ok, just a passing thought. Davo and a few others remarked that a lot of fans didnt know what was happening behind the scenes as they didnt buy the Voice, didnt keep up with local newspaper reports, and didnt use the internet for forums such as this....
How about a free edtion of The Voice of the Valley
Just a suggestion but why not produce a bumper FACT filled edition of the Voice and make it a free copy? No, Im not mad and Im not trying to bankrupt Rick either, but why not use some of the CARD funds to produce a much bigger edition and give it away for free on a match day. Ive no idea what the current circulation is, but produce enough to at least give one to every adult? Then we get the message out there to everyone.....perhaps target the next football for a fiver game.....anyway, its just a thought.
Good idea. It wouldn't necessarily need to be a VotV, it would just need to be a CARD leaflet that has had a lot of time put in to it, printed in mass mass quantities and handed out widespread. As embarrassing as it can be for KM, RD. As in detail and as many points against the regime as possible. Worst comes to worst they end up on the pitch (& they'd probably stand more chance of keeping the opponents out than our defence does!)
But CARD have a big decision on their hands, inform or display for their next movement. There's only so much informing you can do, we may need to start with some more thoughtful and disruptive plans - which doesn't necessarily mean illegal, but the media wouldn't pick up on this leaflet, and it would cost a lot of £.
ok, just a passing thought. Davo and a few others remarked that a lot of fans didnt know what was happening behind the scenes as they didnt buy the Voice, didnt keep up with local newspaper reports, and didnt use the internet for forums such as this....
How about a free edtion of The Voice of the Valley
Just a suggestion but why not produce a bumper FACT filled edition of the Voice and make it a free copy? No, Im not mad and Im not trying to bankrupt Rick either, but why not use some of the CARD funds to produce a much bigger edition and give it away for free on a match day. Ive no idea what the current circulation is, but produce enough to at least give one to every adult? Then we get the message out there to everyone.....perhaps target the next football for a fiver game.....anyway, its just a thought.
Good idea. It wouldn't necessarily need to be a VotV, it would just need to be a CARD leaflet that has had a lot of time put in to it, printed in mass mass quantities and handed out widespread. As embarrassing as it can be for KM, RD. As in detail and as many points against the regime as possible. Worst comes to worst they end up on the pitch (& they'd probably stand more chance of keeping the opponents out than our defence does!)
But CARD have a big decision on their hands, inform or display for their next movement. There's only so much informing you can do, we may need to start with some more thoughtful and disruptive plans - which doesn't necessarily mean illegal, but the media wouldn't pick up on this leaflet, and it would cost a lot of £.
I just think the Voice is better known to most fans than CARD (as yet).....A voice edition shared with CARD as a whole with individual contributions or sections from The Trust, And the Black and white campaign and the usual contributors at VOTV would go down well. Yeah its not going to be cheap but Im sure the other campaigns so far havent exactly cost buttons either...anyway, I'm just chucking some ideas out there for better or worse.
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
I don't think this is his thinking. I'm pretty sure that he hasn't bought the teams in the network to asset strip.
He seems genuinely obsessed by the statistics and economics of football and wants to prove right his vision of running a successful football club at breakeven. All of the evidence suggests that this is not achievable, but he seems intent on pressing on regardless.
Putting aside the arguments of how much is his net investment into the club, I believe he wants to get to the point soon (my take on this - 2-3 years) when he doesn't invest at the current level. Not sure what happens then, or if that is the point he decides to sell.
I believe he has been told that using his model in the Championship won't work due to the financial madness there compared to any other league in Europe. That his model might work in League 1 or the PL, but not the Championship. As far as I can tell he does not accept this view.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
ok, just a passing thought. Davo and a few others remarked that a lot of fans didnt know what was happening behind the scenes as they didnt buy the Voice, didnt keep up with local newspaper reports, and didnt use the internet for forums such as this....
How about a free edtion of The Voice of the Valley
Just a suggestion but why not produce a bumper FACT filled edition of the Voice and make it a free copy? No, Im not mad and Im not trying to bankrupt Rick either, but why not use some of the CARD funds to produce a much bigger edition and give it away for free on a match day. Ive no idea what the current circulation is, but produce enough to at least give one to every adult? Then we get the message out there to everyone.....perhaps target the next football for a fiver game.....anyway, its just a thought.
