Topic: Tony Barrett joins LFC as head of club and supporter liaison.

[Nelly82]

Let's get a thread on here for fan suggestions for Tony to look out for.

My suggestions for European games are 'Flag days/nights' I think the club done it some years back but let's get the kop really rocking on European nights and scare the absolute shit out the opposition.

[kevlumley]

I used to love Tony when he wrote for the Echo, but went off him a bit after he left.

But now he is back and I'm certain he will do a great job and be very good for LFC.

Well done Tony. Back where you belong

[kennedy81]

The comment section below the article is filled with bitters.

the bitterness just oozes from them.

Congrats to Tony, should be a sound appointment.

[Graham Smith]

Graham, is the SC ending then? Or will it sit above the Fan Forums? I know some members will be involved in the Forums but it doesn't seem to be in the diagram is its own right. I assumed it would continue too.
Thanks

And thanks for all the write-ups you have given us!

The SC is going - they want to keep the SC members involved and want to port them over to the new forums based upon the constituencies we have represented and the knowledge that has been built up.

The forums are supposed to have 8 to 12 members each.

However three of us are SOS Committee members. They have specifically said that we cannot port over into the new forums unless we take up the SOS positions allocate, despite the effort we have put in as SC members. It also pre-supposes that we would be the people SOS would want to take up the roles, which as a democratic organisation isn't a given.

The section of forum members other than SOS and any ported over SC members is done at what was described as 'random', there seems to be a limited selection process and no democratic process.

[Billy Elliot]

The SC is going - they want to keep the SC members involved and want to port them over to the new forums based upon the constituencies we have represented and the knowledge that has been built up.

The forums are supposed to have 8 to 12 members each.

However three of us are SOS Committee members. They have specifically said that we cannot port over into the new forums unless we take up the SOS positions allocate, despite the effort we have put in as SC members. It also pre-supposes that we would be the people SOS would want to take up the roles, which as a democratic organisation isn't a given.

The section of forum members other than SOS and any ported over SC members is done at what was described as 'random', there seems to be a limited selection process and no democratic process.

Sounds shite that.  Supporters had a vote on who they wanted to represent them and it sounds like this wont be the case anymore.  In fact it sounds like utter shite.  Sounds like they're only allowing one SOS member on each forum.  Supporters should get a say rather than the Club hand picking people. 

Anyway, hope you end up on one of the forums as the SOS rep and carry on the good work, for what it's worth.

[Shanklygates]

The SC is going - they want to keep the SC members involved and want to port them over to the new forums based upon the constituencies we have represented and the knowledge that has been built up.

The forums are supposed to have 8 to 12 members each.

However three of us are SOS Committee members. They have specifically said that we cannot port over into the new forums unless we take up the SOS positions allocate, despite the effort we have put in as SC members. It also pre-supposes that we would be the people SOS would want to take up the roles, which as a democratic organisation isn't a given.

The section of forum members other than SOS and any ported over SC members is done at what was described as 'random', there seems to be a limited selection process and no democratic process.

Me too!
Thanks Graham

We'll have to wait and see what they come up with - the devil's in the detail maybe! 

But if new people are also active SoS members, they will still end up with more than one in a forum, but without the SC experience. Unless they eliminate them on the same principle. I'd rather they staye din though, they are probably better informed about the issues

[darcy171]

Wherever this leads, I'm glad someone like Tony is working within the club. His integrity is without question and hopefully he can help make a difference in these issues or at least improve on the communication. I'm sure he'll do his best.

[Charlie Adams fried egg]

I think this is a good appointment. I don't know him but he always speaks with a lot of sense and perspective.
What he also has is integrity which he demonstrated by leaving the Times so I'd be surprised if he'd have agreed to a role that is just PR.

When you see the issues raised by the survey, there must have been loads of recurring feedback about the same things.
Here's hoping that we see some improvements.

[CraigDS]

Sounds shite that.  Supporters had a vote on who they wanted to represent them and it sounds like this wont be the case anymore.  In fact it sounds like utter shite.  Sounds like they're only allowing one SOS member on each forum.  Supporters should get a say rather than the Club hand picking people. 

