If this is a genuine olive branch then it would be churlish not to accept it, but I have to say that it's bloody difficult to believe when the most recent communications from the CEO have hardly been constructive.
My thoughts are about 'genuine'.
We have been protesting since before the last home win on November 7th 2015, in the week following that we had the 'power-point' meeting. We are on a new manager, and protests have been happening continually since then, what's that, more or less four months?
The moment we have to try to sell season tickets, and today after an accidental win, before the post shower talcum powder has even dried on Rod Fanni's pubes, we get this statement.
Forgive me my cynicism, but this doesn't smell of 'genuine' to me.
That is what I said next Seth, thanks for editing it out!
I am absolutely not taking issue with your post, simply saying which side of genuine I come down on.
Ever since Katrien realised, or was told, that her name was dirt amongst the supporters she has essentially vanished. All we've had since is a few press releases.. That's the entirety of the fan engagement on offer.
Just like Murray's bullshit statement which was a Q&A - where he not only wrote the answers, but the questions too - and the questions were totally unrelated. He's yet to make another statement as that failed.
So they brought Roland in. He did his peacemaker impression and vanished as though his job was done. A peacemaker impression that was full of yet more platitudes.. Ones that wouldn't work for the fans but sure as hell contained a press bite or two.
Today they've been utterly embarrassed on Sky. On Social Media we were buzzing and trending - the club doesn't even attempt to get that kind of activity with their own hash tags anymore! We've demonstrated that we're louder than they are and have a lot of the press on our side now.
No. That statement was probably wrote on Friday evening by Mel before she packed up for the weekend; simply to be posted on Sunday evening after the media guys had conducted their interviews. Lets be honest - today was always going to be painful for them, so they would've been foolish not to do it this way. The only positive was they got to quickly tack on a sentence about gaining 3 points.
I expect Katrien will have a very awkward phone call with Roland coming, first the protests leaked to his local STVV and now they've made a spectacle of a televised football match complete with social media commentary. I expect he may have had a surprise himself today, unless of course he really is so blissfully arrogant that he knows the full circumstances ongoing at SE7 but still thinks it's a path worth continuing down.
Meanwhile, Mel will log on here tomorrow and make a note in the little notepad she keeps next to her laptop on her desk: "statement didnt work with fans, but forward to press".
Today was good, but the statement means nothing. We go again.
Once again the executive seek to position themselves as the innocent victims in the schism between it and the protesting fan base as if it were disappointed by but trying to understand the actions of a recalcitrant teenager.
The message is simple - Listen everybody it is sad but "our children" just do not understand we are doing all of the right things, unfortunately it will take time for the benefits to be seen but they must recognise their impatience is not helping.
On a day when one of our own young men stepped up "big time" to lead a thoroughly competent team display our executive choose to issue another in a long line of weak and self serving statements.
Once again no responsibility, once again no accountability, once again seeking to deflect and defray the consequences of their actions to anybody and everybody but themselves.
They desperately want to believe relegation will be nothing to do with them and want us to share in their delusion. When will this vacuous stream of meaningless nonsense ever end?
Lets face it this is a statement for the press. Ever since Katrien realised, or was told, that her name was dirt amongst the supporters she vanished. All we've had since is a few press releases.. That's the entirety of the fan engagement on offer.
Just like Murray's bullshit statement which was a Q&A where he not only wrote the answers, but the questions too. The questions which were totally unrelated. He's yet to make another statement as that failed.
So they brought Roland in. He did his peacemaker impression and vanished as though his job was done. A peacemaker impression that was full of yet more platitudes.. Ones that wouldn't work for the fans but sure as hell contained a press bite or two.
Today they've been utterly embarrassed on Sky. On Social Media we were buzzing and trending - the club don't even attempt to get that kind of activity with their own hash tags anymore! We've demonstrated that we're louder than they are and have a lot of the press on our side now.
No. That statement was probably wrote on Friday evening by Mel before she packed up for the weekend and posted after the media guys conducted their interviews. Lets be honest - today was always going to be painful for them, the only positive was they got to quickly tack on a sentence about gaining 3 points.
I expect Katrien will have a very awkward phone call with Roland coming, first the protests leaked to his local STVV and now they've made a spectacle of a televised football match complete with social media commentary. I expect he may have had a surprise himself today unless he really is so blissfully arrogant that he knows the full circumstances at SE7.
