[Archived] Is It Time To Protest Against Venkys?

[yoda]

They have never once listened to the fans. They flew out a group of them and lied directly to their faces.

I'm not "stop going on" about anything either, it's a forum and I can express my views. I think protests at this point are ill advised regardless of thee old "Venkys out" mantra reply.

A better idea? Rally round the manager. How about an "I'm behind Paul and the boys campaign"? Surely will make the point that we support good decisions that they make.

I'm with anyone whose saying a protest will be unavoidable if Paul is sacked or walks. Until that happens though, it's not the time for it.

They never appointed a real manager before PL, so things can change

[JBiz]

How have you come to that conclusion ? sounds like a blame the supporters cliche.

Jack Straw tried and didn't get far, I would say he is one shrewd operator.

In future maybe reply with your content separate, what a pain that was to sort.

Good old fashioned black and white, if you don't agree then you are obviously blaming the fans. I'm sure I don't have to point out who to blame is, but isn't a solution more important anyway?

So if the politician didn't work, give up? Surely somebody of Indian fame would have more chance of getting in their ears.

Gum boots had a good idea imv, the queen is probably the best bet...

[tomphil]

They have never once listened to the fans. They flew out a group of them and lied directly to their faces.

I'm not "stop going on" about anything either, it's a forum and I can express my views. I think protests at this point are ill advised regardless of thee old "Venkys out" mantra reply.

A better idea? Rally round the manager. How about an "I'm behind Paul and the boys campaign"? Surely will make the point that we support good decisions that they make.

I'm with anyone whose saying a protest will be unavoidable if Paul is sacked or walks. Until that happens though, it's not the time for it.

That's why a boycott of the Bristol City game would be the way to go providing we are looking safe. Turn up v Huddersfield and give a good show of support showing the way it can be then boycott to show the other side. A vast contrast and then those who want can turn up v Reading and show their support for the manager and give everyone a good send off.

It could even be broke down and promoted as 3 separate occasions, Loud & proud for team and manager, boycott to show the lingering dismay at the owners, then Paul Lambert day or something on the last game.

As been said this type of thing is really for the (un)Action to group to be actually showing some ACTION. Presumably most of them are happy.

[yoda]

In future maybe reply with your content separate, what a pain that was to sort.

Good old fashioned black and white, if you don't agree then you are obviously blaming the fans. I'm sure I don't have to point out who to blame is, but isn't a solution more important anyway?

So if the politician didn't work, give up? Surely somebody of Indian fame would have more chance of getting in their ears.

Gum boots had a good idea imv, the queen is probably the best bet...

You sound a bit wound up.

It's not black and white and nor was my answer.

I never hinted at giving up, anyone who knows me knows that is not an option.

Jack Straw didn't get far, so another avenue needs exploring

I would say someone from the corporate world ideally with experience of the Indian board room is needed.

[Gav]

I just hope things evolve naturally and take us down the route of making some sort of statement to the owners, be it in the form of unconventional direct action or something else, I'm not bothered really.

We have a decent manager running the playing side, sadly the rest of the 'club setup' is working against him and that ultimately means he's bound to fail.

As I watch another local news item about Villa and the lengths the fans are going to with absent owners, I wonder just exactly what will it take for our lot to wake up and realise things can never improve whilst we have those fools in charge and despite them being in Pune we can still make our voices heard.

I swear if they melted the Jack Walker statue down for scrap some would make excuses for them.

[Mike E]

I just hope things evolve naturally and take us down the route of making some sort of statement to the owners, be it in the form of unconventional direct action or something else, I'm not bothered really.

We have a decent manager running the playing side, sadly the rest of the 'club setup' is working against him and that ultimately means he's bound to fail.

As I watch another local news item about Villa and the lengths the fans are going to with absent owners, I wonder just exactly what will it take for our lot to wake up and realise things can never improve whilst we have those fools in charge and despite them being in Pune we can still make our voices heard.

I swear if they melted the Jack Walker statue down for scrap some would make excuses for them.

Last time even whispered about protesting, we were roundly shat on by everyone despite our legit concerns. I suspect people would rather avoid that, especially as a current protest would be because of a vague rumour that the manager may walk.

I'm of the frame of mind that (regardless of communication) if Lambert gets some funds, great. We'll have worried for nowt. When have we ever been told what budget the manager has under Venkys? Not once. But they still signed off quite a few money deals.

I'm not worrying until Lambert actually walks.

Edit: Someone needs to update the swear filter to include dick and shat.

[donnermeat]

Nearly 5hat myself laughing reading that edit at the end Mike!

