Time for Dick Knight to f*** off

[El Presidente]

With the club losing money each week, are you expecting him to start robbing banks?

Dick TURPIN for Chairman

 

[cjd]

Nice to see you arguing for more respect in a thread entitled 'Time for Dick Knight to f*** off'.

At least you've actually put down an argument for your criticism of the board, I'll give you that. kestrel has just spewed random abuse and nonsense and when asked to provide an argument of substance has refused. It's a STUPID thread by a stupid poster - most seem to agree with this.

Regarding your post, I'd firstly say that it's not MOST Albion fans that are frustrated by our situation, it's ALL Albion fans. The difference between you and the majority is that you seem to think that the difficulties faced in gaining planning permission for our stadium (and all the problems coming from living in a small, temporary ground) is the fault of the Chairman and the board. This is nonsense, but if you disagree, feel free to let us all know how the appeal against the YES decision and the actions of LDC are the fault of Perry and Knight. Enlighten us.



You also seem to be flabbergasted by the lack of investment from the Chairman and the board. Quite why you're amazed by this is baffling. The Chairman and the board have invested a great deal in the club, but clearly do not have bottomless pits of money. And clearly we don't have the means of generating it. What do you expect? An investment of millions? Perhaps you're one of these people that think that they should stand aside for the investors that don't exist? Take a REALITY check, I'm not putting forward arguments so much as pointing out facts.

Your list of the good things and bad things that happened under Knight makes interesting reading. If I could put into priority order, returning to Sussex would be at the top. We fought long and hard for that and nobody thought that once we were back we would be Manchester United within 5 years. Except it seems, you. Three promotions is apparently 'GOOD', under the circumstances I'd use the word 'EXCEPTIONAL'. We all went to Cardiff, remember that? 'EXCEPTIONAL' . We appointed Taylor, Coppell and McGhee all managers with excellent reputations, despite having no real transfer kitty and despite being shackled by a small, temporary home - 'EXCEPTIONAL'. And yes, Knight may have a made a few bad decisions, but then again what manager or Chairman hasn't? Do you want a 100% success rate for EVERY decision? Because you're looking for the impossible.

The reason why these threads are STUPID is because their haven't been any valid arguments put forward in them about why the Chairman and board are underperforming. It's all just random soundbites about how Perry hasn't got us Falmer yet, how we don't have money to sign *insert player we can't afford* and how Dick Knight is to blame for a one-nil loss to Bournemouth.

In a word, it's all just STUPID.

Thankyou for your reply.......it started off in the second sentence so well, but unfortunately then degenerated into a personal and offensive attack. I don,t think, nor did I say, that the Planning difficulties faced by the club were the boards fault. Neither did I say i was "flabbergasted" by the lack of investment by the board. Neither did I say I was "amazed" by this.Neither have I suggested they stand aside for investors with millions.Neither did I suggest we would be Manchester United within 5 years.Neither do I expect a100% success rate.
For someone who, on the last time replied to a post of mine, only saw fit to critisise my use of apstrophes and commas, may I politely suggest and ask that you DO NOT fill your replies in this manner.
With regard to my post, much of it is my honest opinion and some is fact. I,m quite happy to read others opinions.What is the point in posting anything on here, when this is the sort of distorted reply you get...?

 

[cjd]

There is a big difference in the playing quality of Mark McGhee's side and Dean Wilkins' side, and it is getting better. Bit by bit - it is getting better. People that were lost to the Albion during MM's reign ought to come back and be seeing a marked improvement, and supporting their local 'kids'.

I suspect the falling gates is precisely because we are still at Withdean, and people are utterly sick of the place. I know I am - but I'll still go.

BUT... what do you want Dick to say...?

Thankyou for your reasoned reply........personally, I totally agree that the playing quality has improved under Wilkins (and before all the Mcghee people start...I re-iterate..."I PERSONALLY agree").There lies the rub.....the playing side is far more entertaining, yet the gates continue to fall. I agree, yet again, that people are getting sick and tired of Withdean. I realise that many do not agree with me, but, for far too long the facilties at Withdean have been ignored. I am aware, that cost is the issue.But you can look at this two ways. 1) We can,t afford it...so tough. Result;....falling gates....lack of income......lack of support.....club implodes.
or 2) Take the risk,....borrow more money, ....improve facilities..... hold on to existing supporters.... keep new supporters .....increase income.
Of course, this is just an opinion....(for DJLeon,s benefit....I haven,t said I want Wembley, A millienium stadium or Old Trafford.Neither have I said Dick Knight to stand aside for mystery investors with millions....or that I,m flabbergasted...or amazed...or that I want 100% success....or that I want to be in Europe next year ...or world domination..etc etc etc )
What would I like Dick Knight to say..??
In times of great difficulty and a number of fans expressing dis -illusionment (not just on NSC...I do attend the games ), the lack of clarity with Falmer, our Chairman , needs to be more visible and some serious words of encouragement are needed.

