Footballfirst Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 (edited) Received this earlier tonight. Can't argue with any of it. Quote FAO: Sports Desks Subject: Open letter to Scottish Football including supporters, clubs, the SPFL, and the Scottish FA Issued by: Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs & The Heart of Midlothian Shareholders Association Enquiries: Stevie Kilgour – (contact details removed) Introduction Below please find an open letter issued by two key Heart of Midlothian supporter groups, the Federation of Hearts Supporters’ Clubs and the Heart of Midlothian Share Holders Association. Key headlines include: • A recognition that Scottish football supporters are the biggest contributors (or sponsors) of the game in this country • A call that the SPFL should urgently seek to establish which clubs are able to play their part in a complete ‘SPFL season’ • The definition of a full programme being: o A complete league season (36-40 games as would take place in normal times) o The Scottish League Cup, o Scottish Challenge Cup – for clubs outside the Scottish Premiership • A call for independent expertise be brought in to review the SPFL looking at areas for innovation, development and supporter engagement – and that this expertise be given the authority to drive change necessary for Scottish football to not just survive, but thrive! An open letter to Scottish Football Dear all, We understand that 2020 is a year that will long be remembered for the tragedy and loss of life that has afflicted this country, as almost every across the world. Our organisations pay tribute to the frontline workers who have given everything to help give others hope; we mourn with those who’s loves ones are now gone. To talk about Scottish football at this time feels very difficult, and it is for that reason we’ve chosen not to comment publicly, until now. It isn’t a surprise that as Heart of Midlothian supporters we feel strongly that the club currently faces demotion to the Scottish Championship. But, as football supporters and in effect the largest sponsors of our game, we call on everyone in the game to come together and ensure that the game we all love survives long beyond Covid-19. To that effect we call Scottish football, and in particular the SPFL to take a number of steps: • We believe that the SPFL executive (both chief executive and independent directors) should be taking ownership and leading clubs through this time; they should be the arbiter of fairness and genuine guardians of the game • We do not believe it is for clubs such as ours to be heading up our ‘own’ reconstruction talks – because when discussions are framed in this way, they will fail, because the vast majority of clubs only consider themselves, and consider Heart of Midlothian to be doing likewise. When this happens, rancour will continue, and our game will continue to suffer • Club leaders would be wise to consider carefully public pronouncements right now, because words last long, even if it might appear that cheap throwaway remarks are simply tomorrow’s chip paper. As custodians they bear an enormous responsibility, too • We call upon the SPFL to formally ask every member club to submit assurances that they can start and finish season 2020/2021, by which we mean participating in: o A full league programme (i.e. at least 36 games before play-offs, and 38 in the Premiership) o The Scottish League Cup o The Challenge Cup (where clubs play in the Championship, League 1 and League 2) • Clubs that can formally declare that they are in a strong enough financial position to fulfil that obligation should be allowed to do so at the earliest opportunity when the Scottish Government permits • Only then, can the set-up of any league structure be decided upon, depending on how many clubs can make that unequivocal commitment • Clubs who cannot should be allowed to “mothball” without incurring any form of further punishment, until fans are allowed back into stadiums and we can resume something resembling normal match day experiences These seem pragmatic next steps, but beyond that as supporters we believe our view should be heard (and we don’t believe we are alone for the longer term. Once there is some normality in the world, we believe a complete revamp of how our governing body is structured and operates is essential. We suggest an independent support is secured to look at the current set up of the SPFL, with the power to drive significant change such as: • Robust, transparent governance • Clear, focused plans which are supported by key metrics to determine success (or otherwise) • A board and executive which does not include club representation and operates independently against the above clear, focused plans – and which is judged robustly by shareholders (i.e. the clubs on the success of their delivery) Ann Budge quite rightly talks about Heart of Midlothian becoming ‘fan owned, but not fan run.’ On that same basis we believe the SPFL (as a limited company) should be ‘club owned, but not club run’. We believe that the biggest issue at this time is that the clubs run the SPFL, enabling an easy get out for the SPFL executive and its board. How often do we hear the phrase, “we’re a members’ organisation?” This means politics and self-interest becomes a huge part of managing the SPFL, rather than looking outwardly, seeking new ideas, engaging with supporters and creating an amazing league competition, which are celebrated by supporters, broadcasters and sponsors. This is probably the hardest period our game has experienced and the very existence of a lot of clubs is in danger. We need positive action now to safeguard that future for all and move forward. Heart of Midlothian means the world to us, but this is far bigger than anything down at Tynecastle Park right now. Yours in sport, Stevie Kilgour - Secretary Federation of Hearts Supporters’ Clubs Bill Alves - Chairman Heart of Midlothian Shareholders Association Edited June 3, 2020 by Footballfirst Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biko Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 Yep same here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kila Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 (edited) "SPFL should be club owned but not club run" Bang on the money. And given how these current board members have