Ask Neil (7 Viewers)

[Grendel]

Can you ask him why the trust unfollowed me on twitter once I sent them an iPhone note screenshot asking them to set up a demonstration against the council for rolling out the red carpet to a rugby club from London off the back off selling their football club down the river and the amount of local businesses that will lose trade through cov not being there.

One argument the council used to get wasps here was economic benefit. Admittedly the data I find spurious but there is a method of calculation - so they should be using the same methods and showing the impact of the club being forced out through the media channels

 

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[fernandopartridge]

I think it needs to re-define its aims and objectives:

The Trust’s Aims are to:
1. To build and maintain membership of the Trust;
2. To secure supporter involvement in the ownership and management of the club;
3. To advocate financial stability for CCFC, with a business model based on avoiding unsustainable debt, and profits being reinvested directly in the Club;
4. To have City fans recognised as the lifeblood of the Club and at the heart of everything CCFC does.

1 - Pointless aim (inwardly looking and great at day 1)
2. Why needed and why should we have, what do we bring to the party?
3. Owned by a fund - pointless and non achievable so don't set an aim/objective that is not achievable.
4. How do you define recognised - eyes of the beholder

I think it needs refresh and has to be based on working with the club on communication, also on still holding all 3 parties to account on finding a solution that sees a football club play its sport in its home town and what they are all actively doing to achieve this.

I'm not sure how advocating NOPM etc fits with objective 3.

 

[olderskyblue]

His not real he hides behind a silly name so his views don’t count is his view

I think his user name is almost perfect...

 

[Grendel]

I think his user name is almost perfect...

Neil would probably think you are related as you have the same name.

 

[Nick]

One argument the council used to get wasps here was economic benefit. Admittedly the data I find spurious but there is a method of calculation - so they should be using the same methods and showing the impact of the club being forced out through the media channels

Exactly, it would make a good political statement if nothing else.

Instead of applauding Wasps at the time, they could have been using their media links to show how many local businesses would be fucked over and lose out from CCFC not being in Coventry.

 

[clint van damme]

One argument the council used to get wasps here was economic benefit. Admittedly the data I find spurious but there is a method of calculation - so they should be using the same methods and showing the impact of the club being forced out through the media channels

one of the most basic metrics is footfall so we're quarter of a million people down in the next year straight away.
I'm fairly sure there is a poster on here who used to have a fairly senior position in retail, perhaps they could put a bit more science behind it, it may have been Macca or Hobo?

 

[Rodders1]

Exactly, it would make a good political statement if nothing else.

Instead of applauding Wasps at the time, they could have been using their media links to show how many local businesses would be fucked over and lose out from CCFC not being in Coventry.

Hi Nick,

Out of interest how many regular posters are on this forum? The SBT should consider this when dismissing its views!

This unlike the SBT (I imagine) gives a much more real time view from the fans probably from a greater number also.

Also the “read only” numbers would be huge.

 

[Grendel]

one of the most basic metrics is footfall so we're quarter of a million people down in the next year straight away.
I'm fairly sure there is a poster on here who used to have a fairly senior position in retail, perhaps they could put a bit more science behind it, it may have been Macca or Hobo?

There is a calculation somewhere where they calculate the spend per person not just on site but surrounding area.

The wasps calculation was a joke as it included nonsense like fuel to travel back to London but there will be a formula - they will have used it to justify the swimming pool

 

[Nick]

one of the most basic metrics is footfall so we're quarter of a million people down in the next year straight away.
I'm fairly sure there is a poster on here who used to have a fairly senior position in retail, perhaps they could put a bit more science behind it, it may have been Macca or Hobo?

I guess it's quite hard to say without knowing there they go, how they get there etc.

All of them will be going into the Ricoh so the F+B is likely to take a massive hit, then you have the Casino just off that which everybody won't go in which will take a hit, then work out to pubs / offsite car parks and then there's chippys etc which will get people going in on their way to the game.

More hard hitting would be finding out just how much impact there will be for local pubs / small businesses / sole traders without CCFC.