My only concern is that this relies upon those we're targeting actually taking any literature as well as taking the time to read it. Other than that, I agree 150% that the next push needs to be winning over the parts of the fanbase who don't agree with the action we're taking. Until we do that I can't help but fear that we're pretty vulnerable to a good old divide'n'conquer attack - and I think it's quite clear that's what the regime is aiming for right now.
I've heard Rick being slagged off* by one fan, which leads to the inevitable quandary of "If he's aware of Rick's involvement then how much else is he already aware of?", although - he did refer to Rick as Mick. Which is already confusing.. but it also suggests he's merely heard that this "Mick fella is out there organising a rabble".
Admittedly, this is only one fan - but it's perhaps a good example of our target audience. The problem is, he's unlikely to spend time reading anything to do with Rick based on his pre-conceived notions - so that includes VoTV. Needless to say, anything CARD branded will also be unlikely to break any new ground.
People want to read whatever confirms their existing views.
The club is well aware of this, and they've played it to their advantage themselves. They know that we're not going to be appeased by their communications, so they no longer actually target us. When's the last time a club communication actively tried to reach us?
Instead, they opt to simply regurgitate the same old bullshit and platitudes, all in the hope that it get's picked up by their own captive audience... the press. This in itself is a masterstroke, as the press outlets are going to be the most likely source of news that fans without any Social Media awareness will turn too. Not only that, it's good for neutral parties to think that The Valley is a good day out again as the rebels have been appeased!
If we want to target the resilient few, those who are against the protests due to lack of information and/or misguided concerns - then I feel that it's best not to try and convince them directly. I fear there may have to be slightly more devious means used, be it a leaflet that at first glance appears pro-regime.. then initially reads neutral.. and then actually comes to a damning conclusion. Not deceitful, just creative!
*I say slagged off, there were a few unkind comments about him being a troublemaker and not offering to put his own cash in like Roland is. Clearly, had this fan been aware of what Rick has actually written about - he would see that actually there's an alternative which we're advocating which is backed by money.
She strolls along outside the stadium waiting and hoping some one snaps. Remember the poor woman on the train story after Watford 2015?
Her being picked on and questioned worked in her favour.
She isn't intimidated but that's because she has already lost the respect of nearly everyone in football and British media (apart from her boss)
She has nothing to lose.
It's strange she would approach Airman and need a reaction?....why? She has completely screwed up and is clutching at straws.
I reckon she also probably had a bit to drink that early afternoon.
Her approach to him was not accidental, nor is her walk to the ground. I suspect she actually wants someone to harangue her. And I wouldn't be remotely surprised if she has someone close on hand with a phone to film it (nothing official, make it look as if a fan took it). Those who are unfortunate enough to witness Squirrel Face's royal journey to the ground should check if those near her are the same every week. Can't think she makes a solo dash ...
Squirrel face should be turning right towards the away end then the main entrance. This way she'd avoid virtually all Charlton fans.
I was wondering exactly the same question reading your piece (thank you so much for writing it. It does give us hope!) and this whole thread. I know Peter Varney left the club in the summer of 2012 but, sorry for my ignorance, could you or anyone else elaborate on it a little more? What happened between them?
I thought Duchatelet made the right decision to let Murray stay on as Chairman when he just took over but now I'm convinced it was probably one of the many wrong decisions that he's made in the past two years. Like others have said, he definitely has ruined his legacy to some extent.
Unless I missed it I thought Peter Varney said he would not be personally involved. So those bemoaning KM should remember that this potential takeover is not a return to the previous set up.
We don't actually know (do we?) who these investors are yet and what their motivation is compared to RD.
I'd like to see a change but the two previous changes in ownership surely tell us we should be cautious as fans as to what this might mean should it ever transpire. We we still well short on details.
What I don't follow is why the investor is apparently in no hurry and why relegation hasn't seemingly frightened them off. I hope it's all positive but I am curious as to the attraction in investing particularly if we are relegated.
