NUST meltdown

[trophyshy 7084]

The whole thing seems like a pig's breakfast to me.

 

They have, before having a solid platform, rushed in to do all this philanthropic community work, which is laudable but unfortunately blurs the focus on what they are there for, unless I never really knew what they were there for in the first place.

 

I joined because Ashley made a series of massive blunders and alienated himself from the fans; I wanted to be part of a fan driven, enabling, passionate and unified voice of discontent and ideally negotiation and progress. Ambitious I know.

 

I will and do support other worthy causes outside of NUST, but now I just feel like NUST is a vehicle for incumbent egos to do other stuff, if I am wrong or confused about that then messages have been misconveyed or I've missed some critical info.

 

I may be way off the mark and am happy to be corrected, but if I feel this way chances are a good few others do too.

 

Just open a fucking pub and be done with it.

[Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0]

The whole thing seems like a pig's breakfast to me.

 

They have, before having a solid platform, rushed in to do all this philanthropic community work, which is laudable but unfortunately blurs the focus on what they are there for, unless I never really knew what they were there for in the first place.

 

I joined because Ashley made a series of massive blunders and alienated himself from the fans; I wanted to be part of a fan driven, enabling, passionate and unified voice of discontent and ideally negotiation and progress. Ambitious I know.

 

I will and do support other worthy causes outside of NUST, but now I just feel like NUST is a vehicle for incumbent egos to do other stuff, if I am wrong or confused about that then messages have been misconveyed or I've missed some critical info.

 

I may be way off the mark and am happy to be corrected, but if I feel this way chances are a good few others do too.

 

Just open a fucking pub and be done with it.

This.

 

I joined a supporters club borne out of a protest at ashleys mis-handling of the club. This trust stuff is a load of pie-in-the-sky bollocks and a waste of time.

I also don't agree with getting political or involved in community/charity work. I simply don't see that as a supporters club role.

And I think that the board are on a power trip and don't give a flying fuck what the membership wants.

[ewerk 31195]

On a completely seperate note does anybody know what 'reappointment of auditors' refers to and why it needs to take up a slot in the AGM?

 

It's a standard thing for most AGMs. Normally a formality.

 

But who are our auditors? Is that who watches the watchmen?

 

It'll be stated on the published accounts, whenever they may appear...

[peasepud 59]

Thing is there are many legitimate thoughts and concerns here but are you lot going ot the AGM? its the only chance you'll have to get your point across.

[trophyshy 7084]

I'm sorry I can't, I am going to Rob Lee's Improv Night.

[Tom_NUFC 0]

Just looking at the Lit and Phil website, there are events which start later than 7pm so we may not be limited to an hour long AGM.

 

Interestingly, the Loftus Room where the AGM will be held holds a maximum of 90 people.

What happens if more than 90 members turn up, Membership cards in hand?

If you are a full member, you have a legal entitlement to attend the AGM.

[ewerk 31195]

I'm surprised they didn't pull Shepherd's trick of having it in London.

[MichaelNUFC 0]

Just had word from the Trust that the room is booked until 8:00pm so the AGM will have a maximum two hour running time.

[Tom_NUFC 0]

Just had word from the Trust that the room is booked until 8:00pm so the AGM will have a maximum two hour running time.

 

Well that's something, I suppose.

[Mac-Toon 1]

has everyone had wind of the changes on the board? Jensen stepped down as chair but still remain on the board.

 

http://www.nust.org.uk/trust-board-reshuffle

Edited January 20, 2011 by Mac-Toon

[Ketsbaia 0]

has everyone had wind of the changes on the board? Jensen stepped down as chair but still remain on the board.

 

http://www.nust.org.uk/trust-board-reshuffle

 

Trying to avoid a bollocking at the AGM?

[peasepud 59]

has everyone had wind of the changes on the board? Jensen stepped down as chair but still remain on the board.

 

http://www.nust.org.uk/trust-board-reshuffle

 

Trying to avoid a bollocking at the AGM?

Basically I reckon so, he knows fine well that 90% of whats wrong with the current setup is him so hes getting out of the firing line. He'll still run things from the background as he always has done.

[MichaelNUFC 0]

has everyone had wind of the changes on the board? Jensen stepped down as chair but still remain on the board.

 

http://www.nust.org.uk/trust-board-reshuffle

 

Trying to avoid a bollocking at the AGM?

