Igitur
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 2,294 
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Post by Igitur on Mar 5, 2016 12:16:53 GMT
I get so cross when retired generals only speak up for the soldiers or against cuts when they have retired. but that's the job isn't it - when serving they are inside the tent pissing out, when retired outside the tent pissing in
if you're inside the tent and piss inside, then you very swiftly get moved outside. Everyone knows that?
Perhaps wrong analogy, but some generals have fallen on their swords or been able to speak out as it's their last job. It could be extended to other scenarios where we have worked with 'one of the lads' who changes when becoming a boss or at the other extreme where 'mavericks' have refreshingly been promoted and not change. Anyway my point is BSS has published on here once we have a new board. In a way I welcome it and hope to see/hear more as BSS is now communicating. |
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nerdgas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 145
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Post by nerdgas on Mar 5, 2016 12:17:25 GMT
A very good morning Gasheads! Having read some of the comments on this Forum, I thought it only right to update you on where Ken and I are as Fans Directors now and perhaps how our roles may change under new ownership. I will be honest and say that the last few years, after a promising start four years ago, became harder and harder. As you will be aware the previous regime held what they called "equity directors meetings." As time went on, it became clear that board meetings were starting to play second fiddle to the main decision making. It was becoming clear also I was learning more about what was happening at the club through Forums such as this than I did at Board meetings, even though I was accused of believing what I read on the forums. It seems at times some of the comments made, particularly from the Fans Forum for example, were often and are 'spot on' and I appreciate that this really is from my point of view not an acceptable position to be in from a representational point of view. Although no formal board meeting is yet to be held, I am delighted the AGM is still taking place and I have no doubts that a board meeting will happen very soon once all the players are in place. Nevertheless I and Ken have had conversations with several key directors about things that we believe need to be addressed and I am extremely hopeful that this really is the dawn of a new era. The comments I have made include all pricing, facilities particularly for our disabled and female supporters, catering to name but a few. I have been greatly encouraged by the feedback I have had, and both Ken and I will continue to work on your behalf to do our utmost to meet your expectations. Once the first board meeting has taken place I hope I can come back and provide regular updates. Of course, like you, I am also interested to learn what will be happening about the new stadium plans. I sincerely believe that this is essential if Bristol Rovers FC are to reach their full potential. As always, I am open to suggestions on my email br467@btinternet.com. I regularly speak to supporters in regard to issues on a one-to-one, either by phone or twitter or on matchday. I hope this clarifies your concerns and I am sure, as the early evidence suggests, the club is now moving forward in a very positive direction. For everyone travelling to Notts County today, I hope to see you there and three points to take home! May I thank you for your comments, positive or otherwise. I do read and I do take on board. UTG! Yours in friendship Brian SS Thanks for this Brian. It makes me incredibly angry that you and Ken were effectively frozen out by Higgs. It was always suspected but seeing you confirm it just makes the blood boil. I already had very little respect for Higgs because of his arrogant and dismissive attitude to the fans and their concerns. Now I have even less (if that's possible) The bloke was a cancer at the core of the club and I am incredibly grateful that this particular cancer has been cut out by the new owners acquiring the club. It's worth reflecting on this would never had happened if TRASH hadn't delayed the stadium through their antics. Whilst they had zero good intentions towards the club and their motives were selfish I guess us fans should be grateful they ever got involved...... Ultimately they have inadvertently caused what could be the best thing to ave ever happened to BRFC. |
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dinsdale
Andy Rammell
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 495
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Post by dinsdale on Mar 5, 2016 12:33:32 GMT
Kim Stukey had the right approach in similar circumstances. I think BRSC should just sell the shares back to the club and let the board appt a fans rep or club ambassader. No point in mute fans reps it has only just dawned on me that the purchase of 92% of the club (leaving 8% to supporters) is probably as much a statement of intent as the most expedient was to complete the transaction Is it fair to say 5% of that is minor shareholders with about 3% being the share scheme ? |
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Post by gasheadpirate on Mar 5, 2016 12:39:34 GMT
it has only just dawned on me that the purchase of 92% of the club (leaving 8% to supporters) is probably as much a statement of intent as the most expedient was to complete the transaction Is it fair to say 5% of that is minor shareholders with about 3% being the share scheme ? Probably not far out. |
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2016 13:06:35 GMT
when is ken getting home to post ?
