[Archived] Please can the Fans Forum take action? - Personal plea from Sentient

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Uber fan John Pittard has asked me to point out he hasn't seen a penny off Venkys despite the promise, reported here by FF travellers, that his trip would be paid for by them

Well thats a real shock, Venkies saying one thing and doing another, that's never happened before.

[Gav]

I take it that Birdy hasn't been recompensed, either. Add to that Bilaji reneging on the promise to go to his house. There is steam coming out of my ears, I'm so cross that an institution like Birdy has been lied to so blithely.

Andy Cryer or any LT researchers reading this post, could you please publish in your paper how the Venkys have broken their promise (given in person) and left genuine Rovers fans significantly out of pocket (I'm guessing nearer thousands rather than hundreds of pounds)?

They never even thought about being recompensed Dawn, did they?

They went to India because they love the club, Blackburn Rovers is their life.

Then we have Balaji bling bling promising to pay for the trip then doesn’t follow through on his promise.

Nothing new there then......

VENKYS OUT

KEAN OUT

AGNEW OUT

[sentient]

What I am asking is no judgement on the FF or its members or the pune trip - I don't give a toss about that. But the FF has no future under the rao-clown regime. Might as well use it for maximum effect. There was some suggestion about taking out advertisements in indian press. A well considered resignation press release will be worth more than any paid-for press advert - especially from the very same people that were brought over and paraded around pune by venkies. This would hit even harder now after the wigan-spooking and the mrs-d criminal prosecution. what are you defending? when is the next ff meeting? who is going? who is listening?

[Steve Moss]

Uber fan John Pittard has asked me to point out he hasn't seen a penny off Venkys despite the promise, reported here by FF travellers, that his trip would be paid for by them

I take it that Birdy hasn't been recompensed, either. Add to that Bilaji reneging on the promise to go to his house.

You expected the Rs and the Ds to be honest? Reading/hearing their statements and promises made over the last year, I gave up on competency about 2-4 months into their period of ownership and gave up on their credibility about 6-8 months ago.

I don't know what is going on at Ewood, but it stinks. And the Rs and the Ds are up to their necks in it. I can't stand them.

The FF is powerless. But perhaps they can lay out a case to someone who isn't? What is Jack Straw, frequently mentioned on these boards, doing other than wringing his hands?

[sentient]

The FF is powerless. But perhaps they can lay out a case to someone who isn't? What is Jack Straw, frequently mentioned on these boards, doing other than wringing his hands?

And the best, quickest, most effective way of making that case would be to resign en masse and issue a press statement or even public plea to JS to investiagte and get involved. But yet again, TomM and his entourage will try to paint me as the conspiracy freak. But he and the other members of the ff should use the last vestiges of ff influence and make a public statement. But they won't because they obviously have other interests. Saving face Tom! You have been infected and it is pathetic.

[Tom]

Out of curiosity, what other interests do you think we would have?

As Glenn said a while back if we genuinely thought jacking it in would help we would do it.

As I said I raised the issue with the FF chairman (at least for the moment) tonight and he also thought it would have no effect other than a shrug of the shoulders.

[sentient]

Out of curiosity, what other interests do you think we would have?

As Glenn said a while back if we genuinely thought jacking it in would help we would do it.

As I said I raised the issue with the FF chairman (at least for the moment) tonight and he also thought it would have no effect other than a shrug of the shoulders.

At the very least Tom it would show that you don't support this corrupt regime. But hey, if you're happy to let that perception carry on then that is your decision. Don't expect me to keep quiet about it though. You guys have an opportunity to do something and make a statement. The rest of us are waiting! If you like you can put your name at the top of the list for ff2 and I will siinyr praises - that's if we have a club left to support.

Listen, you think that "jacking it in" won't achieve anything. So what do you hope to achieve in 1/6/12 months time by continuing with the ff? As you have said yourself ... they just bloody ignore you! So come on what do you hope to achieve apart from your continued uber-fan status? Show us that you are more than an internet polieman

[Tom]

At the very least Tom it would show that you don't support this corrupt regime. But hey, if you're happy to let that perception carry on then that is your decision. Don't expect me to keep quiet about it though. You guys have an opportunity to do something and make a statement. The rest of us are waiting! If you like you can put your name at the top of the list for ff2 and I will siinyr praises - that's if we have a club left to support.

Listen, you think that "jacking it in" won't achieve anything. So what do you hope to achieve in 1/6/12 months time by continuing with the ff? As you have said yourself ... they just bloody ignore you! So come on what do you hope to achieve apart from your continued uber-fan status? Show us that you are more than an internet polieman

Who knows what we'll achieve, possibly nothing, possibly a lot, maybe we'll get a slightly larger backpack stocked in the club shop. I can tell you now what we would achieve by resigning though.

