[expatriate]

signing off for tonight.

I must say, i thought long and hard about whether to get on the board. But i am glad i did. I toyed with the idea of a public statement after being publicly insulted by oneil, but in the end i thought i woudl come to the place where people actually care about the club, and allow myself the opportunity to speak openly. thank you all for your feedback - and apologies to any who might feel i have been incorrect in the way i interpreted their questions. Willie, in particular, I think we should make sure we get that glass of wine shared when i am next up in town.

someone asked if i thought the statement was fair. The decision to put out a statement was made by assf. COntrary to what you might think, i actually dont run or manage assf. I was sent an email when the statement was prepared, and asked to comment, which I did. there was overwhelming support from ASSD directors for the statement, and I thought (and still think) it is an elegant and businesslike response to the ill concieved vitriol than came out of the programme notes. MOre specifically, the point about there being more debt is essential to be bought into the open. After all, we live and work in a society that can only operate with clarity. The club is asking for support, and many many people are giving generously. In fact someone who gives £10 which is a big part of their spare income, is giving much more than I could ever give. Surely the least we can do is be open ? SUrely we should find a long term permanent solution, and not just solve this current crisis ?

I know there are many shades of opinion here, and i will aim to reply to the other posts that ask questions, but for now I shall say goodnight.

Ilyas