Liam Interview 21st January

[tonyhey]

I’ve just listened in disbelief to Rob’s latest interview with Liam. Quite frankly, it’s disgraceful that people, (obviously not real supporters) are abusing Ian and Claire after all they have done and continue to do for Southport Football Club. To hear from Liam that Ian is considering his position should send shivers down the backs of all Southport supporters. Who do these morons think will walk through the door if Ian decides to walk? Charlie Clapham kept the Club afloat for many, many years before finally being hounded out by a small minority who will never, ever be satisfied with anything that happens at Haig Avenue. That cannot be allowed to happen again. All genuine supporters should be getting behind both Ian and Claire and show them that they are appreciated, and that Southport Football Club needs them to stay.

[Ste_B]

99.9% in agreement with you (you lost me briefly with the Charlie stuff).

Even if there was others queuing up to take over, we’d very fortunate if any of them were better than what we already have.

[portexileinbath]

99.9% in agreement with you (you lost me briefly with the Charlie stuff).

Even if there was others queuing up to take over, we’d very fortunate if any of them were better than what we already have.

I am in total agreement with you on this one.

[siddle]

Staggered to learn about what Ian and Claire have had to face. If you’re one of the muppets abusing them on social media, pack it in. You’re not Southport fans.

[YELLOWTAXI]

Unfortunately this is what the numpties on social media want. They don't realise the work Ian and Clare have put in to make us a well run club since big Phil left.
No idea who they think these invisible new owners are that are out there and would invest or takeover?
Ian has regularly encouraged and invited new investors to get in touch if they're interested in his interviews with Rob Urwin.
I for one truly hope you and Clare are reading these posts and hope you know you really are appreciated.
Please stick around guys and ignore the ignoramus minority.

[Port on the Kent]

I think you have done Ian a disservice drawing comparisons with Clapham. Charlie left the club an absolute circus with 40+ players being used every season and three or four managers. Stadium was falling apart. Crowds were down to the 600s in the league above. Club's reputation at an all time low. Never communicated directly with the supporters who he seemed to hold in contempt. Club would be in a better place if he had been 'hounded out' a decade earlier.

Ian did tremendously well steering the club through the pandemic and personal abuse is clearly out of order. We are in a much better position than when he took the reins. He has modernised parts of the club and he regularly speaks to supporters through interviews and he comes across considered and approachable.

Any frustration comes down to lack of resources, it is as simple as that. I am sure Ian isn't short of a few quid but he is either unable or unwilling to invest personal fortunes into the club (and nor should he be expected to by the way, I could think of better ways to spend money). This means the club is operating hand to mouth - as set out by today's interview where the cash flow problems are explained. We can only spend what we earn and the books must be balanced. Ian is wise enough to ensure there is money in the club in case of multiple postponements which speaks to his responsible and competent nature - but there is no chance of him investing large sums of money into the club as a benefactor.

Unfortunately, non-league football has changed. As I have pointed out before, it wasn't long ago that nearly all teams operated on the same basis. Budgets were dictated by crowd sizes and corporate sponsorship. The bigger clubs with the biggest followings had the most money and the smallest has the least. Ever so rarely you would get a bankrolled anomaly like Rushden or Crawley. However in the last decade the non-league eco system has changed and what used to be an almost romantic antidote to top level greed and wealth is going the same way. Scores of clubs now spend beyond their means every season and it's getting worse. It's not just the likes of Fylde either, teams like Curzon and Alfreton pay players who've been in league(s) above a good wage, how are they doing this on crowds of 300 and 500 respectively? How have Peterborough Sports with 250 fans which is barely above NWCFL level twice ran rings round us? It's because the landscape is changing fast and clubs who try and exist on only what they can raise go nowhere.

Ian deserves huge credit and I really hope he will continue because he makes an excellent figurehead and his communication and passion is first class. But the sad truth is this - you need deep pockets in this game. In an ideal world the best way forward would be to expand the board and bring in new investment, headed up by Ian.

It goes without saying that personal abuse is abhorrent and uncacceptable and that is a different matter to debating the future of the club. But it does need saying that the 'temperature' is going to rise with every passing mid-table finish while we continue to tread water due to not having the financial backing to progress.

[kiaken]

Well said potk, most on here thank Ian and Claire for the work they have done and at least we get updates from club and don't get banned for giving our ideas an airing.

[tonyhey]

I think you have done Ian a disservice drawing comparisons with Clapham. Charlie left the club an absolute circus with 40+ players being used every season and three or four managers. Stadium was falling apart. Crowds were down to the 600s in the league above. Club's reputation at an all time low. Never communicated directly with the supporters who he seemed to hold in contempt. Club would be in a better place if he had been 'hounded out' a decade earlier.

Ian did tremendously well steering the club through the pandemic and personal abuse is clearly out of order. We are in a much better position than when he took the reins. He has modernised parts of the club and he regularly speaks to supporters through interviews and he comes across considered and approachable.

Any frustration comes down to lack of resources, it is as simple as that. I am sure Ian isn't short of a few quid but he is either unable or unwilling to invest personal fortunes into the club (and nor should he be expected to by the way, I could think of better ways to spend money). This means the club is operating hand to mouth - as set out by today's interview where the cash flow problems are explained. We can only spend what we earn and the books must be balanced. Ian is wise enough to ensure there is money in the club in case of multiple postponements which speaks to his responsible and competent nature - but there is no chance of him investing large sums of money into the club as a benefactor.

Unfortunately, non-league football has changed. As I have pointed out before, it wasn't long ago that nearly all teams operated on the same basis. Budgets were dictated by crowd sizes and corporate sponsorship. The bigger clubs with the biggest followings had the most money and the smallest has the least. Ever so rarely you would get a bankrolled anomaly like Rushden or Crawley. However in the last decade the non-league eco system has changed and what used to be an almost romantic antidote to top level greed and wealth is going the same way. Scores of clubs now spend beyond their means every season and it's getting worse. It's not just the likes of Fylde either, teams like Curzon and Alfreton pay players who've been in league(s) above a good wage, how are they doing this on crowds of 300 and 500 respectively? How have Peterborough Sports with 250 fans which is barely above NWCFL level twice ran rings round us? It's because the landscape is changing fast and clubs who try and exist on only what they can raise go nowhere.

Ian deserves huge credit and I really hope he will continue because he makes an excellent figurehead and his communication and passion is first class. But the sad truth is this - you need deep pockets in this game. In an ideal world the best way forward would be to expand the board and bring in new investment, headed up by Ian.

It goes without saying that personal abuse is abhorrent and uncacceptable and that is a different matter to debating the future of the club. But it does need saying that the 'temperature' is going to rise with every passing mid-table finish while we continue to tread water due to not having the financial backing to progress.

I wasn’t drawing comparisons between Charlie and Ian, I was trying to make the point that for years, Charlie ensured that the club continued to exist, despite all the abuse he received. We certainly wouldn’t want Ian to leave because of vile abuse by a few brain dead numbskulls. Since taking the helm, he has worked wonders, particularly seeing the Club through the the COVID pandemic, and I’m certain that all REAL Southport supporters will want him to continue the fine work he has already started.

[Marsh Harrier]

Hmmm the timeline as I see it:-

1. The club announce Cam Mason loan to Guiseley.
2. Angry reaction on social media.
3. LW interview to explain clubs position and states Cam will return.
4. Club announce Cam Mason permanent move to Guiseley.
5. Angry reaction on social media.
6. Cam Mason explains his position on Portchat interview.
7. LW interview to explain club position.

Seems to me that this was a comms failure by the club and it could have been averted if 3 and 7 came at the same time as 1 and 4 respectively.

[Rabbit]

Hmmm the timeline as I see it:-

1. The club announce Cam Mason loan to Guiseley.
2. Angry reaction on social media.
3. LW interview to explain clubs position and states Cam will return.
4. Club announce Cam Mason permanent move to Guiseley.
5. Angry reaction on social media.
6. Cam Mason explains his position on Portchat interview.
7. LW interview to explain club position.

Seems to me that this was a comms failure by the club and it could have been averted if 3 and 7 came at the same time as 1 and 4 respectively.

Seems to me that if you took 2 and 5 out of your list, itd be a perfectly reasonable chain of events.
Social media has many positives but one negative is it gives a voice to impulsive and reactionary and immature individuals who would do better to think before ‘posting’.

[Marsh Harrier]

Seems to me that if you took 2 and 5 out of your list, itd be a perfectly reasonable chain of events.
Social media has many positives but one negative is it gives a voice to impulsive and reactionary and immature individuals who would do better to think before ‘posting’.

I beg to differ, a clear explanation at the time of an announcement makes far more sense than an explanation a few days after an announcement.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

I do think a certain amount of mindless abuse from teenage gimps on Twitter is probably something that goes with the territory, but then again it's not me who's getting it. It can't have been much fun for Ian having to deal with the terrible legacy of COVID and PHIL and other diseases that are only ever spelt in capitals - as much as we might have some criticisms and frustrations about last season etc the sort of abuse he's had recently is pathetic. Thick people and social media don't mix well.

Sadly I think there's a bit of a "monkey see monkey do" element to it - every time a Premier League club loses two games in a row there's someone with a poorly-spelt message to the board on a crusty bedsheet being picked up by the cameras.

[Met him on a Monday]

Interesting article in the Sunday Times about Leicester fans being up in arms with their owners who facilitated winning the Premiership and F A Cup . Bringing European football having spending millions on improving training grounds and buying players, yet they are still not happy. I would just love another away day at Derby and a promotion.
My personnel dealings with Ian have not be great but wouldn't switch places with him . Ian and Claire work tirelessly for the club . Rather have them over , a Charlie or a Phil and for the older fans who remember Walter Gill who ruined the club (attendances of 200) and the guy who was taking to us the championship Stan Robinson.

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/booing-from- ... -3t06wrd3z
[/u]

[Exiled Port Fan]

My feelings on the club finances are well documented. However anyone trying to justify the abuse should have a long hard look at themselves, because any defence just empowers these morons.

[Sandgrounder3]

If they’d just announced Cam’s replacement, there wouldn’t have been any problem.

[Gloucester man]

Well said Kent, No comparison with Mr Clapham.
Ian in my opinion and his good lady are doing a great job for Southport FC. When Clapham tried to sink the ship and otners came and went Ian has steadied the ship and got the club moving in the right way.
Ive only met him once but hes very approachable and in my opinion listens. We have Steven Dewsnip again doing a good job with Ian, I suggest and i havent a clue who these key board warriors are if your not happy then stump up some money.
Their are many AFC Type clubs and clubs with new names because they havent lived within their means. Ian has brought that stability and we are doing ok slowly building after the chaos.
I suggest we look at clubs like Leamington non league who do things well and quietly ive never heard anyone call for Jim Scotts head as chairman.They live within their means Accrington Stanley and Andy Holt the same..
I am plessed with how our club is progressing because im a realist wbo has built his own business with my own money.
I have never been given a penny or have debt and ive done alright. I beg people to stop these attacks our excellent chairman or just look at Burscough and Skelmersdale do you want owners like that or like Ian Kyle.
Im.backing Ian Kyle hes a decent man doing a good job.on a goalkeeper replacement Liam when he finds the correct replacement will do so have some bloody patience

[george]

Don't do twitter, never have,never will,
It took time to fall out with Clapham, didn't see many disgruntled fans when we took over 10,000 to Wembley, or when we had gates of 2,000 or more and 3rd in the league above( mark Wright),however as time went on,we couldn't or wouldn't keep up with the joanses, and the assumption that he didn't really want us in the league cos we can't afford it.
The situation now,is not much different, we either progress or we don't, and selling are best players, maybe for all the right financial reasons, doesn't make the supporters happy, ( ask the Everton fans)
So yes,the board, directors, ect,are all doing a brilliant job,blah, blah,but I'm a Southport fc supporter, and not really arsed with the it is what it is situation, I don't have the answer, I don't have the money, but at somepoint, unless things change, what's the point,
Up the port

[Ralphy Rylance]

Don't do twitter, never have,never will,
It took time to fall out with Clapham, didn't see many disgruntled fans when we took over 10,000 to Wembley, or when we had gates of 2,000 or more and 3rd in the league above( mark Wright),however as time went on,we couldn't or wouldn't keep up with the joanses, and the assumption that he didn't really want us in the league cos we can't afford it.
The situation now,is not much different, we either progress or we don't, and selling are best players, maybe for all the right financial reasons, doesn't make the supporters happy, ( ask the Everton fans)
So yes,the board, directors, ect,are all doing a brilliant job,blah, blah,but I'm a Southport fc supporter, and not really arsed with the it is what it is situation, I don't have the answer, I don't have the money, but at somepoint, unless things change, what's the point,
Up the port

There was plenty of disgruntlement with Clapham throughout his entire tenure though it was naturally tempered down during the successes of the 1990s.

We only had 4 home league gates over 2000 during Mark Wright's season and a half spell, they were hardly the norm.

[Ralphy Rylance]

I suggest we look at clubs like Leamington non league who do things well and quietly ive never heard anyone call for Jim Scotts head as chairman.They live within their mean.

I'm sure Leamington are doing things well now but they did things so quietly they didn't play a match for 12 years due to having no ground to play on.

[Gloucester man]

I suggest we look at clubs like Leamington non league who do things well and quietly ive never heard anyone call for Jim Scotts head as chairman.They live within their mean.

I'm sure Leamington are doing things well now but they did things so quietly they didn't play a match for 12 years due to having no ground to play on.

Ralph
The ground was sold under them AP motors sold it for housing they decided instead of wasting their money they got nothing from.the ground sale so they'd put the club in mothballs until a ground was built and kept fundraising and kept the supporters club active fundraising.
They did got back to back promotions all the way back the the same place when they had to resign and own their own ground are not in debt and have had only 2 managers since reforming. Paul Holleran now 12 years plus.
Worcester city same problem ground share at 3 locations lose nearly all the reserve money. Their new ground is as bad as Burscoughs they are looking at relegation again 3rd bottom, Crowds of 350, no social club, no income.
What would you have done Ralph? Do you think we would have comeback as well if it had happened to us?
Ill have Leamingtons management thanks