The Horse's Mouth & Gazza meet with Jim

[The Horse'sMouth]

Following Saturday's woeful performance and the abuse certain players received and bearing in mind some of the comments on here I was called by Chairman Dave and asked to attend an informal meeting with Jim along with Gazza.

 

Neither of us knew what to expect but we were both more than willing to attend.

 

I think I was asked because of my regular column in the Gazette and Gazza because I think a couple of his comments had been noticed by Jim.

 

Jim was obviously disappointed by Saturdays result and was upset by some of the abuse levelled at the players especially Bryan. We advised that neither of us were responsible for this. He also wasn't happy with a number of comments on here.

 

We pointed out that this is a forum and all supporters have different opinions. Gazza made the point that just as many comments were in favour of Jim then against and in support of Bryan for that matter. I was honest enough to say that personally I am not a Bryan fan. I pointed out that I do not believe he has ever won over a large section of the supporters. I pointed out my main problem was that he appeared to be immune from being dropped or even substituted. I actually said that if you want to show how good he is then drop him, because if he so good then we would miss him if he was dropped.

 

Both Jim and Dave seemed to think my column was too negative and I would answer that by saying that if you give me something positive to write then I will do so. Hard to be positive on Saturday performance and Ruislip or Aveley etc etc. Also this is a fans view not the Clubs view and I aren't just going to write what the Club want. I do also take on board a lot of what is said on the forum before writing my article to canvas peoples opinion.

 

Jim is very confident that his current squad of players are the best yet and both Gazza and myself both felt that there was a number of good signings. Jim makes no excuses for Saturday and he still feels his record as manager speaks for itself.

 

A number of other points were discussed a lot of which received little argument.

 

Although I was willing to attend the meeting which I felt gave all involved a chance to get things off their chests I'm not sure it served any purpose other than to give those involved a better understanding of the other persons point of view. I still intend to express MY opinion on here and in the Gazette even if this means slagging off the players and management.

 

Hopefully, none of the people involved in the meeting mind me writing this but if they do then I'm afraid its too late. I'm sure I will be corrected if I get any points incorrect.

 

One thing is clear and that is Jim is more than willing to discuss the Town's performances with the supporters. Maybe a few more of us should do so.

 

Not sure if Gazza has anything to add.

[Mr Happy]

Many thanks for you and Gazza taking the time to meet with Dave and Jim and getting your points across. Hopefully this might lead to more openness in the future.

[The Invisible Man]

Many thanks also to Jim and Dave for setting up and attending the meeting.

 

THM, I'm sure it is only used in the sense of an everyday expression but I hope you won't "slag off" the club, the team or staff. Informed and objective criticism certainly, it is your duty as a journo, but to "slag off" implies something else - to me anyway. I'm sure that's what you meant though.

 

To be fair, I remember posting right at the start 5 years ago that we knew we would have some hard times amd disappointments in the months and years to come but would come through them. Well, on balance we haven't had too many really have we? We're out of the cups we had no chance of winning anyway and have had some poor performances, but it's only October, we're 5th in the league, we have a good squad and an experienced successful manager. What's more we play in the borough, own our club and elect our board.

 

It doesn't sound nearly as bad as has been made out, from where I am among the dark satanic mills. I say the glass is half full, not half empty!

[The Horse'sMouth]

Quote:

The Invisible Man said:
THM, I'm sure it is only used in the sense of an everyday expression

Of course <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/angel.gif" alt="" />

[townerboy]

seconded. what did JC have to say about Bryan? Coudl he ever be dropped?

 

Quote:

Mr Happy said:

Many thanks for you and Gazza taking the time to meet with Dave and Jim and getting your points across. Hopefully this might lead to more openness in the future.

[andyetfc]

Quote:

The Horse'sMouth said:

I think I was asked because of my regular column in the Gazette and Gazza because I think a couple of his comments had been noticed by Jim.

There have been a lot more stinging comments on this forum levelled against the team by people other than Gazza. Will they be asked to an 'informal meeting?'

Just remember that this is an unofficial forum and is not recognised by the board so why is there such an issue over the postings? People are allowed their opinions and all someone has to do is to stand and listen to the opinions of those who attend the games to find that people are passionate about ETFC but are currently not happy with the performance of the team.

[Tom S]

Quote:

andyetfc said:

Quote:

The Horse'sMouth said:

I think I was asked because of my regular column in the Gazette and Gazza because I think a couple of his comments had been noticed by Jim.

There have been a lot more stinging comments on this forum levelled against the team by people other than Gazza. Will they be asked to an 'informal meeting?'

Just remember that this is an unofficial forum and is not recognised by the board so why is there such an issue over the postings? People are allowed their opinions and all someone has to do is to stand and listen to the opinions of those who attend the games to find that people are passionate about ETFC but are currently not happy with the performance of the team.

Lovely Stuff's invitation was returned by the Royal Mail 'not known' <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Gazza]

Evening all, not much I can add that THM has not already put into print above.

