[Archived] Next protest

[aletheia]

Glen

Thank you for all your efforts. Sounds like you are investigating on all fronts.

I remember the need for a fans' voice being muted 15 years ago or so but I suppose when things are going well everybody is happy.

Good luck with all your work.

[JAL]

To Mr.Frank Malley

How would you treat a dirty rat if it infested your area ?

[Mattyblue]

Kean is extremely media savvy, he does appear 'calm and dignified' to the casual observer.

Pre the Yakubu Swansea Incident and the Bolton abuse, he was a figure of open mockery by the media, now he has their sympathy.

Raging hypocrites the lot of them, who we shouldn't give an inch, it's time to go after the organ grinders, feck Kean.

[Ewoodbhappy]

The word "BRFC Action group" Is not an official or unofficial body. As I said earlier in week I had no imput in press release and I would not have put those words in had I,

Action group is just the name of a FB group where we discuss protest, nothing more nothing less, (All FB groups need a name so people can find them) There is a sack Steve Kean group, but I felt that this was not representative of the supporter aims and a more open group which was mainly for protest attendee's was much better, so that we could gauge numbers and talk to people who attend protest which have been organised.

My stance is the following:

1. I hate the word protest, We are concerned supporters who have been demonstrating to have our voices heard, due to letters, emails, telephone calls being ignored inititallly, this is why we did the first demonstration.

2. The first demonstartion was for the removal of Kean, as we just did not have enough information to focus on anything but Kean, We was hopeful Venkys would see the light, especially after the FF visited Pune just after the Arsenal demonstration and stated that the message had hit home loud and clear and SK was on the brink.

3. As more information has come to light and I have got a better understanding of Venkys, there workings, their failings and general supporter opinion, the focus has changed.

4. My personal aim is to have an elected group of supporters to not only be formed but for them to engage with the owners, board and supporters, to ensure we never have to go down this road again.

5. Protest are now going to be aimed at Venkys, and its upto Venkys and the board to follow through with their promises, set up the meetings they have promised and answer supporters concerns. They have had the agenda for around 5 weeks now, which was published by Nick Harris a few weeks ago, They are aware of the concerns, and we are still waiting for these meetings to be penciled in for them to anser these questions.

6. Protest can stop quite easily if Venkys and the board get a grip of the situation and start speaking to the supporters as promised. We are at the stage were we are running out of olive branch's to give the club, as they have not kept any promises to date.

7. I'm in this for the long haul, Im no-bodies leader, No-bodies elected body and no-ones representative. I organise protest legally, and use my contacts in football, media, Rovers and network sites to ensure we do things legally, and its reported the best way possible. Although some media outlets and of course the Manager and pundits have tried to twist words and put an agenda there that simply does not exist.

8, When the club told me they had took the liberty of putting me forward for FF, I was not very happy about it, as this is not how I think people should be elected to forums or committee's , I do feel very strongly about this. The FF has never once contacted me regarding protest and offered to work with me or other protest organisers to find a common ground to attack these issue's. I personally hate protest and if the club would engage like it promised I would not find myself organising the biggets protest to date come the Fulham match. There has been NO ORGANISED PROTEST FOR THE LAST 7 MATCHES, The club has no excuse we have more than kept our side of the bargain.

9. Some people who protest have different reasons to protest, some want Kean gone, some want venkys gone, some want them both gone and some just aint sure what they want. We are not an elected body and we try to make it always freedom of speech, and to allow people to have a platform to vent their anger at who they wish.

10. I have from day 1 maintained people protest to have their voice heard, and communication is key, Its the club who has the power to end protest by finding ways to accomodate the supporters in their search for the truth and answers. To date although we have had loads of meetings and discussions, the important issues keep gettimg dodged by the club.

11. It was I who contacted the club sponsor and the councillors, and have tried to reach out to every corner of the globe and will continue to do so, I'm currently speaking to other support clubs like the SOS, (Have been for last few weeks) I'm also speaking to investigative journo's, legal teams, The FA/Prem league, Indian competitiors, BRST (Duncun Miller )Other clubs key figures, and god knows how many supporters.

