[Archived] Rovers Vs The Pool Fa Cup

[Stuart]

If you want to give up something you enjoy that is your personal choice because you believe it will have some sort of impact. Others believe differently and therefore choose to do differently. If everyone is doing what they choose to do and what they believe is the right thing to do there really shouldn't be a problem.

Of course there is a problem. A lack of unity.

If we discount the 10,000 plastic fans who have walked away, do you really believe that increasing our paltry 7,000 home fans to 10,000 home fans will make Blackburn Rovers a more attractive prospect to a new buyer? Do you think that a new buyer who was so ignorant to the reasons we have protests is likely to be any better than Venkys?

Or do you think that we now need Venkys (paying the bills) to survive as a league club? If you do then your approach, presumably, is to show support to Rovers and to allow Venkys to believe that you support them, then cross your fingers and hope that Venkys will not simply run out of disposable money. They certainly don't care about the club or they would not have take the actions that they have. But this is to ignore the reality of our situation. On the experiences to date we have to conclude that Venkys will relegate us, because it is the only way that our income will cover our costs. More likely this will require two relegations and rely on the hardcore fans not only sticking around but paying extra for the privilege.

Let's say though that either way we are going to be relegated and go close to going out of business - either on Venkys timeline or on our own - why should we continue to let them take from us and adding to the debt?

And if we accept this then why should we not try to make things difficult for Venkys? "It won't work"? Well even if it doesn't it provides at least an outlet for anger, pride and a level of catharsis.

[chaddyrovers]

Its just one game. A game that has no bearing on the future of the club. Just say you have no intention of ever doing anything at all to rid the club of this disease and carry on.

do you really think protesting is going to force Venkys? do you think they even know you are doing it?

Are people in India really bothered about a club in Blackburn or even football tbh? They are Cricket mad over there and that's their 1st sport.

maybe the locals MP's like Graham Jones, Jake Berry could get something into law about ownership and fans ownership. Maybe even speak to the Indian PM about Rovers and talk to Venkys.

The thing is, those fans not taking part in any protests ARE letting the club fade away. There is no fight against Venkys, yet there is no genuine support on the pitch - certainly not vocally. If anything the more people sat in silence, the less support the players will feel. If it was a core of 2000 fans passionately cheering the boys on every game then you'd have a point but as it is it's just about not breaking a habit, or a run of consecutive games.

There is every chance that Blackpool will have a handful, literally, of fans in the DE. We meanwhile will show our condoning of Venkys by having a 'normal' League One size crowd. Because after all our current position is "all part of the normal run of football". Wonder why Blackpool don't feel that way...

I letting the club fade away? really when I am there supporting my club and cheering and encouraging the players. plenty of vocally comments yesterday from me.

Stuart, no one have condoned what Venkys have done but if you really think they care about the fans think then you are deduled. they didn't care 5 years ago and still don't.

Not many want the Venkys but it is selfish to expect everybody to give up watching their chosen team that many have been supporting for half a century because you want them to do it. I still enjoy going and will not allow the owners or the boycotters to stop me from going to Ewood whenever I can.

like I said before Al, I am not going to let anybody force me out from attending games and being a season ticket holder

If Venkys leave and we get decent investment and a decent manager there will be 16 thousand down there, if we get closer to a promotion push maybe a thousand more, if we get promoted then around 20 thousand.

I very doubt we would see 16 thousand down there even if we got to the PL. People who have walk away have found other things to do and hobbies

#OperationEmptyEwood

If you have bought a ticket already then please return it for a refund.

https://mobile.twitter.com/KnightTangerine/status/822830420161155072

No I wont returned my ticket.

I want to go and support my team. if you wish to boycott then I fully respect your stance and I hope you will return it aswell.

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

I'm reading this thread with a feeling of bewilderment and utter hopelessness.

It would not surprise me one iota if/when we are relegated to see the still attendees turn on the boycotters and try to lay full blame at their feet for our fall from grace.

I'm sick to the back teeth of it all tbh..what chance have we got when the supporter base is so fractured?

[Gav]

I applaud the initiative, great effort by all concerned.

Its needs to be publicized as widely as possible then seized upon after the game and spun that thousands never turned up as a protest compared to the last game Brum at home.