 

[graz126]

Thankyou for your reasoned reply........personally, I totally agree that the playing quality has improved under Wilkins (and before all the Mcghee people start...I re-iterate..."I PERSONALLY agree").There lies the rub.....the playing side is far more entertaining, yet the gates continue to fall. I agree, yet again, that people are getting sick and tired of Withdean. I realise that many do not agree with me, but, for far too long the facilties at Withdean have been ignored. I am aware, that cost is the issue.But you can look at this two ways. 1) We can,t afford it...so tough. Result;....falling gates....lack of income......lack of support.....club implodes.
or 2) Take the risk,....borrow more money, ....improve facilities..... hold on to existing supporters.... keep new supporters .....increase income.
Of course, this is just an opinion....(for DJLeon,s benefit....I haven,t said I want Wembley, A millienium stadium or Old Trafford.Neither have I said Dick Knight to stand aside for mystery investors with millions....or that I,m flabbergasted...or amazed...or that I want 100% success....or that I want to be in Europe next year ...or world domination..etc etc etc )
What would I like Dick Knight to say..??
In times of great difficulty and a number of fans expressing dis -illusionment (not just on NSC...I do attend the games ), the lack of clarity with Falmer, our Chairman , needs to be more visible and some serious words of encouragement are needed.

which seem like fair comments to me. only thing is knight has to stay for now. until there is somebody that can take us foward. at the moment there does not seem to be anybody of that stature. so why dont people just get off of knights back. (the latter is not neccesarily aimed at you cjd) just people in general.

 

[London Irish]

There is a big difference in the playing quality of Mark McGhee's side and Dean Wilkins' side, and it is getting better. Bit by bit - it is getting better. People that were lost to the Albion during MM's reign ought to come back and be seeing a marked improvement, and supporting their local 'kids'.

I agree with the pro-Knight posters on this thread and the likes of DJ Leon are doing a great job meticulously blowing away the guff, but why do you post these ridiculous arguments that everyone knows aren't true, that just seem purposefully designed to piss off those of who stay loyal to more than just one manager like Wilkins?

"people who were lost the Albion during MM's reign"? He gave us Championship football which saw a big increase in attendances at Withdean, year-on-year our season averages grew. Even after the disappointment of relegation this year, more people turned up to watch our League 1 games than in the equivalent post-relegation season under Coppell. The big slump in crowds only happened AFTER McGhee was removed.

When will you learn that the best way to support Wilkins is not to rubbish McGhee?

 

[graz126]

a big slump in crowds also tends to happen around xmas, due to peoples financial constraints.

 

[The Large One]

I agree with the pro-Knight posters on this thread and the likes of DJ Leon are doing a great job meticulously blowing away the guff, but why do you post these ridiculous arguments that everyone knows aren't true, that just seem purposefully designed to piss off those of who stay loyal to more than just one manager like Wilkins?

"people who were lost the Albion during MM's reign"? He gave us Championship football which saw a big increase in attendances at Withdean, year-on-year our season averages grew. Even after the disappointment of relegation this year, more people turned up to watch our League 1 games than in the equivalent post-relegation season under Coppell. The big slump in crowds only happened AFTER McGhee was removed.

When will you learn that the best way to support Wilkins is not to rubbish McGhee?

LI, I have never done this, but for the first time, I will, especially when it is often (usually unreasonably) open season on your posts. Your first and third paragraphs about what I have written are total shit.

What on earth do you think you are doing posting that the EVERYONE thinks it's not true that we're playing better football under Wilkins? Under whose authority do you have this right to post such a stupid statement? Did you ask everyone's permission to say that on their behalf?

Similarly, I have not 'rubbished' McGhee. I never have done, and never will do. I simply prefer watching the football we are currently playing. Find me a post where I rubbished Mark McGhee. Do it and I will apologise, or retract your statement.

It appears to have pissed you off, fundamentally because you have read the post and completely misunderstood it, but that I would say is your problem. Incidentally, regarding attendances, that is fine piece of spin. Under McGhee, we had a bigger stadium.

 

[The Large One]

Eh?

A bigger stadium than we did under Coppell.

 

[London Irish]

What on earth do you think you are doing posting that the EVERYONE thinks it's not true that we're playing better football under Wilkins?

That was not the bit of your post I took issue with, merely the codswallop that McGhee drove fans away from this club. The indisputable facts on our attendance figures prove otherwise, not "spin".

Whether you prefer the quality of football under Wilkins is obviously a matter of personal choice, how you go about measuring that quality when we are currently playing inferior opponents than Championship teams is perhaps a matter we'll leave to discuss another time.

 

[The Large One]

That was not the bit of your post I took issue with, merely the codswallop that McGhee drove fans away from this club. The undisputable facts on our attendance figures prove otherwise, not "spin".

Whether you prefer the quality of football under Wilkins is obviously a matter of personal choice, how you go about measuring that quality when we are currently playing inferior opponents than Championship teams is perhaps a matter we'll leave to discuss another time.

