| T2C and LD we go further.... 12:02 - Dec 24 with 13494 views | _ |
I was going to pm this one instead of posting it public. Some of you I'm finding hard to stomach and I genuinely can't see why people feel it ok to not challenge the goings on at our club.
If we challenge things and everything is rosy then great, that's what we all want, if it's not, we should be discussing this with a belief we can do something about it.
So once again, for the real thicko's out there.... I didn't want this meeting and didn't want to go. I went because I was asked and also because I wasn't afraid to.
If you read anything new, great, if it's old hat then I can't help that can I? But I've been asked to report back and I will try again this time.
Bearing in mind we were together 2 and a half hours, even with yesterday's and the below, it's still hardly any of the time we were actually talking accounted for...
So just some notes, some anecdotally, some more to the point, but notes nonetheless...
You did put money in League one though - not that I know of if it was 2006 he said.
So anyway, I asked him like I said did the a trust know and Leigh kept saying everyone knew. I asked did the Trust know and he said yes, of course but what did I mean? And I gave the scenario I have been fearing by stating on here regularly - what if Huw C became a shareholder in his own right while being our Trust Director. He said it was different then - I asked why - and he said because everyone was doing what they could to keep the football club afloat.
I explained going back to why the meeting was even taking place in the first place and that I'm not some fan that's jumped on the bandwagon of late or doesn't watch us from one year to the next, I've been through winding up orders before and have followed this club religiously for over 30 years. He agreed. So I explained why I feel it is important that issues are discussed openly and as much transparency as possible is achieved. I said we have a right to do that.
I explained to him that his company has been showing up on the last four accounts. Payments for goods and services had gone up from around £20,000 in May 10 to £91,000 or thereabouts in the last set published
I asked him if he was charging the club consultancy fees and he said that was part of his wages. He said some people take their wages as wages and he takes some of his salary as wages and some in dividends
He said a lot if the increase that BVS has seen over the last 4 accountancy years is, and he paused, "water" - I asked why he wasn't supplying water before 2010. He explained that he wasn't just Commercial Director, I'm everything.... I'm Stadium Director, I'm Premier Club Director, I'm Chairman of the Community Trust, Swan Aid. I asked him why he was all these posts and he said because we didn't have the money at the time for them to be individually deployed.
I said he hasn't been Commercial Director for that long. He stated he has been Commercial Director for 12 years? Huw Jenkins took over the football side of things and he did the commercial bit. He also stated much later in the conversation that Tenko did most of the stuff they didn't want to do with the more admin side of things, filling out forms etc.... I quizzed this and asked if he meant he was CD in all but name and he said yes.
So that prompted me into reminding him about the old adage we read on here so many times, which is Premier League on the pitch - League 2 off it. He said yeah, I'd love to know why?! Well I said it was true because you're still in the same posts as when we were in League 2. I asked him outright after hearing this - "do you have the necessary experience to be a Commercial Director in the Premier League" to which he replied factually, "I've got 12 years"
I asked him does he have any season objectives in terms of revenue targets. He said he is targeted by the board every year.
I said what fans will come back with is if we are looking for outside investment, why can't it be done organically from increased commercial gain? He said fans have got this idea we should be competing in the sponsorship stakes with the likes of Man United. I stated I don't think anyone thinks that. He went onto say We compete within our level. Our shirt sponsor is 8th best in the EPL, so take the top 6 out then that's good. I said that's just a stat and they can be massaged and manipulated and he reminded me this was in the papers, the Guardian. I then said is that figure down to the fact it was only a short term contract thinking it was only one season with GWFX he said, no it's 3. I said it was only one at the time and he said that was his boards decision as they only wanted one year deals to not tie them down for longer than they might have wanted. GWFX will be sponsor again next season.
I then reminded him of a statement that came out of the club whereby it said that they were looking at Stadium expansion through revenue from naming rights and advertising. I said as soon as that statement was released, it was almost like it never existed afterwards. I even thought it was him who released it but he stated it wasn't and that he didn't really know about this?!
