Micky

Yeah, I understand Benjii, but the point that I was trying to make is that it opens the way for all such soldiers to challenge the MOD as she has done, and thus effectively take advantage of the militarys (somewhat robust and unswerving) system.

Sorry Justin - but I just disagree. I understand what you are saying about differing intelligence levels, however, this is to do with basic military discipline. I take your point about the infantry as well, they will be 'outside the wire' whilst this lady would probably not. However, she has to support those guys outside the wire - that is her job. I actually served in the same corps as the lady in question, I still work with them today, and yes they are a technical based corps. But our job is to make sure that those guys on the ground have the means to talk. Sounds basic, but it's not - generally speaking those infantry guys will be asking for ammo resupply, air support, casualty evacuation, bomb disposal; all manner of things - therefore the services that we provide have to work. When they don't work, we call for a Royal Signals technician to fix the problem, which is the trade that this woman was - unfortunately she was unable to do this because she was at home with the baby. As others on here have stated (Stu in particular), phase 1 training (basic) is there to teach somebody how to be a soldier, how to accept discipline without question, how to survive in the sh yte pit. Every single soldier needs to understand how this fits in with their role in HM Forces. Phase 2 training (which I think you are alluding to) is where she has a chance to demonstrate her technical competence in a more relaxed, but ultimately a military, environment, and where different levels of intellect are needed dependant on the job role. They are 2 distinct areas of military training, and yes they do differ widley. However, at the end of the day both of these training phases are designed for one purpose, to train soldiers for their war role. If this woman gets any compensation at all it sets a very dangerous precedent for all single soldiers with dependants in the Army.

Jiminy

VIM

PFC, you are deluded every day, if you weren't you would be a Saint...!

Well well well, fancy that - a voice of reason orating what the majority are thinking, yet too PC to say themselves. Perhap this should be posted on POL so that they can see what the real neutrals are actually thinking, and it seems saying too. About time.

That is exactly right, that is all that every fan wants, to be the best, fair and square. Now read the last 3 words again, and have a think about it....

The fact that you wrote that leads me to think that you really do not have a clue as to what all other real 'neutrals' really do think about your club. Strangely last night, after reading this board and in particular a quote from the POL board I felt very very sorry for your club. The post stated 10 things that could be about to happen to your club - one of which was basically going to the wall. When I took some time to think about it I felt sorry for you, I actually pity you - I hope that you survive. When I read your message boards, your fan love to mock us because you are in the Premier League and we are but a small club 2 leagues below you. You have 'won' the FA cup, and will probably win it again - yet we have won nothing for years. And so you love to mock us. Yet stand back and look, and you will find that those very two things are probably the core reason as to why you find yourself in the mess that you do, the Premier League and the FA Cup, you're there, your have them, and they have ruined you. And so, as I said I feel very, very sorry for you and wish you well for the future - if indeed you have one. Given where you could be going I feel no bitterness whatsoever towards you, actually I feel relief that I am unassociated with PFC and slightly embarrassed by the wealth of riches that my own club affords me even two leagues below you. The Premier League and FA Cup eh, what every club aspires to, but who'd have 'em eh?

FFS - Yes. We agree. But the difference is they have not run up massive bills to the taxman, agents, other clubs and (dare I say it) thier own staff that they have not paid. One of your own ex players is sueing you. Simply - pay all of your running costs before you pay your wages. You can the decide how much you wish to pay the staff and how much profit you wish to make. In business - this is generally deemed to be rule one - stick by it and you won't go far wrong.

I had you down as a tad more intelligent than that tbh. If you really think that there is any direct correlation between our circumstances and yours then you really are blind to what is, and has, taken place at your club in front of your own eyes. If you believe for one minute that our business strategy was in any way, shape or form similar to yours, then you are deluded. If the more intellegent contributor cannot appreciate why people are annoyed because PFC have avoided payment of substantial tax, taken points from teams in the Premier League and removed teams from cup competitions whilst employing staff that they patently cannot afford, then I can understand why the mong in the street, stands there with his thumb up his ass, shouting play up pompey. FFS - have some good grace at least, I dispair, really I do. I hope you win the cup, beat Chelsea 5 nil on the day. The FA cup, greatest cup competition in the world - tarnished for life by a bunch of cheats. That's how I and many others will remember your 'achievement'.

It's interesting to think what would have happened had she worked for a small civilian company and done the same thing. What, for instance, if she was a technician on call for a civilian company, got called out, but failed to attend because of her child. She could have been dismissed and then taken them to court in exactly the same circumstances. Would her potential payout be in the 100k region as it could be with MOD - or are smart arse lawyers just milking what is, essentially the biggest firm in the UK. This whole case stinks of the PC brigade citing stupid E Op rules and getting away with blue murder while common sence, once again, flys out of the window. Total and utter bollux.

FFS, sshhhhhushhhhhh, 19C may be listening and you know how he feels about Saints players and betting scams - we'll never hear the end of it....!

Not going to let other results spoil this evening - 3rd time this season we've crashed in 5 goals (when was the last time you could say that) - great result, away from home - well done AP and the lads. Got to keep it going in case somebody else folds, and so long as we do our bit I'll be happy no matter what the outcome.

Ummmm me too - can you buy exclusivity to F5 on this forum - or is that a tenner...?

The Saints are coming.....

Exactly, which brings you right back to the beginning again - military discipline. It works.

I still work with the Forces, but I think that the card system has now been dropped. There is little doubt though that so have discipline levels as well. As Stu says, in the old days, discipline could well have included a (well deserved, if the truth be known) bit of a kickin' - but it was in the name of discipline. After some 25 years of actually being in the Armed Forces I can look back and recall all of my 'punishments' and with my hand on my heart say that, yes I deserved them, and yes I actually learned from them. The Forces work in an environent where you need things to happen, and you need them to happen now - not when you feel like it, not when the big picture has been explained to you, and certainly not when the baby has been fed and watered - it has to happen now. Hence their methods and training. The Army (and I suspect the Navy and Air Force) is suffering as a result of HR Laws these days. We need to instil discipline and the ethos to act and not question; and this is best done using 'old school' methods. Trying to train soldiers with one hand tied behind your back by petty beaurocracy is stupid and downright dangerous. Bullying no - good training techniques, yes - they'll save your life.

I agree - you won fair and square, both teams played on the same pitch and both had the same referee to contend with. It was the same for both teams - and you were the better team on the day. The fact that you played with players that you patently cannot afford, and who should not be employed by the club is neither here nor there. The fact that you decided not to pay your TAX, Agents, Other Clubs and even own employee's contrary to the law really is not your problem. It's everybody elses fault - not yours - you are only the club that cheated, but everybody else is to blame because they let you cheat. I've read posts from your fans on many forums admitting that your last cup success was 'bought' with money that you don't have. They say that there is a very 'sweet taste' to cup success - I think, that if your club and your fans, have an ounce of morals, you will taste nothing but bitter pungent shyte. And on your next 'victory' parade when the 1 million people take to the streets applauding and cheering, have a little thought for the 50 odd million that are actually thinking, 'Cheats'. That is what all of the professional players, managers and chairman will be thinking - but perhaps too much of a good sport to actually come out and say it. Good luck to you. Win the cup, by all means - but why not try to win it by fair means.

Without wishing to sound harsh - there are an awful lot of 'ifs' and 'buts' in this thread, and associated with this subject in general. The fact of the matter is that we were given a 10 point penalty, and have failed to deal with it up to now. If truth is to be believed, when AP took the job there was a '5 year plan' in place, it appeared that there was no pressure to gain promotion this term. As the money started to flow, the expectations / aims started to change, and the goalposts appear to have moved, however we have only a slim chance of making it now. The playing field will be levelled next season - I just hope that the nucleus of these players remain at SMS and that the hunger and desire to get into the CCC is still there.

Interesting though - they obvioulsy did sell thier allocation and some, and what happened to the easy Spurs win. Spurs final and finishing ball was hopeless, but you can only beat what is put in front of you. They may get tonked in the final (don't bet on it though) but credit where it's due - they've done ok to get to the final. Who knows, the FA may yet be further embarrassed by the fact that thier showpiece cup competition being won by a team that has cheated it's way through both league and cup, whilst they have stood by and done nothing.

Many years back, there was a guy called Tommy.... memory is hazy though.......

Me too - watched them both, not a lot of room for error it would seem, or you're toast. Reminds me of the PFC takeover thread...!!!

+ 1. Good bloke, mediocre player, decent workrate, one of the lads - would love to go for a beer with him. Hopefully some media mogul will pick him up and employ him for his honesty - he generally says what others are thinking, honest, no nonsence sort of bloke.

Ahhhh right - I understand now - so you'd be one of those 'business strategist' types then eh...????

I think you'll find that it was 'Mr Taxman' taking offence to PFC's reluctance to add to the nations tax collection that started this whole sorry mess. Even PFC wouldn't be so stupid enough to think that they actually qualified for a tax rebate.... would they....????