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Post by PessimistGas on Mar 5, 2016 13:38:26 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?
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,354
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Post by kingswood Polak on Mar 5, 2016 14:39:11 GMT
A very good morning Gasheads! Having read some of the comments on this Forum, I thought it only right to update you on where Ken and I are as Fans Directors now and perhaps how our roles may change under new ownership. I will be honest and say that the last few years, after a promising start four years ago, became harder and harder. As you will be aware the previous regime held what they called "equity directors meetings." As time went on, it became clear that board meetings were starting to play second fiddle to the main decision making. It was becoming clear also I was learning more about what was happening at the club through Forums such as this than I did at Board meetings, even though I was accused of believing what I read on the forums. It seems at times some of the comments made, particularly from the Fans Forum for example, were often and are 'spot on' and I appreciate that this really is from my point of view not an acceptable position to be in from a representational point of view. Although no formal board meeting is yet to be held, I am delighted the AGM is still taking place and I have no doubts that a board meeting will happen very soon once all the players are in place. Nevertheless I and Ken have had conversations with several key directors about things that we believe need to be addressed and I am extremely hopeful that this really is the dawn of a new era. The comments I have made include all pricing, facilities particularly for our disabled and female supporters, catering to name but a few. I have been greatly encouraged by the feedback I have had, and both Ken and I will continue to work on your behalf to do our utmost to meet your expectations. Once the first board meeting has taken place I hope I can come back and provide regular updates. Of course, like you, I am also interested to learn what will be happening about the new stadium plans. I sincerely believe that this is essential if Bristol Rovers FC are to reach their full potential. As always, I am open to suggestions on my email br467@btinternet.com. I regularly speak to supporters in regard to issues on a one-to-one, either by phone or twitter or on matchday. I hope this clarifies your concerns and I am sure, as the early evidence suggests, the club is now moving forward in a very positive direction. For everyone travelling to Notts County today, I hope to see you there and three points to take home! May I thank you for your comments, positive or otherwise. I do read and I do take on board. UTG! Yours in friendship Brian SS Hi Bri, Firstly I would like to say welcome to gasheads. I am so glad and relieved that you can now post in here and that I am not having to, because I genuinely like and respect you, to defend you at times. I know how difficult it has been for you, how frustrating it has been and how bad the abuse has been. I can only say, as I have previously, that you have ALWAYS been available to me and other fans. You have gone out of your way to stand and talk to people when the weather has been bloody awful and every part of you must have wanted to just get inside. I have been on the receiving end of your help and even though I have said thank you on those occasions, I just wanted to reiterate that on here. You have gone out of your way to arrange parking for me whilst other blue badge spaces have been booked. I still don't understand how blue badge spaces can be pre-booked as the booklet says that ANY Blue badge holder can use the bays but I guess that is yet another of those Nick Higgs rules ? Anyway, you have sorted parking and easier access for me when I have been really unable to attend otherwise. You helped me retrieve my lost wallet, after the cup game at Birmingham and although the money was gone, ALL of the irreplaceable items that mean so much to me. Whilst many wouldn't see these things as overly important this was huge for me and I now keep them somewhere much safer. I am bloody delighted that you are now a member on here & I hope that you feel able to post more regularly and actually become a part of this great community of gasheads. I have learned, through personal experience, the block facility can make it a much nicer place to be. Having said that, I only have 3 people blocked so that gives you an idea of how this forum is. I find that there is a wealth of knowledge and some great minds on here and I enjoy that very much. Right, before I let this go into a diatribe of epic proportions, I will quit there. REALLY am happy that you feel you can now contribute here as that tells me that the change means you feel able to open up and not be vilified by the chairman. Welcome aboard shipmate and I hope to see you soon. Am having a really bad time of it right now and don't even know if I will be able to get to another game as it stands but I am fighting with all my might, to make it so. Kind nd regards and UTG your friend jools |
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irishrover
Global Moderator
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 3,372
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Post by irishrover on Mar 5, 2016 15:12:16 GMT
Thanks for posting on here Brian - it is interesting to hear your perspective on a number of issues there.
