|
|
Post by rideintothesun on Mar 29, 2024 19:14:41 GMT
Just got back. I don't regret much in life but regret ignoring all the warnings about the players and still going this afternoon. That was dire. They just went through the motions. They even managed to mute the Gasheads. All people wanted was a shot and players that looked as if they cared. They got neither. We had absolutely no end product. And it's not as if Vale were brilliant. They were a below average side who fought for every ball. Over 500 Gasheads making the trip and were dealt rubbish from this unprofessional bunch of wasters. If I did my job the way they went about theirs I would be on a warning or told to get my arse in gear. There were a few boos at the end but more out of frustration than anything else. Some of the players came over, but it felt ironic rather than thanks. I felt sorry for Aguilera, who at least tried but looked totally bewildered looking at the crowd. Imagine passionate International game against Argentina to a dire team performance in Stoke. Matt Taylor never came over, not sure whether out of embarrassment or shame. I thought he was a good choice of manager but am losing heart with him. If he can't motivate players to put a shift in, I'm not sure he is the right man for the job. These games remind me of B*****'s first season in charge when everyone gave up. We will survive but not through the want of trying. Big up to you and the other 500+ gasheads that went today to watch a shameless, brazen and well paid pack of so called footballers not fit the wear the shirt... MT and the backroom staff will have to work their butts off in the pre-season to acquire the players needed for a play-off challenge for next season. Forget the play-offs. Next season has 'relegation fight' written all over it. The previous pattern after promotion has been L1 football for two seasons and then relegation in the third. I am fully expecting a relegation struggle next season. One defender (Taylor) and three midfielders (Thomas, Evans, Conteh) are up to consistently performing in L1. That leaves us with seven first-team places to fill. The rest are too inexperienced (Ward) too inconsistent (Brown), too old (Martin) or too injured (Hunt and so many others). At the moment, Connolly, Gordon and Hoole are not good enough. |
|
Cheshiregas
Global Moderator
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,901 
|
Post by Cheshiregas on Mar 29, 2024 19:25:32 GMT
Big up to you and the other 500+ gasheads that went today to watch a shameless, brazen and well paid pack of so called footballers not fit the wear the shirt... MT and the backroom staff will have to work their butts off in the pre-season to acquire the players needed for a play-off challenge for next season. Forget the play-offs. Next season has 'relegation fight' written all over it. The previous pattern after promotion has been L1 football for two seasons and then relegation in the third. I am fully expecting a relegation struggle next season. One defender (Taylor) and three midfielders (Thomas, Evans, Conteh) are up to consistently performing in L1. That leaves us with seven first-team places to fill. The rest are too inexperienced (Ward) too inconsistent (Brown), too old (Martin) or too injured (Hunt and so many others). At the moment, Connolly, Gordon and Hoole are not good enough. On today's performance I sadly have to agree with you. Don't know how we push on from here without a complete change of tack. Every year for the last 8/10 years my hope and optimism levels have waned, with just brief moments of hope. Today reminded me of the 0-4 tonking under Atkins at Chester, where fans turned their back on the team. Today, supporters didn't even have the enthusiasm or anger to do that. It's almost as if we are resigned to the inevitable empty promises and failed delivery. I'm not walking away yet and I will always be a Gashead but like many fans, there is very little to enthuse about the team and/or the club at the moment and for the foreseeable future. |
|
|
|
Post by swissgas on Mar 29, 2024 19:39:01 GMT
Forget the play-offs. Next season has 'relegation fight' written all over it. The previous pattern after promotion has been L1 football for two seasons and then relegation in the third. I am fully expecting a relegation struggle next season. One defender (Taylor) and three midfielders (Thomas, Evans, Conteh) are up to consistently performing in L1. That leaves us with seven first-team places to fill. The rest are too inexperienced (Ward) too inconsistent (Brown), too old (Martin) or too injured (Hunt and so many others). At the moment, Connolly, Gordon and Hoole are not good enough. On today's performance I sadly have to agree with you. Don't know how we push on from here without a complete change of tack. Every year for the last 8/10 years my hope and optimism levels have waned, with just brief moments of hope. Today reminded me of the 0-4 tonking under Atkins at Chester, where fans turned their back on the team. Today, supporters didn't even have the enthusiasm or anger to do that. It's almost as if we are resigned to the inevitable empty promises and failed delivery. I'm not walking away yet and I will always be a Gashead but like many fans, there is very little to enthuse about the team and/or the club at the moment and for the foreseeable future. Do you think the required change of tack could be summarized as moving from fantasy to reality Chesh ? |
