Credit to them for replying. We'd been slamming them for months for not answering emails and in fairness, they can hardly say "sorry for the Belgian's rant but he's a total tool". Clearly, however, the guff about him understanding the club and fans is bullshit. But it's a start.
However, given that the Head of Communications is no more, wonder who's actually coming up with the replies?
I would've imagined that they had answers to certain questions, or certain types of questions, in mind before they actually launched the new email address......... well, that's at least what any sensible business would do at any rate.
Also, although the head of comms has (apparently) resigned, do we know if she's actually left yet?
It certainly sounds like a new conciliatory approach, even if the handling is typically clumsy, so it's probably down to her, even though she might not actually be there any longer.
Yes she has left On the day she resigned I sent an email to her personal email address at Charlton and I received a mail saying she had left the Club.
My message sent 16 March, received acknowledgement but nothing since.
Br reasonable. The understaffed comms department have to man the NHS Call Centre three days a week as well as hiding all newspapers/emails/letters from Katrien.
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards The Supporter Relations Team
That's actually a decent response to be fair. Unfortunately there is no way they can get fans back on side, sooner they realise that the better. Although bit "weird" to say "we don't think it's been our intention to alienate fans", I would hope it hasn't been their actual intention.
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards The Supporter Relations Team
Do we know who these mysterious fans are? I take it it wasn't CAST, so I can only presume it is Target20K - if so it would've been nice of them to have acknowledged the fact that they had met Duchatelet.
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards The Supporter Relations Team
That's actually a decent response to be fair. Unfortunately there is no way they can get fans back on side, sooner they realise that the better.
You're right, it is a good response.
Unfortunately, it's not backed up with any actions and never has been.
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards The Supporter Relations Team
Do we know who these mysterious fans are? I take it it wasn't CAST, so I can only presume it is Target20K - if so it would've been nice of them to have acknowledged the fact that they had met Duchatelet.
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards The Supporter Relations Team
There hasn't been a Dicky Bird as far as i can tell regarding Roland meeting 'a group of fans who are partners in the club'. Can anybody shed any light on this?
Good luck in rebuilding the 'eroded' trust, although 'eroded' is a bit of a weird word to use isn't it?
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards The Supporter Relations Team
Do we know who these mysterious fans are? I take it it wasn't CAST, so I can only presume it is Target20K - if so it would've been nice of them to have acknowledged the fact that they had met Duchatelet.
He was at an East Kent Addicks meeting
Unique. I must've missed that, and In light of that you can't really argue with their response - it's fairly decent.
Was anything ever said about this meeting and what actually happened though?
I wish for all my details to be removed from your database. I have supported Charlton Athletic since 1970, including having season tickets at both Selhurst and Upton Parks.
The current ownership of MY club have ruined everything.
I am also disappointed that I was not one of those who have met with the owner, please remind me when and where these meetings took place ?
Please let me know how I go about removing myself from your system / computers ASAP.
Thank you for getting in touch. Just to let you know your email has been received and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as they can.
Best wishes,
Charlton Athletic Football Club. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Got an email this morning from the club. (22/03/16).
Good Morning Mr Harley
Further to your email below I have now amended your accounts to show that you do not wish to receive any type of communication from Charlton Athletic. I am unable to remove you completely from our records as this will de-activate your season cards
I wish for all my details to be removed from your database. I have supported Charlton Athletic since 1970, including having season tickets at both Selhurst and Upton Parks.
The current ownership of MY club have ruined everything.
I am also disappointed that I was not one of those who have met with the owner, please remind me when and where these meetings took place ?
Please let me know how I go about removing myself from your system / computers ASAP.
Thank you for getting in touch. Just to let you know your email has been received and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as they can.
Best wishes,
Charlton Athletic Football Club. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Got an email this morning from the club. (22/03/16).
Good Morning Mr Harley
Further to your email below I have now amended your accounts to show that you do not wish to receive any type of communication from Charlton Athletic. I am unable to remove you completely from our records as this will de-activate your season cards
Regards
Mandy Anderson-Myers
So, Valley Gold, cancelled, email address, cancelled, and after May 7th, season ticket, cancelled.
