[Archived] Next protest

[Ste B]

An open meeting is required were all supporters interested can attend, I have already had discussions with BRST, and would hope the FF, Supporter clubs, and supporter sites would attend.

Everyone wants the same at the end of the day, and thats a well run club and for the owners intentions to be clear. We have seen many words, with very little action.

There appears to be no direction or leadership within the club and too many mxed messages or from my own personal experiences, broken promises and people giving the supporters the run around.

Communication breakdown has lead supporters to argue amonst themselves which is not healthy and I too have said things in the heat of the moment which in hindsight I should not have. If I have offended anyone then i'm sorry about this, including the FF. I'm just desperate at the moment to stop our club going into the abyss and that passion sometimes gets the better of me.

I have PM'D only2garners and asked him to call me (I don't have his number)

Well said.

[Darwen_Blue]

An open meeting is required were all supporters interested can attend, I have already had discussions with BRST, and would hope the FF, Supporter clubs, and supporter sites would attend.

Everyone wants the same at the end of the day, and thats a well run club and for the owners intentions to be clear. We have seen many words, with very little action.

There appears to be no direction or leadership within the club and too many mxed messages or from my own personal experiences, broken promises and people giving the supporters the run around.

Communication breakdown has lead supporters to argue amonst themselves which is not healthy and I too have said things in the heat of the moment which in hindsight I should not have. If I have offended anyone then i'm sorry about this, including the FF. I'm just desperate at the moment to stop our club going into the abyss and that passion sometimes gets the better of me.

I have PM'D only2garners and asked him to call me (I don't have his number)

Cheers for the info Glen and keep up the good work and I await to see the arrangements for this open meeting.

[Neil Weaver]

In response to Spark Marky....

get off your arse and help out then

I might have been a bit more diplomatic, but hear hear.

[Darwen_Blue]

In response to Spark Marky....

I might have been a bit more diplomatic, but hear hear.

Very much prepared to help.

[J*B]

Now we're getting somewhere.

[Tom]

An open meeting is required were all supporters interested can attend, I have already had discussions with BRST, and would hope the FF, Supporter clubs, and supporter sites would attend.

Everyone wants the same at the end of the day, and thats a well run club and for the owners intentions to be clear. We have seen many words, with very little action.

There appears to be no direction or leadership within the club and too many mxed messages or from my own personal experiences, broken promises and people giving the supporters the run around.

Communication breakdown has lead supporters to argue amonst themselves which is not healthy and I too have said things in the heat of the moment which in hindsight I should not have. If I have offended anyone then i'm sorry about this, including the FF. I'm just desperate at the moment to stop our club going into the abyss and that passion sometimes gets the better of me.

I have PM'D only2garners and asked him to call me (I don't have his number)

You know I'll be there if I can be whether thats representing the fans forum or just myself is a matter for discussion

One thing I won't do is go hiding although some will accuse the FF of that because we as a body approached things differently

[Jock]

If Venkys dismantle the squad we should dismantle Ewood Park.

[yoda]

If Venkys dismantle the squad we should dismantle Ewood Park.

Where would we play when the chicken slayers have fled?

In response to Spark Marky....

yoda, on 06 January 2012 - 09:50 AM, said:

get off your arse and help out then

I might have been a bit more diplomatic, but hear hear.

I think the time for diplomacy has long since past, the Raos would take it as a sign of weakness anyhow

[daveoftherovers]

As someone whose job it is has to lobby government on behalf of a very diverse membership body, I have absolutely no truck with the FF on this. In fact, it seems to be an eminently sensible way to try and proceed.

Agreed!

it is pointless cutting off our noses despite our faces, you keep all the channels open that you can, and achieve the best you can via that method, and to me The FF have done the right thing here, it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is there, it's well intentioned, from a Rovers supporter point of view and they are our fellow supporters, who have our interests at heart.

The fact that most of the original remit wasn't that "Sexy" but entirely necessary, should prove this.

[Miker]

Plan, structure is something I personally work hard on, however sometimes frustrations sometimes get the better of others, and I then spend weeks trying to repair the damage which has been done from those lapses.

