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General Category => Altrincham FC First Team => Topic started by: Paul Cain's Chip Pan on April 03, 2017, 04:48:37 PM

Title: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Paul Cain's Chip Pan on April 03, 2017, 04:48:37 PM
From the official site:

""As we all know only too well, relegation to the Evo-Stik League became a reality at Salford City on Saturday in circumstances that scarcely made it any easier to bear.
When the opposition's manager and their in-house TV commentary team readily concur they were fortunate not to concede two, possibly three, penalties, you know you have been hard done by. One contentious refereeing decision after another went against us and, as a consequence, a position of promise at the midway point was overturned in the second half, and we went down 2-1.

However, while our fate was officially sealed at 5pm on Saturday, we recognise the bigger picture. The damage was done long before and, as a board, we hold our hands up and apologise for mistakes made.

Equally, while accepting our responsibility for what has happened, we feel it is imperative now there is no delay in planning as thoroughly and meticulously as possible to try and ensure our stay in the Evo-Stik League is as brief as possible and we reclaim our place in the Vanarama League at the first time of asking.

It goes without saying the last year or so has not been enjoyable for anyone connected with the club. The pain has been felt by all of us, but a sense of unity and all pulling in the same direction can be a key factor in kick-starting a journey back up the non-league pyramid. Let's move forward as one and channel all our efforts and resources into getting this club back to where it belongs.

The position of manager for next season will be resolved shortly and whoever is appointed will waste no time addressing the areas of the squad that still need strengthening, despite clear signs of improvement in recent weeks. We want a squad that ticks all the boxes for a concerted promotion push, and that means putting the building blocks in place now, in terms of the finance it will require.

With central funding from the Vanarama League coming to an end, a reduction in income from gate receipts and season tickets and the subsequent pressure this will exert on the playing budget, it is essential we generate as much as we can from other initiatives. One of these is the popular and successful Patrons' Scheme, which will enter its twelfth, and probably most important, season in 2017-18.

It really is a vital fund-raiser for the club, and this is how it works. For the cost of £50, your name will appear throughout the coming season in the Robins Review matchday programme as a Patron of Altrincham Football Club.

At the beginning of the season, every member will be entered into a prize draw, with the winner acting as match sponsor, with all the attendant hospitality benefits, for an appointed game, along with nine guests, in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge. Second prize will be hospitality for five people and third prize hospitality for three.

If you are interested in offering invaluable support in this way and becoming a Patron for next season, please forward a cheque for £50, payable to Altrincham Football Club, for the attention of Grahame Rowley. Alternatively you can pay by card by phoning the office on 0161 928 1045. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Grahame on 07720-606897 or by e-mail.

Thank you once again for your support – it is very much appreciated". "
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: JMF on April 03, 2017, 05:02:30 PM
Still not getting it then?
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Hulme Robin on April 03, 2017, 05:03:45 PM
Is that a quick apology and a bucket shake rolled into one?
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Darren on April 03, 2017, 05:04:00 PM
If that's a rallying cry doesn't do anything for me just start of the begging for money season.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: taxi Phil on April 03, 2017, 05:10:30 PM
Not one penny more.....
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Ballers on April 03, 2017, 05:23:38 PM
Well, I guess people are going to assess whether it's worth giving money in relation to whether the club really want to make use of it in the long term...
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: markecky2 on April 03, 2017, 05:41:34 PM
Cult summed it up very well when he said "Exactly what kind of alternative universe have we entered here?"

If I had to pick a day not to put out an appeal for funds the top three days would have been Saturday, yesterday or today.

Stop this madness, for Gods sake make it stop.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Mausoleum Alty on April 03, 2017, 05:43:26 PM
How does f**k off grab you Mr Rowley!!
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: im not really here on April 03, 2017, 06:00:14 PM
It beggars belief. Who thought that they was a good statement to put out at this time. We're relegated because of a poor referee on Saturday, oh maybe there's more to it than that. Let's pat them all on the head and ask them for money.

I hope more people boycott the fundraiser so that maybe they'll get the message that this Club deserves more.

If Doughty is appointed as seems seemingly likely, they won't get a penny from me next season.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: wayno on April 03, 2017, 06:07:35 PM
No matter how hard it is to stomach we have a gap

Not getting into the the political side of why at this time

The club needs to do all they can now to attempt to plug it and to understand what the budget will be for next season

People will make there choice to pay or not

The next part will be the subject of admission prices tied into this
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: im not really here on April 03, 2017, 06:10:42 PM
I agree that there's a shortfall but there are a number of Better and more imaginitive ways of encouraging people to donate money than this. It's like something the school PTA would send out and is far from a rallying cry.

Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: wayno on April 03, 2017, 06:15:15 PM
I agree that there's a shortfall but there are a number of Better and more imaginitive ways of encouraging people to donate money than this. It's like something the school PTA would send out and is far from a rallying cry.


