By ComeOnYouSaints.com
February 14 2013

Northampton Saints chairman Leon Barwell says that he is looking forward to "constructive discussions" at the Season Ticket Holders Forum being held later this month.

All 250 available tickets were snapped up in just two days for the Forum, which will give Season Ticket Holders the opportunity to discuss the club's future with Barwell, vice chairman Tony Hewitt, chief executive Allan Robson and director of rugby Jim Mallinder.

"I'm happy to see that all of the tickets have been booked, and I hope that everyone attending will come with an open mind and ready to have a constructive discussion," Barwell commented. "It is a good opportunity to have a face-to-face discussion with some of our core supporters, address issues and concerns and get feedback about how we are doing.

"In the age of social media one person's Chinese whisper becomes another person's gospel truth, and rumours can spread like wildfire, so it is important that supporters hear things directly from us, either on the night or via the recorded podcast that will be available.

"The Saints is a club which families have supported from generation to generation. Our supporters have been a big part of our development so far and will play a big role as we continue to build for a bigger and brighter future."

Although the Forum is fully booked, supporters will be able to listen to the evening's discussions in full via a free podcast which will be available the morning after. And to ensure that Season Ticket Holders who do attend will be fed and watered, vouchers will be given out upon entry for a complimentary pie and a drink on the night.

News: Leon Looking Forward to Fan's Forum

Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 14/02/2013 15:28

ComeOnYouSaints.com
14/02/2013 15:28

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David Tavener
14/02/2013 16:11

Thats all good and although I can't be there I am looking forward to hearing from some of the ones that can make it to explain the outcome.

Devil's advocate though tells me that telling 250 people out of a fan base that dwarfs that means one person telling the story when then another person will only understand it from that persons viewpoint and so on... which effectively is chinese whisper style. The truth can be faded the further away from the core point.

However I hope that whatever is discussed, all answers are given, it just takes one question unanswered at the end to start a rumour because it then becomes interpretation and personal views.

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ChrisG
14/02/2013 16:46

I'd read the above Dave, there will be a podcast of proceedings.

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StBleach
14/02/2013 16:55

"complimentary pie and a drink " - you dont hear those words very often from the Saints

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Flinstone Saint
14/02/2013 17:00

Hope there's a fruit based drink for the laideees

Think the podcast is a good idea for those that can't be there for whatever reason. Now everyone can hear the answers from the horses mouth.

----------------------------------------

Please sponsor me for Saints with Heart [www.justgiving.com]

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Phil.
14/02/2013 17:21

A bit more here...

Quote:

“We use all of those forums for communication but what we’re in danger of losing is a bit of the old fashioned culture of a rugby club where we get together, have a beer and discuss things amongst ourselves. I think that’s what we need to put back and instil and just get people more engaged.”

Northants Telegraph

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SAINT_aitch
14/02/2013 17:30

WOO HOO 'Free Pie'
Sorry, am I missing the point here?

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Gwendoline
14/02/2013 18:03

The forum is a very good thing. And thank you for it.

But it would be grave error to assume that people will talk about any elephants in the room.

An open public meeting is a good way to communicate but its a poor way to receive difficult or sensitive information.

That needs a communication route where people can express their views either on one to one basis or otherwise confidentially.

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Alan B
14/02/2013 20:26

Quote:

StBleach
"complimentary pie and a drink " - you dont hear those words very often from the Saints

I hope not Bleach-I don't like my pie telling me how nice I am !

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St Marlowe
14/02/2013 20:50

Pork Pies!

Phil!

is there no end to the sycophancy that you attract Alan?

David L

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

- Live wrong and preposterously

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MoANjAm
14/02/2013 22:02

Can I just point out, once and for all, that there is one and there will only ever be ONE PIE!

"sup·port·er"

Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.

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ChrisG
14/02/2013 22:02

I'm actually heartened a lot by what LB says in the Telegraph. Acknowledgement there has been a disconnection and aims afoot to put it right. Lets just hope the blames not laid at the door of social media and its a lip service excercise, I hope and believe it won't be though. I might even start calling him Cousin Leon again if he pulls this thing round.

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Saint.Kenneth
14/02/2013 22:57

I bet Mr Robson got a cheap batch of pies from Findus!!

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St Marlowe
15/02/2013 00:02

I knew the caterers would saddle him with something that will give us all the trots, Whove ntures forth without eating them will probably be offered shergarburgers.

David L

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

- Live wrong and preposterously

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Saint.Kenneth
15/02/2013 01:14

Neigh David, that won't happen. If it did it would be a right mare in fact it would be aw-foal. I think the forum should stirrup some passion from the supporters. I wonder if it will go on furlong or will they gallop through the agenda?

I hope things don't get out of hand and they have to halter the proceedings. It shouldn't be all laughing and jockey though, there are serious points to be harnessed, so I hope there's no pony and trap or the panel will have to be reined in.

I'm sure some young Colt, thinking he's a stud, will try and saddle up to a nice filly..... perhaps best to leave the tackle sentence un-said.

I just hope that people will see this club as a thoroughbred at the end of the evening, and not something ready for the knackers yard.

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St.Rich Joe, Niamh and Sam's Dad
15/02/2013 05:04

All this unbridled passion...

No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.

Dryathlon

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saintian
15/02/2013 11:27

I'm quite positive about the freebies on offer, never being one to not look to put a gift horse pie in the mouth.

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SaintsDuncan
15/02/2013 11:41

...or ANY sort of pie for that matter Ian

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saintian
15/02/2013 14:54

Quote:

SaintsDuncan
...or ANY sort of pie for that matter Ian

...if only to ensure that you're not required to eat alone, Duncan

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SaintsDuncan
15/02/2013 14:59

OI!

I resemble that remark

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