| Ashton - a few truths 19:07 - Apr 2 with 5334 views | SouperJim |
He's objectively and demonstrably an excellent chairman. He's overseen the most rapid period of growth in the history of the club. Our success throughout the gamechanger era to date is as much down to him as it is McKenna, arguably more so.
Some folk on here have doubted him and disliked him from the start. I've seen endless references to his Brent-esque communication style over the last 5 years, references to his performance at Bristol City etc.
Yes, he's clearly dropped a stinker with this Farage business and doubled down on it by being economic with the truth. But I would suggest the strength of feeling on here about this sorry episode are not representative of the wider fanbase. One or two of you have just been waiting for the opportunity to get your knives out.
Anybody encouraging protests and chanting is an absolute numptard in my book. In the words of bignose, be on the inside piddling out, not on the outside piddling in. If the amount of energy being expended on this negativity instead went on getting behind the team, we might actually find ourselves promoted come the end of the season. |  |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 00:41 - Apr 3 with 743 views | KBsSocks |
| Ashton - a few truths on 00:33 - Apr 3 by SouperJim |
Saying you're as upset as if he had literally murdered someone is imho a touch bonkers buddy. I respect your passion for the club, this whole thing is a big steaming pile of turd no doubt, I just don't want to see our season go down the crapper due to this distraction. |
He has gone to bed, but "bonkers" he is not. And your dismissiveness is ... inappropriate at best. Buddy.
I don't want to see this season going down "the crapper" either, but this distraction will not have helped, will it ? Further dismissiveness on the issues herein and your steamrolling is inappropriate, in my view, also.
How about you accepting that others might have views on an extremely important problem ?
Or not, but stop steamrollering, I suggest. |  |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 00:45 - Apr 3 with 742 views | KBsSocks |
You have engaged with three different people of very different backgrounds who have engaged with you.
Happy to continue, but surely this small sample has demonstrated the depth of feeling on TWTD "libtard" space ?
(I think the others have gone to bed) | |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 00:50 - Apr 3 with 735 views | Ryorry |
| Ashton - a few truths on 19:16 - Apr 2 by Nthsuffolkblue |
He is objectively and demonstrably a very good CEO. I think this whole episode shows clearly he is not to be trusted as a chairman one bit. Mike O'Leary was objectively and demonstrably an excellent chairman. Whilst O'Leary presided over Ashton we had success.
I never doubted Ashton and took no notice of those Bristol City fans. I apologise to them. I was wrong. I actually admire them all the more for not having come on here saying "we did warn you!" Even with recognising his success, you cannot ignore he is the master of soundbites which is where the Brent analogy comes from.
Not only has he dropped a stinker, he has acted in complete opposition to the values and integrity that the club has built its recent success around. He has made his position untenable. I have been 100% supportive of him and the whole direction of the club until he did this. I have never felt so bad about my club. But the club is far bigger than an individual. I have gone from 100% support to 100% he absolutely must go in a few days.
I get why people would protest. I won't be. If the club continue to fail to take appropriate action I probably will. I am very disappointed it is taking so long for the club to act. We need a chairman. We need to remove and replace Ashton. Those all need to happen with as much haste as is possible. He has become a stain on our club. |
Am pretty much the same re my past & present views of him (had always previously supported him) - *except* for him being a "very good CEO" re this particular incident. In which as a (taking the terms literally) 'Chief' (so supposed to have an overarching view of everything that's happening re ITFC) 'Executive' (so supposed to be able to take action where necessary) Officer.
He's put his own personal interests above that of the Club who are paying him to to represent the best interests of the club; shown lack of judgement, lack of competence & foresight in ensuring the terms & security of the visit; & lack of both integrity & competence in his failure to deal with the aftermath.
I too would like to apologise to Brizzle fans, they were right & I got it wrong when scoffing at them for their views of him. |  |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 00:51 - Apr 3 with 733 views | KBsSocks |
| Ashton - a few truths on 00:50 - Apr 3 by Ryorry |
Am pretty much the same re my past & present views of him (had always previously supported him) - *except* for him being a "very good CEO" re this particular incident. In which as a (taking the terms literally) 'Chief' (so supposed to have an overarching view of everything that's happening re ITFC) 'Executive' (so supposed to be able to take action where necessary) Officer.
He's put his own personal interests above that of the Club who are paying him to to represent the best interests of the club; shown lack of judgement, lack of competence & foresight in ensuring the terms & security of the visit; & lack of both integrity & competence in his failure to deal with the aftermath.