|
|
|
Post by rideintothesun on Mar 29, 2024 20:06:11 GMT
On today's performance I sadly have to agree with you. Don't know how we push on from here without a complete change of tack. Every year for the last 8/10 years my hope and optimism levels have waned, with just brief moments of hope. Today reminded me of the 0-4 tonking under Atkins at Chester, where fans turned their back on the team. Today, supporters didn't even have the enthusiasm or anger to do that. It's almost as if we are resigned to the inevitable empty promises and failed delivery. I'm not walking away yet and I will always be a Gashead but like many fans, there is very little to enthuse about the team and/or the club at the moment and for the foreseeable future. Do you think the required change of tack could be summarized as moving from fantasy to reality Chesh ? A change of tack will be following because I don't the new owners will tolerate the cr*p that went on under Barton. I think its now quite clear that he and his staff had checked out long before they were dismissed and were calling it in. However, I have seen little or nothing to suggest that the owners are up to the job required. Ideally, they would seen what was happening and pushed out the 'scouse mafia' at the first opportunity. Its a shambles on and off the pitch at the moment, and we are currently a L2 club in all but name. |
|
|
|
Post by swissgas on Mar 29, 2024 21:02:40 GMT
Do you think the required change of tack could be summarized as moving from fantasy to reality Chesh ? A change of tack will be following because I don't the new owners will tolerate the cr*p that went on under B*****. I think its now quite clear that he and his staff had checked out long before they were dismissed and were calling it in. However, I have seen little or nothing to suggest that the owners are up to the job required. Ideally, they would seen what was happening and pushed out the 'scouse mafia' at the first opportunity. Its a shambles on and off the pitch at the moment, and we are currently a L2 club in all but name. After swallowing the fantasy talk of greater professionalism and the great reset over the past few years it’s going to be hard for Gasheads to accept reality but there’s no alternative. The first new owner interview pointed to them preparing to follow a prudent path but since then it’s gone haywire with promises of promotion, new grandstands & training ground development all happening within an improbable timescale. Then we lurch back to Abdullatif’s comment about unsustainable losses putting the future of the club in doubt. It’s not too late to introduce a wholly sensible retrenchment strategy of bringing total costs down to the 8 million pa mark, abandoning all capital spending plans and explaining to Gasheads why this is necessary and what the long term benefits will be. We need to be lean and fit before we move forward as I’m sure the many lean and fit people on this forum will agree. |
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,447
Member is Online
|
Post by bluetornados on Mar 29, 2024 23:23:22 GMT
We had 59% possession today, 2 shots to their 19 and zero shots on target to their 11, JW was our MOTM with some good saves, which says it all really.
With over 500 travelling Gasheads attending yet another abysmal display from a team that has effectivly given up on this season.
There are now 3 home games v Shrewsbury, Bolton and Reading coming up, Cheltenham away, Cambridge & P'Bro at home and Wigan away to end with.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,447
Member is Online
|
Post by bluetornados on Mar 29, 2024 23:27:38 GMT
Port Vale 2-0 Bristol Rovers recap: Controversial second goal seals defeat for Gas..by Daniel Hargraves.
i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/article9197341.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200/1_GettyImages-1991196941.jpg
Port Vale goalscorer Baylee Dipepa Bristol Rovers fell to their third defeat in four games as they were brushed aside at Port Vale, failing to record a shot on target. Matt Taylor was looking for a reaction after the Gas' 5-0 loss at Lincoln City prior to the international break but while the scoreline was slightly more palatable it was a decidedly below-par showing again. Ben Garrity opened the scoring after a defensive mix-up between Kamil Conteh and Luca Hoole and the Vale midfielder profited to slide a finish under Jed Ward. Rovers will feel aggrieved by the build-up to the killer second through Baylee Dipepa as he dribbled past a clutch of defenders to score but looked to have handled the initial pass.
