A big thank you to the dozens of people who have responded to the
debate saying it was the right thing, balanced, accurate and addressing
the issues being debated. Having made my brief contribution it is time
to turn back to other matters, housing, metal theft, consumer rights and
the NHS which I hope the press will be as equally keen to pick up on
given the efforts made so far.
At the bottom is a
summary of correspondence I have received to give some flavour on what
people are saying. It has been overwhelmingly in agreement. To be fair I
have included all the criticism as well which is small and a long way
from the reality of the issue.
In closing I'd like to
say that support has come from every business leader I have spoken to,
pensioners, female supporters and supporters with a huge depth of
understanding. Measured by correspondence alone, it has has been the
biggest issue in the 18 months since being elected.
Thanks
for your support. I can't answer all the points raised individually but
thought I'd raise 7 key points that summarise all the positives and
negatives out of last weeks debate.
1. The Government
are saying they are committed to acting on new much stronger
arrangements for football governance; problems with foreign ownership,
the failing fit and proper persons test, lack of direct supporter
involvement (one of my main points), governance arrangements (my other
main point) and the licensing of owners.
The final
deadline for the FAPL to respond is 29th Feb as part of the consultation
(it is amazing that football media has neglected this story). The
debate took evidence from MP’s representing other clubs with problems.
2. The DCMS select committee have produced a report and the 3 hour debate was part of that consultation with MP’s.
The issue of the management (at Blackburn) was only touched upon by me
because of the new Byzantine governance arrangements at Blackburn that
where the manager is also operating in, unusually an executive position.
Venky’s
have brought in their own business model from India without thinking
about the uniqueness of football. Boards need to sack managers, need to
report risks including on first team matters to their owners. I note the
first team manager claims the manager is in receipt of such a letter
from within the club sent to the owners confidentially.Very concerning
arrangements.
I attended the debate to highlight these new issues which are different to other
clubs problems and needed to be considered in any final outcome that the Government is to bring forward.
3.
Hyndburn is not Accrington. Rishton, Oswaldtwistle, Gt Harwood and
Haslingden are satellite towns of Blackburn too. Besides which the clubs
own marketing talks about the ‘Pride of Lancashire’.
4.
The best piece of advice I have received is ‘speak out and tell the
truth’. Not always easy. No-one has as yet pulled my comments to bits
which quite frankly says a lot.
5. The biggest event
in my political life last week was not BRFC but leading a 3 hour debate
on metal theft on Tuesday on the floor of the Commons, a huge
committment in planning and time. The Government are now in a quandry
because of the case I have put and the support I have received, and now
must act. On Wednesday I led a full industry, Government attended APPG
on the issue.
Monday I met Prince Edward and Wednesday
the Queens announced her visit to Accrington. The fact that the news
channels chose BRFC over these is not an issue for me or what I am
otherwise doing in Parliament but a reflection of their audience’s
priorities in their own view. It is also the choice of those writing to
me to discuss football and not these other important issues.
In
other words the media should be asking themselves questions about their
coverage of the debate. Especially when they have been ignorant to the
Government’s desire to see action taken and where the Government are up
to in this process. A few thoughtless critics jumped to the conclusion
that this was a backbench debate about the manager per se. For that
discussion I'd suggest starting here. It's not a parliamentary matter.
6.
It is disapointing that armchair pundits have conveniently separated
Blackburn's unique football governance set up from football management
focusing on the management and arguing that Blackburn have (i) shouldn't be by attendances in the FAPL (ii) that staying up is an achievement (The club have
averaged 10th over last 10 seasons, in Europe 4 seasons, pay high wages,
won a domestic trophy) (iii) therefore SK is doing well to stay up
(uninformed) and a victim (iv) that because it’s not Liverpool or Man U
so therefore they make comments based on presumption and headlines and
not the facts – the problematic governance arrangements which intertwine
around agents, outside influences and in Blackburn's case, the first
team management.
