CUSG Meeting - Mon 12 Aug 19

Over to you Richard

Club

Can the club comment on the suggestions by some that the now current aim/ambition of the regime is just to maintain league football for as cheaply as possible?

The trust commented in their agm that "We all know who runs the club" regarding EWM. can we please have yours/clubs comment on this, mainly in relation to what the current owners do?

The club, in the recent forum, mentioned they didn't receive the ticket money from Bury. Can this be confirmed and has the club done anything to try to get it?

The Trust

The two board members of Jim Mitchell and Billy Atkinson got voted back onto the trust board with 60 ish votes. This is less than 5% of our average home attendance. Therefore what mandate do you now have, to say you represent the supporters when you sit on the relevant Carlisle United boards?

The trust have received a lot of criticism recently regarding not having the general Carlisle supporters interests, therefore Have the trust considered resigning on mass, restanding if necessary, and starting again and making the trust what supporters want it to be?

Personal opinion but Norman Steele standing for re election and getting voted back onto the board shows the staleness of the organisation. Previously there was a limit on the number of years a person could be on the board for , but was removed. Do you not think that removing this policy adds to the staleness of the group, stops new people coming in and adds to the idea the trust is a closed shop?

Where does the trust see us the season, in terms of football position?

CUSAT

If a person travels with you to an away game and that game is abandoned/postponed on route, what is your policy in terms of refund or travel to the rearranged game?

For Kessler - I haven't done anything re the trusts IT yet. I did receive initial comms a fortnight ago to say there'll be in touch and replied saying I was busy for a couple of weeks. Hope to hear something this week.

Time of the month Richard?

CCU wrote: That’s a shorter list than usual!

Can't bloody win

give him a chance, he's only had about an hour

For The Trust

In the minutes published on the club website after the July meeting, you claimed the issue with Waltero not receiving an email reply had been “exaggerated” but I don’t think this is a fair summary of what actually happened. Waltero was perfectly justified in asking why he didn’t receive a reply, and when doubts were expressed about the initial explanation given, it was reasonable for fans to ask for further clarification. I don’t think anything was exaggerated, so why have you claimed that it was?

At the last meeting I asked if you had a Data Protection policy. In response you said you had uploaded one to your website. Can you confirm whether you had this policy in place before, or did you only create it after I asked if you had one?

I notice you use Google Analytics on the Trust website. What lawful basis under GDPR are you using for this? If it’s consent then you need to change your cookie consent from opt-out to opt-in.

Someone on the message board said that the Trust are told not to post on the forum. Is this true or not?

Will you consider creating an official account on TheCumbrians.net as a way of connecting and engaging with more fans? Even if it was something you just tried for a couple of months to see how it went, if it didn’t work out at least you’d have tried and fans would see that you are at least making an effort.

Cant be too critical now hes in with the trust .
Were told that our budget is both the same as last season (Holdsworth) and in the bottom 5 for the division (Pressley). Does that mean it was in the bottom 5 last season?

Laffy wrote: Time of the month Richard?

It's almost like he thinks the Trust are an organization who should listen to the fans and represent our views....

CCU wrote: I’m not sure why Kessler’s ‘for all’ question is indeed ‘for all’?

Surely it’s for either CUOSC, the Club, or both? Doesn’t really apply to all other Groups IMO...

I wasn't sure who specifically to address the question to. It's minutes from a CUSG meeting but posted on the club website, so I guess either/both.

CCU wrote:

Kessler wrote:

CCU wrote: I’m not sure why Kessler’s ‘for all’ question is indeed ‘for all’?

Surely it’s for either CUOSC, the Club, or both? Doesn’t really apply to all other Groups IMO...

I wasn't sure who specifically to address the question to. It's minutes from a CUSG meeting but posted on the club website, so I guess either/both.

In that case I would say it’s for CUOSC. It’s not really anything to do with Club?

I think you're just quibbling over minor details here. The point is that those July minutes give the impression that the Trust think fans are being unreasonable for daring to ask questions. I want an explanation for why they chose to describe it in this manner.

CCU wrote:

Kessler wrote:

CCU wrote:

Kessler wrote:

CCU wrote: I’m not sure why Kessler’s ‘for all’ question is indeed ‘for all’?

Surely it’s for either CUOSC, the Club, or both? Doesn’t really apply to all other Groups IMO...

I wasn't sure who specifically to address the question to. It's minutes from a CUSG meeting but posted on the club website, so I guess either/both.

In that case I would say it’s for CUOSC. It’s not really anything to do with Club?

