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Post by johnmalyckyj on Jun 22, 2020 20:43:58 GMT
Me & my son used the SC coach to Crewe a few years ago. One coach only - run by a small clique apparently for themselves (I noticed that they were given all of the players complementary tickets to distribute as they saw fit). When we left Kingswood I thought that the team were going to have a poor following that day. Totally wrong - obviously other supporters had had their own experience of SC travel and made their own way to Gresty Road. Over 1500 gasheads in the stadium and only 50 via the 'official transport'. We have not used the transport since and have not been SC members for the last three seasons due to our poor experience. Clearly there is an opportunity for the Football Club to take over the away transport and make it more sustainable and profitable. I've experienced similar in the past - apart from an elderly chap called Geoff (now sadly passed away), the SC hierarchy made no effort to make people not in the clique feel welcome. Rovers have some very intelligent, savvy and personable supporters in their 20's and 30's, I think the club should try and get people like this involved in facilitating a supporters club - they'd have much more chance of modernisation and thereby increasing membership. You are referring to Geoff Martin. I am struggling not to have misty eyes thinking about him. I was introduced to Geoff when I joined the SC committee at an "open day" at The Beeches. I was sent to sit with Geoff to help with membership. We hit it off immediately and that evening I forged one of the most memorable and important friendships of my life. I was honoured to be asked to speak at his funeral in November 2006. The ten years of our friendship were all too short and all the more remarkable given the age gap between us. Without Geoff I never would have got into the position that I did. By the time I got into the SC chair Geoff's ill-health had got the better of him and he had to step down from the Committee. Barely a week went by when I didn't go to speak to him once I took the chair, he was very much a sounding board, sometimes I would leave with a flea in my ear. When the events of Summer 2006 began to unfold he was horrified and there were evenings when I would go to see him for a spot of his wisdom. When I told him I was going to resign, he told me to sleep on it, and then do the right thing......One of the most memorable evenings we spent together was the night Liverpool won the Champion's League in 2005. We were chewing the cud about some old nonsense as Liverpool went 3-0 down. We'd had some fish and chips and a couple of beers and I was thinking of going home, we'd turned the sound down.....Then the miracle began to unfold... We soon turned up the sound and eventually I had to walk home as we sunk more beers and I couldn't drive. Geoff became a part of my family and was much loved by my son George who spent so much time with him at home matches when I was dashing about. I've never got over his passing, so it's really great to read that he touched someone else in a positive way. Had Geoff still been around we would have discussed the events as they have unfolded and he would have delivered his considered opinion and with his rich Bristolian lilt would have said...."Well John, let's see what they do, because Rovers' boards don't ever like doing anything" - he said that to me many times and he was usually right. I think he would have approved of Wael's actions on Friday. As to the actions of the Supporters Club over the past six months, he would have been truly horrified. He went to the inaugural meeting in 1947, a tale I never tired of hearing as he escaped a girlfriend to get there. He'd want us all to do the right thing...... Regards John Malyckyj
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Post by richmace on Jun 22, 2020 20:47:10 GMT
My opinion is that now is the time for the Supporters Club to be part of the football club. I understand that there was a need and a benefit for the Supporters Club to be independent, but that time is not now. I am very grateful for the role that the Supporters Club has played in the past. It played a huge part in us still having a club to support. The SC stepped up and filled a void that needed filling.
Fast forward to 2020. We all need to be pulling together in the same direction, and it makes no sense whatsoever to have a separate organisation IMO.
Don't get me wrong, I have wonderful memories going into the shop in Kingswood. When I started actively going to games, I used to love popping there during my lunch break to buy tickets. It was a little piece of Gas heaven for me. I was sad to see it close.
As is always the case, time moves on. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.
