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80% => The Nevillew General Discussion Forum => Topic started by: 1989Monkey on Monday, April 18, 2022, 18:24:25



Title: Board Minutes
Post by: 1989Monkey on Monday, April 18, 2022, 18:24:25
When was the last board meeting? I’m sure I read it was in March but don’t think i’ve seen any of the minutes, has anyone else?


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: STFC_Manc on Monday, April 18, 2022, 20:47:53
These are the advisory board notes for March, April's haven't been published yet

https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/2022/march/stfc-advisory-board-march-minutes-now-available/


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 16:13:50
April

https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/2022/april/stfc-advisory-board-april-minutes-now-available/


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 16:20:53
There's a bit about putting back the deadline for filing historic accounts that I didn't quite read right - it says put back from May 21 to May 22, which suggests they should be released shortly, unless that's meant to read May 22 -> May 23.


Title: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 16:25:57
yeah, noted that too.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: RobertT on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 16:50:34
I might be wrong, but didn't our accounts used to be due Feb, for the year end May of the previous year?  If so, it would refer to them not being available until next month.  Even then it would be for the season prior to this one.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 16:51:08
"Looking for parties to work with for a football style documentary on the ‘rebuild’ for our Club"

Big Ron still available?


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: RobertT on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 16:55:14
The Karachi thing is really winding me up.  Of all the things the club needed to focus on in the first year post Power saga.  It's got a sniff of dodgy, and you really wouldn't want that during any rebuild (if ever, obviously).


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: chalkies shorts on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 16:58:56
The Karachi thing is really winding me up.  Of all the things the club needed to focus on in the first year post Power saga.  It's got a sniff of dodgy, and you really wouldn't want that during any rebuild (if ever, obviously).
What could go wrong. You've got a convicted money lauderer who keeps dodgy company in one of the most corrupt countries in the world with fuck all football pedigree.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: RobertT on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 17:05:10
Arranging for skilled kids, and likely families of said kids, to obtain Visa's to move to the UK, an area of work known to pull in cash "incentives" to try and bypass usual blockages.

Not saying it is,  but even a hint of it wouldn't be a good look.  It undermines everything else and suggests an utter lack of focus on the things we need to be focusing in on right now.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 17:06:44
Quote from: chalkies shorts
What could go wrong. You've got a convicted money lauderer who keeps dodgy company in one of the most corrupt countries in the world with fuck all football pedigree.
Exactly that.

and the advisory board have not aided a thing in terms of clarity


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 17:11:35
Seems to have deviated from giving a pathway to young Aussie footballers to Pakistan.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: RobertT on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 17:13:29
Seems to have deviated from giving a pathway to young Aussie footballers to Pakistan.

Again, just stoking a fire here, but I imagine the cash for Visa options are far greater in Pakistan than Australia.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: JanAirplaneMan on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 17:25:20
I might be wrong, but didn't our accounts used to be due Feb, for the year end May of the previous year?  If so, it would refer to them not being available until next month.  Even then it would be for the season prior to this one.
Accounts were due feb 22 but due to issues compiling them (none or little paperwork from previous regime) , the club have got an extension to publish accounts in may instead. These will be accounts upto feb 21.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: JanAirplaneMan on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 17:30:04
Exactly that.

and the advisory board have not aided a thing in terms of clarity
When there is information to share it will be shared, have been several updates on official site on this. Its early days!


Title: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 17:33:10
the updates on the OS have no substance whatsoever

'Xav would like to thank the commissioner... we'll exchange coaches and get a couple of kids over'

one also assumes Xav hasn't passed the EFL test for become a director/vice chair.

You can thank Power for my cynical nature


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: RobertT on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 18:08:33
If it was dodgy, I very much doubt such an update would be made available via said meeting anyway.  "Zav confirmed he has trousered about 200k in a cash transaction to take two families to the UK using Swindon Town as the Trojan Horse in such a deal, bringing the cash back in a large suitcase.  Action:  Zav to provide updates on how the money is spent at next meeting"


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 18:27:28
Again, just stoking a fire here, but I imagine the cash for Visa options are far greater in Pakistan than Australia.

