THE OFFICIAL: "LET'S ALL LAUGH AT HEARTS"

[Jute]

Way off topic lads but before thread hopefully goes back to it purpose of laughing at the Gorgie Huns I would say only reason we need Scottish players is the rules to play in Europe. Outside that as long as a player is good enough then it doesn’t matter where they come from and to claim you need a core of Scottish players to succeed is plainly wrong. 

[RicoS321]

6 hours ago, OrlandoDon said:

I assumed it wasn’t intended in a xenophobic way, just frustration of the players playing for us playing shite and bring foreign. I don’t see people as guilty until proven innocent, and didn’t immediately assume hatred was intended. 
everything is political, pc, and dei police jump in, I just want to talk footie and love a good debate.

Nothing is PC or whatever other shite on this forum. It was a xenophobic comment, which was called out as such. It's not a big deal. If you're (not you, personally) comfortable throwing around a xenophobic comment, then it shouldn't bother your arse too much if someone calls you out on it. It strikes me that those who say that "you can't say anything these days" want to apply that rule to others. In terms of having a good debate, I'd be interested to know what in particular makes a foreign player spineless, and what the definition of foreign is? You see, it's virtually impossible to have a debate against "spineless foreign shite" without it turning political, because it's a derogatory comment about foreigners. It's perfectly possible to have a debate about whether we have too many foreign players, and Scottish identity, which we've done on many occasions. Again, I don't think the comment was particularly egregious in context, just that it shouldn't be immune to calling out. 

[OrlandoDon]

16 hours ago, RicoS321 said:

Nothing is PC or whatever other shite on this forum. It was a xenophobic comment, which was called out as such. It's not a big deal. If you're (not you, personally) comfortable throwing around a xenophobic comment, then it shouldn't bother your arse too much if someone calls you out on it. It strikes me that those who say that "you can't say anything these days" want to apply that rule to others. In terms of having a good debate, I'd be interested to know what in particular makes a foreign player spineless, and what the definition of foreign is? You see, it's virtually impossible to have a debate against "spineless foreign shite" without it turning political, because it's a derogatory comment about foreigners. It's perfectly possible to have a debate about whether we have too many foreign players, and Scottish identity, which we've done on many occasions. Again, I don't think the comment was particularly egregious in context, just that it shouldn't be immune to calling out. 

I agree it’s not a big deal. At the same time, some people take things in a direction that isn’t necessary these days, be it xenophobia, race, gender, politics or whatever, for the sake of creating conflict or an argument, when it’s not necessary. Saying that, don’t recall anyone bringing up body shaming when duk was called fat!

Not having a particular dig at panda, it’s just how life is these days. Nobody is perfect and there are times we should call people out if there’s clear bigotry, hatred, or whatever, but I do feel we should simply stick to footie sometimes. I’m sure I’ll get knocked for being ignorant or allowing inappropriate comments. 
foreign is non Scot to me, you asked. I’m Scottish and I want Scots playing for Aberdeen, even a few aberdonians. Gone are the days of having a full team of Scots, but I’d love us to emphasize Scottish. I know it’s very hard to sign Scottish players these days, I get that, but I hope we are trying and prioritizing. I think that’s important for identity, culture, and connection with fans. Obviously there are rules too. And I think having a Scottish coach on staff means something, losing leven leaves a hole if that happens.

we have had foreigners who are hard core dons that I didn’t question commitment. Even snelders who went to rangers has a place in my heart. I didn’t question Paul mason,  Richardson or bisconti, McGinn and Hayes more recently but not in the physical sense. Zero, stavrum, gilhaus all have a place in Aberdeen history. Foreigners can give there all, but it’s really in the last 5 years or so we’ve gone non Scot for the most part. Not a great team, but look at the squad from 5 years ago, Ramsey McKenzie Campbell came in, we had McKenna Ferguson, mcgeouch, Mikey devlin, considine, McCrorie, Bryson didn’t work out…..a bunch of Scots. By no mean stars but a Scottish core. That just means something to me and I think it’s the heart of a Scottish club.

do we have to have Scottish players, no. But I think it matters and can help. You can sign foreign crap or Scottish crap, it happens. But we seem to be all in on foreign at the moment. At the same time im Intrigued by the Aussie winger, but equally eager to see what Scot’s we can add, they are needed! Plus what young boys will come through, maybe some of the loanees from this year.

can’t back this all up with evidence or stats, I just want us to have a Scottish identity, not simply a Scottish address.
 

