TOPIC: Fan Rep Chat

Hi

I thought i'd get started on a weekly chat. I will do a weekly topic (open to suggestions). Tonight's topic is the same as that I did on twitter last night, which has continued throughout today - almost 150 replies.

So ... I'd like to know your pet hates at Brunton Park and also something positive... Go!

(you can join the twitter chat via @CarlisleFanRep or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Pet hates from last night included:
Toilet facilities
Sound system - particularly in the paddock
Hospitality / Catering staff - experience / service quality
Catering - expense, stocked items (generally quality seems to have improved) - someone said his preordered 1/2 time pint gets regularly knicked!
Queues
Cost of calling the ticket office (i've seen the thread on here as well)
Bird crap on seats and barriers
Reasons for us to use BP bars before the match - only SKY rather than BT sports
Phone / WIFI

Positives included:
The pitch
CUFC staff - ticket office / media / club shop - knowledgeable, friendly and approachable
Developing friendships with the people we regularly stand / sit next to
Family zone

Hi.
What frustrates me is the body language of a lot of the players. Sometimes the atmosphere is pretty dead and I feel like I am watching a practice/reserve match.
I do not think players are not trying, far from it, the point is that it wouldn't take much to get the crowd a bit more involved, win or lose.
This is getting a little better this season.
Winning is the most important thing obviously,

Positives - Jabo!

Have you seen this?

www.itv.com/news/border/update/2015-09-2...tough-cumbrian-quiz/

182blue wrote:
It's definitely improved this year with the squad. Hopefully it continues and conceding sloppy goals reduces.

182blue wrote:
I don't think having a word with the players about their body language was in the job description.

melbourneblues wrote:
Not the Fan Rep one anyway!

Custodians.



Good luck with that one.

Claire_Like_Eh wrote:
'Is Jimmy Glass the statue outside the ground'

thebadger wrote:
And a negative?

I jest obv, there must be other grumbles you have and there must be reasons you go back.

thebadger wrote:
This is the crux of the matter Claire - as you are well aware - anything else is just window dressing the cabins on the Titanic...

RonBacardi wrote:
I know!! I thought everyone knows who jimmy glass is!

Oldhamblue wrote:
Ok, so apart from the obvious how could the BOD / custodians improve your relationship with them? Is it communication? If so what/how? There isn't information coming out about investors.

The best part of going to Brunton Park is that it is the home of OUR team. The worst part is I cant always go. It chokes me that my money might be keeping the custodians there but I cant leave my team when I and my son can afford to go.

No, I wasn't expecting you'll be giving a half-time team talk Claire.
What I was meaning is that the price of Mars Bars and the state of the men's toilets don't really concern me as a fan, but what happens on the pitch does.

That clip was a bit worrying

pigeonpete wrote:
What do you miss? My colleague gave his ST back in the summer. It broke his heart. He misses it, I can tell.

182blue wrote:
I'll let you off then! and it makes sense. I am a believer though of getting the small things right.

I am going to miss this weekends game for a start. My kids are running at Chorley.

I wish the club would do family tickets. I have 5 kids and it is very expensive taking them all to games.

pigeonpete wrote:
I don't know what they've discussed in the past about ticket prices etc. I'll certainly suggest this, most touristy places do them.

Claire_Like_Eh wrote:
Honesty would be a good place to start; regrettably that can't happen re the billionaire for reasons that all we know. An explanation of why AJ says he wants local investment in CUFC but pulled the plug on the Lapping Deal - not to mention nearly slandering him in the process. Treating people like intelligent adults who's views matter rather than vermin to be tolerated which is how they treat us at the moment - the flag fiasco was a classic example of that.

Given that you are correct; AJ/JN cannot possibly admit they have lied about the investor and I keep saying there should be concrete actions not just fluffy words:

:- The flag. An apology to the flag owner, acceptance of the fact that they were exercising free-speech and were not being offensive/rude and allowing it and him back into BP.
:- A statement of some sort saying that SP will never be part of any CUFC board again.
:- A statement to the effect that the comments SP made about AL were incorrect and the club do not associate themselves with them in any way - now, this to my mind does not go far enough but it does allow some face to be saved and I realise in the real world that is important.


How is that for a start?

I'm off to kip... I forgot to mention in my application letter than i'm rock & roll personified.

I'll not be back on here until thursday morning so i'll reply to the other replies then.

Here's to a grand night tomorrow!! UTB!

You replied Oldhamblue just as i'm heading off. Not avoiding your reply and i think you raise good points. Can i get back to you on Thurs?

