Pune trip

[Gav]

Just had a thought after posting on the fan on the board thread.. can any of those going to Pune please confirm an important aspect imo.. would you refuse to sign any form of none disclosure act (which would limit the information that your allowed to pass on to us fans)?

The fans forum has always had a certain amount of none disclosure even under the last regime, so Venkys making such a request wouldn’t be anything out of the ordinary.

Can someone from the forum confirm or deny this point?

[Ste B]

There is an amount of confidentially required, as some of the info given could be misused by the press etc.

[beatrix]

I am talking about the attendees.

[AndyNeil]

I am talking about the attendees.

I'd love to know your thought process which leads you to that conclusion?

[Glenn]

I am talking about the attendees.

As stated in the thread already, both meeting at Ewood and self-funded trips were possibilities explored months ago (and yes, like others on the forum, I'd happily pay my own way (the hard part was the time off work) as I've mentioned previously when I couldn't get to Hong Kong, I'd already turned my attention to getting to the cancelled game in India).

As for NDA. What planet are people on, it can hardly be both a PR junket AND be under an NDA can it. "Hey guy, come over here and see how great it is, we want you to spread the word about what we're doing .... only we want you to do it in such a way as we need you do to it without actually disclosing any information about it". My expectation is one of the reasons the FF was chosen for this initial contact was the fact we're all bright enough to know what to shout about it's better to show a modicum of discretion about.

(BTW, Good answer T4E, I don't entirely agree with you, but yours is probably the first "don't go" post that actually gave sensible reasons)

(PS. I know I'm going to regret "modicum of discretion" comment as some won't take it the way I intend. I've got all kinds of stories from European footy tips that I won't share publicly, I'm sure this one will be no different. That doesn't mean I'm expecting to have to clear every statement from here on out through two different PR companies)

[beatrix]

I'd love to know your thought process which leads you to that conclusion?

As I said you have accepted a free trip , thus a financial gain.

[Tom]

As I said you have accepted a free trip , thus a financial gain.

I hope you didn't go to Wolves last season and accept subsidised tickets and food vouchers as by your logic all those people must be mercenaries as well right?

[beatrix]

I hope you didn't go to Wolves last season and accept subsidised tickets and food vouchers as by your logic all those people must be mercenaries as well right?

Quite right I didnt accept any free gifts.

[Veevs]

As stated in the thread already, both meeting at Ewood and self-funded trips were possibilities explored months ago (and yes, like others on the forum, I'd happily pay my own way (the hard part was the time off work) as I've mentioned previously when I couldn't get to Hong Kong, I'd already turned my attention to getting to the cancelled game in India).

As for NDA. What planet are people on, it can hardly be both a PR junket AND be under an NDA can it. "Hey guy, come over here and see how great it is, we want you to spread the word about what we're doing .... only we want you to do it in such a way as we need you do to it without actually disclosing any information about it". My expectation is one of the reasons the FF was chosen for this initial contact was the fact we're all bright enough to know what to shout about it's better to show a modicum of discretion about.

(BTW, Good answer T4E, I don't entirely agree with you, but yours is probably the first "don't go" post that actually gave sensible reasons)

(PS. I know I'm going to regret "modicum of discretion" comment as some won't take it the way I intend. I've got all kinds of stories from European footy tips that I won't share publicly, I'm sure this one will be no different. That doesn't mean I'm expecting to have to clear every statement from here on out through two different PR companies)

Sorry Glenn I hope you did not take offense.. Part of my job has been to arrange these as a manager did the same for Pfizer, a none disclosure agreement always includes the great phrase "without our consent".. so you get people over sign them to an NDA with a clause.. you only are allowed to release the information that they allow you to. For me I could quote Pele (he was paranoid about being associated with having a limb thingy) left right and center but it was always on his and Pfizers terms, and btw it was a 5yr agreement for me so allowed to speak about it now.

[tony gale's mic]

I hope you didn't go to Wolves last season and accept subsidised tickets and food vouchers as by your logic all those people must be mercenaries as well right?

While I wouldn't agree with the mercernaries line, those are two very different situations.

[yoda]

I hope you didn't go to Wolves last season and accept subsidised tickets and food vouchers as by your logic all those people must be mercenaries as well right?

The taxman could be interested!

[sentient]

I take your points on board but imagine had we tunred it down, Venkys had it easy then by saying 'we tried to arrange a meeting to talk to fans but they weren't interested'

Tom, if that really is how you think they would react, then why are you giving them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to what might happen in india, during and after the trip?