Edited May 13 by OrlandoDon

[Reekie_Red]

I see your point about wanting a Scottish core to the team, as it imprints an element of identity on the team and club. But right now I think there is an overinflated price tag on Scots, we are an easy league for England to pilfer from, and now Italy is starting to get good change out of Scottish players too.

For Aberdeen to compete, we need to focus on being a selling club: one that brings in relatively unknown talent on the cheap, develops it, sells for a profit, the uses that money to go buy someone a bit better than before. Miovski and Ramadani were obvious cases where that's worked out. And with our current manager knowing the Scandinavian market so well, you can bet your bottom dollar his advice on players who've served him well in the past will sit well with our scouts. 

[Panda]

11 hours ago, OrlandoDon said:

I agree it’s not a big deal. At the same time, some people take things in a direction that isn’t necessary these days, be it xenophobia, race, gender, politics or whatever, for the sake of creating conflict or an argument, when it’s not necessary. Saying that, don’t recall anyone bringing up body shaming when duk was called fat!

Not having a particular dig at panda, it’s just how life is these days. Nobody is perfect and there are times we should call people out if there’s clear bigotry, hatred, or whatever, but I do feel we should simply stick to footie sometimes. I’m sure I’ll get knocked for being ignorant or allowing inappropriate comments. 
 

You're the only one who made a big deal out of it. We wouldn't have had days of discussion over it without you mentioning it in every post.

[BigAl]

1 hour ago, Panda said:

You're the only one who made a big deal out of it. We wouldn't have had days of discussion over it without you mentioning it in every post.

Orland Don has already said he isn't digging you out but you feel the need to prod him.

Totally unnecessary and inflammatory response and adds zero value to the thread  

[RicoS321]

8 minutes ago, BigAl said:

Orland Don has already said he isn't digging you out but you feel the need to prod him.

Totally unnecessary and inflammatory response and adds zero value to the thread  

Nah, that's bollocks Al. OD had plenty of time to drop out of this one, but he didn't. He doesn't get it, which is fine. For the avoidance of doubt:

Spineless black shite = racism

Spineless Jewish shite = antisemitism 

Spineless gay shite = homophobia

Spineless foreign shite = xenophobia

It's fairly fucking straightforward. If the OP had couched it in language such as "strangers in their own team", then that'd be fine, of course. 

[BigAl]

12 minutes ago, RicoS321 said:

Nah, that's bollocks Al. OD had plenty of time to drop out of this one, but he didn't. He doesn't get it, which is fine. For the avoidance of doubt:

Spineless black shite = racism

Spineless Jewish shite = antisemitism 

Spineless gay shite = homophobia

Spineless foreign shite = xenophobia

It's fairly fucking straightforward. If the OP had couched it in language such as "strangers in their own team", then that'd be fine, of course. 

I must be missing the posts that refer to the first three examples you posted above.

The irony of all this, is that O.D although not even responsible for the comment being interpreted as xenophobic is the one that is getting called out here.

Online bullying is every bit as wrong as any of the examples above and clearly there is an element of online bullying going on here. Certain posters would do well to take that point on board and think before posting.

Lastly, this thread either gets back on track or I will personally delete every post from the last few pages, which is something we strive to avoid having to do and haven't had to do for a very long time.  

[OxfordDon]

Looks like Hearts have acquired McInnes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cyvm76rl5jgo

[RicoS321]

1 hour ago, BigAl said:

I must be missing the posts that refer to the first three examples you posted above.

The irony of all this, is that O.D although not even responsible for the comment being interpreted as xenophobic is the one that is getting called out here.

Online bullying is every bit as wrong as any of the examples above and clearly there is an element of online bullying going on here. Certain posters would do well to take that point on board and think before posting.

