Questions for the board.

[aidanstu]

I’ve been giving this matter some thought and what ever the reasons I don’t see that many of the concerns or questions fans raise on here of the board are given answers. This gives me the impression that Silent Majority, who is, in my mind at least, is responsible for liaising with the Board about these issues and giving feedback, either doesn’t ask the questions, doesn’t give regular feedback to the answers or is too aligned to the board. This isn’t intended as a personal attack on SM by the way and I apologise if it comes across that way.

I think it would be worth having a separate section to this forum where people could ask The fans representatives to put certain questions to the board and they in turn could post the boards responses; this would certainly help the fan engagement process and offer more transparency and clarity.

What are others thoughts on this and would it be possible?

[EasyforDennis]

Whenever I see mention of the "Supporters Board" who exactly are these people and who do they represent? Who do they consult with to put on their agenda to discuss with the club?

[aidanstu]

Whenever I see mention of the "Supporters Board" who exactly are these people and who do they represent? Who do they consult with to put on their agenda to discuss with the club?

All good questions I don’t know the answers to either; I’ve suggested the meetings are minutes before but got no response to that. I get that some of what is discussed at board level would need to be redacted, including budget, but we are talking stuff like catering contracts, fan behaviour  and lack of turnstiles being open for the most part. Surely there should be complete clarity on those types of matters.

[German Rover]

We have regular meet the owners events, if people have questions they can put them to the board there. And correct me if I'm wrong there has been a way to ask questions if you aren't able to attend.

[aidanstu]

We have regular meet the owners events, if people have questions they can put them to the board there. And correct me if I'm wrong there has been a way to ask questions if you aren't able to attend.

If our only avenue to ask questions and offer input into the running of the club what the point in having fans on the board and SM attend meetings?

[ravenrover]

As for turnstyles being closed, it took me all of 5minutes in the West stand queue to get in at about 2.30. The queue stretched from the 2 turnstyles back up the walkway to the road, 2 abreast yet the way people were going on you would have thought it stretched back to Car Park 3 and was taking hours to get in. The biggest holdup seems to be the scanners not working on the ticket bar codes, after several attempts on my season ticket he gave up and just let me in.

[aidanstu]

As for turnstyles being closed, it took me all of 5minutes in the West stand queue to get in at about 2.30. The queue stretched from the 2 turnstyles back up the walkway to the road, 2 abreast yet the way people were going on you would have thought it stretched back to Car Park 3 and was taking hours to get in. The biggest holdup seems to be the scanners not working on the ticket bar codes, after several attempts on my season ticket he gave up and just let me in.

It makes no sense as to why before and after games the turnstiles at the north end of the ground aren’t open; especially during covid when they are effectively forcing everyone through the same turnstiles.

It also makes no sense that the turnstiles closest to the car park are shut; what’s the clubs thinking on this?

[roversdude]

One thing that has puzzled me for a while - every home game we get a summary of what to expect at the game. Every game there is reference to “soccer sight” not being available due to technical reasons. Not sure how many fans need to make use of this but it strikes me as being a poor excuse for this long. It may well be something that is out of the clubs hand but a technical problem doesn’t last that long.

[EasyforDennis]

As for turnstyles being closed, it took me all of 5minutes in the West stand queue to get in at about 2.30. The queue stretched from the 2 turnstyles back up the walkway to the road, 2 abreast yet the way people were going on you would have thought it stretched back to Car Park 3 and was taking hours to get in. The biggest holdup seems to be the scanners not working on the ticket bar codes, after several attempts on my season ticket he gave up and just let me in.

It makes no sense as to why before and after games the turnstiles at the north end of the ground aren’t open; especially during covid when they are effectively forcing everyone through the same turnstiles.

It also makes no sense that the turnstiles closest to the car park are shut; what’s the clubs thinking on this?

It does make me laugh when I read in the pre match  information that turnstiles 20-22 are closed due to the threat of terrorism. Do any potential terrorists know they have to use these turnstiles? 