Simple really this one, a quick win.

[Stuart]

do you really think protesting is going to force Venkys? do you think they even know you are doing it?

Are people in India really bothered about a club in Blackburn or even football tbh? They are Cricket mad over there and that's their 1st sport.

maybe the locals MP's like Graham Jones, Jake Berry could get something into law about ownership and fans ownership. Maybe even speak to the Indian PM about Rovers and talk to Venkys.

I letting the club fade away? really when I am there supporting my club and cheering and encouraging the players. plenty of vocally comments yesterday from me.

Stuart, no one have condoned what Venkys have done but if you really think they care about the fans think then you are deduled. they didn't care 5 years ago and still don't.

like I said before Al, I am not going to let anybody force me out from attending games and being a season ticket holder

I very doubt we would see 16 thousand down there even if we got to the PL. People who have walk away have found other things to do and hobbies

No I wont returned my ticket.

I want to go and support my team. if you wish to boycott then I fully respect your stance and I hope you will return it aswell.

You weren't vocally supporting the team yesterday, it was so quiet I'd have heard you.

Have to laugh though. In the same post: "if you really think they care about the fans think then you are deluded" (sic) and "if you wish to boycott then I fully respect your stance". Brilliant. You won't see the link of course.

It's like the last 6 years haven't happened for you, chaddy. You do not learn from one event to the next. You don't join the dots. You don't grasp what is happening despite being closer to the ugly side of our situation than most fans. You don't understand about cause and effect. You get past the next win and you wipe your RAM and start again. I presume your glass brimming full view of our current situation is not "nailed on relegation candidates" but "unbeaten in five".

Worst of all, you are not alone.

[Al]

Or is it selfish to go 'just because you want to' whilst others give up something they enjoy? Only to see their efforts spoilt.

No. It wouldn't make the slightest difference and would be totally ignored in India.

Nobody has the right to tell somebody not to attend and then to criticise them for not following their instructions. Who do they think they are?

[JBiz]

I'm reading this thread with a feeling of bewilderment and utter hopelessness.

1. It would not surprise me one iota if/when we are relegated to see the still attendees turn on the boycotters and try to lay full blame at their feet for our fall from grace.

2. I'm sick to the back teeth of it all tbh..what chance have we got when the supporter base is so fractured?

The thing is - 2 wouldn't be so bad if 1 wasn't true, but you've only covered half of the story. I still attend, I've never laid the blame at anyone but Venkys doors, but I've been grouped as "a scab", "funding corruption" and I "deserve what Venkys have done.

Perhaps when it stops some traction towards unity can be found.

[Parsonblue]

Of course there is a problem. A lack of unity.

It seems to me Stuart that your idea of unity is everybody doing what you do. That's not unity. Ultimately we all have our own ideas about the owners, the club, the manager, the players etc. We all have our own ideas about the way forward. If you get some release for your anger from protesting then that's a good thing for you, as an individual, but it's not the same for others. Ultimately, we all do what we believe to be right.

[mhead]

But if there are only 2 of you left,plus a few very old OAPs, don't you think that just maybe you are reading what you should do slightly against the tide of 99% of fans?

And what pleasure from watching a match in an empty ground.

[chaddyrovers]

You weren't vocally supporting the team yesterday, it was so quiet I'd have heard you.

Have to laugh though. In the same post: "if you really think they care about the fans think then you are deluded" (sic) and "if you wish to boycott then I fully respect your stance". Brilliant. You won't see the link of course.

It's like the last 6 years haven't happened for you, chaddy. You do not learn from one event to the next. You don't join the dots. You don't grasp what is happening despite being closer to the ugly side of our situation than most fans. You don't understand about cause and effect. You get past the next win and you wipe your RAM and start again. I presume your glass brimming full view of our current situation is not "nailed on relegation candidates" but "unbeaten in five".

Worst of all, you are not alone.

Clearly Stuart you weren't sat near me tho Stuart. I never stop shouting and encourage them. lost my voice after the game

fans are entitled to do whatever they think is best. this is personal choice and each stance should be respected the same. you don't Stuart.

I've been there every league game over the past 6 years and see everything.

