| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust 11:11 - Mar 19 with 4003 views | 442Dale |
As requested in the other thread, set up for any potential updates if this idea progresses.
Copy of the last post after the Swindon game for anyone else who hasn’t already seen:
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Thank you to those who have already indicated that they’d be supportive of a supporters meeting with the Trust. To update, there were some really positive discussions amongst fans today who’d like to use such an opportunity so the the Trust can engage with fans in a different way and look at areas of uncertainty that they could then take forward on the behalf of members.
It’s not coming from a negative standpoint, more what can be established in terms of issues that supporters have which can be represented to help the club. This is not about creating division, whinging or shouting the odds, it’s about ensuring all fans have a better understanding of their football club.
For those only seeing this for the first time, if you’re in favour of a meeting for Trust members at a future game (Walsall on Good Friday has been suggested and looks a good idea), please reply YES.
From there, we can then look at topics for discussion to create a structure for the meeting should this move forwards.–
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| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 11:47 - Mar 19 with 3912 views | D_Alien |
For those who may be reading this but not having read the debate on the previous thread, just to add that it's arisen largely as a result of fans wishing to explore ways for Dale to remain a viable concern without the need for external investment of the type which would cede control of the club from its fanbase (which includes the BoD). Also, bearing in mind that suitable investment may not materialise
Also, not wishing to preempt any further suggestions, but this debate seemed to coalesce yesterday around the idea of exploring how a move to a new stadium, possibly including a training facility and possibly at Kingsway with the involvement of the council, might allow for this to happen
Not wishing at all to start that debate here (simply explaining for new readers, and we've already had at least one!) but it's something i'd have been against until our current circumstances, including of course the now likelihood of loss of EFL status, so everything must be considered which in the past may not have been
But a vote to seek the suggested meeting isn't a vote for any particular issue except to explore new ways to move forward, as per 442Dale's opening remarks
[Post edited 19 Mar 2023 11:59]
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| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 12:22 - Mar 19 with 3829 views | 442Dale |
What was most apparent yesterday talking to fans was the real uncertainty about where we will be in the summer, both on and off the pitch. There’s a general feeling we haven’t a clue where we stand right now. If nothing else, supporters deserve to have a rough idea what next season will look like.
With the role the Trust have, it’s an achievable aim to at least attempt to reduce that uncertainty somewhat. Any meeting, if required, could be integral in assessing what needs to be taken forward to the club because that general unease will very quickly turn to apathy - if it isn’t happening already.
Make no mistake, irrespective of possible investment, that would have real implications if it takes hold any further. | |
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| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 13:48 - Mar 19 with 3701 views | judd |
At least we have a left back |  |
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| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 17:18 - Mar 20 with 3279 views | 442Dale |
The following was sent to the Trust this evening. Fully aware that others may feel some things could do with mentioning or aren’t covered, but please know it was put together with input from various supporters over the weekend. Thank you to all who took time out of their day to talk or post in support of the idea.
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Hi,
With the current situation affecting everyone connected with the club, could the Trust please arrange a meeting for its members to discuss concerns and get a clear idea of how supporters are feeling?
This would hopefully allow for positive dialogue and a better understanding of where we are - something which clearly seems to be an issue across the fan base at present. Greater clarity around certain subjects, and opportunity for more supporter input, would surely be of benefit to fans, the Trust and the Club, going forward.
To try to ensure it stays on track, it’s been suggested that the meeting be structured to address some of the subjects where there are currently concerns and uncertainty, then maybe a further ‘any other questions’ at the end.
Based on what has been raised by supporters recently, the following agenda topics are initially proposed:
1. The Club board’s decision to move away from being ‘fan-owned’ club.
2. The plans for the short/medium term future of the football club, and the impact of a possible relegation. Including where the Trust see themselves and their members fitting within this.
3. The relationship and communication between the Club, Trust and supporters.
4. The role, position and steps which the Trust should take in future.
5. Any other questions.
Listening to many supporters, it’s become apparent that a meeting with the above format is widely considered to be a good idea and the day of the Walsall game has been suggested as an ideal date. Could the Dale Bar be used before or after the game, or would there be a better time/location?