I have spent the last 4 days trying to recitify things which were not of my doing, and ruined my families hoilday in the process.

An elected body IMO can work with the club on all issues which arise and be that link between supporters and club, It needs to be readily available for all to engage with, and be able to debate things in the best interest of supporters. It needs to also be transparent.

It also needs to be what the majority of supporters want, I'm just one supporter and sadly I like many others do not have all the answers and I do not know how this whole mess will end, All I do know if protest end, that will be a good thing because that will mean the club has opened up, engaged with its supporters and the owners have addressed the issues supporters have

This is exactly why I have started to have an issue with the protests and think they have not only lost their way, but become senseless. That is not a personal criticism on you, but on the concept as a whole.

Your response has told me this:

-The movement lacks organisation and leadership, and while there's no in-fighting there seems to be a lack of unity in opinion and in what needs to be done. The fact that you are now complaining that you are having to spend a large amount of time rectifying the mistakes of others is demonstrative of that.

-You have told me what an elected body will do, but not what it will achieve. How is it any different to the owners employing various agents to monitor the messageboards and other media outlets to gauge fan opinion and response? How is it any different to the owners inviting fans to discuss matters with them face to face and assuring them that they will consider what they have said? And again, does this elected body only advise or actually make decisions? Is it even wise to listen to the fans at all times?

-How transparent do you want it to be? As I mentioned in another post, imagine the owners WERE looking for a replacement for Kean, but were unable to convince anyone to join. Should they come out and tell the fans this?

-Your last paragraph is the most worrying because you say you are just one supporter, but you have been acting on behalf of thousands. You have started the protests and taken a leading role in them, yet you are now saying that you don't have all the answers and you don't know how an end can come about. To me that just matches with the initial reasons for the protests to have started, which were, to roughly quote, "to at least know we tried to do something to save the club". In other words, the protests were an attempt to do something to save the club (but from what exactly?) and be seen to take action, but not necessarily have a plan of what to achieve, how to achieve it, what to do if Plan A hasn't worked and how to bring about a conclusion.

[47er]

This is exactly why I have started to have an issue with the protests and think they have not only lost their way, but become senseless. That is not a personal criticism on you, but on the concept as a whole.

Your response has told me this:

-The movement lacks organisation and leadership, and while there's no in-fighting there seems to be a lack of unity in opinion and in what needs to be done. The fact that you are now complaining that you are having to spend a large amount of time rectifying the mistakes of others is demonstrative of that.

-You have told me what an elected body will do, but not what it will achieve. How is it any different to the owners employing various agents to monitor the messageboards and other media outlets to gauge fan opinion and response? How is it any different to the owners inviting fans to discuss matters with them face to face and assuring them that they will consider what they have said? And again, does this elected body only advise or actually make decisions? Is it even wise to listen to the fans at all times?

-How transparent do you want it to be? As I mentioned in another post, imagine the owners WERE looking for a replacement for Kean, but were unable to convince anyone to join. Should they come out and tell the fans this?

-Your last paragraph is the most worrying because you say you are just one supporter, but you have been acting on behalf of thousands. You have started the protests and taken a leading role in them, yet you are now saying that you don't have all the answers and you don't know how an end can come about. To me that just matches with the initial reasons for the protests to have started, which were, to roughly quote, "to at least know we tried to do something to save the club". In other words, the protests were an attempt to do something to save the club (but from what exactly?) and be seen to take action, but not necessarily have a plan of what to achieve, how to achieve it, what to do if Plan A hasn't worked and how to bring about a conclusion.

Another post attacking Glen for doing his best. How anyone can defend Venkys but attack Glen (other than Burnley fans) is beyond me.

How can he have "all the answers"? He's learning as he goes along. And someone had to step up and take a lead unfortunately at great cost to himself. You should try it.

A snidy, sniping post. Sad.

[Stuart]

-How transparent do you want it to be? As I mentioned in another post, imagine the owners WERE looking for a replacement for Kean, but were unable to convince anyone to join. Should they come out and tell the fans this?.

