stripey

Hi BuddieinEK With regards to your question I had said I would raise the matter at our March meeting, however the Chairman (John Clark) and Secretary Iain Laurie) have looked into the matter and below is the answer received. I thank you for your and other supporters of St.Mirren for your interest in SMDSA and as the chairman says, as a group we would welcome and appreciate any St.Mirren supporters particularly those working in the care sector to take out Membership, it is a mere £2 per season. Hi Blair, As I understand the wording of the act, clubs must provide a %age of each stand's capacity for use by disabled supporters, wheelchair and ambulant disabled. As it stands SM are within the wording of the act by providing the front rows essentially for disabled. They may be outwith the spirit of the law in that in inclement weather this provision is not fit for purpose. Iain and I have been arguing for a raised viewing area in the stands for over two years now and because of the club's lack of same they have lost their gold status in provision for disabled fans with the SFA. However, we move on now Blair and try and find funding from some other area , local businesses, charities, grants. Ultimately it is the responsibility of St Mirren and they could lose revenue by the stadium not being compliant for Scotland U20 and Scotland Ladies matches. Ross County, just over a year ago were favourites for the drop. Now they are contenders for the Europa League. By 2018 we would be disbarred from Europe because of non compliance. As to membership of SMDSA, This is open to any interested parties, particularly carers and people who work in the sector. I hope I've covered everything Blair. Cheers. From The Chairperson of SMDSA(John Clark and ( Iain Laurie) the Secretary of the same organization.

At the moment all that is awaited is the knocking through a wall as assurances have been given with regards to funding, however as a group and the chairman and secretary have thought before that we would get the required work done, this is the first time it has went as far along the road as it has been and the vast majority think this time it will go ahead, but you just never know until the construction is started. You will not see any construction taking place at the moment as work is not due to start till the close season. Another thing is as soon as the figure for the sum of money needed for the raised platform is rubber stamped, the secretary (Iain Laurie) will let all members know. Another matter being looked into, is how in the case of an emergency does disabled people in wheelchairs get evacuated from the stadium if you are seated on the raised platform. Brian Caldwell had stated that was no problem, without giving a definitive answer.

Yes your correct in what you say however in my opinion, he had just put pen to paper an signed for us, a club he, if he had any sense, would see him seeking the fans support and yet he comes out straight away with a stupid statement as I originally said, that was hardly going to get the backing of some of the support. At the end of the day your perfectly entitled to your opinion as I am too mine, so no doubt we will agree to disagree.

Whilst Rangers will probably gain promotion this season they will get blootered by most of the clubs in the premier division. They had a hard enough time against us. We played reasonably well without posing a real goal threat and to be honest some of our players are very much lacking pace. As I had said we played reasonably well but it was not good enough but how Rangers did not put 4 or 5 in against us is more down to their poor finishing than our defending. Rae's substitution where he brought on Kelly proved disastrous for us although I find it hard to lay the defeat at his door. Next up Falkirk at home on Tuesday night followed by Raith Rovers away next Saturday, both are difficult but winnable games. Their will need to be a vast improvement in performance from us. Hopefully Goodwin will be back but not bringing him on yesterday puts doubt in my mind although it was probably down too good management. Where the goal threat will come from I'm not sure.

stripey No way would I want Higdon back, in his first interview upon signing for St.Mirren he stated and I quote "my main aim is to move to a higher end club and you only get them in England" I am not saying he, just like another player should not aim higher than playing for St.Mirren, however he was not that good and it was a stupid thing to say when he had just signed for the club. I did notice he didn't come out with such a stupid statement when he put pen to paper for any English club, no matter what position they were in, either in that league or what position they were sitting in or that clubs financial status.

