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CON +4

Meanwhile, Mumsnet is discussing Steve Clarke's likely first eleven.

To think some of the folk getting savaged here actually had to go on TV with a straight face to say that driving 30 miles with a kid in the car to test your eyesight was a perfectly acceptable and normal thing to do in order to keep Cummings in a job. Fucking mugs.

There's an argument that maybe, just maybe, he's changed and become a better person. Kick It Out and Show Racism The Red Card appear to be in his corner. However, he's not really shown any contrition for what happened. Not publicly at least. And there's the small matter of him pretty comprehensively covering almost all bases of bigotry: racism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, etc. It's not that he's a stupid wee boy who made a mistake; he's a grown man and there was slur after slur. He walked into a job with Wigan. Then into a cushty SFA gig. He's hardly been hounded out of football. So I don't buy the "second chance" redemption sorry arc that the club will inevitably push. Football is obviously very contradictory. Declan Gallagher gets jobs at Motherwell and Aberdeen despite caving someone's skull in with a baseball bat and not really showing any remorse. Luis Suarez still picks up hundreds of thousands a week despite being a known racist. That Leeds goalkeeper is still at Leeds. Jamie Vardy, of racism fame, continues to be one of the most celebrated strikers in England. There's a rogues' gallery of racists, sex offenders, thugs, and killers (okay, manslaughter-erers) who still pick up a wage from football. But despite that above paragraph I'm just not comfortable with him being at County. The club don't see much money from me anyway but I won't be giving them any cash for the foreseeable future. They talk a good game about being a "community club" with "values" which makes this all the more baffling. I'm a bit scunnered by all this. Finally, two other things that annoy me: a) the timing of the leak - obviously trying to hope things die down by the time he is officially announced; it's cowardly b) the speed of the appointment - it's obviously been planned for a while

^^^^^^^ Roy Macgregor found.

First I've heard, despite having lived 34 of my 37 years in the Highland capital and generally cutting about the rest of the north. Perhaps I move in different (non-fictional) circles. Anyway, once again randoms on the internet have not let us down and someone on Facebook has coined the phrase 'Ro SS County', top work.

For anyone confused, I've compiled a comprehensive list of the real consequences that will befall this Conservative government as a result of all of this: 1) Absolutely no consequences whatsoever

Thank you.

Obviously far far different circumstances but compare the way Mackay has been appointed to how Martindale was appointed. Martindale had to spend months defending himself, proving he's changed and telling his story to the press, despite the fact his crime was committed years ago. He showed remorse, guilt and growth in that time. Malky Mackay's appointment seems to basically just be: Here's your new racist manager, lol.

Everyone looking at this appointment

Sounds cliched as f**k but the last month has been pretty shitty for me and following the Dee and popping in here occasionally has really helped. Thank you.

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/nicola-sturgeon-announce-level-0-20683208 “The First Minister will set out in June how the country will look when the lockdown levels system is scrapped.” FML - What is even to consider? Once emergency legislation is binned everything goes back as was. Sneaking in any changes long term to everyday life in the guise of safety and compassion is a piss take.

Make an effort for God's sake. Lazy troll.

everything gets fired in at 40 degrees when I empty the washing basket. never read a clothing label in my puff.

The reason why some in Scotland didn't vote yes was because they thought we weren't capable and too stupid to do a better job than these morons. Well, we know who the stupid c***s really are.

Atleast we know he can work a computer now.

