Ask Paul Elliott if he’s the luckiest man in the world as the only person to return a profit on Rufus’s trading carnage
Incorrect - Rufus ruined him - Elliott lost a shed load of money - when Elliot realised what had happened, it led to the exchange of ‘words’ between them that led to Elliott having to resign from the FA anti racism campaign
I think oohaah is right, I seem to recall around 50k Elliott overall profited. I stand corrected on this.
It was a lovely evening. I wasn't a Charlton fan when Charlton left the Valley, although I had been to 2 Charlton games before, Charlton lost to Preston in one of them and the other one, Charlton were winning at half time and I got in for nothing at half time and Garner scored for Blackburn, they they lost. Listening to Steve about how he got involved in Charlton and him talking about the late Annie and and paying tribute to Arnie, I then became emotional myself, because it was because of people like Steve Sutherland, the Valley Party, the emotional pull of the Valley, and what the club meant to my friends, I switched to become a Charlton supporter from being a Liverpool supporter. Then as a real big bonus, getting to listen to Paul Elliott for the first time. Thank your a lovely night.
People ask why "Interim" Commercial Manager? Because I'm 67 and was retired so I'm back for 6 months to the end of January.
Was meant to be 2 days a week but have already done 5 this week.
It's a big job. Commercial dept has been run down. badly run, badly organised.
Two other staff in Commercial team, both in 1st season in pro football aged 33 and 19. Both very talented so mentoring them to a degree.
SS is reengaging with old clients, people who have drifted away (watching but not sponsoring) and aims to bring them back.
Was asked to join by CM. Was asked to join Oxford when CM was there but SS didn't want to move but had stayed in touch.
Thru' takeover CM kept talking to me and then asked me to lunch. Thought CM just wanted to pick my brains, which I've always offered to do. Asked to do two days a week. Thrilled but angry how the commercial side has been run.
Paul Elliott (PE)
Been rumours and conversations about joining previous boards back as far as Jimenez but declined as not right match.
Grew up in area , went to Wood Hill School, lived in Charlton, Plumstead, Thamesmead, Abbey Wood. Emothionally attached and a supported since age 8. Bunked into to the Who concert.
Now come full circle. Talk about Charlton at every other club I've been at.
Knew Jim Rodwell (JR) for his time on FA Board where JR represented the EFL.
JR wants to do the right thing. PE had said to JR four or five years ago while talking as mates that the two clubs with unfulfilled potential who could go the the stratosphere were Ipswich and Charlton.
Spoke to JR again at end of 2022. PE was interested, liked the different skill sets in the Senior Management Team (SMT) in football, finance, business and liked the model itself. Previously one owner, no board and no corporate governance.
The culture/soul of the the club was absent, couldn't believe it, no connection to the community.
PE is optimistic but tough to change culture at club, will take time.
Not going to be big promises. PE said that when he heard TS talking about Champions League in five years he thought it was April's Fools Day.
Was offered role as Non - executive director by CM and JR, they said they'd be honoured if you could come on board.
PE's role CSR, ESG, EDI, Mental Health, Social Governance and promote the club in the media as well as supporting the football side especially young talent. Stressed how productive our academy is and has been for a while.
PE said the SMT is about transparency, respect and integrity. Making decisions to benefit the club. There is no autocratic leader, 5, 6, 7 investors and proper corporate governance. Seek consensus and work collegiately. I can challenge and be challenged but in the right way.
SS: Met with Andy Scott and senior staff at the training ground and discuss the culture now and what it used to be. Explained the background of leaving and coming back and the importance of this to the fans.
SS said that buying back the assets is an aim of the board. They are building a relationship with RD, that relationship building is happening but there will be no grand announcements. "You won't hear about it but it is happening"
The owners will be "quite anonymous" so get used to it
PE It's like rent a house, it's not the same as owning it and you don't have the same sense of pride.
When Peter Varney (PV) bought people to the table, serious people with serious money they were advised not to buy with the current structure (IE not owning SE7 and SE9).
