Meister Jag

I blame the footballing wing of the IRA, they started this with their conspiracy theories. But in all seriousness, why couldn't the ref's have pulled the plug on the SPL and covered all other leagues? Who knows, it might have resulted in one or two fans taking in a lower division games.

George Galloway: "I'm not the Only One". The slightly one-sided rantings of Gorgeous George. He pulls no punches as he denounces the hypocrisy of the political elite. Blair, Bush and Co all get slated in equal measures. Plus the sainted Dr Reid even gets it in the neck as he sticks it to the man as only he can. As he famously quipped: "why should the Tories have all the good suits and cigars!"

Funny how when the country was poorer than it is now that we could afford free higher education. Because of problems that were not of their making - nor of our making, we cannot afford to give our children the benefits of an education that is aimed at bettering society as a whole. But take it as read that those who have will still be able to send their weans to their top uni of choice. Once this crowd have had their fun any notion of a truly "classless society" will have disappeared. I find it strange that this government, and in truth also the last, fails to see that today's students are tomorrow's high tax payers. Possibly also tomorrow's innovators and wealth creators. But to return to my earlier point, fewer kids from humble origins will be given that or any opportunity to better their lives. This is obviously a personal opinion that will no doubt irritate those on this DG who think all students are just a waste of space; and I know this thread was probably started as a wind-up to entice the likes of me away from the telly and onto my keyboard. Well, guess what it worked... To see student's burdened with debt the size of a small underdeveloped country is shocking and I for one feel badly let down by government. Isn't it funny that when going to war Gordon Brown said we'd spend "whatever it takes" to win! Yip folks, it's pay back time and future generations are having to carry the can. Let's be honest, nothing that was ever won by the working class was ever won without struggle; so it's here we go again time. All of which is really a sad indictment on the country as a whole and on the values of the current parties of government - the conservatives and their little helpers.

Your excuses wouldn't stand up in court, see Tommy Sheridan thread!!! Will PM you mate

Cheers Tommy, but I still blame you for introducing me to the wife! (30+ years ago!!)

Well said that man, there's only room for one nut case on this website and the author of the original post doesn't come close. I have my views on the royals but can't hold them accountable for what's been handed to them as an accident of birth. Bit of a crap gig IMO. The link is incomplete btw - no reference to Sect B! But talking of Nazis, give me Harry any time, he's comdey gold - even if he doesn't know it and some of his gaffs have yet to come. Wait 'til the stag night, I'm sure hookers will be involved. He'll probably send his brother down the aisle with a dose of the pox.

I'm struggling with a Netgear media server - when it works I can listen to all my Sidney Devine LPs; but when it doesn't, I've got to listen to the wife. I dream of Ubuntu. Have heard good things once installed and operating ok.

You go girl!!! I actually think I agree with most, but obviously not all, of what you say... which must be a first! Are you really a Trot in disguise, are you fond of a bit of the old Leon?

But what really is justice and why must it come at great cost to the private citizen? The country is skint but justice must be seen to be done. Ideally on day 1 of the current court case there's a decision: "This is a waste of everyone's time and not in the public interest. Mr Sheridan, you won the first case so are awarded £x amount in damages and this amount is offset against legal costs. All interested parties to the proceedings now walk away and never darken this courtroom again. NOTW, f*ck off, you got your ar** toed by a wee red swinger! Consider recourse against this decision at your peril. If you do, an advanced Order for Costs will be applied. You may contest any future interlocutory decision if you like but the penalty will be double costs." To quote dear old Karl Marx on what the capitalist state is really all about: "The state is based on this contradiction. It is based on the contradiction between public and private life, between universal and particular interests. For this reason, the state must confine itself to formal, negative activities." When analysed, the state can find time to dispense justice on comrade (sic) Sheridan - who maybe lied in the first case but didn't receive a penny - but can't find time to try those who have taken our country to war, to the brink of fiscal collapse and who have abused their positions as tribunes and representatives of the people. Yip, I'm all for justice; but the Sheridan show trial is really just a big distraction and waste of money that could be better spent elsewhere. But would it be worth going after Bliar, thieving bankers and MPs and bringing them all to trial? A no-brainer IMO.