As for the rest of us are waiting, no YOU are waiting, I haven't heard many other people ranting and raving about it.

By the way what's an internet polieman? I presume you mean a polite man, so thank you for that.

[Tris]

At the very least Tom it would show that you don't support this corrupt regime. But hey, if you're happy to let that perception carry on then that is your decision. Don't expect me to keep quiet about it though. You guys have an opportunity to do something and make a statement. The rest of us are waiting! If you like you can put your name at the top of the list for ff2 and I will siinyr praises - that's if we have a club left to support.

Listen, you think that "jacking it in" won't achieve anything. So what do you hope to achieve in 1/6/12 months time by continuing with the ff? As you have said yourself ... they just bloody ignore you! So come on what do you hope to achieve apart from your continued uber-fan status? Show us that you are more than an internet polieman

Since news of the Pune trip came out you have attacked the Fans Forum and its members at evey single opportunity and in every thread you post in.

I find that very strange, because since you started posting here in early 2007 as "Damage", you have never, ever even mentioned the Fans Forum until just a few weeks ago.

During the 4 1/2 years that you totally ignored the FF, you have ranted and raved on this MB about things like the Prayer Room and the wish for cheap season tickets vs match day pricing ... and those are things which were discussed at the Fans Forum because people like you brought them up. The latter with considerable success as I'm sure you'll agree.

So don't lecture us on opportunities to "do something" or "make a statement". You could have mucked in at any time in the last 13 years, but have chosen not to and let others champion your causes. So you are in no position whatsoever to now deliver lectures about how other people should or shouldn't act.

And why is the Fans Forum your latest target?? Will you be resorting to the abusive tactics of your past if you don't get your own way on this current bee in your bonnet?

Tell you what mate .... you really are a class A "COCK"!

Were you abused as a child? do you have problems about your identify?

Are you confused about sexulayt or you origin? Probably none of these .......... but i do know that you are the most patehetic person on this mb.

Sorry but the word "COCK" springs to mind!

No. I had to create a new account because when I got a new pc I couldn't rem any of my login details, not even my email so no way of recovering and only option to create a new account. Old tag was "Damage"

[OscarRaven]

I agree an enmasse resignation would be pointless, if not impossible (the Barry White lovers are going nowhere and strong whiff of sudden power /importance will surely corrupt others irrespective of the evil perputrated).

But what we are missing is the next steps from the fans forum, a concerted action plan. Where do you stand? Happy with whats happening?

Yes you were low profile and yes no-one was interested before - but the "you weren't interested when we were talking about fake cig's" arguement just doesn't hold water anymore.

The club wasn't at war with its fans before - things change!

When you took the Venky money and went to India you became more than prices and pies, you became our 'offcial voice' you need to step up to that responsibilty.

Even the local paper has picked its side (cutting off some of its valueable sources no doubt in the process) and is finally supporting the fans. Time for the fans forum to get off the fence.

Start representing the clear majority, step up or get out of the way so others can!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

I agree an enmasse resignation would be pointless, if not impossible (the Barry White lovers are going nowhere and strong whiff of sudden power /importance will surely corrupt others irrespective of the evil perputrated).

But what we are missing is the next steps from the fans forum, a concerted action plan. Where do you stand? Happy with whats happening?

Yes you were low profile and yes no-one was interested before - but the "you weren't interested when we were talking about fake cig's" arguement just doesn't hold water anymore.

The club wasn't at war with its fans before - things change!

When you took the Venky money and went to India you became more than prices and pies, you became our 'offcial voice' you need to step up to that responsibilty.

Even the local paper has picked its side (cutting off some of its valueable sources no doubt in the process) and is finally supporting the fans. Time for the fans forum to get off the fence.

Start representing the clear majority, step up or get out of the way so others can!

Correct.

[cn174]

Start representing the clear majority, step up or get out of the way so others can!

But where are these others? As far as I know since the FF become such 'high profile' they've had a whole two!!! requests for people to join.

There was also an open invite to the last agenda setting meeting, noone turned up.

So for everyone bashing the FF saying what they should and shouldn't do, it seems that noone else is willing to 'step up'.

[OscarRaven]

But where are these others? As far as I know since the FF become such 'high profile' they've had a whole two!!! requests for people to join.

There was also an open invite to the last agenda setting meeting, noone turned up.

So for everyone bashing the FF saying what they should and shouldn't do, it seems that noone else is willing to 'step up'.

