Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread VIII

[RuggerRadge2611]

First topic message reminder :

Ye Olde 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
https://www.606v2.com/t54519-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-iv
https://www.606v2.com/t55409-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-v-the-fun-continues
https://www.606v2.com/t56913p950-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-vi-banter-boogaloo
https://www.606v2.com/t57946-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-vii



A. Edinburgh
   

1. League Results  

Fri 5 Sep: Munster Rugby 13 - 14 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 12 Sep: Edinburgh Rugby 13 - 14 Connacht Rugby

Sun 21 Sep: Ospreys 62 - 13 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 26 Sep: Edinburgh Rugby 20 - 20 Scarlets

Fri 3 Oct: Ulster Rugby 30 - 0 Edinburgh Rugby

Sat 11 Oct: Edinburgh Rugby 24 - 10 Newport Gwent Dragons

Fri 31 Oct: Leinster Rugby 33 - 8 Edinburgh Rugby

Sun 23 Nov: Edinburgh Rugby 28 - 13 Cardiff Blues

Sat 29 Nov: Zebre 18 - 10 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 19 Dec: Edinburgh Rugby 48 - 0 Benetton Treviso

Sat 27 Dec: Glasgow Warriors 16 - 6 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 2 Jan: Edinburgh Rugby - 20 - 8 Glasgow Warriors

Fri 9 Jan: Connacht Rugby 13 - 16 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 13 Feb: Edinburgh Rugby 24 - 16 Ospreys

Fri 20 Feb: Edinburgh Rugby 17 - 20 Ulster Rugby

Sun 1 Mar: Cardiff Blues 21 - 15 Edinburgh Rugby

Sat 7 Mar: Benetton Treviso 8 - 29 Edinburgh

Sat 28 Mar: Scarlets 15 - 26 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 24 Apr: Edinburgh Rugby 3 - 34 Munster Rugby

2. European Results  

17/10/14: Bordeaux-Begles 13 - 15 Edinburgh Rugby

24/10/14: Edinburgh Rugby 25 - 17 Lyon

7/12/14: Edinburgh Rugby 25 - 13 London Welsh

14/12/14: London Welsh 6 - 24 Edinburgh Rugby

17/01/2015: Lyon 21 - 19 Edinburgh Rugby

23/01/2015: Edinburgh Rugby 38 - 20 Bordeaux-Begles

05/04/2015: London Irish 18-23 Edinburgh

17/04/2015: Edinburgh 45-16 Dragons

B. Glasgow


1. League Results  

Sat 6 Sep: Glasgow Warriors 22 - 20 Leinster Rugby

Sun 14 Sep: Cardiff Blues 12 - 33 Glasgow Warriors

Sat 20 Sep: Newport Gwent Dragons 13 - 33 Glasgow Warriors

Fri 26 Sep: Glasgow Warriors 39 - 21 Connacht Rugby

Sun 5 Oct: Benetton Treviso 23 - 40 Glasgow Warriors

Sat 11 Oct: Ulster Rugby 29 - 9 Glasgow Warriors

Fri 31 Oct: Glasgow Warriors 17 - 9 Benetton Treviso

Fri 21 Nov: Scarlets 19 - 9 Glasgow Warriors

Sun 30 Nov: Glasgow Warriors 19 - 15 Newport Gwent Dragons

Sat 20 Dec: Glasgow Warriors 21 - 18 Munster Rugby

Sat 27 Dec: Glasgow Warriors 16 - 6 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 2 Jan: Edinburgh Rugby 20 - 8 Glasgow Warriors

Fri 9 Jan: Glasgow Warriors 22 - 7 Scarlets

Sun 15 Feb: Zebre 10 - 54 Glasgow Warriors

Sat 21 Feb: Glasgow Warriors 19 - 16 Ospreys

Sat 28 Feb: Munster Rugby 22 - 10 Glasgow Warriors

Fri 6 Mar: Glasgow Warriors 26 - 5 Zebre

Fri 27 Mar: Leinster Rugby 34 - 34 Glasgow Warriors

Fri 10 Apr: Glasgow Warriors 36 - 17 Cardiff Blues


2. European Results  

18/10/14: Glasgow Warriors 37 - 10 Bath Rugby

25/10/14: Montpellier 13 - 15 Glasgow Warriors

7/12/14: Toulouse 19 - 11 Glasgow Warriors

13/12/14: Glasgow Warriors 9 - 12 Toulouse

18/01/2015: Glasgow Warriors 21 - 10 Montpellier

25/01/2015: Bath Rugby 20 - 15 Glasgow Warriors

Hopefully this thread will keep GC off my back for a wee while...

