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Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: DonnyOsmond on March 18, 2019, 04:30:25 pm

Title: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: DonnyOsmond on March 18, 2019, 04:30:25 pm
BREAKING: Doncaster Rovers have cancelled the contract of Niall Mason following his conviction for sexual assault. Story to follow shortly #drfc

https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster-rovers/breaking-niall-mason-sacked-by-doncaster-rovers-1-9657943/amp?__twitter_impression=true (https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/doncaster-rovers/breaking-niall-mason-sacked-by-doncaster-rovers-1-9657943/amp?__twitter_impression=true)
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on March 18, 2019, 04:34:21 pm
No shock i guess. Footballing terms a definite loss.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: karldew on March 18, 2019, 04:36:18 pm
Got a feeling they were waiting until after the reward night to announce this.

Such a shame he’s made the mistake to ruin his career with us. Great potential but another club may take the chance to sign him, who knows?
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: steve@dcfd on March 18, 2019, 04:36:53 pm
I expected this outcome, but like BFYP on football terms a loss.
He’s probably been talked to already  that why no appeal.
First signing in the Summer a good Right back.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: Donnywolf on March 18, 2019, 04:47:36 pm
I said earlier it would be a difficult one for the Club to call but whichever way they decided I would (as an ordinary fan) support their decision - so I do ! End of as they say
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: Bezza on March 18, 2019, 04:48:26 pm
He will get snapped up that's for sure.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: steve@dcfd on March 18, 2019, 04:55:00 pm
He will get snapped up that's for sure.

If that’s before Thursday 22nd March he can play this season I think.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: Copps is Magic on March 18, 2019, 04:55:42 pm
Got a feeling they were waiting until after the reward night to announce this.

Such a shame he’s made the mistake to ruin his career with us. Great potential but another club may take the chance to sign him, who knows?

It's in the article and on the club website why its been announced now. He withdrew his appeal against the tribunal.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: RedRover45 on March 18, 2019, 04:59:31 pm
Made a habit of changing his mind hasn't he ?
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: keith79 on March 18, 2019, 05:02:57 pm
Off to Peterborough.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: Filo on March 18, 2019, 05:05:14 pm
He will get snapped up that's for sure.

If that’s before Thursday 22nd March he can play this season I think.

Not sure he can sign for anyone this season, my understanding is Free agents have to have been Free agents in the transfer window
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: DaveDRFC on March 18, 2019, 05:07:33 pm
Off to Peterborough.

Wouldn't surprise me if both him and Rowe are there next season, provided Fergie stays of course, which maybe isn't likely given the results they've had since he took the job.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: ChrisBx on March 18, 2019, 05:09:51 pm
I agree with this decision. Time for us to move on now.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: steve@dcfd on March 18, 2019, 05:13:31 pm
He will get snapped up that's for sure.

If that’s before Thursday 22nd March he can play this season I think.

Not sure he can sign for anyone this season, my understanding is Free agents have to have been Free agents in the transfer window

43.2

Subject always to the provisions of Regulation 43.3, after the expiry of each Transfer Window (and/or in the Extended Period, if applicable) in each Season registrations of Players and transfers of registrations will, except as permitted in Regulation 55, be declined or will only be approved:

43.2.2

where the Player is an Out of Registration Player;

