Supporters Meeting 24.08.22

[kelty_par]

Biggest one for me was cook basically said we aren’t signing ****e like we have done the past few seasons. Mcpake said he’s been backed by the board with every single target he’s went to them with. We nearly had a deal done last Friday night but the player pulled out last minute, the deal Is still on the table for said player 

[Tartan Army Par]

Have we signed Finlay Robertson? Much of the updates made little sense.

Edited August 24, 2022 by Tartan Army Par

[Legend85]

No we haven't signed Finlay Robertson it was in reference to him coming through the youth ranks at dundee and then getting first team opportunity 

[Piracy]

Introduction, David Cook said they'd be 3 such supporters events this season. Mentioned a few positives, including season ticket sales, new sponsors coming onboard, and pointed out the great working relationship he has with James McPake. Chuffed with the start to the season. Concerns (along with the rest of society) about the challenging backdrop in relation to increasing costs due to the present energy situation. But positive about managing it. He stated we just need to keep working hard.

James McPake stressed his disappointment about the exit from the league cup (Premier Sports Cup) from a footballing perspective. However it's been the only disappointment so far footballing wise as we've had a good start to the league campaign. He did stress we were poor against Kelty last week and said we need to be more ruthless in games. Not being ruthless enough maybe a hangover from last season for some players.

Kyle Benedictus spoke about the positive start to the season and he said he is enjoying being at the club. There's a good squad spirit, good mix and balance of ability among the players.

Cook was asked about what he seen as the biggest shortcomings since coming to the club, also the biggest opportunities. He replied poor recruitment had been a big issue, this was a fact and they were determined to change this. They're working on improving process off field. Praised the previous board members for saving the club, but it was understandable they'd be fatigued after 10 years of hard work and they had acknowledged new investment and people were required to take the club forward. He sees real potential for growth and the resulting revenue will allow them to develop a lot of their plans. They have identified 13 initiatives so far, some are quick hits and some are longer term incremental growths. Not going to be easy to manage.

Next question for David Cook was are we still paying for former managers. Not willing to say one way or the other (probably legal implications), but either way it wasn't affecting the club in any way.

Then some question about going from 1 man up front to 3 strikers this season. Don't expect me to wax lyrical with detail here, tactics bore me rigid. However McPake did say we're not scoring enough goals even though we're creating chances so he's not too worried just now and won't crucify them but will keep working with the players to rectify it. Players are showing disappointment during the match and post match when not scoring more from the opportunities created. Again, he'll work with the players on their composure and build their confidence and he believes the goals will come.

Question asked to McPake was, did he have an ideal number regarding a squad number. He said during training sessions, 20 players and 2 keeper. Acknowledged we need to strengthen the squad. Next question, do we need wingers? McPake said he likes to play fullbacks high up the pitch, and believes that a formation is a formation and as long as we're creating chances he's happy. So doesn't see the need to play with out and out wingers all the time. Teams do and will come in to EEP and set out to frustrate up by sitting in. We have to counter that by breaking them down, he expects all his players to be flexible during games.

Regarding the training facility/academy, are we any further forward with it's development. Cook answered they're expecting final costings back for the building works then they'll create a timeline with priorities. Final planning submission for the floodlit 3G pitch expected to be processed in 2 to 3 weeks. I think it was also said that Grieg Shields has had the academy playing on the grass down there, but I can't substantiate that (was on ma phone). Shields feeling the benefit of not playing all over Fife with the laddies. Confirmation that we're not using Alloa's ground for training this season.

McPake spoke about being extremely impressed with East End and it's facilities, factor in him coming here. Said it was a better set-up than Dundee. Kyle Benedictus also said it was better than Dundee, and also Raith Rovers (guid c*nt). McPake spoke about the players hanging about after training and Benefictus agreed with that and went on to speak about a good team spirit, a closeness in the dressing room. He'd also like to see continued backing from the fans as well. McPake said that big noise from the crowd at home games was important and he said it was intimidating to opposition players.  He mentioned that they play music in the dressing room deliberately at high volume post match to pis$ off the opposition. They set out to annoy them, he wants opposition players to dread playing here. Again back to being too nice and welcoming to rival clubs. I personally dig this kind of patter.