Forget about delaying whilst looking for replacements. We are at a point were Kean's very presence is a bad thing.

Kean has proven himself incapable (protest, don't protest, it's not impacting results) if they want the "12th man" on side, remove Kean. Put a senior player in charge, and/or throw yourself at the mercy of Tony Parkes. If Venkys really do care about the club and Kean isn't just a front man they shouldn't have anything to worry about. By not acting, it just fuels the conspiracy theories.

Just about everyone believes we are relegated now anyway, let's at least go down with some pride.

Kean isn't the right man for the PL, he won't be the right man for the Championship. Let's all move on together, and without him.

[Miker]

Another post attacking Glen for doing his best. How anyone can defend Venkys but attack Glen (other than Burnley fans) is beyond me.

How can he have "all the answers"? He's learning as he goes along. And someone had to step up and take a lead unfortunately at great cost to himself. You should try it.

A snidy, sniping post. Sad.

Mate, the only one making snidy, sniping posts is you. I am genuinely asking him questions about where the protest will lead. I haven't questioned his love for Blackburn Rovers or his effort in doing something for the club. I have written my opinions of Glen in the past and they have been nothing but complimentary. My opinions of where the protests are heading has obviously changed, but I have never attacked his character or his commitment to the club. Neither have I denied that Venky's have made mistakes or acted unacceptably. So I don't know where you're coming from. It seems you expect me to constantly attack Venky's and not question Glen, as everyone else, which I'm simply not prepared to do.

If there was something to take a lead in that I felt could have a reasonable effect I would take it. If you required funding for something sensible to help the club I would give it. At this point I have not seen the opportunity to provide either leadership or funding or support.

[Kelbo]

A number of years ago, and I make no apology for doing so, I supported David Waddington (Lord Waddington) in his quest to retain his seat as MP for Nelson and Colne as it was then, he was narrowly defeated, the letter he sent me afterwards contained the folowing sentence, I still have this letter!

'We may not have won this battle but the important issue here is you supported what you believed in, you believed you had right on your side'

Irrespective of ones political views, he was right and Glen in my opinion, has right on his side, he is doing what he believes in and doing what he thinks would be the best for our football club, I personally applaud him, it is taking a huge effort and a real drain on his free time but its what he believes in, to be criticised by some for that is wrong and lets not forget, in most instances, Glen is merely a mouthpiece for many, has done a great job for those supporters with a belief that what he is doing is right!!

Long may it continue and thanks Glen.

[ChrisyG]

Mate, the only one making snidy, sniping posts is you. I am genuinely asking him questions about where the protest will lead. I haven't questioned his love for Blackburn Rovers or his effort in doing something for the club. I have written my opinions of Glen in the past and they have been nothing but complimentary. My opinions of where the protests are heading has obviously changed, but I have never attacked his character or his commitment to the club. Neither have I denied that Venky's have made mistakes or acted unacceptably. So I don't know where you're coming from. It seems you expect me to constantly attack Venky's and not question Glen, as everyone else, which I'm simply not prepared to do.

If there was something to take a lead in that I felt could have a reasonable effect I would take it. If you required funding for something sensible to help the club I would give it. At this point I have not seen the opportunity to provide either leadership or funding or support.

Miker, your post does come across as though you are sniping at Glen. Why not make some suggestions? or present some constructive ideas to help Glen?

Now is your opportunity to provide leadership or support.

[King Kenny's Magic]

I reckon the muppets who have a go at Glen are just jealous that he has the will to do something about what's happening. Some people are just bitter and twisted. Sad times.

[Pedro]

Another post attacking Glen for doing his best. How anyone can defend Venkys but attack Glen (other than Burnley fans) is beyond me.

How can he have "all the answers"? He's learning as he goes along. And someone had to step up and take a lead unfortunately at great cost to himself. You should try it.

A snidy, sniping post. Sad.

