[expatriate]

i have been watching this very interesting thread. the points being raised are ones that actually confront many teams, and many businesses. The answers are not hard to identify, but they are hard to implement. The one thing I can absolutely guarantee is that decisions which will be made whilst I am involved, will be made with the interest of the club at heart, and not the interest of any one person or group of people. I also guarantee an open door to the community and the club. I have a view that it will take a number of years of consistent and concerted effort before we can win the hearts and minds of the community to the point this translates into people in the ground - but its an eminently achievable target.

One last thing, for now, I also happen to think that the onus of responsibility is on the club to attract fans, and not to complain if they choose not to turn up. In this day and age its hard to compete for that valuable two hours, but not at all impossible. Our club needs the community behind it, and we will do what it takes to ensure that we mend our ways.

Keep the good ideas and also your questions, coming along.

TM - i applaud your intent and your rationale in raising the issues. We might be safe now, and i happen to believe we are safe for a long time, but I also know that we have to do a lot of hard work.

One point on my experience with the Ultras. I loved every second of it, even when the more boisterous started that mad DISCO chant that leads to the shoving and pushing. I might not be as young as the kids in that group, but I know that there was a protective circle around me. a couple of strong young arms made sure i did not fall down !

see my separate thread on that subject