 

[edgy]

I am a member. Or at least I think I am, I paid £1 many moons ago. I won't sign up again, if requested. Unless they condemned Wasps and actively encouraged a boycott of their games.

 

[Great_Expectations]

Genuine question; who is Neil?

I gather he’s on the board of the Trust and used to work in PR? But some of you seem to know more about him? A quick google of his name didn’t really give me much.

In terms of the Trust itself, I feel a combination of apathy and contempt. I suggest I’m not the only fan to feel that. They need a rebrand; clear message to all fans re their aims, improved communication in general, removal of all personal and subjective agendas re SISU, modernisation of the Trust in every sense and a complete re-start. They need to promote themselves as a positive entity, independent of all parties with nothing but the best for CCFC steering their agenda.

It’s a big, big challenge and they need to find a way to distance themselves from the multitude of mistakes over the past few years.

 

[Grendel]

Genuine question; who is Neil?

I gather he’s on the board of the Trust and used to work in PR? But some of you seem to know more about him? A quick google of his name didn’t really give me much.

In terms of the Trust itself, I feel a combination of apathy and contempt. I suggest I’m not the only fan to feel that. They need a rebrand; clear message to all fans re their aims, improved communication in general, removal of all personal and subjective agendas re SISU, modernisation of the Trust in every sense and a complete re-start. They need to promote themselves as a positive entity, independent of all parties with nothing but the best for CCFC steering their agenda.

It’s a big, big challenge and they need to find a way to distance themselves from the multitude of mistakes over the past few years.

He used to work at trinity mirror group for a while. He’s a media consultant. Knows Linnell well and frequently is on the phone in

 

[Nick]

I have asked Neil (and the Trust in general) if it would be easier to have an "Ask the Trust" thread where some of the good ideas / constructive things can be answered but I don't think it will happen

 

[edgy]

I get the feeling the Trust have almost become SISU-esque in terms of the feeling towards them. As much as we scoff at the Facebook Supporters group for being predominately anti-SISU, they have also become very anti-Trust as well. That group has thousands of members. To me it's a bit like a tabliod paper, shouting opinions and readers generally agree regardless.

So much damage has been done and the feeling towards them has become vitriolic and in the forefront over the last few months. I can't see the Trust as they exist now, ever being a viable supporters group. It needs disbanding and starting again.

 

[Grendel]

I have asked Neil (and the Trust in general) if it would be easier to have an "Ask the Trust" thread where some of the good ideas / constructive things can be answered but I don't think it will happen

That’s another thing I will mention.

The key is trying to get them to understand a requirement for better engagement between them and the supporters as they are the only mouthpiece in the media

Whatever we say the guy is not stupid. However, when anyone mentions anything about moving against wasps and negative council press it’s a childish comeback normally. He tries to simply say 2,500 season tickets mean they support sisu and the rest agree with wasps and the council. This clearly is not the case and he has to know that. So why he says things to me like enjoy your court case I’m not sure. The

The comments regarding wasps atmosphere bring better (having said he’s never been or even seen it on the TV) begs a question as to who is feeding this information and why.

The only positive is that he is not boycotting and will go. He is a lot more articulate on the radio than he comes across on social media - for a PR guy he seems to have pretty outdated views and clearly a disdain for those who put views through it.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

That’s another thing I will mention.

The key is trying to get them to understand a requirement for better engagement between them and the supporters as they are the only mouthpiece in the media

Whatever we say the guy is not stupid. However, when anyone mentions anything about moving against wasps and negative council press it’s a childish comeback normally. He tries to simply say 2,500 season tickets mean they support sisu and the rest agree with wasps and the council. This clearly is not the case and he has to know that. So why he says things to me like enjoy your court case I’m not sure. The

The comments regarding wasps atmosphere bring better (having said he’s never been or even seen it on the TV) begs a question as to who is feeding this information and why.

The only positive is that he is not boycotting and will go. He is a lot more articulate on the radio than he comes across on social media - for a PR guy he seems to have pretty outdated views and clearly a disdain for those who put views through it.

