| Latest article from Bobby's vision 09:00 - Aug 11 with 2653 views | bobbys_vision |
Town have had success on the pitch and there are promising signs for the first post-McKenna season.
But questions still hang over Mark Ashton, and the club's governance structure remains the same. Alex unpicks what this all means...
Any constructive comments welcome.
https://www.bobbysvision.co.uk |  | | |  |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 09:51 - Aug 11 with 2001 views | Meadowlark |
A succinct summary, but no revelations or answers.
The question is was Ashton scheming or naive? |  | | |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 19:42 - Aug 11 with 1664 views | BanksterDebtSlave |
That's a really good and balanced read. The evidence of Ashton's treatment of Blue Action though would suggest that he's not one for listening. |  |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 20:52 - Aug 11 with 1602 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
Questions over the clubs governance is a bit 'pot, kettle, black' given that you've still failed to be transparent over your own governance as a self-called fan group.
You've still not answered the eight questions I asked you in April when you launched. You've had ample opportunity.
Edit:
Just incase I've added them below again. There's nothing inflammatory there, but I think reasonable questions.
Introducing Bobby's Vision by Cheltenham_Blue 24 Apr 17:05Right off the bat,
1. You've made two posts, this introduction and the statement on season ticket price rises, but I am immediately concerned that you've failed to respond to any questions about those posts.
2. Who are you? And how many are you. If you are a group of 5 pals, how can you speak for the rest of fans?
3. The fact you all know each other, but are not seeking to expand membership denies other voices and opinions
4. You use the phrases 'we are legacy fans' and 'from long before Game Changer existed'; this terminology is deliberately phrased to exclude more recent fans for example my son, with your refusal to expand membership, and your statement in your 'about us' page to, "be a voice for ordinary legacy/traditional Ipswich fans" - Who speaks for newer fans and why are they excluded from your attempts to 'hold truth to power'?
5. You say "We believe live football should be accessible to all, including those unable to afford hospitality type offers that are increasingly the focus of the club.", why have you included the second part of this statement? What does this mean? Many fans sitting in both the stands around the ground cannot afford hospitality, so what is it you want here?
6. Why are you different to Blue Action or Rainbow Laces? What can you do for all fans better than either of these organisations. Your rhetoric implies your interest is only in 'legacy' fans, so why are you needed above BA or Rainbow Laces for that fan group? Are you suggesting that BA or Rainbow laces are not truly independent and are 'at the behest of the club'
7. "We will not always reach out to every single member of the group for lower-priority issues.", who will decide the priority? Is there an executive committee that will set policy and priorities.
8. Without expanding membership, how will you judge what the 'broad consensus' of the fan base is?
Sorry for the questions, but as yet, you haven't answered any, and If I have an unknown person(s) claiming that they are going to represent me and my thoughts to the club, I'd like to know a bit more about them and that they are actually going to reflect my feelings accurately.
[Post edited 11 Aug 21:01]
|  |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:01 - Aug 11 with 1557 views | bobbys_vision |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 20:52 - Aug 11 by Cheltenham_Blue |
Questions over the clubs governance is a bit 'pot, kettle, black' given that you've still failed to be transparent over your own governance as a self-called fan group.
You've still not answered the eight questions I asked you in April when you launched. You've had ample opportunity.
Edit:
Just incase I've added them below again. There's nothing inflammatory there, but I think reasonable questions.
Introducing Bobby's Vision by Cheltenham_Blue 24 Apr 17:05Right off the bat,
1. You've made two posts, this introduction and the statement on season ticket price rises, but I am immediately concerned that you've failed to respond to any questions about those posts.
2. Who are you? And how many are you. If you are a group of 5 pals, how can you speak for the rest of fans?
3. The fact you all know each other, but are not seeking to expand membership denies other voices and opinions
4. You use the phrases 'we are legacy fans' and 'from long before Game Changer existed'; this terminology is deliberately phrased to exclude more recent fans for example my son, with your refusal to expand membership, and your statement in your 'about us' page to, "be a voice for ordinary legacy/traditional Ipswich fans" - Who speaks for newer fans and why are they excluded from your attempts to 'hold truth to power'?
5. You say "We believe live football should be accessible to all, including those unable to afford hospitality type offers that are increasingly the focus of the club.", why have you included the second part of this statement? What does this mean? Many fans sitting in both the stands around the ground cannot afford hospitality, so what is it you want here?
