Still comes back to can we put our faith in Fisher. There is a lot of history that clearly says no. It isn't just the things that didn't happen or did (wont all be his fault) but it is the on going contradictions in what he says.
There is of course always some truth in what is being said, along with management of perception and where we are directed to look. But it seems to change dependent on who Fisher is talking to or at. There is no consistency, very little transparency. Plenty of upbeat snippets that are easy said far harder to see through. But we have heard it all before several times, or at least every time there is a change of manager. Yes this latest missive is slightly different but only in arrangement of words the message is still we are in charge and you have to believe in us to put it right. Where is the plan, the time frames, the commitment, the action that proves the trust is well founded. What is the substance. Fisher/CCFC has to match the standards he has demanded of others
The club has to develop and earn the trust of series of key partnerships. Firstly the fans. That means creating a winning team first and foremost. Fans will put up with a whole load of stuff if their team is winning. It is not but a couple of months that Fisher seemed to be pointing a finger of blame at the fans, simply shrugging shoulders at season ticket holders giving up. Now we have an upbeat rallying call to get behind a new manager, we are all in it together ...... are we?. What will it be in a couple more months? what happens if the club continues to fail on and off the pitch? The SB Trust might have its faults but if he could prove to them that he has a plan, the finance, the drive and honesty would that be a step in the right direction ? probably. Would make a much more cohesive front to have the Trust on side with the club, but as fans they need convincing and that's the way it should be - in the past support for their actions was simply expected & demanded, that does not work. There are some good people on the trust who understand business, finance & legals - convince them, but simple/clever words will not be enough
Like it or not the second partnership CCFC need is with CCC. No matter what the history has been they simply must build bridges with the council, show commitment and to a large degree transparency plus consistency. If their "ambition" is to relocate to BPA then they absolutely must have a better relationship with the local council. If that means a bit of humility and stroking a few key egos then sorry that's what needs to be done by Fisher
It seems CCFC have a decent enough partnership with CRFC. However how meaningful does that continue to be if CCFC actually becomes a blockage in the development of BPA. Clearly CRFC need to develop the site, however their own set up is not so heavily cost based (ie they don't have the same wage bills) so you could suggest that the income levels required for them to go it alone are not so large as a joint venture with CCFC
For now CCFC has to have a working relationship with Wasps. It is the only place we can play at this time in Coventry. That doesn't mean begging and accepting crap, but it does mean both sides being professional and business like. The recent articles might make decent copy or clickbait for the author, who seems to be the official CCFC PR provider, but it does not make an already difficult operations any easier, indeed it seems to make it harder.
Local media. Clearly CCFC needs this on side. It seems that a particular paper has been chosen as the official outlet. Surely whoever the owners a club needs access to all media. If there is a new start, a new transparency what is there to fear for the football club. If CCFC is something different, completely separate to SISU i am tempted say where is the problem for CCFC & CT. I would think things have gone too far and someone's ego or several egos will need to be bruised to solve it. This new start heralded yesterday needs to be communicated to as many as possible, followed by positive coverage by all media of the actions that follow. Why be frightened of scrutiny from anyone. Clear the air and keep egos, personal agendas and arrogance out of it
Local business. A successful partnership is vital. Yes there are the sponsors but it is in having many positive relationships throughout the City and surrounding areas that CCFC prospers. The season tickets are vital but so too are the business networks. That means making sure the experience at our home ground is positive which of course means working with not butting against Wasps/ACL. You want repeat business, new connections, follow up, a sense of valuing the business you connect with.
Obviously some of the above requires finances to support it. That's where I see the commitment fall down if I am honest. But if the relatively small amounts needed fall down then what does that say about other elements of this latest new start? This cant be a six month wonder until the next manager has his new start too. It can not be a short term plan, but it has to be committed to in time money & effort.
It means drawing a line under the past, convincing people, fans, businesses, councils, landlords that some things are out of CCFC control but that the club and its directors will do everything in their power to create the right relationships and act to build our club again. Yes I know some will say it isn't all down to the club, no probably not, but the club is the one in need and sometimes you have to put history, ego, arrogance etc to one side and with some humility make things work. Is Fisher and his way of seeing things the one to drive all of the above? I have serious doubts on that.
