Mark Chapman: Election Statement

[rebus]

I'd firstly like to thank all those Bees United members that voted for me in the 2004 BFC Supporter Director Election and hope I can count on your vote again.

The reason I am standing for the Bees United board is simple.

BEES UNITED ISN'T WORKING

And this is why:

The Trust is presently not fit for the role of being the holding company of the football club (BFC), and with that entrusted with the task of raising the enormous sum of money to pay back Ron Noades and other investors by January 2009. Ask yourself, where is this money coming from?

Fund-raising strategy is not good enough. Since Bees United gained the controlling interest in Brentford FC this year, I have not seen any attempt to engage Brentford supporters to contribute bigger sums of money or communicate what it's used for. This is no slight on those helping to raise money at present but strategy from the top seems non-existent. A drive for membership is vital, as without it, Bees United has no mandate. Firm and achievable targets should be set in place, and quickly.

The current level of board members is too high to conduct business effectively. I will campaign for a reduction in its numbers, particularly from the co-opted section.

Communication to fans is abysmal. The Trust should be using all methods at its disposal to engage current and future members.

Transparency within Bees United is poor. The previous regime that saw the John McGlashan as Bees United Chief Executive plus Executive Director of Brentford FC was a disaster, with no reporting channels or accountability between the two bodies. We unfortunately now have a similar situation in place with the Deputy Chairman of Brentford, Brian Burgess, also being the Chairman of Bees United. This is a very unhealthy ongoing situation and must be resolved.

I was formerly New Media Manager at Brentford FC until last spring and now work for West End Theatre Managers Ltd. I have an insight into the internal workings of a football club and the necessary skills to carry out an effective role at board level to ensure the growth of Bees United.

Please vote for me if you agree with the above. Bees United must change.

If you have any questions regarding my candidature please email [email protected] or call me on 0778 639 5420.

 

[IsleofWight_Bee]

Chapman Out



Seriously Mark you've got my vote....anyone who can wake up a bunch of self serving...

Do us a favour though mate don't become one of them!

 

[nocoat]

:yes: Chapman In!

 

[Hullbee]

:yes: Chapman In!

 

[RodBee]

Markbfc for me !!

 

[golferbee]

The current level of board members is too high to conduct business effectively. I will campaign for a reduction in its numbers, particularly from the co-opted section.

How many board members are there currently, and what are their roles??

 

[rebus]

There are currently eleven according to the BU website. This will increase to thirteen after the election. There is scope for up to fifteen members of the BU board I believe.


Their roles are thus (as of last November so perhaps now out of date):

http://www.beesunited.org.uk/news/2005/news281105.php

 

[Banana]

There are currently eleven according to the BU website. Their roles are thus (as of last November so perhaps now out of date):

http://www.beesunited.org.uk/news/2005/news281105.php

Don't forget that apparently someone has been co-opted :shrug:

 

[golferbee]

Thankyou, are the 3 new board members going to be replacing existing members?
If not what would the new members role be?

 

[rebus]

Thankyou, are the 3 new board members going to be replacing existing members?
If not what would the new members role be?

The resignations of Jon Gosling, Chris Scott and Rod Gowers have opened the way for these elections. I understand Chris will resign when the election has taken place.

New BU board members roles would be decided at a later board meeting

 

[Davee]

I will now join BU just to vote for you! How do I do it, is it on their site?

 

[golferbee]

Appreciated!

 

[rebus]

I will now join BU just to vote for you! How do I do it, is it on their site?

In true Parliamentary fashion, I have to declare I know this man!

 

[Banana]

In true Parliamentary fashion, I have to declare I know this man!

Oh dear the ballot stuffing has started - still the BU Board say it's a good thing

 

[Les Beeavinu]

I understand Chris will resign when the election has taken place.

Another one! What's the point in people voting for candidates who then decide to jack it in? Can the current candidates assure those who vote for them that they will carry out their mandate as promised? Quite frankly, none of it seems worth the bother to me.

