Bairney The Dinosaur

Can folk really not separate the disappointment of falling away in the league when it looked like we may take it close and taking a step back and looking at the progress we've made both on and off the park?

Dropped from an 8/10 to 6/10 at worst. Still prefer him to Mackie.

B7 and B8 in the West will be 'standing' so if you are looking for the atmosphere without standing B6 might be the best option? Obviously means you are further round behind the goals and the view won't be as good. It's looking like I'll be taking the wee man (all potential babysitters will also be at Hampden). He's not even 18 months yet so it doesn't matter where I sit it I'll miss the bulk of the game

To me he definitely deserved an extension. Can argue about the length but happy to see something done here.

Probably looking at an aim for initial squad of 20 outwith the academy players. So 7 spaces to fill. As with every summer though it's never as simply as that. Bids coming in, disputes over contracts (wouldn't be surprised to see PJ away as he was brought in as no.1 and wage probably reflects that) and a need to balance the squad (would we see a striker leaving to bring another in to avoid 4 for 1 position).

I should probably take back what I said about you all being boring. This is actually a really intriguing insight into the mind of the Tories in the borders

Do you get a more boring support than that of Qots?

Nothing particularly noteworthy. Quick laughing off *ahem* I mean clarification @Back Post Misses that there is no rift in the committee and the changes are down to personal commitments etc etc. Few formalities approving minutes and accounts. Couple questions around shareholding aims and membership increase. Then onto Tony Beggs academy presentation.

Ahh as in don't bank on future signups to fill a budget gap? From what I gather the board are following that - the budget will be set and only after FSS/FF signups increase will it change.

I'm not entirely sure where you're coming from here, are you suggesting fan ownership doesn't work? A number of Scottish clubs has excelled with this model. Why would regular fan donations not be included in the budget? That is an integral part of fan ownership.

Not at all. Actually I'll do the complete opposite and say you're a hero. What you've described above, I'd wager is the main driver of new members at the moment. Holding the knowledge of what it's all about and being confident in having those conversations with people is exactly how things will grow. Keep it up

It really is vital that we keep pushing FSS, not just for the income but to get this shareholding secured. The longer it takes the more fragile the 'ring-fenced' shares become (loathed to use this term because they aren't really ring-fenced just FSS are preferred owners). The 26% initial target is already predicated on some share donation from current minor shareholders, indeed Kenny and Keith mentioned 21% as the expectation now. I'll be honest and say I think 26% is important, even just for symbolic reasons, as it then feels like the wider fanbase have the safeguard and coupled with the Patrons Group have over 50% ownership. On here we are preaching to the choir slightly, I get the feeling the majority of regular posters are FSS members anyway. But we all know people who are not and we have to get them on board. I reckon the cup income has given us a year to push the membership toward 1200+. So using fag packet maths somewhere in the region of 50 members a month which isn't far off the current build. It's going to happen but we just can't slack.

So pleased Yogi is being recognised as part of the stand. For folk like me whose first memories of Falkirk come in the 2000s this man was fundamental in me falling in love with the club. Absolute hero

None taken.

Anyone defaces Latapy you'll see me running across from the KM7.

Wasn't over the line.

A couple Dunfermline fans I know who were directly behind the goal said they weren't convinced, but was hard to tell either way. I reckon Kinnear's reaction, or lack of reaction, tells a story. Happy to join the anti-Falkirk SFA conspiracy though. If just to direct my tears somewhere.

655 FSS members. It just keeps building

Yep no significant changes for me either. Give McGinn a breather to sort his niggle and hope to be in a position to make early changes.

Getting a bit carried away with these price increases I think. It'll be a 10% increase across the board rounded to the nearest 0 or 5 with maybe a few tweaks to prime seating.

Not wanting to rush McGlynn's time as manager through as I'm sure it will be an exciting few years but there is a rumour of a supposed 'future manager' coming in to join the coaching team next year

Not a dominant narrative but have started to feel it creeping in. It's usually when, as BPM you've mentioned above, the money generated not being enough. I just don't feel like it the role of FSS to fill the budget gap, but therefore understand why other income streams are needed like ticket price increases and 'Falkirk Forever' (although I'm not convinced the latter doesn't step on toes the of FSS).

Not wanting to get involved in the above which just seems to be a back and forth nonsense, but what I will say is there has got to be an end to the creeping narrative that FSS is failing. Sole focus seems to be on how much money FSS is bringing in. I understand why, the 'black hole' in the budget brings stresses and FSS was seen as a potential fix, but ultimately filling a gap in the budget is not why we want fan ownership. I am on my knees begging that by the end of the season we are looking at promotion and a cup semi. For the obvious reason first, but also I think it just gives the club and FSS that breathing space to allow a gradual build to the ownership model which secures our future.