Spyro
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Posts posted by Spyro
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Now Lowland League 2 being organised! I can see the “Junior football, what is the future?“ exploding soon
I’m still waiting for my answer to the basic questions regarding the other colt/reserve teams in the pyramid system...
Are they allowed to play at tier 5?
Did they enter (or buy their way into) the system 2-3 tiers higher than the bottom tier?
Either the question is being deliberately dodged by the cheerleaders of this proposal to protect their own agendas, or they haven’t got a clue.
To think I have been a supporter of this podcast since the beginning and never had a bad word to say about them or their club... I’m done now. I’ll not be giving my opinion on the matter again as there’s clearly no point
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Are they allowed in tier 5 though?
We’re they allowed the start 3 tiers above the bottom tier of their respective area?
Come on now! I actually thought you were better than that...
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@RampantFM instead of posting a screenshot my comment on Twitter as if I’m some sort of troll. Maybe try and see the actual point we are ALL trying to make regarding the other reserve teams in the system and why certain clubs in the LL are quite rightly getting a lot of criticism... from people from all areas of football at this level.
I’ve never hidden behind my alias, I’m not a troll and I am always available for a private, civilised chat... as many on here have already and will testify.
Ok, I could’ve worded my post a little different but your FACTS regarding a basic issue were so out of touch, I felt it was an insult to everyone considering your apparent expertise on the game at this level.
I don’t have a personal Twitter account or I would’ve defended myself there. Don’t lose sleep over me honey x
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So (constructive head on now), where do we go from here???
This was my initial reaction on Wednesday evening, even before CCS (a team I have always had a lot of time for) made their statement.
I’ve had time to hear out, read the proposal and what had to be said on the podcast and tbh I’m 100 times more angry now then a was then...
On 05/05/2021 at 21:50, Spyro said:All the respectful clubs in the LL that actually listen to their fans should be pulling out and reapplying for the EOS/WOS/SOS leagues. Short term strain but better than completely losing their supporters. It’s a fucking disgrace by the LL!
Do the Lowland League clubs who are clearly being ambushed into this withdraw from the league and reapply to the EoS/WoS? Is it even possible now so late in the day?
They would probably have to start at the bottom but I guarantee they would receive widespread admiration and support for taking the stance.
Let whoever is left in the LL play their games against their idols in a league that’ll hold no relevance.
The EoS, SoS and WoS should be talking NOW! They are the last chance to take control and fill the void created by the Lowland League’s hypocrisy.
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2 hours ago, RampantFM said:
Also, you mention Edinburgh City here. Edinburgh City development would be in the East of Scotland this season if Meadowbank was ready in time.
Perplexing those against Colt sides being in the pyramid have no issues with the fact we already have colts sides in the pyramid.
2 hours ago, RampantFM said:No problem with Stranraer Reserves being a tier above all the WOS conference sides though. Fair point.
Funnily enough, NONE of these reserve sides are eligible of the Lowland League... what makes them different to 2 new teams from Glasgow?Stick to Football Manager and leave the real football to people who have half a clue. I’ve always gave you guys and the whole BSC/Caledonian Braves thing the benefit of the doubt but you can take your silly, fake clubs away for a swim.
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27 minutes ago, virginton said:
despite the similar PR massaging at the beginning making them all seem like a done deal. They weren't, and this isn't.
Fingers crossed mate but it’s sounding like decisions have already been made at the very top and these clubs will simply be outnumbered by the fakes
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8 minutes ago, Bundesliga Boy said:
scunnered
There it is
I’m not too far behind you, old enough to understand what real competition is and when I’m having the wool pulled over my eyes.I’d like to say there’s always the amateur leagues but that’s doing a disservice to clubs like CCS and the others who will be equally as appalled by this... just lost now.
9+ years of progress completely flushed down the pan in 2 announcements (WoS premier/conferences which I’m now having reservations about and now this), “surprisingly” enough just after they finally got every club in the area on board. The trust has gone
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36 minutes ago, Bundesliga Boy said:
Absolutely spot on!
I was completely taken in by George's apparent determination for fairness pertaining to the Lowland. George previously spoke about the underhand tactics of the SPFL regarding them trying to get Brechin into the Lowland etc - and how they were being threatened by the SPFL and faced possible sanctions.
He appeared to be a man of principle.
Yet listen to his interview on the Lowland Podcast.
