A Message to All Stirling Albion Trust Members

[WC Boggs]

45 minutes ago, RateofKnots said:

Well, I did say both boards should go. 

I've heard worse ideas, but there is the problem of warring parties agreeing on successors, before we start defaulting on wages and matches within days. 

[RateofKnots]

1 hour ago, WC Boggs said:

I've heard worse ideas, but there is the problem of warring parties agreeing on successors, before we start defaulting on wages and matches within days. 

Well, it has to change, and quickly, or there may be no club to fight over.

[BinoBalls]

3 hours ago, WC Boggs said:

Stuart is not Mr Perfect. He is not some kind of evil villain either.  Far from it. He is an honest,  jovial, kind man. very protective of friends, colleagues and staff and above all, his beloved club. That's the man I know.  He is also the man Robert knows, he is both.  A  hardhead when it comes to business, resistant to any request that he feels attempts to merge the remit of one board with another.  As I would be.    Resistant to the point of pissing people off.   The thing with Robert, is that getting a bit pissed off doesn't  doesn't turn into a vandetta. That's not his nature and why there was peace.  His departure made it easier for the vandetta men to swoop in and go to war. For the record, I don't know Robert well but I've always liked him.

 

A fair summation and I appreciate the perspective.

I’m just not sure we need or want a “hardhead” to be the person with the most power / responsibility in the framework of a fan-owned club. 

I also, ironically, worry his “nice-guy” determination to be friendly and loyal to those close to him is partly what led to him making strange managerial decisions  in the past — such as:

* hiring a 27 year old Greig McDonald as first team manager (quote: “he’s someone I see as having a great future in the game”). I remember chatting to former player Graeme Donald and he said he was dumbfounded at the move… he said McDonald was a nice guy but “never” manager material.

* renewing the contact of Stuart McLaren when almost the entire support felt we were getting worse, only to have to bin him soon into the next campaign.  

* renewing the contract of Kevin Rutkiewicz during a season we finished outside the playoffs despite having Andy Ryan up front, only to have to bin him soon into the next campaign.  

 

I’m of course speaking with hindsight and I’m trying to be fair, but I just don’t think he’s the best person we could possibly find to lead the club. I watched Ben’s “behind the scenes” video of what went on during a match. I am absolutely sure Stuart Brown tries his best and does all sorts of things for the club but he’s also — and I mean this politely — an old man. Watching him hesitantly punching the attendance figures into a computer was like watching someone who had only just been shown a keyboard. Again I don’t mean that as any disrespect but it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that we have a dynamic team behind the scenes.

I also question why he occasionally sends out official club tweets from his personal Twitter account, and why he declared that he was working on his succession plan, as though he alone could anoint the new King. You’ll assure me he’s not arrogant but these are alarming behaviours. 
 

So yes — I accept he is a nice guy at heart and he’s taken a lot of flak and he’s done his absolute best for pretty much no reward. And I’m grateful for all of that. But his judgement is questionable and stubbornness is seldom a desirable trait in a leader. I think his time has come to an end and I think we should look forward now. 

[Binos]

4 hours ago, WC Boggs said:

I don't mind anybody still being of that opinion. I'm not interested in being the thought police here.  As long as it's clear Stuart's not the only old combatant in this bitch fight.  If you've any doubt about what went down 4 years ago, former Trust board member and interim chairman Duncan Strathdee is a good source to check with. Club padre and a minister of the church.

I've no need to check with duncan strathdee and am well aware 

[WC Boggs]

6 hours ago, BinoBalls said:

 

 

 

I also question why he occasionally sends out official club tweets from his personal Twitter account, and why he declared that he was working on his succession plan, as though he alone could anoint the new King. You’ll assure me he’s not arrogant but these are alarming

There are 2 people with access to the official Twitter account.  Stuart is NOT one of them.  Both of those who do, have lives outside of Stirling Albion.   How do I know this?  I know because my daughter is one of those two people. Occasionally she and the other person with access are not available at the same time. In Donna's case that can vary from weekends away, to partying with old pals and getting well pished.

  On those occasions Stuart will sub in on his own account rather than leave everybody with a big fat silence from the club.  As ever, what is done as an act of consideration  for supporters, gets twisted  into a dictatorial act on social media and you've fallen for it.

