Craig 6307 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 I'm sure those of you following this bloke on Twitter will be aware that he arranged an audience with someone at the club. He's since forwarded on his own findings from the meeting and has given his blessing to them being posted here to feed back to the rest of you. Please remember that these are the views he gleaned from the meeting. It is not a dialog and nothing that is posted is quoted. He is likely to engage in dialog with the club again in the future so if anyone has any constructive comments to make, then please reply below: Thank you. Our meeting with Simon Esland, Head of Customer Relations at the club was very useful. We gleaned the following points: The club has guaranteed us they will, at very least, look into relocating the singing section in another part of the stadium, likely Leazes but they'll look at the entire situation. The increased away tickets are indeed due to having to comply with Premier League regulations, the minimum they can offer being 3,000. The reason the maximum away capacity is now 4,000 is simply for evening matches where it's on TV, and they feel they won't sell the stadium out, so they can offer more to away fans and hopefully make more money. In games like the Sunderland matches, they'll definitely not be given to the away team. The Carroll money will be reinvested, and the club are looking for more Tiote type players. Quality players that they can get for reasonable prices. Just because they have a lot of money, does not mean they'll splash out over the odds for someone. Everyone in the club is aware that they are light, and strikers are a priority. They've also pin-pointed several areas that need cover, and will attempt to acquire decent cover in the summer. They accept that they need better players in order to push for Europe. The club's ambition is to steadily improve. They want success on the pitch, but won't bankrupt to do it. The apparent stinginess is simply Ashley's way of doing things. The club now breaks even every month, and isn't taking loans out. They want to be in good shape for the UEFA rules on finances for when they do get back into Europe. Wherever they finish this year, next year they will aim to better it. Much of the club's investment goes on behind the scenes. For instance, apparently they are going to (or have) under-soil heated the training ground for the winter. The club have offered Enrique a new deal, and will sit down with him to discuss. Whether he wants to sign or not is up to him. They have a wage structure, with a cap which they wouldn't confirm the amount of. Enrique's deal will be within that structure, but 'fair' for the structure that's in place. The club confirm they are not a selling club, but as with any football club, every player has their price. The only other circumstance in which they'll sell is if the player says they want to go. They don't want anyone who doesn't want to play for the shirt. The club have confirmed they want to hold on to the likes of Barton, Coloccini, Enrique and Tiote, but admit it will be a difficult summer. The club suggested that it's a testament to their progress that people actually want to sign their players now, unlike during the relegation season when half the team wouldn't have been touched by another club. The club's ambition is steady, sustainable progress that aims for Europe. The club insist the 10-year season ticket is a good deal, with the option to opt out at any time. There is no catch. The club has updated their ticketing system so all customers can now pay with direct debit which wasn't possible before due to staff limitations and technical limitations. Even if the club reaches the Champions League in five years, those prices will be the same under the deal. The club accept their communication has been, at times, insufficient, and we suggested they look to put more information on the official club site. The club said they gave lots of information to newspapers and media, but accepted that they could not control if it was published. We suggested that in order to rebuild trust with the fan base, they should go above and beyond the call of duty for a while, in order to rebuild that support through transparency and integrity. The club said there would still be situations they would not comment on, ie. Carroll leaving, since they have their stance and won't get drawn into an argument on it. The club accepts that mistakes have been made in the past, and says that mistakes are still likely to be made in the future. But that is human error, and everyone in the club has one aim: success on the pitch, and that is the long-term goal. With regards to SportsDirect sponsorship, the club insist that money does go to the club from SportsDirect, and since Ashley does not own SD but is merely a majority shareholder, it is not simply a case of moving money from one pocket to another. The club does benefit. The advertising on the Gallowgate roof and the dug-out seats is to advertise the stadium's potential for advertisers. When pressed for an example of when any of those packages have actually been sold to another company, they did not have one. The money that comes in from this advertising is all used to keep the club breaking even financially. It was a productive meeting, with several points put across effectively from both sides. Unfortunately, the club would not confirm that they would take a strategy to communicate more effectively with any great enthusiasm however, they have promised to us that they will attempt to relocate the singing section rather than let it go. We hope that this meeting will help us form an effective relationship between us and Newcastle United, to ensure the voices of fans can be heard by the club on a regular basis. United For Newcastle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeys Fist 38767 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Is this not what NUST is meant to be doing? Am I missing something? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christmas Tree 3997 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 know nothing about this united for newcastle.....Is it just some bloke? Regardless, nice to see some communication going on and the points made basically back up what we know that its going to be a steady eddy approach back to Europe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trophyshy 6434 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 It's pretty good read to be fair, good on him for getting involved and getting something out of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trophyshy 6434 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 know nothing about this united for newcastle.....Is it just some bloke? Regardless, nice to see some communication going on and the points made basically back up what we know that its going to be a steady eddy approach back to Europe. He's on facebook, fairly active so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6307 Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 Probably is MF but fair play to him for getting something done. Gives an opportunity to feed stuff back as well even if we are sceptical as to whether the club will listen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Face 29 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 (edited) Is this not what NUST is meant to be doing? Am I missing something? Website:http://www.twitter.com/UtdForNewcastlehttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17... At all times, we aim to: 1 - Represent the best interests of supporters of Newcastle United Football Club 2 - Hold whoever owns the football club to account for the running of the club (at this point owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias). 3 - Create long lasting relationships with ALL aspects of Newcastle United's supporting community and emphasise the fact our supporters must stand united, as one. Given the current circumstances at the club: - We will evaluate Mike Ashley's position as the owner of Newcastle United, given his mismanagement of the club and disregard of the fans. - We will consider the impact that Ashley's decisions have had, firstly on the stability of the squad, secondly, personnel important to the supporters and thirdly, the direction in which he is taking Newcastle United. The active supporter's campaign for improved ownership of Newcastle United Football Club. We will campaign for positive change, and stay within the realms of reality and practicality. The campaign began as a protest for Newcastle United supporters to show our anger at the sacking of then manager, Chris Hughton, by owner Mike Ashley. With nationwide media publicity, including Sky Sports News, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Newcastle we managed to organise an entirely peaceful protest on 12 December, 2010 at St James' Park stadium, before the Newcastle v Liverpool match. Social networks, Twitter and Facebook played a vital role in raising awareness of the protest and what we hoped to achieve. As a Twitter account, @NUFCprotest throughout December 2010, we aimed to increase our following and get as many people behind a potential campaign as possible. Following support from Newcastle fans around the world the 'United For Newcastle' campaign and Facebook page were launched on January 5, 2011. We hope to increase our following in the near future and continue to be a campaign which urges improved ownership at Newcastle United. The active supporter's campaign for improved ownership of Newcastle United Football Club. We will campaign for positive change, and stay within the realms of reality and practicality. Edited February 18, 2011 by Happy Face Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeys Fist 38767 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Probably is MF but fair play to him for getting something done. Gives an opportunity to feed stuff back as well even if we are sceptical as to whether the club will listen. Absolutely, if I sounded critical of this bloke/group it wasn't meant to be. Just makes you wonder, if UtdForNewcastle can arrange discussion with club reps, why can't other groups? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6307 Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 Probably is MF but fair play to him for getting something done. Gives an opportunity to feed stuff back as well even if we are sceptical as to whether the club will listen. Absolutely, if I sounded critical of this bloke/group it wasn't meant to be. Just makes you wonder, if UtdForNewcastle can arrange discussion with club reps, why can't other groups? Totally agree. Like I said he's been in agreement for the content to be posted here and will be checking back for responses so ultimately we now have a known direct link to the club which can only be positive in getting the message across. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeys Fist 38767 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Good on him. Shall look him up on FB. Is he anyone we know already, or is that classified? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6307 Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 Good on him. Shall look him up on FB. Is he anyone we know already, or is that classified? No-one I know of. And pretty certain he's not from here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeys Fist 38767 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 to be fair though it was sort of a pointless exercise. Was their any shocking revelations or proper assurances that can't be changed of course not fair play to him for getting someone to talk to, but in hindsight he should've spent his bus/train fare on some chips it'd have been more satisfying i'm sure. Bit harsh really. To get any kind of voice within the Club, the first step must be to establish contact. Regardless of whether he's been given a stock response, he's got a contact. Given the utter failure of NUST, I can only wish this bloke well and see how things develop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin 1 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 to be fair though it was sort of a pointless exercise. Was their any shocking revelations or proper assurances that can't be changed of course not fair play to him for getting someone to talk to, but in hindsight he should've