7. That serious journalists have
failed to join up the dots, the argument I made for example, failed to
challenge their own preconceptions or recognise the matrix of curious
links in these business arrangements. Kentaro having FA broadcast rights
and having questions regarding involvemernt with BRFC, Venky’s
bypassing a board, a manager who rules over the board, an agent who is
actively involved within a club, the most respected of Chairman and his
fellow directors abandoning ship claiming the first team manager's
position has overall authority over them under the new arrangements.
Again governance issues, not football issues.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Via email...
Would just like to say a massive 'thank you' for speaking out for Rovers Fans. We have tried and tried to get the FA to step in and tried even harder to get Venkys to step out. The fans have had it really hard from some quarters of the press and other managers. At the end of the day we all just want our beloved Blackburn Rovers back. Christine
Via email...
Graham Jones,
What a wretched man you are! After all the abuse that Steve Kean has taken you have the bare-faced cheek to accuse him of a 'smear campaign.'
This is just a cheap, pathetic stunt to ingratiate yourself with fans, to appear populist and score brownie points. It should fool no intelligent football supporter.
And then you trot out all the stuff about being a 'lifelong' Blackburn supporter as though this can excuse your cowardly and spineless attack on the manager.
I've come across your type on many occasions. Shallow, empty and always eager to be 'onside' with the fans.
You are pathetic. John, Wetherby
Via email...
I would like to add my support for your speech concerning BRFC. 38 years I have followed my town club & this is a situation that I had hoped never to witness. My grave concern is that BRFC could struggle for decades unless something is done now.
Again many thanks for your speech. Michael
Via Facebook,
Just like to say 'well done', Graham - your comments about the trauma at the Rovers in the Parliamentary Committee were excellent and representative of so many of the club's fans! Today's a massive day - let's hope it's not too late. Mike
Via email...
Dear Mr Jones
As a BRFC supporter since 1945 (and a member of the Labour Party) I would like to congratulate you on your speech made in Parliament and reported yesterday and today about the current state of affairs at Blackburn Rovers.
You are the first to give voice at a national level to the indignation felt by many of us at the attempt to slander the rank and file Rovers supporters when they have voiced their anger at the scandalous goings on at Ewood. People like Jeff Stelling of Sky Sports and of course most of the managers who have spoken out have cast Steve Kean as the victim of a baying mob. Of course he is a victim (as we all are) but of the totally cynical stance which Venky's have taken to the club which those of us feel is part of our lives and personal cultures. Clubs like Blackburn still reflect a civic pride and proud ownership of their town and locality by their supporters and many who never even go to matches also assert that ownership. It is this notion of ownership which is the jewel in the crown of English clubs and it has been vandalised and spat upon by the current financial/legal owners. It shouldn't have happened and it is something that government should care about and take action.
Keep speaking out. It gives the rest of us comfort at a bad time in the life of our hometown.
Yours sincerely Tony
Via email...
Stick to politics. Not elected to air your views on football. Nobody wants to hear it. Just get off the bandwagon and get on with your job. You're not helping. Graham
Via email...
Having seen you on the tele, who kindly showed some of your speech,i would like to congratulate you on being the first person to really tell the country what is happening (or not) at Ewood.Like you i am a supporter of many years,and cannot remember anything like it.While i fully agree with everything you said,i would have liked you to include the fact that Sky Sports News conducted a totally biased interview with Jerome Anderson,who did some good acting.I have written to Sky three times to complain, and ask them to redress the balance by interviewing respected people like our main sponsor and Jack Straw.Not surprisingly they haven't bothered to reply or redress the balance.It might be an idea if you mention this fact to people who can make an impact with them.
Lets hope the team can dig us out of this mess,as the management seem to have just realised the position we are in.
All the best for the future, Geof
Via email...
Hi Graham,
Great speech yesterday - well done. It got good coverage on Radio Lancs sports hour last night.
I don't know if there is anything below to help you. I sent this to various press a month ago but for legal reasons..........!
Keep up the pressure! Kind Regards, Derek
Via email...
Evening Graham,
I am a lifelong Blackburn Rovers fan aged 26, my Dad and his whole family are born and bred in Blackburn and over the years I have seen the meteoric rise of the club, through to the tragic times we find ourselves in now.
