SFM – The Next Steps

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.

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Tom Byrne

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.

3,023 thoughts on “SFM – The Next Steps


  1. Well done to ICT for their first Scottish Cup success thought they might have struggled after going down to 10 men after their recent semi final win when they were playing with 12 men 😈 Seriously though the period of armageddon that the authorities threatened upon us have possibly been the best 3 years of Scottish football for years. Cup wins for ICT, St Johnstone, St Mirren and Aberdeen have been refreshing for our game, and all the young fans getting a taste of success can only be good for the future of our game. Also commiserations to Falkirk, never nice being a loser after coming so far.


  2. Blatter has got where he is by making the small nations with limited finances dependant on him/FIFA, and in Africa on CAF President Hayatou. Go against them and money drops, you don’t get tournaments or assistance – the Government’s don’t have money so football associations need FIFA/CAF. Sir Stanley Rous when President ignored the smaller footballing nations so with one vote each Blatter paid them money. Africa went from Zaire as representatives in 1974 (no qualifiers just won cup of nations) to where we are today. The alleged payment for 2010 was, according to the media, USD 10m but an amount from a FIFA account due to South Africa. No wonder they and the Asian federation support him. What happens when he goes is something many of them have not thought of yet. Hoping the status quo continues no doubt as long as they promise votes.

    In closing congrats to ICT and commiserations to Falkirk for a great effort. At least the East Fife record remains but we do need to be stronger next season – Arbroath too!!


  3. Lo and behold FIFA congress agree Africa keeps it’s 5 World Cup spots; what a surprise. However another dodgy showing and next time around it might be very different; especially if the US investigation nails someone from SA for the 10 million.

    Chick Blazer has confessed and spilt beans so what chance Warner and his sons do likewise if faced with long sentences as an option. SA concerns well founded after Warner visited (Cape Town I think) circa 2007. Also many in SA pleading innocence saying they had clean audit and nobody paid anything – fine is they are like SFA and think their citizens are thick but at least SA journalists do look for the truth.

    The SA Minister of Sport said he doesn’t believe anyone is guilty but hadn’t seen the paperwork and yet the SA press just Google the US Justice website and get the details. Far more investigative that the SMSM! More to come on this yet. Perhaps a few of them might like a job swap and spend some time in Scotland !!


  4. Chick Blazer?
    I’m sure Sigmund Freud would have a wee word or two to say about that.

    ===================================
    Methilhill Stroller says:
    Member: (60 comments)
    May 30, 2015 at 10:33 pm

    Lo and behold FIFA congress agree Africa keeps it’s 5 World Cup spots; what a surprise. However another dodgy showing and next time around it might be very different; especially if the US investigation nails someone from SA for the 10 million.

    Chick Blazer has confessed and spilt beans so what chance Warner and his sons do likewise if faced with long sentences as an option. SA concerns well founded after Warner visited (Cape Town I think) circa 2007. Also many in SA pleading innocence saying they had clean audit and nobody paid anything – fine is they are like SFA and think their citizens are thick but at least SA journalists do look for the truth.

    The SA Minister of Sport said he doesn’t believe anyone is guilty but hadn’t seen the paperwork and yet the SA press just Google the US Justice website and get the details. Far more investigative that the SMSM! More to come on this yet. Perhaps a few of them might like a job swap and spend some time in Scotland !!


  5. The Glen says:
    Member: (27 comments)
    May 30, 2015 at 1:37 am

    The Cat NR1 says:
    Member: (401 comments)
    May 29, 2015 at 10:08 pm

    Danish Pastry says:
    Blog Writer: (1194 comments)
    May 29, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    Wee statement fae Stewart Regan post Sepp vote:

    http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=1961&newsCategoryID=3&newsID=14850
    =================================================================
    Ogilvie and Blatter.
    Two peas in a pod and Regan is really struggling to tell his peas from his beans.
    There’s none so blind as those who will not see.
    ——————————————–
    Regardless of its sins in Scottish domestic football, surely the SFA condemning the new President of FIFA is a good thing? No?
    =======================================================
    Sorry, just back in, so apologies for the late response.

    I’m not sure if it was the SFA officially or just Regan speaking off the cuff.

    It usually takes the SFA a committee meeting or three followed by a convoluted prearranged commission before a word comes out of the sixth floor bunker.

    If it does signal the dawn of a revolution or even a Prague Spring, I’d be dancing in the streets of Raith with everyone else.

    Sadly, I suspect it is just a bandwagon comment that will be forgotten about within days.

    Blatter shouldn’t have got through the last sham election in the same way that RCO shouldn’t have even stood let aone been re-elected, but such is the way that corruption works.

    Regan was about and said nothing on either occassion.


