The Newcastle Fans Forum members have published an open letter to the Board of Newcastle United.
Apparently the open letter has been sent to the club via email – and there has been a response confirming it has been received.
So they’ve got it – whether they have read it yet we don’t know.
Steve McClaren at Fans Forum meeting shortly after joining Newcastle
Here is the Open Letter:
With ten Premier League games to go, we find ourselves in what appears to be a ‘3 from 4’ relegation battle.
Fans of our club vented their strong views at St James Park during our defeat by Bournemouth.
These fans have chosen to ‘stick by’ the club and religiously turn up week in, week out despite the horrendous season that we have encountered.
These same fans are frequently tarnished with the view that we all expect to win the Champions League.
What NUFC fans want is a team of eleven players in black and white shirts that understand their role to perform to their maximum – week in, week out.
We have entrusted the board of NUFC to ensure that the right personnel are in place to carry out this basic expectation.
Our current Head Coach, Steve McClaren, has now been responsible for 28 games, during that period:
We have won 6 games – this is our joint worst ever number at this stage, only matched by our relegation season in 2008/09.
We have the second worst goal difference in the PL (only better than Villa) We have scored 28 goals, the worst ever figure in recent history for this stage of the season.
We have kept 1 clean sheet since 6th December 2015. We have the 3rd worst disciplinary record in the PL.
On the 19th September 2015, Steve McClaren said “You are where you deserve to be. That’s where we are. I said judge us after ten games and I would still say the same now. The next two are tough but this is a tough job.”
On the 17th October 2015, Steve McClaren said “I’m not saying judging me after ten, 11, 12 games or whatever. I guess I would say ‘if you’re going to throw things at me, judge me at the end of the season’.”
Whilst we still have 10 games to go, NUFC Fans cannot accept the current work ethic of the players. Someone, somewhere has to be accountable and decisions must be made.
During the recent Fans Forum meeting (22nd February 2016), we asked the club this:
Why is there seemingly no price for failure at NUFC? For a number of years now the club’s own targets have been failed to be met by those tasked with ensuring they do, both at a coaching and boardroom level.
The only person to lose their job at NUFC in the last eight years at these levels was the one man who achieved his target and that was Chris Hughton.
This worrying trend is mirrored in the playing staff, where poor performances by so-called big name players are rewarded by another start for the first team due to a lack of options and depth in certain areas.
How does the club expect to improve when there is seemingly no price or consequence for underachievement?
Lee Charnley replied – “The club believes the squad now has strong options in most positions, enabling changes in team selection to be made where the head coach sees appropriate.”
LC was also confident of Premier League survival at that meeting. Since then, we have lost both of our PL games.
Last year, during our relegation battle, this Fans Forum talked about ‘Actions NOT Words’. That hasn’t changed. Lessons from that battle have quite clearly not been learned.
It is absolutely imperative that the club has its fans ‘on-side’ for the remainder of the season.
We must urge you to review our position and initiate any changes that you see fit to correct the current attitude of the playing staff. Our fans have every right to remind the club what was said last year –
‘We don’t demand a team that wins, we demand a club that tries!’Our players frequently look jaded and our playing style often appears outdated. We lack organisation and the players continue to lack discipline.
During the Fans Forum meeting, Lee Charnley made it clear that we had a flexible approach to our usual transfer policy, which allowed us to sign two key targets.
Maybe its time to accept that the ‘Head Coach’ role simply doesn’t work at NUFC and accept that a Manager is required, a person who will not only coach but motivate and manage!
With substantial increases to TV revenues, players will only become increasingly difficult to manage not easier. Agents seeking lucrative pay-deals for their clients will attempt to dictate further.
This will result in even less club loyalty unless we can grasp the uniqueness of Newcastle United Football Club and move forward together as one.
We want fans that don’t even contemplate giving up on season tickets. We want players that are proud to wear the famous colours. We want a manager that truly wants the best for us.
It’s time for action, its time for accountability.”
ACTIONS NOT WORDS – NUFC FANS FORUM
A good responsible letter from the Fans Forum people – we are glad it was sent – they are showing leadership and want real action from the club – not more self-serving comments from Lee Charnley.
Unfortunately, leadership is something those managing Newcastle haven’t shown for a long time.
Comments welcome.
53 comments so far
magscar
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:24 PM
Comment #1Mister Tuff@45
Thank you. I couldn’t agree more. In all sincerity and no axe to grind before someone leaps in to chastise me or you.
Ron Knee
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:25 PM
Comment #2BandB
Going back to Ashley’s image and the McClaren problem:
Do you think finding the cheapest solution would not be paramount in Ashley’s thinking?
hibbitt
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:25 PM
Comment #3WOW to be honest didn’t think the fans forum had the balls to write that letter never mind send it.