Well a local lad has stepped up, paying a terrible price for it mind, he has done more single handed from scratch than the whole fans forum.

Why did no-one turn up to the 'agenda setting meeting' but hundreds turn up to peacefully protest. A very good question, perhaps one the forum needs to collectively ask itself?

And I'd suggest those two people are taken up on thier offer, hopefully if the forum gets more 'action' orientated things will change and they will be the first of many.

[Baz]

I think people asking for the FF to resign need to be aware of the possibility that maybe they dont hold the same opinion. Some may well be still pro-Venky and in the give Kean more time camp.

There are people who think that as a supporter of the club, they should back everything it does, no matter what.

The FF shouldnt resign. There are far better ways of achieving Keans removal.

[sentient]

Since news of the Pune trip came out you have attacked the Fans Forum and its members at evey single opportunity and in every thread you post in.

I find that very strange, because since you started posting here in early 2007 as "Damage", you have never, ever even mentioned the Fans Forum until just a few weeks ago.

During the 4 1/2 years that you totally ignored the FF, you have ranted and raved on this MB about things like the Prayer Room and the wish for cheap season tickets vs match day pricing ... and those are things which were discussed at the Fans Forum because people like you brought them up. The latter with considerable success as I'm sure you'll agree.

So don't lecture us on opportunities to "do something" or "make a statement". You could have mucked in at any time in the last 13 years, but have chosen not to and let others champion your causes. So you are in no position whatsoever to now deliver lectures about how other people should or shouldn't act.

And why is the Fans Forum your latest target?? Will you be resorting to the abusive tactics of your past if you don't get your own way on this current bee in your bonnet?

Oh dear! I have the audacitity to suggest that FF might want to do something in the face of the ongoing crisis at our football club so what do you do? Trawl through my backposts from 3 and 4 years ago to show that I'm not always as polite as I should be. Why are you trying to make this about me rather than what the FF can and should do?

Should the FF hold a view on the behaviour of the club owners and managers? Or should it just sit and "talk about pies" as you like to remind us? It has been pointed out above that the game has changed and we need representatives that are prepared to stand-up and be counted.

The original post in this topic was a request that the FF do something positive to influence current events. I believe they can put more pressure on venkies and kean by resigning and issuing a considered press release to the effect that they can no longer support the current regime. And also bring to the attention of the wider fanbase and media some of the disturbing events that have taken place, like questioning the £100m mortgage. But you seem to be violently opposed to that. I can only wonder why?

Imagine FF resigning and their press statement/open letter to venkies, printed in full on the back page of the Telegraph. If you can't see that having an impact then I respectfully request that you get to the opticians. Of course you could be defending your uber-fan status, or have been seriously infected with the saving-face virus?

[jim mk2]

Oh dear! I have the audacitity to suggest that FF might want to do something in the face of the ongoing crisis at our football club so what do you do? Trawl through my backposts from 3 and 4 years ago

I wouldn't worry about it. He did the same with me when I changed my stance over John Williams. He's been a supporter of the present regime since day one and also supported the sacking of Sam Allardyce. He also thought Paul Ince was a good manager.

In a nutshell, he knows very little about football and gets it wrong on the most important issues so has resorted to attacking individuals to compensate for his loss of credibility.

With regards to the Fans Forum their resignation en masse might not cause any ripples in Pune but might give the Venky's lackeys at Ewood some idea of the general disaffection of supporters. That is of course assuming the FF are opposed to the present owners and their management of the club - after the FF's all-expenses paid junket to India this year no one is sure where they stand.

[thenodrog]

enough of one to realise that the fans forum is absolutely powerless and that focusing any aggression on them is counter productive and ridiculous.

It is really. The Fans Forum is just that, powerless. It consists of well meaning dedicated BRFC fans and convenes regularly to raise issues of peripheral spectator importance surrounding the club. It does plenty of good work but had only marginal power under the John Williams reign, now it's virtually none at all. It was not formed with the requirements of today in mind. Why would it have been? No one could haver predicted what has gone on these past 12 months in their worst nightmares. Going to Pune was like sending the Boys Brigade to the Normandy landings on D Day. The FF would have been better advised to invite a big hitting delegation of half a dozen experienced and qualified individuals to go in their place. Corporate lawyers, accountants including a couple of representative of the serious press/media and maybe someone from the FA or Premier League too. (My mate who held a ST until this summer and who has spent a lifetime as a Senior partner in a large legal practice in Manchester specialising in the field of Company law and Insolvency would have been ideal. He has a host of contacts in corporate accountancy and banking. The Venkeys would hardly have spotted the subterfuge and maybe their ultimate intentions would have been better sussed and their input better received. Any subsequent supporter protest would then be unified and better informed and not shooting in the dark with snap protest actions.

