Fan Advisory Board

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Fan Advisory Board – Follow-Up to Meeting with Steven Rosen

Following feedback from supporters regarding our initial statement, the Fan Advisory Board would like to provide some further detail on the meeting held with Sheffield United Co-Owner Steven Rosen on Sunday 13 September.

The meeting was attended by Steven Rosen, Club CEO Stephen Bettis, Blades Manager Chris Wilder, and representatives of the Fan Advisory Board.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the FAB to raise directly the concerns that have been expressed by supporters in recent weeks.

The contested £35m debt allegedly owed to the former owner

The FAB raised fan concerns following the winding up of COH Sports, and reports in the media that United World Group and Prince Abdullah were owed an outstanding amount of £35m. The FAB asked Steven Rosen to explain his understanding of the situation.

Steven Rosen confirmed that legal representatives from both sides had been in discussion with regard to the liabilities that were or were not owed as part of the sale, and there was a difference of opinion. Mr. Rosen said he had hoped that it would be possible to negotiate an amicable outcome, but that the Prince has taken the decision to wind up COH Sports. Mr. Rosen said he remained hopeful that in due course, an agreed way forward could be found to the satisfaction of all. The FAB accepted the fact that due to this being a legal matter, there was only a certain amount of information that could be disclosed directly, but would note that Mr. Rosen expressed confidence that a positive resolution could be found.

The wider financial position

Steven Rosen and Stephen Bettis explained that the Club is being operated with a focus on long-term financial sustainability. The loss of parachute payments has resulted in a need for the Club to reduce its player wage bill in order to remain compliant with the EFL’s Squad Cost Ratio requirements.

The ownership also explained that funds received through player sales have been used in part to meet player and staff costs and to address existing liabilities and debts. The FAB was given direct assurances that funds coming into the Club have not simply been extracted by the ownership, but reinvested into the Club as part of a plan to return Sheffield United to financial stability.

The Club also stated that it had inherited football-related creditor liabilities of approximately £26m–£27m, meaning that the Club was not in a sound financial position. The Club said they are actively seeking to bring that debt down towards £10m in the first instance.

The EFL and the Independent Football Regulator

The FAB asked about the potential implications of the EFL’s consideration of recent developments and the involvement of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR). We pointed out that a number of local MPs had held a meeting with both bodies and released a statement that has caused concerns amongst fans.

Stephen Bettis confirmed that he has already had meetings with the EFL and the IFR and that these matters are being managed appropriately. The Club noted that the local MPs in question had not, to their knowledge, contacted the Club to discuss these matters before their meeting with the EFL and the IFR. The FAB confirmed that it had scheduled a meeting with a number of these MPs and the Football Supporters’ Association to take place on Thursday 17th September.

The FAB also asked about the potential impact of an owner having two insolvencies on their record. Mr. Rosen said he has been involved in hundreds of companies and there have never been insolvencies with the ones he has directly controlled. Additionally, he has never himself been personally declared insolvent.

Future Plans

After the Club confirmed their plans to reduce overall debt and operate within the Squad Cost Ratio rules, the FAB asked what the plans were for the Club’s future development. Steven Rosen started by saying that it is important to protect the Club as a vital community asset. He stated that he didn’t want to risk everything for one season and then be in trouble for nine more.

Stephen Bettis and Chris Wilder both confirmed that the plans for the development of the training facility at Dore have been signed off by everyone at the Club, and that the next phase of development will depend on moving forward with planning permission and other steps needed to commence work. The Club confirmed that Category 1 Academy status remains a priority, key to delivering future financial stability and growth.

Communication with supporters

Perhaps the most important outcome of the meeting was agreement on the need for better and more direct communication between the ownership, the Club and supporters. Both Steven Rosen and Stephen Bettis feel that the FAB should be a useful way of communicating with fans.

The FAB do not expect every supporter to agree on every issue, and we will continue to represent the broad range of different views expressed by supporters. We believe supporters are best served by having accurate information rather than speculation, and we will continue to ask questions on their behalf.

