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Post by billyw on Nov 22, 2018 8:06:01 GMT
We are facing a possible crisis due to a shortage of Board members. Andrew Morris has confirmed that if one of the members were to resign, we would be unable to satisfy our constitution and the club could fold. The situation regarding the future of the club is claimed to be just as serious as the one earlier in the year. The warning signs are there and we can't say we were unaware of them if the club goes tits up. so instead of criticising Board members there needs to be more supporters willing to be co-opted or stand for election.
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on Nov 22, 2018 8:22:21 GMT
Spot on. We get the club we deserve.
However, it may be helpful if the board issued a more detailed and extensive list of where exactly they need help and/or expertise, in what areas specifically, as it may allow some supporters to come forward. The previous rallying call was just a vague appeal for people with business and financial experience which will put many people off.
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Post by 1967blue Chester Lads on Nov 22, 2018 8:22:50 GMT
We are facing a possible crisis due to a shortage of Board members. Andrew Morris has confirmed that if one of the members were to resign, we would be unable to satisfy our constitution and the club could fold. The situation regarding the future of the club is claimed to be just as serious as the one earlier in the year. The warning signs are there and we can't say we were unaware of them if the club goes tits up. so instead of criticising Board members there needs to be more supporters willing to be co-opted or stand for election. More reasons not to be fan owned. It just doesn't work.
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Post by Frank Owen’s Paintbrush on Nov 22, 2018 8:23:35 GMT
It won't work if we don't want it to work. It will work tremendously if we want it to.
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Post by Lobster on Nov 22, 2018 9:12:19 GMT
This is why people really must show some patience and kindness towards volunteers. I’m not saying we shouldn’t have constructive criticism, but some of the personal and vindictive stuff you see is ridiculous. I’d actually say it’s not so bad on here, it’s more Facebook and Twitter where it seems like the more nasty and unfair people’s comments are, the more ‘likes’ they get, and more rational fans have largely given up arguing with these characters as they’re such toxic platforms.
A while ago, it was Calvin Hughes who was scapegoat number one, largely because he’s not a great orator and perhaps made a mistake with the whole full-time emphasis thing. Now everyone’s forgotten about him and it’s Andrew Morris who is sarcastically being referred to as an ‘HR specialist’.
Realistically, I don’t have the time or skill set to be a board member, but even if I did, I have to be honest and say I don’t think I’ve got thick enough skin either.
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Post by rcb on Nov 22, 2018 9:20:37 GMT
We are facing a possible crisis due to a shortage of Board members. Andrew Morris has confirmed that if one of the members were to resign, we would be unable to satisfy our constitution and the club could fold. The situation regarding the future of the club is claimed to be just as serious as the one earlier in the year. The warning signs are there and we can't say we were unaware of them if the club goes tits up. so instead of criticising Board members there needs to be more supporters willing to be co-opted or stand for election. Very worrying situation, and has been for some time, but the right to criticise is absolutely essential for quality control purposes. Clearly not a job for anyone not prepared to view criticism as constructive. The golden phrase is ‘learn from your mistakes’. Remember that recent criticism in regard to a certain Mr. Evans was justified. Just imagine what might have happened. As supporters, it is difficult to issue praise when we are never made aware of who and what has been successful , so unfortunately there will always be more criticism that praise, but that goes with the territory. The double worry is the apparent fall in interest both on the terracing and in the boardroom. As a retired pensioner my allegiance is the result of growing up with the nearest league club. Two points here; 1. We are no longer a league club. 2. Insufficient numbers of kids are ‘growing up’ with their nearest club.
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Post by btb on Nov 22, 2018 9:26:40 GMT
I’ve enjoyed the fan owned model and the success of the first three years will live with me forever but it is looking like the well of skilled people with rhino skin has run dry. I hope the situation can be resolved but we really do need some more willing volunteers and we definitely need more patience from certain sections of the support.
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Post by Hannibal on Nov 22, 2018 9:29:51 GMT
Like Lobster I have no skill sets otherwise I'd be proud to contribute via the board.
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Post by bing on Nov 22, 2018 9:37:33 GMT
It would also be helpful if people knew exactly what certain roles entailed (board members, working groups, volunteers) so they can see what is suitable for them...
