It may not seem at all obvious to any visitors to the Blog, so the best thing to do is to look back to 2007 and judge for yourself
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sunday, June 15, 2008
GLOOM AT ST VIGNOLE'S
ST VIGNOLE’S RELEGATED!
HAGUE’S NECK ON THE LINE!
A deep cloud of despondency hung over St Vignole’s last night as they crashed out of the Happiness League following a dramatic last minute penalty miss by captain Les Kild.
Distraught fans placed the blame firmly at the door of manager Clint Hague. “He’s useless” said a fan’s spokesman. “This is the third club that has been relegated under his management and we’ve had enough”.
Recent rumours that one of the clubs leading players has been in talks with a top French club have further embittered fans.
Controversy has been the hallmark of the club ever since Clint Hague took over at the club. His abrupt management style upset many of the clubs long term players, resulting in a mass exodus. Hague further annoyed fans by imposing a ban on fans taking home match programmes after games, threatening legal action against anyone caught doing so.
Many fans, including many season ticket holders, have voted with their feet and can now be seen supporting other West London clubs. One of them told the ‘Globe’ “Who wants to see your team playing in the Sad League? St Vignole’s was always a top four club until Hague showed-up. In a couple of seasons the club has become a joke, except no-ones laughing”.
When questioned about Hauge’s future with the club, billionaire chairman, Braiin Na Gibrish, said “ The board are 122% behind him. He’s the best man for the job and people should stop moaning. So what the clubs been relegated? Sometimes the best way forward is back. We’ve got a good man and we’re keeping him”.
Support for Hague has also come from other quarters with a spokesman from the Suite FA saying “Too many managers are being judged by ill-informed and ignorant people with axes to grind. The Suite FA will defend and support Clint Hague against any challenges from fans”.
In the meantime it would appear that Hague intends to continue. Immediately after last nights match he issued a statement stating that the clubs colours would be changing and that fans would be asked to make suggestions. “Of course he added, they’ll only be suggestions, the decision will be mine alone”.
With the summer transfer window opening for new signings, St Vignoles is not expected to be announcing any major new acquisitions. Many good players have been put-off signing for the club since Hague arrived, although word is about that Tim Hick, a 46 year old amputee and former dominoes champion, is considering putting on a boot to join the club. “If I can get a game once in a while I’ll be as happy as Larry” he told the ‘Globe’ “Let’s face it” he said. “When you’re bottom, every leg helps”
HAGUE’S NECK ON THE LINE!
A deep cloud of despondency hung over St Vignole’s last night as they crashed out of the Happiness League following a dramatic last minute penalty miss by captain Les Kild.
Distraught fans placed the blame firmly at the door of manager Clint Hague. “He’s useless” said a fan’s spokesman. “This is the third club that has been relegated under his management and we’ve had enough”.
Recent rumours that one of the clubs leading players has been in talks with a top French club have further embittered fans.
Controversy has been the hallmark of the club ever since Clint Hague took over at the club. His abrupt management style upset many of the clubs long term players, resulting in a mass exodus. Hague further annoyed fans by imposing a ban on fans taking home match programmes after games, threatening legal action against anyone caught doing so.
Many fans, including many season ticket holders, have voted with their feet and can now be seen supporting other West London clubs. One of them told the ‘Globe’ “Who wants to see your team playing in the Sad League? St Vignole’s was always a top four club until Hague showed-up. In a couple of seasons the club has become a joke, except no-ones laughing”.
When questioned about Hauge’s future with the club, billionaire chairman, Braiin Na Gibrish, said “ The board are 122% behind him. He’s the best man for the job and people should stop moaning. So what the clubs been relegated? Sometimes the best way forward is back. We’ve got a good man and we’re keeping him”.
Support for Hague has also come from other quarters with a spokesman from the Suite FA saying “Too many managers are being judged by ill-informed and ignorant people with axes to grind. The Suite FA will defend and support Clint Hague against any challenges from fans”.
In the meantime it would appear that Hague intends to continue. Immediately after last nights match he issued a statement stating that the clubs colours would be changing and that fans would be asked to make suggestions. “Of course he added, they’ll only be suggestions, the decision will be mine alone”.
