wiseowl

Cheers Dave - don't know what happened with that quote attributed to me - I didn't write it lol! (latics22 did)

In any organisation, I have observed what I term "crisis managers" i.e. intense, no nonsense people who are great at sorting out a dept. in crisis. Once the department is running smoothly again, though, they are not suitable to manage it (for several reasons). I think Shez has become one of those. Could carve out a lucrative career doing it if he so wished but think he's now too "stuck in his ways" to manage anything long-term. Still a legend in my book - both for his playing days with us and his undoubted "saving" of us on a couple of occasions.

Lol. It would actually be a welcome break from the bickering on here, to set up a poll of who is going to be the fans' rep for self-immolation on the centre circle at a designated home match. ...... I`m just off to get measured for my asbestos suit.

Come for that pint and meet the Trust director with me - we could chat it through

The same rumour that's been touched upon on here a few times mc - and you have mulled it over as to how it might happen.

Just to give you the full picture, BigDog, the below is what I posted after a chat with a former manager last week. I was called an attention seeker by one on here for posting it. Just thought people may be interested in the sincere comments of a former manager, with Latics v close to his heart. Im not particularly well connected with people at the club but, purely by chance, I had a very "grown up" conversation today with someone who has operated right in the centre of things. I have no reason to doubt what they said and, let's just say, I now have no doubt that a lot of the rumours around, for example, "interference in team selection" are true. It was said that the owner was genuinely shocked to discover he had not bought everything lock, stock and barrel (and, in particular, the Joe Royle stand). This would seem to fit in with the recently published letter i.e. the lease for 3 sides of the ground was secure but the lease on the JR and certain land around it had been "given up" by the club. Due diligence would appear to either have not happened or been woefully inadequate during the takeover. Ownership of the JR was seen as crucial to cashflow/profitability. The cultural problems, in this person's view, were very difficult. It was stated that criticism of any kind (internally or externally) was taboo and that there was close monitoring of social media, the press etc. regarding any such criticism. Internal criticism was dealt with swiftly. Following relegation, last season's playing budget had been reduced by £1M. One other very serious issue was constantly being rumoured but, as it is rumour, I`ll not comment further. This person expressed their love for the club and closed by saying that they genuinely feared for our existence beyond this season and said "..seriously, tell the fans that they must unite because, if not, the Latics will be dead in the water soon." In their opinion - 95% of the club's problems were down to one issue - its current ownership.

I don't tell lies, BigDog It was a former manager that told me - I`m saying no more than that.

Jeez - automatically reverted to it - I give up.

No it's not. Several times on here "shit foreign players" have been mentioned (or words to that effect) and responses have been along the lines of "ah, so the real reason is coming out now". My interpretation was that the poster was implying that, maybe, foreign leagues (lower ones anyway) are nowhere near the standard of ours, and hence the players from there would be of a lower quality too. The responders were implying "the race thing". It does hover in the background, always does nowadays, and a poster here is correct when they say that providing nothing at all relating to race is said in anger during any protest - then all is well. By the way, I`ve also heard several references uttered by fans in the stand. It's just a no, no.

Now, this is going to be a little controversial but..... I think we as fans are a little cowardly at the moment. Of course our annoyance/frustration/anger should be vented at the regime but it's as though we are afraid to do so. I do wonder whether that old chestnut of "race" is playing its part i.e. some are afraid to show their displeasure because, very quickly thereafter, someone will play the race card, the police will get heavy handed and arrests will end up being made. You can spot the apologists on here, for example, a mile off. Our position has absolutely nothing to do with the racial profile of our owner and, provided protests are orchestrated properly, there should not be an issue. I am just awaiting for it to rear its head though. "They only want AL out because........"

I have been told on good authority that Mo picks the team but does not want to take any criticism thereafter if things don't work out. The "coach" is expected to carry that can. Nothing wrong with that model is there?!

Correct - and we have no "leader" to re-group the troops, motivate them and fight back.

In normal circumstances, I`d tend to agree with the point you make. However, you have to start to seriously doubt as to whether there is actually a "team ethic" anymore. If the basics of team building, support, camaraderie, fight, pride, leadership etc. are not present, it doesn't really matter who you have; you are destined for failure. Prime example - look at the Latics "team" that was far too good to be relegated under Richie Wellens. Some good players - nil team ethic (and let's not debate the reasons for that again!).

Ok understood. I`m maintaining dialogue with The Trust as there is common ground. I don't particularly agree with their approach to many things but I understand that, generally, they are a well meaning body and, together with the FLG, represent the best chance to unite the fans. I`m certainly done with arguing on here - it's just a waste of energy that should be directed elsewhere.

Like I said, draw a line under the bickering and all that - and try and explore ways to "make a difference" - offer's there to meet with me and a Trust director over a pint if you wish - what have you got to lose?

Is there any chance that all of us could agree to draw a line under the bickering and actually start to put our energy into saving Latics from oblivion?

The eternal optimists were saying that this was a good time to play Bradford as they were struggling; a big pitch and all that and quite a few fancied us for a result. We were easily beaten (again) and find ourselves at the very bottom of the football league. I`m not sure when those in denial will wake up - actually I doubt they ever will. Despite not getting a season ticket I have decided to pay on the gate and watch us at the start of the season (including a few friendlies). We've been terrible. That's me done now until something dramatically changes. My boycott (home and away) starts on Tuesday night. I wish others would do the same because, in the absence of anything materialising on the FLG front, it's the only way we might influence this regime.

Supped in Oldham town centre for years - and never had a bit of bother. Taken many an away fan for a drink there too after striking up conversation with them - and they have all said what a great night it is. It's all about perspective you see. We love to put our town down. Personally, I love Oldham

Always a good craic in The Bradford Arms to be fair - it it's still going

You talk a lot of sense - until I read the word O`Grady. Since when has he been able to hold a ball up well?

It seems to have gone quiet on the FLG front. I find it a little worrying that the ACV has not yet been triggered.

Shuck - I respect your right to have a wrong opinion.

Hang onto it Matthew - there's not many of them about and it's quite possible it could become a collectors' item. "EBay For Sale - 2019/20 season ticket from Oldham Athletic's last season in the professional ranks"