I have have been continually impressed with this ownership. The club seems more stable now than it has been for many years. They have learnt by their mistakes ( replacing Apples with NJ ) and reinforced the squad during January to help steer the club away from trouble. Yes , this season hasn’t been great on the pitch but I am quietly optimistic about next season .
Perfectly reasonable positioning of events - after the event.
The challenges identified are valid.
They were valid before they stepped into the building. It is the clubs’ management of the events which raised concerns.
Do I think the “rules of engagement”, since Jones arrived, have changed? I do.
Whether initial “rules of engagement” were a deterrent to his joining earlier I doubt we will know.
To be fair I am not sure anyone guaranteed anything beyond the intent to do things better. I suggest there was a lot of expectant wishful thinking by everyone including supporters which was subsumed into folk lore.
References to our history are largely irrelevant. As of Jan 2020 this became a brand new business. Same club, same stadium, similar community but the underlying fiscal substance of the business had long since been gutted.
My professional disquiet remains Mr Methven as a seeming “Minister without portfolio” continues to simply represent who I do not know. The SMT? SE7? GFP? All 3? It comes across as a jolly interested party cheerily holding court in a local bar. Spin? Not really. Substance? Some. Meaningful? To some degree. Genuine? I think so
As a political exercise it presented the club in a positive light. As a realistic commentary on the recent past it was generous. As commentary on the future much needs to be delivered.
The Jamaican tie up being mentioned twice I notice. I don't know much about football in Jamaica or Mount Pleasant football club but is our academy really going to be benefit from that or does it just give CM an excuse to expense his holidays.
References to our history are largely irrelevant. As of Jan 2020 this became a brand new business.
Just imagining if these words came out of Methven's mouth...
Yes (the new) 'we' are a minge of a club who are always in the third tier and struggle in the pizza van trophy , we have lived in the shadow of our bigger neighbours who have bigger crowds and play in higher leagues .
The Jamaican tie up being mentioned twice I notice. I don't know much about football in Jamaica or Mount Pleasant football club but is our academy really going to be benefit from that or does it just give CM an excuse to expense his holidays.
To be fair I am not sure anyone guaranteed anything beyond the intent to do things better. I suggest there was a lot of expectant wishful thinking by everyone including supporters which was subsumed into folk lore.
The Technical Director made public statements about promotion being our aim and that the losing culture was ending when Appleton was appointed.
No, they were not "guaranteed" but that was not "folk lore" either.
They were IMHO reasonable expectations for a club of our size, with the 4th or 5th biggest budget in the division (again, the executive's words, not folk lore).
The club failed miserably to even get near those targets and by any measure has failed, at least in the short term.
There is now talk of a three year but with no specified milestones.
Whether they can now hit those milestones, whatever they maybe, remains to be seen.
We have employed, in Jones, a manager with a better track record than his four predecessors. I've been a long term fan and am optimistic about what he can do.
We have employed a sports science expert from Brighton. Again, I see this as a positive appointment.
These are both however, welcomed as they are by me and many others, inputs, not outcomes.
Our recruitment has been appalling (EG seven loans, almost zero impact) and expensive ("unbudgeted").
As you rightly say "As a realistic commentary on the recent past it was generous. As commentary on the future much needs to be delivered."
I might be wrong but I don't think these new owners came into a club with a gutted infrastructure. It was Roland who left a gutted infrastructure to Sandgaard. And TS, for all his failures, at least invested into rebuilding. The improvements at the training ground speak for themselves, the investments in the medical department, and the ultimately failed effort to gain Category 1 status. Sandgaard still managed to finish higher than this lot, having walked into a club that had been run on a gaffa-taped shoestring. Methven & Co have inherited less of a mess than TS did, and yet so far have managed to perform much worse.
