[Archived] Next protest

[Darwen_Blue]

Black and Yellow Scarfs are available from Buy Scarfs £5 including delivery.

[Torgeir]

The big difference is targeting the manager. At the time we had a largely popular one in Rafa Benitez, whereas you guys have Steve Kean. Now, I may be wrong but reading between the lines I kinda get the impression he's not universally loved at Ewood. Have a go at me if I'm wrong! But we then had Roy (BEEP) Hodgson. Again, I believe he's not massively popular with you either. We wanted him out and Kenny Dalglish or Rafa back. His tactics were awful, the football shocking, blaming the players & fans disgraceful and he couldn't say anything right to the media. Sound familiar? But he had to remain a secondary target. We knew new owners would get rid.

Yes! That's why I think the target should be Venky's.

Top post btw.

[barry_]

You'd be surprised by how much impact even a few people taking action can have you are underestimating the BRFC fanbase - imagine if you could get just 30 fans all turning up at Barclays to close their bank accounts at the same time - I'm sure the press would cover it, and given the current situation with banks in general at the moment it's not something that Barclays would want repeating (banks are desperate not to lose customers, money or their reputation). I also think you're over estimating the support that Liverpool has in the UK.

A message from Mr Random Bird (a long term LFC fan and season ticket holder)..........

Okay, this is weird. Hmmmmm, anyway... I'm a member of a LFC forum that seems very similar in tone to this one. I'm sure there's more militant forums BRFC forums out there. And some softer ones too. This just strikes a familiar chord in terms of sensibility, intelligence and humour. About 3 years back we started a thread that eventually ran for hundreds of pages. The topics may seem familiar to you guys... "Do we give the owners the benefit of the doubt? Who is actually running the club? Are there additional owners behind the scenes? Is the manager a legitimate target? Do we protest during the match? Should we boycott the matches?" etc etc etc.

We had two owners fleecing the club; two former multiple bankruptees who should never had passed the Fit & Proper Persons test (one had left Corinthians in Brazil $400m in debt) adding millions of pounds of debt onto the club, underinvesting in the squad, undermining the manager, making false promises to fans, racking up huge expenses claims, paying their mates $50m for stadium designs that will never be used, treating fans with contempt, disdain & threats. I believe it's been under-reported just how close the club was to defaulting on loans to RBS and the subsequent administration. Just hours away last November. They took over the club when it had (if I remember correctly) £45m of debt. By the end of their 44 months tenure it was well in excess of £300m. They just kept refinancing the loans at ever-increasing percentage rates.

We had all these debates you're having. At great length. They're important. But so is action. What is important is an established fans group. We had Spirit of Shankly (see their website) which developed over time. They presented a common voice of the protesting fans (and you'll never get all fans on board; some just like the easy life). At first they met and tried working with the management structure and owners. Then as things got worse, anger grew and Thomas Hicks & George Gillett became public enemy number one (er, and two). SoS attracted passionate fans with something to contribute be it legal experience, financial expertise, media skills, local contacts and mainly sheer bloody-mindedness & passion. By the end of it all we all become mini-experts on international banking deals, leveraged buyouts and company governance. We learnt about shell companies, off-shore avoidance and all kinds of other concepts totally alien to the vast majority of football fans. BRFC will have such people amongst their fanbase. The rest of you will have to be willing to learn and contribute whatever you can - join a boycott, attend a protest, spread the word. Everyone can do their bit and to what extent you can; it can all add to the pressure.

The important thing to realise is they were just custodians of the club. Just as we're current fans. There's been a history long before we arrived and it'll continue long after. Present day results and standings in the league mean nothing. Nothing. The only thing that matters is protecting the club; respecting the heritage and ensuring a long & enduring future. Support the team, support the manager (I'll come back to this!) but support the fight.

Boycotting merchandise was one of the early initiatives and very successful it was too. Shirts, programmes, hotdogs etc - just don't spend an extra penny. Marches. Limited protesting during the match (if it's all the owners & TV viewers will hear). Extended protesting after matches. Email, phonecall and Facebook campaigns to potential refinancers. An intimidating presence at the hotel whenever the owners came over. It just built - they had to be told in no uncertain terms that enough was enough and a fight was on.

