Statement responding to 'social media storm' "Regarding Wrexham DSA & Viewing Platform" (Sunday)

[OriginalRhylRed]

Originally Posted by terrytactics

I’m extremely disappointed with this news however, not surprised. I strongly believe that it’s long been a hidden agenda by the WST to undermine the DSA because of its independent status and willingness to hold the WST/Club to account over disabled supporter issues. I say this as a former WST board member who was ‘tasked’ with initiating and running the DSA. Having done so, almost every request made to the WST/Club by the DSA thereafter was greeted with a mixture of responses from board members; some individuals were very positive but certain ‘key’ members were negative or apathetic. It was noticeable over time that the successes being achieved by the DSA weren’t being received with the full backing of the WST/Club as would normally be expected. This has culminated in the fiasco we’ve seen over the second platform; a wholly unnecessary mess created by the WST/Club because of their unwillingness to fully engage with the DSA: Why? Because they dislike taking advice from a successful independent voluntary group. Irony eh!
The DSA successes by the way have included:
Initiating monthly dementia friendly meetings.
Initiating autism friendly match days.
Manning disabled car parking spaces on match days.
Running transport to away matches for wheelchair fans (including Wembley three times).
Raising funds and implementing the provision of the first wheelchair viewing platform.
Manning and organising the rota for the wheelchair viewing platform.
Initiating the provision of half time refreshments in situ for wheelchair supporters.
Initiating the ADC scheme for partially sighted fans.
Fund raising for the provision of a second wheelchair viewing platform.
Payment for the provision of architectural work and advice for the above.
Providing advice and support on disability matters to individuals and the WST/Club.

Clearly, the WST/Club do not want the DSA involved in these matters any longer; therefore my WST membership has just become unnecessary

wow , its just one thing after another

[Ruabon Red]

Originally Posted by Jaded

Possibly. I personally can’t see why something would have come up meaning they couldn’t send the email earlier in the week rather than at 5pm the day before a response was needed at noon.

...or pick up the phone...!

[FieldtownRed]

Originally Posted by Ruabon Red

...or pick up the phone...!

This. Just bloody talk to each other! FFS!

[-luke]

Originally Posted by Vambo

And the DSA too of course who said they were going on strike, then didn't.

Every thread seems to be used to kick the board, but no one comes up with workable alternatives.
Hopefully this is resolved soon and both parties can again be proud of the progress being made.

I have a workable alternative... It involves spencer and john stepping down and the wst board identifying suitable replacements whether on a paid or voluntary basis.

Bad leadership is the cause of the issues we are seeing on a regular basis now.

Continue to defend your pals of course, in fact kudos to you for doing so. But leadership involves taking responsibility when needed and not just credit.

[wrexhamandy]

Originally Posted by Vambo

It may have been dictated by the time required to set up alternative arrangements, but I'm not defending either side in an issue which seems to have been handled very badly.

The upcoming game perhaps. But the entire rest of the season? Did the club need to sign a contract for the stewarding for the entire season by 12pm the next day? I suspect we know the answer to that. It sounds very vindictive.

I’ve also supported the board for a long time on here but struggling to at the moment.

[wrexhamandy]

Originally Posted by terrytactics

I’m extremely disappointed with this news however, not surprised. I strongly believe that it’s long been a hidden agenda by the WST to undermine the DSA because of its independent status and willingness to hold the WST/Club to account over disabled supporter issues. I say this as a former WST board member who was ‘tasked’ with initiating and running the DSA. Having done so, almost every request made to the WST/Club by the DSA thereafter was greeted with a mixture of responses from board members; some individuals were very positive but certain ‘key’ members were negative or apathetic. It was noticeable over time that the successes being achieved by the DSA weren’t being received with the full backing of the WST/Club as would normally be expected. This has culminated in the fiasco we’ve seen over the second platform; a wholly unnecessary mess created by the WST/Club because of their unwillingness to fully engage with the DSA: Why? Because they dislike taking advice from a successful independent voluntary group. Irony eh!
The DSA successes by the way have included:
Initiating monthly dementia friendly meetings.
Initiating autism friendly match days.
Manning disabled car parking spaces on match days.
Running transport to away matches for wheelchair fans (including Wembley three times).
Raising funds and implementing the provision of the first wheelchair viewing platform.
Manning and organising the rota for the wheelchair viewing platform.
Initiating the provision of half time refreshments in situ for wheelchair supporters.
Initiating the ADC scheme for partially sighted fans.
Fund raising for the provision of a second wheelchair viewing platform.
Payment for the provision of architectural work and advice for the above.
Providing advice and support on disability matters to individuals and the WST/Club.

