Leeds United protest group Time To Go, Massimo (TTGM) came to prominence when they fantastically projected a series of Massimo Cellino’s broken promises onto the awnings of Elland Road’s East Stand. However, their latest ‘stunt’ may have been a shot-in-the-foot moment for them and their cause.
The brilliantly conceived ‘broken promises projection’ was followed by a series of other equally well-thought out and crafted episodes that allowed TTGM to continue to be a presence in the forefront of general Leeds United fans’ minds. There was a banner fly-by, a mock funeral for the death of the club, mobile advertising hoardings dragged around Leeds and a many-man march on the ground from the city centre.
However, all the publicity and momentum gained from those genius moments could very well be lost with the lastest stunt they’ve pulled. Tonight, TTGM teased Leeds fans on Twitter (below) with a ‘don’t go to bed’ Tweet similar to the non-entity Tweet that ‘trolled’ Leeds fans when a previous transfer window was closing.
https://twitter.com/TimeToGoMassimo/status/751887294613884928
As the allotted time approached, fans were waiting no doubt with bated breath for the revelation. Then it came. A series of text messages, uploaded to Imgur (now deleted) in a honey-trapped set-up conversation between a TTGM stooge revealing himself to be Adam Williams from The Day Today and ‘MC’ where staged questions were asked. This had been over a month in the conception and making, but it is safe to say that it didn’t quite go exactly to plan.
With a modus operandi where TTGM said they “tried to exposure [sic] the truth“, even they admitted that the venture had failed and that their “latest efforts fell on deaf ears.” Whilst it may have fallen on ‘deaf ears’, the mouths of Leeds United fans were certainly open over on Twitter.
Time To Call, Massimo – Leeds fans react to text messages stunt
Rather than have fans read through them all, this Leeds fan goes for a summary.
https://twitter.com/LewisRamsey/status/751921960603545604
Whereas Leeds fan Gary is a little more blunt in these two Tweets.
Why, between @lufctrust & @TimeToGoMassimo have we the worst 2 'protest' groups in the country? #lufc
— GF (@GFoster1983) July 9, 2016
I want MC gone and proper owner in ASAP but he's got an easy ride with these tools opposing him #lufc
— GF (@GFoster1983) July 9, 2016
Some Leeds fans suggested different ways for TTGM to occupy their time.
back to pornhub now and keep yourself entertained #lufc
— Keith Kelly (@keith_kelly30) July 9, 2016
Leeds fan MJD thinks it apt to sum up the #lufc hashtag since 10:15 with this gif.
#LUFC Twitter since 10:15pm tonight… pic.twitter.com/TkJYGel9y0
— Matt James (@Matt1Lufc) July 9, 2016
Leeds United fan Rob sees this all just as a sahke-your-head moment.
https://twitter.com/darlobobby/status/751902052926750720
Whilst this Leeds fan echoes what a lot of fans on Twitter are saying about the stunt.
TTGM have gone too far this time. I don't like him but these 'leaked texts' are taking it a bit too far. #lufc
— Leeds Mad Lad (@Ieedsmadlad) July 9, 2016
Even those Leeds fans who once supported the TTGM cause seem to feel a sense of consternation over the stunt itself, its aims and achievements.
This TTGM supporter who was sympathetic to the cause seem to find the manner of the protest somewhat baffling.
Those Cellino texts are a total non event. I want him gone, I also marched to that effect, but I don't get this.#lufc
— Matt (@brianenoschinos) July 9, 2016
This former supporter wants a refund, and bluntly asks for one.
Truly regret donating to #timetogomassimo. Leaking private sms´s just proves they have no class. #lufc
— raypettersen (@raypettersen) July 9, 2016
@TimeToGoMassimo any chance for a refund since you guys have turned out to be utter twats? #lufc
— raypettersen (@raypettersen) July 9, 2016
For a group claiming to represent ‘the majority’, it certainly didn’t seem that way. However they did have some supporters, even if this support was of the minority aspect.
Leeds fan Josh points out the one common factor irrespective of viewpoint on TTGM.
For or against TTGM, there's one clear problem here and that's Massimo Cellino. Not rocket science #lufc
— Josh Grainger (@joshgrainger16) July 9, 2016
Leeds fan Jennifer is also one who refuses to be an ostrich.
No sand in my ears. Not like those of you burying your heads in it. #lufc
— Jennifer (@jenbarlufc) July 9, 2016
However, all attempts to shore up TTGM’s position seems to be met with counter-criticism such as this.
And here come the white knights trying to defend TTGM, oh boy the salt in their tears #lufc
— ㄥㄩ千匚 丨几匚 (@LUFCInc) July 9, 2016
In truth, it’s a sorry state of affairs when whatever has happened has pitched two cohorts of Leeds fans against each other in a way that is far removed from ‘United’.
Tonight the brilliance of the projection protest has been sullied a little by TextGate in the eyes and minds of a large number of Leeds United fans.