Open Letter To Richard Batho

[sheffielder]

Any chance you could all just email the guy. If he doesn't email you back then maybe you can start questioning his position at the club. While your at it can someone check his responsibilities so we know exactly what we can moan like hell to him about. Oh hang on I could do that....

 

[BaldeRunner]

Any chance you could all just email the guy. If he doesn't email you back then maybe you can start questioning his position at the club. While your at it can someone check his responsibilities so we know exactly what we can moan like hell to him about. Oh hang on I could do that....

I don't want a personal relationship with the guy, i don't want or need telephoning at work to discuss why the club is in freefall. I simply wanted, as a largely exiled fan some open forum on which I coud read everyone's views, including those of the liaison officer and debate thse points. Thats why i use a message board - I find it interesting and useful to read the views of a range of people. I am also a big believer in transparent communication.

ths is not a personal vendetta. It was a genuine wish to access what is going in in an open and transparent manner with a club I see in complete disintegration. It was naive of me but at least I gave it a try. I give up.

 

[Cool Clint]

I don't want a personal relationship with the guy, i don't want or need telephoning at work to discuss why the club is in freefall. I simply wanted, as a largely exiled fan some open forum on which I coud read everyone's views, including those of the liaison officer and debate thse points. Thats why i use a message board - I find it interesting and useful to read the views of a range of people. I am also a big believer in transparent communication.

ths is not a personal vendetta. It was a genuine wish to access what is going in in an open and transparent manner with a club I see in complete disintegration. It was naive of me but at least I gave it a try. I give up.

It seems clear that most do not want the club to start posting openly on message boards. That includes other exiled fans. Now that you've joined in this debate on this message board then surly as someone who likes to debate you could say ''I dont agree with most on here but i accept they dont want our club liason officer posting''.
Not say ''I give up'' like a hard done too child.

 

[SwissBlade]

I'll stop creating mischief on this thread now and actually give my two pence, or in Swiss money about 500 rappen...

I think what is being forgotten/ confused here is that Batho is working for the club. He's not some "super fan" who has stated he'll go around pubs, clubs, message boards, internet forums etc in the hope that people will contact him that way. He's been appointed by the club as a focal point for fans.

Tagged on to this (in my interpretation) is the work he is doing with a number of working groups, he's opened himself up in other ways as well such as public adhoc meetings, telephone and email - I don't hear of anyone saying that Batho refused them their chance to have their say directly to him. Credit must go to him for that.

I assume that the Working Group set up is for logistical reasons, so he can work with these groups instead of just asking fans to form a queue outside the lane asking the same questions time and again

For me, it is then the responsibility of the working groups, to communicate back to its members and other fans the outcome of meetings (which is what I believe BIFF should do)

Perhaps this needs clarifying? (Linz has already stated that she's been a little busy to put the MoM up on here from the last meeting)

My observation is that this side isn't working as well as it could, a better idea would be to put up a summarised/ bullet pointed version of the MoM on the OS and the detailed MoM can be put on here (or other sites) at a later date.

Batho could and perhaps should coordinate better with these groups and set the responsibilities so that everyone is clear.

Something which I think Foxy/ Linz spat the dummy about (rightly or wrongly, but its their site, their rules) was the Questions to Batho turned into Questioning Batho's role. It was clear from the OP on that thread what the intention was, but none of us asked the questions she wanted us to. Personally I think there is a place for both types of questioning. But it needs to be sensible. Perhaps we can all look at this from a constructive point of view rather than just a critical view.

I don't think we should be demanding Batho's head on a stick, but I also think that in his role, he gives some feedback to the questions we have about his position as well as asking which types of wrappers we like with our pies.

 

[Linz]

Something which I think Foxy/ Linz spat the dummy about (rightly or wrongly, but its their site, their rules) was the Questions to Batho turned into Questioning Batho's role. It was clear from the OP on that thread what the intention was, but none of us asked the questions she wanted us to. Personally I think there is a place for both types of questioning. But it needs to be sensible. Perhaps we can all look at this from a constructive point of view rather than just a critical view.

