Big Rab Douglas remains a popular figure on Tayside. And he pulls no punches in his assessment of the Inverness CEO and talks about the dispute he had with the Dens Park club when Gardiner was there and had as his manager John Brown, the former Rangers defender.
But Douglas, who describes himself as a ‘Dundee man’, opened his column by congratulating worthy Championship winners Dundee United on their title success.
“I want to say congratulations to Dundee United on winning the Championship. I’m a Dundee man but United are worthy of their title. Well done to Robbie Neilson and his backroom team, and I also want to mention Lawrence Shankland who has been outstanding,” the former Celtic goalkeeper stated. No talk of ‘Tainted Titles’ in the City of Dundee then.
It’s what Big Rab had to say about Scot Gardiner that really caught our eye. Here’s what Douglas has had to say, as reported by The Courier.
“A couple of things haven’t sat right with me since last Friday’s vote. I just didn’t understand the wee WhatsApp group chats that were going on. Chairmen and chief executives should look after the interests of their own clubs first and foremost and you should be able to expect that your vote will remain private until they’ve all been cast,” Douglas stated. “That didn’t happen and it’s been a bit strange.
“On Saturday, the Inverness Caley Thistle chief executive Scot Gardiner was in the middle of it all on BBC show Sportsound. That didn’t surprise me. I didn’t like how it all played out.
“I had dealings with Scot Gardiner at Dundee, where he held the same position,” Douglas revealed. “I think one of my emails to him years ago must have hit the famous firewall as well. I remember being at a function and telling one of the directors that I’d been trying to get hold of him all week.
“The director tipped him off and suddenly, when he showed up at the function, the email came through.
“I wasn’t allowed to train at that point after a fallout with John Brown. My dealings with Scot Gardiner weren’t pleasant.
“When I fell out with Brown, he (Gardiner) certainly wasn’t concerned about the welfare of Rab Douglas. I’m not surprised he appeared to be spearheading the ‘no’ campaign.”
INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr
Meanwhile The Celtic Star’s very own Matt Corr – who you may also know as a Tour Guide at Celtic Park – publishes his first Celtic book, titled INVINCIBLE – early next month. This beautiful hardback book will be the definitive story of Celtic’s magical2016-17 season – it truly is wonderful, a real joy to read, and brilliantly written by Matt.
If you have been reading Matt’s contributions on The Celtic Star or indeed in the Matchday Programme and the Celtic View you will know just how talented a Celtic writer he is. The book is published by The Celtic Star and you can pre-order below.
INVINCIBLE – The outstanding debut @celticfc book from @Boola_vogue is out early May. You can pre-order now at https://t.co/qOzrkwD10L @CelticFCSLO @StephenODauthor @cfcliamk96
— The Celtic Star Editor (@CelticStarMag) April 16, 2020
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