12. Turning up for a protest is just a couple of % of the work going on behind the scenes, and Simon and I have not got a committee of 20 members ro help us with all hands to the pump. (We have also had to start from scratch as we are just supporters)

13. Our strategy has and is having an effect, and although some mistakes have been made, we learn from them. (After all we are just concerned supporters not professional demonstrators). Simon and I both use or own education and career paths to attack the issue's how we sit fit from personal life experiences. Simon is in high profile Management in the council, were I am educated to degree level in business management, and come from an Engineering background, My roles have included working with some of the largest companies in the world, whilst running a successful engineering company for its shareholders, were I made all the business decisions for that company. I have a good understanding of strategy, customer service, negotiations and good people skills. These are the skills and experiences Simon and I call upon when we organise a protest, as this is new territory for us.

I have not listened to what was said on 5 live, but Gaz Jones telephoned me to say they was trying to imply things which was untrue and apparently I got a massive kick in the nuts from 5 live for a statement/press release I have had no imput on, (I'm away)

I do think certain supporters like to just have a pop, and would rather slag people of for trying than actually do something themselves. I guess that comes with the territory. I have had around 20 calls from the media this week and declined to speak to them, as I have always maintained they need to be speaking to all supporters. I did the same at the brock hall protest, I told all the TV camera's to speak to the other attendee's and asked those who attended to take part which thankfully they did.

What I do, I don't do for praise, self promotion, or to be a media whore as some would say, but I do it because I love my club, and no-body else took up the job to do it.

[Paul]

Very bad piece IMO but it seems the statement released yesterday is going to cause issues.

The problem I see with it is it is one guy speaking on behalf of the group and may not be the thoughts of the whole yet the media think it is now.

Was it Simon who released that one? Disastrous statement to have made which has backfired on the protest group very badly. We can only hope the United statement is picked up by some media.

[Rover_Shaun]

He should be embarrassed to call himself a journalist. If Jack was still around he would not have employed the lying toad let alone potted him when he broke the law or when he lost game after game after game.

[Ewoodbhappy]

Sorry, new to posting on here. Glen i spoke to you in Brown Cow prior to Bolton game. If you need more help in anyway please just say. Ive posted earlier to suggest an open meeting prior to the Fulham game. You could get a view of how many are willing to offer practical help in an organised group.

Im sure its hard maintaining momentum, more hands on deck could be the answer.

Well done to you and the lads for work so far.

its important that everyone comes together to fight for BRFC.

[Paul]

The word "BRFC Action group" Is not an official or unofficial body. As I said earlier in week I had no imput in press release and I would not have put those words in had I,

The problem is regardless of your wish you are seen as one of or the leader of the protesters. A PR should not be released which has not been agreed all concerned especially when it has the content and language in yesterday's statement. It has already opened up the entire fan base to yet more media attacks. We are in great danger of losing any sympathy which has been built up in recent weeks. This was a basic PR error of the type Venkys are so heavily criticised for.

[Kendalrover]

This was a basic PR error of the type Venkys are so heavily criticised for.

It may well have been, only time will tell. But Venkys pay a lot of money for 'professional' PR people to make the mistakes they have made. Glen and Simon are having to learn by trial and error.

I also suspect, as Philipl says in Podcast 19, that the PR team at Rovers is working overtime with 'friendly' journo's to spin around what the Rovers fans are doing to make Kean look good. I suspect the PA journo is one of these.

[47er]

The pune holiday and the protests have yielded the same result: Bugger all. You worded it very nicely Tom but you were having a go at the protests in that post. Pathetic.

I'm sad to say it Tom but I agree with that post.

Was it Simon who released that one? Disastrous statement to have made which has backfired on the protest group very badly. We can only hope the United statement is picked up by some media.

Going in a bit hard aren't you? Who needs Venkys PR spin when we have our own fans to do the job for them?

[glen9mullan]

The problem is regardless of your wish you are seen as one of or the leader of the protesters. A PR should not be released which has not been agreed all concerned especially when it has the content and language in yesterday's statement. It has already opened up the entire fan base to yet more media attacks. We are in great danger of losing any sympathy which has been built up in recent weeks. This was a basic PR error of the type Venkys are so heavily criticised for.

The press release has gone now, and we must learn from the mistakes, i knew nothing about it until it had gone, I spoke with Simon about it, and explained why its not always the best idea to issue one directly after a match,

Simon thought he was doing the right thing in my absence, and although its caused waves amongst some supporters its also been welcomed by others. Simon has not done a press release before and its a learning curve for all of us.