 

[maddogging]

Can you guarantee that your head will be about matters Griffin Park and not Emirates Stadium.....

 

[Brickie Chap]

Can you confirm that the infamous and hugely popular chant of CHAPMAN OUT, will still be tolerated at GP

 

[northantsbee]

Another one! What's the point in people voting for candidates who then decide to jack it in? Can the current candidates assure those who vote for them that they will carry out their mandate as promised? Quite frankly, none of it seems worth the bother to me.

Absolutely Les, I intend to not only stick it out but to hopefully do such a good job that i am elected for a second, third, fourth time.

 

[rebus]

Can you confirm that the infamous and hugely popular chant of CHAPMAN OUT, will still be tolerated at GP

Yes, in fact I expect to hear it sung more often in the coming weeks.

 

[rebus]

Another one! What's the point in people voting for candidates who then decide to jack it in? Can the current candidates assure those who vote for them that they will carry out their mandate as promised? Quite frankly, none of it seems worth the bother to me.

You can never rule anything out. However, I expect to serve the full term if elected.

 

[Simon C]

You can never rule anything out. However, I expect to serve the full term if elected.

So what you're saying is you're not a quitter (despite evidence to the contrary).

 

[rebus]

Can you guarantee that your head will be about matters Griffin Park and not Emirates Stadium.....

Yes, I think they've got things under control in N5 so they won't need me. They have an excellent recruitment policy so I've heard.

 

[shaggy]

In true Parliamentary fashion, I have to declare I know this man!

...and have dirt on him. Or is that he has dirt on you? Or both of the above?

They'll be pictures in the chronicle soon... oh, that was last week!

 

[rebus]

So what you're saying is you're not a quitter (despite evidence to the contrary).

I resigned from BFC on several points of princible and given subsequent events, I think it was the correct decision then and I still do now.

The then "Senior Management" set-up at BFC were nothing short of a disgrace and it was impossible to retain any professional dignity in that enviroment.

As I wrote earlier, I expect to serve the full term.

...and have dirt on him. Or is that he has dirt on you? Or both of the above?


They'll be pictures in the chronicle soon... oh, that was last week!

You'll get your turn soon Richard.

 

[Simon C]

I resigned from BFC on several points of princible and given subsequent events, I think it was the correct decision then and I still do now.

The then "Senior Management" set-up at BFC were nothing short of a disgrace and it was impossible to retain any professional dignity in that enviroment.

As I wrote earlier, I expect to serve the full term.

Only

I don't think this was a valid question to answer as I don't think anyone takes on something like this with the intention of quitting (and they definitely wouldn't admit that before the election)

 

[Bucks Bee]

Markbfc - notwithstanding my agreement of your points, you haven't actually said what you intend to do (apart from campaigning to reduce the number of directors) if, or should i say when, you are elected. Can you perhaps expand on what your strategies will be to tackle each of the points you have raised.

 

[Shirley Bee]

Too many board members to conduct business effectively.

What is the board's business, and how should it be restructured to function more effectively?

 

[rebus]

how should it be restructured to function more effectively?

I've found smaller groups bring better results. I fail to see how a board that could be up to fifteen in number effectively manage and reach quick and correct decisions.

Markbfc - notwithstanding my agreement of your points, you haven't actually said what you intend to do (apart from campaigning to reduce the number of directors) if, or should i say when, you are elected. Can you perhaps expand on what your strategies will be to tackle each of the points you have raised.

I can only make progress on what I feel should be improved with the agreement of the other BU board members. As Banana said in his statement, nothing can change if you are outvoted.

Forgive me if I don't "reveal my hand" as it were at this stage as regards detailed strategy.

 

[shaggy]

I resigned from BFC on several points of princible and given subsequent events, I think it was the correct decision then and I still do now.

The then "Senior Management" set-up at BFC were nothing short of a disgrace and it was impossible to retain any professional dignity in that enviroment.

As I wrote earlier, I expect to serve the full term.

