County in turmoil with chairman on verge of quitting after abusive calls (From South Wales Argus)
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County in turmoil with chairman on verge of quitting after abusive calls
7:00am Tuesday 17th July 2012 in Sport
Exclusive By Michael Pearlman
CONSIDERING FUTURE AT CLUB: Chris Blight
Newport County chairman Chris Blight is on the brink of quitting the club due to personal attacks that culminated in abusive phone calls to his house this weekend.
In an explosive interview the long-standing chairman also revealed that:
- Talks are ongoing with a group of businessmen keen to provide financial assistance to the club;
- The proposed cash injection would allow Justin Edinburgh to further strengthen his squad and sign a new contract;
- He feels potential investors are scared off by the level of criticism aimed at board members by supporters on messageboards;
- There is no rift between himself and Matt Southall, one of the men believed to be willing to make a financial contribution to the club
- He is furious over rumours that he would slow down/prohibit any potential cash injection to protect his own position as chairman;
- Whatever happens now he is likely to walk away from the club for family reasons and to protect his reputation in the local community.
Speaking exclusively to the Argus, an emotional Blight revealed that he feels he’s being unfairly victimised and scrutinised, based on hearsay stemming from inaccurate online speculation.
“This weekend is probably the lowest point I’ve experienced in almost ten years as chairman of the football club,” he said.
“On Sunday I received telephone calls, both to my mobile phone and home phone, with levels of abuse that were very distressing to both myself and my partner.
“I have given everything I have to this club for a decade. I’ve spent a lot of money out of my own pocket that I will never see again, and I did so willingly.
“Just a week ago I paid a painter £150 out of my own pocket to paint the new office at Rodney Parade. Over the years there have been hundreds of similar instances.
“I never, ever asked to be chairman of the club and when it comes to this, with my partner crying hysterically because of abuse on the telephone, you wonder if it isn’t in fact time to walk away.”
Blight’s anger is centred around a messageboard attack alleging that he stalled a move to bring in new financial backers.
In fact, he is eager for the potential investment to still occur and made clear that first contact was made on Thursday, July 5, between himself and Matt Southall, acting on behalf of a group of local business people. He asked the Argus not to name the backers.
Blight took the proposal to a board meeting on Tuesday, July 10, and then it was taken to the Trust committee on Wednesday, July 11.
E-mails were then exchanged between Southall and Blight on Wednesday evening.
After not hearing from Blight for six days, Southall offered to withdraw the offer, something Blight dissuaded him from doing – and discussions are now planned for later this week.
Despite accusations to the contrary, it is understood the group looking to invest in the club are NOT seeking to remove Blight from his position, though his departure is now the most likely scenario.
“One thing I am distressed about is the inference that there is a personal issue between myself and Matt Southall, that is categorically untrue,” he said.
“It is being presented to supporters that Matt wants me out and I’m refusing to budge, but that simply isn’t the case. Furthermore, I can state categorically that my position was that if it is in the best interests of the club, I would happily step aside. Now it is more the case that whatever happens, I think it is likely my time to step aside has come for my own reasons.”
Blight works in Newport and feels the level of criticism and scrutiny coming his way is unfair, and he rejects the accusation that he “answers to no-one”.
“We have two Trust members sitting in at every board level and, as far as I am concerned, the Trust is an authority, a regulator who we answer to, they police our decisions if you like,” he said.
“But by the same token, I can’t have my personal reputation damaged by working for Newport County. “The reason why people looking to come on board don’t want to be named is because they are professional people with business relationships in the city they don’t want to compromise.
“And if misrepresentations and accusations are going to fly around internet forums, that can call into question whether it is worth the bother of getting involved.
“We’ve lost directors that way, including John Bowkett last season. It is not helpful to anyone.”
The Argus understands he will make his decision later this week.
Matt Southall was unavailable for comment.
Comments(41)
countyno9
says...
8:58am Tue 17 Jul 12
lowandhardandinthecorner
says...
9:11am Tue 17 Jul 12
spanner100
says...
9:21am Tue 17 Jul 12
LSB Bee
says...
9:26am Tue 17 Jul 12
adrian simmonds
says...
9:32am Tue 17 Jul 12
Sleep on it, Chris,don't take such a decision based on inanities from such idiots.
Portugal96
says...
9:56am Tue 17 Jul 12
Clever Trevor
says...
10:01am Tue 17 Jul 12
He can hold his head high in the City no problem.I have visited many fans forums,but the County one is one of the worst,nothing ever positive,just constant complaining,if you were an investor,just visit that forum for 10 minutes,then go and put your money on a horse.