5
ilovetoon8788
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:29 PM
Comment #4No use . we are stuck with McLaren and going down.
hibbitt
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:31 PM
Comment #5Ron Knee
not any more Ashley is the only one that can sort this now the axe has to fall ………even raf at 5m£ would be cheap in the long term
BandB
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:31 PM
Comment #6Ron
I think he’ll want the best pound for pound solution.
Whatever he decides that is. For himself.
sweendog
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:32 PM
Comment #7Good email to the club, no fuss just explaining the obvious.
magscar
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:33 PM
Comment #8Can’t disagree with sentiment although could have said more but presumably have to get everyone on board with contents.
So is this the “real” Fans Forum? When did they meet and draft this? Not saying or thinking it isn’t them but this a first and dare I say groundbreaking!
If it is real guess they have had enough and resigned given likely consequences?!?
Good on you lads and lasses.
Ron Knee
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:38 PM
Comment #9hibbitt/BandB
If he does decide to sack McClaren, I wouldn’t be surprised if he dug into the club’s coffers to try and buy his way out. (Watch him appoint Cathro now!)
Average_Contents
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:38 PM
Comment #10That’ll be them all barred from the next one then. Or whoever they deem guilty.
The club will be furiously finding out who’s idea it was, who’s email was used and who pressed send.
How dare THEY, mere supporters ask for ANYTHING. At all.
The cheek.
Bashing bishop will already be gnawing at the bit in an attempt to somehow turn the situation around on us fans.
Not our fault. We want what’s best for our club. Your fat fcuk of a boss only wants what’s best for himself and shite defect.
geordielad880
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:39 PM
Comment #11Side to play leicester:
————————-Elliot
Janmaat—–lascelles———-taylor—dummett
————–shelvey—————colback
————————wijnaldum
saivet————————————–townsend
———————–mitrovic
hibbitt
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:42 PM
Comment #12repost
Mag52
David Dein lives next door to Ashley in Totteridge Lane maybe to old to take the job at 72 but could he not pick his brain about what’s needed
BeeGuy
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:43 PM
Comment #13Macca still on the job at this moment. Can it be that no one else will take the job?
BandB
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:44 PM
Comment #14Ron
I’m waiting to see.
He could call his loans in and have a fire sale if he chose. Or put in £100 million of his own money to complete the squad and give us a top manager. Or he might do nothing.
They are weighing it all up, I imagine.
Average_Contents
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:45 PM
Comment #15Magscar
Agreed.
But last year they sent out a strongly worded statement demanding a fan’s forum before the season was out.
The club said they would but it never materialised. Never heard anything since.
They treat us with utter contempt.
Because they can.
hibbitt
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:47 PM
Comment #16BandB
it could take a while then thats a lot for this lot to think about in one go
toon kk
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:48 PM
Comment #17It’s Newcastle we’re talking about, nothing will change. We’ll be relegated something that has been coming for a long time. Next season in the championship we’ll be having the same conversation, the clubs on a downward spiral, MA running of the club has had serious consequences.
magscar
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:49 PM
Comment #18They might as well be damned and ensure that this letter gets into Local and National press to correct some of the misapprehension even respected but distant journalists even on the heavies have of us.
We are nor a Spurs or even a Wet Ham for them to bother to delve enough into the history and psyche of this club before pronouncing on it in a po-faced manner ( sorry I know there are some decent and balanced reports out there). Some one will then have to draw it to the attention of the pundits and Talksports and explain what it is all about. Not that they will care unless they can sensationalise it to some degree.
nufc 11
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:49 PM
Comment #19This is getting fcuking stupied now why hasnt he been sacked? Moyes was availilbe before the La Manga trip 18 days to get things going instead LC did notting. Fireable offence? They did the same thing with Shearer back in 2009 I dont think 10 games is enough to get things right. Maybe thats why Macca will be kept on. Where has the soul gone?
Ron Knee
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:49 PM
Comment #20BandB
Charmless and Carr were seen at the Central station this morning meeting somebody – not running away, I think!
lesh
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:49 PM
Comment #21A very good move by the FF. Let’s hope the media pick it up and run with it.
bettyswallocks
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:51 PM
Comment #22There is one name that hasn’t been mentioned as a troubleshooter that could definitely help us to stay up if he felt inclined to help. He might just relish the challenge and could work alongside McClaren if theywant to save face. The more I think about it, it seems the obvious solution to try and persuade Sir Alex or even beg him to try and save us from the drop.
Mister Tuff
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:53 PM
Comment #23Good effort from the FF. I had previously questioned whether they “got together” prior to the meetings with the club – clearly they do.
Whilst I probably would wanted to have said more in the letter – they have probably pitched it at the right level.
Their open letter keeps the pressure on – it lets the club know the fans are not happy.
