Exodus FC

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As usual, I'm up early on a Saturday morning in Hawaii to watch football 🤩 At 2:30am I'm able to watch a couple of EFL Championship games on Paramount+, and then Juventus v Como starting at 4:00. At 4:30 Union Berlin takes on Leverkusen on ESPN. At 5:00 we have the Premier League streaming on Peacock, with an eye on Brentford v Brighton. The David v Goliath game starts at 7:30am when Osasuna with an estimated total market value of 94 million euros take on Real Madrid worth 14x as much at 1.35 billion euros. Right now the time is 6:05am, no sunrise yet and its raining, but here's a pic of sunrise over Kaneohe Bay that I took a few years ago.

Football is the world's most popular religion but just like the Catholic Church and American Evangelicalism it suffers from internal corruption and abuse. But there is still hope! There are still some good football clubs out there that operate with integrity and honesty, and they keep winning against the odds! Read on to find out what's wrong with the beautiful game, and who some of those hidden gems are that deserve our admiration and support! offsideempire.ghost.io/is-yo… #OffsideEmpire #PowerToThePeople #FanOwned #ReclaimTheGame #FootballRevolution #FansFirst #FootballCulture #FootballSupporters @SwissRamble @POF_POD @TifoFootball_ @WeAreTheFSA @Soccernomics @LOICentralPod @SPFLWatch @MFCTrust @MotherwellFC @AFCWimbledon @bfcdublin @Cantona_276 @WomblesDream @PhilosophicalVC @OneUpTopPodcast @ClaptonCFC

For the good of the Bairns! Next in our Power to the People rankings is @FalkirkFC, a club with deep roots, strong fan culture, and a community-first ethos that holds strong as they return to the @spfl top tier after 15 long years away. Here’s how they score: ⚖️ Ownership (15/20) Falkirk FC now operates under a hybrid governance model. As of mid-2023, the Falkirk Supporters’ Society (FSS) holds around 25% of the club—acquired via a £350,000 interest-free government loan. Alongside small shareholders and local patrons, fans now control a majority 84% stake. The FSS is democratically structured, has veto power over key resolutions, and holds formal advisory board representation. While not fully fan-owned, Falkirk’s governance is one of the most balanced and democratic in Scottish football. 🍻 Culture (13/20) The club’s culture is grounded in civic pride and community identity, led by initiatives like Project 1876 and fan-driven storytelling from the FSS. Regular communication, school partnerships, and inclusive ticketing embed the Bairns deeply in their local ecosystem. That said, Falkirk still lacks a broader creative movement—no strong presence of fan media, visual culture, or rebellious energy. But the foundation is strong, and the direction is promising. ✊ Solidarity (12/20) Falkirk shines in grassroots accountability, fan dialogue, and accessible football. Their support for youth inclusion and school outreach is commendable. Yet the club avoids bolder expressions of solidarity—there are no visible campaigns around LGBTQ+ inclusion, refugee rights, or global justice causes. Their ethics are sound, but their activism is modest. Conclusion: With a total of 40 points, Falkirk FC takes 6th place in our SPFL Premiership rankings. As they step back into the top tier, they do so not as a product of empire—but as a club of the people, rooted in shared ownership, local values, and a future driven by the Bairns themselves. #FalkirkFC #SPFL #OffsideEmpire #FootballForThePeople #FanOwned #SupportersTrust @FalkirkFC @BairnsBusiness @FSS_bairns @Project1876 @TheSPFL @PieandBov @TerracePodcast @FansEurope

Hibs! Next up in our Power to the People rankings: @HibernianFC, coming in at #7 in the SPFL premiership with a total of 39 points. Here’s how they stack up across the pillars: ⚖️ Ownership (13/20) Hibernian FC is majority controlled by the Gordon family (approx. 60%), with a significant minority (25%) held by Bill Foley’s Black Knight Football Club—a U.S.-based group tied to Bournemouth and a growing multi-club portfolio. While the Hibernian Supporters Group (HSL) retains around 7% of shares and is formally consulted, strategic power firmly resides with private investors. Fan voice exists—but it doesn’t steer the ship. 🍻 Culture (13/20) Hibs are rooted in Edinburgh’s Irish Catholic working-class tradition, with a loyal fanbase centered around Leith. The culture is carried through storytelling, supporter podcasts like @longbangers, and strong matchday energy—especially on derby day. But while the passion is genuine, official branding leans toward corporate conservatism. There’s little space for subversive expression or grassroots creativity in merch, media, or club messaging. ✊ Solidarity (13/20) Hibs show heart when it comes to community care. Through the Hibernian Community Foundation, they support food programs, mental health, and education. The club is visibly inclusive of LGBTQ+ fans and takes a clear anti-racism stance. Yet, when it comes to international solidarity, worker rights, or radical causes, leadership stays quiet. The spirit is there, but the edge is missing. Conclusion: Hibernian FC balances tradition and community involvement with a cautious, investor-driven structure. The club does good work at home—but stops short of challenging the Empire. Hibs walk the line between heritage and hesitation, strong in values but safe in practice. #HibernianFC #Hibs #SPFL #OffsideEmpire #FootballForThePeople #PowertothePeople @HibernianFC @HibsFoundation @hibspod @TheSPFL @PieandBov @TerracePodcast @FansEurope

