, small beer…
UEFA’s “Champions” League final is in a couple of weeks time and one of the participants was involved in naughtiness beyond DK’s wildest dreams….
If ever FIFA could use the Sandy Bryson doctrine, it’s now. Russia & Qatar could do with his help annaw. All in the past, nothing known about cheating and corruption at the time, can’t be helped, decisions stand.
‘Pest eller kolera’ (plague or cholera) is the quaint Danish expression which describes a lose-lose choice, in this case — Sportsound or ClydeSSB. It’s some listening. Richard Wilson’s dulcet tones drove me back to SSB. Alas, once again, Keevins takes the biscuit with an arrogant dismissal of the lower leagues. Most of us thought it was an eye-opener and a positive thing that ‘the journey’ finally gave some exposure to those decent clubs who’ve almost no chance of progressng through the current system, but dear old Hugh is having none of it. Only one thing is of any sporting interest to him — the ‘Old Firm’. And what triumphalism is in the air tonight. Motherwell might as well roll over, it’s a done deal. Who sits beside Keevins at Celtic Park? If he’s anything like his on-air persona he must be insufferable.
By the way, Clumps’ blogs are way too articulate. If he wants to be considered a real ‘journo’ he’ll need to make an effort to appear more ‘hard of thinking’
Well, what can I say 😀
Other than, Chick is choking!
AllyjamboAllyjambo says:
Member: (960 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 8:24 pm
Other than, Chick is choking!
———-
Derek Rae is pretty good on BT.
Since it’s quiet, and neither Blatter nor Ogilvie have resigned, Mrs Pastry is wondering about the little man badge that some managers are wearing. Ignoramus can’t help on this one. Does anyone know?
Upcoming in McTear’s auctions in Glasgow 1967 Autograph Book with Celtic Team signatures and a Set of Kray brothers letters. One is estimated at £10,000-£15,000 and the other £200-300. A clue as to which is which – the dear one indicates that crime pays as per FIFA SFA etc
0-2 half time- much booing by t’people League reconstruction is approaching quickly.
Danish,
Tell the good lady it’s to do with the fight against Prostate Cancer.
In other news, aren’t the ‘Well tearing up the script somewhat!
In light of recent events, here’s someone who might be having a chuckle to himself.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13604739
I have a club bias but it’s people like this we need running the game – in Scotland, at least.
This little gem from Richard Wilson just appeared on my twitter feed. I really don’t know what to say. This is a BBC journalist?
Apologise for taking us back on topic 🙂
The SFM Journey continues apace, and I have sketched some ideas on the Funding page (see main menu or http://www.sfmonitor.org/funding/)
The page is only visible to logged-in registered users so we can avoid a load of spurious crap being emailed to us.
There is an appeal for some assistance in creative and expertise areas, on rebranding, our mission statement, and in startup businesses. I hope you will all have a look and give us the benefit of your wisdom and advice.
I have made the Funding page a thread, so hopefully we can continue that discussion there.
Mibbees a pitch invasion is required at Ibrox. 🙄
Yes, League Reconstruction is definitely required, for one club anyway…
I’m guessing Level 42 are currently scribbling away on that topic for Keef’s ‘article’ tomorrow.
mungoboy says:
Member: (103 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 8:44 pm
Danish,
Tell the good lady it’s to do with the fight against Prostate Cancer.
In other news, aren’t the ‘Well tearing up the script somewhat!
———–
Thanks Mungo, much appreciated. I had a feeling it was something like that, but wasn’t sure. Knowledge duly imparted.
My doc recently told me not to worry about it since, if discovered, it’s treatable, unless it’s the bad kind, ‘Then you can start saying your goodbyes, as you’ll only have about 6 months.’ Cheery bloke.
Football wise, Motherwell really look a league above the current Ibrox club…so far. If this score stays remotely the same you can almost hear tomorrow’s cries of ‘Whaurs yer warchest, Dave?’
Cluster One says:
Member: (164 comments)
May 27, 2015 at 8:21 pm
Rangers have announced a general meeting will be held at Ibrox – the third in six months
——————–
How much is it costing to hire a Gazebo for the third time in six months
______________________________________________________
I’m after wondering if there is some “Jules Rimet” clause been inserted into the rental agreement, that means after they’ve had it for the 3rd time they get to keep it for always. 😀
@ neepheid, not sure that’s a real ‘Richard Wilson’ Twitter acc – timomuse posts here, often with links to the football life blog?
Maybe I’ve read your post wrong, in which case my apologies.
@ianagain,, beginning to see what you mean wrt Mr madden- he’s no keen on giving the ‘well a freekick. To be fair he is watching his team taking a pumping…?
