| Trust Chairman's statement 16:43 - Dec 20 with 7352 views | Joe_bradshaw |
Following the announcement on Thursday of my appointment as Chairman of the Supporters’ Trust I was able to speak with a number of Trust Members after the Members’ Forum in the evening. I am probably known to some others but felt it appropriate to send out this more general message to all members by way of introduction.
As I said in my opening remarks on Thursday I did not envisage being in this position even a couple of short months ago. Having stepped up into the Vice Chairman’s role to support Will Morris following his appointment as Chairman, the completely unwarranted treatment of Will on the Internet led to the Chairman’s seat again becoming vacant and the need to again step up; this time to lead what I am sure we all recognise as a unique organisation. Unique not only in that it is the only Supporters’ Trust owning shares in and being represented at Board level at a club in the Premier League, but also an organisation which played a significant role in the journey that the Club took from near extinction to the richest league in the world.
Although joining the Trust as a member from the start I take no credit for the huge amount of work undertaken by a relatively small group of fans during those early days. I was the one putting money in the bucket rather than carrying it and together with many Swans Fans young and old I will always be grateful for their endeavours.
It was by way of giving something back to the organisation that I was persuaded to seek a position on the Trust Board. Retirement from my job at the DVLA had provided me with a resource which I knew would be welcome by the Board — time. Little did I realise then the accuracy of the old adage that when you are retired you can never understand how you had time to go to work! That became evident quickly however and even more so when I later took on responsibilities for media relations and membership administration within the Trust Board.
The years since we gained promotion to the Premier League have probably provided the most challenging times for the Trust since those early days; and none more so than at present. The proposal to sell some of the Trust’s shares was I know not universally welcome, but most if not all of you will have been involved in the comprehensive consultation exercise that was carried out last summer. The result was an overwhelming majority, amongst those members who voted, to accept the deal on the terms offered in the consultation documents. Since then of course the resignation of Phil Sumbler, our long standing Trust Chairman, has raised concerns about the deal.
Your Trust Board has issued a number of statements clarifying the situation but there remains a prevailing thought amongst some fans that the payment terms of the deal have changed from that quoted in the consultation documents. This is not the case. There was certainly some clarification needed when we had details of a payment structure which we had not been made aware of. Phil, who had worked closely with the majority shareholders in putting the deal together, took the view at the time that the failure by the majority shareholders to highlight potential inaccuracies in the payment terms in our consultation documents amounted to a breakdown in relations with them. As mentioned in our previous statements the majority view of the Board, including other long standing Board Members who had been closely involved in the discussions with the majority shareholders, was to continue discussions in an effort to clarify things. Phil felt he could not lead the Trust Board in that direction and resigned from the Board. The ongoing discussions between the two legal teams have however now got us to a point where the payment terms of the deal are fully in line with the consultation papers.
As is also mentioned in those consultation documents, proceeding with any decision by the members to sell shares was always subject to the Trust Board being satisfied with the resulting legal contract that would need to be drawn up. Examining the detailed clauses associated with that contract is the current process that the Trust’s legal team is now working on, and our statement issued to members on 14 December highlighted some of the specific areas being looked at. We have a sub-group of the Trust Board monitoring that process and this has been recently supplemented by specialist expertise brought in as part of the recent co-option exercise. The Sub-Group will be bringing any proposals back to the Trust Board before any final decisions are made.
The debate around the current share deal together with the poor performance of the team on the pitch has certainly put a dark cloud over the Club and indeed the Supporters’ Trust. As I see things the fundamental reasons for progressing with the sale of some of the Trust’s shares remains as outlined in our consultation documents issued in the summer. However, and at the risk of repeating previous statements if, when discussions have been completed, there is anything in the terms of the proposed agreement which is contrary to the terms provided to members’ in the Summer exercise we will bring it back for further consultation. Given the very clear mandate we received and the care that has been taken and continues to be taken, to ensure that terms are in line with the original consultation exercise, I hope that all members will recognise that the Trust Board is complying fully with that mandate you provided in the Summer.
