Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread IV

[George Carlin]

First topic message reminder :

Historical Banter:

https://www.606v2.com/t48240-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread
https://www.606v2.com/t51313-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-ii
https://www.606v2.com/t53119-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-iii

A new thread for the 2014/5 season.

A. Edinburgh Rugby


1. Coaching Team

Alan Solomons - head coach
Stevie Scott -  assistant coach
Omar Mouneimne - assistant coach

2. Players In

Neil Cochrane from London Wasps
John Andress from Worcester Warriors
Rory Sutherland from Gala RFC
Tom Heathcote from Bath Rugby
Michael Tait from Newcastle Falcons
Fraser McKenzie from Newcastle Falcons
Phil Burleigh from the Highlanders
Anton Bresler from the Sharks
Brett Thompson from USA 7s

3. Players Out

Steven Lawrie retired
Alun Walker released
Alex Allan to Glasgow Warriors
Geoff Cross to London Irish
Lewis Niven released
Sean Cox to London Irish
Robert McAlpine released
Perry Parker to Rotherham Titans
Izak van der Westhuizen released
Ross Rennie to Bristol Rugby
Dimitri Basilaia released
Alex Black released
Greig Laidlaw to Gloucester Rugby
Chris Leck released
Piers Francis released
Gregor Hunter released
Harry Leonard to Leeds Carnegie
Ben Atiga retired
Ben Cairns retired
Nick De Luca to Biarritz Olympique
Lee Jones released
Aleki Lutui to Gloucester Rugby

4. Pre-season Fixtures

Leicester Tigers v Edinburgh
Saturday 23 August, 14:00
Welford Road

Edinburgh v Newcastle Falcons
Friday 29 August, 19:45
Mansfield Park, Hawick

B. Glasgow Warriors


1. Coaching Team

Gregor Townsend – Head Coach
Shade Munro – Forwards Coach
Matt Taylor – Defence Coach

2. Players In

Alex Allan from Edinburgh
Murray McConnell from Ayr RFC
Euan Murray from Worcester Warriors
James Downey from Munster
Rossouw de Klerk from the Cheetahs

3. Players Out

Moray Low to Exeter Chiefs
Chris Cusiter to Sale Sharks
Ruaridh Jackson to London Wasps
Ed Kalman retired
Byron McGuigan released
Finlay Gillies released
Scott Wight to Melrose RFC
Gabriel Ascárate released
Folau Niua released
Carlin Isles to USA 7s

4. Pre-season Fixtures

Glasgow Warriors v Harlequins
Saturday 23 August, 14:30
Scotstoun Stadium

London Scottish v Glasgow Warriors
Saturday 30 August, 15:00
Richmond Athletic Ground

[jimbopip]

Fes, Fes the Annual Slaughter of the Effeminates will follow the same, old same old script.  
I hear there's a fellow from Inverness coming down to do the MFL's pre match team talks. Altogether now, " For Jesus sake!!!"  
Imagine being stuck in a lift with him and ASBO.
Pity you're missing the London Scottish game, it means you'll have to wait till the festive malkying before you see a real rugby team in the flesh (and I don't mean Schlong)

[MacKnocked-on]

So are all the signings over now then, thought Edinburgh were still to sign a couple more EDPs and Glasgow haven't done much transfer business this close season?

[RDW]

Glasgow have a pretty expensive squad already and, given that Cusiter and Low are the only ones leaving that are likely to be on significant money, there probably isn't that much budget left, notwithstanding this supposed increase in funds from the BT deal.

Given that Edinburgh let 22 players go and only brought in 9, you've got to wonder what's happened to all the money!

[jimbopip]

RDW, don't forget that Atiga's severance package included emergency food parcels frm Gregg's the bakers. You could have signed a whole new front row for that.  

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

Glasgow have a pretty expensive squad already and, given that Cusiter and Low are the only ones leaving that are likely to be on significant money, there probably isn't that much budget left, notwithstanding this supposed increase in funds from the BT deal.

Given that Edinburgh let 22 players go and only brought in 9, you've got to wonder what's happened to all the money!

Jackson signed a new deal while the starting Scotland 10. Not suggesting he was on mega money, but by our Pro teams level he would have been on significant money.

