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The following email arrived, doubtless others amongst you will have received the same. I thought I would share it with those who don't currently hold memberships in case they needed further evidence of their wisdom. So little communication about matters that count, even when asked directly for information, but now an abundance of information about ....... the self-gratification of those who really ought to consider devoting rather more of their energies to addressing issues affecting the people they pretend to represent. Looks like a nice little jolly, no doubt the proceeds will come in handy for .... well all sorts of things. Nice to see the board of the RST hasn't lost its sense of proportion. The Trust is delighted to announce that the date of this yearâ��s dinner is Saturday the 18th of April. The venue is the Crowne Plaza down by the waterside. Ex-Premiership referee Jeff Winter and comedian Bruce Morton will entertain us, John Gilligan will be our chairman for the evening. More attractions will be announced in the coming weeks. Always a glittering occasion the price per ticket for this yearâ��s Dinner has been set at a credit crunch busting �£50 - a saving of �£10 on last year. Tickets can be bought online - here - or by sending a cheque (made payable to Rangers Supporters Trust) to The Rangers Supporters Trust PO Box 3099, Clydebank, G60 9AN As in previous years we have the ability to take deposits ahead of full payment. Keep an eye on the site for more info regarding this exciting event. Please contact us through the site with regard to any questions you may have.

Rangers fans sceptical of SPL agenda The Rangers Supporters Trust has questioned the motives of the Scottish Premier Leagueââ?¬â?¢s unacceptable conduct policy as it awaits the latest report on fansââ?¬â?¢ behaviour, this time during last weekendââ?¬â?¢s Old Firm derby. SPL match delegate Alan Dick may mention some sectarian chants and songs that appeared to come from the away support during Sundayââ?¬â?¢s goalless draw at Celtic Park, but RST spokesman David Edgar is hoping for a balanced verdict, and insists Rangers fans are not alone in singing ââ?¬Ë?offensiveââ?¬â?¢ songs. Dick reported Rangers to the SPL in August 2007 under similar circumstances following the Ibrox clubââ?¬â?¢s trip to Inverness and, while there was no action taken, there was a warning of sanctions should there be any future complaint. Rangers have campaigned in recent years to rid the club of its sectarian baggage but the SPL would come under pressure to punish them if they are presented with evidence of more transgressions. However, Edgar has said another black mark against the supporters would leave the SPLââ?¬â?¢s agenda open to question. ââ?¬Å?While it is difficult to comment until weââ?¬â?¢ve seen the report, we are looking forward to an even-handed and consistent approach to the application of this legislation,ââ?¬Â Edgar said. ââ?¬Å?We find it hard to believe that Rangers fans are the only fans in the country who have ever sung an offensive song; yet we are the only ones who have been reported under the rules. ââ?¬Å?There were instance of distasteful chanting coming from both ends on Sunday but, yet again, the focus is only on one set of fans. ââ?¬Å?It therefore becomes very difficult for the supporters to understand what is going on. ââ?¬Å?Are the rules genuinely in place to eradicate offensive chanting or simply to punish Rangers? ââ?¬Å?What about Aberdeen fans singing about the Ibrox disaster or Celtic fans singing about Nacho Novo and the IRA? ââ?¬Å?We are committed to ridding Scottish football of all genuinely offensive chanting and Rangers fans have responded magnificently over the last couple of years. ââ?¬Å?However, we are left with wondering if this is a rule for all the SPL clubs or a rule simply for Rangers.ââ?¬Â Rangers escaped punishment for the Inverness affair after the SPL board took into account the clubââ?¬â?¢s efforts to eradicate unacceptable conduct by some of their supporters. The incident at the Caledonian Stadium 18 months ago came just nine days after the launch of Rangersââ?¬â?¢ ââ?¬Ë?Follow With Prideââ?¬â?¢ campaign, which was aimed at cleaning up the clubââ?¬â?¢s image by ending sectarian and other abusive chanting. However, the club had previously been fined on two occasions by Uefa for offensive chanting in Champions League and Uefa Cup matches, amounting to in excess of Ã?£21,000. Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist played down speculation that the Ibrox club will be up on yet another SPL charge. McCoist, who will take control of team affairs for tomorrowââ?¬â?¢s Homecoming Scottish Cup trip to Forfar, said: ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t know enough about it. ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t know what the delegate said in his report; Iââ?¬â?¢ve not seen anything so I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t comment on it.ââ?¬Â http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soccer/2009/0217/1224241324757.html