You can tell him that i and like many others can’t justify a season ticket because financially I wouldn’t be able to make the Tuesday games,

I’m getting a match package though, be interested in the amount of packages that are sold on top of season tickets

 

[Nick]

That’s another thing I will mention.

The key is trying to get them to understand a requirement for better engagement between them and the supporters as they are the only mouthpiece in the media

Whatever we say the guy is not stupid. However, when anyone mentions anything about moving against wasps and negative council press it’s a childish comeback normally. He tries to simply say 2,500 season tickets mean they support sisu and the rest agree with wasps and the council. This clearly is not the case and he has to know that. So why he says things to me like enjoy your court case I’m not sure. The

The comments regarding wasps atmosphere bring better (having said he’s never been or even seen it on the TV) begs a question as to who is feeding this information and why.

The only positive is that he is not boycotting and will go. He is a lot more articulate on the radio than he comes across on social media - for a PR guy he seems to have pretty outdated views and clearly a disdain for those who put views through it.

He seems to try and deflect and twist things a bit too much if he doesn't like the answer.

Like you say, he is obviously established in PR so I am not sure if he thinks trying to discredit or bullshit will do the job to stop people disagreeing or questioning him.

He said he knows nothing about Wasps but then went on one about how their matchday was so great but ours wasn't because of expensive food and bad carparking. Almost as if he had no idea about the setup.

He also tried to get the minutes from an SCG meeting where it says Steve Brown will speak to me about website stuff and say that it means the Trust do engage and listen as they spoke to me so I was making things up.

Very much barrel scraping, it would be much easier to just say:

"Why don't people feel represented and how can we fix it? Constructive Replies Only please" and then putting them into a spreadsheet.

Instead it's just very much "Those views don't count", he also tried to indirectly say I wasn't a proper fan as he had never met me.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

What he hasn’t answered is

“what do you feel SISU can do about returning to Coventry City?”

“What terms are reasonable for them to sign up to?”

“Is it fair we should pay any damages that wasps may have to pay in the unlikely event that the sale is found to have been undersold? - and if not - why should we sign up to them?”

Any chance those questions can be put to him?

 

[Samo]

Neil White from the Trust has agreed to meet with me at SA at the first game

I have to say he doesn’t seem to like me and has low expectations. Neil thinks only 6 or 10 people seem to oppose the trust stance

I would like a collation of views and proposed actions from fans here so I can present these to Neil

I am especially interested in people’s view to protests at wasps matches statements against wasps etc but I will have balance the opinions.

Neil is very interested in number of responses so the more the merrier

Grendel; I haven't bothered to read all of the thread so forgive me if the answer is obvious; is there any format you need this in or will a few paragraphs expressing an opinion do?

 

[Nick]

Grendel; I haven't bothered to read all of the thread so forgive me if the answer is obvious; is there any format you need this in or will a few paragraphs expressing an opinion do?

Probably chuck a few bulletpoints.

 

[Irish Sky Blue]

I think it needs to re-define its aims and objectives:

The Trust’s Aims are to:
1. To build and maintain membership of the Trust;
2. To secure supporter involvement in the ownership and management of the club;
3. To advocate financial stability for CCFC, with a business model based on avoiding unsustainable debt, and profits being reinvested directly in the Club;
4. To have City fans recognised as the lifeblood of the Club and at the heart of everything CCFC does.

1 - Pointless aim (inwardly looking and great at day 1)
2. Why needed and why should we have, what do we bring to the party?
3. Owned by a fund - pointless and non achievable so don't set an aim/objective that is not achievable.
4. How do you define recognised - eyes of the beholder

I think it needs refresh and has to be based on working with the club on communication, also on still holding all 3 parties to account on finding a solution that sees a football club play its sport in its home town and what they are all actively doing to achieve this.

Surely if point two is through some democratic process where representatives can be elected and removed if not representing the fan base then this is a good thing? If we had the German model where fans owned 51% of their club would this not stop another Sisu type owner taking over using the club for their own purpose? (Would be a good idea in Rugby Union too, to stop a Wasps type move away from their fan base). I think the more involvement of people who genuinely love the club the less chance of ending up in the mess we are in.

