I probably shouldn't be annoyed with the club doing something positive around engaging with the fans, just find it a little rude given the tradition the Trust has of running one of these at the beginning of each season! Also comes on top of getting nowhere fast trying to speak with the new regime to discuss work that some Trust members have spent considerable time and effort working on at the request of the previous regime as well as planning for the new season which is coming up fast! As someone said yesterday they've probably got more important things to do than "Smooz" The Trust An email to this effect wouldn't take long to write though!
That was my first thought. But it would be difficult to wriggle out of anything with 200 people in attendance. Where Don might have anticipated and headed off any awkward topics, is Ben really up to speed on such things yet? It's a new era, so we have to give it a chance. In the past it appeared, to me at least, more of an obligation than a courtesy. The club are extending the invitation rather than being obliged to take part, which is a good thing, but in any business that in itself is a method of control and as you say, 'managing' a situation.
The club have to speak to supporters stuff Gally. I posted what i did above and then you answer it in another post to another poster when i was typeing it. I honestly don't think the fans or the supporters stuff will get a lot out of the chairman. I think it'll all be internal with him and been the between man for Mr Cryne and Ben Mansford but as i said above you should beable to speak to Ben (that's only my opinion of course) if you and the ST are willing to be flexible
I know Mr Hill didn't like some of the questions he was asked in previous years. None of these were particularly venomous or contentious! But yeah you are right need to give it a chance!