Albert McFly Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Maybe they should stop spending money on transfer fees and put that to fixing their pitch rather than asking the public to fund them? They have spent £40k on transfer fees since Elliot took over let that sink in before giving them sympathy and money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey1874 Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Nah Plenty others ready to take over Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 (edited) 2 hours ago, Albert McFly said: Maybe they should stop spending money on transfer fees and put that to fixing their pitch rather than asking the public to fund them? They have spent £40k on transfer fees since Elliot took over let that sink in before giving them sympathy and money I disagree with the sentiment behind your post. Bonnyrigg has been one of the successes of the pyramid, having joined the EOS from the junior ranks, secured promotion to the LL, then reached the SPFL by defeating Cowdenbeath in the Club 42 playoff. They achieved that without the financial backing of a sugar daddy (such as Cove or Kelty). They own their own ground, which they have upgraded with floodlights, added cover and seats to meet licensing requirements. If anything they have neglected spending on their squad which is why they've struggled to avoid finishing as Club 42 in the last couple of seasons. They are a true community club, with grass roots football at all ages, including U18 and U20s and also run a women's side. They had looked for support to install an astro pitch to further assist with their community work, but that funding fell through, hence where they are today. The SPFL hasn't helped with the points deduction. Perhaps they with the SFA should have been looking to provide assistance rather than sanctions. The SFA has indicated that there is cash available for grass roots. Perhaps Bonnyrigg should have been offered a grant or interest free loan towards the cost. Scottish FA@ScottishFA Dec 18, 2024 Today we're launching Pitching In. It's our commitment to laying new foundations for Scottish football’s future: a plan to address a shortfall in quality facilities in Scotland. We're aiming to raise £50m over five years, and are kicking it off with £5m from the Scottish FA. Unfortunately, to the SPFL, Bonnyrigg is a new kid on the block, so won't qualify for the special handouts that have been given to East Stirlingshire, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers this season. Indeed, their views on opening up the pyramid won't have gone down well with the long term SPFL strugglers, despite Bonnyrigg itself having a history that goes back to 1881. They also have the biggest support in League 2. IMO, Bonnyrigg is exactly the type of club that should be given every assistance possible. If they do lose their league status, I don't think it will be too long before they are knocking on the door of the SPFL once again. Edited January 11 by Footballfirst Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwd1957 Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 On 12/11/2024 at 18:43, Francis Albert said: Indeed. Don't know if it is now level but they got away with the famous slope for ...a century or more? Dundee utd still have a slope . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMEdinburgh Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Motherwell is also a slope corner flag to corner flag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazhearts Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 1 hour ago, Footballfirst said: I disagree with the sentiment behind your post. Bonnyrigg has been one of the successes of the pyramid, having joined the EOS from the junior ranks, secured promotion to the LL, then reached the SPFL by defeating Cowdenbeath in the Club 42 playoff. They achieved that without the financial backing of a sugar daddy (such as Cove or Kelty). They own their own ground, which they have upgraded with floodlights, added cover and seats to meet licensing requirements. If anything they have neglected spending on their squad which is why they've struggled to avoid finishing as Club 42 in the last couple of seasons. They are a true community club, with grass roots football at all ages, including U18 and U20s and also run a women's side. They had looked for support to install an astro pitch to further assist with their community work, but that funding fell through, hence where they are today. The SPFL hasn't helped with the points deduction. Perhaps they with the SFA should have been looking to provide assistance rather than sanctions. The SFA has indicated that there is cash available for grass roots. Perhaps Bonnyrigg should have been offered a grant or interest free loan towards the cost. Scottish FA@ScottishFA Dec 18, 2024 Today we're launching Pitching In. It's our commitment to laying new foundations for Scottish football’s future: a plan to address a shortfall in quality facilities in Scotland. We're aiming to raise £50m over five years, and are kicking it off with £5m from the Scottish FA. Unfortunately, to the SPFL, Bonnyrigg is a new kid on the block, so won't qualify for the special handouts that have been given to East