Redevelopment Closer Than Ever?

[Observing]

I see the Trust board have written to Lisa Nandy. They also have the support in doing so from 14 other club Trusts.
Thoughts from members of this board on a postcard please...

Can’t afford a stamp, sorry.

[Zen Master]

I haven’t checked but is it a standard letter that all these trusts have sent ?

[Ragdoll Cobbler]

Don't know how to post the actual letter on here but this is their statement...

I'd assume that the other mentioned trusts, haven't completely ruined their relationship, with their current owners...

TRUST LEADS ON FOOTBALL REFORM INITIATIVE
The Supporters Trust, in an initiative supported by 14 other Trusts across the country, has written to the Secretary of State for the Department of Media, Culture & Sport, The Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP.
The letter raises concerns about the lack of reference to supporters’ trusts within the fans' consultation process outlined in the Football Governance Bill, which is scheduled for its second reading in the House of Lords tomorrow (13 November).

[XVK]

 "We are aware of situations at certain clubs where owners, in anticipation of the coming
legislation, have already created Fan Advisory Boards comprising persons close to, and
friendly with, the existing controlling interests and so unlikely to confront or raise the difficult
matters that may need to be addressed."

Copied from the trust's letter

[WekaWeka Cobbler]

I read these posts with a feeling of deja vu, but maybe that's just getting old..

I won't repeat what I've laboriously typed one fingered to David Cadden on FB about the East Stand,  the Trust etc.

The Trust & the owners would be stronger together than arguing publicly - Kelvin said in his BBC interview that he 'believes in Trusts'.

I believe that the vast majority of supporters want the Trust & club to have a good working relationship.  99% of them probably have no idea of what the disputes are that have led to this ridiculous breakdown...and most of 'em don't care.

I've said to Tom Cliffe that the best way forward is for a third party mediator to sit down with the owners and and Trust to work out a way forward. I believe that the owners would be prepared to do so if there was an understanding at the outset that the Trust are able to admit that they have made mistakes.

Finishing the East Stand, our playing budget, our crowds and (most) of our performances make this a genuine turning point for the club. A Trust/Club working relationship would be the icing on the cake.

I'd like the BBC to organise another chat with Kelvin where supporters who want to find a way forward together can talk about the issues.

[Manwork04]

"We are aware of situations at certain clubs where owners, in anticipation of the coming
legislation, have already created Fan Advisory Boards comprising persons close to, and
friendly with, the existing controlling interests and so unlikely to confront or raise the difficult
matters that may need to be addressed."

Copied from the trust's letter

Fair comment, BUT as I said earlier you can hold the owners feet to the fire without false accusations and trying to discredit them constantly.

[XVK]

Fair comment, BUT as I said earlier you can hold the owners feet to the fire without false accusations and trying to discredit them constantly.

I agree

[Ragdoll Cobbler]

I read these posts with a feeling of deja vu, but maybe that's just getting old..

I won't repeat what I've laboriously typed one fingered to David Cadden on FB about the East Stand,  the Trust etc.

The Trust & the owners would be stronger together than arguing publicly - Kelvin said in his BBC interview that he 'believes in Trusts'.

I believe that the vast majority of supporters want the Trust & club to have a good working relationship.  99% of them probably have no idea of what the disputes are that have led to this ridiculous breakdown...and most of 'em don't care.

I've said to Tom Cliffe that the best way forward is for a third party mediator to sit down with the owners and and Trust to work out a way forward. I believe that the owners would be prepared to do so if there was an understanding at the outset that the Trust are able to admit that they have made mistakes.

Finishing the East Stand, our playing budget, our crowds and (most) of our performances make this a genuine turning point for the club. A Trust/Club working relationship would be the icing on the cake.

I'd like the BBC to organise another chat with Kelvin where supporters who want to find a way forward together can talk about the issues.

If you owned the club, would you seriously entertain any involvement, while the current trust board are still at the helm?

No, neither would I!

[A view from afar]

I could start of my listing your many aliases but I have to go to work in 3 hours 

sorry it read that way, wasn't suggesting John was on the board, but as I said in my leaked, private email to a former board member that went straight to KT, (and others talk about wanting a professional board), we ain't bloody Barclays Bank.