Basically I reckon so, he knows fine well that 90% of whats wrong with the current setup is him so hes getting out of the firing line. He'll still run things from the background as he always has done.

 

Surely its only a few months until the elections isn't it? I believe the last ones were in March.

 

My fear for this years elections is over some of the dubious 'personalities' who might stand instead and benefit from the mess that's gone on this year.

[peasepud 59]

has everyone had wind of the changes on the board? Jensen stepped down as chair but still remain on the board.

 

http://www.nust.org.uk/trust-board-reshuffle

 

Trying to avoid a bollocking at the AGM?

Basically I reckon so, he knows fine well that 90% of whats wrong with the current setup is him so hes getting out of the firing line. He'll still run things from the background as he always has done.

 

Surely its only a few months until the elections isn't it? I believe the last ones were in March.

 

My fear for this years elections is over some of the dubious 'personalities' who might stand instead and benefit from the mess that's gone on this year.

 

Arent elections every two years?

 

Previously Ive thought the same re personalities however having spoke a number of times to probably the main one we can all think of I have to admit that should he stand he would definitely do a better job. He definitely has the interests of the Trust at heart when you hear him talk about it.

[Christmas Tree 4821]

has everyone had wind of the changes on the board? Jensen stepped down as chair but still remain on the board.

 

http://www.nust.org.uk/trust-board-reshuffle

 

Trying to avoid a bollocking at the AGM?

Basically I reckon so, he knows fine well that 90% of whats wrong with the current setup is him so hes getting out of the firing line. He'll still run things from the background as he always has done.

 

Surely its only a few months until the elections isn't it? I believe the last ones were in March.

 

My fear for this years elections is over some of the dubious 'personalities' who might stand instead and benefit from the mess that's gone on this year.

 

Arent elections every two years?

 

Previously Ive thought the same re personalities however having spoke a number of times to probably the main one we can all think of I have to admit that should he stand he would definitely do a better job. He definitely has the interests of the Trust at heart when you hear him talk about it.

 

 

Isnt that one of the problems though that people are more interested in a proper supporters club and not the trust nonsense. Obviously my view but seems to have been expressed a few times in this thread by others lately as well.

[peasepud 59]

has everyone had wind of the changes on the board? Jensen stepped down as chair but still remain on the board.

 

http://www.nust.org.uk/trust-board-reshuffle

 

Trying to avoid a bollocking at the AGM?

Basically I reckon so, he knows fine well that 90% of whats wrong with the current setup is him so hes getting out of the firing line. He'll still run things from the background as he always has done.

 

Surely its only a few months until the elections isn't it? I believe the last ones were in March.

 

My fear for this years elections is over some of the dubious 'personalities' who might stand instead and benefit from the mess that's gone on this year.

 

Arent elections every two years?

 

Previously Ive thought the same re personalities however having spoke a number of times to probably the main one we can all think of I have to admit that should he stand he would definitely do a better job. He definitely has the interests of the Trust at heart when you hear him talk about it.

 

 

Isnt that one of the problems though that people are more interested in a proper supporters club and not the trust nonsense. Obviously my view but seems to have been expressed a few times in this thread by others lately as well.

When I said Trust I meant the organisation overall rather than the pipe dream and I would agree with your view.

[MichaelNUFC 0]

has everyone had wind of the changes on the board? Jensen stepped down as chair but still remain on the board.

 

http://www.nust.org.uk/trust-board-reshuffle

 

Trying to avoid a bollocking at the AGM?

Basically I reckon so, he knows fine well that 90% of whats wrong with the current setup is him so hes getting out of the firing line. He'll still run things from the background as he always has done.

 

Surely its only a few months until the elections isn't it? I believe the last ones were in March.

 

My fear for this years elections is over some of the dubious 'personalities' who might stand instead and benefit from the mess that's gone on this year.

 

Arent elections every two years?

 

Previously Ive thought the same re personalities however having spoke a number of times to probably the main one we can all think of I have to admit that should he stand he would definitely do a better job. He definitely has the interests of the Trust at heart when you hear him talk about it.

 

Really?

 

Why did he take no part in the founding of either NUSC or NUST when all the other fanzines (even those who later withdrew) invested time and money in it?

