Are the club in a huff?


By Karen Blaydock
October 5 2023

Is it me or has the club become very reticent with its communications? There was a time a few years back when the club updated on everything continuously. Since Dawes has departed communications have got worse. What lies behind this?

There is a vacuum of information from the club. We don't know what's happening regarding the long-term appointment of a new manager. Nor do we know what is going on with the Norris boys, both out injured, but for how long or with what is anyone's guess. Lots of us contributed to the construction of the fan zone and we were promised an Autumn opening. Nothing. Did I have a dream where the club said they were thinking of relocating to Bidston? Silence.

I can't help thinking that this is a sign of owner fatigue. When things are going wrong it seems that we are kept in the dark. Why? I mean, I don't expect us to be told the intimate ins and outs of our business dealings. Nor am I particularly interested in whether year 3 at Fended Primary enjoyed a visit from Luke McGhee. Yet there is more substantive stuff going on that we might need to know about. Our Indonesian partners seem to have gone very quiet. Very little is being said.

I can't blame Mark and Nicola on one level. The abuse both have received on social media is depressing and unnecessary. They may not be the wealthiest owners, but they are a positive force behind the club. Their efforts tend to be appreciated even by the most cynical of supporters. The problem is that less communication allows rumours to spread and those who shout loudest to be heard. Just when we need clarity we seem to be getting obfuscation. 

There seem to be no Q&A sessions arranged, no opportunity for dialogue. One of the key strengths of Mark Palios is that he is a natural and articulate communicator. The silence seems out of character.

I'm hoping that this is an hiatus. Perhaps as soon as this article is published there will be a deluge of coincidental communication which will both reassure and invigorate. We've started winning games again, it's now time that Mark and Nicola refocused on winning hearts and minds.

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Are the club in a huff?
Discussion started by Total Tranmere (IP Logged), 05/10/2023 15:46
Total Tranmere
Total Tranmere
05/10/2023 15:46
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MESSAGES->author
Phil65
05/10/2023 15:51
I used to enjoy reading Les Parry’s physio up-date in the match-day programme. Always humorous and you felt well informed about the injury situation. Seems worlds apart right now on that score.

Loyden1
Loyden1
05/10/2023 16:08
Quote:
Phil65
I used to enjoy reading Les Parry’s physio up-date in the match-day programme. Always humorous and you felt well informed about the injury situation. Seems worlds apart right now on that score.
yes phil me too , this lack of comunication is baffling ,whether its the new admin cant get info or someone doesnt think its relevant anymore , theres something wrong down there deffo

stek26
stek26
05/10/2023 16:12
Good article, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head with the term you used, owner fatigue. I would agree and say a lot of it stems from the toxic abuse they receive.

Thought the 6-monthly or so Q&As were a great form of communication, don’t think I know of any clubs who have done this. But that seems to have gone quiet, hopefully one will be announced soon as there is so much uncertainty.

The pressing issue is what’s going on with the management, are we actively looking/taking applications/interviewing or are we hoping Nigel says he will take it until end of the season.

XFA
XFA
05/10/2023 16:12
The club has been coy about discussing injuries for years now. Frustrating at times but nothing new.

prentonpete1
prentonpete1
05/10/2023 16:20
Why don't you go to the fountain head and ask them simples.

XFA
XFA
05/10/2023 16:49
Quote:
stek26
The pressing issue is what’s going on with the management, are we actively looking/taking applications/interviewing or are we hoping Nigel says he will take it until end of the season.

The club has not given any indication at all that they’re actively looking for a new manager, which is unusual. But, consistent with that, it’s notable that Adkins’ role as manager is described as interim, rather than caretaker…two different things.

Interim until what is the big question. Until he’s steadied the ship? But the club could easily say that. Or until something much more significant? Which, for now, would at least fit with the silence.

DevonExile
DevonExile
05/10/2023 17:19
Non communication on the managers situation is understandable. Adkins may have accepted the role as interim to leave flexibility to respond according to circumstances. if we move to a more secure position he may be prepared to stay for the season or beyond. On the other hand if we continue to struggle he may step down. This is all speculation but there are quite a few scenarios that would justify silence.
On the broader issues, however, communication is not as good as it was, and the void inevitably adds to speculation. Odd as MP has always appeared quite media shrewd

Ingleboro08
Ingleboro08
05/10/2023 17:53
Is it no news is deemed to be good news!
Or
There is no good news?

Since covid, there has been a lot of decisions made that have not been too popular with the core support. Mainly due to the direction of the club.

Conspiracy theories are abound, as usual!

dave-p
dave-p
05/10/2023 19:28
I think the lack of communication started before Dawes went and, yes, I think the owners are sick and tired with a vociferous bunch of idiots on social media.

