FORUMS FORUMS






RLFANS.COM
Celebrating
25 years service to
the Rugby League
Community!
  
FORUMS > Keighley Cougars > WHY IS GARY FAWCETT ALLOWED TO BE CHAIRMAN
21 posts in 2 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin
RankPostsTeam
International Star11No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Feb 201213 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jun 2012Jun 2012LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



Hi all, this is my first post on here even though I have been coming on for sometime now. This post might upset some people but for those of you who have been with the club through thick and thin like myself since the late 60's I feel it is now time to share what I have found out about our so called genuine, trustworthy and honest chairman.

This has taken me a long time dig out but the reason the alarm bells have started to go off is the club does not seem to be grabbing oportunities with both hands. I have also tried to purchase merchandise which is a challenge and half, why would you buy something blind. I prefer to check the quality of what I am buying because if the clothing is anything to go from previous years then I'll be staying clear.

I also had hastle with my season ticket with staff once again coming and going, in my opinion apart from the team stuff with Jason everything else down there is just and always will be playing catch up. If you go down to the ground during the week and just like any other club where you should be able to walk in off the streets to find something out or purchase something, well lets just say there is more staff in Ghost Town. How the club is running I just don't know.

We can never turn the clock back to the cougar mania era and I am sad to say that I don't think we will have acheive that sort of success again that we had with Mick O'neil and Mike Smith.

Below is all the links that I have found on our Chairman, this is not easy reading and if you have a weak heart don't look because this is a real worry and not something in my eyes that can be pushed aside. This man is not fit to run a local team never mind a club like the Cougars. I have also found that this guy was involved with the Bulls and Halifax.

Once agian sorry for the downer but the RFL will hopefully see this and investigate, how can he bee allowed to continue.

www.cooperativechampionship.co.u ... p?id=12940
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/s ... d_kicking/

The 2 links above show Mr Fawcett join the club with Neil and Colin, I believe the role of gary to be the Finance guy. With in a matter of months the club goes into administration, everyone has to stand down, leave, etc but Mr Fawcett becomes the Chairman. I smell a rat!!!!

company-director-check.co.uk/director/907704219

company-director-check.co.uk/director/914603705

The companies he has been apart of is unbelievable, never mind how many have gone under.

www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/news ... _keighley/

www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/n ... iled_deal/

www.mobiletoday.co.uk/News/8963/ ... lapse.aspx
Hi all, this is my first post on here even though I have been coming on for sometime now. This post might upset some people but for those of you who have been with the club through thick and thin like myself since the late 60's I feel it is now time to share what I have found out about our so called genuine, trustworthy and honest chairman.

This has taken me a long time dig out but the reason the alarm bells have started to go off is the club does not seem to be grabbing oportunities with both hands. I have also tried to purchase merchandise which is a challenge and half, why would you buy something blind. I prefer to check the quality of what I am buying because if the clothing is anything to go from previous years then I'll be staying clear.

I also had hastle with my season ticket with staff once again coming and going, in my opinion apart from the team stuff with Jason everything else down there is just and always will be playing catch up. If you go down to the ground during the week and just like any other club where you should be able to walk in off the streets to find something out or purchase something, well lets just say there is more staff in Ghost Town. How the club is running I just don't know.

We can never turn the clock back to the cougar mania era and I am sad to say that I don't think we will have acheive that sort of success again that we had with Mick O'neil and Mike Smith.

Below is all the links that I have found on our Chairman, this is not easy reading and if you have a weak heart don't look because this is a real worry and not something in my eyes that can be pushed aside. This man is not fit to run a local team never mind a club like the Cougars. I have also found that this guy was involved with the Bulls and Halifax.

Once agian sorry for the downer but the RFL will hopefully see this and investigate, how can he bee allowed to continue.

www.cooperativechampionship.co.u ... p?id=12940
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/s ... d_kicking/

The 2 links above show Mr Fawcett join the club with Neil and Colin, I believe the role of gary to be the Finance guy. With in a matter of months the club goes into administration, everyone has to stand down, leave, etc but Mr Fawcett becomes the Chairman. I smell a rat!!!!

company-director-check.co.uk/director/907704219

company-director-check.co.uk/director/914603705

The companies he has been apart of is unbelievable, never mind how many have gone under.

