The John Mac interview discussion thread

[Edmundo]

OK, I've just got back and have skimmed through this thread. A couple of first thoughts. (1) None of the questions were mine, the unattributed ones are mostly, if not all, from Ace Face - I just got bored of typing his name. I will go through and make sure they are all properly attributed later. (2) This was quite a difficult interview as nearly all of the questions were heavily loaded and possibly trick questions too. John, understandably, was put onto the defensive by the tenor of the questions and this led to him sometimes being briefer in his responses than I think he might otherwise have been.

The question regarding potential donors who are withholding funds was interesting, because when I was asking it and it was the most common question, it occured to me that if someone was seriously prepared to invest a large sum of money on condition that John resigns, you would have thought that they would have told him so directly, wouldn't you?

 

[Banana]

The most entertaining part was Finchy boy recognising me and Edmundo as the "good guys" that delivered £1600 cheque from the Great Escape T-Shirts and then me reminding him of my name with respect to the emails we had exchanged recently. The best bit was when I was told that he wasn't happy I was there - made my day!

 

[Edmundo]

Actually, Finch struggled to recognise me, which, considering I handed him a large cheque very recently, didn't impress me too much.

 

[eghambee]

Didnt you read some of them work until 3.00 on match days, also if they are not working (directors of football clubs) then the pay to get in.

Just to clarify, i was being sarcastic!

 

[eghambee]

The most entertaining part was Finchy boy recognising me and Edmundo as the "good guys" that delivered £1600 cheque from the Great Escape T-Shirts and then me reminding him of my name with respect to the emails we had exchanged recently. The best bit was when I was told that he wasn't happy I was there - made my day!

I hope you told him you weren't happy he was there either, but then you will be around a bit longer !

 

[abee]

The question regarding potential donors who are withholding funds was interesting, because when I was asking it and it was the most common question, it occured to me that if someone was seriously prepared to invest a large sum of money on condition that John resigns, you would have thought that they would have told him so directly, wouldn't you?

No why should they???

He is playing no obvious part in the backthebees campaign so surely if any potential investors are approached and asked for their conditions to invest then why would they then feel that they had to tell JM directly........or rather through Peter G if they follow the Customer Charter. rofl

I do not follow your reasoning Ed.

 

[eghambee]

Actually, Finch struggled to recognise me, which, considering I handed him a large cheque very recently, didn't impress me too much.

I am lead to believe you are not alone in this!

 

[eghambee]

Egham, I know you like him but.............................

It is possible to not dislike someone when you are talking about a game etc but still think they shouldnt be in that job anymore!

 

[Banana]

I am lead to believe you are not alone in this!

The way to Finchy boy's heart is through email - not cash

He recognised my name straightaway - and I was rather happy that he made a Pavolian association with email

 

[Edmundo]

No why should they???

He is playing no obvious part in the backthebees campaign so surely if any potential investors are approached and asked for their conditions to invest then why would they then feel that they had to tell JM directly........or rather through Peter G if they follow the Customer Charter. rofl

I do not follow your reasoning Ed.

My reasoning shouldn't be hard to follow. Imagine you are a multi-billionaire (Russian perhaps) and you are thinking of giving your small change (£250,000 say) to Bees United, but only if that pesky John Mac agrees to go. Don't you think it might occur to you to get in touch with John Mac and say, "Hey John, I'll hand over a quarter of a million, if you hand in your notice."? Or perhaps you think instead, "I know, I'll tell my best mate, and he can tell Brian Burgess's milkman and maybe John will get to hear."?

And if you were Brian Burgess and your milkman told you that John Mac had to go in order to secure this big investment, do you think you would keep it secret from John Mac?

 

[ChinaBee]

It is possible to not dislike someone when you are talking about a game etc but still think they shouldnt be in that job anymore!

Yes but normally the people in football you dislike are playing for the opposition

 

[ChinaBee]

My reasoning shouldn't be hard to follow. Imagine you are a multi-billionaire (Russian perhaps) and you are thinking of giving your small change (£250,000 say) to Bees United, but only if that pesky John Mac agrees to go. Don't you think it might occur to you to get in touch with John Mac and say, "Hey John, I'll hand over a quarter of a million, if you hand in your notice."? Or perhaps you think instead, "I know, I'll tell my best mate, and he can tell Brian Burgess's milkman and maybe John will get to hear."?

