SLO - Does he do a good job?

I hate to keep repeating myself, but BST have fucked up massively by spending the last few years in the BFC wilderness. They were by far and away the biggest and certainly the most well respected Fans Group. They really ought to be the organisation that each and every one of us could trust to adequately represent us as they are the only properly constituted group, with democratically elected leaders, who can seriously say that they are properly authorised to represent their members.

As I see it though, they completely dropped the baby in pursuit of their flight of fancy and in the interim the MSG has emerged and usurped them as the biggest and strongest fans group. Whilst the MSG methods are questionable, their membership association much more loose and their leadership assumed rather than elected, they have been there to represent the average Blackpool fan, when others have been AWOL.

I can see why the Club would prefer to deal with BST and to be perfectly frank, I think the MSG would probably need to tidy up their act in order to gain the full respect of the fanbase and establish themselves as a properly affiliated group and firm up the membership criteria, but as things stand our fans are not going to simply fall in line behind one or the other... So at least for the time being we will need these two major groups and hopefully they will keep each other on their toes.

Obviously we have a whole load of smaller groups (Yorkshire Seasiders, BASIL etc), but I really don't think they are particularly relevant as far as dialogue is concerned... Yes, they might have specific reason to contact the club as an organisation, but essentially these groups are just small associations or travel groups and I'm not sure that they can purport to represent their membership, beyond fairly limited scope. It also just gets far too messy and ultimately the groups are so small so as to be no different to dealing with individuals.
 
1966_and_all_that said:
They haven't done that though in this instance. I berated them last season when the Committee unilaterally called off a members meeting because they thought that the timing was inappropriate. These things need to be discussed more fully and I hope they are, going forward.
Click to expand...
1966 - I am not sure what you are referring to here in regards to BST?
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
I hate to keep repeating myself, but BST have fucked up massively by spending the last few years in the BFC wilderness. They were by far and away the biggest and certainly the most well respected Fans Group. They really ought to be the organisation that each and every one of us could trust to adequately represent us as they are the only properly constituted group, with democratically elected leaders, who can seriously say that they are properly authorised to represent their members.

As I see it though, they completely dropped the baby in pursuit of their flight of fancy and in the interim the MSG has emerged and usurped them as the biggest and strongest fans group. Whilst the MSG methods are questionable, their membership association much more loose and their leadership assumed rather than elected, they have been there to represent the average Blackpool fan, when others have been AWOL.

I can see why the Club would prefer to deal with BST and to be perfectly frank, I think the MSG would probably need to tidy up their act in order to gain the full respect of the fanbase and establish themselves as a properly affiliated group and firm up the membership criteria, but as things stand our fans are not going to simply fall in line behind one or the other... So at least for the time being we will need these two major groups and hopefully they will keep each other on their toes.

Obviously we have a whole load of smaller groups (Yorkshire Seasiders, BASIL etc), but I really don't think they are particularly relevant as far as dialogue is concerned... Yes, they might have specific reason to contact the club as an organisation, but essentially these groups are just small associations or travel groups and I'm not sure that they can purport to represent their membership, beyond fairly limited scope. It also just gets far too messy and ultimately the groups are so small so as to be no different to dealing with individuals.
Click to expand...
That's a fair summary mate
 
Junior_BentsPlatformShoes said:
How in the real world does a volunteer supporter work as an SLO and become responsible for 'initiatives to increasing the gates and atmosphere?'
You clearly don't understand the role, and instead make it personal with abuse. Poor do - perhaps try communicating with him like an adult with some of your own bright ideas, you might be taken seriously then, just a thought.
Click to expand...
He never responds to any emails . I’ve sent about 10. He’s a wank.
 
For what it's worth I think there is very good reason for the club to have organised and informal dialogue with MSG in future and I'm happy to say so. There are several obvious reasons why. Publishing a private exchange was not a good look though.
 
I contacted him before through email, and he got back to me in a couple of hours, and my issue was sorted, so my personal experience with him was good. I dont know enough about what he does behind the scenes to comment on that.
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
I think you are getting toxic confused with invested
Click to expand...
Do you think some of the abuse (as per the stuff above) aimed at Steve is fair though?

