Just What Will It Take To Create A United Front?

[Buzz 306]

This summer was one of the lowest points our club has ever been at. There is no denying that. We were on the verge of extinction, and had it not been for two factors the club would almost certainly have been lost forever.

The first factor is obviously Charles Green and his consortium. We will forever be grateful to them for that. Debates continue to rage over the future and direction of the club in which he takes us, but this is a healthy debate and much welcomed.

The second factor is the fans, and the loyalty they showed to this great club at the time when it needed it the most. Not one single fan gave up the fight to keep our club going, and the fantastic amount that was donated to the RFFF proves that.

But as Charles Green continues to grow and develop the club, the fans do not seem to be making the most of this opportunity to redefine Rangers as a business. Fans own twelve percent of this club collectively, the highest shareholder of any. So why are we not represented on the board? Why are our liaisons with the club limited largely to twitter chat with the fantastic Andrew Dickson and Rab Boyle?

The answer is simple. We have suffered due to the lack of unity between the three main fan groups, the Assembly, Association and the Trust. Now whilst identifying the problem, correcting it is not so easy.

It is made perfectly clear that many do not like or indeed trust the RST. They blame several things, a lack of accountability, the figureheads, history between the Trust and other fan groups and the way it runs its messageboard, FollowFollow. It's easy to see the Trust has made many mistakes in the past. But we are all human, none of us perfect.

But what the Trust strives for is something that I'm sure we all feel quite passionate about, which is getting a majority share in RFC. Its aims and intentions are good, albeit it may have lost its backing with the majority of supporters. This time round, that must change.

First of all, the Trust has to become representative of the supporters again. It must merge with the Assembly and Association, so that we have a united front, one that represents the Rangers support. This is an action that only the Trust can take, but we as supporters must make it happen, or we risk falling back into decline.

Secondly, the abuse aimed at the Trust and its figureheads must stop. It is nonsensical. Why lambast these people when we could have constructive dialogue instead? Many of you say you don't like the RST or trust it, but do you trust the Assembly? The Association? If so, would they not be able to regulate and vouch for the RST's actions should all these organisations merge?

It's time to make our voices heard. The Club is finally willing to listen to us now, and we must make sure we make the most of this opportunity.

[hugh_capet 341]

As you suggest, we need a single strong body to represent the fans. The RST in it's current form can't do that.

[hugh_capet 341]

And the suggestion of dialogue with the RST is laughable, those self important rat bastards are only interested in their own agenda.

[eosmhdo 1,879]

This summer was one of the lowest points our club has ever been at. There is no denying that. We were on the verge of extinction, and had it not been for two factors the club would almost certainly have been lost forever.

The first factor is obviously Charles Green and his consortium. We will forever be grateful to them for that. Debates continue to rage over the future and direction of the club in which he takes us, but this is a healthy debate and much welcomed.

The second factor is the fans, and the loyalty they showed to this great club at the time when it needed it the most. Not one single fan gave up the fight to keep our club going, and the fantastic amount that was donated to the RFFF proves that.

But as Charles Green continues to grow and develop the club, the fans do not seem to be making the most of this opportunity to redefine Rangers as a business. Fans own twelve percent of this club collectively, the highest shareholder of any. So why are we not represented on the board? Why are our liaisons with the club limited largely to twitter chat with the fantastic Andrew Dickson and Rab Boyle?

The answer is simple. We have suffered due to the lack of unity between the three main fan groups, the Assembly, Association and the Trust. Now whilst identifying the problem, correcting it is not so easy.

It is made perfectly clear that many do not like or indeed trust the RST. They blame several things, a lack of accountability, the figureheads, history between the Trust and other fan groups and the way it runs its messageboard, FollowFollow. It's easy to see the Trust has made many mistakes in the past. But we are all human, none of us perfect.

But what the Trust strives for is something that I'm sure we all feel quite passionate about, which is getting a majority share in RFC. Its aims and intentions are good, albeit it may have lost its backing with the majority of supporters. This time round, that must change.

First of all, the Trust has to become representative of the supporters again. It must merge with the Assembly and Association, so that we have a united front, one that represents the Rangers support. This is an action that only the Trust can take, but we as supporters must make it happen, or we risk falling back into decline.

