Defence of the Realm

[D'Artagnan 173]

I sometimes wonder if the news HMRC intend to appeal the latest dismissal of their vendetta against Rangers causes any ripples in the Ibrox boardroom. After all it was another time, another regime with legal culpability squarely on the shoulders of Sir David Murray and his legal advisers. But not for us who are the Rangers support. For us it is part of a journey from hell, a journey which is not yet complete, with the scars and wounds endured on that journey show little sign of healing.

 

Why is it that those who aspire to power within our club don't seem to feel the pain of such scars ?

 

For years under the tenure of Sir David Murray many of us warned about the dangers of the “dignified silence” strategy. As lies were written and broadcast about both club and support Sir David Murray responded to our concerns with “If a newspaper offends you – don’t buy it” Our club and support have become the easy picking for hate filled individuals who appear to think that carrying an NUJ card offers them considerable immunity from lies, deceit and hate filled articles, many written without research or based in fact, or more concern, deliberately omitting facts in order to damage to our club.

 

Why is it the defence of our club has been left to individual bloggers or groups such as Vanguard Bears, The RST or The Rangers Standard who appear to have the energy and passion to respond to unfair articles or decisions against our club ? Why is that same energy and passion not emanating from inside our club ? Have we honestly learned nothing in the last few years ? Its time those inside Ibrox, whoever that might be, became pro-active rather than occasionally reactive. If you are privileged enough to wear a Rangers blazer and tie – then that should be akin to a suit of armour - stand prepared to champion this club against all attacks.

 

Jim McColl's alternative board missed a considerable trick at their question and session at the Hilton when asked about defending the club. Their fudged answer showed little desire or forethought, and was as bereft of ideas as those they sought to depose. Why cant these people get it ?? This issue is of vast importance to the Rangers support. We live, eat and breathe this club and every attack on her is borne personally by every single one of us.

 

It's hard to understand why our club pays for PR, when we appear to be getting trodden on day in day out by the same individuals and organisations, operating with apparent impunity. Jim Traynor's “Gentlemen be very careful” is a dark and distant memory full of empty threats. In fact words without action appear to have exacerbated the problem.

 

For all the criticism I have penned over the years about Charles Green, I will concede one point – at least he “got it”. He realised that defending this club, albeit his reasons were part of bigger plan and not altruistic, was a sure fire of winning over the support. How can it be a stranger can walk into our midst and grasp such a crucial point which our own seem to continually miss ?

 

The well meaning articles by Rangers bloggers, Rangers Supporters Groups and Rangers websites however well intentioned and passionate, do not carry the same authority as statements or action coming from within the club itself. Furthermore it's not our job – its your job, those of you who are privileged enough to wear a club blazer and tie, or aspire to do so in the future.

 

This support has proven itself time and time again in the face of considerable adversity, with its willingness to protect and safeguard this club. We have done as much as we can.

 

For those with both responsibility and authority – its time for you to step up and play.

[Stimpy 0]

Another good piece of writing, D! However, as things stand, I actually think fan groups (any of them) have more credibility to fight our corner. When we get ourselves sorted then the club's ability to fight will be more credible.

[Hildy 0]

We are the same club that we always were - legally - but in our hearts, we know - something has changed. Rangers now is not the same as Rangers then, and no-one knows if there will be a Rangers tomorrow.

 

We expect a board of non-Rangers fans to care? We expect faceless ownership to bother?

 

Rangers fans have disconnected from the club in significant numbers and in the prevailing circumstances, how could they not?

 

Ask any senior Rangers fan who remembers the fifties and sixties if this is the same club. Many old stagers will tell you bluntly that it is not. How many times have you heard it said - 'this is not the Rangers I grew up with'?

 

How can Rangers be taken seriously by its fans when it is devoid of Rangers fans at boardroom level? How can the faceless ownership of the club be expected to address a situation that it doesn't understand - or want to understand?

 

You know more about Rangers - your left pinkie knows more about Rangers - than the sum of all the leading lights who make all the important decisions at Rangers. This is where we are at. Rangers exists more within the support than in the Ibrox Stadium Boardroom, Blue Room or Trophy Room.

 

We are the same club, and we are not the same club. The main body of the kirk is still here, but the church is crumbling and the minister has long since shot the craw.

[chilledbear 16]

This Board have no interest in Rangers apart from what they can £££££££££££ get.

[barca72 440]

Good piece again, D'Art.

Mather said at the NARSA convention in San Francisco, words to the effect - " we have not forgotten those who have attempted to harm us, but we must choose our time to strike back."

Does this present board stand by that statement? Are they biding their time until conditions are more favourable?

Maybe these questions should be posed to them.

I am sure the support would be more patient if they knew the committment was there.

[chilledbear 16]

This Board are taking, taking , taking, they are doing as much harm to Rangers as anyone else.

[Rangersitis 0]

For someone who used messageboards to shout down any criticism of Craig Whyte, the author has some gall to write that shite about it being left up to the likes of himself to fight lies. He and his cronies helped to create a climate which allowed the current incumbents to ditch the toxic 'oldco' and to go on to plunder what they could from the shiny 'newco' which they created. They don't give a shit about what went before, who they trampled on to get their way, or who was left in their wake. They are in it for the cash, nowt else.

[ranger_syntax 4,422]

The board have a few other things to worry about just now.

 

I would like them to get the basics right first.

[D'Artagnan 173]

]For someone who used messageboards to shout down any criticism of Craig Whyte' date=' the author has some gall to write that shite about it being left up to the likes of himself to fight lies. He and his cronies helped to create a climate which allowed the current incumbents to ditch the toxic 'oldco' and to go on to plunder what they could from the shiny 'newco' which they created[/b']. They don't give a shit about what went before, who they trampled on to get their way, or who was left in their wake. They are in it for the cash, nowt else.

 

And pray tell....when and where did this happen ?

 

Cos I'll tell you emphatically now - you are lying.

[buster. 5,257]

Almost sounds like electioneering

 

It certainlly doesn't address the real issues of today.......................You have to walk before you run.

 

As for the line on supposed "PR", you either don't get it or don't want to.