AFC Coffin Dodgers

Last updated : 19 December 2011 By Stand Free Ed

The mysterious group first appeared before the match against St Mirren last week, when they performed a 'death march' down Merkland Road before depositing a coffin at Pittodrie, marking the death of the club.

And last night, the dissilusioned supporters took the theme further.

pittodrie_coffin

They deposited 'coffins' bearing heartfelt messages around the city, each with a poignant piece of Aberdeen FC's history recounted, each with a uniquely delivered message, each demanding change and the focus of that change was that Stewart Milne step away from Pittodrie - and not merely to Loirston Loch. For good.

airport_coffinA spokesperson for the group spoke to Aberdeen Mad and explained the purpose behind the stunt.

"We are a small group of Aberdeen supporters who have witnessed the stagnation of our once great club under the stewardship of the current Aberdeen board," he told us.

"The club pays lip service to dialogue with supporters groups using those who once fought for change as their lackeys. Stewarding is draconian - the ordinary fan is expected to sit and consume whatever poor fare is on show in a Pittodrie bereft of atmosphere.

"We have placed a series of imitation ‘coffins’ at various points in the area ahead of the Annual General Meeting. These symbolise the impending death of the club we love, badly financed, badly managed and poorly representing our great city.

"Each of these locations tells part of the story of Aberdeen Football Club. We feel that unless there is change at Pittodrie, that story will come to an end, a slow death, with the identity and traditions of A.F.C locked in a downward spiral."

townhouse_messageThose locations included Stewart Milne Group offices, Aberdeen Town House, Erskine Street (home of first Dons boss Jimmy Philip), Aberdeen quayside, the Evening Express office, Aberdeen airport, Correction Wynd (where Aberdeen FC was first formed) and at Pittodrie.

On more than one of the 'coffins', there appeared this:

 

The net result of Stewart Milne's appointments has been:

No Trophies Won

Reduced Crowds

Compensation paid out to a series of struggling managers with under-invested teams.

The club is locked in a cycle of underachievement.

Stewart Milne made the appointments at executive and managerial level

The facts speak for themselves.


quayside_coffin

While we at Aberdeen Mad do not necessarily agree with the 'Milne Out' sentiment (nor are we Milne apologists), it's fantastic to see supporters showing their passion for the club.

The board must be made aware of supporter displeasure, they must be told that the fans are not going to sit back and take it year after year and well-thought-out stunts like the coffins are an excellent and effective way to get the message across.

Alongside this, there's Aberdeen For Change and the Simmie testimonial campaign which shows that there are plenty prepared to do more than just moan on messageboards or walk away from the club during these dark times.

More power to their elbow, and if it at least demonstrates to the club that supporters are angry with the status quo, it can only be good. It's protests like this that provoke debate and ensure that those in charge are acutely aware of supporter displeasure and passion.