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.