Stan

[Medway Blue]

It takes time to rebuild burnt bridges.

All I can prove is the willingness of people at clubs who wouldn't touch Southend to now work with me and as a consequence, Southend United.

I can prove it ( potential CEO is one!) which is why I can say it aloud without anyone here or elsewhere being able to contradict it.

I've built relationships in the game over 30 years, and turbo charged in the last 20. You simply can't get names I have worked with in projects I've created without trust. You just can't!

Southend United don't have that anywhere in the club, today as we speak.

I'm bringing a banquet table of contacts and goodwill to the table at a time when the table in the boardroom has crumbs on it.


If a proper structure is in place due to these contacts and goodwill, Southend United will fly.

Or find someone else with those contacts, and there will be a few. See how many will give Southend a second glance.

The saviour of the club won't be any manager or CEO or player or owner. It'll be the structure that allows all of them to work on their role efficiently, and my worry is that a fan base so used to "great XXX has come in, happy days ahead " is like an addict. Needing a next hit rather than living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Doing things right means behavioural change. Nobody knows that more than me.

So little things, like announcing managers? Do it on official club channels rather radio stations. Why? Because the only people you owe is those who put their hard earned into the club, who support the club day in, day out. That's it, nothing more, nothing less.

It may not seem a big thing but lots of little things done well create trust, momentum and success.

Absolutely. And that's why we all hope that the behaviour will change as Ron Martin surrounds himself with 'industry professionals' as you put it, and allows them to do their thing. A much-needed change of approach.

I think you'll know from your research over the past few weeks that culture and identity, and therefore continuity, has been absent from this club. That's why the structure that you speak of has so many of us excited. Because that structure will embody a culture, identity and way of working which will allow continuity when management changes happen. No more lurching between such vastly different cats who each try and fail to 'change the culture'.

 

[Blues ‘n’ twos]

It takes time to rebuild burnt bridges.

All I can prove is the willingness of people at clubs who wouldn't touch Southend to now work with me and as a consequence, Southend United.

I can prove it ( potential CEO is one!) which is why I can say it aloud without anyone here or elsewhere being able to contradict it.

I've built relationships in the game over 30 years, and turbo charged in the last 20. You simply can't get names I have worked with in projects I've created without trust. You just can't!

Southend United don't have that anywhere in the club, today as we speak.

I'm bringing a banquet table of contacts and goodwill to the table at a time when the table in the boardroom has crumbs on it.


If a proper structure is in place due to these contacts and goodwill, Southend United will fly.

Or find someone else with those contacts, and there will be a few. See how many will give Southend a second glance.

The saviour of the club won't be any manager or CEO or player or owner. It'll be the structure that allows all of them to work on their role efficiently, and my worry is that a fan base so used to "great XXX has come in, happy days ahead " is like an addict. Needing a next hit rather than living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Doing things right means behavioural change. Nobody knows that more than me.

So little things, like announcing managers? Do it on official club channels rather radio stations. Why? Because the only people you owe is those who put their hard earned into the club, who support the club day in, day out. That's it, nothing more, nothing less.

It may not seem a big thing but lots of little things done well create trust, momentum and success.

It’s really sad just how low our club has sunk in the eyes of the football family, as you say trust has to be built slowly, whatever is driving you on....thank you for your efforts!

 

[stan collymore]

I can't see this happening at all, he'd walk and I wouldn't blame him. Why would a manager with 20 odd years experience in management be shadowed by someone with zero experience.

It's a CEO we need.

Hi Hadenoughblue

Thankfully, modern football clubs don't think like you do.

Otherwise every successful Director of Football from Michael Zorc at Dortmund to Michael Edwards at Liverpool or Beguristain at Barca and now City wouldn't have got past go if you were making decisions. And 2 of those didn't have a 30 year career to rely on prior to their roles being created!

I get it, you don't like me. That's fine. But suggesting I have no experience is based on zero evidence, zero understanding of what I've been doing for the last 20 years and zero understanding of the clout I have in the sport, today.

You keep shouting at clouds, I'll keep doing everything to make sure you can walk into a sustainable football club that can have the pick of local and national talent while building bridges after recent years.

Or just be straight up front as I'm being and say "I don't like you" on every post you make. I'd respect you more for it.

If you want my CV, I'll post it to you, undersigned by some of the most respected people in the industry.