Stirlingshire, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers this season. Indeed, their views on opening up the pyramid won't have gone down well with the long term SPFL strugglers, despite Bonnyrigg itself having a history that goes back to 1881. They also have the biggest support in League 2. IMO, Bonnyrigg is exactly the type of club that should be given every assistance possible. If they do lose their league status, I don't think it will be too long before they are knocking on the door of the SPFL once again. Outstanding post 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briever Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 How many years did the hobbos have a slop on their pitch for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stanley_ Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 (edited) 1 hour ago, Footballfirst said: I disagree with the sentiment behind your post. Bonnyrigg has been one of the successes of the pyramid, having joined the EOS from the junior ranks, secured promotion to the LL, then reached the SPFL by defeating Cowdenbeath in the Club 42 playoff. They achieved that without the financial backing of a sugar daddy (such as Cove or Kelty). They own their own ground, which they have upgraded with floodlights, added cover and seats to meet licensing requirements. If anything they have neglected spending on their squad which is why they've struggled to avoid finishing as Club 42 in the last couple of seasons. They are a true community club, with grass roots football at all ages, including U18 and U20s and also run a women's side. They had looked for support to install an astro pitch to further assist with their community work, but that funding fell through, hence where they are today. The SPFL hasn't helped with the points deduction. Perhaps they with the SFA should have been looking to provide assistance rather than sanctions. The SFA has indicated that there is cash available for grass roots. Perhaps Bonnyrigg should have been offered a grant or interest free loan towards the cost. Scottish FA@ScottishFA Dec 18, 2024 Today we're launching Pitching In. It's our commitment to laying new foundations for Scottish football’s future: a plan to address a shortfall in quality facilities in Scotland. We're aiming to raise £50m over five years, and are kicking it off with £5m from the Scottish FA. Unfortunately, to the SPFL, Bonnyrigg is a new kid on the block, so won't qualify for the special handouts that have been given to East Stirlingshire, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers this season. Indeed, their views on opening up the pyramid won't have gone down well with the long term SPFL strugglers, despite Bonnyrigg itself having a history that goes back to 1881. They also have the biggest support in League 2. IMO, Bonnyrigg is exactly the type of club that should be given every assistance possible. If they do lose their league status, I don't think it will be too long before they are knocking on the door of the SPFL once again. Good post. What's happening is largely another example of self-protectionism from the clubs to deal with the threat of Highland/Lowland League clubs. They've already lost five traditional league clubs to tier 5 and none have returned yet. It's not quite as simple as Bonnyrigg not complying with the rules and it being their fault, the rules keep being changed to make it harder for clubs to comply. Seeing the Challenge Cup invites going to the top two of the Lowland League plus the four clubs who used to be part of the SPFL (who finished in 9th, 10th, 13th and 14th) rather than the top six in the league was just another example of where the interests of Scottish football lie. Edited January 11 by Stanley_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoda Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 5 minutes ago, briever said: How many years did the hobbos have a slop on their pitch for? They had Rod Petrie looking out for their interests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoda Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 1 hour ago, Footballfirst said: I disagree with the sentiment behind your post. Bonnyrigg has been one of the successes of the pyramid, having joined the EOS from the junior ranks, secured promotion to the LL, then reached the SPFL by defeating Cowdenbeath in the Club 42 playoff. They achieved that without the financial backing of a sugar daddy (such as Cove or Kelty). They own their own ground, which they have upgraded with floodlights, added cover and seats to meet licensing requirements. If anything they have neglected spending on their squad which is why they've struggled to avoid finishing as Club 42 in the last couple of seasons. They are a true community club, with grass roots football at all ages, including U18 and U20s and also run a women's side. They had looked for support to install an astro pitch to further assist with their community work, but that funding fell through, hence where they are today. The SPFL hasn't helped with the points deduction. Perhaps they with the SFA should have been looking to provide assistance rather than sanctions. The SFA has indicated that there is cash available for grass roots. Perhaps Bonnyrigg should have been offered a grant or