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Post by mattsnapper2 on Jan 20, 2004 22:08:55 GMT 1
How many people can remember the old internet mailing lists..? Whitters having a proper job in London and him and later myself doing ShrewsWeb as a hobby. We used to send faxes to the club to sell shirts to canada, everything. Those were the days.
Im 32 now, a lot of you youngsters and new people to the internet have probably no idea of the old community spirit we used to have. Its only recently STFC had an official site after Ians hard work over the years and his and mine personal outlay in cash and time for the club, meant premiumTV NTL giving Whits a full time job and STFC earning from it.
I once worked out, that if in the old days STFC were to pay me and Ian the proper commercial rates for the site, they would have owed us £88,000 !
Ian works on his own now. He also has to from this year do the programme too. More cup runs, more postponements means more work. In 1996 it was always our little dream to be able to interview players and do stuff like radio commentary.
Now its 2004 and the community that ShrewsWeb was built up on is now having a go at someone who does not deserve it. A few other websites have come and gone.
Too many people have their own opinions on things and therefore think they are right.
Everyone was like 'Jimmy is our savior', oh the God Chic is back .... well this is a two year marriage unless the chairman decides otherwise.
We were better off than Charlton in 1985. But the fans clubbed together and have slowly got the club back on its feet. Look at them now.
This time last year we were about 18th in the table and playing Chelsea in the FA Cup. Now all we resort to is silly rivalry with Telford United fans. Telford 15 years ago was to me what Bridgnorth and Shifnal Town are today. When I was at school away days on a Saturday were to WBA, Stoke, Villa. Now its Tamworth,Telford and Leigh RMI.
If people put their negative energy into helping fight for a New Meadow instead of letting the likes of Plimmer and Ian Jones to do it all.. if people offered support to Whits instead of having a go at him... then perhaps this internet spirit we used to have would return and perhaps Shrewsbury Town FC will rise from the ashes.
A bit ago I posted about a New Meadow party.. lets club together and battle against the council for once and for all, or at least send a message to the Sby folk saying WE ARE HERE..Who is the only person to have talked to me about this..? PLIMMER!
None of you care do you..?
In the 50s and 60s the supporters did so much for the club. These supporters are the balding old guys you see at home games. Many have now died.
What is the fan of 2004 doing..? nothing.
We are a conference club because we have been run like a conference outfit for years. We have a shabby stadium.
Help Plimmer. Help Whitters.
Dont drill more holes into a slowly sinking ship.
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Post by faginy on Jan 20, 2004 22:15:04 GMT 1
great post matt don't wish to be pedantic but we were 18th when we played Chelsea last year
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Post by SeanBroseley on Jan 20, 2004 22:15:27 GMT 1
You're only 32?
Never in this world.
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Post by ProfessorPatPending on Jan 20, 2004 22:15:31 GMT 1
"None of you care do you..?"
How patronising is that!!
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Post by Stevenelsonfanclub on Jan 20, 2004 22:18:10 GMT 1
A very deep and meaningful post, full of thought and balance.
However, reading the posts on here, as I have done over the past few months, I would say that thinking other fans don't care is very harsh. If you want to see a small band of committed fans and a load of moaners, get yourself down to the Bucks head!
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Post by peterjones1 on Jan 20, 2004 22:19:13 GMT 1
To be fair Prof he has a point. We all seem happy to b***h and moan on here (I of course include myself in this) but how many of us have actually backed up our words with PROPER action? Not little e-mails to a Q&A site, or a little whinge in the Star, what have any of us (bar Whitters, Plimmer, Ian Jones) really done to make a difference?
