Nathan Jones...

[Rugrat]

To me, we got stuck in between two approaches. We were successful to a point before using Spanish style flair. Signing players like Vicente, Ulloa, David Lopez, Bruno, Orlandi.
I believe Bloom really likes that approach hence the choice of Oscar Garcia. However, there is another approach which says you need seasoned championship players, coaches and managers. Not imports.
So the players we have signed are Andrews, Agustien, Ward, Lita, Conway.

Jones is supposed to be the link between the desire to play OG's way with Championship style players.

Just a quick edit to note that something isn't working.
I think we should be back OG with his type of players, or get a forward thinking British manager.

He's not naturally likeable is he.

I really don't understand why we didn't hang onto Charlie Oatway. He was very naturally likeable and surely could hae done this job for Oscar?

Oatway was never going to stay once Gus got the heave ho. I'm with Sam I think ... I reckon OG should have had all his own team and (maybe) be more involved in pointing Burke to where he wanted him to go

All supposition, but it does feel that, injuries aside, something isn't working as it should

 

[The Oldman]

My love for the Albion died a little bit when we left Withdean. I've only ever known us to be fighting for something and having ramshackle facilities.

Stupid, I know.

Not stupid. Many feel as you do. At Withdean we all felt we were in it together. We may all have groaned when Dick Knight did his half time talk from the pitch, or Paul Samrah did some pitch side presentation in shorts, or Attila played the most dreadful music, but we knew who they were and that together we had survived and fought together. Even Harty's phone in and Andrew Hawse commentary's seemed to be part of us and we had Gully's girls who did so much for the club outside match days as well as making many of us smile at Withdean.

Now after the excitement of getting to the Amex it's all gone a bit flat.We have the most generous chairman but very quiet, An articulate CEO who talks down to us by email and programme notes and threatens us that if we do not spend money in the stadium we are doing the club down. Add to that the Poyet affair which still leaves a nasty taste then no wonder some of us have lost our Albion mojo.
Don't get me wrong I'll keep my season ticket going but it does not seem like my club anymore.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I know that there are people inside the club who aware of this and one person at least is trying hard to make it possible to bridge the gap between what we might call the old and new BHA. It may need some egos on each side of the gap to climb down a bit, so it will probably take time ...

...nor me. There seems to be a distance between the club and the fans now, that certainly wasn't there before. Both OG and Nathan seem to lack charisma and the club as a whole feels a lot more of a 'corporate' entity since Mr Barber joined. It feels like we've lost a bit of our soul. The events of the summer didn't help, but something has certainly been lost with the departure of Gus, Tanno and Oatway and, in terms of the boardroom, Dick Knight and Martin Perry. It's just a bit hard to feel the love right now.

The club invited the Falmer for All people recently to try and see what can be done.

I hardly watch Player now, as there aren't any 'highlights' from our recent games and the interviews, apart from the feature on Calde, are very uninspiring.

 

[The Wookiee]

My love for The Albion will never die !

 

[Diego Napier]

Club should really be aware of this . Posters on here are mostly brighton in their blood fans through thick and thin and the number questioning things is a real concern.

If the hardcore have these feelings then imagine the feelings from the new supporters we've gained.

If things plod along with the issues raised here not addressed then I dread to think what the renewal rate will be next year.

Then what ? Barber won't lower the prices , he'd probably go off to another project and his job of maximising would be complete.

Of course a winning team covers all this up but this thread is very real and I hope the club are noting it .

I think you're worrying unnecessarily.

The new supporters won't have your concerns. Actually, I don't believe that the majority of long term fans think like you either. I've been supporting the Albion longer than most on here and I still feel very positive about the club's approach and the direction in which they're taking us and I know many who feel the same.

It was inevitable with TB's commitment that there would be a change of emphasis with a robust business model built on sound economic principles. Being realistic, the future of the club does not lie with the old guard however, the club have repeatedly stated the value that they place on "old" support and have attempted to meet concerns through a number of open fora and subsequent actions. I'm sure that they recognise that alienating loyal supporters is an own goal and need to strike a balance, just as I'm equally sure they're aware that some people always like a good moan and will never be satisfied. For every moan they receive about a pie or about no chips (hang on, there are chips now) ok chips too expensive, there will be far more praising "kids go for a quid" or other similar initiatives. The club well know that "You can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all of the people all of the time"!

We're in a state of transition:

The move from Withdean to Falmer was an economic disaster because we went from a small scale outfit to a major enterprise and didn't have the right calibre of management in place; the club have learnt from that. Some people think that Barber is the devil, some people think he's right for the club, the vast majority really don't care.

The playing future of the club was in Gus's hands. Once he let us down then there was bound to be disruption but it was also inevitable that a manager with such an overweening ego wouldn't top the replacement list. Some people still have wet dreams about Gus, some people still throw darts at his image, the vast majority really don't care.

It's obvious (and has been stated here before) that we're going through a difficult period with players missing and results not yet matching those from last year. Everyone's frustrated about that but I firmly believe that the current potential at the Albion is greater than anything we've had during the last 50 years.

