Tea/coffee and late 1901 ticket - Paul Barber reply and then another Paul Barber reply

[Brovion]

TB has put more money into Championship level football than any chairman in the history of the game.

And as Pritchard proved it still isn't enough to give us the financial clout to see off the likes of Norwich. That's Norwich, not Man City or Chelsea. This will get harder when clubs come down in future armed not only with parachute payments but vast amounts of TV money.

At some stage, if we're serious about getting to the Prem TB is going to have to go 'all in'. (Sod FFP, we saw how Bournemouth got away with it with regard to the size of their fine compared to their PL income), Otherwise he, and we, are going to have to accept that we'll never be a PL team, and in order for the club to survive we'll have to scale back our player outlay to a level which we can afford. If that ever becomes the case probably the most exciting thing we'll have to look forward to will be the occasional promotion season from League One

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Which begs the question. Which model would you support more? I suspect that many fans would not be happy if the club pursued a break even model in this league as it would involve selling Dunk, March, Stephens, Kayal and Knockaert.

The football last year was excellent IMO. We had a poor month and were one goal from promotion.

I'm not sure of a model. But I am sure that I have an uncomfortable feeling with the endless squeezing of fan's goodwill, the rounds of redundancies of low-paid staff a few years back, the highest ticket prices in the league, the constant chipping away at fans benefits, the millions of pounds of debt we accrue and the eye-watering sums we pay players. Where will it end? Is the Prem really worth this? What if we don't make the Prem?

 

[El Presidente]

What if we don't make the Prem?

We'll be in the Championship, League One or Two................probably

 

[El Presidente]

And as Pritchard proved it still isn't enough to give us the financial clout to see off the likes of Norwich. That's Norwich, not Man City or Chelsea. This will get harder when clubs come down in future armed not only with parachute payments but vast amounts of TV money.

At some stage, if we're serious about getting to the Prem TB is going to have to go 'all in'. (Sod FFP, we saw how Bournemouth got away with it with regard to the size of their fine compared to their PL income), Otherwise he, and we, are going to have to accept that we'll never be a PL team, and in order for the club to survive we'll have to scale back our player outlay to a level which we can afford. If that ever becomes the case probably the most exciting thing we'll have to look forward to will be the occasional promotion season from League One

We've made the playoffs in three years out of the last four. Over the last few years clubs such as Wigan, Swansea, Burnley, Blackpool , Bournemouth (they didn't spend a fortune, just more than their 'plucky underdogs' persona suggested) , Blackpool and a club from South Londion whose name eludes me at present have been promoted on the back of their football and modest budgets.

Last season was freakish, and to an extent TB did go all in as we signed five players for million pound or more fees (Hemed, Murphy, Knockaert, Manu, Skalak) as well as bringing back Sir Bobby on a considerable wedge, and giving Lewis Dunk a £19,000 a week contract. Had the woodentop shitbag that is Eddie Howe allowed Murray to return on loan we would have been promoted automatically.

The playoff match at the home of the massive was also freakish to lose four players.

 

[Uncle Spielberg]

Paul Barber is very good isn't he ? Is there anything he does not reply to ?

 

[Boy Blue]

And as Pritchard proved it still isn't enough to give us the financial clout to see off the likes of Norwich. That's Norwich, not Man City or Chelsea. This will get harder when clubs come down in future armed not only with parachute payments but vast amounts of TV money.

At some stage, if we're serious about getting to the Prem TB is going to have to go 'all in'. (Sod FFP, we saw how Bournemouth got away with it with regard to the size of their fine compared to their PL income), Otherwise he, and we, are going to have to accept that we'll never be a PL team, and in order for the club to survive we'll have to scale back our player outlay to a level which we can afford. If that ever becomes the case probably the most exciting thing we'll have to look forward to will be the occasional promotion season from League One

It'll never happen as our club are law abiding and wouldn't break any laws/rules as we're good boys whereas every other ****er is an outlaw, rebel who stick two fingers up at the authorities and say, yeah, so what, what you going to do muppets and these outlaws, rebels are right.

 

[Giraffe]

So mine has now finally arrived, although I have had to call support services on two consecutive lunchtimes, email Paul Barber and speak to Paul Rogers on the phone to get to this point.

But the package received is in three boxes. We all live at the same address. Cost saving potential number one.

The boxes contain two useful things the pass/ticket and the dangling thing for putting round your neck (aruable how useful this is). Oh and pin badge which is already in the bin.

The three boxes are now in recycling.

How many teas/coffees would sending out 2,400 of these luxury boxes have got you?

If you want a cost saving Mr Barber here it is:

 

[Tony Meolas Loan Spell]

So mine has now finally arrived, although I have had to call support services on two consecutive lunchtimes, email Paul Barber and speak to Paul Rogers on the phone to get to this point.

But the package received is in three boxes. We all live at the same address. Cost saving potential number one.

