aberdeenlatic

Instant reaction to the PFA statement is why did they and Ched Evans not release that weeks ago!

I think it is a sad day to be a citizen of this country. We have laws and a justice service and no matter what your moral view on signing a player who has been released from prison for rape. Whether remorseful, apologetic or standing by his claim of innocence. It would appear that some pretty horrendous threats have been made against employees and families of both the club and sponsors. . Our society has a real problem with a social media mob culture and having seen some of the most offensive comments both ways on twitter and Facebook I find it utterly repulsive that this has ended in this manner. When do we stop? If you can get a bandwagon and mob formed to prevent things you don't like happening the fabric or our whole democracy is at risk. I would not have rejoiced at him signing but neither would I have been ripping up a season ticket. Our whole society through all forms of media appears to be built on providing polarised views for enjoyment by the said same people. What ever happened to sensible discussion. I do hope that perpetrators of the threats are treated to a taste of the justice service that they obviously do not believe in.

Oliver Holt in the mirror saying we should sign sorry if titanic and on phone struggling with link!

An appeal can only overturn/retry with new evidence or an error by the judge at the trial. An appeal does not go through the case again. I personally think this a flaw in our justice system. There is no appeal for a bad decision by a jury. I am not saying this is the case with CE just stating the flaw in our system.

A fair and heartfelt plea. Only a couple points I would query but hey I don't like it when I write a long article and someone argues against one sentence so I won't!

I think the reasons for for me are as follows A football perspective are based on his record at Sheff Utd. If he gains match fitness and scores goals and helps the team improve then it makes sense. Board perspective it's a gamble but I think a brave gamble. From a moral perspective depends on your view. I have made it clear in my posts I believe in giving a second chance and haven't felt threatened in anyway (I think it is how you put across your view). That doesn't mean I am comfortable with it, nor am I getting excited by it. I understand the opposing view and consider rape abhorrent. Just believe in trying to rehabilitate people back into normal life, don't think any footballer outside the premiership top clubs are role models for a younger generation and even if they are kids are playing violent games like GTA that to me is abhorrent in its representation of violence and assault. I feel the remorse angle is difficult in the circumstances. I don't agree with his website and think it should be taken down. There is a victim and I think that should be remembered. The appeal will play out in court. I think unsuccessfully but then I also think the justice system has its flaws. He has however served the jail part of his sentence and should be able to rebuild some sort of life, as I said before though he is still a footballer it is at a lower level and in much more difficult circumstances and therefore he has not returned to be a top paid player adored by his fans. He is coming to a club where the majority don't want him. I stand by the fact that BO has to stand down. He has not reflected the views of the trust IMO and therefore is in a untenable position. If he is not behind it then resign on principle. Saddest thing is the splitting of the fans and the cost of the whole thing will only be known in a few months/years time.

We will pay his wages but will be recovering elsewhere. Sponsorship probably of some kind. The PFA wouldn't pay and I am only speculating how it could be done

When my missus came back with bags full of SD gear yesterday and knowing she is against him signing for anyone. I mentioned you could be paying a rapist wages. Her response "who cares" and my taxes paid for him to be in prison last few years.

I agree I think the signing will be made, I would be surprised if we are even paying him a penny. I would imagine that the contract as someone said will have more clauses than a Father Christmas convention. Imagine it would be a legal minefield. I think in retrospect the club are happy to delay as they can see the reaction and outside of us fans it is certainly calming down. It does show how little they think of us. If CE scores goals and life moves on some other club will be in for him and we might make some cash. If it doesn't work I doubt financially it will damage us. Though whole can of worms in regard to morale of the teams and the damage to the club and fans. It would fit with Taylor saying it should be purely for football terms where I think the board have are doing for possible financial gain to be fair driven by football reasons. I personally have no qualms with SC for this but think BO position is untenable whether he signs or not.

PFA let the story out of the bag...was that the case on Sunday? If they hadn't would we have been any the wiser and would it have just been announced deal done at some point this week. My concern here is were we put in this shambolic situation by the PFA? Also I do wonder that our main sponsor had obviously confirmed they would not back out and whilst "both" of his clubs could benefit from a good young manager and a rehabilitated proven striker. Business and Politics rule not football

Pure cycinical speculation on my part the delay is probably due to Mike Ashley having to confirm where CE goes next once we have took the flak -Newcastle or the Huns depending obviously on the outcome of his appeal, rehabilitation, goals scored, reaction etc