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Post by Bath Gas on Jun 23, 2020 19:52:06 GMT
I've experienced similar in the past - apart from an elderly chap called Geoff (now sadly passed away), the SC hierarchy made no effort to make people not in the clique feel welcome. Rovers have some very intelligent, savvy and personable supporters in their 20's and 30's, I think the club should try and get people like this involved in facilitating a supporters club - they'd have much more chance of modernisation and thereby increasing membership. You are referring to Geoff Martin. I am struggling not to have misty eyes thinking about him. I was introduced to Geoff when I joined the SC committee at an "open day" at The Beeches. I was sent to sit with Geoff to help with membership. We hit it off immediately and that evening I forged one of the most memorable and important friendships of my life. I was honoured to be asked to speak at his funeral in November 2006. The ten years of our friendship were all too short and all the more remarkable given the age gap between us. Without Geoff I never would have got into the position that I did. By the time I got into the SC chair Geoff's ill-health had got the better of him and he had to step down from the Committee. Barely a week went by when I didn't go to speak to him once I took the chair, he was very much a sounding board, sometimes I would leave with a flea in my ear. When the events of Summer 2006 began to unfold he was horrified and there were evenings when I would go to see him for a spot of his wisdom. When I told him I was going to resign, he told me to sleep on it, and then do the right thing......One of the most memorable evenings we spent together was the night Liverpool won the Champion's League in 2005. We were chewing the cud about some old nonsense as Liverpool went 3-0 down. We'd had some fish and chips and a couple of beers and I was thinking of going home, we'd turned the sound down.....Then the miracle began to unfold... We soon turned up the sound and eventually I had to walk home as we sunk more beers and I couldn't drive. Geoff became a part of my family and was much loved by my son George who spent so much time with him at home matches when I was dashing about. I've never got over his passing, so it's really great to read that he touched someone else in a positive way. Had Geoff still been around we would have discussed the events as they have unfolded and he would have delivered his considered opinion and with his rich Bristolian lilt would have said...."Well John, let's see what they do, because Rovers' boards don't ever like doing anything" - he said that to me many times and he was usually right. I think he would have approved of Wael's actions on Friday. As to the actions of the Supporters Club over the past six months, he would have been truly horrified. He went to the inaugural meeting in 1947, a tale I never tired of hearing as he escaped a girlfriend to get there. He'd want us all to do the right thing...... Regards John Malyckyj Thank you for sharing the above John, it's great to learn a bit more about Geoff. I sometimes used to travel on my own on the coach, and he always looked out for me at the service stops and made sure I got back to my car ok at the end of the trip, which, being a lone female, was very much appreciated. We could certainly do with having a Geoff (or a John?) to move the supporters club forward in a positive way.
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Post by CabbagePatchBlues on Jun 24, 2020 4:56:46 GMT
"This will have a diluting affect on the % shareholding held by the Supporters Club. However, I want to make it clear that despite this, it doesn’t change anything in terms of their entitlement to have a Director on the Board should they wish to nominate a *suitable* candidate."
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Peter Parker
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Richard Walker
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Post by Peter Parker on Jun 24, 2020 6:57:45 GMT
SC have announced notice of their AGM and invited nominations for fans director and Exec committee
Interestingly regarding the directorship they do say the club can veto any appointment. lol
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Post by a more piratey game on Jun 24, 2020 8:29:10 GMT
SC have announced notice of their AGM and invited nominations for fans director and Exec committee Interestingly regarding the directorship they do say the club can veto any appointment. lol does this increase the need for ITB to act with more speed, I'm wondering?
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jun 24, 2020 8:55:36 GMT
SC have announced notice of their AGM and invited nominations for fans director and Exec committee Interestingly regarding the directorship they do say the club can veto any appointment. lol does this increase the need for ITB to act with more speed, I'm wondering? Good luck with trying to organise anything like that. Always lots of talk but I’ve seen too many fail at attempt of inception
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eppinggas
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Post by eppinggas on Jun 24, 2020 9:09:06 GMT
does this increase the need for ITB to act with more speed, I'm wondering? Good luck with trying to organise anything like that. Always lots of talk but I’ve seen too many fail at attempt of inception I think with ITB being 'close' to Wael Al-Qadi and not afraid to 'put himself out there' - this represents a fantastic opportunity to unite the fanbase. Fingers crossed and Up The Gas.