I too would like to apologise to Brizzle fans, they were right & I got it wrong when scoffing at them for their views of him. |
Souperjim pwned, I think this counts as. [Post edited 3 Apr 0:52]
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| Ashton - a few truths on 08:29 - Apr 3 with 621 views | SouperJim |
| Ashton - a few truths on 00:51 - Apr 3 by KBsSocks |
Souperjim pwned, I think this counts as. [Post edited 3 Apr 0:52]
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I don't know why you're so desperate to misrepresent my position, there has been some intelligent debate here other than the crap you've posted. It's exactly this kind of behaviour which is just furrowing the rift further. Grow up a bit and do better. | |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 10:10 - Apr 3 with 576 views | bluelagos |
Everyone is entitled to an opinion and to voice it.
Don't agree at all with yours but that's cool. I had very critical views of Sheepshanks too based on his failed business decisions, others loved him, thought and still think he was wonderful.
I don't think criticism of Ashton is solely down to his style or his actions the past 10 days.
I called out his failing to engage with BA weeks ago and it is now common knowledge how he threatened them when unhappy with a banner.
I am also very confident that other internal complaints have been made about his conduct (which i will not discuss in public) and am sure these will come out at some point.
So I'd just say, things are not always as they might appear. A man who presents himself well for the cameras can of course act very differently behind closed doors.
BL |  |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 10:34 - Apr 3 with 557 views | ReusersTown |
| Ashton - a few truths on 08:29 - Apr 3 by SouperJim |
I don't know why you're so desperate to misrepresent my position, there has been some intelligent debate here other than the crap you've posted. It's exactly this kind of behaviour which is just furrowing the rift further. Grow up a bit and do better. |
They haven't misrepresented you you're very dismissive and definitely attempting to minimize which isn't on. Which you have been told as such. |  | | |
| Ashton - a few truths on 11:02 - Apr 3 with 513 views | darkhorse28 |
What fascinates me is these are measures.
One of the best performing?
99% of the previous incumbents never managed us in the third tier, I still don’t think second to Plymouth with twice their budget, a side that went on to achieve nothing, is special in any way.
It’s measurably in the bottom 5% of all the seasons we’ve had, it was just better than the previous 4 seasons. And the first promotion we’d had in a very long time. For some fans that is success if you’re young, but in our history, as I say. It’s in the bottom 5%.
And last season. That was the worst season in the clubs entire history. As a measure. Lowest points. Fewest win. And that was with the most resources EVER spent.
23/24 was special. But again. We have played a lot of football at a higher level. Is it maybe in the top 10-15% of seasons we’ve ever had, maybe.
So. That’s ONE fantastic season, one good seasons, but not even close to previous levels. And lots of mediocrity too, 12th in league one in his first season wasn’t great.
Paul Cook obviously helped out success, some great signings who are on record for playing for Paul, and McKenna was and is too good for league one.
But Mark has done this for 35 years!! Not one season, which isn’t elite, there isn’t a chairman that’s had an EFL promotion and gone on to be elite, or not many, it’s all about levels.
He’s better than what came before. Im marks biggest critic, because that doesn’t make him elite.
It DOES not make him one of the best we’ve had. It just makes him the tallest dwarf.
Levels.
Marks is 35 years at this level with one very good season, and that’s genuinely it, as a measure.
There’s a reason for that.
And if you’re young and only remember Mark and the Evans years (most of which were a level above where Mark had 50% of his success with us) then speak to people who remember Mich longer, read books, league tables, and OUR trophy cabinet.
That’s elite. That’s levels.
Second to an awful Plymouth side, who all failed outside the third division, isn’t success.
That’s the lowest we’ve been as a club. If you want to understand what levels are, just reference his one season at an elite level.
22 points, one home win, the most money we’ve ever spent, worst set of results in a league season in our over 148 year history!!
Elite. Wobble your head son.
You could make a case Clegg was better - who has the better average league position, close isn’t it, and one of them spent £200 odd million!!!
He’s better at signing players. I actually think he’s the best we’ve had at getting deals done, agreed.
That’s not what an elite chairman and CEO is thoughts it, there is SO much more, like outcomes, results. Financial prudence, off the field structure, a community club where all are welcome, brand equity.