And maybe as we're currently in trouble on the field, in flux at the managerial level and potentially ownership too, I understand it totally.

dave-p
dave-p
05/10/2023 19:30
I'm even reconsidering my future Euromillions win investment.

warren r
Wozza
05/10/2023 19:38
Even if I won euro billions I wouldn’t invest in a football team Dave p

Zint
Zint
05/10/2023 20:48
Quote:
Wozza
Even if I won euro billions I wouldn’t invest in a football team Dave p
Not even if you won £10? 10 equaliser draw tickets? 😁😁😁

Brenk
Brenk
05/10/2023 21:13
Certainly food for thought. Personally, I’m not so bothered about the Atkins arrangement. He’s more than capable of holding the fort and I’m sure when he returns to Technical Director he’ll have a whole new batch of useful data to evaluate. Even if there was some indication on the managerial front we’d only be getting anxious over who was being considered. Wouldn’t anyone approached now have to be either a rookie or a sacked manager?

The other areas are I think more important . All the fans are stakehlolders if not shareholders, they deserve to know what’s happening on the injury front and will be more understanding of the situation if they’re better informed. As has already been mentioned, this has been the case for at least a couple of seasons and it’s irritating.

Perhaps the info on the Fan Zone has been held back in respect to Ben Harrison? But a lot of us made contributions to the investment and were promised at the very least some tickets for the opening night. That seemed nailed on. Now I’m not sure if there’s anyone at the Trust to contact.

I wonder if owner fatigue is a cover for selling up? It’s all becoming as if the fans are being taken for granted

dave-p
dave-p
05/10/2023 21:21
I think owner fatigue and wanting to sell up go hand in hand. Not sure it needs covering up (and if so, why would they invite potential suitors to the Directors' box?).

Is there anyone else from the trust who can help with comms? It's not really a club problem though.

Brenk
Brenk
05/10/2023 21:22
In desperation I just went on the club site and as there was nothing separately listed for injuries, I used the search box. The first item was a club statement about Dawes leaving. Well, I suppose he must have felt bruised🙁

warren r
Wozza
05/10/2023 21:36
Quote:
Zint
Quote:
Wozza
Even if I won euro billions I wouldn’t invest in a football team Dave p
Not even if you won £10? 10 equaliser draw tickets? 😁😁😁
not a @#$%& chance

Zint
Zint
06/10/2023 09:23
One of the possibilities is that the club uses social media more nowadays. I don’t have an ‘X’ account, but know the club use it a a fair bit. Same with Fartbook, the club continuously put posts on there too. However, the key issues raised in the article regarding player injuries, ground developments, etc are not being addressed.

ALOTBSOL
ALOTBSOL
06/10/2023 17:07
They have said on the Grimsby pre-match review that Leake, Norris and Merrie are working hard on their recovery from injury. And Paul Lewis and Reece McAlear have been in training and will be assessed ahead of the game.

TRFCooooooo
TRFCooooooo
06/10/2023 18:20
With injuries, the club are likely to be quiet and vague in an attempt to stop other clubs gathering info/creating their tactics.

I would like to see regular updates of ticket sales on X like that on the Trust X page, as sometimes shared and used in the past to drive interest and income.
That said, I do prefer the atmosphere and seating arrangements with the regular fan base. Would be nice to see fan base growing gradually as more people join or return to the SWA.

Bored rover
Bored rover
06/10/2023 20:15
Quote:
TRFCooooooo
With injuries, the club are likely to be quiet and vague in an attempt to stop other clubs gathering info/creating their tactics.
.


Not really, you don't think they scout us the week before, plus its not like we have Messi or Salah upfront.

dave-p
dave-p
06/10/2023 20:53
Quote:
Bored rover
Quote:
TRFCooooooo
With injuries, the club are likely to be quiet and vague in an attempt to stop other clubs gathering info/creating their tactics.
.


Not really, you don't think they scout us the week before, plus its not like we have Messi or Salah upfront.
Well, Adkins apparently has a good look at what the opposition are up to in order to prepare for their threats. Beats the old MM "we'll concentrate on our game" approach, the lazy git 🤣

Seriously though, I guess it's the kind of attention to detail you need as you manage higher up the pyramid.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2023:10:06:20:55:32 by dave-p.

Ingleboro08
Ingleboro08
06/10/2023 21:06
We used to have scouts at games who would write a report!
Now the clubs rely on reports from neutral sources, it used to be opta.
I'm not even sure we have scouts at any level!

dave-p
dave-p
06/10/2023 21:15
Quote:
Ingleboro08
We used to have scouts at games who would write a report!
Now the clubs rely on reports from neutral sources, it used to be opta.
I'm not even sure we have scouts at any level!

