Rovers sign MOU with Viking Supporters Co-Operative

[SydneyRover]

Big thanks to all those involved

https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2018/december/rovers-sign-mou-with-viking-supporters-co-operative/

[Lytham Rover]

Excellent news

[RedJ]

What exactly does it mean though on an operational level?

[Filo]

Is it non binding? and if so what really is the point of it?

[Metalmicky]

Where does he play...........

[since-1969]

Does it mean the food halls will finally provide something worthy of the extortionate prices being charged .

[silent majority]

What exactly does it mean though on an operational level?

How long have you got?

We've had a very close relationship with the club for some years now, starting with the fan engagement programme 'In Rovers We Trust' we helped develop the mindset that underlines everything that runs through the club. Off the field DRFC have continued to set the bar in so many areas that other clubs directly copy many of the initiatives that we have worked on. We continually challenge the club to keep improving, to provide supporters with an environment that they appreciate, be it ticket pricing, stewarding operations, food options, smoking areas, cash turnstiles, Fans for Diversity promotions and a whole host of other joint initiatives and ideas that we know puts us at the forefront.

In addition to those discussions we have supported and moved the club along with meeting and exceeding EFL regulations on structured fan engagement. The Supporters Board came directly from that. We continue to play our part both within and alongside those meetings that allows us to ask the questions that relate directly to the financial and ownership issues at DRFC.  As a supporters trust we would want to avoid situations that affect other clubs such as at Blackpool, Cardiff, Hull, Blackburn, Coventry etc. Being in a trusted position to ask the detailed and challenging questions matters, both now and for the long term stability of this club.

Whilst we have been able to do all of this so far without an MoU, having one does show that the club has confidence in our ability and values the relationship that we have developed between us. It shows that the club value our ability to help them reach important decisions from a supporters perspective, and that the club and the VSC, share common goals with regard to sustainability and success, both on and off the pitch.

The above is just a snapshot of what we do week in and week out, but the MoU is a further demonstration that Gavin and his team value our contribution and this document enhances that trust.

PS. There's a copy of it in the members section if you wish to read the detail.

[silent majority]

Is it non binding? and if so what really is the point of it?

Seriously?

[Filo]

Is it non binding? and if so what really is the point of it?

Seriously?

Yes, its not a critism, just asking why a non binding bit of paper makes any difference to the excellent work that has already been done

[DearneValleyRover]

Is it non binding? and if so what really is the point of it?

Seriously?

Yes, its not a critism, just asking why a non binding bit of paper makes any difference to the excellent work that has already been done

It’s a sign of respect between both the club and the VSC amongst all that SM has outlined

[Muttley]

PS. There's a copy of it in the members section if you wish to read the detail.

I would have a look but no-one has ever replied to my query in July 2017 about my membership of the VSC.

[Al4475]

Sorry muttley - that was probably me that missed that in July 2017 - here's how to join - bottom section.

https://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?page=114

[wing commander]

Is it non binding? and if so what really is the point of it?

Seriously?

To be fair Martin it is a good question,a MOU is normally a non binding agreement put in place between 2 party's prior to a more binding agreement being signed.. A MOU can be withdrawn without notice by either party.. So it's a fair question on what added protection this actually brings???
  As Filo says it's not a criticism of the good work done, but if circumstances change what actual protection does this give if they change there mind..

[SydneyRover]

Is it non binding? and if so what really is the point of it?

Seriously?

To be fair Martin it is a good question,a MOU is normally a non binding agreement put in place between 2 party's prior to a more binding agreement being signed.. A MOU can be withdrawn without notice by either party.. So it's a fair question on what added protection this actually brings???
  As Filo says it's not a criticism of the good work done, but if circumstances change what actual protection does this give if they change there mind..

An MOU outlines what is agreed between two or more parties and can include how various protocols should be followed, it's an article of faith. I have found them quite useful, it's not a contract but more than a handshake and they are used in not for profit organizations a fair bit.

[silent majority]

Is it non binding? and if so what really is the point of it?

Seriously?

To be fair Martin it is a good question,a MOU is normally a non binding agreement put in place between 2 party's prior to a more binding agreement being signed.. A MOU can be withdrawn without notice by either party.. So it's a fair question on what added protection this actually brings???
  As Filo says it's not a criticism of the good work done, but if circumstances change what actual protection does this give if they change there mind..

WC, I still don't think it's a serious question. The legal status is in the title' it's an MoU, therefore its not pretending to be a legally binding document. What it is though is a public statement of the work that we have been doing and a public commitment to engage, discuss, and consult with any and all issues that affect the club, either in the near future or more longer term. Where we can offer protection we have done, and you may recall that the VSC took out an ACV on the Keepmoat complex some years ago which is still in place and offers protection to the physical resources.

The MoU builds on all we have done, and offers a commitment to do even more. It should be applauded by all DRFC fans and reflects very highly on all owners, directors, and staff who have been prepared to commit, (when the easier option is not to), to yet again put their heads above the parapet in supporting fan issues. Believe me, this is a club breaking the mould when it comes to fan issues, and not toeing the line normally adopted by others. IRWT, and it's underlying concepts, does attract criticism from others in the game because it places them in the spotlight when they don't follow suit. I would expect the MoU to have the same effect.