And if you were Brian Burgess and your milkman told you that John Mac had to go in order to secure this big investment, do you think you would keep it secret from John Mac?

I knew HE wanted to invest in another west London club. Never mind we dont need his money

 

[ChinaBee]

Just to clarify, i was being sarcastic!

Yes indeed, still not happy.............perhaps a beer on Saturday?

 

[abee]

My reasoning shouldn't be hard to follow. Imagine you are a multi-billionaire (Russian perhaps) and you are thinking of giving your small change (£250,000 say) to Bees United, but only if that pesky John Mac agrees to go. Don't you think it might occur to you to get in touch with John Mac and say, "Hey John, I'll hand over a quarter of a million, if you hand in your notice."? Or perhaps you think instead, "I know, I'll tell my best mate, and he can tell Brian Burgess's milkman and maybe John will get to hear."?

And if you were Brian Burgess and your milkman told you that John Mac had to go in order to secure this big investment, do you think you would keep it secret from John Mac?

Now I'm lost.

For all I know it is quite probable that Bees United want John Mac to stay on the BFC and Bees United boards and as a paid employee of BFC and that they have already/are about to raise the million without calling on other investors who have conditions that Bees United does not wish to meet. In that case any discussions/ultimatums between John Mac and the investors directly would breach normal etiquette in my book and be completely irrelevant.

 

[eghambee]

Yes indeed, still not happy.............perhaps a beer on Saturday?

I dont believe the club will be in a better position if i accept your offer of a beer on Saturday!

Oh ok, i guess my slimming project will just go on a bit longer!

 

[Aberdeen flyer]

Yes indeed, still not happy.............perhaps a beer on Saturday?

Count me in too.........

 

[abee]

My reasoning shouldn't be hard to follow. Imagine you are a multi-billionaire (Russian perhaps) and you are thinking of giving your small change (£250,000 say) to Bees United, but only if that pesky John Mac agrees to go. Don't you think it might occur to you to get in touch with John Mac and say, "Hey John, I'll hand over a quarter of a million, if you hand in your notice."? Or perhaps you think instead, "I know, I'll tell my best mate, and he can tell Brian Burgess's milkman and maybe John will get to hear."?

And if you were Brian Burgess and your milkman told you that John Mac had to go in order to secure this big investment, do you think you would keep it secret from John Mac?

Let me try again as I don't understand all of this "milkman" talk or where it is heading.

As far as I am aware Ed all of the potential six figure investors were identified,approached by Bees United individually and invited to meet (some one on one and others in small groups). No one has been queuing up to chuck monies at a small football club making current losses of £300k per year and which has spent the past fifty three years in the two lower divisions with the exception of one season. (Joe Bourke posted yesterday regarding the current financial position and the problems facing us financially during the current season and particularly in the next close season. It makes my blood run cold and that is the legacy that the present board and management will be leaving to any incoming team if you like). The potential investors were individually asked whether they would be prepared to "invest" and what conditions they would impose. The responses were a mixed bag I believe. Some were interested in when they got their monies back on the "I'll do £100k for five years" and others were more interested in how the club would be run and who would be running it.

Look if someone approached me and said "Would you consider being a regular poster on the GPG and if so on what terms" and I said "Yes I would but not as long as Bee H is still posting" then that is up to you if you ask Bee H to withdraw........not for me to speak/write to Bee H and tell him that by the way I have asked that he be removed from the GPG accredited posters if they want me to post.

I don't know how else to explain it and I certainly believe that you are wrong.

Personally I am now far more concerned with the financial position than any individuals. If I had £7million that I was inclined to chuck into the club then I would pay-off and toss out the whole of the BFC board and the senior management. When you read Joe Bourke's posts do you really believe that we have been well served by the individuals to whom we handed the safeguarding of our Club's future. It makes a mockery does it not of the oft repeated mantra that Bees United is the epitome of financial rectitude. Anyway John Mac is a side issue and frankly I don't care anymore having read his interview. We know that he gets a salary of £28k (we weren't told about his total costs to BFC after the other perks (car, pension fund, NI contributions.) I don't give a toss what JM gets.........it's what his continued employment costs BFC that is the only figure that bothers me. Anyway we now know that his projects go on to a) the end of the season or b) are nearly finished and that there is a) nothing more for him to do or b) someone else will have to take over his work. You take your pick; I have had it.
This is the club run by supporters and dedicated to openness and transparency. At least Ace Face wheedled out of JM that there is an "interesting" Barratts offer......but of course the cannon fodder in the streets cannot be told about that. Don't you ever start wondering exactly what is going on behind the scenes and what else you cannot be told about?

