Post by bradninchhatter on Apr 28, 2014 21:07:39 GMT
.....was that famous 1954 Alfred Hitchcock suspense movie in which James Stewart played a wheelchair-bound character who witnessed a number of events occurring in the block of flats across the courtyard from his window. These incidents ranged from amusing, bizarre, sad, disturbing and ultimately threatening. I sometimes experience something similar being a County-watcher from afar (Devon, actually). Stewart had his girlfriend to investigate and obtain information - I rely upon County Heaven, the SCFC Co-operative and the wonderful Radio Macc to keep me in touch with all things County. Like Stewart, the feeling of helplessness occasionally descends upon me.
There might be another County parallel - wait for it - with our friends from Stretford? Both clubs recently bade farewell, after 10 and 15 months respectively, to a senior member of staff who appeared ill-equipped to undertake their vital roles. Namely Mr Moyes and Mr McKnight. Whilst both were appointed in different circumstances, the 'suits' responsible for the recruitment process appeared to lose sight of the qualities required and the need for the successful candidate to properly understand and buy into the unique DNA of the clubs.
As to Mr McKnight, his claims to have put the club on a sounder financial footing might well prove to be correct; clearly unpopular decisions had to be made. But the way people appear to have been treated along the way left an awful lot to be desired and as for communication from the boardroom with County supporters - enough said!
So what happened next? Man U brought in (albeit on an interim basis) Ryan Giggs; County have acquired the temporary services of Steve Bellis. Both individuals know their respective clubs and understand the culture and what it means to be a true fan. A good start. But there is a wider message here, I think for owners and shareholders.
County's boardroom should understand that our club has a proud history and the unbelievably loyal fans must be recognised. Such devotion surely would not be found in many other clubs. A mid-table Conference North team in a season of turmoil with regular home attendances of 2,500 to over 3,000! Often with higher gates than many League 2 clubs. Incredible! The board must see that County is about community, effectively engaging with supporters and that ownership of the club brings a responsibility of guardianship also. Yes, our club should be run as a sustainable, efficient business but without losing sight of the thrill of the game and the creation of memories for us and our children to enjoy. I'm encouraged by Steve Bellis' appointment and wish him well; he will bring independent business sense allied to a personal understanding of what the County family really means. Enough said; now where did I put the scarf my father wore................
There might be another County parallel - wait for it - with our friends from Stretford? Both clubs recently bade farewell, after 10 and 15 months respectively, to a senior member of staff who appeared ill-equipped to undertake their vital roles. Namely Mr Moyes and Mr McKnight. Whilst both were appointed in different circumstances, the 'suits' responsible for the recruitment process appeared to lose sight of the qualities required and the need for the successful candidate to properly understand and buy into the unique DNA of the clubs.
As to Mr McKnight, his claims to have put the club on a sounder financial footing might well prove to be correct; clearly unpopular decisions had to be made. But the way people appear to have been treated along the way left an awful lot to be desired and as for communication from the boardroom with County supporters - enough said!
So what happened next? Man U brought in (albeit on an interim basis) Ryan Giggs; County have acquired the temporary services of Steve Bellis. Both individuals know their respective clubs and understand the culture and what it means to be a true fan. A good start. But there is a wider message here, I think for owners and shareholders.
County's boardroom should understand that our club has a proud history and the unbelievably loyal fans must be recognised. Such devotion surely would not be found in many other clubs. A mid-table Conference North team in a season of turmoil with regular home attendances of 2,500 to over 3,000! Often with higher gates than many League 2 clubs. Incredible! The board must see that County is about community, effectively engaging with supporters and that ownership of the club brings a responsibility of guardianship also. Yes, our club should be run as a sustainable, efficient business but without losing sight of the thrill of the game and the creation of memories for us and our children to enjoy. I'm encouraged by Steve Bellis' appointment and wish him well; he will bring independent business sense allied to a personal understanding of what the County family really means. Enough said; now where did I put the scarf my father wore................
