The best thing to do would be arrange the meeting, then everybody boycotts it.
Again. She would love that.
Do you honestly think squirrel face will take anything on board?
No I don't . but if we turn down dialogue it plays into her hands and she can tell the press that dialogue was refused. It's a bit of a chess game at this stage and you have to think of the consequences of each move.
The time for talking is over. It's changed nothing in over two years, it won't now. You're being used by Katrien Meire. Decline it.
I understand the anger but that would be playing right into her hands.
The thing is Beds, the Trust cut the lines of communication on behalf of their members and they have the biggest contact with fans in terms of numbers than any localised supporters group. Breakaway meetings will surely undermine the Trust's position. We already have the fans forum for what it is worth and some of the esteemed members no longer attend because they have had enough. As someone said earlier this is a tick box exercise so Latrien and her cronies can say that she has met with fans and it is playing right into their hands.
Hopefully it won't take place, sadly I think it will happen. I'm not sure what people think it will achieve because leopards don't change their spots. The only way forward is for the regime to call it a day and leave us to rebuild what was once a club to be looked up to by all those striving to reach the promised land; appeasement should not be on the agenda.
I just hope however the people in attendance are not brain washed and that they walk out at the first sign of the truth being spun because it will, as always.
The time for talking is over. It's changed nothing in over two years, it won't now. You're being used by Katrien Meire. Decline it.
I just hope however the people in attendance are not brain washed and that they walk out at the first sign of the truth being spun because it will, as always.
If you don't trust the person you're meeting then why would you engage with them? She's only going to state that lessons have been learnt, investment in Sparrows continues, Rat here for the long term, pushing for new faces, handicapped by injuries, manager sole arbiter on recruitment though she holds purse strings. Why bother? I'd wait and see if they're prepared to address customers a few month down the line. If you've just swallowed a bitter pill of renewing for third class football the last person you want to see is the prime mover in the demise of your club. Maybe I'm missing something. lol
If you don't trust the person you're meeting then why would you engage with them? She's only going to state that lessons have been learnt, investment in Sparrows continues, Rat here for the long term, pushing for new faces, handicapped by injuries, manager sole arbiter on recruitment though she holds purse strings. Why bother? I'd wait and see if they're prepared to address customers a few month down the line. If you've just swallowed a bitter pill of renewing for third class football the last person you want to see is the prime mover in the demise of your club. Maybe I'm missing something. lol
If you don't trust the person you're meeting then why would you engage with them? She's only going to state that lessons have been learnt, investment in Sparrows continues, Rat here for the long term, pushing for new faces, handicapped by injuries, manager sole arbiter on recruitment though she holds purse strings. Why bother? I'd wait and see if they're prepared to address customers a few month down the line. If you've just swallowed a bitter pill of renewing for third class football the last person you want to see is the prime mover in the demise of your club. Maybe I'm missing something. lol
Hear hear.
Call me physic but I'm going to go out on a limb here. You're not planning on going are you Elfsborg?
If you don't trust the person you're meeting then why would you engage with them? She's only going to state that lessons have been learnt, investment in Sparrows continues, Rat here for the long term, pushing for new faces, handicapped by injuries, manager sole arbiter on recruitment though she holds purse strings. Why bother? I'd wait and see if they're prepared to address customers a few month down the line. If you've just swallowed a bitter pill of renewing for third class football the last person you want to see is the prime mover in the demise of your club. Maybe I'm missing something. lol
Hear hear.
Call me physic but I'm going to go out on a limb here. You're not planning on going are you Elfsborg?
I'm sure John Commberford won't mind me posting this on here as I'm sure Bromley Addicks will get a similar invite soon.
"Dear Member,
All Members of East Kent Addicks have been invited to meet Katrien Meire and other Senior Club Personnel in the North Stand at the Valley from 1.00pm on Saturday 27th August, 2016 prior to the Bolton game. The intention is for those in attendance to address their questions to the Club in a respectful way to enable a free and valuable exchange of views. Refreshments will be provided.