He also said the stadium doesn't belong to us and we didn't get anything from the Liberty deal. I pointed out that if the Swans could find a super deal with naming rights I'm sure the necessary negotiations could take place with Stadco so that the Swans benefitted greatly from that, or even the stadium through expansion itself. He said "potentially" if he was to find a business partner he would then negotiate with the stadium owners that we want x amount from this but at the moment we can't.
There's literally loads more.... But over to you dicks to start the next bout of criticising in the meeting I never wanted or asked for. [Post edited 24 Dec 2014 12:10]
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:05 - Dec 24 with 2683 views | dgt73 |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:00 - Dec 24 by _ |
I believe Darran instigated this meeting. That's all I will say on that part of it.
That's what Darran does, that's who he is, that's what he's been doing on this message board for ten years plus.
Beware of what Darran is capable of doing, and all underhand and through secret innuendo. |
But what was the main reason for LD wanting this meeting to go ahead...to inform fans of what is/ gone on at the club.....or.....to defend himself from something's that has been posted on the internet.? |  |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:08 - Dec 24 with 2666 views | Darran |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:00 - Dec 24 by _ |
I believe Darran instigated this meeting. That's all I will say on that part of it.
That's what Darran does, that's who he is, that's what he's been doing on this message board for ten years plus.
Beware of what Darran is capable of doing, and all underhand and through secret innuendo. |
Well you and everyone else on this Forum can believe what they want but I in no way instigated this meeting. |  |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:09 - Dec 24 with 2666 views | _ |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 12:26 - Dec 24 by Uxbridge |
Then stand and try and change the format. I'm not sure I understand your point though. |
Ok in short, And I haven't got much time today...
The Trust had become, in my opinion, non responsive, unanswerable, discommunicating and non responsible.
Please refer strongly to the "in my opinion" bit.
I believe The Trust has also been to a certain degree just part of the furniture, so ideas aside, and I've got some, I'd like to see the Trust rise up again from its Phil "Sumbler," fack I do love that pun, and raise its profile, its commuicating, its presence, its influence etc etc
And one way to do that would be to engage people with opinions and get more involved in it. Proper Think Tanks where real issues are debated and discussed and when necessary taken right smack bang central into the boardroom.
Let's just make absolutely sure our 21% is active, listened to and influenced. | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:11 - Dec 24 with 2655 views | Phil_S |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:09 - Dec 24 by _ |
Ok in short, And I haven't got much time today...
The Trust had become, in my opinion, non responsive, unanswerable, discommunicating and non responsible.
Please refer strongly to the "in my opinion" bit.
I believe The Trust has also been to a certain degree just part of the furniture, so ideas aside, and I've got some, I'd like to see the Trust rise up again from its Phil "Sumbler," fack I do love that pun, and raise its profile, its commuicating, its presence, its influence etc etc
And one way to do that would be to engage people with opinions and get more involved in it. Proper Think Tanks where real issues are debated and discussed and when necessary taken right smack bang central into the boardroom.
Let's just make absolutely sure our 21% is active, listened to and influenced. |
Talk me through one of these think tank ideas
How do you see it looking? |  | | |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:11 - Dec 24 with 2654 views | _ |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:05 - Dec 24 by dgt73 |
But what was the main reason for LD wanting this meeting to go ahead...to inform fans of what is/ gone on at the club.....or.....to defend himself from something's that has been posted on the internet.? |
To put the record straight he said. | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:16 - Dec 24 with 2628 views | _ |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:11 - Dec 24 by Phil_S |
Talk me through one of these think tank ideas
How do you see it looking? |
I will, Phil, of course.... That would be the easy part. I'm sure you're aware of how think tanks and pressure groups work, however...
I'll talk later on this subject or call me whenever.
RISE, RISE OUT OF THIS PHIL SUMBLER ;-)))) | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:21 - Dec 24 with 2610 views | Phil_S |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:16 - Dec 24 by _ |
I will, Phil, of course.... That would be the easy part. I'm sure you're aware of how think tanks and pressure groups work, however...
I'll talk later on this subject or call me whenever.
