SpursNetwork
Tottenham Discussion => Spurs Chat => Topic started by: Glenn R on October 19, 2014, 04:59:26 PM
-
Spurs supporters in boardrooms; what do you think?
The Labour party are proposing that the fans should have a greater say in the boardroom. Stick a fan on the board and let him have a say, or even influence the direction of the clubs policies etc. This seems another sound bite by a political party struggling before a general election to think of something interesting to attract the fickle football fan.
How does it work? Who is picked to represent all the supporters of a particular club? It is pie in the sky. According to the headlines, football fans can have a greater say in the running of their club. This is people who are not experience in the running/ and or financial side of a football club.
If Labour wins next year's General Election, fans' trusts could be able to appoint and remove “up to a quarter - and not less than two - of a club's directors.” So we can remove professional, trained, and educated business-people, just like that. Give the unwise a say over the knowledgeable. It seems the Labour party wish to take football back to the days of barbarism.
I would be interested in who would represent me. Take my club; Tottenham Hotspur supporters have a football trust. I have heard of them through the papers, but beyond that, I know nothing about them. I have never seen any literature about this organisation at Tottenham, let alone asking people like me to join. They seem a semi- secretive mysterious organisation that say they represent members/ supporters like me, without me knowing anything about them. It sounds like the few wishing to monopolise the many. I have been going to Spurs since the late 50s and have written about them since the 90s. Nevertheless, when I speak to fans all they are saying is “we’ve heard about them, because of quotes in the papers, but beyond that they seem to be a shadow mysterious group.” Do I, as a Spurs fan, want one of them on the board speaking for me? No, I do not. I am an individual, with individual views, not part of the collective Borge who only answer to the Queen Bee.
We also must remember that football directors are fans as well. Does that mean one set of fans can displace another set of fans? More so when those directors are contributing financially? On the other hand, will that mean rich fans replacing rich fans? Won’t this create a vicious circle by creating what we set out to remove?
I want my club to be run successfully, not run into the ground by egotistical football fans who know nothing other than how to play Monopoly. Of course you could argue that some directors are already doing that, and that may be true, but putting inexperienced fans on the board will not guarantee super-success.
I also hear you shouting that other clubs have tried this and have supporter-representation on the boards. However, this is at lower clubs and I suggest that a lot of them are token gestures. They say countries like Germany have tried this successfully; again, I question that, and besides, we have a different structure here and what may work in one country does not mean it would work in this country.
Put me on the board and I would agree with it as I have my own agenda, views, and wants. However, many supporters would not agree with what I think, and would demand somebody with similar viewpoints as their own. In addition, what happens when they do not change anything or are part of their clubs decline? The directors could easily point the finger at the “stupid fan” and say… “If it wasn’t for him/ or her… etc.”
Running a top six-football club in the world is a high-pressurised job. Ninety-nine point nine percent of supporters would not be up to it. Which leaves a possible one percent. An elite joining an elite; how is that representing all football supporters?
As I said, this is a political incentive/ inducement in the hope of attracting more votes. We need politics to be kept out of football, not used as a football so that points could be scored.
I have considered another way since I wrote the above; if all season ticket holders and members – card carrying – had a vote. The next question is; if they had the vote, what would they vote on? Team selection; Preposterous! Prices; laughable! Price of pies? How about whether we could allow houses of ill-repute or chapels for the destitute incorporated (and the way we are playing of late, we are not far from it ourselves).
So what do you think?
-
I am not sure I agree with you. Hamburg fans are on the board and they got their manager sacked and Dortmund have a say in all there transfers. I do not know, however, if that would work over here. But I do think we do need to try something. After all we pay their wages.
Jane x
-
Implausible.If I have to make it make you.How to do that?
-
As much as it sounds nice it will not happen!, for one If I owned a company like a football club I would not go and give a supporter of my company any real control! that would be stupid and wrong!!!, yes I would agree to a social meeting club where fans and board members could have there opinions together!, it would allow the powers of be to listen to ideas from the supporters then go away and discuss between themselves what has been said then take action if plausible!, to give to much control to the fans could have a very bad effect on the club overall so no it's not a good idea really.