Meanwhile, Mel will log on here tomorrow and make a note on the little notepad she keeps next to her laptop on her desk: "statement didnt work with fans, but forward to press".
Today was good, but the statement means nothing. We go again.
Duchatelet doesnt care a hoot....he has an ulterior motive.....Im sure all will come clear as time passes, we just need to keep up the pressure. The game against Boro was a big win for the fans let alone the result.
Lets face it this is a statement for the press. Ever since Katrien realised, or was told, that her name was dirt amongst the supporters she vanished. All we've had since is a few press releases.. That's the entirety of the fan engagement on offer.
Just like Murray's bullshit statement which was a Q&A where he not only wrote the answers, but the questions too. The questions which were totally unrelated. He's yet to make another statement as that failed.
So they brought Roland in. He did his peacemaker impression and vanished as though his job was done. A peacemaker impression that was full of yet more platitudes.. Ones that wouldn't work for the fans but sure as hell contained a press bite or two.
Today they've been utterly embarrassed on Sky. On Social Media we were buzzing and trending - the club don't even attempt to get that kind of activity with their own hash tags anymore! We've demonstrated that we're louder than they are and have a lot of the press on our side now.
No. That statement was probably wrote on Friday evening by Mel before she packed up for the weekend and posted after the media guys conducted their interviews. Lets be honest - today was always going to be painful for them, the only positive was they got to quickly tack on a sentence about gaining 3 points.
I expect Katrien will have a very awkward phone call with Roland coming, first the protests leaked to his local STVV and now they've made a spectacle of a televised football match complete with social media commentary. I expect he may have had a surprise himself today unless he really is so blissfully arrogant that he knows the full circumstances at SE7.
Meanwhile, Mel will log on here tomorrow and make a note on the little notepad she keeps next to her laptop on her desk: "statement didnt work with fans, but forward to press".
Today was good, but the statement means nothing. We go again.
Lets face it this is a statement for the press. Ever since Katrien realised, or was told, that her name was dirt amongst the supporters she vanished. All we've had since is a few press releases.. That's the entirety of the fan engagement on offer.
Just like Murray's bullshit statement which was a Q&A where he not only wrote the answers, but the questions too. The questions which were totally unrelated. He's yet to make another statement as that failed.
So they brought Roland in. He did his peacemaker impression and vanished as though his job was done. A peacemaker impression that was full of yet more platitudes.. Ones that wouldn't work for the fans but sure as hell contained a press bite or two.
Today they've been utterly embarrassed on Sky. On Social Media we were buzzing and trending - the club don't even attempt to get that kind of activity with their own hash tags anymore! We've demonstrated that we're louder than they are and have a lot of the press on our side now.
No. That statement was probably wrote on Friday evening by Mel before she packed up for the weekend and posted after the media guys conducted their interviews. Lets be honest - today was always going to be painful for them, the only positive was they got to quickly tack on a sentence about gaining 3 points.
I expect Katrien will have a very awkward phone call with Roland coming, first the protests leaked to his local STVV and now they've made a spectacle of a televised football match complete with social media commentary. I expect he may have had a surprise himself today unless he really is so blissfully arrogant that he knows the full circumstances at SE7.
Meanwhile, Mel will log on here tomorrow and make a note on the little notepad she keeps next to her laptop on her desk: "statement didnt work with fans, but forward to press".
Today was good, but the statement means nothing. We go again.
Duchatelet doesnt care a hoot....he has an ulterior motive.....Im sure all will come clear as time passes, we just need to keep up the pressure. The game against Boro was a big win for the fans let alone the result.
Unfortunately I think you may be right. I guess, rather optimistically, I'm clinging on to the thought that Katrien has played her part of being a "buffer" very well... Too well in fact. That Roland hasn't been made aware of just how severe the situation is, be that due to incompetence or via reporting of deliberately misleading information to him.
If we get to Sheff Weds and everything is the same then we can be under no illusion: Roland is fully aware of the circumstances - his arrogance is such that he stil believes he is in the right, and as such he will continue regardless.
Either way this is a litmus test, and removes any last shred of ignorance as a defence.
