Fans Worried Over Villa Future

[Laughing Gravity]

Is that what they do?

That's the impression that's allowed to florish.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Exactly who are VFC?

VFC and most of their camp followers

I assume they're the ones wearing the pinky/purple Villa shirts from a few seasons back.

[Chris Smith]

Is that what they do?

That's the impression that's allowed to florish.

Where?

[Laughing Gravity]

Where?

The clue is in the name.

[Oscar Goldman]

Where?

The clue is in the name.

What other name do you think would be more appropriate for the Supporters’ Trust (as established by an Act of Parliament) that is associated with Aston Villa?

[Pete]

So you admit it doesn't represent very many of all Villa supporters. What right have they to say anything on their behalf?

Oscar and Chris can't seem to get through to you (Through no fault of their own, I might add) so I'll have a go.  The ST does NOT claim to say anything on behalf of all supporters. It represents its members. And only its members.  

That is linked to the perceived problem with VFC, which is that no-one knows who they represent (beyond whoever has written the press releases and those who publicly support them, which is a small number of people). And they give the impression (deliberately or accidentally, through their profile in the press) of representing an umbrella group of fans' organisations. maybe it's the 'combined' bit of the name that does it.

[Chris Smith]

Where?

The clue is in the name.

No it isn't.

If you think that the Trust is claiming that it is representative as all supporters than that's quite a serious accusation that I assume you will back up with evidence.

[Laughing Gravity]

Cobblers.

An ST press release...

Press release issued on 27th June.

The Aston Villa Supporters Trust have reacted cautiously to reports of a possible takeover bid for the club. As the largest democratic supporters organisation, the Trust are prepared to meet any bidders to discuss their plans and objectives, and to ascertain whether they provide the guarantees that it is in the supporters interest, for the Trust to support any approach.

We believe that any bid should not lead to the removal of supporter involvement via ownership, although we accept that a takeover may lead to the PLC going private. The Trust is committed to supporter involvement and we urge any bidder to take this into account.

With or without the bid, Aston Villa PLC remains in a similar position to Manchester United pre-Glazier. In order to protect their interests, we urge supporters to galvanise now by joining the Trust to ensure strong representation in dialogue with bidders and Board and to ensure that supporter shareholding is safeguarded.

Don't give me the bullshit. Who said they could act in "supporters interest"?

They are just a slightly bigger but much quieter VFC, not happy that VFC get more attention then they do.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Cobblers.

Don't give me the bullshit.

Steady on Laughing gravy.

[Laughing Gravity]

Laughing gravy

I love that little dog. He's long dead now though.

[Brend'Watkins]

"They are just a slightly bigger but much quieter VFC, not happy that VFC get more attention then they do".

Very strange thing to say that gravity.  It almost implies a level of insecurity from both groups.

[Chris Smith]

Cobblers.

An ST press release...

Press release issued on 27th June.

The Aston Villa Supporters Trust have reacted cautiously to reports of a possible takeover bid for the club. As the largest democratic supporters organisation, the Trust are prepared to meet any bidders to discuss their plans and objectives, and to ascertain whether they provide the guarantees that it is in the supporters interest, for the Trust to support any approach.

We believe that any bid should not lead to the removal of supporter involvement via ownership, although we accept that a takeover may lead to the PLC going private. The Trust is committed to supporter involvement and we urge any bidder to take this into account.

With or without the bid, Aston Villa PLC remains in a similar position to Manchester United pre-Glazier. In order to protect their interests, we urge supporters to galvanise now by joining the Trust to ensure strong representation in dialogue with bidders and Board and to ensure that supporter shareholding is safeguarded.

Don't give me the bullshit. Who said they could act in "supporters interest"?

They are just a slightly bigger but much quieter VFC, not happy that VFC get more attention then they do.

I'm not really sure what you are saying, but that release is saying that the Trust would be willing to meet with potential bidders so that it can decide whether their aims are consistent with those of the Trust. If they are then it, on behalf of it's members who are Villa supporters, would consider supporting them.

The bit about the attention received is also disingenuous because it was you who mentioned the Trust.

[dave.woodhall]

At first glance.

But I tell you what, as you've now cited this example twice - the first time claiming it as evidence that this is how Jon responds to anyone who "criticises" Why don't you quote the "criticism" and why don't you explain why the response to a single "slagging off" from one person equates to a response to "anyone" who criticises?

Because it wasn't a single attack at one person, rather it was how he described anyone who disagreed with him at the meeting. If it were the first time such a thing had been said, it would be more understandable, but it wasn't. VFC and its members/supporters has a tendency to belittle and/or abuse anyone with a differing view.

[Oscar Goldman]

I’ve criticised both groups in my time but only VFC supporters react hysterically – indeed it’s almost as if somebody’s pissed on their chips.                        

Laughing Gravity’s clearly an energetic and enthusiastic supporter of VFC so, if he can bear to be relieved of the anonymity of hiding behind a keyboard, he should put his money where his mouse is and give Fear the help he so obviously needs.

[Laughing Gravity]

Chris,

whether they provide the guarantees that it is in the supporters interest

The Trust are deciding "the supporters interest"

That is a self-appointed. The Trust is really a very small number of people.

Egos, it's all about egos.