Meeting Thurs 23rd with Trust, SISA, Saveoursaints, 2 MPs, LM and MC

[swannymere]

So to sum it up the so-called fans groups that say they represent us are acting in the same arrogant way they accused Rupes of acting. I do wish R.Chorley and his sycophantic cohorts would stop using Saints as a political football (no pun intended) and **** off somewhere else. Could it be that in our darkest hour they become the cause of our downfall?

[derry]

It was sad to hear Clive Foley on Radio Solent this morning saying that ego`s were on display at the meeting that stopped the meeting having a unified approach ( The Trust not wanting to work with SISA etc). If true it is worrying. It is big ego`s that got us in to the current situation. If ever there was a time to put petty differences to one side and move forward as one it is now!

 

To put your mind at rest, the only egos on view were the SISA four.

 

They are impossible to work with, no discipline, bigoted, opinionated, unable to sit and listen without loud interdiction's, giving no quarter to opposing views. Nobody could do business with them.

 

They got what they deserved and were isolated by their behaviour, their self justification is typical of their blinkered views.

 

I just told them I'd never work with them because of their anarchistic behaviour and disrespect for others, in any event I had already agreed a joint way forward with Nick Illingsworth which brought our two groups into a joint parallel mutually supporting position before this meeting took place consequently they are not needed.

[StuRomseySaint]

To put your mind at rest, the only egos on view were the SISA four.

 

They are impossible to work with, no discipline, bigoted, opinionated, unable to sit and listen without loud interdiction's, giving no quarter to opposing views. Nobody could do business with them.

 

They got what they deserved and were isolated by their behaviour, their self justification is typical of their blinkered views.

 

I just told them I'd never work with them because of their anarchistic behaviour and disrespect for others, in any event I had already agreed a joint way forward with Nick Illingsworth which brought our two groups into a joint parallel mutually supporting position before this meeting took place consequently they are not needed.

 

Am I missing something, I might be, I am hungover and a bit thick today...

 

What is 'the way forward' ? Has it already been agreed? If so, what is it?

[derry]

Fry seemed a lot more positive than this on radio this morning. Even talking about not needing the council's assistance etc, no sounds of panic etc.

 

LM and LC made the point that the administrator can't be seen to be talking down the club, which apart from being the defacto owner at the moment, he can't be seen to be involved.

 

He is selling SLH the owners of the assets, of which the football club is financially the weakest.

[Frank's cousin]

To put your mind at rest, the only egos on view were the SISA four.

 

They are impossible to work with, no discipline, bigoted, opinionated, unable to sit and listen without loud interdiction's, giving no quarter to opposing views. Nobody could do business with them.

 

They got what they deserved and were isolated by their behaviour, their self justification is typical of their blinkered views.

 

I just told them I'd never work with them because of their anarchistic behaviour and disrespect for others, in any event I had already agreed a joint way forward with Nick Illingsworth which brought our two groups into a joint parallel mutually supporting position before this meeting took place consequently they are not needed.

 

Thanks for te update Derry, appreciated. Would it be possible for you to summerize in bullets the main aspects of what the combined group intend on doing and how this would work practically? Also, do you think its possible for the group to perhaps work with any major party, or would you let them get on with it if something concrete comes along?

[Frank's cousin]

LM and LC made the point that the administrator can't be seen to be talking down the club, which apart from being the defacto owner at the moment, he can't be seen to be involved.

 

He is selling SLH the owners of the assets, of which the football club is financially the weakest.

 

Hi again

 

Does that mean his current focus in on selling SLH as a group, or is he also considering potential buyers of individual assets?

[derry]

Isn't that figure about exactly what Swansea are reputed to be offering for Dyer?

 

He may be worth more, but in the circumstances might this not be the time to bite the bullet and take whatever we can get. If we can sell him for 250k then problem solved is it not?.....

 

 

Not until the season is over would there be any fee paid over. In any event why not advertise him for sale and call Swansea's bluff.

[NickG]

LM and LC made the point that the administrator can't be seen to be talking down the club, which apart from being the defacto owner at the moment, he can't be seen to be involved.