The boxes contain two useful things the pass/ticket and the dangling thing for putting round your neck (aruable how useful this is). Oh and pin badge which is already in the bin.

The three boxes are now in recycling.

How many teas/coffees would sending out 2,400 of these luxury boxes have got you?

If you want a cost saving Mr Barber here it is:

I cant help but agree with you on that.

 

[Giraffe]

Oh and the car parking pass was not included in the pack, have had to fill in a form and get it signed by all four of us to get that hopefully by Friday.

Had a long chat on the phone with Paul Rogers, not fair of me to repeat it without consent though. But I think it is fair to say he understands our frustrations.

 

[Bozza]

So mine has now finally arrived, although I have had to call support services on two consecutive lunchtimes, email Paul Barber and speak to Paul Rogers on the phone to get to this point.

But the package received is in three boxes. We all live at the same address. Cost saving potential number one.

The boxes contain two useful things the pass/ticket and the dangling thing for putting round your neck (aruable how useful this is). Oh and pin badge which is already in the bin.

The three boxes are now in recycling.

How many teas/coffees would sending out 2,400 of these luxury boxes have got you?

If you want a cost saving Mr Barber here it is:

And, just to verify, there's no way provided of securing the pass/ticket thing to the lanyard?

 

[Goldstone1976]

And, just to verify, there's no way provided of securing the pass/ticket thing to the lanyard?

Perhaps you're supposed to use the badge to pierce a hole in the card and the lanyard and then use the badge as a safety pin-type arrangement?

Omnishambles.

 

[blueteam]

Just got back from work and guess what a royal mail red card tooooo big to get through the letter box. aaaaaaaahhhh. Can't pick up till tomorrow. What for 2 small credit card and cord?? Waste of money barber, would have paid for my coffee at HT. LOL

 

[Giraffe]

And, just to verify, there's no way provided of securing the pass/ticket thing to the lanyard?

Personally I didn't wear my lanyard anyway as didn't want to look like a cock, but yes they have sent a ribbon(?) as pictured but no plastic thing so if you're a new member or chucked your lanyard thing from last season (or more likely broke it as it was rubbish) you can't put it all together.

But hey we have a nice shiny box and pin badge! (*). In my case three of each, to keep the three inch passes in all season presumably because we are too stupid not to lose them!!

*in bin already

 

[Giraffe]

Just got back from work and guess what a royal mail red card tooooo big to get through the letter box. aaaaaaaahhhh. Can't pick up till tomorrow. What for 2 small credit card and cord?? Waste of money barber, would have paid for my coffee at HT. LOL

You're not alone. Ridiculous.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Personally I didn't wear my lanyard anyway as didn't want to look like a cock, but yes they have sent a ribbon(?) as pictured but no plastic thing so if you're a new member or chucked your lanyard thing from last season (or more likely broke it as it was rubbish) you can't put it all together.

But hey we have a nice shiny box and pin badge! (*). In my case three of each, to keep the three inch passes in all season presumably because we are too stupid not to lose them!!

*in bin already

I think we should all go lanyarded and pin-badged up as a form of protest.

 

[Brovion]

We've made the playoffs in three years out of the last four. Over the last few years clubs such as Wigan, Swansea, Burnley, Blackpool , Bournemouth (they didn't spend a fortune, just more than their 'plucky underdogs' persona suggested) , Blackpool and a club from South Londion whose name eludes me at present have been promoted on the back of their football and modest budgets.

Last season was freakish, and to an extent TB did go all in as we signed five players for million pound or more fees (Hemed, Murphy, Knockaert, Manu, Skalak) as well as bringing back Sir Bobby on a considerable wedge, and giving Lewis Dunk a £19,000 a week contract. Had the woodentop shitbag that is Eddie Howe allowed Murray to return on loan we would have been promoted automatically.

The playoff match at the home of the massive was also freakish to lose four players.

I'm not really disputing that - but it's almost just as relevant to point out that both Ipswich and Forest got promoted to the top division and then won it the following season. In other words: that was then this is now. You know how much money relegated clubs are going to have in future, how are we going to compete with that? Was last season our best-ever chance before the PL and the top of the Championship becomes almost a de facto closed shop? My view is 'probably yes' unless TB really pushes the boat out.

However if that isn't going to happen then we'll have to hope that the luck goes our way for once and that we can almost fluke promotion with our weak (relatively speaking) resources. The other two alternatives are to hope that all relegated clubs in future are appallingly run (players on ruinous contracts etc), or hope that on the back of our facilities we get included in any mooted 'Premier League Two'. Both those scenarios rely on external factors though.

 

[blueteam]

Any complaints about 1901 tickets or tea and coffee email Paul below.

Paul.Rogers@bhafc.co.uk

 

[Giraffe]

And probably worth copying Paul.Barber@bhafc.co.uk

 

[blueteam]

Red royal mail card saying large parcel collect tomorrow!!!

