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Canada_latic

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Posts posted by Canada_latic

  1. The damage has been done over a number of years – but IMO last season’s ‘product’ was the final straw for a large number of previous ‘diehards’. In a crumbling ground; with little atmosphere – having to watch the dross that was served up week in; week out broke many.

     

    Regardless of how well the playing side is currently playing; many are not coming back......it’s those fans that have caused the attendance drops. The ones from the glory days are long gone; and have proved time & time again that no matter what state the club is in; or how well the team is playing; they won’t come back. Our gates from say 2 years ago were what; around 5,500 – 6,000 and today we’re looking at around 4,000 currently. It’s those fans we need to come back; the recently departed, not the 8,000 or so who used to call themselves Oldham fans back in 1990. (Yes; we obviously ideally would like them back; but realistically that just isn’t going to happen). The only problem is with trying to get those 1500-2,000 back is that; what can we actually entice them back with? The football is better than last season (& IMO the last season under Shez too) but it’s being served up in a 3-sided; soulless, crumbling archaic ground; in an atmosphere that is hardly encouraging; all played out under a ‘will we / wont we’ stadium move to an area lots of fans don’t want to move to; and with the sub-plot of 2 out of the 3 owners pulling all investment from the club and the ones who remain seemingly intent upon only putting out negative messages & alienating further fans with misjudged comments in the media. With all that going on; it’s just not enough to think better on the pitch performances are going to bring back the recent stay-aways...........

    +1 :applause1:

  2. You know what frustrates me? It's the people that defend TTA time and time again and i'm struggling to understand the justification for your loyalty to these ex-pat business men that are about to leave our club in one holy mess.

     

    We are all grateful for what TTA did in late 2003, but since late 2005 when we got a sub-4,000 crowd for a pre-Christmas game v Walsall, the owners and Corney in particularly has been vociferous in his criticisms of the fanbase, alienating the faithful 5,000 that has since dwindled to the faithful 3,500. We've had to put up with emotional blackmail year after year, scratch our back and we'll scratch yours mentality that has frankly become a little tiresome for many. We even fell for the sob story over the council's dismissal of the planning application for BP. We mobilised in our thousands and marched vociferously, wrote letters, sent emails and told anyone who would listen what an injustice it all was. How were we repaid? Feet were dragged, a stand was dropped as a cynical money-making measure - leaving Boundary Park a soulless and depressing place. On top of this we have seen every young prospect sold at the drop of a hat - Richards, Spencer, Philliskirk, Eaves etc.. Eardley was allowed to leave for peanuts and our top-scorer for each the SIX previous seasons to leave for almost nothing(Killen, Beckett, Porter, Davies, Hughes, Abbott) I am under no illusions that this club has always sold to survive but over the last few seasons I don't think we've dug our heels in enough to get market value for our best prospects. There's been no continuity during their tenure, there's been too many knee-jerk reactions that have damaged the club, a small investment in a second striker during 06/07 may well have seen us promoted. Instead we made do and failed miserably. Similarly when it was clear Porter had clicked, surely an improved contract offer should have been made in the Autumn - he cost us £100,000 surely it made sense to protect that investment. Same with Wellens - good businesses protect their assets. Since losing to Blackpool in the Play Offs it seems that club has been consistently 'down-sizing', the fans are not stupid and as sad as I am to see as many as I have drift away, they all have their reasons. Instead of finding out why such apathy exists; the club, some fans and the Trust I might add, find it easier to point the finger and blame the stayaways.

     

    Now we're in a dire predicament, but the fans are confused. We've unsurprisingly posted losses of £1.5m, but a third of that is attributed to a planning application and costs linked to a holding company separate to Oldham Athletic. We were told the budget was in place for this season before the season started, yet a few weeks ago we're told the budget is in place but the money isn't? This confused me, as how the hell could we afford to sign MORE players when we still had existing contracts to meet? It simply doesn't stack up and consistent with the latter part of the owners tenure namely the goalposts being constantly moved.

     

     

    People argue that TTA have put x amount in here and x amount there and I have been very grateful for this but let's not forget that during their tenure we have seen an increase in TV money allocation and FL sponsorship, extra shirt sponsorship and logos on shorts have been permitted and the club have been on TV live on no less than 11 occasions (Off the top of my head), and have received fees for Richards, Spencer, Philliskirk, Eaves, Trotman, Eardley, Davies, O'Grady, Abbott (well over a million quid) amongst others so has their backing been as generous as many think? Not forgetting that match-day prices have increased by about 35% in comparison to 2003.