McPake asked about Joe Chalmers performances and being picked on by a section of our support. He responded by saying he had never worked with Chalmers but was aware of him as a player. He backed Chalmers recent performances, his positive presence in the dressing room, his encouragement of the younger players, his high commitment on the training pitch. He also stressed he pays no attention to forums, so wasn't aware of fans opinions on the likes of Chalmers.

Cook answered a question about the clubs goals. He started by saying we need to stop a losing mentality and develop a winning mentality. Continual planning and developing strategy, backed by ambition to get out of this league. But we're in this league because we deserve to be, we need to all work hard to get out of it. Wants to be a club that is renowned for punching above their weight. McPake said he has players like Kyle Benedictus who know what it takes to get promoted, we need players with the right mentality. 

Cook answered the next question about how many season tickets we've sold and how do we count match day attendances. He said we've sold approximately 2,500 and that on match days we count those season tickets plus match day tickets sold, referred to this as a 'declared attendance''. The actual crowd is about 10 to 30% lower given those seats not filled by season tickets holders.

McPake spoke about the positives of having local youngsters in the team. It's an important factor in growing a bond in a community club. Benedictus said Chris Hamilton is often heard developing a song for himself he hopes will be chanted on the terraces 🙂. He loves the Pars apparently. McPake said several premiership and championship clubs were after his signature but he wanted to come and further his career here, that's great news to me.

Cook was asked about the new name KDM EEP. He spoke about revenue etc, like you'd have expected. However he said Ian Jones from KDM insisted that EEP wouldn't be dropped and if it had been suggested, he'd have walked away.

On the dodgy auld PA system, apparently £60k to replace, so that would be better spent on the playing side. However, when we're better off financially it'll get replaced.

Last point is I asked if there was any signings incoming and were there any specific reasons for the lack of signings, inviting both Cook and McPake to answer. Cook said that they've committed to backing every request made by McPake for potential signings. He stressed that they're not just going out to get players that make up numbers, been too much of that in the last couple of seasons. They're looking for specific players with the right attributes and mindsets. McPake said he takes more of the blame here than the board for the lack of signings, maybe being too specific and he confirmed the board are backing him. They've been relentlessly trailing a player and have made an offer, which the player still has on the table. They were sitting waiting on the call last Friday, but just couldn't get it over the line as the player just didn't say yes. They're sure that we will see players coming in before they can't sign anyone.

Hope this gives a flavour of what was discussed. Apologies for it being a bit sketchy in bits.

[Rossmcno1]

17 minutes ago, Piracy said:

Introduction, David Cook said they'd be 3 such supporters events this season. Mentioned a few positives, including season ticket sales, new sponsors coming onboard, and pointed out the great working relationship he has with James McPake. Chuffed with the start to the season. Concerns (along with the rest of society) about the challenging backdrop in relation to increasing costs due to the present energy situation. But positive about managing it. He stated we just need to keep working hard.

James McPake stressed his disappointment about the exit from the league cup (Premier Sports Cup) from a footballing perspective. However it's been the only disappointment so far footballing wise as we've had a good start to the league campaign. He did stress we were poor against Kelty last week and said we need to be more ruthless in games. Not being ruthless enough maybe a hangover from last season for some players.

Kyle McDonald spoke about the positive start to the season and he said he is enjoying being at the club. There's a good squad spirit, good mix and balance of ability among the players.

Cook was asked about what he seen as the biggest shortcomings since coming to the club, also the biggest opportunities. He replied poor recruitment had been a big issue, this was a fact and they were determined to change this. They're working on improving process off field. Praised the previous board members for saving the club, but it was understandable they'd be fatigued after 10 years of hard work and they had acknowledged new investment and people were required to take the club forward. He sees real potential for growth and the resulting revenue will allow them to develop a lot of their plans. They have identified 13 initiatives so far, some are quick hits and some are longer term incremental growths. Not going to be easy to manage.

Next question for David Cook was are we still paying for former managers. Not willing to say one way or the other (probably legal implications), but either way it wasn't affecting the club in any way.

Then some question about going from 1 man up front to 3 strikers this season. Don't expect me to wax lyrical with detail here, tactics bore me rigid. However McPake did say we're not scoring enough goals even though we're creating chances so he's not too worried just now and won't crucify them but will keep working with the players to rectify it. Players are showing disappointment during the match and post match when not scoring more from the opportunities created. Again, he'll work with the players on their composure and build their confidence and he believes the goals will come.