[cakeordeath]

The words, p i s s up and brewery spring to mind

[SecretFly]

It's all kicking off down in Westminster!

Apparently one of the new SNP MPs tried to buy a coffee using a Scottish £10 note!

It wasn't the Scottish tenner that was the issue, was just that the new MP thought he was going to get change!

[justified sinner]

In other news Euan Murray has retired from international rugby, citing needing to spend more time wih his family.

Haven't been near the international board for weeks, hence posting here.

[SecretFly]

It'll be flasks brought down on the train from here on in. Packed lunches.

[funnyExiledScot]

In other news Euan Murray has retired from international rugby, citing needing to spend more time wih his family.

Haven't been near the international board for weeks, hence posting here.

That is big news - he would certainly have played a part for us at the World Cup. We really need Nel to make a smooth transition to international rugby, and for Welsh, Low and Cross this certainly opens a door.

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

In other news Euan Murray has retired from international rugby, citing needing to spend more time wih his family.

Haven't been near the international board for weeks, hence posting here.

That is big news - he would certainly have played a part for us at the World Cup. We really need Nel to make a smooth transition to international rugby, and for Welsh, Low and Cross this certainly opens a door.

Would he though? One of the pool games is on a Sunday, as would our QF if we were runners up in the group. That in itself surely makes him a luxury we couldn't afford?

[funnyExiledScot]

I disagree. Only Solomons thinks Nel can play 80 minutes of every game, and with three Group games not on a Sunday we could easily have rotated for the Sunday game.

Still, I presume that Nel is now nailed on to be part of the squad, and probably Cusack and Welsh (covers both sides) as well. Then it's two from Dickinson, Reid and Grant (or possibly all of them if we take six props in total).

[George Carlin]

It would be fairly mad not to consider Nel as our first choice tighthead as he packs down with with Dickinson and Mr Chinhook for (let's be honest) fully 80 minutes week in, week out.

[RDW]

Back on the Edinburgh saga, it really is amateurish top hear these things and can't have helped the players if they were having to arrange travel and accommodation almost up to kick off time for their partners.

Also, Dodson's attitude over everything (my way or the highway) is alarming, and I can't help but think SJ has something to do with this too.

The danger here being that people decide not to put up with all the crap going on and move on - Solomons being the prime example just now.

[tigertattie]

It'll be flasks brought down on the train from here on in.  Packed lunches.

Buckfast in the flasks and the packed lunch consists of a crisp sandwich!

[George Carlin]

Absolutely, RDS, you big green love monkey you.

I think that because most of us on these boards are fully grown adults with jobs (many of them demanding ones, I would think), we assume that a lot of the difficulty with running an organisation like the SRU would involve high level, managerial judgement calls involving strategic direction and long term capital commitments.

It may not be at all. It may be that stupidity starts at the bottom and not being able to do simple things like hire a decent secretary (or outsource to a decent firm) who can co-ordinate a travel trip for 40 people is symptomatic of the omnishambolic muppetry which besets every level of that particular clown car.

My wife could have arranged the Challenge Cup trip and still had time to do her full time law job, give our 3 year old a bath and tell me off for being generally useless - all in the space of the same 8 hours. But then again, I did 'marry up'.

[funnyExiledScot]

Back on the Edinburgh saga, it really is amateurish top hear these things and can't have helped the players if they were having to arrange travel and accommodation almost up to kick off time for their partners.

Also, Dodson's attitude over everything (my way or the highway) is alarming, and I can't help but think SJ has something to do with this too.

The danger here being that people decide not to put up with all the crap going on and move on - Solomons being the prime example just now.

Agreed. Reminds me of something else - an authoritarian group in charge making a pig's ear of everything, and encouraging others who disagree with them to simply leave the country.......