I’d get worried when Aberdeen jumps ship. Not until.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: DiV on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 18:46:37
The Karachi thing is really winding me up.  Of all the things the club needed to focus on in the first year post Power saga.  It's got a sniff of dodgy, and you really wouldn't want that during any rebuild (if ever, obviously).

I’m still not convinced the team we are ‘linking’ up with even exists.
They certainly didn’t when it was first announced and I googled them for a bit of research.


Title: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 19:00:16
Quote
If it was dodgy, I very much doubt such an update would be made available via said meeting anyway.  "Zav confirmed he has trousered about 200k in a cash transaction to take two families to the UK using Swindon Town as the Trojan Horse in such a deal, bringing the cash back in a large suitcase.  Action:  Zav to provide updates on how the money is spent at next meeting"
i know what. I just want the basics, even if they turn out to be bollocks

- who are Karachi FC , new club?
- given the work permit situation, what are we hoping to get out of it
- who is funding it
- why now?

"finding the new Salah" doesn't really work if he can't legally play here


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: JBZ on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 19:13:34
i know what. I just want the basics, even if they turn out to be bollocks

- who are Karachi FC , new club?
- given the work permit situation, what are we hoping to get out of it
- who is funding it
- why now?

"finding the new Salah" doesn't really work if he can't legally play here

I seem to recall that Salah is Egyptian


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 19:24:20
so not Pakistan? Austin out


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: theakston2k on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 20:27:04
I just have a bad feeling about Austin when the ownership saga hits the courtroom. With all the dodgy shenanigans that went on at the club I just can’t see someone with his history being squeaky clean and could see some skeletons come out of the closet.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Robinz on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 19:44:33
Where is Clem Morfuni
Has anyone seen or heard from him lately


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 19:57:26
he's due over soon


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Nemo on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 20:40:26
Where is Clem Morfuni
Has anyone seen or heard from him lately

He literally attended the advisory board meeting this thread is discussing.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 14:49:37
Where is Clem Morfuni
Has anyone seen or heard from him lately
Be over next week


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 14:50:42
Flying back for the play offs :banana:


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Quagmire on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:03:38
Flying back to let the players know he’s cutting the budget I believe, so a few of them will be offered reduced terms.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:07:03
That dosen't very promising


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: tans on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:20:01
Flying back to let the players know he’s cutting the budget I believe, so a few of them will be offered reduced terms.

Just like the old days then


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Outletred on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:27:05
 :pint:
Flying back to let the players know he’s cutting the budget I believe, so a few of them will be offered reduced terms.

Good luck getting that past the fanbase


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:35:20
Flying back to let the players know he’s cutting the budget I believe, so a few of them will be offered reduced terms.

(assuming this is correct info, obviously)

Reduced terms from when we were in more shit and under embargo.

Does anyone know how much of a shortfall we had this season that Clem needed to make up. I get that he's not rich.

As far as I can see from 1000 mile view we have
   - 1M to pay back **this season**
   - 500K for the ground purchase
   - 500K potential litigation (able, contract disputes)
   - 900K (haven't checked tbf) further debtd to pay off next 2/

What do you reckon out income is 2-3.5M, matbe a bit more.

*Potentially* I can see why you either need deep pockets or drastic budget control.

Not quite the consolidate this season, push on next we were lead to believe.

But we do still ave a club (tm), and while that's true there is always hope.


 


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:42:59
Garnerball with lower quality players than we have now doesn’t bear thinking about.

More chance of getting relegated next season than this.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Power to people on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:44:45
I cant get my head round this budget cut talk, surely the budget cant be cut from this season's embargo budget, maybe it is a cut to the power budget, I expect a competitive budget for this level, probably to be in the top 5 budgets for this level.

We don't have to throw silly money around to be competitive but if we have ambition of getting back to L1 then certain positions you will probably need to pay a little bit more than embargo wage to get the type of player that can make a difference.

I'll believe this budget cut talk when I hear it from Clem.

