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 !!

1 hour ago, Dave_Og said:

Agreed. Maybe health and safety

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

54 minutes ago, Andy b said:

So sorry.

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 !

52 minutes ago, underdog said:

Well....its never a dull moment is it.

 

Trust published a summary yesterday as we felt the fans we overdue an answer, especially with timescales set at the meeting with fans.

We did this so we could seek written permission and clarity from the owner if he wanted the letter in his entirity to be published on the Trust website and be free from any legal action if we did. Bearing in mind it mentions 3 specific points the Chairman maybe acting on and we did not want to jeopadise any impending cases.  His original letter did not instruct/give us permission to say that he did want it in the public domain and It is address to 2 specific people at the Trust only and I did not fancy being sued if we did publish without permission. We asked for permission today.

 

I hope you can see why we would want to ask permission and if it did get out in the public domain as is and how it would make Chairman and club seem.

 

Bearing in mind did it actually address any/some/all of the fans expectations from the original letter we sent in. Or did it?

 

Believe it or not, there has been a lot of work gone into where we are up to now since last Friday.  The reminder to club on Monday,  reviewing what we received on Monday night and how we issue what we did on Tuesday, sending response back to club to say trust/fan meeting asap and its only Wednesday

 

We have requested meetings to be done before the end of the season for both fans and Trust. Ball is back in chairmans court.

 

Its not easier to do when 9 volunteers have day to day lives all has been done out of 9-5hours. There are 3 of us away from tomorrow and to be honest....communication maybe sparse until 1 returns next week. Managing fans expectations is having its toll on us all....sorry to moan but it is.

 

Now off to collect dog from vets, I have not opened up my birthday card yet and it will be holiday mode from 8pm tonight.

 

Sorry and thanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

6 hours ago, Jimbooth said:

With all due respect Andy, I didn't ask for access to the information. I only asked if it worried you. Surely you can share your reaction, I'm sure it's not protected by GDPR. 

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

1 minute ago, Andy b said:

How is the trust not engaging with fans? Not releasing a letter due to risks (legal) associated with releasing potentially privileged info does not constitute a failure  to engage.

 

Someone back me up on this please.

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

24 minutes ago, latics22 said:

Strip it bare of what?

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

7 minutes ago, True Tic said:

Yes, proper corporate speak which is ambiguous to say the least. Doesn't mean anything

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

57 minutes ago, Andy b said:

https://trustoldham.co.uk/letter-to-mr-lemsagam-update-16th-april/

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

4 hours ago, mcfluff1985 said:

How you paying the upkeep on the stadium playing at such a low level with hardly any away followings and a drastic reduction that would be required in ticket prices?

Put artificial grass down and rent it out.. maybe

12 minutes ago, Lee Sinnott said:

Question for the Trust. If he responds to your letter this week (late, of course), how will that go down with you lot...? 

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

39 minutes ago, maddog said:

 

How sure are we about this? 

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.

21 minutes ago, League one forever said:

Nobody is interested in the past. 

 

Is there a reason you haven’t replied to my previous post? 

 

I’ll put it more simply. 

 

What are you offering that is it tangibley different to what we’ve got? The answer is nothing. 

 

I will keep bringing this up until you acknowledge your complete double standards. You protested last time.  An you backed off because in your own words ‘you didn’t like the people involved’ My view is,  you were to weak to follow through on what you truly wanted and/or didn’t like the flack.  (Fair enough) 

 

On the opposite side of that. Underdog for example has taken so much stick over the years it’s not true. Culminating with recently being harassed right in front of her face. However she has remained progressional, and articulate and good humoured. 

 

You on the other hand, did the rallying call- (fair enough) didn’t like the heat (fair enough) but then you have the audacity to come on and question in depth the people who do stay, and in the main are doing the things you want anyway.

 

You have zero credibility in regards to change for two reasons. 

 

1. You had a chance, and didn’t like it. Yet still you criticise. 

 

2. You offer nothing, that A, it’s different. An B, would actually affect the club at all. 

 

 

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..

17 minutes ago, deyres42 said:

Bit disappointed with him there, what a powerful message it would have sent if he'd told them to stick it.

No option as in an untenable position..has bills to pay and saying no to this owner would no doubt have resulted in career over at Oldham. Fear for next season now...missed opportunity... getting new manager in to take the rest of this season to plan for next...unless it is already planned..!!

2 minutes ago, singe said:

https://trustoldham.co.uk/events/trust-fans-meeting/

Perfect..I had no access to site as  blocked - Joined Trust last night.  Can't attend as away but will try to support future events

The outcome of any feedback to Lemasgram has to be improved, accurate, relevant and more frequent feedback to the fans. Do not underestimate either the different business culture he is used to compared to UK. He maybe frustrated as we all are as he is not used to or understand this reaction. Communication is critical not just ignoring one channel designed to do just that - the Trust - and setting up a Non Executive Board role. Good communication will reduce the rumours which often have a negative impact on all of us.

8 minutes ago, underdog said:

Yes it is.

 

below is the link to the trust site and more info

 

https://trustoldham.co.uk/

 

Cheers

done...

19 minutes ago, underdog said:

welcome on board...

 

I am Tracy but I answer to most names..hahah

 

scratch that...I have just seen how many new members who have joined on line and I will have a busy day doing some admin...you swines...hahah

 

 

Sorry Tracy...is the Trust open to membership ?

Just registered on here - been a supporter for 40 years - through good and bad times but now seems the lowest period hence why I registered...I am determined not to give up.

I read this Forum daily and see conflicting comments, emotions, hope, despair, ideas .. all understandable apart from some that become abusive. 

In my Business experience, there are 2 main things that will impact Mr Lemsagam … 1) Financially ( revenue) and 2) limited/no support (fans) … both intrinsically linked.

We will be stronger and successful if our actions are coordinated - through the Trust in my opinion. They were set-up to represent the Fans so lets give them all the support we can.

Thanks to you  'underdog' ( sorry is it Diane ? ) and all your colleagues - know it's tough but Keep the Faith...let's all Keep the Faith 

I am mixed on this...get appointed and maybe..just maybe get a tie of what is going on...may just maybe influence stuff for fans and club. Other hand ignore and we are just get rumour and emotion. Legal advice etc in previous posts is a must..I am a none Executive Director of limited Company..have liability insurance or still sought legal advice too..lastly ensure you have written commitments he wants from the role...and do the maths... can you afford it ?