Personally, what upset me was the fact that people were expecting me to take the blame for their questioning of his role while not being brave enough to do so themselves. I don't think anyone working in a private company has to justify their job and publicly declare their wages. If you are a shareholder, then this is what AGMs are for... a time and a place.

The line of questioning I had hoped for was constructive questions about the club which you feel haven't been communicated properly... stuff like STs etc. Stuff I would be happy to pass on and do so on a regular basis because the questions and criticisms are constructive and the remedy might be advantageous to all. I've had PMs asking me questions and again, have passed these on and and they have been dealt with by the club.

What I don't see as being my role is expecting someone to justify their job to me to satisfy the morbid curiosity of a handful of people, the answers of which would only satisfy themselves (or not... as the case may be). You can do that off your own back by picking up the phone or emailing.

I don't see why cowards should hide behind me and this site if they have an agenda. Foxy and I will not be held liable so it is getting to the stage where any more personal stuff and we will turn round and say that we respect your right to say what you want, but we are withdrawing the privilege of using this site as a vehicle for it. You can go elsewhere or set up your own site to do it. And we can be criticised until the cows come home for it... but at least we'll still be here.

I'm not saying that United have even suggested going down the Wednesday route. But they have a right to protect their employees. And any repercussions would affect our whole community.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Good post linz, totally agree with you on that. You have no obligation to do anymore than you have.

At the end of the day we're talking about some guy (probably a perfectly nice chap) who has been employed to liaise a little with fans on behalf of the club. This isnt exactly what I would call a key role and has probably been set up out of gesture to the club's supporters more than anything else.

As a supporter of many years myself, I take my involvement as far as attending games and going to the odd social functions/events arranged by the club. Some people wish to involve themselves more than that and have a voice which is great and appreciated by me as I can then simply sit back and take in everything I'm told regarding the football club.

I am not massively interested in communicating with or hearing about Mr Batho, but if he does have something to say to supporters I'm happy to listen. For those who want to have the gentleman's role justified (salary and all) I can only suggest that you either ask the man himself (bearing in mind he has no obligation to discuss it) or comment on something more interesting/relevant.

 

[Micalijo]

Who asked what his salary is?

Can't see anything wrong with any questions me sen.

 

[Sothall_Blade]

This thread seems to consist of one group of people saying what the hell is Richard Batho doing? Why doesn’t he come on here and debate my concerns with me?
The other group are saying he’s actually doing a lot of good work. Why don’t you attend his workgroups or his meetings? Or email or phone him directly to find out what’s happening.

I’ll freely admit, I don’t have any questions I’d particularly like to ask him myself and I’m not concerned enough about it to attend any meetings.
However, I would be interested to know what questions other fans have asked him, what issues have been raised and what has been the outcome.
In the same way, I’m interested to read about our Reserve match last night but if I had to ring or email United’s Press Officer to find out the score, I wouldn’t bother.

Surely the obvious solution is that people who want to raise specific concerns with Richard Batho should email or phone him as discussed.
He in turn should communicate a summary of his activities with ALL fans via the official website. Then everyone’s happy. Aren’t they?

 

[Linz]

Who asked what his salary is?

Can't see anything wrong with any questions me sen.

I'm sure you don't, which is why you should personally ask them.

Personally being, not via a proxy of me.

 

[Worksop II]

He in turn should communicate a summary of his activities with ALL fans via the official website. Then everyone’s happy. Aren’t they?

Batho's Blog - its got a ring to it

 

[boo radley]

This thread seems to consist of one group of people saying what the hell is Richard Batho doing? Why doesn’t he come on here and debate my concerns with me?
The other group are saying he’s actually doing a lot of good work. Why don’t you attend his workgroups or his meetings? Or email or phone him directly to find out what’s happening.