I have said Coyle should be sack based on results but I cant influence the decision making of Pune cos they don't attend games ever. his record isn't good enough

[gumboots]

It's not that I don't respect your right to do what you want with your money and time. It's just that I can't for the life of me understand why you want to spend your time and money attending Ewood at present and saying you enjoy it. But putting that aside, as we are never going to persuade you not to do that, why you can't understand that you're being asked to make a one off statement in support of Blackpool as well as in protest against our owners. Nobody is saying you can't or shouldn't carry on using your season ticket but they are asking you not to put cash into Oystons pocket and extra cash into venkys pockets and you just dont seem to get it. This is not about supporting or not supporting. It's about making a statement the media, the FA, and even our owners cannot avoid seeing. Just once.

[chaddyrovers]

But if there are only 2 of you left,plus a few very old OAPs, don't you think that just maybe you are reading what you should do slightly against the tide of 99% of fans?

And what pleasure from watching a match in an empty ground.

Funny enough where I sat at Ewood Park and speaking to a few fans yesterday all attending the game

It seems to me Stuart that your idea of unity is everybody doing what you do. That's not unity. Ultimately we all have our own ideas about the owners, the club, the manager, the players etc. We all have our own ideas about the way forward. If you get some release for your anger from protesting then that's a good thing for you, as an individual, but it's not the same for others. Ultimately, we all do what we believe to be right.

exactly ParsonBlue. we all have our ideas on the club and the way forward. Like I suggest a DoF/head coach structure could work at this club with the right people in the right roles months ago.

I have commented on Coyle and suggest Players to sign.

would protesting release my anger? No its wouldn't.

It's not that I don't respect your right to do what you want with your money and time. It's just that I can't for the life of me understand why you want to spend your time and money attending Ewood at present and saying you enjoy it. But putting that aside, as we are never going to persuade you not to do that, why you can't understand that you're being asked to make a one off statement in support of Blackpool as well as in protest against our owners. Nobody is saying you can't or shouldn't carry on using your season ticket but they are asking you not to put cash into Oystons pocket and extra cash into venkys pockets and you just dont seem to get it. This is not about supporting or not supporting. It's about making a statement the media, the FA, and even our owners cannot avoid seeing. Just once.

I still enjoy supporting my club even tho after everything that has gone its is still hard to keep going at times, But still have huge passion for my club. My family and friends would testify to this and I wouldn't be force into not attending games. Its a personal choice yet again.

Like I always said I respect people who boycott but it must work both way. which at times it doesn't

On the cash part, for what it cost for me and my missus wont even pay for Danny Graham hourly wage. so lets be realistic here.

statement to the FA and our owners? do they really give a #### to be honest? haven't for past 5 years

also would you not attend one game to show support for the club and show that there is a fanbase here for any potential new owner looking at the club and prove a point to our owners what they are missing out on?

[Stuart]

It seems to me Stuart that your idea of unity is everybody doing what you do. That's not unity. Ultimately we all have our own ideas about the owners, the club, the manager, the players etc. We all have our own ideas about the way forward. If you get some release for your anger from protesting then that's a good thing for you, as an individual, but it's not the same for others. Ultimately, we all do what we believe to be right.

As always you dodge the issue.

Would an empty Ewood for ONE game, both home and away fans, speak volumes? In the media? Certainly it would. In India? We don't know for sure but it might. Shebby, Pasha and Senior were all brought in for a reason.

Will a normal FA cup crowd, typical for a match between a relegation threatened Championship side and a League Two side speak volumes? In the media? Resoundingly not. In India? Of course not, at best they would be happy with that, at worst their advisers would be able to spin it that the fans are clearly on side.

So we go from a small chance with this protest to zero chance with your attend-at-all-costs choice. That's why we should try to unite behind a tiny hope than uniting behind no hope. Unless of course you want Venkys to stay.

However, I have to take exception to your arrogant and cheap shot about "what I want". Do you think I WANT to march? Do you think I WANT to walk out of my seat on 75 minutes? Do you think I WANT to boycott? None of this is what I want? I want owners can trust. I want a club I can believe in. I want a board and management that is doing everything it can to compete in football matches, in leagues, in cups. Not selling every player of any value and employing incompetent managers - despite having the money to change it. Our club is being wilfully damaged here - in case you have forgotten.

