duffer
Well-Known Member
Well it's a question I didn't get a satisfactory answer to (or one that satisfied me anyway - of course me not reporting back a no answer got aload of shit).
That doesn't devalue an attempt to open lines of dialogue though. In fact, the more reasonable the Trust appears, the more unreasonable SISU appear in return.
If you were leading a campaign for hearts and minds, the reasonable approach that's rebuffed would probably swing more against SISU than any confrontation.
As for representation being Haskell's idea, to be honest I've seen nothing to suggest it was anything but a cynical ploy to get people onside by paying lip service. Wasn't there an occasion where Hoffman was all for dialogue with fans' groups... but was going to cut any off who talked to SISU? (I had a quick glance for the thread as proof but I can't be bothered looking harder, might later if I can be arsed) I don't like cheap words, and Haskell's whole period smacked as an atempt to maneuvre himself into a position of only bidder, in order to pick up a property development opportunity on the cheap (actually kind of annoyed SISU are peddling this line now, as it devalues me saying it, when I said it before them ffs!). Maybe I'm overly cynical but...
Haskell is in fact a fine example how just because fan representation is offered, doesn't automatically make them an ideal owner.
Now... unlikely we'd get the ideal owner (a group of rich fan-benefactors) but the near-ideal owner may offer fan engagement in a whole other way, that's equally appropriate.
Mornings NW. Agree entirely that the SBT should stay as reasonable as possible in it's dialogues with our owners (whomever they may be), regardless of provocation.
As for Haskell's motives in offering fan involvement, I don't think there's any evidence one way or another that he would have done it - but backtracking on the promise would not have given him particularly good PR. Similarly with Hoffman - until or unless he actually took the reins, it's very hard to judge what he might do.
As far as being better or worse owners than SISU though, the current track record suggests that you'd have to go a long way to find anyone who could have done a poorer job, imho.