Glasgow may bring in one more player, possibly on a year long deal. But most of the excess budget saved by those going will have gone on the re-signing of players during last season.

[George Carlin]

Glasgow will have a pricey squad, but I can't see Murray being half as expensive as he was 5 years ago. Downey would have been moderately pricey but not as expensive as if we'd signed Lualala instead, for example. There should still be money there and I would like to see more loose forward cover, in particular.

I hope that the club are alive to the possibility that Sam Warbuton may be ripe for poaching if this omnishambles with the WRU continues. It's in nobody's interests for him to sit on the sidelines all season. I am serious about this - exactly the sort of player we should be aiming for.

[RDW]

Glasgow have a pretty expensive squad already and, given that Cusiter and Low are the only ones leaving that are likely to be on significant money, there probably isn't that much budget left, notwithstanding this supposed increase in funds from the BT deal.

Given that Edinburgh let 22 players go and only brought in 9, you've got to wonder what's happened to all the money!

Jackson signed a new deal while the starting Scotland 10.  Not suggesting he was on mega money, but by our Pro teams level he would have been on significant money.

Glasgow may bring in one more player, possibly on a year long deal.  But most of the excess budget saved by those going will have gone on the re-signing of players during last season.

Forgot about him, but the point still stands I suppose. Worth remembering that a lot of player have signed new deals too - no doubt on improved terms.

[funnyExiledScot]

Glasgow will have a pricey squad, but I can't see Murray being half as expensive as he was 5 years ago. Downey would have been moderately pricey but not as expensive as if we'd signed Lualala instead, for example. There should still be money there and I would like to see more loose forward cover, in particular.

I hope that the club are alive to the possibility that Sam Warbuton may be ripe for poaching if this omnishambles with the WRU continues. It's in nobody's interests for him to sit on the sidelines all season. I am serious about this - exactly the sort of player we should be aiming for.

That exact same thought crossed my mind this morning. The Lions captain would "probably" squeeze in ahead of Fusaro, Holmes, Grant and even Hamish Watson, so would be a cracking acquisition for a season for either side.

His attitude off the field is also something worth having around. His stance on diet, booze and clean living would be a welcome asset to Scottish rugby, particularly in the land of the soap dodger.

[RDW]

Bit injury prone though.

[funnyExiledScot]

True, but we'd be talking about a one year loan. A back row of Harley, Warburton and Strauss, or Du Preez, Warburton and Denton, would in each case be formidable and take both sides to a new level.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Raigmore? I was born there too.

Me three!

This explains a lot.

Unlike the residents of Ayr, born in a stable in the presence of three kings courtesy of immaculate conception, us Highlanders had to rely on the NHS......

Would it be come the SNRoSHS

(Scottish Nationalist Republic of Separatism Health Service)

It already is separate, which is why it is in considerably better shape than its equivalent south of the border!

[RDW]

If he is needing to get out of Wales I can see bigger clubs that Edinburgh or Glasgow chasing him.

Maybe not in England with their salary caps, but certainly in France.

[George Carlin]

Glasgow will have a pricey squad, but I can't see Murray being half as expensive as he was 5 years ago. Downey would have been moderately pricey but not as expensive as if we'd signed Lualala instead, for example. There should still be money there and I would like to see more loose forward cover, in particular.

I hope that the club are alive to the possibility that Sam Warbuton may be ripe for poaching if this omnishambles with the WRU continues. It's in nobody's interests for him to sit on the sidelines all season. I am serious about this - exactly the sort of player we should be aiming for.

That exact same thought crossed my mind this morning. The Lions captain would "probably" squeeze in ahead of Fusaro, Holmes, Grant and even Hamish Watson, so would be a cracking acquisition for a season for either side.

His attitude off the field is also something worth having around. His stance on diet, booze and clean living would be a welcome asset to Scottish rugby, particularly in the land of the soap dodger.

Are you honestly suggesting that Sam wouldn't participate in the traditional Glaswegian square slice/Irn-Bru combo Saturday breakfast?
If you're from the west coast, that's all the food groups covered.