Secondly, the abuse aimed at the Trust and its figureheads must stop. It is nonsensical. Why lambast these people when we could have constructive dialogue instead? Many of you say you don't like the RST or trust it, but do you trust the Assembly? The Association? If so, would they not be able to regulate and vouch for the RST's actions should all these organisations merge?

It's time to make our voices heard. The Club is finally willing to listen to us now, and we must make sure we make the most of this opportunity.

If you posted that on follow follow you would be banned straight away and yet you say get round the table with them.

No thanks

[Buzz 306]

And the suggestion of dialogue with the RST is laughable, those self important rat bastards are only interested in their own agenda.

I'm of the opinion that if the RST was offered a chance to lower its guard and represent the entire Rangers support, it would grab that opportunity with both hands.

The Trust's aims are well intentioned, and BuyRangers is a terrific scheme. There is far too much silly stuff between the Trust and fans, there are some people who don't like it because they were banned from FF. Which is laughable, such things must be forgotten about given what is at stake and what the potential rewards are.

[will_1974 204]

Unity is the way forward. Ego's and personalities put to the side. The best thing CG has done for us is ensured no single investor will own more than 10 -15% of the club. This will allow fans and fans group to come together when CG leaves.

[Thermopylae 15,288]

A think a lot of the newer supporters who came in during the murray years are subtly different

[eosmhdo 1,879]

I'm of the opinion that if the RST was offered a chance to lower its guard and represent the entire Rangers support, it would grab that opportunity with both hands.

The Trust's aims are well intentioned, and BuyRangers is a terrific scheme. There is far too much silly stuff between the Trust and fans, there are some people who don't like it because they were banned from FF. Which is laughable, such things must be forgotten about given what is at stake and what the potential rewards are.

Aye lets forget and forgive eh, it's Christmas.

The more you write, the more I smell shite

[Carsons Dog 9,878]

It's popcorn time

[Buzz 306]

Aye lets forget and forgive eh, it's Christmas.

The more you write, the more I smell shite

Do you want a united fans group that represents you, and represents the fans to the board of directors?

The Trust will not be that vehicle, it never can be now. But a Rangers Supporters Organisation could be. A supergroup of the three main fan groups.

[j1mgg 3,766]

The trust seems to have done too much wrong and upset too many people for them all just to forgive and forget.

From your post it seems to be pretty pro the RST and one thing they could do to extend an olive branch is to get rid of Mark Dingwall. How can someone that is the leader of the RST and supposed to represent fans stand outside ibrox on a match day trying to flog unofficial rangers stuff and not even attend the game?

This is the man that a lot of the hate gets aimed at and the simple thing is for the RST(who I wouldn't include as a main supporters body) to get rid of all the people at the top, completely.

[govanblue 16,847]

As you suggest, we need a single strong body to represent the fans. The RST in it's current form can't do that.

OK, if you insist - I'll do it

[j1mgg 3,766]

OK, if you insist - I'll do it

Not seconded, although if we were to create an new super group then I nominate the guy that went into town to lend the other guy money to buy shares becomes the leader.

[Buzz 306]

The trust seems to have done too much wrong and upset too many people for them all just to forgive and forget.

From your post it seems to be pretty pro the RST and one thing they could do to extend an olive branch is to get rid of Mark Dingwall. How can someone that is the leader of the RST and supposed to represent fans stand outside ibrox on a match day trying to flog unofficial rangers stuff and not even attend the game?

This is the man that a lot of the hate gets aimed at and the simple thing is for the RST(who I wouldn't include as a main supporters body) to get rid of all the people at the top, completely.

If it was to merge, the people would have the say in who the prominent members were in the organisation. If you didn't like Dingwall, and enough of you didn't, you could get him to fuck. If you didn't like David Edgar, you could get him to fuck too. But you must have better reasoning for it than "He banned me from FF." Which is so unbelievably petty.

There are many outstanding candidates who could replace them. Chris Graham, for example, is well respected across the spectrum of RFC supporters.

[eosmhdo 1,879]

Do you want a united fans group that represents you, and represents the fans to the board of directors?