Today we continue our examination of the Scottish Premiership through the lens of our Power to the People ranking system. At Offside Empire, we assess clubs across three pillars: ⚖️ Ownership, 🍻 Culture, and ✊ Solidarity, to measure how well they reflect the spirit and soul of their communities versus how deeply they've been captured by the Empire of Corporate Capital. So far, at #12 on the bottom, we have @RangersFC earning 24 points, followed by Livingston @LiviFCOfficial (27), @AberdeenFC (33), and @KilmarnockFC in 9th place with 36. Coming in at #8 in the SPFL Premiership, we have Dundee FC, earning a respectable 37 points. Here's how they scored: ⚖️ Ownership (14/20) Dundee FC is majority-owned by American investors Tim Keyes and John Nelms, who rescued the club from administration in 2013 and now hold around 75% through Dark Blue Property Holdings. The Dundee FC Supporters’ Society, with about 20% of shares, is the second-largest stakeholder and appoints board representatives, offering fans a genuine—if limited—voice in governance. While the private owners maintain strategic control, the presence of a well-organized trust provides a meaningful counterweight. 🍻 Culture (12/20) Rooted in a proud working-class tradition, Dundee’s culture revolves around its historic Dens Park ground and fierce local rivalry with Dundee United. The supporters bring energy and tradition to matchdays, while the Supporters’ Society helps preserve club memory. Still, Dundee lacks the creative subcultures or fan-driven media that give other clubs a sharper cultural edge. The identity is sturdy but leans more nostalgic than insurgent. ✊ Solidarity (11/20) The club engages in commendable local outreach—partnering with schools, foodbanks, and anti-racism campaigns like Show Racism the Red Card. It benefits from a layer of community accountability through its Supporters’ Society. Yet Dundee’s political voice remains muted. There's no Living Wage accreditation, no bold support for global or social justice movements, and minimal LGBTQ+ visibility. It’s solidarity in safe, polite doses. Conclusion: Dundee FC reflects a club still tethered to its civic roots, with loyal supporters and partial fan ownership keeping it grounded. But while its foundations are solid, the club falls short of radical leadership. In a football world crying out for courage, Dundee is respectable—but not revolutionary. #OffsideEmpire #PowertothePeople @DundeeFC @Dee_4_Life @PieandBov @TerracePodcast

Our second ranking of the day: Kilmarnock FC @KilmarnockFC Coming in at #9 in the Scottish Premiership with a Power to the People score of 36, Killie edges ahead of the fully privately-owned clubs at the bottom. A club with deep local roots and a hybrid governance model, Kilmarnock shows promise—but still stops short of radical transformation. ⚖️ Ownership (14/20) Kilmarnock is majority-owned by businessman Billy Bowie, who assumed control in 2019 after buying out Michael Johnston’s shares. While Bowie retains final authority, the Killie Trust—a long-standing supporters’ society founded in 2003—is the club’s third-largest shareholder with around 200,000 shares and formal board recognition. The Trust has successfully appointed two fan-nominated directors (Phyllis McLeish and Cathy Jamieson) and plays an active role in club governance. It’s a “fan-owned but not fan-run” model that provides genuine influence, even if ultimate power remains concentrated. 🍻 Culture (11/20) Kilmarnock’s identity is shaped by its Ayrshire roots, working-class heritage, and consistent local pride. The Killie Trust helps drive fan-focused initiatives such as inclusion days and free ticket schemes, reinforcing community engagement. The club also supports youth and charitable efforts through its foundations. However, cultural output remains relatively muted—there’s little sign of fan-led media, artistic expression, or subcultural energy. Killie’s cultural life is authentic and grounded, but lacks the creative spark seen at more radical or expressive clubs. ✊ Solidarity (11/20) Killie makes strong contributions to the local community through its Killie Community arm, with programs focused on education, disability inclusion, health, and youth support. It participates in campaigns like Show Racism the Red Card and regularly hosts inclusion-themed events. These are valuable, principled efforts rooted in civic responsibility. Yet the club has no Living Wage accreditation, avoids politically sensitive causes, and rarely steps outside mainstream messaging. Solidarity is present—but safely non-confrontational. 👉 Final Score: 36 / 60 Kilmarnock FC represents a respectable middle ground in our rankings: a club that empowers supporters through shareholding, serves its local community well, and honors its heritage. But its culture is more dutiful than dynamic, and its solidarity efforts—while commendable—remain carefully within the lines. There’s a strong foundation here for a truly people-powered club, but the revolution hasn’t arrived yet. #PowerToThePeople #SPFL #KilmarnockFC #KillieTrust #ScottishFootball #FanOwnership #AltFootball #FootballForThePeople #SupporterPower #FootballActivism #CommunityClubs #WorkingClassFootball

