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Post by trev on Apr 12, 2018 23:26:46 GMT
As a supporter of fan ownership , like myself , you still have accept to legitimate criticism of the running of the Club. Quite frankly the points Neil Turner have raised, and some of the answers received, prove that the Club is not being run in a professional and acceptable commercial manner in critical areas. What I don't have to accept are inane, poorly researched soundbites. As an advocate of co-ownership I have deep misgivings in regard to the way CFC is currently being run, hopefully these fears may be assuaged in the next hour of the podcast, if so no thanks to messrs Turner and co I am not really bothered about some of Neil turners off piste comments, but what I am bothered about is a pathetic attendance of 754, a projected playing budget of only 250k and still carrying liabilities of this season , very poor commercial performance and worryingly the acknowledgement of lack of the necessary skill sets at Board level. Whilst we have had a little more information tonight on the way forward, I remain very worried for the future of the Club.
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Post by londonblue on Apr 12, 2018 23:29:30 GMT
What I’m worried about is we’ve offered contracts to four young players, which have all been turned down. With absolutely no football experience on the board or in the Football Working Group, who’s sanctioning this?!
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Post by jb on Apr 12, 2018 23:30:20 GMT
Mark Maguire did a shit job?? Would never have thought that.
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Post by Matt on Apr 12, 2018 23:34:11 GMT
What I’m worried about is we’ve offered contracts to four young players, which have all been turned down. With absolutely no football experience on the board or in the Football Working Group, who’s sanctioning this?! Regarding the first bit it was what Neil Turners been told, 4 youngsters who don’t play for Chester were offered to join the academy and they’ve rejected it. Not surprising given the uncertain future.
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Post by avfo on Apr 12, 2018 23:43:44 GMT
What I don't have to accept are inane, poorly researched soundbites. As an advocate of co-ownership I have deep misgivings in regard to the way CFC is currently being run, hopefully these fears may be assuaged in the next hour of the podcast, if so no thanks to messrs Turner and co I am not really bothered about some of Neil turners off piste comments, but what I am bothered about is a pathetic attendance of 754, a projected playing budget of only 250k and still carrying liabilities of this season , very poor commercial performance and worryingly the acknowledgement of lack of the necessary skill sets at Board level. Whilst we have had a little more information tonight on the way forward, I remain very worried for the future of the Club. The attendance of 754 whilst probably at present CFC's nadir is for many (including those clubs with wealthy owners in the CNN) a target to aim for but likely to miss. The playing budget, if set at £250,000 would certainly be competitive in this division. My concerns for the club's future lies in the lack of involvement by its owners.
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Post by londonblue on Apr 12, 2018 23:44:51 GMT
What I’m worried about is we’ve offered contracts to four young players, which have all been turned down. With absolutely no football experience on the board or in the Football Working Group, who’s sanctioning this?! Regarding the first bit it was what Neil Turners been told, 4 youngsters who don’t play for Chester were offered to join the academy and they’ve rejected it. Not surprising given the uncertain future. It sounds like Neil had his facts right though, they were soon to pounce on anything that wasn’t accurate.
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Post by sqzl on Apr 12, 2018 23:53:46 GMT
250k holy sh*t were in major trouble if this investment isn't substantial! You've got to think here, that's 20 full time players on just 12.5k a year! I imagine we may only have a squad of 16 plus 4 youth lads hopefully on Swetenhams support? If Ross and Kings didn't go, they alone would take up almost £90-100k of the budget and we wouldn't simply not put together a squad.
I'm sorry but it seems like far too much mismanagement on the board. Not a close enough eye has been kept on Maguire and not enough has been put into turning the commercial loss around. In fairness to the board here, and to give counter balance, they do acknowledge that mistakes have been made and they want to improve from them.
Extreme concern, real passion from Banksy as you'd expect. Had no issue with the questions asked, just some of the answers are frightening. Found it a bit frustrating when I heard " we need to know the fans are still behind the football club" - Would have thought the £130k we all raised is a clear indicator that we want OUR club.
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Post by spencerwhelanleftpeg on Apr 12, 2018 23:55:31 GMT
Well I’ve just finished listening to that. Quite emotional really between anger/dispair and just generally rather sad. The board I’m sure are all working extremely hard for our club. It is quite clear that they are amateurish in many ways. Also seemed a split on what needs to happen to Move things forward. We clearly need to appoint a new manager ASAP as presently there is no One with football knowledge at the club. They need our help And support if you’ve got something to Offer tell them What you can do. I remain worried for our future as it stands as the correct mix and expertise isn’t there
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Post by MPW on Apr 12, 2018 23:57:28 GMT
Not sure what to make of that to be honest, I’m hoping that we have some fans with the necessary skillsets that can help move the club move forward. It’s clear that the current board can’t do it all alone as much as they might be trying.