I only really have 1 question - what is it that you perceive the role of a fans director to be? Particularly in the context of the current board which is going to be 90+% owned by a single party. It seems to me that the main original purpose of the share scheme was to give fans a foot in the door as regards the future direction of the football club. Possibly allowing for the potential of fans becoming the majority owners or at least having balance of power on the board at some point in the future. My feeling is that is how many thought at the time and may explain some of the difficulties that developed with the previous regime. Ie. This was quickly perceived as a direct threat to their position rather than as part of a general re-structuring of the club that could benefit everyone. As soon as it's seen in that light it's easy to see how a rift could open between the fans and the rest of the board and also why it could lead to an increasing sense of paranoia. In other words, what was perceived on one side as mutual evolution to put the club on solid ground and ensure fans had a comprehensive say on key matters related to the club was perceived as a straight up power struggle on the other side. A power struggle, that from the point of view of the rest of the board, the fans lost and then inconveniently refused to come back into line and shut up about it. Just my perspective from way removed from the process and I could be way off on that.
But, in the current set-up that is all completely irrelevant. So what is that 8% (I'm not sure I have the figure right) now representing from the point of view of the share scheme and Rovers fans in general? What is its value to 'us' (not really me - I'm not a member)? The club has now moved to a position where 1 (seemingly very wealthy party) owns the club - whatever happens you'd assume there'd be no more boardroom tussles. No more subtle exchanges of shares, bringing people in, moving people out in order to increase the importance of certain members. In this new scenario what does the seat at the table mean? One selling point of the share scheme was that it was a form of protection - fans would be able to take pro-active action should the club run into financial trouble. That doesn't apply anymore - whether we go well or badly on that front from now on there's not really a lot we can do about it. Arguably we never could, but the point is that potentially we could have done in the long run by increasing our presence etc - that option has now permanently disappeared and in reality probably did so quite a while ago. So, you can sit on the board and represent fan interests (and I'm not belittling the value of that) but the board can just ignore you if they like because of their dominant position. They could buy up the remaining 8% of the club and still have a fans director representative and the relative power balance would be exactly the same as it currently is (this is not a criticism of our new owners by the way - just a reflection of 1 single party essentially owning us lock, stock and barrel). The point I'm making is that there's never going to be any actual power there - only the ability to make representation so what, now, is the purpose of that investment? Especially given that the club doesn't seem to particularly need the money any more (which was, obviously, another fundamental reason for the original scheme). I don't think anyone involved has really seriously thought about that since the original scheme fizzled out. |
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Post by Jon the Stripe on Mar 5, 2016 15:17:31 GMT
Time to move on, Fresh start and all that...Agreed, but not without learning from huge mistakes made in the past. The feeling i hold is that these mistakes should never be allowed to fester again and if we have to stand up and shout a bit louder we should do.
I hope lessons have been learnt as we move into what appears a brighter future and look forward to more transparency and better communication from our club as a whole.
Thanks for the post Brian and please help to put a final end to the "Them and Us" environment that has divided our club.
UTG
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,354
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Post by kingswood Polak on Mar 5, 2016 15:33:57 GMT
A very good morning Gasheads! Having read some of the comments on this Forum, I thought it only right to update you on where Ken and I are as Fans Directors now and perhaps how our roles may change under new ownership. I will be honest and say that the last few years, after a promising start four years ago, became harder and harder. As you will be aware the previous regime held what they called "equity directors meetings." As time went on, it became clear that board meetings were starting to play second fiddle to the main decision making. It was becoming clear also I was learning more about what was happening at the club through Forums such as this than I did at Board meetings, even though I was accused of believing what I read on the forums. It seems at times some of the comments made, particularly from the Fans Forum for example, were often and are 'spot on' and I appreciate that this really is from my point of view not an acceptable position to be in from a representational point of view. Although no formal board meeting is yet to be held, I am delighted the AGM is still taking place and I have no doubts that a board meeting will happen very soon once all the players are in place. Nevertheless I and Ken have had conversations with several key directors about things that we believe need to be addressed and I am extremely hopeful that this really is the dawn of a new era. The comments I have made include all pricing, facilities particularly for our disabled and female supporters, catering to name but a few. I have been greatly encouraged by the feedback I have had, and both Ken and I will continue to work on your behalf to do our utmost to meet your expectations. Once the first board meeting has taken place I hope I can come back and provide regular updates. Of course, like you, I am also interested to learn what will be happening about the new stadium plans. I sincerely believe that this is essential if Bristol Rovers FC are to reach their full potential. As always, I am open to suggestions on my email br467@btinternet.com. I regularly speak to supporters in regard to issues on a one-to-one, either by phone or twitter or on