Hustings

[JTofBFC]

Haven't really heard any feedback as to how these went. Couldnt attend as had to take nephew home as it was ****ing down and couldnt get back in time.

Is it the correct form to discuss candidates suitability here . If not, then feel free to say so. (even if you are a candidate...........)

I'd be interested from anyone who went (and who are BU members !!) as to who they think might make a good candidate. (appreciate not all candidates were there including possibly one of the stronger ones (in my view)).

Personally, I think we need someone who might shake things up a bit. But who?

Feel free to shoot me down if this is bad form during a campaign, but I dont know any of them and could do with a bit of debate on the subject.

 

[nocoat]

We won the league in 1993 and 1998 you know... unfortunately in them days you didn't get promoted straight into the Champions League

 

[JTofBFC]

We won the league in 1993 and 1998 you know... unfortunately in them days you didn't get promoted straight into the Champions League

Thanks, most helpful...............

 

[The Joker]

This is the closest thing to a report/discussion: https://griffinpark.org/forums/showthread.php?t=29259

What I don't understand is how any of the individuals standing hope to change exisiting situations/policies when they will be very much in the minority on the board? Perhaps the candidates who read this will care to answer...

For example, from what I saw most candidates said PR/comms needs to improve. But if JM and his fellow directors say they already provide enough updates via the official site, programme etc, how can you change anything?

 

[Inappropriate Smilies Bee]

We won the league in 1993 and 1998 you know... unfortunately in them days you didn't get promoted straight into the Champions League

yeah there was a couple of odd slip ups by candidates but all five seemed very good though to me. rofl

 

[nocoat]

I have filled my form in and posted off today :bound:

Not telling you lot who I voted for though, it is a secret ballot after all

 

[Shirley Bee]

Personally, I think we need someone who might shake things up a bit. But who?

The answers by candidates to a series of questions posed by BIAS (see website) are far more informative that their "election statements". I think we're all in favour of motherhood and apple pie...


Personally I will be voting for youth, inexperience and apparent determination (as far as I can tell) for exactly the same reason. Jerry Lee Lewis is my man! lol

 

[Bigbee]

I mis read this thread and thought it was another one about Carl

 

[Silly Hat]

This is the closest thing to a report/discussion: https://griffinpark.org/forums/showthread.php?t=29259

What I don't understand is how any of the individuals standing hope to change exisiting situations/policies when they will be very much in the minority on the board? Perhaps the candidates who read this will care to answer...

For example, from what I saw most candidates said PR/comms needs to improve. But if JM and his fellow directors say they already provide enough updates via the official site, programme etc, how can you change anything?

I'm not sure all of them gave such emphasis to PR/comms. Personally, I would have thought standing up for the supporter's long-term interests were paramount, rather than informing people of the latest developments in signings etc.

On candidates, I think somebody with professional experience, gravitas and commitment is needed, above all else. This seemed to be possessed by most of the candidates, to varying degrees. But my vote goes to Graham Hall 'cos I thought he had all this, above everybody else, though Mr Gosling was also very close.

 

[JTofBFC]

On candidates, I think somebody with professional experience, gravitas and commitment is needed, above all else. This seemed to be possessed by most of the candidates, to varying degrees. But my vote goes to Graham Hall 'cos I thought he had all this, above everybody else, though Mr Gosling was also very close.

I dont think I would argue with that but would be interested in any other views as several of the candidates appear to have strong credentials.

 

[Edmundo]

I'm not sure all of them gave such emphasis to PR/comms. Personally, I would have thought standing up for the supporter's long-term interests were paramount, rather than informing people of the latest developments in signings etc.

The PR point is nothing to do with signings - Martin Allen keeps us excellently up-to-date with on-pitch matters. What irks people who regularly donate towards the cause is that they never hear anything from the people they have placed in responsible positions about what they are doing. When I was on the BU board, I asked for a regular written report from the Exec Directors saying what they had done in the last period, what they expected to be doing in the next period and what issues they could see arising in the near future.

I still don't think that it's too much to ask for. If a directly elected director is able to sort this out, then so much the better - and my vote will be going to whoever I think is most likely to deliver this.