I might be wrong but I don't think these new owners came into a club with a gutted infrastructure. It was Roland who left a gutted infrastructure to Sandgaard. And TS, for all his failures, at least invested into rebuilding. The improvements at the training ground speak for themselves, the investments in the medical department, and the ultimately failed effort to gain Category 1 status. Sandgaard still managed to finish higher than this lot, having walked into a club that had been run on a gaffa-taped shoestring. Methven & Co have inherited less of a mess than TS did, and yet so far have managed to perform much worse.
Isn’t the story that Methven met with/spoke to/contacted Sandgaard and said he could run a football club better/properly? You are right, judging by results (and the training ground physical development) so far Sandgaard has a better track record than all the billionaires who own apparently 95% of our shares. I am curious as to how somebody with apparently 5% is calling the shots. Is it a case of the tail wagging the dog, or has the dog had it’s tail ‘docked’ and yet the tail still has life in it in London, whilst the dog is out of the picture overseas?
I might be wrong but I don't think these new owners came into a club with a gutted infrastructure. It was Roland who left a gutted infrastructure to Sandgaard. And TS, for all his failures, at least invested into rebuilding. The improvements at the training ground speak for themselves, the investments in the medical department, and the ultimately failed effort to gain Category 1 status. Sandgaard still managed to finish higher than this lot, having walked into a club that had been run on a gaffa-taped shoestring. Methven & Co have inherited less of a mess than TS did, and yet so far have managed to perform much worse.
Isn’t the story that Methven met with/spoke to/contacted Sandgaard and said he could run a football club better/properly? You are right, judging by results (and the training ground physical development) so far Sandgaard has a better track record than all the billionaires who own apparently 95% of our shares. I am curious as to how somebody with apparently 5% is calling the shots. Is it a case of the tail wagging the dog, or has the dog had it’s tail ‘docked’ and yet the tail still has life in it in London, whilst the dog is out of the picture overseas?
Is it the case if the ‘5%’ investor calling the shots or more one of the ‘95%’ being the smarter type that believe you don't buy a dog and bark yourself; and that anybody with a front and centre role will probably do a much better job if they’ve put some of their own money on the line ?
there seems to be a succession of stories of one investor or another putting in an appearance. I find that pretty reassuring that they are taking a keen interest in where their money is going but not publicly calling the shots. Not keeping a close watch on what’s going on is where it can all go badly wrong but unnecessary interference or mixed messages can just as easily turn out to be more costly and damaging. The jury is still out but for me it probably a 6/10 for their ownership approach so far.
I might be wrong but I don't think these new owners came into a club with a gutted infrastructure. It was Roland who left a gutted infrastructure to Sandgaard. And TS, for all his failures, at least invested into rebuilding. The improvements at the training ground speak for themselves, the investments in the medical department, and the ultimately failed effort to gain Category 1 status. Sandgaard still managed to finish higher than this lot, having walked into a club that had been run on a gaffa-taped shoestring. Methven & Co have inherited less of a mess than TS did, and yet so far have managed to perform much worse.
Isn’t the story that Methven met with/spoke to/contacted Sandgaard and said he could run a football club better/properly? You are right, judging by results (and the training ground physical development) so far Sandgaard has a better track record than all the billionaires who own apparently 95% of our shares. I am curious as to how somebody with apparently 5% is calling the shots. Is it a case of the tail wagging the dog, or has the dog had it’s tail ‘docked’ and yet the tail still has life in it in London, whilst the dog is out of the picture overseas?
Is it the case if the ‘5%’ investor calling the shots or more one of the ‘95%’ being the smarter type that believe you don't buy a dog and bark yourself; and that anybody with a front and centre role will probably do a much better job if they’ve put some of their own money on the line ?
there seems to be a succession of stories of one investor or another putting in an appearance. I find that pretty reassuring that they are taking a keen interest in where their money is going but not publicly calling the shots. Not keeping a close watch on what’s going on is where it can all go badly wrong but unnecessary interference or mixed messages can just as easily turn out to be more costly and damaging. The jury is still out but for me it probably a 6/10 for their ownership approach so far.
Is it clear to you as to who is actually calling the shots?
