Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: Branton Rover on February 08, 2023, 06:20:00 pm

Title: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Branton Rover on February 08, 2023, 06:20:00 pm
Our board are honourable men, there’s arguments for and against about club structure and investment or lack of depending on your viewpoint - the question is do the ‘board out’ brigade have anyone who can articulate a question in a sensible manner without resorting to insults and/or foul language.

I hope for the sake of being cordial they can address the concerns they have in a manner befitting the occasion as to resort to name calling etc, the whole meeting could end up a shambles.

I’m aware I made be labelled a “happy clapper” I’m sure I can handle that but my youth was destroyed and blighted by Ken Richardson and I’m not prepared to stand aside silently where youngsters who weren’t even on this planet try to make tenuous comparisons between now & back then.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Filo on February 08, 2023, 07:12:36 pm
I just have this feeling, with the timing of this and the potential for some idiot to be abusive, a rabbit might be pulled out of the hat, I have nothing to go on that theory, just a feeling
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: robchester on February 08, 2023, 07:16:52 pm
Well said Branton
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: no eyed deer on February 08, 2023, 08:03:06 pm
Our board are honourable men, there’s arguments for and against about club structure and investment or lack of depending on your viewpoint - the question is do the ‘board out’ brigade have anyone who can articulate a question in a sensible manner without resorting to insults and/or foul language.

I hope for the sake of being cordial they can address the concerns they have in a manner befitting the occasion as to resort to name calling etc, the whole meeting could end up a shambles.

I’m aware I made be labelled a “happy clapper” I’m sure I can handle that but my youth was destroyed and blighted by Ken Richardson and I’m not prepared to stand aside silently where youngsters who weren’t even on this planet try to make tenuous comparisons between now & back then.

I'm afraid they're not as educated as you.

Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Branton Rover on February 08, 2023, 08:11:43 pm
Thanks for that comment my old teachers if they are still living will be ever so proud.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Upton Rover on February 08, 2023, 09:13:10 pm
Our board are honourable men, there’s arguments for and against about club structure and investment or lack of depending on your viewpoint - the question is do the ‘board out’ brigade have anyone who can articulate a question in a sensible manner without resorting to insults and/or foul language.

I hope for the sake of being cordial they can address the concerns they have in a manner befitting the occasion as to resort to name calling etc, the whole meeting could end up a shambles.

I’m aware I made be labelled a “happy clapper” I’m sure I can handle that but my youth was destroyed and blighted by Ken Richardson and I’m not prepared to stand aside silently where youngsters who weren’t even on this planet try to make tenuous comparisons between now & back then.
Why do you think it’s just youngsters? I’m not, and have my own views like others, that we are all entitled to.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Spilsby Red on February 08, 2023, 09:28:57 pm
Well said Branston. Having a well run club is essential these days. Never do I want to go back to the era of Richardson. People might want to be careful what they wish for
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: no eyed deer on February 08, 2023, 09:55:37 pm
Well said Branston. Having a well run club is essential these days. Never do I want to go back to the era of Richardson. People might want to be careful what they wish for

Do you really think it's a well run club !!
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: selby on February 08, 2023, 10:13:28 pm
  do you know anybody with a few spare quide who could do better no eyed deer, or have you really no eyed deer.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: no eyed deer on February 08, 2023, 10:32:57 pm
  do you know anybody with a few spare quide who could do better no eyed deer, or have you really no eyed deer.

Wow never heard that before LOL.

I know we have a Chairman and Owner who are not willing to put money into the club and the drop from league one is astonishing.

Meet the owners, Don't make me laugh, yet again fed BS and you will believe everything they say, clapping happily.

 

Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Canadian Rover on February 09, 2023, 12:04:40 am
Our board are honourable men, there’s arguments for and against about club structure and investment or lack of depending on your viewpoint - the question is do the ‘board out’ brigade have anyone who can articulate a question in a sensible manner without resorting to insults and/or foul language.

I hope for the sake of being cordial they can address the concerns they have in a manner befitting the occasion as to resort to name calling etc, the whole meeting could end up a shambles.