Claire_Like_Eh wrote:
No, that's the only grumble. One shared by many fans. It's the elephant in the room. And I don't go to games any more because of it, so any other grumbles would be superfluous. In order to deal with the elephant, you first have to admit that it exists.

I don't envy you, Claire, I really do not have any ill will toward you personally. You're stuck between Scylla and Charybdis. You have an impossible job, deliberately made that way. All the best to you, I hope you succeed, but I'm pretty sure that if that was a realistic proposition the post would never have been created....

A constant bug bear of mine is the east stand turnstiles. and the jobsworth stewards who still occasionally inspect tickets and season tickets before you even get to the turnstile. If the ticket doesnt scan He wont let me through, why does a steward need to check my ticket? I was told that it was done because it was possible for an away fan to purchase a ticket for the away end but potentially enter the home end, is this correct? surely this all singing ticket system should have some way of preventing this? Also, why only ever two turnstiles open? even when a bigger crowd is expected? Shambles!

Positive for me is what is going on on the pitch, also the family area.

Negative is the fact that those clowns take me for granted and think I'm an idiot.

Whereas we know your an idiot moorlad

Claire_Like_Eh wrote:
Of course...

Claire_Like_Eh wrote:
The obvious is what is needed most Claire, in all honest stuff like bird shit on the seats pales into insignificance beside the real issue. Communication is an issue as you suggest, but it is a matter of how they communicate with us, they think we're all stupid. The reason there is no information coming out about the investor is because there is no investor, we all know that (or most of us anyway), so we need an explanation of what they are hoping to achieve.

If I were to be given carte blanche to ask exactly what I wanted it would only be the obvious stuff, but I'd need to take them back to the start of this debacle.

Firstly, what were the real reasons behind doing away with the Lapping bid? Why was there the statement about Pattison on the club website for example? How could the club draw the conclusion that Mr Lapping didn't "have a pot to piss in" and couldn't produce the money promised when his prospectus hadn't even been produced? Then how come there had been no interest from anybody, anywhere in the world in making any investment in the club until there was an offer from Lapping and his consortium?

Secondly I'd want to know whether the real thing that scuppered that bid was the fact that Lapping's representative on the board would be able to control more voting rights than the custodians plus the trust. Were they in fact reluctant to give up their hold on the club. Also why, if that bid was so terrible have so many of the ideas contained within it been implemented?

Thirdly, who exactly is the "billionaire"? Where did they hear about his interest in the club, who are the mystery agents? Of course why hasn't anything happened in the almost 5 months since they said 5 to 10 days?

Next I'd like to know why the club hasn't completely distanced itself from Pattison's phone messages. Do they agree with them? Who is Keith? Why was he slagging off the press, is it because they're getting close to the answers?

Then why is Jenkins saying we need local investors when he's "in talks" with a foreign "billionaire"? If he wants local investment why was the Lapping bid turned down?

Why hasn't the trust got a seat on the Holding Company board yet?

Once you've asked those questions I really don't mind if you start asking about bird shit on the seats, or the length of the queues, or catering prices or whatever else. But the really big issues have got to be addressed before you even think about trying to do anything else, or you'll end up starting to be seen as part of the problem rather than the answer you're supposed to be.

Don't get me wrong though, it isn't all negative at all. You yourself are one of the positives, you came across well when I heard you on BBCRC and you seem like a breath of fresh air around the stuffy old men's club. The things going on on the field are good this season and some of the stuff Phil and Suzanne are doing are obviously fantastic and could last for years to come.

Unfortunately all of this is massively overshadowed for me (and I'm far from the only one) by what I've posted above.

Bruntonpasty wrote:
To be fair TFL do this constantly. I've asked ticket inspectors numerous time whether they have no faith in the ticket barriers as they check my ticket before I pass through them. Always get a blank look and something along the lines of 'its a ticket inspection innit'. A wonderful use of the tax payers money...

Moorlad wrote:
Great post Moorlad. I would like to know the same please, saved me having to type it out.

I imagine the answer given will be that this meeting isn't used to discuss these type of questions as it concerns the holdings company more than 1921 board. No reason why the news and star can't put these to the club like with the 10 questions. The answers given will be nonsence but at least we will know.



Also Claire the disability issues mentioned

It's why I want those questions asked Mullen. We'll know exactly where everyone stands when they are answered. If, as you suggest they do the whole Holding Company thing, which I suspect they will, they will have confirmed that the fans rep role is pointless.