  6. GoosyGoosy says:
    Member: (402 comments)
    May 30, 2015 at 9:02 pm
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
    “Rangers Terminated or Suspended”
    ………………….

    So the SFA considered termination as an option?

    Yet we are led to believe this was the same team who finished 2nd in the SPL?

    The whole document is riddled with falsehoods and own goals…yet the SMSM never from memory challenged the content of that document…how strange…


  7. I sincerely hope the US attorney goes through FIFA like a doze of salts…


  8. briggsbhoy says:
    Member: (56 comments)
    May 30, 2015 at 8:13

    _____________________________________________

    The first thing i would like to say today is ‘respect’ and not commiserations but ‘what you would give instead of commiserations to someone who felt they had lost but had in fact emerged with dignity having given a near flawless account of themselves against great adversity’ to the “Bairns” by which I of course mean “Men” (& women) of Falkirk.
    By God we worked for that.
    What an occasion.
    What an event.
    If you wake me up tomorrow and it didn’t happen, so be it.
    I am no worse off than I was a few years ago.
    But me, my wife mt kids and their granny watched Caley Thistle lift a trophy that would have been beyond comprehension a few tens of months ago.
    We didn’t buy it.
    We worked for it.
    We earned it.
    We didn’t use other people’s money.
    We hardly used our own.
    Graft. Hunger. Desire. Teamwork. Triumph in the face of disappointment. Resolution in the face of set back.
    walking through Hampden today was like a trip to the Eastgate.
    Waving at people you knew and saw in the street by casual encounter, 150 miles from home.
    All ages, social classes mixing with cordiality, decorum, optimism and respect and admiration for our opponents.
    This is what we should aspire to.
    Kids faces lighting up.
    Pinch me.
    Turn to your dictionary.
    Look up the word “armageddon”
    And rip that flaming page right out of there! Do it!. Now!


  9. Have a couple of questions.
    Was at hampden today with the family.
    It was fun.
    (1) From what I saw Caley Thistle won the Scottish Cup
    (2) Pretty sure we didn’t cheat (beyond usual refereeing incompetence, equally distributed) and all our players are properly registered.
    (3) Can anyone confirm there isn’t some Bryson interpretation of the rules lurking out there that means we didn’t win and have now to turn the trophy over to sevco?
    I wouldn’t normally ask, but having watched Scottish football over the past few years, this kind of thing worries me now.


  10. ResinLabDog

    The final was a great occasion played in the best of spirit by both teams. I thought it was a very good game of football, but more importantly it was a fantastic spectacle.

    Congrats to ICT, but full marks also to Falkirk for making it a real contest, the result of which was in doubt right to the end.

    I was riveted, eyes glued to the screen during the game. By contrast, for all the wonderful footballers on show at Wembley, I nipped in and out of the room while that was on. I suppose that for me, the SCF was more relevant, more interesting, and more closely fought than the ECF – and it had the real romance of cup competition about it that the Wembley show just couldn’t match.

    A treble would have been nice for my team of course, but I wonder how many Celtic fans would have found that more satisfying than what transpired today?

    Armageddon has been cancelled for two or three years now, but the MSM are still waiting at the stop for the bus to arrive 🙂


  11. Big Pink says:
    Moderator: (285 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 2:32 am

    ResinLabDog

    _______________________________________

    I was riveted, eyes glued to the screen during the game

    _______________________________________

    We were edge of our seats, peeping through hands in front of our faces, or screaming like loons. Not at the telly, but in the ground. So what if Hamden is bigger than Inverness? We got there by merit and effort, not some sense of entitlement.

    And our crowd worked harder than our players today, truth be told. But that is a first for the season.
    If Falkirk had taken us down we could have had no complaints.
    But still I think we earned this fair and square.
    And we will treasure it always.
    Forever Amen.


  12. If Motherwell prevail and stay in the Premiership how soon will we read of urgent League reconstruction being required? I reckon within a day. There is no end to the perfidy of the SFA.


  13. incredibleadamspark says:
    Member: (64 comments)
    May 30, 2015 at 6:09 pm
    ==================================

    I guess we could have a circular debate on this forever. You reckon the SFA simply thought they were doing the right thing in 2012.

    The SFA were willing to let a Rangers completely free of debt waltz into the top league. Had such an event occurred it can be presumed the players who refused to TUPE may have stayed. In that case the club would have had a very real chance of success immediately after stuffing the taxpayer and others for tens of millions. Even worse in my view is the SFA appear to have made a deal that the Rangers who were liquidated under the law of this land were not actually liquidated at all. This has resulted in the new incarnation constantly ramming the successes of the old club down peoples throats. If it’s not pro-Rangers bias I’d hate to see the SFA try and give them a helping hand. As for ‘representatives’ of my club, ex-players answering loaded questions from the media are hardly representing my club.