 

[Grendel]

Surely if point two is through some democratic process where representatives can be elected and removed if not representing the fan base then this is a good thing? If we had the German model where fans owned 51% of their club would this not stop another Sisu type owner taking over using the club for their own purpose? (Would be a good idea in Rugby Union too, to stop a Wasps type move away from their fan base). I think the more involvement of people who genuinely love the club the lass chance of ending up in the mess we are in.

Like joe Elliot?

 

[olderskyblue]

Here's my input. Apologies if it duplicates others.

Email all SBTrust members to understand if the database is still valid. Ask for a return email to confirm who they are, and ask if they still support the actions of the SBT, and reasons. Do they still wish to be retained on the database as a member. (This might go against point 2 in their aims and objectives I feel….) Eg they did not have my correct email, and it hasn't changed in 15+ years..

Must hold all sides to account. That includes SISU, but to date, there has been little to none against any other parties.

When statements are made, challenge them, whoever has made them, and challenge others about them., eg Duggins non response to the SISU statement.

Appearance of being led by the nose by Hoffman’s crew. Why any dialogue necessary with them now? Supporting them is one of the reasons that stops potential dialogue with SISU.

Look for strategy to engage with SISU (as with all other sides). This will need to be a full re-boot of the trust take on “life” to enable this, but if the aim is to get the SB playing in Coventry, they surely ought to be talking to the owners too.

Backing of good initiatives eg MMJ’s fund

Remove personal statements about not attending SA. That should have no bearing now on any SBT initiative. They have said it is up to the individual, but these statements indirectly promote not going.

Clarify David J statement about “walking away from the club” – review his position if it is still true. (Clearly it isn't, but as this gets up some peoples backs, it needs clarification)

Understand that a message board/forum have far more active members than the SBT, and the views shown should be seen as valid.

Approach these social media sites to encourage people to stand for the trust board. (Grendel?)

I fear that there are still one or two close to the trust with a vested interest in targeting SISU only. Personal agenda’s will not help, and I believe they have helped shape the trust approach over the years. No problem with them targeting SISU, but must also target others.

The trust must understand that the situation is not the same as it was years ago. More is known now, and they must adapt to that if they really do want to be the “voice” of the fans.

New people always bring an opportunity, and the time is right for the trust to align itself with popular feeling. The past decisions were made under different circumstances and with less knowledge. They need to bring themselves up to date, and their message needs to encompass more fans thoughts than it currently does.

I defend the trust on here when I think criticism has been unfair, but f*** me, they don't give me many opportunities for that....

 

[Nick]

Here's my input. Apologies if it duplicates others.

Email all SBTrust members to understand if the database is still valid. Ask for a return email to confirm who they are, and ask if they still support the actions of the SBT, and reasons. Do they still wish to be retained on the database as a member. (This might go against point 2 in their aims and objectives I feel….) Eg they did not have my correct email, and it hasn't changed in 15+ years..

Must hold all sides to account. That includes SISU, but to date, there has been little to none against any other parties.

When statements are made, challenge them, whoever has made them, and challenge others about them., eg Duggins non response to the SISU statement.

Appearance of being led by the nose by Hoffman’s crew. Why any dialogue necessary with them now? Supporting them is one of the reasons that stops potential dialogue with SISU.

Look for strategy to engage with SISU (as with all other sides). This will need to be a full re-boot of the trust take on “life” to enable this, but if the aim is to get the SB playing in Coventry, they surely ought to be talking to the owners too.

Backing of good initiatives eg MMJ’s fund

Remove personal statements about not attending SA. That should have no bearing now on any SBT initiative. They have said it is up to the individual, but these statements indirectly promote not going.

Clarify David J statement about “walking away from the club” – review his position if it is still true. (Clearly it isn't, but as this gets up some peoples backs, it needs clarification)

Understand that a message board/forum have far more active members than the SBT, and the views shown should be seen as valid.

