A New RST

[Guest Paiton Bear]

I have spent the greater part of the past two ââ?¬â?? maybe three days in an attempt to understand thepolitics of the whole RST / FF / RM/ GNF / VB issue. I must admit that throughout my lifetime I have been a distant (geographically) but very enthusiastic supporter, and never in touch with the mainstream supporters groups, although I was instrumental in the formation and early organisation of one such SC in my local area. I have been a member of FF since 2006, joining because I had time on my hands in my camp rooms, and it was the one forum that I knew about ââ?¬â?? and for no other reason. I may just as easily have joined any other forum and enjoyed it as muchââ?¬Â¦.itââ?¬â?¢s just the way I went. My 700 odd messages in that period have mostly been in the last year. I will state that I know personally only one other FF poster, and we have never discussed FF in conversation, so I cannot be regarded as part of any clique, and I have no similar aims to anyone as far as I am aware ââ?¬â?? Iââ?¬â?¢m just me. No-one set me up to this ââ?¬â?? Iââ?¬â?¢m just getting frustrated with the lack of progress the RST are making with their agenda. I wholly support the visions of the RST and have been a member for the past two years, building up a humble monthly sum for the RST to invest on my behalf when the opportunity looks a bit brighter. So, thatââ?¬â?¢s me in a nutshell ââ?¬â?? Iââ?¬â?¢m not brave enough yet to give my name away, and I donââ?¬â?¢t intend writing a book .

 

In the past three days, just to try to get a view from outside of FF I have joined Rangers Media and GersNetForums and have read their threads regarding the subject and yes, at times I do detect a feeling of animosity toward FF and their close relationship with the RST ââ?¬â?? and possibly because of their closer relationship with the RST. In the heat of the day, it was a struggle to reach the end of any thread, the comments were coming in as fast as I could read them, but I persevered in the hope that I would reach some conclusion as to where we, as the Rangers Support could go in the hope that some day, somehow, we can set our differences regarding Football Forums aside and really concentrate on what should be a common issue for all to concentrate on ââ?¬â?? HOW CAN WE BEST ACHIEVE OUR COMMON GOAL OF DELIVERING RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB INTO THE HANDS OF THE REAL ââ?¬Ë?OWNERSââ?¬â?¢ THE SUPPORTERS!

 

I believe that the start has already been made, by the formation of the Rangers Supporters Trust. Before anyone gets upset, I will agree that some work needs to be done to get the RST into a position where it will achieve exactly what it needs, the wholehearted support of the majority of supporters to go forward and to achieve it�s already well structured plan of deliverance.

 

So how can we go about this?

 

Firstly, we need to put to bed the present quarrels and bitching. I believe that the RST have answered the recent questions regarding the accounts adequately, (to which the Auditors have agreed) although even they have admitted that bad practices had been allowed to go on. Although not illegal, these have encouraged this recent feeding frenzy to overindulge in claim and counterclaim simply because of slack management of the financial day to day running of the club. It has done nothing for the reputation of the RST, and it must go down as a lesson learned for all future financial dealings, both inward and outward. They must be seen to be absolutely squeaky clean, otherwise they will never earn our trust. Hopefully the recently recruited CA will add the professionalism that is required to well and truly close that door.

 

Next, we need to build bridges between the completely unnecessary divides between the various supporters / internet forum groups. I understand that this will be the most difficult task, but I don�t believe that the RST can function from a position of strength whithout a coming together of the mindsets of all of these groups. The present divisions seem to be the restriction that has held the RST back now for too many years, they all know it, but they will just not let go of their own little empires to allow the RST to flourish.

 

Who can do this?

 

In my opinion, there is no other choice, this has to be driven forward by the RST themselves. First they need to break down any barrier which may be seen to deter individuals (or groups) from giving them their support, and by this I mean that the RST should not be seen to favour one group more than the other, i.e. it should not make use of FF any more than it makes use of any other forum. A strong RST should be able to create a forum of its own, and I�m sure that, in a new position of strength, volunteer moderators could be found to support it�s running, and it should turn out to be the most used Rangers Forum bar none. That is not to say that the other forums will die, they will be just as necessary as they are now.