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/323733752?-11344 I’m sure we’ve all read with interest over the last week the debate about whether or not Rangers fans ‘deserve better’. I'm also sure not many fans would disagree with that sentiment even if the ‘campaign’ has so far been limited to media criticism without much constructive contributions thereafter. Nevertheless, over the last week since the campaign was launched by the RST, much debate has been had surrounding the principle and the reasons behind it. Indeed, a cursory look at their statement doesn’t show much one can argue about. Our club has under-achieved for the last 8 years and it appears the same financial mistakes have been made (to a smaller scale) than in the early part of this century. Therefore, the RST are quite right to suggest ‘we deserve better’. The reaction to this criticism has been most interesting. Everyone and their lapdogs have had their say on the subject – from wee Chick and big Mark to Walter Smith and Sir David Murray – even Davie Provan has had his say! The papers, phone-ins and forums have been full of talk about the issue and if the RST were attempting to garner publicity then they certainly have been most successful. But surely publicity wasn’t the sole aim of the campaign? After all, if one does want the club to improve then simply complaining isn’t likely to gain the immediate support of the kind of numbers the Trust requires to further their credibility. Further, there have been valid concerns about the arguably premature way the RST have launched the campaign. No consultation with their members, no backing from high-net worth investors and no comments of support from their honorary members – some of whom are ex-players who would have added much weight to their argument. Couple this with a failure to offer any workable alternatives or solutions then the campaign is easily (if erroneously) dismissed or ignored by the majority. I say erroneously because, again, their points of concern are valid. The club does need improvement, mistakes are being made and we are under-performing on and off the field. Therefore, it was most disappointing to read the reaction from key club figures such as the manager and chairman. Instead of accepting the criticism, taking it on the chin and admitting responsibility for the recent mistakes that have been made; more denial and deflection is the result. Deny the problems exist then deflect the issue onto ‘faceless’ internet supporters who are not real fans. Hardly a pro-active reaction when the evidence shows the club can do better. The ultimate result of all this is further division and not the unity the Trust are struggling to provide. Tens of thousands of loyal internet fans insulted and the club retreating further into its shell won’t address Ã?£30million of debt and a 3 year wait for the SPL title. How can we bridge this gap? Well, as leaders of the campaign, the Trust should have expected this result and planned for it. They profess unity but seem incapable of delivering that. They themselves struggle to accept criticism and lack the solutions to increase their small mainly online sourced membership to a level where the offline supporter can appreciate and back their point of view. Not to mention achieve the primary aims they state on their website which seem to have been shelved in favour of a more militant strategy. As such they must go back to the drawing board and provide up-to-date solutions and suggestions for club improvement. References to a 2 year old 15 point plan are all well and good but how relevant is that plan in today’s climate? To pressure the club to improve, they themselves must do better – as must the other supporters’ organisations who are failing their members with under-performance. Meanwhile the club must also take their hands off their eyes/ears and, just once, see where many fans are coming from. Acknowledge the mistakes, take responsibility and provide the improvement requested. Not all of that need take humble climb-downs, apologies or finance we can’t afford. It just takes hard work, imagination and ambition. And don’t forget that the people who have every right to ask questions are the ones that will be buying season tickets in a few months as well as the latest new strips. By all means argue their point but be strong and ask yourself if you can improve the situation. We’re not saying this can be done overnight but there should be a plan of action. The same goes for the fans generally. We can mump and moan our way through games. We can complain about certain players being unable to take a set-piece. We can take umbrage at the club unfulfilling its potential. But, if we’re going to do that, then we should be prepared to examine ourselves and what we offer. Yes, we are the biggest investors into the club – both emotionally and financially – but if we want seats on the board or to own the club then these ambitions must be backed up by intelligent debate. It is on that note Gersnet is launching a new project for fans to get involved in. Yes, we agree with the ‘we deserve better’ slogan but only on the premise that we help facilitate that in a positive sense. Ergo, over the coming weeks, we’ll have a series of articles from our writers discussing many of the concerns raised by the campaign and how these could be addressed. We've got great, constructive ideas we want to develop and present to the club and we're looking forward to debating them with you. We’d also like all our readers to get involved. Comment on the articles using the main site software, join the forums to give your opinion and contact us by email if you’d like to offer more. To that end we hope this project will catalyse change while showing the club that ‘faceless’ internet supporters are capable of more than just sniping. Keep an eye on the site for each article and we look forward to you joining the debate!