With the summer transfer window opening for new signings, St Vignoles is not expected to be announcing any major new acquisitions. Many good players have been put-off signing for the club since Hague arrived, although word is about that Tim Hick, a 46 year old amputee and former dominoes champion, is considering putting on a boot to join the club. “If I can get a game once in a while I’ll be as happy as Larry” he told the ‘Globe’ “Let’s face it” he said. “When you’re bottom, every leg helps”
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
TEAM SELECTION
I came across this article in a national sports paper recently and thought readers might be interested, what with the Champions League and all.
HAGUE DETERMINED TO SIT OUT IT AND SEE IT THROUGH!
By our sports correspondent.
It was a bright Thursday morning and I was looking forward to meeting and interviewing two of the leading lights of a local sports community.
I pulled into St Vignoles ground just after early morning training and was greeted by the daunting presence of the manager Clint Hague. He waddled towards me on his stocky little legs and with a sweeping gesture beckoned me inside. “This knee’s giving me some jip” he said. “An old injury picked-up playing abroad”
We entered the board room and I was offered a steaming mug of tea.
Before I could put a second lump of sugar in my tea we were joined by Braiin Na Gibrish, the billionaire chairman of the board. “Good morning” he thundered, “It’s good to have you here”.
I asked Na Gibrish what he saw as the future of St Vignoles.”
“Future?” he responded, “We don’t talk about futures here, only now and the past. The futures for them with nothing better to think about”. He laughed out loud. “No only joking” he said. “Of course the future is important to us, why just the other day...” He was cut short by Hague, “What do you mean by the future?” he asked
I decided to move on. “Since coming to the club, there have been a number of changes; can you outline your strategy and the reasons? For example, it was widely recognised that St Vignoles had a very talented, creative midfield, and an enviable attack renowned for their flair and ability, but they have all been sold. Was this to raise cash for new signings, or did it mark a new direction for the club?
Hague glowered at me. “Creative, Flair, What’s that got to do with football? Nah here we got rid of what we didn’t need and got in some bright young things who are learning the new approach”. So called experienced players are trouble. Some of them even thought they knew better than me. Can you believe that? “When I came here it was like a great big party. Everybody was joking around, laughing and in and out of the club all the time. I soon put a stop to all that nonsense. We’re running a football club not a bloody circus.
“So what are you plans for next season? I asked. Do you plan any new signings? Hague looked across at Na Giberish and said, “If I get the dosh I’ll probably have to bring in some more players in the summer. Mind you the wages bill is well down on what it was when I first came, too many big earners. It’s what you get when players stay at a club for a long time”. We have had a lot of success here and we are proud that the elevation of a number of members of staff from the boot room to the first team has worked-out really well.
“Questions, questions, questions, what’s all these questions?” snapped Na Gibrish.
I explained that I was merely trying to find out what made the club tick. I moved on. I asked if Signing Clint was seen by some as a quite dramatic move, what qualities had attracted the board to him.
“Qualities” laughed Na Gibrish, “We don’t need qualities and anyway he didn’t have none”. He chortled. “We needed a manager and we needed one quick. Clint came along and we never looked back. We had been without a manager for about 10 years and the club was falling apart. Yes we had some lucky spells in that time, but nothing to write home about. Now Clint has built his team based on new players which he is going to mould, either that or out. We don’t have room for anyone what questions Clint’s vision. Blimey that sounded posh didn’t it? He laughed again. “The fans don’t want airy-fairy do-gooders running the club, they want someone who can instil a bit of discipline, yeah and shout a bit when needs to” Since I took over as chairman things have started to happen here. .
I asked if Hague’s previous record at his old clubs had been a feature in the choice. “Oh no” said Na Gibrish. “We didn’t even know he’d been at any previous clubs and anyway when we found out that both of his previous clubs had been relegated we weren’t bothered. We asked Clint and he gave us a perfectly reasonable answer. ‘Bad fans’ and he was right. How can a club go forward if the fans are always moaning. We have a lot of moaning minnies here, you’ll be surprised to hear, but we don’t let them bother us, do we Clint? It’s really simple, if you don’t like it, push-off there’s plenty of other clubs you can support. We now run a zero tolerance to fans at this club”.