Anyway, hope you end up on one of the forums as the SOS rep and carry on the good work, for what it's worth.

So you read the word random and decided that meant 'hand picked'??

[dakid]

Can't wait to see who is the first to call him the clubs Muppet. On another note after showing great principle in leaving The Times, his career has gone up.

Why do people think he showed great principle in leaving the Times.
Did he not he just move to another job the same as Rory Smith did also by leaving the Times (UK) around the same time .
Unless I missed something?

[Andy_lfc]

Was Jen Chang not available?

[Lycan]

Why do people think he showed great principle in leaving the Times.

It was to do with their lack of coverage regarding the Hillsborough verdicts was it not?

[xbugawugax]

unbelievable news

the owners stuck in their own ivory trump towers. They totally don't get the fans maybe except Linda.

FSG OUT!!!

great news

Remember him as one of the more reliable journos and that can hopefully mean good things moving forward.

[DangerScouse]

It was to do with their lack of coverage regarding the Hillsborough verdicts was it not?

Yes.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/tony-barrett-quit-times-weeks-11641537

[redk84]

He's a good egg....better he is employed by the club than not

[drmick]

Was Jen Chang not available?

He taped up his letter box and so didn't get the invite.

[liverpool185]

Fantastic appointment, Tony is sound.

FSG making some cracking appointments lately.

[gregorio]

Some good questions there Graham

Any idea why the club are dragging their heals on the LGBT side? Do they see it as less of a priority amongst wider fan base ?

[ToneLa]

Some good questions there Graham

Any idea why the club are dragging their heals on the LGBT side? Do they see it as less of a priority amongst wider fan base ?

What is the issue? Genuine question. If it's Pride as Graham says I believe it was announced a bit later than May last year so it might be something forthcoming, doesn't hurt to ask!

Anyway, top appointment

[Graham Smith]

Some good questions there Graham

Any idea why the club are dragging their heals on the LGBT side? Do they see it as less of a priority amongst wider fan base ?

When the Committee was first started the Club really pushed internally for staff to get behind Pride. For instance in one of the first few years the women's team walked in the march.

Last year there were about six of us including only one member of LFC staff.

[dakid]

Yes.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/tony-barrett-quit-times-weeks-11641537

Well now we do know the reasons. He resigned to become the Chief Football Writer for JOE. Which was a big step up from the job he had at the time.
Who would fill this position at JOE was teased for weeks by their owner Nial McGarry and a move that he said would "transcend the media scene in the UK.An absolute game changer for @JOE_co_uk"

Maybe Tony did leave over Hillsborough treatment by the Times. But until he says so nodody knows and people are just adding 2+2 and getting 5 when there is no evidence to suggest this yet there is evidence to show that he moved to a better job after he left the Times.

I will miss him as a journalist as he was an excellent source on Liverpool news since his ECHO days.

[Koprich]

Always liked Tony and gained even more respect for him after he left the times. Good lad.

[FrancisB]

Good Luck Tony! 

[stewy17]

Well now we do know the reasons. He resigned to become the Chief Football Writer for JOE. Which was a big step up from the job he had at the time.
Who would fill this position at JOE was teased for weeks by their owner Nial McGarry and a move that he said would "transcend the media scene in the UK.An absolute game changer for @JOE_co_uk"

Maybe Tony did leave over Hillsborough treatment by the Times. But until he says so nodody knows and people are just adding 2+2 and getting 5 when there is no evidence to suggest this yet there is evidence to show that he moved to a better job after he left the Times.

I will miss him as a journalist as he was an excellent source on Liverpool news since his ECHO days.

He definitely did leave because of their Hillsborough coverage.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/aug/03/times-football-hillsborough-joe-tony-barrett

[Phil M]

Sensible move by the club and congrats to Tony Barrett.

[CentenaryBoy]

It was to do with their lack of coverage regarding the Hillsborough verdicts was it not?

I don't think it was ever confirmed that was the reason, but the timing seems to suggest it was.

[Suedehead]

Good move. Always spoken well has Tony. It's a role I'd like to see fulfilled at my own club too; someone to bridge the gap between fans and club.