Neil Turner had a lot to say, with a few home truths and valid points, although he rambled on abit too much at times. However, I can’t help thinking that he would be good to have on the board with his footballing and apparent business knowledge.
I do agree that the club needed a clean slate and a fresh start for next season, but it will be interesting to see who the new manager will be and how well they work on a shoe string!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2018 0:00:06 GMT
Calvin Hughes needs to do one no doubt his mate will defend him
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Post by trev on Apr 13, 2018 0:01:58 GMT
I am not really bothered about some of Neil turners off piste comments, but what I am bothered about is a pathetic attendance of 754, a projected playing budget of only 250k and still carrying liabilities of this season , very poor commercial performance and worryingly the acknowledgement of lack of the necessary skill sets at Board level. Whilst we have had a little more information tonight on the way forward, I remain very worried for the future of the Club. The attendance of 754 whilst probably at present CFC's nadir is for many (including those clubs with wealthy owners in the CNN) a target to aim for but likely to miss. The playing budget, if set at £250,000 would certainly be competitive in this division. My concerns for the club's future lies in the lack of involvement by its owners. Lawrence kirkby acknowledged that at this budget was "very low" and could only be talking in the context of NL north. Also, I don t think many Chester fans will take much comfort in the Club getting bigger crowds than the likes of Borehamwood and other tinpotters !
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Post by dmcnally on Apr 13, 2018 0:03:46 GMT
That was a worrying listen. How we’re going to operate as a full-time club on a budget of 250k is anyone’s guess.
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Post by spencerwhelanleftpeg on Apr 13, 2018 0:04:44 GMT
250k holy sh*t were in major trouble if this investment isn't substantial! You've got to think here, that's 20 full time players on just 12.5k a year! I imagine we may only have a squad of 16 plus 4 youth lads hopefully on Swetenhams support? If Ross and Kings didn't go, they alone would take up almost £90-100k of the budget and we wouldn't simply not put together a squad. I'm sorry but it seems like far too much mismanagement on the board. Not a close enough eye has been kept on Maguire and not enough has been put into turning the commercial loss around. In fairness to the board here, and to give counter balance, they do acknowledge that mistakes have been made and they want to improve from them. Extreme concern, real passion from Banksy as you'd expect. Had no issue with the questions asked, just some of the answers are frightening. Absolutely frightening agreed. And it’s not long ago some on here were calling Moors Tin pot amateurish . Now look st is ffs!! I mean he doesn’t even acknowledge or get the fact that 1 st team Success = increased interest, increased attendance more commercial opportunity etc. Instead saying what the academy might be able to Provide. Yeah must offload Kingsley and Hannah. Budget is a worry, need this investment and lots of it
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Post by sqzl on Apr 13, 2018 0:05:01 GMT
That was a worrying listen. How we’re going to operate as a full-time club on a budget of 250k is anyone’s guess. Playing budget pal.
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bazza
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Post by bazza on Apr 13, 2018 0:06:33 GMT
Dont worry about players am off to watch barcelona saturday am sure messi and suarez would fancy the north next season leave it with me. Up the seals !!!
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Post by avfo on Apr 13, 2018 0:10:01 GMT
Not sure what to make of that to be honest, I’m hoping that we have some fans with the necessary skillsets that can help move the club move forward. It’s clear that the current board can’t do it all alone as much as they might be trying. Neil Turner had a lot to say, with a few home truths and valid points, although he rambled on abit too much at times. However, I can’t help thinking that he would be good to have on the board with his footballing and apparent business knowledge. I do agree that the club needed a clean slate and a fresh start for next season, but it will be interesting to see who the new manager will be and how well they work on a shoe string! So take a punt on someone with 'apparent business knowledge'? I've heard nothing he has said that would convince me he is an advocate of fan ownership.
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Post by devablue on Apr 13, 2018 0:33:05 GMT
We seriously need to get down to the stadium on the 21st and get behind Calum and the lads versus Maidstone. Really need to be getting a higher attendance than 754 so hopefully it will be another entertaining game similar to the 3-2 win over Bromely.
Neil Turner is a passionate bloke and he started off well but wow he wasn't even asking questions after half-way through, kept on just mentioning the commercial side of things, which yes is important but with low crowds and shite football nobody is going to invest.
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Post by icomeinpeace on Apr 13, 2018 5:45:09 GMT
So, I’ve listened to the podcast. Neil Turner seems to have an issue with the club that goes beyond normal. He has all the answers, but none of the solutions! The board there admit mistakes (first time that’s ever been done), admit they are light in some talent areas -not their fault? We are all ow ears, and if we have skills that can help and don’t offer them then we are in no position to moan.