RANGERS ace Madjid Bougherra plans to wear a black armband at today's game in protest at the bloodshed in Gaza. The SFA say he won't be let on the pitch wearing anything political but the devout Muslim insisted that he doesn't care if he is fined for trying to make his point make in the Rangers v Falkirk game at Ibrox. He added that he'd refuse to play against an Israeli team in Europe. The Algerian defender explained: "As a Muslim, I am deeply touched by the barbarity that has been suffered by our Palestinian brothers and sisters. "I hope we will soon find a lasting solution to enable the Palestinian people to live like everyone else. Everyone must make a gesture about this. "I will wear a black armband as a sign of mourning and protest. I want people to know I do not agree with what is happening in Gaza and throughout Palestine. All Muslim players must make a gesture." He praised Seville striker Freddy Kanoute who was fined for revealing a T-shirt with a message of support to Palestine after scoring against Deportivo La Coruna this week. But an SFA spokesman stressed that FIFA rules must be obeyed and said: "Players are not allowed to wear anything - out with their kit - with a personal or political slogan. "If any player does wear anything which is deemed inappropriate, he won't be allowed on to the field of play." A spokesman from Rangers FC refused to comment. But Mick Napier, chairman of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign welcomed the move. He said: "We, like the majority of the Scottish people, support the Scottish Government who have expressed disgust at the situation in Gaza. We praise players like Bougherra." Philip Mendelsohn, president of the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council, said: "We would not seek to stop anyone expressing their personal views. "But we'd look to those with influence, such as Mr Bougherra, to ensure his actions can't be misconstrued and damage local inter-communal relations." Andy Kerr, president of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, said: "He is an employee of Rangers Football Club and would have to adhere to club policies." The Ranger Supports Trust refused to comment last night. So why are the RST refusing to comment? Don't like the hard questions or just run out of jaffa cakes? Pathetic.

I've heard some more good things coming from the RST over the last couple of week and particularly tonight on Traynor's show. Anyway, I've been a member for a while now and have always been a bit disappointed by the lack of communication from them to their members. But since the various resignations some time back, the communication has gone from bad to worse. Does anyone know what's going on with the Trust?

TRUST ADVICE TO MEMBERS ATTENDING GAME AT CELTIC PARK, SUNDAY 31 AUGUST Over at least the last five years, many dozens of Trust members have expressed concerns about aspects of both policing and stewarding at Celtic Park. These concerns include: being threatened with arrest or ejection from the stadium for spurious, trivial or unexplained reasons; flags, banners and clothing with no offensive or sectarian connotations confiscated or not allowed into the Stadium; a gratuitously hostile, unfriendly attitude displayed by a handful of police officers and, more worryingly, a large number of stewards; intimidation and threats of arrest or ejection for singing ââ?¬Ë?sectarianââ?¬â?¢ songs, despite said songs having no sectarian content or connotations. These concerns have been aggravated by the obvious double standards on display, where the home support is seemingly at liberty to throw missiles at players and club employees, sing sectarian bile about ââ?¬Ë?Orange b*stardsââ?¬â?¢ and ââ?¬Ë?H*nsââ?¬â?¢ and display offensive and sectarian banners and flags. In advance of the game on Sunday, the Board of the Rangers Supportersââ?¬â?¢ Trust offers the following advice to our members: 1. Letââ?¬â?¢s conduct ourselves as we usually do, in a manner which accurately reflects the best traditions of our support and our Club and our pride in them. 2. The Club, the RST and other supportersââ?¬â?¢ groups are united in opposing racism, prejudice and sectarianism and have recognised the huge strides made by the Rangers support in recent seasons. Regardless of the inevitable provocation, do not hand our enemies any excuses for their behaviour or a propaganda gift by inappropriate singing or chanting. 3. Report any instances of provocative or inappropriate behaviour from opposition supporters to the police. Be polite, sensible and ask what, if any action is being taken. 4. If approached by stewards or police officers be calm, polite and avoid unnecessary confrontation. If asked to do something you believe unreasonable, ask precisely why or under what law or ground regulation this is being requested, and if necessary take note of names, police badge numbers and any witnesses in the vicinity. 5. If necessary use camera phones to record incidents of concern. If you or your fellow supporters are threatened, bullied, harassed or arrested unreasonably, ensure that you have witnesses to hand and note the location and time of any such incidents. The Trust Board will be meeting this week, in advance of the RST AGM next Saturday, and will review the conduct and outcome of Sundayââ?¬â?¢s game. We have had informal discussions with the Club on this and have also previously raised the issues with Strathclyde Police. We remain concerned at the lack of clarity in the responses from the Constabulary and the refusal of a high profile public service to either engage with or explain themselves to the public they profess to serve. The Trust AGM provides a perfect opportunity for the issue of conduct and treatment at Celtic Park to be debated and for Trust members to decide collectively how we take this forward. Stephen Smith RST Chair, on behalf of the Trust Board

The Rangers Supporters Trust - remember them? Weeks of blatant lies and deflection as one board member after another slunk into the sunset without the gall to speak the truth. Followed by the contrived appointment of a new half-Board one Sunday morning, much talk of militancy and action (I have it in writing) until Murray told them in no uncertain terms what they could or could not do if they wanted to continue smelling his glove. And now after much further waiting, the New RST appears intent on being as silent and clueless as the last bunch of posers. Who in their right mind would waste a tenner of their money on the pointless RST? Is this the greatest lost opportunity in the world of Rangers?

