Supporters Panel

[abee]

I really can't see the point about being over critical about this and having a hissy fit without even knowing what is intended. It seems to me that it is likely the group of fans who have volunteered and been selected will probably be consulted about fairly low level issues such as catering, pre match music, club shop stock, programme articles etc whereas we already know that BU is more of a governance organisation that wouldn't take this role and BIAS is probably better employed on specific issues such as ticketing, stewarding problems etc where they have done good work in the past.

Why don't we just let the club get on with a more consultative approach with the fans without having to resort to unnecessary mud slinging.

Par for the course really I suppose, hopefully the club realise it isn't a majority view that this is a bad idea !

Agreed.

I have no idea who is on the panel nor when it sits but what's the harm. Presumably enough supporters thought it a good idea to bother to apply in the first place. I assume that membership of the panel will be on a fixed term basis and with membership changing on a rolling basis.

 

[JTofBFC]

You're missing the point - why only talk to 4 when you can talk to an organisation that not only has many more as paid up members but one that can openly communicate with all Brentford supporters?

Do you think BIAS wants to be consulted about ideas for programme articles, range lines in the club shop, pre match music etc. I have no idea if that is the function of the "panel" but expect it is along these lines rather than more serious issues such as customer charter etc where I would fully expect BIAS to remain the prime point of contact. Sometimes think those at the club who try to improve things must shake their heads in disbelief when they read some of the codswallop on here.

 

[abee]

You're missing the point - why only talk to 4 when you can talk to an organisation that not only has many more as paid up members but one that can openly communicate with all Brentford supporters?

Are there only four people on the panel then?? I have no idea but the link to the initial official site statement suggests ' not more than twelve'.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Are there only four people on the panel then?? I have no idea but the link to the initial official site statement suggests ' not more than twelve'.

Quite right - I thought I read 4 but I don't think it's been confirmed.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Do you think BIAS wants to be consulted about ideas for programme articles, range lines in the club shop, pre match music etc. I have no idea if that is the function of the "panel" but expect it is along these lines rather than more serious issues such as customer charter etc where I would fully expect BIAS to remain the prime point of contact. Sometimes think those at the club who try to improve things must shake their heads in disbelief when they read some of the codswallop on here.

Is it really necessary to have a go at people who have a different view? Doesn't show a lot of class.

 

[JTofBFC]

Doesn't show a lot of class.

How patronising. Water off a ducks back mate.

 

[Sweepy]

Is it really necessary to have a go at people who have a different view?

I thought that was how the GPG works.

I'm all for this Supporters' Panel idea BTW. We have established one of these down here in Romney Marsh, Kent, with myself as the sole member. Ideas are thought over, then expressed via online Brentford forums. It is unclear how many of the ideas are taken on board by the club at this stage.

 

[Banana]

I think it's obvious "Chorlton Bee" is on this exclusive panel

 

[Gee Bee]

I don't think that organisation can dictate who the club can and can't talk to.

Its not about dictating its about getting a wider view than just 4. Surely when you do market research asking 100 people will get a closer to the view on a subject than 10?

 

[Chorlton Bee]

I think it's obvious "Chorlton Bee" is on this exclusive panel

The invitation arrived on Saturday, I enclose evidence

 

[wanderer paul]

I'm sure you will be at the front of the queue for the Group entitled "moan at anything the club try to do however positive it is". !

Not really. I think there's already a group of supporters, BIAS, whom the club can talk to. BIAS are not a cliquey group by the way. Plus you have the wonderful rolleyes: ) GPG who could quite easily be asked questions about future ideas and what supporters think. Oh hang on, only a certain few read the GPG What exactly does the club feel they're going to get from these '12' that they don't already from BIAS and the GPG?

 

[hairman]

The invitation arrived on Saturday, I enclose evidence

I hope you'll be able to express your opinions clearly with your mouth stuffed full of bubble gum.

 

[Adam]

No I don't understand. Do you mean "people that can't be bothered"?

Neutral = not a member of BU or BIAS.

People can be bothered to pay for match tickets week in week out or season tickets but because they are not members of supporters groups they are seen as "people that cannot be bothered" in your opinion? And therefore they should not have a say on how the clubs run? Thats what I gather your implying, or you are trying to put words in my mouth? Odd. I would rather a season ticket holder who is not a member of any supporters group to give his opinion on these panels rather than a 8-15 games a season fan thats a paid up member of BU and BIAS. I assume by your reply that you believe if your a member of a supporters group your more intitled to an opinion on how the clubs run? I disagree.

 

[GEOFFBEE]

I hope you'll be able to express your opinions clearly with your mouth stuffed full of bubble gum.

lol

 

[Banana]

Neutral = not a member of BU or BIAS.

How does that make someone "neutral". It's a bizarre concept to me.

And, yes, I do believe that if you are bothered about how the club is run and how it interacts with supporters then joining a supporters' group such as BIAS is the way to demonstrate that "botheredness". Not getting involved shows a distinct lack of botheredness and interest.