I currently live in Manchester, but still follow Rovers very closely - attending games regularly and supporting the team itself in the face of all this incredible adversity. As a Rovers fan, I always loved the closely knit community/family spirit that embedded itself in the club, operating within the clubs means and cutting it's cloth accordingly.
Therefore, I find the current dark waters Rovers find themselves in are appalling. Venky's have proven themselves to be incompetent con-men/women over the time they have been in charge, systemically dismantling the outstanding managerial team in place, from John Williams departure, Sam Allardyce's sacking, alienation and smearing of the Rovers fan - to the employment of Steve Kean, a man who seemingly has been hired on the strength of his agent, Kentaro, positive nature and desire to fly to India for an hour meeting at the drop of a hat.
Something truly stinks at Rovers at the moment, from the spiraling Agent Fee's being paid despite Rovers seemingly buying very small value players.
I was inspired by seeing your comments appear on the Local News tonight and wanted to get in touch to say how much I support you, admire the awareness you are trying raise of Rovers plight. I wanted to understand what else can be done? How can the fans support you in a constructive manner which will raise awareness of the farcical situation and ensure the FA carry out investigations into Venky's?
If you need any support, I am willing to help in any way.
Keep up the good work! Thanks, Joe
Via email...
Graham
Well done today in voicing the concerns of the majority of BRFC fans. Keep up the pressure until the media, FA and others begin to understand the issues properly.
Andrew Blackburn (a fellow lifelong fan)
Via email...
Why are you constantly bleating on about them in the hoses of parliament?
You’re elected to deal with Haslingden and Hyndburn not Blackburn. Do you have the same concerns about Pompey?
If Rovers lose fans there is a chance they might start to support Stanley, Surely that is better for the borough? Jim, Texas
Via email...
Perhaps you could look at the Venky's 'prospectus' when they took over. Were the Walker Trust misled.
Venky’s chairman Mrs Anuradha said:
"We will absolutely respect the Jack Walker legacy...and will be actively supporting the organisation to ensure that Blackburn Rovers remains one of the best run Clubs within the Premier League. We are particularly pleased that the deal has the full support of the Walker Trust, the Chairman and the management team who will of course remain in place with our full support."
That, as we now know, was a false and misleading statement because they had no intention of honouring that.
I wonder what the legal aspect of that is because I am sure that assurance would be one of the reasons that misled the Walker Trust into accepting their offer.
Keep up the attack on Venky’s. They have massacred the Rovers.
Via email...
Hi Graham,
I don't usually do this kind of thing, but I was shocked to see a Labour MP contributing to this campaign against a man doing his absolute best under unenviable pressures. As much as I can understand a football fan's frustrations at a club being badly run by it's board the days of Jack Walker and Mark Hughes are gone. Steve Kean has commented very little on the, frankly ridiculous, protests against his appointment as manager, so it smacks a little of point scoring to see you say he's conducting a smear campaign against the fans. The fans are doing a very good job of this themselves without his help. Consider this, if Steve Kean were to leave who would be willing to replace him? The circumstances regarding transfer budget are almost completely opaque and, even worse, Blackburn aren't a very good team. Let's be honest, they aren't a top 4 team. If they finished mid-table it would be a big achievement. These things are true regardless of manager. That's why I'm disappointed to see a Labour politician, a party that's supposed to be about protecting the downtrodden in this country, joining in this growing bullying culture in English Football. You were speaking on the subject of football governance, perhaps your comments would have been better place commenting on the return of racism to English football, or the shocking culture of homophobia that exists. Instead, however, you decided to take a shot at a man looking particularly defenseless. I'd like to add that several first team players have come out to denounce the protests, and the Fifa rule that states that a country's government (and therefore politicians) are not allowed to influence footballing affairs. Honestly, it's this kind of myopic thinking and acting from all parties, not just your own, that has caused me to completely lose faith in this current system.Yours Sincerely, A Non Voter.
Via email...
Dear Mr Jones,
Having just watched your speech at the Ministers' Debate on Football Governance, and as a fellow Blackburn Rovers season ticket holder, I would just like to say thank you for expressing the issues and concerns of many of the fans at this debate. Both my Dad and I have been going to watch Blackburn for 17 years and we both agreed with what you said and felt it was delivered in an excellent manner. It is refreshing to hear the opinions of the fans being given publicity rather than simply those of members of the club who have appeared to actually be working against the fans, or at best seem to view the fans as an inconvenience.
I would just like to say that if you require any help from supporters of the football club in your endeavours in this matter I would be more than happy to help.
Kind regards, Alex
Via email...
Graham,
I am writing to thank you for your contribution to the football debate in the Commons on Thursday.
I am worried sick about the club I have supported since the early 1960's and your insight into the current shambles at Ewood Park, whilst adding to my concern, was well overdue and needs to be addressed by the football authorities before it is too late.
I am already resigned to the fact that I will be watching Championship football next season but it angers me that a club that was until recently a perfect example of how smaller teams can survive in todays Premier League, has become such a laughing stock.
It seems that the rot has spread throughout - from the owners to the management via some extremely dubious agents. For me, the final proof was the resignation of John Williams, a man truly respected in English football and the one person who may have been able to resist the machinations of Venkys.
As you rightly say, the PR campaign against the club's own supporters has been atrocious and has left us in a quandry - do we continue to support the team and hope that we can get out of this mess or do we abandon support and boycott the club until it is in safer hands?
I am truly at a loss but I do have some hope whilst people like you are on our side.
Once again, thankyou, and please keep voicing your concerns - we desperately need something better for the club that is part of our lives.
Regards, John
Via email...
Dear Mr Jones
I find it incredible that you, a season ticket holder of Blackburn Rovers, have used your public position to attack the manager who does not have the same privilege as you.
Blackburn Rovers are nothing special as football clubs go and people like you seem to expect the owners to wave a magic wand to bring Man City style success!!
The club, as with all clubs in any league, have no 'god-given right' to be in their league let alone have the same right to be successful.
Personally, having been supporting football for over 60 years, I find you as much to blame for your club's problems as the owners.
Leadership is required.....Kean is the leader and should be supported, something Blackburn fans appear to be not very good at when things go wrong (same with a lot of clubs).
And talking of Kean, it is typical that you, with your politicians hat on, accuse Kean of 'a smear campaign' against the fans without saying how that smear campaign has been conducted.
No mention there of the vile hate campaign against Kean, clearly supported quite actively by you.
You are as reprehensible as anyone else in Blackburns present plight and you should stop your antics - parliament is no place for fans to protest at what is happening at their club unless it is parliament that has caused the problem - don't see how that is the case, do you??
IF you really want to help your club - speak to Venkys in your capacity as a season ticket holder.....if you REALLY want to help your club stop muddying the waters and do something really constructive by getting behind the manager and the team.
I live in hope. Non Rovers fan
Via email...
Can I say thank you for your comments regarding our beloved Rovers.
Please keep on to them, God bless you Sir, Thx
Via Twitter
Cllr Andrew Pope @CllrPope
Totally - couldn't find the Green Paper - have link please? :) Enjoyed your speech Pete
Via Twitter11 Feb Laurence Durnan @PSbookEditor
Woot! @GrahamJones_MP tells Kean and Venky's some home truths in Parliament debate bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan… @Conorpope @wdjstraw #KeanForEngland
Via Twitter10 Feb L. Bison @IAmShadowMoses
Big up @GrahamJones_MP for raising awareness of our plight today. Good work pal.
Via Twitter10 Feb Martin Robinson @robborover16
Well done @GrahamJones_MP. #rovers fans salute you! #ff
Via Twitter10 Feb Jen Bellamy @EricBlueMonster
It isn't often I feel the urge to doth my cap to a politician, but today @GrahamJones_MP, consider it dothed. And thank you #rovers
Via Twitter10 Feb Jon Marsh @JMarsh3
Think @GrahamJones_MP should stop meddling in football & start gaining some credibility back for Labour! #stevekean
Via Twitter10 Feb Rover Stan @Rover_Stan
Maybe with the help of @GrahamJones_MP and all #rovers fans united, we can redress the balance and right this injustice. #fanpower
Via Twitter10 Feb Andy Neil @Fernhurst_Rover
excellent speech from @GrahamJones_MP.
Via Twitter
10 Feb Matthew Bragg @braggy1234
parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.as… 1 hour & 20 mins in @GrahamJones_MP does a brilliant job of exposing Venkys/Anderson #rovers #VENKYSOUT
Via Twitter
10 Feb Rover Stan @Rover_Stan
Know I'm going to leave some of you out but a Big #RoversFF to @Blackburnjack @MoJaffer1 @GrahamJones_MP @mrwawild @kevingallacher8 ...
Via Twitter9 Feb Steve @S_t_e_B
whats the betting that @GrahamJones_MP gets a call from Jerome Anderson tomorrow to "put him right" as others appear to have. #rovers
Via Twitter9 Feb Carl @carlhatch
Big massive thanks to @GrahamJones_MP for bringing up Rovers plight in parliament today
Via Twitter
9 Feb Angela Smith @Angela_x
Great points raised by @GrahamJones_MP in parliament re the situation at Rovers. Hope it ramps up the pressure & results in an investigation
Via Twitterjohn leigh @BrisbaneRover
Well done Mr Jones - concern at Rovers situation aired in Westminister. bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan… #venkysout #brfc #rovers
Via TwitterThe Grim Sheeper @The_GrimSheeper
@GrahamJones_MP Well done for raising questions in parliament. Keep posing difficult ques and please help instigate proper enquiry #brfc
Via BRFCS messageboard
Apologies if mentioned elsewhere but I thought this merited a thread on its own.
Absolutely compelling listening for Rovers' supporters: covers virtually all ongoing issues being talked about by the supporters. Sensational stuff. Mercerman: 09 February 2012 - 20:13 PM
Via BRFCS messageboard
Fantastic stuff Mr Jones MP. I salute you. THE one and only original "Preston Blue".....beware of cheap imitations!! #3 PAFELL
Via BRFCS messageboardDeserves a huge thank you for putting Rovers' issues right into the centre of Westminster.
Kean's Premier League record: Home P24 W7 D5 L12 F30 A36 P226 ..... Away P22 W3 D8 L11 F31 A52 P17 ..... Total P46 W10 D13 L22 F61 A88 P43. WIN % 22%. !!! LAST 28 CONSECUTIVE PL GAMES WITH NO CLEAN SHEET !!!
Ms. Desai said: “We want good football and Blackburn to be fourth or fifth in the league or even better. The fans should trust us because this is in the best interests of the club.” #6 Blue and White Army
Via BRFCS messageboardI thank him for his efforts but it's all whistling in the wind. Pompey's crisis has been well-documented but the saga rumbles on with outsiders powerless to act. The Football League don't want to get their hands dirty. #8 K-Hod
Via BRFCS messageboardDeserves a huge thank you for putting Rovers' issues right into the centre of Westminster.
Indeed, I passed on my own thanks! 'If a chairman sacks the manager he initially appointed, he should go as well.' Brian Clough #9 Stuart
Via BRFCS messageboardAbsolutely brilliant, heartfelt and headstrong comments. I wanted to applaud when he sat down! I bet that won't be shown on SSN!
Mr. Cryer - you'd better bloody well report on this! #10 miqaayil
Via BRFCS messageboardTop notch ... he even mentioned the letter by JW , all points covered ....even signing of the next dennis irwin and the next rooney #11 ABBEY
Via BRFCS messageboardDeserves a huge thank you for putting Rovers' issues right into the centre of Westminster.
Couldn't agree more Mercer, he spoke very well and got all the points across, fantastic #13 ruggles1995
Via BRFCS messageboardtake a bow son #14 Threepenny Bit Foot
Via BRFCS messageboardListened to this on Radio Lancs on the way home - Brilliant! Hope it doesn't get ignored in the media. Andy Crawford :mellow: #15 Kelbo
One question which needs to be asked of OUR Government, How did Bruno Ribiero, with his limited experience of top flight football in Brazil and NO International appearances, get a work permit? TEAM - Together Everyone Acheives More!!
Via BRFCS messageboardI love Rovers, Venkys and Kean out #16 GAV
Via BRFCS messageboardI think - and I stress the word think - that the guy we are signing/or have signed is Bruno de Paula Ribeiro Ingracia from Gremio Prudente. He is a free agent and seems to have spent his career in his native Brazil but not in the top flight. I assume he has a European passport, probably via Portugal, to get round the work permit. I think he's about 28. On the evidence of what I saw at Morecambe I'm not really sure that it's the best use of our limited funds in terms of wages. Salgado is clearly going to be first choice and I would have thought that Emerton would have provided decent cover. #19 yorkblue
Via BRFCS messageboard
Brilliant Mr Jones sir. I feel like moving to Hyndburn so that I can vote for you in the next election. I just hope some of the journalists who have seen through the Venky/Kean lies take this on....and I hope he who cannot be named sleeps well tonight. #20 Blue and White Army
Via BRFCS messageboardFound this on roverstalk taken from the MP's statement which alludes a bit more to the old board being recklessly sidelined
From a letter by John Williams to the Owners last year
John Williams to the owners wrote:"Brian Foreman from Barclay's Bank is attending the Liverpool game tomorrow and has asked for a catchup meeting with us before the match. He will inevitably ask us about our plans for the transfer window and at the present time not only are the board unaware of these but it is has been made clear that we will not have any input into that strategy. This is unacceptable and not in the best interests of the club"
But I am sure that all the while John Williams and the rest of the board were being 'constructively dismissed' this statement was still fresh in their minds
Anuradha J Desai, the Chairperson of Venky’s wrote:“We are delighted, proud and humbled to be associated with Blackburn Rovers, a team with whom we share many values and ambitions.....We will absolutely respect the Jack Walker legacy and will be actively supporting the organisation to ensure that Blackburn Rovers remains one of the best run Clubs within the Premier League. We are particularly pleased that the deal has the full support of the Walker Trust, the Chairman and the management team who will of course remain in place with our full support.“
Via BRFCS messageboardMy Mum used to say, you can cure a thief but not a liar!! In my opinion, Venkys Anderson and Kean are all natural born liars!! Kelbo
Via BRFCS messageboardVery well said Mr Jones! Top stuff.
Via BRFCS messageboardI know we all get a little tunnel vision regarding Rovers and there are other things going on but I can't help wonder what would have justified his missing this and adding further weight to the points made by Mr Jones.Bob Fleming
Via BRFCS messageboardWell done Mr Jones at last a voice from the wilderness ..Lets see if there is a response from the axis of evil ! Waggy 76
Via BRFCS messageboardApathy like this will get us nowhere.
Possibly with the Portsmouth crisis still rumbling on, Rovers current situation may have even more chance of scrutiny as a trend can be clearly identified.
Foreign owners have once again bought a UK institution and are systematically destroying it. Whilst this may not be illegal at present it is clearly not in the best interest of the local community and the nation as a whole.
Parliamentary review is a great step in the right direction and would only assist in highlighting venkys ineptitude. Hopefully this level of informed comment may make venkys reassess their strategy and be the start of a strategic withdrawal...
If BRFC was bought as a PR vehicle then this surely has to go down as one of the worst business decisions in the entire history of commerce!
John
Via BRFCS messageboardGreat statement that covered all the main points. Nothing will happen via parliament to help us in our current situation, but it's another high profile figure getting the truth of our plight out there. Well done Mr. Jones MP. Boner
Via BRFCS messageboardTo the point, humerous and heartfelt. Brilliant. I hope this can somehow find it's way into the Indian press, (and, but probably more unlikely, the English press!!!). 12 Miles from Ewood
Via BRFCS messageboardThank you Mr.Jones MP for at least trying to raise the profile of our plight. Shame on those that still refuse to see the obvious! Aberdeen Blue
Via BRFCS messageboardIn recent months I've developed a very sceptical, distrusting and suspicious nature (now why could that possibly have happened?) so forgive me for this. But is there anything to read into Graham Jones' repeated quoting from Ian B? I probably reverted to type and naively got the impression from podcasts that there just might have been a possibility of the Ians getting back into contact with the Desai-Raos. Would Ian have agreed to Graham quoting so extensively from his press interviews if that possibility hadn't evaporated again? Ewood Dawn
Via BRFCS messageboardCongratulations to Graham Jones for speaking out in Parliament for Rovers. It was interesting to hear the Chair of the committee remind him that even with parliamentary privilege, it's a good idea to slip a few "allegedly"s in every now and then ! I really hope that the media pick up on his speech now. Winston Smith
Via BRFCS messageboardReally fantastic piece of work here by Graham Jones-with the huge advantage of parliamentary privileged to allow him to let fly with both barrels. To have our plight heard in such a place can only be a good thing.First bit of good news for a long time -thanks too to Mercerman. Penster
Via BRFCS messageboardJust listened to it so very well done to Graham Jones! If any board members live in Hyndburn you owe him your vote. If he comes in my local he'll not need to put his hand in his pocket if I'm there thats for sure
Well done also to the protest organisers.
Via BRFCS messageboardThe online petition must come next to trigger a full on debate. BRFC and Venkeys / Portsmouth / Liverpool are the examples to use but incompetent and malicious foreign ownership is the concern of all football supporters. The ball is rolling lets keep it going.thenodrog
Via BRFCS messageboardSpeaking as an outsider to UK politics looking in, I think you Mr. Jones did an outstanding job. He definitely cares about the club and his presentation demonstrated a considerable knowledge of our plight. SteveMoss
Via BRFCS messageboardGreat stuff, good on ya Graham. However, as many have said nothing will be done, which leads me onto this question - how about ditching the FA and rejoining the Football League (in return for stricter rules, salary capping etc.)? Lest we forget the great Bill Fox whose predictions on what the Premier League would do to football have now been proven correct - possibly one reason why the FA don't like us, he was, after all, vehemently opposed to the formation of the PL. Even the threat of this would surely move the FA to do something and I can't see many clubs opposing this, particularly if the Football League introduced rules that would ensure financial stability and fair play and a good fit and proper test. Just a thought. RoverDownUnder
Via BRFCS messageboardSIR Mr Jones. What a legend. Rovers4good
Via BRFCS messageboardI really enjoyed watching that. Fair play to the man for getting up and addressing the fears of the fans. I doubt anything will come from it and I don't see Steve Kean being quizzed on it. But someone should email it to the club, marking as something that Steve Kean should watch and make him squirm at the thought of Parliament discussing his inept management and those crooks of owners. Not that he would ever admit seeing it or to any of the accusations made.
Via BRFCS messageboardThat makes it worse in some ways. He knows that we all know what's been going on. But he can just shrug, smirk and say what are they going to do about? I'm running the show here and I'm not going anywhere. RoyRover
Via BRFCS messageboardJust watched it. We are now officially a laughing stock in the halls of Westminster. Or more accurately Steve Kean is. What a ###### total shambles, it's a disgrace. Words now fail me.Ozz
Via BRFCS messageboardWell done Mr Jones!
Venky's/Kean/Anderson...GET OUT OUR CLUB. SimonGarner194
Via BRFCS messageboardThis is an unexpected but welcome turn of events. I was one of those wondering "now what?" after Graham Jones's excellent statement, but hopefully the momentum on this story can keep building. Not only have the BBC run the story on their website but it's also the #1 read article on there. The spotlight will be on us fans more than ever tomorrow so let's do ourselves proud and leave the imposter with no excuses. Boner
Via BRFCS messageboardFantastic !!!
Somebody better wake-up those at the Lancashire Telegraphh as not a peep out of them - they are letting the side down badly. Mercerman
Via BRFCS messageboardwell done and well spoken Mr.Jones, although it did seem to me that after he'd finished speaking most in the room seemed to be pretty dismissive, it would have been a completely different reaction from them if it had been man u or a big London club he was speaking about, their reaction was basically we cant do anything about owners that are just simply doing a poor job at running the club.
Via BRFCS messageboardthe media coverage your speech is receiving is a massive plus though, thanks and congrats. ElvisMcSmithy
Via BRFCS messageboardIf you haven't listened to Mr Jones, do yourself a favour and listen now. Watching the speech I felt an incredible mixture of elation that someone who understands what Rovers' fans have gone through in the last twelve months has managed to get it out in such a public way, and sadness and despair at the state we're currently in.
It still beggars belief that a supposedly successful company like Venkys could put a completely inexperienced man in charge of their new investment, and when he was shown to be failing give him more control and a higher salary. Logic has left the building and slammed the door shut behind it.RossShireRover
Via BRFCS messageboardMr Jones should be applauded for his efforts to champion Rovers cause, however it is a poor indictment on the Premier League, the FA an, the media and the so called experts that it has taken almost the complete dismantling of our club to raise any kind of response from those in power to the carnage that has taken place. I am sure those culpable will excuse their actions with BS platitudes, but they should all hang their heads in shame; and if there is such a thing as karma they are due some major misfortunes in their future.BluenWhites99
Via BRFCS messageboardDynamite stuff! a huge thank you from me.
graham jones' name should be sung from the rafters tomorrow! Acupofbeans
Via BRFCS messageboardCongratulations to Graham Jones. He is a supporter of Blackburn Rovera Action Group, and even attended the 24 hour protest. This group held elections this week to form a democratically elected committee, and is determined to push ahead with their goal to remove Venkys from our club. With Mr Jones's support BRAG's comitted to UNITE ALL ROVERS FANS for the common good of the club. I have had a season ticket for 43 years and believe that with everyones support BRAG can win the battle and bring stability back to Rovers.WhalleyRover
Via BRFCS messageboardGreat effort from Graham Jones. We can maybe begin to see the light at the end of the tunnell if this gets more publicity. I was so chuffed this afternoon when this came on the front page of the BBC website. The Unholy Trinty are under pressure at last.McClarky
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Just watched your speech. Brilliant, Joe
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Give that MP a rise, Jason
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Mr Right Honourable Member Jones
I, as a longstanding supporter of Newcastle United and sufferer of several, in my opinion, sub-standard managers and owners (including a certain Mr Allardyce) am struggling to understand your comments regarding the current Blackburn Rovers manager Mr Steve Kean. How you can state that he is running a "smear campaign" against supporters is completely beyond me, given that he is working for owners of a club who, I agree, are not fit for purpose. Mr Kean has suffered some of the worst abuse a manager has suffered in the Premier League and it is a very sad indictment of the security at Ewood Park that an element of the support has not been held responsible for the obvious campaign of hatred aimed at him during his time in charge. I am a huge supporter of the ideal of supporter involvement, being a member of the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and a shareholder in Plymouth Argyle, however to blame Steve Kean for Rovers recent difficulties is, in my opinion, a severely misguided viewpoint (I didn't see many complaining at Old Trafford). You, as a Labour Member of Parliament, should be fully aware of the role salaried workers play in the economic and social progress in this country, often hindered and restricted by incompetent managers and owners, and to pass comments like you have are frankly very disappointing and, in my view, opportunistic. In my opinion, you really ought to direct your campaign against the owners of BRFC (and the buffoons in charge of the FA) who may be appearing to run BRFC with less enthusiasm than shold be expected. I should however also add that Blackburn were also very fortunate, for a relatively small club, to benefit from the fortunes of Sir Jack Walker, when in reality Blackburn, given their support, belong in the preposturously named "Championship" or the even more ridiculous "League One".
To conclude, Mr Jones, I firmly believe you should concentrate on the obsecene asset stripping of football clubs by foreign owners in the UK and refrain from passing blame to honest managers doing their best for clubs.
Regards Gordon
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