My gripe as well is no fans forums or fans forums not taking place in Carlisle but other random places to avoid criticism. For some reason the London branch don't have as big of an issue with Nixon therefore he will attend meetings, social gatherings there but not in Carlisle.

I would also push for a fans forum as soon as possible with a representative of the holdings board on the panel, which is either Jenkins or Nixon, otherwise it will be a waste of time as PK and SK and Claire will be used as cannon fodder for any of those difficult questions.

Positives it's good that the team on the field are at last showing signs of going in the right direction, but as stated above the continued fly in the ointment are the owners, they have shown themselves to be less than honourable people and continue to do so, pinching Lappings ideas and now hiding behind their cloak and dagger shield. Every thing they come out with is tied to confidentiality which now merely appears to be a cover story to hide the fact nothing is or ever will be achieved as long as they are running the club.

I agree Moorlad.

@Claire Can you confirm that the questions Moorlad and I have put up repeatedly will get asked at the next meeting? and that their responses please.

I expect no answers to these but if the questions asked they will need to have a response whether its confidentiality or they use the holdings company excuse.

It may appear to sound like a broken record regarding the billionaire but that's how it has to be and the questions moorlad has put forward need answered, they are on our long term future, if we do not have a clear long term plan for sustainability then what are the board relying on ? Pot luck cup draws and home grown player sales ? All the little things you say you believe are important to change won't matter one bit if God forbid we end up in administration or worse.

The ancient and broken TV's under the East stand have been a bugbear of mine. For me it says it all about the club... nearly half of them have been broken for about 3 seasons... the others look like they are from 1985. If you want to get fans into the ground and spending money then you have to have decent screens to show the pre-match games on, otherwise people will simply stay at the rugby club or the beehive. It would cost peanuts to replace the TV's and get the sky/BT reception sorted out. Currently it just shows the owners don't give a toss about the fans and are happy to let the place fall down around our ears. Small things are the most obvious signs of neglect.

But as Moorlad points out we would all happily put up with the small things if we were given the answers to the big questions about ownership, Lapping and the fictitious Billionaire.

To be honest mate it shouldn't be beyond the bounds of possibility to get some sort of reciprocal deal in place with somebody who retails televisions to get them in for some sort of sponsorship package or advertising. These things should be really simple to achieve.

Moorlad wrote:
You would think so. Hopefully SK and PK will be looking into this kind of thing.

Moorlad wrote:

---

Way to heavy this post, we have just got a new fans rep on the Board, and you want her to answer the mystery of life, give it a rest. I think having this forum is dangerous, as all she is going to get is negatives.
I think the priority is to get more through the turnstiles and more happening around the club/facilities on and off match days. In fact anything that makes money.
However, we need to protect this position to avoid it becoming a 'scape goat' for every new initiative. It is up to everyone at the Club to make an effort to improve supporter numbers, there needs to be a feel good factor about the place. I do agree that the current behaviour of our Holding Board leaves allot to be desired (one in particular) however they will be long gone when our kids and grand kids are supporting CUFC.

So on a more light hearted note, my first suggestion is ' Strippers in Foxy's ' before the game (and maybe half time) (oh, and maybe full time) Guaranteed to fill the place !!!

thesilentone wrote:
I think you're wrong, very wrong in fact. The only reason the role exists is as a scapegoat, or a human shield, that is exactly why the role has been created. It is up to Claire herself to make it into an actual real role. There are very real reasons why there aren't more people coming through the turnstiles, regardless of the good work being done by Phil and Suzanne (and I'm sure Claire as well as soon as she gets her feet under the table). They can create as much of a feel good factor as they like, but there are plenty of people who won't care, and why? Obviously because of this whole billionaire fiasco. I'd love my grandchildren to be supporters of Carlisle United, but with those two running the show either there'll be no club for them to support, or it'll be a "nice little non league club".

As for your light hearted suggestion that is the sort of sexist cack I'd really expect from you.

Moorlad wrote:

So what is sexist about it ?

Well, if you don't know I'm not about to tell you.

bumping in the hope that Claire gets back to us as promised.

Moorlad wrote:
Agree wholeheartedly moorlad. I do believe the role was created as a human shield for the board. And whilst dealing with a few matters in and around the ground should and will be part of the role, it really is all meaningless until the real issues are dealt with. It is absolutely unacceptable for the board to continually disregard the fans over the ownership and investment saga. Any fool can see that they're simply rearranging the furniture whilst living in the same house.

Claire, in all honestly, you have my sympathies, because I do believe that you're faced with a thankless task. I wish you well, but I feel your role has been created for the wrong reason.