I think you're just quibbling over minor details here. The point is that those July minutes give the impression that the Trust think fans are being unreasonable for daring to ask questions. I want an explanation for why they chose to describe it in this manner.

So its for the Trust then? Sorted...

Have edited the post to reflect that

This emailgate could end up trumping the Nixon Frost interview by the time its finished. My moneys on Al Woodcock hiding behind the grassy knoll/Flood barrier behind the waterworks

Q. for the club - Is David Holdsworth able to lie straight in bed?

2 questions for the club.
1) Why do we still not have a functioning scoreboard 3 and a half years after the ground was flooded and numerous promises/updates from the club?
2) Is the McCarron money funding the roof repairs to the A stand?

Arragorn wrote: 2 questions for the club.
1) Why do we still not have a functioning scoreboard 3 and a half years after the ground was flooded and numerous promises/updates from the club?
2) Is the McCarron money funding the roof repairs to the A stand?

Might have missed it but what’s the crack with the A stand roof? Why wasn’t work done over the summer? Having a huge chunk of the paddock cordoned off is hardly ideal.

They make it sound like the prep work only began at the beginning of July, two months after the last home game. I’m no expert but I would’ve thought a small stand roof could be replaced in 3 months!

There are clubs at Nortern premier league level who can sort out a decent scoreboard with the limited funds they have so why have we not had one for three and half years.

Answer = ''You mean we actually have to do something for the fans, We can't be arsed''.

Question from me. Is the club losing money on the new format Trophy games

The trust have been in touch and meeting on the 17th August.

Cusats been in touch and were/are going to raise the Bury ticketing question. Happy for them to raise this at the meeting.

Liking this proactiveness and positivity!

For the Trust:
In the replies to the previous set of questions their response regarding fundraising was:

"Answered together - It has been difficult for CUOSC to get financial backing from local businesses
in recent times because of succession of ownership issues. Obviously, the more members we
have the more money we can raise."

Why are the trust only looking to gain funds from local business? Surely there are a number of other options they can be doing to raise funds,

Exeter for instance run a scheme where members donate monthly towards funding a player for the squad.
Even our own London Branch come up with ideas, like the Jimmy Glass Tshirts to fund raise

Would the trust considered a less blinkered approach to trying to raise funds for the club rather than just trying to ask local business for money

Another couple of question for the Trust


The link to your Data Protection policy is blue text on a blue background, which makes it a little bit difficult to see clearly. Why did you chose to make the text the same colour as the background in this manner? Surely it would be better to make it something like white text on the blue background so it is clearly visible.

Your accepted Mullen's offer of IT help which I think shows a willingness to engage with fans, provided you follow through with it. Could you keep us updated on how this is going, perhaps through the cuosc twitter and other social media?

Kessler wrote: Another couple of question for the Trust


The link to your Data Protection policy is blue text on a blue background, which makes it a little bit difficult to see clearly. Why did you chose to make the text the same colour as the background in this manner? Surely it would be better to make it something like white text on the blue background so it is clearly visible.

Your accepted Mullen's offer of IT help which I think shows a willingness to engage with fans, provided you follow through with it. Could you keep us updated on how this is going, perhaps through the cuosc twitter and other social media?

I'll update as well

Is it possible to add the following questions for the club, please? From my mate that can't post on here. I've worded them.

Currently, I'm asked to produce evidence of my disability quite regularly in order to get a free carer ticket. Is it not possible to store my evidence on the system and include the end date (that's stated on the letter) as its quite embarrassing to be asked all the time.

Is there lift access to the Edinburgh woollen mill stand?

I occasionally sit at the front row of the east stand, I have only 2% vision, but the stewards stand up throughout blocking any little view I have. Is it possible for the stewards to sit down during the game (I understand they need to stand in the last minutes) or advise somewhere else i can go.

Richard, there's a lift up to foxes' but then I don't think you'd be able to get up to the EWM stand from it as you've got to go outside to go up the staircase of the EWM stand.

Mush wrote: Richard, there's a lift up to foxes' but then I don't think you'd be able to get up to the EWM stand from it as you've got to go outside to go up the staircase of the EWM stand.

Cheers - I think his carer got a ticket for there by mistake, instead of the east stand, will have to likely change it.

At some point in the last few days the Trust have updated the link to their Data Protection policy on their website as it is now white text on a blue background. This makes it much clearer to see, as the previous blue text on blue background made it nearly impossible to read clearly. Well done to them for that.

Kessler wrote: At some point in the last few days the Trust have updated the link to their Data Protection policy on their website as it is now white text on a blue background. This makes it much clearer to see, as the previous blue text on blue background made it nearly impossible to read clearly. Well done to them for that.