interest free loan towards the cost. Scottish FA@ScottishFA Dec 18, 2024 Today we're launching Pitching In. It's our commitment to laying new foundations for Scottish football’s future: a plan to address a shortfall in quality facilities in Scotland. We're aiming to raise £50m over five years, and are kicking it off with £5m from the Scottish FA. Unfortunately, to the SPFL, Bonnyrigg is a new kid on the block, so won't qualify for the special handouts that have been given to East Stirlingshire, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers this season. Indeed, their views on opening up the pyramid won't have gone down well with the long term SPFL strugglers, despite Bonnyrigg itself having a history that goes back to 1881. They also have the biggest support in League 2. IMO, Bonnyrigg is exactly the type of club that should be given every assistance possible. If they do lose their league status, I don't think it will be too long before they are knocking on the door of the SPFL once again. Great post. The Scottish football establishment looking out for their pals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taffin Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 Feel sorry for them and feel they're being hard done to, but not chipping in to add another plastic pitch in the league structure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 If Falkirk is promoted to the Premiership for next season, will they be automatically relegated the following season if their stadium isn't converted to grass by the start of 2026/27? Them's the rules. I believe the stadium is council owned, but that Falkirk is responsible for maintenance of the pitch, floodlights etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazhearts Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 24 minutes ago, Taffin said: Feel sorry for them and feel they're being hard done to, but not chipping in to add another plastic pitch in the league structure. It's not going to be a plastic pitch. The money is to help level and then re-lay their grass pitch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taffin Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 (edited) 9 minutes ago, tazhearts said: It's not going to be a plastic pitch. The money is to help level and then re-lay their grass pitch. The justgiving page is extremely misleading then imo: 'Resolving the pitch problem has been central to all ground discussions and there is an ambitious plan to install a 3G artificial pitch. This would allow 7 days a week use and increased access to football for hundreds of local children. However, the deadline set by the SPFL means that the club needs to find a solution and quick. There have been advanced discussions with contractors and with your help we believe we can once more achieve the seemingly impossible.' Edited January 11 by Taffin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManxandCapeTownJambo Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 20 years or so back one of the big supermarkets wanted to buy their ground and build them a new stadium elsewhere Didn’t happen can’t remember if Asda or whoever pulled out or it was planning issues If that had happened they probably would be fine now but as FF says they are a true community club with teams all the way down to under 6’s and the money involved isn’t huge so hope they sort it out The Scottish League should have been far more helpful imo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Star Lizard Posted January 11 Share Posted January 11 1 hour ago, briever said: slop on their pitch Pretty much every decade of their existence except the late fifties to early seventies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briever Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 12 hours ago, Star Lizard said: Pretty much every decade of their existence except the late fifties to early seventies 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveo654 Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Clearly people who are feeling sorry for the rose dont know how much money seems to have vanished at that club over the years, any money donated there will soon vanish as well, this is there fault and they wont be getting a penny from most of bonnyrigg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert McFly Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 17 hours ago, Footballfirst said: I disagree with the sentiment behind your post. Bonnyrigg has been one of the successes of the pyramid, having joined the EOS from the junior ranks, secured promotion to the LL, then reached the SPFL by defeating Cowdenbeath in the Club 42 playoff. They achieved that without the financial backing of a sugar daddy (such as Cove or Kelty). They own their own ground, which they have upgraded with floodlights, added cover and seats to meet licensing requirements. If anything they have neglected spending on their squad which is why they've struggled to avoid finishing as Club 42 in the last couple of seasons. They are a true community club, with grass roots football at all ages, including U18 and U20s and also run a women's side. They had looked for support to install an astro pitch to further assist with their community work, but that funding fell