Trust Board response to letter sent by the club.

[Terryfenwickatemyhamster]

If you want to meet up sometime Nigel, I'll give you the FULL story.
 

In no way is my post intended to detract from that time. But, I recall most of it, I am sure. But thank you for the offer. It would always be an honour to chat with you Roger. You have over the years given tirelessly and selflessly to the club and it's supporters.

[Terryfenwickatemyhamster]

In the Trusts case, it might argue that no has tried to effect change from within, apart from 3 people who left quite quickly, so perhaps the 'silent majority ' of Trust members is happy with it. Although I recognise that they collectively felt isolated and marginalised.

On the other hand, it would have to be particularly cloth eared not to hear the comments on here and elsewhere.

It's obvious, well at least to me!, that there needs to be a dialogue between the Trust directors and it's members about what they expect of the Trust in the future and how it should communicate with them, the broader supporter base and the club.

It has a FB page, an X account and a website. These could play a role in this consultation?

One of the things that I'd like the Trust to do is to initiate this conversation. I'd be interested in knowing other people's ideas on how this could be done, over and above 'RESIGN'.

A meeting in town for Trust members, chaired by a neutral chair?

I recognise that a more widely respected Supporters Trust with a good relationship with the club is only of marginal interest compared to 3pts and staying up, but I still think its worth looking to see if it can be achieved..

The Trust model is on its knees, with the exception of a couple of clubs. Some of them might boast reasonable memberships. But you know as well as I do, that the membership is made up mostly of life members, or those that renew without any interest whatsoever in what a Trust does. I would say without fear of reproach, that a sizeable chunk of our Trusts membership has either passed away, or are no longer invested in it at all. How many people have joined in the last five years Michael? How many regularly communicate with the Trust?

Relying on fresh blood to come in and oust the debris of a series of poorly gauged own goals, is not going to happen. And is nothing more than a defence for maintaining the status quo. In its current state, it will continue to fester and stagnate.

[F30]

I look at the photos of the current board members and wonder which fan demographic they represent? Apologies to the antipodian for having the temerity to post again…

[Melbourne Cobbler]

I look at the photos of the current board members and wonder which fan demographic they represent? Apologies to the antipodian for having the temerity to post again…

That’s rather unkind, I love all your musings and reveries.

[F30]

That’s rather unkind, I love all your musings and reveries.

🥳

[Merry Comrade]

As a general point, it's good leadership for any organisation,  public or private, large or small, to reflect on its relationship with its environment to see whether it's succeeding in it's mission which is often essential if it's a private company to keep making profits etc. And for voluntary bodies to assess how it's doing in it's purpose.

In the Trusts case, it might argue that no has tried to effect change from within, apart from 3 people who left quite quickly, so perhaps the 'silent majority ' of Trust members is happy with it. Although I recognise that they collectively felt isolated and marginalised.

On the other hand, it would have to be particularly cloth eared not to hear the comments on here and elsewhere.

It's obvious, well at least to me!, that there needs to be a dialogue between the Trust directors and it's members about what they expect of the Trust in the future and how it should communicate with them, the broader supporter base and the club.

It has a FB page, an X account and a website. These could play a role in this consultation?

One of the things that I'd like the Trust to do is to initiate this conversation. I'd be interested in knowing other people's ideas on how this could be done, over and above 'RESIGN'.

A meeting in town for Trust members, chaired by a neutral chair?

I recognise that a more widely respected Supporters Trust with a good relationship with the club is only of marginal interest compared to 3pts and staying up, but I still think its worth looking to see if it can be achieved..

 Please may I add a note of correction to the above post. 5 new members left the Trust Board between the AGM of 2023 and the AGM of 2024 and all had their own reasons for leaving. Personally, I lasted almost a year and I tried my best to bring a degree of moderation to the board and to reduce the level of 'us and them' thinking. Unfortunately for most of the time felt I was a lone voice and to be frank I grew tired of being told to' wake up and smell the coffee' and engage in debate that I was never going to win because I was so outnumbered. I enjoyed my time on the board but I was always aware of a certain degree of intimidation which I found uncomfortable. I  share many of your views Michael, and I wish you all the best in your attempts to acheive your aims but your skin will need to be a little thicker than mine. One thing I did promote whilst on the board was that members should adhere to the social media policy. Not sure of the current boards thinking on this matter.