Thank you Katrien, Charlton Athletic have only been a major part of my life for 46 years.
I wish for all my details to be removed from your database. I have supported Charlton Athletic since 1970, including having season tickets at both Selhurst and Upton Parks.
The current ownership of MY club have ruined everything.
I am also disappointed that I was not one of those who have met with the owner, please remind me when and where these meetings took place ?
Please let me know how I go about removing myself from your system / computers ASAP.
Thank you for getting in touch. Just to let you know your email has been received and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as they can.
Best wishes,
Charlton Athletic Football Club. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Got an email this morning from the club. (22/03/16).
Good Morning Mr Harley
Further to your email below I have now amended your accounts to show that you do not wish to receive any type of communication from Charlton Athletic. I am unable to remove you completely from our records as this will de-activate your season cards
Regards
Mandy Anderson-Myers
Still haven't had that one....... I did get one that said this......
Hello Ray,
Thank you for your email.
We obviously don’t want to hear that you will not renew your season ticket, but we understand. And we know we have a big job to bring back fans like yourself to The Valley, but the staff here are trying hard to improve things at the club.
Kind Regards The Supporters Relations Team
So the staff are grafting their nuts off to pacify the supporters, while the 3 feckin Amigos wander around wondering what the problem is and in fact are making things worse.
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards The Supporter Relations Team
Do we know who these mysterious fans are? I take it it wasn't CAST, so I can only presume it is Target20K - if so it would've been nice of them to have acknowledged the fact that they had met Duchatelet.
He was at an East Kent Addicks meeting
Unique. I must've missed that, and In light of that you can't really argue with their response - it's fairly decent.
Was anything ever said about this meeting and what actually happened though?
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards The Supporter Relations Team
Do we know who these mysterious fans are? I take it it wasn't CAST, so I can only presume it is Target20K - if so it would've been nice of them to have acknowledged the fact that they had met Duchatelet.
Certainly wasn't CAS Trust. I also asked T20k on Twitter and they said they had not met him either. I wonder if it is that human shield of the Community Trust?
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards The Supporter Relations Team
Do we know who these mysterious fans are? I take it it wasn't CAST, so I can only presume it is Target20K - if so it would've been nice of them to have acknowledged the fact that they had met Duchatelet.
Certainly wasn't CAS Trust. I also asked T20k on Twitter and they said they had not met him either. I wonder if it is that human shield of the Community Trust?
The response says partners. This ties in with what I heard ie that Tony Cahones roped in some fans from the lounges who he thought would be safe and non-critical.
The clue is in supporters who are 'partners'. Not the common or garden everyday regular supporter, or even representatives of recognised supporter groups. It is misleading rubbish, deliberately misleading rubbish for what audience I don't have a clue. Maybe he had a chat with a contractor working at Sparrows lane who told him he was a Charlton fan customer.
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards The Supporter Relations Team
Do we know who these mysterious fans are? I take it it wasn't CAST, so I can only presume it is Target20K - if so it would've been nice of them to have acknowledged the fact that they had met Duchatelet.
He was at an East Kent Addicks meeting
Unique. I must've missed that, and In light of that you can't really argue with their response - it's fairly decent.
Was anything ever said about this meeting and what actually happened though?
Whilst there are so many reasons for a fan of Charlton Athletic (or indeed fans of any football club) to criticise the statement issued on March 15, I wish you to address one single issue.
The statement says: “Whom would they expect the club to be sold to”.
At the fans forum meeting the CEO said: “Like any other championship club we get approached by (sic) takeover proposals all the time. The club is not for sale”.
FYI it’s on this video clip, about twenty minutes and ten seconds in:
I would suggest that the answer to the question posed in the statement is “Any of the people approaching the club with takeover proposals all the time”; unless, of course, the CEO was lying?
My direct question for which I require a one word answer, yes or no, is this. Does the club receive takeover proposals all the time?
I look forward to a swift reply to a simple question.