Clear that we knew Maguire failed, seems like they realised that but the damage done can take long time to rectify. Came across that the chairman is doing his bit on that front and trying to, but there are only so many hours in the day,.
How many that are moaning and throwing shite on here, at CFU meetings, probably by email to the club, can actually do something to help? Mind you who would want to help if no matter what you do you will take abuse!! We are crazy fan owners who some just want to destroy anyone in any position of the club or certainly that’s how it seems reading the threads over the past few days.
We need to learn and get more skilled people with time to spare to help - but the board can5 just magically make these people appear. harrington-wright did sum it up really by saying if you are out there and can help get in touch.
So stop moaning, let’s get this club we are all suppposed to love back on its feet, turn up at games as I didn’t realise just how significant a small drop in attendance was to the income (yes I knew it made a difference but not that much!). Get stuck in.
It’s OUR CLUB. Instead of use it or lose it, help out or it will die.
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on Apr 13, 2018 5:58:17 GMT
Spot on. What's done is done, we ALL need to move forward and get our club back on its feet and up and running again.
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Post by midfieldgeneral on Apr 13, 2018 6:19:05 GMT
250k holy sh*t were in major trouble if this investment isn't substantial! You've got to think here, that's 20 full time players on just 12.5k a year! I imagine we may only have a squad of 16 plus 4 youth lads hopefully on Swetenhams support? If Ross and Kings didn't go, they alone would take up almost £90-100k of the budget and we wouldn't simply not put together a squad. I'm sorry but it seems like far too much mismanagement on the board. Not a close enough eye has been kept on Maguire and not enough has been put into turning the commercial loss around. In fairness to the board here, and to give counter balance, they do acknowledge that mistakes have been made and they want to improve from them. Extreme concern, real passion from Banksy as you'd expect. Had no issue with the questions asked, just some of the answers are frightening. Found it a bit frustrating when I heard " we need to know the fans are still behind the football club" - Would have thought the £130k we all raised is a clear indicator that we want OUR club. It all depends on shedding Hannah and James. On that budget you would be looking at getting players on contracts with a maximum wage of £250-£350pw. Which means young lads under the age of 24 with something to prove. Bringing some through the academy and scouting local players from lower leagues that could do a job. Also using the loan market effectively r]If anything its the way we should be operating. Throwing money at past their sell by date journeymen nearly bankrupted us. It may work better part time or some hybred? Also we need to appoint someone who knows these leagues well and who can work to a budget.
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Post by tarvinblue on Apr 13, 2018 6:20:42 GMT
I still don't know how I feel having listened to that. To me, it came across very defensive at times from certain board members whilst at others it was honest. Banksy, as always, seemed the voice of reason and I have no doubt he is doing everything within his power to move the club forwards. LK was very accurate factually but for me still still wasn't able to clear up exactly why two year contracts were sanctioned by the board for players like James/Hannah. I get why they were asking for two year contracts but what I don't understand is how the board took the decision to sanction this, knowing the potential implications. It seemed like blind faith towards JM in the hope that their 'pal' could turn things around. I would have hoped that someone like LK would have fought against sanctioning these deals, however excited people may have been at the time to be signing these players. Additionally he seemed lost between saying he informed members at the AGM of the impending financial issues and then in November telling the membership that things were above target. Clearly he knew the Wrexham game was the reason for that so why was he not making more of a point of this at that meeting? October we are in crisis, November we aren't and then January the club is on the verge of implosion.
Calvin sounds like an amateur, living out some kind of Football Manager dream. It very much seemed to be all about him and what he thinks should be happening on the footballing front moving forwards. No reasoning was given as to why Marcus wasn't considered for the post next season and the description of what is required from the next 'Head Coach' sounds very woolly at best. The way the process was carried out in terms of sacking him yesterday was quite frankly embarrassing. If Calvin did have such a good relationship with MB, as he claimed, why would MB have made the comments after the Tranmere game and why would he not have been willing to meet CH for their weekly meeting. It needs to be an absolute priority to get some footballing experience leading that working group as soon as possible, preferably before the appointment of a new manager takes place.
DHW spoke well at times but also came across with a bit of an axe to grind towards the supporters. Clearly he has a business background and I believe sounds a strong character, but he needs to get the chip off his shoulders about why the supporters are so angry/upset. Although he might not have been part of the board until October, supporters have every right to feel angry and disconnected from the club. Everything that went before has created this split - fans weren't listened to and there very much was a them and us situation. However, we need to move on from that - the difficulty the board have is in winning the trust of the fanbase who have been so badly let down by those trusted to run the club on their behalf in recent years.
I would really like to hear from Simon Olerenshaw as to why he wasn't appearing to be following process and why he hasn't taken up the board's offer to meet and discuss his issues. He didn't come out of that podcast well as it appeared that no one was aware of any issues and his decision to suddenly step down and take Neil Young with him has created a lot of issues that the board have since been dealing with.