 

Did he have NUST's best interests at heart when he was asking for free publicity for his fanzine in order to give the NUST a mention? What about when they told him he couldn't have it as they didn't offer it to any of the other fanzines in exchange for a space and, in seeming retaliation, he allowed people who we know to have previously helped broadcast the private telephone numbers of committee members to begin writing vindictive personal attacks on members of the current board (whom they've never even met).

 

Did he have their best interests at heart when Colin Whittle and others were trying to set up a Trust back in the nineties and instead of backing that project he chose to accept a job with the club; one engineered by Freddie Fletcher and one which basically killed any chance of proper supporter representation as the role was in reality nothing but a name?

 

He has described this, in his own words as: "very happy years at the club"...for him, I'm sure.

 

Sorry but I'm not convinced that he's done anything but sit back and watch other people build the Trust before picking his moment.

 

Frankly; the day NUST starts running talk-ins with Cass Pennat is the day I give up on it altogether.

 

Feuding between fanzine personalities has been the central cause of nearly everything that's gone wrong with the NUST in the past year and, I'm willing to bet, the reason for the gradual withdrawal of effective communication as people put backs to the wall in the face of vindictive personal attacks. As I've said before, for this reason nobody associated with the running of a fanzine will be getting my vote in future under any circumstances.

 

While we're at it; scrap the position of chairman.

 

Internal politics was not what NUST was supposed to be about.

[Mac-Toon 1]

We've all, maybe Michael excluded, been a little over critical of the present board. I still believe that they're all in it for the good of Newcastle United but the lack of fan led action organised over the past 18 months has been pretty non-existant.

 

I think it's the members being so sceptical (myself included) that makes us look potentially agressive or 'stupid' to the board that's got them on some sort of offessive, namely the silent treatment.

 

Would you, Michael, Pud, have liked to have seen more action by the nust after the departure of Hughton?, and what are their plans for the nust PR in the immediate and extended future? Two massive questions for me that'll need to be answered by the board.

 

They're on a hiding to nothing if they carry on in the same mannar they have done.

 

Sorry this post should'nt have referred to nust as 'they', I meant 'we'.

[peasepud 59]

has everyone had wind of the changes on the board? Jensen stepped down as chair but still remain on the board.

 

http://www.nust.org.uk/trust-board-reshuffle

 

Trying to avoid a bollocking at the AGM?

Basically I reckon so, he knows fine well that 90% of whats wrong with the current setup is him so hes getting out of the firing line. He'll still run things from the background as he always has done.

 

Surely its only a few months until the elections isn't it? I believe the last ones were in March.

 

My fear for this years elections is over some of the dubious 'personalities' who might stand instead and benefit from the mess that's gone on this year.

 

Arent elections every two years?

 

Previously Ive thought the same re personalities however having spoke a number of times to probably the main one we can all think of I have to admit that should he stand he would definitely do a better job. He definitely has the interests of the Trust at heart when you hear him talk about it.

 

Really?

 

Why did he take no part in the founding of either NUSC or NUST when all the other fanzines (even those who later withdrew) invested time and money in it?

Did he have NUST's best interests at heart when he was asking for free publicity for his fanzine in order to give the NUST a mention? What about when they told him he couldn't have it as they didn't offer it to any of the other fanzines in exchange for a space and, in seeming retaliation, he allowed people who we know to have previously helped broadcast the private telephone numbers of committee members to begin writing vindictive personal attacks on members of the current board (whom they've never even met).

 

Did he have their best interests at heart when Colin Whittle and others were trying to set up a Trust back in the nineties and instead of backing that project he chose to accept a job with the club; one engineered by Freddie Fletcher and one which basically killed any chance of proper supporter representation as the role was in reality nothing but a name?

 

He has described this, in his own words as: "very happy years at the club"...for him, I'm sure.

 

Sorry but I'm not convinced that he's done anything but sit back and watch other people build the Trust before picking his moment.

 

Frankly; the day NUST starts running talk-ins with Cass Pennat is the day I give up on it altogether.

 

Feuding between fanzine personalities has been the central cause of nearly everything that's gone wrong with the NUST in the past year and, I'm willing to bet, the reason for the gradual withdrawal of effective communication as people put backs to the wall in the face of vindictive personal attacks. As I've said before, for this reason nobody associated with the running of a fanzine will be getting my vote in future under any circumstances.

 

While we're at it; scrap the position of chairman.

