Supporters Expectance Forum...13/09/03

[FleetFanatic]

I think it SHOULD be in the clubhouse as I previously said.

 

Most people I know are talking Fleet issues before each game, so there wouldn't really be a problem.

 

By giving the club extra revenue over the bar you would then be supporting THE CLUB, regardless of Andy Ford's position.....

[Graham S]

I believe it's important that one section of support isn't seen as "ducking the issue."

 

So, whether it's held in the Club Bar or The Plough, I think the more "established" supporters should be there as well as those whose alleigance is more recent, just as those who incline toward a managerial change should be allowed to say their piece, along with those urging caution and those 100% behind Andy. So, Dave & Darren, whether you say anyhting or not, I think if it comes off you should be there, if only so you can't be accused of talking from ignorance if you later comment on the proceedings.

 

We need to agree the venue & a basic format. I appreciate Chuuby Jim's reluctance for any thing too formal - I don't really favour a strait jacket, Mr Chairman, style format myself, but there has to some sort of structure, to prevent it degenerating into a slanging match.

 

Clearly some sections of support feel alienated from others. If nothing else, this could be an excellent opportunity to make clear this is an inclusive, not an exclusive club, as far as its support is concerned.

 

And, Daz. What a delicious irony that you are now seen as Mr Establishment, after being reviled, in some quarters, as the Angry 'Young' Man, the Rebel Without A Cause, barely 12 months ago. God knows what they think of me - and I once had to endure a verbal attack, from a former chairman, during his address to supporters at an official function & was previously described by Chas Webster, along with himself, as one of the "lunatics, who had joined the asylum." Both in connection with a little publication called "The Halfway Chat." Now who remembers that?

 

Graham S

[Alan ( GNFC )]

Graham ,my 3 editions of 'Halfway Chat' live with my 'No Idea's and a few old club handbooks !

Now those were troubled times , ...the youth of today etc !

 

[FleetFanatic]

Graham - what exactly is this little forum going to achieve?

 

I still don't see a possible outcome.

 

Every supporter has their expectations - a supporters forum will not help realise those expectations.

 

By all means I will come along if it is in the club bar.

 

As for the delicious irony - perhaps there's a reason.....

 

.....then again, maybe not!

[Jessica]

I am disappointed that Chubby Jim, whoever he is thinks the Supporters

Asociation are ducking the issue. Without questions at the recent forum put forward by Supporters Association members and the Trust, no questions would have been asked.

[Vera]

I agree with Super Daz that if this meeting is held it should be in the Club House. Not only to get the extra revenue from the bar (shouldn't your main concern at this time be to bring money into the club) but at least it would ensure that only true supporters would be having input into this. They would have had to go through the turnstiles to get there - again they would have put money into the club. I know some of you probably go to the Plough as a matter of tradition before matches, but surely you could go there earlier and have your drinks. The club would still benefit from those who do not usually go to the Plough. Also you will know that only genuine supporters are involved.

[King Carlos]

Firstly I'd like to say that this post is in no way knocking the Supporters Association or anyone who is linked to the SA. I think everyone on here appreciates the work that the SA/Trust have done for the club.

 

I would like to ask what the SA would do if they came to the conclusion that managerial changes were needed. Would they voice there concerns even if they were in conflict with that of club officials, or would it simply act more as a 'supporters-liaison committee?' In other words is it an independent group or a branch of the club itself? If the latter is the case then surely this answers anyone's questions regarding the importance of an independent supporter's forum.

 

[Graham S]

"Graham - what exactly is this little forum going to achieve?

 

I still don't see a possible outcome."

 

Daz, of course you are right to raise this concern, as things stand. Nothing will be achieved unless there is an agreed structure so people can be heard without being shouted down. And most importantly, there has to be a clearly stated aim, even if it’s nothing more grand than getting a wide spectrum of supporters to introduce themselves & say what they feel about the Club’s current position. We might actually discover that we are unified in the depth of our support, despite differing in our opinions. Going a stage further, it would be no bad thing if agreement was reached that every bit of concerted, organized noise during the game was directed towards encouraging the team. Obviously, it’s not my place to suggest what the aims or structure should be. I’m not the proposer and probably hold very different views to him.

 

I’ve read the various postings on this & something Vera says strikes me as crucial, despite what I may have indicated earlier. If it is held, it has to be in the Club Bar. That way, at least everyone contributing is entitled to their say by virtue of having paid to see the game.

 

Graham S

 

[Guest]

Quote:

Super Daz said:
Graham - what exactly is this little forum going to achieve?

And what is doing nothing exept moaning on here going to do?

If we don't try and get something sorted, then you'll only have yourselves to blame when there are different sections of support in the ground sending out mixed messages to the players. It's okay for posters to go of in a huff cos people don't agree with their opinions on here, but you'll be the first ones moaning when the 'Ford Out' charts start.

As I'm sure your all aware these forums are probably only viewed by a tiny minority of fleet fans, so your rants on here will not stop people who ain't read the posts acting in a way they see fit.

Run away and hide, throw your dummies out the pram, but unless you try and get your point accross about team unity then don't moan when the fans turn on ford.

Over and out.

[Vera]

I don't want to keep banging on about the choice of venue, but can someone just tell me the advantages of having it at the Plough as opposed to the Club House? Possibly some supporters who would normally be putting money into the club will come to the Plough just because that is where you have decided to hold this get together. Money is what the club needs more than anything not only to progress but more importantly to survive! There may be dads with children whom whould prefer the clubhouse for their children.

Also there are supporters at the club who can't go to the Plough before matches because they are too busy trying to help the club by selling programmes, golden goal tickets, getting the ground ready, and all the other thankless tasks they do for us. If it is in the club house then they can possibly pop in for a few minutes and have their input however menial. This is after all a chance for everybody to have their say, or have I got it wrong?

Please all I need is convincing that the Plough is better than the club house. Then I will shut up and get back to the kitchen sink.

[mightymole]

chubby jim you must live in a dream world thinking a forum in the plough would achieve anything. and i quote many other posters on here "should be in the club house " which it should be otherwise you are not supporting the club weather or not you want andy ford to stay or go and again i quote from super daz on another board " it's the board who deceides" so if you want yourvoice to be heard do it through the proper channels and not hold a stay away forum which will only affect the club you so called support.

[John@TheFleet]

Oh Jeez, what can we hope to achieve with this forum when we can't even agree where the bloody thing should be held!?! Sod it, I shall be in the club-house at 1.30pm ready for a forum. If you're not there, then I've missed it. I'll just potter off & sell my Golden Goal tickets instead. At least I'd be doing something for the club.

[King Carlos]

Bar does sound like a better option. I'll be in the clubhouse at 1.30,

[John@TheFleet]

'Ere! King Carlos! your middle name isn't 'Freddy' by any chance, is it? KFC? I'd say it to your face but I'm chicken!! I'll get fried for this!! Or worse, battered!!!.....er.....see you in the club,then......... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[King Carlos]

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />club it is