I've asked for some more details about these discussions, I don't hold much hope of having an answer that has any real meaning. At the very least it poses an awkward question - but if I'm lucky I may get an answer:
To whom it may concern,
I’d like to open this email by giving credit where it’s due, and paying particular attention to this new email address which finally appears to be facilitating a dialogue between the club and its fans. This is a dialogue that has been missing for over two years, and the lack of communications is something which has arguably allowed the current situation to deteriorate to it’s current level.
I’ve been paying close attention to situation at Charlton not only as a fan, but as a concerned member of the local community. It’s worth noting that Mr. Duchatelet’s ownership of Charlton Athletic has been plagued by many off-the-pitch issues, including a CEO who is now in an untenable position, and can best be summarised as “incompetent” and “unstable”. I understand that Mr. Duchatelet has himself mentioned the importance of football clubs in their respective communities, so I am sure he would appreciate the concerns that I hold regarding the mismanagement of Charlton Athletic.
One of the most puzzling aspects of the last few weeks arises from the (rather poor and inflammatory) statement which was released after the Middlesborough match, dated 15/03/2016. In this statement there is a direct reference to Mr. Duchatelet meeting concerned fans directly, and subsequently allowing them to voice their concerns via face-to-face discussions. As an observer though, this claim would appear to be completely unfounded, and I’ve yet to see any evidence that these discussions took place.
Whilst I don’t wish to cast aspersions over the honesty or integrity behind the statement - honesty is certainly one thing that is present in that particular mistake - I do feel as though it would be of great benefit for the fans to understand more about this meeting. At a very minimum, I feel the key points that need to be explained are:
1. How were the fans selected for the discussion(s) with Mr. Duchatelet? 2. Where was the venue for these discussions?
As I’m sure you’ll understand, the risk is that Mr. Duchatelet is claiming to have had open dialogue with a group of fans - but there is a very real risk that these fans were far from a representative sample of the overall support. Should this be the case, then at best these discussions were a simple token gesture, whilst at worst he has been given a completely false impression regarding the current issues that we face in Charlton.
Just got this email from them... very bizarre i thought. Hello Jonny,
Thank you for your email.
We will be keeping the fans sofa as many of our fans enjoy the initiative.
Also, Roland has no intentions of selling the club.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Kind Regards
The Supporters Relations Team
Charlton Athletic Football Club
Charlton Athletic Supporter Relations Charlton Athletic Football Club | The Valley | Floyd Road | London | SE7 8BL ______________________________________________________________________
I wish for all my details to be removed from your database. I have supported Charlton Athletic since 1970, including having season tickets at both Selhurst and Upton Parks.
The current ownership of MY club have ruined everything.
I am also disappointed that I was not one of those who have met with the owner, please remind me when and where these meetings took place ?
Please let me know how I go about removing myself from your system / computers ASAP.
Thank you for getting in touch. Just to let you know your email has been received and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as they can.
Best wishes,
Charlton Athletic Football Club. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Got an email this morning from the club. (22/03/16).
Good Morning Mr Harley
Further to your email below I have now amended your accounts to show that you do not wish to receive any type of communication from Charlton Athletic. I am unable to remove you completely from our records as this will de-activate your season cards
Regards
Mandy Anderson-Myers
Seriously, is that all you got after 46 years?
No, thank you for your longstanding support? No, we are sorry that you do not wish to renew? No, is there something we could do to change your mind? No, you'll always be welcome back if you change your mind?
What an absolute disgrace. This bunch don't deserve customers, let alone fans.
Comments
Thank you for taking the time to write to us at Charlton Athletic. We will try and answer your questions as best as possible.
Both statements were prepared by senior executives at the club, but the second reflected more the thoughts and concerns of Mr Duchâtelet.
During his visit in February, Mr Duchâtelet met a group of fans who are partners in the club and who have an excellent knowledge of the club. There was a full exchange of views on issues like recruitment, communication, supporter relations, finance and the importance of the club to community.
We don’t think it’s been an intention to alienate fans, although we appreciate that some supporters are extremely unhappy with the running of the club. Certainly the staff here know the important role that our fans have played in its history and also the emotional connection they and their families have with Charlton Athletic.