How do you know the investor is in no hurry? Varney has publicly spoken about the offer for at least twice so he's made it clear that it is still on. I think he's really a very very clever businessman. He knows we, the fans are almost all on his side and speaking out about it puts more and more pressure on the current owner, as well as Murray. Reading the VOTV piece I think it's quite clear that he and Murray have fallen out and Murray is actually the one that is behind the whole ridiculous snub. They will probably never work on the same project ever again but I would have absolutely no hesitation if I had to choose whom/whose proposal to support between the two if I had to. Best interest aside, I trust Varney's judgement more than Murray's.
As for relegation, if we did get relegated, the price of the club will just be lower. With a new owner, and the right manager, we may get back to the Championship in one year or two. We did exactly that when Varney was here, didn't we? I believe we, being in London, still are a very attractive club, have got the potential to become a successful club again. And that's probably why the investor Varney wants to introduce and all the other rumoured parties still have a big interest in buying us.
ok, just a passing thought. Davo and a few others remarked that a lot of fans didnt know what was happening behind the scenes as they didnt buy the Voice, didnt keep up with local newspaper reports, and didnt use the internet for forums such as this....
How about a free edtion of The Voice of the Valley
Just a suggestion but why not produce a bumper FACT filled edition of the Voice and make it a free copy? No, Im not mad and Im not trying to bankrupt Rick either, but why not use some of the CARD funds to produce a much bigger edition and give it away for free on a match day. Ive no idea what the current circulation is, but produce enough to at least give one to every adult? Then we get the message out there to everyone.....perhaps target the next football for a fiver game.....anyway, its just a thought.
My only concern is that this relies upon those we're targeting actually taking any literature as well as taking the time to read it. Other than that, I agree 150% that the next push needs to be winning over the parts of the fanbase who don't agree with the action we're taking. Until we do that I can't help but fear that we're pretty vulnerable to a good old divide'n'conquer attack - and I think it's quite clear that's what the regime is aiming for right now.
I've heard Rick being slagged off* by one fan, which leads to the inevitable quandary of "If he's aware of Rick's involvement then how much else is he already aware of?", although - he did refer to Rick as Mick. Which is already confusing.. but it also suggests he's merely heard that this "Mick fella is out there organising a rabble".
Admittedly, this is only one fan - but it's perhaps a good example of our target audience. The problem is, he's unlikely to spend time reading anything to do with Rick based on his pre-conceived notions - so that includes VoTV. Needless to say, anything CARD branded will also be unlikely to break any new ground.
People want to read whatever confirms their existing views.
The club is well aware of this, and they've played it to their advantage themselves. They know that we're not going to be appeased by their communications, so they no longer actually target us. When's the last time a club communication actively tried to reach us?
Instead, they opt to simply regurgitate the same old bullshit and platitudes, all in the hope that it get's picked up by their own captive audience... the press. This in itself is a masterstroke, as the press outlets are going to be the most likely source of news that fans without any Social Media awareness will turn too. Not only that, it's good for neutral parties to think that The Valley is a good day out again as the rebels have been appeased!
If we want to target the resilient few, those who are against the protests due to lack of information and/or misguided concerns - then I feel that it's best not to try and convince them directly. I fear there may have to be slightly more devious means used, be it a leaflet that at first glance appears pro-regime.. then initially reads neutral.. and then actually comes to a damning conclusion. Not deceitful, just creative!
*I say slagged off, there were a few unkind comments about him being a troublemaker and not offering to put his own cash in like Roland is. Clearly, had this fan been aware of what Rick has actually written about - he would see that actually there's an alternative which we're advocating which is backed by money.
We all have our ups and downs and I havent always seen eye to eye with a few on here as Rick and a few others well know. However you put that aside when youre fighting your own corner, and nobody can doubt who we are fighting now can they?
There is no doubt we need to broaden our audience and make everyone absolutely aware of what is happening to our club...
Isn't the point that Roland actually wants relegation....so he can turn us into Crewe Alexandra of the south, pay smaller salaries to kids and develop the away end into a block of flats.