Lastly, this thread either gets back on track or I will personally delete every post from the last few pages, which is something we strive to avoid having to do and haven't had to do for a very long time.  

Bullying? Fucking hell. You're dislike of a particular poster (@Panda for the avoidance of doubt) led you to interject and berate him for replying to a comment. Take a look at the way you reply to his every comment, then come back and talk about bullying. We can all see it.

There was a xenophobic made on the site you're a moderator on, and you're castigating the guy who called it out. @OrlandoDon is doing the same. He hasn't said "aye, the comment was a little over the top, but I'm sure it wasn't meant the way it seems" (which is my position as it happens), he's essentially saying "you shouldn't be calling it out, that's political". Then doubling down again and again when it's pointed out. Delete the comments if you want, but don't pretend you're taking some moral high ground by doing so. I'd rather you left it here so that if a new Dons fan, maybe a non-native English speaker, wants to join this forum, they've got an idea of what it's about. Maybe talk to the other moderators to get their thoughts, because I think you're in the wrong here. 

Edited May 13 by RicoS321

[OrlandoDon]

3 hours ago, Reekie_Red said:

I see your point about wanting a Scottish core to the team, as it imprints an element of identity on the team and club. But right now I think there is an overinflated price tag on Scots, we are an easy league for England to pilfer from, and now Italy is starting to get good change out of Scottish players too.

For Aberdeen to compete, we need to focus on being a selling club: one that brings in relatively unknown talent on the cheap, develops it, sells for a profit, the uses that money to go buy someone a bit better than before. Miovski and Ramadani were obvious cases where that's worked out. And with our current manager knowing the Scandinavian market so well, you can bet your bottom dollar his advice on players who've served him well in the past will sit well with our scouts. 

Agree with all of that. Plus, it’s not like there are a lot of good (available) Scottish players these days. I know my ask is not an easy one! But it’s an important one!

[BigAl]

2 hours ago, RicoS321 said:

Bullying? Fucking hell. You're dislike of a particular poster (@Panda for the avoidance of doubt) led you to interject and berate him for replying to a comment. Take a look at the way you reply to his every comment, then come back and talk about bullying. We can all see it.

There was a xenophobic made on the site you're a moderator on, and you're castigating the guy who called it out. @OrlandoDon is doing the same. He hasn't said "aye, the comment was a little over the top, but I'm sure it wasn't meant the way it seems" (which is my position as it happens), he's essentially saying "you shouldn't be calling it out, that's political". Then doubling down again and again when it's pointed out. Delete the comments if you want, but don't pretend you're taking some moral high ground by doing so. I'd rather you left it here so that if a new Dons fan, maybe a non-native English speaker, wants to join this forum, they've got an idea of what it's about. Maybe talk to the other moderators to get their thoughts, because I think you're in the wrong here. 

Well that's quite the post

I don't dislike Panda, I dislike the BBC as an organisation. Sure you'll work out the connection.

Also intrigued by your reference to me replying to Panda's posts. Yes I did earlier but curious about my alleged response to his every post as I literally don't since our online spat last summer 

Anyway, I'll leave the posts alone and let others decide.

I have far far more important things in my life than arguing about this any further on here.

[RicoS321]

9 minutes ago, BigAl said:

alleged response to his every post

Apologies, that was my wording. 

 

9 minutes ago, BigAl said:

Take a look at the way you reply to his every comment

Should read:

"Take a look at every reply you make to his comments" (as in the comments of his you do reply to).

Perhaps they're not even in direct reply. 

[BigAl]

6 minutes ago, RicoS321 said:

Apologies, that was my wording. 

 

Should read:

"Take a look at every reply you make to his comments" (as in the comments of his you do reply to).

Perhaps they're not even in direct reply. 

You are now attributing quotes to me that I didn't make in your last post 

You are losing it 

[RicoS321]

11 minutes ago, BigAl said:

You are now attributing quotes to me that I didn't make in your last post 

You are losing it 

Oops. I quoted your quote of me from in your message, rather than the original. 