|
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,447
Member is Online
|
Post by bluetornados on Mar 29, 2024 23:31:19 GMT
Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Port Vale..by Tristan Cork.i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/article9197381.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_3564630jpgkeeper.jpgJed Ward - 6 Made a few good saves and could do little for either goals. Rovers' best player, which tells its own story. Luca Hoole - 5 Was hesitant for the first goal and didn't get forward as much as Rovers needed. James Wilson - 5 Beaten too easily by Dipepa, who ran the veteran centre-back ragged when he came on. Connor Taylor - 5 Looked composed on the ball but former Gas teammate Ryan Loft caused him problems. Lewis Gordon - 5 Had a few nice moments in the first half but was sacrificed as Rovers needed to push forward Kamil Conteh - 5 Also hesitant for the first goal and wasn't able to impose himself on the game like he has done since arriving from Grimsby. Sam Finley - 6 Some great moments in the first-half especially, but wasn't able to get forward enough. Harvey Vale - 5 Had Rovers' best moments inside the Port Vale area, but wasn't able to fashion a clear cut chance. Ended up back at left-back. Scott Sinclair - 5 Didn't trouble the Port Vale right-back at all, really, and played too much on the periphery. Antony Evans - 5 Wasn't given a chance to get his foot on the ball and create anything as Rovers struggled to get anything going in the final third. Chris Martin - 5 Too many times, the crosses went over his head or didn't reach him. Suffered from a lack of quality service and finesse in crucial areas. SubstitutesBrandon Aguilera (for Gordon, 56) - 6 After an epic journey from Los Angeles to Vale Park he came on and looked busy, had his moments, but was unable to make it count. Grant Ward (for Finley, 62) - 5 Tried to add some stability in the middle of the park. Rovers ultimately need to see him starting. Luke McCormick (for Evans, 63) - 5 Great to see him back in the action but the game had got away from the Gas at that point. John Marquis (for Conteh, 80) - N/A Subs not used: Matt Cox, James Connolly, Jevani Brown
|
|
|
|
Post by o2o2bo2ba on Mar 30, 2024 9:28:24 GMT
"I'll plump for another defeat by two goals."
....just got back temporarily, and just saying.
The club don't care about you.
The manager don't care about you.
Now the majority of the players don't care about you.
This ain't the club I recognise....but in recent times, this is explicitly it: this is exactly the club I recognise.
Woeful, and little or no effort is inexcusable.
They're on the beach.
I'm joining them.
To kick sand in their smug, overpaid faces.
You guys here.... remember what's important in life, it ain't tg .....see you on the other side.
|
|
|
|
Post by o2o2bo2ba on Mar 30, 2024 9:28:50 GMT
Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Port Vale..by Tristan Cork.i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/article9197381.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_3564630jpgkeeper.jpgJed Ward - 6 Made a few good saves and could do little for either goals. Rovers' best player, which tells its own story. Luca Hoole - 5 Was hesitant for the first goal and didn't get forward as much as Rovers needed. James Wilson - 5 Beaten too easily by Dipepa, who ran the veteran centre-back ragged when he came on. Connor Taylor - 5 Looked composed on the ball but former Gas teammate Ryan Loft caused him problems. Lewis Gordon - 5 Had a few nice moments in the first half but was sacrificed as Rovers needed to push forward Kamil Conteh - 5 Also hesitant for the first goal and wasn't able to impose himself on the game like he has done since arriving from Grimsby. Sam Finley - 6 Some great moments in the first-half especially, but wasn't able to get forward enough. Harvey Vale - 5 Had Rovers' best moments inside the Port Vale area, but wasn't able to fashion a clear cut chance. Ended up back at left-back. Scott Sinclair - 5 Didn't trouble the Port Vale right-back at all, really, and played too much on the periphery. Antony Evans - 5 Wasn't given a chance to get his foot on the ball and create anything as Rovers struggled to get anything going in the final third. Chris Martin - 5 Too many times, the crosses went over his head or didn't reach him. Suffered from a lack of quality service and finesse in crucial areas. SubstitutesBrandon Aguilera (for Gordon, 56) - 6 After an epic journey from Los Angeles to Vale Park he came on and looked busy, had his moments, but was unable to make it count. Grant Ward (for Finley, 62) - 5 Tried to add some stability in the middle of the park. Rovers ultimately need to see him starting. Luke McCormick (for Evans, 63) - 5 Great to see him back in the action but the game had got away from the Gas at that point. John Marquis (for Conteh, 80) - N/A Subs not used: Matt Cox, James Connolly, Jevani Brown Those scores too generous. |
|
|
|
Post by o2o2bo2ba on Mar 30, 2024 9:38:08 GMT
Just seen the 6 min post match comments....