 

He is selling SLH the owners of the assets, of which the football club is financially the weakest.

 

isn't saying that he is putting council's interest on hold as hoped it was no longer needed both involved and an indication that he feels one of these two will be in a position to proceed before the club folds?

 

He has previously talked the club down and sounded desparate.

 

Not being obstructive just doesn't balance with Crouch's comments and we know he does sometimes speak without thinking

[derry]

Hi again

 

Does that mean his current focus in on selling SLH as a group, or is he also considering potential buyers of individual assets?

 

It would depend what the buyer wanted to include in his purchase.

[StuRomseySaint]

I have just set up a Supporters Group, its called, erm, Saints Supporters Group ( SSG )

 

There are 8000 registered users on this forum, I have given everyone complimentry memberships, these are lifetime memberships and cannot be cancelled in any way.

 

You don't need to worry about recieving spam or marketing mail / emails, infact you don't have to worry about ever hearing from me the other board members, we trust that all of our ideas will be agreed by our members, therefore we will carry on regardless.

 

We might run a quiz at some point, and our official HQ is the Bedes Lea Tavern, where members can enjoy 2 Jaeger Bombs for £7.50

 

I now run the largest Saints Supporters Group and if I see any mention in the Echo or on other Supporters Organisation claiming that theirs is the largest, I will sue.

 

I won't be setting up a website, there is no point, it would only be the odd blog or statement from me anyway.

 

Now, must dash, I have interviews with Meridian, BBC, CNN, Sky Sports and The Graham Norton Show, don't worry, I will represent you all.

Edited 24 April, 2009 by StuRomseySaint

[derry]

I've done the sums regarding the value of the assets and any new owner would be bloody mad not to buy the lot including the stadium.

 

The rent would be never ending and increasing whilst the landlord would have all the other income from the stadium. It really is a no brainer for the new owner. The stadium income would far exceed the cost of buying.

 

In any event it would take at least two weeks to even get a council vote on the purchase and their position is a definite last resort.

[NickG]

why are you so keen to meet Graham Norton?

[StuRomseySaint]

why are you so keen to meet Graham Norton?

 

I wasn't, he wanted me on his show, who am I to say no. Sometimes when you are famous, you have to do things like go on chat shows and speak on behalf of your members.

[Give it to Ron]

I have just set up a Supporters Group, its called, erm, Saints Supporters Group ( SSG )

 

There are 8000 registered users on this forum, I have given everyone complimentry memberships, these are lifetime memberships and cannot be cancelled in any way.

 

You don't need to worry about recieving spam or marketing mail / emails, infact you don't have to worry about ever hearing from me the other board members, we trust that all of our ideas will be agreed by our members, therefore we will carry on regardless.

 

We might run a quiz at some point, and our official HQ is the Bedes Lea Tavern, where members can enjoy 2 Jaeger Bombs for £7.50

 

I now run the largest Saints Supporters Group and if I see any mention in the Echo or on other Supporters Organisation claiming that theirs is the largest, I will sue.

 

I won't be setting up a website, there is no point, it would only be the odd blog or statement from me.

 

Now, must dash, I have interviews with Meridian, BBC, CNN, Sky Sports and The Graham Norton Show, don't worry, I will represent you all.

 

Can we have meetings on Wednesdays as Dave does a brilliant curry for a £5.

Might need a new bouncer now Hookie is off though.

[derry]

I have just set up a Supporters Group, its called, erm, Saints Supporters Group ( SSG )

 

There are 8000 registered users on this forum, I have given everyone complimentry memberships, these are lifetime memberships and cannot be cancelled in any way.

 

You don't need to worry about recieving spam or marketing mail / emails, infact you don't have to worry about ever hearing from me the other board members, we trust that all of our ideas will be agreed by our members, therefore we will carry on regardless.

 

We might run a quiz at some point, and our official HQ is the Bedes Lea Tavern, where members can enjoy 2 Jaeger Bombs for £7.50

 

I now run the largest Saints Supporters Group and if I see any mention in the Echo or on other Supporters Organisation claiming that theirs is the largest, I will sue.