[roversdude]

Could we not just designate one of the turnstiles terrorists only. To be hoped it’s not an away one with the ease that flares are brought in

[German Rover]

As for turnstyles being closed, it took me all of 5minutes in the West stand queue to get in at about 2.30. The queue stretched from the 2 turnstyles back up the walkway to the road, 2 abreast yet the way people were going on you would have thought it stretched back to Car Park 3 and was taking hours to get in. The biggest holdup seems to be the scanners not working on the ticket bar codes, after several attempts on my season ticket he gave up and just let me in.

It makes no sense as to why before and after games the turnstiles at the north end of the ground aren’t open; especially during covid when they are effectively forcing everyone through the same turnstiles.

It also makes no sense that the turnstiles closest to the car park are shut; what’s the clubs thinking on this?

It does make me laugh when I read in the pre match  information that turnstiles 20-22 are closed due to the threat of terrorism. Do any potential terrorists know they have to use these turnstiles? 

Turnstiles 20-22 would have a good run up from the road if someone tried to drive a car at a crowd of people. undoubtably something would have to be done if attendances went up with bolloards or something else being put in. a good example of what could be done is at Arsenal with the huge Arsenal letters at the end of the bridge on your way to the ground.

[DearneValleyRover]

I’ve been giving this matter some thought and what ever the reasons I don’t see that many of the concerns or questions fans raise on here of the board are given answers. This gives me the impression that Silent Majority, who is, in my mind at least, is responsible for liaising with the Board about these issues and giving feedback, either doesn’t ask the questions, doesn’t give regular feedback to the answers or is too aligned to the board. This isn’t intended as a personal attack on SM by the way and I apologise if it comes across that way.

I think it would be worth having a separate section to this forum where people could ask The fans representatives to put certain questions to the board and they in turn could post the boards responses; this would certainly help the fan engagement process and offer more transparency and clarity.

What are others thoughts on this and would it be possible?

Well it does come across as an attack. There is a supporters board, I believe DonnyBazRover is on it so he would probably be the best to ask. As to asking questions of the board, if they are put forward they are asked.

[aidanstu]

I’ve been giving this matter some thought and what ever the reasons I don’t see that many of the concerns or questions fans raise on here of the board are given answers. This gives me the impression that Silent Majority, who is, in my mind at least, is responsible for liaising with the Board about these issues and giving feedback, either doesn’t ask the questions, doesn’t give regular feedback to the answers or is too aligned to the board. This isn’t intended as a personal attack on SM by the way and I apologise if it comes across that way.

I think it would be worth having a separate section to this forum where people could ask The fans representatives to put certain questions to the board and they in turn could post the boards responses; this would certainly help the fan engagement process and offer more transparency and clarity.

What are others thoughts on this and would it be possible?

Well it does come across as an attack. There is a supporters board, I believe DonnyBazRover is on it so he would probably be the best to ask. As to asking questions of the board, if they are put forward they are asked.

And how would we know what and when has been asked and what the answers are; this is why I’m suggesting a separate section to this forum and the meetings being minuted.

[DearneValleyRover]

Any questions that have been asked and put to the board, the answers have been posted on the board, in respect to having a separate section for that purpose then I’m sure if the majority of people want it then it can be accommodated

[Spud]

One thing that has puzzled me for a while - every home game we get a summary of what to expect at the game. Every game there is reference to “soccer sight” not being available due to technical reasons. Not sure how many fans need to make use of this but it strikes me as being a poor excuse for this long. It may well be something that is out of the clubs hand but a technical problem doesn’t last that long.

What's "soccer sight"?
Never heard of it.

[drfchound]

As for turnstyles being closed, it took me all of 5minutes in the West stand queue to get in at about 2.30. The queue stretched from the 2 turnstyles back up the walkway to the road, 2 abreast yet the way people were going on you would have thought it stretched back to Car Park 3 and was taking hours to get in. The biggest holdup seems to be the scanners not working on the ticket bar codes, after several attempts on my season ticket he gave up and just let me in.