It is appreciated that a number of our Members travel to Charlton via the Valley Express Service and the Club have agreed to provide an additional coach departing from Ashford at 11.30am and Faversham at 11.50am. Priority to travel on this extra coach will be given to Valley Express Season Ticket Holders and those who regularly utilise the Valley Express Service with the normal match-day price of £11 applying. It should be stressed that there are no restrictions in attending this event for those who travel independently to the Valley.
Whilst this invitation has been extended by C.A.F.C. to all East Kent Addicks Members, those wishing to attend must reserve their place in advance by contacting East Kent Addicks either by email at ekaddicks@talktalk.net or by telephoning #############. Please note that admission will be restricted solely to those who meet this criteria and that there can be no exceptions.
Those wishing to travel via the additional Valley Express Service should also contact East Kent Addicks, who will liaise with the Club to make the necessary arrangements.
Seems to me there are a lot of people more interested in their own ego's when it comes to Charlton than what is actually best for our future as a competitive football club. Sick to death of the politics of it all to be honest, that's the only thing playing into their hands. For what it's worth the Trust canvassed its members and said absolutely no dialogue, should be the end of the story. If this particular group support the regime then fair enough if not they are weakening the fans protests, same as Target 20k.
I think the trust were ill advised to cut of all communication opportunities to meet with the club
Not sure I agree, they have been saying the same things since the day they arrived. It is beyond dialogue. I want them gone but if they truly want to turn it around they should just get on with it. Put a decent squad together that has a good chance of going up and staying up. And stop insulting and blaming fans. If they did that first and we see them making that effort then by all means open a dialogue. They need to actually do something to mend bridges instead of just spouting off that they are.
As Dansk has said, this 'invite' is solely as a result of the EFL survey and for the requirements of Clubs to have meaningful conversations with the fans.
KM can hardly ignore that request if she deems to sit at the top table.
The sheer arrogance of them approaching EKA telling them when, where and how long the 'meeting' will go on for is breathtaking. I fear John has no option but to take up this offer, though I'm uncertain as to what it will achieve as the same platitudes will come flying back from KM and her dwindling SMT. Perhaps even Sue Parkes will attend.
The agenda will be 100% led by the Club and by the time the welcomes and free refreshments are over, that gives her about an hour before she has to disappear to entertain the Directors of the opposing team pre match.
The hour will be a doleful KM saying how lessons have been learned, massive investment continues into the team, The Valley and the training ground, Duchatalet is going nowhere, English Manager with full control, personal abuse she's had to put up with, protesters need to be shouted down by other fans before the FL fine us bla, bla, bla.
Any difficult questions will be played down by denial or the expression 'bitter ex employees'
EKA are really between a rock and a hard place. KM obviously sees them as less militant, so will always chose them first for dialogue. She sees it as an easy ride and fulfilling the EFL requirements all rolled into one.
John works very hard with his committee to put together a supporters group and run successful events in what are difficult times. Putting EKA down as KMs 'patsys' is unfair.
My open request to EKA is do not allow KM to dictate the terms of the communication. It is after all two way. Politely decline and request the meeting is reconvened at a time and a place to suit EKA rather than on a match day at The Valley. I'm sure take up will be better and that's what both sides want surely? After all the SMT will now fit into a Mini, whereas EKA will require a coach.
John should also insist that KM meets with other groups most notably CAST. This doesn't have to be a large meeting, just with some agreed CAST representatives who are not 'high profile'. This forum shows we have plenty of passionate dedicated and eloquent fans who are able to put difficult questions and not accept the standard 'I'll look into that' response.
The football powers that be are starting to put pressure on her to work with the fans. This is her throwing her fly out to get a bite as she now has no option.
Now is the time for us to grab that bait and pull her into the water.
As Dansk has said, this 'invite' is solely as a result of the EFL survey and for the requirements of Clubs to have meaningful conversations with the fans.
KM can hardly ignore that request if she deems to sit at the top table.
The sheer arrogance of them approaching EKA telling them when, where and how long the 'meeting' will go on for is breathtaking. I fear John has no option but to take up this offer, though I'm uncertain as to what it will achieve as the same platitudes will come flying back from KM and her dwindling SMT. Perhaps even Sue Parkes will attend.
