Frankie

Like I say we can all speculate but, without the facts, we only run the risk of looking daft at some point down the line.

As confirmed in the minute, the chairman has not been involved in the Ellis negotiations at this stage. That, in itself is somewhat disappointing but until Ellis decides to move forward, not altogether surprising. Obviously, by agreeing to the published minute, Muir and MIH have confirmed the proof-of-funding anyway. OK, that doesn't carry the same weight as an announcement on the Rangers website (or PLUS) but given the club chairman and Donald Muir were present and would have had to approve the minutes, the state of play seems genuine enough. Unfortunately, we just don't know if the bid per se is genuine - both in terms of an actual offer and the plans within it.

The Assembly was a club creation and is imperfect in terms of his independence from the football club but I don't believe those present at the meeting would all be coming out afterwards with signed photos of Donald Muir. Going by the official minute it was suggested Ellis' proof of funds was confirmed but that alone doesn't mean the club will accept a bid or that the independent panel will recommend it to the minority shareholders (or agree with SDM/Muir et al). Or that Ellis will indeed make a bid obviously. Ellis may be a stalking horse. He may not. No-one apart from Ellis, Murray and Muir know that. I assume Johnston would have his suspicions but even he seems happy to pass on information to the contrary in public. Who knows what he is saying privately? Anything other than concentrating on the bland official information available is speculation and none of us know the truth.

To be honest mate, I doubt such proud members of the Fourth Estate even need fed by anyone at the moment. Making it up as they go along is probably just as accurate as relying on club sources... I do think the next few days will be interesting though. Walter Smith is now in a position where his managerial role is becoming more untenable by the day. That isn't nice to know but it is arguably true.

Well, possibly, but I doubt Mr Kerr would change the official account of the meeting to benefit SDM... I think the Assembly have made their concerns about the club pretty clear in recent months - official body or not. It can be debated as to if they could do more (in fact they could IMO) but that is for us to pressure them where possible.

I haven't listened to the radio interview - is it markedly different from the minuted account? Obviously information which isn't in the minutes will filter out regardless which isn't all that helpful as it can't be substantiated as fact. However, I'm sure if Mr Kerr said something that wasn't true outwith the minutes, he'd soon be asked to explain by those who provide his budget.

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/2972512/Walter-yes-or-no-in-48hrs.html

You've lost me?

Yeah, good post Danny and your feelings are probably shared by many fans. Uncertainty describes the situation as succinctly as anything else and the fact it could have been used last summer - and probably beyond then is probably typical of the short-term planning that blights our club. The problem is no-one knows the true intentions of any of the main players: be it Ellis, who is the real mystery man; King, who seems as confused as the rest of us; or even Murray, who is the picture of innocence in his white suit on his new Corstorphine mansion's decking. Who me?! As such anything that does come out is merely uninformed speculation which is unhelpful as fans clamour for good news to relieve our stress. Meanwhile, those of us who have just shelled out another �£400+ for season tickets, wonder just what we've paid for next season! It would make for quite the satirical comedy if Chris Morris was interested. I'm not sure many of us are laughing though...

I'm sure we can expect a full analysis from 'Mr Bellweather' to make the situation clear...

I can assure you certain parties do place stock in it - even if not in the sense some would expect. But the second part of your post is probably right on the money - even if those buying the club may be the only ones struggling to act on our behalf.

Yeah, I think it can be modified but possibly not in a database-driven way...

That is fair enough comment also. If someone is going to pay circa �£30million for the club, any discussions with the fans at this late stage may be moot anyway. Nonetheless Ellis has been affected by supporter involvement before while King appears far from making a bid. I see the fans as being the key to unlock the door.

N_L: Agree whole-heartedly mate but I've been saying the same things for months and specifically asked the RST board members on here to comment. They gave a valid reason for being unable to discuss more because it was renewal time but we've heard nothing since. Maybe I should book the Partick Burgh Halls myself for early June and send invites out to all relevant parties...? 'If we build it', will they come though?

I'm no database expert Cal so if you ever had the time to do it that would be most appreciated...

I accept that disgraceful criticism in good faith it is offered... You will remember the imperfect STS project from last year where I attempted to build bridges by going to every single website and every single fan group and asked them to contribute. Not an attempt at leadership (I'm no leader of men and freely admit so) but an attempt to provide some fresh impetuous in a neutral fashion. It only partially worked because some are intent in rejecting unity - despite the grand public proclamations. As always I'm interested in addressing that in a positive, constructive sense. I'm happy to help repair relationships but am also of the opinion those who can't get on need not be important to unity anyway. I'd also like to make it clear that I don't particularly care who steps forward to lead. If they have the right attitude and the right strategy people will buy into it no matter if they are a 'face' or not. That goes for individuals, fan groups or buyers. I just want something credible to rally behind and I don't think the mild, constructive criticisms in the original post suggest anything other than that. I'm happy to move forward and be part of something tangible to act on the complaints I have.

Yeah, some of the lads on RangersMedia are putting this together - an excellent resource and I'd urge everyone to have a look... PS: Our own archive site is pretty good for arguments as well... http://www.morethanaclub.co.uk/

Boyd's third goal against Utd in the 7-1 game - a simple finish but a brilliantly worked goal. Looking at the montage in the video room, we have scored some beauties this season though and a variety of goals could easily have won it. PS: Gersnet Awards will be taking place next week using the site survey software...