Therefore if his registration as been cancelled he can sign before Thursday.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: since-1969 on March 18, 2019, 05:28:02 pm
DRFC were left with little choice after Mason pleaded guilty to an offence that he protested his innocence. It’s a crying shame he was as and still will be available asset but not for us .
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: roversdude on March 18, 2019, 05:34:02 pm
Not sure the club were left with that much choice in the end having supported him when he was pleading his innocence. Big loss to us and I hope he can turn his life and career around
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: Campsall rover on March 18, 2019, 06:32:03 pm
I think the decision was inevitable.
As long as he knows he has done wrong big time, then i wish him well and hope he can get his life and career back on track.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: tommy toes on March 18, 2019, 06:48:36 pm
I would think he'd be looking for a club abroad if he wants to continue his career.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: les@donr on March 18, 2019, 06:58:41 pm
....Scotland perhaps?
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: drfchound on March 18, 2019, 07:21:17 pm
Niall is a very good player.
Plenty of others have been given a chance by other clubs after a criminal conviction.
He will get another contract in England.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: RoversAlias on March 18, 2019, 07:53:26 pm
It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: graingrover on March 18, 2019, 07:59:57 pm
Good luck lad I hope you sort your career and life out ,whatever your decision on the appeal .
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: GazLaz on March 18, 2019, 08:22:35 pm
He will get a new club straight away and go on to play at a higher level.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: andysly on March 18, 2019, 08:42:31 pm
The only losers in this are the club.
NM will get a contract elsewhere & probably do well.
We lose a good footballer and a potentially decent transfer fee.
Though I understand the clubs position in that they had to make a stand.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: karldew on March 18, 2019, 08:52:04 pm
Mason Statement;

https://twitter.com/niallmason_5/status/1107745305460699137?s=21
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on March 18, 2019, 09:04:42 pm
I may be wrong but I think the club may well be entitled to money if he goes elsewhere as they could claim breach of contract etc. I don't think it's as straightforward as it seems.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: DRNaith on March 18, 2019, 09:10:02 pm
If he pleaded guilty, which he did, but claims to be innocent, which he does now, is that not contemp of court?

Just wondering
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: Chris Black come back on March 18, 2019, 09:15:06 pm
He changed his plea I think before he appeared.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: PDX_Rover on March 18, 2019, 09:15:17 pm
So essentially Niall Mason is saying that he is innocent yet withdrew his appeal against his dismissal. Wouldn't be surprised if his agent already has him a club lined up, hence him withdrawing his appeal. Have to say, odd that he is protesting his innocence when he pleaded guilty didn't he? I'm guessing he's doing that to not put potential employers off.

Significant loss to the team but the club has done the right thing. Stupid boy.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: NickDRFC on March 18, 2019, 09:17:51 pm
If he pleaded guilty, which he did, but claims to be innocent, which he does now, is that not contemp of court?

Just wondering

I’m no lawyer but from my experience of watching courtroom dramas (well, I’ve seen Liar Liar half a dozen times) I’m pretty sure contempt of court is more related to behaviour in the courtroom. Perjury is related to lying in court.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: drfchound on March 18, 2019, 09:24:55 pm
So essentially Niall Mason is saying that he is innocent yet withdrew his appeal against his dismissal. Wouldn't be surprised if his agent already has him a club lined up, hence him withdrawing his appeal. Have to say, odd that he is protesting his innocence when he pleaded guilty didn't he? I'm guessing he's doing that to not put potential employers off.

Significant loss to the team but the club has done the right thing. Stupid boy.





He always maintained that he pleaded guilty due to advice from his solicitor.
He has said that with hindsight, it was bad advice so that is why he is putting together a case for an appeal against the conviction.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: Copps is Magic on March 18, 2019, 09:26:27 pm
He sounds completely daft.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: BessieBlue on March 18, 2019, 09:44:26 pm
I have no experience of criminal law but civil law can be a complete ass as they say.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: RoversAlias on March 18, 2019, 10:13:59 pm
All reports after the trial spoke of DNA and CCTV evidence. I expect that was a driving factor behind the advice for him to plead guilty.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 18, 2019, 11:41:26 pm
That reads like a message written by a not-very-smart agent.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: RoversAlias on March 19, 2019, 08:40:13 am
It might have been put to him that if he pleads guilty in court then he'll likely avoid a custodial sentence, so that's maybe why he did? Who knows?




It might have been put to him that if he pleads guilty in court then he'll likely avoid a custodial sentence, so that's maybe why he did? Who knows?





