Stan Latest

[kentblues]

Some of it is paid for by supporters though. We do buy tickets, shirts etc. I know we have been conditioned to feel worthless but this shouldn't be forgotten.

If the stadium doesn't make enough extra revenue that's kind of on slumlord Ron since he has run Roots Hall into the ground. The condition of RH is not 'natural decline', its not a bloody iceberg, its because it hasn't been cared for.

I notice our rent* hasn't been reduced as the stadium has deteriorated. Not exactly value for money.

*The rent Ron owes to himself. It's completely fictional.

True but then pumping money into a decaying stadium you intend to bulldoze would seem unattractive to most of us. Of course the expectation is that the new stadium was to happen years ago and that hasn't helped.

BTW on the Stan contribution thus far, it is very significant from a footballing viewpoint. Even if we as naysayers say well Ron would have brought in KM anyway (which is far from a given) I am certain that we would probably not got DC as well. And KM as a manager, and Stan has done a very good job of explaining how the Head Coach, Assistant Coach and First Team Coach structure takes us forward. So not only a great outcome in terms of the three man coaching team, but a critical step in terms of structure.

 

[8]

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?

I totally agree with what you say Stan. Since your envolvement there seems from the outside to have been massive changes. Although Tom is 'in charge' his strings are still being pulled by Ron. I just hope the work you started is seen through with you on board. We really need your positivity. Thanks Stan. You truly are the MAN.

 

[twobob]

Genuine question. Would the fans prefer the limited budget to be spent on management tiers or players?

Bit of Catch 22 question. If we don't have correct person/people making the choices we end up signing inappropriate players

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

Yes Tom was introduced by Stan. Stan always seems to have played a big part in getting our new management team in. That's what I was saying. Without Stan, we would still be without a CEO and probably still putting up with PB

Don't think anyone disputes that.Unfortunately we don't know yet what (if any ) players the new management team will be able to bring in in the future.

 

[bluesfansince1952]

Here we go again in a way. You say "flowing out" as if there is some sort of cash outflow in his direction which there patently isn't (and sorry maybe its not want you meant but for those who then might misinterpret). He writes himself paper IOUs but the fact is every month cash is flowing IN not OUT. Surprise would be if we were surprised at a club losing £2.5m on a £7.5m turnover pre COVID.

Most people on SZ love Southend United which is why they are here. A considerable number dislike Ron while some even detest him. For that reason it is hard for many to accept that the Club exists because Ron's (for whatever motives) financial support does not allow it go under.
Sure he takes money out of the Club on paper but it would not come close to matching to what we have paid in VAT and tax (granted often late ) over the years. This is real money which actually exists and is paid even though it might sometimes take time to materialise.

 

[rhrussell]

How sort sighted this club is if Stan had not made strong suggestions to Ron and Tom, we would still have PB. We now have a new team set up, etc etc, and who pushed for this Stan, kicked the management up the a…..se . So Tom get this sorted with Stan on board, or face the unhappy fan base. Just pathetic to not see the potential Stan has to support this club now and in the future. Good on you Stan, as. Supporter of over 65 years I take my hat off to you for your love of our club.

 

[kentblues]

Most people on SZ love Southend United which is why they are here. A considerable number dislike Ron while some even detest him. For that reason it is hard for many to accept that the Club exists because Ron's (for whatever motives) financial support does not allow it go under.
Sure he takes money out of the Club on paper but it would not come close to matching to what we have paid in VAT and tax (granted often late ) over the years. This is real money which actually exists and is paid even though it might sometimes take time to materialise.

Correct. And it doesn't make him a saint or wonderful and fully forgiven all his errors. But it is so..

 

[kentblues]

How sort sighted this club is if Stan had not made strong suggestions to Ron and Tom, we would still have PB. We now have a new team set up, etc etc, and who pushed for this Stan, kicked the management up the a…..se . So Tom get this sorted with Stan on board, or face the unhappy fan base. Just pathetic to not see the potential Stan has to support this club now and in the future. Good on you Stan, as. Supporter of over 65 years I take my hat off to you for your love of our club.

TBF PB was a "gonner" after Chesterfield come what may.

 

[RHB]

Can we all just take a deep breath here and park the speculation. The situation is that discussions/negotiations continue and it is absolutely pointless sticking pins in dollies that look like Ron, nor for that matter doubting the value/motives of Stan. Tom appears to be the Club's main man in terms of cash and terms, and that will either work itself out or not, early next week. As Stan says, we have a new coaching team and a game on Saturday to keep us going until the next updates.

Till then keep the faith people and three points from the Daggers please.

 

[czabby]

It’s only coz we want to believe in you and the vision that we lose our ****… those last few minutes last night got me more emotional than a 53 year old man has any right to be over the most important of the least important things in my life!

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

TBF PB was a "gonner" after Chesterfield come what may.

Yes but that doesn't mean the new management team will suceed starting tomorrow.

 

[The Dirty One]

Genuine question. Would the fans prefer the limited budget to be spent on management tiers or players?

The correct management structure to avoid buying the wrong players

 

[manor15]

Were any of the 3 from Stan’s list? (Currie was close to being appointed before MM was and Maher and Bentley were known to the club and may have been in the club’s radar previously as well).

I don't think that really matters if they were or they weren't. Would this process have been conducted in the way it was without Stan's involvement? Not a chance.