Regardless of how many attend, or what other positives can be achieved, at least by providing this opportunity the Trust will demonstrate it is doing all it can to engage with supporter concerns.
As so many others have had an input in the sending of this request, I hope you don’t mind a copy of this being posted on the fans’ messageboard. Any response will also be shared to ensure we engage as many supporters as possible. Please feel free to do so via the Trust website as well.
Thanks for your time, | |
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| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 18:01 - Mar 20 with 3167 views | fitzochris |
| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 17:18 - Mar 20 by 442Dale |
The following was sent to the Trust this evening. Fully aware that others may feel some things could do with mentioning or aren’t covered, but please know it was put together with input from various supporters over the weekend. Thank you to all who took time out of their day to talk or post in support of the idea.
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Hi,
With the current situation affecting everyone connected with the club, could the Trust please arrange a meeting for its members to discuss concerns and get a clear idea of how supporters are feeling?
This would hopefully allow for positive dialogue and a better understanding of where we are - something which clearly seems to be an issue across the fan base at present. Greater clarity around certain subjects, and opportunity for more supporter input, would surely be of benefit to fans, the Trust and the Club, going forward.
To try to ensure it stays on track, it’s been suggested that the meeting be structured to address some of the subjects where there are currently concerns and uncertainty, then maybe a further ‘any other questions’ at the end.
Based on what has been raised by supporters recently, the following agenda topics are initially proposed:
1. The Club board’s decision to move away from being ‘fan-owned’ club.
2. The plans for the short/medium term future of the football club, and the impact of a possible relegation. Including where the Trust see themselves and their members fitting within this.
3. The relationship and communication between the Club, Trust and supporters.
4. The role, position and steps which the Trust should take in future.
5. Any other questions.
Listening to many supporters, it’s become apparent that a meeting with the above format is widely considered to be a good idea and the day of the Walsall game has been suggested as an ideal date. Could the Dale Bar be used before or after the game, or would there be a better time/location?
Regardless of how many attend, or what other positives can be achieved, at least by providing this opportunity the Trust will demonstrate it is doing all it can to engage with supporter concerns.
As so many others have had an input in the sending of this request, I hope you don’t mind a copy of this being posted on the fans’ messageboard. Any response will also be shared to ensure we engage as many supporters as possible. Please feel free to do so via the Trust website as well.
Thanks for your time, |
Excellent, fair, inclusive and absolutely necessary. Let’s hope this offer is taken up and we can finally get some answers so we might start to all pull in the same direction again. |  |
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| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 12:28 - Mar 21 with 2867 views | chuckleberry |
| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 18:01 - Mar 20 by fitzochris |
Excellent, fair, inclusive and absolutely necessary. Let’s hope this offer is taken up and we can finally get some answers so we might start to all pull in the same direction again. |
Can I just ask what you think the Trust can have an impact on? They can’t influence the manager or results and if privy to any possible investors wouldn’t be able to share knowledge. What would be the desired outcome of this meeting be? |  | | |
| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 13:23 - Mar 21 with 2774 views | 442Dale |
| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 12:28 - Mar 21 by chuckleberry |
Can I just ask what you think the Trust can have an impact on? They can’t influence the manager or results and if privy to any possible investors wouldn’t be able to share knowledge. What would be the desired outcome of this meeting be? |
Indeed it’s nothing really to do with on the field issues, albeit those are a major concern, similarly everyone is aware and respectful of not being able to know about specific investors. It’s more about those areas raised by supporters over the last few months and again when this idea was put forward - as listed above. .
The Trust can only influence where possible, most reasonable fans fully accept that, however there is no harm whatsoever in having a meeting with any interested members who have a desire to make improvements for all.
As stated in the original post, this isn’t an opportunity to have a moan, more to listen supporters and see where positives can be achieved that actually benefit the football club and those who attend.