Stuart WANTS to step down. He has done for some time,   He could just do it and save himself exactly what you've just flung at him.  I'd do it.  I'd just tell myself finding a replacement is your problem not mine and offski.   He's frightened to. It's not arrogance, it's fear.  Fear all the effort of getting free of debt will get flung away by somebody trying to spend their way to success and popularity.  It's a genuine fear too, but I 'd still say it's your problem not mine, I've done my time cheerio.  We haven't had success on the field. Can't argue with that. Though I  do wonder how many fans of Brechin, the Shire, Berwick and Cowdenbeath would tell you they wish they'd had a Stuart Brown?  

 

 

Edited July 16, 2022 by WC Boggs

[WC Boggs]

7 hours ago, BinoBalls said:

 

I also, ironically, worry his “nice-guy” determination to be friendly and loyal to those close to him is partly what led to him making strange managerial decisions  in the past — such as:

* hiring a 27 year old Greig McDonald as first team manager (quote: “he’s someone I see as having a great future in the game”). I remember chatting to former player Graeme Donald and he said he was dumbfounded at the move… he said McDonald was a nice guy but “never” manager material.

* renewing the contact of Stuart McLaren when almost the entire support felt we were getting worse, only to have to bin him soon into the next campaign.  

* renewing the contract of Kevin Rutkiewicz during a season we finished outside the playoffs despite having Andy Ryan up front, only to have to bin him soon into the next campaign.  

 

Yes, in my opinion that has contributed to some mistakes in that area by Stuart. Mistakes he'll acknowledge.

I have to agree, because I 've personally advised Stuart to give a manager the support he should get, but always keep a professional distance between yourself and  someone you might have to sack one day.   You can't be besties. Stuart was slow to get that.

[Hugh G Heid]

You’ve a cheek to refer to Jim Thomson as Kim Jong Thomson.

Your above replies border on being North Korean.

[WC Boggs]

35 minutes ago, Hugh G Heid said:

You’ve a cheek to refer to Jim Thomson as Kim Jong Thomson.

Your above replies border on being North Korean.

That makes a change from the usual Tory jibe.  I like the way you all like to imply  you're some kind of socialists with that.  National Socialists is it?  You sure aren't democratic socialists.

[BinoBalls]

10 hours ago, WC Boggs said:

There are 2 people with access to the official Twitter account.  Stuart is NOT one of them.  Both of those who do, have lives outside of Stirling Albion.   How do I know this?  I know because my daughter is one of those two people. Occasionally she and the other person with access are not available at the same time. In Donna's case that can vary from weekends away, to partying with old pals and getting well pished.

  On those occasions Stuart will sub in on his own account rather than leave everybody with a big fat silence from the club.  As ever, what is done as an act of consideration  for supporters, gets twisted  into a dictatorial act on social media and you've fallen for it.

Ok thanks for the explanation. I’d have hoped Stuart himself could just become a 3rd person with access rather than using his own account unless Twitter restricts access to 2 people.
 

Also — I wouldn’t say it was twisted into a “dictatorial act” that I’ve somehow fallen for — it’s just something I’ve noticed for years and I’m not alone. I don’t think he should have called his Twitter handle @forthbank_news and then stated it’s his personal account featuring photos of his grandchildren. It just winds up people who don’t know him. 
 

Anyway. This isn’t an important point in itself. I just included it to illustrate sometimes I question his judgement. But he’s a volunteer doing his best and I dare say I’d make mistakes in his position too. I just think some of his decisions are completely avoidable own-goals that don’t do his PR any good. 

[WC Boggs]

2 hours ago, BinoBalls said:

Ok thanks for the explanation. I’d have hoped Stuart himself could just become a 3rd person with access rather than using his own account unless Twitter restricts access to 2 people.
 

Also — I wouldn’t say it was twisted into a “dictatorial act” that I’ve somehow fallen for — it’s just something I’ve noticed for years and I’m not alone. I don’t think he should have called his Twitter handle @forthbank_news and then stated it’s his personal account featuring photos of his grandchildren. It just winds up people who don’t know him. 
 

Anyway. This isn’t an important point in itself. I just included it to illustrate sometimes I question his judgement. But he’s a volunteer doing his best and I dare say I’d make mistakes in his position too. I just think some of his decisions are completely avoidable own-goals that don’t do his PR any good. 