matchday. I hope this clarifies your concerns and I am sure, as the early evidence suggests, the club is now moving forward in a very positive direction. For everyone travelling to Notts County today, I hope to see you there and three points to take home! May I thank you for your comments, positive or otherwise. I do read and I do take on board. UTG! Yours in friendship Brian SS Brian you, Ken and BRSC should have spoken out a long time ago , easy to do now they have left. This has left a bit of a sour taste for me. Dins. You and I have talked at length a few times and so it surprises me that you say this. I am pretty sure that you knew of the rift and exclusion of the SC directors or maybe I am just taking that for granted ? Please do correct me if so. I don't now need to make any defence of Bri as he can do that himself now that he is signed up and made his first post. It would have made ANY further efforts, however small, nigh on impossible had either SC guy made such declaration that confirmed the tyrannical viewpoint clear. I have always said that it was a waiting game and that you have to be in a place where you can take advantage of such change and now this provesmy point. Brian can now, hopefully, go forward and make his views, ideas and fans ideas open to the new chairman and, as Jon the Stripe has said, the barriers are coming down. I know you are a solid guy mate and with all good intent too. I would ask you to let go of ANY sour feelings and just give this new board and owner a chance to prove themselves. I know it is just my view but I have always thought that if Brian had been able to get his views across and acted upon then we would not have been relegated and would ave a much more efficient set up. The future will see if my views bear fruit. I knkw I am biased but I call Brian my friend and I stand up for anyone that I call friend. Pas an aside, I have admired your stand against various people and your attempts to get an answer. Here's to the future and some long waited for success |
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Post by a more piratey game on Mar 5, 2016 15:49:11 GMT
I think the 8% and a seat at the table gives a voice, both formally and informally, and potentially influence, but not power
I'm alright with that
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2016 15:53:11 GMT
I think the 8% and a seat at the table gives a voice, both formally and informally, and potentially influence, but not power I'm alright with that I think history backs up the fact that you are spot on. |
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irishrover
Global Moderator
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 3,372
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Post by irishrover on Mar 5, 2016 16:05:16 GMT
I think the 8% and a seat at the table gives a voice, both formally and informally, and potentially influence, but not power I'm alright with that I think history backs up the fact that you are spot on. I think that's absolutely fine - I'm not making the case for selling off the remaining shares. I just think that the directors need to be clear about the reality of that dynamic is and have a clear, realistic strategy for how that influence can be exerted which fans are fully aware of. Looking at it from the outside, it seems to me that one of the issues with the share scheme as it has evolved and the fan directors position as it has evolved is that no one seems to have a very clear sense of what the actual purpose and aims of it are anymore. I would like to see some sense of relevance and clear purpose restored to those positions and the share scheme in general even if that is considerably removed from its original conception. Hence the question. |
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eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,556
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Post by eppinggas on Mar 5, 2016 16:07:33 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.
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,354
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Post by kingswood Polak on Mar 5, 2016 16:24:41 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. 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. |
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Post by gasheadpirate on Mar 5, 2016 16:30:51 GMT
There has been too much anger, strife and division at the club over the last few years. Let's all just move on and see where the new regime takes us. If they deliver on what they say, the future is a damn site brighter than we have been used to. Let's get our old Rovers back with everyone working as one. UTG!
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2016 16:33:11 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. 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. |
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irishrover
Global Moderator
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 3,372
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Post by irishrover on Mar 5, 2016 17:24:50 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. 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. |
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Angas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,068
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Post by Angas on Mar 5, 2016 19:18:34 GMT
I only really have 1 question - what is it that you perceive the role of a fans director to be? Particularly in the context of the current board which is going to be 90+% owned by a single party.
I look forward to Brian's response to this question. (Apologies for cutting the rest of your post Irish, but in the spirit of not raking up the past I decided to let it lie. Suffice to say I have a suspicion you have a better idea of the original aims of the Share Scheme than perhaps our current fans' directors do.) However, moving on:- Brian can you tell me why the most recent update on Share Scheme numbers and percentage holding appears to date back to March 2010 - bristolroverssc.co.uk/?s=share+scheme+update - ? |
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JeffNZ
Administrator
Jimmy Morgan
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,706
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Post by JeffNZ on Mar 5, 2016 19:44:48 GMT
Appreciate you posting Brian...please keep it up.
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