We remain committed to advocating for Sheffield United supporters and to maintaining a constructive relationship with the Club and its ownership.

Source notes: This is a full transcription of the six summary pages posted by the Blades Fan Advisory Board (@sufc_fab). For a full copy they invite fans to email [email protected].
 
Sean Thornton said:
This is just about the only thing l didn’t know from all that. Anyone actually aware?



“The Club noted that the local MPs in question had not, to their knowledge, contacted the Club to discuss these matters before their meeting with the EFL and the IFR”
Click to expand...

So our local MP's many of whom bat for those in S6 didn't bother to contact the club.

pretends-to-be-shocked-surprised.gif
 
Bladesman said:
Fan Advisory Board – Follow-Up to Meeting with Steven Rosen

Following feedback from supporters regarding our initial statement, the Fan Advisory Board would like to provide some further detail on the meeting held with Sheffield United Co-Owner Steven Rosen on Sunday 13 September.

The meeting was attended by Steven Rosen, Club CEO Stephen Bettis, Blades Manager Chris Wilder, and representatives of the Fan Advisory Board.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the FAB to raise directly the concerns that have been expressed by supporters in recent weeks.

The contested £35m debt allegedly owed to the former owner

The FAB raised fan concerns following the winding up of COH Sports, and reports in the media that United World Group and Prince Abdullah were owed an outstanding amount of £35m. The FAB asked Steven Rosen to explain his understanding of the situation.

Steven Rosen confirmed that legal representatives from both sides had been in discussion with regard to the liabilities that were or were not owed as part of the sale, and there was a difference of opinion. Mr. Rosen said he had hoped that it would be possible to negotiate an amicable outcome, but that the Prince has taken the decision to wind up COH Sports. Mr. Rosen said he remained hopeful that in due course, an agreed way forward could be found to the satisfaction of all. The FAB accepted the fact that due to this being a legal matter, there was only a certain amount of information that could be disclosed directly, but would note that Mr. Rosen expressed confidence that a positive resolution could be found.

The wider financial position

Steven Rosen and Stephen Bettis explained that the Club is being operated with a focus on long-term financial sustainability. The loss of parachute payments has resulted in a need for the Club to reduce its player wage bill in order to remain compliant with the EFL’s Squad Cost Ratio requirements.

The ownership also explained that funds received through player sales have been used in part to meet player and staff costs and to address existing liabilities and debts. The FAB was given direct assurances that funds coming into the Club have not simply been extracted by the ownership, but reinvested into the Club as part of a plan to return Sheffield United to financial stability.

The Club also stated that it had inherited football-related creditor liabilities of approximately £26m–£27m, meaning that the Club was not in a sound financial position. The Club said they are actively seeking to bring that debt down towards £10m in the first instance.

The EFL and the Independent Football Regulator

The FAB asked about the potential implications of the EFL’s consideration of recent developments and the involvement of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR). We pointed out that a number of local MPs had held a meeting with both bodies and released a statement that has caused concerns amongst fans.

Stephen Bettis confirmed that he has already had meetings with the EFL and the IFR and that these matters are being managed appropriately. The Club noted that the local MPs in question had not, to their knowledge, contacted the Club to discuss these matters before their meeting with the EFL and the IFR. The FAB confirmed that it had scheduled a meeting with a number of these MPs and the Football Supporters’ Association to take place on Thursday 17th September.

The FAB also asked about the potential impact of an owner having two insolvencies on their record. Mr. Rosen said he has been involved in hundreds of companies and there have never been insolvencies with the ones he has directly controlled. Additionally, he has never himself been personally declared insolvent.

Future Plans

After the Club confirmed their plans to reduce overall debt and operate within the Squad Cost Ratio rules, the FAB asked what the plans were for the Club’s future development. Steven Rosen started by saying that it is important to protect the Club as a vital community asset. He stated that he didn’t want to risk everything for one season and then be in trouble for nine more.

