Early in the year I was a heavy in my criticism of the new board and the changing of the guard. I'd use any chance possible to have a go at them.
However towards the end of the season I mellowed and started to realise they were indeed on the right track.
That was... until today.
Our board faced a real challenge on this one:
Be a "Yes Man" and just cop it up the arse; or
Stand behind our players and fanbase as one, united in disagreeance.
They chose the former, and the repercussions will be great.
We are currently trying to recruit players, but what player is going to remotely consider moving to a club that clearly does not support it's players.
Moreso, what player is going to sign with a club, when they aware the club will constantly scrutinise their partying outside of work?
What message does this send to the existing playing group, who have busted their arses, and nursed the bruises, whilst a bunch of suits sit on their arses and reap the benefits.
It would not at all suprise me if such an approach puts players offside with the club, and considering walking out, and I for one, would not blame them.
A board is meant to defend it's club and it's players. It's meant to stand proud in the face of adversity, not roll over and take it.
I am absolutely disgusted with the boards approach to this incident. They have effectively punished the players for having a bit of fun and relaxing after a tough season (partly which they contributed to by disturbing the players midseason to release some).
This will only furthur fracture the playing group. Remember Adam Elliott is meant to be one of the leadership group. He's very close with Tolman and Jackson and Klemmer. How are Tolman, Jackson, Klemmer, and every other player going to feel knowing they are now playing for a board who do not give a single fuck about them.
We have all seen the players tank in previous years as a sign they were unhappy with that coach.
We have all seen the fans revolt against the board and vote them out based on performance.
With only a year odd left before voters go back to decide if the current board stay, this could be absolute suicide on the boards part, and a defining moment in if they get reelected.
Put simply it's this.
If the board can't support the players, then why should the fans support the club/board.
As it stands I am absolutely disgusted in all this. The board had their chance to harden the fuck up, and they have let every single fan and player down in the process.
Spineless, pathetic, ridiculous.
I am sure there will be more collateral damage from their approach.