Why Ashton needs to go... by TheMoralMajority 31 Mar 19:32
I have no idea if you are an NF supporter or not and, honestly, your politics do not concern me at all. It is completely your right to support whoever you see fit. A football club is definitely not the place for this kind of thing. It is for supporting the team that we all want to see succeed.
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This became a big news story far before the fans became involved. My wider issue has nothing to do with politics (although the fact that people want to spin it around to politics really demonstrates what a hideously poor idea this all was, regardless of the particular politician or party involved).

My issue was that we, as fans, were lied to. We were gaslit, we were lied to again. And then, when it was clear that the lies could go on no longer (an international newspaper, had receipts, and went to press), we received an apology that admitted no accountability, no culpability and did not actually apologise for anything at all.

An apology for nothing is no apology at all.

For me, as a fan, the trust in our leadership has been completely broken. The club could, and should have got in front of this. They have done so much good work over the last 4 years and to blow it all up in this way is heartbreaking. I really, really wish none of this had ever happened.

But it has. And it has destroyed my faith in this leadership and questions still need to be answered. I do not believe, in any way, that this is the fan's fault, and I think they, like the team and the manager, are entirely blameless.

I completely accept that you do not feel the same way, as is your right, however I do not feel the need to attack you for your opinion.

I hope you can try to see my (and other people's) point of view whilst realising this is not political, and none of us want to cause damage to the club. But respect is a two-way street.

I will continue to give the team my 100% support, much like I am sure you will. We all just want what is best for Ipswich Town Football Club

KOA podcast is out by TheMoralMajority 1 Apr 5:38
I'm shutting up about all this now, but I will leave this as my last word on the matter (no promises, the rage may well hit me again).

It was a good pod. Like others, I do not fully agree with all of it, but it was nice for Stuart to go through the list of points (bought the shirts: true, lied to press and fans: true, etc. etc.) and feel somewhat vindicated.

However, my main takeaway is that I don't think Ashton is going to go. I think the ownership and him are too ingrained. Obviously, that saddens me, as all the love and excitement that has built back up for this football club over the last 4 years has been completely destroyed (still love the team, the manager and the players. Just not the entire operation as I did 1 week ago).

The other takeaway I took is that for all of the "blame the fans, they are hurting the team" narrative going around, it looks to me like Ashton is going to throw McKenna under the bus over this. Watson has made it clear he will be asking about it in the presser (even if he believes it will be flat-batted) and the reason is that this is the only avenue that our club's leadership has left open to him. Ashton will not talk to the press, so what is Watson meant to do? I don't like it. I want the focus to be on the team, but I do understand it.

For those that think this is all a mountain out of a molehill: if it makes you feel better to blame me, and other fans, for feeling that we have been totally betrayed and lied to by the leadership, and that is what is likely to impact the team, then more for you. The leadership could *still* get in front of this. They won't. As such, McKenna and the team are left picking up the pieces. I do try to respect your views, but if you think I am the problem, then I fear your ire is misplaced. But you are welcome to blame who you please.

My final word is: Mark Ashton is a coward and a liar and is a stain on our club. Everything good he has done before is totally undermined by his actions over the last week. The actions of a total snake and entirely of his own doing. I find it unlikely I will be able to love the club as much as I did until he is gone. I will, however, always love this club.

[Post edited 3 Apr 17:57]