Frankie

Exactly. On every site there are people who'd prefer to concentrate on matters that don't help anyone. That includes FF despite this person suggesting it doesn't happen. To write off the hundreds/thousands of other posters because of this tiny (yet vocal I accept) minority is surely counter-productive while going directly against their communication improvement statements. Fact is the RST should have their own forum - one private for their members and one public for non-members genuinely interested in their work. This would be inexpensive and wouldn't take all that much time to administrate given these same people post daily on FF (and occasionally elsewhere).

I certainly hope he does. Some of the crap we do read is likely to put even the best intentioned of people off but I don't think we've seen anything unnecessary or invalid on Gersnet recently. Our members are only interested in what is a hugely important topic and want to be involved closely as it progresses. PS: In 2006 The Trust obtained an apology from the Daily Record 48 hours after an article appeared contained non-existent quotes from a Trust spokesperson. This was publicised (as was the process then on every site I posted on as well as published on Newsnow). I'm sure if DE was misquoted in the NOTW on Sunday, we'll see something similar over the next day or two.

That may or may not be true and we should certainly not back the first buyer that comes round the corner just because there is no-one else using the media to state their interest. Great care and caution must be taken no matter who these people are. Anything less is irresponsible.

It does tease the Trust somewhat about jumping into bed with the new flavour of the month which I guess has got a few folk a bit tetchy. But, of course the overall point is a valid one and every bear should take it under consideration. Representing a fans organisation online isn't easy. Having spent 3 years across almost every Rangers forum trying promote what the Trust did I appreciate first hand hand how difficult, mischievous and, yes, disrespectful some people can be. That can be incredibly frustrating but resorting to abusing people (no matter how petty said abuse is) isn't the best way to answer what were fair questions (they were posted in the Duffy thread on here as well). As such, the only person 'trashing the trust' as he put it is himself. This same person hypocritically moans about this sniping on FF while dismissing non-FF opinion as invalid because sites such as Gersnet, RangersMedia, Vanguard and Gersforum etc may not match the traffic of Follow Follow. Fair enough, all these sites are smaller (not by all that much in RM's case nowadays) but I find it incredible, absolutely incredible, that elected, supporter reps so easily dismiss their thousands of fans' opinions because of the odd bit of criticism of which they are perfectly capable of answering. Is it any wonder then that the RST are seen so negatively everywhere but FF nowadays - and even there they seem to have problems accepting criticism? That is the most disappointing thing out of all this for me. And they refuse to see that which is only causing them further image issues as they proclaim unity and leadership in the media. That couldn't be further from the truth. Perhaps UCB could care to comment on this issue?

That is true to an extent but as a backer of supporter representation I'd like the fans to be involved and have their say. Despite the 'canards' of some elsewhere, I don't have a problem with the Trust being that vehicle as long as they go about their business properly. Same goes for any other fans involved. Unfortunately that currently isn't the case and that is worrying if you, like me, reckon the fans should have their say on who is suitable while working with them to buy and run the club.

Boss may have been a wee bit mischievous in his criticism of the Trust within that article, but even those such as myself who asked simple questions elsewhere have been labelled as 'stupid, jealous Trust-trashers'... Utterly bizarre when I've actually been defending them elsewhere recently.

This story has reached the STV this morning... http://sport.stv.tv/football/141009-rangers-fans-question-graham-duffys-business-past/ Despite the disappointing comments from serving RST board members elsewhere about the author of this thread and the forums where he posts, it's good to know that at least some bears are doing their homework before permitting themselves to be quoted by various sources in conjunction with Duffy's bid. Of course Mr Duffy may be completely above board but this example shows just how vital it is for the wider Rangers support to be involved in any appraisal of prospective new owners (and schemes involving us to buy the club).

That's a pity mate; perhaps someone in Jock's family could step in? Thanks a lot for helping facilitate this open debate for all fans interested in the subject. More power to your elbow.