Clearly, the WST/Club do not want the DSA involved in these matters any longer; therefore my WST membership has just become unnecessary

Very sad to see. All duties that the club will now need to pay for or, I suspect in many cases, fall away.

The club really are not seeing the wood through the trees here.

[Wreck Sam]

Originally Posted by wrexhamandy

Very sad to see. All duties that the club will now need to pay for or, I suspect in many cases, fall away.

The club really are not seeing the wood through the trees here.

Is this a particular board member being heavy handed or is it collective thinking ? It does seem to be a case of appalling personnel management whatever has driven this mess.

[Phils-an-alki]

Its been done out of spite because the DSA don't give the club and WST boards a free ride like some 'fans' do. So they wanted them out of the way. You don't get stuff like that from Andy Pierce without very good reason.

This is another nail in the club boards coffin. They are digging huge holes for themselves which they cannot get out of. There's only one way this is heading before things come to a head. It'll get to a point where they won't be able to come to games on police advice.
Expect more protests and it would not surprise me one bit if individual fans who they see as 'trouble makers' were targeted too.

[wafc1926]

Originally Posted by terrytactics

I’m extremely disappointed with this news however, not surprised. I strongly believe that it’s long been a hidden agenda by the WST to undermine the DSA because of its independent status and willingness to hold the WST/Club to account over disabled supporter issues. I say this as a former WST board member who was ‘tasked’ with initiating and running the DSA. Having done so, almost every request made to the WST/Club by the DSA thereafter was greeted with a mixture of responses from board members; some individuals were very positive but certain ‘key’ members were negative or apathetic. It was noticeable over time that the successes being achieved by the DSA weren’t being received with the full backing of the WST/Club as would normally be expected. This has culminated in the fiasco we’ve seen over the second platform; a wholly unnecessary mess created by the WST/Club because of their unwillingness to fully engage with the DSA: Why? Because they dislike taking advice from a successful independent voluntary group. Irony eh!
The DSA successes by the way have included:
Initiating monthly dementia friendly meetings.
Initiating autism friendly match days.
Manning disabled car parking spaces on match days.
Running transport to away matches for wheelchair fans (including Wembley three times).
Raising funds and implementing the provision of the first wheelchair viewing platform.
Manning and organising the rota for the wheelchair viewing platform.
Initiating the provision of half time refreshments in situ for wheelchair supporters.
Initiating the ADC scheme for partially sighted fans.
Fund raising for the provision of a second wheelchair viewing platform.
Payment for the provision of architectural work and advice for the above.
Providing advice and support on disability matters to individuals and the WST/Club.

Clearly, the WST/Club do not want the DSA involved in these matters any longer; therefore my WST membership has just become unnecessary

Thank you Terry , both for your efforts and that summary. It's a sorry tale but one I can't say , in all honesty , that I didn't see coming. Witnessed events , and heard comments , which led me to believe the DSA wasn't as respected, or as highly regarded, at the highest level of our club as it is by ordinary fans. Suspect , if the truth be known , that applies to other connected groups also. Very sad and ultimately highly destructive.

[Wreck Sam]

Originally Posted by wafc1926

Thank you Terry , both for your efforts and that summary. It's a sorry tale but one I can't say , in all honesty , that I didn't see coming. Witnessed events , and heard comments , which led me to believe the DSA wasn't as respected, or as highly regarded, at the highest level of our club as it is by ordinary fans. Suspect , if the truth be known , that applies to other connected groups also. Very sad and ultimately highly destructive.

Ultimately the divide and rule tactics are highly destructive for all involved. I really did hope for so much more from the WST stewardship on our behalf. It is sad when those who have found themselves in a position of privilege choose to direct the club in such a divisive way. It really does seem to be a campaign of closing ranks and excluding any voices airing concerns. I fear for those who would choose to protest against such harmful decision making as the us and them is perpetuated by the self preservation mentality.