[yoda]

Nearly 5hat myself laughing reading that edit at the end Mike!

It must be a 40 pointer that one

[VinjayV4]

I just hope things evolve naturally and take us down the route of making some sort of statement to the owners, be it in the form of unconventional direct action or something else, I'm not bothered really.

We have a decent manager running the playing side, sadly the rest of the 'club setup' is working against him and that ultimately means he's bound to fail.

As I watch another local news item about Villa and the lengths the fans are going to with absent owners, I wonder just exactly what will it take for our lot to wake up and realise things can never improve whilst we have those fools in charge and despite them being in Pune we can still make our voices heard.

I swear if they melted the Jack Walker statue down for scrap some would make excuses for them.

I imagine the statue condition has already been forgotten about by you know who...

Interesting question regarding Villa fans. I don't really like most of the answers in my head so better off leaving it to your imagination.

[glen9mullan]

The biggest protest happens every saturday as 50% of our crowd no longer attend.

It would be good to see that 50% and more go the next reserve game , or go pleasington on a saturday.

Protest is all about numbers and the more on a protest the bigger impact.

Personally i think the protest have had their day, they didnt work as too many didnt see the wood from the trees. We now have what some saw coming.

People have stopped the fight, given up, only a handful actually have any fight left.

The Action Group are more of an away travel group and sadly aint made waves or used any information since I left. They have become inaffective and have lost any support they may have had.

The Rovers trust, is not a supporters group, its a supporters organisation which is an avenue which can be explored should supporter ownership become a reality. It still needs members and support from the supporter base, because if Venkys pull the plug, the Trust maybe the only option as investors have long disappeared into the distance.

I still believe the truth needs to be told and like the Steve Kean Video, its no good holding onto things forever a day. Things have not got better, its just we as fans stopped trying!!!

[Gav]

Last time even whispered about protesting, we were roundly shat on by everyone despite our legit concerns. I suspect people would rather avoid that, especially as a current protest would be because of a vague rumour that the manager may walk.

I'm of the frame of mind that (regardless of communication) if Lambert gets some funds, great. We'll have worried for nowt. When have we ever been told what budget the manager has under Venkys? Not once. But they still signed off quite a few money deals.

I'm not worrying until Lambert actually walks.

Edit: Someone needs to update the swear filter to include dick and shat.

I understand people wanting to wait until we see what happens, it's a great excuse to do nothing, as another season passes us by waiting we fall further into the mire.

Most fans have been sat doing nothing, waiting to see what happens, for 5yrs now, it's so frustrating.

Not aimed at you in particular Mike, it's just a general observation.

The Villa fans are absolutely 'at it' not thinking about Premiership money, new managers, absent owners, they seem to give a toss, I only wish we had a fan base that gave a toss.

[ABBEY]

Last time even whispered about protesting, we were roundly shat on by everyone despite our legit concerns. I suspect people would rather avoid that, especially as a current protest would be because of a vague rumour that the manager may walk.

I'm of the frame of mind that (regardless of communication) if Lambert gets some funds, great. We'll have worried for nowt. When have we ever been told what budget the manager has under Venkys? Not once. But they still signed off quite a few money deals.

I'm not worrying until Lambert actually walks.

Edit: Someone needs to update the swear filter to include dick and shat.

80 POINTS

[VinjayV4]

There's a couple of other routes. One would be some kind of "gimmick" (it might lessen the seriousness of a protest but still it might make people show up) or money. Seneca and the Rovers Trust (certainly more the latter as Seneca are a functioning profit related business) might have been better. It might be getting to the point where fans need a financial incentive to participate. Obviously not the vast majority but look at the Euromillions popularity (not that I'm suggesting THAT much lol) but either an incentive or a prize to be selected at random. It might seem like such a suggestion indicates an ulterior motive but its simply trying to come up with ideas.

The other alternative once again is the Pune press which would also take investment. I said that in 2011 though and no movement was made in that direction then. Its a shame there's still no Venkys outlet in the UK as that would have been an ideal target. The VH Group as a whole however DOES have an office in London.

Maybe Rovers fans need to learn how to "play the media" a bit more too. We saw what happened with Kean abuse critics and the reaction was angry/defensive (quite justifiably) but perhaps a more calm, persuasive approach is better. Probably sounds laughable coming from me but most people are capable of that!

[TBTF]

The biggest protest happens every saturday as 50% of our crowd no longer attend.

It would be good to see that 50% and more go the next reserve game , or go pleasington on a saturday.

Protest is all about numbers and the more on a protest the bigger impact.

