Questions for Friday

[Hitthebar22]

1. What was the cause of the disagreement between you and Paul Ogden that led to rumours of his resignation?
2. Why did you force the Strakers out of the club?
3. What was the cause of the friction between Paul Cox and you/your Dad?
4. Why did you decide to restructure the football side of the club without consulting Paul Cox?
5. If Barrow finish 7th or below does that mean Micky Moore will be sacked?
6. Did you interview any other candidates for the manager's job or were you trying to avoid a constructive dismissal claim from Paul Cox?
7. How much money has the club lost since the last accounts were published?
8. Has the club's turnover increased since PC purchased the club?
9. Who is in charge player recruitment?
10. Have you researched the history of the 'Director of Football' role in English football to see whether it is a successful model?

Poor questions. Often not really questions at all. AC is not on trial. More of a cross examination than a question and answer session.
OK content.
Suggest restructuring.
1. Was there any disagreement between you Paul Ogden? [ if yes, what was it?]
2. Did you force the Strakers out of the club? [If yes, why?]
3. Was there friction between Paul Cox and your Dad [if yes, what was it?]
4. Was the football side of the club restructured without consulting Paul Cox? [if yes, why?]
5. OK
6. Were there interviews with other potential managers before the appointment of Moore? (The part about constructive dismissal is a totally different topic. Cox has the right to have the legal situation considered regarding his contract of employment, just like anyone else)
7. Has the club lost money since the last accounts were published? [If yes, how much?]
8. OK [If yes, how much?]
9. OK
10. Have any considered any precedent, successful or otherwise, for the appointment of a "director of football"?.

[Hitthebar22]

1. What is the clubs plan for the next 5 years?
1.(b) Has the club ever had a plan? Can you share with us what the plan is? So everyone can get behind the specifics to ensure that the club reaches its target. (Its ok saying " football league in 5 years" but there needs to be objectives to meet that plan as a whole)
2. What has been put in place to ensure that any target is reached?
2. (b) what has been put in place that is now generating profit from the previous 3 years?.
3. Can a push to the football league be realistically financed? or are assumptions just based on the hope of scraping into the play offs one year?
4. How did the club go from aiming to employ "someone better than Paul Cox" to land at his assistant ? Was this because it would have been too expensive to bring two new faces on fresh contracts as well as terminating an existing one?
5. Why has the club not employed a football person in the right position to ensure growth off the pitch?
6. Why does the club believe a 7th place finish in this league is not good enough?
7. What happened to Gary Simpson?
8. With recent mention of plans for the Cross Bar End coming up, does this mean any other renovation/building work is not going to happen? If so then why? I.E HS End, One New Stand Each Season from the start of the 2015/16 season.
9. Is the clubs plan to become a selling club? Are the clubs hopes of becoming self sustainable hinged on whether Paul Ogden can sign 3 players good enough to be sold on each season?
10. Why has the owner been so quiet over the last 3 months? All we have really seen is a statement after Cox left.

Some predictable questions, and some really weak ones, particularly those making statements rather than being questions. Just like a second rate politician. Also several numbered questions that are two questions, not one. You can't ask two questions in one and expect a proper reply. Very poor effort. Needs much, much more thought from the self styled king of the forum.

[The Real Slim Azza]

1. What is the clubs plan for the next 5 years?
1.(b) Has the club ever had a plan? Can you share with us what the plan is? So everyone can get behind the specifics to ensure that the club reaches its target. (Its ok saying " football league in 5 years" but there needs to be objectives to meet that plan as a whole)
2. What has been put in place to ensure that any target is reached?
2. (b) what has been put in place that is now generating profit from the previous 3 years?.
3. Can a push to the football league be realistically financed? or are assumptions just based on the hope of scraping into the play offs one year?
4. How did the club go from aiming to employ "someone better than Paul Cox" to land at his assistant ? Was this because it would have been too expensive to bring two new faces on fresh contracts as well as terminating an existing one?
5. Why has the club not employed a football person in the right position to ensure growth off the pitch?
6. Why does the club believe a 7th place finish in this league is not good enough?
7. What happened to Gary Simpson?
8. With recent mention of plans for the Cross Bar End coming up, does this mean any other renovation/building work is not going to happen? If so then why? I.E HS End, One New Stand Each Season from the start of the 2015/16 season.
9. Is the clubs plan to become a selling club? Are the clubs hopes of becoming self sustainable hinged on whether Paul Ogden can sign 3 players good enough to be sold on each season?
10. Why has the owner been so quiet over the last 3 months? All we have really seen is a statement after Cox left.

Some predictable questions, and some really weak ones, particularly those making statements rather than being questions. Just like a second rate politician. Also several numbered questions that are two questions, not one. You can't ask two questions in one and expect a proper reply. Very poor effort. Needs much, much more thought from the self styled king of the forum.

