CUSG Meeting - Mon 20 May 19

What kind of income is generated from The Blues Lotto and Golden Gamble.
The Lotto puts up 2 or is it 4 cars per year plus all the cash prizes would it not make more sense to cut back on the cars and retain more of the income but increase some of the cash prizes to keep people interested


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The number of questions I've submitted is an absolute joke, I agree - but i think everyone is relevant.

Re the dsg ones I'm testing the water on these - see if the process has improved.



CUSG Chairmen

How do you feel the meetings are going - any frustrations?

They was a little laughter re the last minutes regarding comunications, where it was told there would be improvements followed by no responce from dsg. From some quartres this meeting is seen as just a meet up going around in circles without much being done, can you explain the benefits of the meeting please?

Messageboarders

How do you feel the meetings are going - any frustrations?

Are you planning on having another vote as to whether members/users wish you to continue attending.

Did you get asked your opinion on the manager, even though you couldn't attend the last meeting.

London Branch

What's the London Branch's feelings towards the current owners?

Do the LB feel the club is underachiving?

The Trust

Regarding this statement in the last cusg minutes "CUOSC reiterated that they had made efforts to persuade EWM to make public their long-term plans for CUFC"

Do we take that as the trust know/have been told what EWM long-term plans are or are the trust as clueless as the rest of the supporters. If its the 1st then why can't you say as you should let your members know or if it's the latter then doesn't this prove that the trust have little/no influence in the boardroom?

Are there any PGs against the trust with regards the EWM finance deal?

In terms of football position only where does the trust feel Carlisle United should be?

How much money has the trust raised/given to the club in the last financial year?

SLO

Can you please give an update and to what you've been doing so far, how you've found your position and any challenges? - Happy for this question to be removed, if an update is given in the main meeting.

DSG

Comunications with regards answering supporter queries and cusg questions has been extremely poor or none existant, how is this going to be improved going forwards?

What now is the purpose of the group going forward, especially as we have a DLO/SLO - what do members get from joining this group, that none members don't or the club doesn't do/provide?

CUSAT

CUSAT should be applauded for providing and supplying travel to every away game. With having a hardcore fan base, what is the feeling amongst the comittee and travelers to the position of the club and where the club is.

Could CUSAT explain, or provide a link to their season/monthly payment option please, I think this is a good idea but some people are unaware.

Apologies for the bluntness, but can you explain what cusat bring to this meeting. I have never seen any questions from cusat reps from themselves/members apart from "are we going to sign anybody" which I find odd. Surely travelers should have lots of questions/issues for the club/other groups.

What do cusat feel this meeting should achieve or is about/needed?

It has been sugested from another cusg group, which I won't name, that cusat feel their opinion is worth more because they go to all games, is this a correct asumption?

Scottish Supporter

Can you explaine what you have brought to the meeting so far please?

How did you expect the club to answer "How many season ticket holders do you expect to renew" have you a suggestion on how the club could have predicted this as it may be useful.


Club

It has been leaked/rumoured that EWM/finance controller has the final authorisation re any financial transactions and has to countersign cheques etc - can you comment on this please.

If that is indeed the case, who has the final say on any finacial decision club owners or EWM? Also are the current "custodians" not obsolete if EWM are making all the financial decisions? As a supporter I find this arrangement worrying as the club is effectively controlled by an outside agency albeit partner thats making decisions. It is also worrying that this type of arrangement is putting off any attempts for new owners/takeover.

Nigel Clibbens - Apologies if this question seems harsh/blunt but.... you have been here a while now and the football club hasn't progressed from league 2 and is still losing a substancial amount of money. From an average supporter point of view your position can be seen as a failure and the money better spent elsewhere, it has also been sugested that the main part of your job is to be "the mouth piece" to distract attention from the owners. Therefore can you explain your achievents in this position, what you've brought to the club/help improve please?

Who from the club asked the question re thoughts on the manager in the last cusg meeting, do you feel this is an appropriate question to ask this group and what this group is for? Why wasn't the question circulated prior to the meeting so that each group could consult their members? A vote was had, but the results not published in the minutes, why was this? Did the vote result have any influence in the decision to offer Pressley an extention?

