Open Letter To Richard Batho

[Big Mart]

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.

I'd reply but no doubt you'd go running to teacher again, telling tales and so another infraction would follow.

My you're precious.

 

[raul]

Horace is a wonker - signed rest of the class.

 

[Big Mart]

Careful, someone twee may dob you in

 

[SwissBlade]

I'd reply but no doubt you'd go running to teacher again, telling tales and so another infraction would follow.

My you're precious.

Careful, someone twee may dob you in

Oh get over your precious little ego. If you want to reply, reply... do you want a cuddle? The bottle's warming nicely for you.

If someone has reported you and you got an infraction it certainly wasn't me. Its not my style. I'd PM you if I was offended.

I do think you're a big kid and am happy to publicly highlight your failings

 

[Big Mart]

Oh dear you really are a little girl aren't you? Your style is exactly that of sneaking around behind folks backs and snitching on them like a little saddo.

You think I'm a big kid? You'd never say that to my face so time to move on, you really aren't worth getting banned for.

 

[JJ Sefton]

My point remains entirely consistent and you're intelligent enough to know that the responsibility for reporting back shouldn't fall to a fan or Linz or Foxy or whoever.

Bollocks. If you want Batho to tell you something email him, I did. If youre too bone idle to do even that then there is less hope for you than it appears...

 

[SwissBlade]

Sweetie, if someone reported you it wasn't me. But perhaps if someone has reported you (like you imply they have) then you should not sit and sulk, but look at why you got reported in the first place. Now you're just showing yourself up

And whats all this about????? Veiled threats???

You'd never say that to my face so time to move on, you really aren't worth getting banned for.

I'm sure if we met you wouldn't behave like such a big kid If the above is some sort of tough guy act, then I'm sure I wouldn't want to associate with you anyway.

 

[sitwell]

My own view is that quite a few should grow up and remember its just a football team playing football for entertainment. If you don't enjoy it don't go but don't slate others for their enjoyment.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

My own view is that quite a few should grow up and remember its just a football team playing football for entertainment. If you don't enjoy it don't go but don't slate others for their enjoyment.

Hear, hear. Couldn't agree more. Some of the bitching on here is pathetic and what it must look like to supporters of other clubs I cant even imagine. If Mr Batho has looked at this he must think it's a laugh a minute. Pathetic.

 

[dingledog]

My own view is that quite a few should grow up and remember its just a football team playing football for entertainment. If you don't enjoy it don't go but don't slate others for their enjoyment.

Fantastic perspective there. Its only a game, does it ultimatly matter? Answer no. Yes it might be an important part of our lives but thats all it is, a part of our lives.

As for Mr Batho, I have only briefly met him once, he seemed a decent enough chap and I am sure he is doing his best to do the job to the best of his abilities. Sometimes there is more dignity in saying nothin than in entering a pointless debate about things you can't alter. A phrase often used is two ears one mouth, use them in proportion.

Lets give the man a chance to get on with his job, and bear in mind he has just been appointed to probably his dream job at what can only be descirbed at the worst possible time. I havent seen his job description so couldnt tell you his specific duties.

 

[Linz]

I have no doubts that I'll receive PMs feigning ignorance as to why infractions have been issued and accusing us of being "cult-like" (yep... honestly).

However, infractions have been issued and no amount of arguing reverses them.

Gentlemen. I will ask very kindly that you act like grown-ups and discuss your points reasonably without resorting to threats and antagonism.

If you cannot, I would suggest you step away from the forum before you find yourself being removed.

 

[lenners]

Bollocks. If you want Batho to tell you something email him, I did. If youre too bone idle to do even that then there is less hope for you than it appears...

No, I want Batho to communicate with all those he represents.
That's kinda the whole point, which despite all the misplaced invective, I think you do actually grasp.

 

[Rattly Noise]

Do you want him to personally contact every fan? That's just unrealistic.

 

[Trigger Blade]

Oh dear you really are a little girl aren't you? Your style is exactly that of sneaking around behind folks backs and snitching on them like a little saddo.

You think I'm a big kid? You'd never say that to my face so time to move on, you really aren't worth getting banned for.

When I first read your posts, I thought you were probably still at school, but youve posted something since that made me think you were a bit older, I must have imagined it.

 

[Highbury_Blade]

No, I want Batho to communicate with all those he represents.
That's kinda the whole point, which despite all the misplaced invective, I think you do actually grasp.

Pin it down len, what medium should he use?

Facebook
Twitter
SUFC OS
This forum
Bladesmad
Any other united forum.