The current people thought differently but they get it (about the importance of owning the Valley) but it's not an immediate priority.
The priorities are stabilising on the field, achieving positive outcomes on the field, rebuilding trust with fans by being open and transparent with fans.
SS: Wouldn't have come back under TS, MS or RD though I and others like PV offered help but slammed in our face.
"I believe in the people, I was happily retired but glad to come back"
Q: Academy achieving Cat 1
There are costs. it's remarkable to have had the success we have without Cat 1
Our academy is very attractive because there is a pathway to the first team.
There are priorities, somewhere in that is Cat 1 but we're not a EPL club
PE "We have a wage bill of £5.5 to £6m and lose something like £8m a year. We have to run a steady, prudent ship, we have to be sensible and cost efficient. Throwing money at it isn't the answer, we need to do the right and just thing, there is so much to be done, it's a three to five year plan. There is no quick fix, on or off the field. We have to build trust. We're open to criticism but give us a chance."
I hope someone raised the point about a bullying culture.
Yes, sure the notes will cover this, but it was very much a "politician's" answer IMO
It was a politicians answer but realistically they are not going to say anything more. They made it fairly clear in my view that both would not tolerate a bullying culture whilst obviously not commenting on a specific case, whether they knew about it or not - which is, of course, correct.
I hope someone raised the point about a bullying culture.
Yes, sure the notes will cover this, but it was very much a "politician's" answer IMO
It was a politicians answer but realistically they are not going to say anything more. They made it fairly clear in my view that both would not tolerate a bullying culture whilst obviously not commenting on a specific case, whether they knew about it or not - which is, of course, correct.
Oh, I totally agree. But they were quick enough to let us know about all the things that they knew were wrong with the club before they came back, so I can't believe they didn't know about TK - yet he's still here.
They were quick enough to remove DH. That's what I meant about a politician's answer - I didn't ever expect them to say aye he's gone too, but again only in my opinion, it would be an easy, if expensive, way for the SMT to gain credibility to dispense with TK.
I hope someone raised the point about a bullying culture.
Still hearing positive comments, trusting in the new guys and their procedures (why wouldn't I ?) Individual responsible playing the normal game, being seen as the nice guy, super efficient (or was that effluent) etc
I hope someone raised the point about a bullying culture.
Still hearing positive comments, trusting in the new guys and their procedures (why wouldn't I ?) Individual responsible playing the normal game, being seen as the nice guy, super efficient (or was that effluent) etc
The point was that at least the question was raised and TK named by Ben, and I for one appreciate that he did that in a public forum, but as for the SMT, actions not words...
I hope someone raised the point about a bullying culture.
Still hearing positive comments, trusting in the new guys and their procedures (why wouldn't I ?) Individual responsible playing the normal game, being seen as the nice guy, super efficient (or was that effluent) etc
The point was that at least the question was raised and TK named by Ben, and I for one appreciate that he did that in a public forum, but as for the SMT, actions not words...
Thanks,
Quite rightly a director and a manager would not discuss a serious allegation made against a named member of staff in public but I linked the bullying to Paul's mentions of culture and to his role regarding mental health. I also pointed out the business imperative of not losing good staff or staff not being as productive as possible due to a bullying culture.
I think Steve was slightly miffed as he said that as soon as he joined people on social were saying "are you going to sort out the bullying?" which isn't his role but he did say that it wouldn't have been tolerated when Varney was in charge.
I hope someone raised the point about a bullying culture.
Still hearing positive comments, trusting in the new guys and their procedures (why wouldn't I ?) Individual responsible playing the normal game, being seen as the nice guy, super efficient (or was that effluent) etc
The point was that at least the question was raised and TK named by Ben, and I for one appreciate that he did that in a public forum, but as for the SMT, actions not words...
