And the plan is? If someone would just tell me the plan, I'd listen to it and take it in. PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME THE PLAN.
Post 5 on this thread.....
Absolutely correct comment to be making. This is something we will be publishing as soon as possible, but we are mindful that we want to work with others, see what happens with discussions this week and, of course, we will be lead by whether we still have a survival chance on the day.
Watch this space!
Let us just set out a few lines for absolute clarity.
1. The protest / demonstration / rally, call it what you like, is being organised by Save Our Southend, and is being supported by other supporter organisations. As soon we as know who has signed up (and they have a process to go through), we will share those details. The Custard Splat, Blues on Tour, All At Sea and Shrimperzone have, others are discussing it. We'd like a unified approach, hopefully we'll get it.
2. We've been attempting dialogue with the Chairman for a few weeks, but are either being fobbed off or, as you've seen recently, been presented with statements that don't address anything. I think most of us agree the Zoom meetings haven't taken us anywhere - and we have tried. Really, we have.
3. The involvement from Stan is helpful. If nothing else, it is has given what is going on here some serious publicity both within our supporter base and beyond. However, we do not know what the outcome of any talks will be. We were planning before Stan was involved, he has helped our cause but it is wrong to suggest we've jumped on that particular horse, we were riding our own horse already and we still are. But, we must be mindful that his involvement could positively change the situation or provide access to resources we didn't previously have.
4. Let us be clear, this is not a Martin Out event. Whilst I am sure many hold the desire that he should go, and I am sure some people will make that point - we don't as yet have an alternative backer - or at least one that I know of. The objectives will be about creating change in the way the club is run. I am fairly sure pretty much everyone involved in this club recognises that it has not been run properly for some time - hence our current predicament.
So, the objectives you seek are not finalised yet because we do not know how the land lies at this moment in time. We will do as the week comes to a close and we will share them, obviously. Transparency is the key here, we are very mindful that we do not want a group turning up for a shout with no strategy to take things forward into the summer and beyond, if needs be.
So, why are we publicising this now? I'd rather we were out there campaigning, organising and sharing ideas now rather than cobbling together a rushed plan with six days notice. "Planning" a word we don't hear often in these parts. So yes, there are gaps, but there are reasons why there are gaps, and these will be filled.
The really important thing. We'd like as many supporters to come along. We believe we are speaking for a majority (certainly our social media outlets suggest that). Some people will not agree with us, will not want to protest (and frankly, I never thought I'd be here again) or will simply want to stay away. It is important that as supporters we respect each other's positions and do not end up in a toxic environment that pits supporter against supporter - after all we all want the best for this club. Hopefully everyone will agree with that.
Hopefully that honest assessment gives you all some clarity of what is going here, and if you don't want to be part of it - fair enough. No hard feelings.
We'll provide updates as soon as can.
