Season 2011-12 Fan Articles
The Accusations of 'Kopite' Behaviour
By Adam Bennett :: 06/09/2011
95 Comments (»Last)
I have recently been informed that, apparently, I should start ?supporting my club? and ?stop behaving like a Kopite?. That I should ?stop being nobhead? and how I should ?get a season ticket for the shite?.
These are the accusations that are being put forward by some fellow Evertonians who do not agree with the section of Everton?s fanbase who are trying to ask serious questions of Bill Kenwright and his board of directors.
What is this obsession with that lot over the park? Are we really going to watch our club disintegrate because of this conception that only Kopites protest?
Oh how we all laughed at the Spirit of Shankly crew on Sky Sports News, BBC Northwest Tonight and Granada Tonight with their marches, sit-ins, and flags. Oh look how pathetic they were. How we all took the mickey out of them. How we?d never do stuff like that because ?we?re Evertonians and Evertonians support our club no matter what?.
Well guess what? Those pathetic, marching, protesting Kopites are now laughing at us.
Laughing at us because when their club needed change they got change, and when they got that change?? they went out and spent 62 million quid in the summer. Yet, while we need change, we won?t get it because we?re too obsessed with them. Not wanting to act like them. Well how pathetic is that? Here we are, living up to our ?bitter blues? tag because we are that obsessed with them we?re prepared to meekly sit on our backsides and do nothing while our club is being brought to its knees, rather than look as though we?re acting like the way they do.
Well, believe it or not, protesting has not been copyrighted by Liverpool fans. Many supporters, of many clubs, have protested down the years, at various times, for various reasons. From Derby County fans demanding the re-instatement of Brian Clough as manager, to Manchester City fans against Peter Swales, to Charlton Athletic fans over The Valley, and Brighton and Hove Albion fans demanding their own ground in Brighton.
And also, Everton fans over the Chairmanship of Peter Johnson.
Yes, that?s right. Everton fans protested. Protested long before any Liverpool fan did.
I remember standing at my seat after the Coventry City game, in the final match of the 1997-98 season, looking at the pitch covered in Evertonians pointing and screaming towards the Main Stand ?Johnson Out?.
I remember watching the local news, following the sale of Duncan Ferguson, and seeing an Evertonian banging on Peter Johnsons car window as it drove away.
I remember witnessing a couple of Evertonains trying to find Peter Johnson's car so that they could ?fucking smash it up? after one game (which was something I didn?t agree with).
Some Evertonains even stopped buying from Park Foods!
For some reason all this has been forgotten about. That fighting spirit, that passion, that desire, and that action in times of desperation, has been well and truly forgotten about. Why?
It?s about time us Evertonains stood up for ourselves. Started showing that passion we all have for our club by making our feelings clear, loud and directly. Time we got off our backsides and did something to try help our club move forward, for us. Us supporters who love this great institution of English football. Us supporters who live breath and will die a blue. It?s time we did something for our own good, because, after all, Everton is the most important football club in our lives.
But if we don?t, if our obsession with Kopites, and our attitude, passion and desire to see Everton great again is exceeded by our hatred of Liverpool, never mind, hey. What?s the worst that can happen? Having to sell our better players, being left with a paper thin squad, and being caught up and caught out in a few years time? Sat inside a half empty Goodison, watching the Blue Boys playing Preston North End in a Championship game? Just think of the mickey taking those loveable reds would put us through at our demise then.
Mind you, at least we could live, safe in the knowledge that even though we hit disaster, we did so not acting like Kopites.
For me, it?s time for change? and it?s also time for action.
Reader Comments (95)
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Jay Woods
2 Posted 06/09/2011 at 14:51:52
2 Posted 06/09/2011 at 14:51:52
Would Everton winning 18 titles or 5 European Cups be considered "too Kopite" as well?
If anyone says go and support Liverpool, your reply should be go and support Accrington Stanley if you're happy with never winning anything or seeing progress.
If anyone says go and support Liverpool, your reply should be go and support Accrington Stanley if you're happy with never winning anything or seeing progress.
Brian Williams
4 Posted 06/09/2011 at 14:56:33
4 Posted 06/09/2011 at 14:56:33
The thing about the "Kopites" and "them over the park" is (as unpalatable as it is to admit) their club is a world away from ours in being an attractive prospect for a buyer. Their brand is "bigger" than oursa and they're better known throughout the world.... facts!
I've got over that, others may have to too.
ps: I still hate em with a passion though, but for reasons I'll not go into here and now!
I've got over that, others may have to too.
ps: I still hate em with a passion though, but for reasons I'll not go into here and now!
Dick Anderson
5 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:10:35
5 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:10:35
What would we be protesting?
Kenwright has told us repeatedly that the club is for sale.
If you think protesting is going to suddenly materialise a billionaire ready to buy the club then you're an idiot.
There is nothing to protest. Kenwright is dong a good job keeping the club afloat until a buyer arrives.
Protest all you want ? it won't make a billionaire interested in Everton any quicker.
Kenwright has told us repeatedly that the club is for sale.
If you think protesting is going to suddenly materialise a billionaire ready to buy the club then you're an idiot.
There is nothing to protest. Kenwright is dong a good job keeping the club afloat until a buyer arrives.
Protest all you want ? it won't make a billionaire interested in Everton any quicker.
Jay Woods
6 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:21:32
6 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:21:32
The only effective way of protesting is staying away en masse. It forces the issue; I don't give a toss what Kenwright says about the club being for sale. There is nothing proactive in such an affirmation; the board needs to be compelled to do something positive to make the sale happen; hence I say, mass fan stay-aways will up the ante on the board.
Victor Chang
7 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:26:56
7 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:26:56
Adam, I think they prefer to be called Gobshites these days mate.
Max Fine
8 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:31:47
8 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:31:47
Gavin (3) ? well said. Our club may have been financially mismanaged (beginning before Kenwright's reign tbf), and there have been missed opportunities that in hindsight could have led to far greater financial success (namely Kings Dock). But with the presence of hindsight, I would have invested heavily in property and gold over the last 15 years. No one could have predicted the amount of change undergone in the Premier League over that time.
One thing I will agree with is that Kenwright has run the club as a fan first, and a chairman second. However, no Evertonian can say whether having a more ruthless/business savvy chairman in charge could have led to greater success. It could just as easily led to bankruptcy and oblivion. Anyone have a list of Premier League teams from inception vs today? Painting Kenwright as some kind of pantomime villain is not going to change anything.
Where are these supposed investors clambering over themselves in order to pump £100-£200million into a club that doesn't generate revenue on match days, needs a new stadium, and has very little global exposure? I believe the last one resided in a bedsit in Manchester. The key word most people are missing is "INVEST". We are not a good INVESTMENT. Investors usually want to make money.
We are not in an ideal situation, but it's nowhere near as bleak as some people like to make out ? I suggest you read the excellent article based on the facts of our actual finances that was on this website a couple of weeks ago.
So no, I wont be spitting vitriol, based on assumptions, at a guy I don't know. I will also leave the massive sense of entitlement to our detestable redshite neighbours across the park. In the mean time, I will be getting behind the Moyes and the team (no doubt not without criticising them along the way) and will be thankful that I'm not watching the likes of a Mitch Thomas, Claus Thomsen and Ibrahim Bakayoko. I'll still be keeping my eye out for those elusive care-bears and their pots of gold though...
One thing I will agree with is that Kenwright has run the club as a fan first, and a chairman second. However, no Evertonian can say whether having a more ruthless/business savvy chairman in charge could have led to greater success. It could just as easily led to bankruptcy and oblivion. Anyone have a list of Premier League teams from inception vs today? Painting Kenwright as some kind of pantomime villain is not going to change anything.
Where are these supposed investors clambering over themselves in order to pump £100-£200million into a club that doesn't generate revenue on match days, needs a new stadium, and has very little global exposure? I believe the last one resided in a bedsit in Manchester. The key word most people are missing is "INVEST". We are not a good INVESTMENT. Investors usually want to make money.
We are not in an ideal situation, but it's nowhere near as bleak as some people like to make out ? I suggest you read the excellent article based on the facts of our actual finances that was on this website a couple of weeks ago.
So no, I wont be spitting vitriol, based on assumptions, at a guy I don't know. I will also leave the massive sense of entitlement to our detestable redshite neighbours across the park. In the mean time, I will be getting behind the Moyes and the team (no doubt not without criticising them along the way) and will be thankful that I'm not watching the likes of a Mitch Thomas, Claus Thomsen and Ibrahim Bakayoko. I'll still be keeping my eye out for those elusive care-bears and their pots of gold though...
Shaun Brennan
9 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:28:04
9 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:28:04
We're a funny bunch Evertonians.
Dick Anderson # 5 - I think the protest is to show our dislike for the current regime. Not as a means to advertise the club for sale to any Billionaires.
But you knew that right?
Dick Anderson # 5 - I think the protest is to show our dislike for the current regime. Not as a means to advertise the club for sale to any Billionaires.
