stewarty

Interesting. A fresh and more cost effective approach to PR is needed. One of the first initiatives of Traynor's new communications and media strategy?

These are despearate measures for a desperate club. Who can blame Hearts fans for not buying season tickets given that the situation looks so hopeless? At least if you could guarantee they would be playing next season then perhaps more fans would be persuaded to stump up. At this rate they wont make the start of next season.

Agreed Andy. Its been said a few times but its the classic re-arranging the deck chairs on the titanic moment. Saying that, I feel that this probably had to go through. I just hope that this is seen as the moment where everyone does start to work together and move forward for the benefit of all clubs, rather than a cash-grab by a few desperate ones. Realistically though, I can't see it happening.

Surely the SFA cannot sanction the signing of Wilson on a permanent basis? Surely the Hearts board cannot sanction the club taking on a substantial committment such as Wilson's 3 year deal given the circumstances?

Another invesitgation doesn't suit us or the SFA. I'd be surprised if the club has not relayed details of the key findings from the PM/Deloitte review in order to hopefully satisfy them that Whyte has no legitimate claim on the club.

Overall, I think it was probably best that this went through. I have concerns though and I trust the club will be making robust enquiries about this apparent sudden changing of the goalposts, with regards to our ability to play trialists.

I think the boardroom turmoil has had a part to play in this. How can he implement a new comms strategy against that backdrop? Hopefully we can see things move on with the stability of Walter and a permanent CEO.

Why would they sign if they were concerned? They would surely negotiate something as part of their deal. This is a complete non story.

I'd say mather's initial work in being part of the team bringing in players has been pretty successful. None of the 48 hours nonsense of last summer, deals announced early and with minimal fuss. I'm skeptical of mather's credentials as CEO but he's made a reasonable start.

Notice how there is no comment from rangers on this story. I'd guess the reason is that if they get a quote, there is no story. I'd be amazed if the players coming on do not have good contracts and agreements for the pre-registration period where they play as trialists. DR phones the club and asks for a response + Response received that arrangements are in place = no story to run. It's as obvious as it is pathetic that they think that is a story.

Don't remember that to be fair. Got a link?

The more I read about our actual or rumoured signings/ targets, the more I am convinced there is more to this SPL2 carry-on than just social media whisperings.

I can see both sides of the argument D'Art. It's a classic no-win scenario. One for which I am glad that Walter will help steer the ship through.

Bluedell: the SFL1 clubs have been making noises about legal advice which would allow them to ignore the standard notice period. I can see both sides of the argument. On one hand, the quicker we rise to the top the better. On the other, why should we help out clubs who shafted us with no remorse? Defiantly need to tread carefully. Although, our transfer activity does take on a different perspective when you consider this seems to be in the offing.

Totally agree Craig. We need to see how things pan out over the summer and make an assessment then.

Regardless whether you find him, I'd love it if you could re-create the Monaco photo that Mark Daly also re-created during his mockumentary. We could do a Gersnet spot the difference!

We need to look at the signings as a whole once things settle down post 1 September. Key will be who else leaves. Although we've brought in a few new players, who's to say that we don't get rid of one or two of those on higher wages and that we end up with a better squad which actually costs less than season 2012/13's? The wages we are no longer paying to Kyle, Sandaza and Alexander alone should easily cover the wages for Daly, Clark, Bell, Law and Smith. I know who I'd prefer to have.

Somewhere in that ballpark, I'm sure.

Perhaps. But his lack of involvement in football is a concern. Bain and Green both had that before being CEO.

Before his appointment as chair, I'm fairly sure he was being paid around 40k per year for his non-exec director role.

It will all come out in the wash should Craigy actually take us to court.

I'm happy. There are justifiable concerns in Walter's appointment. He doesn't appear to have significant board level experience when we clearly need stability that would surely come from having a proven performer. But Walter will have attended numerous board meetings in his capacity as football manager. He has also attended meetings since his appointment as non-exec director. There is a multitude of information and training available to Walter, and I've no doubt he will have taken soundings from his no-doubt excellent contact list. Therefore, I'm sure he will have a very good idea of what is required. All things considered, Walter is exactly what we need. We need someone with the standing in the game to take us forward in a positive manner. Someone who can support out Acting Chief Executive who's credentials for their role I would say are far less clear.

The role of a non-exec is to hold the executive to account for performance in achieving the agreed strategic direction of the company. The chair is the leader of the board. It's Walter's job now to manage the board process, agendas, meetings, etc. in terms of voting, they often have a casting vote, as mentioned. They also have duties towards shareholders and ensuring their interests are represented. In a football sense that's a tricky balance as the interests of fans carry significant weight; but not always from a shareholding perspective.

Quite excited to see this lad play. Certainly seems to have an eye for goal.

How could a firm of low level paper gatherers afford to sponsor anything!?! Haha