 

Internal politics was not what NUST was supposed to be about.

Dont get me wrong Ive always been a critic of SW however after having spent a little time with him and had a couple of dealings I can see that hes not as bad as he comes across. Thats not me endorsing him for the board either btw or even the thought he would want to go for it because I had believed he would have done last year.

 

I think what Im getting at is that in a toss up between him and Jensen then theres no contest for me and thats a worry considering I would have classed Mark as a friend and ally in the past.

[MichaelNUFC 0]

We've all, maybe Michael excluded, been a little over critical of the present board. I still believe that they're all in it for the good of Newcastle United but the lack of fan led action organised over the past 18 months has been pretty non-existant.

 

Yes, this is the main problem and its been identified and raised with the board both publically and privately many times now. It's what has led to the resignation of board members and the extreme frustration of other non-board members who help the NUST out on a voluntary basis.

 

I think it's the members being so sceptical (myself included) that makes us look potentially agressive or 'stupid' to the board that's got them on some sort of offessive, namely the silent treatment.

 

I'm sure that alot of the scepticism is unfounded just as Peter and myself probably read all kinds of inaccurate ramblings about the motivations and machinations of the NUSC when we were a part of its background (NU$C anyone?).

 

What I will say is that I do not believe volunteers should be subjected to the kind of malicious printed and published attacks that have taken place in the past six months; attacks made by fellow supporters of this club. No matter how strongly people feel about the performance of the said volunteers in their roles there is surely a line that needs to be drawn. Yes, election means accountability but not to the extent that articles are published referring to people who have worked hard for the organisation as "toadying" or "obsequious" as I read in one local fanzine.

 

Is it any wonder if those people have become withdrawn as a result. We are talking about decent people with good intentions - they have simply made mistakes.

 

I have personal experience of this. When I served on the NUSC board I had to put up with a supposedly professional journalist writing a vindictive attack on me in his blog because he didn't like the way I spoke to Derek Llambias at a meeting (in actuality he more than likely didn't like the fact that we pointed out the glaring ommissions in his write-up of that meeting). That wasn't fun for me to endure and I could easily have just said "fuck it" and walked away if I hadn't recieved the support I did from people who actually mattered to me. That's why I can maybe sympathise with some of the current board for pulling on the tin hats and closing up the gates even though its immensly frustrating to watch and its not the way I personally would have reacted.

 

Would you, Michael, Pud, have liked to have seen more action by the nust after the departure of Hughton?, and what are their plans for the nust PR in the immediate and extended future? Two massive questions for me that'll need to be answered by the board.

 

In all honesty I'd have liked to see them carrying a greater precence in the press after the Hughton departure but aside from that I'm not entirely sure whether there was anything much they could do? Would the protests that followed and then died off have been greater or longer lasting with NUST behind them or would it have simply given Northumbria police an easier target? I'm not sure about that one. I agree though that your second question is vital and needs to be answered at the AGM.

 

They're on a hiding to nothing if they carry on in the same mannar they have done.

 

Agree with this too; hopefully the new chairman can instill some better direction until the elections in March.

[MichaelNUFC 0]

has everyone had wind of the changes on the board? Jensen stepped down as chair but still remain on the board.

 

http://www.nust.org.uk/trust-board-reshuffle

 

Trying to avoid a bollocking at the AGM?

Basically I reckon so, he knows fine well that 90% of whats wrong with the current setup is him so hes getting out of the firing line. He'll still run things from the background as he always has done.

 

Surely its only a few months until the elections isn't it? I believe the last ones were in March.

 

My fear for this years elections is over some of the dubious 'personalities' who might stand instead and benefit from the mess that's gone on this year.

 

Arent elections every two years?

 

Previously Ive thought the same re personalities however having spoke a number of times to probably the main one we can all think of I have to admit that should he stand he would definitely do a better job. He definitely has the interests of the Trust at heart when you hear him talk about it.

 

Really?

 

Why did he take no part in the founding of either NUSC or NUST when all the other fanzines (even those who later withdrew) invested time and money in it?

Did he have NUST's best interests at heart when he was asking for free publicity for his fanzine in order to give the NUST a mention? What about when they told him he couldn't have it as they didn't offer it to any of the other fanzines in exchange for a space and, in seeming retaliation, he allowed people who we know to have previously helped broadcast the private telephone numbers of committee members to begin writing vindictive personal attacks on members of the current board (whom they've never even met).