 

[Twinkle Toes]

After seeing Jones' pathetic antics at Woevil on 2 successive occasions, I'll never think of him with even a smidgen of respect or fondness. The bloke's a tosser.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Nathan Jones is the new Charlie Oatway.

 

[dejavuatbtn]

After seeing Jones' pathetic antics at Woevil on 2 successive occasions, I'll never think of him with even a smidgen of respect or fondness. The bloke's a tosser.

I think the word is "Pajero".

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

I think the word is "Pajero".

Lots of motorists bought a Mitsubishi Pajero to match their image.

 

[Twinkle Toes]

I think the word is "Pajero".

Gracias amigo.

 

[symyjym]

I think you're worrying unnecessarily.

The new supporters won't have your concerns. Actually, I don't believe that the majority of long term fans think like you either. I've been supporting the Albion longer than most on here and I still feel very positive about the club's approach and the direction in which they're taking us and I know many who feel the same.

It was inevitable with TB's commitment that there would be a change of emphasis with a robust business model built on sound economic principles. Being realistic, the future of the club does not lie with the old guard however, the club have repeatedly stated the value that they place on "old" support and have attempted to meet concerns through a number of open fora and subsequent actions. I'm sure that they recognise that alienating loyal supporters is an own goal and need to strike a balance, just as I'm equally sure they're aware that some people always like a good moan and will never be satisfied. For every moan they receive about a pie or about no chips (hang on, there are chips now) ok chips too expensive, there will be far more praising "kids go for a quid" or other similar initiatives. The club well know that "You can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all of the people all of the time"!

We're in a state of transition:

The move from Withdean to Falmer was an economic disaster because we went from a small scale outfit to a major enterprise and didn't have the right calibre of management in place; the club have learnt from that. Some people think that Barber is the devil, some people think he's right for the club, the vast majority really don't care.

The playing future of the club was in Gus's hands. Once he let us down then there was bound to be disruption but it was also inevitable that a manager with such an overweening ego wouldn't top the replacement list. Some people still have wet dreams about Gus, some people still throw darts at his image, the vast majority really don't care.

It's obvious (and has been stated here before) that we're going through a difficult period with players missing and results not yet matching those from last year. Everyone's frustrated about that but I firmly believe that the current potential at the Albion is greater than anything we've had during the last 50 years.

Top post, the club are ahead of the game and the change over the summer was a massive job in it's own right.

 

[sparkie]

I think you're worrying unnecessarily.

The new supporters won't have your concerns. Actually, I don't believe that the majority of long term fans think like you either. I've been supporting the Albion longer than most on here and I still feel very positive about the club's approach and the direction in which they're taking us and I know many who feel the same.

It was inevitable with TB's commitment that there would be a change of emphasis with a robust business model built on sound economic principles. Being realistic, the future of the club does not lie with the old guard however, the club have repeatedly stated the value that they place on "old" support and have attempted to meet concerns through a number of open fora and subsequent actions. I'm sure that they recognise that alienating loyal supporters is an own goal and need to strike a balance, just as I'm equally sure they're aware that some people always like a good moan and will never be satisfied. For every moan they receive about a pie or about no chips (hang on, there are chips now) ok chips too expensive, there will be far more praising "kids go for a quid" or other similar initiatives. The club well know that "You can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all of the people all of the time"!

We're in a state of transition:

The move from Withdean to Falmer was an economic disaster because we went from a small scale outfit to a major enterprise and didn't have the right calibre of management in place; the club have learnt from that. Some people think that Barber is the devil, some people think he's right for the club, the vast majority really don't care.

The playing future of the club was in Gus's hands. Once he let us down then there was bound to be disruption but it was also inevitable that a manager with such an overweening ego wouldn't top the replacement list. Some people still have wet dreams about Gus, some people still throw darts at his image, the vast majority really don't care.

It's obvious (and has been stated here before) that we're going through a difficult period with players missing and results not yet matching those from last year. Everyone's frustrated about that but I firmly believe that the current potential at the Albion is greater than anything we've had during the last 50 years.

Some very good points there !

We need something, some spark to get our momentum going again. Win 2 or 3 in a row. Sign another striker who has an immediate impact with a goal a game for a month - maybe that is Lita. Something. It will come.

 

[RexCathedra]

There's an irreducible and unpersuadable moiety -- maybe up to a third -- of this board who would, ceteris paribus, rather be in League One, and at Withdean, because of intangibles, many of them non-football intangibles, than where the club is today, because of the trade-offs that have been made, and are going to be made going forward -- never mind those that will come with promotion to the EPL, if/when that day comes.

It's an intellectually coherent position. It's not inherently nonsensical, or just reflexive nostalgia. It's just based on very different premises than those held by the bulk of the traffic here. Some of those premises led to the club surviving in the first place. So they performed an inestimable service, and one that needs to be honored.

The result is a lot of talking-past-each-other, and that's in the long run actually going to feed the very atmosphere that that constituency is reacting to. It's a a negative feedback loop.