It feels a bit like bullying to me and whilst I'm sure Steve has broad enough shoulders and deals with it admirably, I'm not sure it's particularly acceptable for people to go down that road. We ought to be able to conduct ourselves with a certain amount of respect and decency I's have thought.
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
I've seen it already

And it doesn't do BST or you any favours especially after the recent secret now not so secret meeting with the new CEO

Below is a copy I'm unsure what isn't true about my post
Click to expand...
The bit where you said they’d only ever speak to BST. The message was totally logical.
 
seasideone said:
1966 - I am not sure what you are referring to here in regards to BST?
Click to expand...
At #43 you wrote, with reference to BST,
"Communication can obviously be improved - but releasing private conversations without the other people(s) permission is simply not on in my view."

I was simply saying that I did not believe they had done that on this occasion.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
I hate to keep repeating myself, but BST have fucked up massively by spending the last few years in the BFC wilderness. They were by far and away the biggest and certainly the most well respected Fans Group. They really ought to be the organisation that each and every one of us could trust to adequately represent us as they are the only properly constituted group, with democratically elected leaders, who can seriously say that they are properly authorised to represent their members.

As I see it though, they completely dropped the baby in pursuit of their flight of fancy and in the interim the MSG has emerged and usurped them as the biggest and strongest fans group. Whilst the MSG methods are questionable, their membership association much more loose and their leadership assumed rather than elected, they have been there to represent the average Blackpool fan, when others have been AWOL.

I can see why the Club would prefer to deal with BST and to be perfectly frank, I think the MSG would probably need to tidy up their act in order to gain the full respect of the fanbase and establish themselves as a properly affiliated group and firm up the membership criteria, but as things stand our fans are not going to simply fall in line behind one or the other... So at least for the time being we will need these two major groups and hopefully they will keep each other on their toes.

Obviously we have a whole load of smaller groups (Yorkshire Seasiders, BASIL etc), but I really don't think they are particularly relevant as far as dialogue is concerned... Yes, they might have specific reason to contact the club as an organisation, but essentially these groups are just small associations or travel groups and I'm not sure that they can purport to represent their membership, beyond fairly limited scope. It also just gets far too messy and ultimately the groups are so small so as to be no different to dealing with individuals.
Click to expand...
Yours is a substantive and useful contribution to the debate. In reply I would direct you to mine at #57 of the Dialogue with BFC thread.

dialogue with BFC

There are 8000 ST holders, how many members does BST have? Why should the biggest group of supporters (ST holders) have to pass questions onto a minority group to be heard? There are only actually 5 conversations which happen on this site in an everlasting cycle. This is one of the 5. 💤😴💤
avftt.co.uk
 
1966_and_all_that said:
Yours is a substantive and useful contribution to the debate. In reply I would direct you to mine at #57 of the Dialogue with BFC thread.

dialogue with BFC

There are 8000 ST holders, how many members does BST have? Why should the biggest group of supporters (ST holders) have to pass questions onto a minority group to be heard? There are only actually 5 conversations which happen on this site in an everlasting cycle. This is one of the 5. 💤😴💤
avftt.co.uk
Click to expand...
I think it would have been a lot easier for everyone to unite under a single banner if BST hadn't gone wandering off on one 1966. Right now it's almost a case of 'Hi Honey, I'm Home - Sorry I just disappeared for the last three years without mentioning I was leaving - Anyway is my Tea Ready'. Unfortunately they've lost a lot of credibility as an organisation as well as the trust of many fans / former members by focusing too intently on the personal agendas of the committee members at the cost of the boring day-to-day job. It's also important to remember that their disappearance was also preceded with a whole host of clandestine meetings / conversations with Oyston - meetings that their membership had voted against.

BST has an awful lot to do in order to regain the Trust of supporters IMHO and it may be an insurmountable task, when you see the level of animosity which has developed towards them over time. So I think it will be some time before it might be possible to think of putting on a single united front.
 