Edit: it’s also a good opportunity to clarify what the Trust can influence as well. Which comes under the parts about their role and communication. [Post edited 21 Mar 2023 13:25]
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| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 13:51 - Mar 21 with 2711 views | fitzochris |
| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 12:28 - Mar 21 by chuckleberry |
Can I just ask what you think the Trust can have an impact on? They can’t influence the manager or results and if privy to any possible investors wouldn’t be able to share knowledge. What would be the desired outcome of this meeting be? |
In addition to what 442Dale has said, it would be an opportunity to hear what the Trust thinks about our on-field plight and a seeming acceptance from the board to accept the substandard as the norm.
It would be an opportunity to hear what the Trust thinks, as the single biggest shareholder, about the handbrake turn on being “fan owned”.
It would be an opportunity to hear what the Trust thinks about a potential future outside of the EFL and if it is content the board/club is doing enough to prepare for this and if any such preparations are dependent on investment.
Overall, it would be good to exchange views with the Trust and its members and establish where we’re all coming from.
Right now everything around the club feels a bit rudderless… and quiet. Very quiet. | |
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| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 15:28 - Mar 21 with 2552 views | tony_roch975 |
| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 13:51 - Mar 21 by fitzochris |
In addition to what 442Dale has said, it would be an opportunity to hear what the Trust thinks about our on-field plight and a seeming acceptance from the board to accept the substandard as the norm.
It would be an opportunity to hear what the Trust thinks, as the single biggest shareholder, about the handbrake turn on being “fan owned”.
It would be an opportunity to hear what the Trust thinks about a potential future outside of the EFL and if it is content the board/club is doing enough to prepare for this and if any such preparations are dependent on investment.
Overall, it would be good to exchange views with the Trust and its members and establish where we’re all coming from.
Right now everything around the club feels a bit rudderless… and quiet. Very quiet. |
Absolutely, it will help re-affirm the Trust as the fans major communication channel, irrespective of the Trust member on the Board (a post whose relevance & terms of reference will always need reviewing); it does allow for non-sensitive information to be shared; it may lead to further development of future opportunities and it is a chance to moan .... together and face to face, rather than only on this digital medium of isolation. |  |
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| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 22:14 - Mar 21 with 2260 views | Newbury_Dale |
The quicker the club is sold to a person with even a modicum of business acumen the better, for me. The fan owned model, or our version of it, has been a complete disaster. My conclusion is that we don't have enough fans for the model to work. I guess the club's apparent 'about turn' is their way of acknowledging that.
Better communication with the Trust should be applauded I suppose, but the Trust has been completely impotent in holding the board of directors to account over the past 24 months as far as I can see. The Supporters led task force being a prime example. A complete vacuum. I think at a very minimum, the trust representative should allow himself to be replaced by someone with greater impartiality. I don't know Murray so some might suggest my comments are incorrect. But I can neither hear nor see anything from him and the Trust at present. Maybe that's on me because I've muted certain communication channels as I try and come to terms with relegation from the football league.
Clearly running a football club is much harder than we all thought, myself included. The club needs to start again, and the Trust likewise. | | | |
| Possible supporters meeting with the Trust on 15:55 - Mar 22 with 1980 views | 442Dale |
Update after contacting the Trust, their response included the following info:
They fully agree about having a meeting, and have had conversations about doing so already - potentially several if appropriate. They’ll need time to get things planned out and by the time of the next newsletter (2nd April), will have at least a provisional timeline about how things will be set out.
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I’d like to say that it’s worth reinforcing the message again that the Trust are there to represent their members. The routes are there for supporters and the Trust are available to contact via email or to talk to at their desk in the Dale Bar on matchdays and acknowledge they’re aware of how fans are feeling. Yes, we can all have a moan on here, but please think about contacting them if it’s something you feel strongly about. Positives can come from that, even if it’s gaining a bit more understanding.
Thanks to the Trust and to all those who have supported this and been prepared to spend time discussing their views on our club. | |
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