I actually thought it was better than I expected. Learnt nothing really, but it was good to hear Rodwell speak. I didn’t expect anything tbh, but thought they might be more hostile. What disappointed me was the low viewing figures, hoped for better uptake than that.
What were the viewing figures and is this a combined Charlton TV & You Tube figure?
I remember posting on here after Olly Groome was badly treated by the club that to my mind we will never achieve success on the pitch with a toxic back room situation at the club.
Seems this mob agree and they have been working to eradicate the toxicity.
I watched the 90 minutes and was encouraged by what was presented. We want our club to be a beacon of success, like we were under Curbs and in the Premier League days. From what was said this evening, this is also what the board aspire to.
There will be no over night success and no way to achieve it in any case. They have funds to buy players to improve the squad but it’s not as simple as “just” having the money. As we’ve seen over the last decade, it’s easier to get in bad players than good ones. We spent money on Charlie Kirk for example and re-signed Chuks.
They seem willing to give Apples a chance to turn things around and after the chaos of the last decade, we do need stability. The high turnover of managers in that period has contributed to the mess we now find ourselves in, not improved things.
Of course as everyone has said they will all be judged by winning games and Rodwell was very clear the club hadn’t won enough games and this needed to change. Elliott also accepted we are potentially in a relegation battle this season.
Contradicts what’s been communicated to Swisdom and Dubai a bit if loans are going to be the focus
They literally said that permanent transfers are the focus during the next few windows, some stuff was frustrating to hear but I feel more confident with this structure than I ever did with Thomas, Roland or Mouthall
I honestly doubted the vision behind it all but thought they addressed all the questions well, so much talk of scripted questions but they clearly answered some difficult ones? They conceded that it's not gone amazingly well so far but are committed to improvement? Much better than the last 4 boards have presented imo
You're easily pleased.
Rather that than approach everything everyone says with cynicism. What out of interest did you think it was missing and wasn't addressed amongst general fan concerns?
Substance, mostly. That was the kind of presentation that probably would work quite well if you pitched it at some American speculators looking to invest in that limey soccerball game but to a bunch of fans who've been sold a whole series of pigs in pokes recently it was fluff and soft-soap stuff at best.
Sign good players on a permanent basis, give them to a manager/coach with actual vision and charisma and then and only then will I be convinced that they are anything other than deluded at best, chancers at worst.
Again, did you want them to publically chastise staff members past and present and then publically reveal our list of transfer targets? Not even mouthy MacAntony is that naive. I feel like a lot of the frustration as more to do with Appleton than anything and they explained their rationale behind sticking with him, I'm not a huge fan of what we've seen from Mickey Apples but thought their reasoning was fair enough in that they want to see what he can do with a full squad available and try to bed in some consistency. There were people in the comments calling for us to go and appoint Steve Cooper and you have to wonder what fantasy land people are living in if you think we're an attractive option to him
No I don't. There is literally nothing that they can say that will convince me - that's going to take actions. That's my point. Meetings like this one, statements that Scott and Methven make through the OS or local press, it's good stuff to hear, truly. But unless it's actually backed up by actions and results... it's just noise.
Maybe I am being too harsh and this time next year we'll have an amazing squad playing progressive football that blows other teams off the pitch but until then whilst I have absolutely no issue with what they WANT to do I remain deeply sceptical of their ability to achieve it.
That is absolutely fair, we have been burnt a number of times over the last 20 years so I do understand the heavy degree of skepticism, I think a lot of people are with you reading the comments on this thread & the comments in the chat during the Q&A, in that their mind is already made up with this board.
Personally I think they outlined a relatively pragmatic approach without giving it any Saandgardisms of Premier League in 5 years, I went into that session not expecting much and personally came out pleasantly surprised with their explanation, maybe through naive optimism, maybe through giving them more of a chance than perhaps some others have, but ultimately you are correct, the proof will be in the pudding
I think that in all honesty it comes down to just how much stock you put in their explanation.if I hope I'm wrong, truly. But we've had plenty of owners with plenty of plans but here we are still in the middle of League One with shrinking crowds.
If they can turn this metaphorical ship around, great. And I will hold my hands up and acknowledge that that isn't going to happen overnight. But to stretch the analogy, they've got a map but no hands on the wheel... and there's icebergs ahead.
Total waste of time, carefully scripted questions asked by a carefully scripted interviewer and carefully scripted answers that have nothing of real substance.
You couldn't have been listening properly then.
I think the people that came on to ask questions did really well and I also think that Charlotte did a pretty good job too - and she asked some questions towards the end that definitely weren't scripted.