through, hence where they are today. The SPFL hasn't helped with the points deduction. Perhaps they with the SFA should have been looking to provide assistance rather than sanctions. The SFA has indicated that there is cash available for grass roots. Perhaps Bonnyrigg should have been offered a grant or interest free loan towards the cost. Scottish FA@ScottishFA Dec 18, 2024 Today we're launching Pitching In. It's our commitment to laying new foundations for Scottish football’s future: a plan to address a shortfall in quality facilities in Scotland. We're aiming to raise £50m over five years, and are kicking it off with £5m from the Scottish FA. Unfortunately, to the SPFL, Bonnyrigg is a new kid on the block, so won't qualify for the special handouts that have been given to East Stirlingshire, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers this season. Indeed, their views on opening up the pyramid won't have gone down well with the long term SPFL strugglers, despite Bonnyrigg itself having a history that goes back to 1881. They also have the biggest support in League 2. IMO, Bonnyrigg is exactly the type of club that should be given every assistance possible. If they do lose their league status, I don't think it will be too long before they are knocking on the door of the SPFL once again. Im not going to argue with your articulate points about the SFA and others you have put here that I agree with My point is Bonnyrigg have known about this issue and whether we agree on the principles or not and in that time have spent £40k on transfer fees and are asking for public help rather than looking inward for a solution, guess it’s just an opinion but I’d expect clubs to sort out their own internal spending before asking for hand outs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordon simpson Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 16 hours ago, briever said: How many years did the hobbos have a slop on their pitch for? and were as proud as fk about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swm Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 3 hours ago, steveo654 said: Clearly people who are feeling sorry for the rose dont know how much money seems to have vanished at that club over the years, any money donated there will soon vanish as well, this is there fault and they wont be getting a penny from most of bonnyrigg. Can you expand on your claims? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hmfc1965 Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 18 hours ago, Stanley_ said: Good post. What's happening is largely another example of self-protectionism from the clubs to deal with the threat of Highland/Lowland League clubs. They've already lost five traditional league clubs to tier 5 and none have returned yet. It's not quite as simple as Bonnyrigg not complying with the rules and it being their fault, the rules keep being changed to make it harder for clubs to comply. Seeing the Challenge Cup invites going to the top two of the Lowland League plus the four clubs who used to be part of the SPFL (who finished in 9th, 10th, 13th and 14th) rather than the top six in the league was just another example of where the interests of Scottish football lie. I agree with all of this but the Lowland League clubs are just as guilty of protectionism when it comes to promotion to and relegation from their league. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShedBoy Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 22 hours ago, Albert McFly said: Maybe they should stop spending money on transfer fees and put that to fixing their pitch rather than asking the public to fund them? They have spent £40k on transfer fees since Elliot took over let that sink in before giving them sympathy and money Spot on. They were warned about 5 years ago that they had to sort the pitch if they made it into the pyramid. They did hee haw. Tough tit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey J J Jr Shabadoo Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 38 minutes ago, swm said: Can you expand on your claims? There was a grant Midlothian council gave towards their car park that got spent on other things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sr2008 Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 4 hours ago, steveo654 said: Clearly people who are feeling sorry for the rose dont know how much money seems to have vanished at that club over the years, any money donated there will soon vanish as well, this is there fault and they wont be getting a penny from most of bonnyrigg. Not sure what has gone on in past years but it is primarily an independent committee set up to try to raise the funding and progress the pitch works, one of the main reasons being to ensure the funds raised are solely used towards the levelling of the pitch. The group had actually been set up prior to the SPFL punishment as a body to raise funds solely for remedial works on the ground rather than things like playing budgets but moved their focus to raising the funding to level the pitch when it became clear the extent of the issue the punishment in place. What is however clear is that the club had known for sometime the pitch was going to cause issues and should have been