[jimbopip]

The other take away from me is that we have fast come upon a fly half crisis in Scottish rugby. Russell is still in baby shoes and struggled badly at times in the 6 Nations (although still remains by far our best hope), Jackson is injured, Tonks and Horne still look like the belong elsewhere on the pitch and Heathcote and Weir have been beyond dreadful this season. When Weir shanked that straightforward penalty it was head in hands time. The fat bloke providing half time entertainment in a chicken costume (Al Kellock, is that you?) would have converted those points.

On which subject: while at Twickers the other week I got chatting with a Wasps fan who was positively, droolingly, ecstatic over the unbelievable talent that is Rhuaridh Jackson. The feeling there is that despite the horrendous injury he is a genuine talent and they consider themselves lucky to have him, hence the contract extension.
I agreed with him that there were days, many days when Glasgow fans felt exactly the same way.
But, the sun was shining, we were enjoying a beer, he had probably paid a lot of money to be there... So I decided not to tell him about the other days.

Still, I would love to see Jackson fit for the World Cup.[/quote]

[RDW]

Absolutely, RDS, you big green love monkey you.

I think that because most of us on these boards are fully grown adults with jobs (many of them demanding ones, I would think), we assume that a lot of the difficulty with running an organisation like the SRU would involve high level, managerial judgement calls involving strategic direction and long term capital commitments.

It may not be at all. It may be that stupidity starts at the bottom and not being able to do simple things like hire a decent secretary (or outsource to a decent firm) who can co-ordinate a travel trip for 40 people is symptomatic of the omnishambolic muppetry which besets every level of that particular clown car.

My wife could have arranged the Challenge Cup trip and still had time to do her full time law job, give our 3 year old a bath and tell me off for being generally useless - all in the space of the same 8 hours. But then again, I did 'marry up'.

So demanding that we spend most of our day on here!

In my defence (for today at least) - it is windy today and construction sites shut down when it is windy.

You are right in that these are very basic errors being made here, and ones that probably add up to a lot of money.  Also, it won't be helping player fatigue if they are having to get up at 4:30am for a flight home after a game.

I also benefit from having a better half who is incredibly well organised and likes things done to military precision (no jokes now people) - if an organisation struggles to even do the basics right then you've got to be concerned.

[RDW]

Still struggling with the quotes eh Jimbo!

[jimbopip]

Far, far too 20th century for a troglodyte like me.
May I also recommend "The Love Song Of Achilles" by Madeleine Miller. Best thing I've read in ages. Nothing to do with t'internet or mobile telephone I-poddies or even rugby- but a very poetic retelling of an old story.

[jimbopip]

The Pro 12 Dream team has been announced. Here it is. £ Glasgow Warriors and one Luvvie, though to be fair it's one who eschews grooming products.


15 - Liam Williams - Scarlets
11 starts, 6 tries, 800 mins played

14 - Tommy Seymour - Glasgow Warriors
11 starts, 1 rep, 4 tries, 888 mins

13 - Robbie Henshaw - Connacht
11 starts, 1 try, 874 mins

12 - Peter Horne - Glasgow Warriors
19 starts, 6 tries, 15 conv, 13 pens, 99 pts, 1274 mins

11 - Craig Gilroy - Ulster
15 starts, 2 reps, 11 tries, 1258 mins

10 - Dan Biggar - Ospreys
13 starts, 1 rep, 3 tries, 29 conv, 27 pens, 154 pts, 945 mins

9 - Rhys Webb - Ospreys
11 starts, 2 reps, 10 tries, 804 mins

1- Denis Buckley - Connacht
20 starts, 1 rep, 1 try, 1443 mins

2- Rory Best - Ulster
11 starts,1 rep, 2 tries, 822 mins

3 - WP Nel - Edinburgh
13 starts, 8 rep, 1 try, 1159 mins

4- Alun Wyn Jones - Ospreys
11 starts, 2 reps, 902 mins

5- Franco van der Merwe - Ulster
19 starts, 1 rep, 2 tries, 1459 mins

6- CJ Stander - Munster
17 starts, 1 rep, 8 tries, 1350 mins

7- Tommy O'Donnell - Munster
11 starts, 2 reps, 1 try, 770 mins

8- Josh Strauss - Glasgow Warriors
16 starts, 4 reps, 3 tries, 1297 mins


Read more at http://www.pro12rugby.com/news/17304.php#HpyxZybJfQg80CJJ.99

So Horne in ahead of Dunbar, or , and no Hogg?

