Trust "backing off"

[pauld]

First apologies for not coming on here earlier this evening - had some family stuff to attend to.

OK, I've read most of the stuff on the other thread(s) accusing us of backing down, bottling it, U-Turns, undermining protests etc and clearly I strongly disagree with that.

We are NOT backing off protest - we have repeated a strong call for what was always going to be the main protest after the game to happen and the reasons why. For those who are characterising this as "backing down" and "damaging the protests" that is completely wrong and portraying the Trust as "backing off" from protest, that in itself undermines the overall protest.

We did NOT make this decision in response to anything from the board but to a direct plea from the best manager this club has had in years who has done a fantastic job of late under tremendous pressure. FWIW, I don't buy the idea that (this time) it was a deliberate ploy by Sturrock to take pressure off the board and I think we made it pretty clear this was a one-off and a postponement rather than cancellation.

We were very aware in taking this decision that we were going against what was voted for on Monday, as a response to a situation that was not envisaged on Monday (ie a direct appeal from Paul Sturrock). We felt that that was something we had to take into account

We do respect and understand the feelings of those on here who are pissed off by this and obviously knew we would get this kind of flak. Equally, the Trust represents a far broader spread of opinion than just that on the TEF. This was never something we would be able to get "right".

For those who think we "bottled it", it would have been a hell of a lot easier for us to have proceeded as planned and simply ducked the decision.

Finally apologies for starting a new thread - I thought by creating a new thread, it would enable those who wanted to throw brickbats at us to do so without clogging up the other discussions. And apologies again for not coming on here earlier as planned - sadly my actual life intervened for once.

[Simon Pieman]

Don't apologise for not posting sooner. I think things got a tad personal between some posters.

As I've said to Andy Tuck earlier tonight, I can see perfectly well where the Trust has come from by taking this stance. The most disappointing thing from my perspective is that the Trust seem a bit wet now.

But then I also said the Trust are damned if they do, damned if they don't which is why I think the situation sucks. This is really what has fuelled my rage (rarrrrggghhh). I think I'm just a little bit bitter that as it finally looked like the Trust was able to find a way off the fence, they've been pinned back on it. That shouldn't undermine the hard work and effort the various people involved put into it, but it doesn't ring true to what I want the Trust to be doing.

I think what I'm trying to say in a very long winded way is that I'd prefer to see a little less conversation and a little more action. I'm also wondering what Sturrock will do come the next home game? He can't expect anyone to hold off forever.

[pauld]

Fair points Si. I think we've been "off the fence" in the bigger picture for a very long time now - we took the lead in saying we had no faith in the non-football management of the club over a year ago and we've been hammering that message home ever since. We did get caught in a bind over not backing protests last season, this season we are actively backing (and as individuals participating in) protests.

I do understand why some will see today's statement as the Trust being a bit wet, for others we're the unacceptable face of rabid militancy.

I'd really really hate for this to detract from what I think will overall be a unified show of strength against the "regime" on Saturday, predominantly behind the Arkells after the game but also (from the sounds of things) from others earlier in the day.

[returnofthereds]

I know we think PS is ace, but why are we listening to what he has to say. He isn't going to be here forever, we will and we are just trying to make sure the club will be as well.
He is just working here at the moment,simple as.

[ronnie21]

I think what we need to remember is that the Trust organised a fans open meeting on Monday and took various decisions based on the fact that Best Holdings were eventually taking over OUR club.  That changed dramatically within 24 hours when it was announced that Diamandis had pulled the plug on that deal!!  It is up to each and every individual to do what they think best on Saturday.  

[fatbury]

I back the Trust and what they say and do but I have to say on this occasion I think they were wrong not to back the protest BEFORE the game.  I honestly believe the club is going to die unless people do something soon and the results on the pitch wont matter when we are thrown out of the football league for not managing club affairs correctly.  There may be nothing we can actually do because if the current regime want to kill the club they will but at least we will have attempted to do something to change the situation .. all we can do in fact ..

I agree with Ronnie21 tho .. each individual must do what they think best on Saturday .. but always keeping within the confines of the law of course.

[pauld]

I back the Trust and what they say and do but I have to say on this occasion I think they were wrong not to back the protest BEFORE the game.

Fair enough, but ...

I honestly believe the club is going to die unless people do something soon

So do we, which is why we're NOT saying don't do anything, we're actively calling for people to protest after the game.

[Samdy Gray]

Having slept on it, I feel I went against STFC Dave's avatar and was a complete dick yesterday. Although I remain dissapointed, I understand and respect the decision.

[pauld]

Having slept on it, I feel I went against STFC Dave's avatar and was a complete dick yesterday

Meh! I'm a dick most days, wouldn't worry about it.

Although I remain dissapointed, I understand and respect the decision.

Fair enough. And we do understand and respect those who disagree with the decision.

[fatbury]

I back the Trust and what they say and do but I have to say on this occasion I think they were wrong not to back the protest BEFORE the game.

Fair enough, but ...

I honestly believe the club is going to die unless people do something soon

So do we, which is why we're NOT saying don't do anything, we're actively calling for people to protest after the game.

Yeah I appreciate the Trust is in a difficult position at times and I dont feel they are backing off as such - TBH Im just seriously worried its already too late

[Arriba]

after reading diamandis's rubbish, i'm convinced the march and pre game stuff should never had been called off.
i respect the decision made by the trust board but think its the wrong one.a kneejerk reaction made to hastily.
diamandis has basically called the arkells protesters 30-40 rabble of trouble makers.
a peacefull organised march was the perfect opportunity to prove that not the case.
also sturrock has said people are protesting against the wrong people so would never give his backing to any protest before,after, during, whatever.
and how anyone could blame a pre match demo nowhere near the players on a negative result would be laughable.
i still haven't seen his call for no pre match demos myself?

[TalkTalk]

Captain's Log 18-10-07

Hmmmm.

Off-field issues cannot be used as an excuse

Town's club skipper Ady Williams' gives his verdict on a turbulent few days at the club - and the return of two teammates.

I THINK Paul Sturrock got it spot on this week when he said to the fans, if you have to protest, please do it after Saturday's game against Tranmere Rovers.' This is a big game for us against opposition that are flying at the moment and the players need to be fully focussed on the game.

Having said that, there will be no excuses if we under-perform against Tranmere.

Yes, the players read the papers and listen to the radio about the takeover but if we don't play well on Saturday it will have nothing to do with that.

.

http://www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/columns/adywilliams/display.var.1768552.0.offfield_issues_cannot_be_used_as_an_excuse.php

[Lumps]

I would have thought that worrying about whether they were going to get paid, whether the club could go tits up leaving them without an employer and stuff like that might cause the players to be a bit less focused on he game than a few hundred people having a bit of a shout at the board members.

[red macca]

I think your all pussys

[Simon Pieman]

I think you're a hoolie