It makes no sense as to why before and after games the turnstiles at the north end of the ground aren’t open; especially during covid when they are effectively forcing everyone through the same turnstiles.

It also makes no sense that the turnstiles closest to the car park are shut; what’s the clubs thinking on this?

It does make me laugh when I read in the pre match  information that turnstiles 20-22 are closed due to the threat of terrorism. Do any potential terrorists know they have to use these turnstiles? 

Turnstiles 20-22 would have a good run up from the road if someone tried to drive a car at a crowd of people. undoubtably something would have to be done if attendances went up with bolloards or something else being put in. a good example of what could be done is at Arsenal with the huge Arsenal letters at the end of the bridge on your way to the ground.

Someone should ask Donnywolf what he thinks about THAT bollard near the Emirates stadium.

[redwine]

As for turnstyles being closed, it took me all of 5minutes in the West stand queue to get in at about 2.30. The queue stretched from the 2 turnstyles back up the walkway to the road, 2 abreast yet the way people were going on you would have thought it stretched back to Car Park 3 and was taking hours to get in. The biggest holdup seems to be the scanners not working on the ticket bar codes, after several attempts on my season ticket he gave up and just let me in.

It makes no sense as to why before and after games the turnstiles at the north end of the ground aren’t open; especially during covid when they are effectively forcing everyone through the same turnstiles.

It also makes no sense that the turnstiles closest to the car park are shut; what’s the clubs thinking on this?

It does make me laugh when I read in the pre match  information that turnstiles 20-22 are closed due to the threat of terrorism. Do any potential terrorists know they have to use these turnstiles? 

I knew I should have left the rucksack at home.

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I’ve been giving this matter some thought and what ever the reasons I don’t see that many of the concerns or questions fans raise on here of the board are given answers. This gives me the impression that Silent Majority, who is, in my mind at least, is responsible for liaising with the Board about these issues and giving feedback, either doesn’t ask the questions, doesn’t give regular feedback to the answers or is too aligned to the board. This isn’t intended as a personal attack on SM by the way and I apologise if it comes across that way.

I think it would be worth having a separate section to this forum where people could ask The fans representatives to put certain questions to the board and they in turn could post the boards responses; this would certainly help the fan engagement process and offer more transparency and clarity.

What are others thoughts on this and would it be possible?

Well it does come across as an attack. There is a supporters board, I believe DonnyBazRover is on it so he would probably be the best to ask. As to asking questions of the board, if they are put forward they are asked.

No, I've not been on the board for sometime but still I'm asked for feedback by the club now and again, which is nice.

I'm sure S_M and the supporters board can answer for themselves but they do take issues up with the club however, generally I guess there aren't many questions that require board input and can be addressed by specific individuals at the club.

I think you need to be more specific about the type of questions you mean.

[aidanstu]

I’ve been giving this matter some thought and what ever the reasons I don’t see that many of the concerns or questions fans raise on here of the board are given answers. This gives me the impression that Silent Majority, who is, in my mind at least, is responsible for liaising with the Board about these issues and giving feedback, either doesn’t ask the questions, doesn’t give regular feedback to the answers or is too aligned to the board. This isn’t intended as a personal attack on SM by the way and I apologise if it comes across that way.

I think it would be worth having a separate section to this forum where people could ask The fans representatives to put certain questions to the board and they in turn could post the boards responses; this would certainly help the fan engagement process and offer more transparency and clarity.

What are others thoughts on this and would it be possible?

Well it does come across as an attack. There is a supporters board, I believe DonnyBazRover is on it so he would probably be the best to ask. As to asking questions of the board, if they are put forward they are asked.

No, I've not been on the board for sometime but still I'm asked for feedback by the club now and again, which is nice.

I'm sure S_M and the supporters board can answer for themselves but they do take issues up with the club however, generally I guess there aren't many questions that require board input and can be addressed by specific individuals at the club.

I think you need to be more specific about the type of questions you mean.

