Shrimpers Trust

[Jam_Man]

One thing I will say transparent or not they do care 110% every single one of them

Indeed, and the work they do, all unpaid, is fantastic.

Ive criticised them in the past for not being vocal enough and not pro-active enough, and I still feel that, but that doesn't take away anything from all the hard work they do. What they do is fantastic for the club.

 

[OldBlueLady]

The trust are only slightly more transparent than RM when it comes to revealing exactly what they actually do to benefit SUFC hence why there is generally a lot of apathy towards them.

I'm going to pick up on that point.

Just because information hasn't been forthcoming on some of the issues raised here, and ONE in particular, I don't agree that you can throw that kind of criticism about.

As has been said on the ST response, minutes of both committee meetings and liaison meetings are out in the public domain. Non members can look at both the Trust's and the Junior Blues websites, although certain areas may be restricted in a members' area.

I frequently share information about the Junior Blues on here. Committee members are available in the Shrimpers Bar pre-home games and usually fairly easily found at away games. So, I think to question what we do to benefit Southend United, is pretty poor.

The Trust continues to support the Youth because that is what members in a huge majority have indicated they want whenever surveyed or questioned. Sponsorship from within the town is incredibly hard to find whenever you mention the words "Southend United", so we have continued with our sponsorship. Who knows how much longer that will continue?

 

[South Bank Hank]

I'm going to pick up on that point.
(1) As has been said on the ST response, minutes of both committee meetings and liaison meetings are out in the public domain.

(2) I frequently share information about the Junior Blues on here. Committee members are available in the Shrimpers Bar pre-home games and usually fairly easily found at away games. So, I think to question what we do to benefit Southend United, is pretty poor.

Hi Kay,

Firstly, this is not a criticism of the Trust because I stand with what I perceive to be the majority in recognising that all Trust members are committed, passionate Shrimpers who care first and foremost about what's ultimately best for Southend. Anyone who does outwardly criticise the Trust really needs to see if THEY'd be prepared to put their heads up above the parapet and invite some of the flack. For all TB's criticism, he has at least been in the hotseat. I for one hold my hands up right now and say I neither have the time nor the inclination to put myself through it. Much kudos to those of you who do.

That said, here's an observation based on this thread, what I've seen before, and the comments I've highlighted above. I have shared this viewpoint with the Trust previously but I'm not sure it's ever hit home.

(1) The information may be available to anyone at any time and (2) committee members may be easy to find.

I'm sure the Trust (and its leaders) does share what it can. But, fundamentally:

If the Trust has a clear set of goals, an agenda, or a desired outcome (as it must); if the Trust wants to win hearts and minds, backers, and supporters (as it should); if the Trust wants to gain the right force of argument to MAKE the club take it seriously (as it absolutely needs to); then it has to continually GO OUT TO its various publics, and not expect THEM to come looking for the Trust. In a business setting, it would mean looking for different ways to reach out then take advantage of every 'touchpoint' it has with its potential customers.

Sounds like management bollocks doesn't it... but it's always come across to me that this sort of debate on ShrimperZone is seen by the Trust as a threat or an argument that needs to be shut down as soon as possible. I absolutely believe the Trust should be doing the opposite by embracing and welcoming this kind of discussion. In fact, the Trust should be STARTING these sort of discussions. These type of public discussions are a massive opportunity for the Trust to come to the fore.

The Trust should be all over this thread, engaging with interested Shrimpers, listening to the arguments, and managing objections by dealing with them head-on.

As I say, it's not a criticism because the above takes a lot of time and energy. And let's face it, as a collective bunch, football fans are far from reasonable at times. But it is an observation and, for me, the Trust is continually missing opportunities to rouse and energise a committed bunch of followers by not going after them.

 

[ooh-andy-ansah]

Hi Kay,

Firstly, this is not a criticism of the Trust because I stand with what I perceive to be the majority in recognising that all Trust members are committed, passionate Shrimpers who care first and foremost about what's ultimately best for Southend. Anyone who does outwardly criticise the Trust really needs to see if THEY'd be prepared to put their heads up above the parapet and invite some of the flack. For all TB's criticism, he has at least been in the hotseat. I for one hold my hands up right now and say I neither have the time nor the inclination to put myself through it. Much kudos to those of you who do.