     

    We're now in a situation where we are fighting for our lives again, one that Corporal Jones described in detail over and over again a couple of years ago. Since the middle of last season, the penny dropped for me and many others. Many have walked away, having no stomach for a fight. Some of us are still here and will be here no matter what but there's a lot of uncertainty. The Failsworth situation remains unresolved and is taking too long, there's a lack of clarity over how the stadium will be funded for it become a reality. There's rumours of Mr. Corney and other club officials walking away or retiring. TTA aways stated that they would never put the club into administration, unfortunately the likelihood of this becomes closer to reality by the day.

     

    To attribute being up :censored: creek without a paddle because of who we may or may not get in the FA Cup is like betting the club on '33' black at the casino!

     

    The question is are people happy simply to trust the owner(s) and simply continuing to be nodding dogs, or are they willing to fight for some clarity and some real answers over what is happening? We know the club's skint and in trouble, what I want to know is what is being done to ensure the club can survive?

     

    I know the club are sensitive to criticism, but tough! It's time we had a few answers as to what the future holds and just what the intentions are of our landlords. I'll still be here long after the present board have gone, I want to know there'll be an Oldham Athletic...

     

    Spot on, again.

     

    Have you been to see Alan Hardy yet?

     

  3. I wouldn't get rid of Taylor as we couldn't replace him unless there is another one waiting in the academy.

     

    Central midfield is always a position with a few decent players coming through. You could even give Lee a go there. Unless Lee gets sold.

     

    We haven't the money to buy new players, so I always look to see if they could be replaced.

     

    Dean Brill could be sold and I hear we just turned down a bid from Hibs for £8m for Worthington.

    I agree, I think Brill could be sold if the rumour of him being one of the top earners at the club is true. To be fair he has improved since last season (he really needed too!), but so have the other players.

    We have 3 good goalkeepers if not better in some cases who could easily take his place. I am not bashing the guy.

     

    Has anybody also noticed the way club are trying to go all out to win the fans over on Brill. The match reports from the site make him out to be Iker Casillas? So do the commentators on LP, I've never known them to do that for a player.

  4. apologies for lack of structure to this post!

     

    Why does everything involve the ticket office......

     

    Vouchers for kids - go to the ticket office

    city fans for plymouth - go to the ticket office

    main stand on matchday - go to the ticket offie

     

    Bury are allowing anybody in this weekend for £5 if they walk up with a season ticket. I'm going to go just because i have nothing else to do.....would i go if i had to go over and get a ticket beforehand? probably not!!

     

    Like someone else has posted i think - why not travel round the schools selling tickets? Stalls in Oldham? I know when i go to spain, i can get tickets for some games in the local shops. It seems to me that the club is doing its best to come up with ideas to bring people to the games...but they have to visit the club beforehand.....get out there and push people to the ground

     

    When i was a lad, the club arranged our school (and others in the borough) to play a local school of our opponant one saturday and then gave the players a free ticket for the game....I know 2 people who go to today only after their experiance in this type of thing. (FYI - It was norwich in the premier league!)

     

    There's loads of things to do but its clear oldhamers don't want to come to the ground on matchdays - get out there pick them up and push them down sheepfoot lane! When my dad first took me, i wanted to go to liverpool but he dragged me into the main paddock and 20 years later, here i am.

     

    Half time entertainment - wheres the crossbar challange? put something on even if it's just a kids 5 a side! I seem to remember one year - they asked all the local amateur sides to put a sprinter forward and they raced up the pitch (or was i dreaming that!). No offence to the blue crew - but how about some cheerleaders you can have a look at :p!!

     

    Scoreboard - you cant tell me that revenue lost in the last 5 years? would not have paid for a new scoreboard....

    +1

     

    I agree, that's a very good idea. Ask Alan is there anything being done by the club to get in the community to get the fans to come to matches?

    My local ice hockey team sells tickets in a variety of stalls in the city and one of the major supermarkets sells there tickets in there stores.