 

I won't be setting up a website, there is no point, it would only be the odd blog or statement from me.

 

Now, must dash, I have interviews with Meridian, BBC, CNN, Sky Sports and The Graham Norton Show, don't worry, I will represent you all.

 

Fantastic, I'll stand down, it's all yours. I'm gratified to see it's in such competent hands. That's me finished, I don't need this crap.

[StuRomseySaint]

Can we have meetings on Wednesdays as Dave does a brilliant curry for a £5.

Might need a new bouncer now Hookie is off though.

 

Yes, Wednesday night is now, 'Saints Supporters Group Curry and a Beer for a fiver' night.

 

I will sort the bouncer issue out, and I will also organise bucket collections... the person who collects the most buckets wins a lifetime membership for a friend.... infact all of the members recieve a lifetime membership for a friend.

 

As a result of this, we now have 16,000 members in the space of 17 minutes. Which makes us one of the largest supporters groups in the world.

 

I shall be meeting with Mark Fry tommorow and proposing that the Football Club is handed over to the Saints Supporters Group.

 

I will be Chairman, I am sure you all agree I am best man for the job.

[bridge too far]

Shut up Stu - don't demean the very hard work that Derry & Co are doing.

[StuRomseySaint]

Fantastic, I'll stand down, it's all yours. I'm gratified to see it's in such competent hands. That's me finished, I don't need this crap.

 

I am glad you see sense. I am willing to offer your group and Saints Trust 'members' a free membership to my new organisation.

 

We now have 16,839 members. ( although 838 of them are unaccounted for )

[StuRomseySaint]

Shut up Stu - don't demean the very hard work that Derry & Co are doing.

 

Get with the programme sweetcheeks... I am not dissing Derry.

 

I am reffering to SISA and Saints Trust... I have just set up a group in exactly the same way they have, although mine is much bigger. :cool:

[derry]

Thanks for te update Derry' date=' appreciated. Would it be possible for you to summerize in bullets the main aspects of what the combined group intend on doing and how this would work practically? Also, do you think its possible for the group to perhaps work with any major party, or would you let them get on with it if something concrete comes along?[/quote']

 

We were continuing with our original pledge idea supported by the trust and in the now unlikely event of being needed use the trust as an already formed legal vehicle to mount an appeal for the hard cash.

 

But from now on StuRomseySaint will answer any questions, divorce from the trust, scratch his arse and wonder what he's got himself into.

[Frank's cousin]

 

But from now on StuRomseySaint will answer any questions, divorce from the trust, scratch his arse and wonder what he's got himself into.

 

We are saved then.

[Give it to Ron]

I am glad you see sense. I am willing to offer your group and Saints Trust 'members' a free membership to my new organisation.

 

We now have 16,839 members. ( although 838 of them are unaccounted for )

 

Shouldnt have too many worries of karoake singers on a Thursday night with that number flocking to the pub. Perhaps we could do a park and ride from Mountbatten school.

[StuRomseySaint]

Shouldnt have too many worries of karoake singers on a Thursday night with that number flocking to the pub. Perhaps we could do a park and ride from Mountbatten school.

 

I have looked into this possibility.

 

The Baddesley Arms is currently up for lease, I am pondering getting donations off people to apply for the lease and call is SGG Inn, or summit.

[StuRomseySaint]

Part of my business plan is to set up new water-borne links between Romsey and Southampton.

 

I will arrange to borrow some canoes off 15th Romsey ( North Baddesley ) Cup Pack, and will lend them to people to paddle up the Test, into Southampton water and up the Itchen, where they can moor opposite the stadium.

 

This is my main focus at this time, as I am sure you will agree... this is the single most important thing that need implementing right now.

 

Sod admin.... we need canoes.

[Saint 76er]

Not until the season is over would there be any fee paid over. In any event why not advertise him for sale and call Swansea's bluff.

 

For those not keeping up, this is relating to the potential sale of Dyer to Swansea. My point is that if we need 250k in the next 2-3 weeks then according to reports that amount is about what Swansea have offered. He's worth more (probably) but why not grab it now and save the club?