more transparent and also set about raising the funding long before now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stanley_ Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 (edited) 1 hour ago, Hmfc1965 said: I agree with all of this but the Lowland League clubs are just as guilty of protectionism when it comes to promotion to and relegation from their league. They certainly are but not all of them. Generally, the former junior clubs like Bonnyrigg (when they were in the Lowland League), Linlithgow etc vote the right way then other clubs cling on to their place in the league and vote against increased relegation. Edited January 12 by Stanley_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey J J Jr Shabadoo Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 40 minutes ago, sr2008 said: Not sure what has gone on in past years but it is primarily an independent committee set up to try to raise the funding and progress the pitch works, one of the main reasons being to ensure the funds raised are solely used towards the levelling of the pitch. The group had actually been set up prior to the SPFL punishment as a body to raise funds solely for remedial works on the ground rather than things like playing budgets but moved their focus to raising the funding to level the pitch when it became clear the extent of the issue the punishment in place. What is however clear is that the club had known for sometime the pitch was going to cause issues and should have been more transparent and also set about raising the funding long before now. Midlothian tax payers and non-Bonnyrigg Rose fans say different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 Letter sent to clubs re licensing in November. https://spfl.co.uk/admin/filemanager/images/shares/November 2024/Membership Criteria Letter 2025-26.pdf#page80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch41 Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 7 hours ago, steveo654 said: Clearly people who are feeling sorry for the rose dont know how much money seems to have vanished at that club over the years, any money donated there will soon vanish as well, this is there fault and they wont be getting a penny from most of bonnyrigg. What a accusation this is and if you have evidence let's get it reported but if its rumours please shut up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey J J Jr Shabadoo Posted January 12 Share Posted January 12 1 hour ago, mitch41 said: What a accusation this is and if you have evidence let's get it reported but if its rumours please shut up. They got a grant from Midlothian council to pay for a new car park. They got the money, but there was no new car park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 On 12/01/2025 at 18:50, Joey J J Jr Shabadoo said: They got a grant from Midlothian council to pay for a new car park. They got the money, but there was no new car park. Don't think any legal action was taken and it was under a previous committee. https://www.scotsman.com/news/football-club-faces-police-probe-over-car-park-cash-1674901 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SectionDJambo Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 They seem to be trying to save money in their social club. I was in there on Saturday evening and it was very cold. Not much outlay in heating, it seems. Bonnyrigg Rose were the first football team I went to see, as a young boy. I wish them well, but sometimes you have to help yourself before asking for help from others. It's a big town and reasonably well supported for a footbal club of that size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cambo_Jambo Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 On 11/01/2025 at 17:59, Footballfirst said: I disagree with the sentiment behind your post. Bonnyrigg has been one of the successes of the pyramid, having joined the EOS from the junior ranks, secured promotion to the LL, then reached the SPFL by defeating Cowdenbeath in the Club 42 playoff. They achieved that without the financial backing of a sugar daddy (such as Cove or Kelty). They own their own ground, which they have upgraded with floodlights, added cover and seats to meet licensing requirements. If anything they have neglected spending on their squad which is why they've struggled to avoid finishing as Club 42 in the last couple of seasons. They are a true community club, with grass roots football at all ages, including U18 and U20s and also run a women's side. They had looked for support to install an astro pitch to further assist with their community work, but that funding fell through, hence where they are today. The SPFL hasn't helped with the points deduction. Perhaps they with the SFA should have been looking to provide assistance rather than sanctions. The SFA has indicated that there is cash available for grass roots. Perhaps Bonnyrigg should have been offered a grant or interest free loan towards the cost. Scottish FA@ScottishFA Dec 18, 2024 Today we're launching Pitching In. It's our commitment to laying new foundations for Scottish football’s future: a plan to address a shortfall in quality facilities in Scotland. We're aiming to raise £50m over five years, and are kicking it off with £5m from the Scottish