Stuart Dickson Surely the club would be in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act 2010 by not administering the seating in the same manner as they would for any able bodied customer in the ground ANSWER I am unclear as to the answer to this Stuart, however I'll raise the matter at our next meeting in March and get back to you. BuddieinEK This really needs to be clarified by the club as a matter of urgency. I accept that the work was only undertaken to preserve the gold rating... much as I abhor that as being the main catalyst... but now that the work is being sanctioned... why not make it wholly adequate to meet the needs of our supporters who have disabilities? This should not be a grant-based ground improvement based on a grading... but a common decency inspired desire to improve our stadium driven by need and the will to do the right thing. Have you spoken to our new General Manager? I would imagine he would be wholly sympathetic. ANSWER You are correct BuddieinEK it is a matter of urgency and of great concern. Brian Caldwell, when he was CEO was helpful to an extent, however he was constrained by St.Mirren's financial situation. Due to the turmoil what with David Longwell leaving and the appointment of Tony Fitzpatrick, who to be fair only undertook his position officially on the day of our meeting, the club was in a bit of turmoil and had not had a chance to deal with SMDSA, still as a group I'm confident that our new CEO will act favourably when he has had a chance to settle into his new position following talks with Iain Laurie and John Clark as well as attending one of our meetings. POD Stripey are some of the member not in other stands as it's their preference, hence the idea of moveable shelters. Apologies if I wrong. ANSWER If you wish to remain where you are seated at present, then that is not a problem, you will get the same seat when you purchase your season ticket, you will be asked at the same time if you are a member of SMDSA and if you are you will be given a form to complete. At present it is looking more likely that funding will be granted for the raised platform however the bus shelters will be unlikely to be in place for next season, but once again both John Clark and Iain Laurie have been tasked to looking into funding for these. Whilst their is some good news with regards to the raised platform, it is still not a creditable solution for all of St.Mirrensdisabled fans and we, as a group, have not even taken into consideration away fans, perhaps we could end up with how Motherwelltreat the away disabled support and give us a plastic poncho.

Once again their is a feeling of being let down with regards to the raised platform. It now has transpired that St.Mirren FC are not willing to undertake anything to do with the administration of seating and how overall how it will work. The plan for the raised platform is still progressing however the platform will only be able to take 8 wheelchairs and carers and their is 16members of SMDSA. So the only way to work it, is for 8 members to be under cover for 1 week(group A) and at the following home game the remaining 8 members would have their place (Group . It is possible that some press seats could be removed as we have too many press seats at present but SMDSA would require funding for it. Both John Clark and Iain Laurie have arranged to look at where we would get the additional money from, the same 2 gentlemen will administer it. The 2 men mentioned are working tirelessly and now face more work, whilst some other members are compiling reports on what its like for disabled St.Mirren Supporters at away grounds, whilst compiling membership cards and compiling a report with photographs for away disabled supporters at our own ground, all of which is being done voluntary without expenses. To be fair those that are undertaking the work knew in advance that expenses would not be paid.

Good to see, at last, work has begun on the construction of the disabled platform at the back of the main stand. Their is a long list of people to thank for this, starting with John Clark and Iain Laurie both of SMDSA, Gary Reid of the fans Council, Alan Wardrobe of St.Mirren Community Trust, St.Mirren F.C. and I am sure their are many more. My sincere apologies for missing those out.

religion is saints that is more than decent to secure a good seat, well done to everybody involved in this venture... Thank your comment "religion is saints" it is appreciated

religion is saints" does it cost to join SMDSA? The cost is a mere £2 per season to join SMDSA. The next meeting takes place on Monday the 22nd February at 7pm.

"BuddieinEK" I find it sad that despite regular fans requests, it took a UEFA demotion from Gold to Silver for Saints to act on this. The solution was always there... But a damned rating came before the comfort of people with disabilities. That is shameful. However... It is now being acted upon and I hope we learn from this and focus on punters over plaudits. You are quite correct BuddieinEK, both Iain and Johnny have had many indications and promises of cover for the disabled before. Point 1 Its a pity that cover for disabled people was not even contemplated when the stadium was designed and constructed. Point 2 until cover is in place then I for one will then, and only then, believe it.

As I have said before, this season is all about survival and nothing else. Yesterdays result was one that did not carry any surprises. I do not see us being in either of the play-off positions (top or bottom).Overall this season, for me, is a total write off It does however make for an interesting close season.

