Phil Alexander Gone (Confirmed)

[Barrs Court Red]

5 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

Well good, if that's their field of expertise that's what I want them discussing. If they were poking their noses into the sport I would be worried. 

I am sure we would all love a sport where finance wasn't a big driver, but unfortunately that's not how the real world works.

But even then, what are they discussing? Because it’s not prices, revenue streams or utilising the stadium, because that’s all out of their hands.

All that’s left is to polish the nest egg and give uncle Steve weekly updates on how many cm it’s grown. Maybe they take turns sitting on it to keep it warm, who knows. 

[Port Said Red]

4 minutes ago, Barrs Court Red said:

But even then, what are they discussing? Because it’s not prices, revenue streams or utilising the stadium, because that’s all out of their hands.

All that’s left is to polish the nest egg and give uncle Steve weekly updates on how many cm it’s grown. Maybe they take turns sitting on it to keep it warm, who knows. 

You don't know that and neither do I, none of us know. I have worked at a multitude of companies in my working life, and would be hard pressed to tell what any of the bigwigs do other than try to look important when anyone is looking.

[Mendip City]

16 hours ago, spudski said:

Has it crossed anyone else's mind that maybe there is an investor looking to be part of the club and that part of the deal would be to bring their own financial guys with them. 

Hence not bringing in someone from outside...and covering from within in the meantime. 

Or too far fetched?

Not far fetched, if anything it’s completely logical. 
Should this be the case, let’s hope it’s quick and doesn’t leave the club in limbo. 

[Hxj]

Given the club has got itself into a complete mess and is run by people with no idea of what they are doing - how is the important bit - you know the football - going?

[exAtyeoMax]

1 minute ago, Hxj said:

Given the club has got itself into a complete mess and is run by people with no idea of what they are doing - how is the important bit - you know the football - going?

it's going ok but you have to wonder if the club was in a better state off the field, if it would be doing even better

[Numero Uno]

5 hours ago, sh1t_ref_again said:

Perhaps BT has started to show how much he can offer and PA's performance helped to prove the structure as was is not required.

Earlier in the thread you said that SL being too involved with PA there, so why would he need to get rid of him, if SL wants to be involved he can micro manage and have daily reports if he wanted, maybe he does, but all just speculation

What ever the motive I am at no loss seeing PA gone and not having a replacement for the sake of a replacement

No problem with that as long as we don’t get short changed in January, whether buying or selling, because the person doing the negotiations isn’t really up to the job.

[Selred]

1 hour ago, Bourne End Red said:

He’s put a hell of a lot of time and money into the club.

Its just my opinion mate, I’m far from saying he’s made the best decisions.

So have a lot of other owners, and made far smarter decisions. 

The money he's spent, the fact we are behind the likes of Luton, Bournemouth etc says a lot.

[frenchred]

1 hour ago, megansdad said:

Have been musing since the weekend on the issues I think should be priorities for a new CEO. Since the new team is now in place maybe we can focus their minds, with some constructive ideas as to where fans think they should be concentrating. These would be mine, not necessarily in order of priority (much of this may be happening but clarity on these issues would go along way to allaying the fears of some):

 

• Agree budget for next window ASAP and allow Nige and Brian to work on bringing new players in and controlling sales.
• Sit down with SL and get a clear idea of his plans re ownership. If a sale is wanted then actively seek investors. Communicate with greater clarity intent to the fanbase.
• Sit down urgently with NP and agree a new contract, assuming he wants one. He and coaches have the team playing a clear brand of football, which gives significant cause for optimism. The relationship between Manager and Academy seems to be as good as it has ever been and there is a willingness to give youth a chance. Consistency of thought is now required to see this to fruition. Until things are resolved there will be a high degree of uncertainty and an open issue causing concern among fan base.
• Find out why efforts are seemingly being made to introduce blue, and the infamous flying bird into our colour scheme/image. Any team/brand has its colours, blue is patently not one of ours so why is it increasingly part of the clothing range, along with the cartoon flying bird. Set up a group with fan involvement to screen future ideas. I can't imagine these items have been successful and seems the process does not involve anyone with sufficient understanding of fanbase or with a desire to have clarity around image/brand.
• Consider how to improve home end to create better atmosphere...more standing, behind goal instead of in corner? At the same time I'd look at the make up of Dolman A block and whether the increased stewarding that seems to be required is a cost worth bearing.
• programme production - a momento of a visit which is no longer available, what is rationale behind this decision?

That would be my initial to do list, thankfully matters on the pitch seem to be well in hand.