I know that there are some of you who remain concerned that the events surrounding this deal, in particular Phil Sumbler’s resignation, has cast doubt over the ongoing relationship between the Club and the Trust. Several of you have been in touch recording such concerns. Please accept this acknowledgement that the Trust Board will take full account of such concerns as we move forward.
When the Club was sold to American Owners in 2016 any relationship was inevitably going to change. The reality is that with 75%+ voting rights the majority owners have more or less complete control of what happens at the Club. The relationship with remote owners is inevitably different in any event and from the time they came on board it is probably fair to say that our direct relationship has been mixed. It is well documented that it took a while in the early days for the new owners to properly engage with the Trust. This changed following the departure of Bob Bradley and the subsequent appointment of Paul Clement. Perhaps the most significant element of the relationship has been the regular dialogue, agreed with the majority owners, that now exists at local level, with our Supporter Director Stuart McDonald holding regular weekly meetings with key personnel at the Club. There remains inevitably a more distant relationship with the American based majority owners and questions that arose around the detail of the share deal might have been clarified earlier in different circumstances. The fact that the dialogue continues however remains a positive with the Trust able to bring the concerns of our members directly to the decision makers at the Club. Needless to say the final outcome of the current deal will also go a long way to establishing how that relationship moves forward.
Whatever the eventual outcome however it is important that we as a Supporters Trust move forward in a positive way. You have my assurance that I will be doing my best to ensure that we will always have the long term interest of the Club and its fans as the focal point of our plans and I look to my Trust Board colleagues and you the wider membership for support in doing so. Words are all well and good however and I recognise that we as a Trust Board need to show tangible evidence of progress. Currently as well as the sub-group monitoring the share sale negotiations, we also have one examining membership and communications and I am sure you will see some positive outcomes from that shortly. In the meantime if you have ideas to assist us please get in touch via info@swanstrust.co.uk.
On a personal level I am normally around on match days - home and away - so if you get the opportunity please stop and have a word. At the Liberty I am regularly at the Trust Pod pre-match whilst I normally travel to away games on the supporters’ coaches provided by the excellent Swans Travel Club.
Thanks for taking the time to read through this message which turned out to be a little longer than I originally intended. As we move deep into the festive season may I also take this opportunity on behalf of all connected with the Supporters’ Trust to wish you and those near and dear to you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - a few points wouldn't go amiss either !!
Best wishes
Alan Lewis |  |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 16:49 - Dec 20 with 3622 views | Jackfath |
If Stuart McDonald is the Supporter Director and has regular weekly meetings with key personnel at the club, why hasn't he once provided an update on the discussions he has at the meetings?
Given that one one of the main problems voiced has been communication, even before his appointment, surely he could send out a similar letter on a monthly basis, perhaps?
The trust chairman speaks of a sub group looking at communication. Why hasn't the pen pics section been updated since they promised to do this? Surely a piece about the person and a picture would take each member a few minutes to complete and then it could be uploaded onto the site. It's not a big deal and would instantly provide better communication. Frankly it doesn't need a sub group to sort this out. [Post edited 20 Dec 2017 16:51]
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 16:57 - Dec 20 with 3554 views | swancity |
Uxbridge could have written that. Long winded with little content that is. Too placid, too keen to carry on building bridges, it makes you sick. |  |
| Only an idiot would eat a turkey curry on Christmas day |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:00 - Dec 20 with 3530 views | MoscowJack |
More worrying than pen pics is the consistent message from so many (including in this statement) that the "new deal" will be exactly the same one that the previous vote instructed them to follow (ie SELL to the Americans).
It's almost as if they're saying "you're forcing us to take this deal because that's what you voted for".
I suppose they don't see any actual or perceived lack of trust in the Americans now as material enough to warrant either another vote or the cancellation of the present discussions. | |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:00 - Dec 20 with 3526 views | Jack_Kass |
In a sentance.
'Piss off and stop bugging us with emails, we'll do what we want.'
Have I got that right? | |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:01 - Dec 20 with 3517 views | Bloodyhills |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:00 - Dec 20 by Jack_Kass |
In a sentance.