I certainly agree with all of the sentiment above, with the exception of the fact that is seems to be personal with the new Comms director. What would you have her publicly write on behalf of the club? I've said this before, but she could be asking tough questions and telling tough truths behind the scenes, and it's unlikely we will ever know. The only time she's been engaged directly (that I know of), was at Bromley (I think) and from the accounts on the day she seemed well spoken and open minded. Maybe I'm more empathetic because I've had to put out the company line before (but never without honesty behind the scenes).
Second, call their bluff. I think this is where I disagree with many, and where I admit I am far less experienced in the communication attempts with the regime to start. But reach out to them and force them to show their hand. Try to engage, set specific times, dates, and an agenda. Call them on their bluff, and if it is a bluff, leak it to the press. Two black-eyes in one week for them. If they sit down and talk...leak it to the press and have them turn up and decide for themselves.
I know I'm an outsider looking in and I have not spent the time on the streets that many of you have but I just feel that taking a step back and taking the high road, even if it's begrudgingly , would put tremendous amounts of pressure on them, pressure that is potentially far more public than we're likely to get again anytime soon.
Either way, excellent work today everyone. I don't want to end on in fighting or arm chair coaching. I doff my cap to all of you. Prouder than ever to be Charlton today.
I certainly agree with all of the sentiment above, with the exception of the fact that is seems to be personal with the new Comms director. What would you have her publicly write on behalf of the club? I've said this before, but she could be asking tough questions and telling tough truths behind the scenes, and it's unlikely we will ever know. The only time she's been engaged directly (that I know of), was at Bromley (I think) and from the accounts on the day she seemed well spoken and open minded. Maybe I'm more empathetic because I've had to put out the company line before (but never without honesty behind the scenes).
Second, call their bluff. I think this is where I disagree with many, and where I admit I am far less experienced in the communication attempts with the regime to start. But reach out to them and force them to show their hand. Try to engage, set specific times, dates, and an agenda. Call them on their bluff, and if it is a bluff, leak it to the press. Two black-eyes in one week for them. If they sit down and talk...leak it to the press and have them turn up and decide for themselves.
I know I'm an outsider looking in and I have not spent the time on the streets that many of you have but I just feel that taking a step back and taking the high road, even if it's begrudgingly , would put tremendous amounts of pressure on them, pressure that is potentially far more public than we're likely to get again anytime soon.
Either way, excellent work today everyone. I don't want to end on in fighting or arm chair coaching. I doff my cap to all of you. Prouder than ever to be Charlton today.
I hope my sentiments about Mel weren't included in that, if so they were definitely not aimed offensively towards the woman!
She's made a career step up and has not only had every detail of her selection picked apart - CV and Salary included - she's actually made an effort with the fans. Her attendance at both The Museum and Bromley was fantastic.
The statement, however, is just one of her responsibilities during the course of her work. Duties that are sadly going to leave her open to accusations and further pedantry.
For what its worth I DO believe the statement is bogus and essentially a repeat of previous platitudes that have never been demonstrated - alas, that's all she's likely got to work with. Our problems are with those that have given her the sole choice of writing a statement that expresses what is ultimately a lie.
It's akin to moaning about Riga not putting some serious firepower up front today - why only Harriott and Lookman? That's what he's been given to work with.
Regarding contact, I believe up until quite recently (certainly recently enough for it to have attracted negative remarks) CAST have tried their best to initiate contact. I tend to agree that a public statement detailing the dates and expressing a renewed interest would be a good move.
I think the statement is proof that they are very concerned now having seen just how well organised and coordinated the fans have become. The backlash is gathering momentum and they can no longer hold it back. They will soon be begging for the fans to be gentle with them. Too late, suckers!
Whilst I agree there may be little point in terms of achieving anything, I think there is merit in talking to them. There will be one of three outcomes. The first is that they avoid talks - that would blow their statement out of the water and embaress them further, the second is they talk, but bullshit and talk rubbish ( I appreciate this is the most likely), but wont do any harm and could be used postively by CARD and lastly they talk and listen (we know that won't happen). There is aboslutely nothing to lose by talking to them and by not trying to, it will potentially give them some higher ground. We should call their bluff on this.
