First of all, a big apology. When I saw the 'walk out' thread, I imagined that the group behind it were a 'rabble' who didn't have the interests of AFC as of paramount concern. There has always been this portrayal of an 'enemy' within and I assumed you were part of the enemy. I now see from our interactions that this is far from the truth and you are passionate about the club and feel totally let down by events...........any on reflection why shouldn't you? Seeing the article which depicted Alty as the most unsuccessful team in England reminded me of when Hyde United were in the same situation and it is gut wrenching. Equally the reason for this is that terrible decisions have been taken on the playing side and these decisions have ultimately been endorsed by Mr Rowley. It is rather akin to a Chairman of a business appointing two MD's in a row that have taken the company towards bankruptcy and then has not the 'class' to accept that a new broom is needed, irrespective of successes with the finances and the Community Hall ( I think!!).
As I have said previously I do think Mr Rowley has proved his commitment to the club with the time and effort he has put in but it comes down at the end of the day to commitment v competency. One needs both to be successful and regrettably for all concerned, including himself he has failed on one of those criteria. Clearly he does not see it that way and seems determined to stay.....is that because of arrogance, ego, because he likes the trappings of the role or being fair because he has the self believe to think he is the best man for the job. It would be fascinating to know. Equally why did Mr Shaw, a highly respected figure resign.....was it because Mr Rowley refused to fall on his sword? Another fascinating question of which we will probably never know the answer.
Given this situation the fundamental question I suppose, is what is best for AFC and what can be done to achieve this? I think the straw poll started by Jezza was a great idea as it does put some focus on quantifications rather than it just being seen as the actions of an ill informed and unspecified group. This looks likely to point to the fact that the majority would accept Mr Rowley as a board member but not as chairman......this seems to me as a very mature approach from the fans, as it does not cast Mr Rowley as 'the devil' but as a hard working supporter of AFC who is in the wrong role and needs to be helped to see that this is the reality.
Is this really the objective? If so can 'supporter power' help him see this? If so what is the best way forward? Will a walk out contribute or will they just open the gates and ignore it? Personally I prefer the approach of an open letter that is shared with the press and recognises the good work of Mr Rowley but also publically highlights the obvious failures that have occurred to turn us into 'the most unsuccessful team in English football' ......a legacy of the current way the club has been run.
Sorry for going on but I felt bad about doubting your good intentions and wanted to try and be constructive to assist the current plight of AFC.