Thanks for the reply; I wasn’t suggesting it should just be my questions that are put to the board, or even the club. I was simply asking if there could be a specific section of this forum
Where questions and responses could be gathered.

I have a few questions myself which I’ve aired and never got an answer to; I also see others doing likewise. I think it would help supporter relations with the club if the questions, responses could be collated for ease in one place. It would definitely help me develop some confidence in the supporters board and the clubs board if the meetings were minuted and published; I don’t really understand the objection to it.

[roversdude]

It’s a fair idea tbh

[DearneValleyRover]

If it’s something that posters want then I’m sure it can be accommodated

[DonnyBazR0ver]

I’ve been giving this matter some thought and what ever the reasons I don’t see that many of the concerns or questions fans raise on here of the board are given answers. This gives me the impression that Silent Majority, who is, in my mind at least, is responsible for liaising with the Board about these issues and giving feedback, either doesn’t ask the questions, doesn’t give regular feedback to the answers or is too aligned to the board. This isn’t intended as a personal attack on SM by the way and I apologise if it comes across that way.

I think it would be worth having a separate section to this forum where people could ask The fans representatives to put certain questions to the board and they in turn could post the boards responses; this would certainly help the fan engagement process and offer more transparency and clarity.

What are others thoughts on this and would it be possible?

Well it does come across as an attack. There is a supporters board, I believe DonnyBazRover is on it so he would probably be the best to ask. As to asking questions of the board, if they are put forward they are asked.

No, I've not been on the board for sometime but still I'm asked for feedback by the club now and again, which is nice.

I'm sure S_M and the supporters board can answer for themselves but they do take issues up with the club however, generally I guess there aren't many questions that require board input and can be addressed by specific individuals at the club.

I think you need to be more specific about the type of questions you mean.

Thanks for the reply; I wasn’t suggesting it should just be my questions that are put to the board, or even the club. I was simply asking if there could be a specific section of this forum
Where questions and responses could be gathered.

I have a few questions myself which I’ve aired and never got an answer to; I also see others doing likewise. I think it would help supporter relations with the club if the questions, responses could be collated for ease in one place. It would definitely help me develop some confidence in the supporters board and the clubs board if the meetings were minuted and published; I don’t really understand the objection to it.

I haven't seen any objection to it. As others have said, I'm sure something can be accommodated.

 

[rich1471]

One thing that has puzzled me for a while - every home game we get a summary of what to expect at the game. Every game there is reference to “soccer sight” not being available due to technical reasons. Not sure how many fans need to make use of this but it strikes me as being a poor excuse for this long. It may well be something that is out of the clubs hand but a technical problem doesn’t last that long.

What's "soccer sight"?
Never heard of it.

it's for blind fans who attend games it gives them commentry to the play that is happening.

[silent majority]

I’ve been giving this matter some thought and what ever the reasons I don’t see that many of the concerns or questions fans raise on here of the board are given answers. This gives me the impression that Silent Majority, who is, in my mind at least, is responsible for liaising with the Board about these issues and giving feedback, either doesn’t ask the questions, doesn’t give regular feedback to the answers or is too aligned to the board. This isn’t intended as a personal attack on SM by the way and I apologise if it comes across that way.

I think it would be worth having a separate section to this forum where people could ask The fans representatives to put certain questions to the board and they in turn could post the boards responses; this would certainly help the fan engagement process and offer more transparency and clarity.

What are others thoughts on this and would it be possible?

I take it as the personal attack that it quite clearly is.

As the person responsible (am I really?) for asking questions and giving the answers let me tell you something, in 20 years of representing fans at all levels in the game and having led numerous very successful campaigns such as Twentys Plenty, Safe Standing, Watching Football Is not a Crime, and Away Fans Matter amongst a few others I can assure you I know how to ask questions that fans need asking.

You do ask though if a separate section could be applied to this forum and the answer would be yes. However I pity the poor bugger who would pick up those questions and then deliver the answers to what I can only describe as a group of supporters who can be less than generous. Asking the questions isn't the issue, you can give those out easily enough, its just the answers that you can't handle.