Elite at getting deals done. Piss poor at most other metrics including the under shoukd care about, results in the pitch and outcomes. | | | |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 11:05 - Apr 3 with 528 views | Leaky |
| Ashton - a few truths on 19:15 - Apr 2 by Illinoisblue |
That is a wild wild claim that Ashton’s arguably been more responsible for our success than McKenna. Wild. |
Who appointed Kieron? |  | | |
| Ashton - a few truths on 11:09 - Apr 3 with 517 views | grow_our_own |
It's like many in this thread haven't seen our major signings in the past 19 months. Most of them are not in the first team. Ashton's player research, Ashton's negotiating. We won't miss him. | | | |
| Ashton - a few truths on 11:33 - Apr 3 with 491 views | SuffolkPunchFC |
| Ashton - a few truths on 11:09 - Apr 3 by grow_our_own |
It's like many in this thread haven't seen our major signings in the past 19 months. Most of them are not in the first team. Ashton's player research, Ashton's negotiating. We won't miss him. |
This is a disingenuous post at best. By 19 months, I take you to mean the last 3 windows. What does first team mean though? Started, plus a mainstay on the bench? This is after all a squad game these days.
In that case, we have :
Alex Palmer Yes
Anis Mehmeti Yes
Ashley Young Yes
Azor Matusiwa Yes
Cédric Kipré Yes
Chuba Akpom Yes
Dan Neil Yes
Darnell Furlong Yes
David Button No
Iván Azón Yes
Jaden Philogene Yes
Jens Cajuste Yes
Kasey McAteer Yes
Marcelino Núñez Yes
Sindre Walle Egeli Yes
So only Button isn't a meaningful part of the first team. To claim most of this list isn't in the first team is hyperbole. At least 8 of the 16 are regular starters, and most of the rest are normally on the bench. The squad was also built to give good depth in preparation for injuries - which thankfully this season have been limited, reducing the minutes of some that we brought in for deep cover. | | | |
| Ashton - a few truths on 11:35 - Apr 3 with 480 views | jayessess |
Looking forward to massive improvement in the atmosphere from Monday, following all these passionate declarations that we simply must all get behind the lads in these crucial fixtures!
Quite the contrast to all the bleating and moaning that has been the general rule this season. |  |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 11:56 - Apr 3 with 449 views | NthQldITFC |
| Ashton - a few truths on 19:40 - Apr 2 by BeachBlue |
I hope you never make a serious error |
...and then compound it by covering it up, lying, hiding away and putting out late, insincere, unspecific apologies, when you need to be out front sorting things out.
..did you mean? |  |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 13:40 - Apr 3 with 391 views | ParisBlue |
| Ashton - a few truths on 11:02 - Apr 3 by darkhorse28 |
What fascinates me is these are measures.
One of the best performing?
99% of the previous incumbents never managed us in the third tier, I still don’t think second to Plymouth with twice their budget, a side that went on to achieve nothing, is special in any way.
It’s measurably in the bottom 5% of all the seasons we’ve had, it was just better than the previous 4 seasons. And the first promotion we’d had in a very long time. For some fans that is success if you’re young, but in our history, as I say. It’s in the bottom 5%.
And last season. That was the worst season in the clubs entire history. As a measure. Lowest points. Fewest win. And that was with the most resources EVER spent.
23/24 was special. But again. We have played a lot of football at a higher level. Is it maybe in the top 10-15% of seasons we’ve ever had, maybe.
So. That’s ONE fantastic season, one good seasons, but not even close to previous levels. And lots of mediocrity too, 12th in league one in his first season wasn’t great.
Paul Cook obviously helped out success, some great signings who are on record for playing for Paul, and McKenna was and is too good for league one.
But Mark has done this for 35 years!! Not one season, which isn’t elite, there isn’t a chairman that’s had an EFL promotion and gone on to be elite, or not many, it’s all about levels.
He’s better than what came before. Im marks biggest critic, because that doesn’t make him elite.
It DOES not make him one of the best we’ve had. It just makes him the tallest dwarf.
Levels.
Marks is 35 years at this level with one very good season, and that’s genuinely it, as a measure.
There’s a reason for that.
And if you’re young and only remember Mark and the Evans years (most of which were a level above where Mark had 50% of his success with us) then speak to people who remember Mich longer, read books, league tables, and OUR trophy cabinet.
That’s elite. That’s levels.
Second to an awful Plymouth side, who all failed outside the third division, isn’t success.
That’s the lowest we’ve been as a club. If you want to understand what levels are, just reference his one season at an elite level.
22 points, one home win, the most money we’ve ever spent, worst set of results in a league season in our over 148 year history!!
