- Home
- Birmingham City
- Current Squad
- Adam Legzdins
- Jonathan Grounds
- Paul Robinson
- Ryan Shotton
- Maikel Kieftenbeld
- Robert Tesche
- Stephen Gleeson
- Clayton Donaldson
- Diego Fabbrini
- David Cotterill
- Rhoys Wiggins
- Che Adams
- Lukas Jutkiewicz
- Viv Solomon-Otabor
- Jacques Maghoma
- Greg Stewart
- Jonathan Spector
- David Davis
- Michael Morrison
- Tomasz Kuszczak
- Paul Caddis
- Development Squad
- Academy
- Ladies Team
- Sophie Baggaley
- Alex Windell
- Meaghan Sargeant
- Jess Carter
- Kerys Harrop
- Freda Ayisi
- Kirsty Linnett
- Bella Linden
- Andrine Hegerberg
- Abbey-Leigh Stringer
- Melissa Lawley
- Charlie Wellings
- Chloe Peplow
- Rebecca Lloyd
- Connie Schofield
- Emily Westwood
- Cheryl Edwards
- Corina Schröder
- Ashlee Brown
- Coral-Jade Haines
- Aoife Mannion
- Ann-Katrin Berger
- Out on Loan
- Former Players
- Boards and Advisors
- Appearance Data 2014/2015
- Current Squad
- Factfiles
- Series
- Sponsorship
- Website Info
- Social Media
- Contact Me
Anger and Frustration
Over the last couple of days I’ve seen a lot of anger within the comments on here and on social media towards Peter Pannu, Carson Yeung et al. There has been talk of boycotting the games, of protesting against the board and of trying to do something to force the hand of the club’s owners.
I’ve long held the personal opinion that protest is futile. For me, a protest is effective when two conditions are met – firstly that there are people to protest against who will take notice of what you are doing, and secondly that there is a clearly identifiable objective to the protest. The problem we have (and I sense is a major cause of frustration) is that the people who are the issue are 6,000 miles away in Hong Kong and thus aren’t going to bare witness to a protest held on the Kop car park or anywhere else in Brum. Secondly, the chief aim that people have – ie for the board to sell up – isn’t going to be affected by any amount of protest. As far as we know, the board are looking at selling up – it’s just not happening with any speed due to valuation of the club amongst other things.
However, to sit on our hands and do nothing equally seems as bad. I’ve been stunned by the apathy of late; it seems that a growing portion of the fanbase have gone past caring and are drifting away from the club because it just doesn’t matter to them any more – and in my eyes that’s as bad as the club losing money hand over fist. Some of my best memories as a Blues fan have been when there has been a veritable sea of us, enjoying the moment and being proud of being part of the club as it were. I hate it when the ground is half full like on Saturday and the atmosphere is so quiet I can hear the players yelling at each other.
So what do we do? I have some ideas but I will be brutally honest and say that I’m cautious about voicing them on here because I don’t want to be seen as a “spokesperson” or a “leader” of the fans – the truth is I’m not, I’m just a fan who has a website that is lucky enough to be read by a few people. I’m a believer that as many individuals we cannot do much as we can be deflected by the club – look at how far I’ve got for instance trying to get answers out of Mr Pannu. It’s only as a strong unified voice that people start to take notice – and the more people you have involved the more ideas you will get and the more likely it is that a group will be able to come up with a plan of action.
I know that I talk about the Supporters Trust a lot and I know that a lot of people still don’t like the idea. However, I think that the Trust’s idea of getting fans from different supporters groups together prior to the Forest game to come up with a co-ordinated plan of action is a good one. We’ve seen evidence that Mr Pannu doesn’t care what we think – that needs to change and we need to ensure that he understands that no matter how much he hides from us we’re not going away.
Tags: Blues Trust, Peter Pannu, The Fans
173 Responses to “Anger and Frustration”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
And if this article is true the anger and frustration is gong to increase even more :( http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11694/8419803/?utm_source=dlvr.it
I believe that this ‘story’ may have arose from the article in the Mirror today and is just a rehash of the same rubbish being espoused in the tabloid.
just seen this surely this would be suicide its got to be bs
kro
For all our sakes lets hope it is the usual ‘sky sources’ BS!
If it’s you Dirty One, glad to see you back.
If not apologies for any mix-up.
Atahualpa. I’ve just had a shower after a 5k jog in the snow so hopefully I’m not that dirty :) No it was a genuine post from a concerned ST holder and fan of 49 years who was one of the 13.8k home fans (supposedly) on saturday. Like you I hope it’s total fabrication and given we rejected 300k for Burke the other week it appears so but nothing going on at the club these days would surprise me!
Sorry Bertie.
There was a commenter who was a regular some time back with the monicker ‘Dirty Bertie’ and he has not posted for some time. Thought you might have been him under a new name.
Yep, we really are in dire straits financially and don’t the rest of the football family know it.
what’s worrying is its been all day now and reported in various media sites with no denial coming from St Andrews
kro
Well… whilst I can’t stop you worrying, I’m not. BCFC don’t comment on speculation. I don’t expect them to either.
This really could be a true story and perhaps Clak may even be being told to leave them out because if the financial situation is that bad they may be being left out to save on first team appearance money. And if it is that bad we really need to make sales quickly or Administration is a forgone conclusion
I don’t believe that’s the case.
Whilst agreeing with you in principal about the issue of having to sell players Bertie, I’d have to temper that with the quality of the said players. Marlon King et al are the chief reason we are where we are. He may be the top scorer but thats what he’s supposed to be. For 3 seasons I have been critical of his workrate and indeed his ability. He was a bad buy in my view. However, telling the man mid contract he has to leave belies the parlous state our club is in.
