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Belfast_Boy
10-24-2012, 05:07 PM
Starting a new thread and hope to get the support of the group.

I realize not everyone felt comfortable protesting at a game or at Gate 4. some of us are too good looking to use a paper bag (Pete, I'm looking at you!)

I do think we can all agree that MLSE needs to do a couple of things. First, we need a president of football. Second, we would like better communications about the future of this club.

The Plan

i propose letters and emails to Tom Anselmi, the board and owners. contact info shouldn't be hard to find. emails are easy. but i think sitting down and writing a letter shows more passion and commitment.




I'd like to suggest we stick to two points.

1. bringing in someone with North American soccer experience with a proven track record as president.

2. If MLSE is already doing this we'd like to ask for a public announcement that this is the direction TFC is going. we have to be realistic, the hiring process could take time. a public commitment will go a very long way in winning us back.

I'd like to keep the correspondence respectful. If we want to be heard the message has to be delivered properly.

like Marshal McLuhan said, "It's not what you say, but how you say it!"

I will search for the rest of the addresses and hopefully find emails. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/anselmipic2_100412.jpg (http://redpatchboys.ca/inside_mlse/tom_anselmi_bio.aspx)

tanselmi@mapleleafsports.com
50 Bay St. Suite 500
Toronto ON M5J 2L2



http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_ltanenbaum.jpg

Scotia Plaza, Suite 2700,
40 King Street West,
Toronto, Ontario M5H 3Y2

Email: general@kilmergroup.com



http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_dlastman.jpg



dlastman@goodmans.ca



Bay Adelaide Centre
333 Bay Street, Suite 3400
Toronto, ON M5H 2S7


http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_nmohamed.jpg

nadir.mohamed@rci.rogers.com
333 Bloor Street East
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1G9



http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_erogers.jpg

1 Ted Rogers Way
Toronto ON M4Y 3B7


http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_mturcke.jpg

Mary Ann Turcke
EVP - Field Services
Phone: (416) 215-8100
Mobile: (416) 559-1148
Fax: (416) 971-6440
Postal Address: 483 BAY ST. (BTS) 6N TORONTO (Ontario) Canada M5G 2C9
Email: maryann.turcke@bell.ca

http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_gcope.jpg

George Cope
President and CEO - BCE Inc. & Bell
Phone: (416) 353-3500
Fax: (416) 345-8664
Postal Address: 1000 DE LA GAUCHETIERE O. 3700 MONTREAL (Quebec) Canada H3B 4Y7
Email: george.cope@bell.ca

We are good to go. phone numbers for Cope and Turcke are still the same.

Let's aim to start mailing next week. Any thoughts on this?

Fort York Redcoat
10-24-2012, 05:16 PM
I'd share your own msg to them here if I were you, M.

A good highlight would be "phrasing to avoid" to maximize how many voices get heard. We can only assume that the less crazy and accusatory they sound, the less of them SHOULD stay out of the round bin and on the desk where they belong.

Just suggesting. I'll consider what I'd like to say to new COO myself.

TOBOR !
10-24-2012, 05:27 PM
Does anyone have the contact info handy? Maybe this could be added to the OP.

Belfast_Boy
10-24-2012, 05:29 PM
Does anyone have the contact info handy? Maybe this could be added to the OP.

I have already found some. when I get the list completed I will add it to the beginning of the thread.

Belfast_Boy
10-24-2012, 09:09 PM
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_ltanenbaum.jpg
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_hdr.gif


http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_gcope.jpg
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_dlastman.jpg
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_nmohamed.jpg
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_erogers.jpg
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_mturcke.jpg




their goal is an interactive and engaging soccer experience. lets show them that we appreciate that commitment.

Alonso
10-24-2012, 09:15 PM
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_ltanenbaum.jpg
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_hdr.gif


http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_gcope.jpg
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_dlastman.jpg
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_nmohamed.jpg
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_erogers.jpg
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_mturcke.jpg




their goal is an interactive and engaging soccer experience. lets show them that we appreciate that commitment.


g:D

Interaction they shall have!

Code Red
10-24-2012, 11:20 PM
http://www.theaircanadacentre.com/assets/default/bod_ltanenbaum.jpg

Scotia Plaza, Suite 2700,
40 King Street West,
Toronto, Ontario M5H 3Y2

Email: general@kilmergroup.com

Damn, didn't know Larry's office is at Scotia Plaza. I used to work in that building. Would have paid him a visit and offered a coffee, along with a side of "Get your team's sh*t together". g:D

__wowza
10-24-2012, 11:27 PM
A good highlight would be "phrasing to avoid" to maximize how many voices get heard. We can only assume that the less crazy and accusatory they sound, the less of them SHOULD stay out of the round bin and on the desk where they belong.

this.

MartinUtd
10-24-2012, 11:39 PM
I think you've found the one group of people less receptive to a letter writing campaign than members of parliament.

Belfast_Boy
10-25-2012, 08:25 AM
I think you've found the one group of people less receptive to a letter writing campaign than members of parliament.

perhaps, but there's a hell of a lot of typing and writing on these boards that is either full of crap or ignored. why not do the same thing and try to effect change?

Belfast_Boy
10-25-2012, 09:00 AM
U Sector were invited again and they politely said no thank you.

Initial B
10-25-2012, 09:12 AM
How about this:


Dear Sir,

I have been a fan of Toronto FC for X years. I used to love going to BMO field on Game Day but lately there hasn't been much to enjoy - everyone seems to be going through the motions. I think this is because there has been no communication of direction or vision from the TFC Front Office since the firing of Aron Winter.

What Toronto FC needs right now is a dedicated, soccer-savvy President knowledgable about the North American game. This person should come from outside the organization with a mandate to build a winning soccer organization with minimal interference from the Board, such as Bryan Colangelo is doing with the Toronto Raptors.

I would like to recommend Peter Wilt as a possible candidate for the position. He has experience building up the Chicago Fire MLS team, is well respected in North American soccer circles, and has a sound organizational philosophy. He is also reported to have an interest in Toronto FC.

Thank you for considering this letter.


Sincerely,

<your name here>


Do you think that could work as a template? Would anyone care to build on this? Remember that when dealing with board members, they really don't have time to read long letters - they have to be short, succinct and to the point.

I just chose Peter Wilt because I think he is what TFC needs, but anyone can replace that paragraph with a brief description of their prefered candidate and reasons why he would be good for the job. That would at least help the Board come up with a short list of candidates since nobody else at MLSE seems to know what to do with TFC.

MisterMacphisto
10-25-2012, 09:19 AM
Great initiative.

If you REALLY want to get their attention, let them know your CC'ing their major partners (http://www.torontofc.ca/content/partners) that this is what you'd like to see as a supporter of the club.

Belfast_Boy
10-25-2012, 10:04 AM
How about this:



Do you think that could work as a template? Would anyone care to build on this? Remember that when dealing with board members, they really don't have time to read long letters - they have to be short, succinct and to the point.

I just chose Peter Wilt because I think he is what TFC needs, but anyone can replace that paragraph with a brief description of their prefered candidate and reasons why he would be good for the job. That would at least help the Board come up with a short list of candidates since nobody else at MLSE seems to know what to do with TFC.

I think that's great. I'd like people to post what they are sending in this thread. we can feed off each other for ideas.

Belfast_Boy
10-25-2012, 10:34 AM
for this to be effective we need numbers. to get numbers we have to stop all the in fighting and jabs at each other.
we need to be taken seriously. for that to happen we need passion, not anger.
Post your drafts and ideas in this thread. I'll work on contact info. Invite friends that are supporters to join in.

Belfast_Boy
10-25-2012, 12:12 PM
this is my first draft. it needs a little work. please let me know if I have any spelling or grammar mistakes.




Dear Tom

Hire a f--king president already!!!

Someone that knows what they are doing! Not like the asshats you already have working there!

Sincerely

Mark Ferris




g:D

Initial B
10-25-2012, 12:20 PM
Er, you might want to use a little more... um... tact. :eek:

You might also want to add that if the position goes to anyone in the organization you'll cancel your season tickets.

Belfast_Boy
10-25-2012, 12:24 PM
Er, you might want to use a little more... um... tact. :eek:

You might also want to add that if the position goes to anyone in the organization you'll cancel your season tickets.


yeah.... your letter is much better.

had to make a joke out of it. i'm getting too stressed about this stuff.

TOBOR !
10-25-2012, 12:35 PM
Nadir Mohamed's face looks like it was photoshopped onto his head at 90% ratio.

Razor
10-25-2012, 12:44 PM
U Sector were invited again and they politely said no thank you.

are you surprised? i wouldn't have even bothered asking them.
most (not all) of them probably enjoy the shit show they are seeing and would like more piled on top.

Walms
10-25-2012, 12:55 PM
Great initiative.

If you REALLY want to get their attention, let them know your CC'ing their major partners (http://www.torontofc.ca/content/partners) that this is what you'd like to see as a supporter of the club.