-
I am not sure I agree with you. Hamburg fans are on the board and they got their manager sacked and Dortmund have a say in all there transfers. I do not know, however, if that would work over here. But I do think we do need to try something. After all we pay their wages.
Jane x
If a fan was on the boards he should have no part in team selection or firing. What next? Allow the fans to be managers?
We have tried something; Levy is a fan and former season ticket holder. And now he is a director. So part of the wish has come true.
-
As much as it sounds nice it will not happen!, for one If I owned a company like a football club I would not go and give a supporter of my company any real control! that would be stupid and wrong!!!, yes I would agree to a social meeting club where fans and board members could have there opinions together!, it would allow the powers of be to listen to ideas from the supporters then go away and discuss between themselves what has been said then take action if plausible!, to give to much control to the fans could have a very bad effect on the club overall so no it's not a good idea really.
Exactly. The labour party hasn't thought this through properly. As I said; it was about votes and attracting new supporters. Beyond that they don't give a monkey's about football.
-
I would love to be in the boardroom, as I have a few choice words for those that are supposed to be running our club. But I do think that if we had a player on board he would be dismissed as a token. Daniel Levy should talk to the fans more and tell us what is long term plans are for the club is.
As for lowering the prices. If we want to compete with the best then we must expect to pay top prices. However, I do remember when it only cost a few quid to get in to see Spurs.
-
I am not sure I agree with you. Hamburg fans are on the board and they got their manager sacked and Dortmund have a say in all there transfers. I do not know, however, if that would work over here. But I do think we do need to try something. After all we pay their wages.
Jane x
If a fan was on the boards he should have no part in team selection or firing. What next? Allow the fans to be managers?
We have tried something; Levy is a fan and former season ticket holder. And now he is a director. So part of the wish has come true.
You miss my point, it is about taking part. I agree that there could be complications by putting a fan on board, however, we did not get anywhere without trying these things out.
Jane x :dance:
-
I am not sure I agree with you. Hamburg fans are on the board and they got their manager sacked and Dortmund have a say in all there transfers. I do not know, however, if that would work over here. But I do think we do need to try something. After all we pay their wages.
Jane x
If a fan was on the boards he should have no part in team selection or firing. What next? Allow the fans to be managers?
We have tried something; Levy is a fan and former season ticket holder. And now he is a director. So part of the wish has come true.
You miss my point, it is about taking part. I agree that there could be complications by putting a fan on board, however, we did not get anywhere without trying these things out.
Jane x :dance:
But it will only be a token gesture, I don't see the point. On top of that the finger could be pointed at the fan if things start going wrong; that he objected, made stupid decisions or was just stupid... or something like that.
-
I am not sure I agree with you. Hamburg fans are on the board and they got their manager sacked and Dortmund have a say in all there transfers. I do not know, however, if that would work over here. But I do think we do need to try something. After all we pay their wages.
Jane x
If a fan was on the boards he should have no part in team selection or firing. What next? Allow the fans to be managers?
We have tried something; Levy is a fan and former season ticket holder. And now he is a director. So part of the wish has come true.
You miss my point, it is about taking part. I agree that there could be complications by putting a fan on board, however, we did not get anywhere without trying these things out.
Jane x :dance:
But it will only be a token gesture, I don't see the point. On top of that the finger could be pointed at the fan if things start going wrong; that he objected, made stupid decisions or was just stupid... or something like that.
I don't think Daniel Levy will ever allow a mortal into the boardroom. They are places for secret handshakes etc.
-
I am not sure I agree with you. Hamburg fans are on the board and they got their manager sacked and Dortmund have a say in all there transfers. I do not know, however, if that would work over here. But I do think we do need to try something. After all we pay their wages.
Jane x
If a fan was on the boards he should have no part in team selection or firing. What next? Allow the fans to be managers?
We have tried something; Levy is a fan and former season ticket holder. And now he is a director. So part of the wish has come true.
You miss my point, it is about taking part. I agree that there could be complications by putting a fan on board, however, we did not get anywhere without trying these things out.
Jane x :dance:
But it will only be a token gesture, I don't see the point. On top of that the finger could be pointed at the fan if things start going wrong; that he objected, made stupid decisions or was just stupid... or something like that.
I don't think Daniel Levy will ever allow a mortal into the boardroom. They are places for secret handshakes etc.
