Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2019 15:08:27 GMT
Probably was on holiday and very likely he did not want to lose his money. After all the AGM was only announced recently and he had very likely paid all the monies at that time. I am not aware that the insurance companies reimburse money if you reason is, you have to attend a AGM. Probably waited untill he booked it, then set the date for the meeting.... Don't blame him, I would have done the same.
|
|
|
Post by gashead1981 on Jun 12, 2019 15:14:28 GMT
Well I went to the AGM last night and I have to say, from the outset you could have cut the atmosphere with a cricket stump and when it started, it turned more toxic. Wael attended, Hamer didn’t.
There were objections raised from the outset from a slight change in the agenda, to the suspicion of a conflict of interest from having Micheal Turner as a director of BRFC and a partner of Taylor Wessing who have charged BRFC for services used. There were no real questions raised, more accusations levied, some made personally, which was inappropriate and rude, no matter how high emotionally matters were felt.
At one point an accusation was made “were wasting money all over the place”. Martyn Starnes replied “where have we wasted it?” Ah well, oh well we’ve lost £3m. Wael then said well for every £100 we spend £97 on playing staff.
There was an accusation that the reason the accounts were late was because Hani refused to underwrite the losses. Regardless of the reasons of why they were late, every one of them were refuted by the ringleaders of the SC.
Tommy and Joe Dunn came across well. We seem to have a good assistant manager so hopefully that will grow as the season goes on.
One thing that struck me last night was the SC has no confidence in the board but also offers little positivity or suggestions going forward to help. There wasn’t one person there under 50, all white and 90% male. There are about 3-4 ringleaders with the rest either head nodders or if an attempt was made to disagree with a comment then they were shouted down. Quite literally.
As for KM, he said about 10 words, which related to why there was only 1 representative on the board.
It’s no wonder there is such as chasm with the SC and board, why no one else wants to join it that’s younger and why it’s also no force for good anymore.
|
|
|
Post by peterparker on Jun 12, 2019 15:18:16 GMT
So you were there Zulu? Did Wael attend? What questions were asked? I was rather hoping people would be taking the Board on regarding the state of our finances and the strategy (if there is one) of Dwane Sports. Did these sorts of questions get asked? Did the brave keyboard warriors not speak up? Or is there some kind of restriction on reporting what was said? I wouldn't have thought it would be possible to slap a confidentiality agreement on a shareholders meeting... but with this lot, you never know. There were questions asked about the late submissions of the finances, the dept of the club and the strategy going forward. Unfortunately it was done in a rather confrontational manner claiming Hanni wont do this or that, and that got defensive type answers that told us nothing new. Wael himself got very agitated and challenge the individual to provide proof of their accusations, which of course they could not. The whole tone of the meeting was very agitated and unpleasant. Because the meeting was taken up by asking the same questions over and over by a couple of individuals there really wasn't much time for general questions. Usual stuff about UWE pulling out of the deal in January at the 11th hour, training ground tied into whatever is happening with stadium etc, nothing new. Tom Widderington said new player announcement today and one tomorrow. Joe Dunne said his piece and that was it really. so basically people from the floor had no evidence of anything, made accusations and approached the whole thing in the wrong way.
As Hugo says, time people either work with the club or come forward and make a proper case against them
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2019 15:30:20 GMT
Well I went to the AGM last night and I have to say, from the outset you could have cut the atmosphere with a cricket stump and when it started, it turned more toxic. Wael attended, Hamer didn’t. There were objections raised from the outset from a slight change in the agenda, to the suspicion of a conflict of interest from having Micheal Turner as a director of BRFC and a partner of Taylor Wessing who have charged BRFC for services used. There were no real questions raised, more accusations levied, some made personally, which was inappropriate and rude, no matter how high emotionally matters were felt. At one point an accusation was made “were wasting money all over the place”. Martyn Starnes replied “where have we wasted it?” Ah well, oh well we’ve lost £3m. Wael then said well for every £100 we spend £97 on playing staff. There was an accusation that the reason the accounts were late was because Hani refused to underwrite the losses. Regardless of the reasons of why they were late, every one of them were refuted by the ringleaders of the SC. Tommy and Joe Dunn came across well. We seem to have a good assistant manager so hopefully that will grow as the season goes on. One thing that struck me last night was the SC has no confidence in the board but also offers little positivity or suggestions going forward to help. There wasn’t one person there under 50, all white and 90% male. There are about 3-4 ringleaders with the rest either head nodders or if an attempt was made to disagree with a comment then they were shouted down. Quite literally. As for KM, he said about 10 words, which related to why there was only 1 representative on the board. It’s no wonder there is such as chasm with the SC and board, why no one else wants to join it that’s younger and why it’s also no force for good anymore. Blimey it really is as stereotypical as i/we feared. Thanks for this 81, maybe its time people let the AQ's just get on with running the club now. Some decent signings being made so reasons for positive.
|
|
|
Post by glengas on Jun 12, 2019 15:38:25 GMT
Well I went to the AGM last night and I have to say, from the outset you could have cut the atmosphere with a cricket stump and when it started, it turned more toxic. Wael attended, Hamer didn’t. There were objections raised from the outset from a slight change in the agenda, to the suspicion of a conflict of interest from having Micheal Turner as a director of BRFC and a partner of Taylor Wessing who have charged BRFC for services used. There were no real questions raised, more accusations levied, some made personally, which was inappropriate and rude, no matter how high emotionally matters were felt. At one point an accusation was made “were wasting money all over the place”. Martyn Starnes replied “where have we wasted it?” Ah well, oh well we’ve lost £3m. Wael then said well for every £100 we spend £97 on playing staff. There was an accusation that the reason the accounts were late was because Hani refused to underwrite the losses. Regardless of the reasons of why they were late, every one of them were refuted by the ringleaders of the SC. Tommy and Joe Dunn came across well. We seem to have a good assistant manager so hopefully that will grow as the season goes on. One thing that struck me last night was the SC has no confidence in the board but also offers little positivity or suggestions going forward to help. There wasn’t one person there under 50, all white and 90% male. There are about 3-4 ringleaders with the rest either head nodders or if an attempt was made to disagree with a comment then they were shouted down. Quite literally. As for KM, he said about 10 words, which related to why there was only 1 representative on the board. It’s no wonder there is such as chasm with the SC and board, why no one else wants to join it that’s younger and why it’s also no force for good anymore. Good to get a report first hand from someone who was there. I know it is watering against the wind as the SC has taken a right kicking on here recently, but is the club itself interested in the supporters club anymore? There seems to be a fair bit of tension between the two, so what has caused this and did it exist under previous regimes. Surely both of them are working towards the same goal of generating income and support for the club?
|
|
|
Post by gashead1981 on Jun 12, 2019 15:39:52 GMT
There were questions asked about the late submissions of the finances, the dept of the club and the strategy going forward. Unfortunately it was done in a rather confrontational manner claiming Hanni wont do this or that, and that got defensive type answers that told us nothing new. Wael himself got very agitated and challenge the individual to provide proof of their accusations, which of course they could not. The whole tone of the meeting was very agitated and unpleasant. Because the meeting was taken up by asking the same questions over and over by a couple of individuals there really wasn't much time for general questions. Usual stuff about UWE pulling out of the deal in January at the 11th hour, training ground tied into whatever is happening with stadium etc, nothing new. Tom Widderington said new player announcement today and one tomorrow. Joe Dunne said his piece and that was it really. so basically people from the floor had no evidence of anything, made accusations and approached the whole thing in the wrong way.
As Hugo says, time people either work with the club or come forward and make a proper case against them
In a nutshell. It was actually embarrassing. Wael ended the evening by saying to everyone to stop listening to the misinformation agendas of others who do not have the best interests of the club at heart.
|
|
|
Post by Severncider on Jun 12, 2019 15:40:40 GMT
Well I went to the AGM last night and I have to say, from the outset you could have cut the atmosphere with a cricket stump and when it started, it turned more toxic. Wael attended, Hamer didn’t. There were objections raised from the outset from a slight change in the agenda, to the suspicion of a conflict of interest from having Micheal Turner as a director of BRFC and a partner of Taylor Wessing who have charged BRFC for services used. There were no real questions raised, more accusations levied, some made personally, which was inappropriate and rude, no matter how high emotionally matters were felt. At one point an accusation was made “were wasting money all over the place”. Martyn Starnes replied “where have we wasted it?” Ah well, oh well we’ve lost £3m. Wael then said well for every £100 we spend £97 on playing staff. There was an accusation that the reason the accounts were late was because Hani refused to underwrite the losses. Regardless of the reasons of why they were late, every one of them were refuted by the ringleaders of the SC. Tommy and Joe Dunn came across well. We seem to have a good assistant manager so hopefully that will grow as the season goes on. One thing that struck me last night was the SC has no confidence in the board but also offers little positivity or suggestions going forward to help. There wasn’t one person there under 50, all white and 90% male. There are about 3-4 ringleaders with the rest either head nodders or if an attempt was made to disagree with a comment then they were shouted down. Quite literally. As for KM, he said about 10 words, which related to why there was only 1 representative on the board. It’s no wonder there is such as chasm with the SC and board, why no one else wants to join it that’s younger and why it’s also no force for good anymore. Not just the Supporters Club but also the Presidents Club. Both organisations in the past have been very supportive of the Board, but not at this AGM. I did not bother to ask any questions, that is a first, but made the parting comment that "the Board should reflect on the feeling of the Shareholders present". Wael then made his comment about not believing rumours but he not once gave any insight into the strategy of the club for the future. Most people I spoke too were shocked by the tone of the meeting.
|
|
|
Post by burnthewitch on Jun 12, 2019 15:48:01 GMT
So you were there Zulu? Did Wael attend? What questions were asked? I was rather hoping people would be taking the Board on regarding the state of our finances and the strategy (if there is one) of Dwane Sports. Did these sorts of questions get asked? Did the brave keyboard warriors not speak up? Or is there some kind of restriction on reporting what was said? I wouldn't have thought it would be possible to slap a confidentiality agreement on a shareholders meeting... but with this lot, you never know. There were questions asked about the late submissions of the finances, the dept of the club and the strategy going forward. Unfortunately it was done in a rather confrontational manner claiming Hanni wont do this or that, and that got defensive type answers that told us nothing new. Wael himself got very agitated and challenge the individual to provide proof of their accusations, which of course they could not. The whole tone of the meeting was very agitated and unpleasant. Because the meeting was taken up by asking the same questions over and over by a couple of individuals there really wasn't much time for general questions. Usual stuff about UWE pulling out of the deal in January at the 11th hour, training ground tied into whatever is happening with stadium etc, nothing new. Tom Widderington said new player announcement today and one tomorrow. Joe Dunne said his piece and that was it really. Much appreciated Zulu. If your account is accurate (and absolutely no reason to believe it's not) - then I'm staggered at the lack of professionalism shown by the SC. They have a chance to ask some pertinent questions directly to Wael and the CEO and essentially they blew it? Could they have not got together and discussed how best to approach this? I am not a defender of the Board (very far from it) - but to just fling accusations at them without any evidence to back it up is just amateurish. Sounds like a chance wasted.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2019 15:48:58 GMT
Surely if people are to level accusations at the board they need to provide irrefutable evidence backing their case. Did that happen last night?