Well I'd say that's probably exactly why he got told to plead guilty...but they'd only do that if they were quite confident he would be found guilty anyway. You have to consider the reasons for that.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: ravenrover on March 19, 2019, 10:58:53 am
It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.
So with that comment "it was awful what he did" you were actually there and saw what happened?
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: German Rover on March 19, 2019, 11:16:15 am
It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.
So with that comment "it was awful what he did" you were actually there and saw what happened?

The courts looked at the evidence and decided what happened. Thats enough for me and should be for you as well.

Don't let the fact that he played for the rovers cloud your vision, hes a sex offender and we are better off without him playing in our colours.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: RoversAlias on March 19, 2019, 11:19:21 am
It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.
So with that comment "it was awful what he did" you were actually there and saw what happened?

Of course not, I believe in the legitimacy of law and due process and in this case, he is guilty and by all the accounts I've read, that has come after very solid evidence has been presented.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: ravenrover on March 19, 2019, 11:51:17 am
Aaah everthing I've read mmmm, do you believe everything you read? That will be just a yes or no please
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: ravenrover on March 19, 2019, 11:55:02 am
It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.
So with that comment "it was awful what he did" you were actually there and saw what happened?

The courts looked at the evidence and decided what happened. Thats enough for me and should be for you as well.

Don't let the fact that he played for the rovers cloud your vision, hes a sex offender and we are better off without him playing in our colours.
Point me in the direction of where I said anything about it being or not being enough for me and also what judgement I have made to "cloud my vision"? You have no idea what my opinion is on this matter.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: wing commander on March 19, 2019, 12:06:44 pm
    I always try and keep an open mind on these things..I knew someone accused of something similar many years ago after a drunken night out around town..He was adamant that it was consensual but the next morning she went to the police claiming assault..He swore he wasn't guitly  and couldn't understand why she would accuse him of such a thing..
     He was definetley going to plead not guilty but the day before court his brief told him that if pleaded not guilty but was found guilty he would go to Prison..If he changed his plea to guilty he would likely get a non custodial sentence.And in these instances the judges were likely to believe her more than him.He was absolutely petrified and in the end he took the guilty plea..He know regrets that till this day because the barriers that's put in front of him in his life have been terrible...For the record having known him all my life I couldn't think he was capable of anything like that....But nobody knows for sure..
   It's very easy being Brave on here and say you would risk pleading not guilty but when you are sat facing prison depending on how you plead then that can make people face the reality of the situation.A brief will advise you on whats the best outcome and what he advises whether you are guilty or not...
   Now I'm not for one minute defending Mason as nobody knows for sure what happened, but I for one don't have great faith in our system and just because you plead guilty doesn't automatically mean you actually are..Pressures are sometimes brought to bare
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: IDM on March 19, 2019, 12:11:56 pm
And that is for Mason to fight in the courts, if he believes he really is innocent.

It may be that many others believe him, either within the club, in the fan base etc, but until any conviction is changed or sentence reduces (on appeal) the club can not override the outcome of the judicial process..

Irrespective of any personal views on Mason or the case, the club has acted correctly.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: ravenrover on March 19, 2019, 12:43:40 pm
And that is for Mason to fight in the courts, if he believes he really is innocent.

It may be that many others believe him, either within the club, in the fan base etc, but until any conviction is changed or sentence reduces (on appeal) the club can not override the outcome of the judicial process..

Irrespective of any personal views on Mason or the case, the club has acted correctly.
Exactly!
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: i_ateallthepies on March 19, 2019, 06:12:36 pm
    I always try and keep an open mind on these things..I knew someone accused of something similar many years ago after a drunken night out around town..He was adamant that it was consensual but the next morning she went to the police claiming assault..He swore he wasn't guitly  and couldn't understand why she would accuse him of such a thing..
     He was definetley going to plead not guilty but the day before court his brief told him that if pleaded not guilty but was found guilty he would go to Prison..If he changed his plea to guilty he would likely get a non custodial sentence.And in these instances the judges were likely to believe her more than him.He was absolutely petrified and in the end he took the guilty plea..He know regrets that till this day because the barriers that's put in front of him in his life have been terrible...For the record having known him all my life I couldn't think he was capable of anything like that....But nobody knows for sure..
   It's very easy being Brave on here and say you would risk pleading not guilty but when you are sat facing prison depending on how you plead then that can make people face the reality of the situation.A brief will advise you on whats the best outcome and what he advises whether you are guilty or not...
   Now I'm not for one minute defending Mason as nobody knows for sure what happened, but I for one don't have great faith in our system and just because you plead guilty doesn't automatically mean you actually are..Pressures are sometimes brought to bare