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Post by shrewforever on Jan 20, 2004 22:28:35 GMT 1
Wonderful sentiments Matt.......but hope you are sure comments like these have the desired effect............. Think the Prof has pointed something out already....... I too wished I lived in the idealistic world you seem to be yearning for,but life aint like that mate............ Things like you ask for are nearly always only acheived by a few hard working and positive individuals like Ade,Whitters and yourself......... Motivated by individual efforts other like minded soles may join the ship and lend a hand as well,but they are under no obligation to do so just because you would like them to.............. If you want others to channel their energies in more positive ways the surest way to get them to do the exact opposite is to bollock them for their inertia.............far better to praise them for their small deeds,whatever they may be............... As for us being a Conference Club because we have been run like one for years I personally dont think that has anything to do with anyone other than The Chairman,Board of Directors and Associate Directors,perhaps your comments could also be directed at them................. No I agree with alot of what you say but I cant say I agree with how you are trying to make your point............ Need to catch up with you soon want to buy some photos..........live long and prosper
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Post by mattsnapper2 on Jan 20, 2004 22:41:41 GMT 1
im more of a visual and graphics man than a writer...
Im not patronising anyone..well trying not to.. but I feel some of the people on here dont have a clue on what ShrewsWeb was like 5 years back say. We were all a small bunch of people clubbed together by a guy in a norway jacket.
Now we just patronise and moan at each other instead of doing something positive.
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Post by shrewforever on Jan 20, 2004 22:56:19 GMT 1
You're right.................however...
Just think how Martin Luther King and Mother Theresa must of felt........didnt stop them from changing the World......
Keep being positive YOURSELF Matt.............dont concern yourself with what others do however much it annoys or angers you...............they'll do their own bit in their own way in they're own time............
and if they dont want to they wont...........they'll put their energies elsewhere.............
now whos being idealistic..........we're reading from the same hymn sheet.......I just tend to concern myself with my own efforts in life,not so much with those of others around me......
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2004 23:00:28 GMT 1
Top most young Matthew ;D
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Post by Salop on Jan 20, 2004 23:31:03 GMT 1
Im really starting to agree with you Mat after reading the posts this week and after the dagenham game. I think its time for the silent majority out there (long time readers, first time posters) to start piping up and hiting back at the negative vibes from some of the more regular posters on here.
We all know the frustration of the recent bad performances but by monday/tuesday most of us are ready to move on and want to think positively about our club again. Hark back to good performances against Hereford and Gravesend and hope they can be repeated in the comming weekends. We wouldnt all keep coming back if we didnt at least hope for improvement!
But most of the time we cant because some continue to post negative comments regarding hearsay of player unrest and 'why cant they all travel together' and 'theres no team spirit' blah blah blah. Im just abit sick of hearing constant critisism of Jimmy and the team when many know nothing of what goes on behind the scenes.
This weekend as an example, I can see the frustration at Jimmys comments but what should he say? 'that was an awful performance, we're just not good enough' maybe he should start singling out certain underacheiving player and start slagging them off too, that would do great things for the team spirit so many people laud.
Little attention has been paid to the opposition who were negative from the start and very well organised. Because they dont come at us and attack us with flair they are assumed to be a 'poor side' but the fact is they had a game plan and were very effective in playing it, in my eyes that makes them a good side.
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Wrighty
Midland League Division One
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Post by Wrighty on Jan 20, 2004 23:34:05 GMT 1
Ok. Many of you know me, many of you don't, that is really of no great importance apart from the fact that those who do know me to probably see me a fairly amicable kind of guy ( i hope)
In the last few days i have just become sick and f*****g tired of the negativity, cynicism and downright nastiness spewing from the digits of some of the people on this board.
The thing that really annoys me is that ever since Dagenham, which was completely s**te i hasten to add. every aspect of the club seems to be being attacked
OK anti board stuff - they make mistakes admittedly but with the umbrella group they are trying to give something back. They have put their hand in their pockets for years now to keep the club ticking over and it is hardly their fault we can't play decent football at the moment. I have a very simple philosophy if you have the money and can do a better job then do it. There is not exactly a surplus of hugely rich people forming a queue to take over the club now is there
The programme - Again moan moan moan because of a few typos. Who cares! How sad are your lives if this really bothers you. Are you really that short of things to do that you want to spend your life looking for a transposed photo They are not done on purpose and i know for a fact that Whitters is more gutted than anyone else when they turn up. The programme is a 1000% improvement on last year and is still very much in its infancy. Just give it time to get rid of its teething problems, or just be sad and impatient, the majority of us do not give a s**t. If you want to do something positive, send Whitters an article if it is good it may even be used (he even used one of my shoddy ones). Lets face it some of you have spouted enough crap you could have written War and Peace by now. Although monkeys and the complete works of Shakespeare spring to mind for a lot of you.