shown themselves, it's no wonder we're in such a mess given the ongoing crisis. No leadership, no rational thinking. Just looking out for themselves and the club they are from. Edited June 3, 2020 by kila Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodfella Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 11 minutes ago, Footballfirst said: Received this earlier tonight. Can't argue with any of it. superb letter, well written and thought out. The part about being club owned and not club ran is bang on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GorgieRules22 Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 It’s a great letter but I’m no sure why it’s taking so long ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kila Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 4 minutes ago, GorgieRules22 said: It’s a great letter but I’m no sure why it’s taking so long ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OTT Posted June 3, 2020 Share Posted June 3, 2020 28 minutes ago, Footballfirst said: Received this earlier tonight. Can't argue with any of it. Might seem like a daft question but, by sports desks I assume this means the various news outlets sports department? I.e Daily record, so in theory Keith Jackson (for arguments sake) will receive it? This is a really well thought out letter with excellent and valid points - Club owned but not club run is such an important point to underline. Self interest has defined our game for so long. Wholesale change like this would likely see Scottish football finally modernise and really push forward in its thinking. It will be interesting to see who chooses to run that. I would hope it would get universal traction, but given the tone the record has taken in recent weeks against the club I can't see them running anything which could paint us in a positive light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAYEL Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Very well put and laid out and makes absolute sense No doubt fall on deaf incompetent / corrupt ears though 😡 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo-Fox Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 It’s good! Hopefully it gets a few more people to think sensibly about the situation in a calm way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnthomas Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 2 hours ago, Goodfella said: superb letter, well written and thought out. The part about being club owned and not club ran is bang on. Sentiment is okish but not a well written letter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.T.F.Robertson Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 3 hours ago, GorgieRules22 said: It’s a great letter but I’m no sure why it’s taking so long ? FFS, man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwidoug Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 I am totally independent and would be able to participate constructively and in a completely non-partisan fashion to a restructured SPFL board. With modern technology there is no requirement to travel to meetings, and providing I was awake, I would be able to add great wisdom to procedings. Hope this goes ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Italian Lambretta Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 6 hours ago, Footballfirst said: Received this earlier tonight. Can't argue with any of it. 10 weeks too late. Trying to join the party when the revellers have all but went home. I really dont see the point of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnB Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 3 hours ago, johnthomas said: Sentiment is okish but not a well written letter Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamboozy Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Thought out and succinct, watch sportsound and the red tops pick it apart now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tamanov Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 2 hours ago, Kiwidoug said: I am totally independent and would be able to participate constructively and in a completely non-partisan fashion to a restructured SPFL board. With modern technology there is no requirement to travel to meetings, and providing I was awake, I would be able to add great wisdom to procedings. Hope this goes ahead. Being asleep, in cloud cuckoo land and oblivious to the obvious is In the job description of the current board so no problem there!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SectionDJambo Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 For me, it’s difficult to argue with any point they have brought up. It covers most, if not all, of the concerns and complaints that have been made by the representative pool of Hearts fans on here. It is laid out in a fashion which allows the reader to easily go back for further examination of the various points raised. Some will say it doesn’t threaten our potential response enough, but sufficient comment is made regarding the way the SPFL, some clubs and the press have behaved through this affair. I thank them for representing all of us by issuing this letter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pans Jambo Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Looking forward to reading this open letter in the Glasgow red tops, the Scotsman & the Edinburgh Evening news. Then hearing about it on both STV & BBC Scotland sports news, on-line & radio plus being heavily discussed on the football radio shows. As if!!! The letter is fantastic but it will be largely ignored. The status quo cannot be upset!