You assume he will be here for a couple of months to assist in new contract negotiations and to help talk to potential new players to help sell the vision, so plenty of time for interviews.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: theakston2k on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:45:58
Flying back to let the players know he’s cutting the budget I believe, so a few of them will be offered reduced terms.
If this is true I can’t wait to see the cheesy video from Rob & Clem trying to tug at peoples heartstrings justifying it. At this rate he’ll be rattling out Power’s ‘judge me after 5 years’ line.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:47:55
Seems strange to tell players the budget will be cut next season when we don’t know for certain what league we’ll be in.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Outletred on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:49:27
I appreciate we still have some debts- but Rob A/Clem are going to have some serious explaining to do re any playing budget cuts- especially accounting for an average in excess of 9k this season


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:51:03
For all the transparency, does anyone actually know what this season’s budgie was?


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: theakston2k on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:53:18
For all the transparency, does anyone actually know what this season’s budgie was?
I’m not even convinced we know who the real owner of the club is to be honest. There’s a lot of transparency in the day to day stuff but the boardroom is another matter.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 15:53:30
What would happen if a miracle happened and we did go up this season if we're skint now.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: JBZ on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 16:20:16
Good times ahead then (if the post above is to be believed)


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Quagmire on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 16:30:46
I was just trying to take the piss out of DoB…. Clearly not as amusing as I thought it was.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: tans on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 16:40:35
I was just trying to take the piss out of DoB…. Clearly not as amusing as I thought it was.

:Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 17:10:15
Quote from: Quagmire
I was just trying to take the piss out of DoB…. Clearly not as amusing as I thought it was.

nITK!


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: 4D on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 18:53:43
For all the transparency, does anyone actually know what this season’s budgie was?

A Trill-ion?  :)


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Pookemon on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 19:14:46
(assuming this is correct info, obviously)

Reduced terms from when we were in more shit and under embargo.

Does anyone know how much of a shortfall we had this season that Clem needed to make up. I get that he's not rich.

As far as I can see from 1000 mile view we have
   - 1M to pay back **this season**
   - 500K for the ground purchase
   - 500K potential litigation (able, contract disputes)
   - 900K (haven't checked tbf) further debtd to pay off next 2/

What do you reckon out income is 2-3.5M, matbe a bit more.

*Potentially* I can see why you either need deep pockets or drastic budget control.

Not quite the consolidate this season, push on next we were lead to believe.

But we do still ave a club (tm), and while that's true there is always hope.


 

Average league 2 income in 19/20 was about £4m on about 4,800 crowds, which Bradford distorts.

I reckon we'd be c£6m revenue this year, at least, which is comparable to an AVG league 1 club.   I'd be amazed if playing budget is cut as we were told the embargo limited us to an average league 2 budget. <1m.
It makes no sense to consolidate in this league. In league 1 you are 1 good season away from the championship, in league 2 you are a bad season away from non-league, which is a bitch to recover from.

Perhaps they are haggling with agents, but I don't see how a third season in league 2 would be anything other than disaster, crowds just won't hang around that long.   They never have before.

If we get promoted and kick on they just might.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 19:28:35
I was just trying to take the piss out of DoB…. Clearly not as amusing as I thought it was.

You keep taking the piss or you like.


Title: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 19:30:16
really, that's much higher than I thought pookemon


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 19:33:32
What would happen if a miracle happened and we did go up this season if we're skint now.

Standing would be looking for more cut price kids on loan.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 19:38:41
Garnerball with lower quality players than we have now doesn’t bear thinking about.

More chance of getting relegated next season than this.

Just will have to wait and see close season.
Can only hope we don’t lose the crowd momentum this season. Agents are already priming league two budgets.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 19:43:13
Standing would be looking for more cut price kids on loan.

Sadly that would make us one of the relegation favourites if we couldn't add a few permanent quality players.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Pookemon on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 19:50:29
really, that's much higher than I thought pookemon

League 2 total revenues have been fairly static at £91m pre covid anyway so £3.7m on average
League 1 in 19/20 was heavily distorted by sunderland's £30m revenue which included a parachute payment from EPL - and they still didn't go up!


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: tans on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 20:00:54
Standing would be looking for more cut price kids on loan.

