I received an email from John Paul Taylor, Celtic’s recently appointed Supporter Relations’ Manager, asking for some help getting the message of his appointment out to the support, and explaining what he is there to do. This, for a guy whose inbox will never be empty, was a refreshingly proactive approach.
Here are the questions I put to John Paul, with his answers below:
So what is the scope of your Supporter Relations remit?
“The role is basically to provide a link between supporters and the Club. Since starting I’ve had a number of issues to deal with including the 5:15 Kick Off, Hearts away and what supporters should do in terms of submitting ticket applications given their current financial plight, supporter behaviour and specifically the Section 111 issue.
“I’ve also travelled to Sweden to provide information and assistance to supporters and officials of If Elfsborg at our UCL Qualifier and more recently I have been working with supporters who have been trying to obtain visas for Kazakhstan. In addition to this I have been working with colleagues relative to Stadium Catering and providing feedback in order that we can assess what happens next, so as you can see a wide and varied range of issues to work on.”
What will you be able to do if supporters come with issues around policing or stewarding?
“These are basically matters which come under the remit of the Operations Director, however there is a responsibility on my part to ensure that they are being addressed. Consequently any issues raised will be discussed and action appropriate action taken.
“Naturally any action has to be consistent and appropriate to the nature of the complaint. The issue of Policing of Celtic Supporters is very much to the fore at the moment and we welcome feedback and specific examples of inappropriate or unfair treatment.”
There are tens of thousands of contacts between supporters and the club, between getting entry to the ground, to buying a cola to using the toilets. Lots of these interactions don’t hit the mark, if you are successful in getting things done, you know it’s only a matter of time before you’re swamped, unless the supporter experience reaches legendary levels?
“I think this is a good point, however I think in the main supporters are generally satisfied with their match day experience. Quite clearly though there are some things that we could do better, equally there will be times where we just get it wrong. This is where the service aspect of my role comes into play and I would ask that on such occasions, supporters make me aware in order that we can provide a swift resolution through the relevant Departments.
“That is a particularly challenging aspect to the role but I believe that we are putting processes in place which are helping us turn around our complaint handling very quickly.”
Are there limits to what you can talk to fans about?
“Football and Finance are really areas where I can’t offer any real assistance. Although, like almost every football fan in the world I would consider myself to be a football expert its one area that there are people more qualified than me to speak about these things when it comes to Club matters “
Have the club established a route for you to get things done?
“I think because this is an entirely new role we are working on a ‘let’s see how it develops’ basis. Naturally I have KPI’s and specific projects that I need to complete but I am working for a lot of the time on my own initiative and providing feedback on the key issues of the day so it’s important to keep a handle on everything that’s going on with the support and what the main topics are.
“I think being close to supporters and having a wide circle of friends and family who are supporters is a real benefit in this respect.”
Final question, who are we going to sign?
“Ha, see the answer to question 4!!!”
I made the point to John Paul that if CQN is anything to go by, in many areas, satisfying one group of supporters is almost certainly going to compromise relations with another – the nature of a divergent club, open and tolerant of all from inception, perhaps, so this is not an easy shift.
That being said, news today suggests he’s off to a good start, which as Mo Bangura will tell you, is half the battle at Celtic.
CELTIC PAY THE PENALTY
I’m sure your mind has already cast ahead to Wednesday night. We will have plenty of possession inside the Shakhter box, which will increase the likelihood of being awarded a penalty kick.
Failure to properly prepare for penalty kicks has cost this football club more than I am prepared to recall in recent seasons, so we must be aware of the following:
There is a high probability we will be awarded a penalty.
Shakhter will know that Kris Commons is likely to hit any penalty.
Shakhter will know that Kris hit his last penalty straight down the middle.
We should prepare not just for a penalty kick competition, but for penalties during normal time.
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Can I Have Raspberry On That Champions League Ice Cream-Ha,how you getting on?
KevJ- Might be better if you ask for that to be deleted,unacceptable IMO,whether you like NL or not.
morrissey
Just where do we draw the line. I would never have questioned the Celtic Board, and I still don’t, but I am starting to question my position since this debate started on CQN. I realise that this is just a minority of a minority of our support who post on here, and all around me in the South Stand, who have been attending for the past 20 yrs+ do not post on here, I do worry that attitudes are changing. Me??? I just love supporting Celtic. :))
Weefra HH
!!bada bing!!