Even if you want to argue that Tom Lawrence could've run it this way, Tom is only here because of Stan's involvement in the summer.

While we're happy with the individuals, it's the process which will put us in a much better position long-term.

 

[Chris Powell's mate]

Genuine question. Would the fans prefer the limited budget to be spent on management tiers or players?

Management tiers - or in short, a contract for Stan.

If SVC can spot a player then later we will get the right sort in.

As it stands, we have a squad unfit for purpose and players come and go anyway.
We need a club legend to bring the sort of thing way beyond a jobbing midfielder or similar.

 

[NZamba Legend]

True but then pumping money into a decaying stadium you intend to bulldoze would seem unattractive to most of us. Of course the expectation is that the new stadium was to happen years ago and that hasn't helped.

Absolutely, that's the definition of urban blight right there. Trouble is that tenants with nowhere else to go get trapped in declining neighbourhoods whilst continuing to pay high rent!

Sorry, miles off topic!

 

[Maidstone Shrimper]

The correct management structure to avoid buying the wrong players

Which hopefully means a good Head of Recruitment

 

[Avl1983]

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?

Your update here @StanleyVictorCollymore spells out exactly why there's been an outcry! As fans of this club for years we've been left in the dark...until now! Speaking personally I would employ you purely for the regular and honest updates alone! They for me make you worthy of a position at the club. These updates are not coming from Tom, or Ron they come from you. You offer your email address for us as fans to suggest ideas, not Tom or Ron, yours. You are offering your plan for the future when complete - again, not Tom or Ron, they don't update us, nowhere near as regularly at least.

You say there's no need for this to be a sad or negative thing but for me (and I'm sure I speak for many of us) it would be a HUGE disappointment if you were not employed and continuing to give us an idea what's going on at the club.

We now suddenly feel connected and that now hangs in the balance, it's not so much about you being "the messiah" but if you leave I have 100% confidence the club would not seek someone to replace you. It ends with you.

I completely appreciate you don't need to help us and can walk away without it negatively affecting your life, you've earnt that in your career and deserve that right, but we as fans need you!! Without you were back in the dark with occasional updates from Ron, who many fans do not trust.

I sincerely hope a deal can be made as without your input I don't trust things to continue as positively as they've started.

 

[Chapperz]

Personally feel the coaching staff brought in is the most important thing. We never had these other roles when Tilly and Brush were in charge, I'm not sure we need them now. Surely, between them Maher Benno and Currie can find and recruit players, as opposed to having players fostered upon them? They know this league, theykll have local contacts and contacts from the EFL.

Director of Football Operations or Head of Recruitment?

Fairly sure Dean Austin was Head Scout/Recruitment as well as a first team coach during that period.

 

[StanleyVictorCollymore]

Genuine question. Would the fans prefer the limited budget to be spent on management tiers or players?

Great question!

With a simple answer.

Employ 1 manager ( let's say Harry Redknapp at Pompey who's mantra has always been "if I'm given dough, I'll spend it, my job is to get results, not build a club) on £200 a week.

For that £200 a week you're getting a Jack of all trades and master of one ( 1st team manager).

He buy players
He utilises his contacts (agents)
His only concern is 1st team results


He even wins the FA Cup! Great, fans are happy.


But then the club is saddled with expensive players.

Harry moves on ( "sorry chaps, I've delivered the Cup, didn't say I'd club build or be prudent! Bye!).

The club slides down the divisions.

HMRC get involved.

Administration beckons.

Club nearly dies.


Sound familiar????


Or...


Employ a Head Coach, Assistant Head Coach, First team coach. They just coach, that's what a Pro licence in for. It's not a business degree. It's a coaching degree.

And you employ a Head of Recruitment. Someone who knows the market, can get gems, has a clear plan.

And you employ a good CEO. Someone who won't just give a manager a blank cheque.

And you employ a Head of Football Operations. They bring A class contacts to the table in positions, bring integrity as standard, care enough about the club to not let a promotion or Cup open the cheque book to buy expensive mates or pals of the manager or an agent he knows, who demands that 2 or 3 people with knowledge check and balance signings and sales for the benefit of the club and only the club.


And lets say those 5 roles cost you £250 per week.


The latter costs £2400 extra a year than Harry.

But you have a club to support that defines success as a steady and accountable trajectory rather than boom and literally bust.


If Southend United ever again, particularly in the position they're in, give any coach absolute power over recruitment of players they are insane.

Checks and balances saves money. And may just save your club.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Here we go again in a way. You say "flowing out" as if there is some sort of cash outflow in his direction which there patently isn't (and sorry maybe its not want you meant but for those who then might misinterpret). He writes himself paper IOUs but the fact is every month cash is flowing IN not OUT. Surprise would be if we were surprised at a club losing £2.5m on a £7.5m turnover pre COVID.

There’s rent and management charges. There’s a net inflow but that doesn’t mean no cash flows out. It’s also worth reiterating that every time cash comes in from Ron’s companies that creates a debt the club has to pay back to Ron’s companies. Ron said he’ll write it off but we only have his word for that and your value on that may differ from most.

Genuine question. Would the fans prefer the limited budget to be spent on management tiers or players?

Management tiers. Get the structure right or we’ll be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.
We haven’t lacked signings in recent years - we must have made close to 50 signings over the last couple of years - but how many of them have been good signings?