Considering the recent spate of threads discussing this I figure it is time for a poll on the subject. Do you think the supporters groups are too close to MLSE and not doing enough to push the organization for a winner?
Really a non-issue for me (as someone who doesn't consider themselves a member of RBP, NEE or U-sector). For those people that want to complain about the supporters groups being too close to MLSE, you can feel free to start your own. Also, take note of some of the other teams in the league who treat their supporters like lepers.
Folks appear to have too much time on their hands. If all we are going to get are crazy ass threads designed to provoke and criticise the hard work of a variety of different team supporters then it is time blow this pop stand called Big Soccer. These threads add nothing of value
Though I may have too much time on my hands - please off-season end soon - I did not start this as a criticism of the supporters groups. In fact my goal was to do the opposite which the poll numbers are showing. I appreciate the efforts of the supporters groups and wanted to highlight that most of us agree with that.
I agree with Crazypete...let's see what people say. There has been one major voice on the BS TFC forum that keeps carping on the same subject, as a member of RPB I would like to see if he is a one-voice army or if this is a prevalent feeling. I also agree with the sentiment that what we have with TFC (not MLSE) is a good relationship, but not completely tied together. And better than the standoffish attitude other clubs have for their supporters groups, save for perhaps DC United.
The Red Patch Boys, U-Sector, and North End Elite are Supporter Groups. No more, no less. Speaking as an RPB - We don't exist to tell the club what to do. We don't exist to make money for MLSE. There is no connection between us and Toronto FC other than good dialogue and the occasional exchange of ideas. Some people apparently want us to become more intrenched in the daily runnings of the club and act as a lobby group for other fans. Others don't particularly appreciate our gameday festivities and think we have a negative impact on the atmosphere at BMO. The simple fact of the matter is that we're here to support our club as fans in the best way possible. We organise bus trips, banner designs, and work on new chants and songs. We also take part in some charity work like the 2008 RPG Calander. Now people can bitch and complain about what we do as a group and they're free to do so, but you really gotta ask yourself what sort of a person really sees something wrong with all that we do?
Hmm - only 3 out of 40 votes think supporters groups are too close to MLSE. Though fully 1/4 are undecided at this point.
pity there isn't an "anyone who even has to ask obviously does not belong to any of the groups, what a stupid idea" option. I'd have cast a vote for that one.
I'd say that's a No then. I was going to put a specific option about a specific poster - but that would constitute a personal attack.