“Lucy, I think a far more targetted approach would be for you to ring the Raiders Office make an appointment and go and have a chat with them.
In that way you can give them the benefit of the business ideas that you have, that they have clearly not considered.
An open forum, whilst being a potentially good idea would no doubt descend into a farce if some of the posts I have read both here and on the website are any guide.”

“Lucy, I've looked at this situation from a business point of view.
This is what I have concluded -
Two years ago we over-achieved raising expectations which is why some people view last year as a disappointment. This year was always going to be tough and the ongoing injuries have made it worse, most notably to Eric because with him we would have changed tactics adn had the outside threat that would have enabled Tino to be even more prolific.
If we view this year as a bad one that is one bad season in how many years? Not a good enough business reason to change the coach in my opinion.
Also, as with most businesses if you bring someone in from outside they will undoubtedly command a higher salary. Where would this extra money come from?
We would also lose a director, unless Gary stays on in this role, so who would pick up the slack from that? Again we'd be relying on volunteers and in this current climate people simply haven't got the capacity to give up unpaid time even if they wanted to.
I think Gary deserves the opportunity to stay and implement the changes he obviously wanted to do this year. If and when he decides he's had enough, I like the idea of him staying at the club in a Director of coaching role - finances permitted.
I suppose we'll have to agree to disagree on certain points though. As long as everybody continues to support the team, that's the main thing.”

“Maybe the board holding an open forum and hearing from the fans may clear the air and also lead to answers to the clubs development and future? Any paying fan has the right to their say negative or otherwise, especially as they are buying a product and expect a certain value for money.
A 3rd party looking at the situation may not be such a bad thing, football clubs see stalwart coaches managers become Directors of Coaching in order to bring in new ideas and caoches etc? Could this be the way forward? could it balance all views? It may see the sentimental get what they want and provide those who want to see changes get their way too??
I am sure there are commercial angles Raiders have yet to exploit as a business which could possibly fund a 3rd party salary based on this individuals performance. This may be the step forward the club needs!!! The changes people want and the potential of getting the club back into winning ways??”

“I think it is clear Pat that we are all behind the Raiders in our different ways, and that has to be good.
The passion and desire for success is no bad thing.
I think the club are looking for people with ideas, perhaps a bit of time, experience and knowledge so no-one should hold back in making an approach if that is what they can offer.
People can help in all sorts of ways without having to make the major commitment of joining the Board.
Of course, anyone with links to possible sponsors would be an absolute bonus !”

“Yes Lucy made some very valid points.

If I had the funds I would go on board but unless a lottery win or a huge inheritence comes my way I shall continue to do what I can by buying my season ticket,programmes and the occassional away game trip.

Just because we vent our frustrations does not mean we support them any less

The 6/7 man rotation has to go and the whole bench needs to be utilised and Jay deserves more minutes than he currently gets just my humble opinion”