Statement From RST Resigned Board Members

[Frankie 8,552]

This statement is from the seven of us noted below who have recently resigned from executive positions on the RST board.

 

 

Background

 

Due to the unsuitability of the date of the RST Special General Meeting it is appropriate to make public this statement as we consider the RST members deserve an explanation of recent events.

 

We all continue to believe in the aims, principles and constitution of the RST. Despite strong and unnecessary provocation we do not wish to become embroiled in personal issues about individual board members.

 

Following negative actions by certain factions within the remaining board, together with serious differences of opinion with regard to strategy, we each, individually, and at appropriate times to affect an orderly handover, took the decision to resign.

 

 

Board split

 

We had been aware of a recent lack of support from certain sections of the board but felt this could be properly addressed during the close season. Unfortunately, because of the continual negative actions detailed below, it was evident such a split was incapable of being fixed.

 

Examples of this lack of support include: leaking information to individuals and websites; negative political behind-the-scenes briefings involving members of this faction; non-completion of action points in reasonable time-frames; and the formation of a ââ?¬Ë?Special Tasks and Purposes Disciplinary Committeeââ?¬â?¢ (see Note A) to unnecessarily control and restrict the work of some board members.

 

The Chairman and Vice-chairman resigned as both understandably felt they no longer had the trust and support of the majority of their peers. Subsequently five more key board members resigned in a short period underlining the problem of the serious split in the board.

 

Further issues which have occurred after the initial two resignations include: attempts to release incorrect information when addressing the resignations of their former colleagues; dismissing and denigrating the efforts of the resigned members; and a disgracefully abusive text message received by one of us.

 

We have documented and commented upon the issues regarding the split in the board however the remaining board members have failed to release this disappointing but serious information to the membership. To ensure clarity, we urge them to provide this statement to the membership at the SGM and to include it within the minutes for those unable to attend.

 

 

Future RST Strategy

 

Recently it has been obvious that one aspect of the board split was down to differences of opinion in the direction of the Trust.

 

The three year chairmanship of Malcolm McNiven brought significant success in a number of key areas: the fact the club were about to offer the RST a directorship; acceptance within the wider fan base, business community and media; the formation of the innovative ââ?¬Ë?GerSaveââ?¬â?¢ scheme; record fundraising amounts; and steadily increasing membership. Maintaining a positive relationship with the club, and Sir David Murray in particular, did not preclude constructive criticism of the club where necessary, which was still apparent and ongoing.

 

Despite these achievements, many of the remaining board preferred a more ââ?¬Ë?militantââ?¬â?¢ direction, a policy which had shown little success or wider appeal in the early years of the Trust. We believe that such a strategy is divisive, unconstitutional, and will not benefit the membership or the Trust.

 

With the offer of a directorship now gone and club relations very poor, we believe this regression by the Trust is incompatible with our own ideals.

 

 

Conclusion

 

We know the Trust was extremely close to achieving genuine and sustained success which would have benefitted all supporters for generations to come. We lament that our efforts now appear to have been in vain due to the premature, overly aggressive, and controlling actions of a small faction.

 

We trust the membership uses this statement to ensure the problems above are openly addressed and the RST moves forwards and not backwards.

 

With sincere disappointment,

 

Malcolm McNiven (Former Chairman)

Scott McMillan (Former Vice-chairman)

David Tweed (RST Co-founder, NARSA Officer, and former Vice-chairman)

Derek Howie (Former Secretary)

Callum Renton (Former Treasurer)

Stewart Franklin (Former Webmaster)

Andrew McGowan (Former Marketing Officer)

 

 

 

Note A - Formation of a ââ?¬Ë?Special Tasks and Purposes Disciplinary Committeeââ?¬â?¢

 

This bizarre committee was formed in May 2008 and as of mid-June the personnel and remit had yet to be detailed by the proposer despite the obvious negative effects it has had on recent events.

 

At the 2007 RST AGM it was unanimously agreed that the board should pursue a strategy of obtaining a place on the board of the club following Sir David Murray�s concession that such a position would become available. The following period brought much dialogue between the RST and the club regarding such an appointment. The sensitive and confidential nature of these discussions, including the legal implications of access to price-sensitive information, prevented the Trust from making public comment on these negotiations. Furthermore, as there was, and remains, at least one leak on the RST board some information obtained in discussions with the club could not be relayed back to the full board.

 

In early May 2008, it was suggested by the club that a position would be offered to Malcolm McNiven who would communicate the details in person to the rest of the board, and a board meeting was arranged primarily for this purpose. Unavoidable work-related issues meant that both the Chairman and the Vice-chairman had to call off, rendering the principal business of the meeting redundant and the venue unavailable. Other board members holding executive positions could not attend and requested the meeting be re-arranged.

 

Nevertheless, the meeting went ahead with ten (out of 19) board members in attendance at another venue. What followed was essentially a coup dââ?¬â?¢Ã?©tat to ensure the control and/or removal of the senior office holders by the faction detailed above. A same-day addition to the Agenda by one of those in attendance proposed the formation of a ââ?¬Ë?Special Tasks and Purposes Disciplinary Committeeââ?¬â?¢, and it was suggested that four members be appointed all of whom presently remain on the board. Despite the expressed concerns of two board members that the formation of such a committee would result in resignations and serious problems thereafter, the proposal was passed by a majority of 8-2. The reason given for this committee was to install a process of control and accountability over RST board membersââ?¬â?¢ meetings with outside bodies and individuals. However, this did not extend to all members, with certain external relationships given dispensation.

 

We believe the committee was specifically conceived with the RST�s meetings with the club in mind. This was symptomatic of a direct lack of trust in Malcolm McNiven and Scott McMillan who participated in these meetings, and whose resignations thereafter were inevitable.

[Guest damien]

That's quite a statement Frankie and at long last the RST members get to know what has been going on. Certain peoples egotistical ideas have unfortunately killed the RST. The loss of existing members recently is testament to that as is the amount of people withdrawing from Gersave. And where did this 'militancy' get them? Nowhere, they were shot down in flames at their first meeting with SDM.

 

I sincerely hope that one day the Trust will be reborn one day with a board that cares more about Rangers than themselves. And may I add that I respect all those board members who resigned and stood by their principles, like true Rangers men.

[craig 5,199]

The one thing I know is that under the guidance of the above members the RST made great strides. I would support them should they try to resurrect the phoenix from the ashes.

 

Such a shame that the "militant" group felt differently or had personal agendas. Progress was being made and the RST was being seen as a professional body in the eyes of many (not just supporters but the press too) - all of that has been imploded.

[GingerFurball 0]

In a nutshell - what the hell is going on?

 

First I caught wind was ironically on Kerrydale Street, where the RST seems to have become a laughing stock.

 

I have to say, the recent statements from the RST have been nothing short of an embarrassment, and in retrospect I'm glad that I haven't handed over my hard earned.

 

There seems to be some sort of censorship going on over at FF with regards to this as well.

[pete 2,499]

In a nutshell - what the hell is going on?

 

First I caught wind was ironically on Kerrydale Street, where the RST seems to have become a laughing stock.

 

I have to say, the recent statements from the RST have been nothing short of an embarrassment, and in retrospect I'm glad that I haven't handed over my hard earned.

 

There seems to be some sort of censorship going on over at FF with regards to this as well.

 

That is one thing about the Gersnet, whether you agree or disagree with something you will get your say. I have never seen a legitimate post censored on here. We may not be the biggest Rangers site but in my eyes we are the best.

 

What a pity all the good work done by the RST has been eradicated in one fell swoop. Even if the old board tried to start up a new trust it would take years before they would get to the same level. Hopefully this will be corrected at the AGM.

[stewarty 2,009]

What about all the peeps who invested in the Sharesave scheme? That will amount to several thousands of pounds of RST members money entrusted to the current board in terms of voting power, etc. If it were my money I would not be a happy bunny.

[Bluedell 5,621]

What about all the peeps who invested in the Sharesave scheme? That will amount to several thousands of pounds of RST members money entrusted to the current board in terms of voting power, etc. If it were my money I would not be a happy bunny.

It would be interesting to know what SDM said about Gersave at the meeting he had with the RST in late June (if it was indeed mentioned). Is he happy to continue to receive funds from it?