v Torquay

[Norbert22]

20 minutes ago, RebelVilla said:

I think that Moaners Corner would quickly become very full unfortunately. Still, at least it would give those fans who have a more realistic view on the situation more space.

It could be called Mafia Corner.

 

[John Ellis]

For what it’s worth, the club is building with foundations so it can become sustainable at a higher level in the future and sometimes you have to sacrifice the here and now to be able to achieve that.

if you look at how much the club has improved behind the scenes you will understand just how much has gone into building for the future. There is no millionaire investor, no endless pot of cash like many teams in our league have the luxury of using, even that doesn’t guarantee you success as so many have proved.

a lot of the negative aspects of this season have come from uncontrollable aspects, injuries have been consistent and losing a player like Henry so early in the season would severely disrupt any team! Players moving on has to be celebrated, it’s where we are as a club and that’s just reality.

But take it from me, staying in this league for us as a club is a huge achievement this season, progress will follow it just needs time to be implemented.

[Norbert22]

1 hour ago, bonjour said:

Well we can't please everyone and it seems that some people are only happy when they are moaning, I should know as I have a mother in law who moans all the time and believe me it makes her so happy.

 

 

 

Giving the declining home attendances many unhappy punters have given up 

Edited April 12 by Norbert22

[Nathan]

*** MOAN ALERT ***

I've been supporting the Rebels since the summer of 1999. In that time, there have been many ups and downs but I've stuck with the club through thick and thin, even after I moved out of the area some years ago. But there's always been a strong culture here of "don't moan, don't question, don't rock the boat".

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 1998 (the year before I started supporting the club), where the club ran out of money, got thrown out of the Conference and nearly went to the wall.

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 2000 where, despite having one of the largest budgets in the league and serious expectations of winning the Isthmian League (which was then step 2) title, the club ran out of money by January, got relegated and nearly went to the wall.

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 2006 where once again the club ran out of money, got relegated and spent the next 7 years at step 4 having once again very nearly gone to the wall.

It's heartwarming to see that despite all this, this "don't moan" culture is still as strong as ever and that the more things change the more things stay the same. Rather ironic given that we're nicknamed The Rebels, isn't it?

We're all Rebels (well some of us are) so we all want what's best for the club. But has it ever occurred to anyone that this "don't moan" or "nothing matters because we have excuses" culture may not be the best thing for the club in the long term? That's not simply stirring the pot for the fun of it.

This squad is capable of doing much more than barely keeping our heads above the water, we were sitting pretty a month ago which is remarkable given where we were at Christmas. Scotty and the team deserve the utmost credit for this; I'll admit I didn't think that our recovery was going to happen. But why nobody seems bothered by the fact that we were in serious trouble at Christmas, or by our form and performances over the post month utterly beyond me. It's as if we've accepted and embraced mediocrity (for want of a better word), which is never a good thing.

Given our lack of resources, I would simply ask (if I may): what steps are being taken to rectify this and can we be assured of a competitive budget next season (as this is clearly needed, whichever way we look at it)? I seem to recall this was promised last year, only for us to spent the next 9 months wailing about how our budget is much smaller than everyone else's...

As for this "moaners corner" suggestion, well we had one yesterday. It was called "behind the goal".

*** END OF MOAN ***

[G Brown]

2 hours ago, Nathan said:

*** MOAN ALERT ***

I've been supporting the Rebels since the summer of 1999. In that time, there have been many ups and downs but I've stuck with the club through thick and thin, even after I moved out of the area some years ago. But there's always been a strong culture here of "don't moan, don't question, don't rock the boat".

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 1998 (the year before I started supporting the club), where the club ran out of money, got thrown out of the Conference and nearly went to the wall.

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 2000 where, despite having one of the largest budgets in the league and serious expectations of winning the Isthmian League (which was then step 2) title, the club ran out of money by January, got relegated and nearly went to the wall.

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 2006 where once again the club ran out of money, got relegated and spent the next 7 years at step 4 having once again very nearly gone to the wall.

It's heartwarming to see that despite all this, this "don't moan" culture is still as strong as ever and that the more things change the more things stay the same. Rather ironic given that we're nicknamed The Rebels, isn't it?