It has been leaked/rumoured that the issue with the kits being late/after the start of the season was due to the club not paying the bill on time, for the required release dates. The statements from the club around the time seemed/appeared to put the blame on the supplier. Why wasn't the club truthful in this, hold its hand up and say it made a mistake instead of releasing a load of codswallop. Has the club learn't its lesson for this season, and when do we expect the new kits to be on sale?

After the MK dons match promotion, at the next home game, a supporter photographed a poster advertising it inside the East stand and was also reported to be one in the Paddock toilets. Some days after the Lincoln city game - walking up warwick road some days later the next game advertised on the big board was the Lincoln game. This is unacceptable and shows a lack or pride/organisation/speed to get things done correctly - can you comment on this please?

At a recent DSG group committee meeting, it was mentioned that the DSG leader had a walk around with Nigel Clibbens. It was suggested that were areas/some things in the ground that Mr Clibbens didn't know about. I found this astonishing, especially the length of time Mr Clibbens has been here. A cheif exec/CEO of a football club is a privledged, and should know this - can you comment on this please, also how many times a week, do you walk around the ground, making sure things are of a high/at least satisfactory standard or do you have someone that does this, if so who?

Can you elaborate on the recent employment tribuneral claim by Mr Curle. Were the club surprised to receive this? Has it now been fully resolved? Was an out of court settlement agreed? Has the club been thretened by anyone else to an employment tribuneral claim? - From the outside, it seems that its yet another issue with money and the club not paying their way on agreed contracts.

All from me apart from the last CUSAT one - from SL as previously mentioned.

I think the Golden Gambe pay out about 50% of what they collect.

Not sure what the average prize is now and do sellers volunteer?

Good job it’s a week earlier than usual cos by the time they’ve cleared that list of questions it’ll have taken a week.

Mullen - could you not just reach out directly to the groups in question?

pie wrote: Good job it’s a week earlier than usual cos by the time they’ve cleared that list of questions it’ll have taken a week.

Mullen - could you not just reach out directly to the groups in question?

It's been said many times - the questions/answers are done before the meeting.

Apart from the clubs questions, the groups one can all be answered in 10 minutes - unless they have something to hide of course.

Again I've said before, I have gone to the individual groups and they have decided not to answer or have been arsey. At least this way we all get to see the responses and what the groups really stand for do/ instead of it being secretive.

. . . And to think I am sitting high in the Alps and just wasted 10 mins reading those . . . Back to watching eagles I think.

CCU wrote: Might have to start charging you Mullen, time it’ll take to collate these...

I put them in group order - what more do you want

I'll give you a tenner!

Bumble wrote: . . . And to think I am sitting high in the Alps and just wasted 10 mins reading those . . . Back to watching eagles I think.

The things you've got to do to get a high.... don't know what one is following this club.

Bit of a strange place for the eagles to be doing a gig though?

Why have the club not been publicly put up for sale? Steven Pattinson said he would put an ad in a paper. We still await this happening.

Could you just thank them from me for putting bog roll in the toilets this season it's been much appreciated....

Lakelandterrier wrote: Why have the club not been publicly put up for sale? Steven Pattinson said he would put an ad in a paper. We still await this happening.

Agreed, NC has said in the past we have got over this, I don't know anyone in football who knows the club is up for sale. Every other club has been at least on the ticker tape on Sky Sports News, they said this would happen, could we have it in the paper please and on their own media outlets which NC feels gets a bigger audience then local press, so lets see it. Or tell us it is not up for sale.

Also, can you confirm that in the last 5-8 years, John Nixon has not been paid by the club or the FA, or both, we have been told he has not.

lummy8 wrote:

Lakelandterrier wrote: Why have the club not been publicly put up for sale? Steven Pattinson said he would put an ad in a paper. We still await this happening.

Agreed, NC has said in the past we have got over this, I don't know anyone in football who knows the club is up for sale. Every other club has been at least on the ticker tape on Sky Sports News, they said this would happen, could we have it in the paper please and on their own media outlets which NC feels gets a bigger audience then local press, so lets see it. Or tell us it is not up for sale.

Also, can you confirm that in the last 5-8 years, John Nixon has not been paid by the club or the FA, or both, we have been told he has not.