19:00 on 23 August, 2013
Can I Have Raspberry On That Champions League Ice Cream-Ha,how you getting on?
I’m ok, my friend apart from my knees. How’s yirsel
?
Good evening friends. I hope all arewell.
Can I Have Raspberry On That Champions League Ice Cream
18:46 on 23 August, 2013
Quiz tonight? Need to book wee man’s ipad
I’m sure I read earlier in the week that CRC was planning to do a shorter than usual quiz at 10.00pm given that at 9.00pm he’s hoping to help set the skies alight with Chinese Lanterns for wee Oscar. I think…
canalamar. That shows how much he worried them he has a lot to do to make me feel he is worth a place in the side. I think Kev Jungle has gone overboard on his blast at Lennie but where I do agree with him is there no longer appears to be any fire in Lennie he tends to to continue to talk up players who most of the Celtic support can see are not pulling there weight he needs to get his fire back and sort out the under performers.H.H.
Kevj
Scandalous, that could and should be challenged in court. And I hope it is.
Weefra HH
Weefra…,
I think that’s the problem, you would never question the Celtic board, no too long ago another team existed with supporters like you.
You Might not like the attitude, it may even appear disloyal but you must admit as long as we’ve got cynics we’ll never go the same way.
Weefra.
I agree with your post. After years of posting on cqn, I believe that this is the worst period for snide comments against the club. Even once positive posters are joining in.
For me the most heartbreaking thing is that a Tim as big as vmhan who’s travelled hundreds of thousands of miles to watch Celtic play has been caught in the cross fire between the board and the gb and has reconsidered his position. Heartbreaking.
Evening Bhoys & Ghirls
The Friday night footie quiz will be an abridged version tonight and commence at 10pm to allow those participating to lite up the sky for Wee Oscar.
Lanterns, candles and spare fireworks at the ready! (pm is not far away!
https://www.facebook.com/events/557896380924882/?notif_t=plan_user_joined
HH
CRC
Wrong again green hun, dearie me, sad, so sad.
Assumptions as usual.
canamalar prays oscar can do it again
19:10 on 23 August, 2013
Weefra…,
I think that’s the problem, you would never question the Celtic board, no too long ago another team existed with supporters like you.
You Might not like the attitude, it may even appear disloyal but you must admit as long as we’ve got cynics we’ll never go the same way.
——–
Hope you’re well ya tart :-)
Disagree though, it was the support of the supporters that saved us in ’94 and it’s that that would save us again.
kevjungle
18:43 on 23 August, 2013
What a total erse you are….
WeefratheTim @ 19:04
I support Celtic but I cannot support the old/new firm. HH
jobo
How you doing kiddo. The weather in Strathaven is now nice. :))
Weefra HH
WeefratheTim. I think Kev.jungle just blew his top and divulged his feelings about our manager surely under freedom of speech he is entitled to his view wither we agree with it or not ? I think talking about challenging what he wrote in court is just plain daft it must be the humidity thats getting to us all.H.H.
hamiltontim is praying for oscar
19:14 on 23 August, 2013
Save us from what, please ? ….. In my book we’re doing very well, in spite of all the usual obstacles….
67heaven
I was talking hypothetically in response to Canamalar if we were to face a similar scenario to the Huns.
Kevj
Strongly disagree for many reasons. You will live to regret that comment. We have a good young team a good young manager but a board that wants money over integrity. Neil Lennons integrity is not in question. Surely he should be rewarded for his successes. This is how we eventually lost big Jock and the world stage by penny pinching.
Well done to Neil on his deserved new deal I say.
Now buy a forward and tackle the SFA and in that order.
I think you should retract.
HH
Alright then tet. What were you trying to say when you posted the infinitive form of disappear in Spanish?
Was it the start of a newly found Shakespeare play? To disappear or not to disappear.
Aye I’m a green him because I don’t believe Lenny should be sacked for playing James Forrest.
jfh,
Being one of the very few who screamed support for Lenny a couple of years ago in the face of severe criticism I’m coming to the conclusion that Lenny has went too far appeasing and following the corporate policy. Such a brave mhan who faced so much is now becoming a shadow of the fighter we loved.
I’ve stated he is living the dream, he would do anything to be Celtic manager and he’s proved that but I’m beginning to believe his commitment to that dream might actually harm our club, I know he can’t be happy simply relaying corporate propaganda and its a rock and hard place but for the sake of the club he loves he must take a stand.
Invest in the team or be damned its all he has to say, he might lose the job short term but a real message will have been sent out, a mhan who stood in the face of bombs and bullets is wilting under emotion blackmail the board are using the exact same strategy on him as they use on the rest of the support.
Thanks for the welcome Bhoys it’s very much appreciated and this place aint so scary after all ……. normanstreet 49 ..lol My Dad & Brothers showed little interest in the football although my old man always insisted that had it not been for the Celtic supporters we’d have been trampled into the ground , I had the bug and badgered my parents to let me go to Paradise and they eventually relented when one of the old mans workmates volunteered to take me regularly on a supporters bus leaving from ML2 which was very aptly founded in 1967 …… that was the start of a romance that has always sustained me throughout my life regardless of whatever else was thrown my way and one that will only cease when , like thon deid club, I’m pushing up daisies ……. on the decomposing derby tonight …. who dug them up …?
joe fillipis
Calling someone a liar in a legal sense, is a reason to take anyone to court. No? Just my thoughts. :))
Weefra HH
WeefratheTim –
yes, lovely evening in EK too thanks. Pondering over the lantern launch at 9.00 as I’ll be a few further glasses of wine down the rocky road by then. Might be safer if I just light a candle ;-)
Pizza time….
awe naw
GAWN YERSELL KIDDO. :)))
Weefra HH
Canalamar 19.21 Well written fella and I agree with you.H.H.
Finnbogason makes it 5 goals in 4 games in the Eredivisie by scoring against Ajax tonight.
jobo
A good choice. We cannot do this at the farm with all the outbuildings and barns, not to mention the dry period we have had, to maybe, just maybe, destroy crops. Maybe being a wee bit cautious with that one, but, food comes first. :))))
Weefra HH
hamiltontim is praying for oscar
19:18 on 23 August, 2013
Sorreeee..!!….just on and hadn’t read back ……and you are so correct……if it ever became necessary, we would ‘rise’ as we did in 1994 …..HH
We’ve all met KevJ on the bus or in the pub. Essentially harmless, but with an opinion on everything – an opinion he’s determined to share despite a total lack of insight or credibility. He’s just not very bright. Best ignored.
HT,
So it’s no healthy to have cynics in our support, should that attitude be extended to team selection ?
Are we allowed to question anything
Emerald Green @ 19:21
I’d say the problem is we never buried them when we should have and too many supporters don’t care anyway. Many even miss them and will welcome the tribute act to feed at the top table asap.
THM
I never said I wanted Lenny to be sacked, I don’t want Lenny to be sacked, Ok.
It means more than disappear btw.
Again you assumed what I was thinking.
You are acting like a hun imo.
Go away and annoy someone else.
KevJungle 18:43:
I just popped on to my phone for a quick lurk. What do I read shocking words…I do not think I have ever in all my years on here pulled somebody up. When I have read people arguing, slinging mud and throwing the metaphoric grenade, I have not indulged and scrolled on by
You are entitled as are we all entitled to our opinion. As Hamiltontim posted Neil is not above criticism but your words were totally out of order. I am no legal eagle but some of your words are bordering on the slanderous.
You should retract the words immediately and for referring those words about NL forthwith.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
WeefratheTim. If everyone who was called a liar by some one in the heat of the moment took it to court our legal system would grind to a halt.I think most folk accept that what is said in the heat of the moment reflects poorly on the person making the statement and are happy to leave it at that.I think one Celtic supporter saying to another Celtic supporter i hope it goes to court or words to that affect is equaly as poor a statement I think we could all do with taking one step back and cooling down.H.H.
HT/67,
Were any of you two in the car park the last time ?
Somehow I can’t see it
HT how you doing after 5’s last night? sorry about that reckon it was going in though! just saying….
hope you enjoy the day out.
Lanterns from me at 9 over Erskine…c’mon wee man