zfc
Bobby Zamora
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 441
|
Post by zfc on Mar 5, 2016 20:02:10 GMT
Thanks for posting Brian and letting us know what many suspected.I think with all that was going on you were caught between a rock and a hard place which must have been an unenviable position.I think you let people down with the banning of Kevin Spencer and you could have done more or maybe just spoke some sense to the people that carried out this spiteful act rather than follow the party line.I am sure there could have been some compromise that would have been acceptable to all.
That said I doubt the new guys will not treat you with the same disdain as the previous board and we can now all move on in supporting a well run open football club.The past is the past no matter how nasty it got at times.It is great that Kevin is now in a position to go to Rovers home games and watch the team he loves with friends.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2016 20:17:45 GMT
Thanks for confirming what we already knew Brian, I appreciate that you have been in an difficult position - but why didn't you resign on principle? furthermore brian what did the supporters club think of the million quid share scheme being ignored ?
|
|
brianss
Joined: November 2014
Posts: 17
|
Post by brianss on Mar 5, 2016 20:20:18 GMT
Hi
1. Thank you all for your very kind and honest answers.
2. I see the role of the fans directors as a position where we are able to play a full and active role in all decision making including financial ones which affect the wellbeing of every supporter together with all aspects of the business of BRFC. Some may argue that Equity directors are the only ones who have the right to make financial decisions as as the Equity Directors are the ones who continue to fund the club out of their own pockets. I would never decry this and I thank those who have and continue to do this. However, I would add that thanks to your efforts with the Share Scheme, your contribution has over the years,been far in excess of £1m and this should grant us equity status. I would also add that both the Supporters club, The Fans Forum, The Presidents Club, Helpline and many more all contribute to the club annually and I would like to think that this offers the Fan Directors a representative voice in all aspects of the club. I would personally also like to see further fans representation but that would depend entirely on the new owners.
3. Can I just add I am not Chairman of the Sharescheme and have not been for over 2 years, although my name keeps appearing on documentation. I will offer an update in the Mansfield game of the latest figures. This is repeated on the Supporters Club website. I would also like to see a re-launch of the scheme. However, we are all in new uncharted waters and we have to look to every revenue stream to see how these can best support and boost the future of our club.
best wishes
Brian
|
|
Angas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,068
|
Post by Angas on Mar 5, 2016 21:34:42 GMT
So who is the chairman of the Share Scheme?
|
|
Bridgeman
Alfie Biggs
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,549
|
Post by Bridgeman on Mar 5, 2016 22:10:52 GMT
Thank you Brian for your comments. They are very welcome as is your presence on this forum, long may that be the case and you feel able and are allowed to update us with progress reports from time to time. I'll await with interest how yours and Ken's position on the board develops.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2016 22:13:02 GMT
Brian, thank you again but your last post seems a little strange. You want to re-launch the share scheme? have you and Ken spoken with the new owners about this?
It is fantastic that you feel able to post on this and other forums, and I plead with you and Ken to continue to do so, there are so many good ideas from fans that need passing to the new owners. A lot of fans did not bother with the SC, me included as it was seen to be a play thing for the old board, the fact that you were excluded from meetings proved that, however that is the PAST we must concentrate on the FUTURE.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2016 22:47:33 GMT
Brian, please read what Oxongas wrote. That strikes me as the voice of most people.
Happy to draw a line on previous disappointments, but your second post strikes me as way off beam as kicking off the new era.
Relaunch? You'll struggle to convince people a) that the club needs money and b) that that will buy influence. The share scheme is discredited. Plus, does the club need or want to sell equity? More representation? Haven't we established that the existing representation has been sidelined, so why have more of that?
Far be it from me, but I'd have thought, as Directors - of equal standing with all Directirs - you'd meet with the Chairman to define and establish a new role and way of inclusive working. The good news is that the new people seem to be setting up a team with people charged with particular responsibilities. I sense that they would class 'fan representation' as part of that, so would want to use you two. They might expect, however, that you head a consultative structure that maximises the value of your input. Maybe define how you think the role should work, within and without the Boardroom, and table that for incorporation in the governance structure and try to get it established. Proactively seek to define the role, rather than wait to be talked to. See how ithat goes and where that takes us, then maybe think about other stuff from there.
Just a thought.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2016 1:45:46 GMT
Brian, please read what Oxongas wrote. That strikes me as the voice of most people. Happy to draw a line on previous disappointments, but your second post strikes me as way off beam as kicking off the new era. Relaunch? You'll struggle to convince people a) that the club needs money and b) that that will buy influence. The share scheme is discredited. Plus, does the club need or want to sell equity? More representation? Haven't we established that the existing representation has been sidelined, so why have more of that? Far be it from me, but I'd have thought, as Directors - of equal standing with all Directirs - you'd meet with the Chairman to define and establish a new role and way of inclusive working. The good news is that the new people seem to be setting up a team with people charged with particular responsibilities. I sense that they would class 'fan representation' as part of that, so would want to use you two. They might expect, however, that you head a consultative structure that maximises the value of your input. Maybe define how you think the role should work, within and without the Boardroom, and table that for incorporation in the governance structure and try to get it established. Proactively seek to define the role, rather than wait to be talked to. See how ithat goes and where that takes us, then maybe think about other stuff from there. Just a thought. This.
|
|
Angas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,068
|
Post by Angas on Mar 6, 2016 10:00:41 GMT
Surely the Share Scheme should be wrapped up once and for all now. If the SC want to come up with a new fundraising plan, all well and good. But it should be a completely new scheme that the SC will actually believe in and get behind.