 

[JTofBFC]

The PR point is nothing to do with signings - Martin Allen keeps us excellently up-to-date with on-pitch matters. What irks people who regularly donate towards the cause is that they never hear anything from the people they have placed in responsible positions about what they are doing. When I was on the BU board, I asked for a regular written report from the Exec Directors saying what they had done in the last period, what they expected to be doing in the next period and what issues they could see arising in the near future.

I still don't think that it's too much to ask for. If a directly elected director is able to sort this out, then so much the better - and my vote will be going to whoever I think is most likely to deliver this.

I also agree with that point, but would maybe just add a brief health warning.

I would rather hear once a fortnight/month from somebody who is busy delivering and can provide positive news, than once a week from somebody who is great at telling us whats happening, but is not able to exert influence, so things do not therefore happen. Regular bulletins filled with nothingness will not get us to the option winning line.

Maybe that is asking for the best of both worlds but it is perhaps the opposite of what we have now which is no news or information and apparantly no developments either.

Clear as mud...............

 

[Edmundo]

I'm not asking for a weekly peek at their diaries - but for all we know they do nothing but drink gin and tonic and smoke cigars!

 

[Russell]

The PR point is nothing to do with signings - Martin Allen keeps us excellently up-to-date with on-pitch matters. What irks people who regularly donate towards the cause is that they never hear anything from the people they have placed in responsible positions about what they are doing. When I was on the BU board, I asked for a regular written report from the Exec Directors saying what they had done in the last period, what they expected to be doing in the next period and what issues they could see arising in the near future.

I still don't think that it's too much to ask for. If a directly elected director is able to sort this out, then so much the better - and my vote will be going to whoever I think is most likely to deliver this.

Santa Claus a late entrant is he Ed?

 

[BeckyB]

Most did well, but John Huggins instantly lost my vote for choosing to only address the men in the room when there were clearly women present. May only be a small point, and I'm not usually one to criticise, but not a good face of the BU board in my very humble opinion.

 

[Inappropriate Smilies Bee]

Most did well, but John Huggins instantly lost my vote for choosing to only address the men in the room when there were clearly women present. May only be a small point, and I'm not usually one to criticise, but not a good face of the BU board in my very humble opinion.

did someone say something? get back to the dishes! anyway, as i was saying, they all did excellent.

 

[Lokster]

I'm sorry I wasn't there. Brian did read my statement though I understand.

I'd have been interested to see the other candidates in action (so to speak) as much as to answer questions.

I don't think it's PR so much as communication itself, i.e. the amount of information available on another thread which has been leaked from the collinder (?spelling) that is the Brentford board which no one sees fit to release publically. The fact that apparently our Commercial Manager has resigned but no one seems to think that this is worth mentioning on the official site (unless I've missed it). Only little things.

The point is we should hold ourselves to a higher standard of behaviour than those of previous regimes. Or is that just me.

 

[larrysigny]

II would rather hear once a fortnight/month from somebody who.......can provide positive news, than once a week from somebody who is great at telling us whats happening, but is not able to exert influence, so things do not therefore happen. Regular bulletins filled with nothingness will not get us to the option winning line:

Trouble is, once you start a regular weekly/fortnightly/monthly bulletin, you are stuck with it - even if there's nothing to tell.

For instance, you can pout out a release one day saying ;'Lionel Road has been secured' - then there won't be anything to add (until contracts are signed etc) for possibly months ahead. What do you say in your regular bulletin then?

As far as I can see, we have possibly (I repeat possibly) not been given any news because there is none (OK, departure of Jerry Carver is a point) - so the only alternative would have been what you call "Regular bulletins filled with nothingness ".

 

[Banana]

Nothing happens in a week? I hope not. There's ALWAYS something happening. Otherwise no-one needs to be there and the club can save on wages.

 

[Shirley Bee]

The fact that apparently our Commercial Manager has resigned but no one seems to think that this is worth mentioning on the official site (unless I've missed it).

Jerry Carter's resigned? He was only here five minutes.

He seemed very enthusiastic at the end of last season. What happened? Did BFC renege on his commission for the Qatar roof?

Two points: 1) There should be two-way communication between BU-nominated BFC directors and BU board; as well as between BU board and BU members, who are footing the bills. PR is merely a communications tool.

2) Before communication comes transparency. Too much is kept on a "need to know" basis by our elders and betters (sic). It's all about accountability.

To paraphrase communications guru David Ogilvy: Do not despise your BU members, they are like you, people worthy of your respect.