Isn't the point that Roland actually wants relegation....so he can turn us into Crewe Alexandra of the south, pay smaller salaries to kids and develop the away end into a block of flats.
How do you explain the recent signings and millions spent on players like Vetokele and Sarr? Results aren't his priority but I don't think that means he wants relegation either. It's more that he thinks we can be the Crewe of the Championship.
Isn't the point that Roland actually wants relegation....so he can turn us into Crewe Alexandra of the south, pay smaller salaries to kids and develop the away end into a block of flats.
How do you explain the recent signings and millions spent on players like Vetokele and Sarr? Results aren't his priority but I don't think that means he wants relegation either. It's more that he thinks we can be the Crewe of the Championship.
The recent signings? Journeymen like Motta. Loan signings like Sanogo who hasn't scored a goal for 30 years. A bloke called Fanni who last played competitive football in Qatar. A South Korean reject from QPR. And how do you know he spent 'millions' on the likes of Sarr? All undisclosed fees as I remember. So could be £10k down, £990k when he makes 400apps.
ok, just a passing thought. Davo and a few others remarked that a lot of fans didnt know what was happening behind the scenes as they didnt buy the Voice, didnt keep up with local newspaper reports, and didnt use the internet for forums such as this....
How about a free edtion of The Voice of the Valley
Just a suggestion but why not produce a bumper FACT filled edition of the Voice and make it a free copy? No, Im not mad and Im not trying to bankrupt Rick either, but why not use some of the CARD funds to produce a much bigger edition and give it away for free on a match day. Ive no idea what the current circulation is, but produce enough to at least give one to every adult? Then we get the message out there to everyone.....perhaps target the next football for a fiver game.....anyway, its just a thought.
My only concern is that this relies upon those we're targeting actually taking any literature as well as taking the time to read it. Other than that, I agree 150% that the next push needs to be winning over the parts of the fanbase who don't agree with the action we're taking. Until we do that I can't help but fear that we're pretty vulnerable to a good old divide'n'conquer attack - and I think it's quite clear that's what the regime is aiming for right now.
I've heard Rick being slagged off* by one fan, which leads to the inevitable quandary of "If he's aware of Rick's involvement then how much else is he already aware of?", although - he did refer to Rick as Mick. Which is already confusing.. but it also suggests he's merely heard that this "Mick fella is out there organising a rabble".
Admittedly, this is only one fan - but it's perhaps a good example of our target audience. The problem is, he's unlikely to spend time reading anything to do with Rick based on his pre-conceived notions - so that includes VoTV. Needless to say, anything CARD branded will also be unlikely to break any new ground.
People want to read whatever confirms their existing views.
The club is well aware of this, and they've played it to their advantage themselves. They know that we're not going to be appeased by their communications, so they no longer actually target us. When's the last time a club communication actively tried to reach us?
Instead, they opt to simply regurgitate the same old bullshit and platitudes, all in the hope that it get's picked up by their own captive audience... the press. This in itself is a masterstroke, as the press outlets are going to be the most likely source of news that fans without any Social Media awareness will turn too. Not only that, it's good for neutral parties to think that The Valley is a good day out again as the rebels have been appeased!
If we want to target the resilient few, those who are against the protests due to lack of information and/or misguided concerns - then I feel that it's best not to try and convince them directly. I fear there may have to be slightly more devious means used, be it a leaflet that at first glance appears pro-regime.. then initially reads neutral.. and then actually comes to a damning conclusion. Not deceitful, just creative!
*I say slagged off, there were a few unkind comments about him being a troublemaker and not offering to put his own cash in like Roland is. Clearly, had this fan been aware of what Rick has actually written about - he would see that actually there's an alternative which we're advocating which is backed by money.
This is definitely the conundrum we have to solve. How about a simple Q&A leaflet with only 4 or 5 questions. I would start with 'There's no alternative to RD'. If we take a few of these leaflets each we can attach them to the seats of the uninitiated.
I agree there are many that don't want to be involved and will make any excuse not to do so but it is vital that we remove those excuses. It may sound stupid but whilst walking down Floyd Road people can easily avoid taking a leaflet but will read a sandwich board or maybe a banner hung above the shops.