I might be wrong but I don't think these new owners came into a club with a gutted infrastructure. It was Roland who left a gutted infrastructure to Sandgaard. And TS, for all his failures, at least invested into rebuilding. The improvements at the training ground speak for themselves, the investments in the medical department, and the ultimately failed effort to gain Category 1 status. Sandgaard still managed to finish higher than this lot, having walked into a club that had been run on a gaffa-taped shoestring. Methven & Co have inherited less of a mess than TS did, and yet so far have managed to perform much worse.
Isn’t the story that Methven met with/spoke to/contacted Sandgaard and said he could run a football club better/properly? You are right, judging by results (and the training ground physical development) so far Sandgaard has a better track record than all the billionaires who own apparently 95% of our shares. I am curious as to how somebody with apparently 5% is calling the shots. Is it a case of the tail wagging the dog, or has the dog had it’s tail ‘docked’ and yet the tail still has life in it in London, whilst the dog is out of the picture overseas?
Is it the case if the ‘5%’ investor calling the shots or more one of the ‘95%’ being the smarter type that believe you don't buy a dog and bark yourself; and that anybody with a front and centre role will probably do a much better job if they’ve put some of their own money on the line ?
there seems to be a succession of stories of one investor or another putting in an appearance. I find that pretty reassuring that they are taking a keen interest in where their money is going but not publicly calling the shots. Not keeping a close watch on what’s going on is where it can all go badly wrong but unnecessary interference or mixed messages can just as easily turn out to be more costly and damaging. The jury is still out but for me it probably a 6/10 for their ownership approach so far.
Is it clear to you as to who is actually calling the shots?
Constantly distancing himself from the football side, which as people have said, has been a disaster on the mens side.
Implied the women's team funding was too big for a league 1 side while saying funding/structure of women's game was unclear. Sounds like they are hoping for a restrucure of the women's game/pyramid/funding before committing to further costs.
Stating it was desirable and possible that the women's team will possibly play all their games at the Valley suggests a major investment in the playing surface is coming.
A lot of praise and hopes for the future being pinned on Nathan Jones. He gives me optimism too but not sure I buy this "he was the first choice in September" line. Very convinient to say that now.
A lot of the rest was vague.
A 3 year plan but we're a year in already: what milestones have we hit or can we expect next season?
Success on the pitch breeds bigger gates which breeds more success. Yes, it's a virtuous cycle but what are they going to do differently to kick start that cycle? Buy early and spend money. All good but words.
Not buying the claim that buying "big" in January was prep for this summer. It was desperation and some of them were loans.
I'm all for reaching out to the local, black, community but that is a slow and long term project, not a three year fix. Ditto the Jamaican academy link, no harm in trying but we already have a great academy.
CM is, IMHO, trying hard to come over as a far more modest and likable chap than he was on Netflix and I believe it might well be something he has learnt from. He doesn't seem an egotist or delussional but it is an official club puff piece to sell season tickets and reassure the punters, not a Panorama investigaton.
The proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
I believe the pitch is being relayed. I can't remember who told me and I may be wrong but I think it is. Additionally the Women can't play at VCD any more and were struggling to find a suitable venue that would tick all the boxes for the league.
I might be wrong but I don't think these new owners came into a club with a gutted infrastructure. It was Roland who left a gutted infrastructure to Sandgaard. And TS, for all his failures, at least invested into rebuilding. The improvements at the training ground speak for themselves, the investments in the medical department, and the ultimately failed effort to gain Category 1 status. Sandgaard still managed to finish higher than this lot, having walked into a club that had been run on a gaffa-taped shoestring. Methven & Co have inherited less of a mess than TS did, and yet so far have managed to perform much worse.
Isn’t the story that Methven met with/spoke to/contacted Sandgaard and said he could run a football club better/properly? You are right, judging by results (and the training ground physical development) so far Sandgaard has a better track record than all the billionaires who own apparently 95% of our shares. I am curious as to how somebody with apparently 5% is calling the shots. Is it a case of the tail wagging the dog, or has the dog had it’s tail ‘docked’ and yet the tail still has life in it in London, whilst the dog is out of the picture overseas?