BambersLeftFoot said:
He moved from BST to SLO when his mates was interim board members
Click to expand...
For the record Steve applied for the role along with three others
Three of those applicants had BST connections There weren't any with links to any other supporters group
All four were interviewed by Michael Bolingbroke and Steve was selected
Two of the other candidates have worked as part of the SLO team since inception so that's four years plus - at great outcome keeping them involved
The other candidate now heads up BST
Also please note there was only me on the interim board with BST connections and I hadn't been on the committee for 4.5 years at the time after standing down as Chair in Feb 2015
I wrote the job spec and attended the interviews however Michael was the decision-maker and I think his choice was the right one
To suggest Steve got the job because of me is simply wrong but perhaps that doesn't fit with the conspiracy theories
Finally who do the critics suggest should have been appointed bearing in mind there were only four applications ? And how many fans out there do we think are willing to give their time to the volunteer role that Steve undertakes for the love of the club only to get unjustified grief from the usual suspects ?
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
I think it would have been a lot easier for everyone to unite under a single banner if BST hadn't gone wandering off on one 1966. Right now it's almost a case of 'Hi Honey, I'm Home - Sorry I just disappeared for the last three years without mentioning I was leaving - Anyway is my Tea Ready'. Unfortunately they've lost a lot of credibility as an organisation as well as the trust of many fans / former members by focusing too intently on the personal agendas of the committee members at the cost of the boring day-to-day job. It's also important to remember that their disappearance was also preceded with a whole host of clandestine meetings / conversations with Oyston - meetings that their membership had voted against.

BST has an awful lot to do in order to regain the Trust of supporters IMHO and it may be an insurmountable task, when you see the level of animosity which has developed towards them over time. So I think it will be some time before it might be possible to think of putting on a single united front.
Click to expand...

BST have done a lot to help the community in Blackpool and that deserves recognition and this is ongoing. They also, from memory, did a lot of outreach during the pandemic and cost of living crises. Not sure if this is what you mean by 'wandering off' but as a member of BST, I think that they have done what I would expect as a supporters group, and more by helping the local community.
I think they do a good job
 
TwelveAngryMen said:
For the record Steve applied for the role along with three others
Three of those applicants had BST connections There weren't any with links to any other supporters group
All four were interviewed by Michael Bolingbroke and Steve was selected
Two of the other candidates have worked as part of the SLO team since inception so that's four years plus - at great outcome keeping them involved
The other candidate now heads up BST
Also please note there was only me on the interim board with BST connections and I hadn't been on the committee for 4.5 years at the time after standing down as Chair in Feb 2015
I wrote the job spec and attended the interviews however Michael was the decision-maker and I think his choice was the right one
To suggest Steve got the job because of me is simply wrong but perhaps that doesn't fit with the conspiracy theories
Finally who do the critics suggest should have been appointed bearing in mind there were only four applications ? And how many fans out there do we think are willing to give their time to the volunteer role that Steve undertakes for the love of the club only to get unjustified grief from the usual suspects ?
Click to expand...
I think there would be a few I could think of who would be willing to do it. Whether they would be as competent and as sober as Steve is another matter.
 
ElBurroSinNombre said:
BST have done a lot to help the community in Blackpool and that deserves recognition and this is ongoing. They also, from memory, did a lot of outreach during the pandemic and cost of living crises. Not sure if this is what you mean by 'wandering off' but as a member of BST, I think that they have done what I would expect as a supporters group, and more by helping the local community.
I think they do a good job
Click to expand...
They're a Supporters Group not a Charity Fundraiser though... And whilst I appreciate that raising funds for good causes is a really nice thing to do and something that the MSG also do, as well as all manner of other organisations, businesses, individuals in Blackpool and elsewhere, I think a lot of supporters were looking for an organisation to be focused on Blackpool Supporters and associated Blackpool Supporter Focused issues.