You underestimate yourself OP . I will enroll now in the trust and agree it is the best way forward Kro4ever
I wish Sullivan and Gold were back; but we shot ourselves in the foot and drove them out! Now look at us!
Nah I think it was the 80 mill they trousered that “drove them out”
No, it was us fans that did that!
Yup Dave Bang on the nose.
you can’t be serious. all they ever wanted for blues was to finish 17th in the preier league every year so they could line their pockets with the profits. They had no ambitions for the club and they used to bullshit us every year that they were going to buy this player and that. I remember one year they said they were going to sign maradona.
Lets occupy the directors box against NFFC and sing the Carson song. Then KRO, then every pro BCFC song we know. All peacefully mind. Then sit on the pitch at the end and wait for the BCFC batman sign in the sky telling us we have new owners.
I’ve said it before but I think a peaceful pitch invasion is arguably the only way that it’s going to get full exposure in the media and therefore get noticed by our absent owners thousands of miles away. However I understand the potential problems that come with that course of action.
it wont be peacful, as the police will have to act immediatly on this one, it will get out of hand and we will look the the fools..
A fair point as Blues do have our fair share of absolute jokers who would use it as a vehicle to play up just for the hell of it. Still, you can understand peoples anger but yes, if it’s going to be unsafe and show us in a bad light then another solution is probably the way forward.
it could work, if the majority of us just ‘sat’ on the pitch….
LETS DO IT!
Admittedly, big words from me sitting in the Gil Merrick upper, but i have friends with season tickets in the kop corner who I could swap with if it sounded like this might happen…….
I hear you’re back Fongo lad
Good man
shit happens in life, this time next year we’ll all be millionaires!
you’ve hit the nail on the head with your thoughts on apathy
this coupled with pannu’s comments about the fans grievances not coming into the equation are leading a lot of fans to the point where they are realising they can’t do anything, which raises the question, why should the fans put their money into the club when it appears our money is lining the owners pockets? (i say this bearing in mind pannu’s *salary* details being published
i’ve already decided i won’t be renewing my season ticket if the club doesn’t have new owners next season, the next decision is whether i’ll go at all – i hear bromsgrove sporting are doing quite well
I’ve been to HEAD OFFICE in HONG KONG twice in the last 6 months and handed in protest letters.
Be good if I went with half a dozen others instead of on my own.
I know where the Office is and it’s easy to get into.
I’m not sure the staff speak ENGLISH.
They sure no nothing about our great club and our history.
PANNU wouldn’t intimidate m.I asked to see him personally last time and waited..He was there but never came out.
Can you tell the jokers at the Birmingham Mail then as they don’t seem bothered about doing anything!
The Sky story is pure speculation with zero substance.
I agree that we must do something as we’ve (as a fan base) been apathetic for far too long. I also believe it is right for the trust to take the mantle of organisers. I look forward to hearing what your ideas are Dan (if you chose to publish) and what the trust come up with.
I have to applaud the Trust’s actions in getting this situation voiced in the South China Morning Post. Use of media in this way can only be positive. I also think that may were duped by PP’s ‘caring for the club’ act in the past and had placed false trust in him to do the right thing; hence the apathy. I think many of those fans are at last seening PP and CY for what they really are.
Voice your ideas AJ and let’s debate them!
As you say, with protests, actions etc, we have to have a clear target that we want to achieve. There’s not point in protesting saying that they are rubbish owners etc and that we want them out because it won’t make any difference. They clearly have gone well past the stage of caring what a few football fans on the other side of the planet think.
The only way to try and force a sale is do something that they can’t ignore and the only way I can see working is financially. On that basis, as much as I don’t 100% agree with it, the only option appears to be to boycott games. They would lose money which would in turn force more player sales but it would push us closer to the end point (be that selling the club or administration).
As I said, I’m not 100% behind boycotting games but it’s the only thing I can think of that would make a difference.
Clearly an option but it will hurt the club financially and affect player morale (and potentially damage our chances of survival). What might be more effective is turning our backs on a whole match but still sing and support the lads. We’d need serious media interest to make it worthwhile though.
Maybe the whole stadium come to a game dressed all in black (mourning the slow demise of our club)and showing hint of any club colours. I’m just thinking off the bat but the more ideas for one game the better.
Ali, your coming up with some great ideas.
I think a pitch invasion would be the most effective in terms of media coverage but obviously a lot of danger goes with it.
Dress in Black, no colours is a very good idea and will get coverage.
I’ve always sung the Carson song – the “poor me” arguement that he might be innocent is laughable.
Both Carson & Pannu couldn’t give a monkeys about the club; they will sell off the remaining jewels this january, leaving Clarke ( not a fan but you’d need thick skin to manage us at the moment) and the fans to rot.
Join the trust, attend if you can. Our only priority is staying up this season, grim as that might be, staying away, sitting in silence or the classic ” I aint payin to watch that 5****” helps no one
KRO
I agree, a unified voice in the form of the Trust is the only way forward. It has worked at Portsmouth.
almajir,
Agree with it or not, many many Noses look to OP for information, details and future direction.
At this stage we need our most knowledgable, competent and capable supporters to step-up and give guidance.
I think it’s fair to say that the ‘relationship’ between the fans and the Board has broken down irrevocably and there is no point in debating the wherewithal about the whole situation at Blues; the time has come to show our deep frustration and rejection of what is happening to our beloved BCFC.
Before they set us back a full decade or so with their truly atrocious handling of our club, we need to convince CY and PP to step away and acknowledge that they’re simply not gonna get what they want for the club. No point in arguing whether they tried to make a go of things or the fans have not appreciated their efforts. Absolutely nothing to be gained whatsoever.
What we all recognise now is the future of the club could be in the balance and we need a new direction. Presto Pronto.
Let us all talk with one voice and under one banner and then they will have to notice us.