I'm sure your right this is a start and if the club don't planned now they would be criticised

Also it's a free way to get money with no marketting cost

I am sure more is planned

Dammed if you do dammed if you don't

Will the staff supporters game still go ahead

That will be fun 😐
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: markecky2 on April 03, 2017, 06:17:22 PM
No matter how hard it is to stomach we have a gap

Not getting into the the political side of why at this time

The club needs to do all they can now to attempt to plug it and to understand what the budget will be for next season

People will make there choice to pay or not

The next part will be the subject of admission prices tied into this

Wayne, I understand why we have to fundraise and I'm not saying anyone should boycott it.

However in my opinion announcements like this should come on the back of some positive news like a new manager, not in the lowest week of the season.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Bob on April 03, 2017, 06:19:31 PM
I honestly don't think the chairman understands how unhappy so many people are and how many want him to stand down. Reaching out for money right now is totally tactless.  if anything there should be reduced prices for the last home games, money off at the bar, free away travel; some sort of meaningful attempt to reach out and say sorry.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: wayno on April 03, 2017, 06:23:43 PM
No matter how hard it is to stomach we have a gap

Not getting into the the political side of why at this time

The club needs to do all they can now to attempt to plug it and to understand what the budget will be for next season

People will make there choice to pay or not

The next part will be the subject of admission prices tied into this

Wayne, I understand why we have to fundraise and I'm not saying anyone should boycott it.

However in my opinion announcements like this should come on the back of some positive news like a new manager, not in the lowest week of the season.
totally understand and I agree the timings not great . The management decision may take weeks yet dependent on applications and interviews etc

The gap is there now in funding

I also think if we had been cleverer we could have tied in the reduced admission prices as a peice to soften the blow

Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Mausoleum Alty on April 03, 2017, 06:28:45 PM
No matter how hard it is to stomach we have a gap

Not getting into the the political side of why at this time

The club needs to do all they can now to attempt to plug it and to understand what the budget will be for next season

People will make there choice to pay or not

The next part will be the subject of admission prices tied into this

Wayne, I understand why we have to fundraise and I'm not saying anyone should boycott it.

However in my opinion announcements like this should come on the back of some positive news like a new manager, not in the lowest week of the season.
totally understand and I agree the timings not great . The management decision may take weeks yet dependent on applications and interviews etc

The gap is there now in funding

I also think if we had been cleverer we could have tied in the reduced admission prices as a peice to soften the blow



The interviews are just for show,expect Doughty to be announced permanent manager in the next 7 days.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: TheCultOfIanTunnacliffe on April 03, 2017, 06:41:57 PM


A mistimed juxtaposition.

Synopsis of that statement:

We have overseen relentless failure at this football club on a quite unprecedented and catastrophic scale.

Now, give us some more of your money.

Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Sarf London Alty on April 03, 2017, 06:48:29 PM
Another PR Masterclass that.

The game and the dubious refereeing decisions on Saturday are totally irrelevant in the grand scheme of things and should have not been. mentioned at all. As said a gesture of some kind reflecting on 2.5 seasons of completely embarrassing league performances would have been appropriate but no it's 'Sorry lads, wasn't that ref awful, anyway sorry about this relegation business but we'd be very grateful if before knowing who the manager is next season and also how much it will cost to get in, if you could all give us a load of cash, thanks again and see you all at Rushall Olympic'.

No no and thrice no.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: finnquark on April 03, 2017, 07:03:10 PM
The layers of black humour to be found in this are so good. After three readings, my favourite bit is the blithe acceptance of relegation combined with the claim of meticulous planning in the same sentence. Other highlights include laying out the ways in which the club will be financially hit (something most fans without their head in the ground have been pointing out since October) and the hilariously brief description of how the Patrons' Scheme 'works'.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Paul Cain's Chip Pan on April 03, 2017, 07:08:31 PM
It's hard to articulate what a poorly timed and insensitive statement it actually is.

Just pat everyone on the head and ask for more money. All is well at Moss Lane apparently.

Utterly insulting.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: TheCultOfIanTunnacliffe on April 03, 2017, 07:26:29 PM

The layers of black humour to be found in this are so good. After three readings, my favourite bit is the blithe acceptance of relegation combined with the claim of meticulous planning in the same sentence. Other highlights include laying out the ways in which the club will be financially hit (something most fans without their head in the ground have been pointing out since October) and the hilariously brief description of how the Patrons' Scheme 'works'.



Indeed.

I particularly enjoyed "despite clear signs of improvement in recent weeks."