Elite. Wobble your head son.
You could make a case Clegg was better - who has the better average league position, close isn’t it, and one of them spent £200 odd million!!!
He’s better at signing players. I actually think he’s the best we’ve had at getting deals done, agreed.
That’s not what an elite chairman and CEO is thoughts it, there is SO much more, like outcomes, results. Financial prudence, off the field structure, a community club where all are welcome, brand equity.
Elite at getting deals done. Piss poor at most other metrics including the under shoukd care about, results in the pitch and outcomes. |
He's done a good job in getting things moving, the stadium, training ground etc. No doubt about that.
He struck gold with McKenna, and deserves credit for that.
But the last 24 months he's have been poor. Recruitment has been poor, we've overspent with little to show for it (Delap and Omari aside). Feels like we've wasted a generational opportunity.
The momentum and feel-good factor of 22/23/24 has long gone. Even the comms from the club, social media is more low-key. We may commercially be richer, but time moves on. The last fortnight has added to the frustrations.
Will be interesting to see what changes are made at the end of the season (if any) in particular if we're in this division next year. It's not like previous seasons where other clubs have got 90+ points and we need to be on an upward trajectory again.
I guess the next talking point will be season tickets. I fully expect a notional increase, maybe £20 to support the "less than £1 extra a game" tagline and silence dissenting voices.
Modern football means that CEOs are much like managers. They go through cycles (Bristol City have had 3 or 4 since Ashton left them) and at some point we will move on. After 10+ years of nobody running the club we've a lot to be thankful to MA for, but I don't support the club because of the CEO, and arguably his reputation has largely been enhanced but nothing is forever. Combining the chairman and CEO roles presumably means some day-to-day responsibilities have already been handed over and I expect operationally his role has changed - its been previously mentioned that Luke Werhun is more involved in transfers nowadays.
I doubt he'll still be our CEO in 24 months time. |  |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 14:59 - Apr 3 with 359 views | SouperJim |
| Ashton - a few truths on 10:34 - Apr 3 by ReusersTown |
They haven't misrepresented you you're very dismissive and definitely attempting to minimize which isn't on. Which you have been told as such. |
Absolute bullsh!t. My opinion differing from your does not mean I am "minimising", "steamrollering" or dismissing others opinions. I've made it very clear that I'm interested to read why some of you feel as strongly as you do, to the point of considering Faragegate equal to literal murder.
Some people are just determined to steer the argument to binary nonsense in order to "win". As I've said, it's possible to be critical of this entire episode but give Ashton the benefit of the doubt and feel protest will ultimately do more harm than good. | |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 15:04 - Apr 3 with 352 views | ReusersTown |
| Ashton - a few truths on 14:59 - Apr 3 by SouperJim |
Absolute bullsh!t. My opinion differing from your does not mean I am "minimising", "steamrollering" or dismissing others opinions. I've made it very clear that I'm interested to read why some of you feel as strongly as you do, to the point of considering Faragegate equal to literal murder.
Some people are just determined to steer the argument to binary nonsense in order to "win". As I've said, it's possible to be critical of this entire episode but give Ashton the benefit of the doubt and feel protest will ultimately do more harm than good. |
The fact you are still willing to give Ashton the benefit of the doubt is ridiculous to the point i'm no longer really interested in debating it with you. Also the fact that you need it explained as to why some feel so strongly when there's pages of the stuff explaining it to you in great detail. | | | |
| Ashton - a few truths on 15:07 - Apr 3 with 338 views | ITFCson |
Look at the down and upvotes for this thread - about 20 for each. Which just illustrates what a divisive subject it is. But one thing surely everyone can agree on is the most important thing about a football club is the football. Come match day we all want the same thing - an Ipswich win. And I am sure everyone can agree that any negative chanting can only have a detriment effect on the team/result. | | | |
| Ashton - a few truths on 15:09 - Apr 3 with 340 views | SouperJim |
| Ashton - a few truths on 15:04 - Apr 3 by ReusersTown |
The fact you are still willing to give Ashton the benefit of the doubt is ridiculous to the point i'm no longer really interested in debating it with you. Also the fact that you need it explained as to why some feel so strongly when there's pages of the stuff explaining it to you in great detail. |
The idea that some would actively harm our promotion prospects in order to get shot of Ashton is ridiculous. I'm not forcing anyone to explain anything, last time I checked, this is a forum for discussion and I assume you have free will. Have a nice evening. | |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 16:17 - Apr 3 with 315 views | Ryorry |
| Ashton - a few truths on 15:07 - Apr 3 by ITFCson |
Look at the down and upvotes for this thread - about 20 for each. Which just illustrates what a divisive subject it is. But one thing surely everyone can agree on is the most important thing about a football club is the football. Come match day we all want the same thing - an Ipswich win. And I am sure everyone can agree that any negative chanting can only have a detriment effect on the team/result. |
“And I am sure everyone can agree that any negative chanting can only have a detriment effect on the team/result.”