RISE, RISE OUT OF THIS PHIL SUMBLER ;-)))) |
I am - taken part in many of them during my working life, none of them actually I find that helpful personally but that is not to say that they could not work
Lets talk public forum on it rather than personal message - the concept of a think tank is to make more views shared so we can get a wider opinion on the subject
Oh and by the way it is the worst pun ever | | | |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:24 - Dec 24 with 2595 views | _ |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:21 - Dec 24 by Phil_S |
I am - taken part in many of them during my working life, none of them actually I find that helpful personally but that is not to say that they could not work
Lets talk public forum on it rather than personal message - the concept of a think tank is to make more views shared so we can get a wider opinion on the subject
Oh and by the way it is the worst pun ever |
Hahahahaahahah no it's not and it's made my Christmas so far ;-)))
Speak soon. | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:42 - Dec 24 with 2530 views | Uxbridge |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:09 - Dec 24 by _ |
Ok in short, And I haven't got much time today...
The Trust had become, in my opinion, non responsive, unanswerable, discommunicating and non responsible.
Please refer strongly to the "in my opinion" bit.
I believe The Trust has also been to a certain degree just part of the furniture, so ideas aside, and I've got some, I'd like to see the Trust rise up again from its Phil "Sumbler," fack I do love that pun, and raise its profile, its commuicating, its presence, its influence etc etc
And one way to do that would be to engage people with opinions and get more involved in it. Proper Think Tanks where real issues are debated and discussed and when necessary taken right smack bang central into the boardroom.
Let's just make absolutely sure our 21% is active, listened to and influenced. |
I agree on the comms part. On the rest, you have to appreciate that certain discussions have to take part behind closed doors. That's a massive factor. |  |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:55 - Dec 24 with 2489 views | MattG |
I've not been T2C's biggest fan in the past and I was very skeptical about the benefits of this meeting but it does appear to have brought a bit of clarity to some issues.
One thing I would challenge, though, is T2C's claim that none of it is personal - so far, a hell of a lot of what's been reported back does seem, in my opinion, very much personal against LD in terms of how / when he obtained his shares, why he is doing the job he is, etc. This is echoed by LD's desire to "set the record straight" - usually something you do when you've been under some sort of personal attack.
I'm not saying the meeting should or shouldn't have taken place and, on balance, I would say that it's probably been beneficial - it's just looks more personal to me than advertised. |  | | |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:58 - Dec 24 with 2475 views | waynekerr55 |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 12:34 - Dec 24 by Dr_Winston |
"do you have the necessary experience to be a Commercial Director in the Premier League" to which he replied factually, "I've got 12 years"
Experience without ability is meaningless. |
Well to be fair as a successful businessman he has some ability.
However, could the same be said of some of the appointments in his team? |  |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 14:56 - Dec 24 with 2371 views | AngelRangelQS |
Enjoying these posts. Interesting stuff |  | | |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 15:04 - Dec 24 with 2342 views | exiledclaseboy |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 14:56 - Dec 24 by AngelRangelQS |
Enjoying these posts. Interesting stuff |
Me too. I still don't think the meeting was a good idea from Leigh Dineen's perspective but now that it's happened I'm finding the feedback interesting. No idea what some are finding to get so het up and offended about. Ok, T2C's bedside manner needs a little work but he knows that and doesn't care and he's not going to change. These threads would be very interesting if only all the cyber enemies would stop waving their virtual willies at each other. |  |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 15:16 - Dec 24 with 2313 views | waynekerr55 |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 15:04 - Dec 24 by exiledclaseboy |
Me too. I still don't think the meeting was a good idea from Leigh Dineen's perspective but now that it's happened I'm finding the feedback interesting. No idea what some are finding to get so het up and offended about. Ok, T2C's bedside manner needs a little work but he knows that and doesn't care and he's not going to change. These threads would be very interesting if only all the cyber enemies would stop waving their virtual willies at each other. |
Or their titties. Lets not be sexist now Mr ECB  | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 15:40 - Dec 24 with 2262 views | Uxbridge |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 13:58 - Dec 24 by waynekerr55 |
Well to be fair as a successful businessman he has some ability.