 

[Big Mart]

When I first read your posts, I thought you were probably still at school, but youve posted something since that made me think you were a bit older, I must have imagined it

Ooh, scary

 

[silverfox]

No, I want Batho to communicate with all those he represents.

And how would you know if he missed one out?

Do we all have to let you know?

 

[lenners]

Pin it down len, what medium should he use?

Facebook
Twitter
SUFC OS
This forum
Bladesmad
Any other united forum.

I don't mind because in reality if he at least does it on one forum (in the widest sense of the word), it can be copied elsewhere.
Interestingly, I've had no response to my earlier communication to him. He could send it in a message if he doesn't want to post on here.

---------- Post added at 02:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:46 PM ----------

And how would you know if he missed one out?

Do we all have to let you know?

I know you guys realise you've lost the argument so perhaps it's best to drop it now.

 

[silverfox]

I don't mind because in reality if he at least does it on one forum (in the widest sense of the word), it can be copied elsewhere.
Interestingly, I've had no response to my earlier communication to him. He could send it in a message if he doesn't want to post on here.

---------- Post added at 02:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:46 PM ----------



I know you guys realise you've lost the argument so perhaps it's best to drop it now.

I'd love to know how he can communicate with everyone he represents.

Please give us your wisdom Len.

Remember though....all.....every single one!

 

[SteelCity Blade]

I know you guys realise you've lost the argument so perhaps it's best to drop it now.

Yes that's it! You're right and the vast majority are wrong. That explains everything!

 

[BaldeRunner]

Yes that's it! You're right and the vast majority are wrong. That explains everything!

Which 'vast majority' are you referring to exactly? Presumably its not the current poll that is indicating that two thirds of the people who have voted so far would be in favour of the liaison officer at least posting updates on this forum. The more ardent 'yes' and 'no' camps are at the moment equal. I'm not suggesting that the poll is indicative of all the thousands of Blades fans everywhere. I just think that debates are lessened when one side or the other claims that they are backed by the 'vast majority' when there isn't actually any empirical evidnce to support that.

 

[Cool Clint]

I know you guys realise you've lost the argument so perhaps it's best to drop it now.

If you fail to answer peoples questions then you have lost the argument.

 

[bricktop]

Talking of questions, i've invited Batho to come on and answer mine three days ago, and he can't be arsed.

 

[Cool Clint]

Talking of questions, i've invited Batho to come on and answer mine three days ago, and he can't be arsed.

May i draw your attention to this:

Here are the notes from the Meeting/Forum held with Richard Batho.

Feel free to add your comments.

Q. There's a strong rumour from within the club that Loyalty point maybe scrapped?

A. I have discussed this at length with the person you have mentioned and there will be no such plan to get rid of the Loyalty Points scheme.

Q. Will the £10 Junior Blades Season Tickets be extended to next season?

A. This has been looked into at length and there seems to be a gap where people walk away from the club when they reach 13-16 years old. So we are going to restructure the pricing scheme so that we don't lose as many of these people. The proposed prices are:
Junior supporters either £79 (Kop) or £89 (South & John Street) and that I hope will make it more affordable to our teenage supporters.

Q. Will the 17th April Dead-line be extended?

A. No, is the short answer. We need to maintain our commitment to the people that renew before deadline day. Gone are the days where people that come forward early get treated as mugs.
What I would like to do is take all the names and addresses of the people that renew early and reward them with some sort of reward in the future . . .

Q. Are Ticket prices going up for a match day?

A. This has not been decided yet, but there will be very few £10 and bring a friend type promotions. Mini-Season Tickets/Flexi-Tickets will not be offered this season.

Q. Do United accept fund-raising?

A. United accept fund-raising if put forward properly. I will pursuit your idea's with the person responsible.

Q. Every game, if you look at the boxes on the John Street Stand. You will see lots of empty boxes! Is it possible to raffle these off to existing Season Ticket holders as a bonus, if they are not filled?

A. Good idea but companies do buy season tickets for these and it would be up to them whether they are going to use them first. I don't think it would be feasible with time scales involved. Shame though as it would be a potentially a good idea.

Q. With the changes and drop in the Quality of service at Radio Sheffield, is there any chance we could take advantage of this and broadcast our own Radio commentary or extend the Blades TV/player to a subscription service?

A. Our own commentary could be costly but it is not impossible. If we could do it we would. TV however requires special permission from the FA is it's their brand. It may bear our name but it is copyrighted to the FA. So as a short term answer, it isn't possible. Unless we do what Leeds did and buy out of the contract football league contract.

(light humour from 1 member: will we not talk about Leeds in a favourable light please? )

Q. Do you think that the £15 charge for renewing your season ticket over the phone is a bit steep?

A. The £15 charge has been scrapped, I don't think we should be making money in this way from the fans. I can also reveal that plans are underway to get rid of the premium numbers also. There is no need to have premium numbers to a ticket line.