We're all Rebels (well some of us are) so we all want what's best for the club. But has it ever occurred to anyone that this "don't moan" or "nothing matters because we have excuses" culture may not be the best thing for the club in the long term? That's not simply stirring the pot for the fun of it.

This squad is capable of doing much more than barely keeping our heads above the water, we were sitting pretty a month ago which is remarkable given where we were at Christmas. Scotty and the team deserve the utmost credit for this; I'll admit I didn't think that our recovery was going to happen. But why nobody seems bothered by the fact that we were in serious trouble at Christmas, or by our form and performances over the post month utterly beyond me. It's as if we've accepted and embraced mediocrity (for want of a better word), which is never a good thing.

Given our lack of resources, I would simply ask (if I may): what steps are being taken to rectify this and can we be assured of a competitive budget next season (as this is clearly needed, whichever way we look at it)? I seem to recall this was promised last year, only for us to spent the next 9 months wailing about how our budget is much smaller than everyone else's...

As for this "moaners corner" suggestion, well we had one yesterday. It was called "behind the goal".

*** END OF MOAN ***

Nathan, having supported the club since 1989, and having been a Man Utd fan since 1984, I can safely say that no matter what we say on here or anywhere, whether it be positive or negative, has any bearing on the way an Owner runs a football club. They will do what they want when they want, just like business owners in all industries, because they know they cannot please everyone and will make decisions based upon what they think is best, and if a business goes to the wall then so be it. Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is and it will never change!

[Norbert22]

3 hours ago, Nathan said:

*** MOAN ALERT ***

This "moaners corner" suggestion, well we had one yesterday. It was called "behind the goal".

*** END OF MOAN ***

You have forced the Mafia into an omerta.  The Mafia code of silence. 

 

Oops spoke too soon. 

Edited April 12 by Norbert22

[HEAVY TRUCKER]

40 minutes ago, G Brown said:

Nathan, having supported the club since 1989, and having been a Man Utd fan since 1984, I can safely say that no matter what we say on here or anywhere, whether it be positive or negative, has any bearing on the way an Owner runs a football club. They will do what they want when they want, just like business owners in all industries, because they know they cannot please everyone and will make decisions based upon what they think is best, and if a business goes to the wall then so be it. Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is and it will never change!

 

3 hours ago, Nathan said:

*** MOAN ALERT ***

I've been supporting the Rebels since the summer of 1999. In that time, there have been many ups and downs but I've stuck with the club through thick and thin, even after I moved out of the area some years ago. But there's always been a strong culture here of "don't moan, don't question, don't rock the boat".

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 1998 (the year before I started supporting the club), where the club ran out of money, got thrown out of the Conference and nearly went to the wall.

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 2000 where, despite having one of the largest budgets in the league and serious expectations of winning the Isthmian League (which was then step 2) title, the club ran out of money by January, got relegated and nearly went to the wall.

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 2006 where once again the club ran out of money, got relegated and spent the next 7 years at step 4 having once again very nearly gone to the wall.

It's heartwarming to see that despite all this, this "don't moan" culture is still as strong as ever and that the more things change the more things stay the same. Rather ironic given that we're nicknamed The Rebels, isn't it?

We're all Rebels (well some of us are) so we all want what's best for the club. But has it ever occurred to anyone that this "don't moan" or "nothing matters because we have excuses" culture may not be the best thing for the club in the long term? That's not simply stirring the pot for the fun of it.

This squad is capable of doing much more than barely keeping our heads above the water, we were sitting pretty a month ago which is remarkable given where we were at Christmas. Scotty and the team deserve the utmost credit for this; I'll admit I didn't think that our recovery was going to happen. But why nobody seems bothered by the fact that we were in serious trouble at Christmas, or by our form and performances over the post month utterly beyond me. It's as if we've accepted and embraced mediocrity (for want of a better word), which is never a good thing.

Given our lack of resources, I would simply ask (if I may): what steps are being taken to rectify this and can we be assured of a competitive budget next season (as this is clearly needed, whichever way we look at it)? I seem to recall this was promised last year, only for us to spent the next 9 months wailing about how our budget is much smaller than everyone else's...

