jingsmonty

I would like to hear OFW's side of the situation. After the season ticket holders open evening, I had the impression that OFW was just hanging on for an unrealistic offer to arrive & he was, basically, taking the club for a ride. Now, I'm not so sure. Would he put his place in the Welsh squad in jeapordy (which he has now lost)? Being a part of the Welsh squad clearly meant a great deal to him. Would he not rather be playing regularly? He's said he's not injured, so are the club freezing him out or is he not willing to play? He did play through an injury for a part of last season (which would go some way to explaining some erratic performances), hardly the actions of someone who would down tools. What is going on??

Worth a shout, definetly

MacKay yes, Esson no - I do like Esson, but think he is more of a coach now..he was in charge at the Banks O'Dee youth cup game..

Tend to agree with that..

Totally...sure the players are professional enough not to overindulge - everything in moderation..

And Cammy MacKay....I'd pick him (if he's not still injured).

Watched the goals & have to say that Ridgers was culpable for at least 2vod them...annoyingly, I can see the potential in the team (from the midfield at least...defensively...hmmmm!).

If this is true, certainly goes to show that there are 2 sides to every story - that's not the impression I got from the season ticket holder open evening. Does make sense though - I did find it a bit strange that OFW didn't seem to be keen to play for us or accept an offer to move to another club, due to the situation with his place in the Welsh squad - he's always come across as being genuinely proud & honoured to be picked & sitting around on a Saturday afternoon won't be helping.. I kinda hope that OFW goes public with his side of the story, if it's another Foran/Fisher situation, that's just not acceptable. We really do need to hear both sides of this story, but I suspect we never will...

I'm not saying I agree with him or justify in any way what OFW is doing - all I'm saying that if you could get (allegedly...) £2k per week to do nothing for a season... I'm NOT sticking up for him!!

Good reality check after easy-ish wins against Brechin & Dons U20s...was thinking a score draw would be the best we could have hoped for. Early days yet, far too early to press the panic button - this team will take time to gel. As for JR (apart from the Raven situation), I think he's as decent a manager as we could have got, given the circunstances. As for OFW, I honestly can't blame him for spending this season sitting on his posterior this season, as annoying as that is. I've said it before, but I'd love to see Cammy MacKay get a shot in goal, rather than OFW. My knowledge of the legalaties of transfer law isn't exactly thorough, but if OFW finds a club, could the club agree to mutually terminate his contract (e.g. release him) & allow him to move? Probably not I would think...

Great to see David Raven getting a start....!

I would quite happily take that as a result - would love 3 points but that's a big ask, St Midden are a decent team, playing at home...

What's wrong with The Proclaimers...?

Perfectly put...why some people feel the need to defend the actions of people who are dragging the good name of our club through the mud - nothing to do with a non-existent bias against young fans. We need our young fans - we don't need wee neds who cause trouble. I wouldn't disagree with the sentiment of the club statement (maybe it could have been worded a bit better, mind you), they had little choice in the matter.

I really don't give a s*%t if old firm fans are laughing at us - that's their problem. We aren't the old firm & I'm sick & tired of apologists for the behaviour (although I can see how the reference to language in the statement left the club open to ridicule..) - it isn't acceptable to throw smoke bombs/flares, vandalise a bus or any of the other things they've done. All this is putting me off going to away games, as other clubs will tar us all with the same brush...by taking the action, the club has sent a message that they take it seriously & that we are not all foul mouthed wee neds who cause trouble.. If you think it's acceptable to do that, go & support one of the ugly sisters.. The language thing - my feeling is that it's more about sustained & personal abuse aimed at particular persons, rather than general swearing (every ground in Scotland would be empty if it was!) - I can remember having a go (as did several other people) at the wee neds who were chanting 'dirty gypsy bas#@rds' at the Astra Girgiu home game - that was bona fide rascist chanting & could have landed the club with a UEFA fine. My point is that I don't think they even realise what they're doing sometimes - maybe the banning will make some others realise that they need to behave better (without losing the enthusiasm & passion)

In fairness to OFW, I don't suppose an injury would stop him sitting in a TV studio...

I'm not a fan of the 'pride of the highlands' badge either, but can't say it keeps me awake at night.... If the Chairman is open to dialogue (& he seems to be), worth bringing up, as I don't think anybody likes the badge!

The club received an official 'unacceptable conduct' letter from the SFA - doing nothing wasn't an option....we would be berating the board for sticking their heads in the sand if they'd not taken any action. Personally, I don't have a problem with what the club have done, they didn't have much choice in the matter

Couldn't have put that better myself - genuine fans, please...Neds, stay away...

Positives to take from the game, just need to cut out the keystone cops defending... Probably said this on another thread, but Saturday's game in Paisley will give us a great opportunity to show us exactly where we are, form-wise...

In fairness, would agree with the hope that a heartfelt apology would go a long way to making the ban temporary (although I think, if I've read the club statement correctly, it only applies this season).. Think they'd have to offer to make some sort of concrete attempt at remorse (such as paying for the damage caused).

Maybe, but don't think the club had much choice really - when they are being invoiced by other football clubs & bus companies for damage caused, don't think they can argue with a ban - they could have been charged.

Funnily enough, Robbo used the 'if you're good enough you're old enough' quote at the open meeting so maybe we'll see some of the youth team coming through. Noticed Mitch Foy was on the bench recently..

Shame there are (probably) no Welsh speakers on the forum, maybe OFW was asked about his own situation..could have shed some light on things..!

I would be more than happy to come away with a point from this one - 3 would be fantastic. Very hard fixture..