Personal statement from Peter Marsden

[attic]

What makes us special?

What makes us think we are special in the first place??

[BornundertheElmslie]

I think we need to be careful in our reaction to events and not to blame certain members of the board present and past. We need to move away from brexit style debate. In going forward we need a commercial attitude towards the development of a sustainable financial and inclusive board and club. In order to do this we need to respect all those that have contributed towards this club in our darker times as well as embracing those that wish to donate small and large amounts of money and time now. A business model needs not just a leader and a structure but a commercial approach that recognises those that bring in money via all means including performance pay. If a person brought in £100k then I would not begrudge them getting £10k of that. After all 90% of something is better than 100% of nothing which is what we have now. Thats good business. Reliance on one person to supply income is also is not sustainable. I do think, however, that clarity of information and reporting is needed. Bar talk, forum dirt throwing and rumours whilst the norm these social media days do not help us as a club and the only way to dispel them is communication by the board.

A spirit of recognition of club / board members who may put in money or skill is needed. Members contribute just as much in skill as money i.e. free legal and accounting advice, summer works programme. All contribute to creating an environment where we all muck in together. This is how we have got to where we are as a club. Let’s not fool ourselves in thinking that money in will match money out. I am sure that most clubs at our level work on a manageable deficit each year. We do need more income that’s true and this is a somewhat urgent matter but without a balanced board with skills from the past and present why would people or companies come and donate to our club as opposed to others. What makes us special?

There are - rightly - demands for proper governance and decision making, yet have been happy that commission and expenses can be paid covertly, with no explanation what they are for or even how much is paid to each individual. Just a line item on the accounts.

Companies have processes and policies designed to stop this being exploited, they need to be put in place if we are going to continue to do it, so everyone is fully aware who is getting what, and why. And shareholders can decide if that is fair. Currently it is open to exploitation.

Provision of services should not default to board members and officials if they are getting paid (in any form) for them, an official role is a privilege and does not entitle anything. A transparent procurement process should be followed instead to ensure the club is getting maximum value for the money it is spending. Who determines that is the best person to do that work? We have people standing up to lead (which is fantastic) but not being transparent on the terms. The perception has been a seat on the board comes at a cost (circa £10,000 a season) yet we now find out that hasn't been the case with everyone and some have been claiming expenses for their time on club business. How far is that extending, and what expenses have been allowed? Professional services? Travel to and from matches? Attending matches?

If they are volunteers (and that has been the perception for a long time on the terraces) and happy to provide services pro bono then fine. If they are being paid, IMHO it’s not, you risk huge conflicts of interest. We cannot be selective when it comes to demanding proper corporate governance. Like I said before, the board are accountable to its shareholders and now is the time to ensure we do things properly, transparently and with integrity so everyone knows where we stand, and informed opinions and decisions can be made.

[TalkinStone]

It's a shame we couldn't successfully marry up and harness the good people and the sold foundations that existed at the club and built on these with the ambition and investment of Peter Marsden.

Rory seems to have had a decent impact commercially and will hopefully demonstrate far better leadership skills, he already seems to have more support from other Board members than Peter could command without fronting up bucket loads of money.

Pairing these two together as Chairman and Vice Chairman with a well run board around them should have moved the club forwards greatly. This whole sorry affair rose its ugly head around a year ago and the formation of the Exec Board and the introduction of new faces has failed to address the issues that just wouldn't go away.

I hope the sniping stops and everyone accepts they could have done things differently in some way - the club is the loser from this and whilst blame may not be equally attributable, there is nothing to be gained by finger pointing now.

[Wobs]

What makes us special?

What makes us think we are special in the first place??

[suttonstone]

What makes us special?

What makes us think we are special in the first place??

We are special because we agree with each other without realising

[Windermere Bore]

[Wobs]

What makes us special?

What makes us think we are special in the first place??

Apologies. Just spent an hour writing massive posting - which seems to have disappeared into the ether.

[Elmslie Ender]

][/quote]

Apologies. Just spent an hour writing massive posting - which seems to have disappeared into the ether.[/quote]

That definitely makes you special, Wobs.

[attic]

We care.

Don't most other clubs fans as this level?? Just playing devils advocate here.

[Windermere Bore]