[BackOfTheNet]

Please may I add a note of correction to the above post. 5 new members left the Trust Board between the AGM of 2023 and the AGM of 2024 and all had their own reasons for leaving. Personally, I lasted almost a year and I tried my best to bring a degree of moderation to the board and to reduce the level of 'us and them' thinking. Unfortunately for most of the time felt I was a lone voice and to be frank I grew tired of being told to' wake up and smell the coffee' and engage in debate that I was never going to win because I was so outnumbered. I enjoyed my time on the board but I was always aware of a certain degree of intimidation which I found uncomfortable. I  share many of your views Michael, and I wish you all the best in your attempts to acheive your aims but your skin will need to be a little thicker than mine. One thing I did promote whilst on the board was that members should adhere to the social media policy. Not sure of the current boards thinking on this matter.

That's probably the most damning indictment of the situation I've read, since while Bhyll joined at the same time, he wasn't related to the Not My Trust group.

I can understand the animosity shown towards the three that were (even if I don't agree with it), but the fact that Bhyll was clearly also made to feel like an outsider for offering a more moderate and conciliatory stance says it all.

[Melbourne Cobbler]

I think to summarise, what we are collectively saying is don’t bother taking off your coat Michael.

[TVOR]

Must be a slow news week with the Trust getting this much air time!

[Melbourne Cobbler]

Must be a slow news week with the Trust getting this much air time!

I worked that out when you started moaning on about the New Trafford towers.

[Terryfenwickatemyhamster]

I think to summarise, what we are collectively saying is don’t bother taking off your coat Michael.

😂😂😂

[TVOR]

I worked that out when you started moaning on about the New Trafford towers.

I was trying to add further weight to the cost per seat debate 

[Michael Walker]

Thanks - I wasn't certain as to when some left so I avoided over egging the pudding to not get pulled up for inaccuracy.

First of all, I can only say how sorry I am to read this - I know that you are well regarded by a few mutual friends and your post is obviously important.

Something I'd encourage all current members to do is take advantage of the Trusts policy to let members attend meetings on Zoom as observers/participants.

Democracy works best in the light!

Think about re-joining - I can guarantee a friendly atmosphere whilst I'm there..

[Zen Master]

Are Trust meetings on zoom like Handforth Parish Council meetings?

[F30]

"You have no authority here"! 

[Michael Walker]

Are Trust meetings on zoom like Handforth Parish Council meetings?

For any connoisseurs of cheerful parish & town council meetings, there are currently a few bumps in the road at Neyland Town Council.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KDwKd8rSC/

[A view from afar]

I believe that in James Whiting we have an exceptional CEO but he must find running the club a tortuous challenge at the best of times.

https://youtu.be/_7SQs5KJZQY?si=Se5JMDIhTDQ3kBaF

This will be your first hurdle sir!
The advisor and his disciples have been very much less complimentary about James.
I agree with other posters.

Clean the Trust completely.
Start from scratch and green shoots may appear.
Until that time…. The Trust is the bottom of a 3 month old bin bag.

[Melbourne Cobbler]

The Trust Board have always been quite keen on a place on the Board of the club. Perhaps similarly James Whiting might be agreeable to a place on the Trust Board? I’ll drop him a mail now

[A view from afar]

The Trust Board have always been quite keen on a place on the Board of the club. Perhaps similarly James Whiting might be agreeable to a place on the Trust Board? I’ll drop him a mail now

I reckon he’d be more up for eating the contents of the said proverbial bin bag mate 😂

[Terryfenwickatemyhamster]

Thanks - I wasn't certain as to when some left so I avoided over egging the pudding to not get pulled up for inaccuracy.

First of all, I can only say how sorry I am to read this - I know that you are well regarded by a few mutual friends and your post is obviously important.

Something I'd encourage all current members to do is take advantage of the Trusts policy to let members attend meetings on Zoom as observers/participants.

Democracy works best in the light!

Think about re-joining - I can guarantee a friendly atmosphere whilst I'm there..

The issues come around perception. And the most common myth is the accusation by certain Trust board members that this forum is anti trust. A myth that it is clear you have been ADVISED on. Well.. Let's look at that. I stand accused frequently of being "anti Trust". So I will speak for myself. I have lost count of how many posts I have made, stating my clear and obvious disdain and disgust at the behaviour of certain individual on the Trust board in recent years. So on that point we are clear. But throughout all of my comments, there has been one constant. That being, that I believe the Trust (not some of its board) should be entitled to representation and an opinion at the FAB, and if the owners see fit, at board level. So that would suggest that although I believe Trusts are now outmoded and outdated as a model, I would like to see ours brought back into the fold. So I am not, like everyone else who opposes this board having a stake in club, anti Trust. I have been on the receiving end of some of the board members lies, insults and misinformation on numerous occasions. Unnecessarily so. But I still want a fresh, honest, inclusive, personal agenda free Trust on board. And like most, I wish you all the best in ressurectinwhat was once a respectable and institution.