Maybe it's just a case that BST aren't particularly good at communicating or perhaps not quite as Social Media / Tech Savvy as others.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
I think it would have been a lot easier for everyone to unite under a single banner if BST hadn't gone wandering off on one 1966. Right now it's almost a case of 'Hi Honey, I'm Home - Sorry I just disappeared for the last three years without mentioning I was leaving - Anyway is my Tea Ready'. Unfortunately they've lost a lot of credibility as an organisation as well as the trust of many fans / former members by focusing too intently on the personal agendas of the committee members at the cost of the boring day-to-day job. It's also important to remember that their disappearance was also preceded with a whole host of clandestine meetings / conversations with Oyston - meetings that their membership had voted against.

BST has an awful lot to do in order to regain the Trust of supporters IMHO and it may be an insurmountable task, when you see the level of animosity which has developed towards them over time. So I think it will be some time before it might be possible to think of putting on a single united front.
Click to expand...
That's a real shame. It's six years since the Oystons were thrown out of the Club and yet here we are, playing fisticuffs on the head of a pin and for what? Some people use cynicism and negativity as a stimulus. It is no help whatsoever. Is it any wonder that a strong, fascist leader appeals to the disgruntled masses? They crave leadership and strong governance. But no, BST is a democratic organisation that wants to do well by its members - Blackpool fans. It makes mistakes and boy, don't the naysayers love that?! Why be supportive when you can be disruptive? Why? I'll tell you why. It's because it is far easier to be noticed, to be taken seriously when one is portentuously decrying those who put in the effort. I would imagine that the majority of BST members would say that it is a force for good just as I would say that most would be happy to pay their fees without getting involved. But I can only see things going backwards if those fans with loud voices continue to decry the organisation. I should note that whilst I am responding to your post I am not venting my anger at you. That said, it would have been helpful to have seen more BST Committee members on this thread - apols if you have been and I've not recognised your aliases.
 
It’s the usual thing, BST were just what we needed at the end of the oyston era, subsequently there’s not much for them to do except occasional meetings with the hierarchy. It’s the same with politics, eventually people want change just because they think it’s time.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
They're a Supporters Group not a Charity Fundraiser though... And whilst I appreciate that raising funds for good causes is a really nice thing to do and something that the MSG also do, as well as all manner of other organisations, businesses, individuals in Blackpool and elsewhere, I think a lot of supporters were looking for an organisation to be focused on Blackpool Supporters and associated Blackpool Supporter Focused issues.

Maybe it's just a case that BST aren't particularly good at communicating or perhaps not quite as Social Media / Tech Savvy as others.
Click to expand...
You said that they 'wandered off'.
IMO they did precisely the opposite by trying to engage the local community with BFC and help in what have been very difficult times for many people.
1966 makes a good point, some are not happy unless they are causing friction and dischord. This thread is an example of that, the name of a decent person giving a lot for no personal gain is being dragged down on the back of heresay and tittle-tattle which is not even true.
 
Being the SLO at this club is a thankless task and Steve seems to do a decent job of it.

It makes sense that Winter, new in the club, would want to meet with the main organised fans group in BST. Yes, BST could've been a bit more focused on Blackpool fans rather than national issues over recent years and they should use this management change at the club as an opportunity to improve engagement.

The MSG have had their nose put out of joint because they have lost influence as a result of the Board changes at the club. They didn't have a problem with secret meetings last year when they were getting board members to get Appleton to drop his trousers in The Armfield or when board members were meeting with them when there was talk of the MSG going to the training ground.
 
Last edited:
1966_and_all_that said:
That's a real shame. It's six years since the Oystons were thrown out of the Club and yet here we are, playing fisticuffs on the head of a pin and for what? Some people use cynicism and negativity as a stimulus. It is no help whatsoever. Is it any wonder that a strong, fascist leader appeals to the disgruntled masses? They crave leadership and strong governance. But no, BST is a democratic organisation that wants to do well by its members - Blackpool fans. It makes mistakes and boy, don't the naysayers love that?! Why be supportive when you can be disruptive? Why? I'll tell you why. It's because it is far easier to be noticed, to be taken seriously when one is portentuously decrying those who put in the effort. I would imagine that the majority of BST members would say that it is a force for good just as I would say that most would be happy to pay their fees without getting involved. But I can only see things going backwards if those fans with loud voices continue to decry the organisation. I should note that whilst I am responding to your post I am not venting my anger at you. That said, it would have been helpful to have seen more BST Committee members on this thread - apols if you have been and I've not recognised your aliases.
Click to expand...
It's 'portentously' 😉

I find it frustrating too, but I do think it was foreseeable and so I think that BST needs to take some responsibility themselves for adopting a bit of a head in the sand approach for a while. For whatever reason, a significant enough number of fans have chosen to associate themselves with a more radical 'in your face' kind of approach to Fan representation... Maybe the MSG are a bit more on trend and BST are perceived a little bit 'anorak and bobble hat'.

I don't know what the answer is TBH, but I think that BST opening up the lines of communication and hopefully engaging with the entire fanbase regarding that ongoing communication is a good place to start and I think it's a good thing.

There's a lot in what you say about the strong fascist leadership (although maybe autocratic, rather than fascist). Ultimately I do wonder whether people can often relate better to strong non nonsense leadership and it's more about the charisma of the character or characters, than it is about the legitimacy or integrity of the organisation and processes.... That said, I think all these kinds of groups with committees and what have you end up being completely corrupt in any case..

Anyway, it will no doubt all work itself out in the wash and if not, it makes great Social Media entertainment if nothing else.
 
ElBurroSinNombre said:
You said that they 'wandered off'.
IMO they did precisely the opposite by trying to engage the local community with BFC and help in what have been very difficult times for many people.
1966 makes a good point, some are not happy unless they are causing friction and dischord. This thread is an example of that, the name of a decent person giving a lot for no personal gain is being dragged down on the back of heresay and tittle-tattle which is not even true.
Click to expand...
It's no good venting at me... I'm simply expressing how people perceive the situation.

The perception of many is that BST have been focused on charidy and governance, whilst concerns about various issues relating to the club have been left for others to tackle.

If that's not the case, then there's a big problem with BST's PR, because pretty much everyone I speak to about them has forgot they even existed and the overwhelming feedback, the last time they reached out to the fans, was concern that they had been overly invested in National issues.
 
AngelBFC said:
I think there would be a few I could think of who would be willing to do it. Whether they would be as competent and as sober as Steve is another matter.
Click to expand...
If there are other fans out there who would like to be part of the SLO team I'd love to hear from them. I advertised at the beginning of last season for additional fans to join the team and I got precisely zero take-up.... so if there's anyone who genuinely wants to get on board, email me: slo@blackpoolfc.co.uk and I'll tell you what's involved. UTMP.
 
SLO_BFC said:
If there are other fans out there who would like to be part of the SLO team I'd love to hear from them. I advertised at the beginning of last season for additional fans to join the team and I got precisely zero take-up.... so if there's anyone who genuinely wants to get on board, email me: slo@blackpoolfc.co.uk and I'll tell you what's involved. UTMP.
Click to expand...
Are you sure you know what you are letting yourself in for making such offers Steve ?
 
The abuse is uncalled for and must be dispiriting

Anyone involved at any form of level in representing fans gets pelters

Just today I have repeatedly been called a liar on X over my postings regarding the meet with the CEO and also had another idiot join in by suggesting that my involvement in the interim board in someway is linked to the fact that the Oystons haven't yet been ejected from the penthouse and offices

It's a regular thing and whilst ' water off a ducks back ' to me really isn't something any of us should have to put up with, least of all Steve
 
TwelveAngryMen said:
The abuse is uncalled for and must be dispiriting

Anyone involved at any form of level in representing fans gets pelters

Just today I have repeatedly been called a liar on X over my postings regarding the meet with the CEO and also had another idiot join in by suggesting that my involvement in the interim board in someway is linked to the fact that the Oystons haven't yet been ejected from the penthouse and offices

It's a regular thing and whilst ' water off a ducks back ' to me really isn't something any of us should have to put up with, least of all Steve
Click to expand...
Yeah I heard that you (and another) had been accused of being in collusion with Oyston over the penthouse lease.