Like someone said on it earlier,the mods say they wont stand for anti Newport comments,but leave a thread "Blight Out" up and running for days spouting nonsense..Shame
County Till I Die
says...
10:37am Tue 17 Jul 12
ohc
says...
10:41am Tue 17 Jul 12
rhinestine
says...
12:23pm Tue 17 Jul 12
The vast majority of football fans are trouble makers and every chav and harry will be wanting to "support" the county now they are playing in a central location, which means problems in the City and surrounding areas from the Football supporters.
Not to mention the damage they could cause to the ground and club house if they decide to kick off.
Football has no respect from people outside the game, and their is no respect within the game, either on the pitch or off it, as amply demonstrated in this story.
If I were you Mr Blight, I would walk away now, it will only get worse.
Rugby only on the Parade!
rhinestine
says...
12:24pm Tue 17 Jul 12
The vast majority of football fans are trouble makers and every chav and harry will be wanting to "support" the county now they are playing in a central location, which means problems in the City and surrounding areas from the Football supporters.
Not to mention the damage they could cause to the ground and club house if they decide to kick off.
Football has no respect from people outside the game, and their is no respect within the game, either on the pitch or off it, as amply demonstrated in this story.
If I were you Mr Blight, I would walk away now, it will only get worse.
Rugby only on the Parade!
adrian simmonds
says...
12:35pm Tue 17 Jul 12
If County are to remain at Rodney Parade, our supporters will have to show by their conduct that we are worthy of it.
Let's not judge all supporters by the misconduct of a few.
adrian simmonds
says...
12:35pm Tue 17 Jul 12
If County are to remain at Rodney Parade, our supporters will have to show by their conduct that we are worthy of it.
Let's not judge all supporters by the misconduct of a few.
Matty639
says...
12:47pm Tue 17 Jul 12
Regarding Chris, I echo ohc in that he has done great work for the club, but in recent times when the club has attempted to move on we have let ourselves down in our lack of professionalism i.e. loan players having to go back, the lack of communication with trust members on the move to RP. If the club has any real ambitions to gain league status again then it needs to act professional on and off the pitch.
I would like to see the trust play a much more active role in the running of the club.
welshwarrior
says...
12:48pm Tue 17 Jul 12
Saying that, that certainly doesn't justify the abuse described in the article. I can understand the Chairman's frustration and anger. Those offences need to be dealt with properly by the police.
Matty639
says...
12:49pm Tue 17 Jul 12
adrian simmonds
says...
1:17pm Tue 17 Jul 12
rhinestine
says...
2:04pm Tue 17 Jul 12
Matty639 wrote:Yes we are in comparison to Football fans, we don't beat people up for having an away shirt on or shout vile abuse at refs and players.
rhinestine, what a completely ridiculous comment to make. I suppose rugby fans are perfect, except when they're drunk in the bar having rugby banter etc which results in property damage and abusive behaviour as well.
Regarding Chris, I echo ohc in that he has done great work for the club, but in recent times when the club has attempted to move on we have let ourselves down in our lack of professionalism i.e. loan players having to go back, the lack of communication with trust members on the move to RP. If the club has any real ambitions to gain league status again then it needs to act professional on and off the pitch.
I would like to see the trust play a much more active role in the running of the club.
I do hope that it works out that there is no problems in the city or at RP, and I hope that County are successful, but from experience, Football fans cause problems on a large scale, in city pubs etc, I do hope this is not the case.
I wish Mr Blight all the best if he decides to stay funding the club too.
Harvist
says...
3:01pm Tue 17 Jul 12
Matty639
says...
4:05pm Tue 17 Jul 12
Matty639
says...
4:17pm Tue 17 Jul 12
Clearly if your opinion doesn't match the SWA then it goes.
Adrian Williams
says...
4:29pm Tue 17 Jul 12
What a ridiculous comment
Kevin Ward - Editor
says...
4:45pm Tue 17 Jul 12
Your comment hasn't been removed. Therefore, not sure why you are complaining?
County Till I Die
says...
6:31pm Tue 17 Jul 12
rhinestine wrote:Rhinestine, try and get some balance in your comments please. It is obvious that you are just waiting for any little opportunity to "have a go" at Newport County AFC and it's supporters. Fine start to the ground share isn't it? Well done!
This is the difference between Football and Rugby, and that's why County should not be allowed to play Football on Rodney Parade.
The vast majority of football fans are trouble makers and every chav and harry will be wanting to "support" the county now they are playing in a central location, which means problems in the City and surrounding areas from the Football supporters.
Not to mention the damage they could cause to the ground and club house if they decide to kick off.
Football has no respect from people outside the game, and their is no respect within the game, either on the pitch or off it, as amply demonstrated in this story.
If I were you Mr Blight, I would walk away now, it will only get worse.
Rugby only on the Parade!
Matty639
says...
6:49pm Tue 17 Jul 12
Kevin Ward - Editor wrote:When I wrote the other comment it had. It was obviously reinstated.
Matty 639
Your comment hasn't been removed. Therefore, not sure why you are complaining?
the dork
says...
7:27pm Tue 17 Jul 12
LSB Bee
says...
8:24pm Tue 17 Jul 12
the dork wrote:why does that not surprise me
Change your telephone number and carry on I have to change mine every month
CaptainB
says...
10:45pm Tue 17 Jul 12
end of...
larneman
says...
10:58pm Tue 17 Jul 12
"Don't let the bastards grind you down".
rhinestine
says...
9:09am Wed 18 Jul 12
County Till I Die wrote:My comments about county are from experience, the majority of football fans, world wide, and that includes county are trouble makers, fact!
rhinestine wrote:Rhinestine, try and get some balance in your comments please. It is obvious that you are just waiting for any little opportunity to "have a go" at Newport County AFC and it's supporters. Fine start to the ground share isn't it? Well done!
This is the difference between Football and Rugby, and that's why County should not be allowed to play Football on Rodney Parade.
The vast majority of football fans are trouble makers and every chav and harry will be wanting to "support" the county now they are playing in a central location, which means problems in the City and surrounding areas from the Football supporters.
Not to mention the damage they could cause to the ground and club house if they decide to kick off.
Football has no respect from people outside the game, and their is no respect within the game, either on the pitch or off it, as amply demonstrated in this story.
If I were you Mr Blight, I would walk away now, it will only get worse.
Rugby only on the Parade!
When they are altogether chanting and swearing in public places, they like to antagonize people and try and make people feel frightened.
Bottom line is, Rugby supporters don't want football on our ground, and local people don't want all the problems that you lot will bring.
Mark my words, they will be problems from the football lot! lets see how much policing is required for a Cardiff v County game eh?? (if it were to happen)
NakedDancer
says...
11:04am Wed 18 Jul 12
However, the facts are finances dictate Newport rugby and footy need to groundshare and what investment is available can be foucused on one stadium.
Overall the groundshare pros exceed the cons and the decision is made so little point griping. Its exciting times and personally I cant wait.
Gareth
says...
12:24pm Wed 18 Jul 12
There are passionate sports fans in Newport. The minority are drunken idiots who cause damage ruin it for others. Arguing that supporters of one ball are worse than others... it's pointless and you just look immature.
If you don't like the other sport or fan, then ignore it.
..but don't set yourself up as an unelected spokesperson for all fans of the same shaped all, because we can speak for ourselves.
rhinestine
says...
12:46pm Wed 18 Jul 12
Gareth wrote:Fact is football fans are worse than rugby fans, you can speak for yourself, you already have, your obviously some kind of jack of all sports with no allegiance to one or the other.
Classic. We start with an article about a few moronic Newport footy fans attacking someone... and end up with rugby and footy fans having a pop at each other instead.
There are passionate sports fans in Newport. The minority are drunken idiots who cause damage ruin it for others. Arguing that supporters of one ball are worse than others... it's pointless and you just look immature.
If you don't like the other sport or fan, then ignore it.
..but don't set yourself up as an unelected spokesperson for all fans of the same shaped all, because we can speak for ourselves.
As a true rugby fan, football and it's fans can learn a lot from rugby, and the abuse Mr blight is suffering is a sad indictment of the wonderful sport of FOOTBALL!!
I hope it all turns out ok at RP, but the fact is it's a rugby ground and football should be played at a football ground.
Why don't county play on Tredeger park.......
Adrian Williams
says...
1:02pm Wed 18 Jul 12
Gareth
says...
1:29pm Wed 18 Jul 12
rhinestine wrote:I'm actually a rugby fan through and through, and a proud dragons seaon ticket holder, but hey, if you prefer to carry on assuming what others do and believe, then you keep digging fella.
Gareth wrote:Fact is football fans are worse than rugby fans, you can speak for yourself, you already have, your obviously some kind of jack of all sports with no allegiance to one or the other.
Classic. We start with an article about a few moronic Newport footy fans attacking someone... and end up with rugby and footy fans having a pop at each other instead.
There are passionate sports fans in Newport. The minority are drunken idiots who cause damage ruin it for others. Arguing that supporters of one ball are worse than others... it's pointless and you just look immature.
If you don't like the other sport or fan, then ignore it.
..but don't set yourself up as an unelected spokesperson for all fans of the same shaped all, because we can speak for ourselves.
As a true rugby fan, football and it's fans can learn a lot from rugby, and the abuse Mr blight is suffering is a sad indictment of the wonderful sport of FOOTBALL!!
I hope it all turns out ok at RP, but the fact is it's a rugby ground and football should be played at a football ground.
Why don't county play on Tredeger park.......
rhinestine
says...
1:59pm Wed 18 Jul 12
I am a Dragons season ticket holder and I have worn black and amber, so I will never accept football on RP, I was pointing out that the abuse Mr blight is getting is common place in football and it's not on, hence, I don't want to see RP torn up and local people in the city suffering due to some of the fans behavior.
No more digging, my arms are tired.......
Gareth
says...
2:21pm Wed 18 Jul 12
NakedDancer wrote:Dear County fans,
As someone that attends County, Dragons and Newport RFC matches - quite obviously the MAJORITY of football fans are not badly behaved or troublemakers. True, there is a different culture in football that attracts a minority of troublemakers and I agree the swearing is very unpleasant.
However, the facts are finances dictate Newport rugby and footy need to groundshare and what investment is available can be foucused on one stadium.
Overall the groundshare pros exceed the cons and the decision is made so little point griping. Its exciting times and personally I cant wait.
Welcome to our ground, Its a fab place, albeit a little worn around the edges... but that's just character.
You'll be closer to the action than ever before, and the players - your players at least - will tell you how much louder and passionate you all sound. ...and will give them that extra energy just when they really need it.
Hope you enjoy Dave Parade, but do us a favour and look after it.
Cheers boys.
LSB Bee
says...
2:47pm Wed 18 Jul 12
rhinestine wrote:It might be a good idea if the Dragons played there and Newport RFC and Newport County shared Rodney Parade...
Gareth wrote:Fact is football fans are worse than rugby fans, you can speak for yourself, you already have, your obviously some kind of jack of all sports with no allegiance to one or the other.
Classic. We start with an article about a few moronic Newport footy fans attacking someone... and end up with rugby and footy fans having a pop at each other instead.
There are passionate sports fans in Newport. The minority are drunken idiots who cause damage ruin it for others. Arguing that supporters of one ball are worse than others... it's pointless and you just look immature.
If you don't like the other sport or fan, then ignore it.
..but don't set yourself up as an unelected spokesperson for all fans of the same shaped all, because we can speak for ourselves.
As a true rugby fan, football and it's fans can learn a lot from rugby, and the abuse Mr blight is suffering is a sad indictment of the wonderful sport of FOOTBALL!!
I hope it all turns out ok at RP, but the fact is it's a rugby ground and football should be played at a football ground.
Why don't county play on Tredeger park.......
ncfcr
says...
3:21pm Wed 18 Jul 12
Some of the homophobic abuse I heard coming from the Hazell Terrace at Nigel Owens a few years back was an absolute disgrace, and the language of some regulars in the Argus terrace also left a lot to be desired.
adrian simmonds
says...
3:48pm Wed 18 Jul 12
Let's have a truce, support all 3 teams and see how this first season goes.
personally, i'd like nothing better than to see County get to the F.A. Cup third Round and be drawn home to Cardiff. Yes, all police leave would have to be cancelled and we'd obviously have a high - profile match with TV coverage but let's cross that bridge if and when we get to it.
The most important issue is getting 2000 through the gates every match and the prospects of that are not improved by negative comments here and on other sites.
My team is basically County but I follow the Dragons whenever they're televised and am lookng forward to moving to Usk in 2014, by which time there'll hopefully be a combined season tcket in operation whichh I'll take up.
NakedDancer says...
8:49am Tue 17 Jul 12
As he says, there are elected supporters directors to present the views of fans - everyone is entitled to an opinion but the club can't be run by hundreds of people.
He hasn't always got it right but its a tough job and he's put a lot of effort into a pretty thankless job on occasions and has been a presentable figurehead. Hopefully he will rise above it and still be involved in some capacity.