  5. It's not a matter of slating the club but if you are going to go for initiatives, at least think about what you are trying to achieve. A 'one-off' initiative aimed at Manchester City season ticket holders - how is that going to gain new supporters or entice the stay-awayers? And what does that say to existing supporters being asked to pay full price when these one-offs are being allowed in at a reduced price?

    The one thing you can say about the Latics is that we are consistent in our own-goal mentality.

    I am not slating the club and when you think about it. It is not that bad of an idea, but there are so many better suggestions and initiatives they could of pick from than this.

    But if it helps the club, then why not.

  6. No problems with this, and once I know what i'm up to next week, I'll probably take him up on his offer, strange that he didn't contact me on my AOL account - which is the one I have registered on here with.

     

     

    Hi Paul

     

    I think I am right in assuming that you post as oafcprozac on OWTB.

     

    If this is not the case then please accept my apologies.

     

    However I have read the posts from oafcprozac recently and am concerned about some of the criticism the club and me personally have received.

     

    I would like the opportunity of having a chat with you over a cuppa and discussing some of the points you have raised.

     

    Let me know what day is best for you next week and I will look forward to meeting with you at Boundary Park

     

    Many thanks

     

    Alan

     

    Alan Hardy

    Chief Executive / Director

    Oldham Athletic AFC

     

     

    It does seem the club cannot take criticism in any form, anyhow i'll put something together and go and see him in my own time. In the meantime if anyone else has any questions they'd like me to put forward in person, now's your chance!

     

    I see you have been summond to see the "The Emperor" cue the evil empire tune from Star Wars! I have one bug bear that I feel needs a mention.

    Why is there so much inconsistant information coming out of the club from the directors?

     

    Examples of this:

     

    1) TTA saying they are going nowhere, then a few weeks later 2 of them leave.

    2) Being told we have a budget for this season and that the Eaves transfer will see us out for part of next season too. Then having him and another director asking us to dig more deeply into our pockets or the club will die!

     

    Those are the main examples I can think of.

     

    Another suggestion in regards to bringing in more fans, have fans subscribe to a membership scheme for a fee per season that entitles them to a discount on matchday entry, programmes and souvenirs.

     

    If the club can't do that off there own back, then maybe in partnership with the trust extend those perks to trust members, hence enticing more fans to join the trust.

     

    Season ticket holders should be entitled to a complimentary matchday program as part of the perk of being a season ticket holder.

  7. More like Arkwright if you ask me. "G...G...G....Gordon...!" :wink:

     

    I will always support Alan against unfair criticism, because I believe in 40 years of dedication he has put an awful lot more into the club than he has taken out.

     

    However I'm sure even Alan will admit that he is better at some things than others. Personally, I think his talent is in understanding the workings of the club better than anyone else and overseeing the day to day business of running the commercial side of the club.

     

    Unfortunately, in the absence of others, I think he has frequently been asked and expected to go beyond that and become a strategist, marketing and sales director all rolled into one. One of my disappointments with TTA has been how little they've brought to the table in that respect.

     

    He was another one I was thinking of. :lol:

     

    I also think you have a good point in regards to Alan Hardy as well, he has been a good servant to the club, but I think we need another Sean Jarvis type as well.

  8. Barry some comments...

     

    I have been moved to reply, given the many comments recently made about the conduct and running of the club. Given that I have been a Club Director for the past seven years seems to also imply that I must take my share of responsibility if any of these points are correct.

     

    I do not deny the right of fans to pass opinion about how we go about things and I would be the first the acknowledge that mistakes have occurred along the way. I am sure my colleagues would also subscribe to this view. I do feel a greater responsibility, given that I am the fans representative on the board, so please forgive me if I give you some frank and honest answers. Youi may not like the points I make but they happen to be the truth.