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Next up in our Scottish Premiership rankings: Aberdeen FC @AberdeenFC With a Power to the People score of 33, the Dons sit 10th out of 12, joining @RangersFC and @LiviFCOfficial at the bottom. All three clubs are privately owned, with no fan ownership or direct democratic influence. Despite a proud history and engaged fanbase, Aberdeen remains locked in a top-down model that limits supporter power. Here’s how they score: ⚖️ Ownership (7/20) Aberdeen is majority-owned by U.S.-based chair Dave Cormack, who steadily built his shareholding since 2017. In 2020, he brought in @ATLUTD’s parent company, AMB Sports & Entertainment, as a minority investor in a move that prioritized commercial growth over supporter stake. While initiatives like the Fans Project allow consultation, final decisions rest with private shareholders—not the fans. 🍻 Culture (13/20) From the Sir Alex Ferguson era to the passionate Red Shed, Aberdeen’s culture draws on deep local pride and working-class roots. The 2024 Fans Project has sparked a cultural revival, giving supporters a more active matchday role. However, much of the club’s output—kits, branding, communications—remains polished and corporate, with limited room for DIY fan expression or countercultural energy. ✊ Solidarity (13/20) Through @AFCCT, Aberdeen leads on civic programs—tackling mental health, poverty, youth opportunity, and inclusion. Projects like Street Soccer and refugee integration reflect genuine compassion at the community level. Still, the club avoids confronting systemic injustice: there’s no Living Wage accreditation, no stance on LGBTQ+ rights, and silence on global solidarity causes like Palestine or climate justice. 👉 Final Score: 33 / 60 Aberdeen FC excels at safe, structured engagement—but stops short of radical solidarity or supporter empowerment. It’s a club with potential, but still more corporate citizen than people’s champion. #PowerToThePeople #SPFL #ScottishFootball #FanOwnership #FootballForThePeople #RedShed #AberdeenFC #FootballCulture #FootballActivism #SupporterPower #AltFootball @TheRedFinal @SupportersDirect @FansEurope @nonleaguescot @TerracePodcast @PIJ_FC @well_society @BohemianFC @ClaptonCFC @WSC_magazine

Next up in our Scottish Premiership rankings: Livingston FC 🟡 @LiviFCOfficial While they escape the bottom spot, Livingston still sits near the bottom of our Power to the People table with a score of 27/60. At Offside Empire we evaluate clubs across three pillars: ⚖️ Ownership 🍻 Culture ✊ Solidarity And here’s how Livingston stacks up: ⚖️ Ownership (9/20) – The club is privately controlled, with Calvin Ford (great-great-grandson of Henry Ford) acquiring over 70% from Baycup Ltd in May 2025 to become majority owner and chairman. A small minority (3–5%) is held by local shareholders like former director Neil Hogarth. There is no supporters’ trust, no voting rights, and no fan representation in club governance. 🍻 Culture (9/20) – Livingston offers a modest sense of community, with some grassroots podcasts and school partnerships. But the club lacks creative energy. There are few banners, chants, or independent media, and matchdays feel subdued. The branding is corporate. Little mythos. No bright sparks. Just a small, quiet club with little cultural distinctiveness. ✊ Solidarity (9/20) – Livingston participates in SPFL Trust programs and local outreach like food drives and school visits. But they fall short on deeper justice commitments. No Living Wage accreditation, no bold stances on LGBTQ+ rights, anti-racism, or political expression. A commercial-first ethos keeps them comfortably within the system. At 11th place out of 12, is Livingston building community power, or simply conforming to the Empire? More Scottish club rankings coming soon. #OffsideEmpire #PowerToThePeople #SPFL #FootballForThePeople

We kick off our Scottish Premiership rankings with the lowest-scoring club: @RangersFC Using our Power to the People ranking system we evaluate every club across three pillars— ⚖️ Ownership 🍻 Culture ✊ Solidarity Is the club a tool of the Empire, a champion of the People, or something in between? With a total score of 24/60, Rangers are 12th and last in the league. Here’s the breakdown: ⚖️ Ownership (9/20): Now majority-owned by a U.S.-based consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh & 49ers Enterprises, with local figures holding minority stakes. Fan groups like Club 1872 exist—but have little real influence. Decisions rest with the corporate board. 🍻 Culture (9/20): A loud, loyal, working-class fanbase powers the matchday atmosphere. But the club culture is tightly stage-managed, politically sanitized, and aligned with establishment power. There's no creative, imaginative, or truly grassroots fan movement supporting the club. ✊ Solidarity (6/20): Beyond league-mandated gestures and a youth foundation, there’s little to show. Rangers avoid justice-driven causes, discourage political expression, and offer no visible support for workers' rights or anti-poverty efforts. More club rankings coming soon. In the meantime... Who do YOU think is the People’s Champion of the Scottish Premiership?

Take a look at our alternative ranking system for the beautiful game, scoring football clubs across three pillars: ownership, culture, and solidarity. ⚖️ Ownership is a balancing act among stakeholders, symbolized by the scales. 🍻 Culture is about people coming together to tell stories, build identity, and share meaning—often over a beer. ✊ Solidarity is about resistance to hegemonic power, expressed through collective struggle and the raised fist. offsideempire.ghost.io/power… #PowertothePeople #PeopleoverProfit #grassrootsfootball #ReclaimtheGame #FanOwned #OffsideEmpire

Resist the empire