And people of privilege.
-
I am not sure I agree with you. Hamburg fans are on the board and they got their manager sacked and Dortmund have a say in all there transfers. I do not know, however, if that would work over here. But I do think we do need to try something. After all we pay their wages.
Jane x
If a fan was on the boards he should have no part in team selection or firing. What next? Allow the fans to be managers?
We have tried something; Levy is a fan and former season ticket holder. And now he is a director. So part of the wish has come true.
You miss my point, it is about taking part. I agree that there could be complications by putting a fan on board, however, we did not get anywhere without trying these things out.
Jane x :dance:
But it will only be a token gesture, I don't see the point. On top of that the finger could be pointed at the fan if things start going wrong; that he objected, made stupid decisions or was just stupid... or something like that.
I don't think Daniel Levy will ever allow a mortal into the boardroom. They are places for secret handshakes etc.
And people of privilege.
That is why I say we need somebody on the board that has the common touch. Most look down on us.
Jane x
-
I am not sure I agree with you. Hamburg fans are on the board and they got their manager sacked and Dortmund have a say in all there transfers. I do not know, however, if that would work over here. But I do think we do need to try something. After all we pay their wages.
Jane x
If a fan was on the boards he should have no part in team selection or firing. What next? Allow the fans to be managers?
We have tried something; Levy is a fan and former season ticket holder. And now he is a director. So part of the wish has come true.
You miss my point, it is about taking part. I agree that there could be complications by putting a fan on board, however, we did not get anywhere without trying these things out.
Jane x :dance:
But it will only be a token gesture, I don't see the point. On top of that the finger could be pointed at the fan if things start going wrong; that he objected, made stupid decisions or was just stupid... or something like that.
That maybe true, or maybe not, but we should at least try it.
Jane x
-
I am not sure I agree with you. Hamburg fans are on the board and they got their manager sacked and Dortmund have a say in all there transfers. I do not know, however, if that would work over here. But I do think we do need to try something. After all we pay their wages.
Jane x
If a fan was on the boards he should have no part in team selection or firing. What next? Allow the fans to be managers?
We have tried something; Levy is a fan and former season ticket holder. And now he is a director. So part of the wish has come true.
You miss my point, it is about taking part. I agree that there could be complications by putting a fan on board, however, we did not get anywhere without trying these things out.
Jane x :dance:
But it will only be a token gesture, I don't see the point. On top of that the finger could be pointed at the fan if things start going wrong; that he objected, made stupid decisions or was just stupid... or something like that.
That maybe true, or maybe not, but we should at least try it.
Jane x
There are a lot of things to try first, I grant you that Jane. :2funny: :hide:
-
I am not sure I agree with you. Hamburg fans are on the board and they got their manager sacked and Dortmund have a say in all there transfers. I do not know, however, if that would work over here. But I do think we do need to try something. After all we pay their wages.
Jane x
If a fan was on the boards he should have no part in team selection or firing. What next? Allow the fans to be managers?
We have tried something; Levy is a fan and former season ticket holder. And now he is a director. So part of the wish has come true.
You miss my point, it is about taking part. I agree that there could be complications by putting a fan on board, however, we did not get anywhere without trying these things out.
Jane x :dance:
But it will only be a token gesture, I don't see the point. On top of that the finger could be pointed at the fan if things start going wrong; that he objected, made stupid decisions or was just stupid... or something like that.
That maybe true, or maybe not, but we should at least try it.
Jane x
There are a lot of things to try first, I grant you that Jane. :2funny: :hide:
I am sure there is and maybe one of those things would be to get some new players in.
Jane x
-
I think having a fan in the boardroom is a step in the right direction. This person should come from a pool of season ticket holders that have held their ticket for at least 5 years. They should also have to be voted for by other spurs members and should be voted on every season or two. (the same person can be selected again if they are doing a good job). A simple CV and video on the website would be enough.
What would their role be?
