gassedup
Frankie Prince
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 210 
|
Post by gassedup on Jul 2, 2014 7:21:20 GMT
The initial aims and objectives/campaigns for the group:-
Campaigns
1. Bristol Rovers are a community club
Bristol Rovers has long been proud of its reputation as a family club, with deep roots in the local community. As an Independent Supporters Association, we will contribute towards greater promotion of the club to the people of Bristol, and choose the Bristol Rovers Community Department as our nominated charity for all fundraising undertaken by BRISA.
2. Board accountability and governance
Constructive criticism of the way that the club is run has been consistently ignored over a number of years, with few signs of change. We commit to campaigning for open dialogue between the Board of Directors and the fans, and a period of openness and reconciliation to heal old wounds.
3. Reform of the club from top to bottom
The football club’s recent relegation into non-league has highlighted the lack of professionalism in many parts of the organisation. We will campaign for reform of the football club from top to bottom, to ensure not only that Bristol Rovers fans have all the services they should expect from a modern 21st century football club, but also to give the club the tools it requires to compete for promotion and beyond.
4. Recognition of the fans as stakeholder and partners of the club.
Over many years the supporters have contributed huge amounts of funds to keep the club afloat and improve the matchday experience. Since moving into the Memorial Stadium, the fans have contributed funds for roofs on terraces and new floodlights for the ground. In addition to this, through the share scheme, fans have contributed more than £1,000,000 in share purchases, We will campaign for greater recognition for the supporters who play such a significant role in securing the future of the football club.
If you agree with the sentiment of these comments please join up to show your support.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 7:28:03 GMT
Good stuff, Personally I think item 4 is first and foremost for the BoD to take BRISA seriously.
|
|
RG2 Gas
Andy Spring
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 229
|
Post by RG2 Gas on Jul 2, 2014 8:49:02 GMT
Good stuff, Personally I think item 4 is first and foremost for the BoD to take BRISA seriously.
Except that they will say the Share scheme is run by the 'Official' SC as is the 50/50 draw which paid for the roof / floodlights and we now have 2 Fans Directors which has given us a voice on the Board (stop laughing at the back), so pop along and join the 'bona fide' SC if you want a voice as those Independent rotters just want to cause trouble!
|
|
jozer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 365
|
Post by jozer on Jul 2, 2014 9:14:06 GMT
1 & 4 are all well & good, but 2 & 3 (which basically cover the same ground) are the bread & butter of this.
|
|
|
|
Post by PessimistGas on Jul 2, 2014 9:16:12 GMT
Well done to everyone that was there, it sounds like a very constructive meeting that has resulted in some clear (though how achievable is debatable) aims.
I just hope that if we win a few games once the season gets underway this doesn't die the same death that Black and Gold did after a spell of decent results.
|
|
faggotygas
Byron Anthony
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,862
|
Post by faggotygas on Jul 2, 2014 14:35:14 GMT
Well done to everyone that was there, it sounds like a very constructive meeting that has resulted in some clear (though how achievable is debatable) aims. I just hope that if we win a few games once the season gets underway this doesn't die the same death that Black and Gold did after a spell of decent results. Campaigns will naturally ebb and flow according to circumstances. Its important therefore to make the goals specific and measurable. |
|
|
|
Post by brimmers on Jul 2, 2014 16:01:07 GMT
Well done to everyone that was there, it sounds like a very constructive meeting that has resulted in some clear (though how achievable is debatable) aims. I just hope that if we win a few games once the season gets underway this doesn't die the same death that Black and Gold did after a spell of decent results. That is naturally the danger and what with football supporters being what they are after 1 win they'll think we are Brazil. Thought last night there were some really talented people in the audience who spoke an awful lot of sense. It is vitally important that even if we do win a few early on in the season, that we don't forget that over the last 10 years we have had 1.5 good seasons ! And that this current board have overseen 2 relegations and absolutely nothing to shout about. I'm not personally interested in protesting and don't agree with the turning of your backs but there needs to be an alternative to the supporters club who imo just agree with whatever is the status quo. |
|
|
|
Post by markczgas on Jul 2, 2014 19:55:54 GMT
We have the Question and Answer to come and we need to fill it up (150 places should be reserved like tickets for a big game !!) I hope many who have joined BRISA will come especially with what Objective 2 states - proof is in the pudding as they say.