Ah, that would be the marvellous run of form since the beginning of March that has seen us amass a total of four points out of a possible 21 then.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: GB Alty on April 03, 2017, 07:32:26 PM
I don't know whats going on here Bill? These communications are getting worse not better from the club
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: taxi Phil on April 03, 2017, 08:03:23 PM
The harsh, unpalatable truth is that, until all financial support to the present regime is cut off, we will continue in freefall. I'm in the monthly draw, and I'll keep that going, but they won't see one red cent of my money otherwise until there are clear signs of improvement OFF the field.

I could actually grit my teeth and watch us struggle next season if I believed the CLUB as opposed to the TEAM was in decent shape. It would then follow that the team would get back in the groove. Right now the CLUB is in the worst shape since it was rescued by White & Swales nearly 60 years ago.

Severe sickness needs a severe cure. If we all walk away until change occurs at the top, we have a chance of rexemption. If we don't things will carry on down the same unlit, muddy, bramble-choked path we've been on for over 18 months.

It was bad enough having Droylsden for Xmas in level 5. But in level 8 ? I believe it's entirely possible unless we take such drastic action that the club are forced to sort out their sh*t.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: robininstockport on April 03, 2017, 08:10:50 PM
Our PR juganought thunders on
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: andrewflynn on April 03, 2017, 08:16:33 PM
Cheeky sod.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: RockyRobin on April 03, 2017, 09:29:15 PM
Well it has reminded me to cancel my direct debits in the morning.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: HashtagAlty on April 03, 2017, 10:24:59 PM
I sent Bill a message a few months ago - on the very subject on plugging the funding gap - with a selection of proactive ideas.

1. club together

A crowdfunding campaign designed to united whatever remain of the board and the fans. Fans pitching in money to be matched in some way by a board personal contribution or by bringing in funds from a college or business associate (non existing)

A target of £30,000 for fans, and £20,000 for the board. Every penny pledge by a fan would be held until the total has been reached, and returned if the figure is not met. Should the £30,000 be met, the £20,000 is then added by the board.

The rewards for fans donating could be cool one offs such a pair of custom "Altrincham" adidas orginals, a curry with an Altrincham legend (max 10 people), a Lego version of moss lane, an Alty TV experience for your cup final. Non of this match day experience free coach trip etc.

2. Doing up the sponsors lounge office

Turning the offices in the Manchester glass lounge into 4-6 people dining areas themed around the club. So one could be alty giant killers, one could be subuteo and one Altrincham community. These could potentially be cool meeting rooms of offices for hot desking (or still used by their current purpose.

3. Plugging the news gasp.

A whatsapp version of club call. Instant team new, signing etc straight from the website.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Bath Alty on April 03, 2017, 11:00:10 PM
It does seem the fan base is becoming increasingly united as GR requests, unfortunately the one direction we are all pulling in is not the one he is going in.  He must know there is serious disapproval of his leadership so just spouting off that we all need to pull together while offering no compromise or even hint at apology or change in behaviour going forward is only going to strengthen resolve against him. 

I was one of his last supporters on here I think but even I can see that this statement is absolutely the wrong thing to do at the the wrong time and with completely the wrong tone.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Teasierbeaver on April 04, 2017, 07:10:28 AM
I sent Bill a message a few months ago - on the very subject on plugging the funding gap - with a selection of proactive ideas.

1. club together

A crowdfunding campaign designed to united whatever remain of the board and the fans. Fans pitching in money to be matched in some way by a board personal contribution or by bringing in funds from a college or business associate (non existing)

A target of £30,000 for fans, and £20,000 for the board. Every penny pledge by a fan would be held until the total has been reached, and returned if the figure is not met. Should the £30,000 be met, the £20,000 is then added by the board.

The rewards for fans donating could be cool one offs such a pair of custom "Altrincham" adidas orginals, a curry with an Altrincham legend (max 10 people), a Lego version of moss lane, an Alty TV experience for your cup final. Non of this match day experience free coach trip etc.

2. Doing up the sponsors lounge office

Turning the offices in the Manchester glass lounge into 4-6 people dining areas themed around the club. So one could be alty giant killers, one could be subuteo and one Altrincham community. These could potentially be cool meeting rooms of offices for hot desking (or still used by their current purpose.

3. Plugging the news gasp.

A whatsapp version of club call. Instant team new, signing etc straight from the website.

Incredibly strong ideas for the club, particularly 1 and 2. If fans can find 30k i'd expect double from the board, particularly as they have the power to reward investors.

Unfortunately this is too far forward thinking, as would have been the open minded approach to business management that would have seen the social media team have a right to voice their opinions without being cast adrift like naughty school children.

I dont mind the club asking for money now, its nothing new and my word will we need it. However I do take great offence that the act of Alty FC being relegated to its lowest tier ever in English football, purely as a result of bad management, does not even warrant its own dedicated response directly from the chairman?

Instead we get a diluted communication from the board which suddenly attests group culpability despite the personnel having dramatically changed. It still fails to tackle head on what the failings were and it is mixed in with other club interests. I mean it might as well have been tagged on to the end of the match report from the reserves game.