Question asked to McPake was, did he have an ideal number regarding a squad number. He said during training sessions, 20 players and 2 keeper. Acknowledged we need to strengthen the squad. Next question, do we need wingers? McPake said he likes to play fullbacks high up the pitch, and believes that a formation is a formation and as long as we're creating chances he's happy. So doesn't see the need to play with out and out wingers all the time. Teams do and will come in to EEP and set out to frustrate up by sitting in. We have to counter that by breaking them down, he expects all his players to be flexible during games.

Regarding the training facility/academy, are we any further forward with it's development. Cook answered they're expecting final costings back for the building works then they'll create a timeline with priorities. Final planning submission for the floodlit 3G pitch expected to be processed in 2 to 3 weeks. I think it was also said that Grieg Shields has had the academy playing on the grass down there, but I can't substantiate that (was on ma phone). Shields feeling the benefit of not playing all over Fife with the laddies. Confirmation that we're not using Alloa's ground for training this season.

McPake spoke about being extremely impressed with East End and it's facilities, factor in him coming here. Said it was a better set-up than Dundee. Kyle McDonald also said it was better than Dundee, and also Raith Rovers (guid c*nt). McPake spoke about the players hanging about after training and McDonald agreed with that and went on to speak about a good team spirit, a closeness in the dressing room. He'd also like to see continued backing from the fans as well. McPake said that big noise from the crowd at home games was important and he said it was intimidating to opposition players.  He mentioned that they play music in the dressing room deliberately at high volume post match to pis$ off the opposition. They set out to annoy them, he wants opposition players to dread playing here. Again back to being too nice and welcoming to rival clubs. I personally dig this kind of patter.

McPake asked about Joe Chalmers performances and being picked on by a section of our support. He responded by saying he had never worked with Chalmers but was aware of him as a player. He backed Chalmers recent performances, his positive presence in the dressing room, his encouragement of the younger players, his high commitment on the training pitch. He also stressed he pays no attention to forums, so wasn't aware of fans opinions on the likes of Chalmers.

Cook answered a question about the clubs goals. He started by saying we need to stop a losing mentality and develop a winning mentality. Continual planning and developing strategy, backed by ambition to get out of this league. But we're in this league because we deserve to be, we need to all work hard to get out of it. Wants to be a club that is renowned for punching above their weight. McPake said he has players like Kyle McDonald who know what it takes to get promoted, we need players with the right mentality. 

Cook answered the next question about how many season tickets we've sold and how do we count match day attendances. He said we've sold approximately 2,500 and that on match days we count those season tickets plus match day tickets sold, referred to this as a 'declared attendance''. The actual crowd is about 10 to 30% lower given those seats not filled by season tickets holders.

McPake spoke about the positives of having local youngsters in the team. It's an important factor in growing a bond in a community club. McDonald said Chris Hamilton is often heard developing a song for himself he hopes will be chanted on the terraces 🙂. He loves the Pars apparently. McPake said several premiership and championship clubs were after his signature but he wanted to come and further his career here, that's great news to me.

Cook was asked about the new name KDM EEP. He spoke about revenue etc, like you'd have expected. However he said Ian Jones from KDM insisted that EEP wouldn't be dropped and if it had been suggested, he'd have walked away.

On the dodgy auld PA system, apparently £60k to replace, so that would be better spent on the playing side. However, when we're better off financially it'll get replaced.

Last point is I asked if there was any signings incoming and were there any specific reasons for the lack of signings, inviting both Cook and McPake to answer. Cook said that they've committed to backing every request made by McPake for potential signings. He stressed that they're not just going out to get players that make up numbers, been too much of that in the last couple of seasons. They're looking for specific players with the right attributes and mindsets. McPake said he takes more of the blame here than the board for the lack of signings, maybe being too specific and he confirmed the board are backing him. They've been relentlessly been trailing a player and have made an offer, which the player still has on the table. They were sitting waiting on the call last Friday, but just couldn't get it over the line as the player just didn't say yes. They're sure that we will see players coming in before they can't sign anyone.

Hope this gives a flavour of what was discussed. Apologies for it being a bit sketchy in bits.

