and the answer is ........................

So assuming the current challenges at BFC are a result of long term issues higher up than the manager level, what is the answer?

I think the crux of the issues lie with control and authority at the club. In any walk of life, when someone has been given authority, they only become effective if they are trusted and left to make decisions that they see fit. If there is any interference in their remit from above then they begin to lose confidence, second guess decisions and eventually just become mouth pieces or puppets or indeed scapegoats if they challenge said interference. In most cases this will end in systemic problems for the manager, general manager, chief exec, business, club etc.

Historically our current custodian rose to the challenge of helping our club. Very, very grateful. Following this, plenty of the owner's personal money has consistently been put into the club but also plenty of money has been wasted on consistently making bad decisions. Honours even?

So I would summarise our current position as follows:-

(1) our passionate owner of BFC is running a very expensive hobby
2) our club is suffering a slow and painful demise as a result of (1)

So what is the answer. Mostly already been covered in other posts but I see it in 1 of 3 ways:-

(1) Our owner (and lifelong fan) to rise to the challenge again. Being the custodian of this club is not a part time role or hobby. Grab this club by the scruff of the neck. Take full ownership of the decision making process. Become the chairman. Be active. Be bold. Don't hide behind yes men. Don't be scared to make the wrong decisions but make decisions and stand by them. Live, breathe and sleep bfc. This doesn't mean put all your money into BFC but it does mean put all your effort in. If things go wrong, pick yourself up, dust yourself down and go again. Be honest and be transparent (as commercially appropriate).

(2) Invest in a high quality chief exec that has experience and gravitas. Their role shouldn't be to be the most popular person at the club. It should be to deliver success on and off the field (effectively treating the club as their own). Offer big incentives for success. He/she should have enough clout to tell the owner what to do if he starts interfering and for all staff under him/her to be in no doubt who the boss is. Anything less than GENUINE full operational control is pointless.

(3) In the best interests of club, work tirelessly to find another custodian who will take up this challenge.

My preference is (1). Forget yesterday. A clean slate. A golden opportunity for a lifelong fan to drive this club forward - come on Mr Cryne, step up to the challenge - your club needs you!

 

Unfortunately I don't think mr cryne is in good enough health to do this .point 2 ceo don't we have one .point 3 hasn't he already been trying to sell ?
Very good post by the way .
I think point 1 is the best but can't see it happening due to health issues but I think new investment is the next best option but from where ?

 

Unfortunately I don't think mr cryne is in good enough health to do this .point 2 ceo don't we have one .point 3 hasn't he already been trying to sell ?
Very good post by the way .
I think point 1 is the best but can't see it happening due to health issues but I think new investment is the next best option but from where ?

 

We could really do with a Sheikh. Just Saying, we could.

 

Johnson's head could do with a sheikh.

 

If Patrick's health means he cannot carry out plan number 1. Maybe his son could take over his reign if he shares his dad's passion for the club of course and execute plan 1.

 

Mr Whitey needs to drop his considerable forehead on him.
Lee Jay would never be the same again!

 

Could Whitey stoop so low (and I mean physically) and still lift his head back up wiart toppling over? He could do it on his knees I suppose.