Written by Smithy on December 17th, 2009
Following the recent debate on the Tartan Army Message Board surrounding the recent ATAC meeting with the SFA, the question was asked "What would you have asked the SFA?"
This got me thinking. Some of the questions ATAC asked I thought were rather vague and would not get a decent answer. After much thought I came up with 2 that I think would apply to all Scotland fans.
On our recent visit to Cardiff City Stadium there's been a large number of comments about the security within the stadium. People noticed how they were treated like humans - the security staff were friendly, helpful and treated us fairly. Have the SFA made any stipulations to G4S (Group 4 Security / Rock Steady) about how to treat the fans?
The SFA recently extended the catering deal with sedexho (?). Given the frequent complaints about the complete lack of quality of the food, the frequent queues and them usually running out half way through half time - why did they extend the contract and have they introduced any kind of performance conditions in the contract?
So what would you ask the SFA high heidians if you had the opportunity?
Posted in: ATAC, Scottish FA
Written by Smithy on December 10th, 2009
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) and members from the Association of Tartan Army Clubs (ATAC) had a post 2010 qualifiers meeting on Friday 4th December. The minutes of the meeting have now been published – most of it’s rather dull though.
7 Representatives from the ATAC clubs were present, mainly representing the clubs from the central belt. For the first time ATAC invited 2 guests from the Tartan Army Message Board to attend the meeting. This is a great step from ATAC, especially as they’re limited on numbers attending. At the time of the minutes being released the members from the TAMB were referred to as “Guest 1” and “Guest 2” - no names were given. From a post on the TAMB one guest has identified himself (http://taboard.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=108523&view=findpost&p=1567541), whilst the other remains anonymous. Thanks to Facebook the other has now been identified, but so far has not named himself publicly.
The SFA had 5 members of management in attendance. Gordon Smith (SFA Exec), Colin Banks (Marketing), Alison Jack (Customer Services), Derek Kirkwood (Security) and Darryl Broadfoot (Communications).
ATAC had prepared 20 questions in advance to the SFA and the SFA provided written answers at the start of the meeting.
In Summary:-
1 – Will the SFA be having a post qualification meeting to work out what went well and what didn’t so they can learn for the future? The SFA responded that they had already done so and basically said nothing would change. Norway fixture was changed by FIFA; The 3 previous managers had approved the fixture list.
2 – Issues in Macedonia – did the SFA ever receive a reply from the complaint they made to FIFA? The SFA didn’t actually answer the question but stated that FIFA had approved the stadium before Scotland arrived. Macedonia had also upgraded the stadium since we visited.
3 –Disruptive behaviour during campaign (not play for Scotland, boozegate etc). In future all disciplinary decisions will be handled exclusively by the manager without requiring approval from the board. With regards to George Peat’s statement (SFA President) blaming the failure to qualify was down to one player missing a goal opportunity, he stated that he was miss-quoted.
4 – Team Manager – timing of his departure 2 matches after failure to qualify. The board decided due to the teams performance during the last 2 qualifying matches that Burley deserved time to continue the progress. Following the 2 lost games the board decided that the improvements had not followed through and decided it was time for Burley to go.
5 – The failure can’t be put solely on Burleys shoulders – the full SFA board must take some of the blame. The SFA said that the International squad is only a small part of the overall SFA remit and they continue to do well in other areas. Gordon Smith’s own view is that he should have been responsible for the manager’s appointment, but that the board had overruled and decided on a 4 man panel.
As a side issue questions were asked about how the Chairman of the SFA board was appointed. Gordon Smith explained it was based on a line of succession – 1st vice president, 2nd etc. The president is in place for 4 years at which time the 1st VP takes over.
Gordon also explained that the under 21’s and Ladies squad continues to do well. ATAC reply is rather astonishing to his statement “As for the Woman’s squad, who cares?”
6 – New manager appointment process. The SFA have either approached or been approached by candidates. Each will be reviewed and presented to the board.
7 – Should the manager by Scottish? No criteria but the new manager must be the best available.
8 – Friendlies – why bother when so many withdraw (Japan). All players must submit themselves to SFA doctor who must agree they’re injured. The SFA standby their decision to travel to Japan and say it raised the profile of Scotland and they’re players.