 

[Old B]

Ed/Nana - where was the interview ?, why was Finch present ?, did you know in advance that Finch would be there and was this a condition of JM doing the interview ?

One other point - when doing an i/view such as this where it is expected most questions will be trick/derisory/personal etc do you feel it fair that those asking questions should hide behind their online names - personally I feel that those asking questions should do so using their real names. Would be interested in your thoughts/comments.

 

[Banana]

Ed/Nana - where was the interview ?, why was Finch present ?, did you know in advance that Finch would be there and was this a condition of JM doing the interview ?

It was at the offices at GP. Finch just came in to see what was going on and then went back into his office - he wasn't there for any of the interview - it was just myself, Edmundo and John Mac.

One other point - when doing an i/view such as this where it is expected most questions will be trick/derisory/personal etc do you feel it fair that those asking questions should hide behind their online names - personally I feel that those asking questions should do so using their real names. Would be interested in your thoughts/comments.

Interesting one. However John Mac does know the nature of the GPG - he also knows the people behind the usernames that were the source of the majority of questions last night. I don't believe John had a real problem with how the interview was conducted. From the other point of view it does, of course, enable more penetrating questions to be asked that people may not want to do face-to-face. Not saying that's a good thing or bad thing either.

 

[abee]

Ed/Nana - where was the interview ?, why was Finch present ?, did you know in advance that Finch would be there and was this a condition of JM doing the interview ?

One other point - when doing an i/view such as this where it is expected most questions will be trick/derisory/personal etc do you feel it fair that those asking questions should hide behind their online names - personally I feel that those asking questions should do so using their real names. Would be interested in your thoughts/comments.

That is a very good point and indeed I had dinner with Bee H last evening (whilst the live interview was in progess) and asked him the same question. I wasn't sure if Ed and Nana would be using actual names or user names. I didn't spot any "trick/derisory/personal" questions in the mixed bag actually and join issue with you that "most" of them were of that nature. Surely anything truly unpleasant would have been filtered out by Ed and Nana before the interview.

The reality Old B is that if the questions had been directed to the CEO (taking care of course to send them via Peter G) then hardly any of them would have been answered. Look at them again and I believe that Finch would have batted just about all of them aside under the blanket "personal/confidential/irrelevant/not for publication/a matter for the directors and if they want to answer they can" headings to which we have become accustomed.

The reality about Southampton week is that the BFC board allowed John Mac to twist in the wind on that one. The top secret investigation (part carried out by a BU nominated director who was up to his eyebrows in the communication issues of that week) was kept er...."secret" and therefore makers of the other poor decisions of that week escaped relatively scot-free. In my view John Mac does not defend himself vigorously enough. I am not as impressed as Joe Bourke with "dignified silences" especially when the issues include our club on the brink.

 

[Luton Bee]

One things for sure for me at least, I will not be re-starting my BU standing order as long as certain people remain at the helm of that organisation. That includes Joe Bourke, Brian Burgess and John McGlashan. I will also be proposing a vote of no confidence in the Bees United board at the next AGM.

 

[IsleofWight_Bee]

I will also be calling for a vote of no confidence

Can you do that if you are not a BU member Luton?

 

[Luton Bee]

I am a BU member still as I had 2 standing orders, one for the membership and one as a donation, only the donation one has been cancelled.

 

[Bee H]

this bit here Luton !

Luton, if you read the bit above his post, I think I.o.W. Bee was asking a general question, not one directed at you persnonally ? :shrug:

 

[Nigel Brooks]

Anyway we now know that his projects go on to a) the end of the season or b) are nearly finished and that there is a) nothing more for him to do or b) someone else will have to take over his work.

Thank you abee. At least your observation had some allusion towards an end-date, which is far more detail than our (I say our, for we are paying him) Projects Director was willing to impart.

I think part 2 a) of your response is nearer the truth than many would believe and I hope that part 2 b) is realised sooner rather than later.

 

[Luton Bee]

Re: this bit here Luton !

Luton, if you read the bit above his post, I think I.o.W. Bee was asking a general question, not one directed at you persnonally ? :shrug:

It's early and I'm not in the best of moods!!!!!

I believe you would need to be a member of BU to either propose or second a motion and vote on any such motion.

If anyone wants to second my motion they are welcome to let me know.

 

[Nurse Betty]

Re: this bit here Luton !

It's early and I'm not in the best of moods!!!!!

I believe you would need to be a member of BU to either propose or second a motion and vote on any such motion.

If anyone wants to second my motion they are welcome to let me know.

Seconded.

 

[Ace Face]

First of all apologies to you all that because I am at work, I can`t spare the time to go in and quote from JM, but I am very dissapointed that JM was unable to be anything other than be very bland when answering.

To give a one word answer for example about Barratts is poor and he also failed to be specific on a number of other questions.

Unfortunately this is what JM is like, he is and comes across as being very arrogant at times.

I also have to say that I am horrified that the BFC projects he owns, have no proper project plan with a completion date. As someone who uses Microsoft Project and has worked on projects (Can I call myself a Project Manager?),this is basic stuff. How can the project cost in, if you can`t forecast when the business benefits are due to flow in? etc etc.

Still no answer on the ST Directors issue either.

With regards the investors not investing. This is potentially very worrying that BU may have had to get extra funding from an FI or elsewhere, because wealthy fans won`t invest.

 

[Gee Bee]

It was a typical JM interview. He has imho embarrased himself with his many non-answers.

Nice to see he coniders an improvement on the playing side one of his achievements he has overseen!!
Having told us previously he had offered the managers job to Steve Perryman first, could it be considered an achievement by him or lucky that Perryman turned the job down?

 

[rebus]

That's not true - I did. i went down and got everyone off the street and into the ground and closed the gates and guaranteed that everyone inside the ground would get a ticket for the game which they did.

What utter bullshit. He did no such thing. I cannot tell you how angry I am at seeing this complete pack of lies. I closed the gates myself and everything he mentioned in the above quote was due to prompting from me, and he agreed with 100% as he was wondering around in a daze.

If I am within eyesight of that **** on Saturday there will be trouble. :mad1: :mad1: :mad1: :mad1:

 

[Gee Bee]

What utter bullshit. He did no such thing. I cannot tell you how angry I am at seeing this complete pack of lies. I closed the gates myself and everything he mentioned in the above quote was due to prompting from me, and he agreed with 100% as he was wondering around in a daze.

If I am within eyesight of that **** on Saturday there will be trouble. :mad1: :mad1: :mad1: :mad1:

When I saw that answer, I thought you may be a little upset.

 

[abee]

To give a one word answer for example about Barratts is poor...............

What do you want to know exactly?? When Gee Bee raised it last week I said that I thought it was "secret" but I suppose that I could dig a copy out of my files along with the C&M offer or then again...........

 

[abee]

I cannot tell you how angry I am at seeing this complete pack of lies.

Oh go on........at least try......... rofl

 

[rebus]

I'm still seething!

His answer to his own salary was being economical with the truth. At a BFC board meeting last June he was offered £40k plus car, pension and healthcare benefits. That is a FACT and I can prove it.

I suspect the 12k shortfall is being made-up somewhere.

 

[Bee H]

His answer to his own salary was being economical with the truth. At a BFC board meeting last June he was offered £40k plus car, pension and healthcare benefits. That is a FACT and I can prove it.

I suspect the 12k shortfall is being made-up somewhere.

Joe Bourke confirmed on the GPG that some of the salary increase was being directed to JMc's pension.

Typical JMc answer though, doesn't tell a lie but doesn't tell the whole picture - a horrible side to a horrible little 'Man' imho !

 

[TOMOGP]

After this can one of J Mc supporters still try and justify his staying?

 

[Bigbee]

After this can one of J Mc supporters still try and justify his staying?

Joe ? Ben ? Got a reply to this ? Ben can you tell him to go and the club has a good chance of surviving ,why havent you told him before ?

 

[ispeakthetruth]

Just a reminder. This is based on "according to John McGlashan" not on reality!!!!

Im sure if you asked the people who were there, the answer would be very different

 

[beesbeesbarmyarmy]

Joe ? Ben ? Got a reply to this ? Ben can you tell him to go and the club has a good chance of surviving ,why havent you told him before ?

Who is Ben?

 

[eddiesarmy]

I'm still seething!

His answer to his own salary was being economical with the truth. At a BFC board meeting last June he was offered £40k plus car, pension and healthcare benefits. That is a FACT and I can prove it.