 

Time frame should be fine as the deal could be concluded first Monday in May, immediately after the Forest game and for such a bargain price we could surely plead poverty and demand the full fee up front.

 

Not sure about advertise him for sale (put a notice in the Times!) but time would be against trying to organise an auction, so best to take Swansea's money if it's still on the table, et voila LC & MF can sleep easy once again...

[SP Saint]

For those not keeping up, this is relating to the potential sale of Dyer to Swansea. My point is that if we need 250k in the next 2-3 weeks then according to reports that amount is about what Swansea have offered. He's worth more (probably) but why not grab it now and save the club?

 

Time frame should be fine as the deal could be concluded first Monday in May, immediately after the Forest game and for such a bargain price we could surely plead poverty and demand the full fee up front.

 

Not sure about advertise him for sale (put a notice in the Times!) but time would be against trying to organise an auction, so best to take Swansea's money if it's still on the table, et voila LC & MF can sleep easy once again...

 

We could even offer them a 'Buy one get one free' deal. After al we've got plenty of useless strikers to off-oad.

[derry]

For those not keeping up, this is relating to the potential sale of Dyer to Swansea. My point is that if we need 250k in the next 2-3 weeks then according to reports that amount is about what Swansea have offered. He's worth more (probably) but why not grab it now and save the club?

 

Time frame should be fine as the deal could be concluded first Monday in May, immediately after the Forest game and for such a bargain price we could surely plead poverty and demand the full fee up front.

 

Not sure about advertise him for sale (put a notice in the Times!) but time would be against trying to organise an auction, so best to take Swansea's money if it's still on the table, et voila LC & MF can sleep easy once again...

 

There is a mechanism for advertising available players by the PFA, or by circular to likely buyers.

 

The club nearly weren't able to play tomorrow's game. The Dyer fee wouldnt be in for a couple of weeks. Swansea might even choose to leave Saints with him on the books paying his salary for the summer then buy him. If anyone else came in it would up the ante.

 

In any event this was Lawrie McMenemy's suggestion that we could probably get a better price if we widened the scope.

[Saint 76er]

There is a mechanism for advertising available players by the PFA, or by circular to likely buyers.

 

The club nearly weren't able to play tomorrow's game. The Dyer fee wouldnt be in for a couple of weeks. Swansea might even choose to leave Saints with him on the books paying his salary for the summer then buy him. If anyone else came in it would up the ante.

 

In any event this was Lawrie McMenemy's suggestion that we could probably get a better price if we widened the scope.

 

Sorry to keep pushing this Derry, but wasn't the original idea that if we cut a deal with Swansea then the banks might accept that as some sort of guarantee and bankroll us to complete our fixtures?

 

On that basis it could be the immediate agreement of a deal that is most important rather than the actual day the money comes in.

 

I agree with LM that we could probably get a better price but I'm fairly sure other clubs would likely wait til July before moving, whereas Swansea really want him and know they will never get him cheaper than right now and can avoid getting gazumped if they sign immediately.

 

Given our financial status, I think I would be straight on the phone to the Liberty Stadium if I were Mark Fry.

[CB Fry]

Fantastic, I'll stand down, it's all yours. I'm gratified to see it's in such competent hands. That's me finished, I don't need this crap.

 

Good. The club will be taken over by a group of businessmen, not fans.

 

And the Trust, SISA, Alan Whitehead, Chorley, Illingsworth and your group will have nothing whatsoever to do with it. Thank the lord.

 

Well done on all you've done but really it has just been a glorified hobby.

 

Why not let the administrator get on with it? From what I can see he is doing a bloody good job.

[derry]

Sorry to keep pushing this Derry, but wasn't the original idea that if we cut a deal with Swansea then the banks might accept that as some sort of guarantee and bankroll us to complete our fixtures?

 

On that basis it could be the immediate agreement of a deal that is most important rather than the actual day the money comes in.

 

I agree with LM that we could probably get a better price but I'm fairly sure other clubs would likely wait til July before moving, whereas Swansea really want him and know they will never get him cheaper than right now and can avoid getting gazumped if they sign immediately.