However, could the same be said of some of the appointments in his team? |
Just because you can manage a football team doesn't mean you could manage a FTSE100 company. I'd say that's irrelevant personally. | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 15:54 - Dec 24 with 2145 views | waynekerr55 |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 15:40 - Dec 24 by Uxbridge |
Just because you can manage a football team doesn't mean you could manage a FTSE100 company. I'd say that's irrelevant personally. |
I meant from his own success at BVS. I'd however question the skill set of the team as a whole | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 16:00 - Dec 24 with 2130 views | Uxbridge |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 15:54 - Dec 24 by waynekerr55 |
I meant from his own success at BVS. I'd however question the skill set of the team as a whole |
I know what you meant. I just disagreed! | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 16:11 - Dec 24 with 2104 views | waynekerr55 |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 16:00 - Dec 24 by Uxbridge |
I know what you meant. I just disagreed! |
But we aren't a FTSE 100 company | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 16:21 - Dec 24 with 2075 views | Uxbridge |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 16:11 - Dec 24 by waynekerr55 |
But we aren't a FTSE 100 company |
He's not managed a football team either ...
Sounds like his famil business has done well though, and that's worthy of praise. | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 16:24 - Dec 24 with 2070 views | swansinfo |
Chris
I aminterested to know what the 'kick up the arse' is that you think the trust needs. Please bear in mind this is a VOLUNTEER organisation?
How could we do what you suggest below?
The Trust had become, in my opinion, non responsive, unanswerable, discommunicating and non responsible.
I believe The Trust has also been to a certain degree just part of the furniture, so ideas aside, and I've got some, I'd like to see the Trust rise up again from its Phil "Sumbler," fack I do love that pun, and raise its profile, its commuicating, its presence, its influence etc etc And one way to do that would be to engage people with opinions and get more involved in it. Proper Think Tanks where real issues are debated and discussed and when necessary taken right smack bang central into the boardroom.
How about we hold Fans Forums where we invite ANY swans fan to come along to event where we ensure the board and management are in attendance. All questions can be asked - Tick!
How about we have working groups that look at different aspects of our club (community, disabled, membership etc) to see how we can bring the club closer to the fans? - Tick
How about we have a fresh website which outlines what we offer, a facebook and twitter page which gets updated regularly on news and an email newsletter that gets sent out (you were sent one last week) to all 15,000+ members and e-Members that we have? - Tick
How about we work with the local media (EP and WM) to get a regular column in their papers and ensure they understand what we are trying to do - Tick
How about we have a regular update in the club program to inform fans of news - Tick
How about we have a presence on matchdays (we would like a nice office but we couldnt get that and so have the POD near the superstore) where Trust BM stand on EVERY GAME in fluorescent bibs and are happy to listen to fans and answer questions - Tick
How about we put on a number of other events over the course of the year (Bowling nights, Award Dinners etc) which bring fans closer to the club - Tick
How about we attend all club meetings where we CONTINUALLY fight for the best interest of the everyday fan (who do you think got prices at £10 for Everton in the Cap One cup!) and do this all at one persons own expense? - Tick
How about we send out member surveys on a regular basis to ask for fans comments on what we can do better and then publish those results - Tick
How about we present and work with other Supporters Trust to help them do what we have and build a strong say in their club and advise the wider football movement on the best way to achieve success? - Tick
How about we work with individual shareholders (who have their own personal interests) to achieve something (trust me the bull in the china shop route gets you next to nothing) rather than trying to fight and then find were left out of discussions. We have a 21% shareholding and so CANNOT DICTATE to others what we want. We have to work with people - Tick
How about we work to protect the future of the club by meeting in our own time and at our own cost (mainly in Swansea but often in Newport, London or other locations) to try and ensure the long term future of the club is being looked after? - Tick
I could go on but I won't.
Please don't see this as us being defensive as we are not. We know there is a LOT MORE we can do as a trust and we are keen to do more. We want to develop, grow, learn and reach out more to fans and we are CONTINUALLY looking at new ways to do this.
We welcome suggestions (and help) to implement ideas that can ensure fans are aware of what we do and so that fans can see that we win a LOT of battles within the boardroom but that we cannot win everything (unless we own the club!)
We welcome new people standing or joining the board (there are 3 new co opted members who have joined recently and are adding great value to what we do) and embrace any new ideas and thoughts they have.
