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Post by pirate49 on Jun 23, 2014 7:42:16 GMT
......so thank you to J Townend (Portishead) and Tote End Tony for your letters of support in the Sunday Independent and Bristol Post over the weekend........
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Peter Parker
Global Moderator
Richard Walker
You have been sentenced to DELETION!
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,920
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Post by Peter Parker on Jun 23, 2014 9:08:28 GMT
BRISTOL Rovers supporters have written to chairman Nick Higgs seeking answers to questions raised by the club's loss of Football League status. Angered by demotion to the Conference in May, a recently-formed protest group is calling for a dialogue between the Memorial Stadium boardroom and supporters. Group spokesman Mark Czekalski has written to Pirates chief Higgs on three occasions since the end of last season asking if fans can be briefed on the progress of the internal review launched by Rovers directors last month. The most recent of these was sent on Monday, but long-time Rovers fan Czekalski, 50, has yet to receive a reply. He claims Rovers fans are being kept in the dark regarding plans for the club's future and feels the decision to shut down the official forum last month is stifling debate among those who pay at the turnstiles. The as-yet-untitled group held an initial meeting at the Wellington Pub in Horfield recently, which was attended by about 50 people, including two former Rovers directors. They have announced plans to stage a follow-up meeting at the same venue on Tuesday, July 1 (7.30pm) and anticipate an audience of more than 100 fans. If Rovers directors refuse to discuss the findings of the internal review with fans, then the group will find different ways in which to protest. Proposals under discussion include leafleting supporters and requesting fans to turn their backs on home games in large numbers. Chairman Higgs announced plans to hold a supporters meeting on an unspecified date in July when taking the decision to close the forum on the club's official website last month. But no further details have been forthcoming, while the Rovers website has yet to report on an emergency meeting of the official Supporters Club, staged on Tuesday evening. "All we want is to know what is going on and to be kept informed of the board's future plans for the football club," said Bristol-based Czekalski. "We have been very patient ever since the club was relegated, but now we feel the time has come for us to be given some answers. "I have written to Nick Higgs on three occasions asking him to give some indication of when details of the internal review will be ready and when we might expect a supporters meeting to take place. Unfortunately, I am still awaiting an answer. "We are seeking to build a dialogue with the board and get answers to what we consider to be pressing questions, but this has been difficult without the forum. In the end, we decided to set-up our own action group and interest is growing all the time." Chairman Higgs was not available for comment. Read more at www.bristolpost.co.uk/Protest-group-want-dialogue-Bristol-Rovers-board/story-21277159-detail/story.html
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jozer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 365
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Post by jozer on Jun 23, 2014 9:16:37 GMT
Good article! Makes it very clear who's avoiding who.
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lockleazer
Tarki Micalleff
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 411
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Post by lockleazer on Jun 23, 2014 9:25:43 GMT
I rather agree with you EB, if 500 supporters turned up at the Wellie wanting to voice their opinion there would be mayhem but who would they speak for other than themselves ? Having been at the EGM it is clear the BoD's aren't going to take much if any notice of a group of fans however well intentioned they are if they cannot prove they represent a large majority of fans and even then they may not feel they have to respond as BRFC are a privately company 'owned' by a small select group of individuals, we cannot get rid of them, we cannot make them change the way they run the club unless there is some form of dialogue with them. Again clearly from the EGM, that is just NOT going to happen. They would not engage with regard to their strategic objectives, they hadn't even decided who was going to be responsible for the various areas of the club that was to be reviewed and evaluated. About the only way we could display our absolute disapproval of them would be to stay away in our thousands but we all recognise that would quickly see the demise of the club we support and I am not suggesting we do that anyway. The last meeting at the Wellie whilst very well meaning at the most showed that many of the fans there were very frustrated but were not really in a position to do anything constructive. However much we might want to make the board accountable for what they do, however much we want them to be more communicative with us, whatever assurances we demand from them, they are only going to do what they want to do, not unless someone has a few million pounds in loose change going spare I think the answer is to speak to the media, the radio the TV and the newspapers and to make as much noise as possible in a controlled and constructive way. But I agree Bridgeman the big question is numbers and if 500+ supporters could be persuaded to take part then the media would have a field day and there would have to be a reaction from the board. Spot on about press and media ... thats how B&G actually got Nick and the board a bit upset and worried ... Nick appeared on radio for the first time in months after the intial apperence of B&G on varios radio programmes and on Tv as well as in the post... all the media lap up some form of activist group... get the media on side and you will get them worried... use Radio Bristol and Jack Fm for radio and BBc for Tv they were all very keen on giving airtime to B&G... I'd also expect NH to qusetion the vaildity of your support ... he qusestioned me as i didnt have a season Ticket ( i couldnt afford the outlay at the time) nad said i wasnt on any supporters database depite over the years having held hepline membership, Sc mumbership, previous ST holder and have booked tickets online loads!!