The agenda will be 100% led by the Club and by the time the welcomes and free refreshments are over, that gives her about an hour before she has to disappear to entertain the Directors of the opposing team pre match.
The hour will be a doleful KM saying how lessons have been learned, massive investment continues into the team, The Valley and the training ground, Duchatalet is going nowhere, English Manager with full control, personal abuse she's had to put up with, protesters need to be shouted down by other fans before the FL fine us bla, bla, bla.
Any difficult questions will be played down by denial or the expression 'bitter ex employees'
EKA are really between a rock and a hard place. KM obviously sees them as less militant, so will always chose them first for dialogue. She sees it as an easy ride and fulfilling the EFL requirements all rolled into one.
John works very hard with his committee to put together a supporters group and run successful events in what are difficult times. Putting EKA down as KMs 'patsys' is unfair.
My open request to EKA is do not allow KM to dictate the terms of the communication. It is after all two way. Politely decline and request the meeting is reconvened at a time and a place to suit EKA rather than on a match day at The Valley. I'm sure take up will be better and that's what both sides want surely? After all the SMT will now fit into a Mini, whereas EKA will require a coach.
John should also insist that KM meets with other groups most notably CAST. This doesn't have to be a large meeting, just with some agreed CAST representatives who are not 'high profile'. This forum shows we have plenty of passionate dedicated and eloquent fans who are able to put difficult questions and not accept the standard 'I'll look into that' response.
The football powers that be are starting to put pressure on her to work with the fans. This is her throwing her fly out to get a bite as she now has no option.
Now is the time for us to grab that bait and pull her into the water.
Chip, chip, chip......
We ask a question, squirrel face replies with some nonsense, we are not able to respond as another question is offered.
What's more likely to get national media coverage and put pressure on them? Katrien Meire being given an easy time at a supporter's meeting or supporter groups turning her down?
They are only holding these meetings to comply with the EFL requirements to have meeting with fans groups, so just ticking a box exercise.
If this is true it makes some sense Kings Hill has suggested that EKA may have been chosen because of a memory that they have not given KM a hard time and have been respectful in the past. Hopefullly some of that will change given times have changed - not the respectful bit - there is no need to be rude or aggressive, but the questions need to be challenging. I would hope EKA try to co-ordinate a little and have a strategy in terms of questions - there are generally one or two pedants who can scupper these things by asking why the hot-dogs don't taste good enough etc... They need to be weeded out or told to shut up IMO.
I think fellow fans can't say to EKA that you shouldn't attend this. People will always be found to attend by the club and I'd rather people went who were not going to lick KM's backside. It is important that the meeting is recorded. We know that our CEO can't help herself and there is a decent chance she will say further things to hang herself. If the meeting is a stitch up, it would be far more effective if EKA walk out in protest having attended than say they are not going in the first place. EKA are just one of many groups. They don't represent all fans - they represent fans in East Kent. Whilst I understand why CAST may decide it is fruitless speaking to KM, I think this is a different situation.
I have the greatest respect for Fanny, but don't feel the fans forum (as a body, not Fanny) represents me. I haven't got a problem with it at all. I would plea to EKAs to really think about those questions though. If the club want an open and honest discussion, they are the ones taking a risk here. If they don't they are going to look even worse. It is good this is happening.
It does look like an absolutely bare minimum effort to me. Surely, Meire and the rest of her senior management should have work to do at 1pm on a matchday!
The timing smacks of Meire's usual idleness, as she clearly can't be bothered to travel to east Kent for a meeting and hopes to select out any boycotters who might give her a hard time. It also allows for the meeting to be limited in duration as it is hard up against the 3pm kickoff. Its all set up to be 'managed' in the clubs favour. I can see that anybody failing to meet their definition of 'respectful' will give them the excuse to close the meeting.
Don't expect any meaningful dialogue. This is an annoyance to Meire. I can hear her impatient, petulant and condescending voice already.
I think the trust were ill advised to cut of all communication opportunities to meet with the club
Interesting choice of words.
We had two sources of advice on which we relied.