I could go on about the glorious successes along the way (running the owner's son/chief exec out of town, bringing down the computers of a Wall St bank by sheer volume of emails, the escapades of a fan posting his 'unmentionable bits' on a Texan judge's Facebook page) but instead I'll simply recommend Brian Reade's book "An Epic Swindle: 44 months with a pair of cowboys". It's a must-read for inspiration.

Yes, Liverpool have a larger fanbase here and across the world but it can still be done. You'll just have to roll your sleeves up for an even longer & harder fight. There is no reason to not believe you can make a difference. And yes, Merseyside has a certain stubborness, militancy & desire to take on the establishment that doesn't come naturally to us Blackburnians. But it needs doing; it's too dangerous to leave it to others. They will continue to fleece the club.

I'm not a member of SoS. I'm not claiming to be a leading light of the fight. I'm just a fan who followed the boycott (despite the REALLY good hotdogs) and attended some of the protests. But I'm sure SoS will meet a groups of representatives and offer advice. The Green & Gold brigade at Old Trafford also would. Other clubs (in the North West too) have gone & are going through what you have; tap into their experience.

The big difference is targeting the manager. At the time we had a largely popular one in Rafa Benitez, whereas you guys have Steve Kean. Now, I may be wrong but reading between the lines I kinda get the impression he's not universally loved at Ewood. Have a go at me if I'm wrong! But we then had Roy (BEEP) Hodgson. Again, I believe he's not massively popular with you either. We wanted him out and Kenny Dalglish or Rafa back. His tactics were awful, the football shocking, blaming the players & fans disgraceful and he couldn't say anything right to the media. Sound familiar? But he had to remain a secondary target. We knew new owners would get rid.

I know it's more complicated with Kentaro and the Jerome Anderson connection. But this is where organising a group and setting targets comes into it. First stage is forming the group and attracting experitise, knowledge & contacts. Second stage is establishing the true ownership & management structure at the club and finding out which organisations or individuals is owed money. Third is for this group to garner support amongst the fanbase. Then build the pressure.

My 44 months under Hicks & Gillett was awful. The joy of football was sucked out of me and I nearly gave up my ST. And, as I said, the club was close to going out of business. You have begun this same horrific journey and things may get worse. Even forcing Venkys out doesn't guarantee that all is sweetness & light (witness the never-ending series of dodgy owners at Portsmouth). But there's a fight to be had. Have it.

a great rallying cry to everyone involved in the protests. Just one thing to ask though... any chance you could extend your help by giving us 3 points when we visit anfield over christmas?!

[roverandout]

just hope come saturday, this will be the final nail in his coffin.

[AggyBlue]

just hope come saturday, this will be the final nail in his coffin.

I'd say a defeat should be the end of Kean.

If not, then Venky's aren't putting Rovers interests first and it will be obvious they are deliberately trying to get us relegated.

[gumboots]

I'd say a defeat should be the end of Kean.

If not, then Venky's aren't putting Rovers interests first and it will be obvious they are deliberately trying to get us relegated.

I think that's been fairly likely for some time now. I used to think they were just naive or even dumb but nobody could be that naive or dozy. I overheard someone teaching geography explaining the word declining to his class and he said "We could say Blackburn rovers are declining" to which one of the year 7 pupils said "yes, sir, rapidly" If an 11 year old can see it, then the owners can and their unwillingness to do anything about it must be deliberate and calculated, not accidental.

[glen9mullan]

I have read that the guy that sells pins and scarfs at Ewood is going to be selling yellow and black scarfs on saturday, hopefully this is true as business for him will be booming

The plan for the weekend is to get as many in yellow as possible be that the Protest T-Shirts, 1200 and counting sold, the scarfs, away shirts, and yellow garments.

Go on the game and from 15.05 give Kean and Venkys it loud and proud that we want them gone.