MASSIVE LOL PARTY

[spongebobsquarepants]

1. What was the cause of the disagreement between you and Paul Ogden that led to rumours of his resignation?
2. Why did you force the Strakers out of the club?
3. What was the cause of the friction between Paul Cox and you/your Dad?
4. Why did you decide to restructure the football side of the club without consulting Paul Cox?
5. If Barrow finish 7th or below does that mean Micky Moore will be sacked?
6. Did you interview any other candidates for the manager's job or were you trying to avoid a constructive dismissal claim from Paul Cox?
7. How much money has the club lost since the last accounts were published?
8. Has the club's turnover increased since PC purchased the club?
9. Who is in charge player recruitment?
10. Have you researched the history of the 'Director of Football' role in English football to see whether it is a successful model?

Poor questions. Often not really questions at all. AC is not on trial. More of a cross examination than a question and answer session.
OK content.
Suggest restructuring.
1. Was there any disagreement between you Paul Ogden? [ if yes, what was it?]
2. Did you force the Strakers out of the club? [If yes, why?]
3. Was there friction between Paul Cox and your Dad [if yes, what was it?]
4. Was the football side of the club restructured without consulting Paul Cox? [if yes, why?]
5. OK
6. Were there interviews with other potential managers before the appointment of Moore? (The part about constructive dismissal is a totally different topic. Cox has the right to have the legal situation considered regarding his contract of employment, just like anyone else)
7. Has the club lost money since the last accounts were published? [If yes, how much?]
8. OK [If yes, how much?]
9. OK
10. Have any considered any precedent, successful or otherwise, for the appointment of a "director of football"?.

1. http://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/barrow-a ... 4032a6e-ds This confirms there was a disagreement.
2. I have been informed that this happened and seen evidence to support it. The Strakers were devastated in having to leave the club.
3. http://www.barrowafc.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=25174 The statement from PC confirms that there were differences and they struggled to make it work.
4. http://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/barrow-a ... cac1c5b-ds "Cox, who did not know about the appointment before it was made"
That appears to confirm he had no knowledge of it.
6. I think they link in together. IMO they waited until Cox had found alternative employment before announcing Moore.
7. I thought you didn't want cross examination? Surely a yes or no is sufficient until the accounts are produced and we can see the figures for ourselves.
8. Fair point although I doubt they will give any figures.
10. I think the question needs to be specific to English football. As we know, it very rarely works in this country.

Perhaps next time you comment you could change the condescending tone especially as we already know the answers to many of your suggested questions.

AC may not be on trial but he needs to be held accountable and asking probing and uncomfortable questions is part of that.

[Jim]

As some have mentioned, more like a trial. Should be more focus on the future - what hoping to achieve on and off field this season. What objectives/targets for MM? what plans for longer term.
NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition, but AC might.

[The Real Slim Azza]

As some have mentioned, more like a trial. Should be more focus on the future - what hoping to achieve on and off field this season. What objectives/targets for MM? what plans for longer term.
NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition, but AC might.

This thread will work in his favour. As we know the club officials are on here fairly regularly. Reading through this will allow prep time for the more awkward questions.

I think before people look at moving on they need to understand whats been going wrong before in the past before creating a plan to fix it and move on. There is a lot of stuff that can't simply just be forgotten about.

[Hitthebar22]

Some suggested questions.
I'm concerned that the meeting tomorrow might degenerate into an attack on AC for policies adopted that haven't met favour with some supporters, rather than it being a genuine question and answer session. Previous post "he needs to be held accountable" Not a very helpful start on the face of it.


1.On a scale of 1-10 how healthily do you currently see the club?
2.Is the chairman still as committed to Barrow AFC as when he bought the club?
3.Are funds available to strengthen the side in January?
4. Are there plans to improve the structure of the ground ? [If yes, details]
5.Are you able to disclose why Paul Cox left? [if no, why not]
6.How many applicants were interviewed for the post of manager?
7.Was the vacant post of manager formally advertised? [If not, why not?]
8.If funds are available for new players in January, who within the club will make the decision to attempt to sign specific targeted players?
9.Is there a tangible strategy in place to take the club forward economically?
10.Is there a tangible strategy in place to take the club forward on the field?
11.Are the current gate returns from home matches a problem for the economic sustainability for the club?
12.Has the club done anything tangible to attract more paying supporters?
13.Are there specific unrelated reasons why several staff had left the club recently, or are the individual reasons for departure interlinked?
14.If the club was relegated, would the chairman remain?
15.Are there any circumstances under which the chairman would not remain?
16.Are there any plans of any kind to sell the club, or any part of the club?
17.Do all players have performance buy out clauses in their contracts? [who has and who hasn't currently?]
18.For those players with buy out clauses, is it ever possible to prevent them leaving if another club meets the price?
19.Are we to see any major new ground developments in the near future?
20.Are funds available for an assistant to the manager to be appointed?
21.Are any additions to the staff at the club, including directors, expected soon?
22.Would you be prepared to have a formal regular question and answer session, for example once every three months, perhaps with written questions being provided in advance?