I cannot fathom this choice whatsoever, and that includes a footballing view as well. People will take the piss out of "Uncle Roy" or whatever, but more often than not he has got it right. County's rise in a relatively short period of time shows that. One consistent throughout the whole process has been the community feel to the club, something that is hard to replicate. However as others have said, that feel has definitely started to disappear. I started watching County in the mid 80s, whilst attending school in Dingwall. It was unusual to see anything else than a white face in the area, nevermind the stadium. Some of the most lazy stereotypical comments I have ever heard have been in The Jailend. I can vividly remember playing Hamilton (perhaps wrong) in the late 90s and they brought on a black player, a few older blokes near us started discussing how we were going to defend somebody with such pace. In their mind, somebody who was black was going to be fast. Unfortunately I can also remember pure racism, no mistake about it, but thankfully a few people self policed the incident(s). The Highlands are a cracking place, but there was definitely an element of the older generation being uneducated in numerous matters that often made me feel very uncomfortable. I haven't been back to the Highlands for a few years now, but the last time I went I was really pleased to see different groups of people sat beside each other in the ground. In fact I spoke to a Polish lad and his son for most of the game. There was a real feel of a whole community coming together to support the local football team. Even the team itself, has had players of numerous religions and skin colour. Whilst I'm sure there are still more than a handful of people in the stands who would make jokes behind closed doors, or on a text, they obviously feel heavily out numbered at the game. It is dying out. Employing MM is such a backward step, on and off the pitch. I can see the argument for giving somebody a second chance, but this wasn't a young teenager, or even adult. The guy was in his 40s. It wasn't just one comment, it was several. He's never made a public apology (that I am aware of), the whole thing stinks. I paid into the Staggie Army, I bought merchandise (especially last year) to try and help the club out. This decision will cost them my membership, it will cost them season ticket renewals and potential sponsorship. However mostly it is going to cost the club years and years of work making people feel included at the club. A complete fucking shambles.

Ross County home / away

Individual fans are free to feel however they wish on this, but it's maybe not a bad idea to keep some perspective here. The Livingston manager has done time for drug dealing. The Motherwell captain (and possible Scotland 2020 defender) attacked a man on the head with a baseball bat and served time. David Goodwillie has captained Clyde despite being found guilty of rape. Another Clyde player was found to have racially abused another player. The recently released Stenhousemuir captain is a registered sex offender. Troy Deeney captained Watford for several seasons despite being jailed for a brutal assault on an innocent man. Ray Stewart attacked a man and broke his jaw and did 240 hours of community service before going on to manage several clubs. The purpose of pointing that out isn't whataboutery, but to show people needn't be defined by what they did in their worst moments. I share the view Mackay could do with some public contrition (though several of the examples above showed none). As horrible as his texts were, I personally don't think he deserves eternal damnation for his sins, certainly not when relative to a player who has beaten someone unconcious and risked actually killing another human being. Cancel culture means people are extremely sensitive to any discriminatory issues. People are also scared to speak up and show any forgiveness for fear of being labelled a bigot / racist / sexist themselves. However if Show Racism The Red Card and Kick It Out etc are saying the man deserves his chance, I think as a society people should at least consider it.

feel pure shite just want EdiBairn back

Malky 5:21 - "He that is without colour among you, let him make the starting 11."

Miss dons_2021 was born this morning happy and healthy. My wife was amazing and I am absolutely besotted already. What an experience.

As an Aberdeen fan I would not want Malky Mackay in these circumstances. HOWEVER, if Aberdeen released a statement addressing the issue head on. Saying we are aware of this past conduct, we think it was appalling, we have interviewed Malky, are convinced he’s a changed man etc and then Mackay also had a press conference where he personally tackled the issue head on. Said he was immensely sorry, had changed his ways and would always regret what he had said etc then I would be open to the appointment. I believe people can and should be encouraged to change their ways. If not then what’s the point of taking the knee or anything, what are we trying to change? We are trying to get people who thought this way and could get off with these jokes. The SFA and County and Mackay have made a mess in sending out a message that you can change people and they can embrace different values after reflecting on their past. I wouldn’t accept this cowardly approach to the appointment and pretending it never happened though, shameless

Allowing the old firm to hoard even more players is good for my club in what way?

f**k me. I thought I was as cynical as they come. Give the bloke a chance.

You sometimes look at pictures of these massed Nazi rallies and have to wonder. Where are the toilets?

Round two is over, we have some movement in team event, only one no show so that's a good effort folks, thank you. Two rounds to go as we head towards the prizes. No big write ups, been demolishing furniture, got the builders in, a car in the garage, housework to do and work has been mental. Grrrrrrr. Anyway as the Chemical Brothers once said here we go........ Wowsers in the first round we had joint leaders but the second round has changed things a bit. Leading the way with 93 points after scoring 50 in round two is team Brazil. WRK got a ten and edmund a nine plus some other good contributions. @WhiteRoseKillie @Eednud @peasy23 @Culter Away @Arabdownunder @The_Kincardine @BigBo10 @Jacksgranda Bursting into second place with a staggering second round of 53 points is team Scotland as they go to 92 points. five players netted an 8. @The Hologram @Leeds Saint @Silky Si McFly @jagfox BLM @Snobot @Spring Onion @Ross. @ArmadaleKillie Now we have a tie for third place - With a second round of 46 points team France go to 85 points. Arch Stanton and BWW both got a nine @Arch Stanton @Bully Wee Villa @The DA @gkneil @LincolnHearts @JustOneCornetto @The Captain @JamesP_81 Sharing third after a disappoiniting round of 42 is Team Germany - top scorer Rugster with nine and naughty Aidan didn't turn up. Off to the stocks with him I say. @Rugster @Salvo Montalbano @Aidan @NJ2 @Cardinal Richelieu @German Jag @101 @Blootoon87 And finally we have team Italy who got 47 to go to 84 points. Top scorer was Perkin with a nine & also King Joey @Helpma @Perkin Flump @alang1993 @Geaky @mathematics @SlipperyP @kingjoey @pleslie99 So all to play for with two round to go - as you know there are 3 trophies up for grabs for top cumulative individual scorers - after two rounds we have Rugster & WRK both on 19, Arch Stanton on 18, Edmun & Geaky on 17, Perkin & Kinky on 16. So all to play for . Now onto the head to head knock out cups In the Rous Cus cup the scores are as follows WRK 10 v Peasy 23 8 Arch Stanton 9 V Gk Neill 7 Rugster 9 v Cardinal Rich 7 Perkin Flump 9 v Geaky 8 Hologram 8 v Silky Si 8 - No replay - both go thru to a semi with An Other In the Kirin Cup Kincardine 8 v Jacks Granda 7 German Jag 7 v Blootoon 3 Slipper P 6 V P Leslie 7 Snobot 7 V Ross 6 James P 5 v The Captain 6 So for the the next round of the Rous cup it is - WRK V Rugster V Arch Stanton - Perkin Flump v The Hologram V Silky Si Mcfly The highest scoring loser will make it to the final in both cups to give us 3 in each final And in the Kirin Cup it is Kincardine v German Jag, P Leslie V Snobot v The Captain Now here's round 3 questions https://www.quizyourfriends.com/take-quiz.php?id=2105260926491446&stp& You have until noon on Saturday

All in half an hour too

I am very much of the opinion that people deserve redemption. If they work hard and show that their previous actions were not acceptable. It might even be so serious as to involve jail time, still... (most) people deserve a second chance. The problem with MacKay is that he, at first, tried to play the whole thing down, claiming it was all lies and what had been sent was just locker room banter. It wasn't until an investigation was done that he finally accepted he had sent the messages yet continued to try and downplay them. His line this time was "Out of 1000s of message I've sent only a couple were in poor taste", an analogy of which is that of the 1000s of times I've hugged my mother, only a few times did I punch her in the face, so we shouldn't make a big deal about it. In the end he went for the "I’m no racist, no sexist, no homophobe and no anti-Semite" despite his messages clearly being racist, sexist, homophobic and anti-Semitic. For clarification, these are the messages he claims are just banter.. As I said at the start I am a big fan of redemption, with the vast (vast) majority of people deserving that second chance, but only if they accept their wrong doings. MacKay hasn't, or at the very least he's played lip service to them. If he was genuinely sorry and wished to make ameneds it takes more than just attending an awareness course. He should be out there working as an advocate to break down the barriers of racism, sexist, etc. He has failed to do that, seemingly "doing a Winchester" by having a pint and waiting until the whole thing blows over. Thing is, it hasn't blown over, we've (rightfully) seen the prominence of anti-racism in movements like BLM. If you are a County supporter who also supports the BLM movement, how do you square that circle? Seems and odd choice for McGregor when he continues to go on about how County should be a family club open to all. With a manager known for holding hateful views, I can't see how those two things are mutually inclusive.

Do you know what will happen as a result of this? Nothing.

Thinking sadly about the dichotomy of Elixir: he's really wanting all this Covid nonsense to go away, while simultaneously loving the P&B Covid thread more than his own family.

Hardly "vaporised", both the clubs that have gone down are carrying on just fine. One bad-enough season should always be enough to get relegated. Isn't that how football is supposed to work? Maybe it would feel like less of a trap-door if there were more relegation and promotion places, so more opportunity to get back up.

For what it's worth I've seen the comments from Malky and Fergie and they've done little to nothing to discuss Malky's racist, bigoted past and just said 'we have a vision for the club we've got a plan' etc. In a year in which many of us and myself personally have lost people and things close to us one of the few things I had was football and County more specifically. This honestly makes me sick.

Obviously having a laugh at County is good fun, Mackay is a thick, bigoted c**t though. Unfortunately, as we have all seen many times, that doesn't seem to hold people back in Scottish football and indeed seems to be a requirement for many punditry/journalism gigs. Ironically, it was only last night when I was speaking to my sister in Zimbabwe who is planning visiting the Highlands at some point now COVID is (hopefully) a bit more under control that I said there's a very low tolerance for racism and well, intolerance up here. Despite Uncle Roy's best efforts, I think the reaction of most County fans here has shown that. I would also say that while bashing someone's coupon in with a baseball bat and getting caught punting ching are of course bad things, at least the perpetrators got the jail and were punished as part of their rehabilitation, whatever you might think of them. I'm not saying that offensive texts are comparable to GBH but Mackay got sent on some sort of diversity course ("Now Malky, that's not what we say, is it? We get Singapore noodles from the CHINESE!") then walked into a cushy, generously-paid job at the SFA doing... what, exactly? He got a shot at managing our national team anyway, despite being a pretty average manager at best, as some have pointed out. A deeply cynical person might also say that Show Racism The Red Card and whoever else are backing him because the alternative is admitting that their solution of week or two looking at Powerpoint presentations might not be enough sort out a grown man in his 40s who thinks it's alright to send misogynist, racist, homophobic and anti-semitic texts like that ON HIS FUCKING WORK PHONE.

I actually like the idea of Sheerin. Even more so when you see all the other absolute has beens and duffers being mentioned.

That Strachan/Riordan Only An Excuse sketch but it's Solskjaer and van de Beek instead.

Yet the Greens were pushing some of the worst sanctimonious virtue signalling throughout this whole shit show.

It's times like this where a fan-owned model beats the benign dictator ownership model - because in the latter, supporters can be totally ignored.

Nobody has said they do. Your SLO - at the very least - is your bridge. They then take what you have to say and approach your owner/board/whatever. Be that a pile of printed off emails, screen grabs or (I would argue even better) direct contact information for the numerous supporters threatening to ditch the club. If all that is ignored then it really is down to the fans saying they'll ditch the club doing exactly that. In truth for you lot it'll probably not mean much as he'll most likely just dip deeper into his pockets but let the world see that this "community club" lost its community when it hired a racist, homophobic, sexist arsehole.

So destroying the integrity of the pyramid is something we shouldn't moan about? It was a disgrace that this plan was put to a vote in the first place and all clubs who made the awful decision to back this plan deserve all the criticism they get. The OF will use this to get a permanent presence in lower league football for their colt teams, they haven't exactly been shy about their intentions. If that happens, it would ruin lower league football in Scotland. This plan disadvantages tier 6 leagues and can have a knock-on effect on lower SPFL leagues. It's pretty obvious why so many people are passionate about this. There are no positives about this, only negatives.

Aberdeen fan found...

I'm always sad to see a team fall through the trapdoor, and have fine memories of each of the teams who have done so to date. The teams replacing them, as yet, don't appear to have any character or great attraction, while I recall the 'Shire being in the top league, then surviving the hijack to Clydebank, Berwick beating their Ibrox namesakes, Brechin with their hedge and outsized stand. Cowdenbeath used to carry a fair support, even utilising special trains as they climbed into the First Division in 1970, and although the town may have looked drab to the less imaginative, it was always a good day out. Albion Rovers too had the faded grandeur about Cliftonhill which was reminiscent of a visit to Blackpool, and I used to visit the stock car racing there, and at Central Park. I would be downcast if either went down, but realise that is the way of the pyramid, which was gradually getting the best of the non SPFL settled into the flawed system. Thus I was beginning to get with the pyramid programme, and accept the natural progression of the game. Unfortunate that the Lowland League has now debased itself by becoming the Old Firm's Trojan Horse, which makes me more despondent about the future of Scottish football.

Roy MacGregor - "Ross County are a family club, we're proud of our values". Also Roy MacGregor - "Let's hire a massive racist, homophobic, sexist, piece of shit who never actually apologised"