I have given this a lot of thought about whether it would be beneficial to have a duly elected Fans Director when we get new owners. Or if it would be best for the Aussies, or British to liaise with The Supporters Trust.
I would prefer to see no ex staff or CL glitterati involved and a fan with a long term track record at the Club.
Someone like Jean Huelin would be ideal for me.
What do other people think?
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Bog off.
Nobody's going to want to take the minutes for that!
In any case Jean Huelin is CL glitterati, is part of WAR, supported the protests, was part of the taxi to Belgium group and stood up to the regime about the POTY ban.
I think she'd be a good director but surprised she is someone the "CARD/Protest/everyone who isn't them hating" people you are fronting for would back.
And before you try and imply it, been there, done it, not at all interested in doing it again.
If there is a position created for a fans director I feel we should not narrow the field from the start by restricting those eligible due to their membership / non-membership of certain groups within the fan-base such as the Supporters’ Trust, Charlton Life, protest groups.
I expect that the ownership directors are likely to be successful business men/women, and my personal vote would be more likely to go to a fan candidate who in addition to their fan credentials also has experience of running a business as they would be able to talk to the other directors in terms they would recognise and be more likely to respect.
If the opportunity for an elected fan director arises, whoever is voted on should have the time and skills to take responsibility for overseeing some aspect of the CAFC business. We are in a mess, as we all recognise, and there should be no room on the Board for passengers. Yes, a fans director would have responsibilities for being a conduit between fans and owners, but they are more likely to gain the confidence of both fellow directors and fans if they are also able to play an active part in oversight & implementation of agreed actions.
If a candidate said "I pledge to barge in the queue and eat all the buffet sandwiches before sue" They would likely get my vote.
For that reason I'm not entirely sure I agree with having one, rather I would prefer to see the Trust having a much more active and collaborative relationship with the owners.
That said, if they decide to go down the Fans Director route it should be offered to someone with a full, open vote to all Charlton fans.
I'm still not convinced a Fans Director is a good idea. With respect to those who filled the role previously, I think the lines are often too blurred between the best interests of the club and fans, so much so it's impossible to be fully effective and ultimately becomes divisive within the community you seek to represent.
Imho a fan director does need some financial/ commercial knowledge although not to the level of being an expert.
The question I would raise is why one person and why in a role where confidentially and collective responsibility limit the ability to communicate?
But a JNC model or fans forum also has its limitations.
Fanny Fanackapan gets my vote.