I really like Charlotte and think she is fantastic. Hope she comes out of tonight unscathed.
Knowing some of our fans, unless she's calling them all c**** to their faces, she'll be painted as nothing more than a patsy and the second coming of Katrien
I honestly doubted the vision behind it all but thought they addressed all the questions well, so much talk of scripted questions but they clearly answered some difficult ones? They conceded that it's not gone amazingly well so far but are committed to improvement? Much better than the last 4 boards have presented imo
You're easily pleased.
Rather that than approach everything everyone says with cynicism. What out of interest did you think it was missing and wasn't addressed amongst general fan concerns?
Substance, mostly. That was the kind of presentation that probably would work quite well if you pitched it at some American speculators looking to invest in that limey soccerball game but to a bunch of fans who've been sold a whole series of pigs in pokes recently it was fluff and soft-soap stuff at best.
Sign good players on a permanent basis, give them to a manager/coach with actual vision and charisma and then and only then will I be convinced that they are anything other than deluded at best, chancers at worst.
Again, did you want them to publically chastise staff members past and present and then publically reveal our list of transfer targets? Not even mouthy MacAntony is that naive. I feel like a lot of the frustration as more to do with Appleton than anything and they explained their rationale behind sticking with him, I'm not a huge fan of what we've seen from Mickey Apples but thought their reasoning was fair enough in that they want to see what he can do with a full squad available and try to bed in some consistency. There were people in the comments calling for us to go and appoint Steve Cooper and you have to wonder what fantasy land people are living in if you think we're an attractive option to him
Scott has been a success in the past two windows, do you think?
I am left wondering about what happens when the losses mount up?
It might be a strategy from the management to persuade the investors that the losses aren't too bad, by selling any decent players like Miles or May, before the ledgers are unveiled. Thus buying the present management time to continue with whatever they think they can do.
Trouble is this will only work in the short term, and in the end the major money people will have to choose between putting more money in, or walking away.
It may also be that the owners/investors say 'woah, don't sell our good players, we'll cover the losses, keep on keeping on'. Hoping for bigger crowds, footballing success and better general income.
Another scenario is if the major shareholders flex their muscles and remove/change the present management structure. That would take some clear headed thinking for sure.
Not as bad as a Prince Andrew interview but not good.
Rodwell - "Where could we sign a better player from than Karoy Anderson?"
Oh do fuck off, if you believe that you're of no use to us.
To be fair he was saying we couldn’t sign another young player on loan as good as Anderson, not just a better player.
Does anyone think that this is true? There is not one young player in the world, that we could sign on loan, who is as good as Karoy Anderson?
My take on it was that he was saying when it comes to making loan signings we have to be thinking "do we want to sign a Premier League youngster for the sake of it - is he better than Karoy Anderson for example?".
I genuinely don't think he just said "Where could we sign a better player than Karoy Anderson". Genuinely.
Will be interesting to watch it back again to see though. But there you go - the three of us all have a slightly different take on what he said!
Losing CBT & Dobb in this window will stop more fans watching the first team matches as many have said they are the players they turn up to see.
What if Alfie decides he wants to go too? What`s left to excite the fans?
I am feeling uneasy because Alfie has been absent in the run up to the Window with a back injury that came as a surprise to me and has not been much mentioned since his absence. As far as I know, Alfie`s name has not been connected to this transfer window but he must be on the radar of other clubs looking to improve their goals and points positions.
If all three should depart, the Management team can hold up their "wad" to the investors and claim they are doing a great job on their behalf. (Vacant berths to be taken up by Loans only it seems)?
What`s left of a first team will struggle even more to get results and be in serious trouble of a freefall towrds Division 2.
Maybe I am the only one worring about Alfie? BUT, he has been playing out of position for the last few games before his injury and his goals have dried up. He cannot feel happy about that.
After listening to the Management Team tonight, it seems no improvements will be made to the contact offers of the first two so they will probably leave if better terms are offered elsewhere. It also struck me that we may only see loans come in during this window with permanents left until the Summer?
We will know by 1st February what we can expect to enjoy for the remainder of the season.
Contradicts what’s been communicated to Swisdom and Dubai a bit if loans are going to be the focus
Again that wasn’t said, he said permanent bids are in and it’s a bit of a waiting game but if they don’t get over the line then it might have to be some loans until the summer but it’s not for the want of trying.
It was said, clear as day. I'm assuming he misspoke because he also said things that directly contradicted it, but he absolutely said it.
More optimistic than previous owners. Had a plan in place, not just one person feeding bulls@@t as MS and TS have done previously. Can’t be any worse, they are making moves for players.