How do the regular and respected posters on this site view david edgar , what is your position on the rst , frankie your exempt from this , just interested

So 15 invited fans speak for the masses now??!!! I dont think he should be sacked but this headline in the news doesnt nearly speak for the real fans. Bit in bold - I'll believe that when I see it!!! That should have been dealt with in June!

I,ve heard that the RST AGM is on friday and that a Q&A session will be taking place with SDM & MB, i would love to be a fly in the wall to hear what SDM has to say with regards to the champions league exit? and what feeble excuses he will be giving to the missing �£30million from last season.? this could be quite interesting!!!

This statement is from the seven of us noted below who have recently resigned from executive positions on the RST board. Background Due to the unsuitability of the date of the RST Special General Meeting it is appropriate to make public this statement as we consider the RST members deserve an explanation of recent events. We all continue to believe in the aims, principles and constitution of the RST. Despite strong and unnecessary provocation we do not wish to become embroiled in personal issues about individual board members. Following negative actions by certain factions within the remaining board, together with serious differences of opinion with regard to strategy, we each, individually, and at appropriate times to affect an orderly handover, took the decision to resign. Board split We had been aware of a recent lack of support from certain sections of the board but felt this could be properly addressed during the close season. Unfortunately, because of the continual negative actions detailed below, it was evident such a split was incapable of being fixed. Examples of this lack of support include: leaking information to individuals and websites; negative political behind-the-scenes briefings involving members of this faction; non-completion of action points in reasonable time-frames; and the formation of a ââ?¬Ë?Special Tasks and Purposes Disciplinary Committeeââ?¬â?¢ (see Note A) to unnecessarily control and restrict the work of some board members. The Chairman and Vice-chairman resigned as both understandably felt they no longer had the trust and support of the majority of their peers. Subsequently five more key board members resigned in a short period underlining the problem of the serious split in the board. Further issues which have occurred after the initial two resignations include: attempts to release incorrect information when addressing the resignations of their former colleagues; dismissing and denigrating the efforts of the resigned members; and a disgracefully abusive text message received by one of us. We have documented and commented upon the issues regarding the split in the board however the remaining board members have failed to release this disappointing but serious information to the membership. To ensure clarity, we urge them to provide this statement to the membership at the SGM and to include it within the minutes for those unable to attend. Future RST Strategy Recently it has been obvious that one aspect of the board split was down to differences of opinion in the direction of the Trust. The three year chairmanship of Malcolm McNiven brought significant success in a number of key areas: the fact the club were about to offer the RST a directorship; acceptance within the wider fan base, business community and media; the formation of the innovative ââ?¬Ë?GerSaveââ?¬â?¢ scheme; record fundraising amounts; and steadily increasing membership. Maintaining a positive relationship with the club, and Sir David Murray in particular, did not preclude constructive criticism of the club where necessary, which was still apparent and ongoing. Despite these achievements, many of the remaining board preferred a more ââ?¬Ë?militantââ?¬â?¢ direction, a policy which had shown little success or wider appeal in the early years of the Trust. We believe that such a strategy is divisive, unconstitutional, and will not benefit the membership or the Trust. With the offer of a directorship now gone and club relations very poor, we believe this regression by the Trust is incompatible with our own ideals. Conclusion We know the Trust was extremely close to achieving genuine and sustained success which would have benefitted all supporters for generations to come. We lament that our efforts now appear to have been in vain due to the premature, overly aggressive, and controlling actions of a small faction. We trust the membership uses this statement to ensure the problems above are openly addressed and the RST moves forwards and not backwards. With sincere disappointment, Malcolm McNiven (Former Chairman) Scott McMillan (Former Vice-chairman) David Tweed (RST Co-founder, NARSA Officer, and former Vice-chairman) Derek Howie (Former Secretary) Callum Renton (Former Treasurer) Stewart Franklin (Former Webmaster) Andrew McGowan (Former Marketing Officer) Note A - Formation of a ââ?¬Ë?Special Tasks and Purposes Disciplinary Committeeââ?¬â?¢ This bizarre committee was formed in May 2008 and as of mid-June the personnel and remit had yet to be detailed by the proposer despite the obvious negative effects it has had on recent events. At the 2007 RST AGM it was unanimously agreed that the board should pursue a strategy of obtaining a place on the board of the club following Sir David Murrayââ?¬â?¢s concession that such a position would become available. The following period brought much dialogue between the RST and the club regarding such an appointment. The sensitive and confidential nature of these discussions, including the legal implications of access to price-sensitive information, prevented the Trust from making public comment on these negotiations. Furthermore, as there was, and remains, at least one leak on the RST board some information obtained in discussions with the club could not be relayed back to the full board. In early May 2008, it was suggested by the club that a position would be offered to Malcolm McNiven who would communicate the details in person to the rest of the board, and a board meeting was arranged primarily for this purpose. Unavoidable work-related issues meant that both the Chairman and the Vice-chairman had to call off, rendering the principal business of the meeting redundant and the venue unavailable. Other board members holding executive positions could not attend and requested the meeting be re-arranged. Nevertheless, the meeting went ahead with ten (out of 19) board members in attendance at another venue. What followed was essentially a coup dââ?¬â?¢Ã?©tat to ensure the control and/or removal of the senior office holders by the faction detailed above. A same-day addition to the Agenda by one of those in attendance proposed the formation of a ââ?¬Ë?Special Tasks and Purposes Disciplinary Committeeââ?¬â?¢, and it was suggested that four members be appointed all of whom presently remain on the board. Despite the expressed concerns of two board members that the formation of such a committee would result in resignations and serious problems thereafter, the proposal was passed by a majority of 8-2. The reason given for this committee was to install a process of control and accountability over RST board membersââ?¬â?¢ meetings with outside bodies and individuals. However, this did not extend to all members, with certain external relationships given dispensation. We believe the committee was specifically conceived with the RSTââ?¬â?¢s meetings with the club in mind. This was symptomatic of a direct lack of trust in Malcolm McNiven and Scott McMillan who participated in these meetings, and whose resignations thereafter were inevitable.