Approach these social media sites to encourage people to stand for the trust board. (Grendel?)

I fear that there are still one or two close to the trust with a vested interest in targeting SISU only. Personal agenda’s will not help, and I believe they have helped shape the trust approach over the years. No problem with them targeting SISU, but must also target others.

The trust must understand that the situation is not the same as it was years ago. More is known now, and they must adapt to that if they really do want to be the “voice” of the fans.

New people always bring an opportunity, and the time is right for the trust to align itself with popular feeling. The past decisions were made under different circumstances and with less knowledge. They need to bring themselves up to date, and their message needs to encompass more fans thoughts than it currently does.

I defend the trust on here when I think criticism has been unfair, but f*** me, they don't give me many opportunities for that....

Print this off, job done!

 

[Grendel]

Oh dear trust minutes are out from the AGM

 

[Nick]

Oh dear trust minutes are out from the AGM

Glad to see they know they need to communicate with sites like Sky Blue Talk, maybe thats why they have been absent on here as they are going to the wrong place?

Sky Blue Trust - Key Points from the Open Discussion at the Sky Blue Trust AGM, 15th July, 2019

It doesn't say they are going to do anything about it though?

ps Fair play NW, BHSB and olderskyblue!

 

[Samo]

Ok here's where I stand in a nutshell:

• London Wasps exist in this city to the direct detriment of two proud local sporting clubs; CCFC and CRC, and I despise them. I will do anything within my power (within the law) to damage, tarnish and diminish them in any way possible. I want them out of our city.
• CCC I despise to the same extent. I can never forgive them for allowing their hatred of SISU to colour their decision making and damage the football club, potentially permanently. Self serving weasels to a man/woman. Their painful aspirations re making Cov a 'City of Rugby' I find particularly disgusting.
• SISU are the current owners of our football club and although they have contributed extensively to our clubs current situation, at least they have the balls to hold their position and personally I would rather we played in Brum than make a deal with London Wasps that is not realistic for our club.
• In general I feel more attached to the club as a result of our situation. I don't get to games often these days due to poor health but my heart is Sky Blue and I'm in it for the for the long haul. This isn't over yet.

PUSB

 

[Grendel]

Glad to see they know they need to communicate with sites like Sky Blue Talk, maybe thats why they have been absent on here as they are going to the wrong place?

Sky Blue Trust - Key Points from the Open Discussion at the Sky Blue Trust AGM, 15th July, 2019

It doesn't say they are going to do anything about it though?

ps Fair play NW, BHSB and olderskyblue!

Passive acceptance of wasps being here

 

[mark82]

For me, the Trust should be made up of one elected member from the following groups (elected by the members of said group):-

- Leamington & Warwick Supporters Club
- London Supporters Club
- The new Coventry based supporters club
- Sky Blues Talk
- The Facebook Group
- LGBT Group
plus any other recognised group.

That way, no-one could complain they don't have a voice.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

Passive acceptance of wasps being here

I can accept wasps being here - the problem is the all round shafting of the city’s traditional sports teams, to facilitate them.

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

Reading the minutes it seems they’re stuck in 2013...

 

[Liquid Gold]

Where do you even start?

 

[ccfchoi87]

I also think they can use their platform to educate the fan base. Too many people I meet can only repeat the telegraph rhetoric which is factually incorrect. Particularly the let down by the efl routine. The fact or fiction articles put out by the trust were very good and they need to continue getting the truth out there.

 

[Nick]

I also think they can use their platform to educate the fan base. Too many people I meet can only repeat the telegraph rhetoric which is factually incorrect. Particularly the let down by the efl routine. The fact or fiction articles put out by the trust were very good and they need to continue getting the truth out there.

It has suited them to let people be confused

 

[HuckerbyDublinWhelan]

I also think they can use their platform to educate the fan base. Too many people I meet can only repeat the telegraph rhetoric which is factually incorrect. Particularly the let down by the efl routine. The fact or fiction articles put out by the trust were very good and they need to continue getting the truth out there.

They’re not going to do that anymore... it would implicate their best mates at Wasps and the council