I've spoke to the club about JR's request.

[silent majority]

I spoke to the club last night and again this morning about the request by John to be allowed to submit a design of his own into the selection process.

Firstly, John was incredibly inspired and excited by the designs and as a typical football fan he wanted to join in the fan led process. As a busy man, and out of the country for quite some time, he'd missed out on the start process for this and hadn't seen what the fans had produced until Thursday. Then, because of his enthusiasm, he asked if he could add something of his own to the competition. That's what yesterday's request was about, the Chairman of our club asking permission from the fans to be allowed to submit his own design. You have to ask yourself what other Chairman would do that, and then again what club would be leaving the design process to its own fans?

John is extremely committed to the 'In Rovers We Trust' project and because of that if the fans feel he shouldn't submit a design at this late stage then he's more than happy to withdraw his request. John is as big a fan, if not bigger, than most of us, he is still Rovers Till He Dies and 'In Rovers We Trust'.

Fans shouldn't misinterpret what was happening here, he just wanted to be a part of it, and because the fans feel it wasn't just then his request was withdrawn. Yet again another example of how committed to the IRWT process the directors and staff at the club are.

IRWT

[hoolahoop]

They don't misinterpret things Martin they just know that they've been through a massive exercise for weeks of self-empowerment if you like. The IRWT scheme is more important than one individual's request however big a fan. 

[River Don]

I thought that would be the case, John is as much a fan as the rest of us and obviously likes football kits!

I just think it would be fairer if he could have entered anonymously but as things have worked out that can't be done.

Another lesson for the future. I hope this doesn't put the club off from running a competition like this again, I think it's a great engagement exercise and helps people feel more involved and enthusiastic about the club.

It should only be encouraged and next time we can be better organised.

[Arsenal Of The North]

I see no problem with jr entering this to be honest, I think what he has done over the past decade warrants him to do so, but I wish he would disclose his entry so we know we won't have been undermined should it win and come out of no where!

[SkellowRover]

No problem with that as long as the fans see the design first and then vote on whether the design itself is entered into the competition with a poll on here NOT by an email to the club, just like all other entrants had to go through. That way it's more transparent.

[Bentley Bullet]

I think John Ryan is more than just a big fan. There has never been a better case for he who pays the piper calling the tune.

However, all he wants is to enter a contest where the best entry calls the tune!

Unfortunately (and rather harshly in my opinion) he's too late to enter!

Thanks for keeping our club in existence John, but rules are rules! 

[Belle Vue Popside]

"As a busy man, and out of the country for quite some time, he'd missed out on the start process for this and hadn't seen what the fans had produced until Thursday."

So you missed the deadline, tough shit, unlucky and all that.

[RedJ]

I know he never posts with his account here but it can't have been too much trouble for him to have made another alias and posted them, or even just sent one of the VSC folk them to post on his behalf.

Wouldn't have minded seeing what he'd have come up with, like.

[ditch_drfc]

Its great that he wants to enter. Im all for it. Let him submit a couple

[Belle Vue Popside]

I know he never posts with his account here but it can't have been too much trouble for him to have made another alias and posted them, or even just sent one of the VSC folk them to post on his behalf.

Wouldn't have minded seeing what he'd have come up with, like.

I'm more miffed at what he does in his spare time... Seems he fancies himself as a bit of a dab hand at photoshop 

I've got visions of him sat infront of his webcam taking pictures of himself wearing a snapback and then editing out the blemishes 

[RedJ]

I know he never posts with his account here but it can't have been too much trouble for him to have made another alias and posted them, or even just sent one of the VSC folk them to post on his behalf.

Wouldn't have minded seeing what he'd have come up with, like.

I'm more miffed at what he does in his spare time... Seems he fancies himself as a bit of a dab hand at photoshop 

I've got visions of him sat infront of his webcam taking pictures of himself wearing a snapback and then editing out the blemishes 

well that's had me in stitches

[hoolahoop]

"As a busy man, and out of the country for quite some time, he'd missed out on the start process for this and hadn't seen what the fans had produced until Thursday."

So you missed the deadline, tough shit, unlucky and all that.

True and I know JR follows this site avidly as he always tells us at meetings. No exceptions even for the biggest of fans , btw I thought we were all in this together and thinking as a team. No-one imo is a better or lesser supporter than anyone else even if they've ploughed £millions into this club, I'm sure JR would respect that view as a supporter and major benefactor.