Another excellent article, but it is indeed time for leadership despite your misgivings about the role. Even if you only lead a dialogue between fans about how to move forward, then i feel you should consider using your influence – which is more than just a fan with a website. As someone who also goes to gladgow to watch the celts, i remember the bhoys being in a similar position about twenty years ago. The only thing that worked was pressure from fans in the save our celts campaign.
You are right that we need to be clear about aims and what can be achieved, but we have more potential power than you might think. It is time to organise and move forward in a coordinated manner and not be drowned in apathy. As the slogan said, “back the team, sack the board”
just a thought mate and i know you wont like it but you are in the one of the best positions to lead any action as the vast majority of blues fans read this blog and you do have a level of respect so unfortunately your in an ideal position to lead.in some respects despite your attempts to remain just a fan by writing this blog and making it a success you have put yourself in a position of power use it some of the best leaders in the past have been reluctant leaders.
kro
With Pannu and the rest of the Chinese regime 6,000 miles away I agree what you say about the futility of matchday protests etc. The only way to get through to them is to cause them shame and embarrasment on ‘home turf’ ie Hong Kong. The Trust have made a good start in terms of the South China Morning Post, but I believe this needs to be expanded to other media over there. What are the chances of you using you skills to get hold of the main movers and shakers over there and publishing their contact details to allow disgruntled fans the opportunity to let them know how much their compatriots have let them down? One other suggestion. How about you put together a piece which sums up the majority of fans concerns and translate it into Mandarin? That way people could add their support and that could be sent off.
We need to do all we can to do something, as this proud club is in real danger.
How about the fans who go to the matches pay for the game but actually do not go….this way the club gets the revenue is sales of tickets so were not hurting the club fiancially but no one actually goes in….would be a very earie situation and surely this would hit the Sky News quickly….if it sounds mad apologies I just want to see something happen before our great club descends into oblivion KRO…..
I had similar thoughts, how about not entering the ground until 5 minutes before kick off, the warm up would be in an empty stadium and would surely raise awareness and create media interest.
Lets all wear Black to show our club is suffering a slow death
Thinking on the same lines, what about an ‘in your face’ visual protest against the board? Something that even the B’Ham Mail (who have been very passive IMO) may even print? We then solve the protest problem i.e. we turn up, support the team (and LC) but make a huge visual protest. We’re all in this together, let’s keep togther and show a united front. What about singing the players and LCs name as well?
As a season ticket holder, I forced myself to go to the match on saturday and , like the 3 strikers on the bench, froze to the bone. I’m not sure if apathy is the right word, but the stuffing has been knocked out of many Blues fans by the current situation because it looks hopeless. Not only is the sale of the club an issue, but the quality of football under Clark is awful. There are some decent players down there but most run round like headless chickens without leadership and not a system or game plan. How many times have we heard LC say we are rubbish? You’re the manager, do something about it !!
Right or wrong I don’t intend going back until something drastic happens, because I cannot have another weekend spoiled by the garbage being served up on the pitch and the silence from the board off it.
How about a big feck off banner in the ground to start with so the press get some pics,just a start like.maybe a picture of pannu and yeung and a target around there heads?
The Fans waving white handkerchiefs after 10 minutes would get the issue broadcast on TV at least.
No, not with a target, show them with their hands in the till (allegedly)
Surely both conditions for a protest will be met. Firstly a highly public protest will reach national press which is read throughout the world – Pannu and Yeung will be aware of this. Secondly the objective is to get Yeung to sell th club now before stripping it bare – i.e. sell it as a going concern. The protests will actuall devalue the club – which in this case is positive, as it will enable a deal to be done. Will we look back in a few months when we are in Administratioon, all decent players sold, 10 points deduction, and ask ourselves why didn’t we do something when we could all see this coming? We need a highly visible, high profile protest – I suggest the next home match no-one goes. Will Yeung and Pannu not notice that? We need to get them to the point where they have to sell.
Can’t believe that people are still advocating a stay away protest. If fact this is not a protest at all because you are doing NOTHING!!!
The board don’t care about this and it will only negatively affect the team/staff at the club. What we need to do is turn up in numbers and out the board in numbers, that’s what a protest is. We should also use local radio stations, lobby the Mail to do more and make representation to the HK/Chinese media.
The ‘6,000’ miles issue is so important here. In the last few decades fans have had some influence on the direction and the fortunes of their clubs by virtue of the pressure felt by Chairmen and Directors when things were going awry. The verbal (and, in some reprehensible cases, physical) abuse they and their families suffer at the games and in the course of their everyday lives understandably produces timely remedial action.
That’s totally absent at the Blues. The owners are unreachable (and in some cases unidentifiable) and the ‘CEO’ spends as little time in the country as he can get away with. Supporters are utterly powerless in this desperate situation and if you take the season ticket holders out of the attendance figures you can see what they think about it.
A paid for full page ad in the hk press would be the best way forward, that cannot be ignored. OP or blues at the george or trust could organise this and ask for donations
should read, OP or the Blues Trust could organise ? and ask for donations ,possibly at the george and around the ground, next match
apathy,the one thing that did strike me on saturday sitting in the railway end next to 20 blues fans singing some very witty songs and clark trying to play the barcelona way with 6 small nimple footed midfielders and no strikers,and banks and banks of empty was god its bloody cold
with regards too the comment concerning paying and not going, I would imagine that quite a few season ticket holders fall into that Category – I know I have myself – I have paid my money, as I have done over the last 20 odd years.. A pitch invasion is wrong, and I cannot condone that.. A protest is the thing that will get noticed – and in my humble opinion, to support the club, not to “turn potential purchasers off”, and to show how much angst and ill feeling there is, I think we should get everyone we know, and lose the apathy, and regain the love towards our club. We should protest positively, and target one match, and get EVERYONE we know down to the club – who will listen to 9 thousand blues fans in a sparsely populated ground – we need to make it seen that the support for the club is 100% against the present regime – we need EVERYONE to attend 1 match, and EVERYONE TO SUPPORT THE CLUB during the match, however pre and post match, protests should be made – we have to remember that we MUST support the players and manager – if we don’t we are harming the club, more than helping. 1 match for everyone we know to turn up, and sell out – flags banners and songs against Yeung and the cronies pre and post match, however during the match, nothing but 100% committment to support OUR BELOVED CLUB – abandoning them now when they need us most is nothing but suicidal – In my opinion..
