Hi Mr C
It's not my call of course, it's completely yours but just for the record I don't want RickJude running the club.

You speak for yourself, pal. I think it's a brilliant idea. "Anonymous forum poster takes control of SL club". If that doesn't quadruple season ticket sales, I don't know what will. The marketing slant is pure genius.

I realise that this is a very sensitive situation, and my comments will upset some... but this is a forum so I will say whats on my mind.

Over the years I have been involved in and around a number of management buyouts, privatly run companies and large government organisations. I have dealt with many people trained and schooled in accountancy...

and I would not have one of them anywhere near a role which requires entrepeneurism and vision. I firmly believe the old phrase that knowing the cost of everything and the value of nothing is a truism.

I commented on Michael's press announcment about Tim Smith as dissapointing, and each subsequent engagement has been equally disheartening. Not because of the message which is honest and true, but it's delivery and tenor.

We need someone of his skill and gravitas to manage club finances, but we also need someone who is adept at rallying people around, creating and selling a vision for the future based on sound financial prudence. Someone who can engender energy and enthusiasm in the face of adversity and hardship.

Were I an outsider, or investor or sponsor, I would not be convinced by the current rhetoric, you are asking me to associate my company with a failing brand... Sponsors need a return on their investment, and have their product placement in a vibrant enviromnent.

I actually think the continued use of some of Glovers ideas are better for the future... 7000 half priced season tickets or 3000 full price? Sponsors getting to 8000 people a game paying half price or to 4000 paying full price...

the price of everything and the value of nothing!!

If I had one piece of advice for Michael, it would be... find the marketeers around the fan base of the club... find the salesmen, the entrepeneurs... and create a think tank... a working committee of talented and progressive thinkers, then listen to them.

Some good points there, why not convert the words into deeds and extend a helping hand to MC. He has already said its a learning curve and he doesn't know everything. Maybe you could be of help?

Although I see your point, if we can only have one, we need the accountant.
In every business I've worked in, all blue chip internationals, the accountant is the most important empoyee behind the CEO or managing director. And usually takes that role.
Think Prime Minister and Chancellor.
The marketing guys are important but will break your business if left to rule.

AG was all about sales and marketing. He clearly needed the accountant to help.

Both would be ideal, but I prefer the accountant having the power

He's in Australia so may prove difficult!

Deported?

Video Conferencing?

Has rickjude suddenly had to go to Australia as well??

Did he ring??

Sadly no but he wishes he was! The original point I was attempting to make was one around a single issue of how we presented the clubs position to the wider world. Some respondents - albeit the minority - have some sympathy with that view but the majority do not. In democracies the majority rule.
Strange as it may seem I actually do have faith in the way MC is tackling the big challenges we face and there was no direct or indirect criticism applied nor intended. I had thought the offer he made to run the club for a month was said with a degree of irony/humour etc. hence the acceptance.
MC has set out a clear path for the club and he has support for that including me. There will always be aspects where other views will be aired.
I have written to MC privately and in large part reiterated the above but conveyed the view that any meetings where they cause concern, humour, wrath etc was not the intention and should therefore not go ahead.
In Old Blighty's post there was a suggestion of using people to assist MC and I think he refers to the concept of a think tank. I was on similar lines - trying to offer some concrete support to someone with a big task. Others may feel they could bring skills sets to support not usurp MC.
New Zealand looks attractive to me now!

Were you 'underground' in a previous rlfans life Old Blighty?

Don't seem like 5 years, how long ago since we first met, Sheaf House and Enid K

Glad you are enjoying life, have you seen clips of your tv star part of the family?
All the best mate

We'll save a space for you at Newmarket when you visit