It's clear the SC never wanted the Share Scheme, never backed it, and never placed any demands on the fans' directors (who only gained their positions thanks to it) to fulfil their responsibilities to it and its members.
Time to put it to bed if we are truly to move on.
|
|
|
Post by CountyGroundHotel on Mar 6, 2016 10:13:17 GMT
Well said and I am disappointed that it still looks like some will not let go. I really hope that we can ALL move on. I fully understamd about not forgetting but, if we continually carry on looking to apportion blame and to rack up points on some kind of honour theory, then we will just be going around in ever decreasing circles. For example, Brian was up for re-election and people had the chance to vote for the other guy but they didn't. There is that honour thing up in flames. There has always been the discontent on this topic but the reality is that after some promising starts and even meetings, none of us ever really bothered to DO anything and that sums it up, for me in anycase. Had Brian resigned then would he now be in a position to do anything ? I have had to learn that it's all well and good to be able to look yourself in the eye and really know you are a man of integrity BUT others don't really care and it's an exersize in futility. All that happens is some get more bitter while others carry on, as they always did Anyway, I am done with this now and will leave it at that. I really do hope that those that still harbour some kind of grudge, can let go in the view of the greater good. It's not that hard really and those of us that wanted to see Herr Higgs out, have lived to see that and I am very happy at that. It is more than. I ever allowed myself to dream about but it looks like some are not done with that. I have absolutely no issues with Brian resuming his proper role as a director and wish him all the best for the future. I do have a private issue with Brian and it will remain that as it has absolutely nothing to do with Bristol Rovers or any other supporter. Any issues with me and Bristol Rovers football club were buried last Saturday and I feel very positive for the future of the club and for the supporters. If it's a private issue why bring it up on here? Just back posting & its the same 'I know more than you' crap that you always posted before.
|
|
kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,278
|
Post by kingswood Polak on Mar 6, 2016 10:25:21 GMT
Well said and I am disappointed that it still looks like some will not let go. I really hope that we can ALL move on. I fully understamd about not forgetting but, if we continually carry on looking to apportion blame and to rack up points on some kind of honour theory, then we will just be going around in ever decreasing circles. For example, Brian was up for re-election and people had the chance to vote for the other guy but they didn't. There is that honour thing up in flames. There has always been the discontent on this topic but the reality is that after some promising starts and even meetings, none of us ever really bothered to DO anything and that sums it up, for me in anycase. Had Brian resigned then would he now be in a position to do anything ? I have had to learn that it's all well and good to be able to look yourself in the eye and really know you are a man of integrity BUT others don't really care and it's an exersize in futility. All that happens is some get more bitter while others carry on, as they always did Anyway, I am done with this now and will leave it at that. I really do hope that those that still harbour some kind of grudge, can let go in the view of the greater good. It's not that hard really and those of us that wanted to see Herr Higgs out, have lived to see that and I am very happy at that. It is more than. I ever allowed myself to dream about but it looks like some are not done with that. I'm not sure you were talking about me there but I thought I was posting in the spirit of moving on and Brian's request for people to ask question. Re; With the new club set-up being so very different from the old one what now is the vision for the share scheme and what will be the purpose of the fans directors? I thought I was doing exactly what Brian was asking for. Apologies Irish, it it was not aimed at you fella. As you know I have defended Brian on occasion and because anyone who had wanted to talk with him then could have had their answers. What I don't get is that some will kick up a fuss and tell people they should resign yet they have had no face to face interaction. It was aimed that those who would seem to still have an axe to grind and my belief is that we have a golden opportunity to put the last behind us, not forgetting it, though moving forward and in the spirit of perestroika. I find your post clear and open and please knkw that if I did aim anything at you then I would do so by private message. Sorry if you felt it was a dig at you mate
|
|
kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,278
|
Post by kingswood Polak on Mar 6, 2016 10:29:36 GMT
Well said and I am disappointed that it still looks like some will not let go. I really hope that we can ALL move on. I fully understamd about not forgetting but, if we continually carry on looking to apportion blame and to rack up points on some kind of honour theory, then we will just be going around in ever decreasing circles. For example, Brian was up for re-election and people had the chance to vote for the other guy but they didn't. There is that honour thing up in flames. There has always been the discontent on this topic but the reality is that after some promising starts and even meetings, none of us ever really bothered to DO anything and that sums it up, for me in anycase. Had Brian resigned then would he now be in a position to do anything ? I have had to learn that it's all well and good to be able to look yourself in the eye and really know you are a man of integrity BUT others don't really care and it's an exersize in futility. All that happens is some get more bitter while others carry on, as they always did Anyway, I am done with this now and will leave it at that. I really do hope that those that still harbour some kind of grudge, can let go in the view of the greater good. It's not that hard really and those of us that wanted to see Herr Higgs out, have lived to see that and I am very happy at that. It is more than. I ever allowed myself to dream about but it looks like some are not done with that. I have absolutely no issues with Brian resuming his proper role as a director and wish him all the best for the future. I do have a private issue with Brian and it will remain that as it has absolutely nothing to do with Bristol Rovers or any other supporter. Any issues with me and Bristol Rovers football club were buried last Saturday and I feel very positive for the future of the club and for the supporters