I’ll freely admit, I don’t have any questions I’d particularly like to ask him myself and I’m not concerned enough about it to attend any meetings.
However, I would be interested to know what questions other fans have asked him, what issues have been raised and what has been the outcome.
In the same way, I’m interested to read about our Reserve match last night but if I had to ring or email United’s Press Officer to find out the score, I wouldn’t bother.

Surely the obvious solution is that people who want to raise specific concerns with Richard Batho should email or phone him as discussed.
He in turn should communicate a summary of his activities with ALL fans via the official website. Then everyone’s happy. Aren’t they?

I asked Questions of the club directly and debated some points on here a couple of months ago.
I gave some info on here although not all was relevant to others.
I know of another poster on here who did likewise and gave info from Mr Batho on here.
You see this is the problem. If you are away from the forum for any time certain points that you may have found interesting may have disappeared of the pages you were reviewing.
The easyest way to get your answers is to ask them direct to the man who will know.

 

[Linz]

The easyest way to get your answers is to ask them direct to the man who will know.

No, I agree with what's been said earlier. The easiest way for Richard to communicate what he's been up to is via the official site and local press because that adds more of a credence to what's been said than coming on a forum and posting.

I will pass on to Richard what has been said about some more updates from himself on the OS... you'd think over summer they'd be glad of the content.

 

[SwissBlade]

Personally, what upset me was the fact that people were expecting me to take the blame for their questioning of his role while not being brave enough to do so themselves. [post continues see post 95]

I agree entirely, the personal slights against employees of United from Adams to Batho, to Birch and Steer are entirely unacceptable. Feelings are running high just now, but there is no need to stoop to the depths of some.

However, i'm a little lost on all this. As you've seen, I've tried to support the role of Batho, BIFF and your own involvement in this previously, but whilst I do continue to support this initiative I would also question the value if we're restricted in the types of questions that we can ask, even on here.

At the same time I don't believe bringing Batho on here (through his current role) could be anything other than destructive. I want to use a Forum to talk about my club, not to talk to my club. I can do that in other ways, one of which appeared to be through yourself and Foxy, a role which you put yourselves forward for (and one which I believe you've done very well and communicated our thoughts and opinions previously).

Its clear (in amongst the personal and exagatered digs) that some people genuinely don't know what Batho's role is, so why can't we then ask simple questions such as what he see's his achievements as? what the future plan is for his role or his work? Where the challenges are and what work needs to be done? Personally I think this would help United to focus their attention and perhaps we'd see more visible results, it'd certainly give the ammo to fire back at the people on here.

To be honest, the questions I posed were ones of genuine interest and I was perhaps being lazy and not emailing him myself, but also thought that it would be higher profile and more transparent if we got his feedback through the S24SU route.

I would like Batho to give us some sort of feedback (perhaps through the OS, not here) because he afterall asked on 16.02.2011 to hear from us fans, yet we haven't really heard back from him. Lets get something back shall we? Perhaps you could put that to him or one of the Working groups, if not then I can do this myself (which I am happy to do).

I appreciate that you don't take kindly to the comments on here and the action you take against those who cross the line on this forum will be fully supported by me (even if it is me that crosses the line), but please don't tar us all with the same brush, some of us genuinely have the interests of the club at heart.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

This thread seems to consist of one group of people saying what the hell is Richard Batho doing? Why doesn’t he come on here and debate my concerns with me?
The other group are saying he’s actually doing a lot of good work. Why don’t you attend his workgroups or his meetings? Or email or phone him directly to find out what’s happening.

I’ll freely admit, I don’t have any questions I’d particularly like to ask him myself and I’m not concerned enough about it to attend any meetings.
However, I would be interested to know what questions other fans have asked him, what issues have been raised and what has been the outcome.
In the same way, I’m interested to read about our Reserve match last night but if I had to ring or email United’s Press Officer to find out the score, I wouldn’t bother.

