OAFC1958 South

Interesting mixed reaction on here and understand the cynical views. On a positive side, he has communicated with us - that is what we asked for wasn't it ? He shares his objectives and the grim reality of what was going on behind the façade of sincere Corney interviews for the fans. It isn't a plan for sure but at least he has engaged. I get the need to rebalance the Business as clearly the Club costs are more than the income and there can only be one outcome of this reality. For me, .actions and outcomes will determine if I believe him. Where I really struggle though is he must have surely communicated this vision/objectives/reality to the Managers who then came to our Club but then left. Barry Owen on the new Board - and yet he was part of the legacy leadership he is critical of. As some have said on here - fine the Club is in a mess so needs top down restructure to get stability - but turnover of staff, players and Managers - key open appointments when we should be starting to prepare for the new season weeks ago- just seems odd for such an experienced and successful Businessman to be taking so much time to get the basics in place. I hope he is successful … and he keeps the communication flow with the fans … and we should give him a chance to be successful too .. that will only happen when positive actions and outcomes are seen by us all I get that … but let's try and be supportive - for now at any rate !!

I had no idea you had both seen the original AL response to make that conclusion...sorry. I also led the rollout of GDPR policies for large Global company ..caution is best approach but it is an opinion.. based in not seeing the content Anyway, forget if's and buts...the plan going forward is more important

Andy - you have done the right thing. I know enough about the new Data Privacy Laws (GDPR) as had involvement with my Global Company I work for - it is very complex Legislation. It is always safer to seek permission from the originator of the information if intent is to share. Always be cautious without being paranoid obviously. I don't trust AL either unfortunately although I try to - to take the Trust on due to breaking Data Privacy Laws would be just perfect for him … but I'm paranoid !

You / the Trust have done the right thing. You can not share what is considered personal / private data without the Data Owner permission. The addressee was the Trust not the wider public. The fans are just frustrated the summary implies contempt for all of us - and just to make the point missed the deadline … classy.

hi Jimbooth My earlier reference to GDPR was based on not knowing the content of the response but aware the questions posed could generate data which would be considered under that legislation. It does not necessarily have to be commercial in nature...if can be personal information too and unless the data owner, in this case AL, has agreed to wider communication, the fact it was addressed to the Trust and they subsequently share could be in conflict - that was my only point so better to get AL permission. However I am with you on this - we trust Andy and the Trust summary and just want to get a feel for their reaction/gut feel....and limit the rumours

Agree with Trust position. Clearly you feel there is data that is sensitive and therefore subject to data privacy (GDPR)

Our best players - turn us into a feeder team for some French League sides to make profit maybe - meanwhile we become uncompetitive with greater debt and watch the business fold. Hope I am wrong and this is all about setting the Club up for sale … but we need a Plan from the Trust me thinks.. pdq

Far from it.....I worry it says a lot especially given the context of 'using all life savings'', Managers coming and going. Running out of money....strip it bare, cut your losses and let the Business expire.... As I have said in previous Posts, he bought a Business - made basic errors during due diligence I would not expect from an experienced/successful Business Man. But the whole thing doesn't make sense - why Oldham of all the Clubs/Businesses in the UK he could have invested in...smells

Thanks Andy. Can only comment on the summary from the Trust as the response is withheld. Lots or words - no actions - could have been sent to meet the date but was late - shows a dismissive attitude to fans and Trust...two fingers.... So we need to agree the next steps - a plan we all agree with - and get on with it. If this drifts into close season we will lose momentum

Put artificial grass down and rent it out.. maybe

..good question...and supplementary question..what if he doesn't respond at all..?

On the basis he surely doesn't want to watch his Bank Account balance reduce by 000,000s for nothing...or may be I'm stupid..no comment.

I agree with OAFC1955 and OAFCprozac. I too have recently joined the Trust and this community as feel strongly for both the Clubs survival and the way the fans are being treatment. I too would be willing to provide donations etc but right now I have no idea where the money would end up. The posts show a common theme..love for the Club and years of frustration. Unfortunately it also shows we are not joined up with no common plan of what to do, although I know the Trust is working this which is great. Without a plan, there is no need for AL to do anything or try to divide the fan base as we already are Let's ask why AL bought whatever he bought.. because he 'supports' the club..or to make money...? He bought a 'business' which will be part of his overall Business Plan....he is not stupid....and to make money directly or indirectly. That may or may not align with what the fans want...survival and success. His business culture is not aligned to open and honest communication..not suprised as I have experience of the Business culture in his part of the World..that's just the way it is. So AL ignoring the Trust letter may be part of his goal to alienate the fans...even more...or not something he knows how to deal with...or doesn't feel the need to respond. However, I struggle to understand why he would deliberately want to risk revenue from a loyal fan base and team success. Even if he is using the Club as a 'shell' to develop players as a 'French League Reserve Team', success on the pitch increases their value etc. Not going to matches is one option but I worry this will kill the Club as you raise. There are things we can do such as work with the Council and restrict options for the development of the Ground limiting it's resale value...but the one thing we must do is stick together...help the Trust by sharing ideas and strengthen their position. Before you ask.. I have been a supporter for 40 years..lived through the success and challenging years...aware of the history and detail of previous regimes...agree we take lessons learnt but balanced against focus on the future. Keep the Faith and let's stick together.

Spot on League One Forever.. The real fans are aligned in wanting our club to have a future. Future being the operative word. We are stronger together. I have just joined the Trust....have supported Oldham for 40+ years. Joined to show support. As for you Underdog...a huge thanks for your focus and tenacity...and to the other Directors too. Be easy to give up with these folks who seem intent on 'Grandstanding' and offering 'hindsight management'. Yawn...

The agenda is clear...to share views of fans and ideas. To improve ongoing communication..honest, timely and relevant dialogue between owner, club and fans. It is a business at the end of the day but I think it reasonable to expect honesty where info can be shared. Creating a confrontational relationship will make it worse and surely the owner will lock down... The lack of trust the fans have is not just based on the time he has had ownership..it is past years where we have discovered what previous 'owners' have been doing. This needs fixing...I wonder if the owner agrees or even accepts there is an issue..