The meeting was very open & polite, I would ask the question would Dave or another board member along with JC or Peter Hammett be prepared to have a Q&A forum evening where all supporters could attend & ask questions or put their "constructive" thoughts across on a regular basis, say every couple of months?

 

I did express that Jim or Dave should not worry too much about the forum ramblings & that it was in the majorty, "genuine" supporters showing their concern for "THEIR" club & if it was worrying them that much dont read it.

 

Anyway here's to a good game Saturday with a guaranteed "4 4 2" formation!! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> (Guaranteed!!!!!!)

[Out_Of_Towner]

So its an unofficial forum not recognised by the club and yet Gazza & T H M were summoned to a meeting with the managment that dont recognise this forum . Reading between the lines it looks like the club are trying to stifle criticism of the teams poor show so far from the two guys that have been outspoken and are known to them . I wont allow myself to be fobbed off by it . Out of 3 cups all in the first round and 5th in the league and we havnt even beaten the better sides yet .Another false dawn from the management perhaps !

[OldTowner]

All a bit strange don't you think.

A forum for supporters.

A forum - Not the ETFC - so the club are not to blame.

A forum which the Club obviously don't like.

A forum which the Club obviously read.

A forum the Club would like stopped ?

 

Tough. The Club, The Management, The Manager WILL get "comments" if the team perform as poorly as last weekend.

Whilst we all want the team to win, we all want to see a team try and play good football.

 

Home performances are below the acceptable level.

 

Home performances appear to be "planned" by the Management to start defencive and to give the opposition far to much respect. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/boxing.gif" alt="" />

[Out_Of_Towner]

Agree with you Totally Old Towner. I will still have my opinion whether they like it or not. If they dont WELL TOUGH.

[andyetfc]

Quote:

Out_Of_Towner said:
So its an unofficial forum not recognised by the club and yet Gazza & T H M were summoned to a meeting with the managment that dont recognise this forum . Reading between the lines it looks like the club are trying to stifle criticism of the teams poor show so far from the two guys that have been outspoken and are known to them . I wont allow myself to be fobbed off by it . Out of 3 cups all in the first round and 5th in the league and we havnt even beaten the better sides yet .Another false dawn from the management perhaps !

So you have read between my lines.

Would something like this ever happen at other clubs? What are people worried about?

[Out_Of_Towner]

Yes I have . How typical of one of the J C fan club .What are people worried about he says , Guess <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/argue.gif" alt="" />?

[Gonzo]

Quote:

Gazza said:
Anyway here's to a good game Saturday with a guaranteed "4 4 2" formation!! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> (Guaranteed!!!!!!)

Finally! You know it really is a fans-owned club when individual supporters are summoned to meet with the chairman/manager and tell him who to drop and what formation to play!(?)

Bet you Bryan still starts next game and plays a full 90. The end of wing-backs?! - I'll believe it when I see it!

When's Jim due round mine for a cuppa?

[Duke of York]

I think the problem at Enfield Town (and Enfield FC before Town's formation) is that you get spoilt by winning so many games. As the team goes up through the divisions it does innevitably becomes tougher and so the losses come through with more frequency. I've seen my main team lose far more often than I've seen us win over the last 30 years. I've been there when we've lost 7-0 and I can remember waiting 16 games into the season before seeing the club's first win in 1987. I was at game last night when we threw the match away that we should have won by 4 or 5 goals. It doesn't mean I'm going to start a campaign to get Billy Mac the sack.

 

If Enfield Town is to make progress we need to accept that we will lose and play badly at times. Those that can't cope when the going gets tough should get on with following their main team on SkyTV.

 

If you can't stand the heat and all that!

 

Some you win, some you lose.

[The Horse'sMouth]

The reason why this forum is UNOFFICIAL is not because the Club don't want to recognise or read it but for legal reasons and problems we had in the past when it was offiical.

 

Regarding Bryan, Jim is obviously a big fan and thinks his work rate and movement of the ball is not recognised by a lot of the fans. He also was very keen to mention that since he was captain our bookings count has dropped substantially. I understand he is carrying a knock so may not be playing on Saturday anyway.

 

I did come out of the meeting wondering if the club were trying to stifle opinion. i think I made it clear it won't work, with me anyway!

 

I think a regular Q & A with the management is an excellent idea. Maybe worth suggesting, but will the critics be brave enough to attend ?

[Mr Happy]

I agree.

[Arkwright]

Quote:

The Horse'sMouth said:

I think a regular Q & A with the management is an excellent idea. Maybe worth suggesting, but will the critics be brave enough to attend ?

As most of them don't have the balls to name themselves on here I doubt it.

[The Horse'sMouth]

The idea is still not a bad one. Will give people the chance to talk to Jim and the players about football.

[Mr Happy]

I think it is a good idea. It will help to bring players, managment and supporters closer. That will in turn improve the all round atmosphere and motivation and could lead to big improvements on the pitch.