The Trust will not be that vehicle, it never can be now. But a Rangers Supporters Organisation could be. A supergroup of the three main fan groups.

Just want the club ran by a sound business brain which I don't believe many in organisations at the moment have.

Most just want a wee seat in the directors box and I see that as a negative.

Why do we need fans involved if the club polls us on opinions and acts on our wishes.

Do not see the point really.

I want the club ran as a thriving business, not by someone's thoughts on what's best, but facts on what works.

Sound business practices builds success, pulling on heart strings does not IMO

[govanblue 16,847]

Not seconded, although if we were to create an new super group then I nominate the guy that went into town to lend the other guy money to buy shares becomes the leader.

TBH I'm quite happy that the fans' voice is being heard with or without the RST, as CG & the team seem to have their finger on the pulse of the fans' feelings already.

[govanblue 16,847]

If it was to merge, the people would have the say in who the prominent members were in the organisation. If you didn't like Dingwall, and enough of you didn't, you could get him to fuck. If you didn't like David Edgar, you could get him to fuck too. But you must have better reasoning for it than "He banned me from FF." Which is so unbelievably petty.

There are many outstanding candidates who could replace them. Chris Graham, for example, is well respected across the spectrum of RFC supporters.

Losing some respect amongst the non-RST loyal though with his promotion of them, I fear

[Buzz 306]

Just want the club ran by a sound business brain which I don't believe many in organisations at the moment have.

Most just want a wee seat in the directors box and I see that as a negative.

Why do we need fans involved if the club polls us on opinions and acts on our wishes.

Do not see the point really.

I want the club ran as a thriving business, not by someone's thoughts on what's best, but facts on what works.

Sound business practices builds success, pulling on heart strings does not IMO

Sound business brains and love for the club often do not have aligned interests however. We have no way of stopping the current board making any decisions we did not like. However, if we were represented at board level, we would do. Not only that, it would safeguard against any wrongdoings by the club. Craig Whyte would have been uncovered a long time ago had we had supporters representation on the board.

It is the only way of ensuring Rangers are sustainable.

[Buzz 306]

Losing some respect amongst the non-RST loyal though with his promotion of them, I fear

And therein lies the problem.

However, if he was promoting a democratic supergroup..

[Moody Blue Legend 63,535]

The Trust have stated that they have "no one capable of sitting on the board" or words to that effect. If this is the case, why should they be the focal point? I would need a wee bit more self-belief from any group to get my vote.

[eosmhdo 1,879]

Sound business brains and love for the club often do not have aligned interests however. We have no way of stopping the current board making any decisions we did not like. However, if we were represented at board level, we would do. Not only that, it would safeguard against any wrongdoings by the club. Craig Whyte would have been uncovered a long time ago had we had supporters representation on the board.

It is the only way of ensuring Rangers are sustainable.

A fan on the board would have stopped this last year eh.

Utter shite and you know it

[Spectre 1,663]

The RST exists to serve one man and to spread his own views on Rangers. The problem is that one man is thick as pig shit.

The RST is able to represent a larger group just now as we're all able to join but that's not going to happen whilst Dingwall is there, why join a group where you'll be ostracised for having your own opinion

[Buzz 306]

The Trust have stated that they have "no one capable of sitting on the board" or words to that effect. If this is the case, why should they be the focal point? I would need a wee bit more self-belief from any group to get my vote.

The Trust would not be the focal point, it would no longer exist. It would be absorbed into a Rangers Supporters Organisation.

[Buzz 306]

A fan on the board would have stopped this last year eh.

Utter shite and you know it

It would have made the fans aware of what was happening, which then would have raised awareness and prevented Whyte from any of his dodgy deals.

Less of the abuse please, and a bit more constructive debate.

[Buzz 306]

The RST exists to serve one man and to spread his own views on Rangers. The problem is that one man is thick as pig shit.

The RST is able to represent a larger group just now as we're all able to join but that's not going to happen whilst Dingwall is there, why join a group where you'll be ostracised for having your own opinion

The RST would no longer exist, but it has a massive influence with the use of FF. FF represents a huge proportion of the fanbase and they must be included in any such talks.