Just a quick post to highlight that already some on FF are interpreting this as an attack on one particular fan group or forum. Nothing could be further from the truth - I prefer to see it more as constructive criticism of all parties to widen the debate. If anyone disagrees with what I say about improving strategy to increase awareness of alleged problems, then I'm eager to hear why leading publicly from the front is a bad option.

Interesting to read in the Herald today about one of Scotlandâ��s oldest house-builders being forced into receivership by the Bank of Scotland*. Juxtapose that with the ongoing challenges of our own 138 year old institution, it perhaps lends weight to the claims that the financial issues at Rangers are problems that may result in the bank foreclosing on their facilities resulting in claiming the �£20million+ debt they are owed back quicker than the currently agreed ~20 year term. Indeed, a cursory look across the community again finds sources warning of the pressure that is about to me brought onto the club by a bank eager to get out of our football club at the first opportunity. Of course, them increasing their liabilities in our parent company (cross guarantees or not) suggests this premise may not be quite as hasty as some suggest. Unfortunately, a stand-off remains between the club message of the status-quo; i.e. prudency by way of reasonable cost-cutting and increased efficiency - and the stark warning of no investment; i.e. mass sales of key players and concrete/mortar assets with no replacement. Once again then, as a result of this polar argument, the average supporter is left in a quandary - do we believe a club eager to maintain our financial investment or do we see the wood for the trees and buy into the hysteria precipitated by our manager, competing buyers and other alleged 'credible' sources? Perhaps the middle ground is the best position to adopt? After all, I don't think anyone denies the influence of the bank is a worrying one. It is just the extent of their influence and their associated potential actions that can be debated. The problem we have is that it doesn't help the situation when people spread rumours about the situation one day, then change their mind the next - be it Walter Smith, potential buyers or whoever else is involved in spreading misinformation in this whole charade. Even if people do believe the very worst of scenarios put to us, what do those informing us of this message honestly expect us to do without proper guidance and leadership? 1. Not renew/buy season tickets? Deadline for existing holders has passed and renewals are supposedly in line with last year while new sales are expected to also mirror recent seasons. Success brings its rewards and I'm also unsure not providing the club with one of its invaluable revenue streams would encourage the bank to invest more of non-ticket money such as CL income or transfer fees. 2. Direct protest The bank AGM last week was as good a place as any to embarrass the bank publicly and effectively. Did the people feeding Darrell King and associated fan groups/forums attend and ask questions? Did they protest outside with existing banners? Or did they allow only one person to attend and ask the kind of question much better coming directly from a big-hitter? 3. Gauge fan support Have those interested in buying the club and/or those worried about the influence of the bank attempted to gauge support for their concerns (and bids) by stimulating debate in a positive, constructive fashion - e.g employing club legends, celebrity fans, existing club staff, fan groups, website owners to help run a positive campaign of information sharing, fund-raising and lobbying? Surely if the evidence was clear that the situation was so bleak, this would be easy to find support for? Compare the above different levels and type of effective lobbying and leadership with the drip-feeding of information via confused journalists and anonymous posters on the internet with the club chairman and his representatives organising meetings with high net worth fans, fan groups, the bank and potential owners; then it isn't a surprise the average supporter is inclined to go with the club message (which isn't all that fantastic by the way) as opposed to believing people in it for vested interests. Now, asking valid questions doesn't always mean flying banners at Ibrox Stadium. As I posted above there are much better and more constructive ways of doing this which can involve every supporter while removing the negativity and hearsay from the debate. In my opinion, that has not happened effectively enough which only weakens the stance of those suggesting the bank are the devil incarnate. Therefore, as the John Dickie Group are forced into administration this week by the Lloyds Banking Group, just how long are those predicting a similar outcome for Rangers FC going to wait before coming out into the open? Or will they continue to use rumour and counter-rumour on internet forums instead of genuine leadership which we can all buy into? * http://www.heraldscotland.com/business/corporate-sme/bank-blamed-as-john-dickie-is-forced-into-receivership-1.1027074

Agree with that Gribz.... Gio is one of the best modern day players to have played for Rangers IMO. It was a shame he ended up at left-back for the likes of Arsenal and Barca as I always felt he was a better central midfield player.

That is sad news... But I'm sure Radio Snyde will soften the blow for this first class broadsheet investigative journalist...

It is all a bit confusing but I'm comfortable enough that if the independent committee find the Ellis (or other bid) a problem they will recommend the minority shareholders reject it. Sure, that may not stop the sale but Ellis has already shown he won't buy a club if he doesn't have the backing of the support.

Great stuff Nacho... Gav- I understand his comments about the police work may be from a biased, amateur perspective but there must be a good reason why these people were never found? Instead of pointing out his apparent arrogance (or more accurately lack of knowledge) why not show us how it is difficult to catch someone who throws a mobile phone amongst other items?

More importantly, as always, the minutes of the meeting above are interesting - if hardly ground-breaking stuff. We'll just have to see how accurate the budget projections are.