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinmaroon Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 8 hours ago, Goodfella said: superb letter, well written and thought out. The part about being club owned and not club ran is bang on. An SPFL Board with 6 Neil Doncasters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GorgieRules22 Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 5 hours ago, J.T.F.Robertson said: FFS, man. It’s now June and 8 weeks from a season starting, the call to end the season was mid March so I’d say it’s a fairly valid question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portobellojambo1 Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 2 minutes ago, GorgieRules22 said: It’s now June and 8 weeks from a season starting, the call to end the season was mid March so I’d say it’s a fairly valid question. Do you genuinely believe that rather than the SPFL board, and their supporters, giving thought to how to proceed, even going back to pre the vote in April, that FHSC and HMSA are actually worthy of criticism for not making the suggestions they have at a much earlier date. What the two groups have done is brought potential common sense to the table and highlighted that decisions being made are motivated by other things at present and not representative of all the member clubs (something the SPFL board should have been aware of without needing any sort of prompt from any group). Should fans group of any sort, and any club, really need to be the ones who guide highly paid employees/representatives of Scottish football as to what needs done to create both a better and fairer system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GorgieRules22 Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 13 minutes ago, portobellojambo1 said: Do you genuinely believe that rather than the SPFL board, and their supporters, giving thought to how to proceed, even going back to pre the vote in April, that FHSC and HMSA are actually worthy of criticism for not making the suggestions they have at a much earlier date. What the two groups have done is brought potential common sense to the table and highlighted that decisions being made are motivated by other things at present and not representative of all the member clubs (something the SPFL board should have been aware of without needing any sort of prompt from any group). Should fans group of any sort, and any club, really need to be the ones who guide highly paid employees/representatives of Scottish football as to what needs done to create both a better and fairer system. There’s nothing wrong with the letter, I actually think it’s an excellent letter but I thought we might have heard from them slightly sooner if I’m being honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUTOL Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 (edited) Whilst they make valid points and I agree with them, they should've got a proof reader to go through it first, if that is what has been sent out. Also, I can only imagine how a similar letter would be recieved on here if it was from any other clubs support. Edited June 4, 2020 by SUTOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
part_time_jambo Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 (edited) 6 minutes ago, SUTOL said: Whilst they make valid points and I agree with them, they should've got a proof reader to go through it first, if that is what has been sent out. Also, I can only imagine how a similar letter would be recieved on here if it was from any other clubs support. Spot on. It's basic procedure, and mistakes distract one from the message. First line - "as almost every across the world". Every what? Edited June 4, 2020 by part_time_jambo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trained One Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Easy not to notice grammatical errors as the author. Well thought out words, but a mistake not to have proof read before going public. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUTOL Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 27 minutes ago, part_time_jambo said: Spot on. It's basic procedure, and mistakes distract one from the message. First line - "as almost every across the world". Every what? That would be country, "We understand that 2020 is a year that will long be remembered for the tragedy and loss of life that has afflicted this country, as almost every across the world. It was the more the second sentence (as the first example). "Our organisations pay tribute to the frontline workers who have given everything to help give others hope; we mourn with those who’s loves ones are now gone." Plus various other things throughout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zico Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 That’s a good letter. Will no doubt be dismissed out of hand by the idiots that run the game and the (vast majority) of people who write about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nookie Bear Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Good letter, and one of many pieces we have seen recently - including a few on here and Ian Murray's today - that encapsulate perfectly the ridiculousness of the situation. I have yet to read one coherent argument in favour of expelling us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckydug Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Two major points for me are finding out who can actually start and finish the season BCD. The suggestion of the board being run as an executive selected by the club In other words club owned but not club run. All the reconstruction talk is irrelevant if clubs can't start and finish the season. Might as well have the reconstruction now as be awarding 3-0 wins against teams dropping out later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Findlay Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 The game is afoot Watson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 I’m not sure what they were trying to achieve with this but hopefully they liaised with the club before publishing, given the complex play that seems to be underway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWF Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 I have doubts as to the authenticity of this communication Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SUTOL Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 4 minutes ago, TWF said: I have doubts as to the authenticity of this communication Why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pilmuir Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 1 hour ago, Nookie Bear said: Good letter, and one of many pieces we have seen recently - including a few on here and Ian Murray's today - that encapsulate perfectly the ridiculousness of the situation. I have yet to read one coherent argument in favour of expelling us. True but these good pieces all come from groups/people associated with Hearts so will be dismissed immediately. Would be good if fans groups from the likes of Hibs, Aberdeen, St Mirren or even Ayr made these kind of communications. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pans Jambo Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 12 minutes ago, Pilmuir said: True but these good pieces all come from groups/people associated with Hearts so will be dismissed immediately. Would be good if fans groups from the likes of Hibs, Aberdeen, St Mirren or even Ayr made these kind of communications. The first line of any one of their letters would read: Although Heart of Midlothian deserve to be relegated following an abysmal season..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DETTY29 Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 4 hours ago, colinmaroon said: An SPFL Board with 6 Neil Doncasters? MacLellan, Gray and Ferguson are sneakier than Doncaster. Cameron at Alloa too, even more so by club association of Mulraney from the SFA. Not too keen on Burrows or McArthur either. And Robertson at Rangers doesn't give a crap about anyone else but them either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broxburnjambo Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 1 hour ago, davemclaren said: I’m not sure what they were trying to achieve with this but hopefully they liaised with the club before publishing, given the complex play that seems to be underway. The club was fully engaged with before communications were sent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broxburnjambo Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 1 hour ago, TWF said: I have doubts as to the authenticity of this communication Care to share your doubts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBigO Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 3 hours ago, Trained One said: Easy not to notice grammatical errors as the author. Well thought out words, but a mistake not to have proof read before going public. It doesn't matter. The message is the important bit. That said, it is a bugbear of mine and they jump out and distract. I guess we're discussing grammar instead of the message. Maybe it does matter!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 9 minutes ago, broxburnjambo said: The club was fully engaged with before communications were sent. So I believe, which is good. 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monsignor Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 10/10 very well presented and covers all the salient points. Pleased to see Doncaster is trying to get clubs on board for a reconstruction which he should have been leading on from the start of this debacle. Fingers crossed Hearts may yet be playing top flight football next season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lone Striker Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 As others have said, the impact of the letter is diminished due to some basic grammatical errors and omissions. While much of the content is valid, I very much doubt that getting TV and newspaper football folk to give it publicity will do any good. Sadly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinmaroon Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 55 minutes ago, DETTY29 said: MacLellan, Gray and Ferguson are sneakier than Doncaster. Cameron at Alloa too, even more so by club association of Mulraney from the SFA. Not too keen on Burrows or McArthur either. And Robertson at Rangers doesn't give a crap about anyone else but them either. The point is, whether they change it or not, it is the pervasive interest of the Uglies that will seek and succeed in influencing decisions through fear and/or favour and that is the definition of corruption. It will require someone special to root it out, someone fearless and totally independent from the long-running rot in the halls of governance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyCant Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 (edited) Completely unstructured grammatical mess with some bleeding obvious statements and one particular suggestion that Heart of Midlothian FC or any other club would never want Implemented.(passing powers to the SPFL board FFS !!!) Ask clubs if they can play next season ? No fecking shit Sherlock, we’ve never thought to do that !! Seriously what a waste of ink and paper. These organisations have Very few active members these days and their relevance is marginal. A mutually agreed Properly constructed letter from a JKB committee of sorts (containing at least one of the grammar police)would carry far more weight and relevance Edited June 4, 2020 by JimmyCant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
credit card Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 I think you need a lie down sunshine. Take another tablet. Very few active members my arse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Natural Order Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Reads like a .net special to the Lithuanian President. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch41 Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 I like this letter as it really tries to be positive without insulting any club. Trying to do the best for Scottish football is a complement to the Heart of Midlothian F.C. Well done the Federation & the Shareholders Association. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyesandears Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 Well done the Fed and HMSA. Keep the maroon flag flying high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamboozy Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 1 hour ago, credit card said: I think you need a lie down sunshine. Take another tablet. Very few active members my arse. I think he’s a cockney, the way you pronounce cant sounds right 😐 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
credit card Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 He can't have been to too many away games either or he would know that dozens of buses make up the Federation. Shares are worth nothing now but those who own them have pumped in fair whacks over the years and continue to do so. The letter makes good points and is better sent that not. PS "I hoap aye speld evrithin rite" 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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