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jun 24, 2020 9:20:07 GMT
Good luck with trying to organise anything like that. Always lots of talk but I’ve seen too many fail at attempt of inception I think with ITB being 'close' to Wael Al-Qadi and not afraid to 'put himself out there' - this represents a fantastic opportunity to unite the fanbase. Fingers crossed and Up The Gas. Yes, totally agree but also feel conflicted as the SC, like it or not, has continually provided funds for the club and has done some good. I’m not getting into any of the politics of it or the personal stuff as I have never been a member and have no axe to grind. ideally, I would like to think that they would accept new blood and change, to be a more contemporary organisation. I may not be a member but I think they at least deserve a chance. There would be a lot of soaked people, on the north terrace if not for the roof that they paid for. I just don’t feel easy in discarding a group who have done good. I disregard other posts on them as I have no axe to grind and know it’s much more than Ken, Jim and a select few. Most are decent people who only have the good of the club in mind. I don’t like the idea of any SC that is not independent of the club. We need an independent group and not one that just agrees with everything Tom or Tom and the new board, say is right. Just writing as I see it and sans any of the nastiness
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eppinggas
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Post by eppinggas on Jun 24, 2020 9:27:32 GMT
I think with ITB being 'close' to Wael Al-Qadi and not afraid to 'put himself out there' - this represents a fantastic opportunity to unite the fanbase. Fingers crossed and Up The Gas. Yes, totally agree but also feel conflicted as the SC, like it or not, has continually provided funds for the club and has done some good. I’m not getting into any of the politics of it or the personal stuff as I have never been a member and have no axe to grind. ideally, I would like to think that they would accept new blood and change, to be a more contemporary organisation. I may not be a member but I think they at least deserve a chance. There would be a lot of soaked people, on the north terrace if not for the roof that they paid for. I just don’t feel easy in discarding a group who have done good. I disregard other posts on them as I have no axe to grind and know it’s much more than Ken, Jim and a select few. Most are decent people who only have the good of the club in mind. I don’t like the idea of any SC that is not independent of the club. We need an independent group and not one that just agrees with everything Tom or Tom and the new board, say is right. Just writing as I see it and sans any of the nastiness You're never nasty Jools!
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jun 24, 2020 9:28:50 GMT
Yes, totally agree but also feel conflicted as the SC, like it or not, has continually provided funds for the club and has done some good. I’m not getting into any of the politics of it or the personal stuff as I have never been a member and have no axe to grind. ideally, I would like to think that they would accept new blood and change, to be a more contemporary organisation. I may not be a member but I think they at least deserve a chance. There would be a lot of soaked people, on the north terrace if not for the roof that they paid for. I just don’t feel easy in discarding a group who have done good. I disregard other posts on them as I have no axe to grind and know it’s much more than Ken, Jim and a select few. Most are decent people who only have the good of the club in mind. I don’t like the idea of any SC that is not independent of the club. We need an independent group and not one that just agrees with everything Tom or Tom and the new board, say is right. Just writing as I see it and sans any of the nastiness You're never nasty Jools! I do have my moments but I keep them off of here. Thank you for the kind comments Ian
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
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Post by jackthegas on Jun 24, 2020 9:50:10 GMT
"This will have a diluting affect on the % shareholding held by the Supporters Club. However, I want to make it clear that despite this, it doesn’t change anything in terms of their entitlement to have a Director on the Board should they wish to nominate a *suitable* candidate." Not that I am overly fussed, but aren't the SC entitled to two full directors?
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jun 25, 2020 17:45:09 GMT
"This will have a diluting affect on the % shareholding held by the Supporters Club. However, I want to make it clear that despite this, it doesn’t change anything in terms of their entitlement to have a Director on the Board should they wish to nominate a *suitable* candidate." Not that I am overly fussed, but aren't the SC entitled to two full directors? Yes they are but any candidate can be vetoed by Wael
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Post by a more piratey game on Jun 29, 2020 12:06:41 GMT
does this increase the need for ITB to act with more speed, I'm wondering? Good luck with trying to organise anything like that. Always lots of talk but I’ve seen too many fail at attempt of inception looking at the other place today, it seems that ITB is thinking of throwing his hat into the ring for the election of someone to represent the existing SC which might, or might not, be a better medium-term approach
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jul 3, 2020 18:34:45 GMT
Good luck with trying to organise anything like that. Always lots of talk but I’ve seen too many fail at attempt of inception looking at the other place today, it seems that ITB is thinking of throwing his hat into the ring for the election of someone to represent the existing SC which might, or might not, be a better medium-term approach No idea, in my opinion ITB is extremely owner biased and my own belief is that a truly independent supporters club is a necessity as it’s not always good to have people who will agree with every word. No offence to ITB but I think that his role as a mod is compromised by this also.