    In my view there is not a decision the current SFA can make now where they can be trusted. In any other walk of life they would have been forced to resign in disgrace. We can’t have a clean game when those who demanded we accept cheating remain in power. It would help if the media did not protect them to the extent they do, but like the SFA the protection of the club from Ibrox is a priority for them too.


  14. Fisiani says:
    Member: (28 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 5:59 am
    If Motherwell prevail and stay in the Premiership how soon will we read of urgent League reconstruction being required? I reckon within a day. There is no end to the perfidy of the SFA.

    =====================================================

    Such a scenario would make it entirely possible that next season Hibs could do what Hearts did this season, meaning play offs again for Rangers, who might have to incur a loss of £10M just to stand still, assuming anyone is willing to give them it. I think any attempt at emergency league reconstruction for next season would see a fan revolt similar to 2012. Having said that it could be introduced for the season after next, as the ultimate safety net. Co-incidentally that is the season where the TV contract will be renewed. ‘You want more money then we want O*d F*rm games’.


  15. Upthehoops
    Everyone involved in this disgrace know they are damaged goods,how they try and portray themselves to the world as anything else is as delusional as what they tried to implement.Regan has applied for one position that we know of and failed,just resign and try and regain some credibility but no as you might not get another at the level you think you are worthy of,it will be interesting to see what you all try to pull if results don’t deliver your desires today,once a cheat,always a cheat.


  16. Last 10min of yesterday evening’s OtB was a call from John in Glasgow. Excellent call from a fan looking at the big picture. Many good thoughts about a breakaway organisation from UEFA for clubs in the increasingingly disenfranchised smaller nations of Europe. One of the best calls for a long time. And John, a thoughtful, older bluenose had a few home truths for Super Ally. Great stuff, worth a listen.


  17. Danish Pastry says:
    Blog Writer: (1195 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 9:05 am
    Last 10min of yesterday evening’s OtB was a call from John in Glasgow. Excellent call from a fan looking at the big picture. Many good thoughts about a breakaway organisation from UEFA for clubs in the increasingingly disenfranchised smaller nations of Europe. One of the best calls for a long time. And John, a thoughtful, older bluenose had a few home truths for Super Ally. Great stuff, worth a listen.

    ……………………

    “…worth a listen…”

    A bit of a struggle because Pat Nevin’s voice all over it !!


  18. DP
    Not listened to John’s point yet,but it sounds as though he was at least sensible enough not call SSB,wonder what their take on it would have been,let’s not even go there.


  19. Scottish football could be set for its most radical shake up ever, with discussions ongoing between the Scottish Professional Football League and Scottish FA aimed at league reconstruction in time for the start of the 2016-17 campaign. Serious consideration is being given to a switch to two top leagues of 12 – split into three of eight – after each team had played each other twice. (Sunday Post))


  20. jimlarkin says:
    Member: (296 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 10:08 am
    Scottish football could be set for its most radical shake up ever,
    ======================
    Link to article

    http://www.sundaypost.com/sport/football/scottish-football-set-for-battle-over-revolution-1.878370

    An online Sunday Post…help ma boab 😆

    More seriously, there is no doubt that there is widespread dissatisfaction with the current setup and the split outlined above is a far more attractive idea than some that have been floated.


  21. Danish Pastry says:
    Blog Writer: (1195 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 9:05 am
    Last 10min of yesterday evening’s OtB was a call from John in Glasgow. Excellent call from a fan looking at the big picture. Many good thoughts about a breakaway organisation from UEFA for clubs in the increasingingly disenfranchised smaller nations of Europe. One of the best calls for a long time. And John, a thoughtful, older bluenose had a few home truths for Super Ally. Great stuff, worth a listen.
    ———————————————————————————-
    Great call from John: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/b05wzbb8


  22. upthehoops says:
    Member: (712 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 8:25 am __________________________________________________________________

    You said the SFA made a statement that the club playing out of Ibrox was more important than any other. I don’t remember that statement and asked if you could provide a link to it. I’d like to read it or hear it; perhaps it was on the radio? I do not doubt you and I’d like to know what was actually said and by whom.

    There is no need for you to repeat ad nauseam what the SFA tried to do. I think everybody on here is well aware of the events and would be in agreement with us (we are in agreement on this) that it was not the correct way to do things. We could indeed have a circular debate on this and sometimes this site can become an echo chamber. You say the SFA are pro-Rangers but I don’t think they’ve been particularly good for them if this is them displaying their pro-Rangersness.

    They failed, and continue to fail, in showing any leadership on a number of issues. Their handling of events at that club has not been good for Rangers and I’m struggling to see what benefits their continued ‘help’ brings to the club. If the SFA had applied the rules I’d suggest Rangers would be in a far better position than they’re currently in. A new club? Yes, So be it. I’m not blaming the SFA for Rangers predicament as they have an uncanny ability to make the worst possible decisions on a fairly consistent basis.