"RST members will be aware that four members of the Trust Board met with the Club�s Chairman and Chief Executive yesterday. The main issues discussed were around the current and future relationships between the Club and the Trust. We are pleased to report that the meeting involved a full and frank discussion and exchange of views and concluded constructively. Trust representatives briefly outlined a number of issues which members had raised, and it was agreed that correspondence would be considered prior to any possible subsequent meeting, following which a full report back will be given to Trust members." http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=219&Itemid=43

Supporters Direct have issued a paper regarding the conduct of elections by Trusts that are members of SD: http://www.supporters-direct.org/downloads/pdfs/ElectionBestPractice.pdf Some of the issues are "Required" and some are merely "Recommended" as best practice. The RST appear to have broken several of the "Required" rules, for instance by not indicating on the nomination notice how many people will be elected, the procedure to be followed, the complaints procedure, or by not requiring a statement from candidates. There are several other examples of "Required" rules apparently not having been followed. If the RST wish to remain a member of Supporters Direct perhaps they should follow SD's rules.

"The Trust regrets to announce that our Chairman Malcolm McNiven, Vice-Chairman Scott McMillan and Webmaster Stewart Franklin have tendered their resignations. The Board will consider the resignations at our next Board meeting with a view to electing their successors. The appointment of the new office holders will be put to our members for ratification at the forthcoming AGM. The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Malcolm, Scott and Stewart for their dedication, incredible hard work and achievements during their time on the Board."