Stephen Bettis and Chris Wilder both confirmed that the plans for the development of the training facility at Dore have been signed off by everyone at the Club, and that the next phase of development will depend on moving forward with planning permission and other steps needed to commence work. The Club confirmed that Category 1 Academy status remains a priority, key to delivering future financial stability and growth.

Communication with supporters

Perhaps the most important outcome of the meeting was agreement on the need for better and more direct communication between the ownership, the Club and supporters. Both Steven Rosen and Stephen Bettis feel that the FAB should be a useful way of communicating with fans.

The FAB do not expect every supporter to agree on every issue, and we will continue to represent the broad range of different views expressed by supporters. We believe supporters are best served by having accurate information rather than speculation, and we will continue to ask questions on their behalf.

We remain committed to advocating for Sheffield United supporters and to maintaining a constructive relationship with the Club and its ownership.

Source notes: This is a full transcription of the six summary pages posted by the Blades Fan Advisory Board (@sufc_fab). For a full copy they invite fans to email [email protected].
Click to expand...


Beware! Sneks after your email address…….
 
Bladesman said:
Fan Advisory Board – Follow-Up to Meeting with Steven Rosen

Following feedback from supporters regarding our initial statement, the Fan Advisory Board would like to provide some further detail on the meeting held with Sheffield United Co-Owner Steven Rosen on Sunday 13 September.

The meeting was attended by Steven Rosen, Club CEO Stephen Bettis, Blades Manager Chris Wilder, and representatives of the Fan Advisory Board.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the FAB to raise directly the concerns that have been expressed by supporters in recent weeks.

The contested £35m debt allegedly owed to the former owner

The FAB raised fan concerns following the winding up of COH Sports, and reports in the media that United World Group and Prince Abdullah were owed an outstanding amount of £35m. The FAB asked Steven Rosen to explain his understanding of the situation.

Steven Rosen confirmed that legal representatives from both sides had been in discussion with regard to the liabilities that were or were not owed as part of the sale, and there was a difference of opinion. Mr. Rosen said he had hoped that it would be possible to negotiate an amicable outcome, but that the Prince has taken the decision to wind up COH Sports. Mr. Rosen said he remained hopeful that in due course, an agreed way forward could be found to the satisfaction of all. The FAB accepted the fact that due to this being a legal matter, there was only a certain amount of information that could be disclosed directly, but would note that Mr. Rosen expressed confidence that a positive resolution could be found.

The wider financial position

Steven Rosen and Stephen Bettis explained that the Club is being operated with a focus on long-term financial sustainability. The loss of parachute payments has resulted in a need for the Club to reduce its player wage bill in order to remain compliant with the EFL’s Squad Cost Ratio requirements.

The ownership also explained that funds received through player sales have been used in part to meet player and staff costs and to address existing liabilities and debts. The FAB was given direct assurances that funds coming into the Club have not simply been extracted by the ownership, but reinvested into the Club as part of a plan to return Sheffield United to financial stability.

The Club also stated that it had inherited football-related creditor liabilities of approximately £26m–£27m, meaning that the Club was not in a sound financial position. The Club said they are actively seeking to bring that debt down towards £10m in the first instance.

The EFL and the Independent Football Regulator

The FAB asked about the potential implications of the EFL’s consideration of recent developments and the involvement of the Independent Football Regulator (IFR). We pointed out that a number of local MPs had held a meeting with both bodies and released a statement that has caused concerns amongst fans.

Stephen Bettis confirmed that he has already had meetings with the EFL and the IFR and that these matters are being managed appropriately. The Club noted that the local MPs in question had not, to their knowledge, contacted the Club to discuss these matters before their meeting with the EFL and the IFR. The FAB confirmed that it had scheduled a meeting with a number of these MPs and the Football Supporters’ Association to take place on Thursday 17th September.

The FAB also asked about the potential impact of an owner having two insolvencies on their record. Mr. Rosen said he has been involved in hundreds of companies and there have never been insolvencies with the ones he has directly controlled. Additionally, he has never himself been personally declared insolvent.