www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/news ... _keighley/

www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/n ... iled_deal/

www.mobiletoday.co.uk/News/8963/ ... lapse.aspx


RankPostsTeam
International Board Member2236No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200322 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2018Dec 2018LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
simpsons/simp048.gif
I have only been wrong once and thats because I thought I was wrong but I was wrong I was right! Petty authoritarians aren’t man enough to challenge the actions of a person face to face; instead they incite a forum of rumour, innuendo and half truths, and impose rude sanctions to discourage those who dare question fairness. Anon.:simpsons/simp048.gif



Quote: old boy cougar "
Once agian sorry for the downer but the RFL will hopefully see this and investigate, how can he bee allowed to continue.
'"


If you are so concerned why didn't you post this to the RFL rather than a fans forum?

I can't say I agree with everything he does or says but he makes himself very visible on match days and has made himself available at fans forums to discuss any issues. Why don't you put your case to him, face to face, and see what he says?

Is Neil hoping for a comeback?

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member2236No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200322 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2018Dec 2018LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
simpsons/simp048.gif
I have only been wrong once and thats because I thought I was wrong but I was wrong I was right! Petty authoritarians aren’t man enough to challenge the actions of a person face to face; instead they incite a forum of rumour, innuendo and half truths, and impose rude sanctions to discourage those who dare question fairness. Anon.:simpsons/simp048.gif



Quote: old boy cougar "
Once agian sorry for the downer but the RFL will hopefully see this and investigate, how can he bee allowed to continue.
'"


If you are so concerned why didn't you post this to the RFL rather than a fans forum?

I can't say I agree with everything he does or says but he makes himself very visible on match days and has made himself available at fans forums to discuss any issues. Why don't you put your case to him, face to face, and see what he says?

Is Neil hoping for a comeback?

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach2855No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Aug 200915 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2017Oct 2017LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
46524.jpg
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. -Albert Camus:46524.jpg



What choice did we have?

Either Gary took the club over or it folded. Like Dreamer I don't particularly agree with everything he's done at the club but there was no choice regarding the matter. We would not have a team with the players we have now if it wasn't for him and the rest of the board. We should at least be grateful for that.

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member7174No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Oct 200222 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2019Nov 2018LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
3180.jpg
:3180.jpg



We the mods have had a look at this thread.
Everything linked to is old news. As far as we are aware no laws have been broken.

This is a word of warning to anyone posting on this thread. Any one posting anything libellous or unsubstantiated will be banned.


We will not allow, anyone with a axe to grind, the possibility of getting this site into trouble.

Lets play nice people. Lets keep it sensible.

RankPostsTeam
International Star11No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Feb 201213 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jun 2012Jun 2012LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



maybe it shouldn't have been posted on here and maybe I have taken my free opinion too far. All of this and more is in the hands of the RFL to be looked at. The only reason this is on here is so people can see for them selves and make there own minds up, all of the information is on the internet to access anyway.

Firstly what really have the directors done for us to have these new players because if you look back at the info Jason has given us about his signings then all the thanks is to workouts, your sporting chance and the community team. These are the guys that have made it possible by giving these players jobs, without these the club would not have had the money to pay these guys. Not forgetting Jason which I am sure without him these players would have never stepped foot into Cougar park.

This is not done to spoil the party as I do believe we have a real chance this season on the pitch but come on anyone with a little bit of sense would and should be worried after looking at the FACTS provided on Mr Fawcetts business history.

That is all this is about, the future of the club which I honestly believe and I know I aren't on my own when I say this is he really the man to give the club everything he is promising.

I will not say anything else on this matter now as I would like to keep coming on here but like everyone else I have so many fond memories of been a young lad at Lawkholme lane and in MY OPINION I think before long it's going to blow up in someones face. I really hope this is not the case.

This thread was only meant for people to express there opinions on Mr fawcett been Chairman after reading the OLD FACTS provided.

MY opinion is this guy is not fit and proper.

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member2236No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200322 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2018Dec 2018LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
simpsons/simp048.gif
I have only been wrong once and thats because I thought I was wrong but I was wrong I was right! Petty authoritarians aren’t man enough to challenge the actions of a person face to face; instead they incite a forum of rumour, innuendo and half truths, and impose rude sanctions to discourage those who dare question fairness. Anon.:simpsons/simp048.gif



Quote: old boy cougar "maybe it shouldn't have been posted on here and maybe I have taken my free opinion too far. All of this and more is in the hands of the RFL to be looked at. The only reason this is on here is so people can see for them selves and make there own minds up, all of the information is on the internet to access anyway.