I think that's a brilliant idea... it will in the vary least help to get there attention and pay more serious attention to our message...... that being said, who has those email/mailing adress? might be hard to find

I'm keeping my letter short and to the point
-LOVE TFC & Love my city
-Afraid that the direction were going, will ulitamity lead to this clubs demise. the lose of fan interest and the general laughing stock this team has become vary ominous
-Bring in someone who can prevent this from happening and turn this Club into Something we are all proud of again!

lobo
10-25-2012, 12:55 PM
U Sector were invited again and they politely said no thank you.

To say their reply was polite is, well, far too polite on your part mark ... some of their replies were outrageously disgraceful and malicious.

Auzzy
10-25-2012, 01:02 PM
perhaps, but there's a hell of a lot of typing and writing on these boards that is either full of crap or ignored. why not do the same thing and try to effect change?

Ha, that's awesome!



Nadir Mohamed's face looks like it was photoshopped onto his head at 90% ratio.

Make sure to include that info in your letter to him. ;)

Belfast_Boy
10-25-2012, 01:11 PM
To say their reply was polite is, well, far too polite on your part mark ... some of their replies were outrageously disgraceful and malicious.

I'd be that angry too if I'd never seen a woman naked. or they had a hard day on WOW.

Belfast_Boy
10-26-2012, 04:43 PM
Sorry guys I've done nothing today about getting the other contact info.
Will try to do more on the weekend. If anyone else feels like chipping in I would appreciate it.

TFC07
10-26-2012, 04:58 PM
I suck when comes to writing letters, but I will try to write a short letter and get someone to edit it for me.

TFC07
10-26-2012, 05:10 PM
How about this:



Do you think that could work as a template? Would anyone care to build on this? Remember that when dealing with board members, they really don't have time to read long letters - they have to be short, succinct and to the point.

I just chose Peter Wilt because I think he is what TFC needs, but anyone can replace that paragraph with a brief description of their prefered candidate and reasons why he would be good for the job. That would at least help the Board come up with a short list of candidates since nobody else at MLSE seems to know what to do with TFC.

I wouldn't give suggestion who exactly they should hire. Just tell them to hire a president with soccer experience. But besides that, your letter is nice and short.

jloome
10-26-2012, 05:37 PM
How about this:



Do you think that could work as a template? Would anyone care to build on this? Remember that when dealing with board members, they really don't have time to read long letters - they have to be short, succinct and to the point.

I just chose Peter Wilt because I think he is what TFC needs, but anyone can replace that paragraph with a brief description of their prefered candidate and reasons why he would be good for the job. That would at least help the Board come up with a short list of candidates since nobody else at MLSE seems to know what to do with TFC.


Trust me on this: do NOT send a form letter, which is what a "template" is. Organizations generally don't respect them; they give them no sense of how tied the concern is to their consumer base. Personal messages that are polite are much more effective.

jloome
10-26-2012, 05:38 PM
Oh, and don't post your letters here. If someone was sending me a letter, I wouldn't want its contents publicly discussed before I'd had a chance to do so personally or privately.

Shakes McQueen
10-26-2012, 06:00 PM
Sent a letter to every member of the board today, and a slightly different one to Tanenbaum. This is a great idea, and I urge as many of you as possible to get involved.

EDIT: I'll let you know if I get anything back.

- Scott

Wull
10-26-2012, 06:54 PM
Sorry guys I've done nothing today about getting the other contact info.
Will try to do more on the weekend. If anyone else feels like chipping in I would appreciate it.

what do you need?

Belfast_Boy
10-26-2012, 08:31 PM
what do you need?


hey Will

In the first post I have the address for a Tom and a few of the board. just need an address for the last couple.

Belfast_Boy
10-27-2012, 11:57 AM
The address list is complete. Please check the first post in the thread. Lets try to co-ordinate when we mail them.
A week later we will email as a follow up.

jazzy
10-27-2012, 04:29 PM
I don't think the content is as important as a name and a e-mail...with simple polite points. It's the fact that we as paying supporters care enough to write....and aren't happy,.....short and sweet.....

Belfast_Boy
10-27-2012, 04:56 PM
I don't think the content is as important as a name and a e-mail...with simple polite points. It's the fact that we as paying supporters care enough to write....and aren't happy,.....short and sweet.....

Exactly Derek. Lets show our passion in a respectable manner. As Pete said doing that will keep the letter on the desk and out of the bin.

TorontoGooner
10-27-2012, 06:08 PM
I got a response, and I must be honest I was very impressed with the way in which Anselmi conducted himself. It''s difficult to be positive when there has been so much negative, but perhaps we can hope change is on its way....

Belfast_Boy
10-27-2012, 06:20 PM
I got a response, and I must be honest I was very impressed with the way in which Anselmi conducted himself. It''s difficult to be positive when there has been so much negative, but perhaps we can hope change is on its way....

he's a pro. you don't get to sit in that seat without it. but at the end of the day the proof is in action.
good job thanks for walking the walk!

TFC07
10-27-2012, 06:20 PM
I got a response, and I must be honest I was very impressed with the way in which Anselmi conducted himself. It''s difficult to be positive when there has been so much negative, but perhaps we can hope change is on its way....

Did you send an e-mail to Anselimi only? I am more interested read/hear what 6 members of MLSE board have to say about TFC.

Belfast_Boy
10-27-2012, 06:21 PM
Sent a letter to every member of the board today, and a slightly different one to Tanenbaum. This is a great idea, and I urge as many of you as possible to get involved.

EDIT: I'll let you know if I get anything back.

- Scott

awesome Scott. love that this is going somewhere.

TorontoGooner
10-27-2012, 06:23 PM
Did you send an e-mail to Anselimi only? I am more interested read/hear what 6 members of MLSE board have to say about TFC.

I have sent an email to several of the board members. Anselmi was the first to respond

TorontoGooner
10-27-2012, 06:25 PM
he's a pro. you don't get to sit in that seat without it. but at the end of the day the proof is in action.
good job thanks for walking the walk!

Agreed mate. But the email did suggest the are actively searching for a President, and perhaps through reading between the lines, a new Manager. Like I said, he took time out to respond personally on a weekend and I really respect that of him. This email thing has been a great idea and a fantastic way of diplomatically letting those who matter how we feel

moralis
10-27-2012, 06:57 PM
Hi TorontoGonner,

Can you share the e-mail response from Anselmi with us or do you prefer keeping it to your self. Hope you got some positive feedback. For me, it's hard to trust someone like him.

Also, can anyone find out when the town hall meetings begin with management. Last year it began in November.

jazzy
10-27-2012, 07:00 PM
Agreed mate. But the email did suggest the are actively searching for a President, and perhaps through reading between the lines, a new Manager. Like I said, he took time out to respond personally on a weekend and I really respect that of him. This email thing has been a great idea and a fantastic way of diplomatically letting those who matter how we feel

nicely put ....credit due to the instigator.......love the positive feel that this has become after all the ----ivity......thanks Mark....

Belfast_Boy
10-27-2012, 07:57 PM
Agreed mate. But the email did suggest the are actively searching for a President, and perhaps through reading between the lines, a new Manager. Like I said, he took time out to respond personally on a weekend and I really respect that of him. This email thing has been a great idea and a fantastic way of diplomatically letting those who matter how we feel


This is great news. Lets keep the ball rolling and the pressure up. When I met Tom he said football supporters are different than all others. A d we fucking are !!!

jazzy
10-27-2012, 07:57 PM
Sent letter.....as a STH btw, not as member of any group.....

Code Red
10-28-2012, 01:13 PM
Agreed mate. But the email did suggest the are actively searching for a President, and perhaps through reading between the lines, a new Manager. Like I said, he took time out to respond personally on a weekend and I really respect that of him. This email thing has been a great idea and a fantastic way of diplomatically letting those who matter how we feel

These are the minimum criteria for me to renew my season ticket. Mr Anselmi and Co have until November 23rd to have the personnel in place or at the very least prove their active search else I'm out. This ain't Leafs Nation.

jazzy
10-28-2012, 07:58 PM
got a reply from Mr. Anselmi.....he's certainly a step up from the glass tower ceo,:..... he agrees we built this franchise , and that he/the team owe us a great product and that they are actively searching for an "experienced knowledgable MLS leader"...it's difficult to criticize a company head for acknowledging the problem and essentially giving it a shot......if the team is fooked next year please please let us get a tough knowledgeable boss at least..........who can educate Mr. Mariner IF we're stuck with him.......

Wombat
10-29-2012, 03:48 AM
I don't think the content is as important as a name and a e-mail...with simple polite points. It's the fact that we as paying supporters care enough to write....and aren't happy,.....short and sweet.....

I sent a nice letter, 'short & sweet' to TFC senior management around six weeks ago - it was very polite & respectful warning of dire consequences re the club taking a big hit on season ticket renewals (crowds of 5-6,000 next season) and the reasons why.


I never received any form of reply, which with all their army of admin folks, account managers, etc, basically tells me they dont give a fuck about the rank & file TFC supporter.

