Will definitely get strung up for this, but I've had a creepy feeling about this whole thing. What Stan says makes sense, but a lot of it is greatest hits from Shrimperzone, so of course people are going to lap it up.
Southend fans are desperate people right now, looking in all directions for a way out of this. Maybe Stan can help facilitate this, but I can't help feeling that the enthusiasm from the zoom calls was probably taken to the negotiation table when it came to discussing a role at the club.
To be clear: nothing has changed yet, no corners have been turned, I'd feel a lot better if we began getting the structure Stan has talked about, including Stan in a role, delivering results, then negotiate for what that role means and costs going forward following measurable positive change.
If it really means that much for Stan to do the job and help the club that shouldn't be out of the question. Implement change, turn the results around, move us up the league, then talk renumeration and expansion of role.
Hey TheBeard
I haven't taken one penny from Southend United since the first informal involvement in May.
In that time I took a CEO to the club, got 18 coaching and recruitment candidates around a table and 3 excellent coaches have been given jobs after an incredible amount of work.
They are two tangible deliveries which everyone I'd hope can acknowledge that were driven by a structure, a structure set out in a Zoom call on May 10th. So I'd ask every Southend United fan one question...
Before May 10th, who, why, where and what was the plan? The plan was Phil Brown, Ricky Duncan and Ron trusting their judgment.
No CEO, no forward planning, Ron justifiably spending time on FF, trusting others to do a job of work. For pay.
So compare my "work" for free ( I told Tom today I want nothing, nada, zero, zilch for anything I've done so far, but put it in a deal moving forward. Fair? I think so) to others work for money. And then ask yourself where the value is.
If anyone at the club, any supporter or watcher from afar can point to any evidence that a competent CEO, an owner comfortable now with his role , 3 young coaches fully vetted would be a reality even weeks ago most would have said this was a pipe dream. And I helped deliver that, and some clarity and some reasoning and some positive hope. All good things that will serve the club well.
But I'm not a trialist.
I'm not in need.
I don't have to prove anything.
So an offer of free help, while valid up to today ( I will not put a petrol chit, nor train ticket nor take one penny to date because that's what I promised) isn't valid beyond today. And that's not an issue at the club because today was to discuss roles, responsibilities and a deal that only values me for what I can deliver, in line with club budgets and trust me, for what I'm delivering is fantastic value.
But again, I'm not a trialist.
I'm not in need.
I don't have to prove anything.
I'm surprised at the outcry over what I thought was an update on a positive morning in lieu of another thread on the forum which asked "what time will Stan be confirmed "
I just didn't want anyone to be disappointed if white smoke didn't bellow from Roots Hall, so I thought an honest appraisal of the situation would temper a building "the messiah is here " sentiment that naturally happens when a former favourite comes back but at every step of the way I've been at pains to temper.
Tom will be guided by club finances, his view ( he's the boss! He runs the club, Ron had no involvement today whatsoever other than to say hi when he called Tom during our meeting) of my involvement, roles and responsibilities, then agreeing with them, or not. That's business!
We're actively discussing a position at the club and that position has to be right for the club ( Tom, the boss) and me (giving lots of time that ordinarily I'd be involved in medua projects at home and abroad). There is a will on both sides to do a deal but not at any cost on either side. That again, is business!
When telling you all in 2003 on here I'd always be here to help, I meant it. This year, Southend United has got great input from me, an industry professional of 30 years, 18 candidates lined up within days of a sacking, brought 3 guys together ( don't kid yourself, there was zero chance of this 3 coming together without the process we embarked upon) who'll be great on the coaching pitch, a new CEO who's bossing it and ideas and solutions ranging from supporter engagement to recruitment to scouting and a document robust enough to set out a clear way forward.
If I'm seen as competent enough to be involved in bringing a CEO and 3 young and talented coaching staff to the club, then I'm competent enough to only have the same hoops to jump through as any other employee.
I think that's fair, don't you?