However, I will be issuing one nexr week and going on a media spree ahead of our next game, What I will say about the press release it certainly hit a chord in some area's

[Majiball]

Well said Majiball (well apart from your little dig which i expect to see in every post from here on in)

I'm far from happy with the vitriol aimed at the FF, they've been around for years and I hope they are for years to come. I understand that people will view things differently but then again so do some fans in reference to the protests, you can't please 100% of the people. There's more than one way to skin a cat and if the action group take one route and the FF another then the chances of success increase. But instead we see people looking to attack each other when the reality is they both aim for the same thing but take different journey's.

See a whole post without a mention of the inferiority of the English in comparison to mighty suicidal Scots.

Didn't see that coming did you Tom?

Simon thought he was doing the right thing in my absence, and although its caused waves amongst some supporters its also been welcomed by others. Simon has not done a press release before and its a learning curve for all of us.

So why can't you apply said logic to the FF? have they ever been in this position before? So they can't make mistakes Ie taking too long in your opinion? Glen everyone wants the same thing and everyone is facing a situation we have never seen before an unsackable manager, the protests are one route and the dialogue the FF have been trying to build even in Pune another.

[Davenport Nice]

Really appreacite all the efforts that Glen and the likes have put in. Cheers Glen.

One small thing (and this may come across as nit picking) - if we are to be taken seriously, it might be worth having your press releases proof read for phrases like 'We was...'.

The press won't need much to latch upon poor grammar and change the focus.

Again, please don't take this as a criticism - just an observation.

[glen9mullan]

I'm far from happy with the vitriol aimed at the FF, they've been around for years and I hope they are for years to come. I understand that people will view things differently but then again so do some fans in reference to the protests, you can't please 100% of the people. There's more than one way to skin a cat and if the action group take one route and the FF another then the chances of success increase. But instead we see people looking to attack each other when the reality is they both aim for the same thing but take different journey's.

See a whole post without a mention of the inferiority of the English in comparison to mighty suicidal Scots.

Didn't see that coming did you Tom?

So why can't you apply said logic to the FF? have they ever been in this position before? So they can't make mistakes Ie taking too long in your opinion? Glen everyone wants the same thing and everyone is facing a situation we have never seen before an unsackable manager, the protests are one route and the dialogue the FF have been trying to build even in Pune another.

As I have already stated the FF have NOT once been in touch with me, It was Paul Hunt who took it upon himself to take the liberty of putting me in the FF frame, Its this very culture why I would not join the FF.

The FF have had 4 months to speak with me regarding my concerns, and other supporters concerns, they also refused the opportunity to take part in the joint statement that the supporter sites put out.

My question and doubts remain, Who are the FF working for the Supporters or the club?

If the FF wants to contact me then I'm always available to chat and discuss things, I get on well with some of the FF and as individuals some of them I find nice, but sadly I can't say the same about every member and unfortunately its the bad pennies that always spoil it for the good ones.

We have been trying to open communication for months and always maintain we DO NOT want to be protesting, We are protesting due to a lack of communication on ALL fronts.

Really appreacite all the efforts that Glen and the likes have put in. Cheers Glen.

One small thing (and this may come across as nit picking) - if we are to be taken seriously, it might be worth having your press releases proof read for phrases like 'We was...'.

The press won't need much to latch upon poor grammar and change the focus.

Again, please don't take this as a criticism - just an observation.

Press releases are usually proof read, and tbh the press don't copy and paste them. They are long winded and only a few points are relevant, I.e quotes and the message. They are for journo's to look at before they conduct interviews or go to print, and not for public consumption usually

[Paul]

As I have already stated the FF have NOT once been in touch with me.........

The FF have had 4 months to speak with me regarding my concerns,.........

Have you tried to contact them?

[glen9mullan]

Have you tried to contact them?

I have had no reason to do, many have said they don't represent supporters, or discuss football issue's and none have publically supported the protest or their aims. Can't see what they could do for me, when they don't agree with why we are protesting and have not taken the opportunity to understand the reasons.

Even now, we get asked the same questions from the same people who we have given the same answers to for months.

