Sir David Murray vs. Rangers Supporters Trust: Fear and Loathing in Las Ibrox

Written by D'Artagnan

There is a much-quoted incident from a Radio Clyde conversation involving Derek Johnstone.

It went along the lines of:

”Derek, I see the Rangers Supporters Trust have had their official launch.”

To which the bold Derek then replied, “I don’t like them.”

“But Derek, you told me earlier you didn’t understand what the RST was about.”

“I don’t...but I know I don’t like them.”

And therein lies the problem. A fear and loathing borne out of ignorance.

It’s the same fear and loathing of something different which gives rise to racism and bigotry. We don’t understand it—so we don’t like it because it’s different.

It seems an eternity ago, but in fact it was only a few years ago that I stood at Patrick Burgh Halls on 5 April, 2003, at the inaugural meeting of the RST. 

I was very impressed with the speakers, much that was said that day really struck a chord with me. I also liked the idea of democratically elected leadership which was accountable to the membership, with the opportunity as a member, to influence what the Trust’s aims were.

Some of the other Bears who joined that day along with me, were diverse in their opinions about the club. Some, for instance, were pro-Murray, whilst others were anti-Murray.

I have never put myself in either camp.  I, like many others, only want what’s best for our club and I don’t care who achieves it.

Much has happened to the Trust during their five years of existence, and I may add not all of which I agree with. But in saying that, a lot has happened at our club at that time, which I don’t agree with‚—but hey, that’s life.

The recent pronouncement of the RST backed “We Deserve Better” campaign has proved to be the catalyst which has served to emphasise deep divisions in our support. Much of this division centres on one’s particular stance towards Sir David Murray.

Despite the emphatic statement from David Edgar that this campaign was not calling for the removal of Sir David Murray, two factors seem to have caused misconceptions about the nature of this campaign. One was the chairman’s bullish response which appealed to the Rangers supporters that he was the best bet to lead us out of the difficulties we are currently in.

The other was the appearance of a “Murray must go” banner at McDiarmid Park.

I don’t doubt for a moment that SDM is probably the best bet to lead us out of our current difficulties. Let’s actually amend that statement...he is the only one at this current time, available to lead us out of this predicament. Perhaps the question ought to be asked, however: ”Who got us into this predicament in the first place?”

And that is my fear.  We have been here before. A squad consisting of players which we cannot offload because no-one else wants them. Is it unfair to ask questions about our scouting policy and management decisions if we are buying players for considerable money which are not good enough, not only for our team, but judging by the lack of enquiries—anyone else’s, for that matter?

I don’t think the current situation is helpful with our club and the largest democratically elected Rangers supporter representation at loggerheads, and tearing each other apart via newspaper columns. Does anyone think that is doing our club any good?

There is a biblical saying which I believe is still very pertinent today:

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Neither accusations of asset stripping by our chairman, or mocking the business acumen of concerned supporters is likely to turn away wrath—it will only stir up anger.

Perhaps both chairman and Trust leaders should chose their words carefully.

I checked the RST website again before posting regarding the We Deserve Better campaign. In summation to the campaign it concludes with the comment:

“It's time for the Club Board to recognise this and strive to achieve it.”

Does that sound to you like a call to remove our chairman?