The 9 are obviously committed to going on this trip (only a 10-0 drubbing by city could change their minds) so I will ask for just a couple of things.

When in india be v.careful about photos and what you say - I'm sure plenty here will be watching media outlets all over asia so you will be made aware if you have been PR'd (I understand totally that none of you would knowingly walk into such a thing as I'm sure do all other posters).

Secondly, and as a previous poster mentioned, when you return please have a sit down together and review events and stuff in the media. If it is obvious that you have been PR'd then I would humbly request that you pledge to publicly issue a statement that "things ain't what they seem".

Aside from that, enjoy yourselves - you may as well if the pre-visit flak is any indicator of the future! Please don't start with the martyr complex though - we do know that you are doing it for the right reasons.

[Peter]

If you were going. AB, what would YOU do?

Here's a novel thought. How about you chosen few - primed for the pilgrimage to Pune - tell the club's woefully out-of-touch owners as it is, regardless of the ideals dictated by the "briefing"? I couldn't personally give a monkey's how "well-intentioned" they claim to be. Exactly what have they done to deserve the treatment of royalty that cannot be questioned?

If you all get the opportunity to meet, their are a number of things that - I'd hope - would be made crystal-clear:

- That their premature ejaculation on entrance to the Premier League jamboree damn nearly lead to our exit from said League after a decade of success under the dependable guidance of the much-maligned Walker Trust, and still threatens to should they fail to jettison their most symbolic and burdensome blunder - Steve Kean. Allardyce, Williams and Finn - actual assets to the club - were swept aside like a worthless lump of cack on a wedding aisle without a shred of remorse. What has Steve Kean - a man who is handi-capping the club on a daily basis - done to be afforded the patience they were so brutally denied?

- That their vainglorious pursuit of various decaying stars of yester-year are not only farfetched and utterly laughable, but also from the outside appear to be diluting the authority of both the management and scouting department. Scarcely appealing to any on-looking candidate worth his salt should Kean be sacked.

- That the influence of their thoroughly deplorable Dutch Uncle - Jerome "couldn't pick his nose" Anderson - was allowed to escalate way out of control and that his lousy legacy lives on (despite having allegedly been marginalised) with the club lumbered with his lame lad Myles.

- That Steve Kean's scripted blather - which they are probably complicit with - does not butter the parsnips of an ever-growing group of disillusioned supporters, that feel as though they are having the wool pulled over their eyes by people that are supposed to be representing the club that they love.

- That they have already failed to buttress their assurances that 5 million pound would be invested each window - with the net spend this summer being a negative one.

- That their collective failure to make an appearance for the opening game of the season was completely unacceptable. They simply must attend more games in order to understand this magical club and what makes it's supporters tick.

- That going through with this self-indulgent shindig and risking player fatigue through un-necessary globe-trotting - during a relegation battle - is unorthodox to say the least. Bare in mid that this isn't like any normal mid-season get-away, Blackburn Rovers will be the main focus of attention and the onus will be on the players to impress - that could prove mentally draining - compounding the unavoidable jet-lag.

- That their status as novices that "don't know any better" doesn't even begin to mitigate the madness of many of their actions. They didn't have to jump in all guns blazing, a calculated sit back and take stock policy would have been much less chaotic. That they've been broadly condemned by all and sundry shows if nothing else that their handling of the club has been brain-addled. SAF was particularly scathing and I'd suggest he knows his onions infinitely more than Venky's do.

- Also, essentially, that they have failed miserably to give off the impression that they ever really intented to foster this proud club's traditions, regardless of what they claimed on arrival almost a year back with that largely violated list of promises. Promises that made perfect sense and had they been kept we'd not be here today lamenting such a lengthy rap-sheet of feather-brained folly.

With the above in mind, despite the emphasis on Kean it's clear that Venky's are every bit as culpable for the clubs demise. If introducing them to the full extent of their amateur mis-haps "breaks down relations" then I'm afraid that it all but confirms that they are not, and never will be, the owners they promised to be. However, do not let that deter you from speaking the truths as, in my view, they'd have to be as mad as a March hare to ignore your concerns - as it would instantly undermine the trust that is their to be built between the two parties. For instance, what is to be gained from prohibiting Kean's wretchedness from all discussions when that is the single most important topic on most Rovers supporters' lips? The sooner they realise that results are paramount and will in turn cover a multitude of off-field sins, the sooner they will sooth relations between them and the malcontents on the terraces.