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Post by johnmalyckyj on Jul 3, 2020 22:00:11 GMT
looking at the other place today, it seems that ITB is thinking of throwing his hat into the ring for the election of someone to represent the existing SC which might, or might not, be a better medium-term approach No idea, in my opinion ITB is extremely owner biased and my own belief is that a truly independent supporters club is a necessity as it’s not always good to have people who will agree with every word. No offence to ITB but I think that his role as a mod is compromised by this also. The fundamental question should be, "what is the future of any supporters club of Bristol Rovers?" I am speaking now for the first time in thirty years as a non-member of BRSC. I will rejoin at a later date, no-matter what happens. Recent events have shown us the danger of a Supporters Club who falls out with the parent club but doesn't have the political or emotional intelligence to understand what it was doing. I say that with a very heavy heart because I still have a deep respect for those who run it. I have to say that I cannot understand how those in executive positions haven't resigned, whether they know there is anyone to replace them or not. The place they have landed in means that they should simply step aside and see what happens. The simple fact is that Wael Al-Qadi now owns the Football Club. There is no doubt about it. Any would-be supporters organisation should be seeking to see what he would he would be seeking to achieve by having any sort of formal relationship. The Supporters Club Share Scheme is simply a busted flush and to my mind having a director (or two, as it should be) is now simply meaningless. Given that the Supporters Club registered it's view that the current ownership wasn't "fit and proper" to run Bristol Rovers I am very surprised that the President has offered the olive branch that he has. The Supporters Club has done nothing to reciprocate publicly, merely advertising a vacancy for a directorship. In my view any candidate putting themselves forward should very clearly state a vision for the future of supporters representation and yes, that may mean that it is not BRSC as it is currently constituted. Given the events of the last few months it would be certainly helpful if candidates can demonstrate that they can work with the current owner rather than against him because as we have seen that has spectacularly failed and put the Supporters Club in an impossible position. We can call for someone who is independent but it is no bloody use to anyone if they cannot work with the Football Club. The one thing above all else that anyone who puts themselves forwards is that they are honest if they think something is wrong and that they don't hide to protect their own position. Kind Regards John Malyckyj
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bondigas
Joined: December 2017
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Post by bondigas on Jul 3, 2020 22:00:50 GMT
ITB interest in the SC position has all the hallmarks of doing what he's told to do from someone higher up the food chain, not healthy. He says it's run by grey haired old men, 5 of the SC committee are ladies, bet they are pleased. Wrong thing to say in this sensitive time also, ageist remark.
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Post by swissgas on Jul 3, 2020 23:51:40 GMT
No idea, in my opinion ITB is extremely owner biased and my own belief is that a truly independent supporters club is a necessity as it’s not always good to have people who will agree with every word. No offence to ITB but I think that his role as a mod is compromised by this also. The fundamental question should be, "what is the future of any supporters club of Bristol Rovers?" I am speaking now for the first time in thirty years as a non-member of BRSC. I will rejoin at a later date, no-matter what happens. Recent events have shown us the danger of a Supporters Club who falls out with the parent club but doesn't have the political or emotional intelligence to understand what it was doing. I say that with a very heavy heart because I still have a deep respect for those who run it. I have to say that I cannot understand how those in executive positions haven't resigned, whether they know there is anyone to replace them or not. The place they have landed in means that they should simply step aside and see what happens. The simple fact is that Wael Al-Qadi now owns the Football Club. There is no doubt about it. Any would-be supporters organisation should be seeking to see what he would he would be seeking to achieve by having any sort of formal relationship. The Supporters Club Share Scheme is simply a busted flush and to my mind having a director (or two, as it should be) is now simply meaningless. Given that the Supporters Club registered it's view that the current ownership wasn't "fit and proper" to run Bristol Rovers I am very surprised that the President has offered the olive branch that he has. The Supporters Club has done nothing to reciprocate publicly, merely advertising a vacancy for a directorship. In my view any candidate putting themselves forward should very clearly state a vision for the future of supporters representation and yes, that may mean that it is not BRSC as it is currently constituted. Given the events of the last few months it would be certainly helpful if candidates can demonstrate that they can work with the current owner rather than against him because as we have seen that has spectacularly failed and put the Supporters Club in an impossible position. We can call for someone who is independent but it is no bloody use to anyone if they cannot work with the Football Club. The one thing above all else that anyone who puts themselves forwards is that they are honest if they think something is wrong and that they don't hide to protect their own position. Kind Regards John Malyckyj To express a frank opinion about those who run the SC but still voice your deep respect for them does you great credit John. I think we need to consider whether Ken Masters and Steve Hamer were actually working against the owner. This has been the common perception for a long time now but may not actually be true. It seems that Hani Al-Qadi (the effective owner at the time) asked Steve Hamer to find a buyer for the club and between him and Ken Masters they came up with the potential developers of the FM. The deal would have gone through had Wael not objected and in the exceptional circumstances which followed Wael was unexpectedly able to take control of the club. IMO the correct interpretation of events is that SH and KM were working on behalf of Hani (the effective owner) and that the SC executive supported negotiations with potential new owners because, knowing the club’s financial position and Hani’s desire to get out, reasoned it was in the best interests of BRFC. So while it may be true to say that SH, KM and the SC executive were working against the wishes of Wael it is not true to say they were working against the best interests of BRFC.