'Piss off and stop bugging us with emails, we'll do what we want.'
Have I got that right? |
Pretty much seems like that to me. | |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:09 - Dec 20 with 3449 views | TheResurrection |
Read as far as "unwarranted" just to realise how out of touch Alan Lewis and the Trust are.
It's time for change
It's time for a quick revamp whatever the consequences.
No more Bullshit I'm sorry, your unwarranted time is up!!!!!! |  |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:11 - Dec 20 with 3437 views | monmouth |
I can't even bring myself to read it without a beer. I'll bet it's another justification of more Jam and Jerusalem from the Swansea City Women's Institute.
Look Mummy I'm Chairman of the Supporters Trust. What a clever little soldier you are Alan. Keep singing God Bless America and it'll all be alright. |  |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:12 - Dec 20 with 3432 views | thenorthbankbog |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:09 - Dec 20 by TheResurrection |
Read as far as "unwarranted" just to realise how out of touch Alan Lewis and the Trust are.
It's time for change
It's time for a quick revamp whatever the consequences.
No more Bullshit I'm sorry, your unwarranted time is up!!!!!! |
That could well be sooner rather than later |  | | |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:16 - Dec 20 with 3410 views | swancity |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:09 - Dec 20 by TheResurrection |
Read as far as "unwarranted" just to realise how out of touch Alan Lewis and the Trust are.
It's time for change
It's time for a quick revamp whatever the consequences.
No more Bullshit I'm sorry, your unwarranted time is up!!!!!! |
Weird ...a few thousand words...and yet not a single referral to the devious sale of the Club carried out largely behind the backs of the Trust. Something is still not right. Far from it. | |
| Only an idiot would eat a turkey curry on Christmas day |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:18 - Dec 20 with 3392 views | max936 |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:11 - Dec 20 by monmouth |
I can't even bring myself to read it without a beer. I'll bet it's another justification of more Jam and Jerusalem from the Swansea City Women's Institute.
Look Mummy I'm Chairman of the Supporters Trust. What a clever little soldier you are Alan. Keep singing God Bless America and it'll all be alright. |
Just sound bites to keep us minions happy Monny, fuking joke the time for change has past. |  |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:19 - Dec 20 with 3381 views | max936 |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:00 - Dec 20 by Jack_Kass |
In a sentance.
'Piss off and stop bugging us with emails, we'll do what we want.'
Have I got that right? |
Spot on. | |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:20 - Dec 20 with 3369 views | Bobby_Fischer |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:00 - Dec 20 by MoscowJack |
More worrying than pen pics is the consistent message from so many (including in this statement) that the "new deal" will be exactly the same one that the previous vote instructed them to follow (ie SELL to the Americans).
It's almost as if they're saying "you're forcing us to take this deal because that's what you voted for".
I suppose they don't see any actual or perceived lack of trust in the Americans now as material enough to warrant either another vote or the cancellation of the present discussions. |
If it goes tits up, they can then say - "we were just carrying out what the members voted for" and wipe their hands clean of any blame. |  |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:27 - Dec 20 with 3325 views | longlostjack |
Clear mandate in the summer? What was the percentage of Trust members entitled to vote, who voted in favour of the deal ? It was around 38%. ( 684 votes) . Meanwhile the SCSA has attracted over 1400 followers on Twitter alone. Yet the Chairman of the Trust chooses to use the expressions "amongst some fans " and "I know that there are some of you". Not good enough.
Edit: Reminds me a bit of the Queen's Christmas Day Message. [Post edited 20 Dec 2017 17:29]
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:27 - Dec 20 with 3323 views | Outsider |
Folks ... for some reason ... Alan and some members of the existing Trust board are still hell-bent on pushing through the share sale.