Fecking disgraceful considering your contribution and what you have been through over the years.

It’s about time these anonymous accusers were named and outed tbh.
 
Mexboroseasider said:
Yeah I heard that you (and another) had been accused of being in collusion with Oyston over the penthouse lease.

Fecking disgraceful considering your contribution and what you have been through over the years.

It’s about time these anonymous accusers were named and outed tbh.
Click to expand...
Neither are anonymous
I've challenged them both and you just get more of the same
What do you do ? If you aren't careful you could spend all your time replying to their nonsense
 
Knock the SLO all you want but who else would sort rubbish bags at the bottom of the stands, sitting sections at away games and tell us how to talk to to the catering staff during busy periods. Educational.

The way I see it, BST lost their SatNav when they seemingly decided to be some kind of freedom fighters telling us all about Bury et al & criticising National organisations. They undoubtedly do lots of good stuff but their PR went Pete Tong when they handed it over to one of the biggest pompous pricks going in our fanbase.

It all coincides with the long winded essays and nonsense they’ve communicated but it’s no shock after the way the weapon acted during the previous regime.

It’s like letting Fred West do a teaching seminar at Myerscough College.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
It's no good venting at me... I'm simply expressing how people perceive the situation.

The perception of many is that BST have been focused on charidy and governance, whilst concerns about various issues relating to the club have been left for others to tackle.

If that's not the case, then there's a big problem with BST's PR, because pretty much everyone I speak to about them has forgot they even existed and the overwhelming feedback, the last time they reached out to the fans, was concern that they had been overly invested in National issues.
Click to expand...
Might be good to identify the things that BST has neglected while it wandered off. What has it failed to deal with?
 
Matesrates said:
Time to stop this, disgraceful abuse imo.
Click to expand...

Yep.

Re the email exchange between the SLO & the MSG, some idiot tweeted "....absolutely reeks of rapey Owen".

I don't care what anyone's gripe is or how valid it may be, suggesting some similarity to that piece of shit, the one that the vast majority of us wanted out whatever our background, is just bang out of order.
 
voyeur said:
Might be good to identify the things that BST has neglected while it wandered off. What has it failed to deal with?
Click to expand...
I had this conversation with them a while back. Although it was along the lines of “what’s the local stuff you’ve been doing but haven’t got credit for?”

There was a lot more than I thought tbh.

But it isn’t broadcast enough.
 
BFC_BFC_BFC said:
Do you think some of the abuse (as per the stuff above) aimed at Steve is fair though?

It feels a bit like bullying to me and whilst I'm sure Steve has broad enough shoulders and deals with it admirably, I'm not sure it's particularly acceptable for people to go down that road. We ought to be able to conduct ourselves with a certain amount of respect and decency I's have thought.
Click to expand...
It’s dreadful. People have either forgotten how to behave or never knew how to.

I often wish we could go back 25 years to non data mobiles and word processors instead of computers and laptops .

At least then you didn’t have to see or read the bile.

If you’ve got a disagreement meet up talk it through get assurances find solutions etc.

Spouting off rarely solves anything .
 
I think like a few on her have said there's a communications issue. I very rarely hear what BST are doing, I only hear the negative side of them, they're having secret meetings, they're sucking up to Sadler like BSA was with the Oystons, they're pushing forward their candidates for SLO over anyone else, they're trying to be the only supporters group that have real links to the board of the club are just a few I've heard over the last couple of years. When that's all that people are hearing, they're gonna believe that it's true. There's been more cleared up in this one post about BST than has been in the last 3 years. I still have issues with them being the only group in that meeting as MSG are just as big if not bigger in size than BST are, but there's been a few things put to rest here.
 
I really think that threads criticising and identifiable individual are wrong. How would Steve feel reading this?
 
I’ve never been threatened or felt in danger at any game I’ve attended at BR so he gets a thumbs up from me. Is he called Big John or am I thinking of someone else?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top