     

    Constant criticism occurs as to what the club does or does'nt do. Instead of taking the criticism to heart why don't the directors make an attempt to implement many of the good ideas suggested to increase income of which many have come come from within the Trust itself. The club's attitude of 'This will not work because... ' needs to change. There are no problems Barry, only solutions but until the club changes its attitude, they will continue to alienate many and be perceived to be sitting on their handsAlan Hardy was critised this season for pointing out that the players budget had to be reduced due to dwindling gates. It was still a massive PR own goal, mentioning this whilst ST's are onsale is simply shooting the club in the foot, Alan has proved over the years to be exteremely reactionary in his attitude towards the paying public. He seems to have softened a little over the years but is still guilty of negativity. We know there are financial problems at the club, so find the positiveness the "The budget will be reduced, but we don't believe that will be an issue with our vibrant young squad and coaching team... etc, etc,,,

     

    No blame was attached to those who do attend not was any attack made on specific fans who did not go to games. Sorry but it is a simple fact he was pointing out. If we do not get money in through the gates we can't spend it on players. We also did not believe that gates would be so low when we invested in the new manager. It would have been so easy to go for a cheaper option. Believe me that at every board meeting, ways are examined as to how we can increase our gates. We are fully aware and committed to the solid fan base and on that point I fully agree with BB80, that like himself there are many fans who will support us come what may. I just happen to be one of those as well and I am just proud that we have a football team in our town. as I said in my post yesterday, there are a combination of factors not least 14 years in this division, but come on how many false dawns have there been under the present ownership - this is one of the biggest reasons for the apathy -get out and speak to people within the town Barry and people will tell you the seem thing time and time again - mainly the perception that the club is going nowhere

     

    Our owners have had little encouragement or support from the official bodies involved with the new development and it is only recently that the Council appears to realise that Oldham Athletic needs a new home. Like it or not Boundary Park does not cater for a matchday experience and I am currently looking at ways in which we can utilise one of the corner suites for matchday fans. We do however have to cater for fans who have paid large sum s of money for the use of that facility This has been one of the most frustrating aspects of TTA tenure, their help us to help you attitude, at first it was refreshing now it pervades at every turn - I know they need help in gaining the correct permissions etc - but as for financial help there's no chance of our bankrupt council ever making significant contribution to Oldham Athletic - the best thing the council could have done is sold the land at BP to TTA minus the stadium then we wouldn't be frantically putting all our hopes on a scheme (of which i'm a supporter) which has polarised the support and fuelling the apathy that has destroyed our matchday crowds.

     

    As a Board of Directors we do not sit back smuggly with an air of complacency believing that fans will put up with anything we provide. Unfortunately Barry this does very much seem the caseThat is why everyone is trying to get the move to the new ground up and running as soon as possible.

     

    I was talking to Simon Corney today about financial matters before our Board Meeting on Wednesday. He is quite happy for me to tell you that for this month alone we have to find a further £220.000. That is what we are constantly battling towards. Some posters have suggested that the club has been badly run for the past number of years. Who do they blame and for what. When directors are chasing around to keep the club afloat it is little wonder that their enthusiasm is dampened with irresponsibly comments that cannot be justified. Whilst SImon has made PR mistakes in the past, he needs to be higher profile, come May 2011 we could be facing severe financial difficulties - especially if season ticket sales are lower than this season - as you say, you can budget but costs will arise unexpectedly

     

    I also have to tell you that recent activities by the Trust have not reaped the rewards we might have expected despite the tremendous efffort and work put in by Trust Directors. I cannot thank those few who are contributing to Playershare enough. The problem is times are bloody hard in this town, i've spent 6 years training for a new career and struggling like hell to find a position, it is likely that I will be joining the growing band of exiles in the not too distant future. But after buying season tickets, shirts, corporate hospitality, strike it lucky tickets, programmes etc.. what more can we do? The Playershare scheme is a great idea but like last time people will not and simply cannot afford to contribute on top of everything else

     

    The scheme will continue but the lack of support given to it demonstrates the apathy amongst many fans. - That's unfair, there's a of of uncertainty around the club, but the small fanbase we have is very loyal and supports the club in whatever way it can. I think the main reason Player Share has struggled in simple finances. When you see that Corney and co are 'struggling', that's 100 times worse for your normal man in the street.

     

    I get criticised by fans and sometimes my colleagues who do not take kindly to the gloom I portray. Why, it is just the truth. The truth hurts, but Barry a positive spin or outlook could be tried occasionally - we're sick of doom and gloom that's all we've had since the beginning of the 93/94 season!!! Give us something positive to cling to!

     

    We have got a good management team and the prospects of better times to come in the right circumstances. Investment is essential and support of those currently trying to run the club is preferable. How proactive are the owners being in seeking additional investment? And isn't it likely any investor will want to run the club independent of the present ownership?