[thenodrog]

That's shocking to be fair, they had no reason to pay it but once they offered they should see it through.

Shocking indeed but don't tell me that you are suprised Tom? The past 12 months has taught me one thing and thats that the venkeymob can't even lie straight in bed. In fact my decision to not renew in the summer was primarily because they have proved to be base liars.

Here is the true Slumdog Millionaires in all their splender.

I got criticised on here by plenty for referring to em as Slumdog millionaires 11 months ago. Banned too for a time. Who would take me to task over it now?

[thenodrog]

The FF is powerless. But perhaps they can lay out a case to someone who isn't? What is Jack Straw, frequently mentioned on these boards, doing other than wringing his hands?

As far as the Venkeys are concerned I'd wager he'll have the taint of Islam on him.

[Steve Moss]

As far as the Venkeys are concerned I'd wager he'll have the taint of Islam on him.

I don't understand?

Surely Mr. Straw could question in Parliament why a manager with a 18% win percentage is being given a 400% improved contract? It reeks of a hidden agendas and/or stupidity which should be exposed to the light of day.

[Ben-2000]

The FF has expressed concerns of fans both at meetings and to the owner's directly in Pune. You seem to be on a one man mission to get all FF members to resign, yet I have read nothing to suggest what this would do to improve things.

Although these concerns can be put forward it doesn't mean the FF (or anyone else) outside of the club has any powers for change - the people sat around the table at meetings are no more/less of a fan than anyone else at the end of the day, just representatives of those fans who wish to raise any issues they may have.

All resigning would do is to leave fans without an official link to the club and communication channels in a poorer state than they are now.

[Tris]

Well a local lad has stepped up, paying a terrible price for it mind, he has done more single handed from scratch than the whole fans forum.

I assume you're referring to Glen. Of course he has stepped up in these troubled times and good on him for doing so - at the same time Tom and I turned up and spoke at Glen's Public Meeting at Uncle Jack's on October 20th. Glen at that time had his own direct links into the club and certainly didn't need any help from the FF to facilitate communication at the right level.

But here's his latest blog on his comms with the club ..

I know as a protest organiser how difficult it has been to try and engage in meaningful conversations with the club. In each meeting Simon Littler and I had with the club regarding protest, we was always willing to work with the club and the Police to ensure all demonstrations were carried out peacefully and with peoples safety at the forefront. We also took part in a meeting with the club and 6 other supporters as we put across some concerns. These were minuted by the club and the result of that meeting was that it was recommended by the club that the meeting needed to go up a level and that a meeting with the board was beneficial to all parties. However to date those minutes have not been publicly released to the supporters of Blackburn Rovers by the club, and the further meeting has not been scheduled. Naturally we are disappointed that talks have broke down and despite our best efforts in the last three weeks the club has refused to come back to the table to resume these discussions.

On that evidence, I'd suggest that the Fans Forum needs to stay sensible and maintain a 13 year long working relationship with the club. It might be needed.

Seperately, I attended the initial public meeting of the embryonic Supporters Trust back on 11th May. I understand that setting up BRST has taken longer than expected, but this will be a truly independent supporters body. Not linked to protests, and not hosted by the club.

Only 40 people turned up back in May which is really surprising when you look at the level of discontent, but it's going to happen and the people who are currently sniping at the Fans Forum would be far better diverting their energy into supporting BRST and actually getting involved.

[Tom]

I hope we have news on BRST soon I know Duncan spoke at the public meeting and hopes to have more Info soon.

I certainly want to sign up and would hope people who want to make a noise and make a difference do as well as I've said before BRST could be a very good voice for the fans.

[Steve Moss]

Oh dear! I have the audacitity to suggest that FF might want to do something in the face of the ongoing crisis at our football club so what do you do?

The FF has been doing something to improve the situation at the club. It has spoken with at least one owner. That is more than many on this board can say.

Personally, I think they should be doing more to build bridges between the fans and the owners, and should focus on bypassing the current administration at the club (which is worthless).

Resigning would have no impact and would be counter-productive. So long as the club acknowledges that there is a FF, they have a small amount of clout. Let's hope it can be employed to the betterment of the situation, which does not include the self-destructive act you seem so intent upon.

[Ste B]

Steve Kean talking to the Mirror about meeting fans

"I think there has been a lot of suggestion that they would like to know a little bit more about the organisation and the running of the club."

I wonder how that was raised ? It was certainly mentioned in the last forum meeting.