.
Hague nodded in agreement and added “The manager and the board are the ones what run the club.
“Mind you” Na Giberish intervened, “ We don’t really need the board. Me and Clint can handle things here very well. In fact most of the other board members are just making-up the numbers, those that stay that is. ” Na Gibrish then winked and in a low voice said “ Me and Clint, we run a book on whose going next. We were thinking of doing ‘how many days will they last’” He gave me a nudge that nearly knocked me over and burst into laughter.
I asked Na Giberish about his plans for a new stadium. He sighed and groaned. “We was all set up. Everything was going great. Sammy Madras, a board member had it all worked-out. Then it got kicked into touch when do-gooders and busy-bodies started sticking their noses in. It would have been a marvellous reflection on the way the club is run. Now we’ll have to wait on another opportunity, I’m sure it will come.
I asked if they were still receiving assistance from the games’ governing body. It is common knowledge that for some time representatives from the Suite FA had been sitting-in on all meeting of the board. Na Giberish smirked, “We don’t need ’em any more, but they are always welcome. Their help and advice was invaluable in sortin out trouble makers and wayward fans and we’ve had a few of them”.Na Giberish produced a bundle of notes and held it up. Just look at all this, just some of what I’ve had to deal with. Nothin but moans from fans who don’t know when they’re well off”. I asked if I could see the notes and he snapped. “ No you can’t. this is private, I don’t even show this to the other board members”.
So, how do the management see the way forward. “ More of the same” said Haughey. “We know what’s best and we give ‘em what they need not what they like. We may not be going to Moscow this year but watch this space. We intend to be up there with the best and if it all goes pear shaped, we’ll sell the lot and build some flats. Only joking” he said.
“You must come and see us again” he added. As he was about to leave he turned, punched the air and cried out “VIGNO VIGNO VIGNO” “You see” he said smiling, “I’m a real fan.”
St Vignoles is now sitting snugly at the bottom of the Happiness League. Rumour has it that a number of players will be going this summer as the manager seeks to rebuild.
HAGUE DETERMINED TO SIT OUT IT AND SEE IT THROUGH!
By our sports correspondent.
It was a bright Thursday morning and I was looking forward to meeting and interviewing two of the leading lights of a local sports community.
I pulled into St Vignoles ground just after early morning training and was greeted by the daunting presence of the manager Clint Hague. He waddled towards me on his stocky little legs and with a sweeping gesture beckoned me inside. “This knee’s giving me some jip” he said. “An old injury picked-up playing abroad”
We entered the board room and I was offered a steaming mug of tea.
Before I could put a second lump of sugar in my tea we were joined by Braiin Na Gibrish, the billionaire chairman of the board. “Good morning” he thundered, “It’s good to have you here”.
I asked Na Gibrish what he saw as the future of St Vignoles.”
“Future?” he responded, “We don’t talk about futures here, only now and the past. The futures for them with nothing better to think about”. He laughed out loud. “No only joking” he said. “Of course the future is important to us, why just the other day...” He was cut short by Hague, “What do you mean by the future?” he asked
I decided to move on. “Since coming to the club, there have been a number of changes; can you outline your strategy and the reasons? For example, it was widely recognised that St Vignoles had a very talented, creative midfield, and an enviable attack renowned for their flair and ability, but they have all been sold. Was this to raise cash for new signings, or did it mark a new direction for the club?
Hague glowered at me. “Creative, Flair, What’s that got to do with football? Nah here we got rid of what we didn’t need and got in some bright young things who are learning the new approach”. So called experienced players are trouble. Some of them even thought they knew better than me. Can you believe that? “When I came here it was like a great big party. Everybody was joking around, laughing and in and out of the club all the time. I soon put a stop to all that nonsense. We’re running a football club not a bloody circus.