[funnyExiledScot]

Far, far too 20th century for a troglodyte like me.
May I also recommend "The Love Song Of Achilles" by Madeleine Miller. Best thing I've read in ages. Nothing to do with t'internet or mobile telephone I-poddies or even rugby- but a very poetic retelling of an old story.

Well I never. A soap dodger who can read.

[funnyExiledScot]

I don't think that Dream Team is too bad - they've obviously tried to share the love in terms of representatives from teams across the Pro12.

Strauss is lucky to be there after the season he has had, and I would pick Dunbar over Horne every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

WTF is Ross '180' Ford in the dreamteam ? This is puzzling indeed Anyway looks like The Luvvies will be defending their runner up role in the Wee Diddy Cup next year. They have found their level and should really stick to it. Consistently failed to achieve the low standards they set for themselves. And now a player rebellion Bet you the MFL rebels really shook The Library to its foundations. Bit like being savaged by a sheep most likely.

[RDW]

WTF is Ross '180' Ford in the dreamteam ?

Um, he's not...

[George Carlin]

WTF is Ross '180' Ford in the dreamteam ?

Um, he's not...

Inexplicably they decided that club captain, B&I Lions tourist and Grand Slam winning 6N captain Rory Best was a better player. Sheesh. Can Best hook a ball with his chin and throw lineout ball into Row H of the stand? Nope. So less versatile at the very least.

[funnyExiledScot]

WTF is Ross '180' Ford in the dreamteam ?    This is puzzling indeed    Anyway looks like The Luvvies will be defending their runner up role in the Wee Diddy Cup next year.  They have found their level and should really stick to it.    Consistently failed to achieve the low standards they set for themselves.  And now a player rebellion   Bet you the MFL rebels really shook The Library to its foundations.   Bit like being savaged by a sheep most likely.

Classic Nat. Getting your thong in a twist over something that isn't actually the case!

[jimbopip]

Far, far too 20th century for a troglodyte like me.
May I also recommend "The Love Song Of Achilles" by Madeleine Miller. Best thing I've read in ages. Nothing to do with t'internet or mobile telephone I-poddies or even rugby- but a very poetic retelling of an old story.

Well I never. A soap dodger who can read.

I was going to say I had down loaded it from the Cloud and listened to the audiobook on my I-phone... but that's as credible as Tim Visser giving a tackling Masterclass.

[funnyExiledScot]

Far, far too 20th century for a troglodyte like me.
May I also recommend "The Love Song Of Achilles" by Madeleine Miller. Best thing I've read in ages. Nothing to do with t'internet or mobile telephone I-poddies or even rugby- but a very poetic retelling of an old story.

Well I never. A soap dodger who can read.

I was going to say I had down loaded it from the Cloud and listened to the audiobook on my I-phone... but that's as credible as Tim Visser giving a tackling Masterclass.

I watched Moyne's last home game for Quins at the weekend, and I really do think they are in for a shock when they see Visser play. I've been a huge supporter of Visser over the seasons, us Scots simply can't be sniffy over a player with his pace and try scoring abilities, but his laziness over the last half of this season has been appaulling. It isn't that he's missing tackles, more that he just isn't getting involved in the game. He isn't running lines, chasing back or chasing kicks. Quins are going to have to give him a proper kicking pre-season.

[tigertattie]

WTF is Ross '180' Ford in the dreamteam ?    This is puzzling indeed    Anyway looks like The Luvvies will be defending their runner up role in the Wee Diddy Cup next year.  They have found their level and should really stick to it.    Consistently failed to achieve the low standards they set for themselves.  And now a player rebellion   Bet you the MFL rebels really shook The Library to its foundations.   Bit like being savaged by a sheep most likely.

Classic Nat. Getting your thong in a twist over something that isn't actually the case!

[VinceWLB]

Some worrying lack of news concerning re-signings at Edinburgh. Nel, Dickinson, du Preez all out of contract. Before signing any new player they need to make sure those guys are there next season. After making the pro 12 team of the season, Nel's value is due to raise significantly..

[RDW]

It is worrying Vince, but Edinburgh sent out a season ticket reminder and mentioned watching Dickinson and Nel next season, so hopefully they have signed.

In other news, Dodson is apparently seriously considering moving Edinburgh to Easter Road in the near future.