Agree wholeheartedly with all of this.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancell
Post by: since-1969 on March 19, 2019, 06:28:33 pm
I may be wrong but I think the club may well be entitled to money if he goes elsewhere as they could claim breach of contract etc. I don't think it's as straightforward as it seems.
I doubt the legality of DRFC seeking any funds if another club chose to sign Mason could be enforced, DRFC had the legal wright to terminate his contract making him free to choose his own employment. They will have been paying his wages whilst ever he hadn’t had his contract stopped but once the decision was to remove this , the clubs obligations to him also stopped and vise versa .
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: sha66y on March 19, 2019, 06:39:20 pm
It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.
So with that comment "it was awful what he did" you were actually there and saw what happened?

Of course not, I believe in the legitimacy of law and due process and in this case, he is guilty and by all the accounts I've read, that has come after very solid evidence has been presented.

Seriously?

Maybe just maybe there are two sides to this story, and when only one side can be heard, ( because the media can spin anything)
it’s inevitably going to be a miscarriage of justice...

I hope he has a fantastic career and wish him all the very best for his future...
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: NickDRFC on March 19, 2019, 06:47:04 pm
It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.
So with that comment "it was awful what he did" you were actually there and saw what happened?

Of course not, I believe in the legitimacy of law and due process and in this case, he is guilty and by all the accounts I've read, that has come after very solid evidence has been presented.

Seriously?

Maybe just maybe there are two sides to this story, and when only one side can be heard, ( because the media can spin anything)
it’s inevitably going to be a miscarriage of justice...

I hope he has a fantastic career and wish him all the very best for his future...

Of course there are 2 sides to every story. On the one hand, you have someone who has pleaded guilty, been found guilty when all the evidence has been considered and has subsequently been sacked by his employers. On the other, all you have is the guilty party’s word that he has been badly advised.

You can’t be surprised that the majority of people are going to lean towards believing the former.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: sha66y on March 19, 2019, 06:54:24 pm
It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.
So with that comment "it was awful what he did" you were actually there and saw what happened?

Of course not, I believe in the legitimacy of law and due process and in this case, he is guilty and by all the accounts I've read, that has come after very solid evidence has been presented.

Seriously?

Maybe just maybe there are two sides to this story, and when only one side can be heard, ( because the media can spin anything)
it’s inevitably going to be a miscarriage of justice...

I hope he has a fantastic career and wish him all the very best for his future...

Of course there are 2 sides to every story. On the one hand, you have someone who has pleaded guilty, been found guilty when all the evidence has been considered and has subsequently been sacked by his employers. On the other, all you have is the guilty party’s word that he has been badly advised.

You can’t be surprised that the majority of people are going to lean towards believing the former.

I actually believe that if Niall sat down in front of you and told you the truth according to the facts at the time , and in the context that the incident happened, there just might be a bit more meat on the bone to think about....

we will never know if he had history with her, or even a familiarisation of sorts, we will never know what words were ever said to create this unfortunate incident, but the camera will certainly capture a moment in time that may or may not be what it seems....

Just saying.....there could be much more than just a fondle,
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: drfchound on March 19, 2019, 07:03:57 pm
It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.
So with that comment "it was awful what he did" you were actually there and saw what happened?

Of course not, I believe in the legitimacy of law and due process and in this case, he is guilty and by all the accounts I've read, that has come after very solid evidence has been presented.

Seriously?