I’m aware I made be labelled a “happy clapper” I’m sure I can handle that but my youth was destroyed and blighted by Ken Richardson and I’m not prepared to stand aside silently where youngsters who weren’t even on this planet try to make tenuous comparisons between now & back then.
You hoped to be cordial but decided to label the thread "meet the groaners" - this is the type of decisive threads that cause such a seperation of fans.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Glyn_Wigley on February 09, 2023, 12:37:16 am
Our board are honourable men, there’s arguments for and against about club structure and investment or lack of depending on your viewpoint - the question is do the ‘board out’ brigade have anyone who can articulate a question in a sensible manner without resorting to insults and/or foul language.

I hope for the sake of being cordial they can address the concerns they have in a manner befitting the occasion as to resort to name calling etc, the whole meeting could end up a shambles.

I’m aware I made be labelled a “happy clapper” I’m sure I can handle that but my youth was destroyed and blighted by Ken Richardson and I’m not prepared to stand aside silently where youngsters who weren’t even on this planet try to make tenuous comparisons between now & back then.
You hoped to be cordial but decided to label the thread "meet the groaners" - this is the type of decisive threads that cause such a seperation of fans.

If only we were all as inclusive as no eyed deer, eh?
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 09, 2023, 08:03:51 am
If we can keep the mic away from fools asking about why Ro-Shaun starts or why Terry doesn’t fund a bid for Haaland, there are probably three big questions that need asking:

1. What are the long-term intentions of the current owners regarding their ownership of the club?

2. Why is our recruitment so terrible?

3. What is the plan for our youth and academy set up in the long term?

Scoreboard, price of chips, formations, ticket office queues are not credible questions. We need to be pushing for answers on the big, long-term questions facing the club.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Spilsby Red on February 09, 2023, 08:27:55 am
The money they have put it themselves shows they do care and to try and make it debt free by writing of loans for one.  So yes, a well run club.
I agree that everyone has their own opinion but some are blinkered by the here and now. I agree it has been alarming at times but there are many clubs that are badly run.
Man City have thrown money around as been highlighted, will something come of it, let’s hope so, as it’s a wake up needed. And before anyone says but we aren’t Man City. It wasn’t that long ago they were in league 1.
Bournemouth could go that way, how can they spend 10s of millions on players and wages on their attendances. Lower league clubs struggle and are far worse than us. But every club wants to have that promotion. Every club can beat any other club.
Call it alarming/ frustration, but it can all change. We could go on an unbeaten run, I said could.
No team has a right to be promoted or in top half of table, good budget or not.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Metalmicky on February 09, 2023, 08:35:01 am
I doubt if the 'moaners' will even make an appearance - and if they do I doubt they will have the spine to voice their grievances... Normally they are 'unavailable' to attend, or become shy when there is not a keyboard in front of them....
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: i_ateallthepies on February 09, 2023, 09:10:21 am
Well said Branston. Having a well run club is essential these days. Never do I want to go back to the era of Richardson. People might want to be careful what they wish for


Yes but we are in a bit of a pickle aren't we...
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: pib on February 09, 2023, 10:33:34 am
Our board are honourable men, there’s arguments for and against about club structure and investment or lack of depending on your viewpoint - the question is do the ‘board out’ brigade have anyone who can articulate a question in a sensible manner without resorting to insults and/or foul language.

I hope for the sake of being cordial they can address the concerns they have in a manner befitting the occasion as to resort to name calling etc, the whole meeting could end up a shambles.

I’m aware I made be labelled a “happy clapper” I’m sure I can handle that but my youth was destroyed and blighted by Ken Richardson and I’m not prepared to stand aside silently where youngsters who weren’t even on this planet try to make tenuous comparisons between now & back then.

Things that definitely don't help create harmony and common ground in the fanbase:

1) Dismissing people as "groaners", part of some "brigade" (or for that matter "happy clappers" as well)

2) Making sweeping statements like "are people of a certain viewpoint even capable of articulating a proper question?" when there are clearly valid and well-articulated points being made by Rovers fans across a wide spectrum of different perspectives.

3) Dismissing people's views because they weren't around or don't remember the Richardson days.