That said, here's an observation based on this thread, what I've seen before, and the comments I've highlighted above. I have shared this viewpoint with the Trust previously but I'm not sure it's ever hit home.

(1) The information may be available to anyone at any time and (2) committee members may be easy to find. I'm sure the Trust (and its leaders) does share what it can.

But, fundamentally:

If the Trust has a clear set of goals, an agenda, or a desired outcome (as it must); if the Trust wants to win hearts and minds, backers, and supporters (as it should); if the Trust wants to gain the right force of argument to MAKE the club take it seriously (as it absolutely needs to); then it has to continually GO OUT TO its various publics, and not expect THEM to come looking for the Trust. In a business setting, it would mean looking for different ways to reach out, and then taking advantage of every 'touchpoint' it has with its potential customers.

Sounds like management bollocks doesn't it... but it's always come across to me that this sort of debate on ShrimperZone is seen by the Trust as a threat, or an argument that needs to be shut down as soon as possible. I absolutely believe the Trust should be doing the opposite by embracing and welcoming this kind of discussion. In fact, the Trust should be STARTING these sort of discussions. These type of public discussions are a massive opportunity for the Trust to come to the fore.

For me, the Trust should be all over this thread, engaging with interested Shrimpers, listening to the arguments, managing objections by dealing with them head-on.

As I say, it's not a criticism because the above takes a lot of time and energy. And let's face it, as a collective bunch, football fans are far from reasonable at times. But it is an observation and, for me, the Trust is continually missing opportunities to rouse and energise a committed bunch of followers.

A perfect summary of how many people feel I would imagine.

 

[Supa Shrimpa]

I'll second that. If the points raised had been replied to in this way, I'd tell you what, I'd definately consider joining again. However unfortunately, the issues were deemed as "Trust Bashing" and arrogance shone through. If there are sensitive issues they'd rather not discuss on a forum, then say so. I understand. Nobody is here to bash them, in fact, everyone (I think !) has praised them for the huge amount of good work they do, and I agree aswell.

 

[ooh-andy-ansah]

I'm going to pick up on that point.

Just because information hasn't been forthcoming on some of the issues raised here, and ONE in particular, I don't agree that you can throw that kind of criticism about.

As has been said on the ST response, minutes of both committee meetings and liaison meetings are out in the public domain. Non members can look at both the Trust's and the Junior Blues websites, although certain areas may be restricted in a members' area.

I frequently share information about the Junior Blues on here. Committee members are available in the Shrimpers Bar pre-home games and usually fairly easily found at away games. So, I think to question what we do to benefit Southend United, is pretty poor.

The Trust continues to support the Youth because that is what members in a huge majority have indicated they want whenever surveyed or questioned. Sponsorship from within the town is incredibly hard to find whenever you mention the words "Southend United", so we have continued with our sponsorship. Who knows how much longer that will continue?

You've missed the point totally, it's not the information they have published or the excellent work they do that's in question.

 

[OldBlueLady]

Hi Kay,

Firstly, this is not a criticism of the Trust because I stand with what I perceive to be the majority in recognising that all Trust members are committed, passionate Shrimpers who care first and foremost about what's ultimately best for Southend. Anyone who does outwardly criticise the Trust really needs to see if THEY'd be prepared to put their heads up above the parapet and invite some of the flack. For all TB's criticism, he has at least been in the hotseat. I for one hold my hands up right now and say I neither have the time nor the inclination to put myself through it. Much kudos to those of you who do.

That said, here's an observation based on this thread, what I've seen before, and the comments I've highlighted above. I have shared this viewpoint with the Trust previously but I'm not sure it's ever hit home.

(1) The information may be available to anyone at any time and (2) committee members may be easy to find.

I'm sure the Trust (and its leaders) does share what it can. But, fundamentally:

If the Trust has a clear set of goals, an agenda, or a desired outcome (as it must); if the Trust wants to win hearts and minds, backers, and supporters (as it should); if the Trust wants to gain the right force of argument to MAKE the club take it seriously (as it absolutely needs to); then it has to continually GO OUT TO its various publics, and not expect THEM to come looking for the Trust. In a business setting, it would mean looking for different ways to reach out then take advantage of every 'touchpoint' it has with its potential customers.