edit: also not quite sure why we needed to know the audience was all-white
|
|
|
Post by gashead1981 on Jun 12, 2019 15:50:20 GMT
Well I went to the AGM last night and I have to say, from the outset you could have cut the atmosphere with a cricket stump and when it started, it turned more toxic. Wael attended, Hamer didn’t. There were objections raised from the outset from a slight change in the agenda, to the suspicion of a conflict of interest from having Micheal Turner as a director of BRFC and a partner of Taylor Wessing who have charged BRFC for services used. There were no real questions raised, more accusations levied, some made personally, which was inappropriate and rude, no matter how high emotionally matters were felt. At one point an accusation was made “were wasting money all over the place”. Martyn Starnes replied “where have we wasted it?” Ah well, oh well we’ve lost £3m. Wael then said well for every £100 we spend £97 on playing staff. There was an accusation that the reason the accounts were late was because Hani refused to underwrite the losses. Regardless of the reasons of why they were late, every one of them were refuted by the ringleaders of the SC. Tommy and Joe Dunn came across well. We seem to have a good assistant manager so hopefully that will grow as the season goes on. One thing that struck me last night was the SC has no confidence in the board but also offers little positivity or suggestions going forward to help. There wasn’t one person there under 50, all white and 90% male. There are about 3-4 ringleaders with the rest either head nodders or if an attempt was made to disagree with a comment then they were shouted down. Quite literally. As for KM, he said about 10 words, which related to why there was only 1 representative on the board. It’s no wonder there is such as chasm with the SC and board, why no one else wants to join it that’s younger and why it’s also no force for good anymore. Blimey it really is as stereotypical as i/we feared. Thanks for this 81, maybe its time people let the AQ's just get on with running the club now. Some decent signings being made so reasons for positive. Yes it is.
|
|
|
Post by gashead1981 on Jun 12, 2019 15:52:07 GMT
Surely if people are to level accusations at the board they need to provide irrefutable evidence backing their case. Did that happen last night? No evidence presented.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2019 15:52:39 GMT
Surely if people are to level accusations at the board they need to provide irrefutable evidence backing their case. Did that happen last night? It does not sound like it.
|
|
|
Post by glengas on Jun 12, 2019 15:55:19 GMT
I really don’t care about the politics and infighting going on at the club and on this forum, but the fact remains we have massive debts and that is a concern to your average fan. Was there any reassurance regarding our financial position and any plans in place to reduce it? That’s all I wanted from the AGM.
|
|
|
Post by gashead1981 on Jun 12, 2019 15:55:34 GMT
There were questions asked about the late submissions of the finances, the dept of the club and the strategy going forward. Unfortunately it was done in a rather confrontational manner claiming Hanni wont do this or that, and that got defensive type answers that told us nothing new. Wael himself got very agitated and challenge the individual to provide proof of their accusations, which of course they could not. The whole tone of the meeting was very agitated and unpleasant. Because the meeting was taken up by asking the same questions over and over by a couple of individuals there really wasn't much time for general questions. Usual stuff about UWE pulling out of the deal in January at the 11th hour, training ground tied into whatever is happening with stadium etc, nothing new. Tom Widderington said new player announcement today and one tomorrow. Joe Dunne said his piece and that was it really. Much appreciated Zulu. If your account is accurate (and absolutely no reason to believe it's not) - then I'm staggered at the lack of professionalism shown by the SC. They have a chance to ask some pertinent questions directly to Wael and the CEO and essentially they blew it? Could they have not got together and discussed how best to approach this? I am not a defender of the Board (very far from it) - but to just fling accusations at them without any evidence to back it up is just amateurish. Sounds like a chance wasted. That’s the problem with conjecture and opinion. It gets in the way of logical thinking and common sense
|
|
|
Post by burnthewitch on Jun 12, 2019 16:01:16 GMT
Well I went to the AGM last night and I have to say, from the outset you could have cut the atmosphere with a cricket stump and when it started, it turned more toxic. Wael attended, Hamer didn’t. There were objections raised from the outset from a slight change in the agenda, to the suspicion of a conflict of interest from having Micheal Turner as a director of BRFC and a partner of Taylor Wessing who have charged BRFC for services used. There were no real questions raised, more accusations levied, some made personally, which was inappropriate and rude, no matter how high emotionally matters were felt. At one point an accusation was made “were wasting money all over the place”. Martyn Starnes replied “where have we wasted it?” Ah well, oh well we’ve lost £3m. Wael then said well for every £100 we spend £97 on playing staff. There was an accusation that the reason the accounts were late was because Hani refused to underwrite the losses. Regardless of the reasons of why they were late, every one of them were refuted by the ringleaders of the SC. Tommy and Joe Dunn came across well. We seem to have a good assistant manager so hopefully that will grow as the season goes on. One thing that struck me last night was the SC has no confidence in the board but also offers little positivity or suggestions going forward to help. There wasn’t one person there under 50, all white and 90% male. There are about 3-4 ringleaders with the rest either head nodders or if an attempt was made to disagree with a comment then they were shouted down. Quite literally. As for KM, he said about 10 words, which related to why there was only 1 representative on the board. It’s no wonder there is such as chasm with the SC and board, why no one else wants to join it that’s younger and why it’s also no force for good anymore. Thanks Gashead1981. This ties in with what Zulu said and there would appear no reason to doubt either of your reports. Utterly depressing. We are stuck with the current owners who are racking up debts at an alarming rate and have no clear or coherent strategy. The SC do not appear to have a clue on how to manage the relationship and how to work with them (through gritted teeth if necessary). No-one asked them to justify the £250k a year London office? No-one asked them about the interest that Dwane Sports are charging BRFC? No-one asked about the £17.5mil credit facility and when that is likely to be exhausted? No-one asked about the value of the Memorial Stadium and how effectively all that equity has been spent? FFS.