Personally i think the protest have had their day, they didnt work as too many didnt see the wood from the trees. We now have what some saw coming.

People have stopped the fight, given up, only a handful actually have any fight left.

The Action Group are more of an away travel group and sadly aint made waves or used any information since I left. They have become inaffective and have lost any support they may have had.

The Rovers trust, is not a supporters group, its a supporters organisation which is an avenue which can be explored should supporter ownership become a reality. It still needs members and support from the supporter base, because if Venkys pull the plug, the Trust maybe the only option as investors have long disappeared into the distance.

I still believe the truth needs to be told and like the Steve Kean Video, its no good holding onto things forever a day. Things have not got better, its just we as fans stopped trying!!!

Are you including Seneca when you say investors have long since disappeared Glen? If so where has that come out anywhere? That would be a massive blow if true but please say if you have heard something somewhere.

I was hanging my hat on something involving them and the Trust.

[VinjayV4]

Are you including Seneca when you say investors have long since disappeared Glen? If so where has that come out anywhere? That would be a massive blow if true but please say if you have heard something somewhere.

I was hanging my hat on something involving them and the Trust.

They clearly are still interested considering recent comments...by Ian B if I recall right on Radio Lancs. Have to say Seneca look much better than Sports Shield who are taking out loans with assets as collateral. If Seneca are indeed "well funded" that won't be quite as necessary presumably? People at Seneca have been involved with the likes of Apax Partners...Holdsworth's site looks pathetic in comparison with a tacky tagline.

[TBTF]

They clearly are still interested considering recent comments...by Ian B if I recall right on Radio Lancs.

that's what I thought too Vinj. just hoping Glen isn't referring to them. But as you say. I don't see them getting involved in protests because of their corporate presence .I think they will just bide their time and wait until the sh1t hits the fan.

Problem with all of this is Venkys just don't talk to anyone including their own people so how does any kind of deal ever get done with anyone???

its just a ridiculous state of affairs

[VinjayV4]

that's what I thought too Vinj. just hoping Glen isn't referring to them. But as you say. I don't see them getting involved in protests because of their corporate presence .I think they will just bide their time and wait until the sh1t hits the fan.

Problem with all of this is Venkys just don't talk to anyone including their own people so how does any kind of deal ever get done with anyone???

its just a ridiculous state of affairs

Well I'm sure Glen himself said Seneca have attempted to make contact again in past year. Pretty sure I said Seneca directly so not confused with Rovers Trust. They hit the same dead end of course.

EDIT-Here's the link and "they" are Seneca.

https://twitter.com/glen9mullan/status/702574193712492544

https://twitter.com/glen9mullan/status/702575441157214208

[TBTF]

Well I'm sure Glen himself said Seneca have attempted to make contact again in past year. Pretty sure I said Seneca directly so not confused with Rovers Trust. They hit the same dead end of course.

EDIT-Here's the link and "they" are Seneca.

https://twitter.com/glen9mullan/status/702574193712492544

https://twitter.com/glen9mullan/status/702575441157214208

cheers Vinjay. What a nightmare club we are

[Leonard Venkhater]

The biggest protest happens every saturday as 50% of our crowd no longer attend.

It would be good to see that 50% and more go the next reserve game , or go pleasington on a saturday.

Protest is all about numbers and the more on a protest the bigger impact.

Personally i think the protest have had their day, they didnt work as too many didnt see the wood from the trees. We now have what some saw coming.

People have stopped the fight, given up, only a handful actually have any fight left.

The Action Group are more of an away travel group and sadly aint made waves or used any information since I left. They have become inaffective and have lost any support they may have had.

The Rovers trust, is not a supporters group, its a supporters organisation which is an avenue which can be explored should supporter ownership become a reality. It still needs members and support from the supporter base, because if Venkys pull the plug, the Trust maybe the only option as investors have long disappeared into the distance.

I still believe the truth needs to be told and like the Steve Kean Video, its no good holding onto things forever a day. Things have not got better, its just we as fans stopped trying!!!

Oh, it's so much more complicated than that!

We could all make an analysis of why the original protests did not get enough fans on board, how they were redefined in the media and the enemy within etc.

I think we need to wait just little longer and see what(if any messages) PL is given about the plan.

Then, this time we have to have the fans' mandate for aims, objectives and style of protest.

[VinjayV4]

Can't remember exactly where I saw the link to this (probably on twitter or possibly on here about 10 minutes ago) but what a joke this turned out to be...suppose no different to most things they have said.

From 2010...

"Not for Anuradha are the frills and trappings that corporate women in power sport, including clothes that make statements or orders that brook no argument.