As for this "moaners corner" suggestion, well we had one yesterday. It was called "behind the goal".

*** END OF MOAN ***

yer both new boys  so get some time in  iv'e been a fan since the 60's when my dad used to bring me along and my grand dad used to sell programs and raffle tickets at the club before that, i have opinions and feel that i have done the time to express them and respect other opinions wether i agree with them or not just wish others would do the same 

[G Brown]

11 minutes ago, HEAVY TRUCKER said:

 

yer both new boys  so get some time in  iv'e been a fan since the 60's when my dad used to bring me along and my grand dad used to sell programs and raffle tickets at the club before that, i have opinions and feel that i have done the time to express them and respect other opinions wether i agree with them or not just wish others would do the same 

I’m a bit lost… Anyone can express their opinion, positive or negative, just because someone has a certain opinion does not mean others need to agree with it 

Many years ago now, I was hounded off this forum and stopped attending games because my opinion was vilified by a lot of people on here, and I was singled out by management and players, that treatment made me realise no matter what I say I won’t win, even though my opinion at that that time turned out to be correct i think 

Edited April 12 by G Brown

[Rebellier]

4 hours ago, Nathan said:

*** MOAN ALERT ***

I've been supporting the Rebels since the summer of 1999. In that time, there have been many ups and downs but I've stuck with the club through thick and thin, even after I moved out of the area some years ago. But there's always been a strong culture here of "don't moan, don't question, don't rock the boat".

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 1998 (the year before I started supporting the club), where the club ran out of money, got thrown out of the Conference and nearly went to the wall.

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 2000 where, despite having one of the largest budgets in the league and serious expectations of winning the Isthmian League (which was then step 2) title, the club ran out of money by January, got relegated and nearly went to the wall.

This attitude didn't do the club any good in 2006 where once again the club ran out of money, got relegated and spent the next 7 years at step 4 having once again very nearly gone to the wall.

It's heartwarming to see that despite all this, this "don't moan" culture is still as strong as ever and that the more things change the more things stay the same. Rather ironic given that we're nicknamed The Rebels, isn't it?

We're all Rebels (well some of us are) so we all want what's best for the club. But has it ever occurred to anyone that this "don't moan" or "nothing matters because we have excuses" culture may not be the best thing for the club in the long term? That's not simply stirring the pot for the fun of it.

This squad is capable of doing much more than barely keeping our heads above the water, we were sitting pretty a month ago which is remarkable given where we were at Christmas. Scotty and the team deserve the utmost credit for this; I'll admit I didn't think that our recovery was going to happen. But why nobody seems bothered by the fact that we were in serious trouble at Christmas, or by our form and performances over the post month utterly beyond me. It's as if we've accepted and embraced mediocrity (for want of a better word), which is never a good thing.

Given our lack of resources, I would simply ask (if I may): what steps are being taken to rectify this and can we be assured of a competitive budget next season (as this is clearly needed, whichever way we look at it)? I seem to recall this was promised last year, only for us to spent the next 9 months wailing about how our budget is much smaller than everyone else's...

As for this "moaners corner" suggestion, well we had one yesterday. It was called "behind the goal".

*** END OF MOAN ***

Yesterday I sat in the main stand for the first time this season. Plenty of moaning going on there too, and some of it within clear earshot of players and management which frankly was embarrassing to listen to.

[Windsor Rebel]

Does all this really matter? Its end of season stuff, we are staying up anyway

[Rebellier]

3 minutes ago, Windsor Rebel said:

Does all this really matter? Its end of season stuff, we are staying up anyway

It's probably because it may be the same again next season too.

[Nathan]

2 hours ago, G Brown said:

Nathan, having supported the club since 1989, and having been a Man Utd fan since 1984, I can safely say that no matter what we say on here or anywhere, whether it be positive or negative, has any bearing on the way an Owner runs a football club. They will do what they want when they want, just like business owners in all industries, because they know they cannot please everyone and will make decisions based upon what they think is best, and if a business goes to the wall then so be it. Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is and it will never change!

Maybe we can change things, maybe not. I remember the open dissent (despite the no moaning rule) against our then manager during that awful 2000/01 season, not that that did any good! But that's no reason for fans to keep shtum about things they feel may be harming their club (regardless of whether this comes from the board, owners, manager, other fans or anywhere else); it's human nature, even is it's only to let off some steam in the heat of the moment.

It's sometimes forgotten that football fans are paying customers (whose opinions are just as valid as anyone else's). Football clubs, like any business, have nothing if not for their paying customers and like all business owners, clubs can ignore them at their peril.

17 minutes ago, Rebellier said:

Yesterday I sat in the main stand for the first time this season. Plenty of moaning going on there too, and some of it within clear earshot of players and management which frankly was embarrassing to listen to.

That depends on what was being said. I'd say that after 20 minutes, hardly any of us behind the goal paid much attention to the match. Apart from the moaning, we were staring at our phones or chatting about something else and not one single chant was started. Is this the new normal?

14 minutes ago, Windsor Rebel said:

Does all this really matter? Its end of season stuff, we are staying up anyway

Some numpty said that on here last week: he was promptly shot down in flames corrected! 😉🤣😂

Edited April 12 by Nathan

[Reading Rebel]

5 hours ago, John Ellis said:

For what it’s worth, the club is building with foundations so it can become sustainable at a higher level in the future and sometimes you have to sacrifice the here and now to be able to achieve that.

if you look at how much the club has improved behind the scenes you will understand just how much has gone into building for the future. There is no millionaire investor, no endless pot of cash like many teams in our league have the luxury of using, even that doesn’t guarantee you success as so many have proved.

a lot of the negative aspects of this season have come from uncontrollable aspects, injuries have been consistent and losing a player like Henry so early in the season would severely disrupt any team! Players moving on has to be celebrated, it’s where we are as a club and that’s just reality.

But take it from me, staying in this league for us as a club is a huge achievement this season, progress will follow it just needs time to be implemented.

It's good to hear that behind the scenes the owners are building sustainable foundations to progress the club to a higher level.

The problem is most supporters will not have any idea on whats going on behind the scenes, all they'll see is that on the pitch in the league the club seems to be going backwards.

i.e. low budget, selling our best players, flirting with relegation and attendances either static or in general getting smaller.

Perhaps the club could in some way inform supporters of our current situation and what their plans are for the future and when we can expect these plans to come to fruition.  

Perhaps we can have another fans forum where supporters can air their views and get some answers to any questions they may have about the current position of the club and what plans they have in motion currently and in the future to progress the club to the next level.

[Reading Rebel]

2 hours ago, G Brown said:

Nathan, having supported the club since 1989, and having been a Man Utd fan since 1984, I can safely say that no matter what we say on here or anywhere, whether it be positive or negative, has any bearing on the way an Owner runs a football club. They will do what they want when they want, just like business owners in all industries, because they know they cannot please everyone and will make decisions based upon what they think is best, and if a business goes to the wall then so be it. Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is and it will never change!

I'm not sure running a football club properly, especially in non league, works that way.

Owners, especially the ones who make a living from football, should always keep supporters on side by listening to their views and opinions. 

They may not agree and act on those views/opinions but continual communication and dialogue with fans is crucial if a club is to grow and prosper.

Edited April 12 by Reading Rebel

[G Brown]

23 minutes ago, Reading Rebel said:

I'm not sure running a football club properly, especially in non league, works that way.

Owners, especially the ones who make a living from football, should always keep supporters on side by listening to their views and opinions. 

They may not agree and act on those views/opinions but continual communication and dialogue with fans is crucial if a club is to grow and prosper.

I agree with you but I just think comms from all owners, from top to bottom of the football pyramid is poor. They leave it to the manager to face the music week after week. Yes, supporters air their views but how many listen? They take things under consideration but normally they make the decision in what they deem to be the best interests of their clubs!

Urgh! I just got a chill, that last bit, I sound like Kier Starmer 😩

 

[Curtis]

Wasn’t it inevitable that as soon as the Club got to a place where they were looking safe & Makowski & Desbois left, that they weren’t going to throw any money at getting replacements, and instead see if any of the youngsters might deserve a contract next season?