Future Plans

After the Club confirmed their plans to reduce overall debt and operate within the Squad Cost Ratio rules, the FAB asked what the plans were for the Club’s future development. Steven Rosen started by saying that it is important to protect the Club as a vital community asset. He stated that he didn’t want to risk everything for one season and then be in trouble for nine more.

Stephen Bettis and Chris Wilder both confirmed that the plans for the development of the training facility at Dore have been signed off by everyone at the Club, and that the next phase of development will depend on moving forward with planning permission and other steps needed to commence work. The Club confirmed that Category 1 Academy status remains a priority, key to delivering future financial stability and growth.

Communication with supporters

Perhaps the most important outcome of the meeting was agreement on the need for better and more direct communication between the ownership, the Club and supporters. Both Steven Rosen and Stephen Bettis feel that the FAB should be a useful way of communicating with fans.

The FAB do not expect every supporter to agree on every issue, and we will continue to represent the broad range of different views expressed by supporters. We believe supporters are best served by having accurate information rather than speculation, and we will continue to ask questions on their behalf.

We remain committed to advocating for Sheffield United supporters and to maintaining a constructive relationship with the Club and its ownership.

Source notes: This is a full transcription of the six summary pages posted by the Blades Fan Advisory Board (@sufc_fab). For a full copy they invite fans to email [email protected].
Click to expand...
Thanks for that.

Do FAB communicate only via twitter or social media or do they have a website? Surely that’s the best way
 
SwissBlade said:
Thanks for that.

Do FAB communicate only via twitter or social media or do they have a website? Surely that’s the best way
Click to expand...

This is why people don't have that much confidence in FAB at the moment. I don't mind using X but this should really be somewhere else than just on there.
 
Bladesman said:
This is why people don't have that much confidence in FAB at the moment. I don't mind using X but this should really be somewhere else than just on there.
Click to expand...
I think I asked some similar things before and someone came on here and answered but their coms are so poor, almost as bad as Rosen, that it was probably a year or so ago
 
Foxy said:
I created them a section on here, but as yet unused (other than reading / individuals using the site normally).
Click to expand...
It would make sense for them to share / update here. I know people go after football heaven but they post here despite the backlash
 
Fan Advisory Board – Meeting with MPs and Football Supporters’ Association

Representatives of the Sheffield United Fan Advisory Board met with local MPs and representatives of the Football Supporters’ Association on Thursday 17th September to discuss the current situation surrounding the Club and, importantly, the impact of the ongoing uncertainty on supporters.

The meeting followed discussions between the MPs and the English Football League and Independent Football Regulator earlier in the week. This meeting was at the specific request of several local MPs, and the FAB and the club were not present. Both Sheffield United and the FAB only learned of the meeting after it had taken place.

The MPs explained that their meeting with the EFL and IFR had been focused on understanding the regulatory processes and powers involved, rather than discussing the specifics of the Sheffield United situation, with appropriate confidentiality applying.

We attended primarily to ensure that the voice of Sheffield United supporters was represented going forwards and to understand more about the processes currently taking place.

The FAB believes supporters should be represented in discussions which have the potential to affect the future of Sheffield United, while recognising that there will be appropriate limits around confidential regulatory and legal matters.

We therefore asked the MPs and FSA to support the FAB in establishing appropriate channels of communication with the EFL and other relevant bodies. The FSA has offered to facilitate a meeting between the FAB and the EFL to help us better understand the regulatory process and how supporter interests can be represented within it.

We also reiterated the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship between supporters, the Club and its ownership.

The FAB has already had a detailed and helpful meeting with Steven Rosen, Stephen Bettis and Chris Wilder, where we were able to put supporters’ questions directly to the Club and ownership. We believe that direct dialogue is the most productive way of ensuring supporters receive accurate information while allowing us to continue asking the difficult questions on their behalf.