I know Murrayfield isn't the answer, but I don't think Easter Road is and I can't see it going down well with Edinburgh fans. Who wants to trek out to the arse end of Leith on a Friday night? It would certainly stop me to going to Edinburgh games - it is literally the opposite end of the city for me and would mean two busses and a journey over an hour.

The pitch also really isn't big enough - I think it only scrapes through the minimum width requirements.

[jimbopip]

It is worrying Vince, but Edinburgh sent out a season ticket reminder and (a)mentioned watching Dickinson and Nel next season, so hopefully they have signed.

In other news, Dodson is apparently seriously considering moving Edinburgh to Easter Road in the near future.

I know Murrayfield isn't the answer, but I  don't think Easter Road is and I can't see it going down well with Edinburgh fans. ((b) Who wants to trek out to the arse end of Leith on a Friday night? It would certainly stop me to going to Edinburgh games - it is literally the opposite end of the city for me (c) and would mean two busses and a journey over an hour.

The pitch also really isn't big enough - I think it only scrapes through the minimum width requirements.

(a) Did they actually stipulate watching them in a Luvvies jersey?
(b) My, hazy, memory of biding in Edinburgh is that Easter Road is at the top end of Leith Walk and almost counts as civilized. Certainly some of those tenements which the lower orders insist on inhabiting actually do have running water. However, your horror of actually having to use public transport and then mix with the rabble is understandable. I mean on a Friday. After they have been paid and are ready to go on "the ran-dan" as they say in their couthy patois. The smell of chips and nippy sauce would be unbearable.
(c) You are right to be angry here: you need a decent public transport infrastructure. I hear trams are green, efficient and cost effective. Why not lobby your, Labour, MP?

[RDW]

It is worrying Vince, but Edinburgh sent out a season ticket reminder and (a)mentioned watching Dickinson and Nel next season, so hopefully they have signed.

In other news, Dodson is apparently seriously considering moving Edinburgh to Easter Road in the near future.

I know Murrayfield isn't the answer, but I  don't think Easter Road is and I can't see it going down well with Edinburgh fans. ((b) Who wants to trek out to the arse end of Leith on a Friday night? It would certainly stop me to going to Edinburgh games - it is literally the opposite end of the city for me (c) and would mean two busses and a journey over an hour.

The pitch also really isn't big enough - I think it only scrapes through the minimum width requirements.

(a) Did they actually stipulate watching them in a Luvvies jersey?
(b) My, hazy, memory of biding in Edinburgh is that Easter Road is at the top end of Leith Walk and almost counts as civilized. Certainly some of those tenements which the lower orders insist on inhabiting actually do have running water. However, your horror of actually having to use public transport and then mix with the rabble is understandable. I mean on a Friday. After they have been paid and are ready to go on "the ran-dan" as they say in their couthy patois. The smell of chips and nippy sauce would be unbearable.
(c) You are right to be angry here: you need a decent public transport infrastructure. I hear trams are green, efficient and cost effective. Why not lobby your, Labour, MP?

Quotes, making bold and adding text - I can't help but think you are showing off here Jimbo!

A) - Someone posted the actual email on here a week or so ago, but they did specifically name Dickinson and Nel

B) - Easter Road is 1.2 miles from the Playhouse, so is a good distance into the Leith jungle. And anyway, us civilised folks know there are no 'good' areas of Leith, it is all a S**thole. I have a friend who lives near Easter Road and every time I go there I see police cars and flats being raided. This is mainly due to the numerous alkey, junky and homeless shelters in the area. This is another reason not to drive to the game and park your car. On the plus side, if we lose there will be plenty prozzies to cheer you up!

C) - Mr Labour is Edinburgh South so will have nothing to do with it (plus it is an Edinburgh City Council shambles). However, any opportunity to hassle our new SNP overlords will be grateful received. The trams were meant to go down Leith walk but that wouldn't help a great deal if you still had to walk 20 minutes to get to the stadium - might as well take a bus that goes all the way. Also, the trams are ridiculously slow - it genuinely takes 45 minutes to get from Edinburgh Park to Haymarket. You'd be quicker walking.

[funnyExiledScot]

There are some safe havens of civilisation in Leith - Mr Wishart and Mr Kitchin's establishments do decent grub, and then there's the Whisky Society Members' Rooms which are pretty decent.

