Learning The Hard Way Posted on June 14, 2013 by billmcmurdo It looks like fan power may prevail for once as KIlmarnock fans prepare a course of action designed to oust unpopular chairman Michael Johnston from Rugby Park. Johnston’s shabby treatment of Kenny Shiels, leading to the Ulsteman’s departure from the club, is the straw that broke the camel’s back for many KIllie fans. Some supporters are refusing to buy season tickets as long as Johnston remains in charge while others are refusing to buy club merchandise. There is talk of KIlmarnock being in financial difficulty already so any boycott with teeth will certainly not help matters. Johnston may just pay the price for ignoring fans’ wishes and removing Shiels. It’s time for fans of football teams to realise that they do not have to put up with crap from clubs or governing bodies. The ultimate power of the boycott is the most powerful voice in football. Those running the game here in Scotland would do well to heed the lesson from the goings-on at Kilmarnock. In some respects the bitter divides in Scottish football suit the likes of Doncaster and Regan. Because if fans across the spectrum ever unite in a meaningful way, their feet won’t touch the floor on the road out of Hampden. Meanwhile Hearts look like a man riddled with bullets staggering about in the final scenes of an old Western. You are just sitting there, waiting for the end and watching in fascination at the desperate attempt to cling to life. It is indeed fascinating and grisly viewing but it could be a very common thing in Scottish football over the next few years. Like many others I have no confidence that the latest stitch-up of Scottish football, which saw the abrupt sweeping away of another old institution – the 123 year old Scottish Football League – will help protect the futures of many clubs. There is very little sympathy for Hearts, it has to be said. No doubt this is a legacy from the Romanov years at the club. However, again, what is happening down Gorgie way should be a lesson for those running our game to learn. Of course, that is unlikely. It appears that our game’s administrators are intent on learning things the hard way. The saying is true: Learning the hard way is God’s method of teaching those who won’t listen to a mentor. Or a wise blogger billmcmurdo.wordpress/2013/06/14/learning-the-hard-way/
Posted on: Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:25:28 +0000