[OxfordDon]

cough

3 hours ago, OxfordDon said:

Looks like Hearts have acquired McInnes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cyvm76rl5jgo

 

[OrlandoDon]

This is getting silly. We’re a bunch, for the most part, of strangers on an online forum. Pretty sure we aren’t all sober when posting either. I liken this to talking in the pub after a game. The original comment was straight after the rangers game too so I’m sure frustrations/anger was a factor. Plus after a few beers things do get heated and we put that in context.

A point I made was simply that let’s try to keep to footie, I said that, we all may have differing beliefs and background and that’s fine. We’re certainly off topic too, I see Mcinnes went to hearts! My bad for going off topic.
I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, plus don’t usually get offended easily, although I definitely get fired up on some topics. Plus, obviously, tone context meaning etc can get misunderstood. One of the reasons I left LA was because you couldn’t breathe without someone being offered and voicing their displeasure. I commented that society is that way, better/worse depending where you live. That’s shitty, common sense has to apply sometimes. So I probably overreacted to the xenophobia comment in the first place. 
anyway, looking forward to 11 Scot’s starting for us in August. And panda, appreciate the message, all good!! Although your numbers were off, you’re usually right about 10%, and that’s me being generous…!

Edited May 13 by OrlandoDon

[Reekie_Red]

6 hours ago, OxfordDon said:

Looks like Hearts have acquired McInnes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cyvm76rl5jgo

Reckon he will do anything okay job for them. Will make them a regular Top 5 team again and maybe, just maybe, revert away from the cave troll tactics that have typified Hearts teams in the past few years.

I got no problem with McInnes, but I would dearly love to be proven wrong on my above points and see him drag them back down to relegation fodder 

[OrlandoDon]

59 minutes ago, Reekie_Red said:

Reckon he will do anything okay job for them. Will make them a regular Top 5 team again and maybe, just maybe, revert away from the cave troll tactics that have typified Hearts teams in the past few years.

I got no problem with McInnes, but I would dearly love to be proven wrong on my above points and see him drag them back down to relegation fodder 

Same, meh on this. He’s known and pretty mainstream, haven’t seen anything overly creative or ahead of our time to suggest they’ll be world beaters. He was good with us with a good squad, but found wanting for the last three seasons for the most part. Will come down to summer signings, can they build a decent squad. Prob a very similar situation to us.

[Tyrant]

On 13/05/2025 at 15:30, RicoS321 said:

Bullying? Fucking hell. You're dislike of a particular poster (@Panda for the avoidance of doubt) led you to interject and berate him for replying to a comment. Take a look at the way you reply to his every comment, then come back and talk about bullying. We can all see it.

There was a xenophobic made on the site you're a moderator on, and you're castigating the guy who called it out. @OrlandoDon is doing the same. He hasn't said "aye, the comment was a little over the top, but I'm sure it wasn't meant the way it seems" (which is my position as it happens), he's essentially saying "you shouldn't be calling it out, that's political". Then doubling down again and again when it's pointed out. Delete the comments if you want, but don't pretend you're taking some moral high ground by doing so. I'd rather you left it here so that if a new Dons fan, maybe a non-native English speaker, wants to join this forum, they've got an idea of what it's about. Maybe talk to the other moderators to get their thoughts, because I think you're in the wrong here. 

 

Whenever you hear "Don't make it political" it's usually from a mental right-winger whose whole personality is being a mental right-winger. McInnes' policy of signing British and Irish players is all well and good. I understood why he did it but we were still getting smashed by the old firm regularly and more annoyingly (in my opinion) never trying to do anything against them. Jimmy has overseen a few hidings already but we take the game to them more which I'll always prefer. If you're going to go down you might as well go down swinging etc. I don't understand the issue with the players' nationalities. We had Considine for most of his career. A fine servant to our club. Spineless? I wouldn't describe him as such but 9 times out of 10 he came out second best against the better teams. Exposed for pace and a fair few red cards. Spineless? No. Just didn't have the quality required. Even though he wasn't foreign shite.