Is it the case if the ‘5%’ investor calling the shots or more one of the ‘95%’ being the smarter type that believe you don't buy a dog and bark yourself; and that anybody with a front and centre role will probably do a much better job if they’ve put some of their own money on the line ?
there seems to be a succession of stories of one investor or another putting in an appearance. I find that pretty reassuring that they are taking a keen interest in where their money is going but not publicly calling the shots. Not keeping a close watch on what’s going on is where it can all go badly wrong but unnecessary interference or mixed messages can just as easily turn out to be more costly and damaging. The jury is still out but for me it probably a 6/10 for their ownership approach so far.
Is it clear to you as to who is actually calling the shots?
Not much you can complain about there, as a group they seem to want to grow the club in the right way, obviously Appleton was a disastrous appointment but they’ve sort of redeemed themselves getting NJ in. Ultimately it will come down to what we can achieve on the pitch next season, I really think playoffs has to be the absolute minimum next season. He came across well.
Quite a way off redemption for Appleton yet, though Jones was a good appointment. Promotion is the absolute minimum for me next season. Top 6 and not going up is another failure.
Comments
Was having lunch in the staff canteen and being introduced to various players.
Had a quick chat with him. Hadn't realised he was originally from Mexico.
Yes , this season hasn’t been great on the pitch but I am quietly optimistic about next season .
The challenges identified are valid.
They were valid before they stepped into the building. It is the clubs’ management of the events which raised concerns.
Do I think the “rules of engagement”, since Jones arrived, have changed? I do.
Whether initial “rules of engagement” were a deterrent to his joining earlier I doubt we will know.
To be fair I am not sure anyone guaranteed anything beyond the intent to do things better. I suggest there was a lot of expectant wishful thinking by everyone including supporters which was subsumed into folk lore.
My professional disquiet remains Mr Methven as a seeming “Minister without portfolio” continues to simply represent who I do not know. The SMT? SE7? GFP? All 3? It comes across as a jolly interested party cheerily holding court in a local bar. Spin? Not really. Substance? Some. Meaningful? To some degree. Genuine? I think so
As a political exercise it presented the club in a positive light. As a realistic commentary on the recent past it was generous. As commentary on the future much needs to be delivered.
No, they were not "guaranteed" but that was not "folk lore" either.
They were IMHO reasonable expectations for a club of our size, with the 4th or 5th biggest budget in the division (again, the executive's words, not folk lore).
The club failed miserably to even get near those targets and by any measure has failed, at least in the short term.
There is now talk of a three year but with no specified milestones.
Whether they can now hit those milestones, whatever they maybe, remains to be seen.
We have employed, in Jones, a manager with a better track record than his four predecessors. I've been a long term fan and am optimistic about what he can do.
We have employed a sports science expert from Brighton. Again, I see this as a positive appointment.
These are both however, welcomed as they are by me and many others, inputs, not outcomes.
Our recruitment has been appalling (EG seven loans, almost zero impact) and expensive ("unbudgeted").
As you rightly say "As a realistic commentary on the recent past it was generous. As commentary on the future much needs to be delivered."
You are right, judging by results (and the training ground physical development) so far Sandgaard has a better track record than all the billionaires who own apparently 95% of our shares.
I am curious as to how somebody with apparently 5% is calling the shots. Is it a case of the tail wagging the dog, or has the dog had it’s tail ‘docked’ and yet the tail still has life in it in London, whilst the dog is out of the picture overseas?
there seems to be a succession of stories of one investor or another putting in an appearance. I find that pretty reassuring that they are taking a keen interest in where their money is going but not publicly calling the shots. Not keeping a close watch on what’s going on is where it can all go badly wrong but unnecessary interference or mixed messages can just as easily turn out to be more costly and damaging. The jury is still out but for me it probably a 6/10 for their ownership approach so far.