What I'm trying to get across is how petty some of the attacks on Stuart are.  When tweets are sent out on the official channel It's usually Stuart or another board member who asks for them to be sent out. If  those with access are not available Stuart puts out info himself. It's part of his bloody job.   Like a few weeks ago when Donna and hubby were stewed in Carluke and the guy with access was away for a long weekend.   Stuart puts out a release on his own account, on players retained or left, purely to cool down some of the speculation.   Look at the reaction.  Oh...OHHHH.........OHHHHHHHHH...............OH...OH...OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!  You can almost hear the gussets bursting on the drama queens, as if Stuart had just murdered a dozen babies.   Why did he do that?  How dare he!  Add it to his list of crimes against Bino humanity.  

Now you know why Stuart occasionally puts out info on his own account.  Now they all know.  Do you think that will stop Stuart getting it from the assassination squad just the same?  It won't,  it'll be because he thinks the club is his private fiefdom or some other well worn shite.  Same people. Same tactics. Same shit as 4 years ago.

 

 

Edited July 17, 2022 by WC Boggs

[BinoBalls]

1 hour ago, WC Boggs said:

What I'm trying to get across is how petty some of the attacks on Stuart are.  When tweets are sent out on the official channel It's usually Stuart or another board member who asks for them to be sent out. If  those with access are not available Stuart puts out info himself. It's part of his bloody job.   Like a few weeks ago when Donna and hubby were stewed in Carluke and the guy with access was away for a long weekend.   Stuart puts out a release on his own account, on players retained or left, purely to cool down some of the speculation.   Look at the reaction.  Oh...OHHHH.........OHHHHHHHHH...............OH...OH...OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!  You can almost hear the gussets bursting on the drama queens, as if Stuart had just murdered a dozen babies.   Why did he do that?  How dare he!  Add it to his list of crimes against Bino humanity.  

Now you know why Stuart occasionally puts out info on his own account.  Now they all know.  Do you think that will stop Stuart getting it from the assassination squad just the same?  It won't,  it'll be because he thinks the club is his private fiefdom or some other well worn shite.  Same people. Same tactics. Same shit as 4 years ago.

 

 

Unfortunately those of us who don’t know him personally can only speculate as we don’t know any better. You’re in a special situation where you’re privy to what’s going on.

I agree some people get far too worked up and kick him excessively, but all I’m doing is relaying how things appear to the average fan. And I still don’t get why he can’t have access to SAFC Twitter himself. It literally takes 3 seconds to switch between accounts. Surely that’s the easy solution?

[LeodhasXD]

4 hours ago, BinoBalls said:

Ok thanks for the explanation. I’d have hoped Stuart himself could just become a 3rd person with access rather than using his own account unless Twitter restricts access to 2 people.

Twitter allows up to 200 people in a team. Bad practice to share account details and you really should have 2FA set up for extra security which is a ball ache if you're not holding the authentication method.

[WC Boggs]

1 hour ago, BinoBalls said:

Unfortunately those of us who don’t know him personally can only speculate as we don’t know any better. You’re in a special situation where you’re privy to what’s going on.

I agree some people get far too worked up and kick him excessively, but all I’m doing is relaying how things appear to the average fan. And I still don’t get why he can’t have access to SAFC Twitter himself. It literally takes 3 seconds to switch between accounts. Surely that’s the easy solution?

I know some things other people don't, but nowhere near everything.  A few times I've made assumptions based on limited information that turn out, or are proved to me to be wrong. Limited Info can be a double edged sword to cut yourself with.

I honestly don't know why two employees of the club have instant access to the official club Twitter account and the chairman and board don't. I've never asked.  Then again I don't see why it matters, or why I would ask either.

No I don't think board direct access is the easy solution.  I think having to go through someone else helps prevent incidents like the one involving John Daly.  It's not guaranteed to prevent a gaffe, but better than no one in between at all. 

Anyway, moving on. It's day after good result Sunday and we should both be having a bask in that.  I watched the RR highlights on Youtube earlier. Some very shaky moments for both sides, but well done players.  I am really starting to hate and dread penalty shootouts. Even when I already know how it turned out. 

