[Archived] Next protest

[Tom]

We have insisted on full minutes and no OFF THE RECORD STUFF, If I can have the answer then every other supporter deserves the same answer, any press releases will be agreed by all parties I imagine and its highly likely we will take our own minutes just in case.

Hats off to you in that case, thats exactly what needs to happen IMO

[Ste B]

We have insisted on full minutes and no OFF THE RECORD STUFF, If I can have the answer then every other supporter deserves the same answer, any press releases will be agreed by all parties I imagine and its highly likely we will take our own minutes just in case.

Fair play, no arguments from me there.

[Silittl]

This has been a massive decision which lead to this postponement of organised protests! In fact the spontaneous element may bring more people to the table. What has to clear in all this the protests have got us a gimmer of hope.

They may not have had the desired effect in terms of removing SK.

But rest assured he will get told exactly what we think and I will asking all the awkward questions too.

As for the board well I have already upset Paul Hunt to the point he very nearly pulled the plug on all this. Not something I'm proud of just trying say that it will be a polite and no holes barred meeting.

We have only removed the organised element of the protest as glen probably explained already. Fans will react in term of how the game is going. So if we need to sing anti Kean sings feel free it's a free world as they say

[Ste B]

This has been a massive decision which lead to this postponement of organised protests! In fact the spontaneous element may bring more people to the table. What has to clear in all this the protests have got us a gimmer of hope.

They may not have had the desired effect in terms of removing SK.

Strange as it may sound, I think the fact that there are no organised protests might actually lead to it being even more vocal (should the worst happen). Its fair to say that many arent saying anything because they feel they are being told what to do. I dont know anybody who is happy with things - as you can see from the poll which is pretty damn conclusive.

[Tom]

Fair play Si, I hope the club have enough foresight to see that protests are still bound to happen off the cuff should things go badly and not use that as an excuse to pull the plug and then say you went back on your word.

I can almost imagine a team of people in high vis jerkins looking at you and Glen for any sign of protest

[Silittl]

Ste agreed and that is one of the reasons we took this leap. After speaking with fellow supporters being told what you could and couldn't do was a big issue. Therefore removing the organised element lends itself to becoming far more inclusive.

Rest assured every forum both Glen and I post on will have the minutes published on it!

Its about honesty and letting fans know the truth. Should make a good read!

They did ask about us asking people not to wear yellow and black or the T-shirts. I'll let you draw your own conclusion on the response to that.

Any question anyone wants asking PM and I will do my best to get an answer.

[Torgeir]

Torgeir - a poll is pointless, not only are the meetings now arranged but BRFCS isn't the whole fanbase so it would be selective anyway

All fans don't have to vote in order to get an indication of how people feel. 200-300 would be sufficient.

Whats a big decision to make???? As Simon and I organise protest which takes hours and hours to do, then we are quite in our right to not organise one the next 2 games, Just like every supporter is in their right to protest when and how they want

I wouldn't have said anything had you stated that you were too tired to organise anything, or it was taking its toll on your families etc. But you went out publicly stating there would be no organised protests and instead you would hold a meeting. At that meeting, do you not represent the same fans that have been protesting? To me that makes you the leader of a group of fans against Kean, and as such people should be in agreement before such a sudden change of strategy takes place.

You might have an ace up your sleeve, and perhaps this turns out for the better, but that was my initial reaction anyway.

Simon and Glen. Do you seriously think you'll get any real answers from Kean? If yes, then what makes you so confident he won't weasel himself out of any awkward questions?

[Silittl]

Torgeir fellow supporters have entrusted us to make these decisions! When this offer was made initially it was refused and a list of demands sent back. The club agreed to every one of them. We people actually read the posts they will see we had been telling them the organised element was being removed for over a week before if was published. The only thing we couldn't release was the detail. Why because we were still pushing them for more from the club.

When fellow fans have listen fully to why we have agreed what we have. They have given us there full support. Protesting for protestings sake gets you know were. We have a glimmer of hope so let's take it and see what happens.

Just add to my previous posts. By failing to answer or give reason why paints him in a bad light. Remember the minutes will be put in the public domain!

So it's in his best interests to answer them honestly and truthfully!

[den]

Strange as it may sound, I think the fact that there are no organised protests might actually lead to it being even more vocal

and because of that, more effective.

[Silittl]

Admittedly some mistakes have been made with the protests. But you only learn by them. We have listened and hopefully it will reap benefits! Just so happened the dialogue with the club gave us the perfect chance to see how things pan out!

[Seggie]

When this offer was made initially it was refused and a list of demands sent back. The club agreed to every one of them.

what was the initial offer from the club? What were the demands that were made that the club accepted?

Admittedly some mistakes have been made with the protests. But you only learn by them. We have listened and hopefully it will reap benefits! Just so happened the dialogue with the club gave us the perfect chance to see how things pan out!