Don't know about the rest of it but Nigel Pearson definitely wants a new contract

Source: Nigel Pearson

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 hour ago, megansdad said:

seems to be an area with extra stewarding required is my only observation. Proximity to opposition fans seems a driver for some.

Yes, that probably is in alignment with the national regs although dunno whether it still is the case post Covid.

In 'ordinary' areas of the ground, 1 steward per 250 fans.

In areas deemed a greater risk, which I guess this might be due to the new livelier element and promixity to away fans- 1 steward per 100 fans.

Question is what to do about it..is the status quo in E34 ideal or sustainable? Like I say facts on the ground too.

What do you propose exactly.

Edited September 21, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Tony Tootle]

More cost cutting for the sake of it. I hope that this is either a) a temporary measure until the end of the season or b) not doing anything about it immediately as there is a takeover in the pipeline which will mean another reorganisation. 

[TV Tom]

1 hour ago, red panda said:

I've said this so many times, but there is not a long list of owners out there making perfect managerial appointment after perfect managerial appointment.  Personally I think Derek McInnes and Lee Johnson were good appointments, but realise there are many here who will disagree.  Even Sean O'Driscoll seemed good at the time.  And I think most would agree that Gary Johnson, Steve Cotterill and Nigel Pearson were good appointments.  Other appointments weren't so good, but were arguably worth a punt.  I realise this won't happen, but I'd really like us to drop this myth that all of Steve Lansdown's decisions have been poor.

Bang on, although there were plenty of moaners on here when Cotterill was appointed, (you know who you are)

[Antman]

20 hours ago, eardun said:

It seems to me (based on what Pearson said last night and the statement today) that the club has simply realised that they don’t need an expensive CEO in the building - that big role isn’t needed any more seeing how Tinnion’s role has developed. Why pay for a senior, big hitting CEO when one isn’t needed? 

why was one needed in the first place then? it's another Lansdown flip flop

in the face of slight adversity, the bloke does a firesale and nails everything down as usual.

[Davefevs]

4 minutes ago, Antman said:

why was one needed in the first place then? it's another Lansdown flip flop

in the face of slight adversity, the bloke does a firesale and nails everything down as usual.

What I can’t square off is that the transition of structure from:

• Gould (CEO)
• Pearson (Manager)

to:

• Alexander (CEO)
• Tinnion (Technical Director)
• Pearson (Manager)

was on the basis that if Tins / Nige could do most of the footie stuff, Phil could use his strengths to do more on the Commercial side.  Which is what he did at Palace because they had Freedman as Sporting Director handling the football side with Vieira / Hodgson.

So, just asking the question, seeing as we’ve kept Tins / Nige in place with what appears to be the same remit, does that mean two people with a Finance Skillset and JL will be 1) undertaking the commercial things Alexander was, or 2) are we scaling that back or 3) was Alexander not very good at it that it doesn’t need covering?

That’s my question(s) anyway.

[PHILINFRANCE]

4 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

What I can’t square off is that the transition of structure from:

• Gould (CEO)
• Pearson (Manager)

to:

• Alexander (CEO)
• Tinnion (Technical Director)
• Pearson (Manager)

was on the basis that if Tins / Nige could do most of the footie stuff, Phil could use his strengths to do more on the Commercial side.  Which is what he did at Palace because they had Freedman as Sporting Director handling the football side with Vieira / Hodgson.

So, just asking the question, seeing as we’ve kept Tins / Nige in place with what appears to be the same remit, does that mean two people with a Finance Skillset and JL will be 1) undertaking the commercial things Alexander was, or 2) are we scaling that back or 3) was Alexander not very good at it that it doesn’t need covering?

That’s my question(s) anyway.

Following on from your post and given that we no longer have a CEO, what will the Club’s position be, come the January transfer window, should Bell continue his fine form and start scoring steadily and Conway come back from his injury all guns firing and do likewise?

In the event we receive interesting transfer offers for one or even both of them, do we accept (who decides?) and, if so, who negotiates the terms and conditions?

Is there anybody in the building currently with any experience of such a scenario?

[bcfc01]

Just now, PHILINFRANCE said:

Following on from your post and given that we no longer have a CEO, what will the Club’s position be, come the January transfer window, should Bell continue his fine form and start scoring steadily and Conway come back from his injury all guns firing and do likewise?

In the event we receive interesting transfer offers for one or even both of them, do we accept (who decides?) and, if so, who negotiates the terms and conditions?

Is there anybody in the building currently with any experience of such a scenario?

Has there been before ?