At that forum when the question about the club being for sale was put to SP - I think he was being sarcastic/arsey when he said "Do you want me to put an artical in the paper. I don't think he meant it.

I don't think the clubs ever been for sale, or at least for a full takeover as the "Magic hand" doesn't want it sold or to lose directorship as he'd lose his lucrative FA position.

NC keeps saying the club is for sale and those in the football world know about it, but I haven't seen it advertised anywhere. Clubs that do get advertised get enquires. With my questions re EWM that arrangement will put people off anyway. Its obvious to me the clubs not for sale and it never has been.

lummy8 wrote:

Lakelandterrier wrote: Why have the club not been publicly put up for sale? Steven Pattinson said he would put an ad in a paper. We still await this happening.

Agreed, NC has said in the past we have got over this, I don't know anyone in football who knows the club is up for sale. Every other club has been at least on the ticker tape on Sky Sports News, they said this would happen, could we have it in the paper please and on their own media outlets which NC feels gets a bigger audience then local press, so lets see it. Or tell us it is not up for sale.

Also, can you confirm that in the last 5-8 years, John Nixon has not been paid by the club or the FA, or both, we have been told he has not.

As we keep getting told the club is for sale and everyone in football knows it.. Well i asked And Holt at Accrington if he knew that Carlisle were for sale and he said he did'nt have a clue if we where up for sale.
This was on twitter.

Lakelandterrier wrote:

lummy8 wrote:

Lakelandterrier wrote: Why have the club not been publicly put up for sale? Steven Pattinson said he would put an ad in a paper. We still await this happening.

Agreed, NC has said in the past we have got over this, I don't know anyone in football who knows the club is up for sale. Every other club has been at least on the ticker tape on Sky Sports News, they said this would happen, could we have it in the paper please and on their own media outlets which NC feels gets a bigger audience then local press, so lets see it. Or tell us it is not up for sale.

Also, can you confirm that in the last 5-8 years, John Nixon has not been paid by the club or the FA, or both, we have been told he has not.

As we keep getting told the club is for sale and everyone in football knows it.. Well i asked And Holt at Accrington if he knew that Carlisle were for sale and he said he did'nt have a clue if we where up for sale.
This was on twitter.

Agree!

If youre going to sell your house, you get an agent and get for sale signs stuck up and advertised on web/newspapers.

You don't wait for a random knock on the door - same with the football club, if they really wanted to sell they would shout it from the rooftops, they haven't.

Their argument is that advertising it as up for sale wouldn't make a difference.

Well, if it wouldn't make a difference then why not just do it you bunch of complete bullshitters.

thetashkentterror wrote: Their argument is that advertising it as up for sale wouldn't make a difference.

Well, if it wouldn't make a difference then why not just do it you bunch of complete bullshitters.

Agree with you 100%

100% the magic hand is JN and he doesn't want to sell, at least unless there's a high monetary amount. I don't understand why the local newspaper/radio don't grill him more about this.

Firstly a week prior to "Laffy" annoucing his offer of help, we had JN on the radio saing there were no offers/bids - a lie - I knew about Laffy's offer and emailed JN about it then came the thretening message to my old boss etc. I'm 100% sure that JN didn't want "Laffy's" offer being made public and wanted to brush it aside. Once it was made public and gained support/momentum he had no choice but to go through with it. Then came the back stabbing etc.

If Jn really wanted to sell, he would of worked with Laffy instead of rubbishing him.

We then had Robin Browns offer, which was refused and into the accounts a sarcy message was added saying an unwanted/hostile offer had been given.

Again if Jn really wanted to sell, he would of worked with Brown instead of rubbishing him.

Then we had the farce of Kirdi. Correct decision of not going with him but 2 years!!!! very conveniant. Yet we had Kirdi saying about a magic hand not wanting to sell. It all comes together.

Panic emails/calls from AJ/JN saved the club - JN - from giving up he's position while selling the crown jules in PG's.

THEY DID NOT WANT TO SELL - JN ESPECIALLY

Long time reader of the forum but I have a question for those who are in charge of the day to day running.

I’ve seen an email from Nigel Clibbens replying to a question about directors doing interviews with the local media in which he states they will only be doing interviews through the club’s own media channels in future as they have a ‘bigger reach.’