[cakeordeath]

If he is needing to get out of Wales I can see bigger clubs that Edinburgh or Glasgow chasing him.

Maybe not in England with their salary caps, but certainly in France.

I think the advantage over other clubs is the SRU/WRU are pretty happy to release each others players outside the international windows.

[funnyExiledScot]

Raigmore? I was born there too.

Me three!

This explains a lot.

Unlike the residents of Ayr, born in a stable in the presence of three kings courtesy of immaculate conception, us Highlanders had to rely on the NHS......

Would it be come the SNRoSHS

(Scottish Nationalist Republic of Separatism Health Service)

 It already is separate, which is why it is in considerably better shape than its equivalent south of the border!

You're not supposed to bring politics on here. I never do. But as you did:

Scots get £1300 EXTRA per person on public services (including the NHS) than the average UK citizen. That's why the NHS is comparatively better. That's under the current system. An excellent case you make for voting "No Thanks", and why the majority of the people of Scotland who currently obtain those benefits are planning to vote the same way according to every poll published so far.

[George Carlin]

Raigmore? I was born there too.

Me three!

This explains a lot.

Unlike the residents of Ayr, born in a stable in the presence of three kings courtesy of immaculate conception, us Highlanders had to rely on the NHS......

Would it be come the SNRoSHS

(Scottish Nationalist Republic of Separatism Health Service)

 It already is separate, which is why it is in considerably better shape than its equivalent south of the border!

You're not supposed to bring politics on here. I never do. But as you did:

Scots get £1300 EXTRA per person on public services (including the NHS) than the average UK citizen. That's why the NHS is comparatively better. That's under the current system. An excellent case you make for voting "No Thanks", and why the majority of the people of Scotland who currently obtain those benefits are planning to vote the same way according to every poll published so far.

That explains why we're so good at sport.

[funnyExiledScot]

Is our sporting underachievement another thing that will be fixed once we're independent??

Gosh, I'll have to reconsider my position now.

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

If he is needing to get out of Wales I can see bigger clubs that Edinburgh or Glasgow chasing him.

Maybe not in England with their salary caps, but certainly in France.

I think the advantage over other clubs is the SRU/WRU are pretty happy to release each others players outside the international windows.

Are they?

[funnyExiledScot]

Not so sure about that. Doubt the Scarlets would release John Barclay to Scotland unless they had to.

[cakeordeath]

If he is needing to get out of Wales I can see bigger clubs that Edinburgh or Glasgow chasing him.

Maybe not in England with their salary caps, but certainly in France.

I think the advantage over other clubs is the SRU/WRU are pretty happy to release each others players outside the international windows.

Are they?

Pretty sure Schlong was released outside the international window.

[George Carlin]

Is our sporting underachievement another thing that will be fixed once we're independent??

Gosh, I'll have to reconsider my position now.

You're right. Not political in the slightest.

[Majestic83]

Away from topic slightly, is anyone going to the 7s at the commonwealth games?

[RDW]

Away from topic slightly, is anyone going to the 7s at the commonwealth games?

Got tickets for the finals on the Sunday evening.

Might see about going for some of Scotland's group games, but it is pretty scandalous that they have split each day into two sessions so have you to get two sets of tickets!

[Majestic83]

Yeah I have got tickets for the Sunday AM session and then the evening one. Didn't realise there was as long a gap between the 2 sessions. Never been to Ibrox but guessing there isn't much to do around that area.
Going to be using the park and ride and since it is over 2 sessions you have to pay double for that as well!

[RDW]

Yeah I have got tickets for the Sunday AM session and then the evening one. Didn't realise there was as long a gap between the 2 sessions. Never been to Ibrox but guessing there isn't much to do around that area.
Going to be using the park and ride and since it is over 2 sessions you have to pay double for that as well!

Not anything that you'd want to have to hang around for 3 hours for! I'm pretty sure the gates open 2 hours before so you'll only have an hour to kill if you want to head back inside the stadium and spend lots of money on warm beer and expensive food...

In the first Saturday morning session Scotland are playing New Zealand, then in the evening they are playing Barbados and Canada.

[Majestic83]

Yeah I have got tickets for the Sunday AM session and then the evening one. Didn't realise there was as long a gap between the 2 sessions. Never been to Ibrox but guessing there isn't much to do around that area.
Going to be using the park and ride and since it is over 2 sessions you have to pay double for that as well!

Not anything that you'd want to have to hang around for 3 hours for! I'm pretty sure the gates open 2 hours before so you'll only have an hour to kill if you want to head back inside the stadium and spend lots of money on warm beer and expensive food...

In the first Saturday morning session Scotland are playing New Zealand, then in the evening they are playing Barbados and Canada.

Think I might make use of the free public transport and head back into the city centre for a few hours before the finals session starts.

[RDW]

What's the best way to get to/from Ibrox from City Centre?

I'm especially thinking at night when it finishes at 10:30 or so...

[Majestic83]

There is a subway station right next to Ibrox that goes back into the city centre so that will be running till late at night during the games.
Are you getting the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow?

[RDW]

Most likely - the girlfriend doesn't do bus travel! She says it makes her travel sick but I think she just doesn't like the typical clientèle that the bus attracts!

[cakeordeath]

Most likely - the girlfriend doesn't do bus travel! She says it makes her travel sick but I think she just doesn't like the typical clientèle that the bus attracts!

It's a fairly easy journey to Ibrox, off at Queen St. 50 yard walk to Buchanan St underground ~10minute journey to Ibrox

[Majestic83]

Can't blame her, got the megabus for the first time ever on Sunday from Edinburgh to Aberdeen.....never again!

Think I am going to drive and use the park and ride from the euro central next to the Dakota hotel. £5 per session for the park and ride. Had looked at the train but no trains back out to North Berwick after 8pm I think so we'd be stuck!

[BigGee]

I am going to the Saturday morning session, I think we are playing the All Blacks in our first game so should see that one and maybe one of the others. Well if you are going to have to play NZ then I guess best to get them when they may be a little cold!

[RDW]

Can't blame her, got the megabus for the first time ever on Sunday from Edinburgh to Aberdeen.....never again!

Think I am going to drive and use the park and ride from the euro central next to the Dakota hotel. £5 per session for the park and ride. Had looked at the train but no trains back out to North Berwick after 8pm I think so we'd be stuck!

I used the Megabus regularly from Dundee to Edinburgh when I was a student and it was soul destroying.

Only thing worth saying about the bus option is allow enough time for the M8 factor - when the roads are busy you'll be crawling along!

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Raigmore? I was born there too.

Me three!

This explains a lot.

Unlike the residents of Ayr, born in a stable in the presence of three kings courtesy of immaculate conception, us Highlanders had to rely on the NHS......

Would it be come the SNRoSHS

(Scottish Nationalist Republic of Separatism Health Service)

 It already is separate, which is why it is in considerably better shape than its equivalent south of the border!

You're not supposed to bring politics on here. I never do. But as you did:

Scots get £1300 EXTRA per person on public services (including the NHS) than the average UK citizen. That's why the NHS is comparatively better. That's under the current system. An excellent case you make for voting "No Thanks", and why the majority of the people of Scotland who currently obtain those benefits are planning to vote the same way according to every poll published so far.

... says he, blithely ignoring the FACT (End of TM) that they contribute roughly £1,800 more per head of tax revenues, or have done on average over the last umpty-tumpty years, thus making them net contributors. Must try harder, dear boy

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

I am going on the Sunday for both sessions. Can't understand why there is not some kind of fans zone open for the hours between the sessions. There is plenty of space around the ground.

[IanBru]

Raigmore? I was born there too.

Me three!

This explains a lot.

Unlike the residents of Ayr, born in a stable in the presence of three kings courtesy of immaculate conception, us Highlanders had to rely on the NHS......

Would it be come the SNRoSHS

(Scottish Nationalist Republic of Separatism Health Service)

 It already is separate, which is why it is in considerably better shape than its equivalent south of the border!

You're not supposed to bring politics on here. I never do. But as you did:

Scots get £1300 EXTRA per person on public services (including the NHS) than the average UK citizen. That's why the NHS is comparatively better. That's under the current system. An excellent case you make for voting "No Thanks", and why the majority of the people of Scotland who currently obtain those benefits are planning to vote the same way according to every poll published so far.

... says he, blithely ignoring the FACT (End of TM) that they contribute roughly £1,800 more per head of tax revenues, or have done on average over the last umpty-tumpty years, thus making them net contributors.  Must try harder, dear boy

Only if you factor in oil revenues. If you take them out, we have a worse deficit as % of GDP than Greece, Spain, Ireland, Iceland... the list goes on and on.

Oil is a notoriously volatile resource (even ignoring the fact that it will run out eventually, possibly as soon as 2030) and shouldn't be the basis for planning an economy - in fact, the difference between the Scottish Government's estimates of oil tax revenue for 2013 and the actual revenue was the equivalent of the entire Scottish education budget. So, in a bad year we just don't educate people? We raise taxes?

Independence? Meh.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Raigmore? I was born there too.

Me three!

This explains a lot.

Unlike the residents of Ayr, born in a stable in the presence of three kings courtesy of immaculate conception, us Highlanders had to rely on the NHS......

Would it be come the SNRoSHS

(Scottish Nationalist Republic of Separatism Health Service)

 It already is separate, which is why it is in considerably better shape than its equivalent south of the border!

You're not supposed to bring politics on here. I never do. But as you did:

Scots get £1300 EXTRA per person on public services (including the NHS) than the average UK citizen. That's why the NHS is comparatively better. That's under the current system. An excellent case you make for voting "No Thanks", and why the majority of the people of Scotland who currently obtain those benefits are planning to vote the same way according to every poll published so far.

... says he, blithely ignoring the FACT (End of TM) that they contribute roughly £1,800 more per head of tax revenues, or have done on average over the last umpty-tumpty years, thus making them net contributors.  Must try harder, dear boy

Only if you factor in oil revenues.  If you take them out, we have a worse deficit as % of GDP than Greece, Spain, Ireland, Iceland... the list goes on and on.

Oil is a notoriously volatile resource (even ignoring the fact that it will run out eventually, possibly as soon as 2030) and shouldn't be the basis for planning an economy - in fact, the difference between the Scottish Government's estimates of oil tax revenue for 2013 and the actual revenue was the equivalent of the entire Scottish education budget. So, in a bad year we just don't educate people? We raise taxes?

Independence? Meh.

And guess what, if you tax the feic out of it as a resource, it becomes even more volatile! Strewth ... Also, must tell the good folks of Norway to exclude all oil revenue from their financial planning - tis obvs only sensible

[funnyExiledScot]

It always comes down to "tax less, spend more" with separatists.

Great idea.

[funnyExiledScot]

Away from topic slightly, is anyone going to the 7s at the commonwealth games?

Got tickets for the finals on the Sunday evening.

Might see about going for some of Scotland's group games, but it is pretty scandalous that they have split each day into two sessions so have you to get two sets of tickets!

That is a complete scam. Pity too, because the whole 7s carnival depends on it being a day event.

[IanBru]

I've tickets to both sessions of the group games - it's not the split that really bothers me (although it is a right pain in the cornhole), but the fact that it wasn't possible to buy the same seats.

My folks are coming up for this, and we'll have to shift ourselves (that's 'shift', with an 'f') to new seats.

Small things, and we're not exactly in Gaza, but I'm still not happy.

[RDW]

It's worse than that - you have to leave the stadium between sessions!

[funnyExiledScot]

I've tickets to both sessions of the group games - it's not the split that really bothers me (although it is a right pain in the cornhole), but the fact that it wasn't possible to buy the same seats.

My folks are coming up for this, and we'll have to shift ourselves (that's 'shift', with an 'f') to new seats.

Small things, and we're not exactly in Gaza, but I'm still not happy.

Gaza left Ibrox some time ago.....

Damn that was bad!

I can't believe they make you leave the ground and change seats. Completely ridiculous. That cannot be a decision made by anyone involved in rugby. Not even Scott Johnson is that daft.

[BigGee]

I've tickets to both sessions of the group games - it's not the split that really bothers me (although it is a right pain in the cornhole), but the fact that it wasn't possible to buy the same seats.

My folks are coming up for this, and we'll have to shift ourselves (that's 'shift', with an 'f') to new seats.