Lets face it this is a statement for the press. Ever since Katrien realised, or was told, that her name was dirt amongst the supporters she vanished. All we've had since is a few press releases.. That's the entirety of the fan engagement on offer.
Just like Murray's bullshit statement which was a Q&A where he not only wrote the answers, but the questions too. The questions which were totally unrelated. He's yet to make another statement as that failed.
So they brought Roland in. He did his peacemaker impression and vanished as though his job was done. A peacemaker impression that was full of yet more platitudes.. Ones that wouldn't work for the fans but sure as hell contained a press bite or two.
Today they've been utterly embarrassed on Sky. On Social Media we were buzzing and trending - the club don't even attempt to get that kind of activity with their own hash tags anymore! We've demonstrated that we're louder than they are and have a lot of the press on our side now.
No. That statement was probably wrote on Friday evening by Mel before she packed up for the weekend and posted after the media guys conducted their interviews. Lets be honest - today was always going to be painful for them, the only positive was they got to quickly tack on a sentence about gaining 3 points.
I expect Katrien will have a very awkward phone call with Roland coming, first the protests leaked to his local STVV and now they've made a spectacle of a televised football match complete with social media commentary. I expect he may have had a surprise himself today unless he really is so blissfully arrogant that he knows the full circumstances at SE7.
Meanwhile, Mel will log on here tomorrow and make a note on the little notepad she keeps next to her laptop on her desk: "statement didnt work with fans, but forward to press".
Today was good, but the statement means nothing. We go again.
Duchatelet doesnt care a hoot....he has an ulterior motive.....Im sure all will come clear as time passes, we just need to keep up the pressure. The game against Boro was a big win for the fans let alone the result.
The ulterior motive, whatever it may be, is a big concern.
Whilst televising the game was great as it fell into our hands and expose the Belgians, did they really not have a clue when they said yes to having the cameras at The Valley.
If I were the trust I'd act like the adult in the situation (not for the first time I'm sure) and reach out to the club in a way that creates a record (email). I'd say something to the effect of "in light of yesterday... Would like to sit down and discuss the state of the club and feelings of the fans." Propose specific times, dates, and venues. If they accept, great. If you get nothing or get the run around, leak it to the press. For me it's win-win.
Read a club statement in relation to events at The Valley during the match against Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon
The club is extremely saddened by the situation which has led to supporters demonstrating ahead of, and during, the match against Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Every supporter has the right to voice their opinion and we are determined to do everything we can to work together with supporters to build our relationship with them and make sure they remain at the heart of this club.
We would like to thank supporters for getting behind the team today as we picked up a valuable three points in our fight to stay in the Championship.
Thanks for clearing everything up then. I'll take 10 Season Tickets for next season then. You take Amex?
Actually, no, they don't. Why would you want to make things as easy as possible for your customers?
The only reasons put forward for talking to "them" is as part of a political manoeuvre, not because anything will be achieved. Bearing in mind that Roland's Regime is now dishonest to the core, is there any real point?
If they are "extremely saddened" they may want to tell Katrien's face.
A lot of people seem to be irked by Katrien's smile, but the truth is in her eyes. That isn't a smug contemptuous smile, it is the frozen smile of a turd on the run
I certainly agree with all of the sentiment above, with the exception of the fact that is seems to be personal with the new Comms director. What would you have her publicly write on behalf of the club? I've said this before, but she could be asking tough questions and telling tough truths behind the scenes, and it's unlikely we will ever know. The only time she's been engaged directly (that I know of), was at Bromley (I think) and from the accounts on the day she seemed well spoken and open minded. Maybe I'm more empathetic because I've had to put out the company line before (but never without honesty behind the scenes).
Second, call their bluff. I think this is where I disagree with many, and where I admit I am far less experienced in the communication attempts with the regime to start. But reach out to them and force them to show their hand. Try to engage, set specific times, dates, and an agenda. Call them on their bluff, and if it is a bluff, leak it to the press. Two black-eyes in one week for them. If they sit down and talk...leak it to the press and have them turn up and decide for themselves.
I know I'm an outsider looking in and I have not spent the time on the streets that many of you have but I just feel that taking a step back and taking the high road, even if it's begrudgingly , would put tremendous amounts of pressure on them, pressure that is potentially far more public than we're likely to get again anytime soon.