Thats somewhere near 1000 travelling to Lincoln and Burslem.
Absolutely no apologies for the amount of time and money expended supporting those who just don't care.
MT must step up and get fans on board even if his players aren't....or it won't end well for him, because you and I will be here long after he's a forgotten bad memory.
|
|
shakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 147
|
Post by shakes on Mar 30, 2024 9:50:37 GMT
Maybe we should now hope DC becomes available if Cheltenham get relegated
|
|
|
|
Post by Colyton Gas. on Mar 30, 2024 10:41:21 GMT
Just seen the 6 min post match comments.... Thats somewhere near 1000 travelling to Lincoln and Burslem. Absolutely no apologies for the amount of time and money expended supporting those who just don't care. MT must step up and get fans on board even if his players aren't....or it won't end well for him, because you and I will be here long after he's a forgotten bad memory. Feeling so deflated after a run of such dross.Even Port Vale's ground plans show some ambition wheras we just plod along. |
|
Cheshiregas
Global Moderator
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,901
|
Post by Cheshiregas on Mar 30, 2024 11:02:19 GMT
On today's performance I sadly have to agree with you. Don't know how we push on from here without a complete change of tack. Every year for the last 8/10 years my hope and optimism levels have waned, with just brief moments of hope. Today reminded me of the 0-4 tonking under Atkins at Chester, where fans turned their back on the team. Today, supporters didn't even have the enthusiasm or anger to do that. It's almost as if we are resigned to the inevitable empty promises and failed delivery. I'm not walking away yet and I will always be a Gashead but like many fans, there is very little to enthuse about the team and/or the club at the moment and for the foreseeable future. Do you think the required change of tack could be summarized as moving from fantasy to reality Chesh ? Swiss, we are caught up in the reality that is modern football. Football used to be about history, about belonging, about playing for the shirt, about playing for pride, about being the club from where you lived. Those years are long gone. You are looking for people who are going to invest in the club who understand football, understand the club and its history, appreciate its fans. You are looking for players who play for the shirt, the club and the fans. You are looking for a long term sustainable plan. All of that is almost fantasy in today's football world and there are very few clubs where that happens. We have investors, one of whom lives in the fantasy world of being involved with football and the associated limelight. That is not Rovers but it gets him into clubs and associations where he can get that. The other investors know nothing of the club and I believe have been hoodwinked into their investment. They are now realising the reality and the cost. Modern footballers are short term contract players, few of whom have any loyalty to their club and will move to get something better if they can, or look to secure the contract that will get them the most for their short time in football. They enjoy the adulation if it is there. There are sometimes those who may be playing above their talent level [like say Stuart Sinclair] will interact with fans and be grateful for it. Most though are temporary staff who will go through the motions if required, and as seen yesterday often won't. There have been few Bristol Rovers owners, who have fitted the model you are looking for. Geoff Dunford looked as if he could but there was no long term sustainable plan to develop the Mem or the club. Higgs came close to that with the student accommodation, but then bottled it when the student people walked away. There were others to talk to but he wasn't interested. Even those two got a lot out of the association with the Rovers, e.g. GD with the use of the Beeches, and he was even willing to get back into bed with Clark Osborne with the South Gloucestershire Arena project. Look at the destruction Osborne had caused getting us out of Eastville and now with Torquay! The one constant is the fans and even they are now so divided following the Barton years that they are not willing to give the new manager the same time, respect and opportunity they gave Barton. The guts and heart has been torn out of much of the fanbase. I am 67 and I no longer expect Rovers to go anywhere other than occasional forays near the play offs, a cup run of sorts perhaps every 10 years, and for someone to funds the losses made from their own mistakes or lack of planning for sustainability. My frustration is now turning to acceptance. Yesterday I sang, shouted, cheered, hung my head in my heads and as always, accepted defeat, knowing this is about as good [or as bad] as it gets. Most of the Gasheads yesterday would have spent £80 to £180 each to get there from all parts. I was lucky, I live up the road. I know you keep shouting Swiss, but it is in an echo chamber. Every time I see you post I know you have the club at heart. But I now realise, this is reality. This is Rovers. There was a time when there was an opportunity for change when Mike Turl, Kevin Spencer, Colin Williams, etc were involved and there was a load of talented people in the background who could have helped, like Les Fry, John Malyckyj and others. They were pushed out as the Board were frightened of change and losing influence. The 'Gas' will always be part of my life, memories and history. But we are where we are and that is the reality. Best regards Terry |
|
darloGas
Joined November 2014
Joined: August 2023
Posts: 193
|
Post by darloGas on Mar 30, 2024 11:16:35 GMT
Do you think the required change of tack could be summarized as moving from fantasy to reality Chesh ? Swiss, we are caught up in the reality that is modern football. Football used to be about history, about belonging, about playing for the shirt, about playing for pride, about being the club from where you lived. Those years are long gone. You are looking for people who are going to invest in the club who understand football, understand the club and its history, appreciate its fans. You are looking for players who play for the shirt, the club and the fans. You are looking for a long term sustainable plan. All of that is almost fantasy in today's football world and there are very few clubs where that happens. We have investors, one of whom lives in the fantasy world of being involved with football and the associated limelight. That is not Rovers but it gets him into clubs and associations where he can get that. The other investors know nothing of the club and I believe have been hoodwinked into their investment. They are now realising the reality and the cost. Modern footballers are short term contract players, few of whom have any loyalty to their club and will move to get something better if they can, or look to secure the contract that will get them the most for their short time in football. They enjoy the adulation if it is there. There are sometimes those who may be playing above their talent level [like say Stuart Sinclair] will interact with fans and be grateful for it. Most though are temporary staff who will go through the motions if required, and as seen yesterday often won't. There have been few Bristol Rovers owners, who have fitted the model you are looking for. Geoff Dunford looked as if he could but there was no long term sustainable plan to develop the Mem or the club. Higgs came close to that with the student accommodation, but then bottled it when the student people walked away. There were others to talk to but he wasn't interested. Even those two got a lot out of the association with the Rovers, e.g. GD with the use of the Beeches, and he was even willing to get back into bed with Clark Osborne with the South Gloucestershire Arena project. Look at the destruction Osborne had caused getting us out of Eastville and now with Torquay! The one constant is the fans and even they are now so divided following the B***** years that they are not willing to give the new manager the same time, respect and opportunity they gave B*****. The guts and heart has been torn out of much of the fanbase. I am 67 and I no longer expect Rovers to go anywhere other than occasional forays near the play offs, a cup run of sorts perhaps every 10 years, and for someone to funds the losses made from their own mistakes or lack of planning for sustainability. My frustration is now turning to acceptance. Yesterday I sang, shouted, cheered, hung my head in my heads and as always, accepted defeat, knowing this is about as good [or as bad] as it gets. Most of the Gasheads yesterday would have spent £80 to £180 each to get there from all parts. I was lucky, I live up the road. I know you keep shouting Swiss, but it is in an echo chamber. Every time I see you post I know you have the club at heart. But I now realise, this is reality. This is Rovers. There was a time when there was an opportunity for change when Mike Turl, Kevin Spencer, Colin Williams, etc were involved and there was a load of talented people in the background who could have helped, like Les Fry, John Malyckyj and others. They were pushed out as the Board were frightened of change and losing influence. The 'Gas' will always be part of my life, memories and history. But we are where we are and that is the reality. Best regards Terry |
|
eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,556
|
Post by eppinggas on Mar 30, 2024 14:17:42 GMT
Do you think the required change of tack could be summarized as moving from fantasy to reality Chesh ? Swiss, we are caught up in the reality that is modern football.Football used to be about history, about belonging, about playing for the shirt, about playing for pride, about being the club from where you lived. Those years are long gone. You are looking for people who are going to invest in the club who understand football, understand the club and its history, appreciate its fans. You are looking for players who play for the shirt, the club and the fans. You are looking for a long term sustainable plan. All of that is almost fantasy in today's football world and there are very few clubs where that happens. We have investors, one of whom lives in the fantasy world of being involved with football and the associated limelight. That is not Rovers but it gets him into clubs and