BADMINTONSCOTLAND ARE A TOTAL JOKE!!!

[Rampant]

Yet another example of why BADMINTON SCOTLAND ARE A TOTAL JOKE.

I was told today that Alistair Casey is planning not to play the National Championships and is choosing instead to play the Iran Open.

THE IRAN OPEN!!! :confused: :confused:

HOW THE HELL CAN PLAYING THE IRAN OPEN EVER BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN PLAYING YOUR OWN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS? :mad:

Is our national game now such a joke that there is absolutely no interest or pride placed in playing your own domestic events and competing in your national championships?

Why is it not even important for Alistair to try and represent his country?

Ok BadmintonScotland are a total joke, but I also completley disagree with Alistairs attitude here and don't believe this is helping at all.

He is not even making an attempt to support his country when hypocritically he takes regular advantage of free Scottish Institute funded training sessions and coaching. This is totally out of order and he should have this privilege taken away immediatley.

The very sad fact is that because of the shocking state of affairs in Scotland now, Alistair realistically has more chance than any of the men of doing anything in the long run at international level, while our other top men suffer because of a total lack of support.

What is needed is a TOTAL CLEAR OUT at the top before the floodgates are opened for other players to follow Alistairs example.

What does this also say for our top juniors coming through like Linda and Kieran?

Its odds on that if they stay part of this destructive system, then at best they are likely to do nothing tangible at international level, or more likely QUIT!

Dan Travers, Leon Douglas, Anne Smillie......... WHERE DO YOU WANT ME TO START AND END?

Do Scottish Badminton a favour and quit NOW!!!


Yours in total dismay.
:(

[rayo]

I would have to agree it sounds like a total sham at the top of Badminton Scotland.

For Casey, I dont know enough about the situation but Badminotn Scotland have done nothing for him, hes not on Institute funding and as far as i can see he is trying to 'enjoy' his badminton!!!!

Why would he possibly not look forward to Nationals??? surrounded by backstabbing younger players who think they are a lot better than they are, and officials who only look after their own backs.

Scotland is a mess and you are in kookoo land if you think you have any worldclass male players! (and dont try to leach on to Blair!!! he done that all off his own back and I would think Scottish officicals only made life hard for him)

Problem starts at the top, bring back Flockhart and it would be a move in the right direction.

Apart from that players should grow up get off caseys back and focus on why their own game which sucks!

[Smash Master]

well look at dunf this weekend.

no sloan, no briggs, no forbes, no casey

west open earlier in season was even worse with hardly any of the top players playing.

the players have got to take some responsibility for the state of the game.

[Smash Master]

Had a wee think about this.

I thought this was was all something to do with Casey falling out with the coaching establishment a few years back and then not playing any domestic events again out of protest? Pretty much screwing himself for selection in the process?

At the Scottish Open (not the last but one before) there was some back and forth between the two in the papers and Casey was particularly critical of Dan Travers.

If your right Rampant and Casey is back training with Dan and Co. then I can only guess this is because the situation is much more amicable now?

If this is the case it would be interesting to know what Casey's motives are and why he still refuses to play domestic events.

Why also no Linda Sloan, Watson Briggs and David Forbes at the Dunfermline Open?

Watson Briggs gets capped for Scotland for doubles but does not play domestically and his partner is playing with Scott Evans from Ireland at the Dunf Open.

Lot of inconsistencys here!!!

[Markymark]

David Forbes was injured so he may still be out of action.

[Rampant]

I would have to agree it sounds like a total sham at the top of Badminton Scotland.

For Casey, I dont know enough about the situation but Badminotn Scotland have done nothing for him, hes not on Institute funding and as far as i can see he is trying to 'enjoy' his badminton!!!!

Why would he possibly not look forward to Nationals??? surrounded by backstabbing younger players who think they are a lot better than they are, and officials who only look after their own backs.

Scotland is a mess and you are in kookoo land if you think you have any worldclass male players! (and dont try to leach on to Blair!!! he done that all off his own back and I would think Scottish officicals only made life hard for him)

Problem starts at the top, bring back Flockhart and it would be a move in the right direction.

Apart from that players should grow up get off caseys back and focus on why their own game which sucks!

most of the top players are not funded but still support the events, casey is just giving the middle finger to all concerned by doing this.

Scotland is also not a mess and this is a typical English reply attacking the Scots again.

Look at the countys? I think we are doing pretty decent for ourselves considering.

[Phil McBride]

As far as i am aware AC does not get funding from Badminton Scotland directly and subsidises his own way through tournaments, the establishment fecked him around in the past so it's really up to AC what he does with his badminton career since it's him out there doing it.

If it pisses people off then so be it but as he's taking care of himself then that's all that matters if he doesn't want to be playing local events and favours international events then so be it. If you fund or coach him then possibly you can comment about his actions


The thing that bothers me is the "I was told part", should you not have waited till the news is 100% before posting?

But don't flame the guy for not playing one of only the 4 or 5 senior tournaments we have here. That in itself is a complete shambles - if we offer nothing for the players then how can we expect the players to follow suit and support any governing body.

As for the West and players not playing - I do know in one case a player was forgotten about and was not entered in the draw, a mistake made by BS as the form was in on time.