I only ever wrote to a club once before, maybe twelve years ago to my home team Leicester City in the English premier league, and got a letter back signed by then boss, Martin O'Neill, thanking me for my time and input - whether they react to fan suggestions or not is beside the point. These clowns running TFC have NO IDEA how to run a successful football club and build a solid connection with the fan base. I stand by my prediction of regular crowds of 5-6,000 next year based on people not getting value for money from a season ticket, and picking a few games to go to live when it suits THEM, not the club.

TFC07
10-29-2012, 10:02 AM
It seems like only Anselmi is replying back to our e-mails. I don't think MLSE board gives a fuck about TFC.

jloome
10-29-2012, 11:13 AM
It seems like only Anselmi is replying back to our e-mails. I don't think MLSE board gives a fuck about TFC.

I wrote him a note about the team and then a followup about the Star article. He answered the latter, said he wasn't happy with it and that it's evident the team needs real leadership. That ...might be a good sign. Not sure if he realizes how deep the rot goes. He did say he wasn't going to get into who leaked it or who it benefited, but that he wasn't happy with the story and saw it for what it was.

TFC07
10-29-2012, 12:30 PM
I wrote him a note about the team and then a followup about the Star article. He answered the latter, said he wasn't happy with it and that it's evident the team needs real leadership. That ...might be a good sign. Not sure if he realizes how deep the rot goes. He did say he wasn't going to get into who leaked it or who it benefited, but that he wasn't happy with the story and saw it for what it was.

That's good to know.

Hopefully Anselmi isn't all talk and he actually fixes TFC FO in the off-season.

Belfast_Boy
10-30-2012, 08:05 PM
been laying low the past few days..... those there were at the halloween/next day party know why....

lets hit these guys. we have to make sure that they know experience is paramount. NOT an asshat! NOT COCKRANE! like enco mentioned in another thread, this management training has to stop!

ecospice
10-31-2012, 12:07 PM
I sent a polite email, as a STH (i.e. not identifying myself with a group). My email was in response to the email from my ticket rep informing me about the price cut, etc. and soliciting renewal. My email pointed out we need a president with NA experience and to improve the on-field product. The relevant parts of the response I got back about an hour and a half later is below:

... top-priority this off-season is definitely to get the on-field product better and get this team to a point where we can compete for a playoff spot as soon as next season.

[email goes on to blame injuries to key players.]

The team has a very solid core of 7-8 players ... that if we can bring in 3-4 proven MLS talents (Preferably a Box to Box midfielder, Veteran CB, winger, and quick MLS striker) then we should at least, on paper, be a competitive team...

[key players were named but I deleted them for the sake of keeping the post short]

With regards to hiring a club president, I’m not exactly sure what the plans are. I do know that now that it’s the end of season, the board of directors will review all the coaches and managers and will make a decision to get this team on the winning track.

I hope this helps and answers your questions and provides a bit more insight into the club. We’d love to have you back for another season and be a part of the rebuild. Once this team starts winning, BMO field will again be as loud as ever.

Email concluded by saying Mariner was an integral part of winning seasons in NE, which suggests to me the team is currently 100% behind his returning next year.

ryan
10-31-2012, 12:23 PM
then we should at least, on paper, be a competitive team...

Which is all MLSE understands, paper. Money, contracts, bullshit charities, etc. On court, on ice, on grass? No idea how to win there.

moralis
10-31-2012, 01:10 PM
Hi guys,

If you have time today please listen to this interview between TSN Radio host Gareth Wheeler and Jason Devos:

It sums up everything wrong with TFC and Jason offers suggestions on how to fix it:

Copy this link to your media player URL: http://iphone.tsn.ca/tsnpodcasts/jd%20oct%2030.mp3

If someone is thinking about writing a letter to Tom Anselmi or has already sent a letter to him please forward this link. A must listen.

Yagbod
10-31-2012, 02:35 PM
Free Raptors tix for early renewals of TFC Season's seats. It's like they want us to show up and wave the banners again!

Chevy
10-31-2012, 03:02 PM
Free Raptors tix for early renewals of TFC Season's seats. It's like they want us to show up and wave the banners again!

LOL. Hey kids, sign up for another year of shit and recieve a gift with purchase: MORE shit!

Smokecell
10-31-2012, 03:38 PM
Showed my support for this by firing off an email to TA myself, hope more follow suit to get the message out.

TFC07
10-31-2012, 03:54 PM
Free Raptors tix for early renewals of TFC Season's seats. It's like they want us to show up and wave the banners again!

I guess this means renewals aren't going well as excepted even though they have cut season ticket prices back.

jazzy
10-31-2012, 04:03 PM
Hi guys,

If you have time today please listen to this interview between TSN Radio host Gareth
Wheeler and Jason Devos:

It sums up everything wrong with TFC and Jason offers suggestions on how to fix it:

Copy this link to your media player URL: http://iphone.tsn.ca/tsnpodcasts/jd%20oct%2030.mp3

If someone is thinking about writing a letter to Tom Anselmi or has already sent a letter to him please forward this link. A must listen.
perfect....Jason.........it's amazing that
this time next year well be starting all over again.......unfortunate.....but hard to deny

jloome
10-31-2012, 04:14 PM
I'd also caution people against assuming Anselmi is actually answering his own email. He might well be letting Earl or someone else flunky-ish do it for him. I've run into that before with corporate types.

gomesv
11-01-2012, 06:05 AM
Sent my email to Tom yesterday, received a reply within a couple of hours. I was very straight forward, my main point being that before I committ to this team any further I want a CLEAR message from him on what the focus or plan for this team is. I told him that I was frustrated by the lack of communication we SSH are receiving about the direction the club is taking.

Having said that, I do believe based on what he wrote back that they are actively looking for the leadership that we have all been calling for (President/general manager).........I know fool me once,twice, but basically I have until the 23rd to see if he really means what he says.

At least he replied and it wasnt a scripted response as he addressed certain points I asked about.....have to give him respect for taking the time.

Fort York Redcoat
11-01-2012, 06:36 AM
I'd also caution people against assuming Anselmi is actually answering his own email. He might well be letting Earl or someone else flunky-ish do it for him. I've run into that before with corporate types.

I don't think that's Earl's wheelhouse now. If it ever was, but I believe you're right on the flunky-ish personnel doing that particular dirty work.

Canary10
11-01-2012, 11:46 AM
I don't think that's Earl's wheelhouse now. If it ever was, but I believe you're right on the flunky-ish personnel doing that particular dirty work.

That's the same with a politician. Still has impact though. In general in the political world, if you get a letter on an issue, you assume there are about 100 people thinking the same thing. If Anselmi gets 100 letters personally written (not form letters) on this, he's going to know it's an issue. Trust me. It's a great initiative and everyone should do it.

bones
11-01-2012, 01:04 PM
Here's what I wrote to Tom in hopes he takes it seriously and realizes, as I do, that now is the time to do the right thing and put in the right President.

---

It is with great concern that I write to you today regarding the state of Toronto FC’s leadership and coaching. As a season ticket holder since day one and passionate supporter of Toronto FC, I felt it was necessary to write to you. Not only am I a supporter of Toronto FC but I feel that I am somewhat of an ambassador for the team, having taken work colleagues from USA, Germany and Singapore to home games; all of which, to this day, ask me how the team is doing. My passion for the team does not stop there as I have traveled on many occasions to see Toronto play in other teams venues.


As a Toronto Raptors fan and season ticket holder, I fully supported the difficult decision that was made by the organization to fire the GM, Mr. Babcock, in hopes of filling the position with a person that could anchor the team and get them moving in the right direction. In my opinion, in 2006, the Raptors took a massive leap forward by hiring Mr. Colangelo. Bringing in a person of Brian’s caliber and giving him a clean slate to work with was critical to rebuilding the Raptors.


The reason I mentioned the Toronto Raptors and Mr. Colangelo is due to the fact that Toronto FC right now are at the same crossroads the Raptors were at in 2006 from a long term organizational perspective. The goals of both organizations were/are to try to make the playoffs in their respective leagues. They were not “compete for the championship” in their respective leagues. It takes a solid foundation of the right players, coaches, play structure and dedication to go from “compete for the playoffs” to “compete for the title”. I want both of my teams to develop all the foundations necessary to eventually become one of the teams that consistently “competes for a title” in their respective leagues. The Toronto Raptors, again in my opinion, are on pace to do that with Mr. Colangelo in place in the next two to three years. Toronto FC, however, are NOT on pace to even make the playoffs with their current coaching, players and play structure.


In 2006, it was time for a change for the Raptors. Key players were on option years or contracts had ended. The team had a significant amount of money to spend given the contract situation as well as the first overall draft pick. The team had many scouts looking in areas all over the world to bring players overlooked by many USA based teams because we could sell Toronto’s multicultural background. All of these tangibles exist today with Toronto FC, from the most allocation money to spend than any other team in the MLS, to contracts on option years or ending, to the first overall pick in the draft. Now is the time to bring in that MLS anchor as President and General Manager just as you did with Mr. Colangelo. It is critical that a person with an exceptional MLS background and contacts be brought in and be allowed to implement people, players and structure as needed to get Toronto FC headed in the direction of “Compete for the title” on a regular basis. I’m not saying we will be able to compete for a title next year even with this change, however, as with the Raptors, we MUST start putting the right people in at the top and let them get us there someday.