Saying that, if the will of the fans is to get answers to moorlad's questions, then there is a duty to convey this. I want answers from the board. I am deeply unhappy with them. Let's not fanny around here, we now have a representative - so let's get the representation that we desire, and the answers we need. I'm feeling positive about team matters for the first time in a few years, but it's all tainted with the bullshit from the board.

We're not fools. Come clean and give us answers.

Moorlad wrote:
To be fair he may have meant male and female strippers.

Moorlad,
These are obviously the questions that need asked, but is Clare not on the board that does the day to day things.
Who is going to provide the answers - not PK and SK

The three wise men are also on that board.

Hello!

I hadn't forgotten about you, it's just easier to use the messageboard on my laptop rather than my iphone with it's smashed screen. Plus it's taken me days to catch up on my sleep and now i have the lurgy! I can sense your sympathies.

I'm a believer in getting the small things done right too. We've been annoyed about the state of BP for years. Yep, the mystery billionaire is the current big issue and one which won't go away. I could spend all of my time banging my head off a brick wall trying to get answers about this or I could spend some of my time doing that and the rest of it feeding back other gripes, concerns, suggestions and positive things in order to change things for us. We aren't fools.

This week i'll be meeting PK & SK to review the minutes from the last board meeting - we will write a briefing that will be made public. As i've said before this role needs to be about communication improving both ways and the briefing will be one method. I believe improved communication will lead to an improved relationship. Before each meeting i'll be preparing a report - i will be seeking to make this public before the meeting as i'll submit it before the agenda gets announced.

Just a quick request - if you could send emails to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. rather than my personal account now i have that one it'd be much appreciated.

This was my programme article yday... I JINX EVERYTHING!!!!

Hello!

My face might be new to some of you and for others you may be fed up of seeing it already!

In August Carlisle United announced there would be an additional position on the 1921 operational board of Carlisle United for a fan representative to improve fan engagement. Of course we already have CUOSC Chairman Norman Steel on the board of directors so I think it is a step in the right direction for our club to increase the voice of supporters.

It's a position that I am honoured to have and I would like to thank those of you who took time to vote in the process. I think all four shortlisted candidates showed passion, motivation & determination to improve things for us. Stuart Irving, Matt Spooner and Bruce Vander have offered their support to me for which I am grateful.

I applied for this position because I believe I can help bridge the gap between fans and the club. We want to be proud to be Carlisle United supporters again and we need to be listened to. I can not be successful in this role without your help. We are stronger together.

I have made contact with all the supporter groups (CUOSC, London Branch, Away Travel, TheCumbrians.net and A66 travel group) and have either spoken to them or have made arrangements to meet them in the next few weeks to discuss how to use their experience of engaging fans to improve the relationship and communication we have with the club.

It was a pleasure to join CUOSC and CUFC representatives at Penrith AFC recently as they sponsored the match against Jarrow. Penrith won 3-1 in a very enjoyable game which saw a couple of great goals! The steak pie and proper chips were amazing as well. There are plans for Penrith representatives to come up to Brunton Park later on in the season to watch a game. It is important that we recognise Carlisle United as the only Football League team in Cumbria has a responsibility to support local clubs and it is great that CUOSC are leading the way on this.

I wrote this before we played Liverpool and I am presuming by now we have drawn AFC Bournemouth away in round 4, if we lost apologies for jinxing it! It was great to see how the staff in the ticket office were supported by the Away Travel group. The feedback from the club was that the Away Travel volunteers being based in the ticket office was invaluable from the perspective of fans and ticket office staff. I believe this was the start of improving relationships.

I have attended my first Board Meeting. I was made to feel welcome by those who attended and my impression was that this position is both wanted and needed to improve things. I am able to put across issues confidently and disagree where I need or want to. This is not about my own personal opinions so I intend to take themes to each meeting, leave with actions and then return to the next one with a progress report. I will communicate with you on this. Obviously there will be things I am unable to tell you and I know nothing about investors. I have been invited to go into the Boardroom on match days but I believe my place is sat where I usually am with my son in The Pioneer Stand. We will be in the brilliant family zone before kick off and at half-time. When I am attending matches without Thomas I will be in various places in the ground so I can feedback the experience we have on match days. I will let you know where I will be so I can get some feedback from you too.

Finally, because I have rambled on long enough I would like to say thank you to Keith Curle and all of his staff for giving us something to cheer about at last. It is brilliant seeing players committed to playing football in the right way. Fingers crossed for a positive goal difference at 5pm tonight (apologies again if I jinxed that as well)!

Best wishes,
Claire