Surely the obvious solution is that people who want to raise specific concerns with Richard Batho should email or phone him as discussed.
He in turn should communicate a summary of his activities with ALL fans via the official website. Then everyone’s happy. Aren’t they?

I'm of the same mind Sothall. I am interested enough to want to listen and hear about whats going on but not nearly interested enough to probe and have every last question on my mind answered and justified every which way. I am aware that other people will do that on our (the supporters' behalf) and I am grateful for it but at the same time glad I'm not the one having my time consumed by it. It is just a football club at the end of the day and it doesnt need more than a handful of people to get the message across.

As you and many others have so sensibly suggested, why dont those with the deepest concern contact Batho directly? Surely if its important enough to demand justification for, its worth pursuing by contacting him? Or on second thoughts do these individuals not feel as strongly about it as they earlier suggested? Hmmm.....

I tend to find these sorts of trivial issues are used as an opportunity for certain posters to get on their soapbox (anonymously) and drive home whatever their agenda might be. I've started to learn that the best way of dealing with this is not to be drawn into a debate with the antagonist, thus giving them exactly what they want. Of course most people will find it hard not to bite at the bait most of the time.

 

[SotonBlade]

This thread seems to be finally getting some sensible debate. I am considering e-mailing Mr Batho myself, just to clarify for the many on here, exactly what his remit is and what he can and cannot influence in his role. (I believe this is the main reason for differences in opinion) If i do it however, i don't expect people to pick holes in it saying, 'well he should be doing this!' and 'why isn't he doing that'. After all his remit will have been specified by the club.

Would anyone appreciate this?

 

[SwissBlade]

Hey Soton, I think thats a great idea, sadly the ones that are pointing the finger at Batho may never appreciate it.

I was thinking of doing a similar thing too this weekend when I get home.

I'm also interested to know what input (if any) he'd like from Expats as we often have different needs/ concerns (not many now that i'm getting back regular and the TV games will be fewer in the 3rd Div) but I may not offer myself forward for this just yet as I'm busy travelling with work, so my availability is in spurts!

 

[Micalijo]

I'm sure you don't, which is why you should personally ask them.

Personally being, not via a proxy of me.

Why on earth does posing a few questions on here suddenly become a case of hiding behind you? You asked us to do it and I didn't see any abuse or doubts as to his ability. Certainly no questions about his salary which you seem to have dreamed up.

I have no porblems buying tickets and am happy with the general service. I pay to watch a football game and get one every other week. That the club is run by people I have a deep rooted disgust of is not Batho's problem.

But, I'd like to know what he does all the same in terms of communicating with Birch about why people (and I don't mean these fans groups or whatever they are) feel so horribly detached from the club.

 

[lenners]

The difference is Brownie has only openned the thread and has not posted since probably taking on board what most peoples views are. When you write you OP's you keep bumping them like i do.

He probably has emailed Batho after considering what people have suggested.

It's only a few people on here who would think that a fans' rep saying nothing publicly for four months while the club goes down the shitter is normal.
In the real world, it's embarrassing.

 

[Vancouver]

edited and now history

 

[Stafford Blade]

So. Having waded through all 6 pages, Batho's main contribution so far appears to be getting the Tunnel Bar to open on time and there's a few quid in the float when it opens..............

Why hasn't this man had a pay rise yet??

Brownie has made some very valid points, and his view is shared by many who feel the club are taking the piss out of the fans.

 

[boo radley]

It's only a few people on here who would think that a fans' rep saying nothing publicly for four months while the club goes down the shitter is normal.
In the real world, it's embarrassing.

Go on then len you answer your critics and then you can prove me wrong. He has said loads publicly your just dont attend or speak to him at the public events. What is embarrassingis the cowardly way some people hide behind a keyboard and mouse.

 

[Pollingtonblade]

So. Having waded through all 6 pages, Batho's main contribution so far appears to be getting the Tunnel Bar to open on time and there's a few quid in the float when it opens..............

Why hasn't this man had a pay rise yet??

