rjathomson85

For what is best for the group, but I can do so because I personally don't believe it would make any difference to the fans or the club. The club can continue to liaise with two supporters groups with ease, a merger wouldn't stop the internal conflict, it's ongoing and unfortunately here to stay, like at any club. I'm happy to be proved wrong, I would easily hold my hands up if proved wrong, what we've been through the last 5 years doesn't prove we are the best fans of any club in the world, we we're that long before 2012 and CW. We had differences of opinions then, and that will always continue, such is our passion for Rangers. I think it's great! Debate, discussion on how to improve - even if proved wrong - can only be healthy.

Please explain how you come to that conclusion?

I think in an individual election you must put forward what you honestly believe, otherwise your basing your campaign on lies, which is the very last thing RF needs. At least if the majority are going against the overall consensus at least you know they are more than likely telling the truth in what they believe, and hopefully what they want to achieve. If it's not to the individuals liking then its a case of vote for someone else. I certainly wasn't going to put myself forward as someone who believes we should merge when I don't, just to gain more votes. That would be entirely wrong.

No! But I had to stand for what I personally believed best for the group.

Hi Chilledbear, I have stated I would put forward my preference for RF to remain independent of other groups. However I have already gone on record, and stand by the fact I would without question go along with the majority vote of the RF members. Whatever the preference of the members, if the majority believe it to be in the best interests of RF to merge then I would fully accept that, and continue to give 100% for the benefit of the members. The fact that around 97% of members have voted to enquire further regarding a merger doesn't mean they would vote that way. Again though, it's the decision of the members.

Honest question, does anyone think that a supporters group merger would improve fan unity? I understand that there would never be complete harmony among our fans, much like any other club there are bound to be differences of opinion. Would be interesting to gauge a general consensus on here as to whether a supporters group merger would help matters any.

I can't answer that on his behalf, however the general consensus I'm getting from the Twitter world seems to be a general 'unease' at some of the candidates other roles and commitments. The nonsense us fans have had to put up with over the last 5 or so years it's little wonder we remain skeptical and paranoid over any change.

To be fair he didn't make it up, it was simply stating a concern.

Let's hope that's not the case

Hi there, that is a very good question! As a director of RF my main priority would be for the members of RF which includes a significant number of our fans. If it turns out that the merger would be for the benefit of Rangers in theory, even indirectly, it would be for the benefit of Rangers First members. It's all hypothetical at this time and it would be scrutinising the finer details should an offer for an amalgamation be forthcoming.

Small world! I am a born and bread Baltasound boy, lived there for 23 years, and have spent many a good night in the 'Back Bar' at Springers (Baltasound Hotel). We moved from Unst to Scalloway in 2009 and now live in a place called Wadbister which is on the mainland. Try to get back to Unst as much as possible though, most of my family are still up there. What were you working on?

Thank you rbr, glad to have finally joined! I agree the vote would not be anywhere near if it came to the point where we as members would be voting for the merger. Interesting times ahead.

You are indeed correct I have signed 'the pledge, which states "No director of Rangers First should receive any remuneration from Rangers Football Club be it directly or indirectly through their employer." If a Directors business becomes a customer of the Club and has signed this pledge I suggest they should resign. Perhaps there would be a conflict of interest there even if they didn't agree to this pledge.

I was one of the lowly 3% who voted for RF to remain an independent entity! I will of course listen to all members views, when the times comes for an official poll I will put forward the case for remaining independent but I will fully back whatever decision is democratically decided by the RF members. I will not STRONGLY push to remain separate from other excellent fans groups, as I say I will present the case for remaining separate. At the end of the day if the fans and members decide a merger is what is best for the club, and the fans groups, that is what matters in the end.

Good afternoon, Apologies for butting in to what appears to be a hot debate! My name is Ryan Thomson and I am one of the 23 standing for election to the Rangers First board. I am more than happy to answer / discuss / debate anything regarding my bid to be elected, my views on certain things etc etc. What I would bring (which seems to be the hot word at the moment) is transparency. I'm just a normal fan like yourselves and I would bring from a directors position what I want as a RF member. Constant and continuous dialogue with the RF Members about what is going on. On a few of the other hot topics at the moment - I would like RF to remain separate from other fans groups if a merger were to be put on the table. I would put that case forward, however what I would demand in the strongest of terms would be a poll of the RF members regarding such an important issue. The members must decide at the end of the day if Rangers First is to remain independent, or be a part of a fans group amalgamation. I would like RF to continue with the current 95% / 5% split between share buying and administration costs. RF was created to obtain as large a shareholding within the club as possible and this would be the quickest route to doing so. I live in Shetland, which is a piece away from Glasgow (14 hour boat journey to Aberdeen followed by 3 hour trainride, or 1.5 hour flight), so I don't get to as many games as I would like however I get down to as many games as possible. I am fully transparent, I have no hidden agendas, no history associated with any of the clubs directors / members, or any of the Rangers First directors. As I said I am open to questions either on the public forum or contact me through Twitter. Thank you for your time.