HarryBosch Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 Who the hell would want to watch you play? he wouldn't turn up anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takemeanywhere Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 whats that go to do with the scoreboard??? Likewise, I don't know what the scoreboard has got to do with the confusion that abounds. I really don't have anything to say about the scoreboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takemeanywhere Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 (edited) whats that go to do with the scoreboard??? Posted twice. Edited October 6, 2010 by Takemeanywhere Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
singe Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 in which case then why has the scoreboard never been replaced??? another income generator not being used. Not having a pop Ed, but the scoreboard is one of those myths for me How much money did we actually make on the thing? How much did it cost to advertise? How often wasit used? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Dowds Green Shirt Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 How many players did we sign after knowing our backer was pulling the plug ? We never learnt the lesson from the Moores days... income < expenditure = the :censored: Everyone is walking around trying to get more blood from fewer stones. The fans have never been the problem. The problem has always been the club. Before and after the TTA... Paying players far too much money for too little return. You can't keep it up... The principle of what you are saying is right. However, football has always for some reason been different. I'm not saying thats right, rather that is the way it has always been. As Garcon says, if we reduce wages to the level we can afford then we will go down. About that I have no doubt. The season before last Hereford turned up at BP I think around October and were on the end of a 4-0 hammering. I recall a story from that day along these lines. Graham Turner, the then Hereford owner and manager had just led his team to promotion, but he stated that their players wages budget for the season was £850k (ours it has been mentioned was around double that figure.) It had been fixed, to stay in line with their projected income and that they accepted that they would go straight back down, (I think his exact words were "we're going down") but that was the way it was and they just had to get on with it. Oh and just look at the league 2 table today and see where Hereford are now. Yes we could, as you say, go down the route of reducing wages by ourselves, but there will only be 1 result. The only way is for a full and formal salary cap to come in that limits wages to a % of income for all clubs. The only problem is that there appears to be no appetite from the FL to either implement or enforce it. If there was, then Notts County would not only have not been promoted last season, but would also be suffering a penalty this season, as they clearly breached the league 2 salary cap last season and the FL have not enforced it - Why? I think theres more chance of turkeys voting for Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Dowds Green Shirt Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 the land upon which our once decent stadium is sat upon has been sold already to housing developers,hence why the building work has begun on what used to be the carpark n clayton arms....if demand is there for the houses then whoever has bought the remaining sections of land will want to get things underway and commence building,but that cant happen while our club is still presently playing there. which kinda means the failsworth project has to be taken by the scruff of its neck,and thrusted well and truly into the present and immediate now,get on with the bloody thing and stop dragging heels,because the longer it takes to build and move,the more fans wont be there to see it. The highlighted part of the above statement is factually incorrect and people really should read the statement that the club put out 12 months ago more closely, before making such comments. The deatil is all there if you care to read it carefully. Just for clarity I'll post the link again. Club Statement on BP redevelopment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barryowen Posted October 6, 2010 Author Share Posted October 6, 2010 Posted twice. oafc0000- you are very welcome to attend the early part of any meeting we have. You are most welcome as any fan would be. Personal issue is not taken with anyone. Whilst I know you are one of my strongest opponents, I do respect a lot of points you make and you may be surprised that on a lot of issues I agree with you. Like household budgeting I always think you have to be careful about spending more than you have coming in. I think you have made theis point in the past and there is merit in the many arguments you put forward. Likewise Prozac is one of my opponents, but I actually admire his spirit and sensible arguments that he puts forward on many occasions. Similiarly I have no personal issues at all and at times agree with him. He was invited onto the Playershare committee but declined for personal reasons. Yes, I bleed like everyone else and I do get frustrated at rude and personal comments being made in an offensive way. I think earlier today I was called a liar by a poster and that does not sit well with me. I would however invite the person concerned to put facts forward that justify that remark. I do try to be as honest as I can and I admit that some of the questions asked of me do get lost in the many points made. If that is the case please just nudge me and remind me you want an answer. Barry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