At around 7 mins 20 mins secs, he is asked what would happen beyond the first year of the OF colts being in the Lowland and he responds 'that is down to Rangers and Celtic' then follows up with 'we have only committed to one year'.
Yet he later in the interview alludes to it just being a one year deal.......if that is the case, and its purely a one year deal, why say earlier that it is up to Rangers and Celtic what happens beyond that.
This stinks to high heaven! If the Old Firm hadn't proposed this, and say instead, Annan and Edinburgh City had contacted him to say that their young boys hadn't played in a year or so either, and needed to join a league for a year, but had no funds to pay an entry fee, there would be absolutely no discussion to be had. He would be preaching about the league can only be a maximum of 16 clubs.
He has absolutely sold out the league. Had he just been honest, and said - our member clubs are really struggling financially so for a one year deal only we are going to accept a £3k pay off per club (£50k payment by the OF divided by the member clubs) then.....you might not agree, but you'd appreciate the honestly.
It's the underhandness of it all.
And quite frankly he should have been held to far greater account than he was during this interview by one or two fanboys - one of whom in particular I have always had great respect for.
To be clear, I'm not as fundamentally opposed as others to OF Colts......but if it has to happen, then in the name of fairness and so called 'sporting integrity' then they absolutely have to start at the bottom of the rung and work their way up. Beisdes, it's equal Conferences at the moment beyond the West Premier so would presumably take fewer years to achieve.
I actually can't put into words how let down I feel by George Fraser.....a man I have always championed until now.
I wanted to write something myself once I had digested everything and the dust had settled around all this, but it would LITERALLY be word-for-word what you have written here, apart from I am/was “fundamentally opposed” to the idea.
Between what you’ve said above and the WoS Premiership fiasco, I honestly wouldn’t blame some clubs from breaking away... again!
I too have been a “cheerleader” for “the pyramid”, the Lowland League, it’s creators and the quirky nature of some of the new clubs involved.
I truly believed that we had all moved on and the “big, bad, sleazy seniors” tag could eventually be dropped for good and we could all move on TOGETHER as one.
Heartbroken is probably a little strong but I can’t think of another word to describe how I feel about all this... stabbed in the back? Taken for a mug? I don’t know... but after this statement and the subsequent podcast, my faith has gone. I can only imagine how the guys who have put their blood, sweat and tears into their clubs (and leagues) chasing this false dream are feeling right now. I can only say I’m sorry for being so naive
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1 hour ago, The Mantis said:
Never knew you were a goalie. Last time WW got drawn there in the cups it was 5-2. WW played their U21 goalie for whatever reason. I think Eyemouth scored first, WW quickly equalised, then the U21 goalie let a passbook roll under his foot for 2-1. The back four spent the rest of the game keeping the ball away from him... this is the legend Wayno scoring with a flick in the second half.
Not guilty
I was only 16 last time I played there! Must’ve been decent though as I was asked to sign for them afterwards but chose to stick with the amateurs, one of many regrets.
Wayno did come to train/play with us for a few weeks on loan from WW recovering from an injury (2002ish). Got my arse handed to me and reckon he was still only at 70%... packed it in about a year later. Definitely all his fault
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1 minute ago, andrew21 said:
Seven minutes in Ben "What happens at end of 1st year" George Fraser "That will be up to Rangers and Celtic"
Wow!
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53 minutes ago, Burnieman said:
If the EoS pans out the way it looks to be, then re-entering at the lowest level in a few years once all clubs find their level wouldn't be much of a step-up from Border Ams, so fingers crossed. That equally applies to Chirnside if they fancy it.
Better
Tbh, there’s a few Border Ams teams who could easily pass the criteria if they fancied the jump. Once there’s a linear structure then the prospect won’t seem so daunting. Although there a lot of good history there and lack of appetite for longer journeys that mean most clubs will probably prefer to stay amateur.
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9 minutes ago, heedthebaa said:
The amateur team was happening regardless. EOS is done and can’t see a return
Gutted but not surprised.
With the growth of the East Lothian teams and Tweedmouth appearing, it’s diluted the amount of available players in the catchment. From what I remember the Eyemouth squad was mainly boys from Berwick and East Lothian and it was always tough then so it must have been an uphill battle recently. Loved a wee away day to Eyemouth too, always good craic!
