mcguffin

Fair point on the money. And I guess we could chuck in a hostile media into the mix. But I think also Reagan had a message many US voters at the time wanted to hear, and had the communication skills (and speechwriters and so on) to get the message across. The SNP need to do the same. As for having to contend with the UK government, yes also a good point. But Reagan had to contend with the USSR (albeit a USSR whose best days were behind them).

I can't think of a suitable path to be honest. One slightly optimistic thought I had though was looking at the Richard Nixon and Watergate incident. US Republican party hit rock bottom in 1974 when Nixon resigned. 6 years later they're back stronger than ever with Ronald Reagan for a double-term (who pushed through all his big idea policies, including tearing down the Iron Curtain). No reason, with the right leadership (or political gurus in the background?) SNP can't do the same?

😞 I have to admit, I've had similar thoughts recently. I hope a future generation of Scots will be given the chance again to take their destiny into their own hands. And for that, I respect the politicians of all parties who are currently fighting for Independence against stacked odds. If someone, anyone, can pull the the Independence rabbit out of the hat, then hats off to them.

😂 He has always liked a wee wind up. 😀 Okay, it's an old article, but it's interesting what can happen when a Scottish polititican can link the cause of Scottish Independence to a mildly-provocative statement about the monarchy/union-of-crowns. The media just can't help themselves reporting on it--even the highbrowed Guardian went for it hook, line and sinker!!! Jumping forward 11 years, and we've got talk radio, social media, podcasts and the like amplifying 'mainstream journalists'. So the more I think about Alex Salmond's cheeky delay-the-delivery-of-the-stone-of-destiny-to-westminster' idea, the more it appeals to me. I hope someone in the Scottish Government looks into the feasibility/legality of such a gesture. Even an "of-course-we'll-lend-it-to-you-but-your-going-to-have-to-respectfully-ask-us-first" statement from Bute House/Holyrood might be enough to get the LBC phone lines ringing. 😀

It's an idea aaid, but I'm not sure if it would create the same interest in the international media as a symbolic delaying delivery of the stone of destiny to Westminster? Can't imagine Nick Ferrari building a show around it on LBC for example "Alex Salmond has resigned from the Privy Council over some Scottish issue or other, the lines are open!" But at least it's an idea and I'm all for that. 👍

Thanks for the link. That's a great speech. Insightful, funny, optimistic. I particularly liked Alex Salmond's idea for the Scottish Government to drag their heels in allowing the stone of destiny--'the symbol of Scotland's sovereignty'--to be shipped down south for King Charles's coronation. Funny idea on the surface. But what an opportunity for the Scottish government to make a statement to the world's media about Westminster assuming Scotland's cooperation while denying it a democratic vote? The world's media seem to love a 'Royal story' and would cover it for sure, and it would be be worth it just to see/hear the London-based media/radio talkshows and whatnot go apoplectic 😀

I thought Doak was pretty good when he came on. One of Liverpool's few bright points today.

Yes, I think you're right: Caicedo and Gilmour competing for the deep-lying midfielder slot. From the odd interviews I've heard with the Brighton Manager, it sounds like De Zerbi likes Gilmour has even praised him on the few recent appearances he has had. But unfortunately he clearly likes Caicedo more at present (which isn't such a big suprise given the performances he's consistently given the team). So a difficult situation for Billy Gilmour. (I have a hunch that De Zerbi wanted to use a run in the Carabao Cup to feature and develop Gilmour and some of his other players struggling for game time. It was most unfortunate that they got knocked out by Charlton on penalties.) Who knows, maybe Caicedo will develop a niggle or lose a wee bit of form. Then surely Billy will get another chance?

I think you're right. Maybe West Ham United (replacement for Declan Rice if he moves on?). Maybe McTominay might have to adopt his playing style a little if he wants to stick it out at Manchester Utd with Ten Hag? E.g. This part of this analysis video (contrasting Casemiro with McTominay) is interesting.

Fair point about the defensive positioning. And good to hear that Billy Gilmour got some okay comments on the BHA forums 👍

good point. That was a 'bit of a stinker' of a clearance.

👍

...at 00:56 you can see Billy Gilmour's pass to Pascal Gross which lead to Mitoma's goal in this video (if the link works).

I saw the BBC ratings (worst Brighton player), and started to doubt my own impressions. Interestingly his stats for the game were pretty good and confirmed what my own eyes were telling me: 95% pass completion rate for 80 attempted passes. Considering many of these passes were first touch passes under pressure from a very strong Arsenal Midfield, that's not bad I think. My hunch is that speed and physicality are prized over everything else by many Premier League fans and pundits. Efficient passing under extreme pressure, less so. So it's possible much of what Gilmour does well, just passes under the radar? As ger intae them states "...all about opinions". And the important one for us is De Zerbi's opinion.

🤞

I agree. 2nd half he was tremendous (Gilmour and Mitomo the best players on the park for me in the 2nd half). What I found interesting is that he wasn't doing anything particularly different to what he did during his 'failure' season with Norwich. The difference being that when he calls for the ball, whether or not he's covered by 2 opponents or not, his Brighton team mates give him it. And invariably he does something good with the ball when he gets it. It's unfortunate that he plays the same position as Moises Caicedo (who returns from suspension next game). But Gilmour couldn't have done much more I think to impress De Zerbi. (Fingers crossed the manager likes what he saw and starts Billy Gilmour next game).

I share your sentiments. Really hoping he'll make a full recovery and we'll see him back on the pitch as soon as humanly possible. (Just looked up Gianluigi Buffon. 44 and still playing--for Parma in Serie B. Shows it can be done.) In the meantime, Steve Clarke can try out a few replacement options and hopefully one of them shines for us.

That's a lovely bit of skill! 👍

What does this even mean? 😀 (6 years to debate this?) I'm going back to the football threads!

Yep. Seems that way. 😒 I hope he can turn things around.

Thanks for the report Marky! 👍 Interesting (though a bit depressing).

A few glimpses of Billy Gilmour in this highlights video (up to about 01:30 after which I think he's already subbed off). Looks like he's been asked to play the 'deep lying midfielder' role that he plays for us. Hard to take anything from this. Looks assured on the ball in those few moments. Maybe he got subbed off because he was lacking match fitness (knackered?). Hope he gets a couple more opportunities for Brighton while Mac Allister is away.

Yes, fair point. But bearing in mind the next IndyRef looks like it will be as part of a UK General Election, all political issues will be on the table. BBC/LBC and all the rest of them have asked the question in the past (example1, example2). I would be suprised if they don't ask some variant of the same question in the run up to the next UK General election. Fair or unfair question, that's the media we currently have. And that media has a big audience. At least the varous political parties have plenty time to get their answers to the question worked out.

It crossed my mind that the MSPs who voted for this bill (regardless of political party) have opened themselves open to the "What is a woman?" question so loved by LBC/BBC radio journalists and O-Grade biology examiners. I guess they can now confidently answer "a person with a gender recognition certificate!" ? But if so, what does that make the 50% of the Scottish population who are female and most likely won't have such a certificate? Or will they be encouraged to apply for a certificate too? (I honestly can't get my head around this). Anyway, rather them than me on the BBC Radio 4's woman's hour.

Nicely put hampden_loon2878 👍