Sorry if my comment was misleading, I trying to add what I was told a week or so ago obviously rather clumsily. Had I have been well enough to travel up, I'd have asked the question too. If Ben named this horrible individual during his question, that's even better the more publicity to his antics the better. Ben's always been there with advice and his area of expertise has been more than helpful when I needed it. I tried to support those that needed it when I could and probably got that wrong sometimes too, like you said "action not words" is what's needed. Arranging a meeting with the then owner, listening to his BS and promises remains in my head, if he was to promise what he did to his then staff, what is going to say to win over the punters (fans) It's now known that I asked to speak to him at The Valley purely ask him to comment and he declined to meet me, because he was "Busy" He's also denied knowing anything of fans attending SE9 to answer police questions despite his name being on official court documents of the fans that refused to sign the " I promise not to say upsetting things or call him Burger Boy" so he's a liar as well. Since hearing what I heard a week or so ago, I left it to the employment experts at the club to see how it plays out but its certainly not forgotten and if the new ownership let their staff/former staff down then we/I will pick it up again.
I hope someone raised the point about a bullying culture.
Still hearing positive comments, trusting in the new guys and their procedures (why wouldn't I ?) Individual responsible playing the normal game, being seen as the nice guy, super efficient (or was that effluent) etc
The point was that at least the question was raised and TK named by Ben, and I for one appreciate that he did that in a public forum, but as for the SMT, actions not words...
Thanks,
Quite rightly a director and a manager would not discuss a serious allegation made against a named member of staff in public but I linked the bullying to Paul's mentions of culture and to his role regarding mental health. I also pointed out the business imperative of not losing good staff or staff not being as productive as possible due to a bullying culture.
I think Steve was slightly miffed as he said that as soon as he joined people on social were saying "are you going to sort out the bullying?" which isn't his role but he did say that it wouldn't have been tolerated when Varney was in charge.
Feel that this issue has kinda taken over - point is that you can be sure that the Bromley Addicks won't skirt issues and I'd thoroughly recommend attending any future events if you can 🙂
Comments
Or more seriously what does he hope to be able to positively influence the ownership to do which they aren’t or as a club we haven’t done?
I stand corrected on this.
Looking forward to seeing you there and hearing you ask them.
Suthers (SS)
People ask why "Interim" Commercial Manager? Because I'm 67 and was retired so I'm back for 6 months to the end of January.
Was meant to be 2 days a week but have already done 5 this week.
It's a big job. Commercial dept has been run down. badly run, badly organised.
Two other staff in Commercial team, both in 1st season in pro football aged 33 and 19. Both very talented so mentoring them to a degree.
SS is reengaging with old clients, people who have drifted away (watching but not sponsoring) and aims to bring them back.
Was asked to join by CM. Was asked to join Oxford when CM was there but SS didn't want to move but had stayed in touch.
Thru' takeover CM kept talking to me and then asked me to lunch. Thought CM just wanted to pick my brains, which I've always offered to do. Asked to do two days a week. Thrilled but angry how the commercial side has been run.
Paul Elliott (PE)
Been rumours and conversations about joining previous boards back as far as Jimenez but declined as not right match.
Grew up in area , went to Wood Hill School, lived in Charlton, Plumstead, Thamesmead, Abbey Wood. Emothionally attached and a supported since age 8. Bunked into to the Who concert.
Now come full circle. Talk about Charlton at every other club I've been at.
Knew Jim Rodwell (JR) for his time on FA Board where JR represented the EFL.
JR wants to do the right thing. PE had said to JR four or five years ago while talking as mates that the two clubs with unfulfilled potential who could go the the stratosphere were Ipswich and Charlton.
Spoke to JR again at end of 2022. PE was interested, liked the different skill sets in the Senior Management Team (SMT) in football, finance, business and liked the model itself. Previously one owner, no board and no corporate governance.
The culture/soul of the the club was absent, couldn't believe it, no connection to the community.
PE is optimistic but tough to change culture at club, will take time.
Not going to be big promises. PE said that when he heard TS talking about Champions League in five years he thought it was April's Fools Day.
