Bankies nxt season

[HTG]

12 hours ago, Harry's Corner said:

Time will tell. Too many chasing the cash and starry lights instead of actually getting a foundation ingrained in their own club.

 

 

Plenty have a foundation but there's f**k all cash or starry lights. Moribund and fucked in my opinion. An organisation determined to treat its 160 members on a one for all, all for one approach despite the fact those 160 vary tremendously in their infrastructure and ambition. The consultation paper said it all - "paramount is retaining the grade". How in the name of f**k can you have an objective survey with that doozie in the text. 

However, clubs and their supporters need to work towards their own conclusions and manage their decisions. Clydebank are merely setting out where they've got to. Others will do similar - not necessarily with the same outcome. 

[GLESGABOY]

I could have posted this on any one of the multiple threads that are already running on Pyramid, EOSL , SOSL, LL, etc etc etc but this is the most recent so it`ll do.

As far as Clydebank`s decision goes, they have a number of issues to deal with. Whilst WDC have made a commitment to creating a community sports hub that Yoker and Clydebank can use along with the rest of the community, at this time there`s no sign of any sort of plans or consents available or even in place that will see Holm Park being developed any time soon. They`ll also have to decide which route to go, although the initial response from the  SOSL end is certainly far from welcoming. (they`re already talking about making Clydebank pay a levy for the privilege of joining which could be distributed amongst the other clubs)  They`re choosing to play elsewhere for reasons that they believe fits their particular model and that`s their choice. Spare me the whole "we`re looking to grow and fulfil our potential etc etc" Clydebank are peculiar in as much as they carry the name of a club that used to play at the top end of the Scottish game and the history and emotion attached to that club is a big part of this decision (IMO)

Wether the dinosaur hunters like it or not, the Junior game can and does stand on it`s own 2 feet (yes it`s imperfect and even shambolic at times but it`s standing nonetheless)  The pyramid is designed to work  from the top down. If ,as the the dinosaur hunters continually tell us, nothing will change for the majority of Junior teams by joining it them why would they join in the first place? Any Junior team that feels as though they are facing a glass ceiling  and think that they can reach the SPFL etc etc are free to make that jump as it stands. The whole thing about WOS feeders and the Juniors are going to get left behind is bolloks. Left behind where exactly? 

The Juniors (West) have already started looking at change (albeit at a glacial pace) and the first of the changes proposed and implemented by the clubs (not the SJFA) for ALL of the clubs takes place from next season. That`s the type of change that Junior clubs need to be looking at. Change has to benefit everyone from Auchinleck, Pollok etc right through to clubs like Forth and Craigmark.   

[kenny131]

On 01/03/2018 at 22:03, Harry's Corner said:

I am aware not all newco bankies have the same values but I know enough about reading comments on here and listening to some at fixtures to know most see the junior as belittling yerselfs.

 

Already said this before "visions of grandeur" "fur coat no knickers" come to mind

 

I don't think they belittle it, but for a club who were championship/prem yo yo team at the top end of the professional game for decades I can see why they want to chase the good times again and why shouldn't they. Teams like clydebank and pollok for me are the only 2 teams in the west I could see actually growing vastly enough to go all the way to the championship.

[FairWeatherFan]

15 minutes ago, GLESGABOY said:

They`ll also have to decide which route to go, although the initial response from the  SOSL end is certainly far from welcoming. (they`re already talking about making Clydebank pay a levy for the privilege of joining which could be distributed amongst the other clubs) 

It's in the SOSL's constitution that new clubs post a financial bond that would be paid back. 25% after the first season, 50% after the second season, the remainder after the third season. The rule seems to have been in place for at least the season preceding this one, as sections of the constitution have noted amendments from May 2017 which is when it was most recently updated.

It gets shady as the value of the bond is determined by the Executive, and it might be possible if Clydebank are only in the league for one season the SOSL would try to hold on to the remainder of the bond.

[Afrojim]

On 01/03/2018 at 22:01, Harry's Corner said:

Forget the football follow the cash.

Don't follow the cash and you can forget the football club potentially.  Here's an incomplete list of clubs that have left the Juniors in the 21st century...

Inverurie Loco Works - Turned Senior 2001
Bonnybridge - Disbanded 2003
Portgordon - Disbanded 2003
Tulliallan Thistle - Disbanded 2003
Baillieston - Disbanded 2005
Elmwood - Disbanded 2005
Coltness United - Disbanded 2006 (Later reformed as Newmains United)
Crombie Sports - Disbanded 2007
Aberdeen Lads Club - Disbanded 2009
Strathspey Thistle - Turned Senior 2009
Turriff United - Turned Senior 2009
Arbroath Sporting Club - Disbanded 2011
RAF Lossiemouth - Turned Amateur 2012
Stonehouse Violet - Disbanded 2012
Spartans Juniors - Withdrew 2013
Ballingry Rovers - Disbanded 2014
Bankfoot Athletic - Disbanded 2014
Bishopmill United -Disbanded 2014
Steelend Victoria - Disbanded 2014
Falkirk Juniors - Disbanded 2016
Grantown FC/Spey Valley FC - Merged to create Spey Valley United FC 2016
Portgordon Victoria - Disbanded 2016
Stoneywood FC/Parkvale FC - Merged to create Stoneywood Parkvale FC 2016
Kelty Hearts - Turned Senior 2017
Clydebank - Turning Senior 2018
Dalkeith Thistle - Turning Senior 2018

Who's next?

There's certainly a trend developing here. A trend which may suggest that there are some serious flaws within the Junior set-up. Individual clubs have to make decisions which best suit their needs. Maybe Clydebank are chasing the money, I don't really see what is wrong with that if it secures the long-term future of their club. Full SFA membership guarantees new revenue streams which should allow Clydebank to develop as a club and they are joining a non-league set-up which is gaining increasing exposure year-on-year. At some point all SJFA clubs will have to consider making the same choices , especially if the juniors continues to haemorrhage clubs, thus reducing the kind of exposure, interest, sponsorship and investment junior clubs will likely garner in the future. Anytime a club leaves the junior set-up they create a ripple effect that makes it more likely that others will follow. 

 

[kefc]

A point that’s been missed is also on the pitch, the market for players is a diminishing one also, as it stands there’s no WOS League in the pyramid so West Junior teams especially Ayrshire will have a strong market to pick from just now.

In the East the tide is changing and will continue to do so, players are now looking to play in the Lowland League which will I’m almost sure will become the biggest and best non league division if it’s not already and through time the EOS League will attract a better player as it develops. Junior teams in the East won’t have the luxury of the better non league players and it’s showing already, Boness have had to go West to improve their squad.

As clubs in the LL and Tier 6 continue to receive their financial rewards for good governance, safe & fit facilities, good practice & good Cup runs in the 3 National cups were places are on offer they will become stronger each passing year.

Most have completed extensive ground improvements to meet SFA Licencing, as that investment has been covered you would think budgets will now become bigger making it attractive for the better players in the area.

[Robert James]

1 hour ago, Afrojim said:

Don't follow the cash and you can forget the football club potentially.  Here's an incomplete list of clubs that have left the Juniors in the 21st century...

Inverurie Loco Works - Turned Senior 2001
Bonnybridge - Disbanded 2003
Portgordon - Disbanded 2003
Tulliallan Thistle - Disbanded 2003
Baillieston - Disbanded 2005
Elmwood - Disbanded 2005
Coltness United - Disbanded 2006 (Later reformed as Newmains United)
Crombie Sports - Disbanded 2007
Aberdeen Lads Club - Disbanded 2009
Strathspey Thistle - Turned Senior 2009
Turriff United - Turned Senior 2009
Arbroath Sporting Club - Disbanded 2011
RAF Lossiemouth - Turned Amateur 2012
Stonehouse Violet - Disbanded 2012
Spartans Juniors - Withdrew 2013
Ballingry Rovers - Disbanded 2014
Bankfoot Athletic - Disbanded 2014
Bishopmill United -Disbanded 2014
Steelend Victoria - Disbanded 2014
Falkirk Juniors - Disbanded 2016
Grantown FC/Spey Valley FC - Merged to create Spey Valley United FC 2016
Portgordon Victoria - Disbanded 2016
Stoneywood FC/Parkvale FC - Merged to create Stoneywood Parkvale FC 2016
Kelty Hearts - Turned Senior 2017
Clydebank - Turning Senior 2018
Dalkeith Thistle - Turning Senior 2018

Who's next?

There's certainly a trend developing here. A trend which may suggest that there are some serious flaws within the Junior set-up. Individual clubs have to make decisions which best suit their needs. Maybe Clydebank are chasing the money, I don't really see what is wrong with that if it secures the long-term future of their club. Full SFA membership guarantees new revenue streams which should allow Clydebank to develop as a club and they are joining a non-league set-up which is gaining increasing exposure year-on-year. At some point all SJFA clubs will have to consider making the same choices , especially if the juniors continues to haemorrhage clubs, thus reducing the kind of exposure, interest, sponsorship and investment junior clubs will likely garner in the future. Anytime a club leaves the junior set-up they create a ripple effect that makes it more likely that others will follow. 

 

Banks O'Dee next if Cove are promoted to SPFL, despite their Chairman's recent denials. Too good for the North Juniors, but not yet at the standard of the top Highland clubs , Lost 2-5 to Cove in the Aberdeenshire Cup Final . Banks fans will be restless.

By the way, your list excludes Formartine Utd  who also joined the seniors in 2009.

[Harry's Corner]

I could have posted this on any one of the multiple threads that are already running on Pyramid, EOSL , SOSL, LL, etc etc etc but this is the most recent so it`ll do.
As far as Clydebank`s decision goes, they have a number of issues to deal with. Whilst WDC have made a commitment to creating a community sports hub that Yoker and Clydebank can use along with the rest of the community, at this time there`s no sign of any sort of plans or consents available or even in place that will see Holm Park being developed any time soon. They`ll also have to decide which route to go, although the initial response from the  SOSL end is certainly far from welcoming. (they`re already talking about making Clydebank pay a levy for the privilege of joining which could be distributed amongst the other clubs)  They`re choosing to play elsewhere for reasons that they believe fits their particular model and that`s their choice. Spare me the whole "we`re looking to grow and fulfil our potential etc etc" Clydebank are peculiar in as much as they carry the name of a club that used to play at the top end of the Scottish game and the history and emotion attached to that club is a big part of this decision (IMO)
Wether the dinosaur hunters like it or not, the Junior game can and does stand on it`s own 2 feet (yes it`s imperfect and even shambolic at times but it`s standing nonetheless)  The pyramid is designed to work  from the top down. If ,as the the dinosaur hunters continually tell us, nothing will change for the majority of Junior teams by joining it them why would they join in the first place? Any Junior team that feels as though they are facing a glass ceiling  and think that they can reach the SPFL etc etc are free to make that jump as it stands. The whole thing about WOS feeders and the Juniors are going to get left behind is bolloks. Left behind where exactly? 
The Juniors (West) have already started looking at change (albeit at a glacial pace) and the first of the changes proposed and implemented by the clubs (not the SJFA) for ALL of the clubs takes place from next season. That`s the type of change that Junior clubs need to be looking at. Change has to benefit everyone from Auchinleck, Pollok etc right through to clubs like Forth and Craigmark.   

excellent post GB [emoji108]????

[cmontheloknow]

5 hours ago, Robert James said:

Banks O'Dee next if Cove are promoted to SPFL, despite their Chairman's recent denials. Too good for the North Juniors, but not yet at the standard of the top Highland clubs , Lost 2-5 to Cove in the Aberdeenshire Cup Final . Banks fans will be restless.

By the way, your list excludes Formartine Utd  who also joined the seniors in 2009.

Also, Crombie Sports went alot earlier than 2007 I think.

[cmontheloknow]

5 hours ago, Robert James said:

Banks O'Dee next if Cove are promoted to SPFL, despite their Chairman's recent denials. Too good for the North Juniors, but not yet at the standard of the top Highland clubs , Lost 2-5 to Cove in the Aberdeenshire Cup Final . Banks fans will be restless.

Though this year they have, in cup competition, beaten Linlithgow and from the Highland League, Huntly 4-0, Deveronvale 7-1, Locos 4-1 and Keith 3-2. Ok, three of those HFLs are also rans this year but Locos are having a good season and I don't think it was a weakened team... 

https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/sport/football/highland-league/forbes-delighted-after-banks-o-dee-put-inverurie-to-the-sword/?utm_content=buffera8faf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

[Che Dail]

10 hours ago, GLESGABOY said:

I could have posted this on any one of the multiple threads that are already running on Pyramid, EOSL , SOSL, LL, etc etc etc but this is the most recent so it`ll do.

As far as Clydebank`s decision goes, they have a number of issues to deal with. Whilst WDC have made a commitment to creating a community sports hub that Yoker and Clydebank can use along with the rest of the community, at this time there`s no sign of any sort of plans or consents available or even in place that will see Holm Park being developed any time soon. They`ll also have to decide which route to go, although the initial response from the  SOSL end is certainly far from welcoming. (they`re already talking about making Clydebank pay a levy for the privilege of joining which could be distributed amongst the other clubs)  They`re choosing to play elsewhere for reasons that they believe fits their particular model and that`s their choice. Spare me the whole "we`re looking to grow and fulfil our potential etc etc" Clydebank are peculiar in as much as they carry the name of a club that used to play at the top end of the Scottish game and the history and emotion attached to that club is a big part of this decision (IMO)

Wether the dinosaur hunters like it or not, the Junior game can and does stand on it`s own 2 feet (yes it`s imperfect and even shambolic at times but it`s standing nonetheless)  The pyramid is designed to work  from the top down. If ,as the the dinosaur hunters continually tell us, nothing will change for the majority of Junior teams by joining it them why would they join in the first place? Any Junior team that feels as though they are facing a glass ceiling  and think that they can reach the SPFL etc etc are free to make that jump as it stands. The whole thing about WOS feeders and the Juniors are going to get left behind is bolloks. Left behind where exactly? 

The Juniors (West) have already started looking at change (albeit at a glacial pace) and the first of the changes proposed and implemented by the clubs (not the SJFA) for ALL of the clubs takes place from next season. That`s the type of change that Junior clubs need to be looking at. Change has to benefit everyone from Auchinleck, Pollok etc right through to clubs like Forth and Craigmark.   

Do you really think 86% of members made a collective decision based on history and emotion?  They will remember the Scottish Cup and how lucrative it can be, and they will know the potential for the club as they've already been in the pyramid.  My guess is that like Kelty, Dalkeith and others this is an informed decision based on the whole offering, and they've come to a logical conclusion that their club has greater potential elsewhere.

If Clydebank apply to join the EoS they will be welcomed enthusiastically by all new and existing clubs.  It will be seen as a major coup by the association and its clubs, and will only increase the attraction for others potentially joining.  

Even if the West and East Regions decided to commit to the pyramid for next season (not likely), the EoS despite the drop in attendance and increase in travel could provide them with a more straightforward route into the Lowland League.  Most would fancy them to challenge at the top and gain promotion at the first attempt.

Whether they go next season or not, the Clydebank announcement is great for the game at this level because it proves that more people and strong clubs are persuaded by the argument for joining the pyramid.  

 

 

 

 

 

[GLESGABOY]

37 minutes ago, Che Dail said:

Do you really think 86% of members made a collective decision based on history and emotion?  They will remember the Scottish Cup and how lucrative it can be, and they will know the potential for the club as they've already been in the pyramid.  My guess is that like Kelty, Dalkeith and others this is an informed decision based on the whole offering, and they've come to a logical conclusion that their club has greater potential elsewhere.

If Clydebank apply to join the EoS they will be welcomed enthusiastically by all new and existing clubs.  It will be seen as a major coup by the association and its clubs, and will only increase the attraction for others potentially joining.  

Even if the West and East Regions decided to commit to the pyramid for next season (not likely), the EoS despite the drop in attendance and increase in travel could provide them with a more straightforward route into the Lowland League.  Most would fancy them to challenge at the top and gain promotion at the first attempt.

Whether they go next season or not, the Clydebank announcement is great for the game at this level because it proves that more people and strong clubs are persuaded by the argument for joining the pyramid.  

 

 

 

 

 

Do you know how many members were balloted? Do you know what the actual figures involved are? Do you know how many people actually responded to the postal ballot?  It`s relevant because not everyone who goes and watches them is a member and therefore they wouldn`t be included in the ballot and unless you have all the parameters of the ballot to hand it`s hard to look at any outcome objectively.

The answer to your first question is yes. I`ve already said that`s what I think. Clydebank are driven by a view that the history attached to the club dictates that they should be playing at a much higher level. Greater potential for what?  Again with the Scottish Cup and the money.... That really worked out well for them the first time around didn`t it. They had access to all the benefits at the top of the pyramid never mind the bottom and yet they still managed to become extinct. You`re also working on the premise that clubs need to be desperately looking for a route into the LL. For what exactly? Clydebank`s announcement is great for Clydebank (in their minds) and it proves nothing. The current argument for the pyramid seems to be "if you don`t join you`re going to die" or " if you don`t join you clearly don`t have any ambition" Why is it so difficult to understand or accept that a huge swathe of clubs are not looking to join the pyramid because quite simply as it stands it offers nothing to them.

 

[Jambo'ness]

39 minutes ago, GLESGABOY said:

Do you know how many members were balloted? Do you know what the actual figures involved are? Do you know how many people actually responded to the postal ballot?  It`s relevant because not everyone who goes and watches them is a member and therefore they wouldn`t be included in the ballot and unless you have all the parameters of the ballot to hand it`s hard to look at any outcome objectively.

The answer to your first question is yes. I`ve already said that`s what I think. Clydebank are driven by a view that the history attached to the club dictates that they should be playing at a much higher level. Greater potential for what?  Again with the Scottish Cup and the money.... That really worked out well for them the first time around didn`t it. They had access to all the benefits at the top of the pyramid never mind the bottom and yet they still managed to become extinct. You`re also working on the premise that clubs need to be desperately looking for a route into the LL. For what exactly? Clydebank`s announcement is great for Clydebank (in their minds) and it proves nothing. The current argument for the pyramid seems to be "if you don`t join you`re going to die" or " if you don`t join you clearly don`t have any ambition" Why is it so difficult to understand or accept that a huge swathe of clubs are not looking to join the pyramid because quite simply as it stands it offers nothing to them.

 

Your first paragraph could just as easily stand for a General Election result but you have to live with it.

Kefc made an excellent point earlier about players in the east now looking to the LL rather than the top junior sides.  My team are having to go west to bolster the team as we were turned down in the summer by players going LL instead.

I think you're being rather dramatic stating  pro-pyramid  advocates are saying "if you don't join you're going to die" or "don't have any ambition".  From my point of view, clubs who wish to be progressive and competitive in the near future need to look seriously at their options.  At this moment, the threat in the west isn't so great but there's none so foolish as those that won't see.

If a "huge swathe of clubs" are not going to be affected, then I would have to ask what's the barrier?