The way it is going at the moment we will shortly see the programme sellers being battered for looking surly.
My advice is as Matt said to channel your energies into something a bit more positive. Get behind the new meadow, put some time aside to get involved in a fanzine, write an article for the programme or website. I know a unique one this. SUPPORT YOUR TEAM INSTEAD OF BOOING THEM OFF AT HALF TIME. ok i guess that is a bit to radical for most of you
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Post by peterjones1 on Jan 20, 2004 23:39:41 GMT 1
What a quality post Wrighty And that 'more Kraft than a cheese triangle' quote at the bottom, genius ;D
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2004 23:41:01 GMT 1
And what if the 'long time readers first time posters' don't agree with what you believe Salop?
I don't think any of the posters, be they regulars, non-regulars, guests etc. on here have said they booed on Saturday.
But why shouldn't people be frustrated? Yes Accy are a decent side but Salop are serving up dross week after week after week.
People have every right to be frustrated with JQ playing himself when there is no need. It effects the morale of the players - FACT, it effects Quinn's ability to management - FACT.
At the end of the day I'd rather air my frustrations on here than at the ground. But you have to appreciate people will be negative after watching the performances the Town are currently dishing out.
As a side point I'm sure those of us, be b&a regulars, non-regulars or long time readers first time posters who are at Halifax on Saturday will be cheering the lads on.
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Post by Salop on Jan 20, 2004 23:47:42 GMT 1
My point was Ant that by monday/tuesday there is not really anything else to be added to what has already been said. Im not saying people should avoid being negative altogether. Its fine to let your fellings be known after the game or the day after, but to continually pick up on hearsay to add to the discontent and negative feeling is uncalled for.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2004 23:50:07 GMT 1
Fair enough point on the hearsay.
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Post by mattsnapper2 on Jan 20, 2004 23:50:37 GMT 1
My point Ant was that in the past the 'internet' community was more supportive of whits. I dont give a toss about what people think about me.
New readers and posters dont know the background to ShrewsWeb.
I was thinking of having a party to celebrate 10 years. At the moment I think people want whitfield killed off.
Everyone on here is part of a group, a community. Ok we know each otherwell and slag people off but how many off us has made the difference, supported the cause..?
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Post by ProfessorPatPending on Jan 20, 2004 23:52:25 GMT 1
Good post Ant, far better we get our frustrations regarding the club out of our systems on here than inside the ground
As for the criticism and the silent majory, I hear far, far worse criticism by some people in the ground than I ever read on here, are these people the silent majority?, if so it's a good job they don't post on here!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2004 23:52:36 GMT 1
Aye fair point Matt. Whitters' work load is immense and if it wasn't for him starting the whole STFC on the net we may all be somewhere else now!
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Wrighty
Midland League Division One
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Post by Wrighty on Jan 20, 2004 23:55:24 GMT 1
The only problem Matt with a having a party for Whitters is that i believe he is tea total. Never seen him touch a drop..............ever
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Post by mattsnapper2 on Jan 21, 2004 0:05:10 GMT 1
he never comes to the ministry either with us does he..?
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Post by MRJPSHREW on Jan 21, 2004 0:08:34 GMT 1
Good post Ant, far better we get our frustrations regarding the club out of our systems on here than inside the ground As for the criticism and the silent majory, I hear far, far worse criticism by some people in the ground than I ever read on here, are these people the silent majority?, if so it's a good job they don't post on here! I have to agree with Pat on this, saturday for instance there was a group of people one particular not too far away from me constently slagging off Duane Darby, if the bloke had scored 10 goals it would never be enough. Why some people go to the match just to moan for moaning sake I will never know.