Personally, I didn’t renew my season tickets this season, haven’t found the way we play at all entertaining, and the last match I went to was at home to Dover.

So, with the Club now on a run of 2 points from the last 8 matches (which I haven’t endured) & bottom of the form table for this period, I’m not at all surprised that there are complaints (or moans).

I do still think though that on what is reported to be a very low budget it is remarkable that Scott found a group of players & a style of play that has kept the Club in this league & achieved a great FA Cup run.

I am hoping he gets a better playing budget, with the cup run & transfer fees he deserves it, if he doesn’t I don’t think me coming on here moaning will change anything though.

 

[Twyford Rebel]

1 hour ago, Reading Rebel said:

It's good to hear that behind the scenes the owners are building sustainable foundations to progress the club to a higher level.

The problem is most supporters will not have any idea on whats going on behind the scenes, all they'll see is that on the pitch in the league the club seems to be going backwards.

i.e. low budget, selling our best players, flirting with relegation and attendances either static or in general getting smaller.

Perhaps the club could in some way inform supporters of our current situation and what their plans are for the future and when we can expect these plans to come to fruition.  

Perhaps we can have another fans forum where supporters can air their views and get some answers to any questions they may have about the current position of the club and what plans they have in motion currently and in the future to progress the club to the next level.

Agreed. I do think that a little more communication from the board would work wonders. All we can see at the minute is a constant battle to stay in the league. If this is the best we can hope for, so be it, we can manage our expectations accordingly. Similarly, if there is some grand plan in the background to really push the club on, then share it with us to give us some hope. But which ever it is, please tell us.

[Scott Davies]

12 minutes ago, Curtis said:

Wasn’t it inevitable that as soon as the Club got to a place where they were looking safe & Makowski & Desbois left, that they weren’t going to throw any money at getting replacements, and instead see if any of the youngsters might deserve a contract next season?

Personally, I didn’t renew my season tickets this season, haven’t found the way we play at all entertaining, and the last match I went to was at home to Dover.

So, with the Club now on a run of 2 points from the last 8 matches (which I haven’t endured) & bottom of the form table for this period, I’m not at all surprised that there are complaints (or moans).

I do still think though that on what is reported to be a very low budget it is remarkable that Scott found a group of players & a style of play that has kept the Club in this league & achieved a great FA Cup run.

I am hoping he gets a better playing budget, with the cup run & transfer fees he deserves it, if he doesn’t I don’t think me coming on here moaning will change anything though.

 

Just on the comment about the way we play, and it not being entertaining…

Firstly, not 1% of me is annoyed reading that, and secondly you’ve been a big supporter of mine with what I’ve read on this forum so I appreciate it.

Having been brought up in academy football since the age of 8, playing professionally under some top managers which I’ve been extremely luckily to do, I’ve always wanted to get the ball down and play.

Once I got the job I soon figured that we would have to find a way to be competitive with a style that would be more effective than possibly pretty.

I look at Worthing and Dorking who are probably the best possession based teams who I’m sure you would buy a season ticket to watch! However, they have the luxury of being able to get the best players to fit their style.

If we tried to emulate that then I genuinely think we would fall a long way short. I have huge admiration for Chippenham, but the way in which they play might be more pleasant on the eye than us but you only have to look at what’s happened this season.

Ive said it time and time before to many people that if we tried to copy a Dorking then it would be like a fiat 500 racing a Ferrari, and ultimately we would lose!

Id like to think that being the second top scorers in the league over the past 3 seasons for the teams that have been in it for that length of time, the football hasn’t been too bad, if not, surely exciting?!

But yeah, no offence taken at all, but hopefully that clears things up!

 

[Curtis]

No offence was intended, I completely understand why you are playing the current style of football. 
 

I would just like to see you with a budget big enough to change it.

[G Brown]

Reading all the comments on here, 1 thing is clear, we are all united in wanting the best for our club, and Scott. Give him the tools and I firmly believe we push on. Does anyone on here have enough clout to send an email to the Board and request an update on where we currently stand with the “5 year plan” eg when can we expect to see a budget more in line with the mid range of the division? And… big question, if we are years away from that, are there plans to sell the club or find a sugar daddy?

 

Edited April 13 by G Brown