Sadly none of these establishments are anywhere near Easter Road, and I can see my taxi bills starting to accumulate. I am currently looking for a house to buy, but I haven't included Easter Road in my search criteria for some reason.

On a more serious note, is the pitch even wide enough for rugby? I thought Easter Road was on the narrow side, and I still think we'll have a handful of fans in a stadium that's too big.

[EWT Spoons]

Given Solly's game plan doesn't really involve wingers then having a narrow pitch could work in our favour. :-)

In all seriousness it's a bad choice for a relocation, the stadium would still be too big.

Whatever happened with the redevelopment at raeburn, wasn't there talk about making it slightly bigger to accommodate Edinburgh games?

[RDW]

112 x 74 yards, or 102 x 67m.

According to World Rugby the minimum pitch size is 100m x 70m, so Easter Road currently isn't wide enough.

FES - The Shore is a near acceptable part of Leith, but that is a miles away from Easter Road. Plus it is still Leith.

[funnyExiledScot]

Given Solly's game plan doesn't really involve wingers then having a narrow pitch could work in our favour.  :-)

In all seriousness it's a bad choice for a relocation, the stadium would still be too big.

Whatever happened with the redevelopment at raeburn, wasn't there talk about making it slightly bigger to accommodate Edinburgh games?

Stockbridge gossip is that the locals have managed to throw another spanner in the works and delay the construction. Something about not wanting anything to change in Stockbridge, ever. Now, if Waitrose were to want to expand into that space.....

[jimbopip]

At the risk of sounding sensible....
I have it on excellent authority (a taxi driver taking me to Scotstoun who happened to be a lifelong Partick Thistle fan) that one of the reasons that the Warriors were encouraged/ keen to find a new stadium was the wear and tear on the pitch. Apparently football clubs re-lay their pitches every other year and this does not come cheap. Seemingly having a rugby match played on the "off" weeks meant that the pitch had to be re-laid annually and the cost was slightly more than the Warriors were paying in rent. Renting out the stadium as a new income stream and finding out that it is actually costing you money is just so Partick Thistle that I believe this to be true.
However, the point is that ground sharing is fraught with dangers, both financial and emotional.
If the Numpties at HQ are serious then Edinburgh need their own home. Just like Glasgow.
And an exciting, innovative young Scottish coach. Just like Glasgow.
And fans who would be willing to travel to the new ground. Just like Schiz.

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

Stockbridge gossip is that the locals have managed to throw another spanner in the works and delay the construction. Something about not wanting anything to change in Stockbridge, ever. Now, if Waitrose were to want to expand into that space.....

Seems there is quite the campaign going on, http://www.savestockbridge.com/

Personal highlight:

This meeting is for those who run businesses or live in Comely Bank and Stockbridge. It is not a meeting open to anyone else. Please respect the needs of those who live or work here and don’t try to attend if you are not local.

Translation: No dirty outsiders allowed into Stockbridge meetings.

[RuggerRadge2611]

Why don't the SRU just build a wee stadium on the back pitches at Murrayfield?

[RDW]

At the risk of sounding sensible....
I have it on excellent authority (a taxi driver taking me to Scotstoun who happened to be a lifelong Partick Thistle fan) that one of the reasons that the Warriors were encouraged/ keen to find a new stadium was the wear and tear on the pitch. Apparently football clubs re-lay their pitches every other year and this does not come cheap. Seemingly having a rugby match played on the "off" weeks meant that the pitch had to be re-laid annually and the cost was slightly more than the Warriors were paying in rent. Renting out the stadium as a new income stream and finding out that it is actually costing you money is just so Partick Thistle that I believe this to be true.
However, the point is that ground sharing is fraught with dangers, both financial and emotional.
If the Numpties at HQ are serious then Edinburgh need their own home. Just like Glasgow.
And an exciting, innovative young Scottish coach. Just like Glasgow.
And fans who would be willing to travel to the new ground. Just like Schiz.

Was going to say, Easter Road is an awful pitch - I'm fairly sure it wouldn't stand up to the punishment of 14 rugby games.

Why don't the SRU just build a wee stadium on the back pitches at Murrayfield?

That is the ideal option, but it all comes down to money.

[RuggerRadge2611]

Why don't the SRU just build a wee stadium on the back pitches at Murrayfield?