Thank you for your time.

starter
11-01-2012, 01:23 PM
Here's what I wrote to Tom in hopes he takes it seriously and realizes, as I do, that now is the time to do the right thing and put in the right President.

---

It is with great concern that I write to you today regarding the state of Toronto FC’s leadership and coaching. As a season ticket holder since day one and passionate supporter of Toronto FC, I felt it was necessary to write to you. Not only am I a supporter of Toronto FC but I feel that I am somewhat of an ambassador for the team, having taken work colleagues from USA, Germany and Singapore to home games; all of which, to this day, ask me how the team is doing. My passion for the team does not stop there as I have traveled on many occasions to see Toronto play in other teams venues.

...
I’m not saying we will be able to compete for a title next year even with this change, however, as with the Raptors, we MUST start putting the right people in at the top and let them get us there someday.
.

Good and balanced letter. How can you so no to this? :)

I sent mine this Monday, no response so far.

Belfast_Boy
11-01-2012, 01:25 PM
bones that's awesome. well put. sent an email myself to Tom today. no response yet.

bones
11-01-2012, 02:08 PM
Good and balanced letter. How can you so no to this? :)

I sent mine this Monday, no response so far.

I originally had some info stating that you can't compare Colangelo's experience in NBA to the combined experience of Cochrane and Mariner in the MLS and then went on to dissect how Mariner states the excuses of injury for the 14 game winless streak, yet fails to acknowledge that his 4-2-4 run was just after the boys were really coming together at the end of Winter's term. It came across as whiny so I cut it out. I hope I had just enough to hit the nail on the head for comparison of "top guy in his league running the show" to ... what we have in TFC land and THAT needs to change NOW.

Belfast_Boy
11-01-2012, 03:13 PM
I really hope the change doesn't come in the form of deVos or Dichio. I want proven leadership.

TFC Cityboy
11-01-2012, 08:29 PM
sent my letter today.
Dear All,

I am writing to you, as members of the MLSE board to try and wake you up to the disastrous state of affairs at Toronto FC.

Mr Anselmi: I know that you have made yourself accessible to the supporters and have even met with one of my acquaintances recently to discuss the management of the club, and for that I give you credit.
To the rest of the board: I have heard from other supporters that the feeling is that you view TFC as small potatoes in the family of teams you all manage. I would argue that we, as soccer fans, are more passionate and vociferous and more organized than hockey or basketball fans who appear to meekly accept that their teams will never compete for trophies under MLSE management. I’d advise you to listen to us and take a good look at the management “structure” at Toronto FC. We could be the tip of the iceberg for supporters across the sports teams you own.

I am one of the $50 club, paying a deposit the day after Mo Johnson and Jim Brennan met with us at the Duke of Gloucester in 2006. TFC didn’t even have a name then. I come from this as a season seat holder since the beginning. I attend every home game with my family in the south stand. I have followed soccer in the UK since the early 1970s and in Canada since I moved here in 1989 and consider myself to have a solid knowledge of the sport.

When TFC was founded, it was perfectly understandable to go into the 1st season with just Mo Johnson as GM and Coach. What you, as owners, have since failed to do is to set up a management structure at the club- a person (or persons) to act as the day to day management of the franchise, a person with solid knowledge of MLS and with excellent contacts within the game. We accept that, as owners, you are not soccer people. The fact you had to outsource (to Jurgen Klinnsman) the task of bringing in new management was an admission that you do not have the necessary management/directorship infrastructure at the club.
Earl Cochrane is not the guy for this role either. He simply is not qualified and is the one common thread back to day 1 at TFC. Hardly a record to be proud of.


You have invested generously in many areas- initially to bring the team to Toronto and since by bringing in DPs, replacing turf with natural grass and most importantly, investing heavily in the excellent academy in Downsview. Your investment in the academy will pay dividends in the longer term and I applaud your vision in this respect.
However, we find ourselves at the end of Year 6 with the Head Coach and Director of Soccer Operations as one and the same person. Where is the accountability here? It’s akin to having the Toronto Police investigate themselves after a major incident. It's amateurish, there is no accountability and it is destined to fail.

What you absolutely MUST do is appoint a respected soccer person as Director or Soccer at TFC. Let him decide if Paul Mariner is the man to take us forward. If not, let him bring in his contacts as coaching staff.
I , for one, would sooner see a long term vision with the right people, than give Mariner and Cochrane the "playoffs or pink slip" contract MLSE has them on. As has happened before with the Leafs, MLSE will sell the future for a shot at short term success, and I bet you it too will fail. Signing Eric Hassli to a DP salary when the season was lost already, at the expense of draft picks has MLSE management fingerprints all over it.

I would suggest to you that by appointing the right person as Director of Soccer, you will be taking the first step to right this ship. You need to work with respected people who know the sport in this country to recruit the right person. It may take several months…that’s ok…we are a patient and understanding bunch if we see a long term vision, and know it will take time to fix the issues on and off the field.

There were rumours last week that Adrian Heath of Orlando City was being offered the post of Asst Coach by Mariner with a view to take over in time, presumably with Paul moving upstairs. Once again this is a case of putting the cart in front of the horse. Mariner’s record is as poor as Winter’s, and the way he criticized Aron Winter at the final press conference was embarrassing and nothing short of a character assassination. I was cringing watching it.

Our club is a joke in the MLS world. It used to be the gold standard and the template for other new franchises.

The job of Head Coach at TFC is about in demand right now in the soccer world as the job of taste tester at XL Foods in Alberta.


Many of us are unhappy with Paul Mariner as Coach. I have added some links below that you should take a glance through and assess for yourselves (as educated and smart people) how the supporter base feels about him as the man to take us forward. I am attaching some links for your consideration to back up my belief that I view the situation the same way as many others.

These are just links from within the last 48 hours. You can imagine how many there have been over the past several weeks.
http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/10/30/3578796/mariner-and-cochrane-inspiring-no-one-since-2012 (http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/10/30/3578796/mariner-and-cochrane-inspiring-no-one-since-2012)

Supporters Groups discussing current management team. If the bedrock of support in the south stand is feeling this angry, it is reasonable to believe that many less –committed supporters’ anger has turned to apathy. Angry people still care. Apathetic people just walk away.
http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?33003-Mariner-Out-thread (http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?33003-Mariner-Out-thread)

and specific to the press conference at Downsview -30Oct 2012 http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?33006-TFC-post-season-media-scrum&p=1540101#post1540101 (http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?33006-TFC-post-season-media-scrum&p=1540101#post1540101)

Read the comments below this piece http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/10/30/toronto_fc_mls_paul_mariner_earl_cochrane/ (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/10/30/toronto_fc_mls_paul_mariner_earl_cochrane/)

Gerry Dobson‏@SNGerryDobson (https://twitter.com/SNGerryDobson)
More than 30 years in sports television. I've never heard a management team blame the previous regime quite like this. Wow#TFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash).


The reduction in season ticket pricing was a solid first step in appeasing the support base, but this was not the key issue for many of us. TFC simply must create the necssary soccer infrastructure at the club for its long term viability.

Thank you for your consideration and time.

jazzy
11-01-2012, 08:50 PM
Here's what I wrote to Tom in hopes he takes it seriously and realizes, as I do, that now is the time to do the right thing and put in the right President.

---

It is with great concern that I write to you today regarding the state of Toronto FC’s leadership and coaching. As a season ticket holder since day one and passionate supporter of Toronto FC, I felt it was necessary to write to you. Not only am I a supporter of Toronto FC but I feel that I am somewhat of an ambassador for the team, having taken work colleagues from USA, Germany and Singapore to home games; all of which, to this day, ask me how the team is doing. My passion for the team does not stop there as I have traveled on many occasions to see Toronto play in other teams venues.


As a Toronto Raptors fan and season ticket holder, I fully supported the difficult decision that was made by the organization to fire the GM, Mr. Babcock, in hopes of filling the position with a person that could anchor the team and get them moving in the right direction. In my opinion, in 2006, the Raptors took a massive leap forward by hiring Mr. Colangelo. Bringing in a person of Brian’s caliber and giving him a clean slate to work with was critical to rebuilding the Raptors.


The reason I mentioned the Toronto Raptors and Mr. Colangelo is due to the fact that Toronto FC right now are at the same crossroads the Raptors were at in 2006 from a long term organizational perspective. The goals of both organizations were/are to try to make the playoffs in their respective leagues. They were not “compete for the championship” in their respective leagues. It takes a solid foundation of the right players, coaches, play structure and dedication to go from “compete for the playoffs” to “compete for the title”. I want both of my teams to develop all the foundations necessary to eventually become one of the teams that consistently “competes for a title” in their respective leagues. The Toronto Raptors, again in my opinion, are on pace to do that with Mr. Colangelo in place in the next two to three years. Toronto FC, however, are NOT on pace to even make the playoffs with their current coaching, players and play structure.


