Post by Neko Bazu on Feb 5, 2009 13:05:53 GMT -1
Managing director Gary Sweet takes some time to answer some questions from regular posters on the Luton Outlaws site 
Source: members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/msg/1233785619.html
*~*~*~*~*~*
Ok, so I haven't on here too often lately. No specific reason other than the fact that we are extremely busy on a multitude of topics, none more than maximising our survival chances and, more importantly, getting the finances in order. So, here's a few questions I've been asked of late from a number of regular posters.
Do you not post because of "all the negative shit" on outlaws?
No. Just because I/we are very busy and although communication was always important to us saving the club is always more important, although many of us do monitor the board regularly if not daily when possible.
Does "all the negative shit" get you lot down, especially about Mick?
No. This is the world of football and the world of opinion so we're not surprised to see opinions either way, especially regaring our choice of manager and footballing issues. We have learned very quickly that you need a thick skin to survive in footballand I've now had my donkey jacket re-inforced. However, one thing I/we always need to bare in mind is this: posts on message boards and internet forums need to be black, white or even extremist to get heard. Realistic opinion often gets lost in the quagmire of anonymity, ego and intentional controversy. There's nothing wrong or right in that; it's just something we recognise and balance.
What do you think about the situations at Bournemouth and Chester?
We'll worry about our performance, they can worry about theirs. However, it does prove that football is no longer about sport and sport alone. The first thing we must do to maximise our survival chances this season is ensure that the finances are in good shape to ensure that we can last this season and beyond. That's not to say our funding is not solid - it is - but the most difficult period for any football club is the 12-18 months after administration. Bottom line is, with all the political dancing going on in the game right now, I would be amazed if at least a couple of clubs don't get hit badly this season.
Can we stay up?
Yes, of course we can. Why not? We have a squad that is capable of going on a needed winning streak. And, yes, of course I'm fully aware that hasn't happened so far this season but that doesn't mean we can't and won't. Everyone involved with the club and the team firmly believe we can survive, even without having to rely on other clubs' plight. Tom Craddock epitomises the spirit in the camp. Kevin Watson, who incidentally is a born natural coach, and Alan Neilson firmly believe it and continue to instill positivity and confidence in the dressing room.
Why does Mick do this/that, play him/not play him?
Everyone has an opinion. Mick will never please everyone, indeed very few will not have some sense or disagreement, even when we've won. That's football! Mick make sdecisions often because he has to and often for reasons the everyday supporter will never know about. This is where we must still remain united behind him, even if we disagree with some of his decsions. I disagree with some of his decisions and talk to him about it. Sometimes I change my mind, other times I don't. What's great is the fact that we can have that conversation with him.
Is Mick still the man for the job?
As far as we are concerned, yes. But we're not blinkered. Mick's not blinkered. We understand the depth of some people's views and everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, we see things in 3D technicolour as opposed to a flat monochrome image.That's not meant to be belittling in any way, it's just fact. We are generally disappointed at the fact that too few people realise what we'd miss if Mick wasn't here - name at least half of the squad for starters. Mick is one of the most honest and honourable men I have ever met and I know he will tell us if he can't achieve what we want. He isn't here for the money (not many of us are!), if money was his driver he'd be elsewhere three times over.
What is your view about the bradford debacle?
There has been much speculation regarding our perspective of the Bradford debacle, primarily questioning our hard line afterwards. Firstly, under no circumstances do we condone or ignore (and nor should anyone seriously expect us to condone or ignore) missile throwing within our stadium. Under any circumstances, it is wrong. We have rules and regs we have no option but to follow rigidly otherwise we become personally liable and the club can be further sanctioned if we do not manage such misdemeanours incorrectly. That said, we also fully understand the angst of non-missile throwing supporters - we felt every ounce of the same frustration (or whatever denomination frustration is measured in). We are not soft, but we'd rather apply our challenges in private, professionally, through the approproate channels.
What's your relationship with the supporters groups like now?
We have regular dialogue with all three although perhaps not as much as we'd like. Note to self: must try harder! We have appointed a capable representative to each, two seem to be working very well indeed. TIL hold their monthly meetings at the club where we will attend and advise/help regarding their assistance with their excellent community initiatives etc. We are starting other initiatives that will involve all groups (eg. youth) and have encouraged more staff to get involved. LLSC is a slightly different and, I must say, challenging situation due to their independence - actually an independent stance I don't quite understand since Jayten were chased off due to the fact that we (2020) are integral to and as independent and representative of the supporter base as you'll get. Just to clarify, we have no issue with being challenged on anything because, on the whole, apart from one or two human msitakes we feel we get most things right on behalf of our customer base. But just to clear things up, specifically regarding some posts today, LLSC and 2020 are very independent of each other, I would say even poles apart on certian topics. But also, we will never act on behalf of a single supporters group, particularly an independent one. Our decisions are our own which could include an element of widespread supporter opinion. LLSC have a representative they choose not to involve and I/we, much as we'd like to when invited, haven't attended any of their committee meetings of late. That said, most of the one on one conversations we have with their committee members are extremely productive and useful for both sides (I'm lead to believe). I have made the suggestion that we hold an informal brunch meeting before a home match for supporters of any group to use at a club facility, which hasn't been taken up yet.