 

[Chorlton Bee]

Not really. I think there's already a group of supporters, BIAS, whom the club can talk to. BIAS are not a cliquey group by the way. Plus you have the wonderful rolleyes: ) GPG who could quite easily be asked questions about future ideas and what supporters think. Oh hang on, only a certain few read the GPG What exactly does the club feel they're going to get from these '12' that they don't already from BIAS and the GPG?

Rolling eyes and banging heads smilies. It's the club TALKING to some fans not putting prices up 400% or banning clapping - get some perspective eh?

 

[wanderer paul]

I like the smiley is that a problem? Sometimes the people just don't understand. whereas others do

 

[Chorlton Bee]

I like the smiley is that a problem? Sometimes the people just don't understand. whereas others do

:thumbs:

 

[JTofBFC]

What exactly does the club feel they're going to get from these '12' that they don't already from BIAS and the GPG?

Slightly confused how you reconcile your current view that this whole thing is a waste of time with your earlier view (see Post No 6 of this thread) indicating that you thought a certain poster would be an ideal candidate for this panel.

Can I now add my own twice for good measure.

 

[Adam]

How does that make someone "neutral". It's a bizarre concept to me.

And, yes, I do believe that if you are bothered about how the club is run and how it interacts with supporters then joining a supporters' group such as BIAS is the way to demonstrate that "botheredness". Not getting involved shows a distinct lack of botheredness and interest.

Fair enough I totally disagree. A supporters trust could have a policy that you totally disagree with. For example if you believe that the club is perfectly fine at GP and opose a move then why would you join BIAS? They organisation doesnt represent your views then. I hope BIAS doesn't share your views that only their members care or are "bothered" about the club.

 

[wanderer paul]

Slightly confused how you reconcile your current view that this whole thing is a waste of time with your earlier view (see Post No 6 of this thread) indicating that you thought a certain poster would be an ideal candidate for this panel.

Can I now add my own twice for good measure.

:bound:

You go back over old posts! :banana:

I've changed my opinion now

PaulUSA is probably a member of both groups anyway. :tongue:

Also, he'll be on the panel for one reason, meatier pies :shrug: so i decided it was all for the wrong reasons........................ :grey:

 

[Salford Bee]

BU and BIAS do completely different things.

As I see it BU are responsible with overseeing the running of the club at board-room level and I assume they are looking at alternative plans should Benham not exercise his option of taking over Brentford FC (I think he will but you can never be too sure). I also hope they are looking at a new stadium. Should Benham take over the club at the end of the agreement what would happen to BU?

I see BIAS's role as being there to represent all Brentford fans concerns such as catering, ticket prices etc. I would say BIAS is a more "social" group than BU due to the different events put on, such as the boat trips and fans forums, both of these events have been very popular in the past and I'm sure they will remain so. This is not intended as a criticism of BU in any way. BU are doing very well with what they're doing.

 

[rebus]

BU and BIAS do completely different things.

As I see it BU are responsible with overseeing the running of the club at board-room level and I assume they are looking at alternative plans should Benham not exercise his option of taking over Brentford FC (I think he will but you can never be too sure). I also hope they are looking at a new stadium. Should Benham take over the club at the end of the agreement what would happen to BU?

I see BIAS's role as being there to represent all Brentford fans concerns such as catering, ticket prices etc. I would say BIAS is a more "social" group than BU due to the different events put on, such as the boat trips and fans forums, both of these events have been very popular in the past and I'm sure they will remain so. This is not intended as a criticism of BU in any way. BU are doing very well with what they're doing.

As I mentioned on the thread earlier - the two organisations are separate and there are good reasons for that. BU is primarily concerned with governance and ensuring the football club has a short and long term future. This page is worth looking at:

http://www.beesunited.org.uk/faqs/456-objectives-and-policies-2010-2014

As part of the BU/MB partnership, Matthew Benham appoints the executive team at Brentford FC, which consists of Alan Bird, Phil Whall, Mark Warburton, Mark Devlin and Uwe Rösler. The latter three are not on the board of BFC. They deal with the day-to-day issues concerning the club.

BIAS will always be needed and I see them as a trade union for Brentford supporters. They count themselves as a critical friend of BU and long may that continue.

 

[Salford Bee]

As I mentioned on the thread earlier - the two organisations are separate and there are good reasons for that. BU is primarily concerned with governance and ensuring the football club has a short and long term future. This page is worth looking at:

http://www.beesunited.org.uk/faqs/456-objectives-and-policies-2010-2014

As part of the BU/MB partnership, Matthew Benham appoints the executive team at Brentford FC, which consists of Alan Bird, Phil Whall, Mark Warburton, Mark Devlin and Uwe Rösler. The latter three are not on the board of BFC. They deal with the day-to-day issues concerning the club.

BIAS will always be needed and I see them as a trade union for Brentford supporters. They count themselves as a critical friend of BU and long may that continue.