I agree with targeting one match and trying to get as close to a full house as possible. We need to agree on the action taking place and ensure communication of our plan is read by the masses attending. We’d need all fans forums, fanzines, potentially adverts in the Mail and word of mouth to get round the plan.
What is also key is that EVERY true Blue who goes regularly encourages every Blue they know to get down for that one game. There is a lot of non-attending bashing on here – we need to unite and try to convince all those that don’t come (not those that can’t be it by geography or finance) to put aside their differences with the club / regime / lack of good football etc and support the lads and the cause.
I have at least 3 Wembley attendees in my family (just for you Paul Carter) who seldom go now. I will be harassing them to be there for this game and also for them to badger their mates and then their mates and so on to ensure we’ve proper representation of a club that bears the City’s name in our (most recent) darkest hour.
KRO!
I understand this is the idea behind the “fans forum” being held before the Forest game – to canvass opinion, decide on a course of action and to disseminate it widely.
I think that getting everyone to attend one match is the way forward, instead of running the club into the ground we would be advertising what a brilliant club we are. Put adverts in papers, online and everywhere. SA is an unbelievable place when its full.
Naughty, very naughty :)
I don’t understand why are people dismissing the sky sports / daily mirror story? We need to sell to survive the season. Our most saleable playing asset is Butland who we have received NO bids for. The closer it gets to the end of the transfer window, the more desperate the club will become so ANY bid will be accepted for ANY player. It seems that Nursey & SkySports have cottoned on to that & have reported accordingly.
Re. fans actions. I agree with those above. OP, whether you like it or not, you are a voice for the fans so i would urge you to get involved and to stay involved whether its with the Blues Trust or going it alone. I’m sure you’ll have your readership behind you.
I think the pitch sit in is a brilliant idea and is something that would really get noticed. Would the club really want the stigma of issuing fines or banning orders against fans that peacefully staged a sit in after a game? i can’t believe they would. Maybe this is something that OP can take forward with the Blues Trust?
Good shout and may be this is why King and Zigic only played for a few minutes on Saturday.
Unfortunately Art, ii think we’re stuck with Ziggy until the day his contract ends. no-one wants to pay his wages & he doesn’t want to take a paycut. And why should he? His family are settled in bham now and his kids have a brummie accent. I love the big giant but i don’t love the contract he’s on!!
As for King, Lovenkrands, Ambrose e.t.c, then i think there is a lot of truth in what you say. Firstly, its an educated guess that these players are on bonuses for goals scored, matches won. We save money if we dont play them as we don’t leave ourselves open to paying bonuses. Saying that tho, the defenders will be on clean sheet bonuses and when was the last time we had one of those?!!!
Also, if we don’t sell Butland and then have to sell King, Davies, Lovenkrands e.t.c to survive then the worst case scenario is that we play them, they get injured and we can’t sell them. we have no other saleable playing assets. The only thing we have left is the stadium.
Personally, i hope that on the February 1st we have the same squad that we do now and that forces the club into administration as i believe that’s the only way that the club will be free of Carson and his cronies. I do not believe that there is any intention to sell the club. I think Carson is banking on being found not guilty and wants to keep the club ticking over until the verdict is given in his case.
I agree, something must be done! Nottingham Forest 2nd Feb?
Welcome back Lil Eck
Why not find out the addresses of the top news papers in HK and get lodes of fans to write letters to them telling them how our club is being run by Panu and co. can we try and get the chines press on our side, embarrass the buggers in there own country.
Dress in Black, no colours for me. A cardboard coffin or 2.
How about not entering game until 3.10. If there is congestion outside approaching kick off Police will get the kick off delayed for safety reasons. Its not a boycott, its not illegal but it will get coverage.
This may sound stupid,,,,,but the vast majority of Blues fans eat Chinese food,,,,,bought from their local takeaways,,,,,most of these are owned by people who still have connections / relatives in HK,,,,,,,ask them to highlight our problems,,,,,contact the HK press to point out how these people are damaging the image of the Chinese people with their behaviour and actions,,,,,,WE may be 6,000 miles away,,,,,,but local interest if its raised is not,,,,,,,,and we could enjoy the fruits of our labour as well with the takeaway !!,,,,,,,,a few protesting brummies wont make a stir in HK,,,,,but the loss of face may make things happen in HK if we can get the locals to help
You’re right, it does sound stupid.
i am still a shareholder do you think the small number of us in this country can help?
Yes. You can help massively. As a shareholder, Pannu is answerable to you more so than the fans. I know that the trust are interested in speaking to anyone who retains shares in the club.
Almajir,
I still have a few shares in the club, but from a glance at the website, can’t see what they may want from shareholders / what we may be able to do. Are you able to shed light or point me to a link?
Thanks
TFTS
The first duty of a director is to the shareholders of the company. Therefore anyone in the trust would like to talk to people who are shareholders because if they are also members of the trust more pressure can be brought to bear on Pannu et al.
Ah thanks – I’ll probably contact them then. Living away from Birmingham, this is probably my only real way of doing ‘my bit’ I think
Almajir I too am still holding shares.. Can you pass my e-mail onto blues trust.. If I can do anything to help them.. Of course I will!!