I suspect the 12k shortfall is being made-up somewhere.

Go on then prove it

 

[afrimleybee]

Just a reminder. This is based on "according to John McGlashan" not on reality!!!!

Im sure if you asked the people who were there, the answer would be very different

.................and the answer is

 

[eddiesarmy]

I'm still seething!

His answer to his own salary was being economical with the truth. At a BFC board meeting last June he was offered £40k plus car, pension and healthcare benefits. That is a FACT and I can prove it.

I suspect the 12k shortfall is being made-up somewhere.

Still waiting ......

 

[ispeakthetruth]

I will have to talk to my legal team first!

Mr McGlashan also probably say he pays like all the other fans to get in??!!!!

.......................... opps too late!

 

[Gee Bee]

I will have to talk to my legal team first!

Mr McGlashan also probably say he pays like all the other fans to get in??!!!!

.......................... opps too late!

He says he pays to get in on home games when he's not working. Surely as a director his working hours include home games.
Therefore he has again tried to mis-lead, when he knows he doesn't pay at the gate. He could probably look back to the early days and identify a time when he did, in order to back up his claim.
Personally I would think that with the BFC situation as it he would still pay a season ticket price whether he's working or not.

 

[rebus]

Still waiting ......

I'll show you on Saturday if you wish, pm me and we'll meet up...

 

[Downbeat Bee]

It is always hard to know what is going on if you are not in the thick of things.

I felt a little more favourably disposed towards JM after the interview. However, if markbfc's allegations are true then I'm not. Certainly when my old man went to get Southampton tickets he told me noone was around except markbfc who was left to try to deal with irate supporters. If he is being economical with the truth about his wage that is not impressive. If he did not go to Southanmpton that should have been said earlier.

I think keeping us going and in the division since the Coppell season is a major achievement. Who that is down to I suppose is open to some doubt.

I think McGlashan should go - though he is a minor figure compared to Noades. Let's be honest everyone else is.

A few Qs to those in the know:

What does the Barratts deal and the other one consist of?

What has Finch done to antagonise people?

If we take control of the club in October what changes especially personnel wise.

When are the BU directors up for re-election.


I'm a keen follower of all these debates, but they get harder not easier to follow.

 

[Edmundo]

Finch has antagonised people by his unfortunate style of communications in emails. He might think that his Operations Manager is King, but he needs to realise that in fact it's the customer who is king!

 

[Nigel Brooks]

A few Qs to those in the know:

1)What does the Barratts deal and the other one consist of?

2)What has Finch done to antagonise people?

3)If we take control of the club in October what changes especially personnel wise.

4)When are the BU directors up for re-election.


I'm a keen follower of all these debates, but they get harder not easier to follow.

Excuse me for editing your post (adding numbers) but it's easier than adding lots of quote marks.

1) Only the chosen few know. There is a rumoured deal with Barratts which JM did little to dispel in his interview. Doubtless the developers have been sniffing round GP for some time, but the constancy of this particulr rumoured 'deal' does little to give solace to those trying to save the club.

2) Displayed an unfortunate trait of arrogance in communications with both a number of fans and a BIAS representative. I have no problem with asubstantive air of confidence, but arrogance from a new employee towards his customers is, I think you will agree, best avoided.

3) One would hope that the well-intentioned amatuers will be be replaced by professionals to run the club once BU have assumed control. Certainly the whole staffing structure will need to be looked at and trimmed where appropriate. One would also hope that the mandae will be withdrawn from those BU nominees who have done little, if anything to ease the transition. Also there will be no need for 'BU funded' directors, or room for those who have promised much but delivered little.

4) Not one I know the answer to and something which I couldn't locate on the BU website. In three of four cases, one would hope, sooner rather than later.

Hope this helps.

 

[eghambee]

If we take control of the club in October what changes especially personnel wise.

.

I'll let JM answer that one -

The Bees United philospohy has been that the Board should be made up from supporters that have appropriate skills and others that can offer benefits to the future of the business.

Now as the question was who do you think should remain? i guess the plan is to keep the same people.

 

[Bigbee]

Who is Ben?

Sorry a little too subtle .....from the interview



"If Brian Burgess also held the view that I need to stand down in order to raise the funds it needs then he would have told me so and he hasn't. "


Ok so, Brian so you think its ok for wealthy fans to hold back on funds just to keep your mate employed ?