Maybe just maybe there are two sides to this story, and when only one side can be heard, ( because the media can spin anything)
it’s inevitably going to be a miscarriage of justice...

I hope he has a fantastic career and wish him all the very best for his future...

Of course there are 2 sides to every story. On the one hand, you have someone who has pleaded guilty, been found guilty when all the evidence has been considered and has subsequently been sacked by his employers. On the other, all you have is the guilty party’s word that he has been badly advised.

You can’t be surprised that the majority of people are going to lean towards believing the former.






There are plenty of cases though Nick where a person has been found to be guilty after going through a legitimate due process and has subsequently had the original verdict overturned.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: NickDRFC on March 19, 2019, 07:18:11 pm
Course there have, in which case there will be more to range story than there is right now, and if that happens then I’ll change my opinion. Right now I’m just looking at the facts as they stand.

There have, of course, been many, many more cases where the original verdict still stands.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on March 19, 2019, 07:36:02 pm
Shaggy.

I always thought a fondle required both sides to want it. If it's only one side, it's sexual assault.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: sha66y on March 19, 2019, 07:49:46 pm
Shaggy.

I always thought a fondle required both sides to want it. If it's only one side, it's sexual assault.

That is not disputable, ..... however, CCTV can capture an image but miss the true context of an action...

I will always believe there is more to this than was reported....much more!




Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: bpoolrover on March 19, 2019, 09:52:26 pm
It's his own fault and I think the club has made the right decision, and handled it all properly. I hope Mason learns from this and never acts that way again, it was awful what he did.

We will miss his footballing ability but I wouldn't have wanted to support him in a Rovers shirt again. I'm sure the club are busy scouting for a new right back already.
So with that comment "it was awful what he did" you were actually there and saw what happened?

Of course not, I believe in the legitimacy of law and due process and in this case, he is guilty and by all the accounts I've read, that has come after very solid evidence has been presented.

Seriously?

Maybe just maybe there are two sides to this story, and when only one side can be heard, ( because the media can spin anything)
it’s inevitably going to be a miscarriage of justice...

I hope he has a fantastic career and wish him all the very best for his future...

Of course there are 2 sides to every story. On the one hand, you have someone who has pleaded guilty, been found guilty when all the evidence has been considered and has subsequently been sacked by his employers. On the other, all you have is the guilty party’s word that he has been badly advised.

You can’t be surprised that the majority of people are going to lean towards believing the former.






There are plenty of cases though Nick where a person has been found to be guilty after going through a legitimate due process and has subsequently had the original verdict overturned.

that normally happens if they had pleaded not guilty and been found guilty then new evidence provided thou
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: ChrisBx on March 19, 2019, 10:30:56 pm
Shaggy.

I always thought a fondle required both sides to want it. If it's only one side, it's sexual assault.

That is not disputable, ..... however, CCTV can capture an image but miss the true context of an action...

I will always believe there is more to this than was reported....much more!

Why would the victim and witness lie?
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: drfchound on March 19, 2019, 10:37:08 pm
Shaggy.

I always thought a fondle required both sides to want it. If it's only one side, it's sexual assault.

That is not disputable, ..... however, CCTV can capture an image but miss the true context of an action...

I will always believe there is more to this than was reported....much more!

Why would the victim and witness lie?





That is very naive cbx, to think that it never happens.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: ChrisBx on March 19, 2019, 10:42:03 pm
Shaggy.

I always thought a fondle required both sides to want it. If it's only one side, it's sexual assault.

That is not disputable, ..... however, CCTV can capture an image but miss the true context of an action...

I will always believe there is more to this than was reported....much more!

Why would the victim and witness lie?





That is very naive cbx, to think that it never happens.

I'm not saying it never happens. I'm saying that there's absolutely nothing that suggests it has happened in this case.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: tommy toes on March 19, 2019, 10:55:02 pm
When I was a boy about 50 years ago the lad next door to me was accused of rape. He was about 19 at the time.
Nobody believed it, he was such a nice kid and popular with the local girls.
He pleaded and pleaded his innocence up to and including the trial. Said it was consensual.
I remember everyone believing him locally including my parents.
He was found guilty and did about 7 years in prison.
He continued to plead his innocence and was welcomed back home and visited our house regularly on release.