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basel
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Post by basel on Jul 4, 2020 6:13:14 GMT
The fundamental question should be, "what is the future of any supporters club of Bristol Rovers?" I am speaking now for the first time in thirty years as a non-member of BRSC. I will rejoin at a later date, no-matter what happens. Recent events have shown us the danger of a Supporters Club who falls out with the parent club but doesn't have the political or emotional intelligence to understand what it was doing. I say that with a very heavy heart because I still have a deep respect for those who run it. I have to say that I cannot understand how those in executive positions haven't resigned, whether they know there is anyone to replace them or not. The place they have landed in means that they should simply step aside and see what happens. The simple fact is that Wael Al-Qadi now owns the Football Club. There is no doubt about it. Any would-be supporters organisation should be seeking to see what he would he would be seeking to achieve by having any sort of formal relationship. The Supporters Club Share Scheme is simply a busted flush and to my mind having a director (or two, as it should be) is now simply meaningless. Given that the Supporters Club registered it's view that the current ownership wasn't "fit and proper" to run Bristol Rovers I am very surprised that the President has offered the olive branch that he has. The Supporters Club has done nothing to reciprocate publicly, merely advertising a vacancy for a directorship. In my view any candidate putting themselves forward should very clearly state a vision for the future of supporters representation and yes, that may mean that it is not BRSC as it is currently constituted. Given the events of the last few months it would be certainly helpful if candidates can demonstrate that they can work with the current owner rather than against him because as we have seen that has spectacularly failed and put the Supporters Club in an impossible position. We can call for someone who is independent but it is no bloody use to anyone if they cannot work with the Football Club. The one thing above all else that anyone who puts themselves forwards is that they are honest if they think something is wrong and that they don't hide to protect their own position. Kind Regards John Malyckyj To express a frank opinion about those who run the SC but still voice your deep respect for them does you great credit John. I think we need to consider whether Ken Masters and Steve Hamer were actually working against the owner. This has been the common perception for a long time now but may not actually be true. It seems that Hani Al-Qadi (the effective owner at the time) asked Steve Hamer to find a buyer for the club and between him and Ken Masters they came up with the potential developers of the FM. The deal would have gone through had Wael not objected and in the exceptional circumstances which followed Wael was unexpectedly able to take control of the club. IMO the correct interpretation of events is that SH and KM were working on behalf of Hani (the effective owner) and that the SC executive supported negotiations with potential new owners because, knowing the club’s financial position and Hani’s desire to get out, reasoned it was in the best interests of BRFC. So while it may be true to say that SH, KM and the SC executive were working against the wishes of Wael it is not true to say they were working against the best interests of BRFC. Hello Swiss,so we had too many cooks all quite precious about their own version of 'stadium pie',so to speak. Do you know or suspect Rovers are now in a better position,as we have one cook and it's his recipe we follow? For what it's worth (about 73 pence),I don't think the fruit market stadium will happen.Too many cooks again and WAQ wants control.
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2020 10:33:20 GMT
To express a frank opinion about those who run the SC but still voice your deep respect for them does you great credit John. I think we need to consider whether Ken Masters and Steve Hamer were actually working against the owner. This has been the common perception for a long time now but may not actually be true. It seems that Hani Al-Qadi (the effective owner at the time) asked Steve Hamer to find a buyer for the club and between him and Ken Masters they came up with the potential developers of the FM. The deal would have gone through had Wael not objected and in the exceptional circumstances which followed Wael was unexpectedly able to take control of the club. IMO the correct interpretation of events is that SH and KM were working on behalf of Hani (the effective owner) and that the SC executive supported negotiations with potential new owners because, knowing the club’s financial position and Hani’s desire to get out, reasoned it was in the best interests of BRFC. So while it may be true to say that SH, KM and the SC executive were working against the wishes of Wael it is not true to say they were working against the best interests of BRFC. Hello Swiss,so we had too many cooks all quite precious about their own version of 'stadium pie',so to speak. Do you know or suspect Rovers are now in a better position,as we have one cook and it's his recipe we follow? For what it's worth (about 73 pence),I don't think the fruit market stadium will happen.Too many cooks again and WAQ wants control. chatted to a chap i know was part owner at cardiff pre sam hamann, i told him how astounded we
are to have the debts all tidied up, his first words its easier to sell up if thats what was wanted,
id like wael to be the saviour he wants to be but its all too good to be true, just waiting for the next installment
supporters club ? they need to work with wael or dont bother, be honest in their views/opinions though and pipe up
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