Nae problem with you voicing your opinion on this one mate but I have to stress that the NoW has yet to cough up a penny. I seem to recall that the plan was to appeal but then Lothian and Borders finest became conveniently involved. The whole point of my deluded rant wasn't whether or not he was guilty just that I personally don't think it's that big a deal. As I've stated earlier, I don't think this trial is especially in the public interest and I shudder to think who'll be picking up the tab. Yip, you and me... but so long as it gives us all a good laugh (and some of it is really cringe worthy) then probably money well spent. What was wrong with suggestion to dock his libel payment and leave it at that? But if he does go down (bad pun intended) maybe me and some of the other comrades will start the revolution early. As Stalin said: I'll be back... but next time no more Mr nice guy!

Best laugh I've had in ages mate; but still trying to work out exactly what your trying to say? Can you re-type but very slowly and one word at a time. Thanks. Oh, and if you are stalking me, you're a friend I've yet to meet . God bless, xx (Aaargh, in my haste to be witty I made tit of my post. Doh!)

Okay, we all know the trial is a farce but taking the pi** out of Sheridan really plays into the hands of the establishment and provides an unwelcome distraction from all of the other crap that's going on at present. Ordinary people are getting screwed by your new government but it's funnier to laugh at wee Tommy and his passion for swinging. If found guilty, he'll do his time, Gail will no doubt sell her story and promise to "stick by my man!"; and when gets out he'll be in the press, on our screens and erm, back in the money. The Sheridan’s will become a socialist version of Neil and Christine Hamilton and it's only a matter of time before Louis Theroux turns up in Cardonald to film some domestic scrabble bliss. Jimmy Saville may even make a guest appearance... now there's a ménage à trois that might draw back the crowds. Meanwhile, back in the real world, the taxpayer is having to stump up for something that should not have been allowed anywhere near a court. In effect, the f***ing Murdoch empire is using taxpayer's money to provide a bit of theatre that will fill many newspaper pages. Take it as read that his obituary is already written, they'll gloat and some will laugh. He’ll maybe go to jail and then the newspaper will become tomorrow's chip paper. Okay the wee sh*** lied but so f***. He's not a murderer, didn't abuse anyone and, if anything, maybe only let his wife down. If need be, this whole fiasco could have been cut short and his libel award turned into a Thistle season ticket. In my book, that alone would be just punishment. Was his crime really worthy of a massively expensive police case (reportedly more spent on getting this one individual than investigating Bliar over the cash for honours scandal, lengthy trial and tons of police overtime. Cue the "but he lied in court" brigade... But from what I've read here there would appear to be some of the SSP persuasion on this DG who are enjoying this whole affair. Sad thing is, when you lost Sheridan you lost all credibility and as a party folded like a house of cards. Lenin's Left Wing Communism and Infantile Disorder was written in a bygone age but with you lot in mind. And if this post doesn't press a few buttons I'm losing my touch!

So he's the only person to have ever lied in court, ahhh, now I know what the wee sh*** has been up to. Personally I'd bang him up for setting the socialist cause in Scotland back at least a decade; but that's a minor point next to telling fibs against the might of the Murdoch empire.

I think there was a suggestion that the Thistle Droogies were about to emabark on a bit of the old ultra-violence, some of the old in-out, but not exactly Ludwig Van, and then smack some H*ns in the gulliver! Didn't catch everything that was said as the thread was pulled; but apparently we were going to assist some chaps that called themselves the "Green Brigade" in ensuring that the BNP scum never came to power in Scotland. But maybe I just made that last bit up... I mean who needs the ballot box when you've got a gang of Ultras to defend democracy.