Let's be honest, no one who is serious about buying the club is going to go near us with a bargepole at the moment, it's a car crash in motion, if you were a buyer you'd wait till we were in league one and on our knees and pick us up at a fraction of the price.
I hope this gets into the national media too, to further highlight the ineptitude and double-dealing of the regime.
How can anyone who sees/read this stuff still a) have faith in the regime or b) believe there is no alternative to them, is totally beyond me.
Yet I still heard it quite a lot on Saturday. "I don't like them either but there's no-one else out there who will buy us". Wrong, wrong, wrong. How on earth do we reach people who don't join or read fora like CL, don't buy/read VOTV, don't appear to use the internet at all, don't appear to read the local or national press? How can they be so ill-informed?
I suspect we would have to pay for a prime-time TV ad in the middle of Coronation Street, with PV and his associates filmed counting £50m in nice crisp £100s - and even then they wouldn't believe it.
Do you know why I gave your post a like? It was cogent and lucid but the icing on the cake was the use of 'fora'. I bet you say 'stadia', too, don't you?
I hope this gets into the national media too, to further highlight the ineptitude and double-dealing of the regime.
How can anyone who sees/read this stuff still a) have faith in the regime or b) believe there is no alternative to them, is totally beyond me.
Yet I still heard it quite a lot on Saturday. "I don't like them either but there's no-one else out there who will buy us". Wrong, wrong, wrong. How on earth do we reach people who don't join or read fora like CL, don't buy/read VOTV, don't appear to use the internet at all, don't appear to read the local or national press? How can they be so ill-informed?
I suspect we would have to pay for a prime-time TV ad in the middle of Coronation Street, with PV and his associates filmed counting £50m in nice crisp £100s - and even then they wouldn't believe it.
Do you know why I gave your post a like? It was cogent and lucid but the icing on the cake was the use of 'fora'. I bet you say 'stadia', too, don't you?
Let's be honest, no one who is serious about buying the club is going to go near us with a bargepole at the moment, it's a car crash in motion, if you were a buyer you'd wait till we were in league one and on our knees and pick us up at a fraction of the price.
As well as being the hero that saved us. Varney's mysterious investors already seem to be better at PR than the current regime, it's not hard at all but they're playing a blinder to us fans.
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
True. And by default this is where we as supporters can do the experiment some serious damage. DONT BUY SEASON TICKETS!
With nobody there, it shows he is tearing a 'community' apart. Not enhancing it.
ok, just a passing thought. Davo and a few others remarked that a lot of fans didnt know what was happening behind the scenes as they didnt buy the Voice, didnt keep up with local newspaper reports, and didnt use the internet for forums such as this....
How about a free edtion of The Voice of the Valley
Just a suggestion but why not produce a bumper FACT filled edition of the Voice and make it a free copy? No, Im not mad and Im not trying to bankrupt Rick either, but why not use some of the CARD funds to produce a much bigger edition and give it away for free on a match day. Ive no idea what the current circulation is, but produce enough to at least give one to every adult? Then we get the message out there to everyone.....perhaps target the next football for a fiver game.....anyway, its just a thought.
CAS Trust gave out 2500 copies of Trust News 11 at the Cardiff game and we have another 1000 for Reading. The issue was particularly aimed at the uninterested / unconverted / uncomfortable with protest fans. It included the Peter Varney e mail trail, a "What has Roland done for us ?" article, a interview with Garry Nelson in which he is quite critical & an interview with Fanny Fanackpan who was very critical. Of course, it's impossible to know how much impact it had on people's thinking. About 1 in 10 people didn't take a copy and I guess these are the people who just don't want to know or just want to have their opinions reinforced and see us as troublemakers.
One of the difficulties in getting copies of this sort of thing to more people is cost, but it is more the actual physical task of handing them out in the thirty minutes before kick off. You need a lot of volunteers at every entrance and there seems to be a limited number of people able / willing to participate with Trist and CARD activities.
Isn't the point that Roland actually wants relegation....so he can turn us into Crewe Alexandra of the south, pay smaller salaries to kids and develop the away end into a block of flats.