"Instead, she adopts what she says is a leadership style that she easily and naturally slipped into."

On her style, she is quoted as telling Business Line: "You have to invest in building up relationships with people, give them the freedom to work towards goals and when you spend time with them and understand them, they are ready to put in their best for you, be it man or woman," she says.

"You can't hold a stick and frighten anybody into working for you.

"Instead, if you sit with them and work with them, you can be assured of results."

Rovers fans will now be hoping this approach brings results on the football field.

[glen9mullan]

Are you including Seneca when you say investors have long since disappeared Glen? If so where has that come out anywhere? That would be a massive blow if true but please say if you have heard something somewhere.

I was hanging my hat on something involving them and the Trust.

I recall Ian Battersby saying on Radio Lancs that they would struggle to get anyone to take the club for free with its current accounts.

Last time I met with Ian he said the investors he had have long moved on which suggest its dead from Seneca

However thats not to say he couldnt find others if the accounts are more manageable further down the line?

The problem with investors , is they want to see a return, realistically could anyone see a return on a rovers investment now we have lost so many supporters, whilst the squad in its current state is not ripping at the seams with big saleable assets

[T J Hooker]

They have never once listened to the fans. They flew out a group of them and lied directly to their faces.

I'm not "stop going on" about anything either, it's a forum and I can express my views. I think protests at this point are ill advised regardless of thee old "Venkys out" mantra reply.

A better idea? Rally round the manager. How about an "I'm behind Paul and the boys campaign"? Surely will make the point that we support good decisions that they make.

I'm with anyone whose saying a protest will be unavoidable if Paul is sacked or walks. Until that happens though, it's not the time for it.

I agree, We need to put pressure on the venkys to act by showing that unlike all past managers during venkys ownership we are pretty much ALL behind Lambert and if he walks because he's not getting the financial support that he was(It seems) promised to get us up the league, All the fans will completely lose there @#/? big time

[glen9mullan]

Oh, it's so much more complicated than that!

We could all make an analysis of why the original protests did not get enough fans on board, how they were redefined in the media and the enemy within etc.

I think we need to wait just little longer and see what(if any messages) PL is given about the plan.

Then, this time we have to have the fans' mandate for aims, objectives and style of protest.

I just think protest would not be welcomed by 99% of the remaining attending supporters.

Any unrest in the stands could see Lambert chuck the towel in, after all he is trying his best and is working blind-folded without owner communication.

Someone told me on Saturday that because SEM went bust there is no target or justice.

I nearly choked on my pint as this was very small minded and made me wonder how little knowledge people have of the business and legal system. SEM going bust does not protect those with legal responsibilities and the legal system is so much geared for civil action against anyone. As stakeholders of Rovers there is a route which can be taken regarding those who deliberately broke the rules for self gain

[VinjayV4]

I just think protest would not be welcomed by 99% of the remaining attending supporters.

Any unrest in the stands could see Lambert chuck the towel in, after all he is trying his best and is working blind-folded without owner communication.

Someone told me on Saturday that because SEM went bust there is no target or justice.

I nearly choked on my pint as this was very small minded and made me wonder how little knowledge people have of the business and legal system. SEM going bust does not protect those with legal responsibilities and the legal system is so much geared for civil action against anyone. As stakeholders of Rovers there is a route which can be taken regarding those who deliberately broke the rules for self gain

Well there is but unfortunately they get away with it as usual...

[Leonard Venkhater]

I just think protest would not be welcomed by 99% of the remaining attending supporters.

Any unrest in the stands could see Lambert chuck the towel in, after all he is trying his best and is working blind-folded without owner communication.

Someone told me on Saturday that because SEM went bust there is no target or justice.

I nearly choked on my pint as this was very small minded and made me wonder how little knowledge people have of the business and legal system. SEM going bust does not protect those with legal responsibilities and the legal system is so much geared for civil action against anyone. As stakeholders of Rovers there is a route which can be taken regarding those who deliberately broke the rules for self gain

I don't see any harm in an FAQ approach, dealing with issues like SEM's demise, as part of a call to arms Lol!

Also, I think any protest must differentiate from the previous ones by actively including a message that we back Lambert and want the owners to do the same.

Personally, I have never felt comfortable with demonstrations during games because I thought they actually helped Rovers' opponents, particularly while points remained crucial. I think this was a barrier to others joining in. But I do know this position carries the disadvantage of protests losing out on potential media coverage.....

Anyway, I am prepared to bide my time a little to see what Venky's do. Needless to say, I am not hopeful in that regard. Their silence is omenous....