[Fifer]

"Rampant" the first thing that is a total joke it YOUR ATTITUDE

I've always been one of the first to suggest Alistair should support Scottish events but when I see posts like this, and attitude like this. I start to fully understand where he is coming from.

Alistair has not played an event in Scotland since after the European Championships in 2002, but never the attack before. So why the attack now?

Its obvious that this is pure bitterness towards a player who has got off his arse, sorted himself out and is fighting to make himself a world class player. You obviously know him pretty well and knowing him pretty well you have shown yourself up straight away by not having the balls to come out in the open and have a go.

I want to see any other player dig into their pockets, find 15grand and punt themselves round the world for training and competition.

"Giving the middle finger" - WHAT? - You all come on here and whine like hell that badminton in scotland is a joke and the only player doing anything about it if you take a step back from you ego is the one doing his talking with his feet.

"Rampant" you need to sort out your attitude straight away and look at your own game before you start headbanging someone who has the balls to be doing something about it.

[Fifer]

The thing that bothers me is the "I was told part", should you not have waited till the news is 100% before posting?

Alistair is planning to play Iran and i'm pretty sure the players already know this.

I think he is working with Craig Robertson when he is in Scotland but dont know if Craig is his "coach"

He is also welcome at the Institute Sessions and the coaches are happy with this, does he get on with Dan? I do not know but hope its more of a "keep your enemies closer" tactic

[Fifer]

You have still not answered the question? Why the bitterness?

That post is bordering on slander.

To attack a guy on a personal level because of your own failings is an absolute disgrace and now the truth behind you is starting to come out.

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

The Chosen One salutes you Casey! :D

Ignore all these cheeky Scots! Too many chips on their shoulders! :D

IRAN!!!??

There are no beaches in Iran :confused:

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

The Chosen One could not have been more wrong with his previous post!

There are indeed many fine beaches along the Persian Gulf!

You may even meet the Admiral!

Is the Admiral on peacekeeping dutys in the Persian Gulf?

Is Iran a TV event?

who knows!!!

:D

[Phil McBride]

Christ and i thought he mugged old grannies or killed people or somehting the way you were going on!

From what i read of your post it describes a person, we are all like that! Pure and simple, lay off the guy - he's justmaking his way through life making the choices that he see's fit.

Good example - bad example? which is it? he can't be doing good for getting a life and still trying to get on playing and giving it a good run surely not?

Yes i wholeheartedly agree how could he, now i see it how could i have been so stupid. :rolleyes:

What we need is individuals that can live on thin air, get coaches that cost nothing, sprout wings and fly to tournaments abroad to get rankings and do good enough to win some. Now i see it, Ok so that is just plain stupid, what we need is individuals that will train the way the coaches want, play the way the coaches want and do anything the coaches want - that seems very dangerous becasue if that happens we lose the individual and we get an army of automitons all doing the same thing

I for one think AC has done well and given Scotland something to be proud of, someone who has gotten where he is in spite of the set up, showing the people that are training now (and in fact some of them are learning all too well) that you have to go outwith the set up in order to flourish! His price is he'll probably never get selected for anyhting but then again that just goes to show the selection policy sucks and doesn't always do what it is supposed to.

You just seam to be quoting an article from a suplimment that was printed about a year ago, sponsored off an ex-drug dealer i think you'll find since Howard Marks has served his time and runs a legitamate business now, gets banned from squads - good for him, slags coaches in papers - well at least he puts his name to it Rampant. And i'm quite sure those people deserve it becasue you never said much about Dan's article slating Craig Goddard in the Herald last year on the last Friday of the Open and dragging every male singles player in Scotland down with him!

But i'm glad you noticed that part.

Anyway i suppose as usual we're keeping it going when we should just ignore it. The only person that could be saying anyhitng relevant would be AC and if i were him i wouldnt even waste the time as he'll never put your tiny wee mind at ease so why even bother?

[Phil McBride]

Is the Admiral on peacekeeping dutys in the Persian Gulf?


The Admiral's retired is he not?

Peacekeeping :eek: :p :eek:

[Fifer]

Hear hear Phil.

What concerns me is some sort of belief or inward logic that Alistair is out to make a mockery of the SBU which just isnt the case, and dickheads coming on here and making attacks like that only serve to help form these false opinions.

I completley agree with you Phil, when you spend so much of your own money, no one has the right to come on here and tell you the terms it should be done on.

I'd love to see him playing Scottish events but obviously playing the game on SBU terms is no longer part of his plan. I hope that at some point down the line this changes but just cant see that happening in the near future.

The biggest irony here for me is that the wee man himself doesn't begrudge people disagreeing with him. He wont have a bad word said about Dan and speaks highly of Ray, a massive irony when you see what that arsehole Travers is doing to our national game and how he goes about conducting himself with his players.

[Luncheon]

I'm all in favour of people supporting their national championships, but if there is an option for a player to pick up extra ranking points in a year building up towards the Olympics......then if he's self funded, its up to him where he goes and what he does.

If he were to win whichever event he played.....he would probably get more money and ranking points from going to Iran.

Let him go, wish him luck and then at least theres more chance of one of your funded players winning the Nationals.

My moneys on Thomson!

[alansd]

I thought that the international calender was kept clear the weekend of the nationals so as to avoid any conflicts like this? Pesky Iran is at it again, george bush should have them for this!

[Phil McBride]

I thought that the international calender was kept clear the weekend of the nationals so as to avoid any conflicts like this? Pesky Iran is at it again, george bush should have them for this!

It just might be the deciding factor :eek:

[Rampant]

Now we are deleting posts?

Did I say something inaccurate? :confused: :confused:

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Wonder why that was? :rolleyes:

People have been banned for less! :rolleyes:

[opinion]

Fifer and Phil, just to confirm, you both think AC has a good attitude?

I have trained with Alastair for years and know him pretty well, I think he's a bit of a character.

I don't really know what to think about what he is doing, I think he is got some determination to go it alone and fund himself.

I don't know if he will ever be a top player though?

Also, I am not psychic needless to say so don't know who the random people abusing BS and DT, but I would say that if you are trying to make a career in Badminton, it isn't the best way to go.

Fifer, can you explain what you mean when you say the way DT conducts himself around players?

[Phil McBride]

Fifer and Phil, just to confirm, you both think AC has a good attitude?

I have trained with Alastair for years and know him pretty well, I think he's a bit of a character.

I don't really know what to think about what he is doing, I think he is got some determination to go it alone and fund himself.

I don't know if he will ever be a top player though?

Also, I am not psychic needless to say so don't know who the random people abusing BS and DT, but I would say that if you are trying to make a career in Badminton, it isn't the best way to go.

Fifer, can you explain what you mean when you say the way DT conducts himself around players?


Never spoke to the boy so couldn't give any accurate estimations of his attitude but i do have to say that i'm all in favour of the individual doing what they want and in AC's case it seems to be working for him.

As far as i can remember the best results come from decentralisation and that is what he is doing, I for one think he should be applauded. Another case of someones face and attitude not quite fitting even though he done what was required.

As for a career in badminton if you are a Scot playing singles in the male game?? Hmmmm................ doesn't bode well does it?

[Fifer]

I think you part answer your own question.

I think he is now hopefully giving himself a better chance of doing something in the sport than he allowed himself to do in the past. Having worked with him a couple of years back I can relate first hand to his black and white way of managing situations and people, it pays to have an attitude like this in certain situations but has cost him in others. Determintation is going to be key to him getting any long term success, and for him to to do anything he has to stay the course, on a personal level I hope he does so that that he can achieve things.

Good or bad attitude? Well like I said, i disagree with part of the way he is going about things and think it would be good for him to play scottish events, he also makes it hard for himself to justify this when he turns out for churches and league matches. If he is following this path out of stubborness then this is not a good thing. If it is a question of what is important to him and enjoying his game then he is entitled to that view. Being wrong there is a question of direction but i dont think attitude. He defintely wasn't enjoying his badminton and training a few years back so it is good to see thats no longer the case. I would say that having a different attitude at this moment in time is maybe a good thing for mens badminton in Scotland.

My gripe like you say is with the "random" people who come on and have a go for some reason that is only known to them and attack on a personal level. Regarding DT and BS It's common knowledge to even the club player that Travers is doing nothing for the national game and is not respected by the players, and as Phil reminded us slating your players in the papers is never a good quality either.

[opinion]

I'm still unsure as to what part of Dans conduct you find unacceptable?

I think Alastair is now at the stage where he is scared to play some of the top Scottish players and is using the revolt is a bit of an excuse now.

I know Kieran Merrilees has beaten him recently and he is only 17. Kierans a good player but he really has to be winning those matches I think.

[Fifer]

Read the last line of my last post an can you please reiterate to me what part of Dan Travers slating his players publicly is acceptable conduct to you?

If you are here to defend Dan, then please just defend him and we can all get on with disagreeing with you, but again Opinion I think this is another topic you will not get much support on.

It seems a common theme from your posts Opinion that you come on here to to contribute to problems and I have got to ask what your motivation for this is?

Its also seems that you are quite possibly one of the "younger backstabbing players" previously mentioned and then possibly the same person that started this thread.

You are also very careful to cast your opinions on the players but not on the coaches? Why is that?

You've had your say on Kathryn Graham, Gordon Thomson and Fiona Maxtone are you adding Alistair to the list this year?

Does your same comment regarding those scared of competing in events also apply to the other players who did not play in the West and Dunfermline Championships?

Personally I'd like to see the game as a whole improve and its extremely disappointing to see players conducting themselves in this manner on an internet forum.

I cant see where Alistair could have possibly played Kieran recently, but then I also can't keep track of half the events Alistair seems to have played in the last 12 months so I could easily be wrong here too.

He hasn't played a domestic competition in 4 years, he voids himself for selection in the process so why does this bother you Opinion?

Not playing Scottish events and not making himself accountable. I've given my view on that. But I do think that's its interesting how his lack of accountability effects the other players. This thread seems to be becoming testament alone to this.

He has improved the quality of his training with Richard Vaughan from Wales, and he plans to head to Asia for several months. Regular international competition and European club badminton? Is it not logical to say that he has greatly imporved his chances of succeeding internationally as opposed to his peers?

All of this relates back there to your previous post here on why none of the male players will make top 50.