[dakid]

He definitely did leave because of their Hillsborough coverage.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/aug/03/times-football-hillsborough-joe-tony-barrett

Far from confirmation he resigned over Hillsborough if anything them articles prove he resigned to move to a better job.

They state he resigned on the 20th of July and was announced by JOE on the 3rd of August when they confirmed he would start in September! It's as if his resignation was actually just him handing in his notice.

And let's not forget on the 18th of July Niall McGarry tweeted he was close to announcing his "biggest ever editorial signing". A mere two days before his resignation.

I would be surprised if Tony Barrett wasn't head hunted for the role after his tweets around Hillsborough.

The Times not going with a front page over Hillsborough clearly left a sour taste with him but I think it's clear he resigned for a new role with JOE.

[Medellin]

Aye it's a good appointment.
Nice one Tony.

[invader_gir]

Well this is almost 5k now, https://www.change.org/p/tony-barrett-remove-michael-owen-as-liverpool-football-clubs-international-ambassador?source_location=petition_nav

[disgraced cake]

Well this is almost 5k now, https://www.change.org/p/tony-barrett-remove-michael-owen-as-liverpool-football-clubs-international-ambassador?source_location=petition_nav

6200ish now. It's a fucking disgrace he has that position.

[Chakan]

With greatest respect to those who are tweeting me about Michael Owen, I don't take up my new position until the end of next month 👍

[Graham Smith]

There's no way a Michael Owen petition should form part of what Tony will be about. I'd like to think that he will have much more important issues to address.

[Dave D]

So Tony, what are the important issues the fans have come to you about. I guess it's probably ticket prices, getting more young people to go to the game, the Anfield Road extension or the lack of investment in the playing team?

Well, actually no, the mad fuckers just want Michael Owen removed as ambassador.

Fucking nice one, sorted, see you next year Tony.

[PhilV]

Well in, Tony!

[stewy17]

Far from confirmation he resigned over Hillsborough if anything them articles prove he resigned to move to a better job.

They state he resigned on the 20th of July and was announced by JOE on the 3rd of August when they confirmed he would start in September! It's as if his resignation was actually just him handing in his notice.

And let's not forget on the 18th of July Niall McGarry tweeted he was close to announcing his "biggest ever editorial signing". A mere two days before his resignation.

I would be surprised if Tony Barrett wasn't head hunted for the role after his tweets around Hillsborough.

The Times not going with a front page over Hillsborough clearly left a sour taste with him but I think it's clear he resigned for a new role with JOE.

Apart from the headline and all the references to him resigning over their coverage of the inquests.

Why are you so keen on saying it wasn't about Hillsborough? Fucking bizarre.

[Frizzo]

There's no way a Michael Owen petition should form part of what Tony will be about. I'd like to think that he will have much more important issues to address.

I know right. I mean that's probably going to take up ALL his time if he does have to deal with it.

[riismeister]

Far from confirmation he resigned over Hillsborough if anything them articles prove he resigned to move to a better job.

They state he resigned on the 20th of July and was announced by JOE on the 3rd of August when they confirmed he would start in September! It's as if his resignation was actually just him handing in his notice.

And let's not forget on the 18th of July Niall McGarry tweeted he was close to announcing his "biggest ever editorial signing". A mere two days before his resignation.

I would be surprised if Tony Barrett wasn't head hunted for the role after his tweets around Hillsborough.

The Times not going with a front page over Hillsborough clearly left a sour taste with him but I think it's clear he resigned for a new role with JOE.

When do you think he started looking for a new job? My bet is April 26th. He resigned over Hillsborough.

[DangerScouse]

Apart from the headline and all the references to him resigning over their coverage of the inquests.

Why are you so keen on saying it wasn't about Hillsborough? Fucking bizarre.

It really is.

[So… Howard Philips]

There's no way a Michael Owen petition should form part of what Tony will be about. I'd like to think that he will have much more important issues to address.

Couldn't agree more.

The range of issues affecting match going fans far out ways any petition to oust an ex player who is out of favour. Seems the type of things the Bitters would get right behind.

Anyway hope Tony has an immediate impact and gets things moving.