My point behind this is that it is very easy from the outside to criticise and say we could do more but a lot is already done on unpaid time and that is only going to grow in the coming months.
Some of the people who you have mentioned in your posts (PS and HC for example) do a MASSIVE amount for the trust completely UNPAID because they care. For example, both of those 2 guys i know spent some 6 hours in the car to get to London for a recent 10am Trust related meeting. That meant 5am starts and late finishes but they did it because they care about the trust and they care about the fans. They would never ask for this to be published but I am telling you it happened (the details of the meeting will be made known in the coming months as we mentioned in our e-Newsletter) and they did it from their own time. There are COUNTLESS other examples I could give you of Phil, Huw, Stuart, Nigel, Andy, Duncan, Cath, Alan, Viv (x 2), Ian, Will, Ron, Gwyn, David, Barbara and me giving up our own time at our own cost to try and do what we think is right to help the trust and club.
We all care about the club and i applaud you looking for answers. I also applaud you for asking difficult questions and when you asked a question, you got an honest answer from me (about my business links to the club) and if you ask questions of the trust then we will provide as honest an answer as you can.
You are entitled to a view and only you can decide if they are right or not. All i know is that it is easy to stand from the side and criticise but its harder to roll up your sleeves, work hard and try to make a difference. That is what I and my other Trust Board members try and do each month and I am proud of what they do and I am honoured to be part of a group that cares so much about our wonderful football club.
We won't win everyone over and many may think like you that we are out of touch and need a kick up the arse. All I would ask them to do is read the above and see what comes out from a Volunteer organisation. If that is not acceptable then become a member, stand for the trust board get involved and change it.
Can I ask you one? Why are you not a full paid up member of the Trust? It costs £10 and it would allow you to vote as a Trust Member. If we are doing something so wrong then surely you should want to become a member and then try to change things?
I welcome your honesty and as I said your view is your view
All i know is that were not the 'poor/lame' organisation that you make us out to be and those whom you criticise and mock do an incredible amount to help take this club forward. I think you should have some respect for that
Cheers
Jim White
Trust Vice Chair |  | | |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 17:23 - Dec 24 with 1947 views | WireSwan |
Great post Jim White.
If you look at where we've come from and where we are today it's truly incredible. The Trust do a massive amount of work and give up a hell of a lot of their time. Yes, challenge - whether that's challenge the Trust or get the Trust to challenge/question/work with the Board - but to your point, it's got to be constructive.
You're spot on - it's 21% not Abramovich ownership so the Trust do a shed load of work to make things happen.
Keep up the good work! | | | |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 17:41 - Dec 24 with 1902 views | _ |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 16:24 - Dec 24 by swansinfo |
Chris
I aminterested to know what the 'kick up the arse' is that you think the trust needs. Please bear in mind this is a VOLUNTEER organisation?
How could we do what you suggest below?
The Trust had become, in my opinion, non responsive, unanswerable, discommunicating and non responsible.
I believe The Trust has also been to a certain degree just part of the furniture, so ideas aside, and I've got some, I'd like to see the Trust rise up again from its Phil "Sumbler," fack I do love that pun, and raise its profile, its commuicating, its presence, its influence etc etc And one way to do that would be to engage people with opinions and get more involved in it. Proper Think Tanks where real issues are debated and discussed and when necessary taken right smack bang central into the boardroom.
How about we hold Fans Forums where we invite ANY swans fan to come along to event where we ensure the board and management are in attendance. All questions can be asked - Tick!
