New link for survey. Please read on though.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FGBYML7
Bears and Bearettes (and I'm sure a few pet lurkers!),
I wont go into war and peace about progress in the last couple of months. Personal circumstances, distractions and a few other bits and pieces have got in the way of making any meaningful progress, other than in my own mind.
I am still determined to make this happen, but I’ve come to the stark conclusion that I need a team of people to help make this happen. A number of folk have reached out, and I now need to mobilise this help. And others if possible.
So, in order to kick things back off, I’ve created this new thread by way of refocusing things, detailing where we are and my opinion on the way to make this happen. I think it will be very helpful to start this thread from scratch so none of the new info gets lost. Admin - I hope this is ok?
Here goes….
The Problem
In terms of the overall problem that causes this to be necessary, it is down to the allocation that Celtic receive in league games at Ibrox.
A sizeable number of the Rangers fans want Celtic to be treated like every other fan when at Ibrox in league games…in the ‘away’ section
Some of the reasons given are as follows:
- Loyal Rangers fans are being moved from their seats, so that we can allocate their seats to Celtic fans
- Our youngest fans, and our vitally important next generation of fans, are being denied the opportunity to enjoy a fixture against Celtic at Ibrox, but can get one at Parkhead
- There is a constant threat to player safety (the flare being thrown at Wes being the most recent example)
- It gives them a sporting advantage that is not replicated when we play at Celtic Park, with our fans being tucked away in a corner of the stadium and their's occupying a full end of the ground close to our goalkeeper
- It costs more to police than other home games
- The behaviour of their fans and players is becoming more and more unacceptable, with incendiary behaviour by their players becoming a frequent feature of their visits (recent examples being Griffith's tying of a scarf to our goalposts and picking his nose and wiping it on our corner flag) and offensive anti protestant sectarian displays also becoming a regular feature
- Credible reports are emerging of their intentions to "do a Hibs" on Ibrox, should they ever win the league at Ibrox, or achieve ten titles in a row (tainted by our absence or otherwise). Clearly, if they are bottled in the normal "away" section, as we are at Parkhead, then stewards keeping them off the playing surface would be easier
- We hand them a massive PR win by creating the impression that they have such a huge support that they need an entire end of the stadium to house them, whilst our fans can be easily accommodated with one small, out of sight of TV cameras, corner of their stadium.
This is not an exhaustive list, but does reflect some commonly expressed views..
Current Situation
I initially ran a poll online to understand the appetite with the support to move Celtic from the Broomloan Stand and relocate them and treat them like every other side during league games. There are many reasons that led me to believe that this would be a widely accepted view. Apparently, I was right.
As things stand, I created a poll to understand views and a massive percentage agreed with this view. However, the data a collated was not 100% useful, as I didn’t make it mandatory that Rangers Numbers were provided. Having met with Stewart Robertson, SLO and c1872, its clear that for any ‘vote’ to count, Rangers Numbers need to be provided. So in terms of a poll, I need to re run this. (live and learn).
I met with Stewart Robertson, and he is open to a) listening to the views of the fans and b) receiving a detailed proposal/documented recommendations from the greater fan base which will then be discussed and reviewed at the board meeting in June. This is now my ultimate aim.
SR has detailed 4 areas why he believes this view may not be accepted by the numbers we think it is (this is not based on any facts, just his and the boards views on possible downsides)
- The numbers don’t stack up. Being a finance guy, this is a big priority for him. We get approx. £370k with the ‘visit’ from our delightful neighbours. The view should be that we should not be at a loss with any changes (whatever that may mean) that are made.
- The risks associated with this are that he believes there is a risk that fans wont, on a long term committed basis sell out the full stadium at the same income as they provide us. I need to detail why this is a wrong assumption.
- We are only doing this because they are ahead of us. Almost throwing the toys out the pram (not his words). Now, back when this conversation kicked off, we were miles behind….now….not so much. If the numbers stack up now, then this argument can be wiped out quickly.
- A sizable chunk of the fan base want tickets for the opposite fixture. To me, this is the biggest challenge. As a board, I think they feel they will alienate/piss off less people by keeping a status quo.
I’ve also met with c1872, who if reading this, I am aware I need to follow up on the next meeting. They are happy to poll the member base of their views on this topic. I will be following this up, but at this moment, its not an issue I want to push given the obvious priority of fund raising…..for those not contributed to c1872, and can do so…..please do so!
I’ve also met with the SLO, and whilst he has personal views (of which I wont state), he will impartially help ensure the discussion reaches the right people to ensure the voice of the fans is heard.
The Aim
My simple aim is to create and furnish SR a document, detailing the fans views on the current arrangement, the potential solution and the data supporting the solution. Nothing complex, just simple facts.
To document will go into the level of detail required to:
- Explain the position and what the fans want to happen and importantly
- Can demonstrate why the points he raised aren’t as big an issue as the board currently review them
- Make a formal request of the board for change.
The Plan
The plan to make this happen is critical, and as I said, I need help to execute. To me, there are 4 elements to this plan. All ultimately lead up to the capture of data on the online poll. The 4 point plan
- Online Poll – we need to get as many people as possible to fill in the new online poll. This must include Rangers Numbers. No Rangers Number, no voice. All Rangers Numbers will be validated by the club. I’ve received great support initially from people on FF with this. I need this again to help spread the word through all possible mediums
- Match Day Canvassing – I need 12 volunteers to hand out leaflets at the first home game after the split. What I propose to do is to hand out fliers, detailing the ‘plan’ to everyone entering the Broomloan Stand prior to the game. The fliers will direct people to fill out the online petition. Depending on the uptake and response of this, it may be repeated at one other home game prior to the end of the season.
- Local Pub Canvassing – I need someone (or more than one person), who is willing to speak to local pubs (WRC, Louden etc) to allow the leaflets to be distributed prior to home games between now and the end of the season. The Louden initially agreed to do this, so hopefully this will be an easy one.
- RSC Canvassing – I need one (or more) person to help reach out to supporters clubs to get their views. I think its key to document this separate to the collective poll, so we would need to work out the mechanics of this.
**I would love to do all of the above myself, but I don’t have the time to. In order to make this happen, I really need the help**
Next Steps
In terms of making this happen, I need the following if possible:
- Everyone to complete the new poll and share with everyone you know on any medium you can– the NEW URL is – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FGBYML7
- Volunteers for each of the above parts of the plan. I know it will require a bit of time and effort, but I am sure we have enough people to help with it. I know a load already have dropped me a message offering help. I owe you a thanks and apology. Can you please do so again, detailing what area you can help with?
- Any ideas on positive steps and ideas, feel free to share
I'm sure with collective effort, we can make this happen!
If you don’t know your rangers number. Follow he steps on here.
If you have completed without your rangers number. Try doing it again or pm the details.
no rangers number means the vote won’t count as your details cannot be verified