Given the reports from several sources that our players and staff are just as angry as many of us fans at Ashton, what he enabled, then lied about, covered up & faux “apologised” for, I think it more likely that the team would see/hear any chants of “Ashton out” or similar as positive, and be encouraged by it. | |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 16:41 - Apr 3 with 285 views | SouperJim |
| Ashton - a few truths on 16:17 - Apr 3 by Ryorry |
“And I am sure everyone can agree that any negative chanting can only have a detriment effect on the team/result.”
Given the reports from several sources that our players and staff are just as angry as many of us fans at Ashton, what he enabled, then lied about, covered up & faux “apologised” for, I think it more likely that the team would see/hear any chants of “Ashton out” or similar as positive, and be encouraged by it. |
Oh come on, you're seriously suggesting the team would be encouraged by negative, angry chanting against Ashton? That's a fairly ridiculous notion. | |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 16:53 - Apr 3 with 268 views | J2BLUE |
| Ashton - a few truths on 00:37 - Apr 3 by Nthsuffolkblue |
To me, the disdain he has shown for the football club I love and support makes me feel that level of anger.
I get that some people might not care about the club as much as that, might have accepted his pathetic attempt at an apology or might be very supportive of the club sponsoring Reform. That isn't me, though.
Perhaps I do care about the club too much. |
Really? You just care more? |  |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 17:00 - Apr 3 with 249 views | Ryorry |
| Ashton - a few truths on 16:41 - Apr 3 by SouperJim |
Oh come on, you're seriously suggesting the team would be encouraged by negative, angry chanting against Ashton? That's a fairly ridiculous notion. |
As we've been told from several sources that the team are just as angry at Ashton as many of us fans are, "suggesting the team would be encouraged by negative, angry chanting against Ashton" is no more than logical, and it's yourself who's being "fairly ridiculous" in denying it. | |
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| Ashton - a few truths on 17:03 - Apr 3 with 237 views | grow_our_own |
| Ashton - a few truths on 11:33 - Apr 3 by SuffolkPunchFC |
This is a disingenuous post at best. By 19 months, I take you to mean the last 3 windows. What does first team mean though? Started, plus a mainstay on the bench? This is after all a squad game these days.
In that case, we have :
Alex Palmer Yes
Anis Mehmeti Yes
Ashley Young Yes
Azor Matusiwa Yes
Cédric Kipré Yes
Chuba Akpom Yes
Dan Neil Yes
Darnell Furlong Yes
David Button No
Iván Azón Yes
Jaden Philogene Yes
Jens Cajuste Yes
Kasey McAteer Yes
Marcelino Núñez Yes
Sindre Walle Egeli Yes
So only Button isn't a meaningful part of the first team. To claim most of this list isn't in the first team is hyperbole. At least 8 of the 16 are regular starters, and most of the rest are normally on the bench. The squad was also built to give good depth in preparation for injuries - which thankfully this season have been limited, reducing the minutes of some that we brought in for deep cover. |
I said **major** signings. Ie ones carrying a significant transfer fee. Most of them are not in the first team either because they're benched or banished on loan. Either way they've not been good enough. That's mostly on Ashton.
Let's say > ~5m
Egeli,
McAteer,
Greaves,
Muric,
Ogbene
Szmodics
That's over 70m worth. [Post edited 3 Apr 17:05]
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| Ashton - a few truths on 17:05 - Apr 3 with 220 views | SuffolkPunchFC |
| Ashton - a few truths on 17:03 - Apr 3 by grow_our_own |
I said **major** signings. Ie ones carrying a significant transfer fee. Most of them are not in the first team either because they're benched or banished on loan. Either way they've not been good enough. That's mostly on Ashton.
Let's say > ~5m
Egeli,
McAteer,
Greaves,
Muric,
Ogbene
Szmodics
That's over 70m worth. [Post edited 3 Apr 17:05]
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And all but 2 of those were NOT signed in the last 19 months.
Not your best day to be fair. | | | |
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