 

I'm worried that McInnes might do quite well at Hearts. Although for their sake I hope he gets more out of Shankland (Scottish shite) for Hearts than he did for Aberdeen. Never a better example of a one season wonder! 

[OrlandoDon]

10 hours ago, Tyrant said:

 

Whenever you hear "Don't make it political" it's usually from a mental right-winger whose whole personality is being a mental right-winger. McInnes' policy of signing British and Irish players is all well and good. I understood why he did it but we were still getting smashed by the old firm regularly and more annoyingly (in my opinion) never trying to do anything against them. Jimmy has overseen a few hidings already but we take the game to them more which I'll always prefer. If you're going to go down you might as well go down swinging etc. I don't understand the issue with the players' nationalities. We had Considine for most of his career. A fine servant to our club. Spineless? I wouldn't describe him as such but 9 times out of 10 he came out second best against the better teams. Exposed for pace and a fair few red cards. Spineless? No. Just didn't have the quality required. Even though he wasn't foreign shite.

 

I'm worried that McInnes might do quite well at Hearts. Although for their sake I hope he gets more out of Shankland (Scottish shite) for Hearts than he did for Aberdeen. Never a better example of a one season wonder! 

Am I the mental right winger? Does that make me a better right winger than Shady Mo?

I dont know hearts squad well enough, but Mcinnes had really good players to work with he came to us, good core to begin with and some strong signings. Many Scots too. I don’t think hearts have that foundation, plus how much do they have to spend? I think he’ll do reasonably well but does he have enough to win trophies or outwit the old firm? I don’t think so, especially with Celtic being so far ahead.

At the same time, agree 100%, and I think this partly contributed to his downfall, he was so negative against the old firm that I think that affected our players before those games even started. We were scared. I don’t see him being drastically different with his approach.

im hoping as much as anything, but you’re right, weve been more attack minded against them this year. With a few more key signings and a full preseason, and generally just more time under jimmy, maybe we’ll have a go but be stronger defensively. I suppose we have to remind ourselves that JT had a pretty shit team to begin with (unlike Mcinnes) add a sprinkling of summer signings, then we added a full new defense in January while a number of the team were overplayed and exhausted - no winter break to have a mid season preseason or rest. we also didn’t have a center forward until nisbet finally showed up, even though I think he wasn’t that good and did little in the last few games. We didn’t quite find our rhythm after the January window but we’ve seen glimpses of good play. 
i still think Scottish players bring identity, culture, and cohesion to a Scottish team. Bring the heart. Sadly, don’t see many/any coming any time soon, who is available, affordable, and the level we are needing? What’s worse is Mackenzie and Doohan probably go, devlin out of favor, shinnie is aging, and nisbet may not be back. I’m surprised others haven’t commented about this. Nothing wrong with foreign players, I just wish we had more Scottish because I’m Scottish and the dons are Scottish. That’s all.

Edited May 20 by OrlandoDon

[Panda]

McInnes is taking over a side that finished seventh and made it to the Scottish Cup semi-final, and have had a relatively positive end to the season under their caretaker head coach. He will likely lose his top striker, if not in summer then early on into the season. He has no European football to contend with so does have a chance to build some momentum and get to know his players through the League Cup group stage. 

Sound familiar?

If this time next year, Hearts have qualified for Europe and have a Scottish Cup final to look forward to, I wonder if the Scottish media* will give him the same stick they're giving Jimmy Thelin.

*Yes, I know.

He has less work to do on the squad than Thelin had this season. When you look at the Aberdeen team that finished 23-24, the goalkeepers and centre halves needed changed. In midfield, Barron was leaving, and up front Hoilett and Miovski were going. So five starters at a minimum needed and only three of them adequately replaced). Looking at Hearts, they need probably two new full backs (presuming Penrice leaves), and a striker, but they have the guts of a decent squad there and I think they've already signed a right back. This is actually more like the situation when McInnes arrived at Aberdeen.

I think Hibs and especially Dundee United will be weaker next season, and Aberdeen & Hearts will be top four.

[Reekie_Red]

Can we offer Ambrose + cash for ..... actually, can we just offer them Ambrose + cash ?