24hoursfromtulsehill Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 oafc0000- you are very welcome to attend the early part of any meeting we have. You are most welcome as any fan would be. Personal issue is not taken with anyone. Whilst I know you are one of my strongest opponents, I do respect a lot of points you make and you may be surprised that on a lot of issues I agree with you. Like household budgeting I always think you have to be careful about spending more than you have coming in. I think you have made theis point in the past and there is merit in the many arguments you put forward. Likewise Prozac is one of my opponents, but I actually admire his spirit and sensible arguments that he puts forward on many occasions. Similiarly I have no personal issues at all and at times agree with him. He was invited onto the Playershare committee but declined for personal reasons. Yes, I bleed like everyone else and I do get frustrated at rude and personal comments being made in an offensive way. I think earlier today I was called a liar by a poster and that does not sit well with me. I would however invite the person concerned to put facts forward that justify that remark. I do try to be as honest as I can and I admit that some of the questions asked of me do get lost in the many points made. If that is the case please just nudge me and remind me you want an answer. Barry Barry, Listen: don't get upset by the negative comments. This is a website, and people (me included) are probably a lot braver in stating their opinions from the comfort and safety of the keyboard or jab box than they would be face to face. Steer your own course. If it's strong enough, you won't need to worry about the depressives and Jeremiahs. If you bleed from some of the barbs on here, you need a thicker hide. All the best 24hoursfromtulsehill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barryowen Posted October 6, 2010 Author Share Posted October 6, 2010 Barry, Listen: don't get upset by the negative comments. This is a website, and people (me included) are probably a lot braver in stating their opinions from the comfort and safety of the keyboard or jab box than they would be face to face. Steer your own course. If it's strong enough, you won't need to worry about the depressives and Jeremiahs. If you bleed from some of the barbs on here, you need a thicker hide. All the best 24hoursfromtulsehill Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcgoo_84 Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 Having read through this the lot of this I feel that I need to say something. Where do other clubs make their money on matchdays? Catering - We have sold out our catering to an outside company so no matter how much extra tucker is sold on a matchday there is no extra money for the club. Bars - Same as above!! Programmes - Same as above!! Ok the club have a guaranteed (sp) income from all of these but are simply not going to do anything to increase sales in any of these departments as no extra money will come to the club from it. Hospitality - In my view at our club this is poor (at best). Having been in hospitality at other clubs and seen how they do things I think that we are quite backward thinking and losing touch even further over recent years. At Grimsby & Stockport (to name 2) every player (unless seriously injured) is told to report to the ground at a specific time (not just the players in the matchday squad), and all the injured, suspended players have a role to play on the day. At Grimsby part of the hospitality includes a stadium tour where a couple of players tag along with the group. Other players have to go into the hospitality suite where they walk round shaking peoples hand and speaking to and having photos taken with the guests. They can then disappear when the guests sit down to their meal but are expected to turn up again after the match were they are involved with after match interviews (how did you enjoy the match from the stand as opposed to playing? etc) and more photo opportunities until the chosen Man of the Match turns up for his presentation - OK we do not have the right facilities to involve all non playing players but why do we not get a few involved?? Similar at Stockport but without the stadium tour with players being involved with the hospitality package. We are paying all these players so why not use them for something worthwhile?? My view is that we should get the catering and bars back under club control and get them open early - especially in the away end. I sell programmes behind the Rochdale Rd end and the amount of away supporters that arrive early wanting a drink and some food and then have to be directed to a local pub or mcdonalds when told that the turnstiles will not be open for another 30 / 40 minutes is unbelievable. This is because usually the turnstiles will not be open on most matchdays until nearly 2pm. Sean Jarvis was heading in the right direction with wanting tv's on the concourses (if you can call them concourses!!) and the bars. Get the fans in early, provide them with the early ko game on a Saturday dinnertime or Soccer Saturday and get them spending their money in the ground!! I would also have the bars re-opening after the game for a good hour to let the fans have a drink and watch the results whilst the traffic dies down. Hopefully when / if we do ever move to a new ground then all these things and many other things that come under the "match day experience" will be included and sorted out. Apologies if any of my information is no longer correct!! Dave Hudson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oafcprozac Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 (edited) Having read through this the lot of this I feel that I need to say something. Dave Hudson 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... Edited October 7, 2010 by oafcprozac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaskedOwl Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 Need a new stadium. Simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oafc0000 Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 Need a new stadium. Simple. I still worry it won't be enough though... I am guessing we will get incomes from some better conference facilities and maybe some rental items but if that is enough to make the club stable is to be seen. Specially if you buy into the idea that the club is capable of actually making money due to the people involved as suggested above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oafcprozac Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 Need a new stadium. Simple. It's not that simple though MO, a lot of what Dave suggests has sod all to do with facilities, it's down to procedures, processes and attitudes of club employees. You can have a fantastic new stadium but if you have the same inward thinking from the club - and do you think things will really change? I'm not so sure, we need to be concentrating now. Therre's a very real possibility that the stadium doesn't happen. what then? I feel like i'm constantly repeating myself about the club hurting itself in its money-making approach. We've lost 2,500 fans since the Play Off season, losing them is easy - getting them back is not; if at all! Putting all our eggs in one basket and saying everything will be reet when the new stadium becomes a reality is killing the club now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankly Mr Shankly Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 This is not all TTA's fault, the one constant at the club is Alan Hardy... Personally I think the club has made a little bit of a rod for its own back with regards to the "knowing how to save, not knowing how to make