6. Why are you different to Blue Action or Rainbow Laces? What can you do for all fans better than either of these organisations. Your rhetoric implies your interest is only in 'legacy' fans, so why are you needed above BA or Rainbow Laces for that fan group? Are you suggesting that BA or Rainbow laces are not truly independent and are 'at the behest of the club'
7. "We will not always reach out to every single member of the group for lower-priority issues.", who will decide the priority? Is there an executive committee that will set policy and priorities.
8. Without expanding membership, how will you judge what the 'broad consensus' of the fan base is?
Sorry for the questions, but as yet, you haven't answered any, and If I have an unknown person(s) claiming that they are going to represent me and my thoughts to the club, I'd like to know a bit more about them and that they are actually going to reflect my feelings accurately.
[Post edited 11 Aug 21:01]
|
For info:
We addressed the question of "Who we are" within our group and added the following to our website. We also posted it on here on a thread.
We will not be adding to that for now.
https://www.bobbysvision.co.uk
---------
"Who are Bobby’s Vision?
We started as a group of 16 like minded fans that came together to form an independent supporters’ group, motivated by how the club managed and responded to the Nigel Farage visit earlier in 2026.
We’re Ipswich supporters who range in age from 27 to pension age working in industries like construction, personal finance, horticulture and IT.
Many of us are season ticket holders, all avid fans and our oldest member first watched Ipswich in 67/68 season, a year before Bobby Robson became our manager.
Whilst we recognise a natural curiosity to know exactly “who we are”, we do not intend to publicly declare membership due to the ongoing abuse/threats on social media that some members have received.
We intend to “speak truth to power”, and for now will do so without seeking publicity for our members."
-------- | | | |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:01 - Aug 11 with 1554 views | SuffolkPunchFC |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 19:42 - Aug 11 by BanksterDebtSlave |
That's a really good and balanced read. The evidence of Ashton's treatment of Blue Action though would suggest that he's not one for listening. |
Balanced. Really? In journalistic terms it would be considered an opinion piece, and with clear bias (which is ok for opinion piece). It is neither neutral, nor does it offer opposing views. | | | |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:04 - Aug 11 with 1543 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:01 - Aug 11 by bobbys_vision |
For info:
We addressed the question of "Who we are" within our group and added the following to our website. We also posted it on here on a thread.
We will not be adding to that for now.
https://www.bobbysvision.co.uk
---------
"Who are Bobby’s Vision?
We started as a group of 16 like minded fans that came together to form an independent supporters’ group, motivated by how the club managed and responded to the Nigel Farage visit earlier in 2026.
We’re Ipswich supporters who range in age from 27 to pension age working in industries like construction, personal finance, horticulture and IT.
Many of us are season ticket holders, all avid fans and our oldest member first watched Ipswich in 67/68 season, a year before Bobby Robson became our manager.
Whilst we recognise a natural curiosity to know exactly “who we are”, we do not intend to publicly declare membership due to the ongoing abuse/threats on social media that some members have received.
We intend to “speak truth to power”, and for now will do so without seeking publicity for our members."
-------- |
Yeah. Thanks for updating me with something I've already read.
"We will not be adding to that for now."
You don't speak for me. Because you won't speak to me. Your lack of transparency makes you no better than Ashton in my book. [Post edited 11 Aug 21:08]
| |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:08 - Aug 11 with 1506 views | GlasgowBlue |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:01 - Aug 11 by bobbys_vision |
For info:
We addressed the question of "Who we are" within our group and added the following to our website. We also posted it on here on a thread.
We will not be adding to that for now.
https://www.bobbysvision.co.uk
---------
"Who are Bobby’s Vision?
We started as a group of 16 like minded fans that came together to form an independent supporters’ group, motivated by how the club managed and responded to the Nigel Farage visit earlier in 2026.
We’re Ipswich supporters who range in age from 27 to pension age working in industries like construction, personal finance, horticulture and IT.
Many of us are season ticket holders, all avid fans and our oldest member first watched Ipswich in 67/68 season, a year before Bobby Robson became our manager.
Whilst we recognise a natural curiosity to know exactly “who we are”, we do not intend to publicly declare membership due to the ongoing abuse/threats on social media that some members have received.
We intend to “speak truth to power”, and for now will do so without seeking publicity for our members."
-------- |
You haven’t addressed any of the very reasonable questions posed by Cheltenham_Blue. |  |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:20 - Aug 11 with 1450 views | unbelievablue |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:04 - Aug 11 by Cheltenham_Blue |
Yeah. Thanks for updating me with something I've already read.
"We will not be adding to that for now."