Sounds like management bollocks doesn't it... but it's always come across to me that this sort of debate on ShrimperZone is seen by the Trust as a threat or an argument that needs to be shut down as soon as possible. I absolutely believe the Trust should be doing the opposite by embracing and welcoming this kind of discussion. In fact, the Trust should be STARTING these sort of discussions. These type of public discussions are a massive opportunity for the Trust to come to the fore.

The Trust should be all over this thread, engaging with interested Shrimpers, listening to the arguments, and managing objections by dealing with them head-on.

As I say, it's not a criticism because the above takes a lot of time and energy. And let's face it, as a collective bunch, football fans are far from reasonable at times. But it is an observation and, for me, the Trust is continually missing opportunities to rouse and energise a committed bunch of followers by not going after them.

G, the trouble is that we, like everyone else, want to enjoy and relax coming to our matches.....it's our "down" time just as much as everyone else's when we go to games which is why we always make ourselves available in the Shrimpers. Our committee numbers have dwindled and the work involved inevitably falls on a few people. Of course that is an excuse, and we have a committee meeting on Monday where I am sure this thread and your comments will be discussed.

There are only a few committee members who actually belong to SZ, and the Trust itself publishes less here than it used to because of the response we have had on here, and I refuse to perpetually be the one being targeted and having to defend the Trust. It just is not fair, especially with the goading that goes on on here, it makes the Zone a much less pleasurable place to be for me.

 

[OldBlueLady]

You've missed the point totally, it's not the information they have published or the excellent work they do that's in question.

See above, I did not miss the point, your wording of your point was what I was picking up on.

 

[ooh-andy-ansah]

See above, I did not miss the point, your wording of your point was what I was picking up on.

Do you deny there is apathy towards the trust then ? I think it's fair to say most people assume that they support the youth system and give them credit for that but as for anything else all we see is they paid for a trip to Spain and bow to RM when he comes cap in hand. I think to sum up peoples general feelings they do not see a robust challenge towards the continued mismanagement of the club by RM and assume, rightly or wrongly, that it is the trusts role to put in place plans that may aid the club should the worst happen and if they do have such a plan then why not share it with the wider fan base and try and get more people involved ?

 

[OldBlueLady]

Do you deny there is apathy towards the trust then ? I think it's fair to say most people assume that they support the youth system and give them credit for that but as for anything else all we see is they paid for a trip to Spain and bow to RM when he comes cap in hand. I think to sum up peoples general feelings they do not see a robust challenge towards the continued mismanagement of the club by RM and assume, rightly or wrongly, that it is the trusts role to put in place plans that may aid the club should the worst happen and if they do have such a plan then why not share it with the wider fan base and try and get more people involved ?

There is generally apathy towards any group that works in the way the Trust does, similarly there is apathy to a lot of the charity groups. If your perception of the Trust is as you say, then I suggest you look a little deeper, or talk to Ben Clarkson or Phil Brown. They can both discuss at length things that the Trust has helped them with in the last year.

Or read the matchday programmes and have a look at the Quid a Goal scheme, a scheme whereby you pledge a sum of money for something SUFC related over the season (the most common is "goals scored by......") and look at how that helps the Club. One of my pledges this year is for every point more than Colchester at the end of the season, so you can personalise your pledge as you wish.

This is a subject that goes round and round, time and time again. The Trust have listened to criticism in the past and acted on it. We are accountable to our members and I don't really understand why so many non-members feel that they have to continually put the boot in without trying to find out more about what the Trust actually do.

As I said in my response to SBH, this will all be discussed at the committee meeting on Monday. For now, I am saying nothing more on this subject because, as I also said, I just feel that I am continuously the one bombarded with anti Trust comments and demands for more information, simply because I am probably the most high profile presence on this board.

 

[TrueBlue]

Hi Kay,

Firstly, this is not a criticism of the Trust because I stand with what I perceive to be the majority in recognising that all Trust members are committed, passionate Shrimpers who care first and foremost about what's ultimately best for Southend. Anyone who does outwardly criticise the Trust really needs to see if THEY'd be prepared to put their heads up above the parapet and invite some of the flack. For all TB's criticism, he has at least been in the hotseat. I for one hold my hands up right now and say I neither have the time nor the inclination to put myself through it. Much kudos to those of you who do.

That said, here's an observation based on this thread, what I've seen before, and the comments I've highlighted above. I have shared this viewpoint with the Trust previously but I'm not sure it's ever hit home.