Yes, when we return to the Championship. Not before.

The 'undisputable facts' of attendances do not tell the whole story in themselves.

There is plenty anecdotal evidence of people refusing to come to Withdean in the final days/weeks/months of Mark McGhee's management. And by that, I am referring mainly to season ticket renewals. However, the most pertinent point is - where do I say it was Mark McGhee who drove them away? I am only going on what I have heard too many people saying about his tenure, irrespective of the success he brought us. Once again, you assume I am rubbishing McGhee - not true. To many that were weak enough to leave, the quality of play - and as such they were blaming the man himself - was the final straw in whole host of straws which detached some from coming to Withdean.

You think it's codswallop, I think the point, much as I disagree with those who had those sentiments, has some merit.

 

[BensGrandad]

I personally do not want to hear anything from either DK or MP until such time as we are given permission for Falmer. If that happens I will gladly listen to them until then I would prefer that they stay silent and not keep coming on the pitch at Withdean to give us the usual 'speal'.

I believe that we will be refused Falmer and Plan B, move the athletics to Sussex University and redevelope Withdean will click into operation despite all the protests of many that it cannot happen because of A, B, Withdean Residents etc.

I believe that the drop off in gates was instigated by DK negative mood at the Fans Foprum when he said ' his aim for this season was mid table mediocrity'. At that moment many people thought if that is the ambition of this board irrespective of the financial situation and day to day running costs why should we expect more.

Incidentally the gate at Bournemouth was only 500 more than our gate against Carlisle and we took just over 1400 so their home support in their Stadium is less than ours.

If DK was to say anything I am sure what most people would want him to say is we are just a few points off of the play offs and will be helping the manager, in whom we have put our trust, to achieve that position at least. That would show some ambition as opposed to that shown at present.

 

[The Large One]

I believe that we will be refused Falmer and Plan B, move the athletics to Sussex University and redevelope Withdean will click into operation despite all the protests of many that it cannot happen because of A, B, Withdean Residents etc.

Sorry, is this a wind-up, have you been on the sauce, or do you have some hot new information that none of us know about? Do tell.

 

[Southover Street Seagull]

I could understand people wanting DK to go if there was some
multi-millionaire wanting to plough his dough into the club and Knight was blocking his involvement. As far as I am aware no such person exists, and until there is these idiots calling for DK to go should shut up. Presumably they are the same people calling for McGhee's head a few months ago with the deluded idea that everything would suddenly get better once he'd gone.

The main the difference between and manager and chairman leaving is that a new manager can come in with new ideas and perhaps improve the team, there is also plenty of out of work football managers too. But out of work football club chairman as rare as rocking horse shit. So to say that people like me are deluded because I wanted McGhee to go is wrong and I don't want Knight to go either.

 

[BensGrandad]

Sorry, is this a wind-up, have you been on the sauce, or do you have some hot new information that none of us know about? Do tell.

No new information just a view I have held for many years and believe is the most likely outcome with a 12,000 all seater at Withdean.

Not viable now but I believe that the original suggestion of Beeding Cement Works was the most logical at that time, 1997 but as has been said it is now complely out of the question.

I think, and have said, we should have joined forces with Tesco and asked them (like Everton have done) where they wanted a new superstore and us to have a ground and rather than employ MP let them do the planning and we would have been playing a in a new stadium by now. Have they ever failed to gain permission eventually for a new site.

Withdean has been an eyesore and white elephant ever since it was opened in 1930s and I believe that now there is a possibility that the council could earn some money out of owning it and would secretly love BHA to stay there.

This is not unknown fact just a personal view of the situation as it exists today.

 

[Billy the Fish]

Sorry, is this a wind-up, have you been on the sauce, or do you have some hot new information that none of us know about? Do tell.

Obviously BG is just speculating on waht could happen if falmer is refused, and re-developing Withdean is the obvious answer. I don't care what anyone says about not having a plan B, if Falmer is refused then we will be forced to make a plan b, otherwise what's the alternative, just give up? I (and you I'm sure, and thousands of others) didn't fight to save this club just to give up and let the club die.

 

[Yorkie]

Mr John Catt hasn't finished with us yet at Withdean and is contemplating his next legal move.

 

[dougdeep]

I believe that the original suggestion of Beeding Cement Works was the most logical at that time.

That is the silliest thing I've ever seen you post, and that is saying something. It was the worst idea and would have cost £100,000,000 to implement.

 

[El Presidente]

DK does not want to be chairman. He has moved to Spain to retire, but is concerned about the commitment and doggedness of his fellow directors to drive through Falmer.

Once the Falmer approval is ring fenced, then expect DK to retire, but don't think that all our problems will vanish and we will be instantly promoted.

We have lost a generation of supporters through having first Gillingham, then poor facilities at Withers to contend with. New support must be nurtured without upsetting those fans who have paid over the odds for the past ten years.

It will be a difficult balancing act, and mistakes WILL be made, try not to slaughter the club when they occur though.