 

As a side issue, why do these forum groups not form a forum users group to encourage regular communication in trying to resolve the cross forum sniping, and to set up rules to disencourage members in participating in such activity. Do it ââ?¬â?? you are holding us all back! In my brief encounter in another forum I was astounded by the vicious attack on one FF regular who owned up to being such ââ?¬â?? it was a disgrace coming from not only a fellow supporter, but also several others who decided to jump on the bandwagon.

 

So what next?

 

Once this has been seen to be achieved, under the present committee the RST should relaunch its objectives and invite members and non members to an open meeting to discuss a way forward with a spirit of unity ââ?¬â?? and this point should be stressed. This would need a strong, independent and respected chairperson (would Donald Finlay?) and strict rules to be followed by all in attendanceââ?¬Â¦.the opening of the meeting could be used to insist on a code of conduct so that everyone can understand the limitations of involvement. The RST should plan an agenda to discuss targets that they want to achieve at the meeting, but also allow discussion from the floor, from individuals who may see other avenues of approach and perhaps be able to forward new ideas. Bitching about past issues should be quickly stepped onââ?¬Â¦.future, future, future should be the only topic ââ?¬â?? bar none. The committee structure should be included in discussion, perhaps allowing willing enthusiasts to be co-opted for a certain unity building period, settling back to a more manageable committee number once their troublesome period has well and truly been put to rest ââ?¬â?? say two years.

 

So, in theory, if handled properly this should inject a new sense of enthusiasm into the supporters, a new united RST, still under the stewardship of the old committee, but with the next AGM not too far away to give any potential future committee members the opportunity to shine. They should have more willing helpers wanting to get involved in organising information events throughout the country to build again and again on the stronger foundation than existed previously.

 

Perhaps this is an over simplistic view from someone who does not really understand the politics that goes on in the real world of Rangers Supporters. In my view, it is the logical way to go forward, and I for one am desperate for that to happen before another Mr Ellis appears.

 

Sometimes I wish I lived in or near Glasgow so that I could get involved in things like the RST, I have a lot of energy for things that I love. However I can now reflect on Mr Edgars experiences and be thankful that I live somewhere safe from threats of death or injury�.the Middle East!

[Super_Ally 0]

Welcome to the forums.

 

I do not notice anything in your post though pertaining to the title. In fact it closely follows the current trusts boards apparent views that everyone should drop their reservations and support the current trust as is.

 

There is little mention of a new trust, be that a completely new body or merely a new board. You do suggest co-opting a few more bodies onto the board but this will not solve the problems with lack of unity, it will just maintain the status quo.

[wabashcannonball 0]

The trust is deid.......long live the trust......

[maineflyer 0]

I have spent the greater part of the past two ââ?¬â?? maybe three days in an attempt to understand thepolitics of the whole RST / FF / RM/ GNF / VB issue. I must admit that throughout my lifetime I have been a distant (geographically) but very enthusiastic supporter, and never in touch with the mainstream supporters groups, although I was instrumental in the formation and early organisation of one such SC in my local area. I have been a member of FF since 2006, joining because I had time on my hands in my camp rooms, and it was the one forum that I knew about ââ?¬â?? and for no other reason. I may just as easily have joined any other forum and enjoyed it as muchââ?¬Â¦.itââ?¬â?¢s just the way I went. My 700 odd messages in that period have mostly been in the last year. I will state that I know personally only one other FF poster, and we have never discussed FF in conversation, so I cannot be regarded as part of any clique, and I have no similar aims to anyone as far as I am aware ââ?¬â?? Iââ?¬â?¢m just me. No-one set me up to this ââ?¬â?? Iââ?¬â?¢m just getting frustrated with the lack of progress the RST are making with their agenda. I wholly support the visions of the RST and have been a member for the past two years, building up a humble monthly sum for the RST to invest on my behalf when the opportunity looks a bit brighter. So, thatââ?¬â?¢s me in a nutshell ââ?¬â?? Iââ?¬â?¢m not brave enough yet to give my name away, and I donââ?¬â?¢t intend writing a book .