And I'll give you a classic example from Saturday. You mention that I don't ask the right questions, but I asked 2 immediately after the game on Saturday. I firstly asked about the vending machine in the away end and then I asked about the screw up with the segregation area in the East Stand.

I gave the answers to both questions on here and yet I was roundly abused by a number of supporters for offering the answers from the club. In answer to the first question you typed out this;

I agree with your sentiment but why have you chosen to comment upon this particular post as opposed to the many complaining about the clubs continued lack of response to the poor catering? It reiterates to me that you a mouth piece for the club, not the fans, it’s quite obvious to me your in the boards pocket.

I also got this from ditchdrfc;

Utter rubbish. Crawl out of their arse before you get lost forever. Nothing to do with the owners? They own the club, therefore absolutely must have a say in what stadium management company are involved and which catering company is involved. Moronic statement, yet again.

You see the problem?

And you want somebody to volunteer to ask questions and deliver the answers!! So, you get all the grief, and contrary to your post I'm in absolutely nobody's pocket, never have been and never will be, and don't get any satisfaction from doing so. As I've mentioned before I've traipsed up and down the length and breadth of this country for the last 20 years delivering a service for football supporters and have received the plaudits and thanks for doing so. The one club where that never seems to happen is this one.

You want a volunteer aidanstu? I suggest you do it.

[roversdude]

One thing that has puzzled me for a while - every home game we get a summary of what to expect at the game. Every game there is reference to “soccer sight” not being available due to technical reasons. Not sure how many fans need to make use of this but it strikes me as being a poor excuse for this long. It may well be something that is out of the clubs hand but a technical problem doesn’t last that long.

What's "soccer sight"?
Never heard of it.

it's for blind fans who attend games it gives them commentry to the play that is happening.

Or doesn’t, I will hold my hands up and admit other than the concept I know nothing about it. It’s disappointing that it’s had a technological problem for so long - I guess this is out of the hands of the club

[BobG]

Just like Terry Bramhall we won't know what we had - until it is gone. And if I were in Martin's shoes, I'd have had enough a decade ago. Be very careful what you wish for - and what you imply.

BobG

[aidanstu]

I’ve been giving this matter some thought and what ever the reasons I don’t see that many of the concerns or questions fans raise on here of the board are given answers. This gives me the impression that Silent Majority, who is, in my mind at least, is responsible for liaising with the Board about these issues and giving feedback, either doesn’t ask the questions, doesn’t give regular feedback to the answers or is too aligned to the board. This isn’t intended as a personal attack on SM by the way and I apologise if it comes across that way.

I think it would be worth having a separate section to this forum where people could ask The fans representatives to put certain questions to the board and they in turn could post the boards responses; this would certainly help the fan engagement process and offer more transparency and clarity.

What are others thoughts on this and would it be possible?

I take it as the personal attack that it quite clearly is.

As the person responsible (am I really?) for asking questions and giving the answers let me tell you something, in 20 years of representing fans at all levels in the game and having led numerous very successful campaigns such as Twentys Plenty, Safe Standing, Watching Football Is not a Crime, and Away Fans Matter amongst a few others I can assure you I know how to ask questions that fans need asking.

You do ask though if a separate section could be applied to this forum and the answer would be yes. However I pity the poor bugger who would pick up those questions and then deliver the answers to what I can only describe as a group of supporters who can be less than generous. Asking the questions isn't the issue, you can give those out easily enough, its just the answers that you can't handle.

And I'll give you a classic example from Saturday. You mention that I don't ask the right questions, but I asked 2 immediately after the game on Saturday. I firstly asked about the vending machine in the away end and then I asked about the screw up with the segregation area in the East Stand.

I gave the answers to both questions on here and yet I was roundly abused by a number of supporters for offering the answers from the club. In answer to the first question you typed out this;

I agree with your sentiment but why have you chosen to comment upon this particular post as opposed to the many complaining about the clubs continued lack of response to the poor catering? It reiterates to me that you a mouth piece for the club, not the fans, it’s quite obvious to me your in the boards pocket.