[rhliston]

On 15/07/2022 at 22:22, Binos said:

This situation will repeat if stuart brown stays in post

It is already doing so, it is repeating now from 4 years ago 

The trust board went at that time 

Stuart said he would go but didn't 

He is the common denominator 

Agree Stuart Brown is the problem, as long as he remains in power the problem will NOT go away. Lets hope the Trust Members understand that, the sooner he is gone then their is a chance of peace breaking out if not. 

[rhliston]

On 16/07/2022 at 15:53, BinoBalls said:

A fair summation and I appreciate the perspective.

I’m just not sure we need or want a “hardhead” to be the person with the most power / responsibility in the framework of a fan-owned club. 

I also, ironically, worry his “nice-guy” determination to be friendly and loyal to those close to him is partly what led to him making strange managerial decisions  in the past — such as:

* hiring a 27 year old Greig McDonald as first team manager (quote: “he’s someone I see as having a great future in the game”). I remember chatting to former player Graeme Donald and he said he was dumbfounded at the move… he said McDonald was a nice guy but “never” manager material.

* renewing the contact of Stuart McLaren when almost the entire support felt we were getting worse, only to have to bin him soon into the next campaign.  

* renewing the contract of Kevin Rutkiewicz during a season we finished outside the playoffs despite having Andy Ryan up front, only to have to bin him soon into the next campaign.  

 

I’m of course speaking with hindsight and I’m trying to be fair, but I just don’t think he’s the best person we could possibly find to lead the club. I watched Ben’s “behind the scenes” video of what went on during a match. I am absolutely sure Stuart Brown tries his best and does all sorts of things for the club but he’s also — and I mean this politely — an old man. Watching him hesitantly punching the attendance figures into a computer was like watching someone who had only just been shown a keyboard. Again I don’t mean that as any disrespect but it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that we have a dynamic team behind the scenes.

I also question why he occasionally sends out official club tweets from his personal Twitter account, and why he declared that he was working on his succession plan, as though he alone could anoint the new King. You’ll assure me he’s not arrogant but these are alarming behaviours. 
 

So yes — I accept he is a nice guy at heart and he’s taken a lot of flak and he’s done his absolute best for pretty much no reward. And I’m grateful for all of that. But his judgement is questionable and stubbornness is seldom a desirable trait in a leader. I think his time has come to an end and I think we should look forward now. 

Lets hope so but don`t count your chickens yet. 

[WronglyCommunicatingBog]

Didn’t have an account , now and again read if not at games but got so angry reading this so created one .

Cannot wait to hear the ideas put forward at the Trust members workshop. Big night for the Trust board hopefully onwards and upwards for our Football Club. Just read through some of the nonsense posted here especially from a certain individual whose handle rhymes with Cloggs. 

Only way the club board can show they have support is through plants who get fed “watered down” info and are related or connected to their band of not so merry men and women. I believe our support has blossomed in Fife recently. Not surprised with the inbreeding which goes on there

Party games from one side . Let’s hope this ends next week so we can look to a future with more success than we have had since the current regime took control or should that be took over? 

Edited July 21, 2022 by WronglyCommunicatingBog

[WronglyCommunicatingBog]

On 14/07/2022 at 18:07, WC Boggs said:

So it's bullying now is it?   Criticizing the Trust board chairman for failing to answer emails is bullying?  No context, no quote, just playing the victim as usual. It was on Linkedin from the club account. Oh wow really?  Well emails were getting ignored, so how else should they have complained?  A note strapped to a Carrier pigeons leg?  Telegram? Semaphore flags from the top of Morrison's maybe?  Jesus Christ and people wonder why I call them man babies and drama queens. 

If I remember correctly it was said by the Trust chairman at meet the trust board night that the email had been sent personally to him , not the trust email and the club on their official LinkedIn account criticised him for not answering by 8am when he probably wasn’t even at work yet to view what must be a work related page? Hardly an email being ignored you fool. Time you paid attention 

surely he can’t make decisions without consulting the rest of the board. Only Brown does that 

[WronglyCommunicatingBog]

Just now, WronglyCommunicatingBog said:

If I remember correctly it was said by the Trust chairman at meet the trust board night that the email had been sent personally to him , not the trust email and the club on their official LinkedIn account criticised him for not answering by 8am when he probably wasn’t even at work yet to view what must be a work related page? Hardly an email being ignored you fool. Time you paid attention 

surely he can’t make decisions without consulting the rest of the board. Only Brown does that 

And I’d add to that toilet features,  it appears to have been one of many ill advised childish pranks behind the scenes. Probably lost any slight sympathy with real supporters (not family, or work connections) they would have had . Not very clever of them. Nor the way to run a business 

still can’t understand why they cling on. Must be big skeletons in the cupboard if they don’t have the self respect and walk rather than drag this through the mud.
 