Will never forget having to tip one of my own kickouts over my bar because of that b*****d wind
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29 minutes ago, Sergeant Wilson said:
What "fans"?
Don’t say it
Don't say it
Don't say it
Ah f**k!
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13 hours ago, Burnieman said:
What was wrong with the Gaswork ID?
Got his baws kicked for some dodgy comments made on the Stenhousemuir thread. Disgusting little creature that he is
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9 minutes ago, Dundee Hibernian said:
Don't know who is the biggest fud out of the three in that Rangers video. I knew Robertson had a history of talking horseshit, but Wilson and Mulholland are pushing him there on fudness.
Had never heard Wilson talk before, but he seems well versed in business jargon, talking a lot and saying little................... apart from letting a cat out the bag with his 'initially' faux pas.
Mulholland looks like he knows he's talking pish.
Does anyone still really believe this is ONLY for one season now?!
It fucking stinks
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Nobody is abusing anyone!
We are standing up for the clubs in Scotland who haven’t yet being infected by the nonsense and self-importance of the 2 big Glasgow teams who have ruined our top league game over many years.
Maybe take a step back and look at how this looks to a non-OF supporting viewpoint and understand where the anger comes from.
I certainly have nothing against you personally and I’m sure the others posting don’t either, but you have got this terribly wrong in our (and many other’s) eyes. Calling it abuse is a little disheartening as it’s sign of a trench-mentally and it’s time to put the shovel down and re-evaluate what football at this level means to people... we don’t give a sh!t what Andy Walker or Sky Sports have to say on what is football, this is Scotland and REAL football without the nonsense.
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3 minutes ago, Jerry Macguire said:
...that doesn’t give you the right to personally attack me with such abusive and aggressive language.
Where? Sorry but I’m not seeing it myself, it really is “one of the most ignorant misguided posts ive ever read on this entire website.
‘Its one season only’ get a grip.” Is a fair comment IMO1 -
Did we really learn absolutely nothing from the European Super League fiasco? This is absolutely brutal btw
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30 minutes ago, Jerry Macguire said:
Sorry just my daft sense of humour no fall outs or arguments. Me and Spyro are all good. I resisted posting on this because I hadn’t actually seen the proposal, only the lowland league statement so I felt I couldn’t really give an opinion. I’ve now seen the proposal so here’s what I think.
Before I get to the proposal itself let’s consider some of the concerns or arguments against. Plenty of people are throwing about the word integrity. Sporting integrity, integrity of the pyramid. If you believe in such things none of these are actually impacted by this proposal whatsoever. No one has been blocked from earning promotion, relegation will still happen, it’s a one season only invitation and the member clubs will all get to vote on it without any recommendation from the board.
So what are people really upset about?
Ah but clubs have spent money to gain SFA membership. So what, they’ve spent money improving their own facilities for their own benefit that doesn’t earn you a free pass. That opportunity came and went a long time ago. You earn your place by winning on the park.Why should Rangers and Celtic be parachuted in at tier 5 they should be made to start at the bottom. 2 problems with that, the standard of opponent and stadia is not (for the most part) going to help the development of these young players. The other point people seem to be missing is they will not be part of the pyramid. This is a one season only proposal, an invitation if you like. The Colts teams have no long term ambitions to play in the Lowland League.
As for the proposal itself the single most important thing in it and something that has the potential to benefit the entire non SPFL pyramid isn’t the £50k the league will get or the potential bump in gates, it’s the exposure this will bring. Sponsorship opportunities, media interest etc. We may even get to a point where we can earn prize money from participating in the competitions such as the South Challenge Cup or the league itself.
I like many feel a little bit reluctant about Rangers and Celtic fans coming to our games in large numbers due to the potential baggage they bring. However having lived in Glasgow all my life and as someone with family and friends who support both clubs, by and large they’re just the same as the rest of us. Ultimately the decision on this rightly so will be made by the clubs themselves for me that’s the way it should be. Do I want it? If it helps improve the game at our level and beyond what have we got to lose?
You’ve still got this HORRIBLY wrong though
Nobody is buying this “one season” patter, nobody!
If it doesn’t affect the league standings, then why should LL teams bother or risk injuries?
Let’s not go into why half the LL teams are actually there, they still have/had a shred of dignity about them. If they can’t sustain themselves, drop out and restart... maybe find somewhere closer to home like Sco... erm, anywhere in Glasgow for example! Take the hit, hold your head up high and be remembered for the GOOD your team have brought to the game and rebuild with a better model.