Paul.Barber@bhafc.co.uk

 

[Giraffe]

An additional note from Paul Barber this afternoon:

I’ve read your note. I’d make the following comments:

- you may not value the presentation box but we have close to 3,000 1901 members – and, as we all know, it’s a diverse group. If we’d sent out confirmation of a 5 year commitment to the club in a plain envelope, we’d receive different complaints.
- there is a lot of logic in a second contract term to asking people to re-apply for parking; the allocation in the second term is different for many people than their first term. The club needs to have all of its paperwork in order for a 5 year agreement.
- you may not like your “ribbon” but, for our security staff, it helps identify people that should be in the lounges from people who shouldn’t be. It’s part of a process to keep YOU safe, whether you're a “supporter” or a “corporate”.
- I don’t know where you buy your coffee in a commercial environment but the cost of 10p a cup isn’t even close! As I have said, provision of tea and coffee for nearly 3,000 people, 23 times a year costs the club tens of thousands of pounds.
- unfortunately, we can’t (and don’t) run a football club based on what is said or not said on social media.
- many of the changes we have made have been initiated by Paul Rogers and his team because of their experiences in the past 5 years of operating the 1901 club; they’ve been fully explained to the executive team and board - and fully supported.

I have been asked to be frank by a few people on this issue, and so I will be:

- 5 years ago the club (and its various partners) had to make a lot of decisions from a position of relative weakness, and with a significant lack of experience of the commercial and operational issues of running a football club business at this level.
- some of those decisions, all taken in good faith, were not all the correct ones; and, over the years since the stadium opened, we have slowly, but surely, taken opportunities to correct the initial errors. Not to have done so would have been wrong.
- at the end of 5 year contract period, it is essential that the club takes the opportunity to correct any of those remaining initial errors; it is also vital to ensure that a new, stronger foundation is laid to ensure the club is better positioned for the future.
- nobody at this football club has been “mean spirited”, “devious”, “deceitful” or “penny pinching”; the club’s staff and directors have simply taken necessary steps to make this football club – YOUR football club – more financially sustainable.
- to suggest otherwise is totally unfair and insulting to many decent, loyal, honest and hard-working staff that go to considerable lengths to ensure everyone enjoys their visits to the Amex.
- some of the stuff I have read and been sent in the past 48 hours has been, quite frankly, entirely detached from the reality of how this business operates, and the steps we must continually take to ensure we are competitive as well as sustainable.
- thankfully, it has been balanced by comments from others fully appreciating that with certain difficult decisions, the club will never win. Don’t take them, our costs spiral, the budget for players is weakened; take them and we "don’t care" about fans.

The reality is:

- in the past 4 years, we’ve taken many millions of pounds out of the non-footballing operational costs of running this business while also growing our revenues. At Championship level, neither is easy. Our staff have done a fabulous job in both respects.
- at the same time, we have improved facilities and services for our fans and we’ve maintained the key benefits – transport subsidy and interest free season ticket payment plans to name two – that the vast majority hold dear.
- we have created an infrastructure that is envied across the game, not least here at the Amex and at Lancing, where we have also established a category 1 academy in less than 3 years.
- thanks to these efforts, and the continued generosity of the chairman, we’ve also dramatically improved our playing budget – whilst also complying with the dreaded financial fair play rules (which, by the way, still exist).
- as a consequence, we are enjoying our 6th consecutive season in the Championship, we have narrowly missed out on promotion, and we have reached 3 play-offs in the past 4 seasons.
- we are now set to mount another challenge for promotion to the Premier League after yet more investment from the chairman to help us retain and attract the best possible players to the club amidst fierce financial competition.
- all these things are inter-connected; efforts to reduce costs and increase revenues enable us to put more budget on the field; they also give the chairman more confidence to increase his own commitment – which he has done season after season.
- we are more open, transparent, accessible, and make more efforts to communicate with more fans at more times, through a variety of different channels, than, in my opinion, any club in the country.
- in my opinion, we are incredibly lucky to be owned by Tony Bloom. And even more lucky that he is prepared to back us to an unbelievable level on the field while ensuring that our supporters are looked after to the best of our ability off it.

In summary, and after close to 20 years working in professional football, there are very few, if any, clubs quite like this one. It is very special in so many ways. From its history to its location, from its infrastructure to its owner, from the quality of our playing staff and coaches to the ambition of everyone, and from the way we are encouraged and supported to run the club, to the club’s incredible potential. In my opinion, it’s truly one of a kind. Sometimes I do think fans (and staff) should take a step back, take a breath, not be so quick to criticise, and take time to compare and contrast. No football club (or any other business for that matter is perfect – and don’t get me started on letting and estate agents!) but I do think we all might be pleasantly surprised at how fantastic this football club is. And, no, it’s not all about what we, the club do: please be assured that we don’t underestimate how big a part our fans have played – and continue to play - in making the club what it is today. Amazing.

As ever, please feel free to share this note if you feel it would be useful to do so.