In 2006, it was time for a change for the Raptors. Key players were on option years or contracts had ended. The team had a significant amount of money to spend given the contract situation as well as the first overall draft pick. The team had many scouts looking in areas all over the world to bring players overlooked by many USA based teams because we could sell Toronto’s multicultural background. All of these tangibles exist today with Toronto FC, from the most allocation money to spend than any other team in the MLS, to contracts on option years or ending, to the first overall pick in the draft. Now is the time to bring in that MLS anchor as President and General Manager just as you did with Mr. Colangelo. It is critical that a person with an exceptional MLS background and contacts be brought in and be allowed to implement people, players and structure as needed to get Toronto FC headed in the direction of “Compete for the title” on a regular basis. I’m not saying we will be able to compete for a title next year even with this change, however, as with the Raptors, we MUST start putting the right people in at the top and let them get us there someday.


Thank you for your time.

well thought out!

jazzy
11-01-2012, 08:55 PM
I really hope the change doesn't come in the form of deVos or Dichio. I want proven leadership.

true, but I was impressed with DeVos's Canadain/MLS approach.......much better direction than now ......

Belfast_Boy
11-01-2012, 09:02 PM
true, but I was impressed with DeVos's Canadain/MLS approach.......much better direction than now ......

Derek it can't get much worse than dead last.

my cat could manage a similar record.

Belfast_Boy
11-02-2012, 11:44 AM
sent my letter today.
Dear All,

I am writing to you, as members of the MLSE board to try and wake you up to the disastrous state of affairs at Toronto FC.

Mr Anselmi: I know that you have made yourself accessible to the supporters and have even met with one of my acquaintances recently to discuss the management of the club, and for that I give you credit.
To the rest of the board: I have heard from other supporters that the feeling is that you view TFC as small potatoes in the family of teams you all manage. I would argue that we, as soccer fans, are more passionate and vociferous and more organized than hockey or basketball fans who appear to meekly accept that their teams will never compete for trophies under MLSE management. I’d advise you to listen to us and take a good look at the management “structure” at Toronto FC. We could be the tip of the iceberg for supporters across the sports teams you own.

I am one of the $50 club, paying a deposit the day after Mo Johnson and Jim Brennan met with us at the Duke of Gloucester in 2006. TFC didn’t even have a name then. I come from this as a season seat holder since the beginning. I attend every home game with my family in the south stand. I have followed soccer in the UK since the early 1970s and in Canada since I moved here in 1989 and consider myself to have a solid knowledge of the sport.

When TFC was founded, it was perfectly understandable to go into the 1st season with just Mo Johnson as GM and Coach. What you, as owners, have since failed to do is to set up a management structure at the club- a person (or persons) to act as the day to day management of the franchise, a person with solid knowledge of MLS and with excellent contacts within the game. We accept that, as owners, you are not soccer people. The fact you had to outsource (to Jurgen Klinnsman) the task of bringing in new management was an admission that you do not have the necessary management/directorship infrastructure at the club.
Earl Cochrane is not the guy for this role either. He simply is not qualified and is the one common thread back to day 1 at TFC. Hardly a record to be proud of.


You have invested generously in many areas- initially to bring the team to Toronto and since by bringing in DPs, replacing turf with natural grass and most importantly, investing heavily in the excellent academy in Downsview. Your investment in the academy will pay dividends in the longer term and I applaud your vision in this respect.
However, we find ourselves at the end of Year 6 with the Head Coach and Director of Soccer Operations as one and the same person. Where is the accountability here? It’s akin to having the Toronto Police investigate themselves after a major incident. It's amateurish, there is no accountability and it is destined to fail.

What you absolutely MUST do is appoint a respected soccer person as Director or Soccer at TFC. Let him decide if Paul Mariner is the man to take us forward. If not, let him bring in his contacts as coaching staff.
I , for one, would sooner see a long term vision with the right people, than give Mariner and Cochrane the "playoffs or pink slip" contract MLSE has them on. As has happened before with the Leafs, MLSE will sell the future for a shot at short term success, and I bet you it too will fail. Signing Eric Hassli to a DP salary when the season was lost already, at the expense of draft picks has MLSE management fingerprints all over it.

I would suggest to you that by appointing the right person as Director of Soccer, you will be taking the first step to right this ship. You need to work with respected people who know the sport in this country to recruit the right person. It may take several months…that’s ok…we are a patient and understanding bunch if we see a long term vision, and know it will take time to fix the issues on and off the field.

There were rumours last week that Adrian Heath of Orlando City was being offered the post of Asst Coach by Mariner with a view to take over in time, presumably with Paul moving upstairs. Once again this is a case of putting the cart in front of the horse. Mariner’s record is as poor as Winter’s, and the way he criticized Aron Winter at the final press conference was embarrassing and nothing short of a character assassination. I was cringing watching it.

Our club is a joke in the MLS world. It used to be the gold standard and the template for other new franchises.

The job of Head Coach at TFC is about in demand right now in the soccer world as the job of taste tester at XL Foods in Alberta.


Many of us are unhappy with Paul Mariner as Coach. I have added some links below that you should take a glance through and assess for yourselves (as educated and smart people) how the supporter base feels about him as the man to take us forward. I am attaching some links for your consideration to back up my belief that I view the situation the same way as many others.

These are just links from within the last 48 hours. You can imagine how many there have been over the past several weeks.
http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/10/30/3578796/mariner-and-cochrane-inspiring-no-one-since-2012 (http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/10/30/3578796/mariner-and-cochrane-inspiring-no-one-since-2012)

Supporters Groups discussing current management team. If the bedrock of support in the south stand is feeling this angry, it is reasonable to believe that many less –committed supporters’ anger has turned to apathy. Angry people still care. Apathetic people just walk away.
http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?33003-Mariner-Out-thread (http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?33003-Mariner-Out-thread)

and specific to the press conference at Downsview -30Oct 2012 http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?33006-TFC-post-season-media-scrum&p=1540101#post1540101 (http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?33006-TFC-post-season-media-scrum&p=1540101#post1540101)

Read the comments below this piece http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/10/30/toronto_fc_mls_paul_mariner_earl_cochrane/ (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/10/30/toronto_fc_mls_paul_mariner_earl_cochrane/)

Gerry Dobson‏@SNGerryDobson (https://twitter.com/SNGerryDobson)
More than 30 years in sports television. I've never heard a management team blame the previous regime quite like this. Wow#TFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash).


The reduction in season ticket pricing was a solid first step in appeasing the support base, but this was not the key issue for many of us. TFC simply must create the necssary soccer infrastructure at the club for its long term viability.

Thank you for your consideration and time.

nice, I like the bit about long term future instead of Mariner and Cockrane now.

DichioTFC
11-02-2012, 12:16 PM
I got a response back from Tom two hours after I sent it. Without going too much in detail, in my email I mentioned that I appreciated his responses so I was encouraged to send an email of my own. I highlighted three areas of concern (President of football, open communication and improving game day atmosphere).


Nav
I have received a number of emails and am doing my best to respond. But thanks for yours , it is not only well articulated but right on the money.
This year was a huge disappointment. It started with some promise at the Rogers center but quickly unraveled and where we find ourselves is unacceptable. Clearly there is a leadership void at the top of our soccer operation and we are working on that. And I agree, it needs to be someone with experience in the league and a track record of success.
Without getting into the specifics of your other comments, I agree with them and have already asked the business team to look at every aspect of the operation. We need to turn around the team and then we need to make it and ourselves more accessible to our supporters.
In the interim, I can tell you we are committed to making that happen and making you proud of this club again. That I promise and I appreciate the patience you have shown and you commitment in helping be part of the solution.
Thanks
Tom

It's a classy move to respond to all the incoming correspondence, especially from an upset constituency. I'm glad he acknowledges the leadership void and the need to resolve this issue. From here actions will speak loudly, but I am pleased that Tom took the time to respond. Until that position is filled, I'll be waiting to see what happens.

ryan
11-02-2012, 01:08 PM
Derek it can't get much worse than dead last.

my cat could manage a similar record.

Would your cat wear shorts or a suit?

Yagbod
11-02-2012, 01:15 PM
Richard Whittall from The Score, whom I normally diagree with, wrote a decent piece today about the lack of an experienced football president at MLSE.

Worth a read:

http://blogs.thescore.com/footyblog/2012/11/02/the-paul-peschisolido-memorial-canadian-content-post-paul-mariner-is-a-symptom-of-a-bigger-problem-at-toronto-fc/

Belfast_Boy
11-02-2012, 01:25 PM
I got a response back from Tom two hours after I sent it. Without going too much in detail, in my email I mentioned that I appreciated his responses so I was encouraged to send an email of my own. I highlighted three areas of concern (President of football, open communication and improving game day atmosphere).



