“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”

“ALL THE FACTS, you start off very well, and I have to acknowledge the points that you made. I was at the Trophy Final and again at the Play Off Finals, so remember only too well what happened - very disappointingly on both occasions.
You are correct in asserting that something needed to be done, and indeed a new approach was taken this year.
I know that it was taken partly as a result of the economic downturn that we are still in, but also I believe with an eye on the Guildford Heat siutation last year.
Like many I was prepared for a tough season this year (certainly not mediocrity) and a number of factors have conspired to make matters even more difficult.
I would like to know where the queue of people are ready to take over, whether it be as Chairman, Coach or as a Director ?
I am afraid that after your original comments I was completely lost with your idea that Gary is desperate to be sacked. Perhaps I'll ask him on Saturday.
Your idea about adding a 3rd Party is interesting, but would that be a voluntary role or a paid one - if salaried, where would the money come from ? Do you have someone in mind ... ?
I agree with quite a bit of what Lucy said in her last comment, tough decisions do indeed need to be made for next season. I think those will centre around the playing personnel rather than Gary.”

“I think we can all agree that we are fans of the Raiders and Basketball and support the club through thick and thin!!!
This is not the question that needs to answered. I have followed Raiders from the Mayflower to Pavilions, from the bottom of Division I to the BBL. The club has been fantastic, Gary has been fantastic, he has taken Raiders to this level and has been fully supported by the board to do this and supporters alike!!!
The simple facts of the matter are Raiders need to sell season tickets, bums on seats, Advertising etc etc and with a team who are not acheiving come the finacial pressures of being a business!!
Raiders are a business and loyalty cannot replace business sense!!!
This year has been unlucky, tough financially as well as on the eye but cannot be looked at in any other way than poor.
In every walk of life tough decisions are being made, job losses etc in premiership football clubs, and in local business and are being made to aid survival for those involved.
Maybe Raiders have to make some tough decisions now and prepare a clean slate for next year. Nobody said it would be easy or that it would reward loyalty. Its is just business sense to see the Club cannot afford to have another season like this. Tough decisions do not always please everybody but sometimes they have to be made.
This is not a negative post its a realistic post and respects sentiment and comes from a fan of all of the clubs and Gary's work but maybe it is time that tough decisions are made???”

“If Eric had been fit, we would have changed this year. Once he got settled into the league we would have had a more controlled point guard and outside shooting threat.
So we would have changed without the need to change coach.”

“James no he wasn't but times have changed other clubs/ coaches have forged forwards but Raiders are stuck in the '90's early 2000's and until they change we will just get worse”

“Supporter with all the facts -
Even if you consider last year to be a failure, was Gary out of his depth when we first came into the BBL and held our own for a couple of years, won a trophy and then finished 3rd and made the semi finals? No, I thought not.”