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Post by SeanBroseley on Jan 21, 2004 1:24:30 GMT 1
I have to agree with Pat on this, saturday for instance there was a group of people one particular not too far away from me constently slagging off Duane Darby, if the bloke had scored 10 goals it would never be enough. Why some people go to the match just to moan for moaning sake I will never know. I find that people who moan don't hold back in celebrating a goal or seeing an exciting piece of play or just simple someone loses the ball but they get back and win it again. I think this moaning about the moaners is a bit overblown. I admire the fact that they can vocalise about a stupifying piece of bad play. I'm just lost for words.
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Post by mattsnapper2 on Jan 21, 2004 1:24:33 GMT 1
two peanuts walk into a bar... one gets attacked by some crisps.. he later pressed charges as he felt we was a salted peanut
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Post by ThrobsBlackHat on Jan 21, 2004 1:26:53 GMT 1
Although monkeys and the complete works of Shakespeare spring to mind for a lot of you. what's it got to do with Monkeys? Hope you ain't blaming my monkey
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Jan 21, 2004 9:58:34 GMT 1
Come on, this is getting blown way out of proportion int it? One or two (has there really been that many) digs or pops at the website and programme and we get this...this is going to be a long one...
ShrewsWeb, well I suspect many people don't recall "the good old days" and have no particular interest in them either. ShrewsWeb is now the official website of Shrewsbury Town Football Club. Doesn't matter what it started as, as soon as it became apart of the club that community that you refer to (as indeed it was and what B&A is now) went for a Burton. Its now apart of the club and is no longer a fans site...to me that makes a big difference on peoples outlook.
You say that many wouldn't know about the spirit that was there in the past, I beg to differ...I would say that B&A has done a lot more with regards to joint activities, bringing people together etc. than ShrewsWeb ever did (for me anyhow). I think people today are more than aware of the spirit you refer to and it is alive and well and here at Blue-and-Amber.
As for Ian, well he's not in the best position is he bless him. I do wish people would allow him to come on here and be Ian the Shrewsbury Town fan rather than Ian who works for Shrewsbury Town. I mean, the lads been supporting the Town for as long as I recall and he's got be given room to express his own opinions without Town fans turning it around on the lad with comments regarding him and his role at the club. But again, I'm sure Ian has seen a noticeable difference on supporters outlook to him (as with ShrewsWeb) once he joined the club. I don't envy the lad but I think many people have said many times that we appreciate his work (now and in the past) and understand and appreciate the amount of work he has and puts into the club. How many posts have we seen that have had a go at the programme and website...not many and I'm sure many of those were meant with no malice but some people have just leapt in and made something out of nothing.
Too may people have opinions and think they are right? Errrm yeah, otherwise we wouldn't voice them would we? Have no idea what that’s supposed to mean? This is a fans site for fans to voice those opinions. Its what makes me come here day in day out.
About your New Meadow Party, great idea. First time I've ever heard about it. Why not go out and talk to people about rather than waiting for others to come to you?
None of us care? You really believe that do you? Obvously not as much as you Matt eh? From that post I'm surprised you've not had a medal for services to Shrewsbury Town our kid. We really are not worthy!! ;D
As for what supporters are doing? Well first, the daft poor buggers have been going home and away for the last couple of years watching that shower of s**te week in, week out make a hell of a lot of difference. As for Mr Plimmer, yep...he's a God send. Most of us know that and I'm sure most would love to put the same time and effort into the club if they could. But some have family commitments, work or other commitments and are unable to...I gather it’s the same for the many exiles who post on B&A as they live to far from the club. But if we can help we will. I put of poster together to advertise the matches in December and sent it to Ian...whoopee flipin do you may say...but I was asked to do it and I did. I was happy to do it because, as a supporter, you want to be apart of it and help and contribute. We can't all put a vast amount of time or effort in Matt and comments like that, for me, leave a bad taste in the mouth...we do what we can.
