Doakes Posted November 22, 2016 Report Share Posted November 22, 2016 Some of you might have seen this on Wordpress already In a world of turbulence and political unrest, the one thing you hope for after a long working week, is a bit of relief at the weekend. A place for togetherness - free from discontent, capitalist bullshit, Brexit and Donald Trump. For a large percentage of Scotland, that place is their local football ground. At one ground in particular, the local team provides no happy place. Gaining just 4 points from their first 13 games of the season, 7 points behind part-time Dumbarton, it's not a good time to be a buddie. For the die hard St Mirren fan, the national cup win in 2013 already feels decades ago. ——— The problems unofficially began when Danny Lennon wasn't offered a new contract. The board at that time, decided a fresh pair of eyes was required at the training ground in Ralston. The 45 year old, who became boss in 2010, was relieved of his duties. For some, this was viewed as a step in the right direction. Danny had taken us as far as he could. We had the chance to bring in a top class manager. Fulfilling our desire to push into the top 6 of Scottish football, cementing our place as a progressive, top tier club. Club statement: "Danny and his players gave our club one of its finest days on 17 March 2013 and will always be remembered by the club for that wonderful day. Decisions like this are never easy, however, we would commend Danny for his professionalism and the dignified way he carried out his duties during a very challenging season." Yes, Danny struggled. But in his defence, he retained our place in the top tier, on a limited budget. A strong finish to the season led to us finishing 8th, with memorable post-split wins over Motherwell, Hibs and Ross County. Our place in the top tier consolidated, Lennon left Paisley with his head held high. On the 13th May 2014, the board appointed Tommy Craig as manager. Buddies shared mixed feelings on Internet forums and social media. "What was the point of replacing Danny?" "What credentials does Tommy have?" "A 10% win rate with a Belgian club?" "Ok. He's a fantastic coach, but is he a manager?". "Is this a cost cutting exercise?" It seemed to go against the mantra of the club. Bad results followed. Apathy set in, the negativity became infectious. Humped 4-0 by Inverness. Tommy Craig was replaced by Gary Teale. Gary, by his own admission, was not an experienced manager. He did his best under tough circumstances. St Mirren were relegated. f**k, thought the fans. Ian Murray was next in line for the throne. A young, up and coming manager. Was he the answer? It quickly became evident that he wasn't. Ian liked to tinker, and tinker he did. Any stability at the club was now gone. Even in the lower league, we struggled. A team short of confidence. The fans stuck by, desperate for any hint of improvement. The tired owners sought a way out. Chief Executive Brian Caldwell left the club, a huge loss. Enter Alex Rae. Alex arrived at the club painting no illusions, no bullshit. He was in Paisley to win games. A fans Q&A was held at the stadium. He brought a vision of no fancy-dance football - just get the baw forward and in the net. It worked, for a time. We finished in a reasonable Championship position with a good win rate. It was now time to rebuild. Rae made the decision to get rid of 11 players, using his contacts at Rangers to bring in no fewer than 6 players with previous connections to the troubled Ibrox club. Rumblings of fan ownership in Paisley have been around for decades. The previous owners finally got their wish and relinquished control. Gordon Scott, backed by fan ownership group SMISA, took the reigns. Rumours started to circulate of training ground unrest, a manager who didn't believe in youth development. Bad results on the park didn't help, and it certainly didn't sit well with Gordon Scott, who ultimately took the decision to fire Rae. ——— Over the years our club has been de-stabilised to extreme levels. Our support is passionate, but frustrated. A hardcore number of us would follow the club to the ends of the earth. (Even Greenock) To put it bluntly, we deserve better. Fan ownership gave us a vision of what could be possible, but that vision has been clouded by a fog of uncertainty. As it stands, the harsh reality is that we're sprinting like Usain Bolt towards League 1. That end would be catastrophic for a club like ours. A small group was formed, with view to promoting active, vocal support for the team. Unfortunately, red tape, acoustics and the logistics of the stadium - does not make it an easy task to find a suitable area for a singing section. Our long term ambition is to unite our fan base, the singers and non singers, young and old, male and female, behind the common goal of backing our team as best we can. I'm going to be quite plain. The club, the boards decisions, stewarding, policing... often don't make it easy to support our team in a positive way. One of our members, Josh - was banned from the stadium after an incident during the Morton game. (despite not being proven guilty) I speak plainly from the position of a fan, to fellow fans. This is a message to everyone. We all want to save our club from what now looks like an almost certain relegation to the 3rd tier of Scottish football. It's commonly known in psychology that negativity breeds negativity. For the rest of this season, we don't want a singing section. We want a united support. Humans, by nature, hold more power when they come together, as one. At away games, let's all sit together. If you see empty seats next to a fellow fan, let's fill them. Don't leave any gaps. We're all St Mirren. Cram into one section, shout encouragement. At home, let's get everyone towards the segregation line in the West stand. Pack that stand as much as we can. If we stick together, shout, chant, (sing if you want to) - the atmosphere will improve and the fog will lift. If there's a lull in the game, if you hear it going quiet, clap. Get the whole ground clapping. The team will appreciate it, and respond. It's really simple. It's now or never. Let's come together and save our club. TL;DR - the clubs not in a great position, pull together, give the team a lift Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendo Posted November 22, 2016 Report Share Posted November 22, 2016 Well said Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loyal Supporter Posted November 22, 2016 Report Share Posted November 22, 2016 Very well said . By the way I was in Greenock recently also . Very passionate and I agree with all you say . Can I ask you do you not think it would be a positive step ( albeit short term ) to bring Stewart Gilmour back to assist Gordon Scott who lets face it is struggling badly as The Chairman . IVE read about Josh and don't really understand what happened but could TF or GS not make a statement about what happened ? Anyway we need 1 win Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kendo Posted November 22, 2016 Report Share Posted November 22, 2016 6 minutes ago, Loyal Supporter said: Very well said . By the way I was in Greenock recently also . Very passionate and I agree with all you say . Can I ask you do you not think it would be a positive step ( albeit short term ) to bring Stewart Gilmour back to assist Gordon Scott who lets face it is struggling badly as The Chairman . IVE read about Josh and don't really understand what happened but could TF or GS not make a statement about what happened ? Anyway we need 1 win Can Stewart Gilmour score goals at this level? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Dickson Posted November 22, 2016 Report Share Posted November 22, 2016 I take it Stewart Gilmours retirement isn't going so well. He claimed he was tired and wanted out when he first put the club on the market. Now he's retired it looks like one of his closest family members - Loyal Supporter - is trying desperately to get him back out of the road for some reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northendsaint Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 8 hours ago, Loyal Supporter said: Very well said . By the way I was in Greenock recently also . Very passionate and I agree with all you say . Can I ask you do you not think it would be a positive step ( albeit short term ) to bring Stewart Gilmour back to assist Gordon Scott who lets face it is struggling badly as The Chairman . IVE read about Josh and don't really understand what happened but could TF or GS not make a statement about what happened ? Anyway we need 1 win No need for public statement..The matter was brought to a satisfactory conclusion and club policy has been clarified and changed.We have more important issues like winning games so we require the support to get behind the team and i,m sure the points will come.Dumbarton have a very difficult run of fixtures in December and i fully expect us to be above them come the new year.I,ve taken on wee Tams optimism.We are St Mirren. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loyal Supporter Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 11 hours ago, Stuart Dickson said: I take it Stewart Gilmours retirement isn't going so well. He claimed he was tired and wanted out when he first put the club on the market. Now he's retired it looks like one of his closest family members - Loyal Supporter - is trying desperately to get him back out of the road for some reason. Met Stewart many years ago so not a friend of his . I'm a loyal supporter and was very grateful for his efforts with Saints . I thought my suggestion made sense that he could assist GS as he's definitely struggling and under pressure . Even if Stewart was made " an honary president " or some such title then it could give him an incentive to return to matches . Even his presence would give us a lift . Or why not do this with Jacky Copland ( huge legend ) the place needs leaders and these type of characters can rub off on The Team . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendo Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 1 hour ago, Loyal Supporter said: Met Stewart many years ago so not a friend of his . I'm a loyal supporter and was very grateful for his efforts with Saints . I thought my suggestion made sense that he could assist GS as he's definitely struggling and under pressure . Even if Stewart was made " an honary president " or some such title then it could give him an incentive to return to matches . Even his presence would give us a lift . Or why not do this with Jacky Copland ( huge legend ) the place needs leaders and these type of characters can rub off on The Team . You are on the wind up. I don't think Gilmour and Copland are exactly besties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebella15 Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 High Murray and Jack Copland would not set foot in the club until SG was ousted. But our negative ways have hounded managers and players out of the club over the years. We all need to change our attitude. it's no coincidence that one of the best clubs for supporters Borrusia Dortmund are described as friendly, family orientated , and fiercely loyal to their managers and players. They back anyone who wears their shirt . Time for us to step up to the plate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Pityme Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 I note that this thread hasn't really got off the ground. Can i make a suggestion to the OP to boost views, comments and general engagement if you simply re-word the thread title to. "Open Sandwhich To All St Mirren Fans"... you will be inundated with all the sandwhich/sausage roll freeloaders amongst our ranks. here to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddymarvellous Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 I dont understand how you can raisin that this forum user are so shallow.. You think puns just roll of the tongue ? You think we are jam packed with cliches? The wurst thing I could say about your suggestion is that you are mis-steaken and it is not your plaice to waffle on and make such links. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayrshire Saints Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 In what areas exactly is the new chairman "struggling badly". We are struggling badly on the pitch but what evidence is there that the chairman is struggling. I'm not even sure how a fan would see / know where or why a company chairman was struggling. There is a massive difference between finding your feet and struggling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buddiecat Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 Loyal supporter is most definitely at the wind up,don't know why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St.Ricky Posted November 30, 2016 Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 8 hours ago, rebella15 said: High Murray and Jack Copland would not set foot in the club until SG was ousted. But our negative ways have hounded managers and players out of the club over the years. We all need to change our attitude. it's no coincidence that one of the best clubs for supporters Borrusia Dortmund are described as friendly, family orientated , and fiercely loyal to their managers and players. They back anyone who wears their shirt . Time for us to step up to the plate. It might not help your case but I wholeheartedly share your thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Pityme Posted December 1, 2016 Report Share Posted December 1, 2016 15 hours ago, Buddymarvellous said: I dont understand how you can raisin that this forum user are so shallow.. You think puns just roll of the tongue ? You think we are jam packed with cliches? The wurst thing I could say about your suggestion is that you are mis-steaken and it is not your plaice to waffle on and make such links. Pan it in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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