It's a classy move to respond to all the incoming correspondence, especially from an upset constituency. I'm glad he acknowledges the leadership void and the need to resolve this issue. From here actions will speak loudly, but I am pleased that Tom took the time to respond. Until that position is filled, I'll be waiting to see what happens.

good stuff, thanks for posting it.

we must be driving them nuts! what a great frigging idea!

TFC Cityboy
11-03-2012, 04:11 PM
Reply from Tom Anselmi - actually gives me some hope that he gets it at last.

Richard
Thanks for your note and my apologies for not getting back to you sooner.
I agree with everything you are saying and we are working on putting the right, MLS experienced, executive in place to lead our overall Soccer operations. Aron Winter was set up with those responsibilities but clearly that didn't work out.
This year was a huge disappointment . What started with such promise in Champions league in March in front of 50,000 fans , quickly digressed. Unacceptable and we are committed to fixing it. I agree with everything in your letter except for one small point. I can assure you that our ownership does not take TFC for granted or think of it is " small potatoes." We believe in soccer and see it as a vital part of MLSE with enormous potential. Clearly we have to most passionate fans in the league and perhaps in Toronto. You built this club and changed the league forever. You have done your job and we owe it to you to put a team on the pitch we are all proud of.
The right leader is the vital first step and that person will have the authority to determine all people decisions, including head coach.
Thanks again for the note and thanks for your patience and commitment .
Have a great weekend
Tom

Belfast_Boy
11-03-2012, 04:55 PM
Reply from Tom Anselmi - actually gives me some hope that he gets it at last.

Richard
Thanks for your note and my apologies for not getting back to you sooner.
I agree with everything you are saying and we are working on putting the right, MLS experienced, executive in place to lead our overall Soccer operations. Aron Winter was set up with those responsibilities but clearly that didn't work out.
This year was a huge disappointment . What started with such promise in Champions league in March in front of 50,000 fans , quickly digressed. Unacceptable and we are committed to fixing it. I agree with everything in your letter except for one small point. I can assure you that our ownership does not take TFC for granted or think of it is " small potatoes." We believe in soccer and see it as a vital part of MLSE with enormous potential. Clearly we have to most passionate fans in the league and perhaps in Toronto. You built this club and changed the league forever. You have done your job and we owe it to you to put a team on the pitch we are all proud of.
The right leader is the vital first step and that person will have the authority to determine all people decisions, including head coach.
Thanks again for the note and thanks for your patience and commitment .
Have a great weekend
Tom


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wxywSb4UZRw/TIJqYrmvtRI/AAAAAAAAAMY/eSTnPMoIGeY/s1600/Burns+Excellent.jpg

love it! they obviously screwed with the wrong people.
Aron under the bus again. they are sticking to their story.
the worst part of the recent Mariner stories is his lack of accountability. never thought he was a good choice, but now I don't respect him. no balls in those shorts.

GlenM
11-03-2012, 05:38 PM
Great to hear Mark.

Good stuff man.

GlenM

moralis
11-03-2012, 06:42 PM
Tom says an MLS type president will be hired. Can someone follow up with Tom asking if that process has started and when he thinks he will be presented to the fans and media. Hopefully before November 23 when the season ticket deadline ends.

Could Peter Wilt be that president?

TFC07
11-03-2012, 07:09 PM
Tom says an MLS type president will be hired. Can someone follow up with Tom asking if that process has started and when he thinks he will be presented to the fans and media. Hopefully before November 23 when the season ticket deadline ends.

Could Peter Wilt be that president?

If Tom says we're getting MLS type of president, then Peter Wilt has to be top of their list.

Belfast_Boy
11-03-2012, 08:17 PM
Tom says an MLS type president will be hired. Can someone follow up with Tom asking if that process has started and when he thinks he will be presented to the fans and media. Hopefully before November 23 when the season ticket deadline ends.

Could Peter Wilt be that president?

Already done. Waiting for an answer.
Peter was brought up and it doesn't sound like its happening. But who knows we will see.

TFC Cityboy
11-03-2012, 09:18 PM
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wxywSb4UZRw/TIJqYrmvtRI/AAAAAAAAAMY/eSTnPMoIGeY/s1600/Burns+Excellent.jpg

love it! they obviously screwed with the wrong people.
Aron under the bus again. they are sticking to their story.
the worst part of the recent Mariner stories is his lack of accountability. never thought he was a good choice, but now I don't respect him. no balls in those shorts.

Was Aron hired as DIRECTOR of Soccer as well as Head Coach? Can't recall. If not, I'll challenege Tom on that. Agree, again they are throwing Aron undewr the bus.
Will be happy to go back to Tom with comments and if anyone wants to send me some, rather than write themselves, I'll include.
Cheers

prizby
11-04-2012, 08:27 AM
There are some great letters here...I read every single one of them that have been posted. The ball is now in TA's court; lets see how he choose to return the serve.

gomesv
11-04-2012, 11:03 AM
Already done. Waiting for an answer.
Peter was brought up and it doesn't sound like its happening. But who knows we will see.


I dont know if we are being snowed or what, or if Tom is just waiting us out on renewal stats, but as I posted on another thread, I spoke with my rep when he called me asking about renewals...I told him to call me back when Mariner is gone or they hire a proper GM/President....he basically told me that its not happening that they have all been told that Mariner is the guy going forward and all soccer related descisions start and stop with him. Not word for word but he was very insistant in telling me that if Im waiting untill deadline to renew, dont count on any changes at the top.......just and FYI

Eagerly awaiting your reply Belfast, but I get this feeling if renewal move well, he's going to F**K us again.

ag futbol
11-04-2012, 11:32 AM
Was Aron hired as DIRECTOR of Soccer as well as Head Coach? Can't recall. If not, I'll challenege Tom on that. Agree, again they are throwing Aron undewr the bus.
Will be happy to go back to Tom with comments and if anyone wants to send me some, rather than write themselves, I'll include.
Cheers
Agreed, Aron was an all-in-one package.

Clearly, we need someone further up the food chain who is not the coach of the team.

Belfast_Boy
11-04-2012, 03:39 PM
I dont know if we are being snowed or what, or if Tom is just waiting us out on renewal stats, but as I posted on another thread, I spoke with my rep when he called me asking about renewals...I told him to call me back when Mariner is gone or they hire a proper GM/President....he basically told me that its not happening that they have all been told that Mariner is the guy going forward and all soccer related descisions start and stop with him. Not word for word but he was very insistant in telling me that if Im waiting untill deadline to renew, dont count on any changes at the top.......just and FYI

Eagerly awaiting your reply Belfast, but I get this feeling if renewal move well, he's going to F**K us again.

I hope they are seriously looking for a prez. They will be left with the job of firing Mariner.
I really doubt I will get an answer.

Kyle_121
11-04-2012, 06:00 PM
I feel bad for anyone who thinks Asselmi is going to do anything positive for the club. The guy is about as trustworthy as a used car salesman running for public office.

mdc 77
11-05-2012, 12:41 PM
I wrote an email to Tom, was worried about this one line. I hope he meant MLS;


I can assure you I am in the process of hiring an experienced , respected , MLSE savvy person with a track record of success to lead the overall soccer operation.

lobo
11-05-2012, 02:37 PM
I wrote an email to Tom, was worried about this one line. I hope he meant MLS;

here we go again ... MLSE savvy LOL ... i would have fired straight back to question that.

bones
11-06-2012, 03:32 PM
Any other letters/responses? We have to keep the heat up. All these *insert player name here* says Mariner is the right man articles on TorontoFC.CA page is giving me the creeps that it's going to be status quo.

TFC Cityboy
11-06-2012, 03:45 PM
I followed up with TA -regarding the search for a President and whether he would have carte blanche to boot out existing staff.

From: Richard Barter
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 10:23 AM
To: Tom Anselmi
Cc: general@kilmergroup.com; dlastman@goodmans.ca; nadir.mohamed@rci.rogers.com; maryann.turcke@bell.ca; george.cope@bell.ca; edward.rogers@rci.rogers.com
Subject: RE: Toronto FC - major concerns from a Day 1 season ticket holder.


Tom,

Thanks for your response. I had kind of expected a standard reply and greatly appreciate you taking the time to reply personally and address a few points.
I know that when asked by Craig Forrest recently you could not name whose advice you would be taking in making such an appointment. Without naming names, can you assure me (and other supporters) that MLSE is taking good advice from the right people in this regard?

Whilst many of us want an appointment to be made asap, it is more important to take the correct advice from respected sources and appoint the right person, even if that takes a while longer.
This decision is critical in sending us down the correct path and I wish you success in this regard, as does anyone with the long term success and viability of TFC in mind.

I trust that whoever is appointed will be permitted to assess the staff currently in positions of management and make his own decisions on their respective futures, regardless of your pronouncement that the current management is in place for 2013.
Thanks again for your time and frankness in discussing this.

