I think it's fair to say of Barry that his strengths aren't in PR. Though I would say that is also a problem within the club as a whole, and having spent a few months now working with them, it isn't the only one.
Personally speaking Im of the opinion that a slight tweaking of roles /responsibilities would be good at this stage for both the Trust and the club.
I think there are some valid questions to be asked of the Trust - it's essential for the good of everyone that key processes and decisions (esp voting at AGMs) are as transparent as possible.
One of my key aims when I joined the board was to ensure that by the AGM 2015 the means was in place to give as many members as possible the opportunity to vote (so not just in attendance at the meeting) there is a plan being put in place for this. (Which by the way Barry fully supports).
One of my other aims was to create key communication lines, which thanks mainly to the tireless efforts of Chris we've already made great strides from where the Trust was. In a relatively short space of time.
People sometimes forget that the biggest thing required in communication is actually the ability to listen. I can assure you that Chris and myself (and others) have/are listening.
What we aren't always able to do is give answers on everything - or in some cases, the answers some are wanting to hear.
As an example, at the Trust meeting last Monday, the fans that did attend confirmed an idea both Chris and I had had which was to ask the club to consider an offer for the Crawley game (to help us put a positive call to action for non attendees) - Barry was firmly behind the idea and he took that to the Board meeting last week -a meeting that was happening as Simon C was around for the first time in a while. I also had a meeting with Jenny last Tuesday and pushed the same message. That is where our efforts/messages end.
Where it becomes difficult now as a Trust Director (or any new 'voice of the fans') is if nothing happens with that. We move on with other work, but it's not enough for some. At times we are dammed if we do, dammed if we don't.
To give you an insight into my first few months as a Trust Director. Despite only joining the board in April, just the fact I have been prepared to put my limited time to helping both the Trust and this club we all love I have already been the subject of personal attacks for having the temerity to step up.
Not a moan, I'm old enough and confident enough to carry on regardless. I'm worried though that the constant digs and snipes put off others who could bring some much needed skills and hands to the table. Some of those digs do come from a legitimate past mistakes and I'm hopeful that the work myself and others are doing can help rebuild relationships. If we are to make progress as a club a strong Trust can play an important part in that.
What I'm more interested in though is moving forward. The past is gone and I would much rather accept where we are right now and look forward, working on creating a strong Trust business that gives fans a strong voice and contributes to growing the club.
I'm much more focused on creating a positive dialogue of respect than having to spend time detailing every action / conversation / decision as that by it's nature creates a static and arse-covering organisation - of course as I've said it is important to listen and take key questions forward and return outcomes - this has to be balanced against getting things done - and as we are all volunteers with full lives the balance should always lay on the getting things done side.
I completely accept that changing perceptions is going to take time, but Chris, others and myself are doing what we can "externally" to bring in immediate changes whilst I'm working on some of those things like processes and most importantly a plan so we can be more focused.
And when we get chance we can get back to enjoying the excellent season so far - the power really is in our hands to change things for the better so why wait for an offer - bring a mate to the next game anyway.