You don't speak for me. Because you won't speak to me. Your lack of transparency makes you no better than Ashton in my book. [Post edited 11 Aug 21:08]
|
I'm a part of the fan group, if you fancy a chat about it? |  |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:20 - Aug 11 with 1439 views | BanksterDebtSlave |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:01 - Aug 11 by SuffolkPunchFC |
Balanced. Really? In journalistic terms it would be considered an opinion piece, and with clear bias (which is ok for opinion piece). It is neither neutral, nor does it offer opposing views. |
Compared to how I feel about Ashton that seems quite measured to me! | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:26 - Aug 11 with 1402 views | BanksterDebtSlave |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:08 - Aug 11 by GlasgowBlue |
You haven’t addressed any of the very reasonable questions posed by Cheltenham_Blue. |
They actually have!
Any thoughts on the actual content of the piece? [Post edited 11 Aug 21:28]
| |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:28 - Aug 11 with 1400 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:20 - Aug 11 by unbelievablue |
I'm a part of the fan group, if you fancy a chat about it? |
You could start by replying to my questions, they aren't difficult and as you claim to represent the supporters, you should be able to answer them publicly in the thread rather than via 'a chat'.
I have other questions from your 'Values and Principles' whilst we are at it.
"2. Where ITFC become involved with a person or body that can be seen to threaten tolerance and diversity, or to encourage discrimination on any of the bases mentioned above, we will take a position on this and make the club aware that it is unacceptable."
Have you made the club aware as a group (rather than as an individual) and what was their response?
"4. Affordability for the fan in terms of the match-going experience and other expenses involved in being an ITFC fan are a core issue for the group, and we will seek to make it known to the club where we believe fairness for ITFC fans has been compromised in relation to financial matters."
Have you been in contact with the club about these matters, and what was their response to the issues raised.
Finally do you have 'the ear of the club' are you in regular contact with the club hierarchy? If so, why do you not report these communications on your website. If not, how can you ask the supporters to accept your representation? | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:28 - Aug 11 with 1399 views | SuffolkPunchFC |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:20 - Aug 11 by BanksterDebtSlave |
Compared to how I feel about Ashton that seems quite measured to me! |
That’s like saying Reform is centrist compared to Restore. | | | |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:29 - Aug 11 with 1391 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:26 - Aug 11 by BanksterDebtSlave |
They actually have!
Any thoughts on the actual content of the piece? [Post edited 11 Aug 21:28]
|
They haven't at all. | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:44 - Aug 11 with 1304 views | unbelievablue |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:28 - Aug 11 by Cheltenham_Blue |
You could start by replying to my questions, they aren't difficult and as you claim to represent the supporters, you should be able to answer them publicly in the thread rather than via 'a chat'.
I have other questions from your 'Values and Principles' whilst we are at it.
"2. Where ITFC become involved with a person or body that can be seen to threaten tolerance and diversity, or to encourage discrimination on any of the bases mentioned above, we will take a position on this and make the club aware that it is unacceptable."
Have you made the club aware as a group (rather than as an individual) and what was their response?
"4. Affordability for the fan in terms of the match-going experience and other expenses involved in being an ITFC fan are a core issue for the group, and we will seek to make it known to the club where we believe fairness for ITFC fans has been compromised in relation to financial matters."
Have you been in contact with the club about these matters, and what was their response to the issues raised.
Finally do you have 'the ear of the club' are you in regular contact with the club hierarchy? If so, why do you not report these communications on your website. If not, how can you ask the supporters to accept your representation? |
I'm not particularly active on here so haven't seen your questions until today when someone raised them as a discussion point. It's also a bit tricky cos, as has been pointed out, it's a group of like minded individuals as opposed to a bloc.
All that said, I will attempt to answer your questions as best as possible publicly tomorrow when I get a chance.
The offer of a chat still stands though. | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:49 - Aug 11 with 1276 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:44 - Aug 11 by unbelievablue |
I'm not particularly active on here so haven't seen your questions until today when someone raised them as a discussion point. It's also a bit tricky cos, as has been pointed out, it's a group of like minded individuals as opposed to a bloc.
All that said, I will attempt to answer your questions as best as possible publicly tomorrow when I get a chance.
The offer of a chat still stands though. |
If you are representing the supporters you need to answer here publicly. Not privately.
I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline.
I have to wonder why it has taken a board regular to give any response at all rather than the "Bobbys Vision" user who so far has refused to answer any questions put to them from anybody on any post. | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 22:41 - Aug 11 with 1173 views | BanksterDebtSlave |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:29 - Aug 11 by Cheltenham_Blue |
They haven't at all. |
16 is the answer to one of your questions. | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 22:53 - Aug 11 with 1129 views | BanksterDebtSlave |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:49 - Aug 11 by Cheltenham_Blue |
If you are representing the supporters you need to answer here publicly. Not privately.
