Bairney The Dinosaur

I think we've only seen it this season away at Cove? Allan's goal might actually have been from a MacIver flick on. The system we have right now works, but if we are going to test a 'Plan B' then games like the Alloa would be the way to do it.

Suppose it shows how far we've come that even after extending the lead at the top I can't shake the niggling feeling of disappointment.

Yeah both these posts sum it up really. Turnout was disappointing as I think most who left were feeling positive.

What FSS meeting?

The folk that were close to it all said it's been blown way out of proportion. PM wasn't happy at the ball being thrown away and they both exchanged words (BS in his usual red-faced way). PM said something like "I'll get you outside" and BS replied "you don't want that I'd kill you". Bit of an embarrassment all round, but the Binos players are trying to turn it into something more than it was.

Yaaass Mon eh Bairns

Fair enough. It was a shocker.

Thought it was Ethan Ross?

I think that sums up both sides pretty much perfectly. It shows just how hard it would be to get the messaging spot on to both increase the required fan-funding and not piss people off. Perhaps if the wider support had a better understanding of what was being asked of the PG and large shareholders (and I know things have been/are being asked) it would feel like less of the burden was on them. Saying that I know that the larger shareholders particularly don't like there names being mentioned even when linked positive news.

You can say all you want about the cost/value of FSS or that the announcements of 2/2.5/3k members are unrealistic (and I'd agree to an extent with that). The bit I've quoted is just complete fucking nonsense. I'd assume it comes from a place of ignorance rather than anything else and recommend you actually read the big statement that came out after the AGM or, if you are an FSS Member, go to the AGM update night they have planned. This is what has been said from the AGM update. "Supporters should be reassured that the club now has the ability to be run within its means. However, without an uplift in fan-funding this possibly means becoming part-time or hybrid next season, if still in League One, or having a Championship football budget which isn’t significantly larger than it is this season." So because of the money that FSS currently bring in (£110k+) and the improvement in commercial income the club can be run sustainably, although this would likely mean part-time football in league 1, or a low to middle budget in the Championship. If we want to be a club that has a football budget large enough to contain a strong first team squad + an academy then more would be needed. It is as simple as that.

Folk probably won't thank me for bringing this stuff back up but I thought it worth mentioning that I'm still completely behind the 3-legged stool model and actually believe it is really important we stick to it. Although I get the premise of what BB is saying, I'm quoting this post as a way of kicking off my thoughts. All three legs still/can still play a vital role to me. 1. (Small) The collective support from FSS, which does need more buying in (not convinced of 2500 yet but 1200 is a good goal). 2. (Medium) I think of the Patrons Group as almost like the 'business' element of the support. I think it's less important how much money they have (although I'd assume it's more than the average fan), but that they have the time and expertise to run a business. From what I understand it is the connections these people have that has helped bring in the significant uplift in sponsorship and also allows the club to run events for effectively no cost (the PG 'covers' costs). I'd quite like them to publish more of what they are doing because it is good work. I don't expect this group to be matching FSS cash contribution, but it would not surprise me if they brought in this amount (maybe more?) in sponsorships/free work for club. 3. (Large) I think BB post is right. The ones currently in this group are not involved in the day to day. I've absolutely no doubt in my mind though that MR and SA would help if things started to turn again and I don't believe their shares will ever be sold and rather returned to club when that time comes. Moving forward though, if the small and medium shareholders can collectively run the club sustainably, the large group becomes so much more attractive for an external investor. I don't think we would see a 4th stand built unless we had someone here. I reckon that with our Fan ownership model we do have the potential to have the best of all worlds that you wouldn't otherwise get being fully owned by a Fans group.

There was a lot more moaning around me as well. First time I've heard it this season and I wondered if it was maybe folk coming to their first game in a while. We weren't great obviously, but not poor enough to deserve a slagging. It was disappointing because the KM7 has felt a really positive place to be. Last week against Montrose when we had 2 setbacks during the game the fans never turned. I felt like there was a few starting to today. Ultras were good as always in responding to moans by trying to lift it. At one point in the second half I think it was clear they were trying to drown it out.

Unless McGlynn was bluffing at the AGM then I don't think so. Another couple weeks wait I reckon.

How good would it feel this time tomorrow to be 3 points clear. The anticipation before a big game just cannot be beaten.

Not how I take it. Falling backwards would not be our fault, but we do have the chance to push things forward.

FSS or part-time football. I know what way I'm going.

I'd assumed our pen was for handball? Whoever the Montrose player was just threw themselves on top of the ball.

The last 3 games have shown we can win from any situation. We've methodically broken down a defensive unit (Qots), we've ran over the top (Kelty) and we've motored through the gears to overcome setbacks (today). Incredibly pleasing and I really am falling in love with this team. Next week is the test.

Caveat this with I haven't listened to the podcast so don't know what was said, but my understanding is that it wasn't the 25% target that was misunderstood but how to get there. The misunderstanding was that for FSS to get to 25% they would require share donation rather than buying the shares from the club. I agree with you though that this was on FSS for not communicating that clearly rather than members not understanding.

Yeah I guess, but I can see why the club doesn't want to do that. The statement talks about endlessly issuing shares as disproportionately inflating our market value (or something like that).

Now that the shares have been bought there are very little other options available other than donation. It is what happens with most fan owned clubs. Short-term focus on keeping us full-time but driving towards establishment of Falkirk Academy is what was discussed at the members meeting.

Just a bit of fun I took umbrage at what I perceived was a suggestion FSS doesn't need a strong personality who would speak for and garner the support of the fans. I'm especially sensitive at the moment that there are attempts circling again to paint football fans as some deviant other - not the club obviously, but wider authorities. It is going to require the same backlash as the OBFTC Act.

Can't agree with you there BPM. Now, more than ever, we've got Governments prepared to legislate against not only fans wishes, but fans themselves! Ensuring we've got a board who will not only stand against that (which to their credit the new board have), but can empower the support to stand together is a vital aim of a fan owned club.

Feeling uneasy this morning, but only cause I'm not normally this confident going into match. It's a new experience.

Week 2: Forfar