1. Our members
2. Our friends in the other London Trusts.
The way we handled that meeting was guided by that advice. Even so it was really tough to get to an agreement among ourselves, and we lost one Board member in the process (although he did not 'resign in protest')
We might have to make a similar call soon, so all advice will be welcome. At least, from those who are willing to pay their fiver, join up, and help make us stronger.
Seems to me NLA has a point. Go and engage, always show willing and if assurances are made that are subsequently ignored or altered then valuable ammunition is gained. Make sure that we are always portrayed as reasoned and reasonable.
However there is more to it than that, firstly it is obvious from announcergate, the twitter stuff around the Murd(er)och article, the shop protest, posts on here and other boards that divisions between the support are there and could grow especially if the absolutists and the moderates increasingly clash.
The regime will exploit that division.
Secondly individuals are inevitably "enjoying" raised profiles as a result of their role in the campaign or through specific events, as a result historical agendas are colouring the response to those individuals giving further scope for supporter division.
Thirdly some of the more colourful posts on boards and other outlets are provocative, anonymity is never guaranteed and so again the potential for division is growing.
The focus must remain first and foremost on the survival and ultimately restoration of the club to a secure and competitive state most likely a sustained period in the Championship with attendances back at SCP levels and away suport as evidenced by the first two games this season.
So keep the moderates on board with dialogue, keep the media on side with reasonable and reasoned protest, respect an individual's right to choose how they spend their time and money. If you disagree persuade with the strength of your argument. A smack in the mouth never changed anybody's views. If the regime is proved again( and again and again) to be dishonest then that only adds to the box of tools to use against them. Ultimately RD will go when a better opportunity presents itself to him not because somebody calls him an arsehole on a message board. The protests hopefully serve to motivate somebody with an affiliation to the club preferably, or at the very least an aspirational future for the club to present RD with an exit he can accept. You might say that such offers exist, well clearly up until now they are not attractive enough, continued imaginative protest and losing the propaganda battle may make that situation change.
Comments
Big nose has been here since January 2014 without listening, so all a waste of time.
I suppose you could ask why does she have a bouncer with her at a football match!
but if we turn down dialogue it plays into her hands and she can tell the press that dialogue was refused.
It's a bit of a chess game at this stage and you have to think of the consequences of each move.
Hopefully it won't take place, sadly I think it will happen. I'm not sure what people think it will achieve because leopards don't change their spots. The only way forward is for the regime to call it a day and leave us to rebuild what was once a club to be looked up to by all those striving to reach the promised land; appeasement should not be on the agenda.
I just hope however the people in attendance are not brain washed and that they walk out at the first sign of the truth being spun because it will, as always.
No filth now please.
She's only going to state that lessons have been learnt, investment in Sparrows continues, Rat here for the long term, pushing for new faces, handicapped by injuries, manager sole arbiter on recruitment though she holds purse strings.
Why bother? I'd wait and see if they're prepared to address customers a few month down the line.
If you've just swallowed a bitter pill of renewing for third class football the last person you want to see is the prime mover in the demise of your club.
Maybe I'm missing something. lol
I just want there to always be somewhere they can say it and it be documented, and them held accountable to it
KM can hardly ignore that request if she deems to sit at the top table.
The sheer arrogance of them approaching EKA telling them when, where and how long the 'meeting' will go on for is breathtaking. I fear John has no option but to take up this offer, though I'm uncertain as to what it will achieve as the same platitudes will come flying back from KM and her dwindling SMT. Perhaps even Sue Parkes will attend.
The agenda will be 100% led by the Club and by the time the welcomes and free refreshments are over, that gives her about an hour before she has to disappear to entertain the Directors of the opposing team pre match.
The hour will be a doleful KM saying how lessons have been learned, massive investment continues into the team, The Valley and the training ground, Duchatalet is going nowhere, English Manager with full control, personal abuse she's had to put up with, protesters need to be shouted down by other fans before the FL fine us bla, bla, bla.
Any difficult questions will be played down by denial or the expression 'bitter ex employees'
EKA are really between a rock and a hard place. KM obviously sees them as less militant, so will always chose them first for dialogue. She sees it as an easy ride and fulfilling the EFL requirements all rolled into one.
John works very hard with his committee to put together a supporters group and run successful events in what are difficult times. Putting EKA down as KMs 'patsys' is unfair.