This ref Bobby Madden must be a ‘Rangers hater’ ?
What’s going on ?!
“I want to hear about the players, the fans, the passion of football…not institutions and corruption…I shouldn’t know the names of directors as they should be doing a good job” – Louis Saha on C4……..now you know how we feel Louis!!
http://www.talkingbaws.com/2015/05/28/its-fine-we-will-win-11-0-in-the-second-leg-twitter-reacts-as-rangers-go-3-0-down-to-motherwell/?
Radio Scotland totally unbiased commentators tonight 😆 Switched aff BT and let the radio lads takeover. Blimey, a litmus test if ever there was one.
‘Well I think ill have a wee hauf now. Just one more dodgy ref to dodge and were there.
jimlarkin says:
Member: (292 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 9:24 pm
neepheidneepheid says:
Member: (596 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 8:50 pm
This little gem from Richard Wilson just appeared on my twitter feed. I really don’t know what to say. This is a BBC journalist?
Richard Wilson @timomouse · 10m 10 minutes ago
The worst for Rangers is that, aside from the untested Northern Irish Catholic on debut at Ibrox Ferguson, he has NOTHING on the bench
……………………………
What has his Religion got to do with anything?
Will the BBC board take any action against this clown of the ‘journalism’ world ?
————————————————————————–
It’s not the BBC Richard Wilson
He is @RichwilBBC
Saw the headline – Teddy Bears Crash – and discovered it was not a football related BBC puff piece!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-
32912676
……………………
BBC ‘commentators’ hurting tonight, but they are convincing themselves that the late goal at ibrokes for their favourites, puts all the pressure on Motherwell now
It’s all about Rangers apparently. Earlier on BBC Radio Scotland News they were 180mins away from promotion….tonight on BT it’s whether or not they can come back.
Personally I don’t care either way.
But I do have to say to Motherwell ‘How come you’re so good?’
Also…in light of TRFCs time wasting against QoS and Hibs, it was nice to see Stuart McCall scrambling about chasing after the ball tonight.
Karma.
Whit’s happening tae oor blog ranight? sannoffymesssoitizz!!!!
Avatar test
StevieBC says:
May 28, 2015 at 9:10 pm.
On ‘Level 42’, do you think Stevie Hammell looks like a young Mark King.
‘Theres something about him’
Coat time
Thanks to all the guys who 😀 went and home safe.
Did I hear it right?
At 2-0 down the crowd broke into a sectarian song about a walled city in NI
The English Commentator immediately remarked that this Ibrox support were a twelfth man for TRFC
StevieBC says:
Member: (688 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 9:22 pm
This ref Bobby Madden must be a ‘Rangers hater’ ?
What’s going on ?!
+++++++++++++++++++++
Nae worries Stevie BC he couldn’t see Ainsworth getting halved from behind at an open goal. Nae worries no one complains its the new Well philosophy of not getting sent off. You know just in case.
IB s got them trained methinks.
As I said we had to be cool to get by these refs.
GoosyGoosy says:
Member: (400 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 10:43 pm
Did I hear it right?
At 2-0 down the crowd broke into a sectarian song about a walled city in NI
The English Commentator immediately remarked that this Ibrox support were a twelfth man for TRFC
—————–
?
I was listening on the wireless but on BT sport The English commentator was Aberdonian Derek Rae who is no lover of Rangers I can assure you
Bill1903 says:
Member: (68 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 10:54 pm
GoosyGoosy says:
Member: (400 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 10:43 pm
Did I hear it right?
At 2-0 down the crowd broke into a sectarian song about a walled city in NI
The English Commentator immediately remarked that this Ibrox support were a twelfth man for TRFC
—————–
?
I was listening on the wireless but on BT sport The English commentator was Aberdonian Derek Rae who is no lover of Rangers I can assure you
===================================
They certainly gave it the complete (redundant) songbook throughout.
Funny thing was when the Well Bois were singing SIWY they were turned down in volume. When the songbook came out it was turned up. Not my opinion my wife who was a sound engineer. She immediately said what’s going on here. Sharp ears Mrs ianagain
Ianagain a Rangers goal was disallowed for being offside, surely if the ref was in Rangers’ favour he wouldn’t have done that?
Very happy for you James Forrest. 🙄
What was it Dave King said about needing an extra, £8m was it?, if his club fails to get promoted. At half-time in the tie, does that equate to a £4m shortfall?
I wonder if the 3bears have left the boardroom yet, I suspect they’re all sitting round that big table with their heads in their hands, each one afraid to articulate his thoughts of, ‘how do I get my money back?’
