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OAFC - Oldham Athletic Fans' Charter


Guest nonaenever

OAFC - Oldham Athletic Fans' Charter  

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  1. 1. Would you support a fresh and independent initiative (OAFC - Oldham Athletic Fans' Charter) to try and bring about positive change at the club?



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Standard answer seems to be engage with the Trust, maybe an independent approach is needed?

I understand your point. But I'd also understand the club refusing to deal with what could be perceived as splinter groups.

 

Something like this coming from the Trust (who could co-opt non anew as a director) could actually build credibility for not just this initiative but the Trust as a whole.

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I'll stick my neck out and say I don't think the trust has earned the right to be involved.

I've challenged the trust a few times and got some stick for it, but it promised a fans meeting back in June - it hasn't happened.

I asked how many members it has (real members that are active) to gauge how many people care about it - no response.

The trust should end up involved but I think it's not in the right place currently.

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Got an hour spare and note that some have, understandably, said they won't vote for someone anonymously behind a keyboard, so, a little about my credentials. Basically, a down to earth fella who has supported Latics since the 1970s - I would say I am "in tune" with most football/Latics fans. Business wise, I worked for 12 years for a FTSE100 bank - within their wholesale banking division primarily concerned with asset finance for corporate customers - so not the "greedy banking" retail sector!

 

During that time I had responsibility for receivables on a book size in excess of £3billion and managed 5 specialist departments with a staffing budget in excess of £2M. I reduced the default rate from circa 6% to under 2% and achieved a significant reduction in bad debt write-offs. I was also handed responsibility on the asset management side of the business, with a maturing, mixed asset portfolio of £180M; projected losses when I took over responsibility were circa £8M over 24 months. I managed to turn that projected loss of £8M into a small profit of £250,000.

 

How was that achieved? Not by me as one person that's for sure! It was achieved by the effective management of people, enthusing the staff, harnessing and implementing innovative ideas and sheer hard work. Oh, and a novel idea, I told my employer I would forego the bonus they promised me PROVIDING they allocated the money for me to reward the staff instead. The staff were incentivised, worked hard towards the goals set - and were rewarded financially too once the goals had been achieved.

 

I`ve been involved in a lot of project work and was often utilised to "problem solve" or "crisis manage" where situations seemed almost irretrievable. Nothing is irretrievable if people go about things in a positive manner with a sensible plan and are properly managed. I actually detest corporate buzz words and all that nonsense BUT the one phrase which I actually stand by fully is this, "If you do what you've always done - you'll get what you've always got"

 

​I think that phrase probably sums up what I feel about Latics at present. As I`ve mentioned on another thread, the hierarchy, in my view, need to take a step back and do some strategic thinking instead of knee-jerk little projects here, there and everywhere which will not resolve the long-term issues. Change is clearly needed in Latics' whole approach to many issues.

 

So, that's a little bit about me and, if this idea of OAFC (Oldham Athletic Fans' Charter) does take off, I will certainly draft an initial "manifesto" as some have called it. Please note, though, this is not about me. I`ve always been a very inclusive type of manager - if it's decided that I might lead on this, there will be a process of meeting, canvassing views and ideas before a final draft of the Charter for presenting to the board.

 

One last point - although effectively a pressure group, it is intended to fully liaise with the club (if they will) in a mature and professional manner to achieve the best possible outcome all round. Communication not constant confrontation will be the strategy.

With your credentials you could probably recruit a like minded wealthy consortium to buy SC out and put your plans in place.

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re the steping back and looking stratigickley i wonder if that is exactley what they did after Sheridan did a bunk with the coplete clear out only to get messed about by there target manager and than be left scrabbling about resulting in robinson having no time to recruit and build .think the whols steve evens saga did a lot more damage than we thought at the time

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re the steping back and looking stratigickley i wonder if that is exactley what they did after Sheridan did a bunk with the coplete clear out only to get messed about by there target manager and than be left scrabbling about resulting in robinson having no time to recruit and build .think the whols steve evens saga did a lot more damage than we thought at the time

And the Kuqi saga.