[YorksRed]

29 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

What I can’t square off is that the transition of structure from:

• Gould (CEO)
• Pearson (Manager)

to:

• Alexander (CEO)
• Tinnion (Technical Director)
• Pearson (Manager)

was on the basis that if Tins / Nige could do most of the footie stuff, Phil could use his strengths to do more on the Commercial side.  Which is what he did at Palace because they had Freedman as Sporting Director handling the football side with Vieira / Hodgson.

So, just asking the question, seeing as we’ve kept Tins / Nige in place with what appears to be the same remit, does that mean two people with a Finance Skillset and JL will be 1) undertaking the commercial things Alexander was, or 2) are we scaling that back or 3) was Alexander not very good at it that it doesn’t need covering?

That’s my question(s) anyway.

Perhaps there has just been a review of the optimal structure.  That’s what businesses do.

The SC&T minutes highlighted that, due to how Bristol Sport is structured, a lot of what a football club Chief Exec would do elsewhere is not the case for City.  For instance, management of the stadium, negotiation of the concessions etc is done through the stadium company and I would guess that corporate hospitality is too. I would envisage that a lot of group sponsorship (Huboo are also shirt sponsors for the rugby club I think) and procurement is and can be done through the group structure.  I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of the general back room staff (non footballing specialists) are employed and managed through the stadium company/Bristol Sport.  The training ground is built and just needs to tick over and perhaps some of that is also done through other parts of Bristol Sport.

Player signings and contract management can be done by Tins and a finance person.

I don’t know all of what a football club Chief Exec does but it does look like a lot of it has been stripped back.

The only thing perhaps missing from not having a Chief Exec is the “figurehead” role and you only have to think back to a recent one who enjoyed that aspect.  I’m more than happy for that to be Nige and Tins.

 

 

Edited September 21, 2023 by YorksRed

[Selred]

6 minutes ago, PHILINFRANCE said:

In the event we receive interesting transfer offers for one or even both of them, do we accept (who decides?) and, if so, who negotiates the terms and conditions?

 

Should be Tinnion and Nigel to agree on sale. But agree, when it comes to negotiating best terms and conditions with agents, other clubs etc, is Tinnion really best placed? 

[Jeez]

I get the impression PA didn't handle the AS sale well or in the manner, SL wanted it to be done or extract the maximum value. Hence SL making a point of getting involved in the deal.

The board was intent on cashing in on AS before the season ended & we ended up in a situation where we got a fair bit less than the highly publicized price tag.

Remember Ashton for all his faults was seen to be good at selling players & better at putting the spin of getting the best price. 

Might explain the sudden change of direction.

 

[PHILINFRANCE]

4 minutes ago, Selred said:

Should be Tinnion and Nigel to agree on sale. But agree, when it comes to negotiating best terms and conditions with agents, other clubs etc, is Tinnion really best placed? 

I am pretty sure that NP has stated previously, and in pretty unequivocal terms, that he has no desire to be or get involved in any discussions with football agents.

[sh1t_ref_again]

23 minutes ago, Selred said:

, is Tinnion really best placed? 

Perhaps the Tinman has developed to do more than just hit a good left footed cross

[Antman]

43 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

What I can’t square off is that the transition of structure from:

• Gould (CEO)
• Pearson (Manager)

to:

• Alexander (CEO)
• Tinnion (Technical Director)
• Pearson (Manager)

was on the basis that if Tins / Nige could do most of the footie stuff, Phil could use his strengths to do more on the Commercial side.  Which is what he did at Palace because they had Freedman as Sporting Director handling the football side with Vieira / Hodgson.

So, just asking the question, seeing as we’ve kept Tins / Nige in place with what appears to be the same remit, does that mean two people with a Finance Skillset and JL will be 1) undertaking the commercial things Alexander was, or 2) are we scaling that back or 3) was Alexander not very good at it that it doesn’t need covering?

That’s my question(s) anyway.

what scares me about your question  (option 2) is that JL might be involved at all, in any capacity that would / could impact our operations.

IMO There has been little or nothing he has done that has engendered a sense of credibility or reliability or indeed business acumen.

This new arrangment means Tins is in charge of selling / buying -  i can't comment on that or his ability to (wheel and) deal with agents.

BUT...it suggests we have gone back down the road of the 'Yes men' (been there before!) and within that I worry for Pearsons longevity in his role.

re the commercial side, any sense we have 'sorted it out' and no longer need a good person in that role is patent nonsense. No business stands still, and given the febrile nature of the transfer markets, surely the commercial side is more important than ever to offset ongoing losses on the field. PLUS, we are going into a major sporting development at AG with increased facilities across a broader portfolio (hotels, conference centre, basketball stadium etc)_ that will need a careful and profficient management to maximise revenue (surely?)  is SL honestly suggesting his incumbent team is up to par?

