ThatSlopesATwelfthMan
Active member
- Joined
- 15 Dec 2017
- Messages
- 540
With respect it is neither I, or OUSP that is putting any barriers between OxVox and the club. Its the exact opposite with us all working together to try to resolve some of these key issues, including looking at alternative measures to address fan engagement and CAB/FAB.
It's interesting that you see my posts as confrontational, but not others who post that I and others have a hidden agenda or make personal remarks. Recently there was a regular poster who called the female secretary of OUSP, and a lifelong fan, a "bitch" on this forum. Thankfully that was deleted but there have been numerous other comments that are unnecessary when talking about other fans who are trying to make things better for others.
You're right about the bigger battles, and as a life member of OxVox I would always encourage everyone to join them to give them an even greater voice. I have always supported OxVox and will happily work with them to hold the board to account and ensure that we get the stadium that we so desperately need. I wouldn't do anything that puts the future of our club in doubt, and would never be part of a group that did that.
But I honestly don't see that as OUSP. These are just a handful of people who try to enhance the experiences of every fan, and to ensure that all supporters have a voice on match day issues. If we can also assist in leafleting about the stadium or meet with council representatives too, then that's all bonus stuff.
I understand that there will always be those that have different views, and some that were opposed to OUSP at the outset, and more so now. I also understand the frustrations regarding communication, fans forums, marketing and a general disregard for the fanbase from key figures at the club. OUSP have shared the exact same concerns openly within our minutes and directly with club representatives. In 99% of this we are all on exactly the same page.
But I honestly don't understand the hostility towards a handful of fans who give up their time for the benefit of others. And when I see that, I'll not apologise for defending them.
Hi Scotch. I appreciate this post and the thought that went into it. I also appreciate that you're giving up your time to try and do a good thing for fans and the club. I don't doubt your intentions for a second. But...
Given what we're seeing from executives at the club I think it's important everyone keeps on their toes here. Don't take it personally. I probably won't change your mind but here are a few questions I think every fan should ask themselves.
Has leadership at the club done anything to actively celebrate, support or promote our independent supporters trust OxVox? If not why not?
When looking at fan engagement and improving match day experience has leadership at the club invited Oxvox to input into how that could be done before acting or to help design an approach that includes all? If not why not?
Has leadership at the club kept it's word to Oxvox and fans on things like fans forums? If not why not?
Has leadership at the club ever made unilateral structural decisions on what fans might want from them without asking them directly or via the one body that exists to provide a collective voice? If not why not?
Has leadership at the club shown respect to the historic and largely grassroots groups like Oxvox and the yellow army who have seen us through thick and thin down the years by regularly talking and listening? Or have they been largely antagonistic and dismissive? Why might that be?
Has leadership at the club shown an understanding of fan priorities or tried to understand how and when to communicate or have they tended to speak through media releases and on their own terms using jargon and distraction?
Has leadership at the club shown itself to be open and collaborative or closed and controlling? And if the latter what might that suggest about their motives when forming groups like ousp or this new FAB thingy.
Going to stop now but the list goes on. I've got a lot of experience in industrial relations and although that doesn't map exactly to running a football club there are parallels. Everything I see from the rabble running our club stinks of divide and conquer.
So with lots of appreciation I would ask members of OUSP to be proud of their commitment but vigilant to the possibility they're being played.