Role Remit Time needed to commit Transferrable skills
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Post by richard on Nov 22, 2018 9:42:19 GMT
We are facing a possible crisis due to a shortage of Board members. Andrew Morris has confirmed that if one of the members were to resign, we would be unable to satisfy our constitution and the club could fold. The situation regarding the future of the club is claimed to be just as serious as the one earlier in the year. The warning signs are there and we can't say we were unaware of them if the club goes tits up. so instead of criticising Board members there needs to be more supporters willing to be co-opted or stand for election. Top post Billy. It was a hugely disappointing response to the elections this year, but hardly surprising given the very difficult times we have been through and the nature and scale of criticism that is at times levelled at the volunteers who all work very hard for us all. We have to remember that these people get no reward and little in the way of thanks when they get things right, but face a barrage of criticism when a mistake is made. Most have big jobs or businesses to run and families to look after. All of the directors give up countless hours to CFC at personal cost to other key aspects of their lives. The hysteria that is associated to some of the threads on this board and other social media is hardly likely to encourage others to put themselves forward. I fear for our future, but will be doing everything I can to assist the board and get some more people to help share the considerable load.
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Post by richard on Nov 22, 2018 10:29:13 GMT
It would also be helpful if people knew exactly what certain roles entailed (board members, working groups, volunteers) so they can see what is suitable for them... Role Remit Time needed to commit Transferrable skills Bing, To deal with the Board in the first instance. Finance. Laurence Kirby is still a loyal volunteer, but we need a director to assume responsibility for the portfolio and work with the finance team. Time required will vary, depending on the time of the financial year, but I would guess it would be a minimum of two days per week or equivalent hours, plus attending board meetings. A qualified accountant would be ideal, but as Laurence is still around at the moment, maybe a trainee would suffice IT. This is the role that will soon be vacated by Mike Day. Mike actually has 3 portfolio responsibilities. At least a day per week and an on site presence for most of that time, plus dealing with IT suppliers and attending board meetings. A qualification in IT would be essential. Youth, another of Mikes areas of responsibility, this would mean working with Callum and his coaches on various aspects of liaison, support, funding to name but a few. The hours would be more difficult to define, but if I had to guess, it would be the equivalent of a day per week plus board meetings. Community Trust liaison / Community/ Media/PR/ Marketing All the above are presently portfolio areas that are shared by various directors, but need attention and time that the existing directors don't have Volunteers. Another area that needs urgent attention and one that is at present attached to a director with three areas of responsibility. Ideally, someone who has excellent organisational skills patience, strong interpersonal skills and lots of time to grow and nurture our volunteer base. Business development. This would be a broader brief and one that could possibly be achieved by a non exec. As far as the work groups are concerned Help is needed in Fundraising, IT and commercial
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Post by Jack on Nov 22, 2018 11:09:26 GMT
Utmost respect for any who give up that amount of time. It's definitely not something I could offer, but we need to change the culture around the sniping and criticism of those who give up those kind of hours.
Anyone who stands up deserves our full support.
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Post by midfieldgeneral on Nov 22, 2018 12:14:46 GMT
It would also be helpful if people knew exactly what certain roles entailed (board members, working groups, volunteers) so they can see what is suitable for them... Role Remit Time needed to commit Transferrable skills Bing, To deal with the Board in the first instance. Finance. Laurence Kirby is still a loyal volunteer, but we need a director to assume responsibility for the portfolio and work with the finance team. Time required will vary, depending on the time of the financial year, but I would guess it would be a minimum of two days per week or equivalent hours, plus attending board meetings. A qualified accountant would be ideal, but as Laurence is still around at the moment, maybe a trainee would suffice IT. This is the role that will soon be vacated by Mike Day. Mike actually has 3 portfolio responsibilities. At least a day per week and an on site presence for most of that time, plus dealing with IT suppliers and attending board meetings. A qualification in IT would be essential. Youth, another of Mikes areas of responsibility, this would mean working with Callum and his coaches on various aspects of liaison, support, funding to name but a few. The hours would be more difficult to define, but if I had to guess, it would be the equivalent of a day per week plus board meetings. Community Trust liaison / Community/ Media/PR/ Marketing All the above are presently portfolio areas that are shared by various directors, but need attention and time that the existing directors don't have Volunteers. Another area that needs urgent attention and one that is at present attached to a director with three areas of responsibility. Ideally, someone who has excellent organisational skills patience, strong interpersonal skills and lots of time to grow and nurture our volunteer base. Business development. This would be a broader brief and one that could possibly be achieved by a non exec. As far as the work groups are concerned Help is needed in Fundraising, IT and commercial Richard, I may be interested in the Youth brief? As you know, I ran Connahs Quay Nomads Academy for a year. I would need to know more about. What the role entails? PM me if you want to organise a meeting?