 

Given our financial status, I think I would be straight on the phone to the Liberty Stadium if I were Mark Fry.

 

I don't know the details, some of the things happening are schizophrenic.

 

Saints Aid originally 2nd May, now 27th May. Celebrity game original date this monday, too early say club now 17th May. Dyer thing hanging out.

 

Yet the financial message is dire.

[StuRomseySaint]

Good. The club will be taken over by a group of businessmen, not fans.

 

And the Trust, SISA, Alan Whitehead, Chorley, Illingsworth and your group will have nothing whatsoever to do with it. Thank the lord.

 

Well done on all you've done but really it has just been a glorified hobby.

 

Why not let the administrator get on with it? From what I can see he is doing a bloody good job.

 

To be fair to Derry, I admire the bloke for doing something constructive to try and raise some money, I just hope he pushes on with his own fundraising and doesn't get bullied out by the ST and SISA and doesn't get bullied into the crazy 'fan ownership' idea.

[NickG]

relax. we will be ok.

[Mole]

relax. we will be ok.

 

I always knew we would be.

 

I hope that once the dust has settled we can get back to being a normal club and the Trust are allowed to die.

[um pahars]

To be fair to Derry, I admire the bloke for doing something constructive to try and raise some money, I just hope he pushes on with his own fundraising and doesn't get bullied out by the ST and SISA and doesn't get bullied into the crazy 'fan ownership' idea.

 

So what's your view going forward then Stu??

[StuRomseySaint]

So what's your view going forward then Stu??

 

Get taken over by someone who has the business knowledge and all the relevent contacts to make it work for us.....

 

.... even if their idea is to build the club back up again and sell it on for a profit.

 

Basically I would take anything over a fans owned club, even starting all over again in the non-leagues.

 

I also think that there would be sufficiant interest in a breakaway team if Saints Trust got their hands on the club, and invisage a similar team to AFC Wimbledon or FC United getting enough support.

 

There is a perfectly good non-league ground to rent to get started, it would help Eastleigh out too...

 

There is enough strong feeling about fan ownership, for every 1 person that supports their ideas, there is another 20 who absolutely dread the thought of the common fan getting their hands on a football club.

 

FFS some wealthy and succesful businessmen have not been able to make us break even... so why would the Saints Trust?

 

I won't set foot inside a stadium that Saints Trust, SISA or any other common fan has a stake in, and I don't think I will be alone.

Edited 24 April, 2009 by StuRomseySaint

[um pahars]

Get taken over by someone who has the business knowledge and all the relevent contacts to make it work for us.....

 

.... even if their idea is to build the club back up again and sell it on for a profit.

 

Basically I would take anything over a fans owned club, even starting all over again in the non-leagues.

 

I also think that there would be sufficiant interest in a breakaway team if Saints Trust got their hands on the club, and invisage a similar team to AFC Wimbledon or FC United getting enough support.

 

There is a perfectly good non-league ground to rent to get started, it would help Eastleigh out too...

 

There is enough strong feeling about fan ownership, for every 1 person that supports their ideas, there is another 20 who absolutely dread the thought of the common fan getting their hands on a football club.

 

FFS some wealthy and succesful businessmen have not been able to make us break even... so why would the Saints Trust?

 

I won't set foot inside a stadium that Saints Trust, SISA or any other common fan has a stake in, and I don't think I will be alone.

 

So you would rather we started again in The Wessex or Southern Leagues than be party to a fans led/involved consortium??

 

How would this new Club at the bottom of the pyramid be set up/owned??

[hypochondriac]

Get taken over by someone who has the business knowledge and all the relevent contacts to make it work for us.....

 

.... even if their idea is to build the club back up again and sell it on for a profit.

 

Basically I would take anything over a fans owned club, even starting all over again in the non-leagues.

 

I also think that there would be sufficiant interest in a breakaway team if Saints Trust got their hands on the club, and invisage a similar team to AFC Wimbledon or FC United getting enough support.

 

There is a perfectly good non-league ground to rent to get started, it would help Eastleigh out too...