 

Did he have their best interests at heart when Colin Whittle and others were trying to set up a Trust back in the nineties and instead of backing that project he chose to accept a job with the club; one engineered by Freddie Fletcher and one which basically killed any chance of proper supporter representation as the role was in reality nothing but a name?

 

He has described this, in his own words as: "very happy years at the club"...for him, I'm sure.

 

Sorry but I'm not convinced that he's done anything but sit back and watch other people build the Trust before picking his moment.

 

Frankly; the day NUST starts running talk-ins with Cass Pennat is the day I give up on it altogether.

 

Feuding between fanzine personalities has been the central cause of nearly everything that's gone wrong with the NUST in the past year and, I'm willing to bet, the reason for the gradual withdrawal of effective communication as people put backs to the wall in the face of vindictive personal attacks. As I've said before, for this reason nobody associated with the running of a fanzine will be getting my vote in future under any circumstances.

 

While we're at it; scrap the position of chairman.

 

Internal politics was not what NUST was supposed to be about.

Dont get me wrong Ive always been a critic of SW however after having spent a little time with him and had a couple of dealings I can see that hes not as bad as he comes across. Thats not me endorsing him for the board either btw or even the thought he would want to go for it because I had believed he would have done last year.

 

I think what Im getting at is that in a toss up between him and Jensen then theres no contest for me and thats a worry considering I would have classed Mark as a friend and ally in the past.

 

Fair enough, I'm just hoping its neither. We've had enough fanzine politics this year.

[Tom_NUFC 0]

Regarding SW, I agree with Pud. He's actually OK.

 

I don't think that there's a problem with people being involved in the trust and fanzines in itself. The problem lies where you allow your position with one affect the other. NUST have not been communicating with Steve Wraith's fanzine, but has been putting stuff in The Mag. Mark Jensen is editor of The Mag, and that's fine, but with his NUST hat on, he should be sending the same update he puts in The Mag to the other fanzines, and fan sites. NUST is supposed to reach out to all NUFC fans.

 

Is he doing it to preserve The Mag's status? I have no idea, but if he is, I don't know that he'd have much to worry about, because despite my problems with the way NUST is being run, I still think The Mag is really a really good fanzine.

 

Re the board reshuffle, I don't know what to make of it. Mark is still there, and will still have his say on matters, but I know absolutely nothing about Norman Watson or Michael Thewlis.

 

I would suggest that if you are a NUST member and can get along to the AGM on the 31st (which will be tricky for some given the early start), that you do so. There's a lot of questions that need to be answered.

[peasepud 59]

It appears that the reshuffle was decided (as usual) by a section of the board as at least one board member only found out about it when he read it on here!

 

Says it all really. How can you expect to run a democratic organisation when half the committee doesnt have knowledge of major things such as this. MJ was elected by the board as chair. Surely if he drops out then they need to have a quick show of hands to elect a new one?

[Howmanheyman 33834]

Regarding SW, I agree with Pud. He's actually OK.

 

I don't think that there's a problem with people being involved in the trust and fanzines in itself. The problem lies where you allow your position with one affect the other. NUST have not been communicating with Steve Wraith's fanzine, but has been putting stuff in The Mag. Mark Jensen is editor of The Mag, and that's fine, but with his NUST hat on, he should be sending the same update he puts in The Mag to the other fanzines, and fan sites. NUST is supposed to reach out to all NUFC fans.

 

Is he doing it to preserve The Mag's status? I have no idea, but if he is, I don't know that he'd have much to worry about, because despite my problems with the way NUST is being run, I still think The Mag is really a really good fanzine.

 

Re the board reshuffle, I don't know what to make of it. Mark is still there, and will still have his say on matters, but I know absolutely nothing about Norman Watson or Michael Thewlis.

 

I would suggest that if you are a NUST member and can get along to the AGM on the 31st (which will be tricky for some given the early start), that you do so. There's a lot of questions that need to be answered.

Sorry for being lazy but where is it, again and at what time? On the 31st I'll be on my first rest day but it's coming off night shift. I'm actually not sure it's worth bothering with if I'm honest.

[Tom_NUFC 0]

Lit and Phil at the bottom of Westgate Rd, basically beside the Royal Station Hotel, opposite the Union Rooms. 6pm