But you knew that right?
Brian Waring
10 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:34:14
10 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:34:14
The funny thing Adam, is that BK is no better than Johnson.
The only difference is, Johnson actually put money into the club,
The only difference is, Johnson actually put money into the club,
Derek Turnbull
12 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:41:55
12 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:41:55
Couple of points, I think this apathetic stance comes from those stale middle class writers at WSAG. Even acts such as singing or wearing certain clothes would have some narrow-minded beaut calling you a kopite.
Also, whether protesting works or not, well I don't know, but I know that doing nothing hasn't worked.
Also, whether protesting works or not, well I don't know, but I know that doing nothing hasn't worked.
Shaun Sparke
13 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:43:55
13 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:43:55
Adam, I applaud those Evertonians that care enough about this club that they are actually trying to bring pressure against those that run the club to be be more proactive. However, I also have a long memory and I can rememeber reading a leaflet distributed at Goodison nerarly 30 years ago that read "Kendall and Carter out ? 30,000 stay-at-home Evertonians can't be wrong". Well it turns out that they were wrong as the next 5 years were fantastic times to be an Evertonian.
Sadly this is a different era and if protest is what is needed to bring about change then so be it. Having said that, I do doubt that, despite the publicity that the Kopite protests received, it was the banks who ultimately forced through the changes across the park, not flag waving noisey marches down Anfield Road with people poking holes in the air with angry fists.
Sadly this is a different era and if protest is what is needed to bring about change then so be it. Having said that, I do doubt that, despite the publicity that the Kopite protests received, it was the banks who ultimately forced through the changes across the park, not flag waving noisey marches down Anfield Road with people poking holes in the air with angry fists.
Steve Higham
14 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:50:32
14 Posted 06/09/2011 at 15:50:32
Dick #5
I would just like to point out the following investment by Everton board: £0; investment by Stoke board: £69 million.
We the supporters have invested more into Everton FC than these jokers on our board. We therefore have a right to express ourselves in anyway my fellow 'investors' see fit.
Shaun Sparke
15 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:03:02
15 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:03:02
Steve, I can understand what you are getting at, but we are not investors, we are customers. Whether you like that term or not, that is exactly what we are. We can take our custom away as a form of protest but, unless the club release a large portion of shares for fans (or customers) to invest in, then we will remain customers.
James Morgan
16 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:07:22
16 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:07:22
Good article Adam. I'm surprised some tools on here haven't called you a kopite already.
Steve # 14 spot on. Doing nothing and saying nothing will just see us fall further behind.
Dick, you seriously believe Kenwright is doing a good job?
Gareth Humphreys
17 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:08:04
17 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:08:04
For some bizarre reason some people still beleive Kenwright is doing a half decent job ? as such, anyone who is acting against him is deemed to be acting as a a kopite. What I don't understand is why anyone thinks like the above when he is far worse than the following:
Malcolm Glazier
Tim Hicks
George Gillette
Mike Ashley
Peter Johnson
Colonel Gadaffi
Pol Pot
Atilla the Hun
etc ........
Anto Byrne
18 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:09:37
18 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:09:37
A lot of my mates are kopites and we play football and take the piss out of each other and do what most scousers do have a laugh. FFS we are Blue Evertonians and, like it or not, we are not for turning red, green or fucking bright yellow... maybe pink and black but that's another matter. FFS we all went on the same coach to Wembley and, when the game was over, it was so what. No-one's life is at risk the world aint going to end.
Yeah, I hate the redshite (team) on Saturday afternoon at 3pm but I don't hate my fellow scousers just cos they are red. They are just misguided. I can't think of anything better than being a true blue EVERTONIAN. The rest of the world misses out on this ultimate privilege. YOU ARE AN EVERTONIAN AND NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM YOU EVER.
Kevin Tully
19 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:19:24
19 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:19:24
Shaun # 13,
Exactly. Carter is leading us into a brave new world, a forward thinking board....30 years later.
I don't suppose you meant to be ironic ?
Exactly. Carter is leading us into a brave new world, a forward thinking board....30 years later.
I don't suppose you meant to be ironic ?
Chris Keightley
20 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:16:14
20 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:16:14
The simple truth Adam is that a large percentage of our support do not want to get mixed up in the politics of the club, they just want to watch footie ? it's as straight forward as that. For me it has nothing to do with not wanting to look like a kopite, why would I protest if I have spent money on a season ticket with the sole reason to watch the games, good bad or indifferent?
Does this mean I don't care if I don't wave a banner or distribute a few hundred leaflets? I share this view with many Everton supporters ? it's footie first, second, and third.
Chris Jones [NZ]
21 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:57:21
21 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:57:21
Evertonians were protesting in the 1960s...
http://www.vintagebluekipper.com/assets/images/books/alex_young/images/sack-Catterick1.jpg
http://www.vintagebluekipper.com/assets/images/books/alex_young/images/sack-Catterick1.jpg
Shaun Sparke
22 Posted 06/09/2011 at 17:07:36
22 Posted 06/09/2011 at 17:07:36
Actually Kevin I am with you on this one. I think that Carter is culpable for many of the problems that we now face in this era. My point was, that the fans were ready to throw Kendall to the lions only to be proved wrong. I sometimes think that we were sucessful in the 80s despite Carter and not because of him.
David Thomas
23 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:54:03
23 Posted 06/09/2011 at 16:54:03
What exactly is the protest aiming to achieve?
Is it simply to make the board aware that fans want a rich benefactor in control of the club?
Good luck to the people who protest I just hope they are not expecting anything to change when they protest otherwise I think they are going to be disappointed. Surely if there was someone waiting in the wings to take control of the club then, after all the bad publicity the club has had regarding the finances over the last few weeks, they would have gone public in order to get the fans behind them and put major pressure on Kenwright.
Without this I simply can't see the protests having any impact.
Is it simply to make the board aware that fans want a rich benefactor in control of the club?
Good luck to the people who protest I just hope they are not expecting anything to change when they protest otherwise I think they are going to be disappointed. Surely if there was someone waiting in the wings to take control of the club then, after all the bad publicity the club has had regarding the finances over the last few weeks, they would have gone public in order to get the fans behind them and put major pressure on Kenwright.
Without this I simply can't see the protests having any impact.
Shaun Sparke
24 Posted 06/09/2011 at 17:18:03
24 Posted 06/09/2011 at 17:18:03
David, whether those that protest achieve anything is debateable. But at least they will have the satisfaction of trying to do something. To borrow a quote from Malcom X. "A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything"
Gavin Ramejkis
25 Posted 06/09/2011 at 17:25:11
25 Posted 06/09/2011 at 17:25:11
Surely one of the worst crimes a man can do is to do nothing.
Danny Broderick
26 Posted 06/09/2011 at 17:52:29
26 Posted 06/09/2011 at 17:52:29
Hear, hear, Adam. It's time for change. We are not kopites for expressing this, it's just that we want this change now before we hit the iceberg which will be replacing Neville, Distin, Cahill etc in a few years time. They have been in charge for 12 years now, and haven't improved our finances one jot. Maybe they've done their best but their best is no longer good enough.
We no longer believe our board when they say we are for sale. So let's give them a helping hand. The media campaign is well underway. The protests are starting. Next step : let's get Kenwright to declare an acceptable value, and we can start the ball rolling towards finding a buyer.
I reckon the Blue Union should create our own brochure detailing reasons to buy the club, and then start a distribution campaign to all UK-based wealthy benefactors. If we don't find anyone here, we should widen our search abroad.
One thing's for sure - anything is better than doing nothing.
David Price
27 Posted 06/09/2011 at 18:20:37
27 Posted 06/09/2011 at 18:20:37
It's not just Evertonians, there is generally too much apathy in this world, but then again, who gives a fuck.
Dave Smith
28 Posted 06/09/2011 at 18:36:26
28 Posted 06/09/2011 at 18:36:26
Spot on Gavin #23
You can't afford to be neutral on a moving train
You can't afford to be neutral on a moving train
Ste Traverse
29 Posted 06/09/2011 at 18:49:48
29 Posted 06/09/2011 at 18:49:48
Stop on article, Adam.
I'm truly fed up with knobheads banging on about 'Kopite behaviour' when you show concern at how this club is being run and its long-term future.
Can't we stop this paranoia and obsession with 'Kopites' and concentrate on Everton?
I'm truly fed up with knobheads banging on about 'Kopite behaviour' when you show concern at how this club is being run and its long-term future.
Can't we stop this paranoia and obsession with 'Kopites' and concentrate on Everton?
John Audsley
30 Posted 06/09/2011 at 20:09:57
30 Posted 06/09/2011 at 20:09:57
Ste 27
Nail + Head matey.
Too much of this Kopite shite is been spoken about by fans at the moment.
We are Everton, no other.
Nail + Head matey.
Too much of this Kopite shite is been spoken about by fans at the moment.
We are Everton, no other.
Peter Laing
31 Posted 06/09/2011 at 20:11:26
31 Posted 06/09/2011 at 20:11:26
I've been talking about our situation to a number of kopites in work and believe it or not they are behind what Blue Union are doing to a man. Now before the naysayers harp on about 'oh they would do that wouldnt they' at times issues such as Everton's current financial plight transcend the usual partisan divide, in my opinion the enemy of Everton is closer than you think and it is in the boardroom for their continuing disregard to investing in the football club and its infrastructure.
Joe Clitherow
32 Posted 06/09/2011 at 20:02:54
32 Posted 06/09/2011 at 20:02:54
In the interests of balance how about substituting the terms "Moyes Apologists" or "Club Plant" in this article and seeing if it makes the same point (i.e. derogatory comments towards fellow Evertonians with a different point of view?)
Yep, I think it does.
Two sides of the same coin?
Irrespective of which side you are on, abusive (sometimes really abusive) comments towards people with different opinions means that it is actually difficult to gauge the true opinions of fans, as many will just stay silent because of that behaviour. The general tone of comments on this site is not something I (as a season ticket holder and a shareholder) hear generally voiced at matches either home or away - not that that is in any way scientific and people who don't sit near me (in the Paddock) may have an entirely different experience.
Personally I think Chris Keightley #18 has nailed it with his post.
Yep, I think it does.
Two sides of the same coin?
Irrespective of which side you are on, abusive (sometimes really abusive) comments towards people with different opinions means that it is actually difficult to gauge the true opinions of fans, as many will just stay silent because of that behaviour. The general tone of comments on this site is not something I (as a season ticket holder and a shareholder) hear generally voiced at matches either home or away - not that that is in any way scientific and people who don't sit near me (in the Paddock) may have an entirely different experience.
Personally I think Chris Keightley #18 has nailed it with his post.
Ciarán McGlone
33 Posted 06/09/2011 at 20:55:48
33 Posted 06/09/2011 at 20:55:48
Good article. It's a pretty depressing indictment of a significant proportion of our fans, that they actually think that showing your distaste at an abominable regime is something to be scorned. At least those kopites they despise have balls. They don't.
Art Tosh
34 Posted 06/09/2011 at 21:32:43
34 Posted 06/09/2011 at 21:32:43
Gareth 15.. Gadhafi is stealing all his gold out of Libya, maybe he could use it to buy Everton. By your reckoning, he'd be better than BK.
Adam Luszniak
35 Posted 06/09/2011 at 22:08:18
35 Posted 06/09/2011 at 22:08:18
Can't see the point in having a pop at each other. 'Apologists' and 'Kopites' alike all have valid points to make. Where is the sense in denigrating other Evertonians?
John Nelson
36 Posted 06/09/2011 at 22:05:55
36 Posted 06/09/2011 at 22:05:55
Well said Adam. The Echo website is full of posts stating this exact thing, that those who want to protest are kopites (surprise surprise the Echo showing comments supporting Billy Bell End).
I am all up for fans having their opinions - however far fetched they may be - as that is what makes football football... However I fail to see how any Blue can be happy with the way things are at present; if anything, THEY are like kopites i.e. fucking deluded!
Also if anyone says protesting outside the ground will have a detremental effect on the performance on the pitch is talking total bollocks. There need be no explanation to anyone who comes out with such a bullshit statement.
Anyway, got to say I think Saturday's meeting was spot on, and really look forward to Saturday's events - the match itself included!
COYB Kenwright OUT
I am all up for fans having their opinions - however far fetched they may be - as that is what makes football football... However I fail to see how any Blue can be happy with the way things are at present; if anything, THEY are like kopites i.e. fucking deluded!
Also if anyone says protesting outside the ground will have a detremental effect on the performance on the pitch is talking total bollocks. There need be no explanation to anyone who comes out with such a bullshit statement.
Anyway, got to say I think Saturday's meeting was spot on, and really look forward to Saturday's events - the match itself included!
COYB Kenwright OUT
Dave Randles
37 Posted 06/09/2011 at 22:13:38
37 Posted 06/09/2011 at 22:13:38
Shaun # 22.
Nail. Head.
Nail. Head.
Chris Butler
38 Posted 06/09/2011 at 22:28:38
38 Posted 06/09/2011 at 22:28:38
I have to agree with you. I would love if we beat them twice this year I'll be very happy, but all this constant obsession with Liverpool is ridculous. Not standing at away games, because we don't want be like Liverpool, not waving flags because we're not like Liverpool and finally sittign on our arses not protesting because we don't wan't to be like Liverpool. I hate Liverpool but I think creating songs about Diego Forlan and singing them at Stoke is pathetic, even Stoke fans found it pathetic.
Chris Leyland
39 Posted 06/09/2011 at 22:44:07
39 Posted 06/09/2011 at 22:44:07
So, we protest that "we want Kenwright out" on Saturday and he decides to leave having listened to the protests.
What happens next?
What happens next?
Michael Kenrick
40 Posted 06/09/2011 at 23:17:27
40 Posted 06/09/2011 at 23:17:27
Chris Leyland, I don't think that is what the march is about. Blue Union have in fact been very clear on the aim and purpose:
Kenwright has had 12 years including at least the last 10 where he as been looking for investment "24/7" ? his words. He's come up with nothing. Give the Blue Union a chance rather than looking for reasons to knock them back.
The aim of The Blue Union is simple, it?s not to get Bill Kenwright out, it?s certainly not some mindless attempt to sack the board; its aim is to promote the concept of allowing the CEO to be left to concentrate on reducing costs, developing our revenue streams and repairing the relationship with the fanbase whilst leaving the board to appoint a fully autonomous group of professional individuals who can effectively develop and implement a strategy that will identify and sell the club to a buyer who can demonstrate an ability and a genuine desire to take the club forward on both a commercial and football level.Here's another quote:
"We do not believe there to be a magical solution to Everton?s problems but collectively we may well find the answer to the plight Evertonians are feeling at the moment."Unfortunately, the naysayers defeat that "collectively" bit by throwing up barriers. Just give them a chance, give them some time...
Kenwright has had 12 years including at least the last 10 where he as been looking for investment "24/7" ? his words. He's come up with nothing. Give the Blue Union a chance rather than looking for reasons to knock them back.
Mike Hughes
42 Posted 06/09/2011 at 23:33:01
42 Posted 06/09/2011 at 23:33:01
Back to the title of the post - "Accusations of kopite behaviour".
That can only be accused if we sink to kopite gutter level. In other words:
1. We start death chants at our owners (remember the "death to Hicks and Gillette chants"?)
2. We develop an up-our-own-arse, self-pitying, whining, odious Rafa Benitez-style demeanour ? ie, your typical self-pity city kopite (with Cornish accent).
3. We start thowing things, eg, mobile phones at Wayne Rooney or stoning Alan Smith's ambulance as it takes him to hospital with a broken leg.
4. We rush the passport control en masse at Liverpool Airport but, amazingly, get let off our crimes.
5. We bring shame and disgrace on this great city with our thieving and general arsehole behaviour in Athens.
6. We push walls down killing rival fans.
7. We are a moustachioued bunch of shell-suited, skidmark-stained no-marks who are so lacking in self-esteem and personality and character that we have to supplement our lack of worth by wearing red.
We won't do this because we are the Blue and the better half.
That can only be accused if we sink to kopite gutter level. In other words:
1. We start death chants at our owners (remember the "death to Hicks and Gillette chants"?)
2. We develop an up-our-own-arse, self-pitying, whining, odious Rafa Benitez-style demeanour ? ie, your typical self-pity city kopite (with Cornish accent).
3. We start thowing things, eg, mobile phones at Wayne Rooney or stoning Alan Smith's ambulance as it takes him to hospital with a broken leg.
4. We rush the passport control en masse at Liverpool Airport but, amazingly, get let off our crimes.
5. We bring shame and disgrace on this great city with our thieving and general arsehole behaviour in Athens.
6. We push walls down killing rival fans.
7. We are a moustachioued bunch of shell-suited, skidmark-stained no-marks who are so lacking in self-esteem and personality and character that we have to supplement our lack of worth by wearing red.
We won't do this because we are the Blue and the better half.
Thomas Williams
43 Posted 07/09/2011 at 00:26:33
43 Posted 07/09/2011 at 00:26:33
Good article and well said Mike Hughes.
John Maxwell
44 Posted 07/09/2011 at 00:52:10
44 Posted 07/09/2011 at 00:52:10
I think it shows the small-mindedness of those who brand people "kopites", their world must be just blue or red... that's it.
I admire people for taking a stand and organising something, but feel the current way is not the way forward; until the Blue Union can find the Blue Solution, then the march is pointless. It's just saying "sack the board and Kenwright out" because they haven't got a better idea.
Why don't they spend more time looking for the answer, than just walking down a road?