 

it all smacks so much of previous SL cycles of panic / go for it.

 

 

 

[Davefevs]

38 minutes ago, PHILINFRANCE said:

Following on from your post and given that we no longer have a CEO, what will the Club’s position be, come the January transfer window, should Bell continue his fine form and start scoring steadily and Conway come back from his injury all guns firing and do likewise?

In the event we receive interesting transfer offers for one or even both of them, do we accept (who decides?) and, if so, who negotiates the terms and conditions?

Is there anybody in the building currently with any experience of such a scenario?

I’m gonna come across as quite flippant on this, but not trying to be.  How difficult is it to value a player and terms and then react to a bid of varying parameters, e.g.

• What transfer fee are you offering
• What payment terms are you offering / over how long
• What add-ons are you offering
• What sell-on are you offering

Ultimately any proposal will need SL’s sign-off.  It’s not like haggling down the market is it where a decision will be needed there and then.

I honestly have no fears about trying to sell or buy a player and being stung by lack of experience.

31 minutes ago, YorksRed said:

Perhaps there has just been a review of the optimal structure.  That’s what businesses do.

The SC&T minutes highlighted that, due to how Bristol Sport is structured, a lot of what a football club Chief Exec would do elsewhere is not the case for City.  For instance, management of the stadium, negotiation of the concessions etc is done through the stadium company and I would guess that corporate hospitality is too. I would envisage that a lot of group sponsorship (Huboo are also shirt sponsors for the rugby club I think) and procurement is and can be done through the group structure.  I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of the general back room staff (non footballing specialists) are employed and managed through the stadium company/Bristol Sport.  The training ground is built and just needs to tick over and perhaps some of that is also done through other parts of Bristol Sport.

Player signings and contract management can be done by Tins and a finance person.

I don’t know all of what a football club Chief Exec does but it does look like a lot of it has been stripped back.

The only thing perhaps missing from not having a Chief Exec is the “figurehead” role and you only have to think back to a recent one who enjoyed that aspect.  I’m more than happy for that to be Nige and Tins.

 

 

I suspect you are very close to the answer.  Therefore, why was PA appointed in the first place?  Hey ho.  No need to answer that.

[Davefevs]

8 minutes ago, Antman said:

what scares me about your question  (option 2) is that JL might be involved at all, in any capacity that would / could impact our operations.

IMO There has been little or nothing he has done that has engendered a sense of credibility or reliability or indeed business acumen.

This new arrangment means Tins is in charge of selling / buying -  i can't comment on that or his ability to (wheel and) deal with agents.

BUT...it suggests we have gone back down the road of the 'Yes men' (been there before!) and within that I worry for Pearsons longevity in his role.

re the commercial side, any sense we have 'sorted it out' and no longer need a good person in that role is patent nonsense. No business stands still, and given the febrile nature of the transfer markets, surely the commercial side is more important than ever to offset ongoing losses on the field. PLUS, we are going into a major sporting development at AG with increased facilities across a broader portfolio (hotels, conference centre, basketball stadium etc)_ that will need a careful and profficient management to maximise revenue (surely?)  is SL honestly suggesting his incumbent team is up to par?

 

it all smacks so much of previous SL cycles of panic / go for it.

 

 

 

And that is probably more closely aligned to my thinking…albeit I’m very cynical on this topic.

[stortfordred]

3 hours ago, chinapig said:

Really? So basketball needs a CEO but football doesn't? It would be interesting to know the rationale for that. Not that we would be told.

Slam dunk mate. Slam dunk!

[Mendip City]

36 minutes ago, Antman said:

what scares me about your question  (option 2) is that JL might be involved at all, in any capacity that would / could impact our operations.

IMO There has been little or nothing he has done that has engendered a sense of credibility or reliability or indeed business acumen.

This new arrangment means Tins is in charge of selling / buying -  i can't comment on that or his ability to (wheel and) deal with agents.

BUT...it suggests we have gone back down the road of the 'Yes men' (been there before!) and within that I worry for Pearsons longevity in his role.

re the commercial side, any sense we have 'sorted it out' and no longer need a good person in that role is patent nonsense. No business stands still, and given the febrile nature of the transfer markets, surely the commercial side is more important than ever to offset ongoing losses on the field. PLUS, we are going into a major sporting development at AG with increased facilities across a broader portfolio (hotels, conference centre, basketball stadium etc)_ that will need a careful and profficient management to maximise revenue (surely?)  is SL honestly suggesting his incumbent team is up to par?