We have six senior players out injured at the moment, which is not unusual for us. (Taylor, Camara, Isted, Aneke, May, McGrandles).
In the 8+8 system, that would mean there's only 12 senior players available, so the bench would be full of youth players....... Which is exactly the situation we're in right now.
Genius!
16-6 = 10 players available plus Academy. If a couple of the 10 are out of form that gives you 8. Totally explains why we won't be getting promoted out of L1.
Not as bad as a Prince Andrew interview but not good.
Rodwell - "Where could we sign a better player from than Karoy Anderson?"
Oh do fuck off, if you believe that you're of no use to us.
To be fair he was saying we couldn’t sign another young player on loan as good as Anderson, not just a better player.
Does anyone think that this is true? There is not one young player in the world, that we could sign on loan, who is as good as Karoy Anderson?
My take on it was that he was saying when it comes to making loan signings we have to be thinking "do we want to sign a Premier League youngster for the sake of it - is he better than Karoy Anderson for example?".
I genuinely don't think he just said "Where could we sign a better player than Karoy Anderson". Genuinely.
Will be interesting to watch it back again to see though. But there you go - the three of us all have a slightly different take on what he said!
My interpretation too. He was saying that he didn't to bring in PL kids if they were no better than what we have already.
Total waste of time, carefully scripted questions asked by a carefully scripted interviewer and carefully scripted answers that have nothing of real substance.
You couldn't have been listening properly then.
I think the people that came on to ask questions did really well and I also think that Charlotte did a pretty good job too - and she asked some questions towards the end that definitely weren't scripted.
be good to hear Airmans take on all this but sounded a lot of old bollocks to me
I think the presentation was ill conceived given the audience but they wanted to convey that they had an understanding of the issues, so fair enough.
They didn’t persuade me that they really had a plan to address them and the failure to set or at least share clear objectives is a weakness.
i don’t buy the structure. it’s top heavy for L1. I was very sceptical about Paul Elliott’s involvement beforehand and he said nothing to persuade me I am wrong.
Took Carter at face value.
The club doesn’t need more consultants. All the expertise it needs to grow is in the fanbase but clearly it isn’t in the boardroom, which is a problem.
Thought the squad thing was nonsense and I don’t see Appleton being here long.
They are going to lose a lot of money. Rodwell may understand that. If the investors do too then fair enough and we may get there eventually, but it will be bumpy. Fingers crossed.
It’s all well and good dismissing all what they are planning, as Rowell stats he has happy to listen to opinions and ideas, would it not be more productive to put your thoughts forward to him and board or speak with CAST.?
I would have thought it would be more beneficial to the club and fans to make your proposals to the club how they could/should engage with fans. Would you be happy to do so ?
I honestly doubted the vision behind it all but thought they addressed all the questions well, so much talk of scripted questions but they clearly answered some difficult ones? They conceded that it's not gone amazingly well so far but are committed to improvement? Much better than the last 4 boards have presented imo
You're easily pleased.
Rather that than approach everything everyone says with cynicism. What out of interest did you think it was missing and wasn't addressed amongst general fan concerns?
Substance, mostly. That was the kind of presentation that probably would work quite well if you pitched it at some American speculators looking to invest in that limey soccerball game but to a bunch of fans who've been sold a whole series of pigs in pokes recently it was fluff and soft-soap stuff at best.
Sign good players on a permanent basis, give them to a manager/coach with actual vision and charisma and then and only then will I be convinced that they are anything other than deluded at best, chancers at worst.
Again, did you want them to publically chastise staff members past and present and then publically reveal our list of transfer targets? Not even mouthy MacAntony is that naive. I feel like a lot of the frustration as more to do with Appleton than anything and they explained their rationale behind sticking with him, I'm not a huge fan of what we've seen from Mickey Apples but thought their reasoning was fair enough in that they want to see what he can do with a full squad available and try to bed in some consistency. There were people in the comments calling for us to go and appoint Steve Cooper and you have to wonder what fantasy land people are living in if you think we're an attractive option to him
Scott has been a success in the past two windows, do you think?
Probably not, but then again if you'd listen to the Q&A yourself as opposed to forming opinions based on text scraps in this thread then you might have heard their glowing reviews of Scott's work off the pitch, from the people that work with him day in day out, I thought his sole job was transfer responsibility but Rodwell in particular alluded to it being a far wider encompassing role than that and the 3 of them sung their praises for Scott, so willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and some more time given he came with a good rep from Forest and colleagues who work closely with him clearly like what he's doing as a wider piece. Do I think our transfers in the summer were good? Alfie and Lloyd aside, not really but then they also had rationale for that in that their takeover wasn't fully ratified by the EFL until quite late in the window when a lot of clubs were a lot further along with their business than us so held their hands up that it was a bit of a scramble and they got some things wrong
I honestly doubted the vision behind it all but thought they addressed all the questions well, so much talk of scripted questions but they clearly answered some difficult ones? They conceded that it's not gone amazingly well so far but are committed to improvement? Much better than the last 4 boards have presented imo
You're easily pleased.
