Proposed Agenda for WST EGM 2019 - RedPassion.co.uk

EGM 2019 · 18th October 2019, 14.04:50

Firstly, an apology – an update has been long overdue, without making excuses, challenging personal circumstances, holidays and work commitments have made it difficult for us to get together and work on publishing some information.

As a quick update, we saw a great response initially, however this has slowed over the last two weeks – we have 80 people signed up to request an EGM so almost getting to the halfway mark. We aren’t there yet and need every bit of support we can get to get this over the line. However, to be frank – without the support of a significant number of additional members, an EGM will not happen so please consider signing up by emailing wstegm@outlook.com with your name, D.O.B and membership number.

We acknowledge that a barrier for some people in committing is that we chose not to release an agenda in full. The reasoning behind this was that whilst we had resolution ideas and high level talking points we wanted to assess the support for change in general without having anything set in stone. We can never please everyone, so by garnering the support for change we hoped to engage in open dialogue with everyone before setting the full agenda. We have taken on board some points which people have taken the time to submit, and publish below the initial draft for an agenda with resolutions to be called when we reach a sufficient number of people to call the EGM.

Please take the time to read the agenda, let us have your thoughts. Additionally, for anyone who hasn’t got their membership details, see the attached link: https://wst.org.uk/wp/?p=1033

Finally, many thanks to you for joining us in a show of support for promoting change.

Proposed Agenda for WST EGM 2019

We believe that within the WST membership there is a strong desire for change. Recent events have damaged the integrity of the leadership within the WST and the Football Club board, and without positive, constructive discussion we do not believe that the relationship between the Trust and its membership will be repaired. We believe that the current nature of the relationship between the fans and football club board is having a detrimental effect upon the performance of the football club. The call for an EGM should not be seen as a direct attack upon any member of the WST or Football club board, nor should the voice of the membership be disregarded.

Discussion & Resolution Items

Concerning protecting the integrity of Wrexham Football Club as a Full time, professional football club;

1. Make provision in the Football Club board procedures / guidance concerning the appointment of first team managers to guarantee that any incoming manager must appoint a full time assistant, either of their own choosing or via recruitment, with a suitable time limit in place for that position to be filled.

2. Make provision in the Football Club board procedures / guidance concerning the appointment of first team managers to guarantee that any incoming manager must appoint or work alongside an incumbent full time coach, as well as ensuring funding is forthcoming for part time coaching staff occupying their own field of expertise, which assist directly in the development of the first team.

Resolutions Concerning the Football Club Board;

We believe that the following events have all directly contributed towards the feeling of mistrust between the WST membership (and the wider fanbase):

- Failure to adhere to the direction of the membership on the building of a second disabled platform. While we understand that construction work has commenced, there was a perception that this was with great reluctance and our understanding is that the work being undertaken does not adhere to guidelines from level playing field
- Undermining the ethos of Wrexham FC as a fans owned community football club by arranging a friendly fixture with Stephen Vaughan’s Bangor City. Despite much unrest from fans/owners the board insisted this game went ahead.
- A digression in the flow of information to club owners, originally owners were “the first to know” with regular updates, over time this has regressed with the flow of information being held back (delayed announcements on new contracts to Manny Smith, Shaun Pearson and Graham Barrow) with information appearing to be timed to deflect from negative stories
- Failure to replace outgoing Directors Barry Horne and Don Bircham with the remaining Directors believing they were “not needed”. This serious misjudgement left us short of key skills on the board such as football based experience.
- Insistence on appointing untried managers rather than opting for experienced options.
- Insistence that new managers must work with existing coaching staff narrowing the available field of managers.
- Lack of judgement in appointing Graham Barrow. Recent experience with Andy Davies should have highlighted the risks of appointing an assistant. Further to that he had already publicly stated he did not want the job. A look back at the previous 10 years of his career should have highlighted that he had not wanted to manager for a substantial period of time
- Deliberate misleading of Wrexham owners by holding a “meet the manager” event with a Manager who had already indicated that he would be leaving his post.
- Appointment of Bryan Hughes. Failed in a similar role at Scarborough over 4 years ago, no recent experience in football. No National League experience. It is hard to imagine anyone of a similar CV being considered for the role if they had not been a well known former Wrexham player indicating an appointment based on nostalgia and not on sound judgement
- Failure to ensure an adequate full-time coaching set up In support of the manager befitting that of a professional football club
- Recent events which resulted in damage to the relationship between the football club board and DSA

As such, we believe that change is required within the constitution of both the WST board and Football Club board, and additionally the nature of the relationship between those entities.

3. Due to the lack of progression, we believe that the implementation of a succession plan within the football club board is a positive step, however in order to stimulate a growth mindset and generate fresh ideas, two members of the football club board should be replaced with suitable candidates within a reasonable timeline, but not more than 3 months from date of resolution, in the event of a successful resolution in this case. We believe this is a reasonable response to both recent performance and the desire to implement positive change, whilst ensuring sustainability and stability. The members of the board to be replaced should be determined on the basis of skillset, performance and contribution to the success of Wrexham Football Club
4. Going forward, amend the process for football club board membership so that no more than two consecutive terms of 3 years (total 6 years) can be served by any standing board member. Provision can be made for members who serve consecutive terms to return, but only after a minimum tenure break of one year
5. Appointment of a paid professional to fulfil the role of CEO / General Manager including football operations. Existing football club board members to shift primary focus to non-football related matters
6. Separation of WST and Football Club board entities
7. Appointment of chair/leader within the WST entity with suitable remit of role to hold football club accountable on key matters
8. Creation of co-opted role for ex-football manager, coach or player within the football club board to support on specific football matters. We recommend that any representative should have demonstrable knowledge / experience at a minimum of the sixth tier of the English football system or upwards (National League North / South).
9. In addition to the adoption of “SMART” goals as proposed by the football club board, provision of roles and responsibilities for all WST and Football Club board members in written form, to be made available in the form of written public information
10. Define & deliver in a timely manner, a plan to improve transparency and engagement with:
1. WST membership
2. Supporters Groups
3. Wider Fanbase
4. This plan should seek to address the stagnation in growth of the WST membership base
11. Amendment or removal of constitution clause 5.3 which currently restricts board members from publicly criticising board policy or decisions. An environment of openness and transparency should be encouraged and we see no reason why those elected to represent the interests of the membership should be prevented from speaking freely. If specific sensitive issues need to be addressed, the reasonable steps accompanied by documented justification can be employed to protect the integrity of the organisation e.g. the use of NDAs as ratified by the chair of the WST.

Points 1 – 11 are to be voted on individually.

WrexhamO · 18th October 2019, 14.48:40

Interesting from my own standpoint as problems with the accessibility requirements and the DSA Are mentioned, but not anything to vote on to rectify that, that I can see....

It's good to see problems acknowledged by others though.

Teifi Red · 18th October 2019, 14.55:13

Point number 2 gives Carl Darlington carté blanche to carry on under the current regime if they want to keep him.
“.......as well as ensuring funding is forthcoming for part time coaching staff occupying their own field of expertise, which assist directly in the development of the first team.”
His presence seems to be the main point of antagonism on here from what I can see.

Hometown Unicorn · 18th October 2019, 14.59:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teifi Red

Point number 2 gives Carl Darlington carté blanche to carry on under the current regime if they want to keep him.
“.......as well as ensuring funding is forthcoming for part time coaching staff occupying their own field of expertise, which assist directly in the development of the first team.”
His presence seems to be the main point of antagonism on here from what I can see.

It requires one full time coach. Can you really see us paying a full time coach as well as Carl Darlington?

Under the current regime, maybe, but not with a competent person in there who's heading football operations.

crazywelsh · 18th October 2019, 14.59:40

People who have been blocked from investing or taking over must be announced!!

Get it in there!

-luke · 18th October 2019, 15.01:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by WrexhamO

Interesting from my own standpoint as problems with the accessibility requirements and the DSA Are mentioned, but not anything to vote on to rectify that, that I can see....

It's good to see problems acknowledged by others though.

The bits around transparency and engagement with supporter and volunteer groups?

If you have any suggestions theres an email

the sleeping giant dies · 18th October 2019, 15.04:36

Now they act too late the horse has bolted. Its only that there is so much unrest in the fans that they be started shitting themselves. None of them will resign mills Harris Peter Jones or gavin Jones it's their club every team that's dropped down here has gone back up except us

Phils-an-alki · 18th October 2019, 15.06:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teifi Red

Point number 2 gives Carl Darlington carté blanche to carry on under the current regime if they want to keep him.
“.......as well as ensuring funding is forthcoming for part time coaching staff occupying their own field of expertise, which assist directly in the development of the first team.”
His presence seems to be the main point of antagonism on here from what I can see.

Isn't that ok but not in his current capacity i.e. the only coach but only does one day per week? He isn't full time which I think is what this point wants to address ultimately.
I'm not sure there'd be an issue if the club had a full time coach and he just did his analysis as per what we've been told on here that Keates wants him doing.

terrytactics · 18th October 2019, 15.11:42

Your first issue ref the second platform states that; our understanding is that the work being undertaken does not adhere to guidelines from level playing field. This is technically incorrect, whilst Level Playing Field did point out deficiencies, the guidelines are taken from The UEFA and CAFE Good Practice Guide to Creating an Accessible Stadium and Matchday Experience.

For completeness, I'm sending you a link to the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) electronic guide via PM.

As WrexhamO points out, there's nothing to 'vote on' ref the clubs 'refusal' to act in a timely manner ref the resolution passed at the AGM in 2016(?) on the second platform. What accountability should there be for what is seen by many as a dereliction of duty - resignation of the Chairman for example?

18th October 2019, 14.04:50	#1-0 (permalink)
EGM 2019 Dormant User Joined: Sep 2019 Racecourse Spot: none given Real Name: none given Twitter: @WSTEGM2019	Proposed Agenda for WST EGM 2019 Firstly, an apology – an update has been long overdue, without making excuses, challenging personal circumstances, holidays and work commitments have made it difficult for us to get together and work on publishing some information. As a quick update, we saw a great response initially, however this has slowed over the last two weeks – we have 80 people signed up to request an EGM so almost getting to the halfway mark. We aren’t there yet and need every bit of support we can get to get this over the line. However, to be frank – without the support of a significant number of additional members, an EGM will not happen so please consider signing up by emailing wstegm@outlook.com with your name, D.O.B and membership number. We acknowledge that a barrier for some people in committing is that we chose not to release an agenda in full. The reasoning behind this was that whilst we had resolution ideas and high level talking points we wanted to assess the support for change in general without having anything set in stone. We can never please everyone, so by garnering the support for change we hoped to engage in open dialogue with everyone before setting the full agenda. We have taken on board some points which people have taken the time to submit, and publish below the initial draft for an agenda with resolutions to be called when we reach a sufficient number of people to call the EGM. Please take the time to read the agenda, let us have your thoughts. Additionally, for anyone who hasn’t got their membership details, see the attached link: https://wst.org.uk/wp/?p=1033 Finally, many thanks to you for joining us in a show of support for promoting change. Proposed Agenda for WST EGM 2019 We believe that within the WST membership there is a strong desire for change. Recent events have damaged the integrity of the leadership within the WST and the Football Club board, and without positive, constructive discussion we do not believe that the relationship between the Trust and its membership will be repaired. We believe that the current nature of the relationship between the fans and football club board is having a detrimental effect upon the performance of the football club. The call for an EGM should not be seen as a direct attack upon any member of the WST or Football club board, nor should the voice of the membership be disregarded. Discussion & Resolution Items Concerning protecting the integrity of Wrexham Football Club as a Full time, professional football club; 1. Make provision in the Football Club board procedures / guidance concerning the appointment of first team managers to guarantee that any incoming manager must appoint a full time assistant, either of their own choosing or via recruitment, with a suitable time limit in place for that position to be filled. 2. Make provision in the Football Club board procedures / guidance concerning the appointment of first team managers to guarantee that any incoming manager must appoint or work alongside an incumbent full time coach, as well as ensuring funding is forthcoming for part time coaching staff occupying their own field of expertise, which assist directly in the development of the first team. *Resolutions Concerning the Football Club Board;* We believe that the following events have all directly contributed towards the feeling of mistrust between the WST membership (and the wider fanbase): - Failure to adhere to the direction of the membership on the building of a second disabled platform. While we understand that construction work has commenced, there was a perception that this was with great reluctance and our understanding is that the work being undertaken does not adhere to guidelines from level playing field - Undermining the ethos of Wrexham FC as a fans owned community football club by arranging a friendly fixture with Stephen Vaughan’s Bangor City. Despite much unrest from fans/owners the board insisted this game went ahead. - A digression in the flow of information to club owners, originally owners were “the first to know” with regular updates, over time this has regressed with the flow of information being held back (delayed announcements on new contracts to Manny Smith, Shaun Pearson and Graham Barrow) with information appearing to be timed to deflect from negative stories - Failure to replace outgoing Directors Barry Horne and Don Bircham with the remaining Directors believing they were “not needed”. This serious misjudgement left us short of key skills on the board such as football based experience. - Insistence on appointing untried managers rather than opting for experienced options. - Insistence that new managers must work with existing coaching staff narrowing the available field of managers. - Lack of judgement in appointing Graham Barrow. Recent experience with Andy Davies should have highlighted the risks of appointing an assistant. Further to that he had already publicly stated he did not want the job. A look back at the previous 10 years of his career should have highlighted that he had not wanted to manager for a substantial period of time - Deliberate misleading of Wrexham owners by holding a “meet the manager” event with a Manager who had already indicated that he would be leaving his post. - Appointment of Bryan Hughes. Failed in a similar role at Scarborough over 4 years ago, no recent experience in football. No National League experience. It is hard to imagine anyone of a similar CV being considered for the role if they had not been a well known former Wrexham player indicating an appointment based on nostalgia and not on sound judgement - Failure to ensure an adequate full-time coaching set up In support of the manager befitting that of a professional football club - Recent events which resulted in damage to the relationship between the football club board and DSA As such, we believe that change is required within the constitution of both the WST board and Football Club board, and additionally the nature of the relationship between those entities. 3. Due to the lack of progression, we believe that the implementation of a succession plan within the football club board is a positive step, however in order to stimulate a growth mindset and generate fresh ideas, two members of the football club board should be replaced with suitable candidates within a reasonable timeline, but not more than 3 months from date of resolution, in the event of a successful resolution in this case. We believe this is a reasonable response to both recent performance and the desire to implement positive change, whilst ensuring sustainability and stability. The members of the board to be replaced should be determined on the basis of skillset, performance and contribution to the success of Wrexham Football Club 4. Going forward, amend the process for football club board membership so that no more than two consecutive terms of 3 years (total 6 years) can be served by any standing board member. Provision can be made for members who serve consecutive terms to return, but only after a minimum tenure break of one year 5. Appointment of a paid professional to fulfil the role of CEO / General Manager including football operations. Existing football club board members to shift primary focus to non-football related matters 6. Separation of WST and Football Club board entities 7. Appointment of chair/leader within the WST entity with suitable remit of role to hold football club accountable on key matters 8. Creation of co-opted role for ex-football manager, coach or player within the football club board to support on specific football matters. We recommend that any representative should have demonstrable knowledge / experience at a minimum of the sixth tier of the English football system or upwards (National League North / South). 9. In addition to the adoption of “SMART” goals as proposed by the football club board, provision of roles and responsibilities for all WST and Football Club board members in written form, to be made available in the form of written public information 10. Define & deliver in a timely manner, a plan to improve transparency and engagement with: 1. WST membership 2. Supporters Groups 3. Wider Fanbase 4. This plan should seek to address the stagnation in growth of the WST membership base 11. Amendment or removal of constitution clause 5.3 which currently restricts board members from publicly criticising board policy or decisions. An environment of openness and transparency should be encouraged and we see no reason why those elected to represent the interests of the membership should be prevented from speaking freely. If specific sensitive issues need to be addressed, the reasonable steps accompanied by documented justification can be employed to protect the integrity of the organisation e.g. the use of NDAs as ratified by the chair of the WST. Points 1 – 11 are to be voted on individually.

18th October 2019, 14.48:40	#2-0 (permalink)
WrexhamO Due a Testimonial Joined: Jan 2007 Racecourse Spot: MRS Real Name: Steve Gilbert Twitter: @swgilbert1964	Re: Proposed Agenda for WST EGM 2019 Interesting from my own standpoint as problems with the accessibility requirements and the DSA Are mentioned, but not anything to vote on to rectify that, that I can see.... It's good to see problems acknowledged by others though.

18th October 2019, 14.55:13	#3-0 (permalink)
Teifi Red Cult Hero (info) Joined: Apr 2012 Racecourse Spot: Yale Real Name: Twitter: @	Re: Proposed Agenda for WST EGM 2019 Point number 2 gives Carl Darlington carté blanche to carry on under the current regime if they want to keep him. “.......as well as ensuring funding is forthcoming for part time coaching staff occupying their own field of expertise, which assist directly in the development of the first team.” His presence seems to be the main point of antagonism on here from what I can see. Last edited by Teifi Red; 18th October 2019 at 14.56:21..

18th October 2019, 14.59:40	#5-0 (permalink)
crazywelsh Legend Joined: Aug 2011 Racecourse Spot: Real Name: none given Twitter: @	Re: Proposed Agenda for WST EGM 2019 People who have been blocked from investing or taking over must be announced!! Get it in there!

18th October 2019, 15.04:36	#7-0 (permalink)
the sleeping giant dies Club Captain (info 1 & 2) Joined: Dec 2009 Racecourse Spot: on a seat Real Name: none given Twitter: @	Re: Proposed Agenda for WST EGM 2019 Now they act too late the horse has bolted. Its only that there is so much unrest in the fans that they be started shitting themselves. None of them will resign mills Harris Peter Jones or gavin Jones it's their club every team that's dropped down here has gone back up except us

18th October 2019, 15.11:42	#9-0 (permalink)
terrytactics First Teamer (info 1 & 2) Joined: Mar 2011 Racecourse Spot: GUS Real Name: Terry Twitter: @	Re: Proposed Agenda for WST EGM 2019 Your first issue ref the second platform states that; our understanding is that the work being undertaken does not adhere to guidelines from level playing field. This is technically incorrect, whilst Level Playing Field did point out deficiencies, the guidelines are taken from The UEFA and CAFE Good Practice Guide to Creating an Accessible Stadium and Matchday Experience. For completeness, I'm sending you a link to the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) electronic guide via PM. As WrexhamO points out, there's nothing to 'vote on' ref the clubs 'refusal' to act in a timely manner ref the resolution passed at the AGM in 2016(?) on the second platform. What accountability should there be for what is seen by many as a dereliction of duty - resignation of the Chairman for example?