If PP has already been applied for the size/shape etc of the building will already be designed - some consultation about the content would be nice though……
[Albion] Fan advisory board
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PBOBE starts the meeting by saying he doesn't believe it's needed, states a few things then buggers off. These type of engagement group needs buy in from the top or it becomes a talking shop with no improvement.
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Blimey. One could argue that if the CEO says that there is 'no need ' for a FAB then a FAB is actually precisely what we need.
We all accept that we don't need a BISA-type organisation as the circumstances are so far removed from the late 90s as they can possibly be. However sadly even the existence of a club-approved, sanitised body seems to be a step too far. This might be another example of the club's sometimes thin-skin when it comes to criticism, or their exasperation at the apparent ungrateful nature of the fans: we're in Europe playing the best football of our existence and people are moaning about the buses and train queues.
EDIT: Thinking about it, it could also be an example of PB's honesty. The FAB is just a talking shop and whilst we might give the impression of listening to it we will in fact ignore it, and if we do enact any of its recommendations that will be pure co-incidence.
Brian Fantana
Well-known member
It's extraordinary.
I wonder if he said it in exactly the way that it comes across in the minutes, although I suspect they'd have been circulated for approval before being published.
It really doesn't do anything to dispell the argument from some that the FAB is a purely a tickbox exercise for the club, so that they avoid further more stringent regulations around mandated fan involvement.
Hastings gull
Well-known member
- Nov 23, 2013
- 4,652
To be fair, I feel that a cover of some sort is needed, though you are quite right in that the queue would be shorter if everyone got on the first train, though the queues would still be quite long. We always take the first available train, and if it is one going to Seaford, then get on the Hastings train at Lewes by which time hundreds have got off. Just out of interest: The chap at the gate on to the platform presumably knows how many carriages the next train is composed of and counts the number allowed through due to safety concerns, but what about those still on the platform?
That’s a bit selective though Bozza. The full sentence does put it in context “He said that he does not believe that BHAFC needs a FAB as there is already great communication via many fan forums and email responses to fans, however it is positive to have the FAB in place and trust and confidentiality are key.”
I certainly wasn't intending to be duplicitous in any way - I was just somewhat surprised to read that.
I'd be interested to hear from @Barry Izbak on how that came across? Were the FAB surprised to hear that.
Exactly this. This is exactly how media storms are created today, where selective quotes are used or taken out of context. With the full quote he is clearly saying he thinks things are ok as they are, but FAB will add to the existing.
Fair enough. Without going through the whole thread, isn’t this FAB thing a nationwide response as part of a bid to avert external regulation? It does read as if Albion resent having to adopt something that is probably less necessary here than at some clubs, and also potentially a bit of a smokescreen rather than genuine engagement.
Arthur
Well-known member
Agreed
Disagree and as I've already said on this thread the FAB should be completely independent of the club.
Oh absolutely, we're fighting different battles now many of which could be seen as "first world problems" and not for the existence of the club. To a point there may be some substance if the club holds the view in your last sentence (which I think it does). They may view it as what does it matter all the time the club is selling out pretty much every game home and away which is short sighted IMO. Our fan base isn't as strong as they think it is, people will disappear as quickly as they arrived if the entertainment value that we have currently goes. So working on fixing things like bus and train queues is important.
Well ultimately it's always going to be the clubs ball and they can take it home whenever they like and that appears to be what we have here, the club paying lip service to the fans by having a body of yes wo/men who are a "go-between" between both parties.
Yeah, all fair points.
Barry Izbak
U.T.A.
No, we were not surprised at all. He said similar at our first meeting in 2022. Tony Bloom also said something similar at SOL last October.
The reason that they have this view is because the club feel that they are already really good at gathering feedback from fans and have a good relationship with the fanbase. And I don't disagree. Certainly compared to many other clubs.
We have the fans forum at the start of every season, PB and TB go out visiting the various supporters groups, they appear on Albion podcasts and PB especially is super responsive to the thousands of emails he receives.
But the Premier League have said all clubs have to have a FAB and so the Albion wanted to be amongst the first and not be caught on the naughty step, unlike several other Premier League clubs who have yet to get up and running.
Barry Izbak
U.T.A.
That is the consultation they have spoken about. We're not involved in what the building looks like, but what is inside.
The problem is we don't know the shape, size, make-up, single or multi space, age-groups or the catering facilities.
Inevitably, when consulted people will ask for something that in itself would be desirable and not that hard, but would require a change just large enough to put it outside the PP.
Will it have space for an older fan in a huge wheelchair to shelter from the rain before the game, instead of blocking up the entrance to the club shop, and distracting the chap managing the queue?
Tom Hark Preston Park
Will Post For Cash
- Jul 6, 2003
- 72,334
'2. Following PBOBE's Albion Unlimited Podcast, when he said he'd asked the FAB to go away'
Barry Izbak
U.T.A.
that will always depend on the Jobsworth they employ on the door
Peacehaven Wild Kids
Well-known member
Personally It’s so great being an Albion fan at the moment it’s TINY things that bother me.
1) the prospect of getting wet In Amsterdam.
2) paying 5p a pint more in an away pub on matchdays
3) The words to GOSBTS on the big screens esp in view of the away fans.
4) playing Hey Jude when we play Liverpool or Everton (or indeed anyone) It’s a fine song, but we can do better Shirley?
However, just to repeat, my Albion mojo is literally so “up there” at the moment I’m not even gonna slag off the transport.
1) the prospect of getting wet In Amsterdam.
2) paying 5p a pint more in an away pub on matchdays
3) The words to GOSBTS on the big screens esp in view of the away fans.
4) playing Hey Jude when we play Liverpool or Everton (or indeed anyone) It’s a fine song, but we can do better Shirley?
However, just to repeat, my Albion mojo is literally so “up there” at the moment I’m not even gonna slag off the transport.
as writer of the minutes I just wanted to endorse what has already been said - I like PB’s honesty on the subject tbh and the key is not to take one bit of the sentence out of context
Balls of Steele
Member
- Oct 3, 2023
- 67
That’s good to know but not really making a positive improvement at the moment. Appreciate trains is more of a complex topic but additional P&R site(s) is under the control of the club even as an interim solution