Thanks for this. I have a few follow up questions from this document as this was published in April last year.

1. BU's target is to raise £1 million by 2014. What is the progress with this?
2. What does BU currently owe?
3. I might be reading this wrongly but if MB exercises his option would BU, in the long run, cease to exist as an organisation having achieved it's goals of ensuring the, hopefully, long-term future of the club?

 

[Sultan]

To be honest anyone that puts themselves up for anything to do with BFC, BIAS, BU deserves a medal for the amount of unecessary sh*t that get slung around on here.

 

[Banana]

Fair enough I totally disagree. A supporters trust could have a policy that you totally disagree with. For example if you believe that the club is perfectly fine at GP and opose a move then why would you join BIAS? They organisation doesnt represent your views then. I hope BIAS doesn't share your views that only their members care or are "bothered" about the club.

Yes, you are quite right, you could completely disagree with BU's stated aim which is "to secure the long-term future of the club". Er.....If you were childless, didn't give a monkeys, wanted a sh*t-or-bust spending of cash reserves on the playing budget and in your 90s I suppose.

It seems to me that you can lead a horse to water but it won't drink out of sheer stubborness. :bound:

 

[GEOFFBEE]

Getting back to topic, I think some have misconstrued some of the questions re the supporters panel. Some points have been raised because some of us wish to know more , or get some clarification and/or because we feel we have suggestions that can, hopefully, enhance the effectiveness of the scheme. For my part, I think it is excellent that the club is seeking more views, and I wish this initiative, and the panel members ,all the very best. Myself and some others just feel it would help if the panel members were named. Unless there is a very good reason for not doing so, I believe it would then be seen to be transparent( a key word these days!) plus the members can get due recognition and two way feedback from other supporters. Surely nothing wrong with that?....

 

[abee]

If you were childless, didn't give a monkeys, wanted a sh*t-or-bust spending of cash reserves on the playing budget and in your 90s I suppose.

I do not appreciate it that you take a chunk from my cv and post it on a public forum. :mad1::mad1::mad1:

 

[BIAS]

Wanted - Brentford fans who want to make a difference

Do you have a passion for Brentford Football Club and want to become more involved in representing fans views to the Club? Are you interested in representing and bringing together Bees supporters? Can you spare a few hours each month to contribute to the success of and to shape the work of BIAS. The Association is looking for Brentford fans with a real passion for the football club to become more involved.

Brentford FC recently had over 60 people apply to members of their recently formed Fans Panel and BIAS would love those who applied to become more involved with the Associations work, by either joining a sub committee, putting themselves forward for a lead role or by standing at the Associations AGM which will be on 19th November.

The BIAS of today is an open, democratic, organisation; our members decide what we are, and what we do. In a lot of ways BIAS can be thought of as somewhere between a Trades Union and a Students Union for Brentford fans. The objectives of the Association are numerous and wide ranging, from promoting the football club, representing the clubs supporters and bringing Brentford fans together.
BIAS would love more fans to attend these meetings, for more supporters to provide their input and to inform us of the views of their Bees supporting family and friends.

BIAS are currently looking for supporters to join the Associations Match Day Experience team, to act as mystery shoppers and to take ownership of reporting and escalating all matters that are not as good as they should be and just as importantly to highlighting excellent customer service and improvements made. Most of the liaising and feedback will be done via e-mail.

We would also like people to enhance our Social team and to help us to put on more events to bring Brentford fans together. Maybe you have an idea of such an event?
If you can spare a little more time, BIAS are currently looking for a new Committee Secretary who can devote a few hours a month to ensure the Committee meetings runs smoothly and that day-to-day communications are dealt with efficiently. The Committee needs someone to organise the regular meetings from securing the venue to taking basic minutes; co-ordinate leaflet and poster distribution; update BIAS on Facebook and Twitter; and answer email queries in a timely manner.

We would also like to hear from supporters with an accounting background who would be interested in becoming either the Association treasurer or even Finance Officer.

The Association are also looking for Regional Coordinators who can form local branches of BIAS so that members who live around the country and abroad can benefit fully from their BIAS membership.
If you are interested in any of the above roles please e-mail [email protected] or just pop along to our next meeting which is taking place on Monday 3rd October in the Function Room of the Griffin Pub with a 7pm start.

 

[SmiffyBee]

Were the fans panel consulted on the new kit, the dug outs, the outline plans for the new stadium, or has this fans panel scheme been dropped ?

 

[NorthamptonBee]

Were the fans panel consulted on the new kit, the dug outs, the outline plans for the new stadium, or has this fans panel scheme been dropped ?

We were, we were offered free ST if we kept quiet.

 

[condorman]

We were, we were offered free ST if we kept quiet.

Is that all you got? I'm playing left back tomorrow

 

[NorthamptonBee]

Is that all you got? I'm playing left back tomorrow

My ST is for Fulham, how fecking "wacko" is that?