We may also have some more good news soon. Will keep everyone informed.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 21:56:54 GMT
Good stuff, Personally I think item 4 is first and foremost for the BoD to take BRISA seriously. Not sure I agree. There are 2 full Directors' positions held by supporters. It's not the fault of the FC that the people who hold those positions don't fulfill the fans' expectations. |
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 23:50:47 GMT
Good stuff, Personally I think item 4 is first and foremost for the BoD to take BRISA seriously. Not sure I agree. There are 2 full Directors' positions held by supporters. It's not the fault of the FC that the people who hold those positions don't fulfill the fans' expectations. Yes of course. That is what the BoD will also state. But we all know that those two represent no one except a clique within the SC, who themselves represent no one even though they run the SC. |
|
Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2014 0:42:42 GMT
Not sure I agree. There are 2 full Directors' positions held by supporters. It's not the fault of the FC that the people who hold those positions don't fulfill the fans' expectations. Yes of course. That is what the BoD will also state. But we all know that those two represent no one except a clique within the SC, who themselves represent no one even though they run the SC. So we agree, this is one thing at least that we can't blame on the board and that change needs to come from within the SC? I wonder if Rod has any idea what he's getting involved in? Are there still people on the SC Executive Committee who don't think that share price matters  But this won't answer the original ''Point 4''. Campaign for more recognition etc etc, what exactly do the independant association want? They have 2 full directors, a SC with a committee structure that anybody from the terrace can join, I honestly don't know what it is that they are hoping for? |
|
|
|
Post by disenfranchised on Jul 3, 2014 10:58:02 GMT
Very good set of aims and objectives which BRISA will be able to hang campaigns and activities on over the long-term.
In terms of a quick win on objective 2, BRISA should be pushing for the publication of a monthly Fans' Director Report after each Board meeting setting out what the main agenda items were, a summary of the discssions that took place, what input the Fans' Directors made and what the key outcomes were on each point. That would represent a first step in terms of introducing some accountability and understanding what it is that they do/contribute. Saying "we don't just go there and nod our heads" simply isn't good enough given the money that has been put in over the years to get them there.
|
|
|
|
Post by Wilkimania on Jul 3, 2014 14:48:21 GMT
Random thought that's just occurred to me. Is it worth having some sort of fanzine to get across the objectives to the fans? Not everyone is on here but perhaps getting something to the fans at the games may help get your views across.
|
|
Peter Parker
Global Moderator
Richard Walker
You have been sentenced to DELETION!
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,920
|
Post by Peter Parker on Jul 3, 2014 15:40:22 GMT
Depending on how things go, that may be an idea. At the least I would think leafleting exercise at the first home games will be necessary. Maybe some could be left in the local boozers as well.