There will inevitably be speculation around the current situation, but the FAB’s position remains unchanged: supporters are best served by accurate information rather than conjecture.

We will continue to ask questions, seek information from the appropriate sources and advocate for Sheffield United supporters, while maintaining constructive relationships with the Club, ownership, regulators, the FSA and elected representatives.

Our commitment is to keep supporters informed as the situation develops.

Fan Advisory Board
Sheffield United FC
 



Bladesman said:
Fan Advisory Board – Meeting with MPs and Football Supporters’ Association

Representatives of the Sheffield United Fan Advisory Board met with local MPs and representatives of the Football Supporters’ Association on Thursday 17th September to discuss the current situation surrounding the Club and, importantly, the impact of the ongoing uncertainty on supporters.

The meeting followed discussions between the MPs and the English Football League and Independent Football Regulator earlier in the week. This meeting was at the specific request of several local MPs, and the FAB and the club were not present. Both Sheffield United and the FAB only learned of the meeting after it had taken place.

The MPs explained that their meeting with the EFL and IFR had been focused on understanding the regulatory processes and powers involved, rather than discussing the specifics of the Sheffield United situation, with appropriate confidentiality applying.

We attended primarily to ensure that the voice of Sheffield United supporters was represented going forwards and to understand more about the processes currently taking place.

The FAB believes supporters should be represented in discussions which have the potential to affect the future of Sheffield United, while recognising that there will be appropriate limits around confidential regulatory and legal matters.

We therefore asked the MPs and FSA to support the FAB in establishing appropriate channels of communication with the EFL and other relevant bodies. The FSA has offered to facilitate a meeting between the FAB and the EFL to help us better understand the regulatory process and how supporter interests can be represented within it.

We also reiterated the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship between supporters, the Club and its ownership.

The FAB has already had a detailed and helpful meeting with Steven Rosen, Stephen Bettis and Chris Wilder, where we were able to put supporters’ questions directly to the Club and ownership. We believe that direct dialogue is the most productive way of ensuring supporters receive accurate information while allowing us to continue asking the difficult questions on their behalf.

There will inevitably be speculation around the current situation, but the FAB’s position remains unchanged: supporters are best served by accurate information rather than conjecture.

We will continue to ask questions, seek information from the appropriate sources and advocate for Sheffield United supporters, while maintaining constructive relationships with the Club, ownership, regulators, the FSA and elected representatives.

Our commitment is to keep supporters informed as the situation develops.

Fan Advisory Board
Sheffield United FC
Click to expand...
One of the local MP's is Betts who is a committed and biased Wendy fan, all he wants is the EFL to punish SUFC! And go through the same pain SWFC have gone through. He's another snake!
 
VictoryBlade said:
One of the local MP's is Betts who is a committed and biased Wendy fan, all he wants is the EFL to punish SUFC! And go through the same pain SWFC have gone through. He's another snake!
Click to expand...
Are you able to back-up your claim with evidence that Betts wants the EFL to punish SUFC?
 
ghandi said:
Are you able to back-up your claim with evidence that Betts wants the EFL to punish SUFC?
Click to expand...
Only have to listen to hog Staton on radio pig. Hes stiring the shit big time. Has been for a few weeks now. Him and Betts are as thick as thieves, wouldnt surprise me at all if Staton is pulling Betts strings.

Hes a pig through and through. Dont fall for the BS Blades , they are out to give us pain. Dont ever forget Betts false crushing claim at the Lane, and hog Staton " im from Rotherham I dont support Wednesday". Pair of lying front bottoms pair of them.
 
1790108159345.webp

They posted this on twitter. Tea and biscuits with owner and manager. With a very brief summary which basically said “they’ve told us everything’s fine” with comments turned off.

A few days later they admitted they dropped a bollock and did a bit of grovelling followed by the “feedback always welcome” shite.

FAB was created because it was mandatory in the PL. Since then it’s been kept on by the club but very much on the clubs terms. Keep the people who sort fab happy and make sure they’re telling fans what the club wants them to hear.