Appreciate that, really good run down of the event for the reader.  I presume when you say McDonald you mean Benedictus? 😉

[Piracy]

2 minutes ago, Rossmcno1 said:

Appreciate that, really good run down of the event for the reader.  I presume when you say McDonald you mean Benedictus? 😉

Yes 😂,  apologies,  been a long day.  I'll edit tomorrow some point 

[Piracy]

Sorted 

[Eastendtales]

Thanks for thr lengthy, detailed rundown.

Chris Hamilton, legend already.

[Legend85]

That's a fairly decent summary piracy pretty much what was said.

One thing I'm kicking myself about is the chat around transfers mcpake said he is trying to sign the right sort of player players that want to come and play for the pars so is it not strange the loan player who seems to have let them down the offer is stil on the table.

Should have asked that last night but you only think of these things after the event.

[SanguinePar]

Thanks very much for that detailed round up @Piracy

[Piracy]

1 hour ago, Legend85 said:

That's a fairly decent summary piracy pretty much what was said.

One thing I'm kicking myself about is the chat around transfers mcpake said he is trying to sign the right sort of player players that want to come and play for the pars so is it not strange the loan player who seems to have let them down the offer is stil on the table.

Should have asked that last night but you only think of these things after the event.

Yeah I agree.  It's hard to keep up and I was busy writing things down,  whilst trying to analyse the answers. Let's hope the players come in soon. 

[GG Riva]

On 23/08/2022 at 21:50, Superally said:

Piracy, if you can ask if the club will continue to support the schools initiative. They did brilliant work last year and I'm confident they brought in new young Pars supporters and was well regarded as a community initiative.

Cheers for that, Superally, but you're showing your age there. 🙂 The Schools Engagement Programme ran from 2014 until March 2020 when we went into lockdown due to Covid.

Hopefully, we'll get the green light from the club to re-start soon. Plenty of local primary schools have been in touch to register their interest recently, now that restrictions have been lifted.

[GG Riva]

1 hour ago, SanguinePar said:

Thanks very much for that detailed round up @Piracy

Hear, hear.

[Secure Par]

35 minutes ago, GG Riva said:

Cheers for that, Superally, but you're showing your age there. 🙂 The Schools Engagement Programme ran from 2014 until March 2020 when we went into lockdown due to Covid.

Hopefully, we'll get the green light from the club to re-start soon. Plenty of local primary schools have been in touch to register their interest recently, now that restrictions have been lifted.

The schools programme was great with the tour of EEP. 

[Digs]

11 hours ago, Piracy said:

Introduction, David Cook said they'd be 3 such supporters events this season. Mentioned a few positives, including season ticket sales, new sponsors coming onboard, and pointed out the great working relationship he has with James McPake. Chuffed with the start to the season. Concerns (along with the rest of society) about the challenging backdrop in relation to increasing costs due to the present energy situation. But positive about managing it. He stated we just need to keep working hard.

James McPake stressed his disappointment about the exit from the league cup (Premier Sports Cup) from a footballing perspective. However it's been the only disappointment so far footballing wise as we've had a good start to the league campaign. He did stress we were poor against Kelty last week and said we need to be more ruthless in games. Not being ruthless enough maybe a hangover from last season for some players.

Kyle Benedictus spoke about the positive start to the season and he said he is enjoying being at the club. There's a good squad spirit, good mix and balance of ability among the players.

Cook was asked about what he seen as the biggest shortcomings since coming to the club, also the biggest opportunities. He replied poor recruitment had been a big issue, this was a fact and they were determined to change this. They're working on improving process off field. Praised the previous board members for saving the club, but it was understandable they'd be fatigued after 10 years of hard work and they had acknowledged new investment and people were required to take the club forward. He sees real potential for growth and the resulting revenue will allow them to develop a lot of their plans. They have identified 13 initiatives so far, some are quick hits and some are longer term incremental growths. Not going to be easy to manage.

Next question for David Cook was are we still paying for former managers. Not willing to say one way or the other (probably legal implications), but either way it wasn't affecting the club in any way.

Then some question about going from 1 man up front to 3 strikers this season. Don't expect me to wax lyrical with detail here, tactics bore me rigid. However McPake did say we're not scoring enough goals even though we're creating chances so he's not too worried just now and won't crucify them but will keep working with the players to rectify it. Players are showing disappointment during the match and post match when not scoring more from the opportunities created. Again, he'll work with the players on their composure and build their confidence and he believes the goals will come.