Was offered role as Non - executive director by CM and JR, they said they'd be honoured if you could come on board.
PE's role CSR, ESG, EDI, Mental Health, Social Governance and promote the club in the media as well as supporting the football side especially young talent. Stressed how productive our academy is and has been for a while.
PE said the SMT is about transparency, respect and integrity. Making decisions to benefit the club. There is no autocratic leader, 5, 6, 7 investors and proper corporate governance. Seek consensus and work collegiately. I can challenge and be challenged but in the right way.
As for their roles at the club, their hearts are clearly in the right place
SS: Met with Andy Scott and senior staff at the training ground and discuss the culture now and what it used to be. Explained the background of leaving and coming back and the importance of this to the fans.
SS said that buying back the assets is an aim of the board. They are building a relationship with RD, that relationship building is happening but there will be no grand announcements. "You won't hear about it but it is happening"
The owners will be "quite anonymous" so get used to it
PE It's like rent a house, it's not the same as owning it and you don't have the same sense of pride.
When Peter Varney (PV) bought people to the table, serious people with serious money they were advised not to buy with the current structure (IE not owning SE7 and SE9).
The current people thought differently but they get it (about the importance of owning the Valley) but it's not an immediate priority.
The priorities are stabilising on the field, achieving positive outcomes on the field, rebuilding trust with fans by being open and transparent with fans.
SS: Wouldn't have come back under TS, MS or RD though I and others like PV offered help but slammed in our face.
"I believe in the people, I was happily retired but glad to come back"
Q: Academy achieving Cat 1
There are costs. it's remarkable to have had the success we have without Cat 1
Our academy is very attractive because there is a pathway to the first team.
There are priorities, somewhere in that is Cat 1 but we're not a EPL club
PE "We have a wage bill of £5.5 to £6m and lose something like £8m a year. We have to run a steady, prudent ship, we have to be sensible and cost efficient. Throwing money at it isn't the answer, we need to do the right and just thing, there is so much to be done, it's a three to five year plan. There is no quick fix, on or off the field. We have to build trust. We're open to criticism but give us a chance."
"Do the right thing for the right reasons"
More later, museum to open.
They were quick enough to remove DH. That's what I meant about a politician's answer - I didn't ever expect them to say aye he's gone too, but again only in my opinion, it would be an easy, if expensive, way for the SMT to gain credibility to dispense with TK.
Terrible grammar sorry!
Still hearing positive comments, trusting in the new guys and their procedures (why wouldn't I ?)
Individual responsible playing the normal game, being seen as the nice guy, super efficient (or was that effluent) etc
Quite rightly a director and a manager would not discuss a serious allegation made against a named member of staff in public but I linked the bullying to Paul's mentions of culture and to his role regarding mental health. I also pointed out the business imperative of not losing good staff or staff not being as productive as possible due to a bullying culture.
I think Steve was slightly miffed as he said that as soon as he joined people on social were saying "are you going to sort out the bullying?" which isn't his role but he did say that it wouldn't have been tolerated when Varney was in charge.
Had I have been well enough to travel up, I'd have asked the question too.
If Ben named this horrible individual during his question, that's even better the more publicity to his antics the better.
Ben's always been there with advice and his area of expertise has been more than helpful when I needed it.
I tried to support those that needed it when I could and probably got that wrong sometimes too, like you said "action not words" is what's needed.
Arranging a meeting with the then owner, listening to his BS and promises remains in my head, if he was to promise what he did to his then staff, what is going to say to win over the punters (fans)
It's now known that I asked to speak to him at The Valley purely ask him to comment and he declined to meet me, because he was "Busy"
He's also denied knowing anything of fans attending SE9 to answer police questions despite his name being on official court documents of the fans that refused to sign the
" I promise not to say upsetting things or call him Burger Boy" so he's a liar as well.
Since hearing what I heard a week or so ago, I left it to the employment experts at the club to see how it plays out but its certainly not forgotten and if the new ownership let their staff/former staff down then we/I will pick it up again.