Its a no win situation for Alistair really, he is trying something different to get ahead. What he has tried in the past hasn't worked. But what does seem for sure is that in the interim the animosity will only increase if he improves, such is the state of affairs in Scottish Badminton.

It really is sad days in Scottish Badminton Phil.

[Markymark]

It is sad and it needs to be fixed soon.

For badminton fans, if Alistair is doing the right thing and improving his game, I for one would want to see him prove himself as the best in Scotland and compete for Scotland. If that means supporting the domestic events then so be it. Personally, I don't think he'd get to the final of the Scottish nationals this year (draw dependant).

This squabbling is counterproductive, and without sounding too harsh, no Scottish senior player has the right to be cocky or backstabbing. Potentially, Scotland has some great players but none are 'world class'. Team morale is a powerful tool and can inspire great performances - perhaps this needs to be worked on first and foremost.

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Id say draw dependent, ladybird would be in with a shout of the final!!

:D

[rayo]

‘Opinion’ – scared to play some of the Scottish players???? First there cant be that much to scare him and if they are in the same tournaments and are draw against each other then i am sure Mr Casey would play. I would guess this is one of the young Scottish players??? Why don’t you go training or play some international tournaments???


If Kieran Merrilees has been winning ‘in training’ then great for him, the point is Casey and Merrilees are on different paths so its irrelevant. The scary point is that you bring it up.

All good to Casey for spending his own money to play international tournament, better than staying in Scotland and winging on websites.

For Dan, well the fact your making comments like this and think the way you do would suggest you have not had good coaching, enough said.

[shakey]

Guys,

I've not made any posts on this website before but felt i had to get involved in this crazy discussion.
I'm a close friend of Alistairs - and for the last few years i've been of the opinion that yes, he should be playing Scottish tournaments, if only because at the end of his career i'm sure he would regret not doing it. If he did indeed manage to win it then it's something to look back and tell the grandkids etc etc.

But, i had a discussion with him regarding this and he spelled out very clearly why he chose not to play. While I didn't agree totally with him, i could see his point and ultimately scumbags like some of the people who have made posts on this forum regarding him pi$$ me off greatly.

Best case scenario - he wins the nationals. Where is the benefit? What does he gain? Respect from his peers? Grudging respect from people who are criticising him behind his back? Its not something he's desperate for.

Worst case scenario he loses in the first round.

By going to play in Iran it gives him an opportunity to possibly climb the rankings again. It may not be the correct decision, but no-one can predict the future can they

Why do you people get involved in discussing someone else's business and choices in life, what gives you the right to do this? I don't see Alistair coming on this forum to have a go at your choices. It is complete arrogance that you feel you have the right to criticise someone else for the choices they make not only in their badminton career but on a personal level too.

I think if you look at the rankings today you will see that he is the highest ranked male in Scotland, and yet he is still being criticised for his approach??? Why is this?? Some people have said that he wouldn't make the final of the nationals, yet he is ranked higher than any of the guys who WOULD be expected to get to the final. That in itself proves that he must be doing something right in his approach.


He is self funded and therefore has the right to do as he chooses, and participate in the events he feels give him the best chance of climbing the rankings.

Also, Fifer, the fact that he still plays in league matches is a positive thing to me. He doesn't carry a huge ego around with him that a lot of the other players do. He still has time for a game with his mates, who support him and when we do disagree with him or think he's being a numpty then we tell him TO HIS FACE.

And thats the way it should be - i always thought he was a bit paranoid about people talking behind his back, but this has just served to prove he is actually correct.

With regard to playing Kieran Merrilees, would you care to expand on where this would be? If you are talking about a training session then surely there are mitigating circumstances for this, and even so. Who cares!!! He's not the one coming out saying he's the best. If anything he should be commended for his attitude, he's not the one who's scared to lose, he's not the one happy to be the big fish in the small pond. Unlike a number of other players who seem content with that.

Ultimately, he may not succeed, but at least he's had the balls to give it a decent go, and if he does then he's done it off his own back.

[Markymark]

Really good post.

Aside from personal attacks (which are, of course, unacceptable), this is a badminton forum and people are free to comment and criticise on what players do in their career. Most of the people who post on this site are badminton fans, not elite players, and players have to accept that people will always have an opinion on what they do and not everyone will agree with it. Should they care? Probably not.

I also think it's great that Alistair plays club matches. He should also try and play county if he can. Dan Travers was never keen on players playing in the ICC, but it's ridiculous for our players to miss out on the chance to play against the English elite players who are head and shoulders above.

[faultserver]

I have been reading with interest the contributions made on this thread and have a bit on inpuut in regards.

First of all I believe that this is a site for proactive discussion and appreciate that "banter" forms an intergral part of its appeal but to abuse the principles of the site and attack Alistair on a personal level I disagree with strongly. I apprecitate that these comments have since been removed but feel it shameful that people(s) are lowering themselves to this level.

I stress that attacking each other and rocking the boat is not the solution to frustration and would be very disappointed to discover that this is infact a case of squabbling between the players which is now as it appears to be.

I believe that the Men's game in Scotland needs immediate restructuring and control placed upon it. I disagree that it is a total mess but I do think that it needs immediate attention.