Either way, excellent work today everyone. I don't want to end on in fighting or arm chair coaching. I doff my cap to all of you. Prouder than ever to be Charlton today.
I hope my sentiments about Mel weren't included in that, if so they were definitely not aimed offensively towards the woman!
She's made a career step up and has not only had every detail of her selection picked apart - CV and Salary included - she's actually made an effort with the fans. Her attendance at both The Museum and Bromley was fantastic.
The statement, however, is just one of her responsibilities during the course of her work. Duties that are sadly going to leave her open to accusations and further pedantry.
For what its worth I DO believe the statement is bogus and essentially a repeat of previous platitudes that have never been demonstrated - alas, that's all she's likely got to work with. Our problems are with those that have given her the sole choice of writing a statement that expresses what is ultimately a lie.
It's akin to moaning about Riga not putting some serious firepower up front today - why only Harriott and Lookman? That's what he's been given to work with.
Regarding contact, I believe up until quite recently (certainly recently enough for it to have attracted negative remarks) CAST have tried their best to initiate contact. I tend to agree that a public statement detailing the dates and expressing a renewed interest would be a good move.
That's right. We had some kind of "promise" from KM that a serious discussion would start. Only when it was clear that she was not moving forward with an actual meeting, we reluctantly decided to go round here and approach RD, both directly and via Budapest. He just get delegated the approaches back to KM.
Obviously we are now debating how best to respond, and obviously we would tak into account comments on here. The overall mood though is that we have tried to be reasonable, and willing to engage, when others had already concluded that was pointless; we are not stupid; and we have not had any overtures for dialogue from Ms Baroni.
There's a good argument for the approach @SDAddick proposes, although even this will be criticised by some. And any mail needs careful drafting.
As some have said, what ought to happen is that either KM or Mel Baroni should follow up today with a message to us. Personally though, I would be amazed if that happened.
Too late for them to start a dialogue, they had a chance. Even though I know Roland isn't bothered, the management team at Charlton are running scared now.
I think that a meeting should be held. How else are we going to accept their surrender?
Monty only excepted the German surrender on behalf of the British and the war continued. I think the war has gone on too long for a simple discussion. There needs to be a public announcement of intent before the terms of surrender are agreed.
And let's be clear, KM standing down has to be a minimum requirement.
They have been in denial, now they seem to be at the excepting there are issues stage, but still don't seem to realise that it is not just us as supporters anymore - it is the whole of football that believes they should pack up and go home. Sky, BBC, National newspapers, Talk Sport, Pundits, Players and supporters of other clubs.
When they grasp that we may then actually be able to move forward. I think we have a long way to go before we can put our black and white scarves away.
Their bluff should be called. The issues were shown to the whole country yesterday as was this statement. If CARD were to issue a statement which included the length of time the fans ( Trust) have sought dialogue and calling for an urgent meeting, the club would be further embarrassed by their inevitable no show.
Comments
Ever since Katrien realised, or was told, that her name was dirt amongst the supporters she has essentially vanished. All we've had since is a few press releases.. That's the entirety of the fan engagement on offer.
Just like Murray's bullshit statement which was a Q&A - where he not only wrote the answers, but the questions too - and the questions were totally unrelated. He's yet to make another statement as that failed.
So they brought Roland in. He did his peacemaker impression and vanished as though his job was done. A peacemaker impression that was full of yet more platitudes.. Ones that wouldn't work for the fans but sure as hell contained a press bite or two.
Today they've been utterly embarrassed on Sky. On Social Media we were buzzing and trending - the club doesn't even attempt to get that kind of activity with their own hash tags anymore! We've demonstrated that we're louder than they are and have a lot of the press on our side now.
No. That statement was probably wrote on Friday evening by Mel before she packed up for the weekend; simply to be posted on Sunday evening after the media guys had conducted their interviews. Lets be honest - today was always going to be painful for them, so they would've been foolish not to do it this way. The only positive was they got to quickly tack on a sentence about gaining 3 points.
I expect Katrien will have a very awkward phone call with Roland coming, first the protests leaked to his local STVV and now they've made a spectacle of a televised football match complete with social media commentary. I expect he may have had a surprise himself today, unless of course he really is so blissfully arrogant that he knows the full circumstances ongoing at SE7 but still thinks it's a path worth continuing down.