If they were concerned about the “development of players”, they wouldn’t have ridiculed and pulled out of the reserve league setup, or hoovered up any talent away from other clubs so they actually had decent competition at their level.
As for sponsorship, this is theoretical. Maybe spend more time and effort looking for a true sponsor who will actually promote the league for what it is, rather than hanging on the coattails of these 2 @rsecheeks. There’s so much potential already there, it’s up to the leadership to promote that.
Baggage? Enough said... the reason we prefer to watch lower league games in this country.
Apart from that, fair play for giving your side of things but years of good work and good-will won’t be remembered if this is allowed to materialise. In fact, I hate to say that a lot of damage had already been done
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5 minutes ago, Born To Run said:
Good to see the same old nonsense getting peddled about crowd numbers. That's a moot point, mind you.
I've put together my thoughts on the proposal. Covered most bases here.
We're basically talking about the two Colt sides playing a glorified friendly campaign for a season and paying member clubs for the priviledge. I don't have an issue with it in principle - my problem is with how this looks to the feeder leagues below. Long been a proponent of two relegation spots...now is the time for it if this is possibly getting passed.
It’s got NOTHING to do with “crowd numbers”. It’s about the sustainability of the club!
If the business model doesn’t work, then that the club’s fault. Most other clubs are surviving through hard work of their leaders and dedication of their fanbase, without the need of this OF Colts nonsense.
Also, I have never until today had a bad word to say about BSC and the chairman, they have been a revelation over the last few years and should be commended for that. That admiration though has dissolved over the last few hours with this charade.
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2 minutes ago, Jerry Macguire said:
Now I know what it must feel like to be a Rangers supporter. You okay Andy?
Try again, guarantee you don’t know me though
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19 minutes ago, Inanimate Carbon Rod said:
My team lost its place in the spfl due to corruption and greed. We regrouped started in the junior leagues, built our infrastructure, built a community asset from the grass roots, a full academy, fought for better facilities and board members burst their arses to get us into the WoSL and approved for SFA licensing. Started from nothing and being jumped by the two clubs in Scotland who are responsible for just about everything thats wrong with Scottish Football with their glory hunter fans, bigotry, entitlement, investing in foreign duds and now they just get their way yet again. Absolutely cringing for Fraser and the LL board etc crying about sporting integrity yet allowing the ugly sisters to jump 100’s of other clubs. Where’s the sporting integrity there George? You just a wee bit worried looking back at Talbot, Pollok, Bankies, Troon, Buffs and Darvel etc?
3 feeder leagues and 1 promotion place yet this mob are being parachuted in for ‘1 year’ aye sporting integrity.
well put!
It’ll be interesting to see what Grenta 2008’s views are, as “benefactors” to this cash bonanza... I think I know what their supporters group think though
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3 hours ago, G51 said:
Don't quite understand why it's the Lowland League who have made the first approach. My guess is that this is some kind of political manouevring or something among the Lowland League chairmen. Who knows.
Doubt it ever happens tbh. There's no advantage to Rangers and Celtic doing this that I can see.
Or the BSC money pot is running low? Sustaining a team with a squad that grossly outweighs their standing and rent payments to Alloa can’t go on forever in this climate.
Where as most other clubs have learnt to live within their means over the last few months
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All the respectful clubs in the LL that actually listen to their fans should be pulling out and reapplying for the EOS/WOS/SOS leagues. Short term strain but better than completely losing their supporters. It’s a fucking disgrace by the LL!
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Celtic and Hearts B Teams in Lowland League?
in Lowland League
Posted
So why keep churning out the line, that “there are other colt/reserve teams in the leagues” whenever anyone asked the question? Rather than just answering the simple question and realising WHY it has been met with such dismay and anger among the vast majority of fans of football at this level. This is where my patience was lost with certain people...
Why should these 2 teams get preferential treatment over every other club in Scotland?
Between that and the way this has been sneaked out, rushed through so close to the start of the new season and up for a vote tonight, it stinks to high heaven. I’m yet to find anyone who is involved with any club at tier 5 and below who thinks this is a good idea, but low-and -behold it looks like it might actually happen. You can’t tell me that this doesn’t look like a complete stitch up to anyone on the outside