What’s that song, from ‘Oklahoma’, I think it was?
‘June Is Busting Out All Over…’
Could be more than the baw that’s bust this coming June!
Ryan
To me looking on BT and the linesman who had has flag up sharpish it was, how do you see it different?
Ianagain I wasn’t saying it wasn’t offside or commenting on the decision in any way (I wasn’t able to watch the game), but I believe you were implying that the ref may have been biased (apologies if you weren’t) so my point was that if he was biased, he wouldn’t have disallowed a goal.
RyanGosling says:
Member: (151 comments)
May 28, 2015 at 11:28 pm
Ianagain a Rangers goal was disallowed for being offside, surely if the ref was in Rangers’ favour he wouldn’t have done that?
____________
Ryan, though I didn’t see the game, I believe it was the linesman who gave the offside decision. If you saw the game, in your opinion, was it the correct decision?
I thought the ref sounded fine tonight, even though the radio leaves a lot to the imagination.
In other news, on the FIFA thing, I came across this article which might be of interest/consternation.
http://stopwar.org.uk/news/fifa-vote-to-kick-israel-out-of-world-football-conveniently-blocked-by-us-intervention
Ryan
Anyhow
It really is all to play for on Sunday.
the ;Well defence produces more bomb scares than an episode of Bluestone 42.
But if we keep the attack formula I really think we’ve done it.
What’s your thoughts?
Ianagain,
The ball is very clearly in your court. I’ve not seen enough from us in years to suggest we could overturn this. However, we blow hot and cold, and if we bagged an early goal it would very much be game on. If your lot keep the ball, hit on the counter (that’s what I’d do in your position) and score first, game over.
I think you’re most likely to win, and if you do you’ll deserve it. Good luck to you and may the best team win.
Ryan
Aye
And all the best to you.
See you Sunday 🙂
An interesting article from Jim Spence’s Twitter feed
http://goalnation.com/size-doesnt-matter-in-soccer-i-have-a-dream/
I heard an EPL player being interviewed a couple of weeks ago who said that his first club let him go because they told him he was too small. Maybe they just didn’t fancy him and it was an excuse, but I’m sure we can all think of many truly great players who have been wee guys, and to an extent it amazes me that the argument still has to be made that small players shouldn’t be discarded.
Well, what an interesting first leg of the play off final last night. We are all football fans so I’m sure we are well aware it is far from over. For me though the game last night once again throws into question the behaviour of the sports media in Scotland. A strangers to these shores reading the newspapers and listening to Radio pundits could have been forgiven for thinking this is a turn up and win by 3 or 4 job for Rangers. How they made that judgement based on the players Rangers currently have is beyond me, and leads me to think it was nothing other than blind faith at best, and pro Rangers bias at worst. Even the publicly funded BBC Scotland were almost desperately grasping at the straw of Rangers late goal as some kind of turning point in the tie. It may well be, who knows, but the sooner they accept football is ultimately about on field success achieved within the laws of the land and the game the sooner we can genuinely move on. On a purely personal note I don’t think the top league is ready for Rangers and this warped vengeance their fans want to wreak on the clubs ‘for what they did to us’ – utterly bizarre.
Should Rangers fail this season I have absolutely no doubt that league reconstruction will be pushed through for season 2016-2017. I doubt even our shameless authorities would try to push it through for next season.
British media or English media? Their exclusive focus of attention on EPL and England / willful ignorance of matters up here is one of the reasons that allows the cowboys in the Scottish media such free rein.
Example headline on the lead page of the Independent online today: “Platini: UEFA will consider pulling England out of World Cup if Blatter is re-elected”. The inside story is, however, that this would be in the context of pulling out ALL 54 UEFA-affiliated members, including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.
Part of the back story I suspect is that they’re angling to get England to host next world cup if Russia get given the boot, but that’s not going to happen.
Oh for another few Alex Thomsons.
Oh dear, it looks like some of the Peepil are revolting…
Ally
Nothing was laid bare more explicitly last night than the feeble nature of Rangers’ present squad. The way an absolutely dross Motherwell side tore Rangers’ defence apart and secure three goals exposed the embarrassing and frankly pathetic truth of what this Rangers squad is.
And for that we can squarely and firmly thank the greedy incompetence of Ally McCoist, who has now surely stained his once-glorious legacy entirely.
It is true that present manager Stuart McCall’s tactics last night were wrong – the formation did not click, as it did not against Hibs, despite the two goals, and as it did not against Queens, despite, again, Rangers nicking an equaliser. The end results in both ties papered over the cracks of the squad, of which there are many.