I also got this from ditchdrfc;

Utter rubbish. Crawl out of their arse before you get lost forever. Nothing to do with the owners? They own the club, therefore absolutely must have a say in what stadium management company are involved and which catering company is involved. Moronic statement, yet again.

You see the problem?

And you want somebody to volunteer to ask questions and deliver the answers!! So, you get all the grief, and contrary to your post I'm in absolutely nobody's pocket, never have been and never will be, and don't get any satisfaction from doing so. As I've mentioned before I've traipsed up and down the length and breadth of this country for the last 20 years delivering a service for football supporters and have received the plaudits and thanks for doing so. The one club where that never seems to happen is this one.

You want a volunteer aidanstu? I suggest you do it.

I’ve offered my assistance and input in more than one occasion, directly to you, and yet I’ve never received a reply.

I’m more than happy to assist. Please PM me with details of how I can get involved.

[silent majority]

I’ve been giving this matter some thought and what ever the reasons I don’t see that many of the concerns or questions fans raise on here of the board are given answers. This gives me the impression that Silent Majority, who is, in my mind at least, is responsible for liaising with the Board about these issues and giving feedback, either doesn’t ask the questions, doesn’t give regular feedback to the answers or is too aligned to the board. This isn’t intended as a personal attack on SM by the way and I apologise if it comes across that way.

I think it would be worth having a separate section to this forum where people could ask The fans representatives to put certain questions to the board and they in turn could post the boards responses; this would certainly help the fan engagement process and offer more transparency and clarity.

What are others thoughts on this and would it be possible?

I take it as the personal attack that it quite clearly is.

As the person responsible (am I really?) for asking questions and giving the answers let me tell you something, in 20 years of representing fans at all levels in the game and having led numerous very successful campaigns such as Twentys Plenty, Safe Standing, Watching Football Is not a Crime, and Away Fans Matter amongst a few others I can assure you I know how to ask questions that fans need asking.

You do ask though if a separate section could be applied to this forum and the answer would be yes. However I pity the poor bugger who would pick up those questions and then deliver the answers to what I can only describe as a group of supporters who can be less than generous. Asking the questions isn't the issue, you can give those out easily enough, its just the answers that you can't handle.

And I'll give you a classic example from Saturday. You mention that I don't ask the right questions, but I asked 2 immediately after the game on Saturday. I firstly asked about the vending machine in the away end and then I asked about the screw up with the segregation area in the East Stand.

I gave the answers to both questions on here and yet I was roundly abused by a number of supporters for offering the answers from the club. In answer to the first question you typed out this;

I agree with your sentiment but why have you chosen to comment upon this particular post as opposed to the many complaining about the clubs continued lack of response to the poor catering? It reiterates to me that you a mouth piece for the club, not the fans, it’s quite obvious to me your in the boards pocket.

I also got this from ditchdrfc;

Utter rubbish. Crawl out of their arse before you get lost forever. Nothing to do with the owners? They own the club, therefore absolutely must have a say in what stadium management company are involved and which catering company is involved. Moronic statement, yet again.

You see the problem?

And you want somebody to volunteer to ask questions and deliver the answers!! So, you get all the grief, and contrary to your post I'm in absolutely nobody's pocket, never have been and never will be, and don't get any satisfaction from doing so. As I've mentioned before I've traipsed up and down the length and breadth of this country for the last 20 years delivering a service for football supporters and have received the plaudits and thanks for doing so. The one club where that never seems to happen is this one.

You want a volunteer aidanstu? I suggest you do it.

I’ve offered my assistance and input in more than one occasion, directly to you, and yet I’ve never received a reply.

I’m more than happy to assist. Please PM me with details of how I can get involved.

I've searched my pm's and can't find anything from you.

However I'll make contact shortly. We can start the dialogue from there.