 

[nocoat]

What happened? Did BFC renege on his commission for the Qatar roof?
.

Why would that bee the first reason that comes into your head!!??

Maybe he was offered more cash elsewhere

 

[Shirley Bee]

Why would that bee the first reason that comes into your head!!??

Maybe he was offered more cash elsewhere

Because people who leave jobs quickly often do so because the promises they were given at the start do not materialise.

Because budget cut-backs are often applied retrospectively in poorly-managed companies....

 

[larrysigny]

Nothing happens in a week? I hope not. There's ALWAYS something happening. Otherwise no-one needs to be there and the club can save on wages.

I was talking - as well you know - about things affecting the future of the club. There's always a story about a player, the manager.....or even about a new safety officer. But news like that is not what we're talking about is it?
How often can you say "Lionel Road is coming along nicely"?

 

[Bee H]

How often can you say "Lionel Road is coming along nicely"?

a wind-up post by dear larry again folks - best ignore him as he does with questions asked of him !

 

[larrysigny]

Are you really dim?

How can it be a wind-up? That was a hypothetical example - given in reply to a post by Banana (who, incidentally, also refuses to answer questions).

Now, can be PLEASE get back to the topic rather than personal point scoring?

 

[abee]

How often can you say "Lionel Road is coming along nicely"?

Frankly Larry once every three months will do me as long as the above statement is signed by all of the directors of BFC and the BU board and with the rider that if this "rainbow scenario" changes then we will be told.

Do I take it then that this is what you were told on Sunday which caused your mate to scribble out a standing order to BU for £1,200 per year and which I suppose begs the question that if everything is tickety-boo what are they gonna do with these extra riches...........

 

[Banana]

- given in reply to a post by Banana (who, incidentally, also refuses to answer questions).

larrysigny, what questions have I refused to answer? I asked you this before but you didn't answer!

 

[Banana]

How often can you say "Lionel Road is coming along nicely"?

You wouldn't need too if there was progress on it.

 

[larrysigny]

larrysigny, what questions have I refused to answer? I asked you this before but you didn't answer!

First posted Sept.10 - repeated several times since:
"Banana - you have complained about my going away from thread titles before. As a fair-minded impartial administrator - can we have similar comment for it every time it happens?"

Now - let's get back to the topic shall we?

 

[Banana]

First posted Sept.10 - repeated several times since:
"Banana - you have complained about my going away from thread titles before. As a fair-minded impartial administrator - can we have similar comment for it every time it happens?"

Now - let's get back to the topic shall we?

Answer: sure! Feel free to add such a comment to such threads.

 

[JonnieGee]

This is the closest thing to a report/discussion: https://griffinpark.org/forums/showthread.php?t=29259

What I don't understand is how any of the individuals standing hope to change exisiting situations/policies when they will be very much in the minority on the board? Perhaps the candidates who read this will care to answer...

For example, from what I saw most candidates said PR/comms needs to improve. But if JM and his fellow directors say they already provide enough updates via the official site, programme etc, how can you change anything?

As a minority the only way change can be implemented if there is persuasion and negotiation.

Fundamentally the successful candidate has to make the case for change (I believe there are several compelling arguments for this) and ensure this case is aligned to the strategy. The successful candidate cannot possibly do everything themselves but needs to energise the Board to recognise, accept this need and work collectively for change.

The BU Board Member candidate stated at the Hustings that he was not aware of the strategic direction of the Club and what was happening there. I found this shocking but not surprising. Similarly the BFC employee candidate involved in communications stated that he often found out what was going on from rumours. Is this right? Of course it isn’t and indicates the problem is deeper than PR/comms. It shows to that governance and transparency are more of an issue. If this is addressed, dealing with communication becomes far easier.

If you think the above issues are important and wonder which candidate is qualified and competent to addresses these issues, I humbly point out, that this is part of what I do, very successfully, for a living.

 

[JonnieGee]

But my vote goes to Graham Hall 'cos I thought he had all this, above everybody else, though Mr Gosling was also very close.

Well if you end up with a silver medal it means you are the best looser but thanks for considering me.

I was personally concerned that Graham was not really aware about several key issues (like S106) and prefaced his responses by words to the effect “I’ll find out if I am elected”. It seemed to me he was after the job title not the job. I will not be voting for him.

 

[JonnieGee]

I also agree with that point, but would maybe just add a brief health warning.