New Board members (and any existing ones with courage) - YOU NEED TO FIND YOUR VOICE!!! | | | |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:27 - Dec 20 with 3323 views | MoscowJack |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:20 - Dec 20 by Bobby_Fischer |
If it goes tits up, they can then say - "we were just carrying out what the members voted for" and wipe their hands clean of any blame. |
Exactly. Like saying "if we had gone against what was voted, you would have complained too, so we went with what you voted for.....word-for-word". | |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:30 - Dec 20 with 3296 views | budegan |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:27 - Dec 20 by Outsider |
Folks ... for some reason ... Alan and some members of the existing Trust board are still hell-bent on pushing through the share sale.
New Board members (and any existing ones with courage) - YOU NEED TO FIND YOUR VOICE!!! |
What reasons could lie behind them being hell-bent on pushing it through?
Does anyone have any theories as to what could be in it for them? |  | | |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:32 - Dec 20 with 3282 views | Highjack |
Those nasty bastards on the internet criticising the actions of those supposedly representing them selflessly should pipe down and be quiet whilst this deal is ploughed through to benefit everyone except the club and the fans. |  |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:35 - Dec 20 with 3265 views | Outsider |
It has been asked before but no answer.
Does anyone know who is on the Trust board sub-group looking at the share sale proposal? It is they who will make a recommendation for approval or non-approval to the full Trust board. | | | |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:36 - Dec 20 with 3256 views | monmouth |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:35 - Dec 20 by Outsider |
It has been asked before but no answer.
Does anyone know who is on the Trust board sub-group looking at the share sale proposal? It is they who will make a recommendation for approval or non-approval to the full Trust board. |
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It's Lisa, Andrew and Dai isn't it? | |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:52 - Dec 20 with 3159 views | fbreath |
I have seen Alan and spoken to him a few times and would never have him down as one to be a leader.
He comes across as too nice and timid for a post like this and standing up to people |  |
| We are the first Welsh club to reach the Premier League Simples |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 18:01 - Dec 20 with 3108 views | monmouth |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:52 - Dec 20 by fbreath |
I have seen Alan and spoken to him a few times and would never have him down as one to be a leader.
He comes across as too nice and timid for a post like this and standing up to people |
Mate, they are all nice people and real fans but this is a war now. Retired public servants or people who just happen to have been there in the good times should have no voice in the sharp end of this. We are where we are partly because they are nice and out of their depth. Not their fault but their time is done.
Quite simply Lisa should be appointed Supporter Director and Mr Cude should be Chairman. Now. Today. Get the skills where we need them before it is too late. | |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 18:05 - Dec 20 with 3076 views | Jackfath |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 18:01 - Dec 20 by monmouth |
Mate, they are all nice people and real fans but this is a war now. Retired public servants or people who just happen to have been there in the good times should have no voice in the sharp end of this. We are where we are partly because they are nice and out of their depth. Not their fault but their time is done.
Quite simply Lisa should be appointed Supporter Director and Mr Cude should be Chairman. Now. Today. Get the skills where we need them before it is too late. |
I also back this 100%. | |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 18:13 - Dec 20 with 3027 views | fbreath |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 18:01 - Dec 20 by monmouth |
Mate, they are all nice people and real fans but this is a war now. Retired public servants or people who just happen to have been there in the good times should have no voice in the sharp end of this. We are where we are partly because they are nice and out of their depth. Not their fault but their time is done.
Quite simply Lisa should be appointed Supporter Director and Mr Cude should be Chairman. Now. Today. Get the skills where we need them before it is too late. |
That’s what I meant he’s too nice for the position | |
| We are the first Welsh club to reach the Premier League Simples |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 18:14 - Dec 20 with 3010 views | monmouth |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 18:13 - Dec 20 by fbreath |
That’s what I meant he’s too nice for the position |
I know, sorry I was just using your post as a platform and to give old Mart6 a chance to do his thang. | |
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| Trust Chairman's statement on 18:17 - Dec 20 with 2992 views | Landore_Jack |
| Trust Chairman's statement on 17:00 - Dec 20 by Jack_Kass |
In a sentance.
'Piss off and stop bugging us with emails, we'll do what we want.'
Have I got that right? |
Spot on. He's basically sticking two fingers up against the members. |  |
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