Meanwhile, Mel will log on here tomorrow and make a note in the little notepad she keeps next to her laptop on her desk: "statement didnt work with fans, but forward to press".
Today was good, but the statement means nothing. We go again.
Once again the executive seek to position themselves as the innocent victims in the schism between it and the protesting fan base as if it were disappointed by but trying to understand the actions of a recalcitrant teenager.
The message is simple - Listen everybody it is sad but "our children" just do not understand we are doing all of the right things, unfortunately it will take time for the benefits to be seen but they must recognise their impatience is not helping.
On a day when one of our own young men stepped up "big time" to lead a thoroughly competent team display our executive choose to issue another in a long line of weak and self serving statements.
Once again no responsibility, once again no accountability, once again seeking to deflect and defray the consequences of their actions to anybody and everybody but themselves.
They desperately want to believe relegation will be nothing to do with them and want us to share in their delusion. When will this vacuous stream of meaningless nonsense ever end?
These people could not lead a scout group.
If we get to Sheff Weds and everything is the same then we can be under no illusion: Roland is fully aware of the circumstances - his arrogance is such that he stil believes he is in the right, and as such he will continue regardless.
Either way this is a litmus test, and removes any last shred of ignorance as a defence.
Second, call their bluff. I think this is where I disagree with many, and where I admit I am far less experienced in the communication attempts with the regime to start. But reach out to them and force them to show their hand. Try to engage, set specific times, dates, and an agenda. Call them on their bluff, and if it is a bluff, leak it to the press. Two black-eyes in one week for them. If they sit down and talk...leak it to the press and have them turn up and decide for themselves.
I know I'm an outsider looking in and I have not spent the time on the streets that many of you have but I just feel that taking a step back and taking the high road, even if it's begrudgingly , would put tremendous amounts of pressure on them, pressure that is potentially far more public than we're likely to get again anytime soon.
Either way, excellent work today everyone. I don't want to end on in fighting or arm chair coaching. I doff my cap to all of you. Prouder than ever to be Charlton today.
She's made a career step up and has not only had every detail of her selection picked apart - CV and Salary included - she's actually made an effort with the fans. Her attendance at both The Museum and Bromley was fantastic.
The statement, however, is just one of her responsibilities during the course of her work. Duties that are sadly going to leave her open to accusations and further pedantry.
For what its worth I DO believe the statement is bogus and essentially a repeat of previous platitudes that have never been demonstrated - alas, that's all she's likely got to work with. Our problems are with those that have given her the sole choice of writing a statement that expresses what is ultimately a lie.
It's akin to moaning about Riga not putting some serious firepower up front today - why only Harriott and Lookman? That's what he's been given to work with.
Regarding contact, I believe up until quite recently (certainly recently enough for it to have attracted negative remarks) CAST have tried their best to initiate contact. I tend to agree that a public statement detailing the dates and expressing a renewed interest would be a good move.
Then WE cancel it.
That isn't a smug contemptuous smile, it is the frozen smile of a turd on the run
That's right. We had some kind of "promise" from KM that a serious discussion would start. Only when it was clear that she was not moving forward with an actual meeting, we reluctantly decided to go round here and approach RD, both directly and via Budapest. He just get delegated the approaches back to KM.
Obviously we are now debating how best to respond, and obviously we would tak into account comments on here. The overall mood though is that we have tried to be reasonable, and willing to engage, when others had already concluded that was pointless; we are not stupid; and we have not had any overtures for dialogue from Ms Baroni.
There's a good argument for the approach @SDAddick proposes, although even this will be criticised by some. And any mail needs careful drafting.
As some have said, what ought to happen is that either KM or Mel Baroni should follow up today with a message to us. Personally though, I would be amazed if that happened.
And let's be clear, KM standing down has to be a minimum requirement.
They have been in denial, now they seem to be at the excepting there are issues stage, but still don't seem to realise that it is not just us as supporters anymore - it is the whole of football that believes they should pack up and go home. Sky, BBC, National newspapers, Talk Sport, Pundits, Players and supporters of other clubs.
When they grasp that we may then actually be able to move forward. I think we have a long way to go before we can put our black and white scarves away.