A few years later he attacked and raped another girl. Another long sentence and recently he was imprisoned again as a 70 year old for paedophile offences.


So what if Mason is a sexual predator?

Let's be clear, I'm not in any way shape or form saying he is by the way, and it looks to me like it was drunken lust that got out of hand; plus, his alleged offence is far less serious than my neighbours.

But what if I'm wrong and Rovers gave him another chance and he reoffended then how bad would they look then.

The club have had to react as they did. It's a terrible  blow as he was my favourite player and had a great career in front of him (might still have) but they had no choice.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: Avsuptem on March 20, 2019, 09:10:48 am
When I was a boy about 50 years ago the lad next door to me was accused of rape. He was about 19 at the time.
Nobody believed it, he was such a nice kid and popular with the local girls.
He pleaded and pleaded his innocence up to and including the trial. Said it was consensual.
I remember everyone believing him locally including my parents.
He was found guilty and did about 7 years in prison.
He continued to plead his innocence and was welcomed back home and visited our house regularly on release.

A few years later he attacked and raped another girl. Another long sentence and recently he was imprisoned again as a 70 year old for paedophile offences.


So what if Mason is a sexual predator?

Let's be clear, I'm not in any way shape or form saying he is by the way, and it looks to me like it was drunken lust that got out of hand; plus, his alleged offence is far less serious than my neighbours.

But what if I'm wrong and Rovers gave him another chance and he re offended then how bad would they look then.

The club have had to react as they did. It's a terrible  blow as he was my favourite player and had a great career in front of him (might still have) but they had no choice.

This is a good point well made. I would add that in PC Britain of the new millennium a trial of highly paid young footballer answering a case brought by a sweet young girl is not a level playing field. My reading of what happened is that it was nothing more than something that happens regularly in night clubs throughout the country and would not be raised as an issue in most cases. This is not condoning it but merely putting in context. I think Nial Mason, the fans, the club are all victims - as well as the sweet young girl.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: Lifelong supporter on March 20, 2019, 10:41:39 am
Avsuptem's is possibly the worst post on this well-exhausted subject that I've read.
And that's saying something!
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: bobjimwilly on March 21, 2019, 10:10:22 am
I think Nial Mason, the fans, the club are all victims - as well as the sweet young girl.

I think you need to have a word with yourself and maybe think next time before you type and click the post button.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: selby on March 21, 2019, 12:27:47 pm
   The situation is not great, the club could not win whatever they did. As far as the football  is concerned, the timing of the situation was the worst thing about it, brought on by Mason's insistence to the club he was innocent, and the timing of the case just after the transfer window stopped us covering the situation in a position where we were light on cover and class.
    Fifteen months ago due to being played out of position, a lack of experience, positional sense and strength, he was very average, but settled as a right back, got experience and improved, which helped his  reputation with our supporters, but was still limited, and nowhere near the best right back in the division, just a regular player in at this level, and we can get better.
  We have not lost a world beater, He brought it on himself, the club did the right thing, and in the closed season there is every chance we will sign better, in fact Lewis is a better bet to become a better defender than Mason.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: NickDRFC on March 21, 2019, 12:38:11 pm
   The situation is not great, the club could not win whatever they did. As far as the football  is concerned, the timing of the situation was the worst thing about it, brought on by Mason's insistence to the club he was innocent, and the timing of the case just after the transfer window stopped us covering the situation in a position where we were light on cover and class.
    Fifteen months ago due to being played out of position, a lack of experience, positional sense and strength, he was very average, but settled as a right back, got experience and improved, which helped his  reputation with our supporters, but was still limited, and nowhere near the best right back in the division, just a regular player in at this level, and we can get better.
  We have not lost a world beater, He brought it on himself, the club did the right thing, and in the closed season there is every chance we will sign better, in fact Lewis is a better bet to become a better defender than Mason.