Certainly not a snidy or sniping post, but it depends which way you look at it 47er. Like it or not Glen is the figurehead of the protestors and not everyone will appreciate what he has done (which in your eyes is positive) but some people would argue that the protests and timing of them have definitely been damaging in terms of supporter and team morale, the image of the club, being largely responsible for the infighting in the stadium and I suppose that it could/and will even be argued that they have also negatively affected team performances or unsettled players.

I can totally appreciate why someone would criticise because from my own insight into them, the protests were initially set up with rumour, conspiracy, and personal distrust/dislike of Kean as the ammunition. From people who weren't buying into the rumours, or were totally unaware of them, or people in the media, the timing of them seemed nothing short of idiotic.

That image has been hard to shift and I think that has damaged the credibility of everything that has been organised ever since day one. It then developed into a tit for tat spat between who was a minority or majority etc. which was finally left behind when the majority of the support for a sacking came when it always would do - off the back of consistent defeats.

I for one don't begrudge anyone for making their thoughts known at match days - especially as we sit at the bottom of the table over halfway through the season (even if the infighting pisses me off as much as the performances on the pitch), but unfortunately I personally feel it is futile because one thing is certain, any amount of protesting hasn't been at all effective in obtaining any of the goals they were meant to. In fact, thanks to how the organised protests have developed, it could easily be suggested that we are now in a position where there is even less communication, more confusion, a bigger shroud of mystery, a larger gulf between owners and supporters,and the manager strangely seems in a more solid position than ever because he also now has the sympathy or support of every media darling or high profile manager in the business.

[yoda]

I reckon the muppets who have a go at Glen are just jealous that he has the will to do something about what's happening. Some people are just bitter and twisted. Sad times.

Spot on,

If I were back in England I would be giving the Venkys the hardest time I could and help Glen anyway I could, as it is I will continue doing it by internet,

The Venkys deserve all the ###### that can be thrown at them

[xtp]

In fact, thanks to how the organised protests have developed, it could easily be suggested that we are now in a position where there is even less communication, more confusion, a bigger shroud of mystery, a larger gulf between owners and supporters,and the manager strangely seems in a more solid position than ever because he also now has the sympathy or support of every media darling or high profile manager in the business.

That's an unfair spinning of the truth. The media sympathy was a result not of the organised protests, but rather of the unorganised barracking of Steve Kean by numerous supporters during match time, most notably against Bolton. (Up until that point, the media were actually beginning to turn on Kean, realising the 'delusional' nature of some of his post-match comments.) The protest organisers certainly can't be blamed for this, as they'd actually just declared a truce for these matches.

Instead, what we saw in the Bolton match was an outpouring of emotion against a manager with an atrocious record, that would have occurred irrespective of whether Glen had organised protests in the months previously.

To be honest, I am unsure of the good protests will do. I'm very low on hope, full stop. But to try and spin the situation at Ewood as being Glen's fault is utterly ludicrous. The results on the pitch would have turned the fans against Kean anyway, sooner or later.

[Pedro]

That's an unfair spinning of the truth. The media sympathy was a result not of the organised protests, but rather of the unorganised barracking of Steve Kean by numerous supporters during match time, most notably against Bolton. (Up until that point, the media were actually beginning to turn on Kean, realising the 'delusional' nature of some of his post-match comments.) The protest organisers certainly can't be blamed for this, as they'd actually just declared a truce for these matches.

Instead, what we saw in the Bolton match was an outpouring of emotion against a manager with an atrocious record, that would have occurred irrespective of whether Glen had organised protests in the months previously.

To be honest, I am unsure of the good protests will do. I'm very low on hope, full stop. But to try and spin the situation at Ewood as being Glen's fault is utterly ludicrous. The results on the pitch would have turned the fans against Kean anyway, sooner or later.

Apologies if you see this as "a spinning of the truth" - it's not meant to be, I am trying to look at it objectively and that is why I purposefully put "how the organised protests developed it can be suggested that..." because this is how some see it.

I have to be honest and say I didn't attend the actual game as I was out of the country for the WBA and Bolton games, but Sky Sports News reported the reactions etc. and I saw many a yellow T-Shirt wearer or banner holder be the focal point of the camera during intense abuse. If I saw it this way many miles away, you can rest assured who else would.