1) Do you not think you are accountable to fans and afraid of difficult questions as only doing things through your own media channels suggest this is the case?

2) Do you honestly believe your own channels have a bigger reach than all the many media platforms, that’s the likes of the news and star and radio cumbria?

3) Doesn’t this attitude worsen relations between the club to fans and local media at a time when you should be doing all you can to build some bridges?

www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2019/may/c...may-meeting-minutes/



I make no apologies for saying the DSG was shit/shambles because it was, lifes too short to pussyfoot about I just say it how it is, However Barry gets credit from me because unlike other group(s), I won't mention, he took the critism and was happy to meet to talk through the issues and move on. In the meeting I had with Barry it was obvious he wasn't IT savvy, which caused comunication issues, and they was no plan to answer questions etc along with other issues/excuses. I stayed/attended the comittee meeting and put a plan in place. There was a secretary in place, but she had no direction, so I put a plan together to answer the questions and magics happened. It was harder than it should of been, but with dsg comitee members help, Barry and some cusgs members we got there and they have been answered. I don't take any credit for it, or want a medal, I just banged a few heads together and made a plan.

Just an added point - I gave Barry what I thought would be good answeres and to expand, there were copied word for word which is disapointing a little.

I told Barry to take someone from the dsg comittee with him to the cusg meetings, no direct critism but I think Barry needs some help with it, at the moment. I didn't volunteer as I don't want banged up for murder, i'd get frustrated plus i'm sure the other members would like to get home before christmas 2050.

Prior to the meeting i had with Barry I was unsure whether the DSG was even needed, Barry twisted my arm with the issues he's had and it is needed - I'm willing to help with he group now - but its important the dsg comunicate what these are.

Two things mainly annoy me about Carlisle United and it's groups. People who say we're a small team and people involved in groups that say after any critism "We're only volunteers, supporters don't critise us pretty please". If you're lucky enough to be in an assigned position to help whether a volunteer or not it's a privledge and you should do that job to a satisfactory level, and expect critism if not. If you can't do that you shouldn't be in that position - my opinion though and this isn't a dig at Barry by the way.

As for the other answers...............

Cant believe the massive amount of fundraising the trust do. £2k a year over the last 3 years is astounding.

The club

I maybe worded the question wrong about EWM. I'm happy with NCs answer. I maybe should have worded it "Why do EWM have to sign cheques etc"

The answer to the kit was poor, but predictable. Not answering about past issues shows to me they was a mistake or what I said was correct. Yes move forward but be truthful and learn from the past.

On the manager vote I heard from R66/dsg they was a vote, maybe they understood wrong.

Trust.

They answered the question, as it was, this time. 6k in 3 years though!

CUSAT

Happy with their answers - not sure there are needed at this meeting though.

Forgot to say thanks to the messageboard reps for asking my questions and representing the board.

I think they do a good job. I've had many of disagreements with mouldy on numerous topics but I can tell he's passionate and wants things done/processes in a professional way, that's why i voted him for fans rep! again no issues with ccu, again we've had disagreements over time.

The meetings a waste of time really, little if anything gets done, but that's not the messageboarders fault - they want change/openess etc - it's others with the issues/reluctance to change - that's the issue. They get my vote to carry on.

Soon as I see the subject heading CUSG Meeting, I Immediately think of Mullen turbo posting.

Flatcap wrote: Soon as I see the subject heading CUSG Meeting, I Immediately think of Mullen turbo posting.

True, look the club has taken a bashing over the years of being secretive/closed/not answering questions so having the opportunity to ask questions is a good thing. Although I don’t agree with NCs answers at times he should be applauded for answering everyone. However considering the complaints on here of the club being a closed shop, I’m surprised/astonished they isn’t a deluge of questions!

I wasn’t going to say anything about this, but I’ve heard from 3 people now, that they were grumbles about my questions/complaints about a group etc and some derogatory comments about being annoying etc.

I absolutely agree with them, but I found it odd/funny that one comment came from a person at their 1st meeting, from a group that’s communications/actions were poor/shambles and one I helped puts plans/actions in place and even told the person to attend the meetings. Things improved for the group, I don’t understand why this person didn’t say anything to me personally or when I seen the person yesterday, but never mind it’s just another example of issues/groups and people wanting a position within a group but not doing that job at least in a satisfactory way.

I don’t really mind though, just frustrating. Won’t stop me though.

seesaw50 wrote: What kind of income is generated from The Blues Lotto and Golden Gamble.
The Lotto puts up 2 or is it 4 cars per year plus all the cash prizes would it not make more sense to cut back on the cars and retain more of the income but increase some of the cash prizes to keep people interested


.

£100k net pa......not to be sniffed at

seesaw50 wrote:

seesaw50 wrote: What kind of income is generated from The Blues Lotto and Golden Gamble.
The Lotto puts up 2 or is it 4 cars per year plus all the cash prizes would it not make more sense to cut back on the cars and retain more of the income but increase some of the cash prizes to keep people interested


.

£100k net pa......not to be sniffed at

50 times what the trust manage to contribute. Should give the sellers 25% of the club.

The big problem for the Trust and their 25.4pc is that they seem unable to raise any cash-that leaves their only ‘currency’ being their negative control rights.Beyond that, the equity/shares are worthless.

So we sit and watch the Club becoming more debt laden as a result.I can’t imagine the custodians would give them the time of day were it not for the blocking right to be honest.

If there is to be a shake up by EWM, the Trust will some hard decisions to make-stand aside and potentially get diluted out of sight or dig in to protect their own position.

I personally think they would be best employed raising some meaningful cash just now so they can at least attempt to stand their corner when the inevitable shakeup comes-whoever leads it.

Mullen103 wrote:

Flatcap wrote: Soon as I see the subject heading CUSG Meeting, I Immediately think of Mullen turbo posting.

True, look the club has taken a bashing over the years of being secretive/closed/not answering questions so having the opportunity to ask questions is a good thing. Although I don’t agree with NCs answers at times he should be applauded for answering everyone. However considering the complaints on here of the club being a closed shop, I’m surprised/astonished they isn’t a deluge of questions!

I wasn’t going to say anything about this, but I’ve heard from 3 people now, that they were grumbles about my questions/complaints about a group etc and some derogatory comments about being annoying etc.

I absolutely agree with them, but I found it odd/funny that one comment came from a person at their 1st meeting, from a group that’s communications/actions were poor/shambles and one I helped puts plans/actions in place and even told the person to attend the meetings. Things improved for the group, I don’t understand why this person didn’t say anything to me personally or when I seen the person yesterday, but never mind it’s just another example of issues/groups and people wanting a position within a group but not doing that job at least in a satisfactory way.

I don’t really mind though, just frustrating. Won’t stop me though.

I honestly think you have taken the asking question thing too far, just reading through the questions, some of which seem to be opinions rather than questions and many show little respect for alternate opinions (But of course that is only my opinion).

Anyways, I can confirm we didnt see each other yesterday, so it wasn't me guv.

Did my questions get answered?

No payments made to JN in Clibbens time here....companies house accounts available if you want to check. In a nutshell

Bumble wrote:

Mullen103 wrote:

Flatcap wrote: Soon as I see the subject heading CUSG Meeting, I Immediately think of Mullen turbo posting.

True, look the club has taken a bashing over the years of being secretive/closed/not answering questions so having the opportunity to ask questions is a good thing. Although I don’t agree with NCs answers at times he should be applauded for answering everyone. However considering the complaints on here of the club being a closed shop, I’m surprised/astonished they isn’t a deluge of questions!

I wasn’t going to say anything about this, but I’ve heard from 3 people now, that they were grumbles about my questions/complaints about a group etc and some derogatory comments about being annoying etc.

I absolutely agree with them, but I found it odd/funny that one comment came from a person at their 1st meeting, from a group that’s communications/actions were poor/shambles and one I helped puts plans/actions in place and even told the person to attend the meetings. Things improved for the group, I don’t understand why this person didn’t say anything to me personally or when I seen the person yesterday, but never mind it’s just another example of issues/groups and people wanting a position within a group but not doing that job at least in a satisfactory way.

I don’t really mind though, just frustrating. Won’t stop me though.

I honestly think you have taken the asking question thing too far, just reading through the questions, some of which seem to be opinions rather than questions and many show little respect for alternate opinions (But of course that is only my opinion).