[Muttley]

Sorry muttley - that was probably me that missed that in July 2017 - here's how to join - bottom section.

https://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?page=114

Cheers - rejoined now.

[silent majority]

Sydney, I like that phrase 'article of faith'. That's exactly what it is.

[Jimmydee]

It's a positive step in the right direction, well done.

[Filo]

Is it non binding? and if so what really is the point of it?

Seriously?

To be fair Martin it is a good question,a MOU is normally a non binding agreement put in place between 2 party's prior to a more binding agreement being signed.. A MOU can be withdrawn without notice by either party.. So it's a fair question on what added protection this actually brings???
  As Filo says it's not a criticism of the good work done, but if circumstances change what actual protection does this give if they change there mind..

WC, I still don't think it's a serious question. The legal status is in the title' it's an MoU, therefore its not pretending to be a legally binding document. What it is though is a public statement of the work that we have been doing and a public commitment to engage, discuss, and consult with any and all issues that affect the club, either in the near future or more longer term. Where we can offer protection we have done, and you may recall that the VSC took out an ACV on the Keepmoat complex some years ago which is still in place and offers protection to the physical resources.

The MoU builds on all we have done, and offers a commitment to do even more. It should be applauded by all DRFC fans and reflects very highly on all owners, directors, and staff who have been prepared to commit, (when the easier option is not to), to yet again put their heads above the parapet in supporting fan issues. Believe me, this is a club breaking the mould when it comes to fan issues, and not toeing the line normally adopted by others. IRWT, and it's underlying concepts, does attract criticism from others in the game because it places them in the spotlight when they don't follow suit. I would expect the MoU to have the same effect.

Martin, theres no need to be so defensive, what may not seem like a serious question to you is still not a reason to just dismiss it and treat it with contempt. Like I said the question was not a critisism, I genuinley believe a MoU in any given situation, not just Football is a pointless exercise if it is non binding, you disagree, I respect that and do u derstand what you are saying

[wing commander]

A lot of people don't understand what a MOU actually is,so it's only right in the name of balance that fans understand that while it isn't a bad thing,it actually legally means nothing and can be withdrawn on even the slightest change of circumstances..For instance if someone comes in looking to invest but insists on it being confidential then they can still withdraw it...

[RoversAlias]

Yeah, what was wrong with Filo's question? I'm sorry SM but from reading your posts in this thread I still feel none the wiser as to what this MOU (whatever one of those is) actually means in reality? It sounds like it doesn't really mean anything but like I said, I don't feel like I understand.

[wing commander]

Memorandum of understanding (MOU) Is basically a agreement between two party's with mutually interests on how they will work together in the future,they are basically a gentlemans agreement that both party's are happy to put out in the public domain..They are normally used by companies who want to get projects moving while formal contracts are put in place..

Advantages to them are that normally both party's see the agreement as a way forward and by putting them out there to the public,they are more reluctant to break them as there reputation would be tarnished.In this case SM and the trust (imo) have done well to get the club to commit on "in rovers we trust" long term and publically..As brilliant as this initative has been,there have been times recently when new staff have come in with different ideas around that fan engagement were it has vanished for a while...

Disadvantages to them are that they are legally non binding contracts,so if either party decides that the agreement is no longer in there interests they can pull out of them with no regress by the other party.For instance if Gavin left and a new guy was appointed who wasn't as commited to fan engagement and talking to the trust they could withdraw all of those safeguards agreed without notice..

   Reality is that you would never get the club to put something legally in place around the things they have agreed,so it really is the best the fans can hope for and SM and the trust and the club should be congratulated on what they have achieved..SM probably thinks I was having a pop,which I certainly wasn't as I have the upmost respect for all the hard work he does for the fanbase.However it is important for everybody to understand exactly what it means and what it doesn't mean..

[silent majority]

Thanks WC, excellently put.

I suppose I was being defensive, after all its taken a lot of time and effort on both sides to get to this point and a flippant response was the last thing I was expecting. The value of this agreement should not be underestimated. In addition to the safeguarding of 'In Rovers We Trust' as the fan engagement vehicle the commitment to consult about ownership issues and other club changing activities, i.e. club colours/names and commercial activities etc, is fantastic. Having that in writing is a position of trust that we should all value.

The response to this agreement in the football world has been excellent and I've had messages from all corners of the UK congratulating us. At the game yesterday several people went out of their way to say how pleased they were, which I was grateful for.

Just to add to your explanation above though there is some further information needed. Although they could withdraw from this agreement (but I doubt that would happen  under GB's tenure) there is still a level of consultation that would be required under EFL rules and that would kick in if necessary. However what we have here is infinitely better and is specific to the way this club works.

[Filo]

Flippant

“not showing a serious or respectful attitude”



I was being far from flippant, I was asking a question in a respectful manner, I suggest flippant was more suited to your response