Firstly what really have the directors done for us to have these new players because if you look back at the info Jason has given us about his signings then all the thanks is to workouts, your sporting chance and the community team. These are the guys that have made it possible by giving these players jobs, without these the club would not have had the money to pay these guys. Not forgetting Jason which I am sure without him these players would have never stepped foot into Cougar park.

This is not done to spoil the party as I do believe we have a real chance this season on the pitch but come on anyone with a little bit of sense would and should be worried after looking at the FACTS provided on Mr Fawcetts business history.

That is all this is about, the future of the club which I honestly believe and I know I aren't on my own when I say this is he really the man to give the club everything he is promising.

I will not say anything else on this matter now as I would like to keep coming on here but like everyone else I have so many fond memories of been a young lad at Lawkholme lane and in MY OPINION I think before long it's going to blow up in someones face. I really hope this is not the case.

This thread was only meant for people to express there opinions on Mr fawcett been Chairman after reading the OLD FACTS provided.

MY opinion is this guy is not fit and proper.'"


I seem to remember someone else who posted on here using the word FACT in capital letters. Are you a friend or relation of one Mr Spencer by any chance?

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach2855No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Aug 200915 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2017Oct 2017LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
46524.jpg
Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. -Albert Camus:46524.jpg



Quote: old boy cougar "maybe it shouldn't have been posted on here and maybe I have taken my free opinion too far. All of this and more is in the hands of the RFL to be looked at. The only reason this is on here is so people can see for them selves and make there own minds up, all of the information is on the internet to access anyway.

Firstly what really have the directors done for us to have these new players because if you look back at the info Jason has given us about his signings then all the thanks is to workouts, your sporting chance and the community team. These are the guys that have made it possible by giving these players jobs, without these the club would not have had the money to pay these guys. Not forgetting Jason which I am sure without him these players would have never stepped foot into Cougar park.

This is not done to spoil the party as I do believe we have a real chance this season on the pitch but come on anyone with a little bit of sense would and should be worried after looking at the FACTS provided on Mr Fawcetts business history.

That is all this is about, the future of the club which I honestly believe and I know I aren't on my own when I say this is he really the man to give the club everything he is promising.

I will not say anything else on this matter now as I would like to keep coming on here but like everyone else I have so many fond memories of been a young lad at Lawkholme lane and in MY OPINION I think before long it's going to blow up in someones face. I really hope this is not the case.

This thread was only meant for people to express there opinions on Mr fawcett been Chairman after reading the OLD FACTS provided.

MY opinion is this guy is not fit and proper.'"


I think you are perfectly entitled to your opinion as is everybody else who posts on here.

You've put together a reasoned argument in your opening post. A lot of the things you've posted links to were mentioned on here at the time Fawcett took the club over.

My questions to you would be;

Other than the club folding, what were the alternatives to Gary and the current board taking over the club whilst it was in the hands of the administrators?

Based on the RFL's criteria for a "fit and proper person" how is Gary unfit to be chairman?

If, as you put it Gary is "not fit and proper" who would you have in his place? Would the RFL deem them "fit and proper" and do they have the money and business acumen to buy Gary out and take the club forward?

RankPostsTeam
International Star11No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Feb 201213 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jun 2012Jun 2012LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



I have to be very careful what I say on here, Stealth you always seem to talk sense as do a lot of the other fans on here. To be honest I don't want to keep going over this now but I just want to comment on a few things you have mentioned.

Yes I suppose Fawcett is better than no one at all but I know that he is holding the club back, this man is all front and he has no money. I know from public records and for maybe legal reasons I won't mention the 2 companies names but Fawcett has just been involved with these companies and in true style they have also gone under.

I also know that there is and have been money men so to speak that would have and will be involved with the cougars but not as long as Fawcett is involved. Lets face it one of the directors has walked away from the club so I hear but we the fans have not had this confirmed and why was this. I really don't think we would ever know the truth on that.

I don't know who is fit and proper to take over the club, I just don't feel at ease with this man at the helm. If we can be honest if he was to explain why his records are as they are regarding his business ventures, well this is going to take some explaining. 1. 2, 3 or maybe even 4 companies to be involved with in some way or other and there is over 25 of them that are no longer trading, this is whats worrying.