associations where he can get that. The other investors know nothing of the club and I believe have been hoodwinked into their investment. They are now realising the reality and the cost. Modern footballers are short term contract players, few of whom have any loyalty to their club and will move to get something better if they can, or look to secure the contract that will get them the most for their short time in football. They enjoy the adulation if it is there. There are sometimes those who may be playing above their talent level [like say Stuart Sinclair] will interact with fans and be grateful for it. Most though are temporary staff who will go through the motions if required, and as seen yesterday often won't. There have been few Bristol Rovers owners, who have fitted the model you are looking for. Geoff Dunford looked as if he could but there was no long term sustainable plan to develop the Mem or the club. Higgs came close to that with the student accommodation, but then bottled it when the student people walked away. There were others to talk to but he wasn't interested. Even those two got a lot out of the association with the Rovers, e.g. GD with the use of the Beeches, and he was even willing to get back into bed with Clark Osborne with the South Gloucestershire Arena project. Look at the destruction Osborne had caused getting us out of Eastville and now with Torquay! The one constant is the fans and even they are now so divided following the B***** years that they are not willing to give the new manager the same time, respect and opportunity they gave B*****. The guts and heart has been torn out of much of the fanbase. I am 67 and I no longer expect Rovers to go anywhere other than occasional forays near the play offs, a cup run of sorts perhaps every 10 years, and for someone to funds the losses made from their own mistakes or lack of planning for sustainability. My frustration is now turning to acceptance. Yesterday I sang, shouted, cheered, hung my head in my heads and as always, accepted defeat, knowing this is about as good [or as bad] as it gets. Most of the Gasheads yesterday would have spent £80 to £180 each to get there from all parts. I was lucky, I live up the road. I know you keep shouting Swiss, but it is in an echo chamber. Every time I see you post I know you have the club at heart. But I now realise, this is reality. This is Rovers. There was a time when there was an opportunity for change when Mike Turl, Kevin Spencer, Colin Williams, etc were involved and there was a load of talented people in the background who could have helped, like Les Fry, John Malyckyj and others. They were pushed out as the Board were frightened of change and losing influence. The 'Gas' will always be part of my life, memories and history. But we are where we are and that is the reality. Best regards Terry That's quite a rant Chesh! Largely agree with your sentiments. To be fair Swiss makes decent points and hopefully people at the Club are aware. I do think that they read some of the stuff on Forums, so it's not necessarily an echo chamber. What do I 'want' for Rovers? What will get me back to making 300 mile round trips for games? I honestly don't know. If Bristol Rovers are indeed a typical basket case, reflecting the reality of modern football, then it's a "no" from me. unveu |
|
Cheshiregas
Global Moderator
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,901
|
Post by Cheshiregas on Mar 30, 2024 18:11:59 GMT
Swiss, we are caught up in the reality that is modern football.Football used to be about history, about belonging, about playing for the shirt, about playing for pride, about being the club from where you lived. Those years are long gone. You are looking for people who are going to invest in the club who understand football, understand the club and its history, appreciate its fans. You are looking for players who play for the shirt, the club and the fans. You are looking for a long term sustainable plan. All of that is almost fantasy in today's football world and there are very few clubs where that happens. That's quite a rant Chesh! Largely agree with your sentiments. To be fair Swiss makes decent points and hopefully people at the Club are aware. I do think that they read some of the stuff on Forums, so it's not necessarily an echo chamber. What do I 'want' for Rovers? What will get me back to making 300 mile round trips for games? I honestly don't know. If Bristol Rovers are indeed a typical basket case, reflecting the reality of modern football, then it's a "no" from me. unveu Yep, sorry Epping. I agree that Swiss makes very good points, but for me I think many of us are just banging our heads against a brick wall. Like you I feel at times the best thing to do would be stay away and focus on other things. But at the end of the day I live in hope that something one day will change..... |
|
bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,447
Member is Online
|
Post by bluetornados on Mar 30, 2024 18:24:59 GMT