[Majiball]

As I have already stated the FF have NOT once been in touch with me, It was Paul Hunt who took it upon himself to take the liberty of putting me in the FF frame, Its this very culture why I would not join the FF.

The FF have had 4 months to speak with me regarding my concerns, and other supporters concerns, they also refused the opportunity to take part in the joint statement that the supporter sites put out.

My question and doubts remain, Who are the FF working for the Supporters or the club?

If the FF wants to contact me then I'm always available to chat and discuss things, I get on well with some of the FF and as individuals some of them I find nice, but sadly I can't say the same about every member and unfortunately its the bad pennies that always spoil it for the good ones.

We have been trying to open communication for months and always maintain we DO NOT want to be protesting, We are protesting due to a lack of communication on ALL fronts.

Why would they contact you? their remit is not to discuss pitch matters but every other aspect of the club. You wish to change on the pitch matters and this is something they have never done in their whole history and yet you think they should and so consequently judge them conspirators? whenever a fan has wanted an issue raised and gotten in touch of them they have raised said issue with the club. The only reason this has become an issue is Pune, the FF didn't arrange it the club did and yet all and sundry wanted what they got so green seems to have taken over.

You have said here many times you are a proactive person and yet you state you are waiting for them to contact you? If you have such doubts about them surely a pro-active person would look to engage them, attend a meeting or some such you have had 4 months to do so. Every institute has people that individuals will not like it's the way of the world and yet your saying that because you don't like them they shouldn't be on the FF? Seriously I don't care if you like them or not, no-one else was willing to be part of it prior to Pune, they were, they deserve some credit for the amount of free time they have sacrificed in service to our club, yet you show them the FF none.

Your last para completely contradicts the rest as you say you've been trying to contact them and the such and even say that the lack of the FF contacting you is part of the reason for the protest? Glen, I applaud your efforts but I think the fighting spirit has taken you a bit too far in ref to the FF. Quite simply if you continue to go down this route you will lose support from other fans and that means we'll end up with further split fans over what is going on. I suggest if you feel so strongly you call them and try to set-up some sort of meeting to discuss things. But if they are not willing I wouldn't blame them as it isn't and hasn't ever been something they've gotten involved in.

The fans forum has and always will represent the fans desires in matters off the pitch and long may it continue, direct your anger at our owners/Kean not those who have done nothing but try to ensure that the non-footballing experience at rovers is what the fans who have brought forward their views desire.

See Tom that's two now, I'm special.

[Rover_Shaun]

Over two pages of d*ck waving. How wonderful

[BiggusLaddus]

I have had no reason to do

So why get your knickers in a twist about them not contacting you? Why should they?

[glen9mullan]

So why get your knickers in a twist about them not contacting you? Why should they?

I aint, others are making the issue try reading all the post

Why would they contact you? their remit is not to discuss pitch matters but every other aspect of the club. You wish to change on the pitch matters and this is something they have never done in their whole history and yet you think they should and so consequently judge them conspirators? whenever a fan has wanted an issue raised and gotten in touch of them they have raised said issue with the club. The only reason this has become an issue is Pune, the FF didn't arrange it the club did and yet all and sundry wanted what they got so green seems to have taken over.

You have said here many times you are a proactive person and yet you state you are waiting for them to contact you? If you have such doubts about them surely a pro-active person would look to engage them, attend a meeting or some such you have had 4 months to do so. Every institute has people that individuals will not like it's the way of the world and yet your saying that because you don't like them they shouldn't be on the FF? Seriously I don't care if you like them or not, no-one else was willing to be part of it prior to Pune, they were, they deserve some credit for the amount of free time they have sacrificed in service to our club, yet you show them the FF none.

Your last para completely contradicts the rest as you say you've been trying to contact them and the such and even say that the lack of the FF contacting you is part of the reason for the protest? Glen, I applaud your efforts but I think the fighting spirit has taken you a bit too far in ref to the FF. Quite simply if you continue to go down this route you will lose support from other fans and that means we'll end up with further split fans over what is going on. I suggest if you feel so strongly you call them and try to set-up some sort of meeting to discuss things. But if they are not willing I wouldn't blame them as it isn't and hasn't ever been something they've gotten involved in.

The fans forum has and always will represent the fans desires in matters off the pitch and long may it continue, direct your anger at our owners/Kean not those who have done nothing but try to ensure that the non-footballing experience at rovers is what the fans who have brought forward their views desire.

