Ok folks, last night's meeting lasted 2 -3 hours. Representing Glentoran and answering questions were:
Stafford Reynolds (Chairman), Tom Dick (Chief Executive), and Directors Aubrey Ralph and Tom Neill.
I'll briefly go over what I thought were the main points.
Ground move;
As you'd expect, first question.
Basically we're told that despite a lot of hard work behind the scenes nothing is on the table some 18 months down the line.
This raised obvious concerns over our position in the Oval, and the Ards scenario, ie - could we eventually be 'evicted' by new purchasers Girona Developments. An assurance was given that could not happen, UNLESS Girona could prove that the Glens were not actively pursuing a new location. We are told there is ample documentation to prove that we are. So in effect although we don't seem to be any further down the line we are fulfilling our end of the deal. The contract was there should any of us have wished to check it - no thankyou. We're told the contract actually stipulates that when we eventually do settle on a new location, we have a further lease of the Oval for 6 years at 2 quid a week before they can chuck us out!
The club explained however that they are well into negotiations with Castlereagh Council over the Billy Neill Stadium. It must be said it was not the popular choice within the body of the hall. We're told requests were put in writing to Belfast City Council with a view to re-locating in the East, say Hollywood Road, but this was three years ago, and at that time was given a lukewarm response. The Board say they would encourage Glens fans to actively lobby our local councillors, asking what they are doing to keep the club in East Belfast.
Frankly it looks to me that they're getting far too cosy with the Billy Neill idea.
By the way, Stafford Reynolds gave us assurances that Davy Chick had nothing to do with Girona Developments.
While we're on it ...
Contrary to what I was led to believe, that Davy Chick was simply appointed President of the club as he had been Patron and was therefore next in succession - that is not the case. Davy Chick was elected to the position at a full Board meeting.
When nominees were asked for, Mr Chick was proposed and seconded, there were no other nominees for the position and he was duly elected President of Glentoran Football Club by our present Board of Directors - unopposed!
I questioned the decision strongly. How could a Board who were apparently looking to build bridges with the fans, then reward a man so obviously unpopular with those same Glentoran fans with the Presidency of the club? I pressed, Were the Board so out of touch with common sentiment on the terraces? Stafford Reynolds was positively irked at my remarks, and Tom Neill apparently found it amusing! (** see below) The forum was quickly moved on ...
** Tom Neill has since been in touch with me and has asked that I clarify his position. Tom insists that in no way did he find the above situation amusing at all, quite the opposite. He says he takes his position on the Board of Directors very serious indeed, and any and all matters relating to it. He was also keen to point out that he wasn't at said Board meeting Mr Chick was elected, and adds that as a lifelong Glentoran supporter himself, he is very much for supporters sentiment to be given a better hearing. I am more than happy to take Tom at his word on this occasion, and consider myself back on his Christmas list.
Andy Smith;
The Glens thought they were getting £130,000 for Andy Smith until Sheffield United phoned them on July 12th this year.
It would seem when Roy Coyle signed the contract with Sheffield United 3 years ago, the 50% sell-on part of it was never placed in Andy's file. Result being the present Board knew nothing about it when Andy's transfer was being negotiated (for 3 months remember), and Coyler neglected to tell anyone about it. Why? you ask. So did I, and got a shrug of the shoulders!
As always, lessons are learn't the hard way. The manager now no longer negotiates contracts with new players, he simply indicates who he would like to see at the Oval, and the Chairman, Chief Executive and Secretary sort out the paperwork.
Other matters;
Amongst other things there was a further lengthy discussion on ticket allocation for matches, primarily concession tickets, and on how a fairer method of distribution could be put in place.
In closing:
All in all I'd say it was a very worthwhile venture, conducted it must be said in relative harmony. Most I think saw no point in raking over the Gary Smyth or Andy Kilmartin saga's again. After all, this Board always claimed those incidents were not of their making, before their time, so let's hold them accountable for their actions thereafter. I think they deserve some credit for giving us last nights opportunity, true to their word they didn't shirk any of the questions posed, we can only assume we were given honest answers. I have no reason to believe otherwise.
Further forums we're told will continue take place, possibly in a rotation of supporters clubs. An undertaking was also given to find ways of opening invitations to a broader section of the fans.
Finally - There was a lot more minor detail to the meeting than I have given you here, but hopefully you're happy with the way I seen events unfold last night. I think I've covered the important bits, but having read Alex McWilliams report on the Official website, all I can say is he must have been up all night! ... HERE