 

There is enough strong feeling about fan ownership, for every 1 person that supports their ideas, there is another 20 who absolutely dread the thought of the common fan getting their hands on a football club.

 

FFS some wealthy and succesful businessmen have not been able to make us break even... so why would the Saints Trust?

 

I won't set foot inside a stadium that Saints Trust, SISA or any other common fan has a stake in, and I don't think I will be alone.

 

I totally agree with that.

[sotonswan]

I don't know the details, some of the things happening are schizophrenic.

 

A lot can happen in 24 hours. Bust one minute, billionaire owners the next. What is one to do?

 

Hope for the best. Plan for the worst. And mitigate those risks you can.

 

BTW I at least appreciate the work you're doing. It's this kind of enterprise that saved Swansea FC. 500 grand for a league 2 club that didn't own its own ground and a million of debt. 80% local small businessmen and 20% trust.

 

Of course you will get a whole load of **** for trying. No good deed goes unpunished after all. But you knew that, and it shouldn't bother you.

 

I shall be at St Mary's tomorrow. I have a small wager on a Saints/Swans double tomorrow. If it comes off, 50 quid in the bucket I think.

[StuRomseySaint]

So you would rather we started again in The Wessex or Southern Leagues than be party to a fans led/involved consortium??

 

How would this new Club at the bottom of the pyramid be set up/owned??

 

I was just going to edit that post a bit as it could be seen as slightly hypocritical!

 

It would be set up by a board of people who are not the Saints Trust and are not SISA or any other mickey mouse organisation.

 

The members of the board would be whoever has the money to get the scheme off the ground, and they would choose a board of people based on their relevent skills to the role etc... not because they say they are a fan of the club and blah blah blah

 

Lastly, going into the Wessex League also frightens me and I fear that I may be converted to an Eastleigh fan or find a new hobby, because you can bet your bottom dollar that if we go out of business, then the same usual suspects will be there setting up 'their' club again.

Edited 24 April, 2009 by StuRomseySaint

[um pahars]

I was just going to edit that post a bit as it could be seen as slightly hypocritical!

 

It would be set up by a board of people who are not the Saints Trust and are not SISA or any other mickey mouse organisation.

 

The members of the board would be whoever has the money to get the scheme off the ground, and they would choose a board of people based on their relevent skills to the role etc... not because they say they are a fan of the club and blah blah blah

 

But would the structure of the Club be ???

 

Ltd Co??? Some other set up???

 

What do you define as a common fan (and what distinguishs a non common fan from the ones you want nvovled)??? and How would you prevent them from owning a share/stake in the new Club???

[hypochondriac]

But would the structure of the Club be ???

 

Ltd Co??? Some other set up???

 

What do you define as a common fan (and what distinguishs a non common fan from the ones you want nvovled)??? and How would you prevent them from owning a share/stake in the new Club???

 

Surely you can see that he has some sort of point though Steve?

[StuRomseySaint]

But would the structure of the Club be ???

 

Ltd Co??? Some other set up???

 

What do you define as a common fan (and what distinguishs a non common fan from the ones you want nvovled)??? and How would you prevent them from owning a share/stake in the new Club???

 

The common fan is someone who has absolutely no experience in running a multi-million pound turnover company.

 

I would hope that someone like Crouch ( only in the way of football loving local businessman ) would invest in setting up his own Ltd company. Fan input at non-league level is alot more appealing than at League 1 level.

 

I am not completely 100% against supporters groups, I have said that from day 1, I am however 100% against the same old faces getting involved in Saints.

 

As I said before, I won't set foot in ANY stadium owned or ran by any of our uber-fans. If we did go non-league and they did muscle their way in, i would do everything I could to stop it, if I couldnt? .......................

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

..... i'd become a much better golfer.

[um pahars]

Surely you can see that he has some sort of point though Steve?

 

From what point???

 

I am very sceptical given the sums involved and I'm also sceptical given some of the names, but I also feel there is a fair bit of misinformation and misunderstanding out there.

 

But what is wrong with co-ordinating some input from the supporters to assist an existing consortium (as happened at Swansea)????