So, no, this is not about what I want. But it seems that your position is certainly all about what you want, which is an easy life watching "The Rovers 2010-2017" (perhaps a chapter title for your next "Complete History Of..." edition), and not what is necessary for the good of our club.

You stick with recording the past and let others worry about the future.

[Reedy You're A Star]

It seems to me Stuart that your idea of unity is everybody doing what you do. That's not unity. Ultimately we all have our own ideas about the owners, the club, the manager, the players etc. We all have our own ideas about the way forward. If you get some release for your anger from protesting then that's a good thing for you, as an individual, but it's not the same for others. Ultimately, we all do what we believe to be right.

Ok, serious question, no digs or alternative motives. I assume you have the same ideas as the vast majority about the owners and manager, I.e they're steering us to relegation and flirting with the very future of the club. It's the club and players where you differ. Is that correct?

If that's the case, then what are your ideas for the way forward? How would you, ideally, bring about change?

[chor808]

Is really bad that we are split as a fan base and I can see parson and chaddys view that they don't want to be told not to attend or to protest, however only one thing has pushed us all to this and that is a thing only a tiny minority would still want at Ewood and that's Venkys.

I don't buy into the line that attending any game makes you a venky lover etc however in a situation where the oposition team is also in turmoil and actively boycotting games we should stand together and be unified as a group. I think people like parson and Chaddy who there are a lot of really don't understand they hold the ace card in these situations, they are the ones that would make the media, owners etc stand up and take notice if they really did boycott this one game.

It is horrible not going, I've been to two home games and two away I think this season and would love to attend every home game but I along with many others have to take a stand, even if it is a weak one.

Chaddy parson I urge you to think again, put aside arguments on a forum you can never win and think what future you want for this club, our club, again you are the ones that will make the difference.

[MGAndy]

what is important for this protest is that ALL boycotters turn up.... not converting the entrenched deluded.

No point having a go at Chaddy Parson and similar if you are a boycotter (like me) but dont make the effort yourself to get to the protest next week.

Of course we won't empty ewood 100%

The aim is more out than in

I will be taking part

I hope you will all being doing the same.

I applaud the initiative, great effort by all concerned.

Its needs to be publicized as widely as possible then seized upon after the game and spun that thousands never turned up as a protest compared to the last game Brum at home.

Simple really this one, a quick win.

Gav, are you taking part in the protest. I hope so.

More out than In !

[Stuart]

Ok, serious question, no digs or alternative motives. I assume you have the same ideas as the vast majority about the owners and manager, I.e they're steering us to relegation and flirting with the very future of the club. It's the club and players where you differ. Is that correct?

If that's the case, then what are your ideas for the way forward? How would you, ideally, bring about change?

Very keen to see an answer to this that isn't: "well, there's nothing we can do".

[MGAndy]

As always you dodge the issue.

Would an empty Ewood for ONE game, both home and away fans, speak volumes? In the media? Certainly it would. In India? We don't know for sure but it might. Shebby, Pasha and Senior were all brought in for a reason.

Will a normal FA cup crowd, typical for a match between a relegation threatened Championship side and a League Two side speak volumes? In the media? Resoundingly not. In India? Of course not, at best they would be happy with that, at worst their advisers would be able to spin it that the fans are clearly on side.

So we go from a small chance with this protest to zero chance with your attend-at-all-costs choice. That's why we should try to unite behind a tiny hope than uniting behind no hope. Unless of course you want Venkys to stay.

However, I have to take exception to your arrogant and cheap shot about "what I want". Do you think I WANT to march? Do you think I WANT to walk out of my seat on 75 minutes? Do you think I WANT to boycott? None of this is what I want? I want owners can trust. I want a club I can believe in. I want a board and management that is doing everything it can to compete in football matches, in leagues, in cups. Not selling every player of any value and employing incompetent managers - despite having the money to change it. Our club is being wilfully damaged here - in case you have forgotten.

So, no, this is not about what I want. But it seems that your position is certainly all about what you want, which is an easy life watching "The Rovers 2010-2017" (perhaps a chapter title for your next "Complete History Of..." edition), and not what is necessary for the good of our club.

You stick with recording the past and let others worry about the future.