How is the business progressing?
Very well, very well indeed. However, it was in a worse state than expected but we are managing to turn things around albeit a little more slowly than desired. Just like the squad, we also need to rebuild a team for a modern, efficient, profitable (if possible), customer/community oriented business, and we're doing exactly that. We will soon be issuing a half term report on the business side of things to show how we have progressed.
Will you conduct an IFS even if any particular site looks too good to be true?
Yes, of course. It was part of our manifesto when we were elected and so it must remain intact as a policy. We are fully coniscent of the various options and we know exactly what we're doing in order to expand all current and future plans for a new home. Trust is required here.
What happens if we go down?
IF we go down...the easy answer is, we come back up, although that's easier said than done of course. However, we (2020) are here for the long haul regardless of where we may end up in the short term. We will be the largest club ever to have visited non-league so why shouldn't we be totally confident. We fully intend to retain as many of the current squad as we possibly can and know we'll keep an excellent nucleus. The main issue here is that you stay with us. Again, IF we go down. This is still our Plan B and all our other progression and plans will remain the same regardless.
Ladies and gentlemen, much of our progress to date (including securing the club out of administration) has been done only because of the generosity, loyalty, faith and passion held by our supervisory board. Without these few men we would be dead and buried. None of these guys invested to get conference football and none invested to create division amongst the fan base. We reconised early that the long term development of the club would only thrive if we had a united boardroom, which we have. Now, a united fanbase woulod also be helpful - a fanbase that believes, en-masse, that we can survive this season despite the odds. Our bulldog spirit can help our hopes enormously so please stay firm, hold your nerve and get behind the team every step of the way!
Meanwhile, thank you for your support this season, especially the positive atmosphere Sonic, bigme, pogue etc have been responsible for creating. There's often more than a tear in our eye to witness some of the loyatly some of you guys show, at away games particularly. Thank you.
All the best (and sorry about the error ridden homily)!
Gary
*~*~*~*~*~*
Nice that he's taking the time out to address the fans, as 2020 promised they would, and that there's a sense of realism in there. They know what could happen, they've planned for it, and are here for the long haul.
After so many years of crooks playing smoke and mirrors, such an open, honest and transparent approach is something for Town fans to treasure.
Source: members.boardhost.com/lutonoutlaws/msg/1233785619.html
*~*~*~*~*~*
Ok, so I haven't on here too often lately. No specific reason other than the fact that we are extremely busy on a multitude of topics, none more than maximising our survival chances and, more importantly, getting the finances in order. So, here's a few questions I've been asked of late from a number of regular posters.
Do you not post because of "all the negative shit" on outlaws?
No. Just because I/we are very busy and although communication was always important to us saving the club is always more important, although many of us do monitor the board regularly if not daily when possible.
Does "all the negative shit" get you lot down, especially about Mick?
No. This is the world of football and the world of opinion so we're not surprised to see opinions either way, especially regaring our choice of manager and footballing issues. We have learned very quickly that you need a thick skin to survive in footballand I've now had my donkey jacket re-inforced. However, one thing I/we always need to bare in mind is this: posts on message boards and internet forums need to be black, white or even extremist to get heard. Realistic opinion often gets lost in the quagmire of anonymity, ego and intentional controversy. There's nothing wrong or right in that; it's just something we recognise and balance.
What do you think about the situations at Bournemouth and Chester?
We'll worry about our performance, they can worry about theirs. However, it does prove that football is no longer about sport and sport alone. The first thing we must do to maximise our survival chances this season is ensure that the finances are in good shape to ensure that we can last this season and beyond. That's not to say our funding is not solid - it is - but the most difficult period for any football club is the 12-18 months after administration. Bottom line is, with all the political dancing going on in the game right now, I would be amazed if at least a couple of clubs don't get hit badly this season.
Can we stay up?
Yes, of course we can. Why not? We have a squad that is capable of going on a needed winning streak. And, yes, of course I'm fully aware that hasn't happened so far this season but that doesn't mean we can't and won't. Everyone involved with the club and the team firmly believe we can survive, even without having to rely on other clubs' plight. Tom Craddock epitomises the spirit in the camp. Kevin Watson, who incidentally is a born natural coach, and Alan Neilson firmly believe it and continue to instill positivity and confidence in the dressing room.
Why does Mick do this/that, play him/not play him?
Everyone has an opinion. Mick will never please everyone, indeed very few will not have some sense or disagreement, even when we've won. That's football! Mick make sdecisions often because he has to and often for reasons the everyday supporter will never know about. This is where we must still remain united behind him, even if we disagree with some of his decsions. I disagree with some of his decisions and talk to him about it. Sometimes I change my mind, other times I don't. What's great is the fact that we can have that conversation with him.
Is Mick still the man for the job?
As far as we are concerned, yes. But we're not blinkered. Mick's not blinkered. We understand the depth of some people's views and everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, we see things in 3D technicolour as opposed to a flat monochrome image.That's not meant to be belittling in any way, it's just fact. We are generally disappointed at the fact that too few people realise what we'd miss if Mick wasn't here - name at least half of the squad for starters. Mick is one of the most honest and honourable men I have ever met and I know he will tell us if he can't achieve what we want. He isn't here for the money (not many of us are!), if money was his driver he'd be elsewhere three times over.
What is your view about the bradford debacle?
There has been much speculation regarding our perspective of the Bradford debacle, primarily questioning our hard line afterwards. Firstly, under no circumstances do we condone or ignore (and nor should anyone seriously expect us to condone or ignore) missile throwing within our stadium. Under any circumstances, it is wrong. We have rules and regs we have no option but to follow rigidly otherwise we become personally liable and the club can be further sanctioned if we do not manage such misdemeanours incorrectly. That said, we also fully understand the angst of non-missile throwing supporters - we felt every ounce of the same frustration (or whatever denomination frustration is measured in). We are not soft, but we'd rather apply our challenges in private, professionally, through the approproate channels.
What's your relationship with the supporters groups like now?
We have regular dialogue with all three although perhaps not as much as we'd like. Note to self: must try harder! We have appointed a capable representative to each, two seem to be working very well indeed. TIL hold their monthly meetings at the club where we will attend and advise/help regarding their assistance with their excellent community initiatives etc. We are starting other initiatives that will involve all groups (eg. youth) and have encouraged more staff to get involved. LLSC is a slightly different and, I must say, challenging situation due to their independence - actually an independent stance I don't quite understand since Jayten were chased off due to the fact that we (2020) are integral to and as independent and representative of the supporter base as you'll get. Just to clarify, we have no issue with being challenged on anything because, on the whole, apart from one or two human msitakes we feel we get most things right on behalf of our customer base. But just to clear things up, specifically regarding some posts today, LLSC and 2020 are very independent of each other, I would say even poles apart on certian topics. But also, we will never act on behalf of a single supporters group, particularly an independent one. Our decisions are our own which could include an element of widespread supporter opinion. LLSC have a representative they choose not to involve and I/we, much as we'd like to when invited, haven't attended any of their committee meetings of late. That said, most of the one on one conversations we have with their committee members are extremely productive and useful for both sides (I'm lead to believe). I have made the suggestion that we hold an informal brunch meeting before a home match for supporters of any group to use at a club facility, which hasn't been taken up yet.
How is the business progressing?
Very well, very well indeed. However, it was in a worse state than expected but we are managing to turn things around albeit a little more slowly than desired. Just like the squad, we also need to rebuild a team for a modern, efficient, profitable (if possible), customer/community oriented business, and we're doing exactly that. We will soon be issuing a half term report on the business side of things to show how we have progressed.
Will you conduct an IFS even if any particular site looks too good to be true?
Yes, of course. It was part of our manifesto when we were elected and so it must remain intact as a policy. We are fully coniscent of the various options and we know exactly what we're doing in order to expand all current and future plans for a new home. Trust is required here.
What happens if we go down?
IF we go down...the easy answer is, we come back up, although that's easier said than done of course. However, we (2020) are here for the long haul regardless of where we may end up in the short term. We will be the largest club ever to have visited non-league so why shouldn't we be totally confident. We fully intend to retain as many of the current squad as we possibly can and know we'll keep an excellent nucleus. The main issue here is that you stay with us. Again, IF we go down. This is still our Plan B and all our other progression and plans will remain the same regardless.
Ladies and gentlemen, much of our progress to date (including securing the club out of administration) has been done only because of the generosity, loyalty, faith and passion held by our supervisory board. Without these few men we would be dead and buried. None of these guys invested to get conference football and none invested to create division amongst the fan base. We reconised early that the long term development of the club would only thrive if we had a united boardroom, which we have. Now, a united fanbase woulod also be helpful - a fanbase that believes, en-masse, that we can survive this season despite the odds. Our bulldog spirit can help our hopes enormously so please stay firm, hold your nerve and get behind the team every step of the way!
Meanwhile, thank you for your support this season, especially the positive atmosphere Sonic, bigme, pogue etc have been responsible for creating. There's often more than a tear in our eye to witness some of the loyatly some of you guys show, at away games particularly. Thank you.
All the best (and sorry about the error ridden homily)!
Gary
*~*~*~*~*~*
Nice that he's taking the time out to address the fans, as 2020 promised they would, and that there's a sense of realism in there. They know what could happen, they've planned for it, and are here for the long haul.
After so many years of crooks playing smoke and mirrors, such an open, honest and transparent approach is something for Town fans to treasure.
One of the previous board members (in charge of financial mismanagement) is posting on there under a pseudonym, attempting to undermine 2020. Good luckwith that 