Not fit for purpose.
 
metalblade said:
In my few dealings with Betts I've always found him to be a complete shitbag both before and after he became a MP
Click to expand...
Anyone that tells me that my burnt sausage roll , shit beer, or pie with a tortoise bottom, is top class catering is lying to me.
 
ghandi said:
Are you able to back-up your claim with evidence that Betts wants the EFL to punish SUFC?
Click to expand...

No, but he has form for attacking SUFC over crowd safety. When asked to put up or shut up by the club (who had the footage) you can guess which one he did. As far as I know he never withdrew his remarks. It'll be interesting if he'll be campaigning for no deductions like he did for his own team :

www.thestar.co.uk

Sheffield MP calls for safety review at Bramall Lane after '˜crush' outside Steel City Derby

A Sheffield MP has called a for a review of the safety arrangements at Bramall Lane after he was caught up in a crush outside the Steel City Derby.
www.thestar.co.uk www.thestar.co.uk
 
ISZA ⚔️ said:
View attachment 244649

They posted this on twitter. Tea and biscuits with owner and manager. With a very brief summary which basically said “they’ve told us everything’s fine” with comments turned off.

A few days later they admitted they dropped a bollock and did a bit of grovelling followed by the “feedback always welcome” shite.

FAB was created because it was mandatory in the PL. Since then it’s been kept on by the club but very much on the clubs terms. Keep the people who sort fab happy and make sure they’re telling fans what the club wants them to hear.

Not fit for purpose.
Click to expand...
Genuinely thought that were Wilder in tracksuit top 😂
 
nopigfansintown said:
No, but he has form for attacking SUFC over crowd safet. When asked to put up or shut up by the club (who had the footage) you can guess which one he did. As far as I know he never withdraw his remarks. It'll be interesting if he'll be campaigning for no deductions like he did for his own team :

www.thestar.co.uk

Sheffield MP calls for safety review at Bramall Lane after '˜crush' outside Steel City Derby

A Sheffield MP has called a for a review of the safety arrangements at Bramall Lane after he was caught up in a crush outside the Steel City Derby.
www.thestar.co.uk www.thestar.co.uk
Click to expand...

IIRC the club asked him to a meeting to view footage. Some say he didn’t even reply.
 
nopigfansintown said:
No, but he has form for attacking SUFC over crowd safety. When asked to put up or shut up by the club (who had the footage) you can guess which one he did. As far as I know he never withdrew his remarks. It'll be interesting if he'll be campaigning for no deductions like he did for his own team :

www.thestar.co.uk

Sheffield MP calls for safety review at Bramall Lane after '˜crush' outside Steel City Derby

A Sheffield MP has called a for a review of the safety arrangements at Bramall Lane after he was caught up in a crush outside the Steel City Derby.
www.thestar.co.uk www.thestar.co.uk
Click to expand...
Let's also not forget his indiscretion that led to him being suspended as an MP. Great to have him in your corner.....My name is Mark Corrigan...and I am an honorable man.....
 



Sean Thornton said:
IIRC the club asked him to a meeting to view footage. Some say he didn’t even reply.
Click to expand...

He didn't. I think this was the second time he made this type of allegation re United. Passing strange when the only other complaint we've had was after a scrap outside after a Norwich game.

Imo, he was attempting to draw a false equivalence between crowd safety at Hillsborough and Bramall Lane after they had come under significant pressure after the first two derbies post our promotion back to the Champ. This was made more pronounced after a "dangerous"Cup tie they had against Newcastle. He should recuse himself from this issue.

Ironically he would later call for the demolishing of the stand implying that the taxpayer should build a new one:
www.bbc.co.uk

Sheffield MP calls for demolition of Hillsborough's West Stand

Clive Betts says it is a 'disgrace' the stand at the Leppings Lane end is still standing.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk


On balance, he did turn up for the photo op with Bean et al at the HOC over the Tevez affair
 
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