Post by new2rovers on Sept 13, 2018 16:23:23 GMT
The manager and chairmans update/Q&A (which are excerpts from the September supporters trust meeting notes) can be found below. Full notes from the meeting will be published after they approved and seconded at the October meeting.
Manager Update
JB noted a disappointing start to the season so far, working hard to iron out the issues and concerns. JB discussed recent games and summarised play, opportunities and missed opportunities. JB advised that a post mortem of each game takes place after each match along with discussions on how we tactically overcome issues. No criticisms for players, all giving 100% and showing respect to the club. Open discussions with players, inviting their feedback and suggestions on what we can do differently.
The long term aim is to secure the future of the club and JB has suggested to the Chairman that a review of the 1st quarter takes place.
Everyone committed to working tirelessly, both physically and mentally. All players and staff are working hard and have the interest of the club at heart.
JB recognises the support of the club and encourages the team to recognise this also.
JB speaks to local reporter each week and would encourage the reporter, fans and anyone who posts on the notice board to come along and observe the players in training sessions.
Manager Q&A
Question: Reasoning behind the decision to take player off on Saturday’ game – JB talked through his decision
Question: Goalkeeper – waiting on sign off for goalkeeper to come across from another club.
Question: Team morale and how they have bonded as a group – great group of players, have bonded, reinforces that they have signed for ARFC and could be played in first team or reserves. GL commented that he had observed 5 of the reserves watching the game last week, demonstrates the team mentality and that they have team spirit.
Member of the audience commented that they has expected some of the people who are commenting on message board to be in attendance tonight however want to make it known that they, through the comments posted, are not speaking for everyone.
Audience member questioned around comment made in press re JB not knowing his best team, 10 games in, should this not be known at this stage? JB explained that he expects players to take time to settle in, for them to achieve and for them to work together as a team. Important that he introduces the younger players and allows for some fine tuning in both the system and players.
Audience member commented that JB talked about 1st quarter being crucial, asked JB what is the rectification plan? JB recapped on games to date, fitness has taken its toll and that he also must review his own performance at the end of Q1. JB was keen to note that his own performance and team results to date should not take away from the good work of the background team who are doing a great job.
Audience member praised Graham Livingston and is happy with the fact that he is on the scene. JB backed this up and supported the comments made.
JB confirmed training times/dates/venues. Invited everyone to attend.
Chairman Update
Board have shared their expectations of Q1 with JB and thanked JB for his openness and honesty this evening. Critical that we start to put points on the board.
Social Media and Forum is not the environment for RB to get into debates and he will continue to use the programme notes to share his updates.
Safety Certificate from council is in place, difficult to keep this 99 year old stadium going and RB recognises and thanks everyone who volunteers and has contributed to making this happen.
RB advised that Club commitments, in terms of debt, have continued to reduce.
Running costs of the Club have not changed which means the fact that the club is now in a lower league, lower gate & attendance means we have had to review the player budget.
The 8 board of directors work hard, contribute their time, energy and dedication to the club to ensure the club remains viable and meets all regulatory requirements.
Board of Directors are open to all positive ideas and welcome suggestions. Encourages all to speak up.
RB reiterated that there is a lot of hard work ongoing, reiterated that the supporters trust are a great friend to the club and their contribution are welcome.
Chairman Q&A
Question: Recruitment process for bringing JB on board
• RB confirmed that SFA were engaged and confirmed that the appointment could be made. If SFA had advised that the appointment could not be made this would have been taken on board, all rules and regulations have been adhered to. JB has cooperated to ensure he has met all expectations of the SFA ie attended required courses
Question: Do the club have an official media contact?
• Club do not have an official media person and all official statements are agreed by the board before release.
Question: Is it necessary for the board to consider putting a statement out in support of the manager, comments on Club website regarding the lack of communication from the board?
• RB shared his thoughts on this point and reiterated that this is his opinion only.
• EH commented on recent posts and stated this will be discussed at board level.
Message Board admin requested that anyone who has concerns with any posts on the Message Board to raise this with him and he will review and take appropriate action if necessary.
Concerns raised that turnstiles were closed/unmanned at 3.10 on Saturday and some home/away supporters found it difficult to get into the game as no-one there to take their money. RB has taken this away and shall review.
Concerns were raised by audience member regarding the level of company confidential/privileged information that appears to be discussed at Board level and subsequently appears to be available in the public domain soon afterwards. RB responded by advising that all Directors of the Club are bound by the general duties of a Director outlined in the Companies Act 2006. RB shared that all Directors are covered by the Companies House code of conduct, one part of which is confidentiality around Club business.
