The General's thread has been locked

[PaulWinch again]

I think the abuse was totally out of order. It's just a shame it's all ended up like this.

[CBAV06]

In fairness to Pelty - what would you do if your father was being attacked?

If my father was some sort of customer liaison spokesman (which in fact he is for one of the rail companies and is therefore all too used to getting stick from customers) I'd keep my nose out of things that didn't concern me, in case I made things even worse for the organisation concerned.

Risso that makes as much sense as saying you should keep your nose out of things in case you made things worse for Villa. Even if you actually felt that way, you aren't doing it now so it makes your comment a bit off.

[Risso]

In fairness to Pelty - what would you do if your father was being attacked?

If my father was some sort of customer liaison spokesman (which in fact he is for one of the rail companies and is therefore all too used to getting stick from customers) I'd keep my nose out of things that didn't concern me, in case I made things even worse for the organisation concerned.

Pelty doesn't work for the club. As a Villa fan he's got as much right as anyone to come on here and voice his opinions, and be treated like any other poster.

I didn't say he did work for the club.  And his opinions AREN'T the same as any other fan, because people on here put a lot more store by them.  See the time he came on here with his dad to launch a concerted attack on Martin O'Neill, which I'm sure didn't help relations between the manager and board.  And whether he's a fan or not, anybody with an ounce of common sense wouldn't do anything to cause trouble for an organisation that his father IS an official part of.

[Chris Jameson]

Didn't pelty come out with the 'go support someone else' line when somebody dare to come out with some perceived slight?

[ktvillan]

The problem is that while it's quite easy and justified for the board to protest about outright abuse and the kind of mindless vandalism we saw at Bodymoor Heath earlier this week - I think the majority of us would agree that's totally out of order and helps nothing - it's not so easy for them to explain, for footballing reasons, why the recruitment process for a new manager - with several seemingly outstanding candidates readily available - has ended with the appointment of Alex McLeish. I don't think they can truthfully explain that, so I'd expect them to cease any of these kind of communications for a while yet.

The announcement on the official website says it all - they are trying to sell it to the fans on the basis of the advice from Alex Ferguson.  Unfortunately it looks like a truthful explanation of the situation might be along the lines of:

"We hadn't really got a clue how to go about finding a new manager so we fannied about for a few weeks scratching our testicles.  A quick look at available managers revealed there were a few who would clearly expect funding for a shot at the CL places. So we quickly eliminated them from consideration.  Finally in desperation, we  asked Alex Ferguson for his advice and he recommended his bestest mate ever, McLeish.  And with SAF being the greatest manager ever, and as honest as the day is long at the north pole in mid-winter,  and with no vested interest whatsoever,  that surely overrides the fans feelings and the fact that Mcleish's PL record is undeniably pants.  And anyway we own the club anb we can do what we like so there."

[SheffieldVillain]

In fairness to Pelty - what would you do if your father was being attacked?

If my father was some sort of customer liaison spokesman (which in fact he is for one of the rail companies and is therefore all too used to getting stick from customers) I'd keep my nose out of things that didn't concern me, in case I made things even worse for the organisation concerned.

Pelty doesn't work for the club. As a Villa fan he's got as much right as anyone to come on here and voice his opinions, and be treated like any other poster.

I didn't say he did work for the club.  And his opinions AREN'T the same as any other fan, because people on here put a lot more store by them.  See the time he came on here with his dad to launch a concerted attack on Martin O'Neill, which I'm sure didn't help relations between the manager and board.  And whether he's a fan or not, anybody with an ounce of common sense wouldn't do anything to cause trouble for an organisation that his father IS an official part of.

As far as this board is concerned, his opinions ARE the same as any other fan. I don't remember reading the site rules including a hierarchy of who is and isnt allowed to use it, or whose opinions are more or less valid. The fact his father works for the club does not mean he should be treated any differently from any other poster either in terms of his posts, or the way he is treated by other posters. Your last sentence is your own opinion and you are entitled to it, but it bears no relevance to his use of the board.

[ktvillan]

Pelty, via his old man, possibly has access to sensitive information that could damage his old man's standing and the club's reputation, if it gets out. Thus he perhaps has a greater responsibility than the average poster not to get involved in heated debates and diatribes. 

[CBAV06]

Pelty, via his old man, possibly has access to sensitive information that could damage his old man's standing and the club's reputation, if it gets out. Thus he perhaps has a greater responsibility than the average poster not to get involved in heated debates and diatribes. 

Pelty, via his old man, possibly has access to sensitive information that could damage his old man's standing and the club's reputation, if it gets out. Thus he perhaps has a greater responsibility than the average poster not to get involved in heated debates and diatribes. 

kt, I disagree. His greater responsibility is to keep things that he may have access to off the boards...but nothing should preclude him from being able to state his opinion just like everyone else. This board, and it's moderators, often stated that everyone has a right to be heard within the rules.

And yes, I know you and I are both just stating opinion on the fact too so I am not saying you have no right to be involved in the discussion.

[mr woo]

There's always been an air of inevitability floating about the Generals thread. Its the kind of thing that only ever works during the good times. Which is a shame, because it's  during times of controversy such as this, that people want and deserve answers.

[Fergal]

That high?

Thanks...

[Mazrim]

Ive been disgusted with some of the absue the General has had and have said so, mainly on other sites it has to be said.

However, we need some questions answered now, and somebody to answer them. The communication is worse than its ever been between fans and board.
There are some legitmate concerns we need to address and a means to air them.
I hope when the general returns we can arrange that with him.

I have no confidence in Paul "Invisible man" Faulkner at all.

[PONGO49]

The general is a good well meaning man but sadly his thread isn't really in his or the clubs best interests and it may be time to call it a day as far as the thread goes.

They'll probably consider it, but these things aren't as simple as buying a balti pie, you know.

still can't find them in m&s

[Brend'Watkins]

There's always been an air of inevitability floating about the Generals thread. Its the kind of thing that only ever works during the good times. Which is a shame, because it's  during times of controversy such as this, that people want and deserve answers.

That's not true though mr woo.  After Moscowgate, the Anfield debacle and Man City in the cup the General didn't hide, he was there to take the flak. 

[kipeye]

Well he's sort of back. Sadly trotting out the usual guff. Time for a new tune General.

[mr woo]

There's always been an air of inevitability floating about the Generals thread. Its the kind of thing that only ever works during the good times. Which is a shame, because it's  during times of controversy such as this, that people want and deserve answers.

That's not true though mr woo.  After Moscowgate, the Anfield debacle and Man City in the cup the General didn't hide, he was there to take the flak. 

He was Bren, fair play to the guy, and I didn't intend my post to sound like I was suggesting the General was shirking his duties. I was rather pointing out I felt from the beginning that this sort of open dialogue with fans wouldn't last long before degenerating into a slanging match and one party or the other deciding to call time on it.