Standing?

He’s not involved anymore?


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 20:09:00
Sadly that would make us one of the relegation favourites if we couldn't add a few permanent quality players.

It’s a bit of a lottery.
Unfortunately we lost our “loan team” mid season and as a result were weaker and less prepared the second half of the season.
Not convinced by this “development and making other clubs players better” statements that we are making.
Prepared to give this season the benefit of doubt due to the inherent problems and lack of preparation at the beginning of the season but expecting the club to move forward on the pitch close season.
Our fans deserve more for supporting through the turnstiles. Until the off field issues are fully transparent and concluded the dark clouds are never far away.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Quagmire on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 20:38:48
You keep taking the piss or you like.


Well it would help if you actually came out and said what you know/have been told, rather than talking in fucking riddles all the time.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 21:28:31
It’s a bit of a lottery.
Unfortunately we lost our “loan team” mid season and as a result were weaker and less prepared the second half of the season.
Not convinced by this “development and making other clubs players better” statements that we are making.
Prepared to give this season the benefit of doubt due to the inherent problems and lack of preparation at the beginning of the season but expecting the club to move forward on the pitch close season.
Our fans deserve more for supporting through the turnstiles. Until the off field issues are fully transparent and concluded the dark clouds are never far away.

We have done this in the loan market since as long as i can remember why all of a sudden is this an issue. The season we went up last time was nearly derailed by players being recalled


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Robinz on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 21:39:29
Interesting that the Advert claims the debt level at the club has now reduced and with all things being equal would sound excellent if correct.

Without any worthwhile historical financial accounts the club's current management must be running blind and waiting for the next issue to work through.

Like a previous message noted... Not sure who is owning the club either.

The amount of undocumented side deals that were going on previously and besides the fact that only LP going there does seem to be similar faces around the table  :(

Real shame about the possibility of promotion this year  :badmood:  



Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 22:25:46
Like some have said, we have Tony Tucker to thank for being super cynical but one thing that bothers me a tad (and maybe it's just a nag but it does bother me all the same) is just how much it seems that the Trust are now in bed with the club. All Press Releases tend to often be coming to the defence of the club and supporting the excuses carefully worded reasoning. It's often not particularly an independent report or becomes devoid of heading back to ask critical questions again. It's as if Rob Angus' (in his role as STFC CEO) word is enough with no comebacks. For me that's a potentially dangerous place to be in and how the Trust plays its role going forward.

The comms are welcomed of course (relative to the previous incumbent charlatan) but the role shouldn't just be for the Trust to end up being a conduit for the club's party line to be promoted further; otherwise they might as well just rebrand as the STFC Spokesperson Trust or something?!

I think they know full well everything isn't tickety boo but are saving face atm (much like their former Vice-Chair)

I totally get that at the time they were pressured somewhat to pick a side from the lesser of two evils of either Power (who stopped comms altogether) or Clem (who opened his arms like a loving mafia papa) but that doesn't mean the Trust need to be brown-nosing Clem in some form of perpetual appeasement or does it?


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Oaksey Moonraker on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 22:30:37
Interesting in the minutes that c. 850 tickets are given away to schools and youth teams etc for each home game.

That's great for the future interest in the club which Lee Power refused to do but when talking about budgets on 9-10K gates it needs to be factored that nearly 10% are freebie tickets.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: REDBUCK on Thursday, April 21, 2022, 23:25:51
Well it would help if you actually came out and said what you know/have been told, rather than talking in fucking riddles all the time.

Fat chance of that. Trick is to ignore it all and wait for something to happen as predicted, which is generally in the  1% territory.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: jimbob on Friday, April 22, 2022, 06:16:31
Interesting in the minutes that c. 850 tickets are given away to schools and youth teams etc for each home game.

That's great for the future interest in the club which Lee Power refused to do but when talking about budgets on 9-10K gates it needs to be factored that nearly 10% are freebie tickets.