 

In the past three days, just to try to get a view from outside of FF I have joined Rangers Media and GersNetForums and have read their threads regarding the subject and yes, at times I do detect a feeling of animosity toward FF and their close relationship with the RST ââ?¬â?? and possibly because of their closer relationship with the RST. In the heat of the day, it was a struggle to reach the end of any thread, the comments were coming in as fast as I could read them, but I persevered in the hope that I would reach some conclusion as to where we, as the Rangers Support could go in the hope that some day, somehow, we can set our differences regarding Football Forums aside and really concentrate on what should be a common issue for all to concentrate on ââ?¬â?? HOW CAN WE BEST ACHIEVE OUR COMMON GOAL OF DELIVERING RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB INTO THE HANDS OF THE REAL ââ?¬Ë?OWNERSââ?¬â?¢ THE SUPPORTERS!

 

I believe that the start has already been made, by the formation of the Rangers Supporters Trust. Before anyone gets upset, I will agree that some work needs to be done to get the RST into a position where it will achieve exactly what it needs, the wholehearted support of the majority of supporters to go forward and to achieve it�s already well structured plan of deliverance.

 

So how can we go about this?

 

Firstly, we need to put to bed the present quarrels and bitching. I believe that the RST have answered the recent questions regarding the accounts adequately, (to which the Auditors have agreed) although even they have admitted that bad practices had been allowed to go on. Although not illegal, these have encouraged this recent feeding frenzy to overindulge in claim and counterclaim simply because of slack management of the financial day to day running of the club. It has done nothing for the reputation of the RST, and it must go down as a lesson learned for all future financial dealings, both inward and outward. They must be seen to be absolutely squeaky clean, otherwise they will never earn our trust. Hopefully the recently recruited CA will add the professionalism that is required to well and truly close that door.

 

Next, we need to build bridges between the completely unnecessary divides between the various supporters / internet forum groups. I understand that this will be the most difficult task, but I don�t believe that the RST can function from a position of strength whithout a coming together of the mindsets of all of these groups. The present divisions seem to be the restriction that has held the RST back now for too many years, they all know it, but they will just not let go of their own little empires to allow the RST to flourish.

 

Who can do this?

 

In my opinion, there is no other choice, this has to be driven forward by the RST themselves. First they need to break down any barrier which may be seen to deter individuals (or groups) from giving them their support, and by this I mean that the RST should not be seen to favour one group more than the other, i.e. it should not make use of FF any more than it makes use of any other forum. A strong RST should be able to create a forum of its own, and I�m sure that, in a new position of strength, volunteer moderators could be found to support it�s running, and it should turn out to be the most used Rangers Forum bar none. That is not to say that the other forums will die, they will be just as necessary as they are now.

 

As a side issue, why do these forum groups not form a forum users group to encourage regular communication in trying to resolve the cross forum sniping, and to set up rules to disencourage members in participating in such activity. Do it ââ?¬â?? you are holding us all back! In my brief encounter in another forum I was astounded by the vicious attack on one FF regular who owned up to being such ââ?¬â?? it was a disgrace coming from not only a fellow supporter, but also several others who decided to jump on the bandwagon.

 

So what next?