Players should only be elligible for International representation if they support ALL the domestic events and more domestic events should be added to the calendar to develop our domestic game which has been allowed to slowly decline. There must be incentive for players to compete domestically and improved participation will develop the level of our play from elite down to grassroots.

We have talented players in Thomson, Casey, Goddard and Gilliland and we have talented juniors players coming through in Merilees and McPhail. Immediately you have 6 players here who should be training with each other regularly and I think the question has to be asked as to why this is not happening, why they are not being managed with a stronger hand and why someone is not taking the steps and responsibility for making it happen.

We have talented and vastly experienced coaches in Travers and Stevens, regardless of opinion held, this is still a far better scenario than the coaching available in other countries and I think this could be respected more. Sometimes it is the easy answer to allocate blame and the relationship between coach and player goes both ways and both therefore both must be held accountable for failings and lack of results.

As a side note, I am dissapointed to see Alan McIlvain move on to Belgium and hope that sooner rather than later a position can be found at all costs to bring back a coach who is of the highest calibre to Scotland. I do wish Alan all the best in Belgium.

In regards to Alistair if there is harmony at the Institue sessions then having a player like him in attendance is a good thing regardless of what events and personal decisions he is opting to make. In the same way that having players of the standard of Scott Evans and Alexander Sim from Ireland last week at the training sesssions is also good and it is very encouraging to see this sort of thing happening.

If Alistair continues to work closely with Richard Vaughan, he will maximise his chances tenfold on the world stage. Indeed to reach the highest levels of the game that Richard has would be an unprecedented achievement for any Scot. Credit has to be given where credit is due for any of our players trying to be top players and not just top 100 players.

Results speak for themselves, and Alistairs results this season show that he is performing no worse than any of the other players on the world stage, if not better. To put things in some form of perspective we are looking at our likely singles representative for the World Individual Championships in KL not being eligible for the Sudirman Cup and this raises another series of questions about the standard of coaching, play and structure in our men's game.

As a small nation we are not in a position to see players lost to the system, and although I would like to see Alistair compete in domestic events I do think we should support Alistair for making a determined attempt to put Scottish Men's singles back on the map.

[Phil McBride]

Guys,

I've not made any posts on this website before but felt i had to get involved in this crazy discussion.
I'm a close friend of Alistairs - and for the last few years i've been of the opinion that yes, he should be playing Scottish tournaments, if only because at the end of his career i'm sure he would regret not doing it. If he did indeed manage to win it then it's something to look back and tell the grandkids etc etc.

But, i had a discussion with him regarding this and he spelled out very clearly why he chose not to play. While I didn't agree totally with him, i could see his point and ultimately scumbags like some of the people who have made posts on this forum regarding him pi$$ me off greatly.

Best case scenario - he wins the nationals. Where is the benefit? What does he gain? Respect from his peers? Grudging respect from people who are criticising him behind his back? Its not something he's desperate for.

Worst case scenario he loses in the first round.

By going to play in Iran it gives him an opportunity to possibly climb the rankings again. It may not be the correct decision, but no-one can predict the future can they

Why do you people get involved in discussing someone else's business and choices in life, what gives you the right to do this? I don't see Alistair coming on this forum to have a go at your choices. It is complete arrogance that you feel you have the right to criticise someone else for the choices they make not only in their badminton career but on a personal level too.

I think if you look at the rankings today you will see that he is the highest ranked male in Scotland, and yet he is still being criticised for his approach??? Why is this?? Some people have said that he wouldn't make the final of the nationals, yet he is ranked higher than any of the guys who WOULD be expected to get to the final. That in itself proves that he must be doing something right in his approach.


He is self funded and therefore has the right to do as he chooses, and participate in the events he feels give him the best chance of climbing the rankings.

Also, Fifer, the fact that he still plays in league matches is a positive thing to me. He doesn't carry a huge ego around with him that a lot of the other players do. He still has time for a game with his mates, who support him and when we do disagree with him or think he's being a numpty then we tell him TO HIS FACE.

And thats the way it should be - i always thought he was a bit paranoid about people talking behind his back, but this has just served to prove he is actually correct.

With regard to playing Kieran Merrilees, would you care to expand on where this would be? If you are talking about a training session then surely there are mitigating circumstances for this, and even so. Who cares!!! He's not the one coming out saying he's the best. If anything he should be commended for his attitude, he's not the one who's scared to lose, he's not the one happy to be the big fish in the small pond. Unlike a number of other players who seem content with that.

Ultimately, he may not succeed, but at least he's had the balls to give it a decent go, and if he does then he's done it off his own back.

Here here!!!

[opinion]

Firstly, I am not here to get backed up with my opinions. If I have an opinion on something I will say it.

I think alastiar doesn't have such a good attitude, I think hes a pretty decent guy, I just don't wish to do things the way he does. So stop taking things so personally, especially when you hardly know him.

And yes my name has been mentioned, but I am certainly no backstabber.

However,I would be delighted to read your next post explaining who exactly I have stabbed in the back

Also, the way you view my 'attacks' as you call it are your opinion. Tbh I don't give a rats ass what you think so thats that.

Furthermore, I never defended Dan I wanted you to expand on your point. Read posts correctly please.