Steve Kean just isn't a manager, he's the amplifier that has exposed Venky's lack of dexterity warts-and-all week after week with his pitiful efforts to deflect scrutiny away from our ailing club. To my mind, Kean's reign has been a monument to misery and it's time it came to an end, it is the duty of those invited that are of a disgruntled-with-Kean persuasion to explain first-hand just how poor you feel his tenure has been. Don't dramatically digress from the pleasantries by any means and enjoy yourselves, but please make it abundantly clear that Steve Kean is an albatross round the neck of our club and that of all the turds he steams most - a view shared by nigh-on 95% and counting of the most recent poll concerning him.

Ultimately, if certain points aren't going to be raised next week through fear that it might "upset" Venky's then I'm afraid I too agree that the get-together is tantamount to weeing into the wind. Venky's have made light work of upsetting an awful lot of supporters with many of their actions and they need to know that this has to come to an end. The longer the problems are ignored the more damaging the consequences will be...

[sentient]

Thats brilliant Rollo but I susepct that you have more information than most and are working to a different agenda!?Still love ur post.

[Myles Anderson]

Well said that man, a thouroughly excellent post.

Superb, took many words out of my very own mouth.

I wish you were going to Pune.

[sentient]

blah! whatever happens I think it would be good if the 9 give a public statement to the fanbase onbrfcs.com (+other websites) as a minimum. would that be somethinh that the 9 could committ to? or would that be outside the boundaries of what venkys want? all we want is the truth!

[glen9mullan]

Here's a novel thought. How about you chosen few - primed for the pilgrimage to Pune - tell the club's woefully out-of-touch owners as it is, regardless of the ideals dictated by the "briefing"? I couldn't personally give a monkey's how "well-intentioned" they claim to be. Exactly what have they done to deserve the treatment of royalty that cannot be questioned?

If you all get the opportunity to meet, their are a number of things that - I'd hope - would be made crystal-clear:

- That their premature ejaculation on entrance to the Premier League jamboree damn nearly lead to our exit from said League after a decade of success under the dependable guidance of the much-maligned Walker Trust, and still threatens to should they fail to jettison their most symbolic and burdensome blunder - Steve Kean. Allardyce, Williams and Finn - actual assets to the club - were swept aside like a worthless lump of cack on a wedding aisle without a shred of remorse. What has Steve Kean - a man who is handi-capping the club on a daily basis - done to be afforded the patience they were so brutally denied?

- That their vainglorious pursuit of various decaying stars of yester-year are not only farfetched and utterly laughable, but also from the outside appear to be diluting the authority of both the management and scouting department. Scarcely appealing to any on-looking candidate worth his salt should Kean be sacked.

- That the influence of their thoroughly deplorable Dutch Uncle - Jerome "couldn't pick his nose" Anderson - was allowed to escalate way out of control and that his lousy legacy lives on (despite having allegedly been marginalised) with the club lumbered with his lame lad Myles.

- That Steve Kean's scripted blather - which they are probably complicit with - does not butter the parsnips of an ever-growing group of disillusioned supporters, that feel as though they are having the wool pulled over their eyes by people that are supposed to be representing the club that they love.

- That they have already failed to buttress their assurances that 5 million pound would be invested each window - with the net spend this summer being a negative one.

- That their collective failure to make an appearance for the opening game of the season was completely unacceptable. They simply must attend more games in order to understand this magical club and what makes it's supporters tick.

- That going through with this self-indulgent shindig and risking player fatigue through un-necessary globe-trotting - during a relegation battle - is unorthodox to say the least. Bare in mid that this isn't like any normal mid-season get-away, Blackburn Rovers will be the main focus of attention and the onus will be on the players to impress - that could prove mentally draining - compounding the unavoidable jet-lag.

- That their status as novices that "don't know any better" doesn't even begin to mitigate the madness of many of their actions. They didn't have to jump in all guns blazing, a calculated sit back and take stock policy would have been much less chaotic. That they've been broadly condemned by all and sundry shows if nothing else that their handling of the club has been brain-addled. SAF was particularly scathing and I'd suggest he knows his onions infinitely more than Venky's do.

- Also, essentially, that they have failed miserably to give off the impression that they ever really intented to foster this proud club's traditions, regardless of what they claimed on arrival almost a year back with that largely violated list of promises. Promises that made perfect sense and had they been kept we'd not be here today lamenting such a lengthy rap-sheet of feather-brained folly.