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re the steping back and looking stratigickley i wonder if that is exactley what they did after Sheridan did a bunk with the coplete clear out only to get messed about by there target manager and than be left scrabbling about resulting in robinson having no time to recruit and build .think the whols steve evens saga did a lot more damage than we thought at the time

How many times has there been a plan that has unravelled?

Failing to get things properly in place and having no back up plan, it's happened too many times to not look where the problem is.

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Got an hour spare and note that some have, understandably, said they won't vote for someone anonymously behind a keyboard, so, a little about my credentials. Basically, a down to earth fella who has supported Latics since the 1970s - I would say I am "in tune" with most football/Latics fans. Business wise, I worked for 12 years for a FTSE100 bank - within their wholesale banking division primarily concerned with asset finance for corporate customers - so not the "greedy banking" retail sector!

 

During that time I had responsibility for receivables on a book size in excess of £3billion and managed 5 specialist departments with a staffing budget in excess of £2M. I reduced the default rate from circa 6% to under 2% and achieved a significant reduction in bad debt write-offs. I was also handed responsibility on the asset management side of the business, with a maturing, mixed asset portfolio of £180M; projected losses when I took over responsibility were circa £8M over 24 months. I managed to turn that projected loss of £8M into a small profit of £250,000.

 

How was that achieved? Not by me as one person that's for sure! It was achieved by the effective management of people, enthusing the staff, harnessing and implementing innovative ideas and sheer hard work. Oh, and a novel idea, I told my employer I would forego the bonus they promised me PROVIDING they allocated the money for me to reward the staff instead. The staff were incentivised, worked hard towards the goals set - and were rewarded financially too once the goals had been achieved.

 

I`ve been involved in a lot of project work and was often utilised to "problem solve" or "crisis manage" where situations seemed almost irretrievable. Nothing is irretrievable if people go about things in a positive manner with a sensible plan and are properly managed. I actually detest corporate buzz words and all that nonsense BUT the one phrase which I actually stand by fully is this, "If you do what you've always done - you'll get what you've always got"

 

​I think that phrase probably sums up what I feel about Latics at present. As I`ve mentioned on another thread, the hierarchy, in my view, need to take a step back and do some strategic thinking instead of knee-jerk little projects here, there and everywhere which will not resolve the long-term issues. Change is clearly needed in Latics' whole approach to many issues.

 

So, that's a little bit about me and, if this idea of OAFC (Oldham Athletic Fans' Charter) does take off, I will certainly draft an initial "manifesto" as some have called it. Please note, though, this is not about me. I`ve always been a very inclusive type of manager - if it's decided that I might lead on this, there will be a process of meeting, canvassing views and ideas before a final draft of the Charter for presenting to the board.

 

One last point - although effectively a pressure group, it is intended to fully liaise with the club (if they will) in a mature and professional manner to achieve the best possible outcome all round. Communication not constant confrontation will be the strategy.

Can you tell me about a time when you underperformed in a role, and what steps you took to address the situation?
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Guest nonaenever

Can you tell me about a time when you underperformed in a role, and what steps you took to address the situation?

 

As with everyone else, there are times in my career when I have fell short. In such situations my usual approach has been to a) seek the counsel of someone experienced and whom I regard as displaying excellence in their field - and learn everything I can from them - a personal mentor if you like B) Improve my technical knowledge by training (usually in my own time) c) having a "can do" attitude and, crucially, d) recognising when something is simply beyond me and someone else is better placed to deal with it.

 

An example of a) was the best "leader" I have ever worked for - he was a Scottish Chief Executive whose knowledge and way with people was simply incredible. I learnt an awful lot from him. I`ve never wished to be a clone of anybody - just to be the best I can, give my all and reward "the team" for their efforts.

 

Suppose we are going a little off subject but I understand the reasoning for your question. I`m not perfect and would never pretend to be. However, I am genuine, with proven leadership qualities, an ability to negotiate, influence and persuade but most of all, passionate about Latics and v sad to see us as we are.

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Guest nonaenever

What about an occasion when you've influenced a senior stakeholder?

 

Lol - this will turn into a job interview if I`m not careful.

 

A regular part of my work. I have been consulting for the past 21 months - have conducted a full review, and then advised a national body, regarding a long-standing, cross-sector commercial enterprise of theirs. Had to challenge a very orthodox and old fashioned board who were very reluctant to change anything. Presented to the board and to senior executives of their membership (who had to be convinced of the need for change) to influence and change some of their methodologies. Result - a doubling of their membership within 12 months and 40% increase in cash-flow.