     

    We are all in this together. The future of the club depends on its fans. As I have said before we are a dwindling number and perhaps it might appear a bit unfair to keep tapping into you for added funds but at the end of the day the figures have to add up. This is where the club consistently lets itself down with its apathetic approach to marketing, a successful lottery was allowed to wither and die, a scoreboard was simply left to fall into disrepair etc, etc, all vital revenue streams

     

    I do meet a lot of you at games and it is very clear that you have a passion and worries about the club. It is very difficult when you do not have control over matters, so I do understand the frustration many feel. This season the directors have made essential savings at the club that will need to continue.

     

    On a final note, I am currently looking into the circumstances regarding Jack Gordon who so gratiously made a huge donation to playershare. I am surprised that people would think that our club would stoop so low as to ring him for a further donation. That is not the case and I am looking into how these matters arose.

     

    Barry

     

     

     

     

    I think my comments here are all fair-minded and not intended to unnecessarily criticise, i'm Oldham born and bred Barry and I do think my views are indicative of the normal fan in the street - the same fan that the club need to do their upmost to get through the turnstiles every week. At the moment there's a feeling of helplessness amongst many - "Whatever I do. It'll make no difference, the decline is just going to continue on its ever deeper path." There has been an air of positivity since Dickov took over but the noises from the boardroom are either silent or increasingly negative. All many can see come next May is a club heading towards administration and for those saying Blitz won't do that blah, blah, blah all he needs to do is miss a Tax Bill and there you go.. it's that simple.

     

    We live in difficult times, there's at least 6 Premier League teams within an hours drive of Boundary Park and we're losing the younger generation quite clearly. The offer publicised this week is a good one, but yet again over complicated. If people won't come to a game, they sure as heck won't make a special trip to the ticket office. There's more than enough room in the ground so let them use their vouchers in the gate. Extend the £3 admission to the Main Stand paddock, that rule of full concessionary price is ridiculous. Erect the beer tent for a couple of games, if it fails it fails - at least the club has TRIED and not simply dismissed the idea. That's my main bug bear, the club dismisses things as out of hand that work at other similar-sized and smaller clubs - simply because they're afraid of failure or simply think it is too much effort.

     

    Prozac, you have hit the nail on the head, with your comments to Barry's post. I know that the board care's about the club like we do. But I feel if the board want to find out what the general consesus is amongst Latics fan's is right now your comments pretty much nailed it, both myself, my dad and my grandad before he passed away have had this opinion and feel this way in regards to what's happening right now. The only people that seem to have a positive spin on things has been Paul Dickov, his coaching staff and the players. With the board its still a case of watch the club or it will die, attitude! They don't seem to be positive when dealing with the fans, unlike Paul Dickov.

     

  9. The biggest problem Dave is the club takes the easy option or simply cannot be bothered when they can contract everything out, they're obsessed with saving money but absolutely bloody clueless at trying to make it. This is not all TTA's fault, the one constant at the club is Alan Hardy, he runs the club and should take his share of the blame. He did a decent job when he was commercial manager, but now it has gone to pot over the the ten years + or so he's been Chief Exec/Club Secretary. The club's marketing is vital for the future existence of the club but they will not speculate on anything because they are terrified of losing money - it's one vicious circle. It's not only the stadium that is antiquated it is the attitude of our Chief Executive too. Whatever the rights or wrongs of Sean Jarvis were he made money for the club and provided a vital link for the fans. I've been of the opinion that this club will not move forward until Alan retires and TTA leave. Unfortunately Emperor Hardy is grooming his new apprentice, and if he's passing his 'money-making' strategy on - we're up :censored:-creek without a paddle.

     

    Alan seems to be everybody's new best mate and despite several run-ins with him over the years, even I can now speak to the guy far more politely and I have a lot more time for him than I did a few years ago. I'm grateful what he did in standing up to Moore and he brought much needed stability to the club during the dark summer of 2003, but surely his role needs to be questioned more? There's reasons why the club is failing in its attempts to make money and simply asking the faithful 3,500 to dig deeper is a joke and then when the faithful are unable to contribute more after buying season tickets, shirts for them and their kids, strike it lucky, programmes, betting, refreshments etc... (then you find out it's all contracted out!!!) - you are then accused of being apathetic by club officials. It really does make me think why the hell we bother...