Was the journalist an Asian female NOTW employee with a fondness for the Manchester club scene? You don't know what you missed out on mate - you could have been a star witness in the show trial of the century; or even paid loads of money to remember what you thought you didn't see! Wait, does that sound as if I'm defending wee Tommy? But what harm did he really do? He didn't sell honours, fiddle parliamentary expenses, falsify evidence to send us to war, steal state secrets, ruin the economy etc. All he did was to (allegedly) let the comrade in his trousers have a wee day out! Where's the harm in that folks!!

Thanks for that. We (guys I sit with at the game) actually discussed how much some of the players were on on Saturday and someone had said there had been a wage cut down to £400 which I thought seemed probably about right. But then the discussion moved on to how could we afford to pay a squad that kind of money; plus manager and coaching staff etc. As for the debt, the interest on £700k must be pretty steep so good to see that the directors are helping out. I presume that they can claim tax-relief or something for doing this; or is this just something they're doing for the good of the club? But don't they own assets that were once actually held by the club - thinking old stand and the grass hill to the left of the JH stand; this suerly must be worth something?

Big rid face this end. I'm one of the t*ts who bought it; but, in fairness, it was also part of a night where I had mates round for a few bevs, curry, talk p*sh about football etc. I predicted the stoppage in the 3rd (as mentioned in another thread didn't put any dosh on it... more fool me) and then had a kip before rising in the early hours to view a superb fight between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito. If you're a boxing fan, this light middleweight clash had more punches thrown with accuracy in 5-second bursts than the aforementioned farce. A bit of a classic IMO and well done to Sky for putting it on. (The pre-fight docu-type thing was also pretty good as well.) All in all, an awright night IMO (not the Haye fight and yes I think we were all conned by this piece of illusionary theatre).

I was really looking forward to the game yesterday and quite enjoyed the first ten minutes where I thought we created a few good chances and really should have capitalised on them. Thereafter and for reasons unknown, the game plunged into typically turgid dour Scottish affair where hopeless long balls were punted in the hope that someone might get a lucky break. Both teams probably tried hard but as far as entertainment went, it was pretty poor. Was it worth £17, of course not. Will I be back, of course I will... I enjoyed meeting up with mates, had a good laugh (some of it at the expense of those on the pitch) and this was less expensive than seeing a therapist, spending a day in the boozer or going round the shops with the wife. Where will we end up this year? Proabably mid-table. Did I predict the round stoppage for the Haye vs Harrison clash and tell anyone who would listen? Of course I did. Did I put money on it? Don't be silly. Did I waste £14.95 on a two fight (nae luck Kenny Anderson btw)bill that had "con" written all over it? You guess... £30+ spent on non-events yesterday but I'll be back. I think both Thistle and Sky see me coming.

2436? I seriously thought there was more than that. Okay, I know it wasn't exactly packed but morton did bring a reasonable number of fans. So we count kids? But if this figure is correct and there's no fiddle going on - take out freebie weans, concessions and the usual free tickets that certain mates of mine seem to acquire, then are we making any money whatsoever? If I was a money man I'd be freaking... pretty much like how my month goes after the joy of pay day.

I've never known of a Celtic fan to harbour a grudge; why should they, they are always right and walk hand-in-hand with a higher power. In the final analysis - and I've been there in debate/argument/drink many many many times, it's what we don't undersatand and it's what their forefathers had to suffer that appears key to their mindset. No one else in Scotland has apparently had to suffer as society progressed (sic) to where we are now. If only they could coherently explain and share their vision then perhaps we could all learn something. But in the meantime, f*** them, I hate them and their ugly twin. Tell you a quick story that sums up an attitude that I've found to exist to this very day... I remember going to a game at Parkhead in the 70s and standing in the away terracing. Standing facing the sizeable and noisy Thistle support who were in attandance was an old guy holding a framed picture of the Pope. This bloke stood for the full 90 mins holding this picture up to the Jags fans as if it was capable of holding back some kind of satanic force. It worked, we got beat; but this old f***er missed the whole game. Who in their right mind leaves home carrying a framed portrait of a spiritual leader (okay I know he's meant to be God's representative on earth)and takes pleasure displaying it to set of opposing fans. To me, it was as if every set of away fans represented a challenge between the forces of good and evil. Fast forward to today and this is view persists e.g. the thread on starting up Ultras etc. But to give this a bit of balance, I also remember that night going through Bridgeton Cross and having running battles with the ugly twin's weans who were waiting in ambush; well pouring out of pubs and tooled up to the hilt. So perhaps they are one in the same. As I've said, I can't stand either of them.