Anything will have to be done outside the ground obviously as I doubt the club would let anyone on The Mem site
|
|
Bridgeman
Alfie Biggs
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,549
|
Post by Bridgeman on Jul 3, 2014 21:48:06 GMT
Random thought that's just occurred to me. Is it worth having some sort of fanzine to get across the objectives to the fans? Not everyone is on here but perhaps getting something to the fans at the games may help get your views across. Black Arab used to fill that function but I haven't seen it being published in recent seasons. In fairness it takes time, effort and money to produce it and maybe those who produced it no longer had the resources to continue with it but I always bought it and thought it was well produced. |
|
Bridgeman
Alfie Biggs
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,549
|
Post by Bridgeman on Jul 3, 2014 21:53:26 GMT
Depending on how things go, that may be an idea. At the least I would think leafleting exercise at the first home games will be necessary. Maybe some could be left in the local boozers as well. Anything will have to be done outside the ground obviously as I doubt the club would let anyone on The Mem site I wouldn't disagree but it takes time, people and resources to do anything like this, if I was travelling on my own I would volunteer but having to share lifts with others who would be less inclined to travel earlier it's not something I could get involved with unfortunately. |
|
faggotygas
Byron Anthony
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,862
|
Post by faggotygas on Jul 4, 2014 11:00:11 GMT
Random thought that's just occurred to me. Is it worth having some sort of fanzine to get across the objectives to the fans? Not everyone is on here but perhaps getting something to the fans at the games may help get your views across. Black Arab used to fill that function but I haven't seen it being published in recent seasons. In fairness it takes time, effort and money to produce it and maybe those who produced it no longer had the resources to continue with it but I always bought it and thought it was well produced. Blogs? |
|
Bridgeman
Alfie Biggs
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,549
|
Post by Bridgeman on Jul 4, 2014 17:38:55 GMT
Black Arab used to fill that function but I haven't seen it being published in recent seasons. In fairness it takes time, effort and money to produce it and maybe those who produced it no longer had the resources to continue with it but I always bought it and thought it was well produced. Blogs? Bill ? |
|
kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,278
|
Post by kingswood Polak on Jul 7, 2014 7:14:59 GMT
Random thought that's just occurred to me. Is it worth having some sort of fanzine to get across the objectives to the fans? Not everyone is on here but perhaps getting something to the fans at the games may help get your views across. Black Arab used to fill that function but I haven't seen it being published in recent seasons. In fairness it takes time, effort and money to produce it and maybe those who produced it no longer had the resources to continue with it but I always bought it and thought it was well produced. I have a printer and a shed load of paper that I have not used ( gloss finish and Matt at 260gsm) and would print some if anyone wants to put one togethet |
|
|
|
Post by axbridgetec on Aug 20, 2014 21:12:54 GMT
Hi chaps - well done on getting this together. As an old Gas Trust lag, I hope you can achieve what the trust never managed. That said just a couple of thoughts on the objectives:
Objective 1: I think we talk a lot about our family club and the Gas spirit - but not really since Twerton have we seen anything tangible around this. One idea which never got anywhere with the trust, but I always liked was the concept of a supporter's skills banks: our supporters are a mass of talent (accountants, lawyers, coders, builders, plumbers, etc) if you could find a mechanism for encouraging a donation of those skills on a pro bono basis to the club that could be worth a fortune in savings and break down barriers between fans and club. The cash value of that work should be calculated, banked and used as credits towards share purchases (see point 4).
On the family club front its worth looking at the work Orient have done with immigrant families in their neck of the woods - it has led to a whole new fan base community and massively improved cohesion at the club.
Objective 2: One of the problems at the moment is there is really nothing to measure club achievements against - the board have lost control and vision, and the SC directors one suspects just feel privileged to be in a boardroom. An organisation like yours could sit down with the manager and key staff to plot out what good performance will look like (off and on the pitch), results, supporter numbers, income, etc and be very transparent about that. As it stands the KPIs are basically win next game, which is crazy - someone needs to get a grip and organise, that could be you.
Objective 3: Reform is clearly needed - but (linking to above) rather than campaigning for reform I think you have to assume that this club hasn't got the where-with-all anymore to do that itself, so you guys should outline in a clear, concise way what reform should happen, when and how it will be judged a success. On this latter point one of the problems with the current administration is that there is no plan B and a failure to learn from failure. Getting stuff wrong is fine, so long as you recognise it and learn from it.
Objective 4: I think you can be very defined on this. As you say the fans are the biggest recent investors in the club, yet the fan shareholding has reduced in % terms not grown. As fans and investors Nick Higgs should respect you sufficiently to make shares available at the same share price as he has paid for his share holding. He has come out and said he is wants the right type of investor - what could be more right than the supporters.
Anyway - good luck, I hope you can do better than we did.
|
|