[The Real Slim Azza]

OK I'll bite.

You've just recycled other questions there after calling them "predictable" ,"poor" and "weak" when other posters put them up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek2cJ5T_BWw JOIN THE ARMY

[Dalton Bluebird]

Imagine asking some of them questions to a Premiership Club! I wonder what the response would be?

[The Real Slim Azza]

Imagine asking some of them questions to a Premiership Club! I wonder what the response would be?

I'd imagine the only difference is that it would be national newspapers and massive online news companies asking them.

[Dalton Bluebird]

Imagine asking some of them questions to a Premiership Club! I wonder what the response would be?

I'd imagine the only difference is that it would be national newspapers and massive online news companies asking them.

Fair enough, but would they need to answer?

The point I'm making is, when we had membership prior to the current owners, we (the members) had a right to ask questions of the Keen's and expect answers. When the vote was taken at the Forum to allow Paul Casson to buy the club, we effectively lost that right, any information to the fans now is at the goodwill of the Cassons in the spirit of transparency. I for one wouldn't expect to answer questions on management decisisions regarding what went on with my employees. It's fair enough to challenge the somewhat optimistic statements made by PC at the Forum and subsequently concerning the lack of promised ground development and the current state of the squad.

A lot of us are frustrated at the current state of affairs and the owners need to rebuild some bridges with the fans, but digging over why a) did this and b) did that, won't achieve anything in my opinion but just perpetuate the negative aspects of the current situation.

[The Real Slim Azza]

I'd imagine the only difference is that it would be national newspapers and massive online news companies asking them.

Fair enough, but would they need to answer?

The point I'm making is, when we had membership prior to the current owners, we (the members) had a right to ask questions of the Keen's and expect answers. When the vote was taken at the Forum to allow Paul Casson to buy the club, we effectively lost that right, any information to the fans now is at the goodwill of the Cassons in the spirit of transparency. I for one wouldn't expect to answer questions on management decisisions regarding what went on with my employees. It's fair enough to challenge the somewhat optimistic statements made by PC at the Forum and subsequently concerning the lack of promised ground development and the current state of the squad.

A lot of us are frustrated at the current state of affairs and the owners need to rebuild some bridges with the fans, but digging over why a) did this and b) did that, won't achieve anything in my opinion but just perpetuate the negative aspects of the current situation.

Depends on the question. If a football manager of a premiership club was found guilty of sexism for example , then they would be put in a position and asked to resign. Thats how it works at the top of things these days. There would be cameras outside the hearings, reporters following the manager to " rehabilitation courses"

This comparison with "football business" and what people would do if it was in there workplace is a moot point. Football as a business is open, people go to the ground each week, people see and talk to the players, there are many media outlets who rely on football as a business. Football is interesting and with it speculation arises, it has many factors and faces to it.

No one is necessarily bothered if a worker in Morrisons is going to go to Tesco for more wages. Yet if a footballer like Diego Costa says he is unhappy and wants to change jobs then its world news. Millions of pounds potentially depend on his final decision.

The difference with the Keens and the Cassons is that the club was skint, they knew it was skint, we knew it was skint, they made the best of what they had. They make mistakes and with that it was really frustrating for the fans.

The Cassons promised the world when they wanted control. However they still continue to make the simplest of mistakes on little things. With each week its becoming more us and them between the fans due to bad information, false hopes, broken promises. It was supposed to be a fresh start and an extra life when it was needed. Last season when the club was up there it looked viable but now this past 8 months is starting to show.

[blue nige]

If Our Owners didn`t go to various media outlets promising this and that and making other spurious things there would be no awkward questions! I`m sorry but they can`t have their cake and eat it!

[McMark]

Love the way some people on here are judging what's appropriate and what's not regarding questions. Surely that should be left to the guy who called the Q and A to make that call.

[PMc]

The Real Slim a former member of this forum ...

"With each week its becoming more us and them between the fans due to bad information, false hopes, broken promises. It was supposed to be a fresh start and an extra life when it was needed"

As an outsider ( Tynesider non league fan, working in Barrow) you hardly help the issue , as you constantly pick fault with either The Cassons or club , a club you now deem not to support .

You have complained about 3 players being sold .... They left Barrow to go to Football League clubs , something Barrow are not. Every football club faces the same issue , their better players wishing to play for a better team ... Arsenal , Man U , Liverpool -- so why are Barrow so different.

You are happy posting factually incorrect statements ie the ripping up of pitch for floodlight cables

You have a fixation bordering on obsession with Fylde, who are built on similar foundations of sand as Colne Dynamoes ie one rich owner . You endeavour to bring the level of debate down to that of the schoolyard. Its very easy to hide behind the PC screen ( pun intended) but I'll buy my Barrow supporting colleague a pint if you have the bottle to turn up to the meeting

I honestly think you should seek medical help