This is not the first sporting enterprise to have these fissures appear in its supporters. "The Pink Hats are Taking Over"

 

[Thunder Bolt]

I don't miss Withdean one bit even though there was a more 'intimate' atmosphere of being able to recognise a lot of people when you went to games. I love the Amex but the games are dire at the moment. I enjoy meeting up with friends and the day out to an away game but the football is spoiling it. I hope we improve when the injured players return, but surely the fit players could play with some sort of organisation? Instead of pass & move, it's pass & lose.

 

[Miami Seagull]

Cant say that I long for the Withdean years at all, or Gillingham for that matter! Yes, we were a much smaller group back then but this was what we were dreaming of and fighting for and I for one embrace it. Compared to so many other clubs we are still very much community. Our owner is a fan, he is investing bucketloads into the club - off the field - which will eventually be something that can keep the club operating at the highest levels. Of all that I have no doubt.

However...I do agree on the issues raised about Nathan Jones' press appearances and the lack of Garcia recently. To be honest I think that the Garcia issue is caused as much by the lack of a press correspondent who can actually get decent questions to him. To date, I know nothing of his methods, how he prepares the team for a game, how he sees us setting up to play/formations etc... The local and Seagulls TV press seem a little wary of him in interviews and the questions are just terrible. Also, if he or any of the others fail to answer a question, they are never pressed. I would imagine that the reason OG doesn't do interviews at the moment is that he thinks they are a waste of his time. Sometimes you can see the disdain in his eyes when he is being questioned.

Something that does make me laugh is when I think of the first couple of weeks of OG's reign. How we were hearing that he wants to engage with the fans but can't.. that didn't last long did it!!?

 

[The Oldman]

There's an irreducible and unpersuadable moiety -- maybe up to a third -- of this board who would, ceteris paribus, rather be in League One, and at Withdean, because of intangibles, many of them non-football intangibles, than where the club is today, because of the trade-offs that have been made, and are going to be made going forward -- never mind those that will come with promotion to the EPL, if/when that day comes.

It's an intellectually coherent position. It's not inherently nonsensical. It's just based on very different premises than those held by the bulk of the traffic here. Some of those premises led to the club surviving in the first place. So they performed an inestimable service, and one that needs to be honored.

The result is a lot of talking-past-each-other, and that's in the long run going to feed the atmosphere that that constituency is reacting to. It's a a negative feedback loop.

This is not the first sporting enterprise to have these fissures appear in its supporters. "The Pink Hats are Taking Over"

Great post. I have no wish to be watching football at Withdean or be in league 1 but it does not alter my feelings that we have lost something albeit intangible, in the move to the Amex. I just feel distant from those in charge. Its all management speak at best . Communication about players, transfers seems lacking. As Diego Napier said the move from Withdean was a financial disaster but no one was honest enough to tell us so. Even, as I hope, our form picks up and shows that we can be promotion contenders again I doubt if I will feel as close to the club I have supported since 1953. I suppose I am now a customer hopefully being entertained.

 

[Vegas Seagull]

I don't miss Withdean one bit even though there was a more 'intimate' atmosphere of being able to recognise a lot of people when you went to games. I love the Amex but the games are dire at the moment. I enjoy meeting up with friends and the day out to an away game but the football is spoiling it. I hope we improve when the injured players return, but surely the fit players could play with some sort of organisation? Instead of pass & move, it's pass & lose.

'Dire' ...I saw 9 consecutive home defeats at Gillingham with a fortnight in Barbados in the middle of my run to dull the pain. We're here for 50 years + & no year can be as bad as that one at Priestfield, do cheer up

 

[Husty]

Nathan Jones is a ****.

 

[trueblue]

I'm a bit 'meh' about the Albion at the moment but it's nothing to do with Paul Barber or Nathan Jones or missing Withdean (who in their right mind would?).

It's simply because we have such a long injury list the club is treading water for a while. Whoever was in charge, it would be the same. Just one of those things. But looking at the bigger picture, I find any notion that somehow supporting the Albion is less satisfying than the old days incomprehensible. Talk about rose-tinted specs.

 

[liam82]

Due to changing circumstances I had to cancel my season ticket after the start of the season, a tough choice to make after having one for so many years, probably the reason they let me cancel to be honest, but one of the things that made the choice easier was knowing that if we ever got to the P/L I would probably be priced out of the market anyway as I wouldn't be able to afford anything over and above current prices, as for match day tickets no way, I wonder how many others will be in the same boat?

I though do have the luxury of about 4 other tickets in the family so still hope to get along as much as possible although I’m struggling to feel enthusiastic at the moment, I have questioned myself on this so much as we have witnessed some of the hardest time this club has faced in recent times, all of this at the moment is a walk in the park.

I will always love the Albion no question but I sometime wonder if anything will ever top the moment of that first game at the Amex and coming from behind to win after the journey we have been on, it meant so much, will anything ever beat it? trophies, promotions and relegations come and go but that was a real moment in our history, does it get any better?

It's a catch 22 situation, we all want the club to be successful but the more it is the more distant we feel we become.

Some people obviously won’t care as football to them is an alternative to the cinema and they can take it or leave it, the loyal fan base from the past may be isolated in these feelings.

Things were always going to be tough after the end of last year and it's been difficult to move on with everything else that’s been going on