I would rather hear once a fortnight/month from somebody who is busy delivering and can provide positive news, than once a week from somebody who is great at telling us whats happening, but is not able to exert influence, so things do not therefore happen. Regular bulletins filled with nothingness will not get us to the option winning line.

Maybe that is asking for the best of both worlds but it is perhaps the opposite of what we have now which is no news or information and apparantly no developments either.

Clear as mud...............

I agree with both you and Ed but feel that providing negative information is just as important. Like MA when he said (referring to his search for a centre back) something along the lines, "I found a plant I liked, got it to the checkout but found that I did not have enough money to buy it." Although it is not positive it shows that something is happening and maintains confidentiality.

I agree communication on its own will not get "the option winning line"

 

[abee]

1) The BU Board Member candidate stated at the Hustings that he was not aware of the strategic direction of the Club and what was happening there. I found this shocking but not surprising.

2) Similarly the BFC employee candidate involved in communications stated that he often found out what was going on from rumours.

1)

2)

 

[WarrenBee]

1)

2)

Say no more.

 

[Edmundo]

Trouble is, once you start a regular weekly/fortnightly/monthly bulletin, you are stuck with it - even if there's nothing to tell.

What nonsense - the only reason why there should be nothing to report from John Mac is if he has been on holiday for a fortnight. Unless he's spending a whole fortnight doing nothing, of course! We are paying his wages and have a right to know what he's doing. Anyway, as has been pointed out already, even being on the BU board doesn't stop you from being kept in the dark. Frankly, it's indefensible and even you should know better, Larry.

 

[The Joker]

As a minority the only way change can be implemented if there is persuasion and negotiation.

Fundamentally the successful candidate has to make the case for change (I believe there are several compelling arguments for this) and ensure this case is aligned to the strategy. The successful candidate cannot possibly do everything themselves but needs to energise the Board to recognise, accept this need and work collectively for change.

The BU Board Member candidate stated at the Hustings that he was not aware of the strategic direction of the Club and what was happening there. I found this shocking but not surprising. Similarly the BFC employee candidate involved in communications stated that he often found out what was going on from rumours. Is this right? Of course it isn’t and indicates the problem is deeper than PR/comms. It shows to that governance and transparency are more of an issue. If this is addressed, dealing with communication becomes far easier.

If you think the above issues are important and wonder which candidate is qualified and competent to addresses these issues, I humbly point out, that this is part of what I do, very successfully, for a living.

Thanks for replying. I may reconsider my voting intentions now...

 

[larrysigny]

What nonsense - the only reason why there should be nothing to report from John Mac is if he has been on holiday for a fortnight. Unless he's spending a whole fortnight doing nothing, of course! We are paying his wages and have a right to know what he's doing. Anyway, as has been pointed out already, even being on the BU board doesn't stop you from being kept in the dark. Frankly, it's indefensible and even you should know better, Larry.

My whole point was that it wouldn't be accepted if he just reported that "we've held a lot of meetings that have to remain confidential - but we are doing something". And obviously, he couldn't give good news every week/month/three months - much as he and we would like that to happen.

 

[Edmundo]

Sorry Larry, but your brand of "trust them, they are the people in charge and we should let them get on with it and be grateful for any snippets they see fit to tell us" is out of tune with the times we live in and incompatible with a supporter-run club, or a membership-based organisation. Bring yourself forwards from the 1940s!

 

[Lokster]

I think the successful candidate has to push for change and be willing to keep pushing even when knocked back, as I'm sure he will be at the beginning.

It is hard to change the culture of any organisation without being willing to get your hands dirty. That means finding out about all aspects of what happens, asking awkward and sensible questions, reviewing the structure of the organisation and not closing ones mind.

I think whoever wins is going to have to be willing to pester the current board with questions. The most common of which will probably be: "What would be wrong with revealing this to everyone?" In some cases there will be legitimate reasons for secrecy but the less of these there are the more likely people are to be serious about not revealing all that information to their mates.

The fact that our New Media Manager seems to get information as rumours is a shocking sign of poor communication INTERNALLY at BFC let alone externally.

It'll be a brave and thick skinned individual that keeps going in those circumstances.

I think there might be a desire to 'not rock the boat' encouraged by those already in charge. The 'animal farm' tendency.