|
|
|
Post by Jomo on Jun 12, 2019 16:12:55 GMT
I really don’t care about the politics and infighting going on at the club and on this forum, but the fact remains we have massive debts and that is a concern to your average fan. Was there any reassurance regarding our financial position and any plans in place to reduce it? That’s all I wanted from the AGM. It sounds like the vocal accusers weren't intelligent enough to ask pertinent questions.
|
|
|
Post by Severncider on Jun 12, 2019 16:25:57 GMT
One thing I forgot to mention.
Wael made the promise that he was prepared to answer any questions that fans wanted answering. I believe he is on twitter, so ask him whatever you believe has not been asked/answered.
|
|
|
Post by aghast on Jun 12, 2019 16:28:19 GMT
Sounds like the last days of the Roman Empire to me. It's slowly but surely falling apart.
Such an unfortunate coincidence that Mr Hamer booked his holiday the same week as the AGM. Ah well, these things happen.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2019 16:29:11 GMT
so basically people from the floor had no evidence of anything, made accusations and approached the whole thing in the wrong way.
As Hugo says, time people either work with the club or come forward and make a proper case against them
In a nutshell. It was actually embarrassing. Wael ended the evening by saying to everyone to stop listening to the misinformation agendas of others who do not have the best interests of the club at heart. Jim Chappell never endeared himself to Wael within the first year of Wael arriving. It would appear that Wael has a long memory and doesn’t forgive Jim for his programme comments. It would also appear that the couple of people who “know what’s happening but can’t say” can’t say because they cannot back their views up with hard facts. I agree with Sprout. If one or two are attacking Wael for their own agenda either speak out openly or keep quiet so that Wael can get on with his job.
|
|
|
Post by rosssgb on Jun 12, 2019 16:36:01 GMT
In the same boat Glengas. As a younger fan and forum user I personally find the politicking between supports club, presidents club and whoever else all a bit embarrassing. Old out of touch men squabbling and upset that we’re finally (very slowly may I add) being dragged into the 21st century.
I am by no means a fan of the owners but the work TG has done on marketing and the small improvements like season card and electronic turn styles have been great (even if overdue). Also the fact we’re still not in administration despite the debt means Wael and his family deserve the upmost respect, in my opinion anyway.
My two concerns are: a) the rising debt, and if this money is being borrowed from Dwane Sports against the club and it’s assets (literally only the Mem and land). b) the level of commitment Wael and his family to investing the money needed to get us out of debt & develop the Mem, a new stadium and/or training ground.
Surely these are the only actual questions that needed to raised at the AGM?
I cannot believe those who had the platform and opportunity to speak in a reasonable controlled environment, with those in power, have not taken it! Instead they’ve thrown accusations and got people’s backs up without even having supporting evidence to back their claims.
Real concerns on spending with proof such as the extreme cost of London office and the need for both Hamer and Starnes for example could’ve been raised!
Edit: Wael could’ve also been asked why he is so opposed to outside funding or help (Hamer said on the radio the club would not welcome any fundraising attempts from the fans or something to that effect).
|
|