 

My final presentation was via PowerPoint - I practiced and practiced the presentation until the early hours of the morning - and received a standing ovation afterwards - which was very humbling.

 

Hopefully, enough about me now.

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Lol - this will turn into a job interview if I`m not careful.

 

A regular part of my work. I have been consulting for the past 21 months - have conducted a full review, and then advised a national body, regarding a long-standing, cross-sector commercial enterprise of theirs. Had to challenge a very orthodox and old fashioned board who were very reluctant to change anything. Presented to the board and to senior executives of their membership (who had to be convinced of the need for change) to influence and change some of their methodologies. Result - a doubling of their membership within 12 months and 40% increase in cash-flow.

 

My final presentation was via PowerPoint - I practiced and practiced the presentation until the early hours of the morning - and received a standing ovation afterwards - which was very humbling.

 

Hopefully, enough about me now.

 

Darren? Is that you?

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You seem to have the drive, determination, and the experience required to effect change and have my backing 100%!!!

 

Something has to happen as the clubs dying on its feet....what worries me this season is the total lack of info coming from within the club and especially Simon Corney.

 

We've normally had a rant or two by now which leads me to believe he's given up on the club, had enough, and is letting things run their course.

 

If that's allowed to happen without change or direction we're going to end up alongside Tranmere or even worse.

It has been a long lingering demise that just seems to get worse year on year.

 

We need to know where we are, where we are heading, and just what plans Corney and his board of directors have for this football club. Corney and Co are merely custodians, without the fans there is no club and I think we are fast approaching a point where something desperately needs to change.

 

I really don't know how it's going to pan out but If we as fans sit back and do nothing we may end up without a club at all.

 

For that reason....I'm in!!!

Edited by oafc1955
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I'll stick my neck out and say I don't think the trust has earned the right to be involved.

I've challenged the trust a few times and got some stick for it, but it promised a fans meeting back in June - it hasn't happened.

I asked how many members it has (real members that are active) to gauge how many people care about it - no response.

The trust should end up involved but I think it's not in the right place currently.

There's certainly a convincing argument that the Trust having a seat on the club's Board, rather than providing transparency and a voice for the fans, has rendered the Trust impotent, in terms of challenging the club on anything.

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On top of that dangling the carrot of a seat on the club board after serving as trust rep on the club board risks the post being compromised. It's something that the trust should be guarding against.

 

It's already happened once and there's nothing in place to stop it happening again.

Edited by real
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Lol - this will turn into a job interview if I`m not careful.

 

A regular part of my work. I have been consulting for the past 21 months - have conducted a full review, and then advised a national body, regarding a long-standing, cross-sector commercial enterprise of theirs. Had to challenge a very orthodox and old fashioned board who were very reluctant to change anything. Presented to the board and to senior executives of their membership (who had to be convinced of the need for change) to influence and change some of their methodologies. Result - a doubling of their membership within 12 months and 40% increase in cash-flow.

 

My final presentation was via PowerPoint - I practiced and practiced the presentation until the early hours of the morning - and received a standing ovation afterwards - which was very humbling.

 

Hopefully, enough about me now.

 

Which animal would you say you are most like and why?

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You seem to have the drive, determination, and the experience required to effect change and have my backing 100%!!!

 

Something has to happen as the clubs dying on its feet....what worries me this season is the total lack of info coming from within the club and especially Simon Corney.

 

We've normally had a rant or two by now which leads me to believe he's given up on the club, had enough, and is letting things run their course.

 

If that's allowed to happen without change or direction we're going to end up alongside Tranmere or even worse.

It has been a long lingering demise that just seems to get worse year on year.

 

We need to know where we are, where we are heading, and just what plans Corney and his board of directors have for this football club. Corney and Co are merely custodians, without the fans there is no club and I think we are fast approaching a point where something desperately needs to change.

 

I really don't know how it's going to pan out but If we as fans sit back and do nothing we may end up without a club at all.

 

For that reason....I'm in!!!

What he says.

 

This this and this again

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