Mark – I will do so
Just about to sign up to the trust but won’t be able to make the meeting. Anyone else on here going?
Providing I can make it back from Manchester in time, yes I will be there.
Just out of interest, what is your “day job”?
Dan’s a porn star I think.
Freelancer mate
When and where is it?
Royal George 11am
http://www.bluestrust.org/2013/01/blues-trust-to-host-fans-forum-meeting/
It has to be something the majority can get on board with, turning our back at the kick off, a somber poznan for a minute? Visually be picked up by press and would probably serve to galvanise the atmosphere straight after, just make sure people don’t see it as McJudas protest.
If not white hanky sounds good!
KRO
If people are going to enter the pitch this should be done at half time,on the referees whistle,this action will get publicity and will also be looked on more favourably by the FA,and the game can continue second half.
In my opinion nothing will happen and this situation will continue.
Seems as though Davies is set to join Reading for a cut price £1.5m,this IS a firesale,we really should be looking at £2.5m-£3m.
If we were a London club this would be all over the media. Imagine if QPR were in such dire straits. It would be all over the news.
I completely disagree with the pitch invasion idea, it would only show the fans in a bad light. Which could arguably deter any potential investors.
Whilst a protest probably wouldn’t directly put any pressure on Pannu & Yeung it might at the least highlight the situation to the national (London) media.
Bioased London media coverage and often London saturated London media coverage are are a real problem for me and I’ve said on here before, if we were West Ham or Reading it would be all over the nationals.
Biased and I meant QPR not Reading.
Latest request from the Trust to PP here: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/blues-trust-makes-second-appeal-1228245
Note the fans comments below the story, these echo my own thoughts on how the B’ham Mail have been so passive.
Now I know this is a bit of an unrealistic suggestion, but how about a group (those who could afford too) going to HK and protesting there? bound to get noticed if there are a few hundred noses outside with placks/banners saying save our club.
Maybe we could raise a fund to send Tatt’s there as the Mail won’t.
Action needs to be taken now how can these bandits from china get away with this now all players can leave if they find a new club it’s breaking my heart to see the club I love being destroyed in this way please please please pannu and young sell to highest bidder you’ve taken almost everythink please leave us our club and stop hiding in Hong Kong the club might not seem anythink to you but us blue noses love it act now blues fans K.R.O
How about asking Jasper Carrott to be the face of protest? Surely he still cares and is disgusted and worried about what is going on. He needn’t be invloved in the admin but just gives his name to the cause and get himself in the media.
Can any help in connecting with him. I would be prepared to use my network (several thousand) to publicise, etc.
I used to lead the “Pray for the Blues” group. Please respect our views – things changed for the better whilst we were holding our meetings! And we got publicity!
Don’t bring religion into this. We don’t need any more problems.
I respect your views Roge, I pray every night and morning
Never about Blues though.
I thank God for them.
I like the idea of a ‘sit in’ pitch invasion 5 minutes before half time…. however, I understand it may not be realistic due to the more thuggish of our ranks taking advantage of the situation.
However, a slightly less risky option (and this may be something that the Blues Trust could arrange) may be having black armbands distributed to as many fans as possible outside the ground.
15k Blues fans (wish I could say 20k, but trying to be realistic) wearing black arm bands to the game would get media attention
I like the armband idea too (if enough people get onboard) but maybe we need something a bit more high impact.
I’m worried Ecks’ return will take away some of the media focus. We need to make sure that our cause isn’t diverted.
…to get world media notice….birmingham city fans need to fill st andrews and to a man whilst the women fans close there eyes give a braveheart take notice showing…letting the national press know before hand of intentions…..and then tweeting it around the world for good measure ……..dave
Seriously I think the only thing which will make these gus sit and take notice is legal action or a fraud investigation.
Good luck with any action you make take.
Agreed, but evidence will be key.
I believe something has to be done, the club is being run to the ground and before you know it we will be another Portsmouth. I believe we could get one of our biggest attendances this year at the Forrest game due to the McLeish relationship, if we pushed others to come. Although the pitch invasion does sound good, I believe our thug crew will take advantage on this and could cause some bad light but a not entering the ground for 10 mins will certainly get some media. Maybe also a massive banner with CY and PP on, whatever it is we need to do fast, with the biggest crowd we can get! Keep Right On
It Gets worse everyday!!!! Were like a wounded animal waiting to be put down. It’s gonna be a long road back. so so sad to see my clubs name bein dragged through the mud. And what has so called lifelong blues fan Jasper Carrott had to say about the situation. about as much as gregg walace (masterchef) Sorry I mean MR Pannu.
I agree what is the use of voicing our concern on arrogant ears and blinkered vision that is sitting pretty in H.K. On £700k salary – and that just from a part time job.
However can we not gather some real clout from from fellow Brummies of superstar status with a bit of wedge that can actually afford air fares and publicity to be our voice over in the far east and rock some boats out there? Rise up Sir Tevor and Jasper to our hour of need please… Before its all too late
Hi I live I cyprus these days and was a season ticket holder for many years.i wish you lot would stop talking nonsense.the only way we can survive is having a full houe every week.you moaning idiots instead of complaing gef down there and support the lads in blue.that and only that will help the team.
The shite I get on here week after week for saying the same Paul
Well said
What it needs is a meeting between CY & the Blues trust to truely get all our & their feelings across, but unfortunately as he can’t come here it would mean they have to travel to China & I can’t see them being able to finance that.
CY won’t meet, discuss, act neither will PP; you should know that by now.
Almaj you’re doing great, but if protests got national media looking into it then that would help.
Also, people care less because football and footballers are not the same as they were when we fell in love with the game. Footballers are 99% dicks now, all obsessed with money. Its all money’s fault. People just let it happen. I prefer other sports now.