Veering off topic here (some would probably say that's a blessing), but why would you say that Lewis is a better bet to become a better defender than Mason? I'd say that right now Mason is the far better full back; Lewis may develop but he's only 18 months younger than Mason so it's not like he has lots of time to improve to that standard.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: RedJ on March 21, 2019, 12:51:10 pm
   The situation is not great, the club could not win whatever they did. As far as the football  is concerned, the timing of the situation was the worst thing about it, brought on by Mason's insistence to the club he was innocent, and the timing of the case just after the transfer window stopped us covering the situation in a position where we were light on cover and class.
    Fifteen months ago due to being played out of position, a lack of experience, positional sense and strength, he was very average, but settled as a right back, got experience and improved, which helped his  reputation with our supporters, but was still limited, and nowhere near the best right back in the division, just a regular player in at this level, and we can get better.
  We have not lost a world beater, He brought it on himself, the club did the right thing, and in the closed season there is every chance we will sign better, in fact Lewis is a better bet to become a better defender than Mason.

Veering off topic here (some would probably say that's a blessing), but why would you say that Lewis is a better bet to become a better defender than Mason? I'd say that right now Mason is the far better full back; Lewis may develop but he's only 18 months younger than Mason so it's not like he has lots of time to improve to that standard.

Well in fairness, 18 months ago Mason wasn't a world beater.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: NickDRFC on March 21, 2019, 01:03:24 pm
Fair point, although 18 months ago he was playing out of position at left back. Or wherever Fergie’s random position generator placed him that week.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: steve@dcfd on March 21, 2019, 01:32:24 pm
Selby by I disagree with your analysis of Mason re football only. He was a good player last season being played out of position. When at Right back he showed how good he was. With extra fitness under GM he improved again and we have missed him. Blair is a good cover but has his limitations in position play and passing. Lewis is not our player and needs to improve drastically to be any where near Mason. I would hope GM goes out and gets a better right back has one of first signings in the summer whatever league we are in. If he wants to sign Lewis then he’ll make good cover.
Mason in his personal life has made a bad mistake which he paying for and will pay for with the seven year sex register.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: selby on March 21, 2019, 02:24:25 pm
  When he first came (Mason) he was about the same age as Lewis is now. Defensively and positionally he was nowhere near as good a defender even as a right back as Lewis is now.  It was only in the last twelve months that he learnt to keep goal side of the man he was marking, and with Alcock and the loanee from Everton all of them were abysmal in the last six games of our promotion year.
   We could have got three out of the National League to have done better than those three in that period.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: dickos1 on March 21, 2019, 03:16:16 pm
Mason was within our top 3 or 4 performers this season and in my opinion one of the reasons our form hasn’t been as good since December is the loss of him.
At the moment I don’t really rate Lewis and we’ve been better with Blair there but then we miss him further up the pitch.
So it’s definitely caused us issues
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: selby on March 21, 2019, 03:55:15 pm
  Dickos, there is no doubt that he has played better this season and from Christmas last season as well, I have no argument with that, although at Charlton away in the league with Blair in front of him, they both got picked out as a weakness and were run ragged down our right flank.
  He is decent, was getting better, and at Barnsley in a one off game played well down the middle, but you would not put your house on him one on one, and had his better games when the team played well, and was only average getting in forward positions, and was not blessed with great pace.
  There are bigger stronger better defenders playing in this division with poorer sides than us this season.
  He has gone, I wish him well, it is his own fault, and the club did the right thing in the circumstances.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: drfchound on March 21, 2019, 04:44:22 pm
Mason was within our top 3 or 4 performers this season and in my opinion one of the reasons our form hasn’t been as good since December is the loss of him.
At the moment I don’t really rate Lewis and we’ve been better with Blair there but then we miss him further up the pitch.
So it’s definitely caused us issues





I am with Dickos on this.
Mason was certainly one of our best and most consistent players this season.
Whenever him and Copps played together down the right their link up play was great and Mason showed plenty of times that he could get a good cross into the box.