“So what are you plans for next season? I asked. Do you plan any new signings? Hague looked across at Na Giberish and said, “If I get the dosh I’ll probably have to bring in some more players in the summer. Mind you the wages bill is well down on what it was when I first came, too many big earners. It’s what you get when players stay at a club for a long time”. We have had a lot of success here and we are proud that the elevation of a number of members of staff from the boot room to the first team has worked-out really well.
“Questions, questions, questions, what’s all these questions?” snapped Na Gibrish.
I explained that I was merely trying to find out what made the club tick. I moved on. I asked if Signing Clint was seen by some as a quite dramatic move, what qualities had attracted the board to him.
“Qualities” laughed Na Gibrish, “We don’t need qualities and anyway he didn’t have none”. He chortled. “We needed a manager and we needed one quick. Clint came along and we never looked back. We had been without a manager for about 10 years and the club was falling apart. Yes we had some lucky spells in that time, but nothing to write home about. Now Clint has built his team based on new players which he is going to mould, either that or out. We don’t have room for anyone what questions Clint’s vision. Blimey that sounded posh didn’t it? He laughed again. “The fans don’t want airy-fairy do-gooders running the club, they want someone who can instil a bit of discipline, yeah and shout a bit when needs to” Since I took over as chairman things have started to happen here. .
I asked if Hague’s previous record at his old clubs had been a feature in the choice. “Oh no” said Na Gibrish. “We didn’t even know he’d been at any previous clubs and anyway when we found out that both of his previous clubs had been relegated we weren’t bothered. We asked Clint and he gave us a perfectly reasonable answer. ‘Bad fans’ and he was right. How can a club go forward if the fans are always moaning. We have a lot of moaning minnies here, you’ll be surprised to hear, but we don’t let them bother us, do we Clint? It’s really simple, if you don’t like it, push-off there’s plenty of other clubs you can support. We now run a zero tolerance to fans at this club”.
.
Hague nodded in agreement and added “The manager and the board are the ones what run the club.
“Mind you” Na Giberish intervened, “ We don’t really need the board. Me and Clint can handle things here very well. In fact most of the other board members are just making-up the numbers, those that stay that is. ” Na Gibrish then winked and in a low voice said “ Me and Clint, we run a book on whose going next. We were thinking of doing ‘how many days will they last’” He gave me a nudge that nearly knocked me over and burst into laughter.
I asked Na Giberish about his plans for a new stadium. He sighed and groaned. “We was all set up. Everything was going great. Sammy Madras, a board member had it all worked-out. Then it got kicked into touch when do-gooders and busy-bodies started sticking their noses in. It would have been a marvellous reflection on the way the club is run. Now we’ll have to wait on another opportunity, I’m sure it will come.
I asked if they were still receiving assistance from the games’ governing body. It is common knowledge that for some time representatives from the Suite FA had been sitting-in on all meeting of the board. Na Giberish smirked, “We don’t need ’em any more, but they are always welcome. Their help and advice was invaluable in sortin out trouble makers and wayward fans and we’ve had a few of them”.Na Giberish produced a bundle of notes and held it up. Just look at all this, just some of what I’ve had to deal with. Nothin but moans from fans who don’t know when they’re well off”. I asked if I could see the notes and he snapped. “ No you can’t. this is private, I don’t even show this to the other board members”.
So, how do the management see the way forward. “ More of the same” said Haughey. “We know what’s best and we give ‘em what they need not what they like. We may not be going to Moscow this year but watch this space. We intend to be up there with the best and if it all goes pear shaped, we’ll sell the lot and build some flats. Only joking” he said.
“You must come and see us again” he added. As he was about to leave he turned, punched the air and cried out “VIGNO VIGNO VIGNO” “You see” he said smiling, “I’m a real fan.”
St Vignoles is now sitting snugly at the bottom of the Happiness League. Rumour has it that a number of players will be going this summer as the manager seeks to rebuild.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE
Help Stop Bullying in the Workplace now
Tell-tale signs of conflict at work
How familiar are these?