The club have insisted no banners, but will allow any banners to be left at the Blackburn End Security office for collection for a post match sit in in the Blackburn End, all fans as usual will be allowed entry into the Blackburn End ar Full time,

Lets stand together and give Kean no more matches to try and take us down, One big push Saturday from Everyone will spell the end of Kean.

What we can't allow him to say come fulltime, is its a minority of supporters who want him gone, Please don't be one who goes home or does not have a voice on Saturday. Cos he will use you as a statistic even though we know you want him out

[Paul]

Whats the odds they will not be there match day. It is Mrs D who has to be targeted. Supporters need an anti-Mrs D chnat. IMO Nothing will happen until she herself is affected. She seems to be the one pulling the strings, she is the one in support of Kean. She would not like a bad chant sung against her.

Down with the Venkys, we're going down with the Venkys

Down with the Venkys, we're going down with the Venkys

Simple and everyone knows it.......in both senses!!

[he6rt6gr6m]

Dunno if it's been suggested, but what about red cards towards the manager/owners.

Pretty simple statement, small, compact, easy to make or get hold of, easy to get into the ground and not breaching any of the "do not bring into Ewood Park" rules.

[MarkBRFC71]

I have read that the guy that sells pins and scarfs at Ewood is going to be selling yellow and black scarfs on saturday, hopefully this is true as business for him will be booming

The plan for the weekend is to get as many in yellow as possible be that the Protest T-Shirts, 1200 and counting sold, the scarfs, away shirts, and yellow garments.

Go on the game and from 15.05 give Kean and Venkys it loud and proud that we want them gone.

The club have insisted no banners, but will allow any banners to be left at the Blackburn End Security office for collection for a post match sit in in the Blackburn End, all fans as usual will be allowed entry into the Blackburn End ar Full time,

Lets stand together and give Kean no more matches to try and take us down, One big push Saturday from Everyone will spell the end of Kean.

What we can't allow him to say come fulltime, is its a minority of supporters who want him gone, Please don't be one who goes home or does not have a voice on Saturday. Cos he will use you as a statistic even though we know you want him out

Why are we continuing to bow down on the banner ban? The club and it's hierarchy have done nothing but treat the fans with contempt for the last 6 months, so we should be reciprocating and completely ignoring the ban; instead encourage as many people as possible to smuggle banners in and get them out simultaneously at a prearranged point in the game. If only 50 people do it it will be very highly visible, plus the ensuing scrabbling panic from the stewards will further add to the spectacle. Yellow scarves/t-shirts are an OK idea but easily passed-off as away colours, the protests after-match will again be dismissed by Kean as a minority unless there's at least 2,000.

Don't get me wrong Glen, I support you 100% and you've done a fine job thus far but IMO it's time for the gloves to come off properly.

[Mattyblue]

Love the timeline glen, think we know the fanbase too well!

I dread to think about some of the backtracking some fans will embark on if we actually win a match.

[brian_gallagher85]

Exactly Mark, I hope people get as many banners as possible into the ground and give a massive two fingers up to the club just as they've done to us over the past 12 months.

Hiding behind this health and safety bs is getting embarrassing as it didn't stop the Liverpool fans from getting their message across. It's not like most people will want to watch the crap on show anyway.

[47er]

a great rallying cry to everyone involved in the protests. Just one thing to ask though... any chance you could extend your help by giving us 3 points when we visit anfield over christmas?!

I'd say there's every chance!

[broadsword]

Love the timeline glen, think we know the fanbase too well!

I dread to think about some of the backtracking some fans will embark on if we actually win a match.

Don't worry yourself unnecessarily.

[John]

Ignore the club, there are some real scum bags running the show these days, they have not shown respect at all so repay the favour.

[AllRoverAsia]

Andy, Sam's football was dire!!!!

Long ball, predictable, boring!!

I believe, like most other fans that you should be entertained a little when you fork out hard earned cash, this we certainly wasn't!!

I remember game after game at Ewood thinking the football would improve, but no, it got more boring!!!!

Hindsight's a wonderful thing Andy when you look back at the past 12 months, but it was pretty obvious what Venky's intentions where when they appointed Kean!!

So are you honestly gonna say you enjoyed watching Sam's style of football week in week out ??