I have no plans to make any personal attacks and never have done, I am older now and about an inch longer in the tooth so have learned to keep my mouth shut.

[opinion]

Graham, you think Alastiar Casey should be commended for his attitude?

Do you mean his determination to still play against all the haters and doubters?

And don't start mitigating circumstances, He got beat in training yes, and then denied it.

I know that you know Alastair pretty well, so I take on your opinions and agree with some of your points. I think AC is doing awesome considering cicumstances, but don't think hes a top 50 player.

Agreed?

[Smash Master]

GOD!

I only go away for a couple of days and this whole thread goes crazy!!

Who is Rampant and Opinion? Does anyone know?

This is getting a bit beyond a joke now.

Does somebody want to out these idiots.

[Fifer]

I'm sorry "Opinion" but you are really struggling to be taken with any seriousness and credability.

Let me try and summarise slowly for you what is getting under peoples collars.

Good attitude, bad attitude, top player, chances of being a top player, results in training etc etc.... all things open for opinion and ideally some adult disagreement.

Alistair has not been the model citizen, you have even heard his friends say it but the whole thing about having an opinion is that

a) you are entitled to yours
but
b) yours is not the law.

No one has come on here and said any of our players are top 50 players so for you to feel the need to empathise this on Alistair, once again shows bitterness and highlights what is pissing so many people off.

Why the bitterness?

As a player yourself who should be focused on his own game why are you feeling the need to come on here and comment on another players attitude?

If his attitude is so bad, then surely thats a good thing!! Just leave him to it!

What has gone so critically wrong in your development that you have accredited yourself the god given right and arrogance to judge others?

For all of your "longer in the tooth" nonsense as well, your not doing a very credible job of keeping your mouth shut, and are starting to make a bit of an embarrassment of yourself.

[alansd]

Hi everyone,
I know nothing about what is going on in the scottish badminton scene and nothing about what has happened between Alistair and the Scotland coaches however I do think that there is one issue that is being ignored here. Alistair must have trained his arse off between the age of 15 and now because he never used to be a national level player nevermind an international level player I used to play him regularly at the age group singles and he always beat me but always in close games. He was never physically advantaged, he was a short and slim young guy but the work he must have put in on his own to get to this level is ridiculous.
The fact that he now has gotten himself in the top 100 in the world is amazing, but he has managed to get there himself and so he is doing the correct thing funding his own way to Iran to peru or what ever country has an open that he can play in and I think that anyone criticising him is either a fool or jealous.
Good luck to him. If I could afford to give up my job I would be training full time and traveling the world playing tournaments so I could get in the big events.
I think all we hear from other people are sour grapes and if AC is reading this. Well Done and keep it up.

[Fifer]

Graham,

To explain my point about Alistair playing churches and local league matches.

Development wise its not necessarily a bad thing as long as it is happening in moderation.

Politically maybe not so, he lays himself open to more criticism by playing these matches. which far from me saying is fair, I am merely suggesting that it would be smart for him to play smart sometimes.

[opinion]

Fifer,

Stop being so dramatic, you sound like a camp old man.

Highlights my bitterness? HAHAHAH, don't make me laugh, I have no bitterness or resent for Alastair Cassey in any shape of form, so stop talking absolute rubbish.

Also I NEED to stress to you that I do not post to gain credability from you or anyone else on here. Primarily because you are no one that matters, and secondly I feel as though (knowing Alastair)I can have an opinion on the way he goes about his badminton, as I'm sure he does mine.

And don't start the 'well he doesnt comment on you so don't you comment on him' BS, people are discussing his attitude and the way he plays/is so I am contributing, if you don't like it, then stop reading it.

Another thing, you don't know anything about the concentration of my own game, so stop embarrassing yourself by suggesting you do.

I can judge, say or do anything I want, so stop wasting my time talking alot of p!5h

You are talking about me judging people lol and you talkin about AC playing country, what gives you the right to judge him or me?

[shakey]

Graham, you think Alastiar Casey should be commended for his attitude?

Do you mean his determination to still play against all the haters and doubters?

And don't start mitigating circumstances, He got beat in training yes, and then denied it.

I know that you know Alastair pretty well, so I take on your opinions and agree with some of your points. I think AC is doing awesome considering cicumstances, but don't think hes a top 50 player.

Agreed?

Look mate, i'm not someone looking for confrontation or to have an argument. Your totally entitled to you opinion, the only reason i got involved in this is that i thought certain people were overstepping the mark.

To be honest i think his attitude is better than yours, he's not coming on forums and having a pop at you is he? I don't know you personally so i'm basing my opinion solely on what you have said in your posts, and while i don't think you've said anything too disparaging, its certainly not been complimentary - to hide behind an alias also makes it pretty cowardly in my opinion, though that's your prerogative.

Its hard to quantify at training, someone could be fresh while someone else may be tired after a hard session. Whether this was the case or not i don't know as i wasn't there. He also loses the odd game at club nights as well, doubles i hasten to add, but really - what point are you trying to make? I take it you win all your games?

I don't understand what you mean by playing against the haters and doubters???? You'd need to explain that one to me.

and on your final point of being a top 50 player, who knows. I don't remember saying he was a top 50 player, and neither did he. Are you a top 50 player? I don't think there's many top 50 players in Scotland.