Yip, an excellent post mate and words we'd to well to think about over the coming months.

Not a bad draw but certainly could have been easier...

Wouldn't surprise me if a Don from Sicily owned the company though....

I don't think anyone is expecting miracles. I do think we expect and deserve more than what is being served up. Lack of commitment, motivation, quality, consistency and passion caused by a complete inability to do the basics correct are the mandate of the manager. While our league position may not tell the whole story, we are failing on all the above. A game in hand against Dundee Utd shouldn't change that very accurate and most valid conclusion. Sure Walter Smith can't make his players play good football and win games. But if we're not doing this - and we're not - then he should be making changes. By not making those changes (and he isn't - see Whittaker, Davis, Naismith) then he is culpable so deserves criticism. Of course such criticism should be reasoned but because these problems are nothing new, people are rightly frustrated and losing patience. Smith complained of a lack of creativity in the team on Saturday? Who's fault is that?

I see Novo's white briefs more as a flag of surrender as we once again drop points at Pittodrie....

Yep, I'm told a few players couldn't afford the kitty 'fee' for the night out on Saturday so it would be interesting to find out who did and who didn't go because of this....

Don't disagree with that MF - the blame can certainly be extended throughout the club and the continual under-performance of the board is one that has played a central part in our backwards trek. However, no-one is telling me that a squad of players who are capable of winning titles and playing well; along with a manager of the greatest experience and knowledge cannot regroup to win this title. They're on the front-line and they're not going to be relieved by others so they need to stand up and be counted. They are the problem but they are also the solution. Surely at some point they have to look in the mirror and see they're not doing anywhere near enough. When our goalkeeper, a 17 year old and a 39 year old centre-half are amongst our best players for the season, surely embarrassment at the very least will force some into action?

I don't normally refer to Greek mythology in my articles but as Rangers players partied Saturday night away in their private booth with VIP table service at 'Panacea' nightclub in Manchester, the connotations of the club name with healing and solutions certainly struck a chord. It was in the mid-late 1990s that Richard Gough stated 'the team that drinks together, wins together' and when one looks back at that decade of dominance for our club; not many people would disagree with his comment. The 9IAR team spirit was second to none and hardly any of the squad during that time of supremacy lacked commitment - home-grown or foreign in background. As such, our club ruled the SPL and Walter Smith was the King who reigned over that success. Fast forward ten years and that same King reigns over markedly different circumstances. The club dynasty is one that appears at its end, there is no money to replace under-performing players and success is more inconsistent than guaranteed. Indeed, our problems are rife and despite still being in with a chance of topping the league come the end of 2009, King Walter is no longer the omniscient legend we all though he was last century. But, he can still be our panacea. To fulfil that role, we can only hope he finally sees the same difficulties we do. Sure, his loyalty to players who have helped deliver the relative success we've seen over the last 2 years is a virtue we shouldn't readily dismiss. After all dropping players for the odd bad game (or mistake) isn't a way to build confidence and morale half-way through another must-win season. However, there is a fine line between supporting his players and blind loyalty. That fine line has arguably been crossed with the continual selection of Steven Whittaker whose confidence is shot in ways every opposition team and every opposition player is clearly taking advantage off. The belief in Steven Davis to finally take up the mantle of Barry Ferguson in assuming responsibility for igniting our attacking play is one that is more misplaced with every match he lets us down. Stubbornness and familiarity are also managerial aspects we must criticise carefully. Consistency of selection is agreeable, consistency of strategy breeds success while faith in tactics has seen us challenge on many fronts since Smith returned. However, once again, the fine line between faith and questionable selection of players simply because of a winning system has been crossed. Despite his faults Lee McCulloch has done reasonably well this season and has arguably out-performed others in midfield. Unfortunately, when not accompanied by another holding player, he lacks the guile necessary to dominate the engine-room. Adding Steven Naismith - a centre forward only has been proven surely - to the mix isn't innovative or exciting; merely bizarre and too demanding of a player that lacks the physical nature required when up against 5 man opposition systems. Ability to change brings us back to 'panacea' and immediate evidence that Smith (and his managerial assistants) may not be the solution comes with their attempts at starting XI changes, substitutions or transfers. Quite simply they have bought badly; over-complicate their team with player after player out of their preferred position; and seem incapable of making substitutions during matches to change our fortunes. As such, it is difficult to believe that with these same issues still prevalent they can address the problems now - in a December where our home and away form will be challenged by any team who can see the same obvious faults as we do. Can Walter Smith et al really retain the league title? That in itself raises more short-term questions. Will the manager's contract be renewed in January? What about key players such as Kris Boyd? Can the club afford to reject the financial temptations of English sides courting those players that are performing to the level required? Just how much is this off-the-field speculation affecting the players? Or was a good night on the p!ss enough to foster a renewed sense of optimism, spirit and commitment amongst a group of players who look otherwise lost or AWOL when we need them most? What is clear is that we need to see this spirit; this belief and this passion to get our league bid back on track. And, as seems to be a recurring theme whenever one examines the fortunes of Rangers, we need a leader; a real captain of men to induce these qualities in an era where money, extravagance and excitement are no longer possible in the short-term. But that isn't a reason for not competing more strongly than we have been. At the weekend, our manager talked about a lack of creativity in his team while our club captain conceded we're going backwards while others take the fight to us. The time is now for Walter to be the creative one, Davie Weir to communicate that and every player at the club to lead from the front foot. Do that and Walter may be the King of Kings - do not and the Rangers empire may only crumble further. Thus, when our players enjoyed the luxuries of Panacea on Saturday night I hope the fine wines and food were taken along with a substantial serving of humble pie. For they and our manager are the only solution available so it is time for them to earn their crust. As such, when we visit central Scotland on Saturday, I hope to see clear evidence that our players are up for a new Battle of Falkirk and a belated battle fever has arisen from the team-bonding of the weekend. Anything less is unacceptable.