Brownie has made some very valid points, and his view is shared by many who feel the club are taking the piss out of the fans.

It hasn't happened yet the tunnel bar issue was raised, we'll see saturday if it has been addressed.

 

[Mousey]

Go on then len you answer your critics and then you can prove me wrong. He has said loads publicly your just dont attend or speak to him at the public events. What is embarrassingis the cowardly way some people hide behind a keyboard and mouse.

I think if Len hid behind me I would do a fart so bad that he'd come out and reveal himself

 

[Grecian2000]

He has said loads publicly your just dont attend or speak to him at the public events.

But how many actually DO attend such events?

My only communication with the club is through the programme, occasionaly in The Star and on here, that's the way I chose it to be and I couldn't give a shite what Batho is, does or says.
However, if I did care then I would expect a programme coulumn (or a regular feature every 4 or 5 games) rather than to give up a Saturday morning (or any time) to attend some event or other. I give up enough time watching the team without turning up when they're not even playing.

 

[Micalijo]

But how many actually DO attend such events?

My only communication with the club is through the programme, occasionaly in The Star and on here, that's the way I chose it to be and I couldn't give a shite what Batho is, does or says.
However, if I did care then I would expect a programme coulumn (or a regular feature every 4 or 5 games) rather than to give up a Saturday morning (or any time) to attend some event or other. I give up enough time watching the team without turning up when they're not even playing.

Top stuff Grecian. Absolutely spot on.

 

[Big Mart]

I appreciate that you don't take kindly to the comments on here and the action you take against those who cross the line on this forum will be fully supported by me (even if it is me that crosses the line), but please don't tar us all with the same brush, some of us genuinely have the interests of the club at heart.

Hey Swiss, I think you need to wipe some shit off the end of your nose.

Think you'll find that we all genuinely have the interests of the club at heart, just that some of us aren't happy to sit on our hands and fawn over everything the powers that be do.....or don't in our case.

Just because we're pissed off doesn't mean we don't care, common misconception amongst the clappy smiley fraternity.

---------- Post added at 01:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:35 PM ----------

I think if Len hid behind me I would do a fart so bad that he'd come out and reveal himself

Think if Len was anywhere near you you'd crap yourself to be honest, he's a lot bigger than you Mousey, but then again, who isn't

 

[bricktop]

Sorry Brownie but it really does seem like dummy is coming out of your pram in terms of why can't I wait until August and pay same as people who paid upfront in April. Ignore the True Blade stuff - you either want a ticket or you don't. You have chiosen not to get one before the deadline - what is Batho meant to do about that? GIve you a special rate - which plenty more on here seem to be asking for.

It has always been the case - for many, many years rather, that season tickets are acquired before the year end. If you don't get one a that stage then the price in theory goes up or Alien will tell you it doesn't. I know there are very strong arguments to say we should have done somat radical re season tickets but I believe we are really desperately short of cash and need a quick £2.5m etc to get us through the summer. Your umming and arring doesn't help with that.

For me it just seems that you cannot face up to saying very simply 'I don't want to go anymore - goodbye everyone.'

---------- Post added at 02:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:55 PM ----------

The dummy is out of the pram, because there is a lot of issues at Sheffield United at the moment, that i'm very angry about. The club should be doing all it can to be encouraging people to renew season tickets. I would be happy to renew if i could see any valid reason for me to do so, apart from blind loyalty.

You mention that the club are in desperate need of a quick £2.5m, and my umming and arring doesn't help with that. It's the clubs problem, not mine. If the club was a lot more forthcoming and open about the problems it faces, then yeah, i might be more inclined to throw another £299 at it, but the silence, and the expectation that the season ticket holders are to blindly renew and through money at the club again for very little return is not encouraging me at all.

You make a point about ignoring the True Blades advertising campaign. I can't ignore it i'm afraid, i've spent thousands watching United over the years, often at the expense of a lot more than money. So if i don't get a season ticket for next season that doesn't make me a true blade. In fact at the minute i will feel glad to be away from it all and get a life back.

