Post by Rovergrant on Sept 5, 2018 17:57:36 GMT
Gentlemen and Lady,
I think we are all in accord that the position Albion Rovers Football Club Limited currently finds itself in is probably unique in the club`s 136 year history. The Chairman`s programme notes from last Saturday confirm that he and his co-directors share a concern which is increasingly being vented by supporters on social media, who find that is the only outlet for their frustrations, and in some cases anger. There is no point in going through all the history of the recent past, we (Club, shareholders and supporters) are where we are, but overall there is genuine concern that the Club, if playing form continues as it has done since the start of this season, see the club finish bottom of the SPFL2 and going into a play-off decider against the leading Scottish non-league club. Failing to win that decider would see the club having to participate in the Lowland League, the implications of which go far beyond whom the team plays on Saturdays.
Since 1919 the club has been owned by shareholders, governed by a Board of Directors, which can tend to have supporters feeling remote from having any influence over decisions.
I believe that time is of the essence if improvements to the club`s position are to be made, I do not believe that for the sake of the club`s welfare, that we can wait until later this year, or early next, to hold an AGM at which the current situation can be debated. I am therefore asking, as a small shareholder, and on behalf of others, that the Board of Directors convene, at the earliest opportunity the AGM, even if this requires that only draft accounts, not signed off by the auditors are presented. Earlier this year Mr Boyd, chairman, indicated that he wished to step down (one can fully understand given the pressures and issues he has had to contend with since taking up this post) at the end of the past season. This of course did not happen and Mr Boyd has indicated that he now wishes to demit office in October, hence it is imperative for the Company that the AGM be held concurrent with this allowing shareholders to have a voice in the election and appointment of a new chairman and Company officers.
I believe there is significant support and number of shares in order to make significant changes to the board of Directors at an AGM and it has been suggested to me that there are those, holding vast experience in business, finance and social enterprise who could potentially form a new Board and who are supported by major shareholders who now desire positive change at the club
I believe everyone has the club`s best interests at heart, it would therefore make sense for members of the current Board of Directors to meet, at the earliest opportunity, with the appropriate people to facilitate a quick and business like transition
With time of the essence, and if the current Board still believe they have sufficient votes to be re-elected, then all the more reason to hold an AGM sooner rather than later, should this ultimately prove to resolve the situation in their favour
It is in no one`s interest to embarrass the current Board by shareholders forcing the club to hold an EGM and it is my fervent hope that the existing board respects this and does the honourable thing.
I trust the Chairman and Directors will give consideration to the above and see the suggestions as a means of bringing together Directors, Shareholders and other potential stakeholders. United we may yet come through this time of trial and see the club vibrant and stronger, divided , well frankly that does not bear thinking about.
Grant Cullen - Supporter and shareholder
Please use myself as a conduit between the parties until more formal lines of communication are established
I think we are all in accord that the position Albion Rovers Football Club Limited currently finds itself in is probably unique in the club`s 136 year history. The Chairman`s programme notes from last Saturday confirm that he and his co-directors share a concern which is increasingly being vented by supporters on social media, who find that is the only outlet for their frustrations, and in some cases anger. There is no point in going through all the history of the recent past, we (Club, shareholders and supporters) are where we are, but overall there is genuine concern that the Club, if playing form continues as it has done since the start of this season, see the club finish bottom of the SPFL2 and going into a play-off decider against the leading Scottish non-league club. Failing to win that decider would see the club having to participate in the Lowland League, the implications of which go far beyond whom the team plays on Saturdays.
Since 1919 the club has been owned by shareholders, governed by a Board of Directors, which can tend to have supporters feeling remote from having any influence over decisions.
I believe that time is of the essence if improvements to the club`s position are to be made, I do not believe that for the sake of the club`s welfare, that we can wait until later this year, or early next, to hold an AGM at which the current situation can be debated. I am therefore asking, as a small shareholder, and on behalf of others, that the Board of Directors convene, at the earliest opportunity the AGM, even if this requires that only draft accounts, not signed off by the auditors are presented. Earlier this year Mr Boyd, chairman, indicated that he wished to step down (one can fully understand given the pressures and issues he has had to contend with since taking up this post) at the end of the past season. This of course did not happen and Mr Boyd has indicated that he now wishes to demit office in October, hence it is imperative for the Company that the AGM be held concurrent with this allowing shareholders to have a voice in the election and appointment of a new chairman and Company officers.
I believe there is significant support and number of shares in order to make significant changes to the board of Directors at an AGM and it has been suggested to me that there are those, holding vast experience in business, finance and social enterprise who could potentially form a new Board and who are supported by major shareholders who now desire positive change at the club
I believe everyone has the club`s best interests at heart, it would therefore make sense for members of the current Board of Directors to meet, at the earliest opportunity, with the appropriate people to facilitate a quick and business like transition
With time of the essence, and if the current Board still believe they have sufficient votes to be re-elected, then all the more reason to hold an AGM sooner rather than later, should this ultimately prove to resolve the situation in their favour
It is in no one`s interest to embarrass the current Board by shareholders forcing the club to hold an EGM and it is my fervent hope that the existing board respects this and does the honourable thing.
I trust the Chairman and Directors will give consideration to the above and see the suggestions as a means of bringing together Directors, Shareholders and other potential stakeholders. United we may yet come through this time of trial and see the club vibrant and stronger, divided , well frankly that does not bear thinking about.
Grant Cullen - Supporter and shareholder
Please use myself as a conduit between the parties until more formal lines of communication are established