I thought Naismith started the season very well but has gradually got worse with every game. Of course he's not helped by being moved about far too often but, along with a few others, he can't even do the basics right now.

This is quoted in page 2 of the Duffy thread you posted KT8...

http://www.gersnetonline.co.uk/2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=169:aberdeen-1-0-rangers-player-ratings-and-mom-poll&catid=35:analysis&Itemid=67 Sorry this is a bit late... :box: for me this week.

Last day for this gentlemen...

Been offline over the weekend (needed a break after that gutless display at Pittodrie) but suffice to say the same questions remain... 1. Why do the Trust back this horse now after saying the same thing about King being the 'only show in town' only a few weeks ago? 2. What do Duffy et al offer to make the rest of us back them? 3. What are the Trust doing to lend weight to them being the fans' body to progress the above? Still too many questions than answers at this stage. Perhaps all parties could garner more support if they answered a few instead of playing this out in the media like some sort of circus sideshow...

Ach, I don't think anyone is being overly critical - just hoping that these young men have their full attention on their job before they go and have fun on their Xmas night out. Certainly a bit of team-bonding wouldn't go amiss after a poor midweek result and some tetchy comments in the media about our AWOL star centre-half.

...where many Rangers supporters find it tough to conjure up the match-day ticket money to follow The Gers, that the Rangers first-team squad will be flying to Manchester from Aberdeen directly after the Sheep game to enjoy themselves on a well-earned night out. Well..........not all of them will be heading south. Some can't afford the two-grand required for the 'kitty'. Nice work if you can get it, huh? [From our No1 Editor chum]

Looks like he'll be playing tomorrow in any case. Would be surprised if Wilson was dropped so perhaps Bougherra will play at right back?

I don't think there is any point in going over old ground here... I'm sure UCB will tell us more if or when progress is made.