Can't they get iFollow and watch that? I guess it's cheaper than physical scouts traipsing around the country.

MESSAGES->author
Phil65
06/10/2023 21:50
Quote:
dave-p
Quote:
Ingleboro08
We used to have scouts at games who would write a report!
Now the clubs rely on reports from neutral sources, it used to be opta.
I'm not even sure we have scouts at any level!

Can't they get iFollow and watch that? I guess it's cheaper than physical scouts traipsing around the country.

Not sure what plan they’d come up with to cope with that buffering tactic; players suddenly cropping up elsewhere on the pitch would be a nightmare for any defence.

Loyden1
Loyden1
07/10/2023 01:07
I know ray mathias ,long time player and ex manager ,he scouts for bradford ,hope he doesnt lose his job like hughsie

kennyspint
kennyspint
07/10/2023 01:28
Would we consider welcoming Ray back if he was sacked. Loved his team that got 80 points but missed out.

dave-p
dave-p
07/10/2023 08:51
I remember him coming to Arrowe Hill middle school when I was 10. Just checked and he's 76 now and still scouting.

Zint
Zint
07/10/2023 10:03
Quote:
Loyden1
I know ray mathias ,long time player and ex manager ,he scouts for bradford ,hope he doesnt lose his job like hughsie
Ray was a very underrated and unlucky manager. However, my understanding is that his family wouldn’t entertain the idea of him taking on the job.

Loyden1
Loyden1
07/10/2023 12:01
Quote:
dave-p
I remember him coming to Arrowe Hill middle school when I was 10. Just checked and he's 76 now and still scouting.
he must be well respected ,works with bristol city leeds sheff utd

AndyMase
AndyMase
07/10/2023 19:22
The club is a business, and as someone said we have a bunch of mindless fans who think money grows on trees and can't understand why the palioses aren't bankrupting themselves to fund a team that may fail anyway.
I'm glad they are there but its a no win situation for them and I'm not sure I would put myself in the position they seem prepared to take on

dave-p
dave-p
07/10/2023 21:35
*seemed* prepared to take on. It must be getting like a millstone now.

warren r
Wozza
07/10/2023 22:06
If we had 3 big investors like Bournemouth had at there rise the prem I still think we’d struggle to fill the ground like we did when we nearly got there in the 90’s only if we got to the prem that’s when we’d fill pp never gonna happen though

Rhineman
Rhineman
08/10/2023 09:46
Quote:
Wozza
If we had 3 big investors like Bournemouth had at there rise the prem I still think we’d struggle to fill the ground like we did when we nearly got there in the 90’s only if we got to the prem that’s when we’d fill pp never gonna happen though
Pure conjecture but if we can get 5-6,000 with nothing going well, I'd guess we would get bigger gates in the Champs than we did back then. Remember few years before the rise we couldn't get 2,000

Zint
Zint
08/10/2023 12:57
Quote:
AndyMase
The club is a business, and as someone said we have a bunch of mindless fans who think money grows on trees and can't understand why the palioses aren't bankrupting themselves to fund a team that may fail anyway.
I'm glad they are there but its a no win situation for them and I'm not sure I would put myself in the position they seem prepared to take on

I suspect the problem for Mark is that he is used to medium terms projects, this is becoming a long-term one and not likely to be that which was envisaged when he took over.

velico
velico
08/10/2023 16:11
Quote:
AndyMase
The club is a business, and as someone said we have a bunch of mindless fans who think money grows on trees and can't understand why the palioses aren't bankrupting themselves to fund a team that may fail anyway.
I'm glad they are there but its a no win situation for them and I'm not sure I would put myself in the position they seem prepared to take on
yes the club is a business, but i think the people don't expect mr + mrs palios too bankrupt themselves or indeed sign players on 20k a week, it's more the way the club is being run most rovers fans are not daft so don't treat them as such.

Rhineman
Rhineman
08/10/2023 23:12
Quote:
velico
Quote:
AndyMase
The club is a business, and as someone said we have a bunch of mindless fans who think money grows on trees and can't understand why the palioses aren't bankrupting themselves to fund a team that may fail anyway.
I'm glad they are there but its a no win situation for them and I'm not sure I would put myself in the position they seem prepared to take on
yes the club is a business, but i think the people don't expect mr + mrs palios too bankrupt themselves or indeed sign players on 20k a week, it's more the way the club is being run most rovers fans are not daft so don't treat them as such.

Which improvement to the way the club is run would not involve spending more money?