Manager Update
JB noted a disappointing start to the season so far, working hard to iron out the issues and concerns. JB discussed recent games and summarised play, opportunities and missed opportunities. JB advised that a post mortem of each game takes place after each match along with discussions on how we tactically overcome issues. No criticisms for players, all giving 100% and showing respect to the club. Open discussions with players, inviting their feedback and suggestions on what we can do differently.
The long term aim is to secure the future of the club and JB has suggested to the Chairman that a review of the 1st quarter takes place.
Everyone committed to working tirelessly, both physically and mentally. All players and staff are working hard and have the interest of the club at heart.
JB recognises the support of the club and encourages the team to recognise this also.
JB speaks to local reporter each week and would encourage the reporter, fans and anyone who posts on the notice board to come along and observe the players in training sessions.
Manager Q&A
Question: Reasoning behind the decision to take player off on Saturday’ game – JB talked through his decision
Question: Goalkeeper – waiting on sign off for goalkeeper to come across from another club.
Question: Team morale and how they have bonded as a group – great group of players, have bonded, reinforces that they have signed for ARFC and could be played in first team or reserves. GL commented that he had observed 5 of the reserves watching the game last week, demonstrates the team mentality and that they have team spirit.
Member of the audience commented that they has expected some of the people who are commenting on message board to be in attendance tonight however want to make it known that they, through the comments posted, are not speaking for everyone.
Audience member questioned around comment made in press re JB not knowing his best team, 10 games in, should this not be known at this stage? JB explained that he expects players to take time to settle in, for them to achieve and for them to work together as a team. Important that he introduces the younger players and allows for some fine tuning in both the system and players.
Audience member commented that JB talked about 1st quarter being crucial, asked JB what is the rectification plan? JB recapped on games to date, fitness has taken its toll and that he also must review his own performance at the end of Q1. JB was keen to note that his own performance and team results to date should not take away from the good work of the background team who are doing a great job.
Audience member praised Graham Livingston and is happy with the fact that he is on the scene. JB backed this up and supported the comments made.
JB confirmed training times/dates/venues. Invited everyone to attend.
Chairman Update
Board have shared their expectations of Q1 with JB and thanked JB for his openness and honesty this evening. Critical that we start to put points on the board.
Social Media and Forum is not the environment for RB to get into debates and he will continue to use the programme notes to share his updates.
Safety Certificate from council is in place, difficult to keep this 99 year old stadium going and RB recognises and thanks everyone who volunteers and has contributed to making this happen.
RB advised that Club commitments, in terms of debt, have continued to reduce.
Running costs of the Club have not changed which means the fact that the club is now in a lower league, lower gate & attendance means we have had to review the player budget.
The 8 board of directors work hard, contribute their time, energy and dedication to the club to ensure the club remains viable and meets all regulatory requirements.
Board of Directors are open to all positive ideas and welcome suggestions. Encourages all to speak up.
RB reiterated that there is a lot of hard work ongoing, reiterated that the supporters trust are a great friend to the club and their contribution are welcome.
Chairman Q&A
Question: Recruitment process for bringing JB on board
• RB confirmed that SFA were engaged and confirmed that the appointment could be made. If SFA had advised that the appointment could not be made this would have been taken on board, all rules and regulations have been adhered to. JB has cooperated to ensure he has met all expectations of the SFA ie attended required courses
Question: Do the club have an official media contact?
• Club do not have an official media person and all official statements are agreed by the board before release.
Question: Is it necessary for the board to consider putting a statement out in support of the manager, comments on Club website regarding the lack of communication from the board?
• RB shared his thoughts on this point and reiterated that this is his opinion only.
• EH commented on recent posts and stated this will be discussed at board level.
Message Board admin requested that anyone who has concerns with any posts on the Message Board to raise this with him and he will review and take appropriate action if necessary.
Concerns raised that turnstiles were closed/unmanned at 3.10 on Saturday and some home/away supporters found it difficult to get into the game as no-one there to take their money. RB has taken this away and shall review.
Concerns were raised by audience member regarding the level of company confidential/privileged information that appears to be discussed at Board level and subsequently appears to be available in the public domain soon afterwards. RB responded by advising that all Directors of the Club are bound by the general duties of a Director outlined in the Companies Act 2006. RB shared that all Directors are covered by the Companies House code of conduct, one part of which is confidentiality around Club business.