McCall deserves a great deal of credit for giving Rangers something of a shout going into these playoffs, and for getting them as far as the final. He has certainly added energy, and a bit of passion into the team – but tactically, while some of his tinkering has borne fruit (Hibs away, Queens away) he probably is not the answer for Rangers long-term.
But this gets away from the cause of Rangers’ problems on the pitch; Alistair Murdoch McCoist. The ‘manager’ who abandoned promising young players like McKay, McAusland, Gallagher, Gasparotto, et al and who completely ruined Aird, while signing such complete rubbish as Templeton, Kyle, Cribari, and Argyriou to name just four, and slowly built a frankly horrible team.
McCoist said Rangers would not have won the third division then League 1 ‘with youth’. Curious then how Hearts’ sprightly young team, cobbled together by a rookie manager managed to coast the infinitely-tougher Championship at the first time of asking.
McCoist knew a fairly short spell into his career as Rangers boss that he was not cut out for it, but his ego, monstrosity that it is, refused to allow him to resign.
Instead he blundered on, with that equally monstrous £850,000 wage and continued to produce a travesty of a ‘team’ – a useless sham of a squad with the softest centre any Rangers team has ever had.
Charles Green is not popular, and even I had enough of him by the end in truth, but he was absolutely spot on to criticise McCoist and describe his Rangers team as the worst ever. But this warning was not heeded, and rather than anything being done about it, McCoist continued on and left Rangers like this.
McCall has done something of a miracle job to get Rangers vaguely in contention, but the truth of Rangers’ hopelessness, as left by McCoist, was completely on show last night for everyone to see.
You can all whine all you like about ‘the spivs’ to blame, and ‘Mike Ashley’ this etc, but when it came to signing players and producing a team – that was McCoist’s jurisdiction, no one else.
And when a ghastly Motherwell swept three past them it became evident just how much damage Ally McCoist actually did to Rangers.
And how utterly despicable it is to watch him continue to siphon £850,000 a year for doing nothing.
The Super Ally I remember disappeared when he went into his garden.
Posted by Ibrox Noise http://www.ibroxnoise.co.uk
Third goal was significant (they often are) but more from the way it was scored than anything else. All respect to second tier clubs but Ainsworth’s goal was quick, exploited gaps and was finished capably. How often have The Rangers faced that kind of threat in the Championship? Clearly (as was noted in a comment above) an early away goal in the second leg and the mood changes but if The Rangers just try to batter Motherwell then they’re vulnerable. If the home side score a breakaway, or two, then that’s the season over. Those Newcastle loan players might still be key though.
jimlarkin says:
Member: (294 comments)
May 29, 2015 at 8:51 am
Spot on assessment, Jim, the only surprise coming at the end, where the origin of these words is found!
It’s taken a long time, but are some of the bears now beginning to recognise, and articulate, where the blame for their plight truly lies?
Though not all of the blame, in fact not even most of the blame, lies at the feet of Super Ally; but it all lies, 100%, at the feet of Real Rangers Men!
On BBC Breakfast show this morning, sports reporter Mike Bushell had this to say about the first leg of SPFL Premiership Playoff final:
“Meanwhile Rangers have a big task if they’re to get back to the top of..a..Scottish football, the top level, the top division for the first time since 2012 because they’re three one down to Motherwell after last nights’ premiership playoff final first leg. The second match is at Fir Park on Sunday and Rangers will need to turn it around if they are to return to the top tier for the first time since their liquidation”
The “big task”, according to Mike, is that “Rangers will need to turn it around”.
In the interests of balance and neutral reporting, Mikes’ next bulletin might mention Motherwells “big task” to “preserve their lead” and retain their premiership status.
Or perhaps Motherwell FC should apologise for the inconvenience they’re causing.
With respect Althetim, English sports media already think there are only two ‘serious’ football clubs in Scotland and that one of them is playing lower league football. The focus on Rangers from here down south is no different to the focus any of the celeb English sides (Man U, Man C, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool) would attract playing in the Championship. Clearly it’s neither fair nor balanced but football coverage at Bushell’s level tends towards the bright, shiny and famous. Edit: and before anyone jumps on my case for using those words, perception is one thing, reality another.
I am not up in the minutiae of 17th century Irish political issues so might be wrong but I have heard it said that The walls tune is not sectarian it seems to be about the no surrender forces dying rather than them wishing others dead so is self referential rather than being up to the knees in anyone else’s blood. I could of course be wrong. it is interesting to see that the shorter version of stroke city’s name is used because it fits the tune, strange that it does not seem to stick in the collective craw.
The previews on both BBC and STV were the kind one would expect if the Scotland national team were playing some minor country far away of which we know nothing rather than two Local club sides. The number of Rangers’ game statements with no reference to M’well was off the radar with all that implies.
