Liverpool FC Forum

by **Ciggy** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 9:25 am

got this from another site

Tonight’s Supporters Meeting – Some VERY interesting news

Tommorrow after the game there will be a demo fans will stay behind chanting anti-H & G sentiments, leaflets will be in circulation to abandon the club shop.

Well, I attended the meeting tonight at the Sandon in Anfield for which there was an excellent turnout of >200 activists and committed Kopites, even The Urchins (our firm for those who don;t know) were well represented (and vocal). I had been invited anyway but at Matt’s request I kinda represented TIA there.

Some very very interesting information came out of this which believe me – you will be DISGUSTED at and if you’re not against Hicks and Gillette already then you will be...just read on.

Background

The meeting followed a secret meeting earlier in town regarding the Share Liverpool proposition.

Most of the fansites, fanzines and supporters groups were represented including us, RAWK, The Urchins, RTK, Liverpool Supporters Network etc. and a VERY important / interesting guest which I will come onto shortly. Notable in their absence were the official supporters club (surprise surprise – scared of banning orders as are many ‘normal’ fans I think) and indeed anyone from Share Liverpool.

The agenda was:

1. Aims & introductions
2. Refinancing package – proper expert explanation of / scrutiny
3. Views from the various supporters clubs / groups
4. Q & A to the floor / general opinion
5. Actions

Whatever you think of Rafa, there’s a lot of combining of issues at the moment which is a basic case of divide and rule by the Yanks. The problems with results, Rafa, whatever, are a SIDE ISSUE at the moment and it is not Rafa vs The Americans it is the fans vs The Americans. Let’s not confuse the issues with our ownership with the issues we may have with Rafa and the team. Lets demonstrate but equally, let’s support our players, through the wind, through the rain.

The Rest of The Meeting

I’ve summed the rest of the meeting up into one section because to be honest, in my opinion, there was a lot of passionate support from committed activists at the meeting but quite a poor framework running the show. There were a lot of soundbites and a lot of ‘we need to organise unions and collect dues’ but little in the way of solid actions. That was billed but it became a bit too committe-ish for me and after people starting rambling about pet issues that had nothing to do with the matters in hand, I felt it descended into a mess. The right people were there, the time was right, people were up for it but I think the people chairing it were not up for the task in my opinion, I would have liked to have seen them take control of things early on, suggest actions and drive them forward instead of basically letting every man and his dog have a say about everything they feel is wrong with Liverpool and trying to be all things to all people. We need leadership.

To be fair, if it was a meeting to decide long term goals and aspirations then yes some really good ideas came out of it and colours were nailed to the mast. Some good suggestions were made and I'm confident everything was noted down by the people chairing it. A separate issue perhaps but everyone uttterly pretty fed up with the fans who turn up at the match, spend 90 mins takin photos on their phone and tellin their mates in London on the phone that they’re in Liverpool at Anfield. It’s this type of ‘support’ from daytrippers that we all know is affecting larger campaigns of this nature.

What did come across well was a simple statement that the Americans can buy the stadium etc but they cannot buy the spirit of this club and we are that spirit.

Having been there 2 hours already, I left the meeting after some woman had rambled on about a non related issue for about 10 mins but I will get anything good that came out of it afterwards from the other people I knew there tomorrow including any specific actions they managed to agree for the weekends match.

As I said, the best part of the meeting was hearing what this journalist – who most reds in Liverpool know and respect – had to say about the inner goings on at the moment. The bottom line is Hicks is shafting us, DIC are still very much at the negotiating table, Moores and Parry may have fcuked up but they know it and are trying to fix things and that the fans not supporting the demonstrations on Saturday have hurt the club by making Hicks complacent and making him take a tougher negotiating line with DIC.

We must keep up the pressure, we must tell everyone who will listen that G&H are evil and need to go and we must keep demonstrating be it at the ground or by not buying any LFC products / merchandise.

This was obviously off the top of my head having just come in from this now so I’m sure I’ve forgotten loads of good stuff, any questions or thoughts please let me know

by **Ciggy** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 9:26 am

A working party was established and we'll be leafletting at the game on Saturday to outline exactly the Americans financial deceits.

A protest is to be held at the end of the game for a minimum of 15 minutes. The protest is against G&H and their lies and their intention to burden this club with a huge debt. It was agreed to fully support the team during the 90 mins of play.

Protests/Picketting of the Club shop(s) was also agreed as the first step to hitting the cash flow and making LFC less of an attractive proposition to G&H.

A press release/public statement will be available in the morning.

Excellent turnout (back room of The Sandon was FULL) and all groups were represented. All major fan websites / fanzines etc were represented, along with match-going groups.

by **Ciggy** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 9:26 am

Tonights meeting was a great starting point - but it is exactly that, a starting point. I can't stress how much we need everyone to help and support it.