Whilst it was not the best of performances from St.Mirren they managed a back to back home victory, and against a better team than we played last week. At no point did I get the feeling St.Mirren were going to lose today on their performance, however the one thing that could have ruined the game was the referee who dished out bewildering decisions to both teams. The SFA want to take a serious look at the performances of referees. Along with the linesmen/assistant referees, all of which receive good money that none of them earned today. Morally they should all donate the money they will receive for todays performance to charity.

Both John Clark and Iain Laurie the chairperson and secretary respectively have a meeting arranged with the St.Mirren and have had talks with the Fans Council on the provision of a platform being built in the main stand, normally I am quite suspicious of promises meant with the best intentions of what's supposed to be happening, however with the fans council, St.Mirren FC and SMDSA involved in this issue I am confident we will see a platform with cover provided for disabled people in wheelchairs and their carers before the end of the season. In addition although I am a member of SMDSA I am not its official spokesperson. The two gentleman who do a vast amount of work for SMDSA are John Clark and Iain Laurie, plaudits to both of them are well deserved. Also a big vote of thanks should also go the fans council on this issue.

No way would I want Higdon back, in his first interview upon signing for St.Mirren he stated and I quote "my main aim is to move to a higher end club and you only get them in England"

With reference too the Alloa penalty, what input did the linesman/assistant referee have. Throughout the game he appeared to be waiting on the decision of the referee through his earpiece. Certainly on the penalty decision he only raised or should I say pointed to the penalty spot once the referee made the decision to give a penalty. Still we won 3-1, and all our goals came from open play.

It is windy, but nothing so far to prevent the match being abandoned. Wrap up well because its freezing. As a disabled supporter sitting in the West Stand front row I,ll be going

For me over the seasons Craig Hinchcliffe was a good goalkeeper

shull Is the worst St Mirren goalkeeper I have ever seen. Worse even than Herriot, Gilmour, A Hunter, Fridge and Smith combined. Him and Ridgers must be freed in January. Completely disagree with you Shull, In my opinion he is certainly better than those mentioned. Langfield has saved us many a time this season, we have certainly got more points with him as opposed to not having him His kicking is poor and I believe he knows that is an area he needs to work on, however he does take command of his box better than many a previous Saints goalkeeper, you also have to take into account a pretty poor defence he has to contend with.

Very pleased with the apportionment of Tony Fitzpatrick. He is very passionate about St.Mirren and you will certainly get the best from him. Have not got a clue who Alan Gallagher is.

Marc McAusland was a reasonable player who did not deserve the amount of abuse he got on this forum, however I do not think for a minute that the abuse he received on this forum was the sole reason McAusland, made a sudden departure from St.Mirren, that is my opinion and is no better or no less valid than anybody else. Kelly seems to be the player singled out for a lot of abuse, again abuse we St.Mirren fans should not in my opinion be putting out on a public forum, not only does it give the player the feel bad factor, but also installs confidence to a small degree to opposition teams. I, foolishly branded a player a dud after 1 game and without even seeing him play, it was stupid but borne out of frustration. We are St.Mirren supporters and for some on this forum always will be, so when it comes to commenting on any St.Mirren players when that player has had a bad game, all I ask is think about it before typing via your keyboard.

beyond our ken" Nice words, i am a member and have been told the square root of feck all. Expansion of the comittee? Again, news to me. Although I fund SMISA for reasons of youth development, it is starting to look like just another one of those clubs/committees that become more about the clique in charge than about the total membership. None of the above is a surprise to me knowing one or two who are involved though. Though knowing some of the committee, that is not a total surprise to me Your post is a matter of concern to me, when it appears some SMiSA members appear to being kept in the dark by the very members that elected them in the first place. I do not know enough for me to make further comment.

Your quite correct Div, calling Quinn a dud after one game was quite wrong, but given the players we have at our disposal and the comments made about him on another thread when we signed him it was a comment made out of pure frustration.

When will the ordinary fan, who is not a member of SMiSA get to know what is happening to the club in detail (plans for disabled cover in particular) or is it the case you never get to know unless you have taken out membership of SMiSA, that despite being a ST holder for years. Whatever the merits of the current conditional offer is it looks to me once again as if the disabled supporter who already via SMDSA were after 6years and 4 months making inroads being put on the back burner yet again.