Question asked to McPake was, did he have an ideal number regarding a squad number. He said during training sessions, 20 players and 2 keeper. Acknowledged we need to strengthen the squad. Next question, do we need wingers? McPake said he likes to play fullbacks high up the pitch, and believes that a formation is a formation and as long as we're creating chances he's happy. So doesn't see the need to play with out and out wingers all the time. Teams do and will come in to EEP and set out to frustrate up by sitting in. We have to counter that by breaking them down, he expects all his players to be flexible during games.

Regarding the training facility/academy, are we any further forward with it's development. Cook answered they're expecting final costings back for the building works then they'll create a timeline with priorities. Final planning submission for the floodlit 3G pitch expected to be processed in 2 to 3 weeks. I think it was also said that Grieg Shields has had the academy playing on the grass down there, but I can't substantiate that (was on ma phone). Shields feeling the benefit of not playing all over Fife with the laddies. Confirmation that we're not using Alloa's ground for training this season.

McPake spoke about being extremely impressed with East End and it's facilities, factor in him coming here. Said it was a better set-up than Dundee. Kyle Benedictus also said it was better than Dundee, and also Raith Rovers (guid c*nt). McPake spoke about the players hanging about after training and Benefictus agreed with that and went on to speak about a good team spirit, a closeness in the dressing room. He'd also like to see continued backing from the fans as well. McPake said that big noise from the crowd at home games was important and he said it was intimidating to opposition players.  He mentioned that they play music in the dressing room deliberately at high volume post match to pis$ off the opposition. They set out to annoy them, he wants opposition players to dread playing here. Again back to being too nice and welcoming to rival clubs. I personally dig this kind of patter.

McPake asked about Joe Chalmers performances and being picked on by a section of our support. He responded by saying he had never worked with Chalmers but was aware of him as a player. He backed Chalmers recent performances, his positive presence in the dressing room, his encouragement of the younger players, his high commitment on the training pitch. He also stressed he pays no attention to forums, so wasn't aware of fans opinions on the likes of Chalmers.

Cook answered a question about the clubs goals. He started by saying we need to stop a losing mentality and develop a winning mentality. Continual planning and developing strategy, backed by ambition to get out of this league. But we're in this league because we deserve to be, we need to all work hard to get out of it. Wants to be a club that is renowned for punching above their weight. McPake said he has players like Kyle Benedictus who know what it takes to get promoted, we need players with the right mentality. 

Cook answered the next question about how many season tickets we've sold and how do we count match day attendances. He said we've sold approximately 2,500 and that on match days we count those season tickets plus match day tickets sold, referred to this as a 'declared attendance''. The actual crowd is about 10 to 30% lower given those seats not filled by season tickets holders.

McPake spoke about the positives of having local youngsters in the team. It's an important factor in growing a bond in a community club. Benedictus said Chris Hamilton is often heard developing a song for himself he hopes will be chanted on the terraces 🙂. He loves the Pars apparently. McPake said several premiership and championship clubs were after his signature but he wanted to come and further his career here, that's great news to me.

Cook was asked about the new name KDM EEP. He spoke about revenue etc, like you'd have expected. However he said Ian Jones from KDM insisted that EEP wouldn't be dropped and if it had been suggested, he'd have walked away.

On the dodgy auld PA system, apparently £60k to replace, so that would be better spent on the playing side. However, when we're better off financially it'll get replaced.

Last point is I asked if there was any signings incoming and were there any specific reasons for the lack of signings, inviting both Cook and McPake to answer. Cook said that they've committed to backing every request made by McPake for potential signings. He stressed that they're not just going out to get players that make up numbers, been too much of that in the last couple of seasons. They're looking for specific players with the right attributes and mindsets. McPake said he takes more of the blame here than the board for the lack of signings, maybe being too specific and he confirmed the board are backing him. They've been relentlessly trailing a player and have made an offer, which the player still has on the table. They were sitting waiting on the call last Friday, but just couldn't get it over the line as the player just didn't say yes. They're sure that we will see players coming in before they can't sign anyone.

Hope this gives a flavour of what was discussed. Apologies for it being a bit sketchy in bits.

From the bits of the updates I could make out, this seems a fairly comprehensive view so thanks for doing that. I did it last time and it's not easy.

Some good points answered around the stadium, players coming in, the hold ups etc and at the very least gives some context to the situation with the players, if not concrete answers.