A meeting between some Zulus and the Chinese crew in HK would be good. I’ll sponsor one plane fare.
Any pitch invasion will be a great opportunity for the league to come down on us with points deductions/ games behind closed doors etc. Not what we want at the moment.
Ideally it would be great to get the stands full and give some real support for the players. Unfortunately this is very unlikely with the general feeling of apathy around the place.
If we have a small crowd at the next home game we should all (and I mean ALL) make our way to the Tilton, fill the end, and be as vocal as possible for the whole game. No pitch invasion, no trouble, good backing for the players on the pitch, and hopefully a bit more enjoyable. CY and PP may not be there to see it but the press will.
An avenue for the trust to pursue might be HSBC bank.
They still have a debenture on the club assets.
We could do with knowing on or off the record , where they stand in this mess.
Administration can not be in their interest ..?
All this talk of protests is nonsense. Who will be interested? Certainly not the national media that’s for sure. Local media is hardly that interested.
Even if protests do have an effect, ie getting PP & co to reduce the price, who will buy the club?
Since the Clifford Coombs era I don’t think we’ve had any half decent owners, apart from Sullivan & Golds, & half the fans hated them eventually. I still think they sold us down the river. Did they & their advisers really check where the extortionate amount of money was coming from?
Now we keep hearing that we don’t want the Italians or another HK investor; I repeat who the hell do you think will buy BCFC & fund us going forward?
Bigger crowds may help to generate more interest, rather than protests. I agree with Paul Carter
about the Wembley lot.
Finally the view that PP is diverting funds to HK is ridiculous, CY & co lost an absolute fortune in buying the club & then funding player purchases & contracts. It is understandable that they want as much back as possible, even though I suspect they won’t get much.
Bloody hell there’s a few agrreing with me now
Well said R&W
Do your bit and attend, then moan
If Pannu hear that we have done any of the following, do you think he will care?
Pay to go to a game and invade the pitch peacefully
Pay to go to a game and protest in any way shape or form
However, if the attendance dropped below 3000 for a couple of games, i believe they would shit their pants. The thought of going into administration and losing their £80m investment would have Pannu begging for us to return.
Obviously, the good blues staff would be put at risk but they already are with the owners taking big salaries and shirt money out of the clubs coffers.
I cant tell everyone to stop attending at our beloved club but i guarantee it would get a response from the owners.
I still dream that i win the euro lottery, then i will buy the club
As always Almajir, another great article.
PP may not care about a protest… BUT
It would be no trouble at all for fans to wear black arm bands and it would eventually gain media interest. This MIGHT get as far as Hong Kong media.
As media attention is our ONLY hope of getting PP and CY to do the right thing, then I think it is an avenue worth persuing, especially bearing in mind it is such an easy thing to do… Just need a group to dish out the armbands to anyone who doesnt have one.
Attendances can’t fall below 3000 this season. Match day attendance includes ST holders whether they attend or not. So even if the ground was empty the attendance would be at least 10600.
Great article and i really like this forum, think you are doing a great job so keep up the good work.
One idea; Maybe we could have a mass boycott of the next televised home game (dont let a single home supporter into the ground), but gather outside in the car park and sing a few anti carson songs. That should get some media attention and turn a few heads!
When are we next on sky if at all this season surely this is the best time to air our disgust – and in my view the media will be all over St. Andrews when mcjudas returns as they know it will be a difficult day for him they want to see both the fans and his reaction just maybe the time to do something
As a protest, media grabber, etc we want to do something where fans cant be stopped from going or stop supporting the team. So why not… all fans go to the game with an old shirt of any kind (not football) and can even be purchased for 50p from a charity shop if not available and at a set time in the game fans go to the touchline and throw them to the side of the pitch. They can hardly be accused of a weapon but if thousands of these were thrown to the side to symobolise having the shirts off the fans backs it would be clear, visual, get attention and not offensive….
Thoughts?
Is there any truth that King has been told to get a new club before the end of the month?
Cardiff,Forest & Blackburn are all interested in taking King on a free.
If Zig goes as well what are we left with?
Fellow Bluenoses, — Forget about Invading the pitch at any game, !!. All that would do is bring down the wrath of the F,A, and the football league, !!. We could be fined, [ remember we may be forced to sell cos we aint got any ]. Worse,– If some hotheads get carried away, ?. We could face loss of points, [ A great help to get us relagared ], !!.
Publicity, ?. Read the papers, and various blogs, Watch t-v, and listen to the radio, !!. We are having the kind of publicity some crave for, !!.
comment edited
Can we watch who we’re calling crooks please?
Hi Almajir, Hope you’re well. Do you know when the air mile collector is returning from Hong Kong.
Thanks,
Pannu? Can’t see him coming back any time soon
I ask because when he spoke out over the Christmas period Pannu warned: “If I allow this club to go into administration, I think I will never [be able to] step foot in Birmingham city. Never.
I am wondering if he won’t come back until he has a buyer for the club. I don’t think he will ever be around on a match day to take any kind of abuse, Cheers and KRO
If he comes back he better get his tin hat on.
Here’s an idea. Why don’t we spread ourselves around the ground, boo the team as they leave the tunnel and generally whinge throughout the game and/or hurl abuse at individual players before turning on those attempting to sing? Then, when we’ve finally broken morale, and only us moaners are left, we can say, “I told you so” as the club enters administration and we get relegated.
Or we could sing our hearts out, support the team (how about that for a novel idea?), and generally provide the level of solidarity that clubs like Liverpool always have.
One day, carson and his crew will be gone. There’s probably very little we can do to speed that up, but we can and should, start showing some solidarity with the support, the players and Our Club!
As the teams kick off get all the fans to move to the front of the terraces with scarfs held a loft singing to the tune of john lennons give peace a chance sing instead ” All we are saying is please sell our club” k.r.o.