I'm not here to say he's a great badminton player, i'm just defending him against some of the poor comments.
The answer to your question is i don't know, you aim to be the best you can. If you fall short so be it.

[shakey]

Graham,

To explain my point about Alistair playing churches and local league matches.

Development wise its not necessarily a bad thing as long as it is happening in moderation.

Politically maybe not so, he lays himself open to more criticism by playing these matches. which far from me saying is fair, I am merely suggesting that it would be smart for him to play smart sometimes.

I don't see the harm, it's surely better to be hitting a shuttle rather than watching TV or something, assuming you've done all your training that is.

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Cant believe Im going to say it, but you scottys are finally getting a thread together worth reading! :D

If this thread is going to detoraite into a spanking then the grand spanker himself the Chosen One is jumping the queue!

Opinion son your getting your bum felt big time here, scary thing is you seem to keep coming back for more, you like it? do you son? yeh you know what I mean.

[Smash Master]

Hahahahahahahahaha.
This thread is getting pretty funny now!

[Fifer]

The whole point of this discussion is that players should not be coming on here commenting on each others game, it highlights exactly what is wrong in Scotland at the moment.

Do you disagree? (Yes we know you do, hence why you are not a particulary great player yourself)

Read the rest of the thread, no one is agreeing with you Opinion. (Yes we know you dont care, you have already told us)

You state that you dont care what anybody thinks, dont seek credability and dont care if your posts are taken seriously. But you post here to be heard dont you?

Why are you so keen to be heard?

[danbelcher]

calm down calm down

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

The Chosen One suggests that Mr McBride needs to get his ship in order and bring his legion of minions into line!!

A decentralisation of slappings should bring about improved results in scotty land!!

Watch out for your hubcaps if belcher is about though!

:D

[Phil McBride]

The Chosen One suggests that Mr McBride needs to get his ship in order and bring his legion of minions into line!!

A decentralisation of slappings should bring about improved results in scotty land!!

Watch out for your hubcaps if belcher is about though!

:D


I don't spank people any more, it's too rasy and the police don't like that kind of thing apparently :(

and i'm all in favour of decentralisation ;)

[KevinStangoe]

Well this thread has got everyone worked up. Pity all this energy isn't being used to put what's wrong with Scottish Badminton right.

My tuppence worth is that i think Alastair did what he felt was best for him, it seems to have worked because he has improved. He has gone down the route of collecting World ranking points, not EBU or National ranking points. Does the fact his world ranking mean he is Scotland's top player? No it doesn't! I think he is wrong in not playing the nationals or other scottish based ranking tournaments. If he did then it would stop all the squabbiling etc of who is better than who.

Another tuppence now, based on ranking points! Emma Mason and Imogen Bankier were ranked the EBU no. 1 ladies pair last season, but they are not the best pair in Europe. I get the impression that badminton is going down the boxing route with having 4 or 5 no 1 ranked players because of the different systems. Too confusing, there should only be one set of ranking points with more points awarded for the better the tournament. I know the current world ranking system does this anyway so the EBU and National systems should be scrapped.

Spending all my tuppences now, Opinion does like to stir things up and having had some banter with him on a few threads and some PM's, i can say he does have some good thoughts and ideas that may benefit Scottish Badminton. Fifer, i think you might want to look up some old tournament results before you say Opinion isn't much of a player. Though he isn't as good as i was!! ( That will wake him up!)
FaultServer I agree with a lot you said, but then again if you are who i think you might be then you have some inside knowledge of the workings of Scottish Badminton and that does help the discussion. PS were you the Faultserver in the SBU magazine when i got slated in the column when you said i should concentrate more on my badminton rather than bleach my hair blonde??

[Phil McBride]

does that make you the one on the left in Dans post then Kevin?

[KevinStangoe]

Good one Phil!!

The other two must be Alan Mac and Walter. Wondered where that photo had gone!!

[Phil McBride]

Good one Phil!!

The other two must be Alan Mac and Walter. Wondered where that photo had gone!!

Ha ha, the short one in hte middle is Alan i presume?

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Your getting soft in your old age Phil, the chosen one is disappointed!

And look at this, isnt this sweet? Its just like baddersreunited.com,

all we need now is that scumbag soup to turn up (do give me a nudge if he does my good man) :rolleyes:

Bring back Opinion for some more inflamatory remarks I say!!!! This thread was going somewhere!!

:D

[Phil McBride]

Your getting soft in your old age Phil, the chosen one is disappointed!



Think of it more as mellowing in my old age ;) My good lady wife wouldn't look kindly on me if i went back to my old ways :D


And i don't think Opinion is to blame here i think it's rampart who's sniped and ran.

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Shooting from the treeline are you Rampant?
Bit of a scumbag are you son?
You been getting coached off that fella ladybird was telling me all about at new year?

"Private coaching" was it? I bet it was.

The Chosen One likes a good spin doctor Opinion. Keep up the goodwork! :D

[Fifer]

i think you might want to look up some old tournament results before you say Opinion isn't much of a player. Though he isn't as good as i was!!

I think that comment speaks for itself Kevin.

Kevin who?

[opinion]

Lol, Money well spent there Kevin.