Add to that the discounted £10 nationwide tickets (£1 for kids) which I’d guess would be a similar figure to the freebies.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Friday, April 22, 2022, 07:19:46
We have done this in the loan market since as long as i can remember why all of a sudden is this an issue. The season we went up last time was nearly derailed by players being recalled

It’s not an issue if it’s mixed up with experience and contracted players.
After all the club will maximise returns with sell on clauses and transfer fees when bigger clubs come knocking on the door for its sought after players.
We need to drastically improve in this area.

Equally not always the biggest budgets rise to the very top.
Accrington Stanley won the league two title on a playing budget of £950k. Andy Holt their Chairman told me that directly thus no reason not to doubt.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Tails on Friday, April 22, 2022, 08:59:54
Playing budget is being increased so we can put that one to bed.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Friday, April 22, 2022, 09:30:39
Playing budget is being increased so we can put that one to bed.
That will not be what people want to hear silly


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Bob's Orange on Friday, April 22, 2022, 09:35:57
Playing budget is being increased so we can put that one to bed.

I assume the embargo will also be consigned to history as well?


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Tails on Friday, April 22, 2022, 10:33:12
I assume the embargo will also be consigned to history as well?

Yep should be done by over end of June.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Bob's Orange on Friday, April 22, 2022, 11:16:42
Yep should be done by over end of June.

Nice one, cheers.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Batch on Friday, April 22, 2022, 11:45:20
Quote from: Tails
Playing budget is being increased so we can put that one to bed.

that's great. Where did you hear it. Press Conference?


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: horlock07 on Friday, April 22, 2022, 12:41:11
Playing budget is being increased so we can put that one to bed.

Don't believe you, your post is nowhere near cryptic enough.  ;)


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Tails on Friday, April 22, 2022, 13:25:48
that's great. Where did you hear it. Press Conference?

Chat with Rob A!


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Formerly Drummer Boy on Friday, April 22, 2022, 14:14:22
Like some have said, we have Tony Tucker to thank for being super cynical but one thing that bothers me a tad (and maybe it's just a nag but it does bother me all the same) is just how much it seems that the Trust are now in bed with the club. All Press Releases tend to often be coming to the defence of the club and supporting the excuses carefully worded reasoning. It's often not particularly an independent report or becomes devoid of heading back to ask critical questions again. It's as if Rob Angus' (in his role as STFC CEO) word is enough with no comebacks. For me that's a potentially dangerous place to be in and how the Trust plays its role going forward.

The comms are welcomed of course (relative to the previous incumbent charlatan) but the role shouldn't just be for the Trust to end up being a conduit for the club's party line to be promoted further; otherwise they might as well just rebrand as the STFC Spokesperson Trust or something?!

I think they know full well everything isn't tickety boo but are saving face atm (much like their former Vice-Chair)

I totally get that at the time they were pressured somewhat to pick a side from the lesser of two evils of either Power (who stopped comms altogether) or Clem (who opened his arms like a loving mafia papa) but that doesn't mean the Trust need to be brown-nosing Clem in some form of perpetual appeasement or does it?

Bamboo, you are right... The Trust is working closely with the club and is on the same page with a number of aspects, philosophies, and visions. However, I can assure you that the Trust put their two cents worth of feedback on behalf of the fanbase on a number of aspects. However, Clem does own 100% of the club and has the right to listen or make his own decisions. Nonetheless, if there is something that the Trust feels like it needs to call out behind closed doors or publicly like #NoPowerFanPower, we will take the appropriate action to do so.

Admittedly, in my opinion, the Trust can be better in being more transparent and open with the fanbase about what we see, hear and discuss with the club. However, there has to be an understanding that due to various circumstances, not everything can be shared as publicly as we'd all like them to be, again for various reasons.

With the new appointments to the board, including myself being successful in my appointment to the Board for the Trust, there is more capacity to start various initiatives. This includes myself working on initiatives to increase fan engagement, trust, integrity and transparency with our fanbase and membership but this just takes time to bed in, setup and make progress on. I appreciate everyone wants it to have been done yesterday, myself included, but the reality is it doesn't work like that.

As for the club, from my limited perspective right now, there is a lot of focus on still clearing up the legacy from the last regime. The debt has come down massively and there is still more to be paid. However, paying the debt off is the easy part, rebuilding the foundations, the process and the inner machine of the club is a much bigger task. Trust Board Members are helping where we can, with our professional expertise being offered to the club for free where needed and requested.