How about we have working groups that look at different aspects of our club (community, disabled, membership etc) to see how we can bring the club closer to the fans? - Tick
How about we have a fresh website which outlines what we offer, a facebook and twitter page which gets updated regularly on news and an email newsletter that gets sent out (you were sent one last week) to all 15,000+ members and e-Members that we have? - Tick
How about we work with the local media (EP and WM) to get a regular column in their papers and ensure they understand what we are trying to do - Tick
How about we have a regular update in the club program to inform fans of news - Tick
How about we have a presence on matchdays (we would like a nice office but we couldnt get that and so have the POD near the superstore) where Trust BM stand on EVERY GAME in fluorescent bibs and are happy to listen to fans and answer questions - Tick
How about we put on a number of other events over the course of the year (Bowling nights, Award Dinners etc) which bring fans closer to the club - Tick
How about we attend all club meetings where we CONTINUALLY fight for the best interest of the everyday fan (who do you think got prices at £10 for Everton in the Cap One cup!) and do this all at one persons own expense? - Tick
How about we send out member surveys on a regular basis to ask for fans comments on what we can do better and then publish those results - Tick
How about we present and work with other Supporters Trust to help them do what we have and build a strong say in their club and advise the wider football movement on the best way to achieve success? - Tick
How about we work with individual shareholders (who have their own personal interests) to achieve something (trust me the bull in the china shop route gets you next to nothing) rather than trying to fight and then find were left out of discussions. We have a 21% shareholding and so CANNOT DICTATE to others what we want. We have to work with people - Tick
How about we work to protect the future of the club by meeting in our own time and at our own cost (mainly in Swansea but often in Newport, London or other locations) to try and ensure the long term future of the club is being looked after? - Tick
I could go on but I won't.
Please don't see this as us being defensive as we are not. We know there is a LOT MORE we can do as a trust and we are keen to do more. We want to develop, grow, learn and reach out more to fans and we are CONTINUALLY looking at new ways to do this.
We welcome suggestions (and help) to implement ideas that can ensure fans are aware of what we do and so that fans can see that we win a LOT of battles within the boardroom but that we cannot win everything (unless we own the club!)
We welcome new people standing or joining the board (there are 3 new co opted members who have joined recently and are adding great value to what we do) and embrace any new ideas and thoughts they have.
My point behind this is that it is very easy from the outside to criticise and say we could do more but a lot is already done on unpaid time and that is only going to grow in the coming months.
Some of the people who you have mentioned in your posts (PS and HC for example) do a MASSIVE amount for the trust completely UNPAID because they care. For example, both of those 2 guys i know spent some 6 hours in the car to get to London for a recent 10am Trust related meeting. That meant 5am starts and late finishes but they did it because they care about the trust and they care about the fans. They would never ask for this to be published but I am telling you it happened (the details of the meeting will be made known in the coming months as we mentioned in our e-Newsletter) and they did it from their own time. There are COUNTLESS other examples I could give you of Phil, Huw, Stuart, Nigel, Andy, Duncan, Cath, Alan, Viv (x 2), Ian, Will, Ron, Gwyn, David, Barbara and me giving up our own time at our own cost to try and do what we think is right to help the trust and club.
We all care about the club and i applaud you looking for answers. I also applaud you for asking difficult questions and when you asked a question, you got an honest answer from me (about my business links to the club) and if you ask questions of the trust then we will provide as honest an answer as you can.
You are entitled to a view and only you can decide if they are right or not. All i know is that it is easy to stand from the side and criticise but its harder to roll up your sleeves, work hard and try to make a difference. That is what I and my other Trust Board members try and do each month and I am proud of what they do and I am honoured to be part of a group that cares so much about our wonderful football club.
We won't win everyone over and many may think like you that we are out of touch and need a kick up the arse. All I would ask them to do is read the above and see what comes out from a Volunteer organisation. If that is not acceptable then become a member, stand for the trust board get involved and change it.
Can I ask you one? Why are you not a full paid up member of the Trust? It costs £10 and it would allow you to vote as a Trust Member. If we are doing something so wrong then surely you should want to become a member and then try to change things?
I welcome your honesty and as I said your view is your view
All i know is that were not the 'poor/lame' organisation that you make us out to be and those whom you criticise and mock do an incredible amount to help take this club forward. I think you should have some respect for that
Cheers
Jim White
Trust Vice Chair |
Test | |
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 17:47 - Dec 24 with 1883 views | _ |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 16:24 - Dec 24 by swansinfo |
Chris
I aminterested to know what the 'kick up the arse' is that you think the trust needs. Please bear in mind this is a VOLUNTEER organisation?
How could we do what you suggest below?
The Trust had become, in my opinion, non responsive, unanswerable, discommunicating and non responsible.