 

it all smacks so much of previous SL cycles of panic / go for it.

 

 

 

It smacks of cost-cutting or downsizing. 
 

I wonder whether Nige is seen as a cost that could be cut? 
 

Put it another way, I’m sure you could get cheaper managers than Nige. 
 

I can see his co tract not being renewed. That would be a mistake IMO.  

I agree with your concern about a “yes man” or jobs for mates/faces that fit culture….

 

[megansdad]

2 hours ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Yes, that probably is in alignment with the national regs although dunno whether it still is the case post Covid.

In 'ordinary' areas of the ground, 1 steward per 250 fans.

In areas deemed a greater risk, which I guess this might be due to the new livelier element and promixity to away fans- 1 steward per 100 fans.

Question is what to do about it..is the status quo in E34 ideal or sustainable? Like I say facts on the ground too.

What do you propose exactly.

no proposal as I don't have sufficient information on which to base one - but something worth looking at as part of a wider atmosphere review.

[RedRock]

So….this Gavin Marshall chappy, never heard of him previously ….but, if I understand this new structure correctly, is now CEO of all Bristol Sports Clubs and Bristol Sport assets.

Struth, quite a remit. Possibly manageable for someone with vast experience in the sporting and property sphere, but from a quick check doesn’t look like he has that breadth or depth of experience.  Maybe, though he’s an absolute genius and we’re lucky to have uncovered such a star of the business/sporting realms. 

Assume he’ll be introducing himself to us all and explaining just what’s going on with our Club and delivery of Steve’s vision for Bristol Sport, including progression the arena et al.

Hopefully, he will be a breath of fresh air. Could it be he’s a super talent at communication and sorting out sporting clubs commercial/retail operations, let’s hope so. Maybe we will have a CEO that wants to engage with his ‘Customers’, be informative and be there in the bad, as well as good times. 

Looking forward to the ‘big reveal’ sometime soon …on the other hand pigs might fly. 

 

Edited September 21, 2023 by RedRock

[steviestevieneville]

5 hours ago, red panda said:

I've said this so many times, but there is not a long list of owners out there making perfect managerial appointment after perfect managerial appointment.  Personally I think Derek McInnes and Lee Johnson were good appointments, but realise there are many here who will disagree.  Even Sean O'Driscoll seemed good at the time.  And I think most would agree that Gary Johnson, Steve Cotterill and Nigel Pearson were good appointments.  Other appointments weren't so good, but were arguably worth a punt.  I realise this won't happen, but I'd really like us to drop this myth that all of Steve Lansdown's decisions have been poor.

This is my point though. I can only speak about SL & there’s probably a lot of others that let’s their egos dictate. Football isn’t his first sport , so what makes him think he’ll know better than someone that’s been in the game all their lives. He should of taken advice from someone in the game. Someone like joe Jordan would of been perfect . He’s got a track record of giving people a chance with little or no experience. Tinnion, Millen, Johnson, Holden & mciines to a lesser exent. The successes , Johnson snr, cotts & Pearson , all experienced & track record of promotions. All be it , cotts wasn’t his appointment & Pearson phoned him for the job when he royally ****** up with Holden. The only appointment he himself made with any success was GJ. Not a great track record is it . 

Edited September 21, 2023 by steviestevieneville

[Tyna]

5 hours ago, Davefevs said:

What I can’t square off is that the transition of structure from:

• Gould (CEO)
• Pearson (Manager)

to:

• Alexander (CEO)
• Tinnion (Technical Director)
• Pearson (Manager)

was on the basis that if Tins / Nige could do most of the footie stuff, Phil could use his strengths to do more on the Commercial side.  Which is what he did at Palace because they had Freedman as Sporting Director handling the football side with Vieira / Hodgson.

So, just asking the question, seeing as we’ve kept Tins / Nige in place with what appears to be the same remit, does that mean two people with a Finance Skillset and JL will be 1) undertaking the commercial things Alexander was, or 2) are we scaling that back or 3) was Alexander not very good at it that it doesn’t need covering?

That’s my question(s) anyway.

I wonder who was responsible for the O'Neils kit deal. Wasn't PA doing some consultancy work for Wycombe Wanderers and they were with O'Neils at the time. Maybe PA recommended them and has now paid the price.

[Ian M]

Remember back through the Summer, when Tins and Nige seemed to genuinely think they were recruiting in addition to Scott?

Remember when SL said he had to jump in and take over negotiations with Bournemouth?

I pointed out earlier this Summer the mixed messages regarding our finances.

Maybe, PA has taken the bullet for this seeming miscommunication between football operations and ownership?