At last some good stuff from the FF. Whether it has any effect is entirely another matter.
i noticed the other day that the AO website was not up and running -but a check today reveals they are back on line – and totally silent.
cyprus
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:54 PM
Comment #24Who wrote this? Too long and meandering. Get an editor.
And we don’t only demand a team that tries. That’s BS. We want an occasional win man.
magscar
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:59 PM
Comment #25Average
Had forgotten that but this is really gloves off given the controlled nature of the Forum.
I posted some years ago about an open letter i had just sent to club ( around time of local press ban) and asked for others to consider joining me but got no takers nor (not unexpectedly) no response from club.
It was measured but spoke to our problems and needed weight behind it but there was presumably scepticism that it would make any difference so died an inevitable death. I still believe in the power of words and hope that this isn’t simply ignored by Bishop/Taylor etc but re-inforced and kept at forefront of public perception.
firebug666
Mar 7, 2016 at 2:59 PM
Comment #26I fear this is the first of many……
Newcastle United striker Ayoze Perez admits “something must change” if they are to escape relegation this season.
The Magpies remained in the drop zone following their 3-1 defeat by Bournemouth at St. James’ Park.
“In some moments we are not a team, we are not as one. Something has to change,” Perez, 22, told BBC Newcastle.
“It’s not enough – we have good quality in the dressing room, but during this season we have not shown it. We need to be a team.”
The former Tenerife forward scored Newcastle’s only goal in the 80th minute in a defeat that followed two wins and a draw in their three previous home games.
“We have been playing good football at home – winning games,” the Spaniard continued.
“That has been key for us – playing at home. I don’t know what happened but we have to change something.”
With only 10 games remaining Newcastle are level on points with Norwich, and a point behind 17th-placed Sunderland and safety.
“We have to think that we have 10 finals,” said Perez. “It doesn’t matter how, we have to be a team and try to get points as soon as possible because we are in trouble.
“It’s our turn, we have to give [the fans] something special because Newcastle, the club, and the fans don’t deserve the situation.”
There has been widespread speculation about Steve McClaren’s position as head coach since the defeat, but Perez insisted the players are behind him.
“He is our manager, we have to be with him,” he added.
“If something changes, I don’t know what’s going to happen – but right now we are with him because he is our manager.”
BandB
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:00 PM
Comment #27Ron
They may have been on their way to The Nag’s Head in Peckham for a meeting of Ashley’s Independent Traders.
Off to school…
magscar
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:01 PM
Comment #28Mister Tuff
Timing couldn’t be better as far as we can tell without any hard facts
magscar
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:05 PM
Comment #29Also on school run -later
Hail Wor Ashley
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:05 PM
Comment #30Perez using many words to say nothing but taught platitudes from the ‘media training’ they all get these days
firebug666
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:09 PM
Comment #31Hail Wor Ashley
That’s a very good point, I wonder just how much they are with Macca in this? The end of his statement…(“He is our manager, we have to be with him,” he added.
“If something changes, I don’t know what’s going to happen – but right now we are with him because he is our manager.”) …. actually speaks volumes.
He is their so they have to be with him whether they like it or not.
Mag52
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:11 PM
Comment #32Hibbitt.
If Ashley did pop next door to have a neighbourly chat about football matters with Mr.Dein, he might learn a thing or two.
The next Mike Williamson
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:18 PM
Comment #33perez said we have to be with him, it’s a big difference from we are with him.
neverwin
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:26 PM
Comment #34In all interests of SANITY McClaren must go – if he had anything about him he would save all the problems and WALK away now.
If he thought the supporters wrath against Bournemouth was bad his life will be really untenable for him if Mackems beat us.
Players will not know what has hit them either.
Stupid man should try and think on that = or is he a masochist/brain dead.
I am not for booing but what other recourse do we have.
santon3
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:34 PM
Comment #35I think SM will be or has been sacked because usually by this time he would have given those BS excuses about last game.
I haven’t read any BS excuses or any interviews so far.
I think it’s just a matter of time for some announcement.
I really really really hope I’m right.
firebug666
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:36 PM
Comment #36santon3
Or he’s just keeping his head down and trying to get through the week under the radar.
The last thing he would want now is to give the fans a bit more ammunition to fire back at him lol.
santon3
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:39 PM
Comment #37firebug
but isn’t it a must thing for head coach or anyone in the club to talk to the press?
Anyway I hope the right one 🙂 for our sake.
santon3
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:40 PM
Comment #38I hope I’m the right one in this matter*
santon3
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:41 PM
Comment #39everyone in the club all silent, not a single word from last game?
hibbitt
Mar 7, 2016 at 3:43 PM
Comment #40Mag52
would be a waste of time ashley wouldn’t have a clue what dein was talking about ….er football what’s that !!!