Have just watched the Chairman`s Chat and it`s pretty evident that PS is feeling the acrimony directed at him very deeply.
In so far as the non-abuse related content is concerned, I felt that all of PS`s remarks and explanations were entirely reasonable and welcomed his feedback. But, once again, his body language was such that he seemed unable to put the updates over in a relaxed and communal spirited style. Perhaps, knowing what he was just about to get off his chest, it was a bit of a struggle to come over in a calm fashion - the perception I got was of a man in combat mode.
I really feel for PS as there is no doubt in my mind that he loves GFC and wants only good things for the club. Without him we`d probably now be in the National League. I`ve aired my views on here about the foul personal abuse directed at PS that I witnessed at Shrewsbury and at Burton. It`s totally unnecessary and inexcusable. Thankfully, even though the abuse can be audibly high (at away games) the actual number who appear to engage in it is relatively low.
Two points about the abuse that I would make are:
1) In supporting what Trev said earlier, the atmosphere among Gills fans is more noticeable and pronounced at away games than it is at home games. At many away venues the Gills crowd is obliged to sit closely together in a segregated part of the ground. I was not looking forward to the inevitable intra-hostility that would have been present at Burton had we been (as we were for the last game at Burton) compressed into a small corner of the ground. Unlike being able to select your "areas" at Priestfield, it would have put people with hard opposing views very close together. Fortunately, the potential venomous and hostile situation didn`t come to fruition as Burton opened up the away terrace as well as the seating. So, I support Trev`s opinion that potential (strong currently) toxicity among our own - is becoming a factor in deciding whether or not to attend.
2) PS indicated that abusive comments from our fans was having a negative affect on our players. That seems to be true - as evidenced by the direct reaction of Cummings toward our own fans at Burton when some foolishly started chanting that specifically undermined our own team.
On the issue of editing the Chairman`s Chat, the "control" is probably all down to PS. The fact that PS was perhaps a little excessive in repeating his summaries of the abuse was, I imagine, less to do with the chap recording the interview and more with how PS was feeling. Personally, I don`t think that PS came across very well at all - even when prompted to positively reference the Gills (majority) support at the away games, PS seemed to ignore that and return to the subject of personal abuse.
IMHO, PS could do with an experienced PR man (Eager Exile ?) as the case he puts over is more than justified but not helped by the manner in which it`s delivered.
To the idiots who don`t realise, or don`t care, that social media is a public space and entry to it requires one to be mindful of what one says/writes - I have no sympathy at all if they end up on the wrong side of a court decision.
I hope all this blows over as soon as possible (might take a while if it gets litigious) so that we can collectively concentrate on supporting the Gills - who, incidentally (!), are now playing some really good stuff !