Rather that than approach everything everyone says with cynicism. What out of interest did you think it was missing and wasn't addressed amongst general fan concerns?
Pretty much everything. Let me swing this round. What did they say with answers/solutions that addressed any of the fans concerns?
16 senior pros plus 8 academy graduates is fine if the academy graduates are good enough and at least 20, rather than the raw 16/17 year olds we've been throwing in.
AND if we can get the number of injuries down. Which means not recruiting unfit or "sicknote" players, and hopefully the Brighton guy making a difference.
Comments
WALOOS!
Seems this mob agree and they have been working to eradicate the toxicity.
There will be no over night success and no way to achieve it in any case. They have funds to buy players to improve the squad but it’s not as simple as “just” having the money. As we’ve seen over the last decade, it’s easier to get in bad players than good ones. We spent money on Charlie Kirk for example and re-signed Chuks.
They seem willing to give Apples a chance to turn things around and after the chaos of the last decade, we do need stability. The high turnover of managers in that period has contributed to the mess we now find ourselves in, not improved things.
Of course as everyone has said they will all be judged by winning games and Rodwell was very clear the club hadn’t won enough games and this needed to change. Elliott also accepted we are potentially in a relegation battle this season.
Let’s see where we are come 1 February.
1. while many have dismissed it, by speaking it does give a level of accountability and barometer to be later measured against
2. if you missed it, it is viewable on the link below
https://www.youtube.com/live/WBMJCuSToHY?si=0W2ZcGogqgJSqw6q
If they can turn this metaphorical ship around, great. And I will hold my hands up and acknowledge that that isn't going to happen overnight. But to stretch the analogy, they've got a map but no hands on the wheel... and there's icebergs ahead.
I think the people that came on to ask questions did really well and I also think that Charlotte did a pretty good job too - and she asked some questions towards the end that definitely weren't scripted.
Do they really all bring in enough to justify their expense? I doubt it. But they're happy and that's all that matters.
There is not one young player in the world, that we could sign on loan, who is as good as Karoy Anderson?
It might be a strategy from the management to persuade the investors that the losses aren't too bad, by selling any decent players like Miles or May, before the ledgers are unveiled. Thus buying the present management time to continue with whatever they think they can do.
Trouble is this will only work in the short term, and in the end the major money people will have to choose between putting more money in, or walking away.
It may also be that the owners/investors say 'woah, don't sell our good players, we'll cover the losses, keep on keeping on'. Hoping for bigger crowds, footballing success and better general income.
Another scenario is if the major shareholders flex their muscles and remove/change the present management structure. That would take some clear headed thinking for sure.
I genuinely don't think he just said "Where could we sign a better player than Karoy Anderson". Genuinely.
Will be interesting to watch it back again to see though. But there you go - the three of us all have a slightly different take on what he said!
What if Alfie decides he wants to go too? What`s left to excite the fans?
I am feeling uneasy because Alfie has been absent in the run up to the Window with a back injury that came as a surprise to me and has not been much mentioned since his absence. As far as I know, Alfie`s name has not been connected to this transfer window but he must be on the radar of other clubs looking to improve their goals and points positions.
If all three should depart, the Management team can hold up their "wad" to the investors and claim they are doing a great job on their behalf. (Vacant berths to be taken up by Loans only it seems)?
What`s left of a first team will struggle even more to get results and be in serious trouble of a freefall towrds Division 2.
Maybe I am the only one worring about Alfie? BUT, he has been playing out of position for the last few games before his injury and his goals have dried up. He cannot feel happy about that.
After listening to the Management Team tonight, it seems no improvements will be made to the contact offers of the first two so they will probably leave if better terms are offered elsewhere. It also struck me that we may only see loans come in during this window with permanents left until the Summer?
We will know by 1st February what we can expect to enjoy for the remainder of the season.
Can’t be any worse, they are making moves for players.
If a couple of the 10 are out of form that gives you 8.
Totally explains why we won't be getting promoted out of L1.
Would you be happy to do so ?
Let me swing this round.
What did they say with answers/solutions that addressed any of the fans concerns?
AND if we can get the number of injuries down. Which means not recruiting unfit or "sicknote" players, and hopefully the Brighton guy making a difference.