I just didn't like the way they poo poo'ed the face book group and did nothing meaningful themselves when they represent the supporters. Seemed like sabotage for me but hey ho. Yes they had a Q and A but once they weren't satisfied with that outcome it was time to ramp things up a notch. They didn't because they don't represent the support in my opinion.
As I said to SD, Ben, I appreciate it's all unpaid, voluntary work and it's easy to criticise. I just think a lot of people feel the club is in the most dangerous position since admin and in the hands of aboard of Directors who have no real interest in the club. The latter is probably the first time in our history that that's applicable. These are very dangerous moments. When we fell out of the second tier in 1959 it took over twenty years, flirtation with losing our league status and crowds at rock bottom before we got back. And that was all with owners who actually cared about the club.
The Facebook thing was a farce in many ways. Well intentioned but hopelessly run from what I gathered. The ST should be the vehicle to pull all the strands together and hold the owners to account.
Let’s be right here, that Facebook group was truly embarrassing, possibly on a par with our season and our owners.
Just to bring some facts in to this. The rest of it you’re entitled to an opinion on. - We didn’t rubbish the motives of the Facebook group. There were no personal accusations made about anyone. The only questions asked directly to that group were the questions a significant number of other supporters wanted to know, which was ‘tell us about this new ownership model/consortium’. That’s not been proven as not existing, which was the concerns of BFCST and why you couldn’t throw weight behind something that had zero substance and clarity - We extended and opened the communication channels with that group. We asked the CEO their ‘top seven’ questions. We offered to meet with them, talk with them, etc. That’s not sabotage is it? - We don’t represent the support (maybe) but we’re arguably the most visible Supporters’ Trust in the last decade. Supporters can’t even agree on here so there isn’t a universal mandate for action. It’s definitely a concerning time though and the multi-club ownership is a worry - You’re ignoring that we’ve delivered media coverage and reach for supporters on different issues in the last 12 months. On issues that had universal agreement (like West Stand closure and the threat of leaving Oakwell) - I genuinely believe the Q&A was appreciated and recognised by well over 70% of our members Away from Trust stuff, personally I’m confused where you stand on the issues on the owners. One minute you’re saying everything is going to be fine, or that it’s their club to do what they want with. But here you’re saying the pressure needs ramping up? If you can’t make your mind up yourself how does anyone figure out what the majority of supporters think?
@Loko the Tyke This is the fundamental issue that anybody trying to bring supporters together faces. The views of fans is still quite diverse. That’s clear from the responses even to this thread. Until there is a universal or majority view from supporters, engagement, protest will always have marginal impact. Sadly views will only be aligned when things get very bad, until then apathy wins. The example of Hearts underlines that with the various different supporter factions only coming together when the club went in to administration.
Just a point on that Loko. I'd say there is near universal agreement on here that action is needed but there's disagreement on what that action should be and who leads it. I'm just worried that we're sleep walking into oblivion. I've always dreaded the idea of fan ownership but I'm now of the opinion that it might be in our best interests. There would be no big cash investment but there isn't now and at least fan ownership would ensure the club was owned by people who care.
I think we still have a decent squad. That's my belief. I think the owners could make a mockery of this discussion and hope they do. However, I'd like to know what the supporters trust intend to do if my faith is misplaced?
Possibly. I think there’s universal frustration and concern at the owners but not to the level of everyone wanting angry protests. Some just want to feel acknowledged. My personal belief, and to pick up on the point @Archerfield just made, is that it needs to be a well thought out process. That can take time (weeks not months) but people want or expect instant updates or action. To bring everyone together, get everyone on the journey, and get a proper understanding of how supporters feel or think, it takes some time to prep that and plan that. Especially given it’s all done in whatever spare time people have. That’s why you tend to get older, more settled people, being involved in committee type organisations.
It definitely needs to be well thought out. If there isn't some action taken though and things don't go well next season then the response of many will be apathy and a dwindling attendance. We have no divine right to have 9 to 11000 season ticket holders. The 1960s and 70s proved that.
Completely agree. The other consideration is ‘what’s next’ as well. I think you’ll see progress from the Trust now the season is virtually over, but that doesn’t mean it will be exactly what you or others want (or I want). No single action will work for everyone.
I like a lot of what the owners bring and have talked about. I think a little bit of communication would be all that's needed. Let the fans ask the questions needed which would be great. Paul Conway would tear people's arguments apart inc Luke and Neil who contradicted themselves within minutes of the video. They need to make changes to the personnel of the non-first team staff IMO. The fans can't do what they've done before though. Because they didn't say what you said or gave you chance to twist things doesn't mean you should.
People are making comments without looking or knowing the situation. The problems at Nancy are from before the current owner's time. It's a problem that they have from losing league tv money etc. Gauthier appointed a shocker in Stendel and the slide happened. Also they lost players due to league regs maybe. Oostende, They have overachieved last season. They took over a club that was financially in bits, Admin was looming before the takeover. They made money on a defender they got from Celtic (Jack Hendry. Made about 3/4 million on him) Fashion Sakala went to Rangers on a free. a few more went. I don't know much about the Danish club or Swiss. The Dutch club had financial trouble possible before they bought them. People have also spoken positively about Mr Conway inc Alex Muzio. For anyone that doesn't know he's the chairman of Royale Union Saint-Giloise. Tony Blooms Belgium club and sister club to Brighton fc.
Ii like the model structure. I think being part of a multi-club should bring benefits to the club. Wolfe been one of those I think this season.