To do so just comes across as pompous moral high-ground closed-mindedness and doesn't help anything, other than to further entrench people into different camps.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Northants Nomad on February 09, 2023, 11:04:27 am
Our board are honourable men, there’s arguments for and against about club structure and investment or lack of depending on your viewpoint - the question is do the ‘board out’ brigade have anyone who can articulate a question in a sensible manner without resorting to insults and/or foul language.

I hope for the sake of being cordial they can address the concerns they have in a manner befitting the occasion as to resort to name calling etc, the whole meeting could end up a shambles.

I’m aware I made be labelled a “happy clapper” I’m sure I can handle that but my youth was destroyed and blighted by Ken Richardson and I’m not prepared to stand aside silently where youngsters who weren’t even on this planet try to make tenuous comparisons between now & back then.

100% agree. Good post, Brants, even though some won't like the message.

I'm not happy with the outcomes we're experiencing at the moment, but I strongly believe we need to separate outcomes from the motives of the Board. I believe the Board are honourable, genuinely care and want the best, and I suspect if they get the chance to be listened to at the meeting, they will admit that the outcomes are not what they wanted, hoped for etc.  Where I despair, is in today's society where people get outcomes they're not happy with, they want to hurl criticism at someone, get shouty on social media etc.

Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Spilsby Red on February 09, 2023, 11:08:46 am
I agree and have probably mentioned about the Richardson era as an example to where we are now.
I have also said I understand people’s frustrations with what is/has happened lately.
I have also mentioned that things need to be put into perspective and yes we are in a bit of a pickle at the moment. I think every fan can see that
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: ForsolongaRover on February 09, 2023, 12:16:29 pm
Past meetings have seemed to be conducted in a very civilised way, and questioners have struck me as being excessively respectful of the top table, but the timing has often been fortuitously good for those in charge. In view of the Chairman's executive role in major decisions he will surely be expected to explain why he made them.   

Right now expectations continue to fall short of promises and whilst I do not think that blaming the Board for lack of investment should be the point of attack, it would certainly be interesting to hear their perspective. The budget cannot be significantly lower than most of our rivals, but how wisely has it been spent? Strategic decisions like appointing yet another inexperienced coach/manager after his two predecessors failed is a fair question.

There is also a good deal of evidence that the current style of play is driving fans away, and these are long term supporters whose grief is very real.   

The Chairman might justifiably be criticised personally if he does not offer a proper explanation of his role and the rationale behind key decisions. Things are not going well at the moment and if the Board come away from the meeting not feeling that they have to do better they will have been given a more comfortable ride than they deserve.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Upton Rover on February 09, 2023, 01:03:38 pm
Well said Branston. Having a well run club is essential these days. Never do I want to go back to the era of Richardson. People might want to be careful what they wish for
People have views, and your view is the club (CD) is run well these day’s, others think not and that’s their opinion, so they are not groaners
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Glyn_Wigley on February 09, 2023, 01:22:16 pm
If we did have a Meet The Groaners the first thing I'd ask is what's happened to the £500 JustGiving money?
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Bessie Red on February 09, 2023, 01:25:40 pm
Quote from: Spilsby Red

link=topic=287103.msg1215363#msg1215363 date=1675891737
Well said Branston. Having a well run club is essential these days. Never do I want to go back to the era of Richardson. People might want to be careful what they wish for
I actually think he's in a bit of a pickle!
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: keith79 on February 09, 2023, 02:12:09 pm
Is it ticket only or just turn up on the night.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: roversdude on February 09, 2023, 02:58:23 pm
Ticket only Keith
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: oggycompton on February 09, 2023, 03:22:42 pm
Pitching up and asking questions that are totally divisive is not the way forward. They need to be worded correctly and in the right manner, lets us not forget that although things may not be exactly where we want at present, they are a damned site better than in the past. Personally, I would just like to know the following: -

1. What is the boards long term plan and vision for the club going forward and how will you achieve it?
2. Do you feel the level of investment currently within the club is sufficient to achieve Championship status as described by Mr Bramall and as described by the 5-year plan?
3. What mistakes do you as board members within the company feel have been made in the last couple of years and what are you doing to ensure it isn't repeated?
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Alan Southstand on February 09, 2023, 03:50:25 pm
The long term aim used to be ‘a sustainable Championship Club’ but that changed to ‘ we will find our own level’ at the last mto meeting.