Before the game an outcome of 0-2 would have been seen as a disaster but now 1-3 can be held to be a minor inconvenience on the way to the world club championship the season after next.
Scotland won”t get a strong Clyde ( not even mentioned among the CVA set even though it is such)
jimlarkin says:
Member: (294 comments)
May 29, 2015 at 8:51 am
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jim, apologies for grumpiness but two points on that post _
1. It reads like a Rangers supporter expressing a valid opinion on Rangers situation on a Rangers blog. What’s wrong with that?
2. What relevance does it have to SFM?
blu on May 29, 2015 at 9:30 am
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See your point blu, probably very little relevance, although that piece actually reflects very well on Ibrox supporters. Certainly one of the more positive and pragmatic posts from that direction.
@bfbpuzzled
The comparison of the partisan commentary with a Scotland game was spot on. Goodness knows what Well fans listening to SSB or Radio Schottland made of it. Even the affable Gerry McCulloch is beginning to worry me. Spends far too much time with Mr Hugh ‘Dour Negativity’ Keevins, imo. I zapped between stations yesterday trying to find a bit of balanced punditry. In the end I stuck with Derek Rae.
That mean-spirited denial of a few extra tickets for Well fans now looks like a serious misjudgement. But in the spirit of comradeship Motherwell could play GStQ for the 1500 visiting fans. The Sex Pistols did a nice up-tempo version 😮
Insightful comment on the game
……..from the Bears Den
“I knew the good GOAT twin would escape from the attic eventually”
Apologies if this has been posted already.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/scottish-football-still-ignoring-sectarianism-and-should-face-sanctions-experts-tells.127444990
Mc.Coists appointment as manager had nothing to do with football success.
It was all about creating the same club myth and, more importantly, prising season ticket money from supporters who were desperate to believe in reincarnation.
Smith W, was similarly employed.
However, now that reality is dawning on a few, Ally is being targeted as being the cause of their woe.
It seems as if Murray D never existed.
I see from Gary Ralston in this morning’s Record that Armageddon is back on the table.
“But the ramifications if this loss and the prospect of the Gers not making the top flight will reverberate way beyond Edmiston House. Neil Doncaster at the SPFL will be holding his head in his hands as Scottish football, its broadcasters, backers and too few top class sponsors face up to the absence if Rangers from the business end of the game for another season at least.”
“Money and corruption are ruining the land, crooked politicians betray the working man, pocketing the profits and treating us like sheep, and we’re tired of hearing promises that we know they’ll never keep.”
Ray Davies – The Kinks
Politicians / Administrators the temptation for personal profit is too much for many of them. Hypocrisy and double standards are now de facto behaviour , as demonstrated so ably by Stewart Regan in the last 48 hours. The lack of self awareness and accountability is staggering .
Nothing though will change without real pressure being put on clubs by their fans. Having the brassest of brass necks comes with the post at the SFA and SPFL. These people will never be shamed into doing the right thing. They only respect and react to money. Nothing else
Has the capacity of Ibrox changed? On Tuesday morning The Rangers claimed the first sell out this season. But the BBC reports 49,200 in a 50,947 stadium – that’s 1,747 empty seats – and attendances have been officially exaggerated before – haven’t they.
1,747 empty seats is not a sell out where I come from. At the Etihad, or even that other place. a routine “sell out” is maybe 50 seats short of capacity – scattered as singles around the ground – and even those would be snapped up for a big match.
I maybe wrong – maybe there was a massive security zone around the massed ranks of the 900 Motherwellers?
But if The Rangers were unable to attract a full house to the biggest match of the century, at five quid a head, you’ve got to suspect that more and more have grown weary of the journey.
http://www.rangers.co.uk/news/headlines/item/9368-ibrox-sold-out
Tuesday, 26 May 2015 11:30
IBROX has officially sold out for the first time this season for the SPFL Premiership Play-Off final first leg against Motherwell.
http://sport.stv.tv/football/1321883-football-clubs-should-be-punished-for-sectarian-behaviour-of-fans/
STV on strict liabity.
blu says:
Member: (170 comments)
May 29, 2015 at 9:30 am
2. What relevance does it have to SFM?
========================================================
Blu – I’d say it is of interest because it shows that Ally’s managerial record is being seen more objectively, and separate from his playing record, by a sizeable proportion of the fans. If that objectivity extends to other players in this saga, The Rangers might begin to overcome some of the delusions that have contributed to their problems – and their unpopularity with other fans.
So, I’d say it is very significant – but then again – it is only one post.