FA. Unfortunately, to the SPFL, Bonnyrigg is a new kid on the block, so won't qualify for the special handouts that have been given to East Stirlingshire, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers this season. Indeed, their views on opening up the pyramid won't have gone down well with the long term SPFL strugglers, despite Bonnyrigg itself having a history that goes back to 1881. They also have the biggest support in League 2. IMO, Bonnyrigg is exactly the type of club that should be given every assistance possible. If they do lose their league status, I don't think it will be too long before they are knocking on the door of the SPFL once again. Well said. Bonnyrigg is a great example of the sort of 'wee' club in Scotland that can succeed. The youth team I run is in the same league as them and they are always a really good team, play good football and look to have a really strong community element in an area that is, lets be fair, economically challenged. My Dad grew up there and the work that The Rosey Posey do (and also Lasswade RFC) is really important and impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasAndy Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 On 11/01/2025 at 17:59, Footballfirst said: I disagree with the sentiment behind your post. Bonnyrigg has been one of the successes of the pyramid, having joined the EOS from the junior ranks, secured promotion to the LL, then reached the SPFL by defeating Cowdenbeath in the Club 42 playoff. They achieved that without the financial backing of a sugar daddy (such as Cove or Kelty). They own their own ground, which they have upgraded with floodlights, added cover and seats to meet licensing requirements. If anything they have neglected spending on their squad which is why they've struggled to avoid finishing as Club 42 in the last couple of seasons. They are a true community club, with grass roots football at all ages, including U18 and U20s and also run a women's side. They had looked for support to install an astro pitch to further assist with their community work, but that funding fell through, hence where they are today. The SPFL hasn't helped with the points deduction. Perhaps they with the SFA should have been looking to provide assistance rather than sanctions. The SFA has indicated that there is cash available for grass roots. Perhaps Bonnyrigg should have been offered a grant or interest free loan towards the cost. Scottish FA@ScottishFA Dec 18, 2024 Today we're launching Pitching In. It's our commitment to laying new foundations for Scottish football’s future: a plan to address a shortfall in quality facilities in Scotland. We're aiming to raise £50m over five years, and are kicking it off with £5m from the Scottish FA. Unfortunately, to the SPFL, Bonnyrigg is a new kid on the block, so won't qualify for the special handouts that have been given to East Stirlingshire, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers this season. Indeed, their views on opening up the pyramid won't have gone down well with the long term SPFL strugglers, despite Bonnyrigg itself having a history that goes back to 1881. They also have the biggest support in League 2. IMO, Bonnyrigg is exactly the type of club that should be given every assistance possible. If they do lose their league status, I don't think it will be too long before they are knocking on the door of the SPFL once again. Excellent post. The pyramid system has given the lower leagues in Scotland a huge kiss of life. Ironically the one league in Scotland that is stale is the SPL. Bonnyrigg deserve the right to fight for their place in the SPFL as do many other clubs out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 3 hours ago, SectionDJambo said: They seem to be trying to save money in their social club. I was in there on Saturday evening and it was very cold. Not much outlay in heating, it seems. Bonnyrigg Rose were the first football team I went to see, as a young boy. I wish them well, but sometimes you have to help yourself before asking for help from others. It's a big town and reasonably well supported for a footbal club of that size. The social club has no financial link to the football club. They were separated years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ribble Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 On 12/01/2025 at 14:58, sr2008 said: Not sure what has gone on in past years but it is primarily an independent committee set up to try to raise the funding and progress the pitch works, one of the main reasons being to ensure the funds raised are solely used towards the levelling of the pitch. The group had actually been set up prior to the SPFL punishment as a body to raise funds solely for remedial works on the ground rather than things like playing budgets but moved their focus to raising the funding to level the pitch when it became clear the extent of the issue the punishment in place. What is however clear is that the club had known for sometime the pitch was going to cause issues and should have been more transparent and also set about raising the funding long before now. Sure their accounts for 2022 or 2023 had £36k put aside for the pitch works so you are right that they clearly knew it was going to have to be done. End