9 – Friendlies announced at short notice. SSC members will receive as much notice as possible. Further friendlies for 2010 are already being negotiated.
10 – Celtic Cup – will it happen and what are the benefits? The SFA dodged the question but said it will happen in 2011. After that it depends if Scotland qualify for Euro 2012.
11 – Scotland Supporters Club - change to membership fees? Prices have been kept at 2008 levels. It was decided to not introduce particular discounts for one type of membership. ATAC asked for greater transparency on how the membership money was spent. Both Alison and Colin stated that the club does not make a profit and any surplus cash was reinvested back in to the SSC and in to grass roots football.
12 – How will the 2010 renewals take place (some folk don’t have computers)? Membership renewals can be done over internet or phone.
13 – Are you concerned that the number of SSC members renewing declines following the failure to qualify? The SSC was full and had a waiting list. The SSC is concerned as it still has to cover its fixed costs.
14 – Sponsorship of the SSC by Group 4 Security – why? More information will be announced in 2010.
15 – When will the new kit be released and will it be a custom design or an off the shelf design? It will be a “Type 2 Design” and will be first seen at the Czech Republic game in March 2010. The new Scotland shirt will then be on public sale in August 2010. Another new Scotland Home Top will then be released in 2010 which will be a custom design. SFA explained the late release of the 2010 top was due to Adidas production schedule being decided well in advance.
16 – Football administration in Scotland – why all the boards (SFA, SPL etc)? Daryl Broadfoot (Communications) stated nobody had come up with a better option.
17 – Regarding Henry McLeish’s review of Scottish Football. The review is still being compiled and will hopefully be released in 2010. ATAC have made contact with Mr McLeish and hope to meet with him soon.
18 – Communication – aimed at Darryl Broadfoot who has previously been very “Anti Tartan Army”. His response – “let me state categorically that anyone who is considered Anti Tartan Army must also be considered unpatriotic…. Ultimately, I ask to be judged on the job I do at the Scottish FA, not my previous employment.”
19 – ATAC thinks the SFA need to meet with the fans and suggest some kind of fans road show. The SSC already speaks to members daily and recently completed a fans survey with 8,500 responses. The SFA will looks at options for a “Fans Forum” along with ATAC.
20 – ATAC wishes the SFA well with the 2012 qualifiers.
At this stage it’s not been identified what type of biscuits the SFA had available during the meeting.
The full minutes can be found on the ATAC website
http://www.tartanarmyclubs.com/minutes/2009_12_04_sfa.pdf
Posted in: ATAC
Written by Smithy on December 5th, 2009
Minutes from Octobers ATAC meeting have now been released on the ATAC website.
Some of the best bits from the minutes:-
Hamish Husband (ATAC spokesman) has already been asked who the Tartan Army will be supporting in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - the answer will be that in the modern world, the TA wish England well, but the TA hope they loose every game!
There was a brief discussion about the SSC away points system. ATAC clubs would be asked for their views on reforming the way the points system works to allow members "get on the points ladder".
ATAC has agreed it's position on the new eligibility rules for the full international team. "If the players are eligible within the rules to play for Scotland then they should be considered".
At the end of Euro 2008 ATAC put a review document together to base discussion on with the SFA. It was agreed to do this again for the recent 2010 qualifying.
The ATAC 7's tournament had been invited to take place in Aviemore during the highland gathering in the summer of 2010. Atac have declined this invatation and aim to keep it seperate from any comercial events. The 2010 ATAC 7's will take place in Linlithgow and in Airdrie in 2012. Following issues chooseing dates over the last few years it was decided to stick to the last 2 weekends in June.
Posted in: ATAC
Written by Smithy on August 8th, 2009
The Association of Tartan Army Clubs (ATAC) will be holding a fans embassy in Oslo.
The fans embassy is open to all Tartan Army Footsoldiers and is the ideal place to find the latest news with regards to the game, ask for help or seek information. Members of the SFA/SSC staff will hopefully pop in from time to time to help with any queries. There may also be a few representatives of the British Consul if you need their help.
The embassy will take place in the Bohemen Sports Pub, Arbeidergata 2 at the following times:-
Tuesday - 6pm
Wednesday - 1:25pm
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Posted in: Norway
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