spent his bus/train fare on some chips it'd have been more satisfying i'm sure. It wasn't a pointless excercise. It allows the fans to get an idea of what is going on at the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Face 29 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 to be fair though it was sort of a pointless exercise. Was their any shocking revelations or proper assurances that can't be changed of course not fair play to him for getting someone to talk to, but in hindsight he should've spent his bus/train fare on some chips it'd have been more satisfying i'm sure. Bit harsh really. To get any kind of voice within the Club, the first step must be to establish contact. Regardless of whether he's been given a stock response, he's got a contact. Given the utter failure of NUST, I can only wish this bloke well and see how things develop. not really tbh, was there anything there you didn't already know? Not knocking the guy for having a go or getting someone to talk to like, but if he/anyone thinks he's going to get anything other than the normal pr spin that we normally get through other outlets you're mad. edit> and it gives the club a nice friendly glow that they've allowed a fan to ask questions and get answers that they'd have trotted out at some stage anyway. The club have said the media misrepresent them. If anything this confirms the reports we get in the press that the club later deny. Not saying they'll stick to a word of it. But direct communication removes that excuse for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeys Fist 38767 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 I agree the club response is risible, but credit to the guy for getting that far. From small acorns etc etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jusoda Kid 1 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Difficult summer translates to 'make the most of tiote, enrique & barton as they're off when we get the first decent offer. I hope the fat bastards helicopter goes down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6307 Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 Difficult summer translates to 'make the most of tiote, enrique & barton as they're off when we get the first decent offer. I hope the fat bastards helicopter goes down. Harding job? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkeys Fist 38767 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Mike leans forward for a pie, mid flight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohhh_yeah 2767 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 [*]The club have confirmed they want to hold on to the likes of Barton, Coloccini, Enrique and Tiote, but admit it will be a difficult summer. The club suggested that it's a testament to their progress that people actually want to sign their players now, unlike during the relegation season when half the team wouldn't have been touched by another club. All he wants to do is sell, sell, sell! Any bids come in for these players and they will be off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jusoda Kid 1 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Difficult summer translates to 'make the most of tiote, enrique & barton as they're off when we get the first decent offer. I hope the fat bastards helicopter goes down. Harding job? I forgot to add that I wouldn't want the crash to kill him and Dekka but the blazing inferno that engulfed the fallen wreckage soon after, slowly creeping from his feet to his head in a burning fuse type manner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peasepud 59 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 One of the lads is called Jordan, he was quite instrumental in the Ultras and is a member on here (but Im fooked if I can remember his username!). From what I remember he was the sensible face of the Ultras, attempting to get dialogue with other groups etc, Wraith set up the meeting with the club, something that NUST should have been doing 12 months ago. SW has a good relationship with the club regardless of the fact he has and is critical of things it does, that shows that it is possible to garner a relationship with the "enemy" as such. NUST wouldnt use that relationship purely because SW runs a fanzine in direct competition with the "ex" chair, thats no way to run a diplomatic organisation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Your Name Here Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 The problem with this (apart from it all being deniable at a future date) is that UFN want the club to give them a new singing section and therefore are inevitably going to be keen to keep the club happy. Take the claim SD pay the club for all the advertising they get. This may be true but unless we know how much they pay it’s meaningless. For all we know they could have paid £3.40 to have their name scrawled on the Gallowgate roof, and as UFN want the club to do them a favour they won’t rock the boat by pushing for meaningful answers. Its looks to me like UFN have been used and will end up getting fuck all in return. At the end of the day there was nothing at all to stop the club officially putting this information into the public domain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gejon 2 Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Pretty sure this lad/these lads are from N-O so you may just want to disregard everything they have done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Your Name Here Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 (edited) At least they’re trying. Their organisation (for want of a better word) has achieved more with a Facebook page and Twitter account than NUST managed with thousands of pounds. Still think the club are taking them for a ride. Edited February 18, 2011 by Your Name Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6307 Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 Pretty sure this lad/these lads are from N-O so you may just want to disregard everything they have done You're baffling at times Jon... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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