 

[boo radley]

But how many actually DO attend such events?

My only communication with the club is through the programme, occasionaly in The Star and on here, that's the way I chose it to be and I couldn't give a shite what Batho is, does or says.
However, if I did care then I would expect a programme coulumn (or a regular feature every 4 or 5 games) rather than to give up a Saturday morning (or any time) to attend some event or other. I give up enough time watching the team without turning up when they're not even playing.

I understand that but if you had a real gripe would you not then attend such an event? or I'm sure you would contact the club. Len is not wanting a few things pointing out in the program every few games. He wants Mr Batho to debate in open on this forum. I have had several gripes with the club over the years not5 once when I have contacted them have they failed to listen and come to a solution. Len is a supporter of this club along with several thousands of others, some of whome would like to set their own policy to certain situations. Should they all be allowed to do that?

Hey Swiss, I think you need to wipe some shit off the end of your nose.

Think you'll find that we all genuinely have the interests of the club at heart, just that some of us aren't happy to sit on our hands and fawn over everything the powers that be do.....or don't in our case.

Just because we're pissed off doesn't mean we don't care, common misconception amongst the clappy smiley fraternity.

---------- Post added at 01:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:35 PM ----------



Think if Len was anywhere near you you'd crap yourself to be honest, he's a lot bigger than you Mousey, but then again, who isn't

Ahh its all so black and white is it? I think you read what you call the 'clappy smiley fraternity' wrong. They will understand that you care as much as everyone else.

The dummy is out of the pram, because there is a lot of issues at Sheffield United at the moment, that i'm very angry about. The club should be doing all it can to be encouraging people to renew season tickets. I would be happy to renew if i could see any valid reason for me to do so, apart from blind loyalty.

You mention that the club are in desperate need of a quick £2.5m, and my umming and arring doesn't help with that. It's the clubs problem, not mine. If the club was a lot more forthcoming and open about the problems it faces, then yeah, i might be more inclined to throw another £299 at it, but the silence, and the expectation that the season ticket holders are to blindly renew and through money at the club again for very little return is not encouraging me at all.

You make a point about ignoring the True Blades advertising campaign. I can't ignore it i'm afraid, i've spent thousands watching United over the years, often at the expense of a lot more than money. So if i don't get a season ticket for next season that doesn't make me a true blade. In fact at the minute i will feel glad to be away from it all and get a life back.

If that is what certain supporters are driven too it's sad and you have my best wishes while you toil your descision.

 

[Kopped]

Not sure what all this is to indicate but.....

There has been at least 2 public and open meetings arranged for fans to turn up and ask their burning questions. It's up to YOU to turn up to these tbh.

I'll be posting the Questions from the last meeting/forum this afternoon!

Hang fire

 

[SwissBlade]

Hey Swiss, I think you need to wipe some shit off the end of your nose.

Think you'll find that we all genuinely have the interests of the club at heart, just that some of us aren't happy to sit on our hands and fawn over everything the powers that be do.....or don't in our case.

Just because we're pissed off doesn't mean we don't care, common misconception amongst the clappy smiley fraternity.

I didn't join this forum to be insulted or to throw insults around. If you want to mock me for supporting this forum, then fine, but I'll gladly go elsewhere and leave you to your little bit of fun.

So come on then Horace, tell me, oh genius, just what you've done to set yourself apart from those sitting on our hands...I can pretty much guarantee the answer coming over the interweb will be "nothing but piss and whinge". Prove me wrong please, alternatively, keep your childish comments for elsewhere.

Am I not pissed off? Tell me where you get that from, is it because I don't throw muck about? By the looks of it you're sitting back and allowing this to happen just as anyone else. Good work, you'll go far

Did I say that you don't care? Don't assume that. You'll be far from the mark and you'll make yourself look daft with comments like that. I was referring to myself and I don't like to be pigeon holed because of others.