I spoke to JV earlier this evening and whilst I would normally not type the contents of the conversation on a message board post I thought it may be appropriate in this instance.
Jim was keen to clarify his thoughts regarding the fans and the reaction to his programme notes. It was conveyed to me in no uncertain terms how much the support is valued and how strong the relationship is between the team, management and fans. He regards the supporters as the life and soul of the club and has said on record that the Witton fans are head and shoulders above those of any other club of this level and arguably higher in the non-league structure. There is huge amounts of recognition for the fundraising activities and the efforts of the fans to support the club.
The above is a part of why Jim wants to keep it this way and to feedback with his thoughts - in no way whatsoever was there any intent to ‘slate the fans’ as has been interpreted by many.
I put it to Jim that I was listening to chants at a game in Chesterfield 15 years ago when the away fans were singing "you can stick your twisted spire up you a***"!!! The point being that chants of such a nature are common place within the game up and down the country. Jim understands that and has been around the game long enough to have heard more than most. He is not suggesting for a minute that we are running a "Church Flower Arranging Society" (my amusing words not his) but by the same token his points are valid. Abusive or aggressive chants towards the opposition are not always necessary.
The main point, over which I would agree entirely with his comments, are with regards to the opponent’s social club where there are areas where children and mums are present. Swearing and aggression in these environments is not right. Many clubs like ours are trying to encourage juniors and families into the club and the social club is not a suitable environment for the such language.
I believe beyond any shadow of doubt that Jim’s comments were made with the best interests of the club at heart and with genuine affection and respect for each and every fan of the club. You cannot fail to agree with his points regards the use of such language around the mums and children, I will swear like a b****** in front of mates but I wouldn’t necessarily use the same language in front of my mother or the local vicar (not that I ever got to church anyway)! The point being there is a time and a place for such chants.
We all represent Witton Albion when we go home or away with the club and therefore it is in the interest of everyone that we do this positively. I did remark to Jim the way the message appeared and that the emphasis appeared to be on the negative and not the positive, plus that the timing of people reading it 10 minutes before the game did not help.
Whether people agree or disagree with Jim’s thoughts he deserves the respect to be able to make his point without being shot down - as do we.
Whilst accepting that Jim’s comments were never meant to offend - and thanks to Jim and Simon for coming together to clarify this - by the same token, none of us set out to offend anyone at Hucknall either. Yes a few people were far too rowdy, and it is unfortunate that most of this came to boiling point in the social club (which i admit is not the most suitable place for this to happen). However, it was not done to offend it was soley just a group of lads who had had a few to drink and went a little OTT.
And again it is important to remember that there was no violence, and that in the main everything was intended as light-hearted banter.
Overall, there are lessons to be learned all round. We all know Jim values the fans, that is why his words came as so much of a shock on Tuesday.
Let’s just move on from it now.
Thanks to Jim for taking the time to speak to Simon about this.
Well said, Robbo - and I thought you made the case for the defence very eloquently in your earlier post as well. I’m sure Jim, and the club generally, appreciate all the efforts made by you and the rest of the hooligans (don’t take offence, tongue firmly in cheek with that one!). Our fans are like having a 12th man in the team.
However, I could see his point of view, and I think it should be taken as constructive criticism - we all want Witton to be the best club, in all respects, and we can all play our part in that, so we should welcome any improvement that can be made.
Incidentally, it’s good to see the high level of civilised debate that takes place on this forum! It makes entertaining reading, and there have been some very well-written posts, not only on this thread regarding where to draw the line when supporting your team (one man’s banter is another man’s abuse!), but also, for instance, on the ethics of accepting sponsorship from global companies.
Thats what I said in my earlier post lets move on get behind the team on Saturday and lift them. Jim has a high opinion of the fans but like us he is entitled to highlight any constructive concerns just as we’ve done with certain players for instance.
We were given a "bloody nose" on Tuesday but lets go for the knockout punch tomorrow against Ferriby. I know they are perhaps not doing as well this season but there are no easy games so lets be positive, not underestimate them and get the three points. Its good to have the healthy banter on here and as I’ve said 99.99% of our fans are absolutely brilliant so some of you lads who feel you are being got at stop it as thats not the case. We do however just need to channel a very very small minority of our people into positive rather than abusive vocal support for the team.
A request to those behind the goal can we have the new Rod Thornley song again tomorrow its really humurous without being obscene!Absolutely brilliant stuff!!
Two of our closest rivals play each other tomorrow so a nice draw would be good or a defeat for Fleetwood and thats no disrespect to them its just they are the closest to us in terms of points.