Anyways, I can confirm we didnt see each other yesterday, so it wasn't me guv.

Such as ??? If you’ve got an alternative opinion/question state it.

No it wasn’t you!

Yes I ask a lot of questions but as I say everyone else is free to ask questions also. Again i'm astounded there isn't more questions considering the amount of complaints re the club being a closed shop etc.

There's been discussions many times about answers reeived, and the same this time regarding the trusts 6K in 3 years, there's also discussions about the other answers on Facebook - surely this can only be seen as a good thing. For the record Clibbens is happy with the number of questions because it gives him/club the chance to answer them publically and get their side across, again this is something that should be applauded as its a complaint supporters have had for a while. It's up to you whether you believe the answers.

The issue, I think though is the questions to the other groups. It's showing them up with no answers/no responce, arsey comments and what there about. It has though shown others in a good light, again surely a good thing.

Maybe i'm in the monority but questions are good, gets you to know things and possibly even change opinion and stop rumours.

Just seen Workington reds supporters are again organising a war chest for transfer funds after last year successfully raising £11k. £340 raised in half a hour since they put it up.

Saw that ...great idea from them

And this from Darlington;

darlingtonfc.co.uk/news/boost-the-budget...-but-lets-keep-going

Puts our useless Trust or whatever they want to call themselves to shame. Totally irrelevant bunch of hangers-on.
Bought & paid for by Jenkins & co

Mullen103 wrote: Yes I ask a lot of questions but as I say everyone else is free to ask questions also. Again i'm astounded there isn't more questions considering the amount of complaints re the club being a closed shop etc.

A lot of fans are now past the point where they are angry and want to ask questions, they are now at the point where they are just giving up and walking away from the club altogether because they don't see the point in watching it slowly die.

Mullen103 wrote: For the record Clibbens is happy with the number of questions because it gives him/club the chance to answer them publically and get their side across, again this is something that should be applauded as its a complaint supporters have had for a while. It's up to you whether you believe the answers.

It's good that he answers questions, but the board need to actually follow through on what they say. If you say you want openness with the fans you actually have to deliver on it, otherwise it's just meaningless talk and more fans will be alienated because they feel lied to.

Adverts still being up for matches which have already happened is completely unprofessional. The answer to that question was pathetic. If you have a dozen full time staff doing group walk rounds then they shouldn't be missing stuff like this. There is no justification, it's either incompetence or laziness.

I agree with you Kessler 100%

My reasaoning on the questions was a responce to Bumble really. If people are discussing them then surely its a good thing.

But I agree with you, people can't be arased anymore or bothered with the bullshit answers. I was hoping someone picked up the "Walk around answer" as it pissed me off and couldn't be bothered to argue. If there's no checklist/log/responsibility then people are just walking around like a headless chicken not particuly knowing what to look for. For christ sake get a checklist sorted out, with a log sheet especially after all the complaints they are.

This club frusrates me as it could be so so much beter. I'm quite pleased to be called annoying/ "Wart" by some people/groups because it's shows I care and the person calling it doesn't or is incompetent. Again I found it hillarious it was off someone that's achieved nothing and I had to get involved and sort.

The thing that's annoyed me more though last season were the other groups. If your'e in a position do the job. I noticed yesterday the trusts website wasn't updated for nearly 6 months. I asked them why and got no responce, these things piss me off. Maybe i've been at the dsg too much, but they was someone I know who offered to do the dsg job and was ignored, the club/cusg chose Barry. I can then only assume Barry was the best person for the job so annoys me when things are really poor.

Yes I complain, i've been doing it for over 6 years! the club can be so much better and frustrates me. Maybe though it's time to just get high and watch eagles and forget about it.

any chance of seeing any responses from people to the questions presented. It is almost two weeks after the meeting. Presumably still being worked on and vetted in line with normal CUFC guidelines.

Croydonblue wrote: any chance of seeing any responses from people to the questions presented. It is almost two weeks after the meeting. Presumably still being worked on and vetted in line with normal CUFC guidelines.

See post 33 above.

thanks DB MISSED IT BEFORE AND NOW I have read it I wished I missed it the second time.
What a load of bullsh*t