I admire people for taking a stand and organising something, but feel the current way is not the way forward; until the Blue Union can find the Blue Solution, then the march is pointless. It's just saying "sack the board and Kenwright out" because they haven't got a better idea.
Why don't they spend more time looking for the answer, than just walking down a road?
Brendan O'Doherty
45 Posted 07/09/2011 at 01:26:56
45 Posted 07/09/2011 at 01:26:56
Mike Hughes #39 - brilliant post, especially no.7.
Dick Anderson
46 Posted 07/09/2011 at 08:28:01
46 Posted 07/09/2011 at 08:28:01
I'm not defending the job Kenwright is doing. I agree he has to go and someone with money needs to arrive.
But protesting is pointless. Here's how it will go:-
Protestors: "We want Kenwright out"
Kenwright: "I will step aside as soon as somebody wants to buy the club".
Protestors: "We demand you sell the club"
Kenwright: "The club already is for sale"
Protestors: "er........ok"
There's no point to protesting. The club is already for sale and Kenwright is already actively searching for a billionaire.
All protesting is going to do is increase the bad feelings and negativity around Goodison which will feed onto the players and result in more disappointing performances.
If Kenwright was refusing to sell Everton then I agree, lets protest. But he's not doing that. He's doing everything we want by actively selling the club.
But protesting is pointless. Here's how it will go:-
Protestors: "We want Kenwright out"
Kenwright: "I will step aside as soon as somebody wants to buy the club".
Protestors: "We demand you sell the club"
Kenwright: "The club already is for sale"
Protestors: "er........ok"
There's no point to protesting. The club is already for sale and Kenwright is already actively searching for a billionaire.
All protesting is going to do is increase the bad feelings and negativity around Goodison which will feed onto the players and result in more disappointing performances.
If Kenwright was refusing to sell Everton then I agree, lets protest. But he's not doing that. He's doing everything we want by actively selling the club.
Stephen Kenny
48 Posted 07/09/2011 at 08:37:57
48 Posted 07/09/2011 at 08:37:57
There's clearly a lot of passion gone into this piece. I agree with the lot. It's a shame more won't get to see this.
The biggest mistake the BU movement can make though is alienating fellow Evertonians, despite proof the club themselves have tried to turn us on each other.
Respect for different views could be the difference between success and failure IMO.
The biggest mistake the BU movement can make though is alienating fellow Evertonians, despite proof the club themselves have tried to turn us on each other.
Respect for different views could be the difference between success and failure IMO.
Mike Green
49 Posted 07/09/2011 at 08:24:54
49 Posted 07/09/2011 at 08:24:54
Michael (38) - re: Blue Unions statement....
Is it me but saying "the aim of Blue Union is simple, it's not to get Bill Kenwright out...." , it's to "identify and sell the club to a buyer etc..." a little contradictory?
Why not just say "we want the current lot out, and a new lot in who know what they're doing and have the means to do it".
That's the aim? Isn't it?
Is it me but saying "the aim of Blue Union is simple, it's not to get Bill Kenwright out...." , it's to "identify and sell the club to a buyer etc..." a little contradictory?
Why not just say "we want the current lot out, and a new lot in who know what they're doing and have the means to do it".
That's the aim? Isn't it?
Peter Laing
50 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:02:28
50 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:02:28
Dick how long is it going to sink in that Bill Kenwright has not been actively looking to sell our Club. The minutes from meetings with the CEO concerning destination Kirkby suggested so, all Kenwright had been saying prior to this was he was looking 24/7 for investment. If he truly wants to sell the Club he needs to find the best in the business, have a clean sweep and appoint and interim board with the soul mandate of disposing of his controlling interest. The man cannot even name a price for fear of exposing himself and his 'friends' for what they would likely gain from any such sale. The clock is ticking Dick, the Club's finances have been in meltdown throughout Kenwright's tenure, we stumble from one crisis to another, continue to borrow from the banks year on year and the business model / performance is clearly unsustainable. Kenwright's years at Everton have resulted in stagnation, we have had two failed and disasterous stadium bids, increased debt, risky borrowing, the sale of arguably the best player that Everton have ever produced and a policy that has now resulted in selling player's to keep the wolf from the door. What will you be saying Dick when Ross Barkley is the next player to be sold, as they say every player has his price and by god do Everton need the money.
Mark Murphy
51 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:24:29
51 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:24:29
Anto #16
well said lad - exactly how I feel.
Although I dont live on Merseyside these days I've long been dismayed and saddened that the fierce but friendly rivalry has been slowly replaced by sneering and outright hatred between the two clubs followers.
Personally i think its down to the globalisation of football and the loss of the local identity and belonging to your local team.
One thing I will say though - the day I see Blues walking throught he streets of Liverpool dressed like bishops with a candle lit religious banner of our manager I will f#ckin cringe with embarassment!!
well said lad - exactly how I feel.
Although I dont live on Merseyside these days I've long been dismayed and saddened that the fierce but friendly rivalry has been slowly replaced by sneering and outright hatred between the two clubs followers.
Personally i think its down to the globalisation of football and the loss of the local identity and belonging to your local team.
One thing I will say though - the day I see Blues walking throught he streets of Liverpool dressed like bishops with a candle lit religious banner of our manager I will f#ckin cringe with embarassment!!
David Thomas
52 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:36:35
52 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:36:35
I think this saturday's protest will be very telling. In my opinion the lifeblood of the club is the match going fan.
If the blue union get a big turnout for their protest from the match going evertonian then they might have something to build on, but if the turnout is poor i think any difference they are hoping to make will be severely dented.
The scale of Saturday's protest will be very telling.
If the blue union get a big turnout for their protest from the match going evertonian then they might have something to build on, but if the turnout is poor i think any difference they are hoping to make will be severely dented.
The scale of Saturday's protest will be very telling.
Lewis Morrison
53 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:35:40
53 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:35:40
So Dick Anderson,
You realy believe the club is for sale and Billy bullshit is actively searching for a billionaire do ye???
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!
You realy believe the club is for sale and Billy bullshit is actively searching for a billionaire do ye???
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!
Dick Anderson
54 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:03:07
54 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:03:07
So you think he hired Keith Harris because he doesn't want to sell the club???????????
Wake up. Kenwright has put the club up for sale. Its an official fact.
Kenwright cannot make a billionaire turn up. Protest all you want but I believe Kenwright is already doing what the fans want by actively trying to sell the club.
Be a bunch of whiny bitches. Turn up with your placards and signs.
Personally I will be getting behind the team and supporting the club.
These are dark days and being whiny little bitches is not gonna help.
The club is for sale. Things will improve eventually.
Wake up. Kenwright has put the club up for sale. Its an official fact.
Kenwright cannot make a billionaire turn up. Protest all you want but I believe Kenwright is already doing what the fans want by actively trying to sell the club.
Be a bunch of whiny bitches. Turn up with your placards and signs.
Personally I will be getting behind the team and supporting the club.
These are dark days and being whiny little bitches is not gonna help.
The club is for sale. Things will improve eventually.
Kevin Spofforth
55 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:33:14
55 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:33:14
Danny @24, congratulations, you are the first person who has actually come up with an idea to DO SOMETHING. I am neither for nor against Mr. Kenwright I just want Everton FC to be competing at the very top again. I believe mistakes have been made but also that the board genuinely do have the good of the club as its primary objective. I actually get a liitle angry reading over and over again Kenwright out but not putting any ideas forward about how to actually change the club for the better.
I posted a week or two ago about to cover the annual performing loss we could all pay an extra £7.20 per ticket (that covers the £5m per year) or also about every season ticket holder investing £2000 in bonds (which would wipe out the debt completely) but nobody responded.
Everyone wants somebody else to invest ,but are we prepared to do what we are demanding another Everton fan (Mr. Kenwright) do on a much larger scale?
Michael@38 The Blue Union stated that their intention is not to get Kenwright out. It seems to me that the transcript released from their meeting with him was solely to discredit the man (It was a 3 hour meeting and the transcript can be read in 20 minutes, all of which paints him as a complete fool, was the other 2 and a half hours the same or did he talk any sense at all in the rest of the meeting?). I think that a real opportunity has been missed for open dialogue between the club and those wanting change now as bridges have certainly been burned.
My point, after all the rambling, is, if we want change please do what we are imploring the board to do, and come up with a genuine strategy to take the club forward. I know my 2 ideas are crap, but at least I have had 2 ideas! There are far more intelligent and eloquent contributors on here and certainly amongst our wider support, why not try and get the Blue Union to harness the best strategy and present it to the board rather than just protesting for change when all that will be said is 'you're protesting about what the board already wants'.
I posted a week or two ago about to cover the annual performing loss we could all pay an extra £7.20 per ticket (that covers the £5m per year) or also about every season ticket holder investing £2000 in bonds (which would wipe out the debt completely) but nobody responded.
Everyone wants somebody else to invest ,but are we prepared to do what we are demanding another Everton fan (Mr. Kenwright) do on a much larger scale?
Michael@38 The Blue Union stated that their intention is not to get Kenwright out. It seems to me that the transcript released from their meeting with him was solely to discredit the man (It was a 3 hour meeting and the transcript can be read in 20 minutes, all of which paints him as a complete fool, was the other 2 and a half hours the same or did he talk any sense at all in the rest of the meeting?). I think that a real opportunity has been missed for open dialogue between the club and those wanting change now as bridges have certainly been burned.
My point, after all the rambling, is, if we want change please do what we are imploring the board to do, and come up with a genuine strategy to take the club forward. I know my 2 ideas are crap, but at least I have had 2 ideas! There are far more intelligent and eloquent contributors on here and certainly amongst our wider support, why not try and get the Blue Union to harness the best strategy and present it to the board rather than just protesting for change when all that will be said is 'you're protesting about what the board already wants'.
Gavin Ramejkis
56 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:15:29
56 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:15:29
Dick the club "may" be for sale but is it at a reasonable price and Keith harris couldn't sell a boat to a drowning man
Raymond Nuttall
57 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:16:38
57 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:16:38
Those 'Kopites' were pro-active in getting rid of their two American 'gobshites'. Wake up and smell Mr Green's dark profit-led grip on this club.
Dick Anderson
59 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:29:34
59 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:29:34
Keith Harris couldn't sell a boat to a drowning man???????
I'm not talking about the ventriloquist with Orville the duck.
I'm talking about Keith Harris the fiancier.
Keith Harris who found billionaire Roman Abramovich for Chelsea.
Keith Harris who found billionaire Randy Lerner for Aston Villa.
Keith Harris who found billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra for Man City.
Keith Harris who found multi-millionaire Eggert Magnusson for West Ham.
Keith Harris couldn't sell a boat to a drowning man????? Thats an ignorant comment.
I'm not talking about the ventriloquist with Orville the duck.
I'm talking about Keith Harris the fiancier.
Keith Harris who found billionaire Roman Abramovich for Chelsea.
Keith Harris who found billionaire Randy Lerner for Aston Villa.
Keith Harris who found billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra for Man City.
Keith Harris who found multi-millionaire Eggert Magnusson for West Ham.
Keith Harris couldn't sell a boat to a drowning man????? Thats an ignorant comment.
David Thomas
60 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:41:39
60 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:41:39
"I posted a week or two ago about to cover the annual performing loss we could all pay an extra £7.20 per ticket (that covers the £5m per year) or also about every season ticket holder investing £2000 in bonds (which would wipe out the debt completely) but nobody responded."
Kevin, your ideas are not crap, they could be good short term solutions. However, in my opinion if you asked everyone to invest £2,000.00 when it came to showing the colour of their money i believe that you would not see 99% of them for dust.
Kevin, your ideas are not crap, they could be good short term solutions. However, in my opinion if you asked everyone to invest £2,000.00 when it came to showing the colour of their money i believe that you would not see 99% of them for dust.
Graham Atherton
61 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:55:38
61 Posted 07/09/2011 at 10:55:38
#38 Michael
I understand the point made about appointing and independent body to sell the club, though I am a little uncomfortable at the potential cost incurred (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1315424/CHARLES-SALE-Liverpool-chairman-Martin-Broughton-land-500k-bonus-helps-sell-club.html) while we are living at the edge of our means - people who sell multimillion pound companies tend to charge millions with no guarantee of a sale.
Rather less clear is the second stated aim - to enable the CEO to concentrate on building up the business. Forgive my ignorance but I thought that was what he has been doing for some years now? New sponsors, Kitbag, maximising the potential of GP as far as funds allow.
Do they mean to give him more funds to work with? He certainly doesn't look like he has been involved in selling the club. Repair the relationship with fans suggests that he should be allowed to speak to the fans on behalf of the major shareholders? Why? Do we trust a paid employee any more than his employers?
I understand the point made about appointing and independent body to sell the club, though I am a little uncomfortable at the potential cost incurred (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1315424/CHARLES-SALE-Liverpool-chairman-Martin-Broughton-land-500k-bonus-helps-sell-club.html) while we are living at the edge of our means - people who sell multimillion pound companies tend to charge millions with no guarantee of a sale.
Rather less clear is the second stated aim - to enable the CEO to concentrate on building up the business. Forgive my ignorance but I thought that was what he has been doing for some years now? New sponsors, Kitbag, maximising the potential of GP as far as funds allow.
Do they mean to give him more funds to work with? He certainly doesn't look like he has been involved in selling the club. Repair the relationship with fans suggests that he should be allowed to speak to the fans on behalf of the major shareholders? Why? Do we trust a paid employee any more than his employers?
Ciar�n McGlone
62 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:04:31
62 Posted 07/09/2011 at 09:04:31
Mike Hughes,
Nonsense.
There's a fairly acute degree of arrogance in suggesting that our fans, as a collective, have any more moral fibre than the fans of any other football team.
Yeah, it's a nice fairytale...but ultimately it's a nonsense. They have dickheads, and we have dickheads. End of story.
Nonsense.
There's a fairly acute degree of arrogance in suggesting that our fans, as a collective, have any more moral fibre than the fans of any other football team.
Yeah, it's a nice fairytale...but ultimately it's a nonsense. They have dickheads, and we have dickheads. End of story.
Guy Wilkinson
63 Posted 07/09/2011 at 11:34:34
63 Posted 07/09/2011 at 11:34:34
Bring Terry Leahy in on a Martin Broughton style interim board role.
The banks would be happier with someone competent in charge and the club would truly be up for sale.
The banks would be happier with someone competent in charge and the club would truly be up for sale.
Daniel A Johnson
64 Posted 07/09/2011 at 12:11:12
64 Posted 07/09/2011 at 12:11:12
dam you are my kind of feloow Evertonian a passionate supporter.
Too many people here are burying their heads in the sand and adopting the old saying "it will be all right on the night".
I we all sit on our hands and do/say nothing, then if we do go down we are ALL TO BLAME.
Support your club on the pitch yes but demand change when they are off it.
Too many people here are burying their heads in the sand and adopting the old saying "it will be all right on the night".
I we all sit on our hands and do/say nothing, then if we do go down we are ALL TO BLAME.
Support your club on the pitch yes but demand change when they are off it.
Peter Cummo
65 Posted 07/09/2011 at 12:33:47
65 Posted 07/09/2011 at 12:33:47
It appears to me while 'protesting can get results like ousting unpopular dictators (elsewhere in the world) I think the true British leave a lot to be desired in that field, what we need is a country wide protest at the way the UK is falling apart in every respect,unrestricted immigration, foreign rapists murderers,paedophiles and violent criminals now being allowed to walk the streets under the unbeleivable 'right to a family life' dictat from the EU courts,the problems at Goodison seem like very small beer alongside these very real threats to our national fabric and identity,for god's sake the Union Jack is now regarded as a 'racist symbol' by the PC brigade, unfortunately we also have the local hate brigade in our city where morons from both camps literally despise each other forgetting that most of us have family members,like mine, from both sides of Stanley park,to refer each other as 'shite' I find disgusting and totally out of order,something I personally will contiue to 'protest' against, as a lifetime Blue.
Shaun Sparke
66 Posted 07/09/2011 at 14:04:19
66 Posted 07/09/2011 at 14:04:19
Peter, what you are saying is laudable and is commendable stance to take. I can understand you getting frustrated by what you describe as morons using such derogatory language. However, we live in the real world here and not in some sort of utopia. Grown men (and women) have been cursing and cussing against other tribe members since man fist learned the power of speech. It doesn?t make it right, and you have every right to campaign against it if it makes you feel better but you are not going to stop it. Football is such an emotive game and if you take away the passion that fans feel then you destroy the game. For some people it is not enough to wave a scarf in the air and clap and sing loudly every Saturday to get behind their team. They get emotionally involved and sometimes they cross the line between what others deem as acceptable and what is not. But who is to judge on what is not acceptable?
Not me, that?s for sure.
Not me, that?s for sure.
Alan Williams
67 Posted 07/09/2011 at 13:27:59
67 Posted 07/09/2011 at 13:27:59
Michael 38# I think the BU use them terms to get the ok from the Police as most people who will march don?t agree with that, they want BK head on a stick. If that?s the official line from BU then this march is more pointless than I first thought. The Board have collectively agreed to sell the shares as one block that has been agreed and is in the Public domain we are now waiting for a suitable buyer so the objectives if correct have already been met haven?t they??? So why protest before a game when the board want exactly the same as the protesters???? BU will die this weekend if this goes wrong and that isn?t good for anybody concerned. The last protest we had was to get Johnson out but a counter offer from Blue Holdings was in the public domain in this scenario we have no such counter offer so this weekends protests whilst understandable is totally misguided and shows bad management from BU committee that they make such a statement after one public meeting, it shows a total lack of professionalism that one should expect if it wants to be taken seriously as an alternative. If the BU wants to be taken seriously then they should act accordingly, so far they have driven sound bites and after one meeting have now lost direct contact with EFC and the vast majority of the fan base, not exactly progressive are they!! COYB
Shaun Sparke
68 Posted 07/09/2011 at 14:30:33
68 Posted 07/09/2011 at 14:30:33
Alan, this is not meant to be argumentative in any form. But what is it that you would suggest the fans should do?
Pat Kennedy
69 Posted 07/09/2011 at 14:12:25
69 Posted 07/09/2011 at 14:12:25
So many people missing the point and getting all 'moral high ground' on this issue, why do we think we can just ignore the obvious problems facing us?
I've been supporting Everton for 50 years, so have seen the great times and the heartbreak. The key words are ' supporting Everton'.....not 'hating Liverpool'.
I've got both friends and family who are Liverpool supporters and when they felt their club was under grave threat, they took what they considered to be appropriate action to expose what was going on - some marched, others became what they call internet terrorists. Whether it made much difference to selling their club or not, nobody really knows, but I can see the positive difference in how they all feel this season. Nearly all when it was over said - thank god, we can now go the match and enjoy the football - these are ordinary working class scousers, good blokes to have a pint with and take the piss out of, especially when the Derby is coming up.
We have a choice as Evertonians to sit idly by and let events take their course, or try and influence proceedings in some way. There is no easy answer and all I really want to is go the match and support the team.
I'm I suppose one of the majority who is quite fearful about what is happening with our club , but I get the feeling that sitting on my arse right now and hoping for the best is not the answer.
If somebody called me a kopite, for protesting, I'd be highly offended, but you don't need to be Einstein to work out that as a football club and business we are in deep shit right now -so do we keep our fingers crossed and hope that it all comes good?....
Our Board and Chairman seem to be making continual cock-ups whatever they do and I've never know our fan base so divided- , we are now turning on each other.
I'm dreading the Villa game but like all addicts, we can't keep away -me and my son will be there in the Paddock as usual. We are the bloody fools who bought season tickets!
I've been supporting Everton for 50 years, so have seen the great times and the heartbreak. The key words are ' supporting Everton'.....not 'hating Liverpool'.
I've got both friends and family who are Liverpool supporters and when they felt their club was under grave threat, they took what they considered to be appropriate action to expose what was going on - some marched, others became what they call internet terrorists. Whether it made much difference to selling their club or not, nobody really knows, but I can see the positive difference in how they all feel this season. Nearly all when it was over said - thank god, we can now go the match and enjoy the football - these are ordinary working class scousers, good blokes to have a pint with and take the piss out of, especially when the Derby is coming up.
We have a choice as Evertonians to sit idly by and let events take their course, or try and influence proceedings in some way. There is no easy answer and all I really want to is go the match and support the team.
I'm I suppose one of the majority who is quite fearful about what is happening with our club , but I get the feeling that sitting on my arse right now and hoping for the best is not the answer.
If somebody called me a kopite, for protesting, I'd be highly offended, but you don't need to be Einstein to work out that as a football club and business we are in deep shit right now -so do we keep our fingers crossed and hope that it all comes good?....
Our Board and Chairman seem to be making continual cock-ups whatever they do and I've never know our fan base so divided- , we are now turning on each other.
I'm dreading the Villa game but like all addicts, we can't keep away -me and my son will be there in the Paddock as usual. We are the bloody fools who bought season tickets!
Giles Larkman
70 Posted 07/09/2011 at 14:37:29
70 Posted 07/09/2011 at 14:37:29
An interesting article, but in many ways this discussion just ends up going round in circles. Surely we are all aware that selling the club is exceedingly difficult with an aging stadium that has no room for redevelopment. Looking at the clubs that have been sold, they have one of the following: 1. a new stadium, 2. space around said stadium to redevelop, or 3. stadium and training facilities sit on prime real estate.
No real investor is going to want the cost of building a new ground as soon as they assume control.
Am I wrong?
I agree with some that have said that this is not the be all and end all, but some long term strategies should be put in place i.e. streamlining, removal of over paid and under performing players and a long term plan to either move or redevelop The Old Lady.
Taking this into account, it makes protesting seem a redundent action.
Thank you Michael for posting the mission statement of the Blue Union, I wasn't fully aware of that previously. I agree with their ideas, but ultimately this is a stadium issue.
No real investor is going to want the cost of building a new ground as soon as they assume control.
Am I wrong?
I agree with some that have said that this is not the be all and end all, but some long term strategies should be put in place i.e. streamlining, removal of over paid and under performing players and a long term plan to either move or redevelop The Old Lady.
Taking this into account, it makes protesting seem a redundent action.
Thank you Michael for posting the mission statement of the Blue Union, I wasn't fully aware of that previously. I agree with their ideas, but ultimately this is a stadium issue.
Kevin Sparke
71 Posted 07/09/2011 at 15:45:18
71 Posted 07/09/2011 at 15:45:18
One of the pleasures or living in the North East is watching some of the more deluded fans of Newcastle United having their annual protest outside St James Park, demanding a Messiah or the lynching of Mike Ashley - it's fucking hilarious. I'm sure some of them have Sky Sports News Van seeking radar on the roofs of their houses - you see the same faces time after time
Out they trot, 'sleeping giant' quotations at the ready, crap home made banners flapping in the breeze. I don't know how the reporters keep their faces straight as they ask their loaded questions.
Now of course, the vast majority of Newcastle United supporters are not like that - they feel despair about how the affairs of their club are handled but are sensible enough to know that congregating outside the club shouting slogans is going to make no difference whatsoever and will only serve to amuse twats like me.
The only power you have as a supporter is economic: Don't go game; don't buy the shirts; cancel your Sky membership. But realise by doing this you're helping to kill the thing you purport love.
Good luck with your protest and if you feel marching up and down a bit shouting slogans will help, more power to your elbow - but be prepared to be the butt of jokes from other supporters... and some World weary Evertonians including this one
Out they trot, 'sleeping giant' quotations at the ready, crap home made banners flapping in the breeze. I don't know how the reporters keep their faces straight as they ask their loaded questions.
Now of course, the vast majority of Newcastle United supporters are not like that - they feel despair about how the affairs of their club are handled but are sensible enough to know that congregating outside the club shouting slogans is going to make no difference whatsoever and will only serve to amuse twats like me.
The only power you have as a supporter is economic: Don't go game; don't buy the shirts; cancel your Sky membership. But realise by doing this you're helping to kill the thing you purport love.
Good luck with your protest and if you feel marching up and down a bit shouting slogans will help, more power to your elbow - but be prepared to be the butt of jokes from other supporters... and some World weary Evertonians including this one
Paul Lally
72 Posted 07/09/2011 at 16:24:08
72 Posted 07/09/2011 at 16:24:08
No worries Kevin, I will take all the jokes.
I have had to listen to them for years from my Red side family members.
One of my favourites -' Limpar used to play in swimming trunks, he dived that often.'
I have had a look at some Red Shite forums over the past 24 hours and 75% of them are loving it and hope to see us doomed, especially after our Derby songs last year.
25% seem concerned and appreciate the 2 club city and see the city growing and needing 2 clubs etc.
The majority however cannot believe our apathy.
Yes, the odd one agrees with you that the protests achieved nothing but the vast majority fully appreciated the efforts made and the publicity they achieved.
League champions again in our lifetimes Kevin, staying as we are, what do you reckon ?
Interm board to steady the ship and find a credible buyer plus let our CEO
I have had to listen to them for years from my Red side family members.
One of my favourites -' Limpar used to play in swimming trunks, he dived that often.'
I have had a look at some Red Shite forums over the past 24 hours and 75% of them are loving it and hope to see us doomed, especially after our Derby songs last year.
25% seem concerned and appreciate the 2 club city and see the city growing and needing 2 clubs etc.
The majority however cannot believe our apathy.
Yes, the odd one agrees with you that the protests achieved nothing but the vast majority fully appreciated the efforts made and the publicity they achieved.
League champions again in our lifetimes Kevin, staying as we are, what do you reckon ?
Interm board to steady the ship and find a credible buyer plus let our CEO
Paul Lally
73 Posted 07/09/2011 at 16:35:28
73 Posted 07/09/2011 at 16:35:28
do his job
COYB
COYB
James Mooney
74 Posted 07/09/2011 at 16:31:23
74 Posted 07/09/2011 at 16:31:23
Post removed by moderator
Paul Lally
75 Posted 07/09/2011 at 16:49:59
75 Posted 07/09/2011 at 16:49:59
Rise to your bait James - no.
You keep your head buried in the sand.
However, quoting you were there against Coventry and ..........
I was there and everywhere since 1968 and I will be in the Lower Glad in the middle behind the goal with my season ticket and will support the team as always.
Despite David Moyes over achieving we are still in the shite financially.
Why is that ?
Check your facts.
My Dad is 81 and has got more knowledge and passion than you obviously have regarding our current situation and he has no access to the internet.
You Sir are the disgrace accusing a fellow Blue of being a Kopite and a moron.
COYB
You keep your head buried in the sand.
However, quoting you were there against Coventry and ..........
I was there and everywhere since 1968 and I will be in the Lower Glad in the middle behind the goal with my season ticket and will support the team as always.
Despite David Moyes over achieving we are still in the shite financially.
Why is that ?
Check your facts.
My Dad is 81 and has got more knowledge and passion than you obviously have regarding our current situation and he has no access to the internet.
You Sir are the disgrace accusing a fellow Blue of being a Kopite and a moron.
COYB
Alan Williams
77 Posted 07/09/2011 at 18:09:56
77 Posted 07/09/2011 at 18:09:56
Hi Shaun, great question you pose and its so frustrating we don?t have a simple answer as I believe that is part of this power vacuum we are seeing which in my mind has been pushed by the RS spending. EFC are a casualty of the modern game and unless you have endless funds you will be left behind, and in simple terms we are being left behind. EFC without a sugar Daddy would be left behind anyway and that?s the reality of the situation we just don?t have the glamour or prestige that the modern walk up fan requires and there in lies our problem. We love EFC and can?t understand it but outside L4 people basically people don?t give a shi-e. We could certainly be run better and have more disposal cash but fans need to contribute more, I have stated many times that EFC ST are too low with too many concessions but I see what the club are trying to do. I reside in the SE and what my friends pay in the London area is minimum double what we pay for ours, and that includes sponsorship so unless we can increase revenue we either have a small squad on high wages or a larger squad on less wages and we have chosen, as per the mangers request to do the former its simple mathematics and protesting just doesn?t change this conundrum. The shareholders want out as they cant mend it so the protest achieves absolutely nothing other than damaging what we have which is team spirit, in simple terms we are trying to sell a car as the owner cant afford to run it but we have no takers for exactly the same reason the guy is selling it yet his wife isn?t happy he still has it. Protests are very important and have good reason especially in recent times but we have no answers to our predicament and we have to hope we find a new owner soon if we want to stay in the top 10, thankfully the current board haven?t bankrupted us with stupid buying policy which is terrible as a fan but as a business its prudent so we are better off with what we have in my opinion short term. COYB
Martin Mason
78 Posted 07/09/2011 at 18:34:52
78 Posted 07/09/2011 at 18:34:52
Kenwright out!
Unknown person with 300 million to throw away (and far more to come) without a hope of ever recovering it and with business acumen in?
Seriously, can you see how ridiculous this is in the current economic climate?
Has anybody thought of the ridiculous idea that the current Everton Board and Manager have done a pretty amazing job of keeping Everton even in the top 10 of the Premiership given our resources?
Unknown person with 300 million to throw away (and far more to come) without a hope of ever recovering it and with business acumen in?
Seriously, can you see how ridiculous this is in the current economic climate?
Has anybody thought of the ridiculous idea that the current Everton Board and Manager have done a pretty amazing job of keeping Everton even in the top 10 of the Premiership given our resources?
Drew O'Neall
79 Posted 07/09/2011 at 18:39:39
79 Posted 07/09/2011 at 18:39:39
I've noticed spin coming out of the club (from my hero Graeme Sharp I'm disgusted to admit) that the players will be affected by the protests this weekend, so for god's sake, if you are going to the protest, let's please make sure that we support the players on the pitch vocally because if we don't and we lose, the club will spin it against the Blue Union and all this 'Kopite behaviour' bullshit will gain momentum..
Ste Traverse
80 Posted 07/09/2011 at 19:09:29
80 Posted 07/09/2011 at 19:09:29
Who are morons like James Mooney to go round preaching who is a Blue and who isn't?
You Sir are a beaut of the highest order.
You Sir are a beaut of the highest order.
Kev Prytherch
81 Posted 07/09/2011 at 19:54:52
81 Posted 07/09/2011 at 19:54:52
"We do not believe there to be a magical solution to Everton?s problems but collectively we may well find the answer to the plight Evertonians are feeling at the moment." ? Collectively????
Perhaps the Blue Union should have read their mission statement and worked collectively with the club rather than broadcasting to the world what most of us knew already.
Imagine fellaini considering signing a new contract, would you sign one after this was leaked. Imagine Arsenal's response if we'd have asked for more for Arteta, something along the lines of "you're already up shit street, accept it or leave it." The only collective thing the Blue Union has done is got us plenty of unnecessary press coverage and an excuse for everyone if we fail to perform.
Thanks Blue Union, do us a favour and think about what you've achieved so far and what you're going to achieve by more protests. Absolutely sod all productive, that's what. Stop trying to destroy my club.
Michael Kenrick
82 Posted 07/09/2011 at 20:14:31
82 Posted 07/09/2011 at 20:14:31
So Kev, just one point: Arsenal offered £5M for Arteta and Everton indeed said, "No, we want more"...
Guess what, Arsenal responded by doubling their bid to £10M. So the facts prove your logic clearly wrong in that one instance, what does it say about the rest of your position?
Especially the faintly ridiculous "Stop trying to destroy my club."
Guess what, Arsenal responded by doubling their bid to £10M. So the facts prove your logic clearly wrong in that one instance, what does it say about the rest of your position?
Especially the faintly ridiculous "Stop trying to destroy my club."
Barney Rubble
83 Posted 07/09/2011 at 20:10:43
83 Posted 07/09/2011 at 20:10:43
Despite what many other writers think, I don't consider Kenwright to be worse than Johnson. And yes, I am old enough to have been a fan then, unlike some I suspect. That said, the sooner the club gets investment the better.
If no multi millionaire is waiting in the wings - as seems to be the case ? what is the answer? Certainly not the solution proposed by Andy Burnham MP who wants the fans to take over and run the club by committee like some communist-era peoples tribunal. Committees don't make decisions! And are there really that many fans willing or financially able to buy out the current board?
And no, sorry, like everyone else I don't have an answer but I don't see a protest coming up with one either.
And Shaun #22, I'm not sure quoting a racist misogynist like Malcolm X enhances your arguement.
Trevor Mackie
84 Posted 07/09/2011 at 20:29:51
84 Posted 07/09/2011 at 20:29:51
"Kopite"..... doesn't really matter, they're Evertonians in origin.
Shaun Sparke
87 Posted 07/09/2011 at 21:01:52
87 Posted 07/09/2011 at 21:01:52
Barney, it is the quote that is important and not who said it, so please don't try and demean my post by climbing on your high horse. Maybe people would take you seriously if you used your real name, like the majority of people do on this site. What have you got to hide?
Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
88 Posted 07/09/2011 at 23:02:31
Editorial Team
88 Posted 07/09/2011 at 23:02:31
Sorry, 'Barney' had escaped my notice. Let's have your real name please, if you want your views respected on here.
James Stewart
89 Posted 08/09/2011 at 04:20:52
89 Posted 08/09/2011 at 04:20:52
Great Article.
Sadly a lot of fans including members of my own family simply believe what they want to believe.
If Napoleon says it, it must be true. The shut your eyes and its not really happening syndrome. The sooner everyone wakes up to the general incompetence of BK and his merry band of muppets the better!
Sadly a lot of fans including members of my own family simply believe what they want to believe.
If Napoleon says it, it must be true. The shut your eyes and its not really happening syndrome. The sooner everyone wakes up to the general incompetence of BK and his merry band of muppets the better!
Martin Mason
90 Posted 08/09/2011 at 08:56:38
90 Posted 08/09/2011 at 08:56:38
Just imagine if Moyes has stuck his hand in the toilet and pulled out two Mars bars with his new signings and they bring excitement. Not only the excitement in watching but the hope that such things can bring. The biggest despair that I have regardless of Everton's parlous financial state is the blackness of watching the truly dreadful, negative and zero effort football that they are capable of serving up sometimes.
Tommy Coleman
91 Posted 08/09/2011 at 09:31:53
91 Posted 08/09/2011 at 09:31:53
The Protest has made The Times:
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/sitesearch.do?querystring=everton&p=tto&pf=all&bl=on
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/sitesearch.do?querystring=everton&p=tto&pf=all&bl=on
Gavin Ramejkis
92 Posted 08/09/2011 at 12:23:10
92 Posted 08/09/2011 at 12:23:10
Dick #54, hes also done fuck all for Newcastle, or reputedly Everton and look up the quote from Man Utd - how he didnt manage to find sufficient backers for the most valuable club in the country, he's a media hungry whore who is more concerned on his own publicity. Seymour Harris also denied involvement with Everton on at least one occasion. I stick with my view that he's fucking hopeless.