BIH need the £7 million and £14million loan ‘to avoid administration’ (Carson needs to pay his tax bill)
There will be litltle if anything left…if not now at the beginning of the season..
There is a systematic approach going on to leave Blues with very little…now they have failed to sell it and there is nothing we can do about it….they own the club….
Remember the middle of last year when they thought they could sell it everything looked vary ‘rosy’ and good news was due to come out of the club re profits etc…….
We’ll end up like Carlisle with a good academy side in Division 1 if we are lucky…….
Wouldnt be such a bad thing as long as we are debt free .
What i dont want too see is the same situation they have at Pompey
who have been in and out of admin for 2 years.
I have refused to go all season. I refuse to put any of my money into the club and see it disappear to Hong Kong.
I am not being disloyal, I support Blues all the way but what else can we do about this ?
We are in a position where many fans shut their eyes and ears about this. I saw Tom Ross suck up to Pannu and now he has been found out Tom is angry, I was when these jokers took over with false money and promises.
Best thing that could happen is admin, we get rid of the idiots and once we go into it I will be back in the Tilton the next game.
My personal conclusion from all the above ideas is this,
1) Sell black arm bands outside ground for £1.
2) Enter ground ten mins after kick off.
3) Back the team 100%
4) Profits could go to Hollywood Monster to create an anti pp/cy banner?
We do need to pack the ground if poss for full effect. Kro
I like the enter the ground 10 mins after kick off. Does not harm anyone but the point is very visible. Should get good coverage from press.
For anyone in my age bracket. we need Tony Butler from BRMB (as was) to make a guest appearance at St Andrews and press a giant button that plays the “Theme From an Unmade SIlent Movie” by Hurricane Smith at full blast around the ground. I don’t suppose anyone knows what I am talking about or why.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Butler#BRMB
Gutted as all seem to be here and some interesting ideas for a protest. Does anyone know anyone with a trumpet that could play the Last Post, just before kick off, half time and at full time against Forest????
All this is deflecting from the absurdity that is Clark. I do understand why but pity also.
It’s frustrating enough for a lapsed supporter like myself (I mean not going to the games, though I’d blame the financial cost of travelling to games at odd times rather than any board shenanigans for my departure)
And I recognise that the half empty ground is partly due to similar people.
A few people above have hit on a thing that could make a protest worthwhile.
Choose a game and encourage as many people like me to turn up and show the board how annoyed the fans are, but also to show any potential buyer how much support there could be.
No pitch invasions*, no potential trouble, nothing they could stifle with safety concerns,
and no negativity towards the players and manager
(*though I recall the classic “Board Must Go” protests of the 70s)
just a big turn out and some sort of visual impact that shows the anger.
Think of that turning backs thing or the boinging of the Baggies. Or those days when everyone had an inflatable of some sort. Or even the FC Bruges applause minute.
Maybe a better gimmick than just dressing in black, does anyone know if we can get several thousand inflatable coffins. Or grave stones?
I agree something needs to be done. We can’t go on shaking and saying typical blues.
We need a movement…..anything…it will start something…a momentum …stir a passion in us all.
If it gets in our UK papers it will get in China’s papers too.
I have followed blues for over 35 years and no one is going to sell them dry.
Lets do something, please !
This may be a little “off the wall” but here goes, fill the ground to bursting point,create a fantastic atmosphere show the sporting world what a real football crowd can bring, this will create massive media interest and open us up to the greater football world. Imagine a full ground with earsplitting noise,you all know what that’s like,remember?
Lets Turn this “stay away” winging festering culture on to its ugly unwelcome head.
I know it hurts at the moment,it really does,but,if we want to get serious and generate a high media interest,lets do something that may actually benefit our club.
To the end of the road.
I dont think this is an off the wall idea, it keeps the club running,it shows how much we do care even though we are feeding the leeches and that hurts,staying away and starving the club will only lead to stay away fans having a justification to stay away,lets be different and stand out by being what we are “SUPPORTERS” and bring back that atmosphere that we all want back even if we are staring down both barrels, we have the perfect song for all these troubled times so lets use it KRO
There are some fantastic idea’s on here but they MUST be channelled through a proper group that is representative of a large number of fans. OP probably has the largest following of Bluenoses of all the groups/forums/websites etc… but it is not structured in a way to sit and rationally discuss a proper plan of action. Like many i’ve been hesitant, but it is clear now that the supporters trust has to be the best option. Like any group of this nature it’s strength will be in it’s membership numbers. If you have posted an idea on this thread or would participate in one of those ideas then you obviously care about the club. As such it is incumbent on you to attend the trust meeting or at least join the trust. Note: I am not a trust member… yet.
My user name should be as above, an error on my part. To be clear this is not the real Tiger Woods!
Now you’re just being silly BB&T
Most of the posters on here will do anything but go down
Any ‘at ground protest’ they refer to is in the 3rd person, in other words you lads sort it all out and we’ll see you at Wembley
Very harsh. Plenty of us on here do go down.
The trust is indeed the way forward. I joined this afternoon and am only member 314 (if indeed the numbers are assigned chronologically for new joiners) those numbers need to swell.
The best opportunity to do anything at the ground is a game on sky. how about a giant flag at the start with some kind of message to the FA maybe or to pannu or just a general message of how we as fans are having to put up with this crap. a pitch invasion is a tricky one as we could get the fines,points taken or behind closed doors play. but imagine the publicity if every game home and away a fan ran on with a banner or sign. as brummies are known for their wit and humour im sure they would be quite comical. one thing is for sure now we as fans are the ones who need to do something the controllers of this club are not anywhere near good enough to grace the name of bcfc in there assets. Time for action
I said from its inception that the trust were missing a trick not opposing this board, dan will back me up on that,
The minute they do I’ll join and get others to as well.