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Post by midfieldgeneral on Nov 22, 2018 12:21:00 GMT
We are facing a possible crisis due to a shortage of Board members. Andrew Morris has confirmed that if one of the members were to resign, we would be unable to satisfy our constitution and the club could fold. The situation regarding the future of the club is claimed to be just as serious as the one earlier in the year. The warning signs are there and we can't say we were unaware of them if the club goes tits up. so instead of criticising Board members there needs to be more supporters willing to be co-opted or stand for election. More reasons not to be fan owned. It just doesn't work. Neither did private ownershio, we ended up with no club remember? Lol
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Post by Hannibal on Nov 22, 2018 12:35:48 GMT
Bing, To deal with the Board in the first instance. Finance. Laurence Kirby is still a loyal volunteer, but we need a director to assume responsibility for the portfolio and work with the finance team. Time required will vary, depending on the time of the financial year, but I would guess it would be a minimum of two days per week or equivalent hours, plus attending board meetings. A qualified accountant would be ideal, but as Laurence is still around at the moment, maybe a trainee would suffice IT. This is the role that will soon be vacated by Mike Day. Mike actually has 3 portfolio responsibilities. At least a day per week and an on site presence for most of that time, plus dealing with IT suppliers and attending board meetings. A qualification in IT would be essential. Youth, another of Mikes areas of responsibility, this would mean working with Callum and his coaches on various aspects of liaison, support, funding to name but a few. The hours would be more difficult to define, but if I had to guess, it would be the equivalent of a day per week plus board meetings. Community Trust liaison / Community/ Media/PR/ Marketing All the above are presently portfolio areas that are shared by various directors, but need attention and time that the existing directors don't have Volunteers. Another area that needs urgent attention and one that is at present attached to a director with three areas of responsibility. Ideally, someone who has excellent organisational skills patience, strong interpersonal skills and lots of time to grow and nurture our volunteer base. Business development. This would be a broader brief and one that could possibly be achieved by a non exec. As far as the work groups are concerned Help is needed in Fundraising, IT and commercial Richard, I may be interested in the Youth brief? As you know, I ran Connahs Quay Nomads Academy for a year. I would need to know more about. What the role entails? PM me if you want to organise a meeting? Well stepped forward mifieldgeneral. I hope you can find a niche in that portfolio.
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Post by rhodri on Nov 22, 2018 13:20:14 GMT
It would also be helpful if people knew exactly what certain roles entailed (board members, working groups, volunteers) so they can see what is suitable for them... Role Remit Time needed to commit Transferrable skills Bing, To deal with the Board in the first instance. Finance. Laurence Kirby is still a loyal volunteer, but we need a director to assume responsibility for the portfolio and work with the finance team. Time required will vary, depending on the time of the financial year, but I would guess it would be a minimum of two days per week or equivalent hours, plus attending board meetings. A qualified accountant would be ideal, but as Laurence is still around at the moment, maybe a trainee would suffice IT. This is the role that will soon be vacated by Mike Day. Mike actually has 3 portfolio responsibilities. At least a day per week and an on site presence for most of that time, plus dealing with IT suppliers and attending board meetings. A qualification in IT would be essential. Youth, another of Mikes areas of responsibility, this would mean working with Callum and his coaches on various aspects of liaison, support, funding to name but a few. The hours would be more difficult to define, but if I had to guess, it would be the equivalent of a day per week plus board meetings. Community Trust liaison / Community/ Media/PR/ Marketing All the above are presently portfolio areas that are shared by various directors, but need attention and time that the existing directors don't have Volunteers. Another area that needs urgent attention and one that is at present attached to a director with three areas of responsibility. Ideally, someone who has excellent organisational skills patience, strong interpersonal skills and lots of time to grow and nurture our volunteer base. Business development. This would be a broader brief and one that could possibly be achieved by a non exec. As far as the work groups are concerned Help is needed in Fundraising, IT and commercial Who is the best contact to respond to these roles? Individuals or the general email address.
