Silkmen fan and Macclesfield Express reporter Mike Glendinning made it to the SST Fans’ Forum last night [Thursday]. What follows is Mike’s Twitter report… Jon Smart [JS] is kicking things off right now. And the McIlroy microphone is up to its usual tricks #Norman collier. A reminder the “Legends Night” is a week tomorrow [Friday 21st] 8 tickets remain Dave Woolliscroft [DW] addressing the structure and day-to-day running, only one paid worker in the Office, the rest are volunteers doing various stints. Dave likened it to a duck, with its legs furiously paddling away under the water. Says Alan Cashs role as director is invaluable One bloke asking how the club has got to this point and at level Macclesfield should be at? He asks if we need a change of philosophy, DW replies we should be aiming to get back into the Football League Andy Scott [AS] says John and Efe have worked wonders and the fact that we are still here is a miracle. Andy says 2 potential investors have been down, one of which called him after Saturday’s game, and wants to take it to next stage Question: who is making important decisions such as which bill to pay, who to bring in? John Askey [JA] with players coming in I just decided to renew contracts etc., there is no one to tell me I couldnt do this or that. So, with bringing players in, I could do it by JPK and Bolton going out on loan DW: we have a Business Plan in place and hopefully some investors are willing to come in - but concerns on the future remain, and rightly so Question asking for word on the “Silkmen Patron” scheme; DW responds that it has been very successful in these early stages JS response: It is essential to raise money in February, Dave is doing an excellent job and with every respect to patrons, the scheme doesnt give them the right to run Club John Askey on now. Stand by... JA says response and attitude from fans is tremendous, and is grateful that they kept us going The “feel-good factor” is back despite the problems we have. The majority of people in this club get behind team and we should be proud of Macclesfield Town FC. We will keep trying to play football and see where that takes us Not a question from the floor but one gent disgusted weve had no live TV game in recent years. He was happy that the FA Cup coverage is going back on BBC JA is being asked on his expectations now: “We can still do it; I go into every game expecting to compete and possibly win. We won’t give up on the play-offs”. John added we need to stay a full-time professional club, the cost works out about same, if not less, and helps attract the quality of players that we need Andy: This group has been put together with character, which was his plan. He did that and its best group Ive seen in years John: Having no money makes my job easier when players ask for better deals. I just say no, cant afford it. Hoping we will be in a better position next season. We may lose one or two players but we will replace and move on John was asked if fans abusing players affects them. Efe says mentality is more important than skill. He wants fans to get behind the team; they might as well because there is one voice they [the players] hear - mine. Supporters should support. JA spoke to stewards at a recent home game. Abuse we sometimes see is unacceptable. And Efe has told one or two to eff off, when they started abuse 3 minutes into the game JA says we will have 1 player signed up beyond summer, JPK. JA is frustrated that he cannot start talking to players about next season yet. JA: The “not knowing” is unnerving for us all. Most players are happy here and want to stay … so we hope we can make plans ASAP JA says he came from a financial background and is shocked at how football clubs are run Q: Should it happen would we be allowed to get back in Football League? DW: We have put the required application in; it would bring in huge financial rewards. When youre up to your neck in alligators you dont worry about draining the pool. And we are up to our neck in them Comment on Peter Winn, that what a good sort he is. JS response: Last season the sum was less than the total of its parts. This year it is the opposite way round Presentation to promote Community Fundraising scheme now, people can join and pay less while 5% of their utility bills income goes to club - Details of that should be on official site soon Andy wrapping things up now. Asking for feedback, one chap says until there is better clarity on the Club’s future available, people will be reluctant to buy Season Tickets etc. Question, (probably rhetorical), on why Amar Alkadhi [AA] is not attending tonight. Consensus seems to be that until he sells up we cannot move forward. The Club was a 10 year project for AA and thats come to an end, the club is up for sale for a pound. By the way, that sale includes Amar giving up any rights to the land Andy not revealing the exact figure of current Club debt, but says that it is more manageable now. Have had help from, among others, Peter Risdle at Preston, been very understanding re: debt for Holroyd. 75% of those we owe have been great too Efe reiterates that he and JA are still “non-contract” and constantly wondering whether theyll be here next season. Word from the gathering is that these two should be snapped up, signed up and rewarded for what they have done regarding the games and off-field
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 06:45:21 +0000
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