Just call me Glen as you promised you would.
I’m not hiding…

[Melbourne Cobbler]

It seems reasonable and even desirable to me that Trusts are part of the broad spectrum of opinion that forms the governance of clubs. However, in the event that there are provisions made for the inclusion of Trusts as independent bodies with influence, there should be a code of conduct that underpins those provisions. This would involve strict guidelines around consultation and inclusion of membership opinion including rules around engagement. I would suggest there should also be an appeals process where in the event Trusts engage in activities that are detrimental to clubs they are held accountable by the independent ombudsman. This appeals process should be open to both members and owners. They should be able to insist on the removal and exclusion of Trust Board members and persons of influence where they conclude there has been inappropriate decision making and/or an abuse of power or position. In other words the measure of inclusivity, accountability and transparency is with the ombudsman and is no longer a matter of self governance. Additionally there should be tests of suitability around Board members which would obviously include historical activities and performance. The Trusts must be subject to similar standards as the owners, and under those provisions I believe their may be a way forward. That being said if powers of independence and the similar conditions were applied to the FABs as the Trusts then that would be another option or potential way forward.

[GrangeParkCobbler]

It seems reasonable and even desirable to me that Trusts are part of the broad spectrum of opinion that forms the governance of clubs. However, in the event that there are provisions made for the inclusion of Trusts as independent bodies with influence, there should be a code of conduct that underpins those provisions. This would involve strict guidelines around consultation and inclusion of membership opinion including rules around engagement. I would suggest there should also be an appeals process where in the event Trusts engage in activities that are detrimental to clubs they are held accountable by the independent ombudsman. This appeals process should be open to both members and owners. They should be able to insist on the removal and exclusion of Trust Board members and persons of influence where they conclude there has been inappropriate decision making and/or an abuse of power or position. In other words the measure of inclusivity, accountability and transparency is with the ombudsman and is no longer a matter of self governance. Additionally there should be tests of suitability around Board members which would obviously include historical activities and performance. The Trusts must be subject to similar standards as the owners, and under those provisions I believe their may be a way forward. That being said if powers of independence and the similar conditions were applied to the FABs as the Trusts then that would be another option or potential way forward.

Good post!

[Melbourne Cobbler]

Please please please explain how we hold the owners feet to the fire in a professional and polite way?

KT hates ANYONE asking him to do more. Look back at his response to a non-Trust board member asking him at a Open Forum, very politely and very professionally, after receiving a big chunk of money from the Chubwenika move from Villa to Chelsea,

if they were now going to reinvest some of that money back into the Academy.

Again I don't see the FAB so far achieving any concession or 1p from club, something i have levelled at TC in his 3 years. In fact I don't recalled TC, on behalf of supporters holding the owners feet, other than to massage them.

I strongly believe that the FABs and Trusts should work together to help their clubs keep moving forward but that will only happen if the owners are either open and willing or are forced into acting due the volume of noise coming from fans for a better club.

At Northampton you have neither

Again can someone post up the links to the CGI's that KT said were on the website.

That’s an extraordinary statement.

[Terryfenwickatemyhamster]

what exactly do you want the Trust to do Nigel?

I'm unsure how clear you want me to make it Derek. I want you. and the rest of the current Trust board to step down. I really hoped after the JR, and the subsequent re-start of the redevelopment, that you and your fellow board members would adopt a more conciliatory and contrite attitude towards the Trust membership, and the club. It would not matter to me who the main players are. What matters to me, is bringing a productive, fresh Trust back into the fold. I don't doubt that you and the others feel you are doing the right thing. But you must be able to see that there is zero future in maintaining the status quo. If we had a new board at the helm of the Trust, I would fully expect a shift of attitude from the owners. If that was not forthcoming, I know the emphasis would shift to them to make in roads towards a better future for the Trust.   

[Manwork04]

Please please please explain how we hold the owners feet to the fire in a professional and polite way?

KT hates ANYONE asking him to do more. Look back at his response to a non-Trust board member asking him at a Open Forum, very politely and very professionally, after receiving a big chunk of money from the Chubwenika move from Villa to Chelsea,

if they were now going to reinvest some of that money back into the Academy.

Again I don't see the FAB so far achieving any concession or 1p from club, something i have levelled at TC in his 3 years. In fact I don't recalled TC, on behalf of supporters holding the owners feet, other than to massage them.