How do you explain the recent signings and millions spent on players like Vetokele and Sarr? Results aren't his priority but I don't think that means he wants relegation either. It's more that he thinks we can be the Crewe of the Championship.
The recent signings? Journeymen like Motta. Loan signings like Sanogo who hasn't scored a goal for 30 years. A bloke called Fanni who last played competitive football in Qatar. A South Korean reject from QPR. And how do you know he spent 'millions' on the likes of Sarr? All undisclosed fees as I remember. So could be £10k down, £990k when he makes 400apps.
The fact that they signed 5 year contracts is the biggest clue, in terms of FFP I think the fee is split over the time of the conttact. The clubs they joined from also suggest they weren't cheap. I doubt the rumoured fees were far off either.
If he wanted us to go down why bother signing four players in the space of a few weeks? Arsenal and QPR players will be on decent wages (at least for us) and I doubt they're loaning them to us for free. I can't imagine a proven top tier French player like Fanni would play in Qatar unless he was getting well paid for it.
As with last season the plan was try to get away with the bare minimum in terms of a squad, hoping youth players would step up. In the new year we'd then improve the squad if needed, saving on money as we only pay those players for half a season (aside from the few brought in on longer deals of course).
As well as any signings it costs millions a season just to keep the club running and relegation won't actually save him money with the drop in TV revenue, season tickets etc.
Let's be honest, no one who is serious about buying the club is going to go near us with a bargepole at the moment, it's a car crash in motion, if you were a buyer you'd wait till we were in league one and on our knees and pick us up at a fraction of the price.
Or do a deal like RD where the price depends on survival or not.
One point I would just say on volunteers to help was that I was up for helping on last Saturday and had put my name down, but I was not sure if I was needed. I set off fairly early, but heard nothing, so in the end, I mailed Ben who said head for Ransom Walk. By the time I got there, and asked Rick, he seemed to think it was all under control ( btw I am not Katrien!) Next time, should I just assume help is required and turn up at Ransom Walk for about 1.00-1.30? It's probably just me, because there were plenty of volunteers but I was not sure what and if help was needed. Thanks
One point I would just say on volunteers to help was that I was up for helping on last Saturday and had put my name down, but I was not sure if I was needed. I set off fairly early, but heard nothing, so in the end, I mailed Ben who said head for Ransom Walk. By the time I got there, and asked Rick, he seemed to think it was all under control ( btw I am not Katrien!) Next time, should I just assume help is required and turn up at Ransom Walk for about 1.00-1.30? It's probably just me, because there were plenty of volunteers but I was not sure what and if help was needed. Thanks
That's probably a good idea, thanks, but there were two different sets of volunteers last weekend - one set doing the stickers and masks and another doing the Trust News. We weren't involved with the latter although perhaps we should have asked any extra people to help the trust. They seemed to start a lot later than us, but that may just have been my impression. We will definitely need more volunteers against Reading.
Comments
But CARD have a big decision on their hands, inform or display for their next movement. There's only so much informing you can do, we may need to start with some more thoughtful and disruptive plans - which doesn't necessarily mean illegal, but the media wouldn't pick up on this leaflet, and it would cost a lot of £.
He seems genuinely obsessed by the statistics and economics of football and wants to prove right his vision of running a successful football club at breakeven. All of the evidence suggests that this is not achievable, but he seems intent on pressing on regardless.
Putting aside the arguments of how much is his net investment into the club, I believe he wants to get to the point soon (my take on this - 2-3 years) when he doesn't invest at the current level. Not sure what happens then, or if that is the point he decides to sell.
I believe he has been told that using his model in the Championship won't work due to the financial madness there compared to any other league in Europe. That his model might work in League 1 or the PL, but not the Championship. As far as I can tell he does not accept this view.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
I've heard Rick being slagged off* by one fan, which leads to the inevitable quandary of "If he's aware of Rick's involvement then how much else is he already aware of?", although - he did refer to Rick as Mick. Which is already confusing..
Admittedly, this is only one fan - but it's perhaps a good example of our target audience. The problem is, he's unlikely to spend time reading anything to do with Rick based on his pre-conceived notions - so that includes VoTV. Needless to say, anything CARD branded will also be unlikely to break any new ground.
People want to read whatever confirms their existing views.
The club is well aware of this, and they've played it to their advantage themselves. They know that we're not going to be appeased by their communications, so they no longer actually target us. When's the last time a club communication actively tried to reach us?
Instead, they opt to simply regurgitate the same old bullshit and platitudes, all in the hope that it get's picked up by their own captive audience... the press. This in itself is a masterstroke, as the press outlets are going to be the most likely source of news that fans without any Social Media awareness will turn too. Not only that, it's good for neutral parties to think that The Valley is a good day out again as the rebels have been appeased!
If we want to target the resilient few, those who are against the protests due to lack of information and/or misguided concerns - then I feel that it's best not to try and convince them directly. I fear there may have to be slightly more devious means used, be it a leaflet that at first glance appears pro-regime.. then initially reads neutral.. and then actually comes to a damning conclusion. Not deceitful, just creative!
*I say slagged off, there were a few unkind comments about him being a troublemaker and not offering to put his own cash in like Roland is. Clearly, had this fan been aware of what Rick has actually written about - he would see that actually there's an alternative which we're advocating which is backed by money.
She's an attention seeker, amongst other things.
I thought Duchatelet made the right decision to let Murray stay on as Chairman when he just took over but now I'm convinced it was probably one of the many wrong decisions that he's made in the past two years. Like others have said, he definitely has ruined his legacy to some extent.
As for relegation, if we did get relegated, the price of the club will just be lower. With a new owner, and the right manager, we may get back to the Championship in one year or two. We did exactly that when Varney was here, didn't we? I believe we, being in London, still are a very attractive club, have got the potential to become a successful club again. And that's probably why the investor Varney wants to introduce and all the other rumoured parties still have a big interest in buying us.
There is no doubt we need to broaden our audience and make everyone absolutely aware of what is happening to our club...
And how do you know he spent 'millions' on the likes of Sarr? All undisclosed fees as I remember. So could be £10k down, £990k when he makes 400apps.
I agree there are many that don't want to be involved and will make any excuse not to do so but it is vital that we remove those excuses. It may sound stupid but whilst walking down Floyd Road people can easily avoid taking a leaflet but will read a sandwich board or maybe a banner hung above the shops.
DONT BUY SEASON TICKETS!
With nobody there, it shows he is tearing a 'community' apart. Not enhancing it.
CAS Trust gave out 2500 copies of Trust News 11 at the Cardiff game and we have another 1000 for Reading. The issue was particularly aimed at the uninterested / unconverted / uncomfortable with protest fans. It included the Peter Varney e mail trail, a "What has Roland done for us ?" article, a interview with Garry Nelson in which he is quite critical & an interview with Fanny Fanackpan who was very critical. Of course, it's impossible to know how much impact it had on people's thinking.
About 1 in 10 people didn't take a copy and I guess these are the people who just don't want to know or just want to have their opinions reinforced and see us as troublemakers.
One of the difficulties in getting copies of this sort of thing to more people is cost, but it is more the actual physical task of handing them out in the thirty minutes before kick off. You need a lot of volunteers at every entrance and there seems to be a limited number of people able / willing to participate with Trist and CARD activities.
If he wanted us to go down why bother signing four players in the space of a few weeks? Arsenal and QPR players will be on decent wages (at least for us) and I doubt they're loaning them to us for free. I can't imagine a proven top tier French player like Fanni would play in Qatar unless he was getting well paid for it.
As with last season the plan was try to get away with the bare minimum in terms of a squad, hoping youth players would step up. In the new year we'd then improve the squad if needed, saving on money as we only pay those players for half a season (aside from the few brought in on longer deals of course).
As well as any signings it costs millions a season just to keep the club running and relegation won't actually save him money with the drop in TV revenue, season tickets etc.
Next time, should I just assume help is required and turn up at Ransom Walk for about 1.00-1.30?
It's probably just me, because there were plenty of volunteers but I was not sure what and if help was needed.
Thanks