We also know that there is a huge task ahead of us to rebuild the eroded trust, but know this is an important job to undertake and we will try our very best.
Best regards
The Supporter Relations Team
Unfortunately, it's not backed up with any actions and never has been.
Good luck in rebuilding the 'eroded' trust, although 'eroded' is a bit of a weird word to use isn't it?
Unique. I must've missed that, and In light of that you can't really argue with their response - it's fairly decent.
Was anything ever said about this meeting and what actually happened though?
Doh, I was a bit slow on the uptake there...!
I have supported Charlton Athletic since 1970, including having season tickets at both Selhurst and Upton Parks.
The current ownership of MY club have ruined everything.
I am also disappointed that I was not one of those who have met with the owner, please remind me when and where these meetings took place ?
Please let me know how I go about removing myself from your system / computers ASAP.
I look forward to your response.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello,
Thank you for getting in touch. Just to let you know your email has been received and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as they can.
Best wishes,
Charlton Athletic Football Club.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Got an email this morning from the club. (22/03/16).
Good Morning Mr Harley
Further to your email below I have now amended your accounts to show that you do not wish to receive any type of communication from Charlton Athletic. I am unable to remove you completely from our records as this will de-activate your season cards
Regards
Mandy Anderson-Myers
So, Valley Gold, cancelled, email address, cancelled, and after May 7th, season ticket, cancelled.
Thank you Katrien, Charlton Athletic have only been a major part of my life for 46 years.
Hello Ray,
Thank you for your email.
We obviously don’t want to hear that you will not renew your season ticket, but we understand. And we know we have a big job to bring back fans like yourself to The Valley, but the staff here are trying hard to improve things at the club.
Kind Regards
The Supporters Relations Team
So the staff are grafting their nuts off to pacify the supporters, while the 3 feckin Amigos wander around wondering what the problem is and in fact are making things worse.
Not the common or garden everyday regular supporter, or even representatives of recognised supporter groups.
It is misleading rubbish, deliberately misleading rubbish for what audience I don't have a clue.
Maybe he had a chat with a contractor working at Sparrows lane who told him he was a Charlton
fancustomer.Dear Sir or Madam,
Whilst there are so many reasons for a fan of Charlton Athletic (or indeed fans of any football club) to criticise the statement issued on March 15, I wish you to address one single issue.
The statement says: “Whom would they expect the club to be sold to”.
At the fans forum meeting the CEO said: “Like any other championship club we get approached by (sic) takeover proposals all the time. The club is not for sale”.
FYI it’s on this video clip, about twenty minutes and ten seconds in:
I would suggest that the answer to the question posed in the statement is “Any of the people approaching the club with takeover proposals all the time”; unless, of course, the CEO was lying?
My direct question for which I require a one word answer, yes or no, is this. Does the club receive takeover proposals all the time?
I look forward to a swift reply to a simple question.
Best Regards
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The reply:
Hello Perry,
Thank you for your email.
No, Mr Duchatelet has no plans to sell the club. But we are working hard as a team to build a better future for CAFC going forward.
Kind Regards
The Supporters Relations Team
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My response:
So no reply to my question then.
You have my sincere sympathy having your job.
I wish you personally the best of luck.
Hello Jonny,
Thank you for your email.
We will be keeping the fans sofa as many of our fans enjoy the initiative.
Also, Roland has no intentions of selling the club.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Kind Regards
The Supporters Relations Team
Charlton Athletic Football Club
Charlton Athletic Supporter Relations
Charlton Athletic Football Club | The Valley | Floyd Road | London | SE7 8BL
______________________________________________________________________
Even those working his call centre have lost all respect. They're not even trying now!!!
I am also disappointed that I was not one of those who have met with the owner, please remind me when and where these meetings took place ?
MoG
No, thank you for your longstanding support? No, we are sorry that you do not wish to renew? No, is there something we could do to change your mind? No, you'll always be welcome back if you change your mind?
What an absolute disgrace. This bunch don't deserve customers, let alone fans.