Topic: Is it time to link up with MUST ?

[wiresnreds]

The only way i would link up (to some degree) is to petition PL to ensure all clubs have a fan representative on the board.

[ABJ]

The differences between us and the mancs are not petty. Fuck them.

This.

[Mutton Geoff]

we were lucky to get our monkey off our back but how about dundee, chester, portsmouth, sheff wed, southampton, southend etc we need to look at the bigger picture, otherwise many more fans will suffer the same shit we have been through!

[Buzz Killington]

Wouldn't have wished what happened to us on them or anyone but after seeing their embarrassing comments FUCK THEM, I will gladly sip my milkshake whilst watching them get raped now

[Rafa_La]

Fuck 'em. The one thing they should be doing is bombarding that c*nt Ferguson with emails telling him to man up and do what Rafa did - stand up to leeches who are ruining their club. He's the c*nt that got them into the shit with his love in - then fall out with Magnier and Mcmanus.

When they hold up a banner in the Stretford End saying "Fuck off Ferguson you F*cking Judas" I might think about lending them my support.

We've done everything we can - showed them that to get rid of shit owners you need passion and commitment. Signing up to Facebook and wearing a cheapo scarf means fuck all. The fact that the our shirt campaign happened because someone stumped up ten grand made those shirts all the more meaningful. The email campaigns were organised by us. Not me but people like me, by Fatty and Roy and others too numerous to mention. There were/are Facebook groups for SaveLFC, Kopfaithful etc, but they weren't just a numbers gathering excercise, they were the focus for real action. I'm a MUST member (why not - it costs fuck all and you don't have to do anything) and the last email I got was a tie up between MUST and BetFred! Seriously - they are doing a deal with a gambling firm to try and get their numbers up. They are aiming for a million members. Why? Fuck knows. It will just prove how meaningless their whole campaign is.

The lesson for MUST is that we didn't get rid of Hicks, what we did was ensure that everyone involved was aware where the fans who cared stood. It meant that RBS, Broughton, Purslow and Ayres knew they were doing the right thing for the club and for us.

So yeah - my sympathies and all that but otherwise, they need to show the same commitment we have before they can expect any favours.

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

There were/are Facebook groups for SaveLFC, Kopfaithful etc, but they weren't just a numbers gathering excercise, they were the focus for real action. I'm a MUST member (why not - it costs fuck all and you don't have to do anything) and the last email I got was a tie up between MUST and BetFred! Seriously - they are doing a deal with a gambling firm to try and get their numbers up. They are aiming for a million members. Why? Fuck knows. It will just prove how meaningless their whole campaign is.

Absolutely spot on that.  It has always been my argument that 7000 paid up SoS members ready to march and protest at the game was always far more powerful than 700,000 who can register on a whim, or 70,000 fitting in with a scarf over their replica top.  I bet I can get a million people on Facebook to....  so what? It means sod all.

[Crosby Nick]

AlanF - I am doubly impressed, first with the sense you are talking and secondly, with the fact that at this time of night, after the day we've had you can still be so coherent!

I remember when those Green & Gold protests were at their height and gaining loads of publicity (around the time Sexy Becksy wore one) and some people on here were complaining and asking why we weren't doing something similar. Well now we know the longer approach worked.

Hadn't realised John (think that's who it was) forked out 10 grand up front. Incredible.

[Kahuna{=}Berger]

That's a fucking immense post. I love you Alan_F......., I love you all!

[fredfrop]

That's the point Alan, unless the mancs wake up & realise their Jock Messiah is part of the cancer, they're doomed.  Thank Robbie that Rafa is a man of integrity. 

[royhendo]

As Dan Roan pointed out the other day, they've engaged Blue Sky Digital (the company behind the Obama Campaign's online strategy - often held up as best of breed) to do this stuff, so they won't need our help. It's a shame from their point of view they've done that though. They've missed an opportunity to learn and develop without reliance on anyone else.

[Alan_X]

As Dan Roan pointed out the other day, they've engaged Blue Sky Digital (the company behind the Obama Campaign's online strategy - often held up as best of breed) to do this stuff, so they won't need our help. It's a shame from their point of view they've done that though. They've missed an opportunity to learn and develop without reliance on anyone else.

I agree Roy - it seems like they have missed the point completely.

[Rafa_La]

I agree Roy - it seems like they have missed the point completely.

With a few exceptions, their collective could do nothing else. Really have no style, class or passion as we do

YNWA

[politico]

Can I just take a second to remind you that some of us got off our arse 5 years ago and started FCUM -Our own democratically run Club. It is a living breathing protest not just against the like of Glazer and Hicks but the modern game in general. We have no sponsors name on our shirt and within 2 years will of built our own home in Newton Heath. This is not a -we are better than you post -I personally dislike the hatred on both sides-as it diverts us all neatly from the real enemy -that is those with the power relying on divide and conquer to keep real fans away from any source of power in the game.

[politico]

ps MUST is considerd a joke by many United fans-clueless with no leadership.

[royhendo]

I agree Roy - it seems like they have missed the point completely.

There are pros and cons though Alan. When you leave things like Facebook pages to diddies, you get things like only discovering interesting stuff you could have done when you're scrambling around trying to see if you can change its name (which you can't). You live and learn eh? Lo-fi is good though.

Plus they don't have a Shepard Fairey. We do - Kit Nelson.

[red_Mark1980]

Can I just take a second to remind you that some of us got off our arse 5 years ago and started FCUM -Our own democratically run Club. It is a living breathing protest not just against the like of Glazer and Hicks but the modern game in general. We have no sponsors name on our shirt and within 2 years will of built our own home in Newton Heath. This is not a -we are better than you post -I personally dislike the hatred on both sides-as it diverts us all neatly from the real enemy -that is those with the power relying on divide and conquer to keep real fans away from any source of power in the game.

What has happened with FCUM is a great achievement, and I fully understand the reason why so many walked away from Old Trafford and started such a team.

In all honesty, I just dont think people were prepared to do that at Liverpool. This isn't a "We are better than you post" either.
Its just that we as Liverpool fans couldn't walk away - to do so would be an insult in my eyes to the millions that have gone before us, the two managers who did so much in waking a sleeping giant and the 96.

This post is honestly not a dig. No matter who was involved, what was done to run it. If its not Liverpool- then frankly I'd walk away from football all together and start watching snooker. Now thats a depressing thought.

Each to their own and good luck with FCUM

[Alan_X]

Can I just take a second to remind you that some of us got off our arse 5 years ago and started FCUM -Our own democratically run Club. It is a living breathing protest not just against the like of Glazer and Hicks but the modern game in general. We have no sponsors name on our shirt and within 2 years will of built our own home in Newton Heath. This is not a -we are better than you post -I personally dislike the hatred on both sides-as it diverts us all neatly from the real enemy -that is those with the power relying on divide and conquer to keep real fans away from any source of power in the game.

Fair play to you, but do you sometimes wonder whether FC United has draw some of the fire away from your targets - the Glazers? What was effective for us (and there is no doubt after watching Hicks interview that it got through) was the commitment and passion of those at the forefront and in "the trenches". 

[StormyDog]

What has happened with FCUM is a great achievement, and I fully understand the reason why so many walked away from Old Trafford and started such a team.

In all honesty, I just dont think people were prepared to do that at Liverpool. This isn't a "We are better than you post" either.
Its just that we as Liverpool fans couldn't walk away - to do so would be an insult in my eyes to the millions that have gone before us, the two managers who did so much in waking a sleeping giant and the 96.

This post is honestly not a dig. No matter who was involved, what was done to run it. If its not Liverpool- then frankly I'd walk away from football all together and start watching snooker. Now thats a depressing thought.

Each to their own and good luck with FCUM

Though I agree with this, can you REALLY say that the direction LFC were heading was this really the LFC of Shanks, Bob etc.
G+H have broken the spiritual bond between the fans and the club. Only time and a great deal of effort over the next few years can show if it can be rebuilt.

[Red_Mist]

Far too much sense being talked in this thread.

Great post Alan_F.  And nice reply to the FCUM post red_Mark. Got great admiration and respect for what they've done, but still personally couldn't imagine walking away fully like they did (then again, if Hicks had regained control......??). Much as it would have been sickening, like most, that would have just spurred on more action.

Maybe MUST could do with some of the FCUM lads protesting inside and outside the ground, but doubt that'd ever happen? Politico?

[red_Mark1980]

Though I agree with this, can you REALLY say that the direction LFC were heading was this really the LFC of Shanks, Bob etc.
G+H have broken the spiritual bond between the fans and the club. Only time and a great deal of effort over the next few years can show if it can be rebuilt.

No it wasn't, which is why we fought so hard to get them out. Which was my main point.

I know NESV aren't a band aid that will make everything all OK overnight - but I'm optimistic. I have to be otherwise the fight to rid ourselves of those turds wasn't worth it.

Far too much sense being talked in this thread.

Great post Alan_F.  And nice reply to the FCUM post red_Mark. Got great admiration and respect for what they've done, but still personally couldn't imagine walking away fully like they did (then again, if Hicks had regained control......??). Much as it would have been sickening, like most, that would have just spurred on more action.

Cheers - I surprised myself this morning feeling fresh as a daisy considering the amount of intoxicating fluids I put away last night.

If Hicks had regained control and we were unable to get him out - I honestly could have seen myself walking away completely. It was getting to the point where things didn't matter on the field. Now that albatross has gone, we can save judging NESV for another day. There is now the small matter of playing the bitters... and I for one can't wait

[politico]

There has been untold hours of debate about fighting from within IE MUST etc or simply reaching the conclusion that no matter the pain , to watch football in the way that we want and remember, to run the club as part of the community not a some distant franchise, the only way was to start afresh.

I truly hope your new owners are what you hope, but there is a dual battle taking place in Manchester and plans re advanced for ALL United fans for the first time in 5 years to march alongside each other on the 30th Oct, but FCUM is one part of the fight and one that gives me the sort of satisfaction that I thought football could never give again.

You guys have the chance to do both, slowly build AFC Liverpool and try to get a say in the boardroom.

2,000 members are currently raising 1.5 million towards our new home at Ten Acres lane Newton Heath, I'm sure this kind of model can be multiplied and replicated to give fans a much bigger say in many clubs.

Just wish that more fans could see beyond the tribalism-as these lads in Germany did recently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc3j6ThFQR4

[Alan_X]

There has been untold hours of debate about fighting from within IE MUST etc or simply reaching the conclusion that no matter the pain , to watch football in the way that we want and remember, to run the club as part of the community not a some distant franchise, the only way was to start afresh.

I truly hope your new owners are what you hope, but there is a dual battle taking place in Manchester and plans re advanced for ALL United fans for the first time in 5 years to march alongside each other on the 30th Oct, but FCUM is one part of the fight and one that gives me the sort of satisfaction that I thought football could never give again.

You guys have the chance to do both, slowly build AFC Liverpool and try to get a say in the boardroom.

2,000 members are currently raising 1.5 million towards our new home at Ten Acres lane Newton Heath, I'm sure this kind of model can be multiplied and replicated to give fans a much bigger say in many clubs.

Just wish that more fans could see beyond the tribalism-as these lads in Germany did recently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc3j6ThFQR4

That is seriously impressive.

[politico]

details here

http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/communityshares

to be fair there will be financial organisations who are looking for ethical investment etc, investing big sums, but most of the money will ordinary fans chucking in 2-500 quid.

Difference is the money is being used to develop the club in a deprived part of Manchchester-to the benefit of all.

The real irony is we will be just a mile form the idealogical opposite of Shitty at Wastelands !

[Spongebob Redpants]

That is seriously impressive.

Vey impressive indeed.

Will be interesting to see how much support the march on 30th October gets ( any idea of numbers anticipated ?) . Although our deal with NESV is done and dusted , I've still got a sour taste in my mouth as regards to the apathy of our support ( the marches and stay behind protests ), especially over the llast few months where the situation really was critical.

We finally got rid of G&H but that was despite the apathy of a good proportion of our match going support.

[Red_Mist]

simply reaching the conclusion that no matter the pain , to watch football in the way that we want and remember, to run the club as part of the community not a some distant franchise, the only way was to start afresh.

Fair play. I've got a mate who was there from the start in FCUM and his football watching has obviously been an incredibly enjoyable experience and a huge part of his life since then. So I can't really fault you.

[royhendo]

AFC Liverpool actually has affiliations with the club Politico.

[politico]

AFC Liverpool actually has affiliations with the club Politico.

good to hear that, so long as they keep a degree of independence. As a mate described FC,it is just good to have the option of watching a non league mini version of that you know so well, not better just different.

[royhendo]

Yeah that's true. I only know cos I pestered them a lot earlier in the summer and they were sound as a pound the boys, but understandably wary of our stance regarding the club generally. Once we explained what we were about (informing people on the facts about the accounts etc) they were really supportive, as were the official supporters' clubs worldwide. We did a lot of work writing to them and doing the same - explaining what we were doing and asking if they could contribute etc. It's amazing when you dig into what's happening out there - there are LFC fans groups in South East Asia producing their own online magazines and merchandise etc (not counting the knock-off stuff I mean).

there's a lot to be said for good old fashioned doorstepping in its modern equivalent form. That stood us in good stead - just spending hours finding the contact details, then contacting them and contacting them and contacting them. The World Cup helped with that. Ordinarily a summer might be quite dull worldwide.