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lockleazer
Tarki Micalleff
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 411
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Post by lockleazer on Jun 23, 2014 10:24:49 GMT
What i would add is that having led B&G and admittidly not having the right idea and stucture to see it through , i know 1st hand that with out struture and clear aims you wont be taken seriously by the board with this in minsd i would have thought getting together with the planned BRISA people would be a better idea , i believe they have everything set up ready to go with the relavent rulses and regsfor a membership scheme and more , the aims seem to be similar and im sure with the aid of a meeting or to between both groups of people behind it you could easily join the two together and 1 main unified group will be easier to progress and will be taken much more seriously, because the BRISA was 1st thought out on this board people seem to think its a clear sack the board group which its not and is much better thought out than my efforts with B&G. i would urge Mark, Jon , Ted and the other orgainsers to get togther asap and work in unity ... there is an eveide=nt desire amongst famns to form some sort of independent pressure group with all fans aims to be improved communication, PR and fan involvement.... rather than split that large group go forward as 1 using eachothers knwoledge and knowhow and unity the fanbase (something the club appear unable to do)
unless the happens the groups will fail like B&G
i'm firmly behind the aims of both fractions as they are pretty much the same ...
Hopefully yu can soort things out between you to make it work
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jozer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 365
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Post by jozer on Jun 23, 2014 10:58:53 GMT
The picture of Nh and the 'Chairman Higgs' bit at the end both make him out to be a bit besieged. Could the BP be getting hacked off with Rovers for their own reasons? I have noticed that Rovers don't seem to provide them with the daily space filling content that c**y and the rugger buggers do any more.
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Post by Bath Gas on Jun 23, 2014 11:11:42 GMT
I agree that the Supporters Club do a great job with the travel, programme selling, 50/50 draw tickets etc, and it does seem as though they are the only organisation that the club are prepared to have a dialogue with.
I know that "change from within" has been tried before, and people still have the scars to prove it. But, we are now in our worst position ever, and I wonder if it is worth the people involved in the two alternative groups, also going down the route of trying to get people onto the SC Committee? Would those who are supporters of these groups be prepared to pay the £9 membership in order to be able to nominate, and get a vote at the SC AGM in Sept/Oct? (I would)
Time is of the essence, as nominations close on 30th June. People need to be members of the SC this year in order to nominate/be nominated - no reason why this couldn't be done as a back-up, and still keep the other groups going to see how they develop. By Sept/Oct, the picture may be a whole lot clearer as to what recognition/reaction these groups will/will not get from the BoD.
Info on nominating below:
AGM NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the 2015 Annual General Meeting of Bristol Rovers Supporters Club will take place in September or October on a date to be advised later. The following positions on the Executive Committee are subject to re-election this year in accordance with the constitution; Brian Seymour Smith – Director and Share Scheme Chairman. Sue Williams – Secretary. David Thomas – Committee. Any members interested in standing for any of the above posts should apply in writing to the Secretary, c/o BRSC, 199 Two Mile Hill Road, Kingswood, Bristol. BS15 1AZ. Applications, which must be returned by 30th June 2014, must include member's full name and current 2014/5 season membership number.
J.A. Chappell, Chairman
I know that David Thomas did a huge amount of work on the petition for UWE, and Sue Williams is also a well established member, doing a time consuming job. It does look as though BSS is up for re-election re. both his roles though?
Sorry - I'm sort of grasping at straws with this post!
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,255
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jun 23, 2014 11:14:59 GMT
Mike, The 'group' can't nominate anyone since they are not a bona fide organisation with members or officials, a constitution, a rule book and so on. I am not sure they even have a name!
Personally, I think BRSC does an excellent job at what it does - selling programmes, 50/50 tickets and arranging buses for away travel - so there is no need to change it. When we were first relegated, there were all kinds of calls to have an independent supporters group but nearly two months on that looks to have fizzled out and people's attention is beginning to return what's going to happen on the pitch. My guess is that most people would rather leave things as they are and get on with supporting the team. I'd like to be wrong, especially about the first bit, but the evidence suggests I'm not! I rather agree with you EB, if 500 supporters turned up at the Wellie wanting to voice their opinion there would be mayhem but who would they speak for other than themselves ? Having been at the EGM it is clear the BoD's aren't going to take much if any notice of a group of fans however well intentioned they are if they cannot prove they represent a large majority of fans and even then they may not feel they have to respond as BRFC are a privately company 'owned' by a small select group of individuals, we cannot get rid of them, we cannot make them change the way they run the club unless there is some form of dialogue with them. Again clearly from the EGM, that is just NOT going to happen. They would not engage with regard to their strategic objectives, they hadn't even decided who was going to be responsible for the various areas of the club that was to be reviewed and evaluated. About the only way we could display our absolute disapproval of them would be to stay away in our thousands but we all recognise that would quickly see the demise of the club we support and I am not suggesting we do that anyway. The last meeting at the Wellie whilst very well meaning at the most showed that many of the fans there were very frustrated but were not really in a position to do anything constructive. However much we might want to make the board accountable for what they do, however much we want them to be more communicative with us, whatever assurances we demand from them, they are only going to do what they want to do, not unless someone has a few million pounds in loose change going spare That is a great summary. The problems will not even be addressed BUT if we keep up the pressure then we can hope the board fool up their ears and take note. You are right in that they can ignore actually doing anything but the more people turn up, the bigger the chance of them taking it very seriously. I will be there this time and want to talk about a strategy that would make it uncomfortable for the board to ignore is and especially if the aims are realistic and not venomous diatribe just to vent. It does no harm at all just to turn up, listen and maybe add to the debate with meaningful ideas on how we can address this without the board having reason to just dismiss the meetings as the ramblings of Mr angry.
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,255
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jun 23, 2014 11:30:09 GMT
I agree that the Supporters Club do a great job with the travel, programme selling, 50/50 draw tickets etc, and it does seem as though they are the only organisation that the club are prepared to have a dialogue with. I know that "change from within" has been tried before, and people still have the scars to prove it. But, we are now in our worst position ever, and I wonder if it is worth the people involved in the two alternative groups, also going down the route of trying to get people onto the SC Committee? Would those who are supporters of these groups be prepared to pay the £9 membership in order to be able to nominate, and get a vote at the SC AGM in Sept/Oct? (I would) Time is of the essence, as nominations close on 30th June. People need to be members of the SC this year in order to nominate/be nominated - no reason why this couldn't be done as a back-up, and still keep the other groups going to see how they develop. By Sept/Oct, the picture may be a whole lot clearer as to what recognition/reaction these groups will/will not get from the BoD. Info on nominating below: AGM NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the 2015 Annual General Meeting of Bristol Rovers Supporters Club will take place in September or October on a date to be advised later. The following positions on the Executive Committee are subject to re-election this year in accordance with the constitution; Brian Seymour Smith – Director and Share Scheme Chairman. Sue Williams – Secretary. David Thomas – Committee. Any members interested in standing for any of the above posts should apply in writing to the Secretary, c/o BRSC, 199 Two Mile Hill Road, Kingswood, Bristol. BS15 1AZ. Applications, which must be returned by 30th June 2014, must include member's full name and current 2014/5 season membership number. J.A. Chappell, Chairman I know that David Thomas did a huge amount of work on the petition for UWE, and Sue Williams is also a well established member, doing a time consuming job. It does look as though BSS is up for re-election re. both his roles though? Sorry - I'm sort of grasping at straws with this post! Do you believe that even if they accepted the nomination, that they would ratify someone who got elected who was part of either of the protest groups ? I very much doubt it. If they did ratify it ( big if) they can still veto on anything. I would give that a miss and concentrate on the media etc but be prepared to have your support undermined at every juncture. Maybe also a ban.
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Post by Bath Gas on Jun 23, 2014 11:34:56 GMT
KP - I hear what you're saying, and you make very good points. As I said, I'm rather clutching at straws - becoming more desperate as the season draws closer!
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gassedup
Frankie Prince
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 210
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Post by gassedup on Jun 23, 2014 11:40:20 GMT
I agree that the Supporters Club do a great job with the travel, programme selling, 50/50 draw tickets etc, and it does seem as though they are the only organisation that the club are prepared to have a dialogue with. I know that "change from within" has been tried before, and people still have the scars to prove it. But, we are now in our worst position ever, and I wonder if it is worth the people involved in the two alternative groups, also going down the route of trying to get people onto the SC Committee? Would those who are supporters of these groups be prepared to pay the £9 membership in order to be able to nominate, and get a vote at the SC AGM in Sept/Oct? (I would) Time is of the essence, as nominations close on 30th June. People need to be members of the SC this year in order to nominate/be nominated - no reason why this couldn't be done as a back-up, and still keep the other groups going to see how they develop. By Sept/Oct, the picture may be a whole lot clearer as to what recognition/reaction these groups will/will not get from the BoD. Info on nominating below: AGM NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the 2015 Annual General Meeting of Bristol Rovers Supporters Club will take place in September or October on a date to be advised later. The following positions on the Executive Committee are subject to re-election this year in accordance with the constitution; Brian Seymour Smith – Director and Share Scheme Chairman. Sue Williams – Secretary. David Thomas – Committee. Any members interested in standing for any of the above posts should apply in writing to the Secretary, c/o BRSC, 199 Two Mile Hill Road, Kingswood, Bristol. BS15 1AZ. Applications, which must be returned by 30th June 2014, must include member's full name and current 2014/5 season membership number. J.A. Chappell, Chairman I know that David Thomas did a huge amount of work on the petition for UWE, and Sue Williams is also a well established member, doing a time consuming job. It does look as though BSS is up for re-election re. both his roles though? Sorry - I'm sort of grasping at straws with this post! For the first time in many years I have joined the SC for that very reason.
If there is someone out there prepared to take it on they have my unqualified (within reason) support.
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gassedup
Frankie Prince
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 210
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Post by gassedup on Jun 23, 2014 11:42:49 GMT
What i would add is that having led B&G and admittidly not having the right idea and stucture to see it through , i know 1st hand that with out struture and clear aims you wont be taken seriously by the board with this in minsd i would have thought getting together with the planned BRISA people would be a better idea , i believe they have everything set up ready to go with the relavent rulses and regsfor a membership scheme and more , the aims seem to be similar and im sure with the aid of a meeting or to between both groups of people behind it you could easily join the two together and 1 main unified group will be easier to progress and will be taken much more seriously, because the BRISA was 1st thought out on this board people seem to think its a clear sack the board group which its not and is much better thought out than my efforts with B&G. i would urge Mark, Jon , Ted and the other orgainsers to get togther asap and work in unity ... there is an eveide=nt desire amongst famns to form some sort of independent pressure group with all fans aims to be improved communication, PR and fan involvement.... rather than split that large group go forward as 1 using eachothers knwoledge and knowhow and unity the fanbase (something the club appear unable to do) unless the happens the groups will fail like B&G i'm firmly behind the aims of both fractions as they are pretty much the same ... Hopefully yu can soort things out between you to make it work Just waiting for a response. No way can we have two groups asking supporters to respond to the same aims and objectives.
Everything is ready to roll...
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,255
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jun 23, 2014 11:47:12 GMT
KP - I hear what you're saying, and you make very good points. As I said, I'm rather clutching at straws - becoming more desperate as the season draws closer! Sorry if you took that as a pop as that was not my intention at all. I just know how this board react to what they perceive as an attack.
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gassedup
Frankie Prince
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 210
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Post by gassedup on Jun 23, 2014 11:59:46 GMT
KP - I hear what you're saying, and you make very good points. As I said, I'm rather clutching at straws - becoming more desperate as the season draws closer! Sorry if you took that as a pop as that was not my intention at all. I just know how this board react to what they perceive as an attack. KP - Bath Gas didn't take it like that at all. She is as desperate and annoyed as the rest of us!
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Post by mancgas has left the building on Jun 23, 2014 14:20:02 GMT
David and Sue have done tireless and thankless work.
BSS has courted the popular support and may be difficult to un-seat, indeed some have said he should be the clubs PR man (having watched him last week personally I'd disagree massively)
If people want to try the BRSC route, it may be best to organise, get a consistent view and credible candidates, and have a go in next years elections. There's much which can be done without going down the BRSC route, and it was clear to me at EGM Board fans directors have certain expectations from on high, and I'm not convinced the Board would endorse 'any old' candidate , elected by BRSC members or not.
One thing I'd like any Fans Director to do is blow a hole in this confidentiality nonsense which gets rolled out to excuse terrible communications, very few decisions at Board level can really be business threatening, or deal busting so an open exchange on 80% of what happened at a Board meeting should be possible
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harrybuckle
Always look on the bright side
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 5,417
Member is Online
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Post by harrybuckle on Jun 23, 2014 16:22:18 GMT
I just put forward the suggestion of becoming a SC member because if this new group is unhappy they can try and influence the SC to put views forward to the Board. If I recall at the EGM Nick Higgs said he respected the input and suggestions from BRSC ...he hinted keyboard warriors would get no answers from the Club as they were unrepresentative. Just saying
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Post by Curly Wurly on Jun 23, 2014 16:40:08 GMT
It would be interesting to know how many on here, or gaschat, attending the Welly, etc. are already members of BRSC. Whilst there would seem to be a groundswell of discontent, I am not clear whether the numbers involved would have the potential to sway decisions within BRSC or not.
I am a supporters club member, but I still feel it is valid to formulate a completely independent group to express opinions on the direction the club should take.
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Post by markczgas on Jun 23, 2014 17:13:19 GMT
It would be interesting to know how many on here, or gaschat, attending the Welly, etc. are already members of BRSC. Whilst there would seem to be a groundswell of discontent, I am not clear whether the numbers involved would have the potential to sway decisions within BRSC or not. I am a supporters club member, but I still feel it is valid to formulate a completely independent group to express opinions on the direction the club should take. There were some Curly, as they made the point to say so. And I'm sure there were many like me who used to be
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Post by Eclectic Blue on Jun 23, 2014 17:29:31 GMT
I just put forward the suggestion of becoming a SC member because if this new group is unhappy they can try and influence the SC to put views forward to the Board. If I recall at the EGM Nick Higgs said he respected the input and suggestions from BRSC ...he hinted keyboard warriors would get no answers from the Club as they were unrepresentative. Just saying Hi Mike, And I was just pointing out that the new group, which has no name, no aims and objectives, no officers, no constitution, no democracy and no members, cannot nominate people for election to BRSC. Even a group that did have all these things could not do that. You are suggesting here that unless you make suggestions via BRSC, you would be regarded as "keyboard warriors (and) would get no answers from the club as they were unrepresentative." When I wrote to Mr Higgs in a personal capacity in January, having been given his email address by the club shop, I made some suggestions as to how easy it would be to unite supporters. I felt this was particularly important seeing that the team was in the lower reaches of League Two, not far from the relegation zone and yet by the same token the club was about to start building the UWE stadium which would be better full than three-quarters empty. Oh, and I also asked that he lifted Kevin Spencer's lifetime ban from the club. I would be very disappointed if Mr Higgs regarded me as a 'keyboard warrior' and therefore declined to reply because there is nothing I would put on here that I wouldn't say to his face, but it sure looks that way. So, Mike, what you are effectively reporting from the EGM is that the club will not respond to any comments from anyone about the running of the club unless they go through BRSC. That's us told, then! Good luck to those of you who are seeking answers. You're going to need lots of it.
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Post by mancgas has left the building on Jun 23, 2014 17:33:41 GMT
I just put forward the suggestion of becoming a SC member because if this new group is unhappy they can try and influence the SC to put views forward to the Board. If I recall at the EGM Nick Higgs said he respected the input and suggestions from BRSC ...he hinted keyboard warriors would get no answers from the Club as they were unrepresentative. Just saying Hi Mike, And I was just pointing out that the new group, which has no name, no aims and objectives, no officers, no constitution, no democracy and no members, cannot nominate people for election to BRSC. Even a group that did have all these things could not do that. You are suggesting here that unless you make suggestions via BRSC, you would be regarded as "keyboard warriors (and) would get no answers from the club as they were unrepresentative." When I wrote to Mr Higgs in a personal capacity in January, having been given his email address by the club shop, I made some suggestions as to how easy it would be to unite supporters. I felt this was particularly important seeing that the team was in the lower reaches of League Two, not far from the relegation zone and yet by the same token the club was about to start building the UWE stadium which would be better full than three-quarters empty. Oh, and I also asked that he lifted Kevin Spencer's lifetime ban from the club. I would be very disappointed if Mr Higgs regarded me as a 'keyboard warrior' and therefore declined to reply because there is nothing I would put on here that I wouldn't say to his face, but it sure looks that way. So, Mike, what you are effectively reporting from the EGM is that the club will not respond to any comments from anyone about the running of the club unless they go through BRSC. That's us told, then! Good luck to those of you who are seeking answers. You're going to need lots of it. may be mis-remembering but I thought only person to use the well trodden phrase key board warrior was BSS
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