     

    Like another fan has said, I don't have anything against Alan Hardy personally, but you are absolutely spot on! I was beginning to think I was the only latics fan that had this opinion, judging the way Latics Pete and company went on the offensive whenever I mentioned his name or tried to raise this point.

    He does at times come across through various media outlets to have the business/market stratergy of Alf Roberts (1980's Corrie, he owned the corner shop, for those who don't remember or were not alive back then). Your point you have made in this comment about the club is absolutely spot on! :applause1:

  10. We are currently formulating ideas for the new scheme which will allow us to save funds that will help Paul Dickov in his quest to improve his squad. If we can help in some small way towards wages or a loan signing it would be great. We acknowledge those few members who joined the scheme the last time around and hope for their continued support.

     

    Circumstances have changed a great deal since we last appealed to fans and I am hopeful that those who are able will join us.

     

    I am currently looking at a scheme that will cost £1 per week with an incentive to join. As with season tickets we are looking to offer a season ticket when we have reached a particular target point with membership.

     

    We are also looking at a monthly prize, not particularly cash, but something worthwhile. I would hope thast by January we would have sufficient funds to help the manager .

     

    Things are fairly flexible at the moment and I have started the thread to give everyone the chance to come forward with any ideas we can consider.

     

    Hope you can help.

     

    Barry

     

    Hi Barry

     

    For those of us who live in exile, who may no longer hold a U.K bank account to transfer money from, to the schemes account.

    Is there any chance you could look into setting up a paypal account against this scheme or something similar? That would make it a lot easier to contribute.

    Other wise its the long winded wire transfer route and for that I would need to know the IBAN number, SWIFT code and address of the account.....ect.

  11. only disappointing thing about today is there was only 4,000 + latics fans there :(

    That is a shame about the attendance, hopefully a few more results like this and more fans will come back.

    Its an improvement on last season on both performance by the team and attendance.

    But come come on Latics fans start turning this feel good factor into attendance. The Club needs us! :)

  12. We knew these were poor signings last year and had a major gripe about them being here.

     

    Dickov obviously sees the same as we did week in week out.

     

    I thought Colbeck might turn the corner but despite his effort his technique was poor, maybe a move away would give him some confidence.

     

    Worthington just ran around passing to the opposition so he could tackle them and get himself booked.

     

    Purdie, well we never got to see the man did we but the club not giving him a medical was a major error.

     

    Jacobson looked like he could do a job when fit. However I would rather see Black being given a run as he could develop into a good player that we can either keep or shift on for a few quid.

     

    All in all though a good move getting rid of some of the much considered 'dead wood'

     

    Who is left of Penney's signings if these four go then?

    To bad that Dean Spill is not on that list, but there is still time for the rest of Penney's over payed flops to find the exit door.

     

    Mr Dickov has realised what most fans with common sense knew at the begining of last season.

     

    Just goes to show how bad of manager Penney was, how bad of a team that he brought in and oversaw.

     

    Looking forward to the new season PD and the club seem to be making the right noises, so far.

  13. Indeed, the best manager on the planet, who has just taken over arguably the most prestigious club in the world, didn't play professional football.

     

    That's a very fair point from both you and opinions4u.

    Its just the goakeeping farce, for me just summed up how bad things were last season under the Penney regime.

     

    I am not saying Greg Fleming is our saviour but he should not of been loaned out in the first placed and should of been recalled when needed.

    Especially with Dean Spill in goal.

  14. Think it was collet ( i think thats his name? ) said he wasnt good enough, and that brill was much better.

    This was coming from a goalkeeper coach, who's goalkeeping experience consisted of being 3rd reserve to Crossley

    at Forest and 2nd reserve goalkeeper to Ben Roberts and then Mark Schwarzer at Boro.

     

  15. Sod off.

     

    Worthington, :censored:, Furman and Holdsworth all had to be injured/suspended before he played him. Then he dropped him again two matches later to bring furman back... surprise surprise we got battered, and then Stehens comes back.

     

    Not only did he only play him because he was his only available central midfielder, he tried to drop him again immidiately after.

     

    Dave Penney was an utter moron. Simple. as.

     

    +1, I agree!

     

    Don't forget Dean not so Brill and that useless article called Parker.

     

    Complete Moron!

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