Almost Night Nurse time for me so I'll keep this (reasonably) brief... I remember being at a game years ago with mates and one of them spotted a wee boy standing just down from us who was probably in his early teens. This wee guy gave us the finest half-hours worth of entertainment as he lived every moment of the match, bawling and shouting encouragement and basically kicking every ball and contesting every ref's decision. Not exactly the voice of an angel - more a pocket psycho in the making. To our immense amusement mention was made of the linesman's wife wearing red stockings and enjoying doggy-style. How this tirade could have come from one so young gawd only knows; but it fair brightened up a cold Saturday afternoon and we were still laughing about it in the pub on Sunday. This wee guy was a class act and if he's not been sectioned I sincerely hope he is still with us of a Saturday. When Thistle scored he took off up and down the terracing in a personal celebration. Firhill was his planet of choice. However and to get to the point, what got us about this wee guy was that he was there on his own and was clearly into his team in a big way. Perhaps this is what supporting Thistle is all about, having the balls to go against your mates at school, not bowing to peer pressure and having the conviction of supporting the team that you feel you should. Maybe as you get older, you begin to understand that life is like supporting Thistle: full of ups and downs, good and bad times, getting kicked in the stones and generally being the statue as opposed to the pigeon. I'll leave you with one from Frank Zappa (who was probably a Thistle fan but didn't know it!): I never set out to be weird. It was always the other people who called me weird. I know OF fans who think Thistle fans are weird, but I know different!

Sing song sung: La Rocca http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_WHALtFGSw

Don't know if this will help but I watched in amazement as a colleague at work bagged two £90 briefs for their concert - £180 + booking fee. Apparently he couldn't get standing tickets at £60 a pop. Problem is, the wee sh**e used to go to Firhill and now complains that it's too expensive. But whatever floats yir boat; maybes his bird will be nice to him . Have to come clean though and say that I had a similar experience when I first met the wife and was dragged along to see Abba at the old Apollo. In truth, I actually really enjoyed it - the blonde one blew me a kiss (not the guy with the beard). Even if I did stand out like a spare pr*** with my best Mod gear on. However, I did draw the line at going to see David Soul (of Starsky and Hutch fame for our younger DG'ers)who was playing across the way at the Pavillion; and the offer of going to see Dean Friedman, I recall, coincided with a first class attack of the skits. I mean, a guy has to maintain some dignity. But good to see the boys back together and bringing joy to mankind whilst making a mint! RESPECT!!

I actually read Northernsoul's comments with a tear in my eye as it had me remembering what it used to be like at Firhill in the 70s, 80s and even for part of the 90s. I also agree totally with all that's been said but wonder if what's really happened is that a lot of old fans have left the scene because of age, infirmity and, well, death - with no young team coming in behind them to take their place. Without launching into a 'when I was a lad' type rant, we used to meet up as a group of roughly 20 or so mates (to include a couple of fathers and other mates in their 60s) and knew where to meet each week in the Shed. But as the years have passed some of the old ones have dropped off and even some of the aforementioned mates have couped. All of which takes me full circle to my earlier point that we aren't attracting youngsters...and I know what can be more attractive than a free game of fitba; but come on, maybe what's on offer isn't exactly attractive! Maybe if the product on the pitch was more attractive then attendances would rise. Look at the crowds we were getting just before we gained promotion back into the SPL. All of which seems like decades ago. But as they say in Northern Soul circles: Keep the Faith!