With the above in mind, despite the emphasis on Kean it's clear that Venky's are every bit as culpable for the clubs demise. If introducing them to the full extent of their amateur mis-haps "breaks down relations" then I'm afraid that it all but confirms that they are not, and never will be, the owners they promised to be. However, do not let that deter you from speaking the truths as, in my view, they'd have to be as mad as a March hare to ignore your concerns - as it would instantly undermine the trust that is their to be built between the two parties. For instance, what is to be gained from prohibiting Kean's wretchedness from all discussions when that is the single most important topic on most Rovers supporters' lips? The sooner they realise that results are paramount and will in turn cover a multitude of off-field sins, the sooner they will sooth relations between them and the malcontents on the terraces.

Steve Kean just isn't a manager, he's the amplifier that has exposed Venky's lack of dexterity warts-and-all week after week with his pitiful efforts to deflect scrutiny away from our ailing club. To my mind, Kean's reign has been a monument to misery and it's time it came to an end, it is the duty of those invited that are of a disgruntled-with-Kean persuasion to explain first-hand just how poor you feel his tenure has been. Don't dramatically digress from the pleasantries by any means and enjoy yourselves, but please make it abundantly clear that Steve Kean is an albatross round the neck of our club and that of all the turds he steams most - a view shared by nigh-on 95% and counting of the most recent poll concerning him.

Ultimately, if certain points aren't going to be raised next week through fear that it might "upset" Venky's then I'm afraid I too agree that the get-together is tantamount to weeing into the wind. Venky's have made light work of upsetting an awful lot of supporters with many of their actions and they need to know that this has to come to an end. The longer the problems are ignored the more damaging the consequences will be...

Well said, No point beating around the bush this is not a popularity contest, This is about our beloved Blackburn Rovers

[Ricky]

So I take it you've already said all of this to then then Glen. You are in dialogue with them so im assuming you came right out with all of the points covered on your first ever conversation with them.

[Ozz]

- That their premature ejaculation on entrance to the Premier League jamboree damn nearly lead to our exit from said League after a decade of success under the dependable guidance of the much-maligned Walker Trust, and still threatens to should they fail to jettison their most symbolic and burdensome blunder - Steve Kean. Allardyce, Williams and Finn - actual assets to the club - were swept aside like a worthless lump of cack on a wedding aisle without a shred of remorse.

... Promises that made perfect sense and had they been kept we'd not be here today lamenting such a lengthy rap-sheet of feather-brained folly.

Difficult to pick just two highlights out of that uproariously zeitgeist capturing post, but these are two anyway!

[toogs]

Here's a novel thought. How about you chosen few - primed for the pilgrimage to Pune - tell the club's woefully out-of-touch owners as it is, regardless of the ideals dictated by the "briefing"? I couldn't personally give a monkey's how "well-intentioned" they claim to be. Exactly what have they done to deserve the treatment of royalty that cannot be questioned?

Superb post. I do wish you were attending.

We have now passed the point of happy clappy relationship building - it's no longer the priority. We MUST do ANYTHING possible to avoid relegation this season.

Now is time for action, starting by telling the owners exactly how it is. And this can be done in a professional manner by those with the skills that possess them. That's how business works. I just hope we have someone that will step up to the plate.

[broadsword]

If introducing them to the full extent of their amateur mis-haps "breaks down relations" then I'm afraid that it all but confirms that they are not, and never will be, the owners they promised to be.

Indeed. If they are worried about telling Venky's how it is and instead are more concerned with ongoing dialogue and not upsetting them, then it will just be an "Uncle Tom" relationship.

[Roverall]

Rolo PB - that's the post of the year so far in my book.

I think the time for a softly-softly approach with our 'badly advised' owners is over.

Clowns, the whole bloody lot of them.

[Andy]

It'd be a shame if any member was going for the 'jolly' and somebody like Rolo wasn't going.

[AndyNeil]

The taxman could be interested!

Are you suggesting that this trip could be considered a taxable benefit in kind which should be declared on a personal tax return?

[yoda]

Are you suggesting that this trip could be considered a taxable benefit in kind which should be declared on a personal tax return?

Is there not a section for payment in kind on the tax form, there used to be and I once got questioned about hotel bills and meals by the tax office, they said they were classed as payment in kind

also all benefits and payments have to be declared,

unless your a politician then you just say sorry when found out!