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/282922963?-11344 Anyone who has read Gibbon’s masterwork knows, well, knows more than me, as it is a very long book, and I didn’t even nearly finish it. But, all in all, he seemed to think that Rome fell because they ceased to be strong, dignified and gentlemanly, and gave themselves over to self indulgence, prestige, and ultimately decadence. They became trivial, weak, and the barbarians sauntered in and broke up the most lasting of Empires. In truth, I couldn’t care less about Romans. To me it is happy irony that after kicking people’s arses for ages theirs, in turn, got kicked. What is utterly, utterly maddening is that something I do believe in, something whose vision is actually worth fighting for, seems, like Rome, to be burning, with resignations, guarded comments and media noise about infighting etc. When the RST came into existence, it faced two main hurdles in establishing its credibility. Their idea of democratic fan representation, however pure, set them at philosophical odds with the owner, and custodian, of Rangers, Sir David Murray. No matter your own thoughts on his contribution to our club, Sir David Murray is among the most intelligent, shrewd, and powerful businessmen of our time and simply does not suffer fools gladly. If, against the seeming odds against them, that they did make headway with Murray, and enjoy some success, the other main hurdle would present itself: how do ordinary human beings, pure in their vision, being handed big responsibility, a certain celebrity, and a massive task; not fold under the weight of the power that would be thrust upon them? In truth, the answer to both these things was simply gentlemanly personal integrity and industry. Instead of playing reactionary anti-Murrays they realised how much success he had brought and sought out the common ground - the general good of Rangers that they both shared. Philosophical differences (democratic ownership of Rangers and personal ownership are bound to collide) weren’t cast aside under self-indulgent happy talk – like gentlemen, they each seemed to argue their case, respectfully disagree where differences arose and generally get about doing the good that could be done. This gentlemanly approach, and conscientious industry, secured their reputation as representatives of many fans, and in creating (at what only could have been a massive personal effort from those involved) a scheme that, at once, fulfilled their objectives as well as benefiting the club; their integrity, energy and vision simply could not be denied. After all, ‘GerSave’ is a genuinely novel and wonderful idea. And all was well. Murray, who was, probably from his perspective, understandably quite reluctant about fan representation on the board, couldn’t even find it in his power to deny the RST their place – signalling at last year’s club AGM that a fan rep (or reps) would be appointed to the board. Much good was being done. This gentlemanly, yet tenacious, approach is taken in releasing statements. Under less strict decorous bounds than those inside Ibrox, they managed to respond to the hyperbolic media; but never usually with anything other than professionalism – just with a bit more tenacity. As a fan, it’s good to have someone willing to upset the media for your reputation – those inside Ibrox don’t tend to do it because theirs is a more precarious political position. I know some fans had reservations about the decorum in getting a lip reader to confirm what anyone who saw Neil Lennon perfectly understood. I know why they would have reservations and I think those at the RST had them too: but, ultimately, during a period where Rangers fans were receiving such negative press about sectarianism, it seemed the RST thought that such a clear example of media hypocrisy regarding sectarianism and the reputation of the fans was too much to miss. Whatever the reasons, they seemed to make an effort to do the right thing. But it’s a truth as big as Universes, empires, and as transparent as thoughts- all things burst into life – and as soon as they do, they begin to decay. We cope with the decay of thoughts by, in defiance of time, having new ones continuously – continual, tenacious, renewal is the only way thought proceeds; in fact it’s the only way empires stay strong and it’s the only way organisations like the RST survive. But half of the RST’s renewal, half its tenacity, appears to have resigned in the last month. In truth, we simply do not know the facts yet – but this very fact is itself another worrying symptom. The RST, as an organisation, will now be very much feeling the weight of the vision that inspired them; the obligation they have inherited - they represent the fans, they are the managers of a lot of people’s money. These fans voted in half of the people who have now, for whatever reason, walked away. As we turn back to the RST, we see statements thanking the members for their contributions - but no clear reasons for them leaving. And as the statements keep coming - the vague, guarded, explanations seem insincere: were these people troublemakers, throwing a tantrum? If so, why are they being thanked? If they are leaving over some issue (perhaps as the Daily Record’s strange article suggested) of a power struggle for getting a member on the board, then why procrastinate with platitudes? If these people are rogue arses, why not say that from the off? The fact that we’re asking questions like this at all, that questions like these seem obvious and natural, suggests that all is not well. People just abandoning all they’ve worked for is a massive step and it is a symptom of decay. But by the tone of the statements released, nothing is really amiss; there’s been no falling out. If that’s not the case though, and I guess we’ll only find out if the resignees go public with their reasons (via the announced SGM or other methods), then you have to wonder why they’ve felt the need to present it in this way. For an organisation whose name is built on calling a spade a spade; you wouldn’t expect them to present something as amicable that wasn’t. When organisations feel the need to ‘protect’ their members from all the facts, they can’t properly be called a democratic organisation – the RST is literally nothing, if not this. But this is probably drama, hyperbole – taking advantage of the Trust’s first real unsettled period to jump to far more drastic conclusions than is the case. I think there has been a lot of sentiment of this sort in discussion about the issue simply because people have invested in the idea of the trust and feel a part of the success they have achieved. To certain sorts of involved fans (fans spending money and having their name tarnished; and those who just dream about fans, one day, having a major say in how the club is run) the RST no longer fully representing them would be horrifying. It’s probably this horror that paints exaggerated scenes of discord among something that could all be perfectly reasonable: you hear oddly toned and badly advised statements being made – statements like the one about national team boycotts and hidden forces - that may have laudable sentiments but seem a little less gentlemanly than you expect; you hear crappy reports in contemptible rags about splits and power struggles then people like Malcolm McNiven resign; no immediate comment is released about why – and you simply jump to conclusions – you start thinking – please don’t let the virtuoso men abandon the outposts, please don’t let tenacious endeavour be replaced with decadent spin - that’s the decline that leads to fall! In truth, you probably only start thinking like this when you’ve read (parts of!) books like ‘Decline and Fall’ and have too active an imagination - your fear mixes with your amateur amblings in history and produces a modern day worst case scenario about something you actually care about. Thus, I really hope, after the SGM, and retrospect, that this looks like the stupidest of stupid articles and all of us who want the best for the RST can go back to being sane again. The Trust simply hasn’t let us down thus far, so I guess we’ll all look to the SGM with hope that this is all fearful idle speculation of the sort we so often despise in tabloids. On the other hand, if our fears are confirmed – several key board members have left, recent statements and intentions really have started to become petty, they really have been guarded and insincere in their response to this situation - then that is the sort of decline that does lead to fall. It’s our duty to read between the lines, and if the organisation that has so much of our support is not the same organisation as it was a month ago, we must speak up else we would join in the civic decadence of Roman Empire: we would be as responsible for it’s fall as those in power.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING Friday, 20 June 2008 Notice is hereby given of a Special General Meeting of the Society to be held in The Neptune Centre, 101 Clifford Street, Glasgow, on Sunday, 6 July 2008 at 10.30am. The purpose of the meeting is to elect members of the Board. NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS Notice is hereby given that the Society is canvassing nominations to join the Board. Applications should be received at Society�s post office box the by noon on Friday the 4th of July. Application forms can be obtained by download on our website or be sent to members by request. Members should note that those elected shall serve for three years. At the conclusion of the official stated business of the meeting Board members will be available to discuss the affairs of the Club and Society. Yours faithfully, SECRETARY FRASER MARTIN This should be interesting!!