I believe The Trust has also been to a certain degree just part of the furniture, so ideas aside, and I've got some, I'd like to see the Trust rise up again from its Phil "Sumbler," fack I do love that pun, and raise its profile, its commuicating, its presence, its influence etc etc And one way to do that would be to engage people with opinions and get more involved in it. Proper Think Tanks where real issues are debated and discussed and when necessary taken right smack bang central into the boardroom.
How about we hold Fans Forums where we invite ANY swans fan to come along to event where we ensure the board and management are in attendance. All questions can be asked - Tick!
How about we have working groups that look at different aspects of our club (community, disabled, membership etc) to see how we can bring the club closer to the fans? - Tick
How about we have a fresh website which outlines what we offer, a facebook and twitter page which gets updated regularly on news and an email newsletter that gets sent out (you were sent one last week) to all 15,000+ members and e-Members that we have? - Tick
How about we work with the local media (EP and WM) to get a regular column in their papers and ensure they understand what we are trying to do - Tick
How about we have a regular update in the club program to inform fans of news - Tick
How about we have a presence on matchdays (we would like a nice office but we couldnt get that and so have the POD near the superstore) where Trust BM stand on EVERY GAME in fluorescent bibs and are happy to listen to fans and answer questions - Tick
How about we put on a number of other events over the course of the year (Bowling nights, Award Dinners etc) which bring fans closer to the club - Tick
How about we attend all club meetings where we CONTINUALLY fight for the best interest of the everyday fan (who do you think got prices at £10 for Everton in the Cap One cup!) and do this all at one persons own expense? - Tick
How about we send out member surveys on a regular basis to ask for fans comments on what we can do better and then publish those results - Tick
How about we present and work with other Supporters Trust to help them do what we have and build a strong say in their club and advise the wider football movement on the best way to achieve success? - Tick
How about we work with individual shareholders (who have their own personal interests) to achieve something (trust me the bull in the china shop route gets you next to nothing) rather than trying to fight and then find were left out of discussions. We have a 21% shareholding and so CANNOT DICTATE to others what we want. We have to work with people - Tick
How about we work to protect the future of the club by meeting in our own time and at our own cost (mainly in Swansea but often in Newport, London or other locations) to try and ensure the long term future of the club is being looked after? - Tick
I could go on but I won't.
Please don't see this as us being defensive as we are not. We know there is a LOT MORE we can do as a trust and we are keen to do more. We want to develop, grow, learn and reach out more to fans and we are CONTINUALLY looking at new ways to do this.
We welcome suggestions (and help) to implement ideas that can ensure fans are aware of what we do and so that fans can see that we win a LOT of battles within the boardroom but that we cannot win everything (unless we own the club!)
We welcome new people standing or joining the board (there are 3 new co opted members who have joined recently and are adding great value to what we do) and embrace any new ideas and thoughts they have.
My point behind this is that it is very easy from the outside to criticise and say we could do more but a lot is already done on unpaid time and that is only going to grow in the coming months.
Some of the people who you have mentioned in your posts (PS and HC for example) do a MASSIVE amount for the trust completely UNPAID because they care. For example, both of those 2 guys i know spent some 6 hours in the car to get to London for a recent 10am Trust related meeting. That meant 5am starts and late finishes but they did it because they care about the trust and they care about the fans. They would never ask for this to be published but I am telling you it happened (the details of the meeting will be made known in the coming months as we mentioned in our e-Newsletter) and they did it from their own time. There are COUNTLESS other examples I could give you of Phil, Huw, Stuart, Nigel, Andy, Duncan, Cath, Alan, Viv (x 2), Ian, Will, Ron, Gwyn, David, Barbara and me giving up our own time at our own cost to try and do what we think is right to help the trust and club.
We all care about the club and i applaud you looking for answers. I also applaud you for asking difficult questions and when you asked a question, you got an honest answer from me (about my business links to the club) and if you ask questions of the trust then we will provide as honest an answer as you can.
You are entitled to a view and only you can decide if they are right or not. All i know is that it is easy to stand from the side and criticise but its harder to roll up your sleeves, work hard and try to make a difference. That is what I and my other Trust Board members try and do each month and I am proud of what they do and I am honoured to be part of a group that cares so much about our wonderful football club.