I strongly believe that the FABs and Trusts should work together to help their clubs keep moving forward but that will only happen if the owners are either open and willing or are forced into acting due the volume of noise coming from fans for a better club.

At Northampton you have neither

Again can someone post up the links to the CGI's that KT said were on the website.

To be professional and polite is a prerequisite of business, you won’t get anywhere or achieve anything without being this way, it will also give a you a groundswell of support from your members and the general public.

You have to rise above and be the better people, you’ll suddenly find a lot more people support your initiatives this way.

[Terryfenwickatemyhamster]

I see the Trust board have written to Lisa Nandy. They also have the support in doing so from 14 other club Trusts.
Thoughts from members of this board on a postcard please...

Perhaps you could share your thoughts. Or have you also adopted the Trust board model, of simply firing out questions 😂😂

[Risdene]

I'm unsure how clear you want me to make it Derek. I want you. and the rest of the current Trust board to step down. I really hoped after the JR, and the subsequent re-start of the redevelopment, that you and your fellow board members would adopt a more conciliatory and contrite attitude towards the Trust membership, and the club. It would not matter to me who the main players are. What matters to me, is bringing a productive, fresh Trust back into the fold. I don't doubt that you and the others feel you are doing the right thing. But you must be able to see that there is zero future in maintaining the status quo. If we had a new board at the helm of the Trust, I would fully expect a shift of attitude from the owners. If that was not forthcoming, I know the emphasis would shift to them to make in roads towards a better future for the Trust.   

+1

The current Trust board have alienated the membership by not asking their opinion on current situations and the future direction required!
I believe a completely new board is needed because every current member is tainted by their actions!

[DavCobb]

I'm unsure how clear you want me to make it Derek. I want you. and the rest of the current Trust board to step down. I really hoped after the JR, and the subsequent re-start of the redevelopment, that you and your fellow board members would adopt a more conciliatory and contrite attitude towards the Trust membership, and the club. It would not matter to me who the main players are. What matters to me, is bringing a productive, fresh Trust back into the fold. I don't doubt that you and the others feel you are doing the right thing. But you must be able to see that there is zero future in maintaining the status quo. If we had a new board at the helm of the Trust, I would fully expect a shift of attitude from the owners. If that was not forthcoming, I know the emphasis would shift to them to make in roads towards a better future for the Trust.   

It's been clear for a while, they are like a tied up barking dog. They won't shut up but powerless to cause any harm.
The only way things will change is when they starve.

That was dark. 

The most surprising thing for me is the lack of awareness, or maybe sheer anger and arrogance, that they can't see that nothing is ever going to change whilst the set up and approach stays the same. I'm assuming some of these people are quite intelligent. Best they can hope for is to ride it out until the current owners move on and then try and get their teeth into the next one. Whether they like it or not, KT has their number and the fan base has been alienated.
A strange way to conduct yourself. They remind me very much of the most militant of Unions.

[Worthless Recluse]

Perhaps you could share your thoughts. Or have you also adopted the Trust board model, of simply firing out questions 😂😂

I was posting relevant news like many others others do on here.
Was it the throw away line at the end, pre-empting more bleating from the sidelines, that you find objectionable?
Regards the letter, yeah absolutely, in total support of it.

[TVOR]

Fair comment, BUT as I said earlier you can hold the owners feet to the fire without false accusations and trying to discredit them constantly.

Completely agree.
This is where the Trust have gone wrong. All the times they have cried wolf means they are now met with ridicule so if the wolf ever does reappear we as fans will be left worse off.

[Terryfenwickatemyhamster]

I was posting relevant news like many others others do on here.
Was it the throw away line at the end, pre-empting more bleating from the sidelines, that you find objectionable?
Regards the letter, yeah absolutely, in total support of it.

I didn't find anything objectional. I just hoped that you might attach enough significance to your point, to post a link, or offer your opinion on it, as opposed to that of other Trusts. I was unclear as to what your thoughts were. So you "pre-empted" my thoughts wrong..

In terms of their letter. I'm not surprised that they have written it. It has become clear to them and some other Trusts that they will no longer have, or enjoy, in some cases an exclusive place with either the support, or their respective clubs. The obvious trend, and rightfully so, is for clubs to embrace supporters opinions from all areas, not just via a Trust. I would have thought that would be favourable. I don't see why they should expect a separate arrangement.