Change will happen if the person who wants it can keep selling the case for change even when no one seems to agree. Persistence, as they say in my work, overcomes resistence.

 

[larrysigny]

Sorry Larry, but your brand of "trust them, they are the people in charge and we should let them get on with it and be grateful for any snippets they see fit to tell us" is out of tune with the times we live in and incompatible with a supporter-run club, or a membership-based organisation. Bring yourself forwards from the 1940s!

Can I amend your wording - "trust them, they are the people the supporters' trust put in charge and we can vote them off in properly conducted elections". They are also, incidentally, the only people with the full facts available to them.

Also, why is it the idea of trust out of tune with modern times? And which supporter-run club are you comparing us with?

 

[Brickie Chap]

They are also, incidentally, the only people with the full facts available to them.

Some of them are now the BFC Board meeting has taken place this afternoon

 

[Shirley Bee]

I hope that there is a clear winner. I see that only 400 votes are expected, which split six ways is only about 60 votes each. Hardly a strong mandate for change.

 

[Shirley Bee]

Also, why is it the idea of trust out of tune with modern times?

It's not a matter of trust. It's patronising, condescending paternalism that's out of tune with the times. It's the lack of transparency. It's the "tell them only what we have to" attitude.

I desperately want to trust the people who've been entrusted with running my club. What I'm looking for is reassurance that what they're doing (or not doing) is worthy of my continued trust.

 

[Lokster]

I hope that there is a clear winner. I see that only 400 votes are expected, which split six ways is only about 60 votes each. Hardly a strong mandate for change.

I did think that myself.

I'll be interested to see the final turnout. It could be quite tight I think.

Anyone thought of opening a book?

 

[Sultan]

I thought of opening one but I couldn't find one in Staines library titled ' How to run a lower division football club with the threat of the silver haired grim reaper waiting to pounce hiding in the background smiling to himself knowing that all this infighting will only benefit him'.

Anyone else read this?

 

[JonnieGee]

I desperately want to trust the people who've been entrusted with running my club. What I'm looking for is reassurance that what they're doing (or not doing) is worthy of my continued trust.

Absolutely agree. In my Hustings speech I quoted fro a very interesting book, The Rise and Rise of Charlton Athletic FC. It is basically about the progress that has been achieved at the Club in the last 10 years and gives some good insights into successfully developing and growing a football club.

The quote is something like “Clubs can move forward when supporters are complaining about the inconsistencies of refereeing but it is difficult, if not impossible, to move forward if the supporters are complaining and have lost faith in the Board.” I’ll put the exact quote in when I’m home – where the book is.

I agree that unless the issue of trust is addressed then it will be “difficult if not impossible, to move forward”.

 

[Lokster]

I agree that unless the issue of trust is addressed then it will be “difficult if not impossible, to move forward”.

Absolutely agree.

I do not agree trust is something that we handover once to people and say, "You look like nice trustworthy people. Here take my trust and I'll assume you know what your doing."

It's constantly reviewed in the light of on-going events (or should be).

Once it's gone, it's damn hard to get it back.

 

[Edmundo]

They are also, incidentally, the only people with the full facts available to them.

Indeed, because they make sure that the facts aren't available to anyone else. Let me compare it to the team I manage. They are (almost) all highly capable individuals, trained to do the jobs they have. I don't have to interfere very often, but I do expect them to keep me up to date with what they are doing, where they are at, etc. It's when they go all quiet and don'ttell me that I begin to suspect that something is going wrong, or not happening.

Also, why is it the idea of trust out of tune with modern times? And which supporter-run club are you comparing us with?

It's blind trust that is out of tune - rather like blind faith.... have you seen CofE attendance figures lately? I wasn't intending to compare us to a specific supporter-run club, but to the (supposed) ideal. But if you like, I'll compare us to Exeter City, where the supporters trust now owns and runs the club and sends out regular information explaining what they are doing.

 

[JonnieGee]

Absolutely agree.

I do not agree trust is something that we handover once to people and say, "You look like nice trustworthy people. Here take my trust and I'll assume you know what your doing."

It's constantly reviewed in the light of on-going events (or should be).

Once it's gone, it's damn hard to get it back.

I'm with you on this as well

The only way you get trust is by earning it. You earn it by demonstrating control, transparency, communication and delivering what you say you are going to.

That above sums up very nicely, my stance for this election.