I like the dress in black if its coupled with a slow handclap
I’d really like a pitch invasion too so long as we tell the Forest fans in advance that it’s nothing to do with kicking off with them.
Why do I like it? Cos then the poxy FA will have to ‘investigate’ which they should have done already
Almajir when will Darren ambrose be fit we need someone like him to control the midfield
No idea. His knee seems very troublesome
We need exposure on TV and Press, but not harm the club by doing stuff in the ground so a great way would be to have a hearse drive slowly down Bordesley Green to the ground with a blue and white flag over the coffin. loads of fans to walk behind it about 1 mph thus stopping traffic and getting noticed by the media. Once at the ground 4 pall bearers carry the coffin to the main enterence and leave it outside about 30 mins or so before kickoff against Forest. This would get national coverage.
Sensational ideal Bluenose Smith. That is a brilliant idea to get publicity.
Like it
And maybe get a pannu lookalike to play dead, spring out of the coffin at the last minute waving his wallet like he did in Maderia
Interesting how Pannu’s alleged salary was close to the number 666.
That’s genius Mr carter – will you grace the trust meeting with your presence please ?
Can’t make 11 but ready to get involved
we need to do something big, protests inside and outside the ground in my opinion get a local newspaper involved forget region news forget national news we need this to be international news i dont mean to sound violent in any way get blue and white canisters and set them off on a big match day get the media to film the speech fireworks if it is possible that is look what the fans in turkey italy croatia to name a few they will make it big news now we should do that
so i say this your with us or your against us
I think we are powerless to do anything, but why don’t we all club together to put an ad in the Southern China Morning Post to embarrass the owners.
Poppa that is the best idea of the night
We should make it a ‘for sale’ skit
‘One broken hearted club for sale, personal circumstance change forces sale, comes with 137 years service history, knock down price would make a great project after some neglect, needs someone to cherish, respect and keen to do the work on it’
Something like that in chinese
Brilliant Idea!!
Al, any chance of setting up a donation page?
As per previous posts, I think a protest has to happen. Im a trust member and I will be in the George lobbying them to organise. We mustn’t delude ourselves into thinking it will make cy and pannu go away, but done appropriately it will serve the purpose of highlighting our plight but most importantly advertising the fact that club has a huge number of passionate and loyal supporters.
the best way to do this is the “fill the ground day” coupled with the hearse/ dress in black / turn up late THEN RAISE THE FRICKIN ROOF ideas. Personally I’d have the hearse go from the bull ring at kick off time, we all get in for 2nd half.
the big risk is only 3 dozen people join in. We’ll look like a right bunch of eejits then…….need to be 99% certain serious numbers of people will go through with it, I’m not convinced too many of the wembley brigade will bother…….
Kro & sotv
I disgree. I think we could geta few thousand involved and that is a big enough number to be noticed. The hearse really is the winner for me with us all dressed in black – and I like the idea of getting into the ground late too.
Something that must be raised at the trust meeting.
What would be really good would be if we could persuade tom Ross to do his 1st half commentary on the hearse procession rather than the match. That would get some coverage !!
What’s the point in supporting the ‘team’, if there’s no ‘team’ to support?
Loving the idea of filling the ground with anti Pannu, Yeung banners and raising the roof with the best bluenose chants like the old days. OP needs to bring this up at the Trust meeting and see if this one flies. I for one will be prepared to spend my hard earned cash and even bring the wife and kids! We also need to bombard BIH with phone calls and emails until there nose bleeds. Positive protest so we don’t hurt the players. BRING IT ON, KRO
How about a lone bugal player playing the last post and a blue poppy reath being laid at the gates or some flowers tied to the gates morning our tragic loss. ..
All this talk of protest ideas has inspired me to join the Blues Trust.
Its only a fiver and I would encourage evereyone else to do as well!
Well said! Get involved people.
address here if your interested;
http://www.bluestrust.org/join/
Almajir, I understand that point that you are not a fans leader, but at least you had the gumption to set this place up and for the fan it is a place to let off steam. Although I feel you are ‘bang on’ about the impact of protests, I got to thinking that perhaps the board should not be the sole target of protest. I think that if we are pragmatic, we should accept administration and relegation, that will bring real buyers out. Therefore the football league should be the target, imploring them for administration thus saving our club. The Hong Kong lot have no emotional ties. It would be easy for them to sell everyone, fold the company and build a block of flats on St. Andrews. Never thought it would come to this but it is a real possibility. Is it a valid view?
I’m sure Joe Hart still cares about this club, or Ben Foster. Maybe if we could get one of them to help voice our opinion it wouldn’t go unnoticed!
Mikey J, as well as Joe and Ben, the more the merrier. Surely some people have contacts with ex-players who care about the club if not Bluenoses themselves, for example, Tony Coton,, Michael Johnson Bob Hopkins and plenty of others.
Also, I’m hugely impressed with the response to Almajir’s post, the groundswell of support with suggestions, some good, some not so good is a clear indication that the only people willing to do something are the fans themselves while in Hong Kong the silence remains deafening.
KRO SOTV
I really think we have nothing to lose by protesting.We surely cannot remain silent whilst our club slips away from us.At least if we do something we have tried.I’m not saying it did Blackburn much good but at least at Pompey they made people aware of their predicament whereas I’m not sure anyone is that aware of what’s happening to BCFC.There is apathy because we don’t think it will make any difference but for God’s sake let’s at least try.I like the idea of turning up as the whistle goes ie start of match,wearing black and lots and lots of banners with just one or two consistent messages.Ideas for what the messages should be on a postcard please!!
I wouldn’t support anything that has a negative effect on the pitch. No one will want to come and play for a club that has a downer on it’s players.