Perhaps the trust should insist any new board kicks off with an independent full scale check of the books if the rumours about hiding the members of the trust cash are to be true . How did it get discovered does anyone know.?
 

Reading this it looks like the trust were asked to pay it into a non Stirling Albion FC account. Was it a players or an agent?
 

Or was it rainy day money to buy some new tartan rugs for guests in their “world famous hospitality” they keep bumming about. surely anyone can keep plonking bottles on a table while getting people to serve the council caterers meals? 
 

perhaps it’s “world famous” that’s it’s the only thing they use in their defence every time they are criticised

oh I get so angry reading the pish that mr Lavvy Chanty keeps spouting .
 

I only came on here to get the gen of how folk thought we played v Aberdeen as didn’t make the match , but it looks like this whole thread is like the supporters thingy on Facebook . 2-3 club board plants getting part stories fed to them and trying to dictate to the masses who genuinely are concerned 

 

[WC Boggs]

9 hours ago, WronglyCommunicatingBog said:

Didn’t have an account , now and again read if not at games but got so angry reading this so created one .

Cannot wait to hear the ideas put forward at the Trust members workshop. Big night for the Trust board hopefully onwards and upwards for our Football Club. Just read through some of the nonsense posted here especially from a certain individual whose handle rhymes with Cloggs. 

Only way the club board can show they have support is through plants who get fed “watered down” info and are related or connected to their band of not so merry men and women. I believe our support has blossomed in Fife recently. Not surprised with the inbreeding which goes on there

Party games from one side . Let’s hope this ends next week so we can look to a future with more success than we have had since the current regime took control or should that be took over? 

The only way the club board can show they have support is with a VOTE.  One that had to be dragged out of a kicking and screaming Trust board.  The Trust board really don't like votes. Their "plan" is to install an interim board. NO VOTE. Who will add to their numbers as they see fit. NO VOTE. People to be added who they will not reveal before they get the present b0ard out. NO TRANSPARENCY.   A supposed fans owned club, where a handful of shareholders get themselves installed  like an autocracy, along with the Trust board chairman of course.  It's all going to be elected and so democratic.......later........and.......who decides when that happens?  The board that installed the other board

3 of them nearer 5 years than 4 without putting themselves up for re-election.  NO LEGITIMACY.  Promises to fix a constitution they were tasked to revise and replace over 4 years ago. They didn't bother their arse.

I'll give it a month at the most and the new board will be bleating that there's just too much work to be done on a volunteer basis. It's just not "professional."  That they should all get salaries so they can cope with the workload. "professionally".  This of course is bound to bring success, but let's see if they can top that for a success plan.  

 

Then there's you. You create an account with a name that clearly is meant to be a reference to me. You come straight to this thread to have a go at me. Fine don't give a toss.  Just can the lying piss that you just came here to talk about the Aberdeen game. It won't wash.  

You came on here to try and paper over the  Trust board chairman not replying to emails. He was supposed to reply by 8.am was he? "and probably hadn't started work."   He didn't reply at all!  The club couldn't get even 2 of the Trust board to agree to a meeting. What's your inside info excuse for that? 

You also came on here to try and pooh pooh the positive raves the club have been getting on the matchday experience. Many by Aberdeen and their fans.  That's really pissed you off, so  it's all just plonking bottles on tables.  Yes it's all going to be so well run by the new regime, just plonk some bottles down.

 A plan you say you can't wait to hear at the workshop, is going be such a success too. That's quite a judgement call on a plan you want people to believe you haven't heard yet.  I think they should have picked somebody smarter than you for their plant.

 

Edited July 21, 2022 by WC Boggs
add

[BinoBalls]

Why do so many people on each side accuse others of being plants / stooges / puppets / useful idiots etc? It’s been a theme for months. On here and on Facebook. 
 

It’s just people expressing different opinions. Just because someone disagrees with you, it doesn’t mean they’re guided by some shadowy figure trying to control the narrative on social media. This isn’t counter espionage, it’s just a fucking football club.