1. Shouting and Swearing
2. Instantaneous rages over trivial matters
3. Punishments dispensed out of the blue
4. Ignoring other people’s point of view
5. Personal insults and name-calling
6. Persistent criticism
7. Persistently setting unrealistic deadlines
8. Spreading malicious rumours
9. Constantly moving goal posts and withholding information
10. Ostracising, Ignoring, excluding and freezing people out
11. Making threats
12. Removing responsibility
13. Allocating menial tasks
If any of the above sounds familiar, you may be witnessing inappropriate workplace behaviour.
Does this behaviour go on in your organisation?
If it does, and you are a responsible manager, DO SOMETHING!
Call the FREE National Bullying Helpline: 0845 22 55 787
(www.bullyingbusiness.com)
Tell-tale signs of conflict at work
How familiar are these?
1. Shouting and Swearing
2. Instantaneous rages over trivial matters
3. Punishments dispensed out of the blue
4. Ignoring other people’s point of view
5. Personal insults and name-calling
6. Persistent criticism
7. Persistently setting unrealistic deadlines
8. Spreading malicious rumours
9. Constantly moving goal posts and withholding information
10. Ostracising, Ignoring, excluding and freezing people out
11. Making threats
12. Removing responsibility
13. Allocating menial tasks
If any of the above sounds familiar, you may be witnessing inappropriate workplace behaviour.
Does this behaviour go on in your organisation?
If it does, and you are a responsible manager, DO SOMETHING!
Call the FREE National Bullying Helpline: 0845 22 55 787
(www.bullyingbusiness.com)
Friday, March 21, 2008
LIES DAMN LIES
No doubt you will have all seen this week's newsletter when it came home in the bags.
What was the message from the chair of Governors all about?
What is this ugly rumour and who are these people he refers to? Surely he can't be referring to the numerous people associated with the school who have always had the best interests of the school, the staff and particularly the children as a first priority.
There has never been a vitriolic campaign against the school and the staff. THIS IS THE REAL LIE!
Those who have contributed to this blog have alway stressed that the primary concern is about the management of the school and the loss of so many good staff in such a short period of time and the continuing exodus of staff since. Three more this term alone.
An update to the Acton Timeline will be posted shortly.
When are the governors going to wake up to what has happened and is still happening?
Until there is a full inquiry into the governance of St Vincent's this blog will continue.
What was the message from the chair of Governors all about?
What is this ugly rumour and who are these people he refers to? Surely he can't be referring to the numerous people associated with the school who have always had the best interests of the school, the staff and particularly the children as a first priority.
There has never been a vitriolic campaign against the school and the staff. THIS IS THE REAL LIE!
Those who have contributed to this blog have alway stressed that the primary concern is about the management of the school and the loss of so many good staff in such a short period of time and the continuing exodus of staff since. Three more this term alone.
An update to the Acton Timeline will be posted shortly.
When are the governors going to wake up to what has happened and is still happening?
Until there is a full inquiry into the governance of St Vincent's this blog will continue.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Yeah, like the pope said...
"Responsiveness to the truth always takes the back seat to partisan interests."
From his recently cancelled speech to 'La Sapienza'
Despite his more-than-passing-resemblance to The Grinch, I think he's hit on something here. I couldn't have put it better myself. The reason this blog exists at all, is precisely because of the complete lack of responsiveness to the truth from those in whom we have placed our trust for our school community. That is, the Governing Body and the Diocese of Westminster. Instead, we find ourselves a community that has been unheeded, disrespected and treated with haughty 'we know best' indifference . As if that wasn't bad enough, we observe the punishment ,both real and threatened, of those who dissent. As a consequence we are a community coming apart at the seams. We are hurt.
It has been a profound shock to observe that the truth here has been subordinated to partisan interests.
10/10 Papa Ratzi. You hit the nail on the head ( but Style Tip: the headgear isn't doing you any favours)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Article in the Acton Gazette
Did everyone see this article that appeared in the Acton Gazette recently?
It really is about time that someone in the Diocese started to take some responsibility for the disgraceful events that have been taking place at St Vincent’s.
PARENTS are demanding action from the Catholic church to end months of hostility at an Acton primary school.