As for not being a world beater, who in L1 is?


Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: Chris Black come back on March 21, 2019, 06:39:47 pm
Came from Villa and we I think paid a fee for him, so he will have been on a half decent wage. We can now deploy this for a replacement and perhaps more senior right back.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: dickos1 on March 21, 2019, 09:44:47 pm
He was one of our most valuable assets, we will struggle to get someone as good. But obviously we need to find someone of his quality
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: selby on March 21, 2019, 11:13:56 pm
  Dickos, he was out of contract at the end of the season, if he was that good he would not be here next season anyway, and seriously most of the top five sides would not have a regular place in their first team for him from what I have seen of them this season.
  Which of those five teams do you think he would get in? or Championship sides?
  Fleetwood, Wimbledon,  Blackpool, And others have Right backs as solid as him.
 We should be looking at players like Evans from Everton, who is on loan at Blackpool.
 
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: bpoolrover on March 22, 2019, 01:17:47 am
Don’t think Evans can get in the Blackpool team can he?
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: selby on March 22, 2019, 12:25:54 pm
 Came on as a sub against us and nearly set up a goal, took part in the preceding games, but not since, whether injured I don't know. For Everton against us in the development game he was the class player on view that night, and played right wing back. I would say just what we are looking for.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: drfchound on March 22, 2019, 01:39:19 pm
Came on as a sub against us and nearly set up a goal, took part in the preceding games, but not since, whether injured I don't know. For Everton against us in the development game he was the class player on view that night, and played right wing back. I would say just what we are looking for.





He has been on the bench every week so he won’t be injured.
When he played in the development game it wasn’t against a full L1 team so maybe that is why he looked good.
Some players can do the business at that level but can’t reproduce it in the league games.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: sha66y on March 22, 2019, 02:32:26 pm
Avsuptem's is possibly the worst post on this well-exhausted subject that I've read.
And that's saying something!

Why ?
He/she makes valid points...why is it the worst ?
an intriguing statement
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: sha66y on March 22, 2019, 02:36:41 pm
Ohhhh noooooo!!

We have started wheeling out the “ championship Manager “ game for PC
Looking for the most obscure defenders to replace Mason.....

Best just wait and see what the “ gaffer” does first eh?.... but if he’s reading this, I used to always buy a young lad from Sligo to strengthen my Conference Donny team......
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: selby on March 22, 2019, 03:47:27 pm
i have no problem with whoever Grant end up with next season, I think Lewis could be a good defender as he gets experience.
 I also admit that Mason was vastly improved in the latter stages of his stay here, but he was a poor defender for the first 18 months of his stay here.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: steve@dcfd on March 22, 2019, 04:18:33 pm
i have no problem with whoever Grant end up with next season, I think Lewis could be a good defender as he gets experience.
 I also admit that Mason was vastly improved in the latter stages of his stay here, but he was a poor defender for the first 18 months of his stay here.

He wasn’t a poor defender and our record under DF defensively was good although not good to watch. If he could have played right back all last season you’d have seen him differently.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: selby on March 22, 2019, 05:52:07 pm
  Steve, it didn't matter if he was left or right, most teams we have played against in the last few years have targeted the side him or Blair defend.
Title: Re: Niall Mason contract cancelled
Post by: dickos1 on March 22, 2019, 07:48:36 pm
  Dickos, he was out of contract at the end of the season, if he was that good he would not be here next season anyway, and seriously most of the top five sides would not have a regular place in their first team for him from what I have seen of them this season.
  Which of those five teams do you think he would get in? or Championship sides?
  Fleetwood, Wimbledon,  Blackpool, And others have Right backs as solid as him.
 We should be looking at players like Evans from Everton, who is on loan at Blackpool.
 

I’ve no idea which side he’d get in, only the manager of those clubs can answer that.