I only hope and pray that I am going to have pie on my face with everything that I have said but the history and stats, well that says it all.

Maybe a leopard does change his spots.

I love the club to bits but I just wonder how many local businesses are not putting there money into the club because of Fawcett.

RankPostsTeam
International Star695No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Feb 201114 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Mar 2015Feb 2015LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
Black Backgrounds/Beaker.gif
:Black Backgrounds/Beaker.gif



Like Stealth has stated you have an opinion and I will not argue against that, but I would put the following points across in Gary's defence. Like a few have posted on here, I have reservations about what Gary says sometimes such as SL etc, but I feel he wants to club to go forward. Whether he actually possesses the means or the know how to do so only time will tell. If what I understand is correct, the club are now operating in the black which given the financial past is worthy of credit. I'm sure the new Company wasn't formed with a zero balance so there were debts to pay off. If this has been done then he deserves some credit.

Gary was brought in initially as a Director and can't believe he was solely to blame for the demise of the Cougars 2001 Company. There are many figures quoted and banded around but even if we took the average it would be in excess of £100K owed which doesn't build up overnight. He took on the Cougars when it appeared nobody else would and if they money men will always be around where were they then?

Gary always seems visible down there mucking in doing the jobs that you wouldn't expect a Chairman to do. That, if nothing else shows he cares and wants to make a go of it. Yes, there is a distinct lack of staff there on a day to day basis, but there has to be a balance and like I have said on many posts, maybe the major proportion of the budget has gone towards the playing staff.

I also hope he makes a go of it and club is able to build year on year.

666
RankPostsTeam
Club Owner1030No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200421 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Mar 2018Feb 2018LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



Just as long as he isn't drawing a salary from the Club then I can't see any problem.

If he is, then questions need to be asked.

As a loyal supporter for over 50 years then I can't remember any Director being paid for his/their role; so why change now - if that is the case.

RankPostsTeam
International Star258No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Oct 201113 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Oct 2019Mar 2019LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature

:



The question being 'why is gary fawcett allowed to be chairman?' is ridiculous. As far as im aware he hasn't been classified as 'unfit' by the RFL or the law.

Most of his companies have dissolved, this is far different to liquidation. This just means closed down (probably beacuse they weren't making a profit). We all know link telecom went under, that was during the recession and isn't suprising, it wasn't the only Keighley business to suffer.

he is obviously an entrepreneur, albeit i think he is full of flash talk and outlandish claims like all salesmen are. If it wasn't for him cougars probably would be a amateur side now, im not his number 1 fan, in fact he doesn't have many fans at all......a bit like cougars. Putting outdated posts on like this (things that were considered in 2010!!) just further alienates fans and potentially puts off new fans.

All of championship rugby league is struggling, unless you have a spare £1m then he's the best weve got.

I blame Stevo and Eddie

RankPostsTeam
International Board Member2236No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Jan 200322 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Dec 2018Dec 2018LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
simpsons/simp048.gif
I have only been wrong once and thats because I thought I was wrong but I was wrong I was right! Petty authoritarians aren’t man enough to challenge the actions of a person face to face; instead they incite a forum of rumour, innuendo and half truths, and impose rude sanctions to discourage those who dare question fairness. Anon.:simpsons/simp048.gif



Quote: Dreamer "I seem to remember someone else who posted on here using the word FACT in capital letters. [sizeAre you a friend or relation of one Mr Spencer by any chance?[/size'"


Would Old Boy Cougar care to answer the above question?

Also, have you posted on here before under another pseudonym? Your style is very similar to someone who did.

I think you will agree, you have made a number of pretty serious allegations and insinuations so I think fans need to know the angle you are coming from: Are you a genuine concerned supporter; or someone with an axe to grind?

Insinuations are like graphs - you can make them read any story you want and essentially you have just dragged up old info that has been seen and discussed on here before, apart from the insinuation that a director has left the club because of the chairman.

I'm not having a go at you, just trying to put your post in perspective. Most people that post on here want the club to be successful but there are some quite differing views on what success actually is.

RankPostsTeam
Player Coach1226No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Dec 200915 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Jan 2023Apr 2018LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
Others/eye2.gif
[size=200:3n3zr01x]Click the link to see my Keighley Cougar Vids.[/size:3n3zr01x] //www.youtube.com/user/MICKY1920:Others/eye2.gif



Anybody would think our anonymous stirring machine was somebody who had recently left the club.