The meeting covered loads of topics. Fans representatives, Dave Usher from The Liverpool Way was up there, as were a couple of lads from the Liverpool Supporters Network, and Nicky Allt.

Everyone gave an opinion and things like that. Nicky put forward the idea of "Trade union" style group. A union of Liverpool supporters. This received a large backing. This is esentially to create a group representing all of us. To give our opinions and drive forward what we want to happen. And not just about getting rid of the Yanks, but about after that any potential new owners etc, being the voice of Liverpool fans.

One point I would like to make is we have to Protest. That was made clear, and I can't stress that if we want to make the Yanks listen we have to do something about it.

It was the opened up to the floor. Again loads gave opinions. what we should etc. I put forward we should picket the club shop. Others said about half time and after full time.

We voted on a name, and after suggestions, our working title for now is Sons Of Shankly. It might change it might not. We voted on picketing the club shop on Saturday. Overwhelming support, some questions about whether we can do it in time for Saturday, I expect we will find out in the morning, from those on the commitee, Nicky has been put forward as Chairman. There were some votes on protesting at half time or full time. Full time was voted for. Staying behind, sing our songs for 15 minutes.

I'm guessing that cos of the lateness of the finish, we won't hear from alot of the lads behind it until morning. They have gone for a pint and to sit down and talk loads over now.

Leaflets will be made and distributed informing fans of whats happening. The messgae will also be spread via the forums. If you have got mates who don't come on here, print it off, give them a copy, spread the word.

THIS NEEDS ALL OUR SUPPORT. IF WE STAND TOGETHER, WE WILL SUCCEED.

More news today.

by **tommycockles** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:27 am

I think the picketing of the shop is a great idea; it'd be very hard to stop people going to the game (at this stage) however if you can make sure that not 1 person goes into the shop then they will get an idea of what's to come if we need to step up the protests.

It needs to be a friendly protest so our fans know why it's being done (like they won't?) and by keeping out the shop they'll be doing their bit. (there's plenty of places to buy stuff outside anyway.

Keep up the good work, unless we make the effort things won't change.

by **lakes10** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:31 am

the word "activists" put me off having anything to do with them.

by **nobybob** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:05 pm

lakes10 wrote:the word "activists" put me off having anything to do with them.

I would describe you as an activist -in the rafa out brigade

by **nobybob** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:21 pm

Ciggy wrote:got this from another site

Tonight’s Supporters Meeting – Some VERY interesting news

Tommorrow after the game there will be a demo fans will stay behind chanting anti-H & G sentiments, leaflets will be in circulation to abandon the club shop.

Well, I attended the meeting tonight at the Sandon in Anfield for which there was an excellent turnout of >200 activists and committed Kopites, even The Urchins (our firm for those who don;t know) were well represented (and vocal). I had been invited anyway but at Matt’s request I kinda represented TIA there.

Some very very interesting information came out of this which believe me – you will be DISGUSTED at and if you’re not against Hicks and Gillette already then you will be...just read on.

Background

The meeting followed a secret meeting earlier in town regarding the Share Liverpool proposition.

Most of the fansites, fanzines and supporters groups were represented including us, RAWK, The Urchins, RTK, Liverpool Supporters Network etc. and a VERY important / interesting guest which I will come onto shortly. Notable in their absence were the official supporters club (surprise surprise – scared of banning orders as are many ‘normal’ fans I think) and indeed anyone from Share Liverpool.

The agenda was:

1. Aims & introductions
2. Refinancing package – proper expert explanation of / scrutiny
3. Views from the various supporters clubs / groups
4. Q & A to the floor / general opinion
5. Actions

Whatever you think of Rafa, there’s a lot of combining of issues at the moment which is a basic case of divide and rule by the Yanks. The problems with results, Rafa, whatever, are a SIDE ISSUE at the moment and it is not Rafa vs The Americans it is the fans vs The Americans. Let’s not confuse the issues with our ownership with the issues we may have with Rafa and the team. Lets demonstrate but equally, let’s support our players, through the wind, through the rain.

The Rest of The Meeting

I’ve summed the rest of the meeting up into one section because to be honest, in my opinion, there was a lot of passionate support from committed activists at the meeting but quite a poor framework running the show. There were a lot of soundbites and a lot of ‘we need to organise unions and collect dues’ but little in the way of solid actions. That was billed but it became a bit too committe-ish for me and after people starting rambling about pet issues that had nothing to do with the matters in hand, I felt it descended into a mess. The right people were there, the time was right, people were up for it but I think the people chairing it were not up for the task in my opinion, I would have liked to have seen them take control of things early on, suggest actions and drive them forward instead of basically letting every man and his dog have a say about everything they feel is wrong with Liverpool and trying to be all things to all people. We need leadership.