 

Once this has been seen to be achieved, under the present committee the RST should relaunch its objectives and invite members and non members to an open meeting to discuss a way forward with a spirit of unity ââ?¬â?? and this point should be stressed. This would need a strong, independent and respected chairperson (would Donald Finlay?) and strict rules to be followed by all in attendanceââ?¬Â¦.the opening of the meeting could be used to insist on a code of conduct so that everyone can understand the limitations of involvement. The RST should plan an agenda to discuss targets that they want to achieve at the meeting, but also allow discussion from the floor, from individuals who may see other avenues of approach and perhaps be able to forward new ideas. Bitching about past issues should be quickly stepped onââ?¬Â¦.future, future, future should be the only topic ââ?¬â?? bar none. The committee structure should be included in discussion, perhaps allowing willing enthusiasts to be co-opted for a certain unity building period, settling back to a more manageable committee number once their troublesome period has well and truly been put to rest ââ?¬â?? say two years.

 

So, in theory, if handled properly this should inject a new sense of enthusiasm into the supporters, a new united RST, still under the stewardship of the old committee, but with the next AGM not too far away to give any potential future committee members the opportunity to shine. They should have more willing helpers wanting to get involved in organising information events throughout the country to build again and again on the stronger foundation than existed previously.

 

Perhaps this is an over simplistic view from someone who does not really understand the politics that goes on in the real world of Rangers Supporters. In my view, it is the logical way to go forward, and I for one am desperate for that to happen before another Mr Ellis appears.

 

Sometimes I wish I lived in or near Glasgow so that I could get involved in things like the RST, I have a lot of energy for things that I love. However I can now reflect on Mr Edgars experiences and be thankful that I live somewhere safe from threats of death or injury�.the Middle East!

 

This might be OK if we all lived in a sterile world inhabited only by robots. Unfortunately, despite the revulsion it appears to generate in some people, this is largely personal. In the final analysis it is not about organizations but about what those organizations reflect about a small number of key individuals. The failure of the RST is the failure of a small clique to separate their personal interests from their RST responsibilities. So good luck with your strategic planning, let me know when you find anyone willing to look past their self-interest long enough to pay the slightest notice to it. Cynical, certainly. Accurate, definitely.

[aweebluesoandso 290]

As a member of seven or more Rangers forums i have been reading the threads over the various sites and the common denominator is general mistrust of the RST/FF. I have linked those two organisations together because to the vast majority of ordinary supporters over the forums see those two groups as one and the same, the informed supporter knows well that they are not one but two supposedly separated entities, but because of their close cooperation it has become difficult to fathom when one group interests begin and the other group interests end? Unfortunately FF does receive some bad press and is disliked by many supporters over the forums for whatever reason? (and i say that as a member of FF) I believe the RST receives some of the bad feelings directed towards FF as an direct result of their close working relationship. I am not, nor have never been an member of the RST, i have no axe to grind or agenda. But I believe in it's aims (or what i believe to be their aims) namely to get supporter ownership of our club, Sadly having followed the debacle over the last week i feel the RST board has lost any credibility it had, The board have admitted to bad practises and have formulated ideas to rectify them, again however i am sorry to say that for me as an outsider looking in it goes no way far enough to pacify it's members. I feel the only way for the RST to gain any credibility and respect back is for the board to resign en masse. Then hopefully re-elect a new board to take it forward with fresh ideas and momentum.

Edited September 29, 2010 by aweebluesoandso

[maineflyer 0]

As a member of seven or more Rangers forums i have been reading the threads over the various sites and the common denominator is general mistrust of the RST/FF. I have linked those two organisations together because to the vast majority of ordinary supporters over the forums see those two groups as one and the same, the informed supporter knows well that they are not one but two supposedly separated entities, but because of their close cooperation it has become difficult to fathom when one group interests begin and the other group interests end? Unfortunately FF does receive some bad press and is disliked by many supporters over the forums for whatever reason? (and i say that as a member of FF) I believe the RST receives some of the bad feelings directed towards FF as an direct result of their close working relationship. I am not, nor have never been an member of the RST, i have no axe to grind or agenda. But I believe in it's aims (or what i believe to be their aims) namely to get supporter ownership of our club, Sadly having followed the debacle over the last week i feel the RST board has lost any credibility it had, The board have admitted to bad practises and have formulated ideas to rectify them, again however i am sorry to say that for me as an outsider looking in it goes no way far enough to pacify it's members. I feel the only way for the RST to gain any credibility and respect back is for the board to resign en masse. Then hopefully re-elect a new board to take it forward with fresh ideas and momentum.