of the day they gambled (ironically) on National Lottery funding for the artificial pitch which would have included levelling their pitch but decided not to have funds in place for the pitch levelling as a backup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey J J Jr Shabadoo Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 (edited) 2 hours ago, davemclaren said: Don't think any legal action was taken and it was under a previous committee. https://www.scotsman.com/news/football-club-faces-police-probe-over-car-park-cash-1674901 It doesn't look like it. I know a lot, if not all, of the Midlothian clubs then missed out on any subsequent grants because of the missing £thousands, and were not best pleased. Whitehall Welfare are definitely one that are still unhappy about it. Edited January 14 by Joey J J Jr Shabadoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 17 minutes ago, Joey J J Jr Shabadoo said: It doesn't look like it. I know a lot, if not all, of the Midlothian clubs then missed out on any subsequent grants because of the missing £thousands, and were not best pleased. Whitehall Welfare are definitely one that are still unhappy about it. As the article suggests, I think that the blame is shared between the club and the council. If individuals on the club's committee did misappropriate funds, then they should have been held to account at the time. The council should also retain a responsibility to ensure that any planned works were carried out. This occurred 17 years ago, so I don't believe that it is fair to blame the current committee for the failings of one in the past. Otherwise you could similarly hold AB and FOH accountable for Romanov's misappropriation of HMFC funds back to Lithuania. Or hold Vlad responsible for the Pieman's spending of the SMG cash on the playing squad rather than on the academy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey J J Jr Shabadoo Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 Just now, Footballfirst said: As the article suggests, I think that the blame is shared between the club and the council. If individuals on the club's committee did misappropriate funds, then they should have been held to account at the time. The council should also retain a responsibility to ensure that any planned works were carried out. This occurred 17 years ago, so I don't believe that it is fair to blame the current committee for the failings of one in the past. Otherwise you could similarly hold AB and FOH accountable for Romanov's misappropriation of HMFC funds back to Lithuania. Or hold Vlad responsible for the Pieman's spending of the SMG cash on the playing squad rather than on the academy. Fair enough. I have nothing against Bonnyrigg Rose, and I like having a league club in Midlothian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
il Duce McTarkin Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 On 12/01/2025 at 17:26, Joey J J Jr Shabadoo said: There was a grant Midlothian council gave towards their car park that got spent on other things. Cocaine and hookers, hopefully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey J J Jr Shabadoo Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 3 minutes ago, il Duce McTarkin said: Cocaine and hookers, hopefully. As a Midlothian council tax payer I want my share. 😀 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SectionDJambo Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 3 hours ago, davemclaren said: The squad club has no financial link to the football club. They were separated years ago. Pity. These junior club social clubs were originally meant help the finances of the football team. Doesn't always work out that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemclaren Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 1 hour ago, SectionDJambo said: Pity. These junior club social clubs were originally meant help the finances of the football team. Doesn't always work out that way. The Rose have had a few financial crises over the decades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey J J Jr Shabadoo Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 2 hours ago, SectionDJambo said: Pity. These junior club social clubs were originally meant help the finances of the football team. Doesn't always work out that way. Dalkeith Thistle still had their club when I started at King's Park primary. It was meant to have been a great club, and raised lots of money for Thistle. It was demolished soon after, after one or more people embezzled the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SectionDJambo Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 2 hours ago, Joey J J Jr Shabadoo said: Dalkeith Thistle still had their club when I started at King's Park primary. It was meant to have been a great club, and raised lots of money for Thistle. It was demolished soon after, after one or more people embezzled the money. When I moved to Gorebridge from Bonnyrigg, many years ago, I started going to watch Arniston Rangers. Another junior club who built a social club, with high hopes of a financial benefit, but it ended up with it closing and being demolished. I'm sure that there will be success stories as well, but it's sad to see the east clubs struggling financially. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey J J Jr Shabadoo Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 32 minutes ago, SectionDJambo said: When I moved to Gorebridge from Bonnyrigg, many years ago, I started going to watch Arniston Rangers. Another junior club who built a social club, with high hopes of a financial benefit, but it ended up with it closing and being demolished. I'm sure that there will be success stories as well, but it's sad to see the east clubs struggling financially. The Star must be the only team with a social club still attached. They did well when they sold the old Victoria Park for houses. They've got a great set up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 1 hour ago, Joey J J Jr Shabadoo said: The Star must be the only team with a social club still attached. They did well when they sold the old Victoria Park for houses. They've got a great set up. Of the EoS sides, I think Whitburn may be the only other with a separate social club, although a few do have bars inside their grounds that are open to the public on match days, e.g, Whitehill, Lochore. In the LL, Linlithgow has a successful social club next door. CSS and Cowdenbeath normally have their internal bars open to all fans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SectionDJambo Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 2 hours ago, Joey J J Jr Shabadoo said: The Star must be the only team with a social club still attached. They did well when they sold the old Victoria Park for houses. They've got a great set up. Yes. Now my home town team. They got lucky, all those years ago, with the sale of the old Victoria Park, but have made the most of it. They must be disappointed, though, that their great rivals have made it into the Scottish League ahead of them, but then again they maybe know their limitations and are happy where they are. I don’t know. I’ve lost touch with how the old east junior clubs are doing and what represents success for them these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Scarlett Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 On 11/01/2025 at 17:59, Footballfirst said: I disagree with the sentiment behind your post. Bonnyrigg has been one of the successes of the pyramid, having joined the EOS from the junior ranks, secured promotion to the LL, then reached the SPFL by defeating Cowdenbeath in the Club 42 playoff. They achieved that without the financial backing of a sugar daddy (such as Cove or Kelty). They own their own ground, which they have upgraded with floodlights, added cover and seats to meet licensing requirements. If anything they have neglected spending on their squad which is why they've struggled to avoid finishing as Club 42 in the last couple of seasons. They are a true community club, with grass roots football at all ages, including U18 and U20s and also run a women's side. They had looked for support to install an astro pitch to further assist with their community work, but that funding fell through, hence where they are today. The SPFL hasn't helped with the points deduction. Perhaps they with the SFA should have been looking to provide assistance rather than sanctions. The SFA has indicated that there is cash available for grass roots. Perhaps Bonnyrigg should have been offered a grant or interest free loan towards the cost. Scottish FA@ScottishFA Dec 18, 2024 Today we're launching Pitching In. It's our commitment to laying new foundations for Scottish football’s future: a plan to address a shortfall in quality facilities in Scotland. We're aiming to raise £50m over five years, and are kicking it off with £5m from the Scottish FA. Unfortunately, to the SPFL, Bonnyrigg is a new kid on the block, so won't qualify for the special handouts that have been given to East Stirlingshire, Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath and Albion Rovers this season. Indeed, their views on opening up the pyramid won't have gone down well with the long term SPFL strugglers, despite Bonnyrigg itself having a history that goes back to 1881. They also have the biggest support in League 2. IMO, Bonnyrigg is exactly the type of club that should be given every assistance possible. If they do lose their league status, I don't think it will be too long before they are knocking on the door of the SPFL once again. Great post. I live in Gilmerton Dykes 5 minutes on a 31 bus to Bonnyrigg although not my team I often pop along when Hearts games or work permits. A cracking social club on a Saturday night so doing all good things in the community. Lots of grounds have a slope it’s no big deal do the SFA realise that teams change ends at half time therefore if it is judged as an advantage then the advantage changes after 45 minutes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehcaley Posted January 14 Share Posted January 14 5 hours ago, Joey J J Jr Shabadoo said: Dalkeith Thistle still had their club when I started at King's Park primary. It was meant to have been a great club, and raised lots of money for Thistle. It was demolished soon after, after one or more people embezzled the money. A lot of pit apprentices attended the Thursday night discos in the 70s🕺🕺🕺🕺 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.