Richard Barter


ANSWER
Richard, thanks and appreciate the support. You can assume that we are doing all the required due diligence and you can assume the person will have authority to assess all of the positions in the organization. Thanks again, talk soon

___________________________________________
Tom Anselmi
President & C.O.O.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
50 Bay Street | Suite 500
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2L2
(416) 815-5493
Tom.Anselmi@MLSE.com

DangerRed
11-06-2012, 04:15 PM
ANSWER
Richard, thanks and appreciate the support. You can assume that we are doing all the required due diligence and you can assume the person will have authority to assess all of the positions in the organization. Thanks again, talk soon



Right, the person they hire will have the "authority to assess." So they'll come in, they'll wait a little and "assess," and then say: "I plan to continue to rely on Paul's deep MLS experience and keen eye for talent, as well as the lessons he learned in steering the team through its most difficult and challenging season ever."

Again, I tells ya: it will be VERY surprising if Uncle Paul isn't in charge at the start of the 2013 campaign. If you renewed, you renewed for another year of Mariner. I hope to be proven very wrong on this, but everything I've heard so far has been to the contrary and the PR groundwork (ie player endorsement articles of Mariner, the fact that he's off on a "scouting" mission to the UK) has already been laid for it.

Wull
11-06-2012, 04:31 PM
Right, the person they hire will have the "authority to assess." So they'll come in, they'll wait a little and "assess," and then say: "I plan to continue to rely on Paul's deep MLS experience and keen eye for talent, as well as the lessons he learned in steering the team through its most difficult and challenging season ever."

Again, I tells ya: it will be VERY surprising if Uncle Paul isn't in charge at the start of the 2013 campaign. If you renewed, you renewed for another year of Mariner. I hope to be proven very wrong on this, but everything I've heard so far has been to the contrary and the PR groundwork (ie player endorsement articles of Mariner, the fact that he's off on a "scouting" mission to the UK) has already been laid for it.

if that's the case we may be one of those rare teams where the fans are protesting during the first game of the season, depending on the mood and will of the support at the time

prizby
11-06-2012, 06:07 PM
if that's the case we may be one of those rare teams where the fans are protesting during the first game of the season, depending on the mood and will of the support at the time

ala Blackburn

manitou22
11-06-2012, 06:23 PM
I dont know if we are being snowed or what, or if Tom is just waiting us out on renewal stats, but as I posted on another thread, I spoke with my rep when he called me asking about renewals...I told him to call me back when Mariner is gone or they hire a proper GM/President....he basically told me that its not happening that they have all been told that Mariner is the guy going forward and all soccer related descisions start and stop with him. Not word for word but he was very insistant in telling me that if Im waiting untill deadline to renew, dont count on any changes at the top.......just and FYI

Eagerly awaiting your reply Belfast, but I get this feeling if renewal move well, he's going to F**K us again.

You never know. In mid-August my rep told me "there's no way there will be a price decrease".

ensco
11-06-2012, 07:10 PM
I think Anselmi's a nice guy, his heart has always been in the right place, but so what? I thought the same thing of Aron Winter.

Anselmi himself is the "soccer president", asking him about a soccer president is a bit pointless.

I really don't care to hear Anselmi explain that TFC aren't small potatoes. That question is for a member of the Board. But I guess they'd all swear on their mothers' graves how important TFC is. It's all hot air.

It is blatantly obvious that the Board do in fact see TFC as small potatoes, because nobody who thought TFC was important would allow Anselmi to continue in his current role at TFC. There is no example of this level of ineptitude anywhere in the world, ever, in any sport, that didn't result in the termination of the person in Anselmi's role.

We can only speculate as to why that is: my guess is that the whole TFC operation is being used as a management training exercise for Anselmi, just in case he winds up as MLSE CEO.

Respect to those who wrote letters. Some very good ones here.

narduch
11-07-2012, 09:19 AM
You can tell how seriously MLSE cares about TFC by Anselmi's promotion. When Anselmi was promoted they did not fill his position at TFC. Anselmi was planning to continue in his role.

I actually have no faith in Anselmi and MLSE to hire a proper leader for TFC. My guess is we get a yes-man who takes the job and is handcuffed with Cochrane and Mariner. They will make retaining Cochrane and Mariner part of the job. (Of course Mariner will be the new scapegoat at the start of the 2013 season if things go bad).

gcolacci
11-07-2012, 09:32 AM
I sent in the generic letter that was posted on the first page

Dear Tom,

I have been a fan of Toronto FC from day one. I used to love going to BMO field on Game Day but lately there hasn't been much to enjoy - everyone seems to be going through the motions. I think this is because there has been no communication of direction or vision from the TFC Front Office since the firing of Aron Winter.

What Toronto FC needs right now is a dedicated, soccer-savvy President knowledgeable about the North American game. This person should come from outside the organization with a mandate to build a winning soccer organization with minimal interference from the Board, such as Bryan Colangelo is doing with the Toronto Raptors.

I would like to recommend Peter Wilt as a possible candidate for the position. He has experience building up the Chicago Fire MLS team, is well respected in North American soccer circles, and has a sound organizational philosophy. He is also reported to have an interest in Toronto FC.

Thank you for considering this letter. I hope that you can find the time to respond as I found the time to reach out.


Sincerely,

Gaetano Colacci

_____________


And i got a response the same day. not sure if this is a generic response, but happy enough to get one


--------

Thanks for your note.
Clearly this year was a major disappointment.
I agree with you entirely, we need an experienced , proven leader, who knows the North American game and we are committed to finding that person as soon as possible. Aron Winter had that level of responsibility but unfortunately it did not work out.
Thanks again for your memo, and please know how much we appreciate your loyalty and patience. Our supporters built this club and we plan to turn things around and make you proud again


___________________________________________
Tom Anselmi
President & C.O.O.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
50 Bay Street | Suite 500
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2L2
(416) 815-5493 (tel:%28416%29%20815-5493)
Tom.Anselmi@MLSE.com

Belfast_Boy
11-08-2012, 05:06 PM
I followed up with TA -regarding the search for a President and whether he would have carte blanche to boot out existing staff.

From: Richard Barter
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 10:23 AM
To: Tom Anselmi
Cc: general@kilmergroup.com; dlastman@goodmans.ca; nadir.mohamed@rci.rogers.com; maryann.turcke@bell.ca; george.cope@bell.ca; edward.rogers@rci.rogers.com
Subject: RE: Toronto FC - major concerns from a Day 1 season ticket holder.


Tom,

Thanks for your response. I had kind of expected a standard reply and greatly appreciate you taking the time to reply personally and address a few points.
I know that when asked by Craig Forrest recently you could not name whose advice you would be taking in making such an appointment. Without naming names, can you assure me (and other supporters) that MLSE is taking good advice from the right people in this regard?

Whilst many of us want an appointment to be made asap, it is more important to take the correct advice from respected sources and appoint the right person, even if that takes a while longer.
This decision is critical in sending us down the correct path and I wish you success in this regard, as does anyone with the long term success and viability of TFC in mind.

I trust that whoever is appointed will be permitted to assess the staff currently in positions of management and make his own decisions on their respective futures, regardless of your pronouncement that the current management is in place for 2013.
Thanks again for your time and frankness in discussing this.

Richard Barter


ANSWER
Richard, thanks and appreciate the support. You can assume that we are doing all the required due diligence and you can assume the person will have authority to assess all of the positions in the organization. Thanks again, talk soon

___________________________________________
Tom Anselmi
President & C.O.O.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
50 Bay Street | Suite 500
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2L2
(416) 815-5493
Tom.Anselmi@MLSE.com





at least you're getting answers. fucker won't respond. guess I'm cut off......

bones
11-08-2012, 05:27 PM
at least you're getting answers. fucker won't respond. guess I'm cut off......

You're not the only one. I got no response to my letter either.

Jack
11-08-2012, 05:53 PM
I wrote my ticket rep in response to the recent call for renewals. I initially posted it in the members section, but I guess I should share it here. I have been thinking of reworking the note a little bit and sending it to Tom.


Hello *****,

First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time to mailmerge me a personal note. I appreciate your effort. That said, I am not at all impressed by the offer detailed therein and the selection of the basketball game as the highlight of the email. This message, unfortunately, tells me that your organization still does not understand what the supporters want from our team. We are not here to be bought with basketball tickets, or even price reductions which bring our prices in line with the rest of the league. I don't need you to highlight these savings to me. I can afford my tickets and have done so since the beginning, even when your bosses tried to feed us the "fair market value" story.


I don't want your basketball tickets and your incentives, I want an organization about which I can be proud. An organization that is a model for the league, a place where players are lining up to play, not a toxic, political organization where everyone is stabbing everyone else in the back and trying to look out for his or her own interests. I do not want to give my money and support, regardless of my supposed "total savings" of $342. Remember, if I don't give you a cent, my savings are more than doubled and, as of right now, I see no indications that this organization is going to make me proud again.