We won't win everyone over and many may think like you that we are out of touch and need a kick up the arse. All I would ask them to do is read the above and see what comes out from a Volunteer organisation. If that is not acceptable then become a member, stand for the trust board get involved and change it.
Can I ask you one? Why are you not a full paid up member of the Trust? It costs £10 and it would allow you to vote as a Trust Member. If we are doing something so wrong then surely you should want to become a member and then try to change things?
I welcome your honesty and as I said your view is your view
All i know is that were not the 'poor/lame' organisation that you make us out to be and those whom you criticise and mock do an incredible amount to help take this club forward. I think you should have some respect for that
Cheers
Jim White
Trust Vice Chair |
Oh look.....communication from the Trust, whatever next.....?! ;-)) Merry Christmas Jim and hope you are ok mate...
Thanks for posting this Jim and being so honest, passionate and sticking up for yourself and the Trust board members. I really appreciate it.
You have shot yourself in the foot to a certain degree though by coming out all guns blazing and only in response to critique aimed at the Trust.
You go by the username SWANSINFO on here but I'm pretty sure your posting history is so minimal you're noticeable by your absence.
You've got to find ways of shouting what you're doing from the rooftops and not only report these things when backed into a corner.
I appreciate you send circulars out, I know that, but in fairness i know frommy own experience these don't get read.
You need to use the two biggest platforms for reaching out to Swans fans and that's on here and no your site and you need to keep everything interesting and punchy.
There's a couple of reasons about the Trust membership and I'll pick those up later.... One though would be give myself and everyone else clear reasons to buy a membership. You've given one, for voting. You see, I wasn't even aware of that. Sell it to us, sell us the dream, get off your arse boy and tell us we're going to take over the world ;-)
Pint soon... [Post edited 24 Dec 2014 17:54]
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| T2C and LD we go further.... on 22:09 - Dec 24 with 1640 views | swansinfo |
| T2C and LD we go further.... on 17:47 - Dec 24 by _ |
Oh look.....communication from the Trust, whatever next.....?! ;-)) Merry Christmas Jim and hope you are ok mate...
Thanks for posting this Jim and being so honest, passionate and sticking up for yourself and the Trust board members. I really appreciate it.
You have shot yourself in the foot to a certain degree though by coming out all guns blazing and only in response to critique aimed at the Trust.
You go by the username SWANSINFO on here but I'm pretty sure your posting history is so minimal you're noticeable by your absence.
You've got to find ways of shouting what you're doing from the rooftops and not only report these things when backed into a corner.
I appreciate you send circulars out, I know that, but in fairness i know frommy own experience these don't get read.
You need to use the two biggest platforms for reaching out to Swans fans and that's on here and no your site and you need to keep everything interesting and punchy.
There's a couple of reasons about the Trust membership and I'll pick those up later.... One though would be give myself and everyone else clear reasons to buy a membership. You've given one, for voting. You see, I wasn't even aware of that. Sell it to us, sell us the dream, get off your arse boy and tell us we're going to take over the world ;-)
Pint soon... [Post edited 24 Dec 2014 17:54]
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Happy to go for a pint Chris and I will talk through what we are doing as a trust
I TOTALLY agree we need to do more to shout and make people aware of what we do but believe me its not because we don' want to. Its a matter of time sometimes and also because maybe we don't blow our own trumpet as much as we should.
we are aware we need to do this more and we will.
That doesn't mean we are some form of closet organisation that doesnt reach out to fans because we are and we want to. I am happy to meet for a pint and show/outline the passion that I, Huw, Phil and others have for taking this club forward.
Fans can say and think what they like. They can moan and shout, put banners and write anything on message boards. They can comment on boards, write to the post, march in the city and phone radio shows about what they DON'T like and want but the reality is that WE as a group of fans own 21% of this great club. We are the drivers of its destiny and the trust is the group that is driven and managed by fans.
We want to secure the long term future of the club. We want Swansea City to succeed and be the club we all want it to be but we don't want it to be at the potential expense so that when you and I have kids there is no club to support (see Hereford)
We have the same destination. The trust is the vehicle to try and get us there. Trust me on that
Let me know when you want the pint.
Jim | | | |
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