I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline.
I have to wonder why it has taken a board regular to give any response at all rather than the "Bobbys Vision" user who so far has refused to answer any questions put to them from anybody on any post. |
Surely no supporters group represents all supporters. As a long time supporter I have never noticed any input from the official supporters group so welcome a presence of some sorts on issues they seem to be tongue tied over. Struggling to see your problem tbf. | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 22:54 - Aug 11 with 1124 views | BanksterDebtSlave |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:01 - Aug 11 by SuffolkPunchFC |
Balanced. Really? In journalistic terms it would be considered an opinion piece, and with clear bias (which is ok for opinion piece). It is neither neutral, nor does it offer opposing views. |
Perhaps you might explain the opposing view? | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 23:08 - Aug 11 with 1088 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 22:53 - Aug 11 by BanksterDebtSlave |
Surely no supporters group represents all supporters. As a long time supporter I have never noticed any input from the official supporters group so welcome a presence of some sorts on issues they seem to be tongue tied over. Struggling to see your problem tbf. |
Are any of my questions unreasonable? Please show me which. | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 08:09 - Aug 12 with 867 views | BanksterDebtSlave |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 23:08 - Aug 11 by Cheltenham_Blue |
Are any of my questions unreasonable? Please show me which. |
And you haven't addressed the point I have made here. Not sure why it matters to you so much to focus on this rather than discuss the content of the piece? [Post edited 12 Aug 8:32]
| |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 08:31 - Aug 12 with 808 views | DarkBrandon |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 21:01 - Aug 11 by bobbys_vision |
For info:
We addressed the question of "Who we are" within our group and added the following to our website. We also posted it on here on a thread.
We will not be adding to that for now.
https://www.bobbysvision.co.uk
---------
"Who are Bobby’s Vision?
We started as a group of 16 like minded fans that came together to form an independent supporters’ group, motivated by how the club managed and responded to the Nigel Farage visit earlier in 2026.
We’re Ipswich supporters who range in age from 27 to pension age working in industries like construction, personal finance, horticulture and IT.
Many of us are season ticket holders, all avid fans and our oldest member first watched Ipswich in 67/68 season, a year before Bobby Robson became our manager.
Whilst we recognise a natural curiosity to know exactly “who we are”, we do not intend to publicly declare membership due to the ongoing abuse/threats on social media that some members have received.
We intend to “speak truth to power”, and for now will do so without seeking publicity for our members."
-------- |
You wouldn’t know the 15 other Town fans in the group with me. They go to another school. |  | | |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 08:48 - Aug 12 with 747 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 08:09 - Aug 12 by BanksterDebtSlave |
And you haven't addressed the point I have made here. Not sure why it matters to you so much to focus on this rather than discuss the content of the piece? [Post edited 12 Aug 8:32]
|
Because I was talking to Them. Not you.
I'm not sure why you have an incessant need to get into a ding dong with other posters on this board. I'm quite reasonably asking them to answer questions I asked in April and they refused to answer, nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about. | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 08:56 - Aug 12 with 714 views | BanksterDebtSlave |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 08:48 - Aug 12 by Cheltenham_Blue |
Because I was talking to Them. Not you.
I'm not sure why you have an incessant need to get into a ding dong with other posters on this board. I'm quite reasonably asking them to answer questions I asked in April and they refused to answer, nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about. |
You are sooooooo passive aggressive Chelters!!
As I said it's 16 of them and it would appear they have tried to address/placate you. Your thing about representing all supporters is clearly nonsensical. | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 10:25 - Aug 12 with 620 views | Cheltenham_Blue |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 08:56 - Aug 12 by BanksterDebtSlave |
You are sooooooo passive aggressive Chelters!!
As I said it's 16 of them and it would appear they have tried to address/placate you. Your thing about representing all supporters is clearly nonsensical. |
And off you go again.
Have a great day Bankers xx | |
| |
| Latest article from Bobby's vision on 11:04 - Aug 12 with 584 views | victorysquad |
The point about the governance structure maybe valid, but if you look at Brighton's model (for example) they have:
Chairman: Tony Bloom
Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman: Paul Barber
You could argue OMG are effectively that sounding board, and the ones that will hold Mark Ashton to account. It may need looking at, but I think it is a discussion/debate rather than a foregone conclusion that we need another chairman. It depends on how involved the ownership group are.
Overall, I think it is a bit of a witch hunt tbh, that is fairly devisive (which is ironic), and unhelpful at a point in time we start another season in the Premier League where we know it is going to be tough.
We need to all be pulling together.
Let the ownership group deal with Mark Ashton, they are clearly very competent. | |
| |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