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Post by avfo on Nov 22, 2018 13:20:45 GMT
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Post by billyw on Nov 22, 2018 13:27:22 GMT
It would also be helpful if people knew exactly what certain roles entailed (board members, working groups, volunteers) so they can see what is suitable for them... Role Remit Time needed to commit Transferrable skills Bing, To deal with the Board in the first instance. Finance. Laurence Kirby is still a loyal volunteer, but we need a director to assume responsibility for the portfolio and work with the finance team. Time required will vary, depending on the time of the financial year, but I would guess it would be a minimum of two days per week or equivalent hours, plus attending board meetings. A qualified accountant would be ideal, but as Laurence is still around at the moment, maybe a trainee would suffice IT. This is the role that will soon be vacated by Mike Day. Mike actually has 3 portfolio responsibilities. At least a day per week and an on site presence for most of that time, plus dealing with IT suppliers and attending board meetings. A qualification in IT would be essential. Youth, another of Mikes areas of responsibility, this would mean working with Callum and his coaches on various aspects of liaison, support, funding to name but a few. The hours would be more difficult to define, but if I had to guess, it would be the equivalent of a day per week plus board meetings. Community Trust liaison / Community/ Media/PR/ Marketing All the above are presently portfolio areas that are shared by various directors, but need attention and time that the existing directors don't have Volunteers. Another area that needs urgent attention and one that is at present attached to a director with three areas of responsibility. Ideally, someone who has excellent organisational skills patience, strong interpersonal skills and lots of time to grow and nurture our volunteer base. Business development. This would be a broader brief and one that could possibly be achieved by a non exec. As far as the work groups are concerned Help is needed in Fundraising, IT and commercial Thanks for the clarification Richard. I must admit I had underestimated the amount of time Board members devoted to the club and they have my utmost respect. I think people must realise now, if they didn't before, that without Board members there is no Chester FC. I am reluctant to add to the volunteers workloads but I do think it essential that they email all CFU members, pointing out the seriousness of the situation and asking for additional help. Not everyone reads Deva Chat and nor will they have read Andrew Morris' warnings in the Chronicle.
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Post by richard on Nov 22, 2018 14:06:48 GMT
Bing, To deal with the Board in the first instance. Finance. Laurence Kirby is still a loyal volunteer, but we need a director to assume responsibility for the portfolio and work with the finance team. Time required will vary, depending on the time of the financial year, but I would guess it would be a minimum of two days per week or equivalent hours, plus attending board meetings. A qualified accountant would be ideal, but as Laurence is still around at the moment, maybe a trainee would suffice IT. This is the role that will soon be vacated by Mike Day. Mike actually has 3 portfolio responsibilities. At least a day per week and an on site presence for most of that time, plus dealing with IT suppliers and attending board meetings. A qualification in IT would be essential. Youth, another of Mikes areas of responsibility, this would mean working with Callum and his coaches on various aspects of liaison, support, funding to name but a few. The hours would be more difficult to define, but if I had to guess, it would be the equivalent of a day per week plus board meetings. Community Trust liaison / Community/ Media/PR/ Marketing All the above are presently portfolio areas that are shared by various directors, but need attention and time that the existing directors don't have Volunteers. Another area that needs urgent attention and one that is at present attached to a director with three areas of responsibility. Ideally, someone who has excellent organisational skills patience, strong interpersonal skills and lots of time to grow and nurture our volunteer base. Business development. This would be a broader brief and one that could possibly be achieved by a non exec. As far as the work groups are concerned Help is needed in Fundraising, IT and commercial Who is the best contact to respond to these roles? Individuals or the general email address. Pleas Pm me in the first instance
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Post by tarvinblue on Nov 22, 2018 14:41:05 GMT
The damage caused by 2-3 years of poor running was always going to create this situation. Very few people would want to put themselves in a position whereby they are ridiculed in the way some board members where earlier this year. Unfortunately, some of those members were ridiculed correctly as they badly let down our club and the damage is still felt now as people don't want to put themselves in a situation such as this. Few people are willing or able to give up time voluntarily these days as they perhaps once did and this seems to be the case across industries that require high levels of volunteer support. Hopefully this message can stir some people up who have the right intentions and skill set as our club - and the current board - desperately need support.
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Post by sqzl on Nov 22, 2018 16:26:07 GMT
See I face the issue I imagine 50% of this forum face. I match one of the skill sets but there’s no possible way I’d be able to give up two full days work to volunteer. It means either no weekends with family, or working all evening which I sometimes have to anyway. It sort of opens your eyes reading Richards post as to how much we should appreciate the voluntary roles.
I think the ideal candidate is someone close to, or already retired and wants something to do. Someone who has the time to make the difference rather than trying to fit it in.
Good luck filling those positions, I hope people are able to contribute where most of us can’t.