That is exactly what I think regarding Cassey

Also, we all know there are ways on working the ranking systems by playing a bunch of easy tournaments, I don't care what anyone says, this is a fact.

Kevin, I am still young so still have a few years before I too can become a Legend! Lol

Also Graeme, Alastair has been on here not that long ago writting posts regarding various things.

:D

[KevinStangoe]

Fifer - You have to go back a long way to find my name on anything, but not so far back for Opinion's! As you haven't submitted your name we can't check for yours. Same goes for Rampant and SmashMaster if you want to back your comments up then provide your real names.

Long time no speak Opinion, good to see you've lost none of your humour or forth right views.

What are folks thoughts on Ann Smillie's latest comments on Glasgow's bid for the Commie Games? She is quoted as saying Susan's bronze (fair comment) and the team bronze in Manchester ( very fortunate draw!!) were were what was needed to stimulate growth in the junior ranks and gave the children a real buzz at a badminton carnival!! She forgot to mention the slap in the face to those players who should have been representing Scotland in the team event in the last games, who she was one of that said they weren't good enoughfor a medal so there was no point in entering!!

[Phil McBride]

Long time no speak Opinion, good to see you've lost none of your humour or forth right views.

All be it generations apart, no?

As for Smilie i wonder if she has any credibility outwith the organisation(s) in fact i wonder if she has any inside the organisation(s)

So Kevin just out of interest do you have to be a current player or an ex-player to comment? And of so what level does one have to have reached?

[Smash Master]

Fifer - You have to go back a long way to find my name on anything, but not so far back for Opinion's! As you haven't submitted your name we can't check for yours. Same goes for Rampant and SmashMaster if you want to back your comments up then provide your real names.


:eek:

Leave me out of this!!

Obviously not posting under my own name like everyone else here, well most people anyhows!

I dont reaaly know much of what goes on but the reading is quite good fun.

Casey I see about but he never plays a tournament, chubby is def chubby, flcokhart is passed it and i think gilly just runs all day, even tho i said this stuff its only fun!!

I dont want saying anyhting and getting booted out of my squad!

[AlistairCasey]

Thought to myself, hell its a new week people are going to be back at work, going to be suffering the Monday blues so why dont we try and take this converation somewhere productive before anyone else gets baited any further.

Scanned through the posts, pulled out a few things that interested me and thown in some clarification for the bits worth responding to.

I did not fall out with the coaching establishment, I disagreed with the selection establishment, said a few things, did a few things and am now not available for selection untill certain established things are changed. This is my choice.

I would not say I "was partictulary critical of Dan" in the papers I would say I "responded in like" bit of poetic licence there if you may. :rolleyes:

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/sport.cfm?id=2456132005

That was then and this is now.

On a personal level Dan is a top bloke, he stepped in recently to help out with my breaks in Ireland and Italy and his input was welcome.

I am planning to play Iran and this is visa dependent I stress "visa dependent". If as a result of visa or travel advice issues I do not play Iran I will then be playing a club match in Spain, either way I will still not be playing the Nationals.

Alan, cant remeber ever playing you in an age group singles and seeing from the sterling banter you take on this site I am very glad I won! Sorry! :D

Regarding churches, west of scotland or league matches. I like to help out (if selected:rolleyes: ), I love to hit shuttles and Im a mug for saying no.
Im not in the country often enough to be playing enough matches that it can be detrimental to my game.

Kevin, I accept that you think I am wrong not playing domestic events. Needless to say I will not be playing any, any time soon.

If anybody else wants a pop, even the snipers then go nuts.

I'll field answers if I can, and take the banter on the chin.

[alansd]

No problem, it was a long time ago and I have a freakish memory about people I have played!!
Just wanted to raise the point that you have obviously worked very hard in the years in between to get to a level where people actually care if you are not playing the nationals.
As for the abuse I take on here.. I let the little people get away with some but if they overstep the mark they will feel the back of my hand!!

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

Casey son, if you were 9 never mind 15, playing with your wrong hand, in a wheelchair and blind and somehow still managed to lose to the ladybird the chosen one would be spanking you senseless himself!!

:D

[alansd]

I am sure the chosenone spanks himself senseless on a regular basis, no need to share that image with us though......

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

ladybird why do you always have to take it down the route of filth?

wheres the rest of the band this morning?

out buying more soap?

[opinion]

Lol, In yeh get Cassey.

All the best

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

I am sure the chosenone spanks himself senseless on a regular basis, no need to share that image with us though......

If your not a spanker, your a liar.

:rolleyes:

[danbelcher]

I think there is good opportunity here for a "Do you spank" Poll.
What do you think Site Supprt?

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

All those in favour of spanking please raise neither hand!

:D

[danbelcher]

There's a Eunuch out there somewhere with both hands in the air and a frustrated look on his face

[danbelcher]

ChosenOne, you've spanked us off topic again, you know what you deserve for that don't you?

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

There's a Eunuch out there somewhere with both hands in the air and a frustrated look on his face

haha, you taking that ladybird?

[danbelcher]

and no I'm not offering

[TheChosenOneReturns!]

and no I'm not offering

im sure flighty would, but no im not asking.

come on site support, lets get the poll on!!!

there will be no more pittard jokes for a month!!!