 

Are we really that different from Exeter (we're "bigger" than them but probably starting off the season from a lower league position) ???

 

And if we go down to Level 8 or 9, then I think a "new club" could well be based around supporters getting involved.

 

Or does Southampton FC just die and we all go off elsewhere????

[StuRomseySaint]

From what point???

 

I am very sceptical given the sums involved and I'm also sceptical given some of the names, but I also feel there is a fair bit of misinformation and misunderstanding out there.

 

But what is wrong with co-ordinating some input from the supporters to assist an existing consortium (as happened at Swansea)????

 

Are we really that different from Exeter (we're "bigger" than them but probably starting off the season from a lower league position) ???

 

And if we go down to Level 8 or 9, then I think a "new club" could well be based around supporters getting involved.

 

Or does Southampton FC just die and we all go off elsewhere????

 

Your right, if we are in level 8 then we would rely on a pool of 'fans' to get us going again, I just hope the people have the relevent skills and don't bully their way in, I also hope to god it's not the usual suspects, if it was then my football supporting days would be over.

 

I couldn't support Eastleigh or any other team, so I guess I would go off elsewhere and find a new hobby.

 

Once again, I don't have a problem with fans groups, I just don't want to see the usual suspects there and don't want people with no relevent skills having a say in the day to day running of the 'business'

[um pahars]

The common fan is someone who has absolutely no experience in running a multi-million pound turnover company.

 

The common fan would not be running the company. It would be no different from the existing shareholder relationship. When you buy shares in a company, it isn't a pre requiste that you could or owuld have to run the company.

 

I would hope that someone like Crouch ( only in the way of football loving local businessman ) would invest in setting up his own Ltd company. Fan input at non-league level is alot more appealing than at League 1 level.

 

My problem is that we have seen this Club run into the ground by a clique of supposed businessmen.

 

I am not completely 100% against supporters groups, I have said that from day 1, I am however 100% against the same old faces getting involved in Saints.

 

I'm strugglng to reconcile some of your posts on this with what you're saying now.

 

As I said before, I won't set foot in ANY stadium owned or ran by any of our uber-fans. If we did go non-league and they did muscle their way in, i would do everything I could to stop it, if I couldnt? .......................

 

Struggling again. Is it the uber fans you have a problem (as you're saying here) or do you have a problem with the concept???

 

Some serious questions as hopefully it might flesh out some of the reasons for you thinking this way, as being honest whilst a degree of scepticism is to be expected here (as I think there are some very bug hurdles to jump over), I do think some of your way of thinking is somewhat hypocricital and contradictory.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Your right, if we are in level 8 then we would rely on a pool of 'fans' to get us going again, I just hope the people have the relevent skills and don't bully their way in, I also hope to god it's not the usual suspects, if it was then my football supporting days would be over.

 

I couldn't support Eastleigh or any other team, so I guess I would go off elsewhere and find a new hobby.

 

Once again, I don't have a problem with fans groups, I just don't want to see the usual suspects there and don't want people with no relevent skills having a say in the day to day running of the 'business'

 

 

Saints = "a hobby"

 

Nah Stu - its not a hobby mate, its a part of my life.

[StuRomseySaint]

The common fan would not be running the company. It would be no different from the existing shareholder relationship. When you buy shares in a company, it isn't a pre requiste that you could or owuld have to run the company.

 

Well I don't agree with the common fan being on the board, I think regular open forums etc and a 'customer care' department are all that is needed.

 

Some people live through rose-tinted glasses and still see themselves as 'fans' in the eyes of the business. The fact is, we are customers first and foremost.

 

My problem is that we have seen this Club run into the ground by a clique of supposed businessmen.

 

Exactly, so god knows what would happen in a boardroom who not only squabble, like it seems they did last night, but also don't know anything about running a football club!

 

 

 

I'm strugglng to reconcile some of your posts on this with what you're saying now.

 

I said from the start that if the Saints Trust had any other agenda other than getting one of them on the board, then I would possibly join.