|
|
dinsdale
Andy Rammell
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 495
|
Post by dinsdale on Mar 6, 2016 11:16:48 GMT
BSS - keep up the good work. The old regime has GONE. Clean slate - start afresh. There are still some people on here who just have to moan and snipe. This is the one time we should be 100% be behind the owners. No more divided fan base. Let's give everyone time to bed in and move this Club forward. I just don't get the negativity. Its not negativity about the new regime its just criticism of someone on the board who never ever spoke out about the old regime suddendly doing so the second ther leave. Very opportunistic
|
|
dinsdale
Andy Rammell
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 495
|
Post by dinsdale on Mar 6, 2016 11:17:52 GMT
Ps i don't think Brian should go he just should have spoken up ages ago or kept quiet now
|
|
kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,278
|
Post by kingswood Polak on Mar 6, 2016 11:23:22 GMT
Ps i don't think Brian should go he just should have spoken up ages ago or kept quiet now Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I don't get this Ben.
|
|
|
Post by CountyGroundHotel on Mar 6, 2016 12:27:13 GMT
Fair play to Brian coming on here & explaining the difficulties he & Ken faced. I have absolutely no doubt that had he said this under the previous owners then the relationship with the Sharescheme would've been irrevocably changed to the detriment of those who have paid into this donation scheme.
However I also suspect that over time the new owners will probably opt not to have 2 fans directors in the boardroom. I also suspect they only originally purchased the 92% of shares held by major shareholders to keep a lid on their plans, had they brought out all the shareholders then the plans would've been divulged by someone earlier than they desired.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2016 12:28:51 GMT
Ps i don't think Brian should go he just should have spoken up ages ago or kept quiet now Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I don't get this Ben. Not really. Its quite simple. There was an agreement in place that for the £1m plus supporters got two EXECUTIVE directorships. If, as Brian now tells us, he was disallowed from operating as an executive director, he should have told us, and gave us an option. He should have resigned immediately. That he did not has no ryme nor reason, except self interest. Whatever conclusion can there be?
|
|
Igitur
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 2,294
|
Post by Igitur on Mar 6, 2016 12:44:24 GMT
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I don't get this Ben. Not really. Its quite simple. There was an agreement in place that for the £1m plus supporters got two EXECUTIVE directorships. If, as Brian now tells us, he was disallowed from operating as an executive director, he should have told us, and gave us an option. He should have resigned immediately. That he did not has no ryme nor reason, except self interest. Whatever conclusion can there be? Fair enough Oldie, on your 1000th post, I think what we are seeing is what has been covered before, the way that fans seem to have polarised views a. about the fans' directors and b. the two chaps involved, BSS and Ken. This debate does split people and I think there will be little common agreement and so will rumble on; I often give up on such threads. Many are calling for all this to be put in the past, but it is difficult to forget the going ons of the previous toxic regime.
|
|
|
Post by CountyGroundHotel on Mar 6, 2016 12:49:45 GMT
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I don't get this Ben. Not really. Its quite simple. There was an agreement in place that for the £1m plus supporters got two EXECUTIVE directorships. If, as Brian now tells us, he was disallowed from operating as an executive director, he should have told us, and gave us an option. He should have resigned immediately. That he did not has no ryme nor reason, except self interest. Whatever conclusion can there be? I'm sure with all this dissatisfaction with Brian we'll have a lot of people standing to replace him when he is up for reelection. But it would be interesting if the new owners seek to purchase the Sharescheme shares what provision was included in the agreement for that potential situation?
|
|
eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,206
|
Post by eppinggas on Mar 6, 2016 12:50:22 GMT
For some time I thought that BSS should have resigned on principle. His hands were tied and he had an unworkable relationship under the previous regime. But to resign - would achieve nothing. Just puts another puppet in his place. So nothing would have changed. And he would have had less chance of changing anything by bitching and moaning from the out-side than from the inside. So better to grit his teeth and work as best as he could under very tough conditions - praying for the day when the old regime goes and we have new owners. His prayers were answered. It would be fantastic if the owners were able to address the issue of the share scheme. Maybe they are looking at it now? Maybe BSS is bringing this to their attention. Give the guy a break. The sort of attacks his post has attracted will just drive him away. This is the best chance we have had in years to 100% UNITE. So leave the past where it belongs. Leave your bitterness behind. Look to the future. UTG.
|
|