You'll get your turn soon Richard.

They'll be no chicken scandal after the election thats anything to do with me!

 

[Inappropriate Smilies Bee]

miss GPG 2006

i pay £15 a year to something to get tickets for southampton/bournemouth/millwall/orient etc.
does that mean i can vote for you on this BIAS thing mate?
chapman and gilham in!!!! :box: :box:

 

[jay1310]

Forgive me if I don't "reveal my hand" as it were at this stage as regards detailed strategy.

Mark, I believe you could do a good job on the BU Board. However, this statement does worry me a little bit.
I would have thought this was an ideal opportunity to detail all your ideas in order for you to get elected on 'your hand' so to speak.
As it stands, currently, members could give you the mandate to go on the board and then find out that they don't neccesarily agree with your ideas!

 

[rebus]

Mark, I believe you could do a good job on the BU Board. However, this statement does worry me a little bit.
I would have thought this was an ideal opportunity to detail all your ideas in order for you to get elected on 'your hand' so to speak.
As it stands, currently, members could give you the mandate to go on the board and then find out that they don't neccesarily agree with your ideas!

Can you declare your interest please.

 

[jay1310]

Can you declare your interest please.

Sure, as you and probably many others are aware Northantsbee is my wife, however as a BU member I want to be able to vote for the candidates that I
believe can do the best job for BU. I just wondered what your ideas are
Mark so that I can decide whom I am going to vote for.

 

[shaggy]

Sure, as you and probably many others are aware Northantsbee is my wife...

lol

 

[rebus]

Northantsbee is my wife

Thanks for clearing that up.

My statement outlines what I think is wrong at Bees United and If members agree with me, I want them to vote for me to order to try and change things.

That is my mandate. I hope people can trust me to deliver a more efficient Bees United.

 

[Gee Bee]

Thanks for clearing that up.

My statement outlines what I think is wrong at Bees United and If members agree with me, I want them to vote for me to order to try and change things.

That is my mandate. I hope people can trust me to deliver a more efficient Bees United.

But shouldn't you be telling us how you intend to try and change things.
Just like any manifesto it can be backtracked on at a later date.

 

[jay1310]

Sure, as you and probably many others are aware Northantsbee is my wife, however as a BU member I want to be able to vote for the candidates that I
believe can do the best job for BU. I just wondered what your ideas are
Mark so that I can decide whom I am going to vote for.

lol

Did you not read the rest of the post then shaggy?

Or do you think I am not allowed to ask any questions then?

Just asking like!

 

[jay1310]

Thanks for clearing that up.

My statement outlines what I think is wrong at Bees United and If members agree with me, I want them to vote for me to order to try and change things.

That is my mandate. I hope people can trust me to deliver a more efficient Bees United.

No worries Mark and all the best

 

[shaggy]

Did you not read the rest of the post then shaggy?

Or do you think I am not allowed to ask any questions then?

Just asking like!

Perfectly entitled. I just found the first bit amusing, hence my post.

 

[rebus]

Just like any manifesto it can be backtracked on at a later date.

Backtracking is not for me. I will work 100% but if others decide they don't agree then I will have failed.

 

[Gee Bee]

Backtracking is not for me. I will work 100% but if others decide they don't agree then I will have failed.

Fine but shouldn't you be telling us what you would like to do to change things and how? Just so whether we should support you or not.
We know that you can be outvoted on issues, but surely we are entitled to know how you would like to proceed to change things. Reducing a board meeting number is all well and good, but if the results the same, is their any point?

 

[rebus]

Reducing a board meeting number is all well and good, but if the results the same, is their any point?

Correct. Fundraising, transparency and communication rise above this but I feel we are being "strangled" by committee. Board meetings lasting four or more hours is not an effective way to run a business.

 

[Gee Bee]

Correct. Fundraising, transparency and communication rise above this but I feel we are being "strangled" by committee. Board meetings lasting four or more hours is not an effective way to run a business.

Agreed about length of meetings, maybe Joe could be persuaded to attend once a quarter.
Seriously though, we have had and still this time get potential board members saying they intend to improve communication, transpareny & fundraising, but still it doesn;t seem to happen to the effect that suits one and all.
How would you try and do this?
Could it be that there is too much that is confidential that even Brickie shouldn't know?

 

[EdBee]

...and the necessary skills to carry out an effective role at board level to ensure the growth of Bees United.

Hello Mark.
Any chance you could expand on what these skills are you think you have ?
Also, can you give an example from your time working at Brentford FC of when you've championed change?
What skills and behaviours did you demonstrate, and what was the outcome (result)?
If you can't think of one from your time working at Brentford, an example from any employer will do.
Hope you don't mind me asking for a real life example of what you can do. I just think it's so easy for people to say "I have skills" without ever having really tested those skills out in real life situations. I have "skills". But perhaps making a great cup of tea isn't really what BU needs! I've heard from a lot of people that you are "Brentford through and through". But I need more than that before I vote for you.
I'm sure you've got lots of examples, so one that shows us what you have the potential to do if you were voted in.
So Mark, an example of "championed change" + skills demonstated + result if you don't mind ......

 

[rebus]

Thanks EdBee. You asked me where I've "championed change". Well, I've been doing that for a long time now and will continue to do so.

Even my BFC board director election statement in 2004 asked for improvements to the ticketing and telephone system at Griffin Park to aid customer service. These were both done in the end.

I'm not claiming credit as anyone working at BFC - or even a Brentford supporter - could see that this was needed. I was just a good dose of common sense.

In my time at Brentford I ensured that the club received a good six-figure sum on royalty payments as part of my role as New Media Manager. It was very hard work but enjoyable on the whole.

Growth of our online communication with supporters will be vital to the Trust. They must be informed. The BU website at present is inaccessible and need of a complete overhaul. I can deliver this and ensure a strategy is put in place where supporters are kept in touch.

We need to co-operate with the club fully to convert the many supporters not in BU to join up and give the Trust their financial support.

I agree with you, being Brentford "through and through" is no passport to success. John McGlashan proved that. He has followed this club passionately for a lot longer than I but proved out of his depth when it mattered.

I am not seeking election on this ticket or for a decent brew either.

 

[jmcp]

Regarding this recent article in the Chronicle by Steve Cowan which you say yourself you believe he was 'told to write' by people within BU. Whether or not this is true, if you feel it is, how are you going to work with these people if you are elected? If i vote for you, and i actually agree with a lot of your criticism of BU do you see yourself being able to make a difference working alongside these people?

 

[Salford Bee]

But shouldn't you be telling us how you intend to try and change things.

Exactly what I thought

 

[PLE]

Chapman in...............
Posted my vote for mr.C this morning anyone with a voice as loud as yours will have no problem getting your views across.
good luck DAVE!

 

[hitchinb]

What is your financial strategy? I don't want to know about tombola and sponsored walks - vital though they are. I don't want vague remarks about debt re-engineering. I want to know where the money is going to come from to build BFC. Sell shares to supporters (it's always seemed like a good idea to me)? Seek out sugar daddy? Or is everything dependent on selling GP and moving elsewhere?

 

[rebus]

What is your financial strategy? I don't want to know about tombola and sponsored walks - vital though they are. I don't want vague remarks about debt re-engineering. I want to know where the money is going to come from to build BFC. Sell shares to supporters (it's always seemed like a good idea to me)? Seek out sugar daddy? Or is everything dependent on selling GP and moving elsewhere?

I'll tell you something. I want to know where the money is coming from too as we have not heard anything from the current leadership.

I assume they are pinning hopes on the sale of GP and moving into Lionel Road. I can't see that happening. Therefore, nothing can be ruled in or out. I want to press the chair - whoever that might be - to state how we are going to repay the debt.

This may sound vague, but I don't have any details given by BU to go on. I have heard there might be a debt for equity package but it seems unlikely.