 

[MisterStubbs]

I want to thank you @stan collymore for everything you are doing. After years of mismanagement both on and off the field, I get the feeling that the club is starting a new journey doing things in the correct way.. and then some. Despite dropping out of the football league, I am genuinely excited about the future of the football club.

 

[Paddington Blue]

Just got to hope that Ron sees sense and gives Stan a meaningful role - he speaks so much sense and could help the club massively provided the the egos of the RM and PB don't get in the way. The connection with the fans has been missing for many years and SC has already impressively dug deep to understand the frustrations and suggest concrete initiatives to get us back on track. Keeping my fingers crossed that Ron makes the right decisions this week!

 

[stan collymore]

Corr

Absolutely. And that's why we all hope that the behaviour will change as Ron Martin surrounds himself with 'industry professionals' as you put it, and allows them to do their thing. A much-needed change of approach.

I think you'll know from your research over the past few weeks that culture and identity, and therefore continuity, has been absent from this club. That's why the structure that you speak of has so many of us excited. Because that structure will embody a culture, identity and way of working which will allow continuity when management changes happen. No more lurching between such vastly different cats who each try and fail to 'change the culture'.
[/QUOTE

100% correct.

We're not talking modern jargon nor are we putting it in the mixer with pride and "pashun".

We're creating an environment where a sensible structure means the club has n and off field needs are met, thar structure allows for the least disruption possible when managers inevitably leave and fans can be treated with transparency, respect and a football style which they want to see.

If Southend United continue on the path of short term and knee jerk measures, the bottom is yet to be hit.

I'll be judged, like at any time in two careers on my performance.

Pity a few others weren't in the last few at the club.

 

[Mr Browns Ghost]

Really hope that you’ll fete a role at the club that allows you to oversee potential problems during Mr Browns second spell with us.
It was the lack of this that allowed him to get away with breaches of common discipline and allowing the building of cliques and factions in the dressing room that lead to his and the clubs downward slide.
Personally, I love the idea of Mr Brown being back, for his experience and encouragement, but I am truly dreading a return to mismanagement and failure to keep control of his “favorites”.

fk me, there is soo soo sooo much resentment to Phil Brown?? did you enjoy Wembley?? my favorite memory ever as a shrimper. I also enjoyed the semifinal, and the beating of Luton in the league the big away wins etc etc etc..

I can only imagine what your comments are aimed at people like Bond Campbell and MM, be really interesting to hear a logical response

 

[Shrimper44]

Thanks for that. I haven't seen it, I just haven't had time.

Well worth a watch when you get time.

Stan's enthusiasm certainly cheered me up after such a crap season and I hope he is offered a decent role at Southend.

 

[Callum]

If the Chairman



If the Chairman and I agree on a role tomorrow, I have lined up...

1. 6 recruitment specialists who've covered League 1 to National League for several years with great success, own and run the industry leading player profile software, have watched more gales at those levels than anyone in the country, have discharged roles from DoF to Academy to first team. None wanted any involvement without my assurance they weren't getting involved in a mess.

2. 15+ strikers wjo have been collated by these guys who all can perform at National League level and above. We need to get Phil as many options to fill the goals gap as possible.

3. Direct contact with several clubs with excellent reputations for developing young talent and loaning them out. All are interested, all would trust me to make sure their stars of the future are looked after.

4. Direct contact with out of contract players from mavericks to guaranteed 40 games a season. All would be put to Phil on day 1 for his and the football department perusal.

5. Constant communication with potential CEO in order to hit the ground running.

6. Communication with clubs across the pyramid to help Phil get a pre season match programme that would test and fill coffers.

Stan ?

Fantastic work Stan

 

[Mr Browns Ghost]

It takes time to rebuild burnt bridges.

All I can prove is the willingness of people at clubs who wouldn't touch Southend to now work with me and as a consequence, Southend United.

I can prove it ( potential CEO is one!) which is why I can say it aloud without anyone here or elsewhere being able to contradict it.

I've built relationships in the game over 30 years, and turbo charged in the last 20. You simply can't get names I have worked with in projects I've created without trust. You just can't!

Southend United don't have that anywhere in the club, today as we speak.

I'm bringing a banquet table of contacts and goodwill to the table at a time when the table in the boardroom has crumbs on it.


If a proper structure is in place due to these contacts and goodwill, Southend United will fly.

Or find someone else with those contacts, and there will be a few. See how many will give Southend a second glance.

The saviour of the club won't be any manager or CEO or player or owner. It'll be the structure that allows all of them to work on their role efficiently, and my worry is that a fan base so used to "great XXX has come in, happy days ahead " is like an addict. Needing a next hit rather than living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

Doing things right means behavioural change. Nobody knows that more than me.

So little things, like announcing managers? Do it on official club channels rather radio stations. Why? Because the only people you owe is those who put their hard earned into the club, who support the club day in, day out. That's it, nothing more, nothing less.

It may not seem a big thing but lots of little things done well create trust, momentum and success.

Stan, for me you cant put a price on what you are currently doing (well I suppose you can) How do you quantify bringing unity to the club? That could be priceless, its certainly appreciated in my house, thankyou...

 

[Streaky]

Stan
Firstly thank you for your impact, I think we can all see what you bring to the table as a club it would be madness to not take you up on your offers. We can see already positive impact that you have made.

* Manager brought in,
* Talks with a CEO (hopefully concluded
* Unprofessional players moved on
* Phil Brown making the right noises about pre season
* Talk of ex players being involved (Timlin)

It feels like a perfect fit for you to be the DOF. If this happens Roots Hall will be rocking again.

UTB!

 

[blueblueblue]

Hi Hadenoughblue

Thankfully, modern football clubs don't think like you do.

Otherwise every successful Director of Football from Michael Zorc at Dortmund to Michael Edwards at Liverpool or Beguristain at Barca and now City wouldn't have got past go if you were making decisions. And 2 of those didn't have a 30 year career to rely on prior to their roles being created!

I get it, you don't like me. That's fine. But suggesting I have no experience is based on zero evidence, zero understanding of what I've been doing for the last 20 years and zero understanding of the clout I have in the sport, today.

You keep shouting at clouds, I'll keep doing everything to make sure you can walk into a sustainable football club that can have the pick of local and national talent while building bridges after recent years.

Or just be straight up front as I'm being and say "I don't like you" on every post you make. I'd respect you more for it.

If you want my CV, I'll post it to you, undersigned by some of the most respected people in the industry.

It wasn't actually a personal dig at you, I think you've jumped on this post. I was replying to the original post that seemed to indicate they wanted you to come in and be on Browns case, therefore, I was just pointing out that a manager with 20 years experience wouldn't like someone (anyone) who hasn't managed a football team treading on his or her toes. I apolagise It really wasn't a personal dig.

I don't partiularly like you as a person, I make no apolagies for that, we all like and dislike people in life...

Again, it wasn't a dig at all.

 

[Shrimperjohn]

Stan I have sat back in awe at the things you have achieved in such short time. You have galvanised the fan base and seemingly got the Chairman onside also . Things that have been lacking for these past 3 years in particular .. a potential CEO / better communication with the Chairman / passion and hope / better organisation/ a virtual new squad of players/ now look achievable in a way many thought not possible. I have to say I am genuinely excited about next season with potentially all the above in place and you on board additionally in whatever form that takes.

My only concern Stan and it is such a concern to me and I’m sure other supporters as well is our financial fragility. How on earth are we going to fund a CEO . You will need a salary of course which is only to be expected. MM and his team will have to have their contracts paid off. Due to COVID my understanding is that VAT and PAYE can currently be deferred but as things open up again and fans return to stadia this scenario will not last much longer and my obvious concern is that we will very quickly get back into the hapless merry go round of cash flow issues of the last few years resulting in non payment of wages/HMRC winding up orders / non payment of local businesses and the like.

Yes we will have a parachute payment of course ( £500k) but this is not money that we haven’t had every season so nothing new there. The audited accounts for the club are nearly a year overdue and i’m kind of wondering how well all the exciting plans have actually been costed out by Ron and independently confirmed as being realistic and achievable. . Ron has not got the greatest financial track record you will understand although I do acknowledge that he has supported the club financially for over 20 years . Perhaps though not always in a way that promotes the opinion of us to outsiders as a well run club.

I’m sure that what I am saying here is nothing that you haven’t considered yourself but as someone who has supported the club for over 50 years in your upcoming conversations with Ron please just consider the financial viability of everything. Otherwise we will be back to square one and potentially worse than that and all your hard work and achievements thus far will be consigned to history .

UTB !

 

[LennySUFC]

It wasn't actually a personal dig at you, I think you've jumped on this post. I was replying to the original post that seemed to indicate they wanted you to come in and be on Browns case, therefore, I was just pointing out that a manager with 20 years experience wouldn't like someone (anyone) who hasn't managed a football team treading on his or her toes. I apolagise It really wasn't a personal dig.

I don't partiularly like you as a person, I make no apolagies for that, we all like and dislike people in life...

Again, it wasn't a dig at all.

Some things are better left unsaid, no?

 

[Callum]

I’ll be honest some of the stick I have seen given to Stan is totally wrong this is a guy who is willing to help a club he loves out I think he has done a fantastic job

 

[Grayson]

It wasn't actually a personal dig at you, I think you've jumped on this post. I was replying to the original post that seemed to indicate they wanted you to come in and be on Browns case, therefore, I was just pointing out that a manager with 20 years experience wouldn't like someone (anyone) who hasn't managed a football team treading on his or her toes. I apolagise It really wasn't a personal dig.

I don't partiularly like you as a person, I make no apolagies for that, we all like and dislike people in life...

Again, it wasn't a dig at all.

Says you who complains about hostility on this forum. Hypocrite.

 

[OldWilliam]

Is anyone else scared? I am. What Stan has given us is hope. Having supported Southend for well over 30 years I would argue this is the first time in over 30 years we as fans have been given hope. I don’t mean hope of promotion, hope of a new ground or hope of having that elusive 20 + goals a season striker.
I mean hope of a future, a well structured professionally run club that treats its playing staff, back room staff and fans properly. A solid foundation and structure that Stan talks about that could soon become our identity as a club. A club that treats everyone fairly and does things properly. Regardless of results on the field. A club to be proud of rather than the basket case we have become.
it really excites me listening to Stan speak and reading his posts and I just can’t help thinking cometh the hour cometh the man.
so why am I scared? I’m scared because this hope could quite easily be taken away from us if Ron isn’t on board with it. Then what? We might end up with a yes man for a CEO and everything carries on as before.

 

[Tampa Blue]

Some things are better left unsaid, no?

........ indeed they are - as the saying goes :

Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt.

Stan - you are providing hope where there was none.

I don't know you as a person so can't comment on you as a person but I loved you as a player, I loved your journalistic style, I love what you are trying to achieve for us, and I love the enthusiasm that you bring to your zoom calls.

Please stick with us as we need you and your help.

 

[ColinMorrisWalksOnWater]

For us fans this is just like winning the lottery!

TWICE!!

 

[stan collymore]

Is anyone else scared? I am. What Stan has given us is hope. Having supported Southend for well over 30 years I would argue this is the first time in over 30 years we as fans have been given hope. I don’t mean hope of promotion, hope of a new ground or hope of having that elusive 20 + goals a season striker.
I mean hope of a future, a well structured professionally run club that treats its playing staff, back room staff and fans properly. A solid foundation and structure that Stan talks about that could soon become our identity as a club. A club that treats everyone fairly and does things properly. Regardless of results on the field. A club to be proud of rather than the basket case we have become.
it really excites me listening to Stan speak and reading his posts and I just can’t help thinking cometh the hour cometh the man.
so why am I scared? I’m scared because this hope could quite easily be taken away from us if Ron isn’t on board with it. Then what? We might end up with a yes man for a CEO and everything carries on as before.

The only thing to be scared,actually terrified of is the status quo.

Repeated behaviours of control and plate spinning, investment in a transient messiah figure and a reluctance to do things properly.

I see amongst fan bases everywhere that the messiah complex is hard to shake off.

"If we had him or got him then we're all set "

Brentford. I know the owner well, and several of his recruitment team. Does the owner have money? Yes. Beyond stadium investment, is his wealth used to constantly be thrown down a pit? No.

A wealthy owner who puts the right pieces of the jigsaw together which enables him to sit back and see forward momentum is a clever businessman who will see progress and added value to his holding.

A wealthy owner who lurches from one reactionary move to another, wasting money and burning bridges will be swallowed whole like many before.

I don't care about personalities and who does and who doesn't like me or Phil or Hadenoughblue. My offer is to leave a football club in a much better playing, structural and financial state.

I can guarantee this because it is measurable. Unlike a messiah who will only ever give you two feelings. Hope and disappointment.

Emotion belongs in the stands and on the pitch, everywhere else let's have a little more ice in our veins.

Any questions, shout up ?