[BTID]

1 hour ago, GLESGABOY said:

Do you know how many members were balloted? Do you know what the actual figures involved are? Do you know how many people actually responded to the postal ballot?  It`s relevant because not everyone who goes and watches them is a member and therefore they wouldn`t be included in the ballot and unless you have all the parameters of the ballot to hand it`s hard to look at any outcome objectively.

The answer to your first question is yes. I`ve already said that`s what I think. Clydebank are driven by a view that the history attached to the club dictates that they should be playing at a much higher level. Greater potential for what?  Again with the Scottish Cup and the money.... That really worked out well for them the first time around didn`t it. They had access to all the benefits at the top of the pyramid never mind the bottom and yet they still managed to become extinct. You`re also working on the premise that clubs need to be desperately looking for a route into the LL. For what exactly? Clydebank`s announcement is great for Clydebank (in their minds) and it proves nothing. The current argument for the pyramid seems to be "if you don`t join you`re going to die" or " if you don`t join you clearly don`t have any ambition" Why is it so difficult to understand or accept that a huge swathe of clubs are not looking to join the pyramid because quite simply as it stands it offers nothing to them.

 

That's the whole point in the club being fan owned GB, it's a democracy where supporters have a say in the clubs future.  I really dont get your point in that some fans aren't trust members as if they should've had their say. If you are a fan of the club you should be a trust member. If not, fine - but don't complain when you don't have a say on the matter. If anything the way we have went about it is much more inclusive than some committee plotting behind closed doors. 

Also I have to address your point on the Bankies previous financial troubles. That had nothing to do with the pyramid or money from the league. That was based on selling the stadium (huge asset) and not building a new one within the town. The owners take the blame for that. The club is in a very different place now in how it is run. 

The more interesting question is actually on how far we can progress being solely fan owned. Shame that the quality of the discussion has been so poor on here for many pages, as there are many interesting aspects.

If a west league takes off I think it would have a huge impact on the junior clubs. But as it stands without it I find it hard to see many more joining with the current setup.  

 

 

[FairWeatherFan]

27 minutes ago, BTID said:

The more interesting question is actually on how far we can progress being solely fan owned.

With the size of support Clydebank can call upon being comfortable at SPFL League Two level is certainly achievable. Problem is that could be said of a lot of clubs, so its going to be tricky to get there. Once you get to SPFL League One it seems more likely a club is going to have a benefactor(s) of some description to help out more than others.

[F_T_Y]

Did i miss an announcement saying we would be going senior next season? As far as i know it was to pursue avenues to the highest level. It is all very opaque. Is the rest of the season a write off? is it worth going to the remaining games? 

[BTID]

Think you've answered your own question. Nothing's been decided yet and everything to play for this season possibly beyond no guarantees on anything yet. 

[GLESGABOY]

1 hour ago, BTID said:

That's the whole point in the club being fan owned GB, it's a democracy where supporters have a say in the clubs future.  I really dont get your point in that some fans aren't trust members as if they should've had their say. If you are a fan of the club you should be a trust member. If not, fine - but don't complain when you don't have a say on the matter. If anything the way we have went about it is much more inclusive than some committee plotting behind closed doors. 

Also I have to address your point on the Bankies previous financial troubles. That had nothing to do with the pyramid or money from the league. That was based on selling the stadium (huge asset) and not building a new one within the town. The owners take the blame for that. The club is in a very different place now in how it is run. 

The more interesting question is actually on how far we can progress being solely fan owned. Shame that the quality of the discussion has been so poor on here for many pages, as there are many interesting aspects.

If a west league takes off I think it would have a huge impact on the junior clubs. But as it stands without it I find it hard to see many more joining with the current setup.  

 

 

How your club decides to manage it`s affairs is entirely up to the custodians of the club.  What I will say is that (IMO) you can`t say that if you aren`t a member of our trust then you don`t get a say on club matters. If I`m a paying customer but not a trust member is my view any less valid than someone who is a trust member. I pay at the gate all season and travel to away games but I`m not a trust member so I don`t have a voice? What happens if your non-trust member support actually outnumbers the trust members/ Are you getting a truly representative view of what the supporters want? There`s already a West League in place and you`re choosing to explore avenues to leave it because it`s not attached to the Pyramid and is allegedly holding your club back from progressing. Your not exactly setting the heather on fire in terms of performing on the pitch and after however may years of fan ownership you still don`t have a home. Neither of these are as a result of playing in the West League as it stands....

 

[Che Dail]

2 hours ago, GLESGABOY said:

Do you know how many members were balloted? Do you know what the actual figures involved are? Do you know how many people actually responded to the postal ballot?  It`s relevant because not everyone who goes and watches them is a member and therefore they wouldn`t be included in the ballot and unless you have all the parameters of the ballot to hand it`s hard to look at any outcome objectively.

The answer to your first question is yes. I`ve already said that`s what I think. Clydebank are driven by a view that the history attached to the club dictates that they should be playing at a much higher level. Greater potential for what?  Again with the Scottish Cup and the money.... That really worked out well for them the first time around didn`t it. They had access to all the benefits at the top of the pyramid never mind the bottom and yet they still managed to become extinct. You`re also working on the premise that clubs need to be desperately looking for a route into the LL. For what exactly? Clydebank`s announcement is great for Clydebank (in their minds) and it proves nothing. The current argument for the pyramid seems to be "if you don`t join you`re going to die" or " if you don`t join you clearly don`t have any ambition" Why is it so difficult to understand or accept that a huge swathe of clubs are not looking to join the pyramid because quite simply as it stands it offers nothing to them.

 

I don't know how many members were balloted, but opinion polls / ballots / surveys generally spit out the same result if you ask 10, 20, 100 or 1000 people - greater numbers do not necessarily improve accuracy by a meaningful margin - so I wouldn't dismiss the ballot of members as it will most likely reflect the general view at Clydebank amongst its supporters and members.

The only way to find out what has motivated clubs to leave the junior grade is by asking them.  Companies do this when a customer leaves so that they can take on board any perceived failings to make sure more don't take their business elsewhere. 

The reality is that many clubs and individuals associated with Junior clubs do have an emotional and historical attachment to this grade of football and whilst they might see the need for reform, don't want the attendant strain or risk that goes with it.  This is Status Quo Bias - when the existing situation is favoured, even when it can be shown that something else is better.  People instinctively resist change, it's human nature, and will keep clubs in the Junior grade for a good while longer yet.

I'm not sure why you're having a pop at them for their previous efforts in the Scottish Cup - as a member club they will have an opportunity to rectify this and improve on their record every season.

 

 

[BTID]

59 minutes ago, GLESGABOY said:

How your club decides to manage it`s affairs is entirely up to the custodians of the club.  What I will say is that (IMO) you can`t say that if you aren`t a member of our trust then you don`t get a say on club matters. If I`m a paying customer but not a trust member is my view any less valid than someone who is a trust member. I pay at the gate all season and travel to away games but I`m not a trust member so I don`t have a voice? What happens if your non-trust member support actually outnumbers the trust members/ Are you getting a truly representative view of what the supporters want? There`s already a West League in place and you`re choosing to explore avenues to leave it because it`s not attached to the Pyramid and is allegedly holding your club back from progressing. Your not exactly setting the heather on fire in terms of performing on the pitch and after however may years of fan ownership you still don`t have a home. Neither of these are as a result of playing in the West League as it stands....

 

You seem to be totally missing the point in how we are structured. It's a FAN owned club, if they didn't bother to sign up as shareholders of the club it wouldn't exist. Therefore it makes perfect sense that the owners of the club, ie the fans, are the ones who get a say in the future of the club. Anyone not signed up to the trust can still come support the team, but why you wouldn't want to join the trust is beyond me if you are that dedicated.