Well I agree that they will not and probably should not have any direct power in decisions over key issues, such as finance, players, managers etc. They wouldn't even need to be at every board meeting, however, they should be invited to specific meetings where they would be able to bridge the huge divide between the extremely aloof board and the supporters. They should be expected to express concerns by the fans over certain areas, so those views were at least directly heard and taken into consideration. They should also be able to share what was discussed during these meetings and help the fans, which are usually left in the dark, with some important information regarding the club. This would provide a needed layer of confidentiality, the board would not want every discussion made public. This person could at least be given the opportunity to ask the questions which the media too often neglect to ask. The board can decide how to answer these questions, but they should be expected to give some sort of response.
It won't solve all the problems we have, but it would be worth trying.
-
The tottenham Hotspurs supporters trust is the closest thing.
They Meet three times each year with the Board of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club to discuss the key issues affecting Spurs fans
-
The tottenham Hotspurs supporters trust is the closest thing.
They Meet three times each year with the Board of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club to discuss the key issues affecting Spurs fans
And how do you join them? Or can you?
-
I think having a fan in the boardroom is a step in the right direction. This person should come from a pool of season ticket holders that have held their ticket for at least 5 years. They should also have to be voted for by other spurs members and should be voted on every season or two. (the same person can be selected again if they are doing a good job). A simple CV and video on the website would be enough.
What would their role be?
Well I agree that they will not and probably should not have any direct power in decisions over key issues, such as finance, players, managers etc. They wouldn't even need to be at every board meeting, however, they should be invited to specific meetings where they would be able to bridge the huge divide between the extremely aloof board and the supporters. They should be expected to express concerns by the fans over certain areas, so those views were at least directly heard and taken into consideration. They should also be able to share what was discussed during these meetings and help the fans, which are usually left in the dark, with some important information regarding the club. This would provide a needed layer of confidentiality, the board would not want every discussion made public. This person could at least be given the opportunity to ask the questions which the media too often neglect to ask. The board can decide how to answer these questions, but they should be expected to give some sort of response.
It won't solve all the problems we have, but it would be worth trying.
Very sound arguments. I suppose everything is well worth a try.
-
The tottenham Hotspurs supporters trust is the closest thing.
They Meet three times each year with the Board of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club to discuss the key issues affecting Spurs fans
And how do you join them? Or can you?
All the info is here - https://www.thstofficial.com (https://www.thstofficial.com)
-
The tottenham Hotspurs supporters trust is the closest thing.
They Meet three times each year with the Board of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club to discuss the key issues affecting Spurs fans
And how do you join them? Or can you?
All the info is here - https://www.thstofficial.com (https://www.thstofficial.com)
Thanks for that. I appreciate it.
I've Just joined, thanks. :up:
-
Howdy folks,
Should fans be brought into the boardroom? I remember when the likes of Harmer, White and the list goes on were just considered serfs. They were there to serve their masters and the fans were nothing other than chicken fodder. I also remember when Spurs were called the “Bank of England” back in the 60s. How things have changed. A player or a supporter got roughly the same wage and that was that. Now the players are millionaires and throw fits, while the supporter has also come up in the world. It was pennies to see a football team at one time. Now you pay a fortune to watch millionaires lose to the likes of WBA and Newcastle, and we should be content. I would imagine if they did have a fan on the board it would be for cosmetic reasons, while the real strings are pulled by the millionaire owners. Over the years I have seen many wonders and changes, this idea, amongst many, is just another one. My question is, will it change anything on the field? Fans have always been taken for granted and will always be taken for granted. But that is just my view so I would be interested to hear what others think?
-
Howdy folks,
Should fans be brought into the boardroom? I remember when the likes of Harmer, White and the list goes on were just considered serfs. They were there to serve their masters and the fans were nothing other than chicken fodder. I also remember when Spurs were called the “Bank of England” back in the 60s. How things have changed. A player or a supporter got roughly the same wage and that was that. Now the players are millionaires and throw fits, while the supporter has also come up in the world. It was pennies to see a football team at one time. Now you pay a fortune to watch millionaires lose to the likes of WBA and Newcastle, and we should be content. I would imagine if they did have a fan on the board it would be for cosmetic reasons, while the real strings are pulled by the millionaire owners. Over the years I have seen many wonders and changes, this idea, amongst many, is just another one. My question is, will it change anything on the field? Fans have always been taken for granted and will always be taken for granted. But that is just my view so I would be interested to hear what others think?
As I said in another post, we should give it a go, but millionaire owners will always be pulling strings whether we have fans or not on the board.