:thup::thup:

[Guest Paiton Bear]

Welcome to the forums.

 

I do not notice anything in your post though pertaining to the title. In fact it closely follows the current trusts boards apparent views that everyone should drop their reservations and support the current trust as is.

 

There is little mention of a new trust, be that a completely new body or merely a new board. You do suggest co-opting a few more bodies onto the board but this will not solve the problems with lack of unity, it will just maintain the status quo.

 

Thanks for the welcome.

 

I believe that the vehicle to carry forward the 'new' RST is already in place, the principles and aims are the same as any true Rangers Supporter should be, or is. Therefore to create a new RST we should use that vehicle as it is already set up and is in everyones focus, whether you are with it or not. A new start would have to be made from within that vehicle, but the sticky point is in getting everyone together to do that. What I have outlined would do just that and it is then up to the various groups - in a need to unite, to carry that through, thus creating a new RST at the following AGM, whether that means a whole new board, voting the same board back in, or something in between. It will be up to the members at the AGM.

 

The option is that ne'er the twain shall meet, and we are left with what we have now....nothing that will unite the various factions, so we may as well all accept that wabashcannonball is right.

[pete 2,499]

Thanks for the welcome.

 

I believe that the vehicle to carry forward the 'new' RST is already in place, the principles and aims are the same as any true Rangers Supporter should be, or is. Therefore to create a new RST we should use that vehicle as it is already set up and is in everyones focus, whether you are with it or not. A new start would have to be made from within that vehicle, but the sticky point is in getting everyone together to do that. What I have outlined would do just that and it is then up to the various groups - in a need to unite, to carry that through, thus creating a new RST at the following AGM, whether that means a whole new board, voting the same board back in, or something in between. It will be up to the members at the AGM.

 

The option is that ne'er the twain shall meet, and we are left with what we have now....nothing that will unite the various factions, so we may as well all accept that wabashcannonball is right.

 

Totally agree the vehicle is in place to take this forward but i am afraid the tachograph says the drivers have to have to move aside.

[ascender 352]

What chance is their of bringing fans together when the primary forum being used for this dismisses the other forums and their users out of hand as being against them and everything they stand for? Have you read some of the nonsense being posted on FF in the last few days?

 

Like I said elsewhere, they'd be better off re-naming the trust as the FF Supporters Trust and be done with it.

[Frankie 8,151]

PB:

 

Welcome to the forum and thanks for taking the time to detail your thoughts in a constructive manner.

 

Firstly, I'd like to state that I think any inter-forum 'wars' are blown out of proportion. Most of these websites have similar opinions on many issues and I don't think it is accurate to say any one site is anti- the other per se. Sure, some personality clashes have resulted in some unsavoury claims and counter-claims but I'd like to think the sensible amongst us can move past that for the good of the majority who care little for such pettiness.

 

And you're right, this is where the Trust come in. Or should do. Unfortunately, there is little evidence of the leadership or attempts at unity you talk about as it stands. That is disappointing but one can only hope the Trust board members who do not use such places are not swayed by those who appear to prefer the division we see. The resignation of key personnel recently may help but until we see a clear strategy from the Trust it is difficult to judge their intentions.

 

Until such time, there are more questions than answers. Therefore, it is our duty to ask these questions (preferably in a constructive manner) to ensure progress.

 

To that end the Trust (and FF) have had at least two formal opportunities to meet with other groups and take a full part in debates as to the way forward. Both times, they have not only refused this but have ignored it.

 

As I asked yesterday, I'd like to PLG or any board member genuinely interested in debate to show us how they intend to recover from recent events and lead the support forward into a more active and united future.