Bill, you've been well and truly taken advantage of here. There's one man responsible for pretty much all of our recent bad decisions as a club and yet somehow you've been convinced to carry the can for one of them almost entirely (social media fiasco) and now as part of a collective culpability for something you haven't presided over. You may see it differently but I see it like this and i'm sure i'm not alone. There's no smoke without fire and I think you should anticipate being burnt.

The club is farcical now. I tried to hold back and just leave it, but I cant, I'm annoyed with myself for caring.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Jezza on April 04, 2017, 08:45:34 AM
I sent Bill a message a few months ago - on the very subject on plugging the funding gap - with a selection of proactive ideas.

1. club together

A crowdfunding campaign designed to united whatever remain of the board and the fans. Fans pitching in money to be matched in some way by a board personal contribution or by bringing in funds from a college or business associate (non existing)

A target of £30,000 for fans, and £20,000 for the board. Every penny pledge by a fan would be held until the total has been reached, and returned if the figure is not met. Should the £30,000 be met, the £20,000 is then added by the board.

The rewards for fans donating could be cool one offs such a pair of custom "Altrincham" adidas orginals, a curry with an Altrincham legend (max 10 people), a Lego version of moss lane, an Alty TV experience for your cup final. Non of this match day experience free coach trip etc.

2. Doing up the sponsors lounge office

Turning the offices in the Manchester glass lounge into 4-6 people dining areas themed around the club. So one could be alty giant killers, one could be subuteo and one Altrincham community. These could potentially be cool meeting rooms of offices for hot desking (or still used by their current purpose.

3. Plugging the news gasp.

A whatsapp version of club call. Instant team new, signing etc straight from the website.

Interfering fan....just hand over your money ;D
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: CB on April 04, 2017, 08:50:59 AM
I sent Bill a message a few months ago - on the very subject on plugging the funding gap - with a selection of proactive ideas.

1. club together

A crowdfunding campaign designed to united whatever remain of the board and the fans. Fans pitching in money to be matched in some way by a board personal contribution or by bringing in funds from a college or business associate (non existing)

A target of £30,000 for fans, and £20,000 for the board. Every penny pledge by a fan would be held until the total has been reached, and returned if the figure is not met. Should the £30,000 be met, the £20,000 is then added by the board.

The rewards for fans donating could be cool one offs such a pair of custom "Altrincham" adidas orginals, a curry with an Altrincham legend (max 10 people), a Lego version of moss lane, an Alty TV experience for your cup final. Non of this match day experience free coach trip etc.

2. Doing up the sponsors lounge office

Turning the offices in the Manchester glass lounge into 4-6 people dining areas themed around the club. So one could be alty giant killers, one could be subuteo and one Altrincham community. These could potentially be cool meeting rooms of offices for hot desking (or still used by their current purpose.

3. Plugging the news gasp.

A whatsapp version of club call. Instant team new, signing etc straight from the website.

Great ideas, although I suspect a little too advanced/modern for our prehistoric board. A board who can't get their head around the importance of social media, for example...

Did you hear anything back?
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: blackpoolalty on April 04, 2017, 09:22:29 AM
You just couldn't write this up. A day after we are relegated a rallying call for fans to put the hands in their pockets.


Amazing
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: arnald on April 04, 2017, 09:33:00 AM
This timing is a disgrace I wouldn't trust this lot with cash anymore
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Man of Moss on April 04, 2017, 09:41:35 AM
As I have previously posted, no money from me anymore, no season ticket, no patrons, no nothing until there is a change, do I really have to watch this club fall any further? you can blame us all you like but the only way you will get my money again is by stepping down at the end of the season and announcing that now!!!
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Ballers on April 04, 2017, 10:21:32 AM
I must say, the timing seems odd. Last year the appeal was put out on 21st April. I can only presume the board are looking to get a clear picture earlier. Which is probably just as well as they're going to get the shock of their lives this year I feel.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: ShropshireAlty on April 04, 2017, 10:30:46 AM
No season ticket and no patrons money (x2) from me until the Chairman does the decent thing and steps down. Anything else just won't cut it.
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: RockyRobin on April 04, 2017, 10:51:57 PM
Well it has reminded me to cancel my direct debits in the morning.

Done.

No horses, no bidding at auctions and no more schemes
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: Leon on April 04, 2017, 10:56:55 PM
Well it has reminded me to cancel my direct debits in the morning.

Done.

No horses, no bidding at auctions and no more schemes

Have you told Grahame Rowley all this?
Title: Re: Message from the board/Advert for Patrons Scheme
Post by: MadFrankie on April 04, 2017, 10:59:52 PM
Well it has reminded me to cancel my direct debits in the morning.

Done.

No horses, no bidding at auctions and no more schemes

Have you told Grahame Rowley all this?
Same here, and yes.