(1) The information may be available to anyone at any time and (2) committee members may be easy to find.

I'm sure the Trust (and its leaders) does share what it can. But, fundamentally:

If the Trust has a clear set of goals, an agenda, or a desired outcome (as it must); if the Trust wants to win hearts and minds, backers, and supporters (as it should); if the Trust wants to gain the right force of argument to MAKE the club take it seriously (as it absolutely needs to); then it has to continually GO OUT TO its various publics, and not expect THEM to come looking for the Trust. In a business setting, it would mean looking for different ways to reach out then take advantage of every 'touchpoint' it has with its potential customers.

Sounds like management bollocks doesn't it... but it's always come across to me that this sort of debate on ShrimperZone is seen by the Trust as a threat or an argument that needs to be shut down as soon as possible. I absolutely believe the Trust should be doing the opposite by embracing and welcoming this kind of discussion. In fact, the Trust should be STARTING these sort of discussions. These type of public discussions are a massive opportunity for the Trust to come to the fore.

The Trust should be all over this thread, engaging with interested Shrimpers, listening to the arguments, and managing objections by dealing with them head-on.

As I say, it's not a criticism because the above takes a lot of time and energy. And let's face it, as a collective bunch, football fans are far from reasonable at times. But it is an observation and, for me, the Trust is continually missing opportunities to rouse and energise a committed bunch of followers by not going after them.

They refuse to comment because they don't like the trust bashers as they put it! They ignore the doubters rather then trying to embrace different views which in my opinion Is a farce! When people bash TBV I am the first one to get on here and meet with fans and see what can be done to improve things.

 

[Jam_Man]

Its all PR OBL.

As you say the trust do a lot of good work that if people asked Ben Clarkson or Phil Brown they would learn about, but why would people do that?

Unfortunately people aren't going to go looking for what you do as SBH says in his eloquent post above, the Trust really need to be as forthcoming as it can be and blow it's own trumpet as much as it can. Some people aren't that interested in what you do and would assume you do nothing as they wouldn't bother checking, so the only way to reach them is self publicity. People won't do anything to change their own perceptions, you have to do that for them.

We have had years of issues at the club and I've said all along the Trust should be more pro-active and forthcoming. Even if the Trust feel the information received cant be shared you can publicise you are in discussions, otherwise the general consensus will be the Trust hasn't done anything at all.

The Trust will always be between a rock and a hard place, but it's the only voice fans have and it needs to be heard more at certain times in my opinion.

 

[TrueBlue]

I'll second that. If the points raised had been replied to in this way, I'd tell you what, I'd definately consider joining again. However unfortunately, the issues were deemed as "Trust Bashing" and arrogance shone through. If there are sensitive issues they'd rather not discuss on a forum, then say so. I understand. Nobody is here to bash them, in fact, everyone (I think !) has praised them for the huge amount of good work they do, and I agree aswell.

That is BANG on the money, any kind of judgement or critique and they class it as trust bashing when it's really not!

 

[TrueBlue]

G, the trouble is that we, like everyone else, want to enjoy and relax coming to our matches.....it's our "down" time just as much as everyone else's when we go to games which is why we always make ourselves available in the Shrimpers. Our committee numbers have dwindled and the work involved inevitably falls on a few people. Of course that is an excuse, and we have a committee meeting on Monday where I am sure this thread and your comments will be discussed.

There are only a few committee members who actually belong to SZ, and the Trust itself publishes less here than it used to because of the response we have had on here, and I refuse to perpetually be the one being targeted and having to defend the Trust. It just is not fair, especially with the goading that goes on on here, it makes the Zone a much less pleasurable place to be for me.

Yet I was made to sign a code of conduct so I could be on the committee and not forgetting when they tried to tell me your a committee member first before being a normal fan at games!!

 

[TrueBlue]

There is generally apathy towards any group that works in the way the Trust does, similarly there is apathy to a lot of the charity groups. If your perception of the Trust is as you say, then I suggest you look a little deeper, or talk to Ben Clarkson or Phil Brown. They can both discuss at length things that the Trust has helped them with in the last year.

Or read the matchday programmes and have a look at the Quid a Goal scheme, a scheme whereby you pledge a sum of money for something SUFC related over the season (the most common is "goals scored by......") and look at how that helps the Club. One of my pledges this year is for every point more than Colchester at the end of the season, so you can personalise your pledge as you wish.