    Likewise the media and especially the print media. Their reporting on the Rangers fiasco has been embarrassing. They have failed to accurately portray the situation to the Rangers fans, have sold them half-truths, PR drivel and wishful thinking. Then they have the audacity to claim they’ve led the way in the reporting of it. We have their number on here but sadly many others still believe what they read in these comics. The truth might hurt but whats the alternative? Well, we’ve seen it and it’s shit for everyone involved.

    If you chose to believe it’s only ex-players from your club answering loaded questions about Rangers that is your prerogative. Football fans can sometimes, and I’m not saying you are doing this, ignore things that don’t fit the narrow parameters of their view of events if it contradicts the narrative they have created for themselves.


  23. Er..
    Will reconstruction be abandoned if TRFC listen to their fans and insist on promotion on merit?
    Or are they so desperate for sectarianism to sweeten the TV deal that nothing else matters?


  24. Well done to both teams and sets of fans at Hampden yesterday.

    I joined some friends and became a Bairn for the day, really enjoyed myself too. Shame for Falkirk and their fans (there’s a club I’d love to see back in the top league and a perfect argument for expanding the top league IMO)

    ICT have worked diligently over the years to keep improving their club and you have to respect the win yesterday and the way it has been earned not just on the day but over a period of time. Well done and may many more provincial clubs follow in your steps.

    It would be fantastic to see ICT crowds pick up over the coming years as younger fans in the area hopefully turn away from the lure of the OF (or Aberdeen) and follow their local team.


  25. jimlarkin on May 31, 2015 at 9:55 am

    A bit of a struggle because Pat Nevin’s voice all over it !!
    ——–

    I thought Stuart was his usual courteous/amusing self and Annie McGuire was excellent as SC’s co-host. I don’t have any particular anti-Pat bias so I find him mostly interesting. Didn’t agree, though, with his point on Scotland not making a lone stand by boycotting FIFA,.

    John was interesting because he spoke about issues affecting the entirety of Scottish & European football. Like him, I think UEFA had three very decent tournaments, which were sacrificed on the altar of greed. Good points too about the smaller nations getting together in a organsation of their own. When so many national champions and cup winners are excluded, or given impossible hurdles to cross in order to reach main competition, it’s time to look at s different setup. I’d love to see Euro club competitions for Scandinavian, Belgian, Dutch, Baltic states and the ‘home nations’ excluding England. Competitions with a fair and equitable distribution of tv & prize money so that all teams have the chance to better themselves not just the few winners. It might not attract the riches of the CL but it could well be far more authentic, sports wise.

    PS John comes in for the last 10min of the evening show


  26. Matty Roth says:
    May 31, 2015 at 11:13 am

    UK Banks Launch Fifa Investigation
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32950214
    —————————————————————–
    The article brings together the best of Britain – the probity of our major banks, the organisational clout of the current Labour Party, and Greg Dyke toadying to the royals. FIFA must be quaking in their boots.

    Plus a few nice little nudges along of the narrative that Russia should be stripped of the World Cup. And given to England perhaps chaps?


  27. Matty Roth says 31 May 2015 at 11.13 a.m
    ‘..UK banks launch FIFA investigation..’
    ___________________
    A more parochial, localised investigation of a nominally Scottish bank wouldn’t go amiss in
    respect of its dealings with a certain knight of the
    realm and a football club.
    Dirty money, I observe, is dirty money.
    And dirty money between dirty people is just that,
    dirty money.
    When it is the tax-payer who ends up paying for the
    swillage of dirty money, then that’s a horse of a
    different colour.
    Not that the dirty money was on a scale as great as FIFA deals in.
    But every bit as rotten and corrupt in its effects.
    There are mini-blotters around the world of football and banking, and, God save the mark, there may even be some in this little country of ours.


  28. incredibleadamspark says 31 May 2015 @ 10.40 a.m
    ‘….you say the SFA are pro-Rangers but I don’t think they have been particularly good for them…’
    _____________
    But they wanted to be!
    That was their whole rationale in trying to bludgeon the SPL , and, that attempt failing, using every device to at least get the new club into SFA membership.
    TRFC owe their presence in the SFA to the determined efforts of people who insisted that without some kind of ‘Rangers’ Scottish Football was doomed.
    The fact that those ar.eholes got it so wrong is irrelevant.
    They bent every effort to keep a liquidated, non-existent football entity alive.
    That is the their crime, not the fact that they have not succeeded, except in the eyes of men as unheedful of truth and sporting integrity as they themselves are.


  29. incredibleadamspark says:
    Member: (65 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 10:40 am

    You said the SFA made a statement that the club playing out of Ibrox was more important than any other. I don’t remember that statement and asked if you could provide a link to it. I’d like to read it or hear it; perhaps it was on the radio? I do not doubt you and I’d like to know what was actually said and by whom.
    ===========================================

    What I meant was by their actions they made the statement. When we are told there will be social unrest, Armageddon etc without Rangers in the top league that is in my opinion effectively a statement that Rangers are more important than other clubs. My view is the Scottish establishment, of which the SFA are very much part, regard Rangers as the most important football club in the land. So much so the First Minister begged HMRC to go easy on them. A number of other politicians demanded likewise.

    I won’t repeat what the SFA did, but will repeat there will never be peace in our time while the current incumbents remain in post, and the media do all they can to protect them.


  30. upthehoops says:
    Member: (713 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    What I meant was by their actions they made the statement.
    _____________________________

    That was what I took to be your meaning. In the same way that ‘actions speak louder than words’, one’s actions can carry a statement of intent far greater, and truer, than the words that are spoken. In fact, amongst those who are corrupt, words are used to cover the true intent of their actions!

    Examples of what I mean can also be seen in the vocal and written statements, as opposed to the actions, of such luminaries as; David Murray, Craig Whyte, Charles Green, Ally McCoist (‘who are these people’), Campbell Ogilvie, Dave King, the SMSM (with a shameful paucity of exceptions)…


  31. Searing analysis from the ever-reliable Douglas Alexander in today’s Sunday Times. For Rangers, “the club lurched into liquidation in the summer of 2012.” Whereas Hearts “spent money they didn’t have and suffered administration and relegation in consequence.”
    It’s utterly witless PR spin, and appears in a paper that likes to consider itself a quality one. The daily version trades on similar drivel, Michael Grant on Friday having them “liquidated and banished from the top flight”, before giving us a bogus history lesson on ‘Well vs The Ibrox Giants clashes down the years. Mistakes are one thing, but for a group of journos to consistently portray an alternative universe to our own, requires agreement or instruction. Where the orders are coming from, that’s the real story.


  32. I know that the word corruption gets used frequently on this site in respect of the SFA.

    I have just read this article…

    http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/article-3104087/How-FIFA-nailed-act-revenge-dying-man-Investigative-journalist-ANDREW-JENNINGS-reveals-former-official-led-Feds-dirty-depths-Blatter-s-kingdom-corruption.html

    If the claims made within the article are true, and events of the last week suggest they might well be, then FIFA are done for, and the fall out will continue for years.

    This football organisation, an alleged criminal enterprise needs to be ripped apart and purged. I await the arrest of Don Blatter with increasing impatience!


  33. If I may, I would like to say that I am happy for poster Gabby and his wife, who travelled from Oz to see the Cup Final, and had the good fortune to see a great game which his team won.


  34. Congrats to ICT.

    Their name was on the cup, but had Falkirk won based on their second half showing, no one could begrudge them.

    I started off favouring no one, but Falkirk earned my support in the second half.

    Shouldn’t that always be the case for a neutral?


  35. Well
    0.0 at half time,few bookings key tacklers for Rangers,second half is not a place for anyone of a nervous disposition,ball still in Motherwell’s court,Rangers maybe playing too many high balls into the box.


  36. Moshni attacks Lee Evans at end of game,common assault,dragged up the tunnel.


  37. Petulance The leitmotif but Dignity after from McManus and Pearson in the interviews on BT


  38. So, no Rangers in the top league next season. By now we all know that doesn’t mean Armageddon, and it doesn’t mean social unrest. Neither does it mean any clubs going to the wall. If anything there will be some more cash spread around than this season with a large travelling Hearts support. Aberdeen too, are taking fans in far larger numbers than recent years.

    What it does mean is that Rangers are faced with a real dilemma. Spend another £10M just to stand still, or live within their means, with a manager used to working on a low budget and fill their team with promising youngsters.


  39. Have long said that it wouldn’t be the money matters that would stop T’Rangers progress back to the top. It would be the rubbish put on the park by McCoist. Poor McCall had a hard job to get that ship turned around.

    The best team won over the two legs – end of story. Game won fair and square and sporting integrity wins the day – until league reconstruction raises it head!!


  40. Moshni attacks Lee Evans at end of game,common assault,dragged up the tunnel.

    serves him right, the Norman Wisdom rip off that he is.


  41. So the ref got his revenge.

    2 well players red cards
    Gers 1 from a kick an a punch.

    Obviously our fault for er “hammering” them.

    You need to watch out when you do such like to yon Pretendygers.


  42. based on that performance supporters of The Rangers can admit that they are back where they belong ! You cannot describe somewhere where you have never been as where you belong


  43. Just turned on sky sports news
    To see this headline

    Rangers Denied Promotion

    Are they serious? Or at the complete wind up?

    Unbelievable :slamb:


  44. Ianagain

    Lee Erwin kicked it off and then tried to attack Moshni, he deserved to be red carded.
    Fraser Kerr? clearly punched Moshni – red card
    Moshni is a clown who we should have ditched last summer after his red card at Derby – he deserves to be hammered.

    Your prediction of the refs favouring Rangers was way off the mark.

    Enjoy your survival but leave off the conspiracy nonsense.

    Any view on Motherwell invading the pitch and heading to the Rangers fans rather than celebrate their win. Hope police Scotland can identify and deal with the fan who hit McCulloch with the flag/brolly


  45. bfbpuzzled says:
    Member: (160 comments)

    May 31, 2015 at 5:09 pm
    Petulance The leitmotif but Dignity after from McManus and Pearson in the interviews on BT

    ………………

    Can you explain in plain English ??


  46. Briggsbhoy
    Never a truer word spoken, I also thought Mr Guidi was out of his depth as a live interviewer ,I suppose. Sunday Post connections can make you nervous


  47. I must say that despite some postings over the past week or so re referees, penalties and sendings off favouring one team I think that the refs in both games did very well. I for one thought that they both performed as referees should and in the true spirit of the game.
    If anyone agrees maybe a mention wouldn’t go amiss.


  48. TartanwulverTartanwulver says:
    Member: (173 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    The article brings together the best of Britain – the probity of our major banks, the organisational clout of the current Labour Party, and Greg Dyke toadying to the royals. FIFA must be quaking in their boots.
    ————-

    To be honest, does anyone believe bankers are investigating for any other reason than to take the heat off themselves? Nice headlines for their paid-up media hacks.

    And while US involvement is welcome it shouldn’t be forgotten their treatment of inconvenient whistleblowers. In this instance we’d all like to see these FIFA official brought to justice, but why is it left to America? Sets the dangerous precedent of having people arrested willy-nilly on all sorts of pretexts and shipped off to US justice. You can see why Julian Assange is receiving diplomatic protection.

    Switzerland itself needs to get its act together as do other European countries. Surely UEFA and FIFA will part company now?

    Bravo Motherwell, ‘Twist & Shout’, nice. Big bonus is hearing the shocked pundits, especially Keevins & Dalziel. This wisnae supposed tae happen. Championship looks to be the most competitive league in history, again.


  49. Can I just say, and normally I wouldn’t do this.

    Told you we would win. 😀


  50. upthehoops says:
    Member: (714 comments)

    May 31, 2015 at 1:42 pm
    What I meant was by their actions they made the statement. When we are told there will be social unrest, Armageddon etc without Rangers in the top league
    ——————————
    And yet they never came out with a statement like that about gretna.And by their non statement their actions tell you they believed that the club playing out of Ibrox was more important than any other


  51. Would love to hear someone at Motherwell dedicate this play-off final victory to Turnbull Hutton.

    Scottish Football needs a strong Arbroath and East Fife.


  52. Ballyargus says:
    Member: (12 comments)

    May 31, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    I must say that despite some postings over the past week or so re referees, penalties and sendings off favouring one team I think that the refs in both games did very well. I for one thought that they both performed as referees should and in the true spirit of the game.
    If anyone agrees maybe a mention wouldn’t go amiss.
    =================================================
    Are you joking? Ainsworth “halved” going for goal at Ibrox.
    “2 reds for us v 1 for Moshni (now apparently arrested)
    The only reason we didn’t suffer from the refs was the whole crowd shouted all day at the ref “were watching you”.
    That’s the only reason.


  53. John Clark says:
    Member: (877 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 1:28 pm
    upthehoops says:
    Member: (714 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 1:42 pm
    _______________________________________________________________

    Don’t agree with that, John. My take on things was that blind panic ensued at the thought of no old firm kicking lumps out of each other and the authorities (SFA, SPL) believed it would have a disastrous impact on the TV deal, sponsorship and that all the other clubs were dependant on this as well as the gate receipts from four/three visits from the old firm.

    So what? They should have applied there rules dealt with the consequences. They should have governed the game and basically done their job. For me it has more to do with the perceived importance of the old firm (as was), who let’s not forget, had previously shown and arrogant disregard for the game in this country and carved up things like the TV deal for their own benefit and spoke openly and frequently about being held back because they had the misfortune to play in a small country. The pair of them would have left in a heartbeat if the opportunity ever presented itself.

    This does not make me an apologist for the authorities because I have never agreed with what they have done. My view is that the actions taken were not because of a pro-Rangers agenda.

    Upthehoops, thanks for confirming that the SFA, as an organization or any individual from it, made no verbal statement about Rangers being more important than any other club in this country. A ‘statement’ can indeed mean a number of things and I now know that it was your interpritation of events that led you to say that they did.

    All our views on the reasons why are subjective and open to debate. I can’t tell you that my take on events is what actually happened and that’s true of your opinions. This is what we believe, for a number of reasons, and I doubt we’ll ever be of the same opinion on this. However, there is much we do agree on.

    If the SFM is to progress to a more prominent place in the discourse surrounding Scottish football and help shape the agenda it will, in my view, need to have a definitive view on this topic. An editorial position taken to show people not that familiar with us, or who might have formed an opinion already, where it stands.

    So my question to those running the site would be does SFM believe that the authorities (SFA, SPFL) have an institutional bias towards Rangers and that the actions they take or have taken are to try and help them above every other club?


  54. redlichtie says:
    Member: (219 comments)

    May 31, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    Would love to hear someone at Motherwell dedicate this play-off final victory to Turnbull Hutton
    ================================

    Well I will certainly.
    Doubt if Turnbull will from his position in the ethereal sky be worried much that his beloved Rovers will be much troubled by Pretendygers next year.


  55. Jim Larkin

    There was petulance which is part of the WATP mentality to the extent of it being a Leitmotif. Mc manus and Pearson were very dignified I thought.

    I have spent too much time reading certain types of Theology recently so am even more concise to the point of terseness than is usual and churlish


  56. incredibleadamspark says:

    So my question to those running the site would be does SFM believe that the authorities (SFA, SPFL) have an institutional bias towards Rangers and that the actions they take or have taken are to try and help them above every other club?

    ————————————–

    Yes, I believe there are bias within both organisations, especially The SFA. That is not restricted to individuals and there is an unhealthy higher than normal representation from only one Club.

    No, I do not believe the actions taken when the Club went bust were simply to favour them. I agree with you that the actions were taken due to the short sighted in our game who could not see past the old ‘Old Firm’, I believe subsequent actions were taken simply as they started going down a path and could not turn back.

    They continue to live in hope…..


  57. yourhavingalaugh says:
    Member: (275 comments)

    May 31, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    Moshni attacks Lee Evans at end of game,common assault,dragged up the tunnel.
    ——————————
    Lee Evans….you are having a laugh. Has there ever been a day like it in Scottish football. Motherwell murder the deadboys while Inverness parade Scottish cup. Just seen Inverness team singing with one of the players on lead guitar. Armagedon is amazing.


  58. Good Evening.

    Armageddon didn’t happen and the new club playing out of Ibrox turned out not to be able to get to the top flight under its own steam in the quickest possible time.

    That’s sport for you. And it is utterly glorious.

    Here are some further thoughts entitled “Football 6-1 Regan/Doncaster”

    https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2015/05/31/football-6-1-regandoncaster

    Enjoy the rest of the evening. And enjoy having a game where anything can happen. Heaven knows the contributors of this blog are still grafting for it!


  59. wottpi says:
    Member: (619 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    Have long said that it wouldn’t be the money matters that would stop T’Rangers progress back to the top. It would be the rubbish put on the park by McCoist. Poor McCall had a hard job to get that ship turned around.

    The best team won over the two legs – end of story. Game won fair and square and sporting integrity wins the day – until league reconstruction raises it head!!
    ========================================

    What I simply couldn’t understand was why so many of the media were so confident Rangers would ease past Motherwell. Anyone watching Rangers could see they are a very ordinary team, and they had struggled to an extent in all previous four play off matches. Motherwell have three players in their team who have played and scored in the Champions League. They have experience in Keith Lasley who has been there and done it in the survival game stakes. They have real pace in their team. Over the two legs they showed themselves to be the far better side.

    I am glad that success based only on sporting merit is the order of the day. If Rangers had won fair and square then fair enough, but football is about far more than the size of a club’s support and stadium. We can ignore the inevitable rubbish we will read in the next few days about this not being good for the game. It was rubbish three years ago and it’s rubbish now.


  60. incredibleadamspark says:
    Member: (66 comments)

    May 31, 2015 at 6:46 pm
    So my question to those running the site would be does SFM believe that the authorities (SFA, SPFL) have an institutional bias towards Rangers and that the actions they take or have taken are to try and help them above every other club?
    —————————
    Have they paid any of their fines yet,and if not why not.and if not what are the SFA,SPFL doing about it


