Ajja

Wouldn't it be so interesting if this forum was only populated by those who are simply running interference endlessly.

Very true. Fans vote for entertainment but businessmen vote for income. Unfortunately, the long game has to give way to the immediate desperation for survival. You taking a break from Mad for the day Kelt ?

So if we go to 10 teams in SPL1 for the season 2012/13 then has there been any suggestion of how the current 12 teams will be reduced to 10 at the end of next season ? If they still allow promotion from Div 1 to SPL1 then that would mean losing 3 teams from the SPL as it currently exists next season. My early tip for the trap door is UTD with Goodwillie leaving at the end of the week (according to SCL) they are going to fall off the pace over the next 18 months.

Thats right, I remember reading something about Robertson. Is Gordon Durie involved there as well ?

Bit of a tricky one as the reasons for enjoying an away game have very little to do with things like catering, views, facilities etc for me. I put UTD as I love a quick splash in the train to Dundee, a good few beers in a local bar packed with Dons fans, a sing song, a good bounce in the shed. In all honesty the access to the stadium is awful, the pies run out at about 3:10, the toilets are a disgrace, the stewards are utter cunts and you have to walk for fucking hours to get back to the train, but I love it.

Is he not the manager ? Thought him and Jason Dair were the management team there now.

For me, the flag in question is just a flag. It doesn't really affect me either way. The sentiment that has been expressed across several Aberdeen forums on this subject I find significantly more concerning. By its definition politics is intrinsically linked to all aspects of society as it relates to the way in which human beings organise themselves, make collective decisions and exact power over one another. Ergo, football cannot be entirely de-coupled from politics. This is particularly the case in Scotland where politics and religion are bound together as are football and religion, unfortunately. For me one of the most important decisions I made in my life at the tender age of 7 (pre-Fergie for the avoidance of doubt!) was to follow a team who were not part of that bond. I may not have understood much of the political ramifications of following the OF but I was aware of the bile and hatred that surrounded them and I didn't want it. I have grown up being proud of a club that not only avoided such bigotry and hatred but wore that position as a badge of honour. As a socialist I believe it is essential that prejudice, bigotry and venom towards a particular group in society should not be encouraged or supported. I like to think that this viewpoint tends to match well with being an Aberdeen supporter. For that reason, I think it is crucial that we do not get caught up in a situation where we are exhibiting the same set of unhealthy prejudices and paranoia as those who follow the OF. As an Aberdeen supporter, I will always look to stand free.

He sent word via semaphore this morning.

Did Man U recall players from Preston because they sacked Darren ?

Could be worse, you could be the knob in that picture at Perth of the Globe and Glasgow Uni flags with the Irish rugby shirt on. Then you would need to be labelled a proper cunt

You have a remarkable ability to get things really wrong don't you. 1. You cannot compare the UK situation to any other country as our national structures are completely different. Whether you agree with the union of our government and many of the structures that support that, including most of the television broadcasting, or not it is fact that we are heavily linked to England and are dominated by a population that is 9 times ours. Supporting your argument by trying to draw comparisons to other countries TV content is just ridiculous. 2. Who exactly do you think is making the decisions about TV content ? Do you think the executives who are trying to secure revenue and profit for their channels are ever likely to sit in their board rooms and discuss how they might protect Scottish football ? We live in a market economy where supply follows demand, businessmen select the best products to enrich their offer not to look after a dying product. Ultimately this means that the best product in terms of football will make up the majority of the viewing in most countries. At present one of those products is the EPL. If you really believe that there is either the desire or the ability to influence what football TV chooses to show or, as result, who kids choose to support then you are incredibly naive or just plain stupid.

Can I just add to this debate that Hartley has scored 8 times this season and we are only at the halfway point. That's about 30% more goals than any striker scored all season last year. I'd class that as contribution.

Yes I fucking am. Who appointed you as the keeper of truth anyway ?

Possibly, I got side swiped by the 'same as the above mentioned players' bit. It's late and I'm an opinionated, argumentative fucker at the best of times.

He has some fairly chronic red hair as well. He won't be getting over that any time soon.

Again, another dreadful comparison. Miller was so far from being a leader of men. Talented, possibly, but lazy and not bright enough to manage himself let alone a teams motivation.

Here I am, here I am. How do you do.

I suspect that we are going to see Aluko used as an impact player in the latter part of games after a more physical side has battered the opposition. He is not consistent enough to get full games at present.

I want to believe, show me how. Hibs to pull back tonights game is one goal. Then a 7-0 victory on NYD will just about do it. Bring it on. PMA.

I think Hartley will be brilliant under Brown. Browns positive but structured approach will suit Hartley's own style and he will grow under his stewardship. Good things are afoot.

Really liked how Brown was suggesting that their arrival and two wins has been 'coincidence' and that the players have turned this around themselves. Fantastic man management to show such humility and give the players a sense of collective responsibility as well as opportunity to rebuild self-belief. Excellent.

I think we would all be for that idea to be honest. The point is that chairmen won't vote to decrease revenue when they are on the brink of failure as it stands. Boredom and tedium is likely to increase in a ten team set up and over time revenues will probably drop as a result. However, a 16 team set up will mean definite drops in revenue. It's a crucial difference between probably and definitely.

I suspect a 15 goal turnaround will be beyond us though

Comparing Zero to Hartley is like comparing a fish to a scaffolding pole. Carrying a player who gives you one moment of genius is not an option for Aberdeen. Having a player who is a little off the pace of a game but brings fight, inspiration and cohesion to the team and ensures the relationship with the fans is taken care of throughout is a must for a club like Aberdeen. The question is can we afford NOT to have that ?

Both on bench I think.