We need people coming forwards with certain skills who can help provide capacity and expertise. Marion Needham has been there through this sorry mess and I felt she was very defensive to the point of irritating at times. Why has she not organised a skills audit as secretary? Her answer that we don't really know where are gaps are and we need supporters to point them out was quite frankly embarrassing. The club was a closed shop - it might not be one now but it definitely was run as one for a period of time. There is a whole process of auditing skills sets that needs to be carried out immediately and a recruitment drive put in place to try and get the right people involved. Hoping someone might come forward with the right skill set, even though we don't know what it is we are missing, is amateur at best. However, it does need to happen if we are to survive and thrive. If this board was to step down, who would run the football club then? It's quite obvious its running on bare bones at this moment in time and people are trying their best to rectify a situation that should never have developed in the first place. If we don't unite and work together, despite historical issues, there will be no club in 12 months time, that goes without saying.
Finally, the job Mark Maguire did is quite clearly a significant part of this problem. Clearly he was sending the board members on a merry ride with his false promises, yet not delivering. The damage this has caused financially and to our business relationships is immeasurable. The man is an absolute disgrace and shouldn't ever be allowed near a football club again. Why he was appointed, with his previous record well known, remains a source of tension. However, why the board didn't keep a closer eye on him and weren't more rigorous in dealing with him smacks of a lack of leadership/process. His smooth lines seemed to win them over every time, a bit like Jon McCarthy's did. What is very sad is that it was being pointed out to them for months that this was the case, yet no one wanted to listen/investigate.
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Post by londonblue on Apr 13, 2018 6:22:31 GMT
That was a worrying listen. How we’re going to operate as a full-time club on a budget of 250k is anyone’s guess. Playing budget pal. That’s still extremely lightweight, especially if we can’t shift James or Hannah. That would be £800 a week going out until the end of next season before we’ve even started!
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Post by midfieldgeneral on Apr 13, 2018 6:30:06 GMT
Top post.Tarvinbluem The board at the time were too weak to stand up to McGuire and McCarthy and wete being fed falsehoods that they believed.
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Post by cooperman on Apr 13, 2018 6:35:18 GMT
That’s still extremely lightweight, especially if we can’t shift James or Hannah. That would be £800 a week going out until the end of next season before we’ve even started! more like 2k a week
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Post by Al on Apr 13, 2018 6:36:38 GMT
That’s still extremely lightweight, especially if we can’t shift James or Hannah. That would be £800 a week going out until the end of next season before we’ve even started! That's not new you know. Lawrence confirmed a 250k playing budget at THAT meeting a few weeks ago
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Post by South Wirral Blue on Apr 13, 2018 6:42:03 GMT
Top post.Tarvinbluem The board at the time were too weak to stand up to McGuire and McCarthy and wete being fed falsehoods that they believed. How many times were they warned though throughout 2017? It's like they were under some kind of spell and totally incapable of seeing the bigger picture. Terrified that some of those remain.
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Post by tarvinblue on Apr 13, 2018 6:45:45 GMT
Top post.Tarvinbluem The board at the time were too weak to stand up to McGuire and McCarthy and wete being fed falsehoods that they believed. How many times were they warned though throughout 2017? It's like they were under some kind of spell and totally incapable of seeing the bigger picture. Terrified that some of those remain. Personal, emotive relationships between board members and those two in particular drove their thinking and decision making. Naivety in believing everything they were being told by these pair and allowing themselves to get caught up in their relationships with them, rather than looking/listening to an objective fan base, was the reason in my view.
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Post by sirfred on Apr 13, 2018 6:51:12 GMT
Its a downward spiral unless you are very lucky and gel with a great Manager and he works a miracle on a shoestring budget- our low budget will be our downfall in the North resulting in continuous defeats falling attendance's and eventual relegation- This potential investment could be key- we need to be able to compete next season and can't afford further degeneration
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Post by midfieldgeneral on Apr 13, 2018 7:01:13 GMT
Its not just about money though is it? Its what you do with it. See my prevoius post.
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Post by South Wirral Blue on Apr 13, 2018 7:03:42 GMT
How many times were they warned though throughout 2017? It's like they were under some kind of spell and totally incapable of seeing the bigger picture. Terrified thaat some of those remain. Personal, emotive relationships between board members and those two in particular drove their thinking and decision making. Naivety in believing everything they were being told by these pair and allowing themselves to get caught up in their relationships with them, rather than looking/listening to an objective fan base, was the reason in my view. Yeah I think you're right. Chester FC should always come first if you're on the board. It appears as though - as many of us said for months - it's come a distant third. Shaming, we have to move on of course, but absolutely shaming on those running things last year.
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