I agree with this, I think letting the heat off after the Arsenal game was a mistake but as fans we have never had to experience this before and hopefully never will again.

you have had my backing from the start, I am a little bit worried that if no protesting takes place tomorrow that there will be more of a backlash from the national press, especially when the likes of Lipton have been praisng us for sticking to our guns, I do think and hope the unorganised aspect comes out tomorrow because if nothing happens it will be seen as we have climbed down especially if we win.

As for your meeting with Kean and the club I'd like to know why they insist on using devisive tactics against those that are expressing an opinion?

[Seggie]

We have insisted on full minutes and no OFF THE RECORD STUFF, If I can have the answer then every other supporter deserves the same answer, any press releases will be agreed by all parties I imagine and its highly likely we will take our own minutes just in case.

I must add that the supporters attending are the ones which volunteered at the open supporters meeting and have a mixture of opinions, some are anti protest, whilst the ages range around the last 50 years of support. Some are BRFCS users and some are non internet users

I think a press release and a copy of the minutes released also in this situation, that way every supporter can make their own mind up based on what is said/asked and will keep people onside because the last thing that is needed are supporters turning on supporters over sectecy when thats one of the very things we want to stop at the club.

Edit *Just Read Si's post a few up about minutes*

[thenonda]

With regard to the minutes, there should be a time limit on the club for how long they get to agree to a press release and publish the minutes.

They have pulled strokes before i.e. still no minutes from the last open meeting.

[Sparky Marky]

Torgeir fellow supporters have entrusted us to make these decisions!

I don't think so mate. You have no mandate from the supporters...just a very small fraction...in the press it will be portrayed as you representing the fan base and this makes me uncomfortable....

You are not able to win playing like this.....distance needs to be kept. They have set the trap and playing you two like fiddles.

[Baz]

I think a press release and a copy of the minutes released also in this situation, that way every supporter can make their own mind up based on what is said/asked and will keep people onside because the last thing that is needed are supporters turning on supporters over sectecy when thats one of the very things we want to stop at the club.

Personally thats why I think it should be recorded and not just minuted.

Whilst I understand the reasons for why not, if as Glen has said, everything is being minuted and there's nothing off the record, then why would it differ if there was a microphone there? The recording would have a much bigger impact than a set of minutes, would be more inclusive to ALL Rovers fans and not much of a concession for Kean considering you have agreed to stop the organised protests.

[Silittl]

Sparky I apologise for my wording. Though have you stepped up to the mark and offered to help no. What I will say is we have asked fans for questions over the last 3 months. We have kept a copy of these and they will all be presented to the board and Kean. Responses will be minuted and published as stated.

Do you think we are stupid enough to go into this without a back up plan or something in place that would embarrass the club immensely should they fail to meet our demands.

We have everything in place. If you read my post above you will see I nearly blew the whole deal. I'm not proud of what I was going to do but it certainly caught their attention.

If you feel like helping then please feel free to.

[Silittl]

Segie the offer was to cancel all types of protests and they would give us a meeting with board. No date set and no idea of which board members would be in attendance.

Some of the demands are a meeting with Kean, the board and both must happen this side of Christmas. Some written assurances so if they reneged we could go public with them!

The meetings being minuted and contents agreed and published in the public domain.

Some others that at present as part if the deal we have agreed to keep to ourselves. Though will become public knowledge at somepoint in the near future!

[Steve Moss]

We have made it clear no PR present for the meeting, and although we have not discussed taping it, or recording it, Do you think he would answer the questions under that sort of environment?

As I understand it the meeting will be overseen by possibly the Police only

Recording it might be wise, then. Video is a great motivator to keeping everyone civil and there would be no later dispute as to who said what to whom, manufactured or otherwise.

There's virtually no chance he would answer questions if it was recorded.

This surprises me. He's recorded weekly taking unscripted questions from the press. You'd think he'd want a recording to show he was respectful and honest with the fans.

We have insisted on full minutes and no OFF THE RECORD STUFF, If I can have the answer then every other supporter deserves the same answer, any press releases will be agreed by all parties I imagine and its highly likely we will take our own minutes just in case.

Segie the offer was to cancel all types of protests and they would give us a meeting with board. No date set and no idea of which board members would be in attendance.

Some of the demands are a meeting with Kean, the board and both must happen this side of Christmas. Some written assurances so if they reneged we could go public with them!

The meetings being minuted and contents agreed and published in the public domain.

Some others that at present as part if the deal we have agreed to keep to ourselves. Though will become public knowledge at somepoint in the near future!

Good for you.

But I have suspect that they'll point to the unorganized protesters (and there will be many) as you reneging on the deal.

[Silittl]

Steve we have already stated to club we can't be heals responsible for fans chanting and wearing items if clothing! They asked for a halt on the organised element!

We are all human beings and if people want sing, chant it wear items of clothing there is very little we can do!

If they renege then watch this space. They egg on our faces will be nothing to what will be on there's .