Q. Bearing in mind the time of year and that they were voted in last October/November time, When will the new kits be available to buy? The reason I ask is, people like to buy them for their holidays.

A. We have again run into problems with Macron about the shirts. This is because we sell a lower number of shirts than some other clubs. The deal we have means in the past we have ordered a nlarger number shirts as a starting order. We are trying to reduce it. The problem with Macron is that they also supply Leeds and they buy 100K shirts from their club shops, which is a phenomenal amount compared to ours. So they may prioritise some other clubs before us sometimes.
We do have ideas that we may go into a non-named shirt where we make our own (due to our links in China). We will then have our own designs and get them out at a fraction of the cost therefore the saving being made to the Customers/Fans.

(Great Idea imo)

(more light banter: Ok Leeds are being mentioned far too much in this forum )

Q. Why couldn't we take advantage of one of the big name brands?

A. Do you want Ajax's shirt design last season as the first team shirt this season? That is what big brands do. They pass off big name designed shirts to smaller clubs, just change the badge and sponsor.

.Q. Tongue in cheek question: Can you ask the player, during negotiations during the summer, to NOT wear Blue Boots? The player goes way down in my estimations when they come on with blue boots on.

A. Blank look!

Q. A burning rumour is: There has been lots of training ground bust-ups, is this true?

A. Do people who are grouped together argue at times when there are about 40 of you? I think that speaks for itself.

Q. The Superstore: Why is there a delivery charge of £6-7 for delivery on products that take 2-3weeks to turn up?

A. Send me the details and I'll follow this up as it seems far too poor to the normal practices in the club shop.

Q. Kyle Walker has been called up to the England Squad a couple of times, is there any clauses where we receive any money?

A. NO, I don't think so.


*Richard states that he would like to go on the record as he will NOT answer Forums, if anyone has any burning issues, either turn up to these open forums OR email him for a personal response. He answers all emails.

Its a shame you have not followed up to get the information other poster provide.

 

[bricktop]

Yeah, i have read it, and all it does is skirt around the real issues.

 

[lenners]

If you fail to answer peoples questions then you have lost the argument.

Answered them all, not that they were exactly difficult to answer.
I actually suspect Batho realises he hasn't communicated as he should have done and will hopefully make amends in future.

---------- Post added at 04:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:28 PM ----------

Yes that's it! You're right and the vast majority are wrong. That explains everything!

Even if I was the only person on this forum pointing out Batho has failed to communicate properly, I would still be right.
As it happens, others feel the same way, including the OP who put his points much more eloquently than I have done.

 

[BaldeRunner]

May i draw your attention to this:



Its a shame you have not followed up to get the information other poster provide.

I think this is part of the problem. To be honest, in the current condition the club finds itself, answering questions abut the cost of deliveries from the superstore or the drop in quality of service from Radio Sheffield feels to me a bit like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic. I am honestly not decrying this bread and butter role of answering such questions but it does highlight for me that this debate is getting lost on different interpretations of the the role.

As a fan I want know what the hell has gone wrong, what is being done about it and what timescales and milestones, if any, have been set for recovery. Everything else, to me, is at best an irrelevance and a worst a deflection of the reality. I think I understand now that Richard Batho's role is not to deal with this kind of issue. In other words it seems as though it is a more operational than strategic role. Fair enough. So, who will ask the hard questions? Who will step up from the club to address these questions? Will we as supporters be ever able to engage in real dialogue with the decision makers in a transparent way?

 

[bricktop]

I get the impression that he nothing but a Stool Pigeon for McCabe and Birch, and his happy to keep his trap shut about anything contentious in order to keep his well paid job at Sheffield United.

If i was in his position i would be looking for way to go out there and open dialogue with supporters, and places like this would be ideal. Even if it was just for one night and a question and answer session it would be a start.

Anyway, please feel free to have a look at his twitter account to see what he posts on there, there is nothing much that would be expected of someone whose role it is to communicate between the club and the supporters, its more a bit of a feeble marketing

http://twitter.com/#!/rbSUFC

 

[lenners]

Some good points BaldeRunner.
I'm not sure we really needed to appoint someone to deal with questions about when the bar opens but if that's what it is/was that's fine - but it should've been made clear.
You might think the setting up of working groups suggested it was more substantial but seeing as we can't get a response on that, perhaps we'll never know.

 

[bricktop]

Lenners, i really think you should have a look at Richard Batho's twitter feed to understand what the role of a Supporters Communications Manager really is?