And by proud, I don't mean winning and losing, though that is, of course, an important factor. But rather, a competent team, lead by someone who knows the game and the North American football market. I mean an organization that is transparent with supporters and values us beyond a mere photo op for marketing. The system that was so touted by the Aron Winter team has, in my eyes, been exposed as yet another publicity campaign, a philosophy which has been cast aside once again. Where is our President of Soccer Operations? Can we have someone who knows the sport running our team, or are we doomed to businessmen who know only the bottom line? The ownership of our team has proven, through their ownership of three sports franchises in my city, that they do not know how to build a model franchise in any other way than the financial. Their ineptitude at running Toronto FC for the past five years has killed any goodwill the early years built in my heart. I had a team to love and support, a team of which I could be proud.


But now the golden goose has been cooked.


Unless you can send me an email where you highlight something of which I can be proud. Something that indicates that our team is not going to be a laughingstock yet again, for the seventh year in a row, then please, do not insult me by offering me tickets to a basketball game. Do not insult me by highlighting how much money I am saving.


Make me proud again and I'll buy your tickets.


Please feel free to pass this email along to whomever you see fit.


Sincerely,


Jack DePoe
Former Proud President of the Red Patch Boys
Former Proud Supporter of Toronto FC

Belfast_Boy
11-09-2012, 08:21 AM
Very nice Jack. That should go to Tom and the board.

Belfast_Boy
11-09-2012, 08:25 AM
You're not the only one. I got no response to my letter either.

My email was short and sweet. It basically asked for an update on the search for a prez. Maybe I was too aggressive. Think I will send a follow up.

Phil
11-09-2012, 08:50 AM
^^ I have sent a similar message Belfast.

Wull
11-09-2012, 09:01 AM
The most important question is: will the new hire have full control and the ability to replace people as he (or she) sees fit? If so, it's vitally important to have this person in place soon and not 3 weeks before the season starts so that person isn't saddled with the current people rather than choosing to keep them. Tom has been very deft in his wording in response to that question. If they don't then we're stuck in the same spiral of power grabs, undermining and in-fighting regardless of who has what title.


I'm sure anyone that knows me won't be surprised by the following; I also haven't had a response to my email!

phonzo
11-09-2012, 09:54 AM
just fyi - any of those execs get bombarded by a ton of e-mail per day and it may sound crazy but responding to each of us isn't really high on their priority list

-source someone who gets at least 75 emails per day and doesn't address them all

bones
11-09-2012, 11:52 AM
just fyi - any of those execs get bombarded by a ton of e-mail per day and it may sound crazy but responding to each of us isn't really high on their priority list

-source someone who gets at least 75 emails per day and doesn't address them all

big woop, I wasn't expecting a detailed response since my email was very carefully pieced together to highlight the similarity between a then struggling Basketball franchise and our Footy franchise. I didn't ask a pointed question like "when is the new president coming Tom" or anything like that, however, when I sift through the 2000+ emails I get per day, if I see something of substance I at least respond acknowledging it and that I appreciate the time taken to address the situation and give some indication that further response of some kind will be forthcoming.

Alonso
11-09-2012, 12:33 PM
I wrote my ticket rep in response to the recent call for renewals. I initially posted it in the members section, but I guess I should share it here. I have been thinking of reworking the note a little bit and sending it to Tom.


Sweet Jack.

That sums it up nicely and articulates what I've been trying to express on these boards.

That email should definitely go to the ML$E board and Tom.

spark
11-09-2012, 01:36 PM
I feel bad for anyone who thinks Asselmi is going to do anything positive for the club. The guy is about as trustworthy as a used car salesman running for public office.

As great as this thread is, I have to agree. The memories are still fresh after 2010 at the townhall with Big Tom working the room with his six-shooters telling anyone who'd listen how "we're going to fcuking fix this! we're going fcuking to get this right!"

Talk is cheap. Emails cheaper. Tom has proven time and time again he doesn't have a clue. If he hires the right person, it will be through dumb luck.

phonzo
11-09-2012, 02:41 PM
big woop, I wasn't expecting a detailed response since my email was very carefully pieced together to highlight the similarity between a then struggling Basketball franchise and our Footy franchise. I didn't ask a pointed question like "when is the new president coming Tom" or anything like that, however, when I sift through the 2000+ emails I get per day, if I see something of substance I at least respond acknowledging it and that I appreciate the time taken to address the situation and give some indication that further response of some kind will be forthcoming.

your one of the nicer ones then Bones :)

Belfast_Boy
11-09-2012, 05:03 PM
As great as this thread is, I have to agree. The memories are still fresh after 2010 at the townhall with Big Tom working the room with his six-shooters telling anyone who'd listen how "we're going to fcuking fix this! we're going fcuking to get this right!"

Talk is cheap. Emails cheaper. Tom has proven time and time again he doesn't have a clue. If he hires the right person, it will be through dumb luck.

so what's the solution? do nothing? keep taking it? post on a message board?

Kyle_121
11-10-2012, 03:28 AM
so what's the solution? do nothing? keep taking it? post on a message board?

The solution is to speak with your wallet. Sure, someone might come along and buy your seats but at least you aren't directly financially supporting the never ending idiocy that is MLSE anymore.

Wull
11-10-2012, 10:04 AM
The solution is to speak with your wallet. Sure, someone might come along and buy your seats but at least you aren't directly financially supporting the never ending idiocy that is MLSE anymore.

You act like it's all theirs to do with what they like, it's not! This is OUR team as well. We don't like what's happening, we're sending the exact message of what we think needs to be done to change it. If we walk away and someone else comes and fills the seat, what meesage do they get? We're spelling it out clearly to them and they still don't seem to get it. Sending no message at all with silence and apathy is probably going to be even less successful in pushing them to fix the infrastructure and remove the politicians that have plagued this club since day one. The problem is, right now Tom may see the president idea as a right step but with only so many of us demanding personnel changes, he doesn't see the need to rid this club of the likes of Cochrane, Brennan and Mariner. If everyone is demanding it, eventually they won't have much of a choice but to listen and at least acknowledge what is being asked

jabbronies
11-10-2012, 10:21 AM
You act like it's all theirs to do with what they like, it's not! This is OUR team as well. We don't like what's happening, we're sending the exact message of what we think needs to be done to change it. If we walk away and someone else comes and fills the seat, what meesage do they get? We're spelling it out clearly to them and they still don't seem to get it. Sending no message at all with silence and apathy is probably going to be even less successful in pushing them to fix the infrastructure and remove the politicians that have plagued this club since day one. The problem is, right now Tom may see the president idea as a right step but with only so many of us demanding personnel changes, he doesn't see the need to rid this club of the likes of Cochrane, Brennan and Mariner. If everyone is demanding it, eventually they won't have much of a choice but to listen and at least acknowledge what is being asked

The problem with this direct line of thinking is this:

Who is responsible for getting rid of Mariner and CO. and why are they the chosen one?
because if they have the power to fire, they also have the power to hire.

So again, is the answer firing these guys? or is the answer hiring someone who will fire these guys?

prizby
11-10-2012, 02:12 PM
Jack's email was great...it needed a CC to Tom Anselmi though

trane
11-10-2012, 04:13 PM
I wrote my ticket rep in response to the recent call for renewals. I initially posted it in the members section, but I guess I should share it here. I have been thinking of reworking the note a little bit and sending it to Tom.

Holly shit jack, those are exactly my sentiments, as they have been for a while. THEY HAVE TO GET THIS.

Wull
11-11-2012, 05:35 PM
The problem with this direct line of thinking is this:

Who is responsible for getting rid of Mariner and CO. and why are they the chosen one?
because if they have the power to fire, they also have the power to hire.

So again, is the answer firing these guys? or is the answer hiring someone who will fire these guys?

Right now, it isn't about getting them fired, it's about giving the incoming person the power to fire them. I want them gone as much as anybody here, but in order to bring in the right quality of coaches and players, we have to show that there's someone in charge that has a plan, that we're all on board with the plan and that the politics and in-fighting that have plagued this club from day one are no longer going to be tolerated and allowed to distract us from fulfilling our potential.

If we bring in someone credible but he has to deal with the current setup, do you honestly think the teflon twins won't be trying their damnedest to make sure he becomes the scapegoat for their inevitable failure instead of them? I didn't think I could have any less respect for them until I saw that press conference. That's the loudest warning that could possibly have been sounded aside from players breaking ranks and speaking out. Tom still doesn't quite seem to get the fact that decision by committee leads to the glorified travel agent wielding enough power to sign a player when the coach and head of player development weren't the ones that picked him. We have to get that through to him, if nothing else over the next while

spark
11-12-2012, 05:55 PM
so what's the solution? do nothing? keep taking it? post on a message board?

Hey sorry I wasn't trying to dump on anything - my point was that Tom comes across as a guy who'll say whatever it takes, or tell you what you want to hear, to keep you hooked as long as possible. But the proof is in the pudding and he's yet to demonstrate he has any clue of how to make a competent decision when it comes to overseeing a football club. I do think the emails are great, I'm just not getting my hopes up based on the replies because we've heard it before countless times.