As for the club, you say yourself its been run like a Conference club for years when we, the fans, see it as a League club. So are you surprised by the amount of criticism that is posted here towards the club and the way its run? What's wrong with supporters posted those criticisms here on a fans message board? Same goes for the manager and the team. Go look at each and every football fans website and go look at the message boards...I'd expect that they'd be full of the very same topics. Maybe more so for the Town but if you look at our recent history is it really surprising? Yes the board are going to get stick...you think its going to be any different after relegation after relegation? Things are moving forward with the Umbrella groups, good...but you are still going to get supporters unhappy with certain aspects of the club and how it goes about things (including myself).
I'm not going to stop coming on here (unless I get banned) and posting my opinions about each and every aspect of Shrewsbury Town Football Club. Whether it be positive or negative, its what a fans message board is for...its what makes B&A a great place to come and discuss all things Shrewsbury Town...
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Post by ThrobsBlackHat on Jan 21, 2004 10:16:59 GMT 1
this is a good debate and highlights a few issues
we are a long-tortured group of football fans who have just endured the worst experience available to a league club, we deservedly got relegated out fo the league. That was on the back fo the other three relegations I have witnessed.
Yes some of us are bitter, yes we're fed up of not having a new ground, yes we do demand a decent standard of football, last summer the club fleeced us with season tickets, went back on a promise to include us in the design for a new shirt and we were properly angry.
now we are working with the club on the design of the away group and the ticketing group is putting ideas forward for next season. There is progress, but it had to get really really bad before we got ourselves organised and started to work on things.
The future is resasonably bright for fans of STFC, it is the trauma of the last ten years that is still killing us
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Post by gregtheshrew on Jan 21, 2004 10:29:45 GMT 1
Excellent post Matt.I for one do care and would love to get behind Ian Jones and Plimmer and help to get our new ground,but i sadly,do not have the time.Working nights and having a young family leave me absolutely knackered and to take on more outside interests on top would be a non starter.Also i don't think my wife would be too chuffed if i abandoned her and my daughter just before she dropped our 2nd sprog.If circumstances were different i would gladly give up my time but sadly i can't.Hope this post generates support for the cause though.
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rhythmic
Shropshire County League
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Post by rhythmic on Jan 21, 2004 10:42:29 GMT 1
the whole shrewsweb thing "about the good old days".... surely that is the situation with most organisations websites... it all has to start somewhere so I dont think we should be indebted to the early adopters! you wanted to do it!
and as for the boos...... probably the 4th 5th time ive heard boos in 12 years - not bad at all compared to many other clubs.... and considering the decline we have suffered, the negativity is quite obejective.
Perhaps a little more thought from the posters might not go a miss.
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Post by welshshrew5 on Jan 21, 2004 11:26:17 GMT 1
Matt, I actually got pretty damn angry during your post.
Even though I support the sentiment, some of what you write was off target.
First of all, let’s cut it about people not doing anything. On a basic level, the majority on here goes to the games. That’s the most basic support we need and we are receiving it in droves. And the internet community has helped with that as it has got people involved, made them feel closer to the club and helped them meet people who they can drink with, share lifts etc. All that, keeps this club afloat.
Also, lets have a look at the umbrella groups. How many of the people involved would not have got involved if they hadn’t been part of the internet community? Me for one, my Dad for two, and plenty of others no doubt.
The Blue and Amber fundraising events; hard cash raised yes, but also continuing to build the spirit talked about above. Which translates into people buying shirts, season tickets, programmes and subscriptions to ShrewsWorld.
People are doing things Matt. We are going to games, home and away. We’re supporting the team (apart from the booing and the negative shouts, I also heard singing and constant encouragement last Saturday) when we’re there. We’re attending umbrella group meetings, we’re writing minutes of them, we’re looking at ways to improve ticketing, communication and commercial activities. We’re making fans with other clubs via our Away Supporters Football Club. We’re running race nights. We’re doing ticketing questionnaires. And more.
Can we do more? Yes!
But please, don’t dare come here and tell us that we’re not doing anything.
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