LocalHero
LocalHero
09/10/2023 09:25
The numpties have ruined this for everyone. We had owners who communicated a lot on social media. Numpties drove them offline. Any announcement just produces abuse and criticism, so why would the club actively announce stuff - all it does is bring up the numpties determined to talk the club down.

Look at this post on Twitter, for example - a simple picture of fans showing support. https://twitter.com/TranmereRovers/status/1710703711826170321 The first comment is 'Fans short-changed again'. How can the club build positivity when so many people want to build negativity.

If they update on an injured player it just brings up people saying they are useless, or we're better off with them. If the club turned off comments it would make them look more distant from fans. So there's nothing the club can do to win with this.

This isn't a Tranmere issue - all clubs have this issue. We should be in an age where teams can communicate more freely with fans. But sadly numpties who just want to constantly moan stop that from happening.

Loyden1
Loyden1
09/10/2023 10:31
He sounds like a numptie 🙈🤣 ,all i would like is the club to give injury updates, not a lot to tweet really is it

dave-p
dave-p
09/10/2023 10:38
Adkins did in his (post-match, I think) presser this weekend. Hopefully it stays a part of the routine.

ALOTBSOL
ALOTBSOL
10/10/2023 10:12
From the OS.
Jake Leake, Luke Norris and Chris Merrie continue to work hard on their recoveries from injury, and won't be available for the match.

Rhineman
Rhineman
10/10/2023 10:41
Quote:
ALOTBSOL
From the OS.
Jake Leake, Luke Norris and Chris Merrie continue to work hard on their recoveries from injury, and won't be available for the match.

So anyone beginning in H that still can't get a game is history!

Brenk
Brenk
10/10/2023 11:51
Quote:
dave-p
Adkins did in his (post-match, I think) presser this weekend. Hopefully it stays a part of the routine.

Someone asked earlier which improvement the club could make which wouldn’t cost money. The obvious answer is communication whether it’s about player injuries- and no one is asking for detailed reports- or the Fan Park which many of us have contributed to.

I can’t find any contact point on the Trust site apart from Ben Harrison’s email which would be rather inappropriate to even try!

Zint
Zint
10/10/2023 13:15
I suspect the Trust are in a state of flux after Ben’s passing 😥

Loyden1
Loyden1
10/10/2023 15:59
Quote:
Zint
I suspect the Trust are in a state of flux after Ben’s passing 😥
there are trust members on this forum ,think maybe theyre not afforded the same info ben was able to get,he had access to inside info

Zint
Zint
10/10/2023 16:14
I’m a member of the Trust. It’s been v.quiet.

dave-p
dave-p
10/10/2023 16:51
Is the trust managing the new fanzone thingy? If so, I think someone needs to take control of the project pretty quick.

dave-p
dave-p
10/10/2023 16:53
From the Tranmere Twitter account

"We are delighted to announce that The Campus will potentially be used as a training centre for UEFA Euro 2028!

It comes as the UK & Ireland's joint bid to host the competition was officially confirmed."

ALOTBSOL
ALOTBSOL
13/10/2023 12:16
Luke Norris and Jake Leake, who have both been out since August, are back on the grass in training as they continue their recovery from injury.

MESSAGES->author
hong kong rover
13/10/2023 12:30
Quote:
ALOTBSOL
Luke Norris and Jake Leake, who have both been out since August, are back on the grass in training as they continue their recovery from injury.

spliffed off their heads down at the Campus. no surprise we are near the foot of the table!

DevonExile
DevonExile
13/10/2023 12:35
Our fans are no worse than at most clubs, and possibly better than most. Even after 3 disappointing seasons support has stood up pretty well, despite a poor economic situation.
Every club will have supporters with unreasonable views, but any worthwhile CEO can live with that without being deviated from their plans.
Running a lower league club is tough, and it would be understandable if MP was coming to a time when he wants out, but it is a bit simplistic to suggest that is down to the actions of a small minority of fans. It is easy to point a finger of blame, but if MP was looking for out there are likely to be more significant reasons than the fans

Brenk
Brenk
13/10/2023 13:43
[quote hong kong rover][quote ALOTBSOL ]Luke Norris and Jake Leake, who have both been out since August, are back on the grass in training as they continue their recovery from injury.[/quote]

spliffed off their heads down at the Campus. no surprise we are near the foot of the table![/quote

]😂 Can always rely on you for a laugh HKR.

MESSAGES->author
Phil65
13/10/2023 16:54
Quote:
hong kong rover
Quote:
ALOTBSOL
Luke Norris and Jake Leake, who have both been out since August, are back on the grass in training as they continue their recovery from injury.

spliffed off their heads down at the Campus. no surprise we are near the foot of the table!

They’ll be getting stoned if we go down; either that or a bleeding’ boulder dropped on them!

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