To be fair, if it was a meeting to decide long term goals and aspirations then yes some really good ideas came out of it and colours were nailed to the mast. Some good suggestions were made and I'm confident everything was noted down by the people chairing it. A separate issue perhaps but everyone uttterly pretty fed up with the fans who turn up at the match, spend 90 mins takin photos on their phone and tellin their mates in London on the phone that they’re in Liverpool at Anfield. It’s this type of ‘support’ from daytrippers that we all know is affecting larger campaigns of this nature.

What did come across well was a simple statement that the Americans can buy the stadium etc but they cannot buy the spirit of this club and we are that spirit.

Having been there 2 hours already, I left the meeting after some woman had rambled on about a non related issue for about 10 mins but I will get anything good that came out of it afterwards from the other people I knew there tomorrow including any specific actions they managed to agree for the weekends match.

As I said, the best part of the meeting was hearing what this journalist – who most reds in Liverpool know and respect – had to say about the inner goings on at the moment. The bottom line is Hicks is shafting us, DIC are still very much at the negotiating table, Moores and Parry may have fcuked up but they know it and are trying to fix things and that the fans not supporting the demonstrations on Saturday have hurt the club by making Hicks complacent and making him take a tougher negotiating line with DIC.

We must keep up the pressure, we must tell everyone who will listen that G&H are evil and need to go and we must keep demonstrating be it at the ground or by not buying any LFC products / merchandise.

This was obviously off the top of my head having just come in from this now so I’m sure I’ve forgotten loads of good stuff, any questions or thoughts please let me know

this post has been heavily edited from earlier __specifically all the detail of this journalist and what he said the secret emails to G&H etc WHY IS THIS?

by **Bammo** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:37 pm

Can anyone summarise what it did say?

If it's potential libellous then make it clear it's alledged rumours and not fact.

by **Ciggy** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:46 pm

nobybob wrote:this post has been heavily edited from earlier __specifically all the detail of this journalist and what he said the secret emails to G&H etc WHY IS THIS?

Because it will jeopodise the journo's future everyone knows who he is anyway.

by **nobybob** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:52 pm

Ciggy wrote:
nobybob wrote:this post has been heavily edited from earlier __specifically all the detail of this journalist and what he said the secret emails to G&H etc WHY IS THIS?

Because it will jeopodise the journo's future everyone knows who he is anyway.

it was not his identity i was interested in it was was he said and secret emails ect they were the important bit

by **lakes10** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:53 pm

nobybob wrote:
lakes10 wrote:the word "activists" put me off having anything to do with them.

I would describe you as an activist -in the rafa out brigade

"activists"
from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism (such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing preferred businesses), rallies and street marches, strikes, or even guerrilla tactics. In the more confrontational cases, an activist may be called a freedom fighter by some, and a terrorist by others, depending on whether the commentator supports the activist's ends.

I have done none of the above.

by **account deleted by request** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:57 pm

lakes10 wrote:
nobybob wrote:
lakes10 wrote:the word "activists" put me off having anything to do with them.

I would describe you as an activist -in the rafa out brigade

"activists"
from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism (such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing preferred businesses), rallies and street marches, strikes, or even guerrilla tactics. In the more confrontational cases, an activist may be called a freedom fighter by some, and a terrorist by others, depending on whether the commentator supports the activist's ends.

I have done none of the above.

slacker

by **lakes10** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:59 pm

s@int wrote:
lakes10 wrote:
nobybob wrote:
lakes10 wrote:the word "activists" put me off having anything to do with them.

I would describe you as an activist -in the rafa out brigade

"activists"
from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism (such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing preferred businesses), rallies and street marches, strikes, or even guerrilla tactics. In the more confrontational cases, an activist may be called a freedom fighter by some, and a terrorist by others, depending on whether the commentator supports the activist's ends.

I have done none of the above.

slacker

it just damm to much work lol

by **heimdall** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:02 pm

nobybob wrote:
Ciggy wrote:
nobybob wrote:this post has been heavily edited from earlier __specifically all the detail of this journalist and what he said the secret emails to G&H etc WHY IS THIS?

Because it will jeopodise the journo's future everyone knows who he is anyway.

it was not his identity i was interested in it was was he said and secret emails ect they were the important bit

Yes don't be a tease Ciggy, give us the info please

by **Ciggy** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 1:13 pm

heimdall wrote:Yes don't be a tease Ciggy, give us the info please

Someone put it up on another forum and was told to delete the info as it was confidential.

Ill sum bits up an email was intercepted from the clubs official website, sent on saturday evening that the fans had all calmed down and G & H had nothing to worry about.

Rafa wants the fans to get behind the team.

G & H plan to put the whole debt on the club they are looking to get rid of Parry & Moores but for now we need them onside.

Gillette has no more money to invest, they are still in talks with DIC.

Foster has left and wont be coming back.

They have snoops working inside anfield.

Thats all I can remember for now if I remember more I will post it up.

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Sons of shankly - The meeting last night.

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