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Post by bluetartan on Nov 22, 2018 16:26:23 GMT
We are facing a possible crisis due to a shortage of Board members. Andrew Morris has confirmed that if one of the members were to resign, we would be unable to satisfy our constitution and the club could fold. The situation regarding the future of the club is claimed to be just as serious as the one earlier in the year. The warning signs are there and we can't say we were unaware of them if the club goes tits up. so instead of criticising Board members there needs to be more supporters willing to be co-opted or stand for election. Absolutely correct, so many so eager to criticise everything the board do at each and every opportunity those same people that would arguably never put themselves forward or bring anything to the table. It is easy to forget the board are like us supporters and volunteers doing a very hard job whilst combining it with other responsibilities such as jobs and family life and doing it for no other reason than their passion for this OUR football club. I for one salute them all. However it is evident from numerous events that have occurred that they are overworked under resourced and have been asking for help for months. We have to collectively find a way to encourage people to feel that they can or encourage others to apply to join the board and drive this club forward.
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Post by bb93 on Nov 22, 2018 18:08:38 GMT
Question to the board or those influential on here, would people consider a board member who was an exile. With the possibilities of meetings via Skype and the desperate need for volunteers would it be considered?
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Post by paulie on Nov 22, 2018 18:15:40 GMT
This news is hardly surprising, with around 2000 fans it wasn't going to take long to run out of volunteers or people skilled enough to be a director.
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Post by richard on Nov 22, 2018 18:30:52 GMT
Question to the board or those influential on here, would people consider a board member who was an exile. With the possibilities of meetings via Skype and the desperate need for volunteers would it be considered? It may be an idea to have a chat with David Evans, also an exile who was a board member in the early days of reformation. I'm assuming you are a member of the exiles and know David. If not PM me. Thanks Richard
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2018 22:09:18 GMT
Question to the board or those influential on here, would people consider a board member who was an exile. With the possibilities of meetings via Skype and the desperate need for volunteers would it be considered? It may be an idea to have a chat with David Evans, also an exile who was a board member in the early days of reformation. I'm assuming you are a member of the exiles and know David. If not PM me. Thanks Richard Yes David used to be "present" at all board meetings via phone and was critical to the success of the reformed club. Lots of people work remote these days. Also please remember the more hands, the lighter the work.
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Post by durdy on Nov 23, 2018 5:31:36 GMT
Maybe this is a hairbrained idea or indeed a lightbulb moment but at least it's suggestion ,in the short term until a suitable candidate/candidates come along and to avoid anymore knee jerk appointments could we not explore our links with blue chip ,trusted establishments that we have links with such as MBNA,Chester University and indeed Liverpool FC and see if they could spare somebody for maybe a day a week to assist with the key areas of Finance,Media and IT maybe a trainee on secondment so therefore both parties will benefit .
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Post by inthestand on Nov 23, 2018 9:38:43 GMT
its seems like one crisis after another at this club so its no wonder we cant drum up support...and its no use some saying "its because we are a fan owned club"..so are wrexham and they seem to be doing alright,I still cant imagine why someone would want to invest a million quid with us unless there is some ulterior motive . if we are to move forward on and up as a club we have got to get the basics right, if we cant do that perhaps we dont deserve to be in the division either...
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Post by paulcrossleyshair on Nov 23, 2018 11:26:17 GMT
Maybe this is a hairbrained idea or indeed a lightbulb moment but at least it's suggestion ,in the short term until a suitable candidate/candidates come along and to avoid anymore knee jerk appointments could we not explore our links with blue chip ,trusted establishments that we have links with such as MBNA,Chester University and indeed Liverpool FC and see if they could spare somebody for maybe a day a week to assist with the key areas of Finance,Media and IT maybe a trainee on secondment so therefore both parties will benefit . Can we not make this man Durdy Lifetime President already?! :-) This concept worked a Dream with Steve Ashton in the early days. Any company REALLY wanting to invest in and develop their people should jump at the chance to do this. It will give some people some really strong skills in a different sector and really stretch them. Google do something similar where each employee works 4 days for Google and then 1 day on a project of their own choice. If you're someone thinking "I'd love it if my company would release me to do this" then go and make a strong business case and ask the question. You'll possibly be surprised with a yes answer!
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Post by Si on Nov 23, 2018 12:43:36 GMT
It's always going to be a problem for us. We have a small fanbase, which no doubt contains people with the required skill sets but I imagine it's pretty rare than people can afford to give up their spare time away from work if they've got a wife and family. It's ideal for people nearing retirement who can still use their skills for something they are passionate about, but there's only so many of them knocking about. I think Durdy's suggestion is good, appeal to the Chester business community as an opportunity for someone to develop their skills. Being fans owned is great and I wouldn't change it despite it's challenges, but it's scary how reliant we are on gaining some well qualified people with time on their hands.
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