  61. Motherwell v Rangers: Police to investigate Fir Park brawl

    Police Scotland say they will review the fight that marred the conclusion of Motherwell’s Premiership play-off final victory over Rangers.
    Rangers defender Bilel Moshni was at the centre of an ugly brawl on the final whistle at Fir Park.
    The Tunisian was pushed by Lee Erwin and responded by aimed a kick and punch at the Motherwell striker, before tussling with Fraser Kerr.
    All three players were shown red cards by Craig Thomson after the match.
    Assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins said: “Police Scotland will conduct a full review of the circumstances and liaise with the appropriate partners, and decide how best to take the matter forward over the coming days.”
    Rangers manager Stuart McCall said he missed the incident, but acknowledged such behaviour was “unacceptable”.
    Speaking after his side’s 3-0 loss at Fir Park, he said: “If he has thrown a punch that’s disgraceful.
    “But it’s safe to say he won’t be at the club next season. He’s out of contract.”
    Motherwell boss Ian Baraclough said the scenes detracted from a great day for the Lanarkshire club, who triumphed 6-1 on aggregate to retain their top-flight status.
    “There’s been an outpouring of emotions, shall we say, and it’s gone too far,” he told BBC Scotland.
    “Scottish football doesn’t need it. There were two teams battling it out over 180 minutes, they gave it absolutely everything.
    “For one or two individuals to ruin it, tarnish it, is a shame.”
    Erwin appeared to shove Mohsni after the defender refused his offer of a handshake and describe his opponent’s reaction as “embarrassing” in a television interview, given with blood on his face.
    Motherwell fans spilled on to the pitch while the fight was going on and had to be ushered away by police and stewards as they goaded Rangers supporters.

    ===================

    They cant just play a fitba game its always some other hassle.

    Well rid.


  62. incredibleadamspark says:
    Member: (66 comments)
    May 31, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    So my question to those running the site would be does SFM believe that the authorities (SFA, SPFL) have an institutional bias towards Rangers and that the actions they take or have taken are to try and help them above every other club?
    ======================================

    The question of whether such bias exists can never really be answered, because it can never be proved. The SFA extends way beyond the main board. However, to cite an example – when Neil Lennon received three games in the stand for swearing a couple of years ago most people in the game thought it was ridiculous. Lennon let it be known at a Press Conference he believed a senior SFA figure was behind it. A sports writer told me the name of the person involved. An organisation itself may not be biased, but can be a safe haven for biased people. As I said it can never be proved though.


  63. Extremely proud of how Motherwell have handled themselves over the past 7 days.

    I must admit I wasn’t confident as a fan heading into this but the manager and his staff got it spot on and the players delivered and then some. I felt it was thoroughly deserved over the piece. Even the handling of the ticket issue and our standing up against a club being very disingenuous was impressive.

    I felt by and large our fans were outstanding too over the two legs. However the pitch invasion at the end was pretty I’ll judged and could have instigated an incident that would have overshadowed the clubs achievement. In the end it’s a bullet dodged.

    The Erwin / Moshni incident is quite straightforward. Erin reacted foolishly to a demonstration of poor sportsmanship. Moshni reacted outrageously to a push on the back. I don’t condone Lee’s actions, but in the coming days when it’s used as the spark I think we’ll really need to get a grasp on reality.

    Well done Motherwell and thanks for all your efforts this week. A real chance to rebuild next term.

    What a week


  64. wildwood says:
    Member: (59 comments)

    May 31, 2015 at 8:19 pm

    Extremely proud of how Motherwell have handled themselves over the past 7 days.

    I must admit I wasn’t confident as a fan heading into this but the manager and his staff got it spot on and the players delivered and then some. I felt it was thoroughly deserved over the piece. Even the handling of the ticket issue and our standing up against a club being very disingenuous was impressive.

    I felt by and large our fans were outstanding too over the two legs. However the pitch invasion at the end was pretty I’ll judged and could have instigated an incident that would have overshadowed the clubs achievement. In the end it’s a bullet dodged.

    The Erwin / Moshni incident is quite straightforward. Erin reacted foolishly to a demonstration of poor sportsmanship. Moshni reacted outrageously to a push on the back. I don’t condone Lee’s actions, but in the coming days when it’s used as the spark I think we’ll really need to get a grasp on reality.

    Well done Motherwell and thanks for all your efforts this week. A real chance to rebuild next term.

    What a week
    ============================================

    True what a week.

    Somehow I was always of the belief that the SPFL had moved on and actually every team was improved far more than them.
    Ross county picked up some good ones and were harder to play against than I would have thought.
    Aberdeen also improved.
    Dundee ditto.
    Hamilton back a bit but still dangerous.
    Thistle just kept on going.
    Killie hot and cold but escaped it.
    ICT hard as nails that lot and I wonder how Europe will go best luck.
    St Johnstone Europe again go n lads pity Faddys gone.

    So really what Im saying is we are the 2nd worst team right now in the SPFL but Sevco are nowher near good enough.


  65. Well done to all ‘Well fans, 6-1 is a cracking 2 leg result.

    Well done to Baraclough as well. I remember him as a decent full back for the Superhoops (QPR!) for four years or so. He has handled himself well over the last couple of weeks and his team have done him proud.

    Time to dig out that Rangers/St. Mirren scarf Chick ☺

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