Rangers Trust In Meltdown Jun 12 2008 By Alan Marshall CIVIL war has broken out among Rangers fans fighting over a prestigious place on the Ibrox board. The Rangers Supporters Trust has been plunged into meltdown after all six of their directors resigned after a bitter internal dispute. Ibrox chairman Sir David Murray had earmarked two associate director positions with full voting rights for leaders of the club's two main supporters' associations - The Trust and the Rangers Assembly. The Light Blues' supremo was hoping to make the appointments ahead of this summer's agm, however, that plan has temporarily been put on hold. Trust chairman Malcolm McNiven, vicechairman Scott McMillan and fellow board members Callum Renton, Derek Howie, Stuart Franklin and Andy McGowan have all stepped down from their positions in recent weeks. They decided to resign following a dispute with fellow Trust member Mark Dingwall, editor of the Follow Follow website and Rangers fanzine of the same name. It's understood Dingwall, a candidate for the Scottish Unionist party whose motto is Proudly Scottish, Proudly British, was feeling increasingly marginalised within the Trust while the board were unhappy at the militant direction he wanted to take the supporters' group. A Trust source said: "David Murray had offered us a place on the Rangers board but there was no way we could accept it while people like Mark Dingwall were still part of the organisation. "If he wasn't going to step down then the entire board thought they would resign and leave him and his cohorts to go it alone. "Dingwall wanted the place on the Ibrox board for himself but that's never going to happen because Murray and him don't have a working relationship. He thrives on negativity and militancy when the best way for the fans to have a proper say in how the club is run is to change things from within." Ding wall refused to comment other than to refer us to Trust spokesman David Edgar, who said: "The resignations are true. Over the past month six have resigned from a board of 20. "Various reasons have been given for doing so. Initially, some felt the Trust was going in a direction they weren't comfortable with. "But we've had people leave with differences of opinion before and the people left amicably. They are still Trust members. They just felt where it should go wasn't necessarily where it was going. "We understand that, thank the guys and it is up to us to get in new blood." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football-news/scottish-football/spl-football/rangers-fc/2008/06/12/rangers-trust-in-meltdown-86908-20604164/

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=209&Itemid=1 In recent days, Dundee United have now heaped embarrassment twice on themselves and Scottish football. By supporting the fixture scheduling demanded by the cowardly hand of hidden forces that permeates Scottish football their anti-Rangers agenda was exposed. Now their disgraceful attack on one the most respected referees in our game appears to have reinforced their bitterness against our club. Today's laughable 'complaint' shows all the recklessness of a Willo Flood passback. The RST calls for Rangers to decline any ticket allocation for Tannadice next season and urges all Rangers supporters to back this course of action. Let's see whether the loss of at least �£250,000 income is easier to swallow than their anti-Rangers bile.

Our partners at Sporta Ltd have managed to get their hands on tickets for next week's UEFA Cup Final in Manchester. As every Rangers fan will know these tickets are now like gold-dust but Sporta are offering them to RST members in a free draw on their website. To be entered into the draw, log on to their site by clicking here and top up your account to have a chance of winning the tickets. This will also give you a chance of winning the cash jackpot prize as well as a share in the racehorse IBROX. Good luck!