Don't get me wrong, Sam was 'safe' but like at previous 'Bolton' the football he gave us was shocking.

Pretty much the same budget that Hughes had, but the football was so much better, exciting etc....

I, like most other fans, would have thought at the time of Sams sacking 'Thank god' thinking these wonderful new owners had a top new manager lined up!!!

Like i said hindsights a wonderful thing Andy!!!

You are talking through your 2773 (check phone)

[Plastic Head]

I'll be wearing this, and I can tell you now i'm furious.

[AllRoverAsia]

Dunno if it's been suggested, but what about red cards towards the manager/owners.

Pretty simple statement, small, compact, easy to make or get hold of, easy to get into the ground and not breaching any of the "do not bring into Ewood Park" rules.

This is a good idea. Would only have to be postcard size pieces of red paper. Get lots of those held up at the same time would be visually effective and it shows quite clearly the numbers protesting.

[SAS]

Exactly Mark, I hope people get as many banners as possible into the ground and give a massive two fingers up to the club just as they've done to us over the past 12 months.

Hiding behind this health and safety bs is getting embarrassing as it didn't stop the Liverpool fans from getting their message across. It's not like most people will want to watch the crap on show anyway.

Domt think it's a HS matter anymore, not when 0.1% of fans want Kean in.

I agree get those banners in...

[Hasta]

The animosity towards Kean has to be enough that the pressure is kept up regardless of if we are winning or if we win.

Should we be in front then songs of support for the team should be used alongside a barrage of anti-Kean songs.

I don't believe that singing anti-Kean songs will lose us points in this game. However if we are winning, not singing anti-Kean songs will prolong the agony of having SK at the helm.

[Guest Rovers4Good]

Love the guys who turned up at the training ground this morning and this is a top place to do it as this is where Kean says he's plying his trade but if we protest down there day in day out then it'll soon get to Kean who now thinks he's unsackable which is the salt on the wound for me.

[FourLaneBlue]

There have been reports of over-zealous stewarding in recent games, both home and away, so it will be necessary for Rovers fans to stick together to make sure fans by themselves are not picked out due to their vulnerability/isolation.

Personally, I know a couple of people this has happened to, and it means that I can only really hold the temporary owners and management of our fine club in contempt. A lion lead by donkeys, one might paraphrase.

Stewards have been known to pick on those that they think will offer no resistance, but will send out a message to the rest, in a kind of cowardly reversal of going after the strongest person as an example.

Saturday is a time for all concerned Rovers fans to stick together.

I don't want to make this sound like one of those pathetic "true Rovers fan" things but, let's be honest, if a Rovers fan is not VERY concerned about the situation both on and off the field at Rovers, then you have to wonder if they have the best consideration for the club at heart.

It really does seem that Rovers is being run into the ground. Are we going to just let them do that?

[cn174]

There have been reports of over-zealous stewarding in recent games, both home and away, so it will be necessary for Rovers fans to stick together to make sure fans by themselves are not picked out due to their vulnerability/isolation.

Personally, I know a couple of people this has happened to, and it means that I can only really hold the temporary owners and management of our fine club in contempt. A lion lead by donkeys, one might paraphrase.

Stewards have been known to pick on those that they think will offer no resistance, but will send out a message to the rest, in a kind of cowardly reversal of going after the strongest person as an example.

Saturday is a time for all concerned Rovers fans to stick together.

I don't want to make this sound like one of those pathetic "true Rovers fan" things but, let's be honest, if a Rovers fan is not VERY concerned about the situation both on and off the field at Rovers, then you have to wonder if they have the best consideration for the club at heart.

It really does seem that Rovers is being run into the ground. Are we going to just let them do that?

It is an issue I asked them about in my letter to PH after the Cardiff game. I just got the same standard response as everyone else so I have replied asking them to answer my other points. I doubt I'll hear from them.

[AllRoverAsia]

Kean Out goes global

I like the ''Shame on you Venkys'' idea by LET posters - they would hate that.

[Plastic Head]

If I was a steward I think I would be off sick tomorrow.