Stuart, are you taking part next week? I hope so.

more out than in !!

[gumboots]

I'm hoping to be there. I've been useless so far this season and I'll be the first to admit it. Daughters new baby, and cowboy builders meaning she needed a lot of support have taken a lot of my time enthusiasm and energy. But this one matters so I hope to be there

[Oldgregg86]

I've done all the protests up to now but I'm going on Saturday. I've had enough of all this. Of course there should be a full boycott for this game but all the boycotters spouting " it's a one off game" for the cause, the greater good are some of the people that would not join the 1875 protest for the cause , the greater good. It's about time people just made their own choices and let people do as they please. We are a divided fan base and as a result have already lost. I'm at the point where it feels like I'm sitting watching at the bedside of a dying loved one and remembering the good times hoping to hear one last I love you before the flat line and the curtains close. I'd rather be there milking the last few moments than be told it's to late. At the end of the day the club is dying and we should all be united on finding a cure instead we will all fight at the funeral blaming each other. I'm done. The whole thing is a joke

[blueboy3333]

There is always hope.

My dad took me to my first games in our title winning season, age 24. I hated footy. It was boring and once I'd had all my sweets and finished my colouring book, I wanted to go home.

You're brave admitting that on here. Fair play!

[MGAndy]

so far they sold 176 tickets

if it ends up being a 1000 the protest will be a success

1/3 to Oysten

1/3 to Venkys

1/3 to the FA

Riverside closed to get the Riversiders used to relocating for next season

just dont buy a ticket

[Stuart]

I've done all the protests up to now but I'm going on Saturday. I've had enough of all this. Of course there should be a full boycott for this game but all the boycotters spouting " it's a one off game" for the cause, the greater good are some of the people that would not join the 1875 protest for the cause , the greater good. It's about time people just made their own choices and let people do as they please. We are a divided fan base and as a result have already lost. I'm at the point where it feels like I'm sitting watching at the bedside of a dying loved one and remembering the good times hoping to hear one last I love you before the flat line and the curtains close. I'd rather be there milking the last few moments than be told it's to late. At the end of the day the club is dying and we should all be united on finding a cure instead we all fight at the funeral blaming each other. I'm done. The whole thing is a joke

I bet that post will bring a smile to the faces, not only of several posters on here, but of any club official reading.

Here's me trying to convince my lad, who really wants to go, that we should carry on with the protests and folk are giving up.

People like you and me will probably keep going but many more will just walk away completely.

[Oldgregg86]

I bet that post will bring a smile to the faces, not only of several posters on here, but of any club official reading.

Here's me trying to convince my lad, who really wants to go, that we should carry on with the protests and folk are giving up.

People like you and me will probably keep going but many more will just walk away completely.

[Oldgregg86]

What do we do Stuart. I went to the last supporters meeting. There was 13 people their and we voted for an advert to be placed in India. That was it. 13 people. We donated to the mural months ago. Where is it. has the advert been placed ? Has anyone been to India. It was supposed to be after the ipswich game or the cricket. No one has been. I try to keep up to date but know nothing. Please don't take that to heart because the people at this end are doing way more than myself or anyone else. At the other end I got a train to Preston then to Blackburn to do the walk that never happened and had to get the train back. People won't boycott one FA cup game were all the money goes to venkys, oyston and the FA. If there is ever the perfect time to boycott and get a message across its now. Equally in front of the sky camera for the 1875 protest boycotters wouldn't come back for one game. If thousands more would of done the 1875 it would have had a larger impact and helped with media coverage. Coventry, Charlton even Leyton Orient have all been mentioned via the media this week alone. Rovers never get a look in. I suggested the u23 protest for the not a penny more brigade. I can't even remember what rubbish the reason that was a no go. People won't do a walk from the town centre and on top of that I sit in the away end of away games with the people behind me shouting venkys/coyle out and the people in front shouting sit down and shut up (obviously less politely than that). I have seen fans literally fighting each other. 6 years later the debt increases our league position spirals as does the quality of football. The further we fall the less the media care and still we are having the same pointless debates. So sorry stuart. I hope your lad gets to have some of the cherished moments we have had the pleasure of seeing but I can't do it anymore. It's making me hate the one thing I love more than anything.