RutherGlen

Maybe we could relocate to the UAE? I wonder if one of the sheikhs would be up for investing in the Bully....

This is why the board need to act NOW, advertise the manager vacancy and give it a week tops to start the interview process. That should result in a new manager in around two weeks' time. Not ideal but I'd much rather sacrifice a week or two for this crucial role than just trudge on with Duffy in order to give him an extra couple of weeks of summer transfer window to make even more poor signings.

Can anyone explain to me why they think the board see Jim Duffy as the best option here? If it's for reasons of "continuity" can I therefore conclude the board wish to see us continue to fail both on and off the park?

I used to be of the same opinion and I continue to have nothing personal against any board member, admire and am grateful for the time and effort they no doubt put in for little/no return and don't for a second think I could do a better job. That said, I think this idea that as volunteers they are somehow above criticism and can do no wrong even when they clearly are doing a lot wrong is very much part of the problem with the current model.

Which two investors do you mean and what is the likelihood they would be interested in a majority shareholding? What do we need to do as fans to get the board to at least explore the possibility of selling the club? Selling up to the highest bidder certainly isn't my preferred option and I would much rather there was another way but unfortunately the CIC model simply hasn't worked. In many ways the current system of leadership seems more secretive and 'private member's club' like than ever. I know it's easy to say after the fact but time and time again it seems as though the people tasked with strengthening and improving the club have made the wrong decision. How many times do you need to get something wrong before it's time to step aside and let someone else have a go? Such a depressing and frustrating state of affairs.

I agree with you that the current model could well be a barrier to outside investment but wasn't it recently stated by our Chairman/Board that the model itself is up for negotiation (including being scrapped altogether), should someone come in with a viable offer which is favourable to the current membership? I seriously doubt many "owners" would vote against scrapping the CIC model if an investor came in with a reasonable offer. Again, why can't the board effectively put the club up for sale to gauge interest? I don't buy the "if anyone was interested we'd know about it already" argument. We need to ask the question and make it clear that the CIC model needn't be an issue to any decent bids.

I don't have the answer to this but could we put the club up for sale and see what happens? We're often told there is no viable alternative but no harm in asking the question and seeing if any interested parties come forward.

HT crossbar challenge? Mind you...think that was the Glasgow Branch rather than the board. At least they didn't block it!

Not sure about being inundated but I agree we would definitely get some applications, almost all of which would likely be a better option than Duffy. If the board stick with Duffy on the assumption no one else wants the job that is a dereliction of duty on their part and a stackable offence in its own right.

Has Duffy gone yet?

Not a clue. I should add that I'm only advocating the appointment of Swift as I'm assuming the rumour he was brought in to replace Duffy next season is true. Given that, he's probably the only other option the board are considering at this point. I'm more than happy for the club to open up the position to other candidates (including Swift) and would welcome such a move. ***edited to add*** Just looked it up and it seems he was sacked by Stenny as a result of a run of 7 games without a win. "The former Stranraer, Linlithgow Rose and Ayr United defender had been gaffer at the club for a year and a half, replacing Davie Irons in April last year, overseeing 69 matches since then, 26 of them won and 28 lost, and was named as League 2 manager of the month in February." Almost a 50% win rate. Impressive by our standards!

I suppose it's possible that Swift could be equally as bad or (God forbid) even worse than Duffy but it's highly unlikely a younger manager could be that negative and uninspiring. Either way, definitely a risk worth taking! Anyone who thinks we should continue with Duffy needs their head examined.

Absolutely agree about the huge refresh and perhaps the most important part of that is the management. I'm expecting Swift to take over next season but I also wouldn't be overly surprised if the board extend Duffy's contract - particularly if we were to stay up. Duffy must go regardless of what happens tonight. Got to have a go right from the start tonight. None of this 'keeping it tight' nonsense - we simply cannot afford to sit back and allow Annan to settle into the game. Intae them!!!

I agree Annan will probably be doing everything and anything to time waste and frustrate us but I'm hoping they do as it might just be enough to spur our lot into action. If we score one (particularly early on) it's very much game ON. I only hope our players give it their all from the first to last whistle. I'm not expecting great football but please just give it a right good go if nothing else. Mon the Bully!!!

Ha, fair enough. Maybe I am overestimating fan power but sitting in the stand against East Fife on Friday night it seemed we willed the team over the line than anything else. If the fans no longer look/sound like they care how can anyone expect the players on the park to give a f***? Professional integrity? Lol. For what it's worth, I hope you guys manage to regroup and bounce back up next season - providing we're not sharing a league!

The decisions may not have been fan made but if the overall mentality among the support was one of acceptance and by by the looks of it perhaps even an eagerness to be relegated then that could quite easily have an effect on the squad and, by extension, performances and results. If your expectations as fans are rock bottom you're unlikely to motivate your team to deliver on the park.

Not sure what I find more surprising/depressing. The fact you asked this question in the first place or the fact a couple of Clyde fans seem to be entertaining the idea that relegation would be preferable to staying up! For the avoidance of doubt, I want my team to stay up and I begin every season with aspirations of finishing as high up the table as possible. I understand that given the current circumstances, we aren't able to compete financially with most other teams in the division and, as a result, will often have a weaker squad compared with others. That said, at this level of the game there's a lot to be said for fitness and a good work ethic - neither of which require lots of cash. It's a sad day when you see a football fan embrace relegation due to the expectation of a few more wins over the course of the season. Is that a viewpoint shared by other Peterhead fans? If so, it's little wonder you guys finished last.

Hear, hear. If Duffy's contract is extended into next season I won't be renewing my season ticket - no matter what league we're playing in! If he does somehow manage to steer us through these playoffs and save us from the drop then I'll be first to thank the guy but we really need to try something different for next season.

Absolutely. Why wouldn't they want to sell to Clyde if a reasonable offer was made? If the Crownpoint bid is unsuccessful, it could be time to re-examine the ownership model. Could the club attract enough new owners to put in say 5-10K each in order to raise enough cash to put in a reasonable offer for Shawfield? Would need to ensure they are made owners in the true sense of the word and actually include them in the running of the club of course. A vote on next season's strip design and access to the online forum ain't gonna cut it. Under no illusions though as I realise even if we did somehow manage to acquire Shawfield, we'd then have the major issue/cost of renovation. Just thinking out loud really and hoping there is a plan B (other than just extending the Hamilton deal) if Crownpoint doesn't happen.

We're not very good but we're clearly a hell of a lot better than our league position would suggest. If the players continue to put in the effort they have the last few games I see no reason why we won't get through the relegation playoff. Definitely worth a point today which would have seen us draw three outta 4 with the (almost) runaway league winners. Where did it all go wrong?

Ssshhhh! The board will be giving Duffy a 5 year contract at this rate!

Fair points but surely Swift would take the gig if offered? I have no clue as to whether he'd do a better job than Duffy but I'm struggling to see how he could do any worse so gotta be worth a punt, no?

Yeah, I can't say I blame you. Unfortunately I have a season ticket so have attended almost all home games this season. Until tonight that is...enough is enough. I understand our hands are tied to some extent and most of the damage is already done and our fate most probably already sealed. BUT...perhaps the one thing we can still do is change manager. Not to copy Peterhead but just because it's a reasonable thing to do in these circumstances so why wouldn't we give it a go? What the hell have we got to lose???

Maybe they should stop going to send a clear message to the board this is unacceptable? Can Duffy please be retired now and get someone (Swift or whoever) in for the last few games to at least give us a tiny chance of finishing 9th and perhaps getting through the playoffs? This is beyond a joke.

Duffy still in the dugout, aye?