Do you think the required change of tack could be summarized as moving from fantasy to reality Chesh ? Swiss, we are caught up in the reality that is modern football. Football used to be about history, about belonging, about playing for the shirt, about playing for pride, about being the club from where you lived. Those years are long gone. You are looking for people who are going to invest in the club who understand football, understand the club and its history, appreciate its fans. You are looking for players who play for the shirt, the club and the fans. You are looking for a long term sustainable plan. All of that is almost fantasy in today's football world and there are very few clubs where that happens. We have investors, one of whom lives in the fantasy world of being involved with football and the associated limelight. That is not Rovers but it gets him into clubs and associations where he can get that. The other investors know nothing of the club and I believe have been hoodwinked into their investment. They are now realising the reality and the cost. Modern footballers are short term contract players, few of whom have any loyalty to their club and will move to get something better if they can, or look to secure the contract that will get them the most for their short time in football. They enjoy the adulation if it is there. There are sometimes those who may be playing above their talent level [like say Stuart Sinclair] will interact with fans and be grateful for it. Most though are temporary staff who will go through the motions if required, and as seen yesterday often won't. There have been few Bristol Rovers owners, who have fitted the model you are looking for. Geoff Dunford looked as if he could but there was no long term sustainable plan to develop the Mem or the club. Higgs came close to that with the student accommodation, but then bottled it when the student people walked away. There were others to talk to but he wasn't interested. Even those two got a lot out of the association with the Rovers, e.g. GD with the use of the Beeches, and he was even willing to get back into bed with Clark Osborne with the South Gloucestershire Arena project. Look at the destruction Osborne had caused getting us out of Eastville and now with Torquay! The one constant is the fans and even they are now so divided following the B***** years that they are not willing to give the new manager the same time, respect and opportunity they gave B*****. The guts and heart has been torn out of much of the fanbase. I am 67 and I no longer expect Rovers to go anywhere other than occasional forays near the play offs, a cup run of sorts perhaps every 10 years, and for someone to funds the losses made from their own mistakes or lack of planning for sustainability. My frustration is now turning to acceptance. Yesterday I sang, shouted, cheered, hung my head in my heads and as always, accepted defeat, knowing this is about as good [or as bad] as it gets. Most of the Gasheads yesterday would have spent £80 to £180 each to get there from all parts. I was lucky, I live up the road. I know you keep shouting Swiss, but it is in an echo chamber. Every time I see you post I know you have the club at heart. But I now realise, this is reality. This is Rovers. There was a time when there was an opportunity for change when Mike Turl, Kevin Spencer, Colin Williams, etc were involved and there was a load of talented people in the background who could have helped, like Les Fry, John Malyckyj and others. They were pushed out as the Board were frightened of change and losing influence. The 'Gas' will always be part of my life, memories and history. But we are where we are and that is the reality. Best regards Terry Very good well written post, all Gasheads can relate to parts if not all the points you have made, this is a reality, it is part of life, this is BRFC... Totally agree with all the good talented people over many years were there and could help in many ways, but have been pushed out which is a disgrace... Those people, too many to mention, are the backbone of this wonderful club of ours that rarely excite us, but let us down frequently, oh well, UTG. |
|
|
|
Post by Colyton Gas. on Mar 30, 2024 18:49:55 GMT
Recall then Chair Steve Hamer being asked just after Wael and Co had taken over if there would be a financial shortfall with building the UWE now Sainsbury's had pulled out and he assured us that 'Finance wasn't a problem'.
Prior to that we were told we would be playing at Cheltenham for two seasons whilst the Mem' was re-built.I never made C I D but smelt a rat when the Mem still hadn't been demolished come August.When Lennie Lawrence was asked why that was, he explained that the players would need somewhere to meet prior to games!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Having paid in to some scheme for a couple of years I really felt things would happen one day but at 78,perhaps they won't.
|
|
JeffNZ
Administrator
Jimmy Morgan
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,706
|
Post by JeffNZ on Mar 30, 2024 19:11:58 GMT
Some great posts and observations here that resonate with me.
For me, supporting Rovers is much like playing lotto. You hope or are even even convinced one day you'll hit the jackpot but the reality is... it ain't gonna happend.
But you keep playing.
If you have some fun on the way all well and good but as said many times before, it's the hope that kills you.
|
|