I think q2 is linked to ‘why is our recruitment so poor’.

Q3 should end ‘make surethey aren’t repeated’

Agree with the rest, Oggy.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: donnybez on February 09, 2023, 05:08:00 pm
I couldn't get a ticket , but if I had I'd want to ask:

We have 13 players out of contract at the end of the season
We have underperformed drastically against the clubs publicly stated goals the last 2 seasons coincidentally when most of these contracts were commenced

What parameters are the club using to decide on who should be offered an extention? and should we decide to release any of those 13 - will their portion of what makes up the current wage structure be kept aside for the manager/DOF to use against incoming players next season?

and to Danny Schofield : Why have we had so few clean sheets this season? (genuinely interested as we do seem frail at the back)
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Upton Rover on February 09, 2023, 07:38:36 pm
They will be the same boring questions and answers like the last meet the owners, and the 1 before that and the 1 before that, nailed on
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: roversdude on February 09, 2023, 07:43:27 pm
Ah No point in going then I guess
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: TheFunk on February 09, 2023, 08:49:13 pm
The rumour I heard on Tuesday has now made Twitter. I thought it was bullshit when I heard the figure quoted. Apparently Eco Power have bought the club for £35m. If true we're massively in debt or they've got a wealthy backer from somewhere. I still think it's bullshit.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: mushRTID on February 09, 2023, 08:53:54 pm
35m???
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Prez on February 09, 2023, 09:02:05 pm
Eco power have been rumoured for a while now to be interested in taking over but where on earth does 35 million come from??
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Chris Black come back on February 09, 2023, 09:02:34 pm
Eco Power would struggle to put up 10pc of that judging by their accounts.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: scawsby steve on February 09, 2023, 09:06:04 pm
Quote from: Spilsby Red

link=topic=287103.msg1215363#msg1215363 date=1675891737
Well said Branston. Having a well run club is essential these days. Never do I want to go back to the era of Richardson. People might want to be careful what they wish for
I actually think he's in a bit of a pickle!

Bessie, I think you'll have Mr Pies after you for plagiarism.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: no eyed deer on February 09, 2023, 09:45:10 pm
Ah No point in going then I guess

Did you manage to get a ticket ?
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: roversdude on February 10, 2023, 08:11:59 am
Yeah
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: roversdude on February 10, 2023, 08:15:27 am
The EcoPower rumour keeps cropping up, think it first started last summer, gets added to with bits like they are paying the wages etc.
Guess it’s easy to set off rumours with social media.
Personally only rumours I listen to are by Fleetwood Mac
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on February 10, 2023, 09:24:43 am
I mean firstly, I suspect/assume the current owners will basically give the club away or for a very small amount, never in a million years would someone spend £35m on Rovers, what are you getting for that?  You'd have to be stupid or very stupid to do so.

Secondly, I suspect at some point in the coming time they will sell it on, everything to me points to that.  But, we as fans (and the VSC guys will be all over anything that does happen as is their role) should be cautious whilst optimistic.  What are any prospective new owners aims, how are they wanting to do it and importantly how will they fund that.

Clearly fans want more funding in to the club, we all do.  But that can have a huge cost longer term, we certainly don't want someone who's going to put funds in to the club via debt as that will only end in tears.  That is partially my fear a little bit.  We've now got a good prospect of a club ripe for takeover because you can come in and basically do very little, it's sustainable.  But that also means it's ripe for someone to come in and cause damage and I'm sure we're all wary of that.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: wing commander on February 10, 2023, 09:42:11 am
    It's a tough one and in truth i'm caught in two minds..The current ownership have done a fantastic job for a long time and we have a lot to be grateful to them for.However it cant be denied that after losing Dick there has been no ambition with the club and things are steadily declining whether that been the team on the pitch and the matchday experience on the whole. Terry is 80 and has no real passion for it and doesn't want to put any more real money in apart from the very basics.