[47er]

the manager strangely seems in a more solid position than ever because he also now has the sympathy or support of every media darling or high profile manager in the business.

You voted to give Kean more time so it doesn't surprise me that you're continually writing this stuff. However you seem to be contradicting yourself here.

[booth]

Another post attacking Glen for doing his best. How anyone can defend Venkys but attack Glen (other than Burnley fans) is beyond me.

How can he have "all the answers"? He's learning as he goes along. And someone had to step up and take a lead unfortunately at great cost to himself. You should try it.

A snidy, sniping post. Sad.

From someone who has been to one match in his entire life too. Very sad.

I might become a Barcelona fan. I visited their ground once. I will go on their forums and act like I know what I'm on about. I bet the other fans will really like me eh?

[Pedro]

You voted to give Kean more time so it doesn't surprise me that you're continually writing this stuff. However you seem to be contradicting yourself here.

"This stuff" is an opinion that differs from yours, 47er. I've also explained my vote at this time on another thread...sometimes some people put more thought into decisions than others. I wouldn't call it contradictory in the slightest because although I want Kean out, I don't see anyone who would take over. Which is a rather bizarre situation, don't you think?

As for "your stuff" do you ever intend to back up your opinions or just feel you'll continue to post sweeping smarm or simply hang off the balls of the more vocal?

[xtp]

I have to be honest and say I didn't attend the actual game as I was out of the country for the WBA and Bolton games, but Sky Sports News reported the reactions etc. and I saw many a yellow T-Shirt wearer or banner holder be the focal point of the camera during intense abuse. If I saw it this way many miles away, you can rest assured who else would.

I can see some of your argument, but the thing I don't get is this: do you honestly believe that if there had been no organised protest that there would have been any less unrest at the Bolton game? Glen's protests certainly gave an outlet for the anger, but he didn't create that anger. It's notable that when he removed the outlet, we saw the worst abuse of Steve Kean, as well as the press reaction you find so negative.

The fact that they were wearing yellow T-shirts doesn't make much difference. It's not surprising that some of the most angry people were people who had supported the protest, but that doesn't mean it's logical to suggest that the protest created those people or their anger.

Without the organised protests, you'd probably simply have seen more extended crowd unrest sooner, instead of what Glen achieved for several months which was to protest outside the ground and support the team inside.

[Al]

Certainly not a snidy or sniping post, but it depends which way you look at it 47er. Like it or not Glen is the figurehead of the protestors and not everyone will appreciate what he has done (which in your eyes is positive) but some people would argue that the protests and timing of them have definitely been damaging in terms of supporter and team morale, the image of the club, being largely responsible for the infighting in the stadium and I suppose that it could/and will even be argued that they have also negatively affected team performances or unsettled players.

I can totally appreciate why someone would criticise because from my own insight into them, the protests were initially set up with rumour, conspiracy, and personal distrust/dislike of Kean as the ammunition. From people who weren't buying into the rumours, or were totally unaware of them, or people in the media, the timing of them seemed nothing short of idiotic.

That image has been hard to shift and I think that has damaged the credibility of everything that has been organised ever since day one. It then developed into a tit for tat spat between who was a minority or majority etc. which was finally left behind when the majority of the support for a sacking came when it always would do - off the back of consistent defeats.

I for one don't begrudge anyone for making their thoughts known at match days - especially as we sit at the bottom of the table over halfway through the season (even if the infighting pisses me off as much as the performances on the pitch), but unfortunately I personally feel it is futile because one thing is certain, any amount of protesting hasn't been at all effective in obtaining any of the goals they were meant to. In fact, thanks to how the organised protests have developed, it could easily be suggested that we are now in a position where there is even less communication, more confusion, a bigger shroud of mystery, a larger gulf between owners and supporters,and the manager strangely seems in a more solid position than ever because he also now has the sympathy or support of every media darling or high profile manager in the business.

Why can't you understand that the alternative is to give in and be seen to give in. Then Kean and the Venkys have won and are seen to have won. That can not be allowed to happen.