My open request to EKA is do not allow KM to dictate the terms of the communication. It is after all two way. Politely decline and request the meeting is reconvened at a time and a place to suit EKA rather than on a match day at The Valley. I'm sure take up will be better and that's what both sides want surely? After all the SMT will now fit into a Mini, whereas EKA will require a coach.
John should also insist that KM meets with other groups most notably CAST. This doesn't have to be a large meeting, just with some agreed CAST representatives who are not 'high profile'. This forum shows we have plenty of passionate dedicated and eloquent fans who are able to put difficult questions and not accept the standard 'I'll look into that' response.
The football powers that be are starting to put pressure on her to work with the fans. This is her throwing her fly out to get a bite as she now has no option.
Now is the time for us to grab that bait and pull her into the water.
Chip, chip, chip......
Same old s***.
I think fellow fans can't say to EKA that you shouldn't attend this. People will always be found to attend by the club and I'd rather people went who were not going to lick KM's backside. It is important that the meeting is recorded. We know that our CEO can't help herself and there is a decent chance she will say further things to hang herself. If the meeting is a stitch up, it would be far more effective if EKA walk out in protest having attended than say they are not going in the first place. EKA are just one of many groups. They don't represent all fans - they represent fans in East Kent. Whilst I understand why CAST may decide it is fruitless speaking to KM, I think this is a different situation.
I have the greatest respect for Fanny, but don't feel the fans forum (as a body, not Fanny) represents me. I haven't got a problem with it at all. I would plea to EKAs to really think about those questions though. If the club want an open and honest discussion, they are the ones taking a risk here. If they don't they are going to look even worse. It is good this is happening.
The timing smacks of Meire's usual idleness, as she clearly can't be bothered to travel to east Kent for a meeting and hopes to select out any boycotters who might give her a hard time. It also allows for the meeting to be limited in duration as it is hard up against the 3pm kickoff. Its all set up to be 'managed' in the clubs favour. I can see that anybody failing to meet their definition of 'respectful' will give them the excuse to close the meeting.
Don't expect any meaningful dialogue. This is an annoyance to Meire. I can hear her impatient, petulant and condescending voice already.
We had two sources of advice on which we relied.
1. Our members
2. Our friends in the other London Trusts.
The way we handled that meeting was guided by that advice. Even so it was really tough to get to an agreement among ourselves, and we lost one Board member in the process (although he did not 'resign in protest')
We might have to make a similar call soon, so all advice will be welcome. At least, from those who are willing to pay their fiver, join up, and help make us stronger.
However there is more to it than that, firstly it is obvious from announcergate, the twitter stuff around the Murd(er)och article, the shop protest, posts on here and other boards that divisions between the support are there and could grow especially if the absolutists and the moderates increasingly clash.
The regime will exploit that division.
Secondly individuals are inevitably "enjoying" raised profiles as a result of their role in the campaign or through specific events, as a result historical agendas are colouring the response to those individuals giving further scope for supporter division.
Thirdly some of the more colourful posts on boards and other outlets are provocative, anonymity is never guaranteed and so again the potential for division is growing.
The focus must remain first and foremost on the survival and ultimately restoration of the club to a secure and competitive state most likely a sustained period in the Championship with attendances back at SCP levels and away suport as evidenced by the first two games this season.
So keep the moderates on board with dialogue, keep the media on side with reasonable and reasoned protest, respect an individual's right to choose how they spend their time and money. If you disagree persuade with the strength of your argument. A smack in the mouth never changed anybody's views. If the regime is proved again( and again and again) to be dishonest then that only adds to the box of tools to use against them.
Ultimately RD will go when a better opportunity presents itself to him not because somebody calls him an arsehole on a message board. The protests hopefully serve to motivate somebody with an affiliation to the club preferably, or at the very least an aspirational future for the club to present RD with an exit he can accept. You might say that such offers exist, well clearly up until now they are not attractive enough, continued imaginative protest and losing the propaganda battle may make that situation change.
Don't be fooled by this bollox. They have no interest in your views, no interest in my views and never will do.
Only reason to attend would be to let them know how much they are despised.