  So the time would seem perfect for a complete change of ownership and fresh blood and ideas to create some momentum and positivity around the place, that however comes with its own risks as has been proved many times and at least with the current board we don't have to worry about debt and the future of our club.That security blanket would be taken away..

  So it's a tough one for me to decide upon, it really is stick or twist..
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: silent majority on February 10, 2023, 10:21:16 am
The rumour I heard on Tuesday has now made Twitter. I thought it was bullshit when I heard the figure quoted. Apparently Eco Power have bought the club for £35m. If true we're massively in debt or they've got a wealthy backer from somewhere. I still think it's bullshit.

That's exactly what it is, bullshit.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: KC_DRFC on February 10, 2023, 11:20:44 am
The rumour I heard on Tuesday has now made Twitter. I thought it was bullshit when I heard the figure quoted. Apparently Eco Power have bought the club for £35m. If true we're massively in debt or they've got a wealthy backer from somewhere. I still think it's bullshit.

That's exactly what it is, bullshit.


Complete Bullshit? Has there been any offers at all from them?
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: silent majority on February 10, 2023, 12:37:07 pm
The rumour I heard on Tuesday has now made Twitter. I thought it was bullshit when I heard the figure quoted. Apparently Eco Power have bought the club for £35m. If true we're massively in debt or they've got a wealthy backer from somewhere. I still think it's bullshit.

That's exactly what it is, bullshit.


Complete Bullshit? Has there been any offers at all from them?

No, not anything you could class as an offer.

They do talk to the club often though, but that's what you'd expect from a company that's the major shirt and stadium sponsor.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: roversdude on February 10, 2023, 12:42:16 pm
Just noticed that there is an option to submit questions via Bulbshare
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: wing commander on February 10, 2023, 02:17:19 pm
  One things for sure whoever came up with £35m is simply away with the fairy's.There are no real assets apart from the lease on the ground on a stadium that is starting to get a bit tired with plant and equipment soon approaching end of life.The transfer window has ended and we have about 8 players with a collective value of very little..
While we have little debt Frankly i cant see much of a case for anything out of the £3-£7m range tops
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Alan Southstand on February 10, 2023, 03:09:30 pm
What’s the 3-7 million based on WC, out of interest?
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: wing commander on February 10, 2023, 03:19:25 pm
  tbh without access to all the information it's nothing more than a educated deduction based on the experience i have had in valuations..The lease does have decent value but when you break the rest down what do they own of value to get much past that..?
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: scawsby steve on February 10, 2023, 04:57:53 pm
Does anyone know how much Westferry paid for DRFC, and whether Ken Richardson received any of that?

I seem to remember a figure being quoted, but I might be wrong.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: Lincoln Rover on February 10, 2023, 06:22:27 pm
Ladies & Gents.
These folk who come on here spouting stupid rumours regarding the club being sold. These are the names & accounts that should be ignored for future reference. The club would spend all day every day answering or commenting on rumours. Trust me there’s no such bid, end of conversation.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: The Beast on February 10, 2023, 06:33:17 pm
I'd be massively concerned if Eco-Power took over the club.
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: roversdude on February 10, 2023, 07:09:44 pm
I’ve heard whispers of how they’ve made their money
Title: Re: Meet the Groaners
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on February 10, 2023, 07:44:20 pm
I’ve heard whispers of how they’ve made their money

Well the  bottom could fall out of 'green recycling' with the incentives, just as it fell out of boobs!

They seem to be expanding their interests just as Lazurus did however, you wonder how solid their business foundations are.

Of course we like to see local businesses thriving but as said above, I doubt they will risk their core business on a football club. If further down the line their relatively young owners set themselves up for life, just as Terry and Dick did, then should they wish to invest as individuals then great.

When I heard the rumour of the £35m buyout on Tuesday, I said they've been done!

The only way I would imagine such sums would come into play is if there was a hostile bid from some distinctly dodgy entity that wasn't in the best interests of the club in the long term.

As others have said though, the clock is ticking, and we would welcome any fresh sound long term investment to take on the baton.