Fans rep in the club : Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:46 pm  

With the recent events at the club it made me think of the times in the past when there were meetings between tge club and fans using an open forum which went well. we need another in my opinion. A fans rep is currently on the board but when was the last time anyone was asked by the rep what views they have. personally I have never beem asked. No doubt Joe does a lot for the club however as a fans rep perhaps now is the time to let someone elsd take this up and actually engage the fans. I am not for one minute thinking it would be me. It is the role that is not being done and not a criticism of Joe the person.

: Sun Nov 29, 2009 4:43 pm  

I agree completely.

We've never had this , and it is needed.

I don't know if joe is actually officially referred to as a fans rep is he?

Anyhow, reps need electing IMHO.

: Sun Nov 29, 2009 4:48 pm  

No!!

The directors/shareholders own the club and what they say goes.

The only way to have a "true" say is to buy shares in the company and grill the directors.

Seeing, as I believe, the two directors own the majority of the shares then it will be difficult , unless they wish to sell, to get a voice.

Having said that I do know they "listen" but they make the decisions.

I happen to think that the clubs current directors have done a good job considering and that the current situation is just a minor abberation!

: Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:09 pm  

Yes, the owners own the club, and what they say goes: but you could argue that without the support of the paying public, it's all going to go for a ball of chalk. Also, Keighley Cougars as an entity will (hopefully) outlive us all, so even the present owners are in some respects just caretakers, responsible to future generations as well as their own current interests.
I would like to think that Neil Spence et al would listen to the views of the supporters, although obviously they are under no obligation to act on any feedback from same...

: Sun Nov 29, 2009 7:19 pm  

Just to clarify that my original post was not a criticism of either Neil or Colin but rather the failure of the role created to be effective. AJ if memory serves me right after a period of fans feeling to be alienated from the club a decision was taken by the club to have a fans representative on the board. The idea in theory was and is a good one but it turned out to be pointless as I am not aware of any meetings etc to get view of folk. If the club is serious about this its essential the rep as to be voted in and not just picked by the club. Whoever does the role as to be a good communicator and not afraid of raising genuine fan concerns to the club and not be seen as a yes man or woman. I do not think the role of the rep should be on the board of directors to keep a semblance of independance.

: Sun Nov 29, 2009 9:40 pm  

Hi all, just to clarify, I was not at any time elected as a representative of the Fans. When I joined the directors I did so as Director of Fundraising.

That said I, and I believe, any of the Directors and Staff at the Cougars are all very approachable and are willing to listen to what the Fans have to say at any time. I have on many occasions been approached by fans and listened to their concerns and views as have the other Directors and indeed Helen.

: Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:56 pm  

Thanks for responding Joe and giving clarity however I seem to recall you being given the role of fans rep on the board at the time, its possible this was mentioned when you were taken on as director, someone certainly mentioned it. I am not doubting the approachability of yourself or Helen but because of the reference made to a fans rep the conclusion rightly or wrongly I and others came to was there no one asking for fans input. In light of you not being the fans rep then I feel the club should open the way for a fans rep to be accepted and voted on by the fans.

: Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:54 am  

If there was to be a fans rep involved at the club.
That person would have to be able, to say anything without fear of reprisals.

That may be possible in the future but would not have worked in the past.

: Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:16 am  

I agree totally Jim.

FANS REP : Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:13 pm  

A Fans Rep is a good idea.

But they certainly should not be on the club payroll, a director, a shareholder or with any other declaration of interest.

There should be a means by which other fans can communicate anonymously or otherwise with the Clubs management or board.

Messages get sent, conversations are had and forgotten.
When a valid issue is raised or a suggestion offered, fans might appreciate somebody to articulate it on their behalf and the clubs response could be appropriately documented and feedback given.

The running of the Club is the responsibility of the Directors and this will always be the case.

The Clubs Rep I would see as a “Critical Friend.”

Fans and Season ticket holders are entitled to opinion in the right time and place.
Having a rep could ensure these opinions, suggestions get delivered in a more professional manner and we wash less of our dirty linen online.