Frankie 8,394 Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 I don't always agree with the UoF but this statement is well worth sharing. "Following the Rangers Supporters Trust's recent letter to AIM, which effectively expressed the grave concerns of a large number of shareholders and fans about the conduct of the so called "independent" directors of the Rangers board, we note the board's response via their stock exchange statements. The statement contains a number of disingenuous assertions and provides the lack of clarity which we have come to expect. The attempt to justify the decision to opt solely for short term loans, instead of the combination of short term finance complimented by long term sustainable funding, is not only unjustifiable on a financial level but also completely disregards the need to rebuild trust in those who retain custody of our club. The board neglected their duties to the club, the fans, the shareholders and the business. They continue to fail to understand that tens of thousands of their 'customers' simply do not trust them. Whilst welcoming that Mike Ashley has apparently released the naming rights over Ibrox, there is no clarity on what has been given to Mr Ashley in return. The statement that the new agreement "consolidates existing marketing arrangements between the parties and results in a more normalised retail joint venture marketing arrangement in which Sports Direct will continue to have certain advertising rights", is precisely the sort of meaningless corporate babble that this board loves to hide behind. What exactly has Mr Ashley been given in return for dropping his right to rename the stadium and how will this impact future income streams? Are Mr Somers, Mr Crighton and Mr Easdale giving away the family silver to keep the lights on? In an incredible admission they even tell us that this latest short term, one eyed fix will not be enough to fund the club beyond December. The attempt to portray James Easdale and Norman Crighton as independent directors is also ridiculous. Mr Easdale represents the block of shareholders who proxy their votes to his brother, Sandy. He retains a position on the board, on their behalf, because his brother was not able to take it. Mr Crighton represents the interests of Colin Kingsnorth of Laxey. By no definition or stretch of the most fevered imagination could they be described as independent and their actions whilst on the board have demonstrated this. Under the weak, ineffectual and damaging chairmanship of Mr Somers, they have presided over a catastrophe which sees them taking monthly loans simply to meet working capital requirements - something which Mr Somers stated at the last AGM they would not do. Finally, their attempt to once again blame fans for the financial position is both insulting and inaccurate. Regardless of attendances, this board has known for almost a year that they had to raise significant finance to see the season through. They have failed to do so and have in fact turned down the only viable proposal to put the club on a secure footing and start to rebuild trust. They are responsible for the drop in attendances and they are responsible for the abject failure to address the medium to long term finances, stability and prosperity of Rangers Football Club." 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoodyBlue 0 Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Spot on by UoF. I assume it was put together by Chris Graham ? Excellent piece as usual. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,394 Posted November 13, 2014 Author Share Posted November 13, 2014 Spot on by UoF. I assume it was put together by Chris Graham ? Excellent piece as usual. Yes, I think Chris will write most of these with input from the various organisations where necessary. I do note though that the Association wants to be open-minded on Ashley so not sure how they fit in now. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zappa 0 Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Excellent statement. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aweebluesoandso 290 Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 This boards statements and attempts at communication are like a large piece of Swiss Emmental Cheese, smells pungent and is riddled with holes. Good statement from the UOF, like a piece of Blue Stilton cheese, tasty and aromatic. Sorry it's lunch time lol 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluedell 5,513 Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Excellent statement. Yes, arguably their best . 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RANGERRAB 3,510 Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Who would provide the 'long term sustainable funding' mentioned in their statement? Did no one ask? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
compo 6,684 Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 they always seem to be expressing grave concerns about one thing or another my gravest concern is the fans who boycotted the purchase of season tickets and have pushed the club further into the mire . 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,394 Posted November 13, 2014 Author Share Posted November 13, 2014 they always seem to be expressing grave concerns about one thing or another my gravest concern is the fans who boycotted the purchase of season tickets and have pushed the club further into the mire . There was and is no organised boycott. Around 15,000 fans have stopped going for a combination of factors - some listed in the statement above. It is wholly up to the club to address these concerns along with the other reasons for people not going. They have not. Therefore the club only has itself to blame for the status quo. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RANGERRAB 3,510 Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 There was and is no organised boycott. Around 15,000 fans have stopped going for a combination of factors - some listed in the statement above. It is wholly up to the club to address these concerns along with the other reasons for people not going. They have not. Therefore the club only has itself to blame for the status quo. And how would you address these concerns then? We were never going to make money going up these divisions unless you think we could play a team of teenagers earning peanuts If the truth be told we've supporters groups going round implying that the current custodians are guilty of theft on a grand scale inside Rangers and people shouldnt go to games as a result.Whilst I have reservations about certain board members I don't accept that viewpoint. Also many of our fans groups are nothing more than mere patsys for DK & PM. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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