This is a subject that goes round and round, time and time again. The Trust have listened to criticism in the past and acted on it. We are accountable to our members and I don't really understand why so many non-members feel that they have to continually put the boot in without trying to find out more about what the Trust actually do.

As I said in my response to SBH, this will all be discussed at the committee meeting on Monday. For now, I am saying nothing more on this subject because, as I also said, I just feel that I am continuously the one bombarded with anti Trust comments and demands for more information, simply because I am probably the most high profile presence on this board.

Same old will happen at the meeting it will end up slagging off SZ as it has done time and time again

 

[South Bank Hank]

G, the trouble is that we, like everyone else, want to enjoy and relax coming to our matches.....it's our "down" time just as much as everyone else's when we go to games which is why we always make ourselves available in the Shrimpers. Our committee numbers have dwindled and the work involved inevitably falls on a few people. Of course that is an excuse, and we have a committee meeting on Monday where I am sure this thread and your comments will be discussed.

There are only a few committee members who actually belong to SZ, and the Trust itself publishes less here than it used to because of the response we have had on here, and I refuse to perpetually be the one being targeted and having to defend the Trust. It just is not fair, especially with the goading that goes on on here, it makes the Zone a much less pleasurable place to be for me.

Thanks Kay. I wouldn't argue that any Trust member should be doing anything at the game but watching the game like the rest of us - after all, we're ALL here for the football. Also definitely take the point in your first paragraph about where the work falls. What I'm suggesting will take a lot of work and commitment. Without the engagement though, I think the Trust will always fail to get its points across and achieve the backing it needs and doesn't have.

On the second paragraph, it troubles me that only a few committee members do belong to SZ. It actually proves the point I'm trying to make. For me at least, a basic expectation would be that all Trust leaders would WANT to be where a good and active portion of their target market are discussing on a daily basis things the Trust should be interested in. It shouldn't just be left to you and I can see perfectly why you wouldn't want to be doing it on your own. If the other members aren't passionate about an opportunity to get amongst the fans, why should the fans be passionate about engaging with the Trust?

 

[TrueBlue]

Thanks Kay. I certainly wouldn't argue that any Trust member should be doing anything at the game but watching the game like the rest of us - after all, we're ALL here for the football. Definitely take the point in your first paragraph though as what I'm suggesting will take a lot of work and commitment. Without the engagement though, I think the Trust will always fail to get its points across and achieve the backing it needs and doesn't have.

On the second paragraph, it troubles me that only a few committee members do belong to SZ. It actually proves the point I'm trying to make. As Trust members, for me at least, a basic expectation would be that Trust members would WANT to be where a large portion of their target market are discussing on a daily basis things the Trust should be interested in. It shouldn't just be left to you and I can see perfectly why you wouldn't want to be doing it on your own. If the other members aren't passionate about an opportunity to get amongst the fans, why should the fans be passionate about engaging with the Trust?

When I was on there I was told as was Kay not to comment on anything to do with the trust on shrimperzone

That's the kind of out of touch view that I argued against at meetings

 

[South Bank Hank]

When I was on there I was told as was Kay not to comment on anything to do with the trust on shrimperzone

That's the kind of out of touch view that I argued against at meetings

For me, it IS out of touch although, much as I'm arguing for full engagement (not necessarily full disclosure) as the right thing to do, I can also see why the Trust might not wish to get involved like this with its current resources. Do it badly or go about it half-cocked and it could cause more harm than good.

 

[Jam_Man]

When I was on there I was told as was Kay not to comment on anything to do with the trust on shrimperzone

That's the kind of out of touch view that I argued against at meetings

Commenting on things is one thing, but surely they should be at least on here to view.

How else would they find out that we all want Jason Williams to start?:smile:

I know internet forums arent everyone's cup of tea but for someone to be that invovled with the supporters and to not come on here is a bit strange.

 

[mrsblue]

Commenting on things is one thing, but surely they should be at least on here to view.

How else would they find out that we all want Jason Williams to start?:smile:

I know internet forums arent everyone's cup of tea but for someone to be that invovled with the supporters and to not come on here is a bit strange.

The trust and Jason are different entities so leave him alone:smile: