Piracy

Revitalised. Superb

Been saying this to anyone who'd listen all season. He is a fella who has real skill, I'd love to see him score.

He needs s goal like f**k.

I'm going to go 2-1.

Great discussion folks. It's what we want from the forum.

This ^

What would it take ro convince me, well, I suppose the answer is you let me worry about that. Like I said its my issue. I do not think that 3 seasons of consecutive losses is a great situation for any business. I'm not sure that Fussball continue to keep throwing in money longer term. What I will say is I think by having the communication session it's the right thing to do. But rather than it being reactionary I like to see it a drumbeat meeting and actively working to rotate fan representation. I'd like to see a clear and coherent plan laid out at the start of a season, it can be detailed or high level as they choose, call it a mission statement even. You heard what I asked last night, we both heard the answers, up to each of us to process the information as we see fit. They didn't respond to my email. In fact I realise why they didn't.

I really hope this man turns it round as I think he's a decent guy who is passionate about his job at Dunfermline. Having sat in his company a few times now, I think he's sincere. Got my full support.

I'd suggest that the recent noise from the Patrons meeting and on social media, and the email I sent were influencing factors in the club calling last night's meeting. They're obviously keen to quell any unease, which is the right thing to do. But I'm still not convinced by the answers given. That's my issue.

Quote: You've mentioned a few references to strategy in your post, was there any pushback on cook for more detail on this? For me its a really unsatisfactory answer 'trust me there's a plan' You're going to really struggle to get buy in with that, you need to provide some detail, a general outline on how it will work, a timeline and intermediary targets you're going to judge its success by and if it will need readjustment. Answer: I'll set the scene in a bit of detail. The meeting started at 6pm, I awkwardly walked in at 7pm (I did chap the door). All my fault for not reading the invite properly. So I missed a whole lot of detail. Digs has captured that. In the boardroom there were around 20 people so it was quite tight for space. David Cook and James McPake sat at the head of the table and Drew Main stood for the duration at the other end of the room. I initially sat quietly took notes enjoying James McPake talking very enthusiasticly about football (personally, I like the guy and I can see he really loves it at our club and is determined to do his very best. I want him to do well). I engaged after a wee while by getting involved in chat going on with James McPake. Once it was naturally drying up I took the opportunity to make the point I'd like to ask a few questions. The questions I aimed to get out there were from the email I sent to the club through SLO Drew Main. I'm aware the questions could be interpretted by some supporters as too intrusive and maybe not suitable for this meeting, indeed one fan said as much, but I didnt ask for my concerns to be dealt with that way. I also just like to point out I never recieved a reply to my email, but Drew Main did say to me (through alternative correspondance) he'd intended to respond to the email but thought it'd be better that the questions could be asked at the meeting so other fans could hear the answers. It's their meeting so therefore they set the agenda, in reality I suppose that didn't matter to me. Being acutely aware of the setting and the air of positivity in the room to the point I started to ask questions, I really did not want my questions, or presence to become the dominant feature of the meeting (which I did point out). However, I did proceed to ask questions and did proceed to talk a lot, like I do when I get going. That meant I was not taking notes, which is my preferred method of capturing detail. The last section from my summary of events was from memory and theres no question detail was lost. That said, I do not believe there was detail on the specifics on club strategy, and over the loss and the 3 consecutive losses. It was more a response built on stressing the credentials, experience of the board and how they absolutely know what they're doing, fully understand what they're doing and are fully comfortable with it. I have no doubt they're intentions are honourable. I said last night my concerns are not about questioning their integrity. It's not about that, it's about thick f*ckers like me understanding why we're losing money and how are we going to arrest the situation. Regarding the losses, I kept stressing this as my concern. I asked about the lack profit & loss detail in the club statement. David Cook said the club never published that level of detail. I thought they had in previous accounts, and like I said, I stand corrected. But, in my brain reporting a huge loss I'd like to see revenue against costs. But tbf the club aren't going to go to that level of detail on my insistence, they'll always present a high level overview in these situations. That is definitely their perogative. Maybe, my oral articulation isn't the best, but my written articulation is usually moderately effective. But overall it is honest endeavours on my part, and speaking out I'm sure it's to my own detriment with some fellow fans (and maybe those on the board who are interested enough in my speaking out). Tbh I don't know why I bother too much about it all as it'll turn out how it'll turn out.

Grant, happy to give further opinions and also to post up the questions I had put forward on my email to the club.

Summary of tonight. I got there at 7pm and discussions were underway. I thought it started then, but now realise it started at 6pm, so apologies I missed a huge chunk of information. James McPake speaking about the bad injury situation this season. Some of the situation could be attributed to his decision making and maybe his naivety as a younger manager. He had overlooked the effects of increasing training for individual players (not all players as physical as each other). Since then they've set about adjusting training for each player (where required) after speaking to a top sports scientist. This also led to a full review and how it introduced a learning from experience situation. They now have a regular review every 28 days or so and they're a lot more educated and effective in managing training and injury. David Cook spoke about how they've brought in a new physio who has 15 to 20 years experience in his profession. He also mentioned pitch inconsistency and how it may have added to the injury situation. The question was asked if there was any concerns about our own pitch? the area under the main stand was mentioned, the persistent rain had caused issues. Pitch hasn't had any major level of maintenance, but it's not felt it is yet needed. Also James McPake mentioned the state of some of the pitches we're asking players to play on. Drew Main spoke about the damage to the toilets at Starks Park and how inevitably it would cost our club money in damage repair. David Cook spoke about understanding the passion in such games but we've all got to moderate our behaviour. The topic of self policing among our fans was discussed. It was felt that this does go on and things are getting better with less objects onto the pitch this season (may be an indicator). The question was asked of there was anything specific that fans could do to help the club (few examples given as a for instance). The basic answer was, just keep supporting the team home and away in the way we have been doing. James McPake spoke about he always tells his players to go and applaud the fans win or defeat. He stressed he understands fans booing and voicing their frustrations, and they're absolutely entitled to do so. He also said that the players actually go to the fans at the end of a match regardless (without his persuasion). He spoke about how passionate he felt after our recent win against Partick Thistle and what a lift it gave him and the players. He also said after Dundee he had fell out of love with the game but almost immediately after joining Dunfermline that changed. Specific mention was made about the recent display in the NW in respect to Harry Melrose passing away. Mr Melrose's family were touched by this. Question was asked about the lack of converting chances into goals and just about the lack of goals this season. Some discussion about the reasons for this, the frustration, some mention of statistics, of chances created,chances not taken etc, also tactics. Maybe players sometimes lacking positional awareness, not throwing themselves at opportunities with a real desire to score. Not being ruthless enough in set play situations, being a bit wiser in the box. Bottom line is there's no specific answer but they're working really hard to remedy the situation. It's priority given our current plight and league position. Digs asked about the potential of playing Tyler Sutherland, and James McPake spoke about it becoming closer and also about his almost natural ability to score goals. On Kane, he's not playing against United but should be fit to play the remaining games this season (avoiding injury of course). Discussion on how an experienced player like Kane up front is actually invaluable for us. His ability, drive, skill and being streetwise on the pitch. Discussion on how good a lot of our play in games has been, yet because we can't score goals it obviously cost us by not finding a way to win games. Last season we had the benefit of having a consistent defence to build from. The following text below is from memory as I had stopped taking notes at this stage (to ask questions) and it's from memory, so I've done my best to give a fair representation of the questions asked and the answers given. Maybe Digs can correct anything I've mispresented and I'd be happy with that. Question was asked it is known that the club is only funding the development at Rosyth because of a £700,000 grant funding and an additional loan of £300k from Fussball. I'm assuming this is because the cash reserves of DAFC cannot cover this?, I personally don't feel that the question about the cash reserves not being available from club funds was clearly answered, but maybe my articulation or interpretation wasn't up to scratch. What point was clear is that the Fussball representatives had no trouble funding the £300k. It was also asked if it's cost £1million to this stage, where would the next funds come for the next stage. Again, I'm not sure the answer was in any great level of detail, but they have a strategy for this. The point was made that we're seeing significant losses for 3 consecutive seasons, over £1millon 2022/23 and a 6 figure sum for this season, concerns that this isn't sustainable for a club of our size and in our position. David Cook pointed out his 20 years in football and the business experience and acumen of the gentlemen from Gmbh Fussball and they're comfortable with the way they're managing the situation. They'll drive these losses down going forward Question asked about the potential for the provision of a detailed and coherent business plan from the board outlining their plans. David Cook replied that they have a strategy and they're confident in the strategy. Again stressing the experience of those on the Board. He also said that putting out frequent statements would be repetitive and maybe not adding a great deal of value. Asked about the losses not having the profit and loss aspect to it, as in revenue against cost, we were told the club has never posted that level of detail regarding accounts. I thought they had, but I stand corrected, but like I said I'm no accountant. Obviously there's no legal obligation to do so given it's a small company. Some discussion (again) about why some supporters will be concerned about the losses sustained given what happened just over 10 years ago. Stressed by the person making the point no one was questioning the integrity of the board, just seeking reassurance and clarity through the opportunity to ask questions about the losses. There was more detail and discussion points I'll have missed, but that's it from me.

Summary of tonight. I got there at 7pm and discussions were underway. I thought it started then, but now realise it started at 6pm, so apologies I missed a huge chunk of information. James McPake speaking about the bad injury situation this season. Some of the situation could be attributed to his decision making and maybe his naivety as a younger manager. He had overlooked the effects of increasing training for individual players (not all players as physical as each other). Since then they've set about adjusting training for each player (where required) after speaking to a top sports scientist. This also led to a full review and how it introduced a learning from experience situation. They now have a regular review every 28 days or so and they're a lot more educated and effective in managing training and injury. David Cook spoke about how they've brought in a new physio who has 15 to 20 years experience in his profession. He also mentioned pitch inconsistency and how it may have added to the injury situation. The question was asked if there was any concerns about our own pitch? the area under the main stand was mentioned, the persistent rain had caused issues. Pitch hasn't had any major level of maintenance, but it's not felt it is yet needed. Also James McPake mentioned the state of some of the pitches we're asking players to play on. Drew Main spoke about the damage to the toilets at Starks Park and how inevitably it would cost our club money in damage repair. David Cook spoke about understanding the passion in such games but we've all got to moderate our behaviour. The topic of self policing among our fans was discussed. It was felt that this does go on and things are getting better with less objects onto the pitch this season (may be an indicator). The question was asked of there was anything specific that fans could do to help the club (few examples given as a for instance). The basic answer was, just keep supporting the team home and away in the way we have been doing. James McPake spoke about he always tells his players to go and applaud the fans win or defeat. He stressed he understands fans booing and voicing their frustrations, and they're absolutely entitled to do so. He also said that the players actually go to the fans at the end of a match regardless (without his persuasion). He spoke about how passionate he felt after our recent win against Partick Thistle and what a lift it gave him and the players. He also said after Dundee he had fell out of love with the game but almost immediately after joining Dunfermline that changed. Specific mention was made about the recent display in the NW in respect to Harry Melrose passing away. Mr Melrose's family were touched by this. Question was asked about the lack of converting chances into goals and just about the lack of goals this season. Some discussion about the reasons for this, the frustration, some mention of statistics, of chances created,chances not taken etc, also tactics. Maybe players sometimes lacking positional awareness, not throwing themselves at opportunities with a real desire to score. Not being ruthless enough in set play situations, being a bit wiser in the box. Bottom line is there's no specific answer but they're working really hard to remedy the situation. It's priority given our current plight and league position. Digs asked about the potential of playing Tyler Sutherland, and James McPake spoke about it becoming closer and also about his almost natural ability to score goals. On Kane, he's not playing against United but should be fit to play the remaining games this season (avoiding injury of course). Discussion on how an experienced player like Kane up front is actually invaluable for us. His ability, drive, skill and being streetwise on the pitch. Discussion on how good a lot of our play in games has been, yet because we can't score goals it obviously cost us by not finding a way to win games. Last season we had the benefit of having a consistent defence to build from. The following text below is from memory as I had stopped taking notes at this stage (to ask questions) and it's from memory, so I've done my best to give a fair representation of the questions asked and the answers given. Maybe Digs can correct anything I've mispresented and I'd be happy with that. Question was asked it is known that the club is only funding the development at Rosyth because of a £700,000 grant funding and an additional loan of £300k from Fussball. I'm assuming this is because the cash reserves of DAFC cannot cover this?, I personally don't feel that the question about the cash reserves not being available from club funds was clearly answered, but maybe my articulation or interpretation wasn't up to scratch. What point was clear is that the Fussball representatives had no trouble funding the £300k. It was also asked if it's cost £1million to this stage, where would the next funds come for the next stage. Again, I'm not sure the answer was in any great level of detail, but they have a strategy for this. The point was made that we're seeing significant losses for 3 consecutive seasons, over £1millon 2022/23 and a 6 figure sum for this season, concerns that this isn't sustainable for a club of our size and in our position. David Cook pointed out his 20 years in football and the business experience and acumen of the gentlemen from Gmbh Fussball and they're comfortable with the way they're managing the situation. They'll drive these losses down going forward Question asked about the potential for the provision of a detailed and coherent business plan from the board outlining their plans. David Cook replied that they have a strategy and they're confident in the strategy. Again stressing the experience of those on the Board. He also said that putting out frequent statements would be repetitive and maybe not adding a great deal of value. Some discussion (again) about why some supporters will be concerned about the losses sustained given what happened just over 10 years ago. Stressed by the person making the point no one was questioning the integrity of the board, just seeking reassurance and clarity through the opportunity to ask questions about the losses. There was more detail and discussion points I'll have missed, but that's it from me.

Wighton out the rest of the season.

Great stuff. This type of initiative is good for the club.

Done. Good luck to everyone in the draw, especially me 😆

Ever hopeful we get a result somehow. I'll not be at the match but will be cheering them on from the caravan. I'll go 1-1.

I'd be extremely surprised if they didn't read social media outlets. Bottom line is though our win rate isn't great, they know that as well as us. It's their job to change that, our job to support them. Being supporters we've a right to voice displeasure and frustration, but obviously not abuse.

No idea, really disappointing.

Photos of the damaged toilets on P&B. Not good to look at and it'll go viral now no question. Gonna cost us money.

Hopefully we'll gain some clarity on questions asked. I've deliberately not posted the questions included in my email to the club out of respect for the clubs right to reply. If the itinerary for the meeting allows us to discuss the questions then all fair and well.

I wasn't confident to start with but I said to someone that I would send an email. We'll maybe get no answers on Thursday either because my questions isn't what the meeting is about, but we'll see.

Yeah the last meeting of this type was about true sportsmanship. I've no issue with that tbh.

I do not disagree. I think the intention is to run some things (new ideas) past a few supporters to groups to improve things. I'm not sure what exactly, but I'm sure questions will be asked once we've heard them out.

Great work.