In light of their pathetic, though sadly predictable, refusal to in any way help Rangers in their quest to deliver a European trophy to Scotland, we would like to make it clear that the Rangers Support will find it wholly unacceptable if any representative of the SPL was to attend this match in an official capacity. Through exposing the bitter and cowardly hand of hidden forces that permeates and controls Scottish football, the SPL have made it clear that Rangers FC are treated differently from other clubs in the same league, a fact addressed by Sir David Murray yesterday and by several neutrals in the Press today. To any representatives of the SPL, we say simply this; Do not come - you are not welcome http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=207&Itemid=1

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=205&Itemid=1 After Rangersââ?¬â?¢ superb achievement in qualifying for the 2008 UEFA Cup Final in Manchester, the RST are looking forward to all the relevant authorities working with the club and fans to ensure the maximum possible levels of security, safety and convenience for the travelling fans. While the RST understands the sentiment behind the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) preference for ticket less fans not to travel, unfortunately this is neither realistic nor as positive an approach as weââ?¬â?¢d like to see taken. With Manchester hoteliers already full to capacity, and conservative estimates of at least 100,000 travelling Rangers fans, its imperative the local authorities plan ahead for the inevitable red, white and blue invasion. The very least which should be put in place for the fansââ?¬â?¢ arrival are large ââ?¬Ë?Fanzonesââ?¬â?¢ incorporating large screens for the game, refreshment vendors, fan information points and sanitary/waste facilities ââ?¬â?? all with appropriate stewarding/policing. The RST recommends that GMP, the Manchester City Council, Rangers FC and all fan groups meet before the event to ensure all of the above well in advance of next Wednesdayââ?¬â?¢s match. The RST also invite Gerry Sutcliffe MP (Minister for Culture, Media and Sport) to oversee that preparations for the event are suitable for the numbers of fans expected to travel. Manchester has had recent experience of holding large-scale major events and Rangers fans should be treated in the same professional, courteous manner as the visitors to the Commonwealth Games were in 2002. Manchester hosting a UEFA Cup Final involving one of the UKââ?¬â?¢s most successful football clubs should not be seen as some sort of problematic obstacle but as another opportunity to promote our national sport while welcoming an away support which has incurred no arrests on their European travels this season.

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=201&Itemid=1 Whether it is a wedding, a sportsman's dinner or simply just for work, the RST are delighted to announce the release of our new official tie. Designed by a local Glasgow firm we're sure our members will be eager to get their hands on this quality piece of merchandise - design below: You can order yours NOW by clicking the following link. Each tie costs �£12.50 with �£1 P&P no matter your location in the world! Buy yours securely via PayPal now! Please note you can also buy without postage costs in the RST Shop which is open on match-days within the Wee Rangers Club. Keep an eye on the website and your regular Trust emails for news of more exclusive merchandise. Our new online shop will be open in the next month!

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk As you will see, the Rangers Supporters Trust have implemented a rebranding initiative to coincide with some very exciting times for the Trust. Over the years the RST have been misconstrued and many people have been unsure of who we are, what we are and our intentions. The new branding clearly evokes our intentions - The heart of the club. We have Rangers at heart first and foremost. We love Rangers Football Club and we are passionate about the future of the club. We know that the Rangers fans like ourselves are the lifeblood of the club and the RST is the Heart ensuring the fans have a strong say in Rangers Football Club. Together, we are the people, and together we can give the club a healthier future. The Rangers Supporters Trust - The Heart of the Club

WORRIED Rangers fans have demanded a big-game summit with Celtic chief Peter Lawwell after stating missile-throwing Hoops thugs have made Parkhead unsafe for players and supporters. http://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/41663/ http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2008/04/18/rangers-trust-want-last-old-firm-game-behind-closed-doors-after-coin-throwing-86908-20386669/

http://www.rangerssupporterstrust.co.uk/rstsite/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=197&Itemid=1 The facts speak for themselves: Rangers are in a European semi-final with a domestic clean-sweep distinctly possible. The performance in Lisbon was exceptional, with ball retention and composed football of the highest quality. Getting an away goal at a critical time showed genuine character and if Steven Whittaker was Brazilian weââ?¬â?¢d still be raving about his slalom run through the Sporting defence. Having beaten 3 excellent sides to progress, Rangers now face Fiorentina as equals. In the Scottish Cup, the business was taken care of with 2 first half strikes. Credit to Thistle but not their supporters, who need to learn that sectarian abuse of both the Pope and the Queen is unacceptable. Anything other than defeat at Celtic Park should see Rangers as Champions, but with Celtic failing to score or secure a point in the last 4 OF fixtures, a major ââ?¬Ë?Timplosionââ?¬â?¢ is possible. Letââ?¬â?¢s hope the home crowdââ?¬â?¢s May 1999 behaviour isnââ?¬â?¢t repeated. Stephen Smith http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/SPL-fanzone.3984993.jp Seems, as usual, it's fair game to call Rangers fans bigots but if we have the temerity to question other supporters' regarding their own sectarian chants, we're, erm, still bigots. Great column, Stevie!