See Tom that's two now, I'm special.

See the above post to yours,

Hence why I aint contacted them

[Majiball]

I have had no reason to do, many have said they don't represent supporters, or discuss football issue's and none have publically supported the protest or their aims. Can't see what they could do for me, when they don't agree with why we are protesting and have not taken the opportunity to understand the reasons.

Even now, we get asked the same questions from the same people who we have given the same answers to for months.

See the above post to yours,

Hence why I aint contacted them

SO your whole opinion on them is based on hearsay? You can't see what they could do for you and yet slam them for not being with you. If you can't be bothered to contact them to find out for yourself what they are like and there to do then quite frankly you are not the man I want leading the protest. To quote your own words I didn't elect you, you don't represent my views and your posts show you are not pro-active and most certainly not thorough. If you honestly think hearsay is the way to judge people then you are no better than the Venky's who have done the same with the rest of the fans via Kean.

They deal with off the pitch matters, you want to deal with on the pitch matters, two completely separate issues. You judge them without knowledge and that is a disgrace.

[Sparky Marky]

Who's doing the public relations here? Seems very disjointed. I happen to work in P.R and these sporadic incoherent releases are amateur and will be having the opposite effect I would think....bet the hacks are having a right laugh.

[BuckyRover]

SO your whole opinion on them is based on hearsay? You can't see what they could do for you and yet slam them for not being with you. If you can't be bothered to contact them to find out for yourself what they are like and there to do then quite frankly you are not the man I want leading the protest. To quote your own words I didn't elect you, you don't represent my views and your posts show you are not pro-active and most certainly not thorough. If you honestly think hearsay is the way to judge people then you are no better than the Venky's who have done the same with the rest of the fans via Kean.

They deal with off the pitch matters, you want to deal with on the pitch matters, two completely separate issues. You judge them without knowledge and that is a disgrace.

I completely agree. There is something very disconcerting about this attitude.

The FF have done a very good job over the years, pre Venky's they were very important in raising supporter issues.

Then new owners come in, a self elected (a criticism that was levelled at the FF) protest group is formed and the FF are now the bad guys because they won't change their remit. Very odd in my opinion.

It seems divide and rule is quite popular at the moment.

[EwoodDawn]

Seems to me there's an awful lot of aggression being displayed on this message board tonight (not just in this thread). We're all feeling the almost unbearable frustration but wouldn't it be better if our frustration could be channelled in better ways than spilling out into our posts? It's just that people have tried so hard to put out an intelligent statement today. If some hack decided to pop onto this site just now, he/she wouldn't spend a few hours trawling back to find really the well written, insightful or heartfelt comments, they'd just print claptrap about us not being able to get on. Perhaps we should all just be a bit mindful for the next few days of who might be reading our stuff.

[glen9mullan]

SO your whole opinion on them is based on hearsay? You can't see what they could do for you and yet slam them for not being with you. If you can't be bothered to contact them to find out for yourself what they are like and there to do then quite frankly you are not the man I want leading the protest. To quote your own words I didn't elect you, you don't represent my views and your posts show you are not pro-active and most certainly not thorough. If you honestly think hearsay is the way to judge people then you are no better than the Venky's who have done the same with the rest of the fans via Kean.

They deal with off the pitch matters, you want to deal with on the pitch matters, two completely separate issues. You judge them without knowledge and that is a disgrace.

For your information before you get your knickers in a twist, I know exactly what the fans forum do, as I took the liberty to find out months ago, and was well informed by Glenn Pegden exactly how it works and what their remit is,

I have also discussed it with the club what the remit is too,

So before throwing your wild accusations get your facts right,

In addition a couple of the FF members kindly attended the last open meeting.

You have obviously not read all the post.

The FF are non footballing issues, hence why we need an elected body to deal with footballing activities. I have no interest in discussing non footballing activities e.g Unreserved seating

When I have spoke to members of the FF regarding the current issue's I have been told its not their remit, I have always maintained they could have perhaps opened windows easier for us, due to them already being recognised by the club.

Hence why for the last time I will say on this thread "I declined the opportunity to take the club up on its offer regarding the FF, as there remit is NON FOOTBALL"