But yes, we're working with the club closer than we have been before but that does not mean that the Trust is an official spokesperson for the club. The Trust is for the fans, to represent the fans and if there are critical questions that you want answers to, send me a DM. If I can't answer it myself, I'll find someone who can and come back to you.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: Pookemon on Friday, April 22, 2022, 14:30:47
Like some have said, we have Tony Tucker to thank for being super cynical but one thing that bothers me a tad (and maybe it's just a nag but it does bother me all the same) is just how much it seems that the Trust are now in bed with the club. All Press Releases tend to often be coming to the defence of the club and supporting the excuses carefully worded reasoning. It's often not particularly an independent report or becomes devoid of heading back to ask critical questions again. It's as if Rob Angus' (in his role as STFC CEO) word is enough with no comebacks. For me that's a potentially dangerous place to be in and how the Trust plays its role going forward.

The comms are welcomed of course (relative to the previous incumbent charlatan) but the role shouldn't just be for the Trust to end up being a conduit for the club's party line to be promoted further; otherwise they might as well just rebrand as the STFC Spokesperson Trust or something?!

I think they know full well everything isn't tickety boo but are saving face atm (much like their former Vice-Chair)

I totally get that at the time they were pressured somewhat to pick a side from the lesser of two evils of either Power (who stopped comms altogether) or Clem (who opened his arms like a loving mafia papa) but that doesn't mean the Trust need to be brown-nosing Clem in some form of perpetual appeasement or does it?

The trust has a new enlarged board many if whom don't have any prior relationships with existing/previous board members, Rob or Clem, so we should see a bit more distance.  That said it is a partnership and should be a friendly respectful one and so singing off the same hymn sheet shouldn't necessarily be seen as a bad thing.

Anyone - even yourself bamboo - could apply if they feel the trust isn't doing its job properly, it might mean you have less time to write your monologues though  :D

The way I see it, getting rid of Power and getting the ownership of the ground is a huge achievement for a group of volunteers.   Things can always be done better but we are in a much better place now than we were 12 or 24 months ago.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Friday, April 22, 2022, 14:32:15
Yep should be done by over end of June.

That will be great news.


Title: Re: Board Minutes
Post by: jimbob on Friday, April 22, 2022, 19:56:49
Bamboo, you are right... The Trust is working closely with the club and is on the same page with a number of aspects, philosophies, and visions. However, I can assure you that the Trust put their two cents worth of feedback on behalf of the fanbase on a number of aspects. However, Clem does own 100% of the club and has the right to listen or make his own decisions. Nonetheless, if there is something that the Trust feels like it needs to call out behind closed doors or publicly like #NoPowerFanPower, we will take the appropriate action to do so.

Admittedly, in my opinion, the Trust can be better in being more transparent and open with the fanbase about what we see, hear and discuss with the club. However, there has to be an understanding that due to various circumstances, not everything can be shared as publicly as we'd all like them to be, again for various reasons.

With the new appointments to the board, including myself being successful in my appointment to the Board for the Trust, there is more capacity to start various initiatives. This includes myself working on initiatives to increase fan engagement, trust, integrity and transparency with our fanbase and membership but this just takes time to bed in, setup and make progress on. I appreciate everyone wants it to have been done yesterday, myself included, but the reality is it doesn't work like that.

As for the club, from my limited perspective right now, there is a lot of focus on still clearing up the legacy from the last regime. The debt has come down massively and there is still more to be paid. However, paying the debt off is the easy part, rebuilding the foundations, the process and the inner machine of the club is a much bigger task. Trust Board Members are helping where we can, with our professional expertise being offered to the club for free where needed and requested.

But yes, we're working with the club closer than we have been before but that does not mean that the Trust is an official spokesperson for the club. The Trust is for the fans, to represent the fans and if there are critical questions that you want answers to, send me a DM. If I can't answer it myself, I'll find someone who can and come back to you.

Can’t get any fairer than that 👍