I, for one, will sleep easier in my bed knowing that has been changed

Kessler wrote: At some point in the last few days the Trust have updated the link to their Data Protection policy on their website as it is now white text on a blue background. This makes it much clearer to see, as the previous blue text on blue background made it nearly impossible to read clearly. Well done to them for that.

I'm sure their dozens of members will be jubilant...

I have you down as the new site tester Kessler, a keen eye for detail.

You’re like me Kessler, you spot things that are wrong and it’s annoying. I wouldn’t be surprised if you have aspergers Kessler going by your posts on here, I just relate a lot to what you say and think you get misunderstood a bit.

Mullen103 wrote: I have you down as the new site tester Kessler, a keen eye for detail.

You’re like me Kessler, you spot things that are wrong and it’s annoying. I wouldn’t be surprised if you have aspergers Kessler going by your posts on here, I just relate a lot to what you say and think you get misunderstood a bit.

I don't want to see the club die, and right now I think the biggest threat is the slow death/death by a thousand cuts. This is where attendances gradually decline, a few fans here and there, not because of any one particular massive issue, but because of all the smaller ones. Stuff like bird shit on the seats, lack of toilet roll, the outdated posters, maybe these are all fairly small issues by themselves but it all adds up and it paints a very poor picture of how the club is run. I accept there are things that can't be fixed easily like the lack of money, but some of the smaller issues can easily be fixed and I think it would just make us look that little bit more professional.

The problem is that we’ve now complained about the fixtures board. It’ll be updated regularly for a few weeks/months then it’ll go back to the old ways.

That’s what’s been happening for the last 10+ years.

Agree it just unprofessional - I’m still baffled that none of the directors/club employees picked up on the fixtures board not being updated. It shouldn’t take complaints on here and an email.

This club can drive you mad - I think it already has with me. It can be so much better but we’re stuck with it I think for the foreseeable future.

Seems like Mr Day is only bothered about keeping us afloat as 'he didn't get where he is today by keeping shoddy notice boards' surely.

Mullen103 wrote: The problem is that we’ve now complained about the fixtures board. It’ll be updated regularly for a few weeks/months then it’ll go back to the old ways.

It just makes the club look so lazy if they don't update a fixtures board, or only update it after a lot of fans have complained a lot about it. It's like they can't really be arsed to put in the effort, and will only do so grudgingly if enough people complain.

Things like the fixtures board have happened all the time since they were given the club.

Fred Story made some great improvements around the ground, like tarmacing the main car park, which when you think back was such a state being all stoney. One day the lane might get done too, but we can only dream!

The monthly gathering of the clubs Beige support .

Can't wait .

If only 1 person voted and voted for Jim & Billy that would be 100% in favour as well. I guess the issue is with the number of people that voted in their membership and Carlisle Uniteds overall support, thats the issue. I suppose though they do have a mandate to represent their members. Both have been reelected for three years, it would of been easy to decline them their places (70 people) if thats what supporters wanted, that chance has gone though.

I'm meeting the trust on Saturday re IT issues.

Do Kate Rowley and John Ireland ever turn up? And can anybody just roll up when they want?

In response to the answers provided to my questions

I appreciate that Waltero did get his reply in the end. I still don't know how the Trust could possibly interpret fans asking them a valid question as "exaggerated" though and I think it highlights a bigger problem. Lack of dialogue between fans and the board is a major problem at the club, people feel they aren't being listened to. If fans do ask a question, but then CUOSC turn round and go oh it's just exaggerated, that hardly encourages other fans to ask questions. It gives the impression that CUOSC see fans more as an annoyance than anything.

Happy with the answers CUOSC gave to my two questions about their data protection policy. And if you look at the site now, you see the text much more clearly with the white text on blue, instead of the blue text on blue background it was before. It looks so much more professional. Happy that both of those questions got fully answered.


CUOSC say their preference is not to have an account here. Fair enough and it's up to them as nobody is forced to post, but I'd be interested to know the reasons for that preference. Two possible reasons I can think of. They might be worried about coming to a hostile environment, or they maybe feel they just don't have the time. If it's the first one then I don't think they would need to worry about that because in spite of all the disagreements and arguments on here, everyone keeps it civil most of the time. On the rare occasion someone doesn't, the admins can and do sort it out. If they feel they just don't have time to post on here, I don't think anybody would expect them to be on here 24/7, just the odd post here and there so that we feel more in the loop about things.

Glad that they seem willing to accept the IT help offered by Mullen

To be fair to John he works a 12 hour night shift & cannot get to many of the meetings

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk