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.
1,687 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- »
NegAnon2
12:11 on 24 August, 2013
Sandman I am glad it annoys you – glad to see something will stir you from your complacency.
========================================
My complacency as a lifelong Celtic supporter.
You’ve already admitted to being a ‘fan’ for around a decade.
To me Celtic represent differing stages in my life, the worst being 93 when it appeared Celtic were doomed.
You may wish to read about the troubles back then; it will put your incessant moans about today into perspective.
Just before you stared ‘following’ Celtic, we failed miserably against then unknown minnows Basel of Switzerland to qualify for the CL, under Martin O’Neill, fielding a side of luminaries including a CL winner which cost about ten times the value of today’s squad.
That £12 million loss was considered a catastrophe, but the team then ran riot in the UEFA cup, culminating in the Seville final, which may have been when your interest in us was stirred.
Spending millions above your budget is no guarantee of success; not at this stage of any season. Gordon Strachan managed to successfully pick up the pieces left by the spending of that time. His task was unenviable and the odds against him
but he pulled it off.
Lenny operates in-between the two in terms of budget, expectation and spend.
When he took the job we’d hit a new low under Tony Mowbray, having spent a bundle on duds. Overall, he’s done well, certainly against the newly-raised expectations of the support.
Whatever happens on Wednesday, many have the mindset that it is armageddon. No it’s not. Celtic go on. Your interest may not. Celtic will not suffer from that loss.
Bankiebhoy I can’t do the toffees with my teeth. It’s the boiled sweets and the wherthers for me. Where’s that flat cap?
It’s no fun, lol was a good game, flipping growing up so fats, it was like watching men playing… that’s ma wee 6’1″ bhoy.
All well just about to head to game, how you…. no long till the big night..
HH
‘crushed nuts?’ ‘Naw, Layringitis!’
Exactly, what is that old Celtic adage…
‘It’s not his creed nor his nationality which counts – it’s the man himself.
We can’t proclaim that whilst denying others the same; lest we be purities paupers or bigots.
Neganon…………
Don’t go eating yer hat as well……..
(Well, not yet anyway.)
In the tavern craic mlghty
Mea Culpa:
It is not for me or you to decide, he, Mr Daly made his employment decision, your sectarian slant on his employment choice was crass at least.
Thank you Bhoys for all the thoughts and wishes for my Mammy, CQN is still a green, great Celtic place and I for one am grateful for that. There are many different voices on here, some old, some new, some borrowed, some blue!!!
Remember no man can take away your right to choose how you support Celtic.
Maca
The tommy gemmill craigneuk bus should be along soon
Winning gemmel will be with them as will his son . Craigneuk
Sandman where on earth did you get that guff about me being a fan for around a decade. Hahahahahahah. Good one. I started watching celtic in the 70’s. I remember watching bobby Lennox and thinking he was the fastest man on earth. I remember dalgliesh and how upset I was when he left. I used to stand behind gate 7 in the Jungle. I too went through the period where we nearly went bust and was part of the celts for change movement. I bought shares, was a season ticket holder in the Hamden year where I genuinely feared relegation. I was there all the way through their 9in a row era where they were actually cheating us. I was at the Basel game and at many of the games in the run to Seville. I was in Seville. I have posted on can for over ten years and been constant,y dismayed at our lack of ambition. I have been consistent in my message while learning a lot from people on this site. Celtic has been a constant for me through the death of my mum and dad, my marriage, countless jobs, my children being born and growing up, highs and lows and ups and downs.
So sonny don’t presume to lecture me.
Now where is t hat walking stick?
Richie
Thanks…OT should be coming too
You’re more than welcome
Twisty
Yesterday …wifi hotel is feat …very warm hiding from sun
Maca
Lounge for those bhoys…
Ill text tbj let him know you are in.
Bankiebhoy I look forward to eating in on Wednesday – fingers crossed!
The Honest Mistake;
I was never away. BTW, was that you having a wee dig at me last night?
kikinthenakas
12:44 on
24 August, 2013
Wednesday sounds good!
HH
CRC
See this tony Mowbray spent a fortune. 10.4m in 10.6m out during his time there. So let’s talk facts. The board did not support the fans trying to bring title back. Indeed there was a fire sale in January when we were only a few points behind the deid club to balance the books ( Paul 67 word were to balance books. Not mine)
………Neganon
A Homburg wi’ Chips?
Remember now, Win Lose or Draw!
STARRY PLOUGH
If possible,can you mail me at
bmcuwp@gmail.com
please.
Had a mail from a well-respected man on this site,it may be of interest to you.
HH&KTF
Bmcuw
Sorry didn’t get back to you. Hectic at home today..
MICKTT
Aye,The Maharani should be a good little evening.
Think I’ll steer clear of the really hot stuff for a change.
I’m staying at my sister’s place. Got to show some respect and gratitude,haha!
Macanbeatha.
The boy jinky not far away.
Bar or snug/lounge
BRTH
Assuming Spurs sell Bale
They’ll have played a blinder this transfer window
Getting payers in before they are cash rich ….not allowing themselves to be shafted
Just like us ….lined up the replacements for our three stars before selling them …aye right
I m ythe auld lad along with the 20/30 somethings
Pf
Its not raining in tenerife is it.?
BLANTYRE TIM
Not a problem,bud. Us single blokes are the ones with me time,you family guys have your priorities right.
Still not decided whose day to ruin yet,and tempus fugit!
Catch you later…
This will seem totally random but it is to do with a Will. I bought 63 shares in Celtic in 1999 at the cost of 200 pounds (commission was an extra 29 pounds = 229 quid in total). Can any financial whiz kids tell me how much these shares are worth now?
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS forza Oscar and Mackenzie
You’ve got mail BMCUW…
Sp
Any probs or anything drop me a message..
A Stor Mo Chroi
12:45
What is your point? That performance, and many at the time were totally and completely unacceptable (as was the performance and tactics and team selection last week).
Bankiebhoy well ive been aroubd enough to see it all. But cmon I just like to moan and argue. Iats a hobby.
blantyretim is praying for the Knox family
Thanks BT, just spoke to the Staff Nurse, they’re not really giving much out on the phone, I have to phone her doctor on Monday, Mum is stable and asked if we’d signed a striker yet!!
Hail Hail
What do you make of this?
MacKenzie’s appeal team wrote to David Cameron for help with her appeal.
In response, his PA sent a reply– enclosing a downing street pen to be raffled!!!
http://t.co/ONBQxZpFww
God sandmans made me feek very old!
BRT&H @ 12;30,
That’s great news, watched Arsenal alot in those days Kenny Samson was a great fullback.
You will of course know that Arsenal were in the habit of providing England with Fullbacks then even though 4 of them in over twenty years is what I call consistancy
From Traynor’s recent edict:
“Finally, Jack Irvine of Media House does not speak for this Club.”
From Irvine today upon his appointment by the Sevco board as PR man:
““The board felt that they were not successfully articulating their defence against the vicious and , at times underhand, attacks of Jim McColl, Frank Blin and Paul Murray. The board also felt that there are huge public misconceptions about the financial realities of the club and once again this was a failure of communication.”
Popcorn time.
Scullybhoy
The share price is 57p so I’d have said £114?
However I’m definitely no expert and someone may tell you different.
PF Ayr
Yes thought you would see it that way…. and I have to agree. Brilliant management of the football assets although I would have to add that Bale is much more of a “money in the bank” player than Wanyama,Hooper or Wilson which makes things easier.
Still brilliant management.
Sorry…63 shares..£126