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Russia due to play Poland at the end of March too. That's not going to happen either. First action from Fifa should be to kick the Russians out of the competition. The Russian people need to feel the world's anger and disgust at the actions of their power crazed leader.

Poland, Sweden and the Chech Republic, the nations Russia could potentially face on their way to Qatar have all now said they would refuse to play. Time for FIFA and UEFA, and all other international sporting organisations to show some morality and leadership and to expell Russia, Russian clubs and individual Russian athletes.

So what you're suggesting is that after getting off to a flying start, the board and/or CEO pulled the team aside and told them to stop winning as we didn't want to risk promotion. The entire playing squad and staff then went, "aye, ok, we don't mind comprising our own integrity or damaging our chances at playing/working at a higher level and earning more, so we'll just lie down for the rest of the season"?

According to the BBC, FIFA has told Russia to play upcoming games in neutral territory under the name Football Union of Russia, without their flag or anthem. That’s shocking and needs to be changed to a ban, otherwise Russia will qualify for the World Cup given the stance rightly taken by Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic to refuse to play Russia in the play offs.

Can't help feeling the club is seeking some sort of financial stability before making the costly push for promotion. Perhaps the Championship is considered a good base camp for now and maybe for the next season or two until the time is considered right. And maybe this season's sole target was to avoid relegation.

FIFA usually makes decisions based on money rather than morality. If they don’t have the balls to make swift decisions like other sporting bodies have done (and even Eurovision!), then it might take pressure from sponsors who will not want their brand name appearing in the same shot as the Russian team.

Look at the league table alongside this statistic. It’s a criminal waste of an opportunity.

Must have been the takeaway curry on the way home last night.

Erm, we are already on a run…

There is no wsy the play off against Ukraine will now take place next month. I would hope that Russia will be expelled from the competition but very much hope that the same fate will not be visited on Ukraine who have done nothing wrong and who are currently fighting fiercely and bravely to defend their sovereignty. I hope that Fifa give them every opportunity to compete in the play off even if that means a postponement. If the tie does go ahead it would be great to see the Tartan Army flood Hampden with Ukrainian or combined saltire and Ukrainian flags by way of a show of support and solidarity.

Oh gawd........not another match

In reply to the first question of the title, I'd say no, a big clear out is not required, here is my take on the situation. Ross Morrison and Scot Gardiner have done nothing wrong to warrant all this criticism, apart from the fact that they are not communicating with us the fans. Other than that, they go about their business quietly and also don't overspend which is one thing I like about us as a club. John Robertson is one I would say needs to go because he isn't needed imho plus he must want to get back into management now that he is over his personal issues of last season. Besides we haven't had a DoF since Craig Brewster Mark 2, the responsibilities in that job should be split between RM and SG and in terms of identifying signings, that's the managers job, though I prefer the trial games that we have had in the past. BD: I have made my thoughts clear on him and very loudly on FB and twitter etc but it is clear he has to go so SG and RM are failing us by not listening to us regarding his position, we can't afford to keep him until the end of the season, especially if we are going to get into the play offs! Also, his dealings in the transfer market is nothing short of appalling, why the hell sign so many attacking players that aren't needed when it was clear that it was the defence that needed strengthening. His after match interviews usually anger fans too as he comes out with utter drivel which is an insult to us, especially the one on Saturday where he says that a run is close, yet the fans know that one is slipping further away! SK and BW would then need to go imho as it would be unfair on a new manager to have to have them as assistant and first team manager, however, I don't believe either have done anything wrong to warrant being replaced, especially Scott who is just back from illness earlier this season. I do also agree with one poster (I think on the next manager thread) though when they say that certain players need to take a portion of the blame for this run of form, I would say a clear out is needed in the summer if that is at all needed. I have advocated for a long time now that the youngsters deserve a shot because they are certainly capable otherwise they wouldn't be in a semi on Friday night!