Small things, and we're not exactly in Gaza, but I'm still not happy.

Gaza left Ibrox some time ago.....

Damn that was bad!

I can't believe they make you leave the ground and change seats. Completely ridiculous. That cannot be a decision made by anyone involved in rugby. Not even Scott Johnson is that daft.

Why sell a seat once when you can sell the same one twice. They have opted to go for the same model as the London Olympics and I guess have been vindicated in that it has sold out, as London did. Apart from the fact that they are making a few quid, running Commonwealth Games is not cheap at the end of the day, I suppose it can be seen as a good thing that lots of people are able to get tickets and see events. Living in London, I was dissapointed to only get tickets for one event at the OG and I know of plenty other people who got none. Its not a typical rugby event at the end of the day, but maybe one that will be more memorable, especially if Scotland beat the All Blacks while i am there watchng!

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

Some news on the Glasgow crime dept. DTH has had his conviction for assault overturned on appeal and has been given an absolute discharge.

Appeal judge showed common sense (in my opinion) in deciding that someone spitting in your face constitutes serious provocation and the subsequent punch thrown by DTH was retaliatory.

So that's one case done and dusted, only what is it....four to go?

[RDW]

Some news on the Glasgow crime dept.  DTH has had his conviction for assault overturned on appeal and has been given an absolute discharge.

Appeal judge showed common sense (in my opinion) in deciding that someone spitting in your face constitutes serious provocation and the subsequent punch thrown by DTH was retaliatory.

So that's one case done and dusted, only what is it....four to go?

When did this happen?? Never heard of it!

[Majestic83]

Away from topic slightly, is anyone going to the 7s at the commonwealth games?

Got tickets for the finals on the Sunday evening.

Might see about going for some of Scotland's group games, but it is pretty scandalous that they have split each day into two sessions so have you to get two sets of tickets!

That is a complete scam. Pity too, because the whole 7s carnival depends on it being a day event.

I was at the commonwealth games when it was in Melbourne in 06 and went to all the rugby 7s, not only was it a lot cheaper, $10 for the first day and $20 for the finals day it didn't have the split sessions and ran really smoothly. Great atmosphere in the stadium which was packed with 55000 the whole weekend. The best atmosphere I have ever experienced was during the Australia v England group game, the noise was deafening in the stadium. Going to be interesting to see if the 7s at Ibrox come even close!
Booked my car in for park and ride, turns out you have to book a slot for when you arrive and if you are late they can't guarantee that they will be able to accomodate you!

[madmaccas]

Some news on the Glasgow crime dept.  DTH has had his conviction for assault overturned on appeal and has been given an absolute discharge.

Appeal judge showed common sense (in my opinion) in deciding that someone spitting in your face constitutes serious provocation and the subsequent punch thrown by DTH was retaliatory.

So that's one case done and dusted, only what is it....four to go?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-28329045

Quite right from the sounds of things. If someone gobbed in my face they'd a slap back.

Interesting that he was planning to go to Canada to do a firefighting course. Do you think he's planning to retire soon? He's only 28 so that would be a real shame.

[IanBru]

Madmaccas, I think DTH has already been doing his firefighting course - he's been tweeting about it quite a lot, especially last summer. I think it's more of a thing for during holidays, particularly as wildfires can be quite common around Vancouver in the summer.

[RDW]

Glad to see sense prevailed and it was overturned - especially given that it would have ruined his future career as a fire fighter.

Some people really are neanderthals - I've never understood why some blokes start a fight because someone spilt their drink / looked at their missus (who is usually a munter) / bumped into them by mistake.

There's a well known case of a guy in Newcastle who bumped into someone in the street by mistake and the guy punched him - he fell and cracked his head on the ground and died. Absolutely senseless.

[madmaccas]

Madmaccas, I think DTH has already been doing his firefighting course - he's been tweeting about it quite a lot, especially last summer. I think it's more of a thing for during holidays, particularly as wildfires can be quite common around Vancouver in the summer.

Ah that's a relief, he's a great player and a lovely bloke from all reports. Quite sensible planning for his future now - I've met so players who had no plan B when it came to life after rugby.

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