[miqaayil]

hi glen and simon

Great work guys ... and i thank you from the bottom of the heart ... just a few pointers ...

1) As much as i see , its a political stunt by the owners ... unless representative of the owners are present and state on the record , they represent the full 4 heads ... Mdm Anuradha , her husband , Mr Balaji and Mr Venkatesh. As they have intentionally left the post of chairman empty on the board so no ultimate decision can be taken by the board. As far as i see , no-one has signatory powers thus no promises can be given or guarenteed.

2)If possible a Memorendum Of Understanding has to be signed and released by the board .... but they will never do this as again same as number one.

3) Short-term goals and Long-Term goals have to be drawn and agreed and witnesed by independant journos .... do request jounos to attend.

4) If possible and if you have contacts with QIA OR prospective buyers , try to get what they would like to offer to our current owners ... or atleast genuine interest. I know this is very hard .... but just a thought.

5) Shady deals have to be put in open ... like buying of rebiero , myles and the agent fee saga of formica.

6) Finally why no significant investment made in the club ... we are not a selling club according to owners but why we made a profit in our summer dealings

This is just top of my head ... if you need any advise ...PM me ...i'll be glad to help

Again this is all my own comments as a fan and i do not work for Venkys , their subsidiaries or associated parties.

[ABBEY]

I couldn't meet coco and be civil! I'd want to rip his f head off!!

[roversmum]

Its a fair point, but its important that people do back the supporters trust that is being setup by Duncan Miller / Dan Clough amongst others. A lot of the problems BRISA faced in the boring detail is covered by the help that supporters direct are providing them. I was a bit disappointed by the turn out to the BRST launch meeting earlier in the year, and could pretty much name 90% of those who did attend as they also attended BRISA meetings. I am however confident (from speaking to those involved) that this will be a success, as they are doing things quietly and professionally.

Absolutely. I know there were some unable to attend the meeting, I was one of them.

You're in a different world. The average fan wont know that this all exists...they just want to turn up, support and go home...its busy bodies like you arse licking the owners that have contributed to this shyte....you are a disgrace.

We leafleted as many as we could as they came through the turnstiles and talked to the fans about BRISA, and it was well publicised. I was one who helped with that, and my telephone number was also available for those who wanted information. We did all we could to advise fans of the formation of BRISA, it also had its own website. I really don't know what else we could have done.

I do take exception to the final part of your sentence, there is no need for that. I understand that everyone is hurt, worried and angry at the current situation but we are all fans who want the best for Blackburn Rovers.

You're probably right about that, its up to the BRST / BRISA to try and reach all the fans. Messageboards are only part of that, and is almost certainly somewhere BRISA went wrong

Thank you roversmum - good to know someone remembers.

Interesting to see Ste's remarks about BRST. at the last meeting I was struck by the low turnout and familiar faces as well. As with most organisations people say a lot but few are prepared to actually do something.

See my post above. We tried every way to encourage people to join if I remember correctly. A good number did, that wasn't really the issue, it was people to actually attend meetings and take over the running of it that was the problem. Hopefully BRST will not face that problem and BRST can move forward as the voice of the fans.

[den]

Pete 1981 posted this link:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17200111/joint_statement_about_the_future_of_BRFC.pdf

The Future of Blackburn Rovers:

Joint Statement by Mr Wayne Wild, Group Director of WEC Group Ltd, Main Stand sponsors; Mr Ian Battersby, Partner, Corporate Finance and Investments, Seneca Partners Ltd; Kate Hollern, Leader, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Mr Jake Berry, MP for Darwen and Rossendale, and Mr Jack Straw, MP for Blackburn.

In recent weeks there has been mounting concern about the future of Blackburn Rovers.

Rovers' position in the Premier League table obviously plays a significant part in that concern. But Rovers has faced similar difficulties in the past, on a number of occasions. The difference between then, and now, is that previously, whatever the difficulties on the field, fans, sponsors, and the wider communities of the area have had confidence in those running the club, and have gained security from that. Today, the problem is with the inadequacy of the owners, compounded by a loss of

experienced staff, to engage with fans, sponsors, and the community

We did not doubt the good faith of the current owners of the Club, Venky’s at the initial purchase of the Club. However with recent events we are unclear whether the original commitment still remains. Football in the UK does involve large sums of money. But its position in British community life is based on something quite else - the enthusiasm and loyalty of fans, and the sense of identity which

football brings. It is that which we fear will be damaged by the current failure of the owners properly to engage. And this is not just a matter of sentiment. All the TV revenues in the world cannot replace a decent fan base. It is from that that all else follows - including success on the field, and in the balance sheet.

We hope that the Club's owners will take notice of this statement, and will now seek to engage with all those who care for the Club's future without delay.

Each and every stakeholder in this process will now await a swift and beneficial resolution.

[47er]

That is one hell of a statement given the people who have signed it. Should have big repercussions!

[Baz]

Great stuff, thats a massive statement from an important group of people --- Over to you Venkys