Having had time to think about this more. We were not in the court. We can only go with the jury and they found him guilty. The issue with our justice system is an appeal can only be made in the light of an error in the action/summing up by the judge and/or new evidence coming to light. It was clear that the appeal in this case never had a chance. I believe there can be miscarriages of justice and that in some cases it is very difficult to have this over turned. I doubt he will be successful in the current process either. Where will the new evidence come from? I for one would struggle with being jailed for 2.5 years if I had been found guilty when I was not guilty. From what I can see CE regrets getting himself in the situation that left him open. I understand that you would want to clear your name, I do not agree with his website and think it is a poor way to respond and whoever is advising him surely can't be doing it for his good especially as the victim is being put through hell because of it. I dont understand how he can end up in the situation he put himself in and do find that abhorrent. However in all of this he has served his time in jail and has been released to rehabilitate back into daily life. I think that everyone should be given a chance and I struggle with the remorse angle when he pleads it was consensual. My own theory is that the PFA have played a major part in this and I some of the delay is likely down to standing together in support. In regard to being able to resume a career as a role model in football. We are a third tier club with 3-4k crowd and the wages will be poor. This is not a man returning to normality this is someone who will get abuse everywhere he goes and unlikely to move higher unless proved to be not guilty. From a club perspective I find it difficult to understand that they had not done due dilligence last week. I thought it was a brave decision if somewhat of a gamble. The delay has cast doubts on the competence of all involved. Gordon Taylor's statement about step forward and backward and 100% committed appears to be either a threat or frustration. From a fan perspective this has split opinion and created tension, that to me is the sad thing because we have all looked at our morals and made judgement and as a football fan we all just want to follow our team and enjoy the banter.

Would like to understand the PFA's role in this fiasco. Taylor's statement yesterday was strange, wanting their member to be rehabilitated, the club he signs for needs to be 100% committed, making it public that a club from league 1 was interested, but he would not be attending the press conference. Pure conjecture but what happens if the PFA had pushed for the signing - they wanted him to play again, worked with the club to make it happen. Club said they would do with the PFA backing (staying strong together). They get a deal signed and then the club get cold feet when Taylor states unwilling to be present at press conference. Club say they are going to pull out of deal. Taylor responds by issuing press release. It is the 100% committed part that makes me wonder if Taylor was making it harder for the club to pull out. It quickly came out it was us that were the league 1 club involved. Anyway pure conjecture and conspiracy at its best! Just unsure what the PFA role has been with the club.

No agree not always but when the media in all it formats give such huge coverage to an event that considering Ebola, Wars, Plane Crashes, Cancer, Economic issues and much more it creates a mob mentality that is out of proportion for an individual heinous crime committed and punishment served by one individual. I respect other views on this subject, I do however believe there is a lack of proportion especially if this was a plumber, builder etc rather than a lower league sportsmen.

Exactly mob mentality in today's society will be major news, social media etc. with the majority condemning this outrage. You commit a crime you serve your time. Not sure where in the law it states that you must be punished for the rest of your life. Well done Corney and co, hope you are prepared to hold out against the outrage this will create.

From a moral perspective I believe everyone deserves a second chance. If the sentence is served then rebuilding a life should be allowed. The role model stuff doesn't wash with me. My concern is the negative press, our society will jump on the bandwagon of disdain and outrage. I don't think it will do the club any favours. However I think it takes courage on behalf of Corney and co to sign him knowing the flack the club will get. I respect opposing views but it would not prevent me for sticking by my club.

Having seen a lot of Zander I am surprised we have secured his services. Does make the odd mistake & can be injury prone but a real 100% effort player who will get us a few goals from set plays. As for Aberdeen fans I think most do rate him...though the Dons fans can be a tad harsh on their own players...(Sound familiar?)

Would rather have our fixtures than County's. They get all the close away games out of the way early on. After November 14th there nearest away game is Carlisle/Hartlepool. Apart from Aug where we are in London a lot (as are Carlisle) looks pretty good to me.

Could be worse fixtures...look at Carlisle they go to Exeter on the 2nd Jan!!!

Iniesta & Xavi & Messi............ i thank you

Last 10 games........ 2 wins Previous 60 league games..........28 wins, 19 draws & 13 defeats I personally am not sure of Shez as he does come across as not the brightest. But his record is okay and my view would give him til the end of a season. I was one of the first that wanted Ronnie to go and remember the abysmal showing under Talbot at Ashton Gate in his last game. As I don't get to games anymore is it as bad as that? The games against Leeds & Leicester both in the last 10 games we didn't look that bad. I disagree with fans saying with this squad we have assembled we should be bankers for a play off place. I don't even think as a squad of players it is as good as under Ronnie in his last season. After all these year in this f***** league I think we just need a change and thats why so many have had enough.

I'll drink to that