 

If you can tell me ONE time when the Saints Trust have represented their membership in the last year, then I would be pleased to hear it.

 

Maybe I am wrong and they did communicate and ballot their members, who passed the motion to campaign for the council to buy the stadium, or for this 'fans ownership' .

 

Maybe I am wrong and they really do have 838 active members?

 

Maybe I am wrong and they have communicated with their membership in the last year.

 

Maybe I am wrong and they are not using the Saints Trust name to massage their own ego's and cosy up as close to the board as possible.

 

Maybe I am wrong and they have given their members good value for their membership.

 

Then again, maybe I am not wrong....

 

 

Struggling again. Is it the uber fans you have a problem (as you're saying here) or do you have a problem with the concept???

 

My main issue is how the corrupt Saints Trust is being used as a vehicle for certain individuals to live their dream of running a football club.

 

So first and foremost it is the 'uber fans' I have a problem with.

 

However in a close second is the concept of having a fan on the board, I don't see a need for one individual to be privvy to things going on at the club, whilst others are kept in the dark. The amount of NDA's handed out at football clubs nowadays, it just wouldn't work.

 

Some serious questions as hopefully it might flesh out some of the reasons for you thinking this way, as being honest whilst a degree of scepticism is to be expected here (as I think there are some very bug hurdles to jump over), I do think some of your way of thining is somewhat hypocricital and contradictory.

 

My reasons are based on what Saints Trust or 'SISA' have done in the last few years.

 

Saints Trust is a group of a dozen or so mates, with next to no active members.

 

SISA is a group of half a dozen mates, with no active members.

 

Neither has done anything other than interviews and release statements, which are on behalf of nobody but themselves and their own ideas.

 

Nobody can try and tell me that either organisation represents their members, they are in it for themselves and nobody else.

 

Now I challenge anyone to prove to me different.

Edited 24 April, 2009 by StuRomseySaint

[hypochondriac]

I don't want to get into it in detail because it's boring but basically I oppose many of the decisions and how the Trust is run. It follows that if the organisation is run like that then the club would be too. There are examples of deception and pretending to be a democratic organisation when it is anything but. It worries me that if the people involved with the Trust now decided to star up the new SFC we would see the same mistakes being made. That's why I oppose fan ownership, it's all about getting the right people on board.

[Frank's cousin]

I am just struggling with the negativity. I fully appreciate healthy scepticism, because i have also been concerned that fans, although very willing and dedicated, can let their hearts rule their heads when it comes to serious management decisions, and that can spell disaster. I have also in the past been somewhat cynical of the Trust because it was teh same old same old names involved and when teh same folk always put themselves forward, its easy to fall into the trap thats its just for selfish reasons, that tehir motivation is egotistical rather than altruistic.

 

So what made me change my mind? Quite simply I got the chance to meet NI and SG. Cant say I would agree with everything they do, but I realised that if ego was involved it was minimal. The only reason we see teh sam names reappear is because no one else is prepared to get involved - When they do, they get the crap..unjustly.. and so I make no apologies for supporting these ideals - as idealistic as they may be, as difficult and improbable as it amy seem, but small acorns ARE needed for mighty Oaks, and they do need fertiles soil to florish... lets just say its worth watering these saplings to see which have the strength and support to grow. Cynicism and scepticism are healthy - ask the questions and keep these groups honest and accountable - but do it in a constructive way, encourage them to think about all teh consequences and get help where its needed.

 

I would like nothing more than a new owner with experience and money who has teh clubs best interests at heart, but the reality is that the administrator will be looking for the best deal for creditors, not for fans and we may end up with someone less able or less experienced but with jsut enough money to take control, yet no real passion for Saints, just driven by ego...I hope not, but the fans groups at least have the club at heart of all they do.

 

Stu and the rest, i do understand and appreciate your concerns, they are natural and it is important to not blindly support.....something some of us said about Wilde when he first showed up.... but its also important to be open minded to new ideas.

[Mole]

You just have to look at how the Saints Trust has been run from day one, and how the Ted Bates statue fiasco panned out, to see what a disaster it would be if the super fan clique were allowed anywhere near the club.