If they were a concerned supporter or a supporter of any type they wouldn't be slagging the Chair in this way on here.

Like him or not, Gary puts in a huge number of his own hours doing things for the Club that fans rarely see and seldom appreciate.

I suggest you go to the cobblers on Cavendish Street to grind your axe instead of talking cobblers on here.

RankPostsTeam
International Chairman2260No
Team
Selected
JoinedServiceReputation
Feb 200223 years
OnlineLast PostLast Page
Apr 2019Apr 2019LINK
Milestone Posts
0
100
Milestone Years
0510 1520 2530
Location
Signature
928_1530728280.jpg
:d7dc4b20b2c2dd7b76ac6eac29d5604e_928.jpg



Quote: MICKY1920 "Anybody would think our anonymous stirring machine was somebody who had recently left the club.

.'"

that comment is as bad if not worse than any on here ...do you have any proof ,,,if you can't prove it don't say it.

21 posts in 2 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin
21 posts in 2 pages 
<<   PREV  NEXT   >>
Subscribe | Moderators: Admin



All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the RLFANS.COM or its subsites.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that news stories, articles and images are correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. However, if you feel any material on this website is copyrighted or incorrect in any way please contact us using the link at the top of the page so we can remove it or negotiate copyright permission.

RLFANS.COM, the owners of this website, is not responsible for the content of its sub-sites or posts, please email the author of this sub-site or post if you feel you find an article offensive or of a choice nature that you disagree with.

Copyright 1999 - 2024 RLFANS.COM

You must be 18+ to gamble, for more information and for help with gambling issues see https://www.begambleaware.org/.



Please Support RLFANS.COM


5.01806640625:5
RLFANS Recent Posts
FORUM
LAST
POST
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
Recent
Game - Song Titles
Wanderer
40733
Recent
BORED The Band Name Game
Wanderer
63222
Recent
Film game
Wanderer
5640
FORUM
LAST
VIEW
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
38s
Planning for next season
Leyther in n
178
48s
Leeds away first up
Butcher
41
1m
Rumours and signings v9
NickyKiss
28895
1m
How many games will we win
Butcher
5
2m
Game - Song Titles
Wanderer
40733
2m
2025 Recruitment
Pyrah123
197
2m
Assistant Coach - Langley
exiledrhino
30
2m
Pre Season - 2025
mwindass
183
2m
Fixtures 2025
UllFC
65
2m
Transfer Talk V5
The Biffs Ba
503
FORUM
NEW
TOPICS
TOPIC
POSTER
POSTS
TODAY
2024
Butcher
5
TODAY
Dan Norman Retires
Cokey
1
TODAY
How many games will we win
Butcher
5
TODAY
Leigh Leopards - 2025 Fixtures
ColD
2
TODAY
Catalan Away
jonh
5
TODAY
2025 Betfred Super League Fixtures
RLFANS News
1
TODAY
2025 fixtures
Smiffy27
15
TODAY
Fixtures
Willzay
13
TODAY
Salford
rubber ducki
12
TODAY
WCC Off
Choc Ice
11
TODAY
Leeds away first up
Butcher
41
TODAY
Jake McLoughlin
Wanderer
1
TODAY
Assistant Coach - Langley
exiledrhino
30
TODAY
Noah Booth out on loan
Butcher
20
TODAY
Luke Gale testimonial match
BarnsleyGull
2
TODAY
England 5 - 0 Ireland
Sadfish
1
TODAY
Magic Weekend 2025 - Back To Newcastle
RLFANS News
1
NEWS ITEMS
VIEWS
2025 Betfred Super League Fixt..
491
Magic Weekend 2025 - Back To N..
533
England Beat Samoa To Take Tes..
1276
England's Women Demolish The W..
1100
England Beat Samoa Comfortably..
1343
Operational Rules Tribunal –..
1133
IMG-RFL club gradings released..
1400
Wakefield Trinity Win Champion..
1932
Hunslet Secure Promotion After..
2151
Trinity Into Play Off Final Af..
2391
Wigan Warriors Crowned Champio..
1960
York Valkyrie Win Back to Back..
2198
Hunslet Book Relegation Play O..
2661
Penrith Panthers Secure Fourth..
2093
Wigan Humiliate Leigh For Gran..
2166