That is the ideal option, but it all comes down to money.

Money like this?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27605156

I'm a bit jealous of the NEDs. They have a cozy wee stadium that is just right for them, whilst at Edinburgh we get the cavernous national stadium.

[highland_scot]

Don't think Easter Road would be a great idea for the following reasons:
1 - Still too big, it would still be exceedingly empty.
2 - Pillars obscure the view from the stands.
3 - The pitch is really narrow (which admittedly might benefit Edinburgh's current game plan)
4 - Pain to get to. Hardly any buses from the City Centre go up Easter Road, it's probably a bit far to walk. Plenty of buses on Leith Walk though, and one day the tram will go up there too. Not as convenient as Murrayfield though!
5 - The boozers/general area. No self respecting human would set foot in the bars near Easter Road. Anyone who does would be likely to leave with a bottle protruding from their head. We don't want to make the Weegies feel at home come 1872 time!

Being fair, there's a decent South African bar on London Road, which would make the Embra team feel right at home There is also an excellent Wine/Beer Merchant called Cornelius on Easter Road. They tend to close after Hibs games for self-preservation, but hopefully would be a bit more open to a respectable rugby crowd!

Leith is fine, with some dodgy bits. For fine dining it is great. Unfortunately Easter Road is in one of the slightly dodgy bits...

[RDW]

Why don't the SRU just build a wee stadium on the back pitches at Murrayfield?

That is the ideal option, but it all comes down to money.

Money like this?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27605156

I'm a bit jealous of the NEDs. They have a cozy wee stadium that is just right for them, whilst at Edinburgh we get the cavernous national stadium.

That is being spent on other things though. You're looking at between 5-10 million for a 10k stadium I'd say, exact prjce depending on how permanent the structure is and how fancy you want to make it.

Also, it would leave the SRU with only 2 back pitches which they wouldn't be overly happy with.

I still think this is the best option though.

I'll do the structural engineering design if they are wanting to save costs.....

[highland_scot]

Given Solly's game plan doesn't really involve wingers then having a narrow pitch could work in our favour.  :-)

In all seriousness it's a bad choice for a relocation, the stadium would still be too big.

Whatever happened with the redevelopment at raeburn, wasn't there talk about making it slightly bigger to accommodate Edinburgh games?

Stockbridge gossip is that the locals have managed to throw another spanner in the works and delay the construction. Something about not wanting anything to change in Stockbridge, ever. Now, if Waitrose were to want to expand into that space.....

Someone has had a hissy fit about the fact that they want, shock horror, a bar.

What's more, they want the bar to be licensed to operate until 3am at Hogmanay.

The friendly NIMBYs of Stockbridge (who love to quaff some brews at a game, just not near their £1m 2 bed flats) have interpreted this as 10,000 drunken yobs drinking and screaming until 3am every night of the year and wreaking havoc down Stockbridge High Street, urinating in their stairwells and fornicating outside the Scran & Scallie. This would all be completely unthinkable.

The noble residents of Stockbridge would far rather go to another bit of Edinburgh, drink, scream, fornicate and urinate everywhere, annoy the residents of that area, then return home and reflect on how terrible it would be to be a "commoner".

Of course, it would never cross their minds that in actual fact the place will have a bar facility at matches, occasionally host corporate events with a bar facility, and have Christmas/Hogmanay parties. Which the locals would heartily enjoy.

All about house prices though.

[funnyExiledScot]

By the way, I was able to book train tickets to Newcastle last night for the Scotland vs Samoa fixture in October, although they don't offer reserved seats.

[funnyExiledScot]

Given Solly's game plan doesn't really involve wingers then having a narrow pitch could work in our favour.  :-)

In all seriousness it's a bad choice for a relocation, the stadium would still be too big.

Whatever happened with the redevelopment at raeburn, wasn't there talk about making it slightly bigger to accommodate Edinburgh games?

Stockbridge gossip is that the locals have managed to throw another spanner in the works and delay the construction. Something about not wanting anything to change in Stockbridge, ever. Now, if Waitrose were to want to expand into that space.....

Someone has had a hissy fit about the fact that they want, shock horror, a bar.

What's more, they want the bar to be licensed to operate until 3am at Hogmanay.

