Frankie 505 Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 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, 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 £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 that I am launching a new project for fans to get involved in. Yes, many of us agree with the ‘we deserve better’ slogan but for many only on the premise that we help facilitate that in a positive sense. Ergo, over the coming weeks, I'll post a series of articles discussing many of the concerns raised by the campaign and how these could be addressed. I'm sure we've all got great, constructive ideas we want to develop and I;m looking forward to debating them with you. 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 I look forward to you joining the debate! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadaready 9,437 Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Thanks for posting this Frankie. It is going to be worth it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 505 Posted January 21, 2009 Author Share Posted January 21, 2009 Thanks for posting this Frankie. It is going to be worth it. I sure hope so... To expand a bit on what we're planning to do: As it stands I have a few articles lined up from various writers which I intend to release one by one to debate each in turn. 1. An analysis of why the situation has got so bad and why protest may be our only way of obtaining real change. 2. A proposal for how the fans could be persuaded to by into a membership scheme to raise substantial funds. 3. An examination of Murray Park and some simple ideas on how to improve our youth system and extend our scouting reach. 4. How can our club's media/PR be improved? 5. Supporters' Represention - A complete overhaul of the Assembly. Basically addressing the concerns in the RST's 17 point statement and combining them where necessary. Anyone who is interested in writing an article on any of the issues that are not covered already above, please pm me. Similarly, if you have any other ideas that may interest everyone, please let me know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 505 Posted January 21, 2009 Author Share Posted January 21, 2009 Some excellent feedback so far. We have around 8 people writing articles so far... Now also have these further articles planned to debate: 6. Our transfer strategy and why it isn't working. How can this be addressed? 7. The importance of a major scouting system and how this could be implemented. 8. On the field tactics. Can Walter really take us forward? 9. Supporter Unity - Respect and solidarity are required for any campaign to work. Keep them coming folks... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 505 Posted January 21, 2009 Author Share Posted January 21, 2009 To give folk an idea of aims, obviously via each article we're looking to obtain feedback, further critique and innovative suggestions for each separate issue. When the project is complete, everything relevant and workable gets collated together into a report to be presented to the club, fan organisations, high net worth investors and media. There are other initiatives planned to get the support working together as well. Lets show the doubters what we can do! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancedeangers1 287 Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 A very positive and articulated approach. Well done Frankie. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 505 Posted January 23, 2009 Author Share Posted January 23, 2009 A very positive and articulated approach. Thanks mate. As I say, it's extremely easy to complain but a bit more difficult to find answers. I certainly don't pretend to have them but I'm hoping that the thousands of online fans will have a few suggestions worthy of debate and further exploration. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TannochsideBear 355 Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Very interesting Frankie. I look forward to reading more about it, and to seeing/joining the ensuing debate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSpliff 0 Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Very interesting Frankie. I look forward to reading more about it, and to seeing/joining the ensuing debate. Thats the spirit mate! Read, think, join in. Simple! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimenez 1 Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 Inrterested in seeing how this develops. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
minstral 5,375 Posted January 23, 2009 Share Posted January 23, 2009 well done frankie be interesting to see the response. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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