money" issue. This mentality has just developed even more in the near-decade or so TTA have been here as slowly costs have been cut little by little. Unsuprisingly, this along with knee-jerk reactions leading to poor managerial decisions has led the club down the path as income has been severely stripped due to fans losing interest. Vicious circle in action. It is to my understanding that the owners since arriving have worked to cutting the weekly losses down, but I really would like an open picture of what weekly losses we're being hit with now after a distinct drop-off in attendances for two years now, and with no big cup matches/runs to boost our gate as we did have in the early part of the decade. At the end of the season, if we're still in the dark about Failsworth, what then? These weekly losses I assume have been covered for 2010-11 by the sale of Eaves, but what for 2011-12 and beyond? I think the few loyal fans we have left require these sort of answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oafc0000 Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 (edited) It's not that simple though MO, a lot of what Dave suggests has sod all to do with facilities, it's down to procedures, processes and attitudes of club employees. You can have a fantastic new stadium but if you have the same inward thinking from the club - and do you think things will really change? I'm not so sure, we need to be concentrating now. Therre's a very real possibility that the stadium doesn't happen. what then? I feel like i'm constantly repeating myself about the club hurting itself in its money-making approach. We've lost 2,500 fans since the Play Off season, losing them is easy - getting them back is not; if at all! Putting all our eggs in one basket and saying everything will be reet when the new stadium becomes a reality is killing the club now! Same :censored: different house... It is a worry... I am surprised at the direction things have gone under the TTA... They are clearly successful business men... Edited October 7, 2010 by oafc0000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oafcprozac Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 Personally I think the club has made a little bit of a rod for its own back with regards to the "knowing how to save, not knowing how to make money" issue. This mentality has just developed even more in the near-decade or so TTA have been here as slowly costs have been cut little by little. Unsuprisingly, this along with knee-jerk reactions leading to poor managerial decisions has led the club down the path as income has been severely stripped due to fans losing interest. Vicious circle in action. It is to my understanding that the owners since arriving have worked to cutting the weekly losses down, but I really would like an open picture of what weekly losses we're being hit with now after a distinct drop-off in attendances for two years now, and with no big cup matches/runs to boost our gate as we did have in the early part of the decade. At the end of the season, if we're still in the dark about Failsworth, what then? These weekly losses I assume have been covered for 2010-11 by the sale of Eaves, but what for 2011-12 and beyond? I think the few loyal fans we have left require these sort of answers. From what I understand Eaves covers the losses until January, unless we get a an FA Cup run..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oafcprozac Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 It's not that simple though MO, a lot of what Dave suggests has sod all to do with facilities, it's down to procedures, processes and attitudes of club employees. You can have a fantastic new stadium but if you have the same inward thinking from the club - and do you think things will really change? I'm not so sure, we need to be concentrating now. Therre's a very real possibility that the stadium doesn't happen. what then? I feel like i'm constantly repeating myself about the club hurting itself in its money-making approach. We've lost 2,500 fans since the Play Off season, losing them is easy - getting them back is not; if at all! Putting all our eggs in one basket and saying everything will be reet when the new stadium becomes a reality is killing the club now! Fook me I sound like the Corp, come back allis forgiven - you were right all along! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryBosch Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 (edited) 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. i've never had a problem with Alan Hardy but this seems a very good point. perversely, maybe his role would be better carried out by someone who didn't care quite so much? Edited October 7, 2010 by HarryBosch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BucksBlue Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 I'm not sure how that relates to confusion? Anyway, here is the story, which was on our official site, confirming that the building of the houses behind the Chaddy is a joint venture with a local developer: http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/page/NewsU...1798602,00.html I can easily see how there is confusion. It's because in many such OAFC postings (including the one you have copied here) then the term "the club" appears to be flexibly interchangeable with "Brassbank" and the individual shareholders. So this article says it is "a joint venture between the football club and Holroy Developments". BUT the club doesn't own the land. Brassbank does. So how is the club involved? Did Brassbank deed the land or development proceeds to the club? And if Brassbank goes on to sell other parcels of land, then how does that benefit the club unless Brassbank or the individual shareholders elect to give further money to the club? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canada_latic Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 He does at times come across through various media outlets to have the business/market stratergy of Alf Roberts More like Arkwright if you ask me. "G...G...G....Gordon...!" 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canada_latic Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canada_latic Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 More like Arkwright if you ask me. "G...G...G....Gordon...!" 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. 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon Posted October 7, 2010 Share Posted October 7, 2010 Sean Jarvis - couldn't remember his name! (Pre-senile dementia without doubt... ) Yes, despite a couple of appointments we've categorically failed to ever truly replace Sean and we badly miss him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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