The friendly NIMBYs of Stockbridge (who love to quaff some brews at a game, just not near their £1m 2 bed flats) have interpreted this as 10,000 drunken yobs drinking and screaming until 3am every night of the year and wreaking havoc down Stockbridge High Street, urinating in their stairwells and fornicating outside the Scran & Scallie. This would all be completely unthinkable.

The noble residents of Stockbridge would far rather go to another bit of Edinburgh, drink, scream, fornicate and urinate everywhere, annoy the residents of that area, then return home and reflect on how terrible it would be to be a "commoner".

Of course, it would never cross their minds that in actual fact the place will have a bar facility at matches, occasionally host corporate events with a bar facility, and have Christmas/Hogmanay parties. Which the locals would heartily enjoy.

All about house prices though.

Despite being a Stockbridge local I actually agree with you. I think the stadium would be great for Stockbridge, which as an area has already improved greatly in the 3 years I have lived there. Hectors, Stockbridge Tap, Buffalo Grill, Francos - these places must be really keen for an extra 5000 - 8000 punters every other weekend. The parking is a legitimate concern, as the entire area pretty much is permit parking, and transport connections to Stockbridge are pretty poor, that may need some thought, but I'm entirely in favour, and if it gets too horrid I'll just move to Morningside.

[Second Ranker]

It's been reported this morning that the SRU are willing to let Hearts play at Murrayfield while they redevelop Tynecastle, it would surely make sense for the SRU to put some money towards this, a ground share between Hearts and Edinburgh would be perfect for both sides. I know Gorgie isn't much better than Easter Road area wise but its transport links for both the city center as well and the rest of the country are fantastic, with plenty of buses from town and Haymarket being a 15 minute walk away.

[MacKnocked-on]

Stockbridge seems the best solution but failing that would game rotation round some of the historic old grounds in Edinburgh such as Stew Mel, Heriots and Watsonians not be better than staying in Murrayfield? Surely all those grounds, even with one stand, would be big enough for the typical Edinburgh attendance.
I watched some of Rotherham v Bristol on Sky at the weekend and Rotherham certainly don't have a top notch ground but it serves them well.
Whatever happened to the talk of Meadowbank, is it more or less derelict these days?

[RDW]

It's been reported this morning that the SRU are willing to let Hearts play at Murrayfield while they redevelop Tynecastle, it would surely make sense for the SRU to put some money towards this, a ground share between Hearts and Edinburgh would be perfect for both sides. I know Gorgie isn't much better than Easter Road area wise but its transport links for both the city center as well and the rest of the country are fantastic, with plenty of buses from town and Haymarket being a 15 minute walk away.

That is another option, but there's not much space around tyncastle to make the pitch bigger, and their pitch is even smaller than Easter Road!

[funnyExiledScot]

Stockbridge seems the best solution but failing that would game rotation round some of the historic old grounds in Edinburgh such as Stew Mel, Heriots and Watsonians not be better than staying in Murrayfield? Surely all those grounds, even with one stand, would be big enough for the typical Edinburgh attendance.
I watched some of Rotherham v Bristol on Sky at the weekend and Rotherham certainly don't have a top notch ground but it serves them well.
Whatever happened to the talk of Meadowbank, is it more or less derelict these days?      

The problem with the rotation option is that it isn't particularly convenient for season ticket holders like myself who like the certainty of knowing how long it takes to get there and the best route from work. The beauty of Murrayfield (and Stockbridge) is that they are a shortish walk from the city centre, and therefore transport links. I have yet to make it to Meggatland for example for a Friday night game. Leaving the office, getting home, changing, walking back into town, getting the bus there, watching the game, bus back to town, walk back home. If the game is on Alba I'll just save myself the bother and watch it at home. Conversely Murrayfield is 20 minute from both my office and my home on foot, Stockbridge is 10 and 5 respectively. Assuming most people work in town, I can't be the only person who feels this way.

[GLove39]

By the way, I was able to book train tickets to Newcastle last night for the Scotland vs Samoa fixture in October, although they don't offer reserved seats.

How'd you manage that?

[funnyExiledScot]

www.thetrainline.com

Not cheap (discounted advance tickets tend to only become available 12 weeks prior to the date of travel, but only if demand isn't high, and I can't see demand being anything other than high for train tickets that day), but I really didn't want to run the risk of not getting on the train to Geordieland.

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