Peter Cummo
93 Posted 08/09/2011 at 12:30:01
93 Posted 08/09/2011 at 12:30:01
Must congratulate all you posters on your reasoned and articulate comments,just shows how knowledgable and concerned about the events at Goodison,like me, you all are,right now we don't know what the future holds but one thing's for sure you will all be there both home and away because 'Once A Blue Always A Blue'
Mark Jensen
94 Posted 08/09/2011 at 13:45:05
94 Posted 08/09/2011 at 13:45:05
I seriously can't believe what i am reading in these posts and have generally stayed away but enough is enough.
We are where we are BECAUSE of the current board.
Where we are is one of the poorest (if not THE poorest) premier league teams.
We now have to sell players as we no longer have assets.
To sit there and spout on about who is to replace the current board is bordering on contempt.
It is and always has been THEIR job to find funding and investment and THEY have not.
We are in one of the richest leagues in the world yet we are always skint and have no assets. I know this is not the fault of the supporters. The fault lays at the boardroom door.
All I want is businessmen to run our club/business properly, is that to much to ask?
All the smoke and mirrors regarding buyers, investors, new stadium, etc does not wash with me.
The nuts and bolts of the current demise is poor leadership and management.
For those who say we are a top ten team BECAUSE of the board, I say, with proper management of the club we should have been so much more. This 'top 10 team' rubbish is defeatist talk and only highlights how poor we now are that finishing 10th is acceptable.
The proposed protest is the only way forward to ensure the total mismanagement of our beloved club gets public attention.
Doing nothing, in my eyes, says that the past ten years have been a success. That is a disgraceful state of affairs for any blue to accept.
We are where we are BECAUSE of the current board.
Where we are is one of the poorest (if not THE poorest) premier league teams.
We now have to sell players as we no longer have assets.
To sit there and spout on about who is to replace the current board is bordering on contempt.
It is and always has been THEIR job to find funding and investment and THEY have not.
We are in one of the richest leagues in the world yet we are always skint and have no assets. I know this is not the fault of the supporters. The fault lays at the boardroom door.
All I want is businessmen to run our club/business properly, is that to much to ask?
All the smoke and mirrors regarding buyers, investors, new stadium, etc does not wash with me.
The nuts and bolts of the current demise is poor leadership and management.
For those who say we are a top ten team BECAUSE of the board, I say, with proper management of the club we should have been so much more. This 'top 10 team' rubbish is defeatist talk and only highlights how poor we now are that finishing 10th is acceptable.
The proposed protest is the only way forward to ensure the total mismanagement of our beloved club gets public attention.
Doing nothing, in my eyes, says that the past ten years have been a success. That is a disgraceful state of affairs for any blue to accept.
Mike Hughes
95 Posted 08/09/2011 at 13:53:00
95 Posted 08/09/2011 at 13:53:00
@Ciaran 57
"There's a fairly acute degree of arrogance in suggesting that our fans, as a collective, have any more moral fibre than the fans of any other football team"
Where did you get that from in my post #39 regarding fans of "any other football team"?
I didn't suggest this at all. Read the 7 points I listed and 5 are FACT, only points 2 and 7 are my own opinion.
No other fans to my knowledge have been labelled "the worst in Europe" by a UEFA official. LFC fans have and that's another FACT.
You may not mind being compared to a kopite but I do for the reasons listed and while we have our share of dickheads, we have nothing thankfully to compare with those across the park.
Perhaps the one and only thing we do have over the reds is the high moral ground.
The point of my post was a plea to "keep it that way" with any protests.
Comprende?
"There's a fairly acute degree of arrogance in suggesting that our fans, as a collective, have any more moral fibre than the fans of any other football team"
Where did you get that from in my post #39 regarding fans of "any other football team"?
I didn't suggest this at all. Read the 7 points I listed and 5 are FACT, only points 2 and 7 are my own opinion.
No other fans to my knowledge have been labelled "the worst in Europe" by a UEFA official. LFC fans have and that's another FACT.
You may not mind being compared to a kopite but I do for the reasons listed and while we have our share of dickheads, we have nothing thankfully to compare with those across the park.
Perhaps the one and only thing we do have over the reds is the high moral ground.
The point of my post was a plea to "keep it that way" with any protests.
Comprende?
Steve Brown
98 Posted 08/09/2011 at 16:26:21
98 Posted 08/09/2011 at 16:26:21
Protesting will destabilise the club, demotivate the team, cause turmoil among the fans and not take us a step closer to being sold... hmmm what a plan!
Alan Williams
99 Posted 08/09/2011 at 17:51:42
99 Posted 08/09/2011 at 17:51:42
Gavin, he is Chairman of Seymour Pierce, how can you make such a statement it?s just pathetic. To just use statements like that you completely undermine your viewpoint and dare I say make yourself look daft, which I don?t think you are at all. He had backing for United but the approach was withdrawn as his offer of a billion was way under the current valuation its simple market forces. EFC product and location hold very little commercial gain to any possible investor; it really isn?t hard to see why nobody wants to fork out the massive figures we require to compete again. That is the problem we have and some fans just fail or don?t wish to accept that basic business fact. I hate it we aren?t up there fighting for top spot but the bar has been raised by City to such a degree that Arsenal, Spurs and possibly LFC now are all looking up to Man City, United and Chelsea who are all paying their top players between £150/250k per week, per year that is £7.8 million to £ 13 million for one player less transfer fee, bonus and agent fees. The prem has gone mad, Villa, EFC and Newcastle are all looking to cut the wage bill and I put those three clubs at similar standing. Sit back a bit and look what?s happening around you, prudency whilst desperate for us fans is not such a disaster as everybody is making out. COYB
Roy Haygarth
100 Posted 09/09/2011 at 06:12:51
100 Posted 09/09/2011 at 06:12:51
Kenwright says he is doing everything to sell the club but he offers us no transparency.
There have been too many broken promises for Everton fans to believe all that he says.
Surely, Blue Union is simply asking for someone to take over the sale of the club who is legally mandated to get the best deal in the club's interests but with this transparency.
There have been too many broken promises for Everton fans to believe all that he says.
Surely, Blue Union is simply asking for someone to take over the sale of the club who is legally mandated to get the best deal in the club's interests but with this transparency.
Martin Mason
101 Posted 09/09/2011 at 07:03:22
101 Posted 09/09/2011 at 07:03:22
Alan, I agree with your sentiments.
I'm not sure how any legally constituted board can possibly accept a demand to relinquish control on the basis of the wishes of what could actually be a very small fraction of its customer base. A shareholder led revolt yes but most aren't shareholders or where we are it isn't in enough strength to make the type of demands that are being made.
We also need to accept that the EFC board has no obligation to be transparent, to tell the truth or to keep its customers in the loop on anything. We have the choice to buy the product or not and that is all in reality.
I'm not sure how any legally constituted board can possibly accept a demand to relinquish control on the basis of the wishes of what could actually be a very small fraction of its customer base. A shareholder led revolt yes but most aren't shareholders or where we are it isn't in enough strength to make the type of demands that are being made.
We also need to accept that the EFC board has no obligation to be transparent, to tell the truth or to keep its customers in the loop on anything. We have the choice to buy the product or not and that is all in reality.
Martin Mason
102 Posted 09/09/2011 at 07:15:06
102 Posted 09/09/2011 at 07:15:06
Sorry, one thing that I meant to say was that any buyer will be Asian, American or Russian with no interest in the club other than laundering money through it or otherwise using its assets for their own benefit. Is a deal with the devil worth it just so that we can have "success".
Kev Prytherch
103 Posted 09/09/2011 at 08:17:41
103 Posted 09/09/2011 at 08:17:41
Michael 76. The fact that Arsenal only offered £5 million for a player that had a £20 million price tag 12 months earlier speaks volumes, and this at the only time Wenger would have paid over the odds following an 8-2 drubbing.
Also we didn't see Arteta asking for a move last summer prior to the Blue Union's doings; however, he was more inclined to now. So what does that say about the rest of my position?
The Blue Union so far have achieved nothing productive, and are unlikely to with this protest. Name me a team that has prospered during times of supporter and boardroom unrest.
Tom Hughes
104 Posted 09/09/2011 at 17:21:30
104 Posted 09/09/2011 at 17:21:30
Kev..... erm Man Utd still won everything despite protests.
The point is..... The Blue Union have helped bring this club's desperate financial position to the attention of the media, and some fans who appeared completely ignorant to the real state we are in. That has to be productive as ignorance never is!!!!
The point is..... The Blue Union have helped bring this club's desperate financial position to the attention of the media, and some fans who appeared completely ignorant to the real state we are in. That has to be productive as ignorance never is!!!!
Kev Prytherch
105 Posted 09/09/2011 at 23:44:33
105 Posted 09/09/2011 at 23:44:33
The glazers started buying into united in 2003, taking full control in 2005. Barring the league cup, united next won something in 2007 when the majority of the discontent had subsided. Boardroom unrest and supporter protests very rarely equal success.
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1 Posted 06/09/2011 at 14:52:14
As for Everton sure we need new ownership but it has to be the right ownership. No point hounding Kenwright out and destabilising the club even further with no new investment looming around the corner.