Relations between parents, staff and governors at St Vincent's RC Primary School have become so strained that an anonymous internet blog has been set up to give parents the opportunity to vent their frustration and concern over the management style of head teacher Tina Cleugh.
Since her arrival at the school in January 2006 almost all of the staff have left, with only a few of the original teaching team still in place.
The mass exodus mirrors the situation at St Mary's RC Junior and Infant School in Hillingdon, where there was an almost compete change of staff between 2002 and 2003 when Mrs Cleugh was head.
But despite repeated complaints to the governors and the Diocese of Westminster, including allegations of bullying, no action has been taken. Parents are now pulling their children out and sending them to Catholic schools in Hammersmith or even teaching them at home, despite excellent SATs results in English, Maths and Science this year that ranked St Vincent's as the top performing primary in the borough.
One parent, who wished to remain anonymous in case her child's education is affected in the close-knit Catholic education system, said: " I believe that the standard of teaching really went down and I felt my children were unsafe being at the school.
"The teachers all changed and their attitude towards children appears to have changed.
"So many families have taken their children out, 30 or 40 children, and I know people who are saying they are not going to send their children there."
And a former governor said: "All the appeals to the diocese have been completely stonewalled and it has made me very depressed about the Catholic school system.
"They are all in it together and they stick together and that's the way it goes."
A former teacher told the Gazette that after just weeks of Mrs Cleugh's arrival the moral of staff 'plummeted'.
Tony Loftus, whose children used to go to St Vincent's, said: "People feel they should shut up and get out. If you say something you may well feel the wrath."
The Diocese of Westminster and Ealing Council defended Mrs Cleugh, pointing to an Ofsted report in May 2006 that stated "the new headteacher has an accurate view of what needs to be done and has made a good start in reorganising management".
In a joint statement they said: "Since her appointment as head teacher of St Vincent's Catholic School in January 2006, Mrs Cleugh has been working diligently to improve the performance of the school and to resolve a number of longstanding problems. In this work she has been fully supported by the Governing Body.
"A recent survey of parents and an open parents' meeting indicated very high levels of satisfaction with the school and where issues were raised the Governors have prepared an action plan to respond to these."
It really is about time that someone in the Diocese started to take some responsibility for the disgraceful events that have been taking place at St Vincent’s.
PARENTS are demanding action from the Catholic church to end months of hostility at an Acton primary school.
Relations between parents, staff and governors at St Vincent's RC Primary School have become so strained that an anonymous internet blog has been set up to give parents the opportunity to vent their frustration and concern over the management style of head teacher Tina Cleugh.
Since her arrival at the school in January 2006 almost all of the staff have left, with only a few of the original teaching team still in place.
The mass exodus mirrors the situation at St Mary's RC Junior and Infant School in Hillingdon, where there was an almost compete change of staff between 2002 and 2003 when Mrs Cleugh was head.
But despite repeated complaints to the governors and the Diocese of Westminster, including allegations of bullying, no action has been taken. Parents are now pulling their children out and sending them to Catholic schools in Hammersmith or even teaching them at home, despite excellent SATs results in English, Maths and Science this year that ranked St Vincent's as the top performing primary in the borough.
One parent, who wished to remain anonymous in case her child's education is affected in the close-knit Catholic education system, said: " I believe that the standard of teaching really went down and I felt my children were unsafe being at the school.
"The teachers all changed and their attitude towards children appears to have changed.
"So many families have taken their children out, 30 or 40 children, and I know people who are saying they are not going to send their children there."
And a former governor said: "All the appeals to the diocese have been completely stonewalled and it has made me very depressed about the Catholic school system.
"They are all in it together and they stick together and that's the way it goes."
A former teacher told the Gazette that after just weeks of Mrs Cleugh's arrival the moral of staff 'plummeted'.
Tony Loftus, whose children used to go to St Vincent's, said: "People feel they should shut up and get out. If you say something you may well feel the wrath."
The Diocese of Westminster and Ealing Council defended Mrs Cleugh, pointing to an Ofsted report in May 2006 that stated "the new headteacher has an accurate view of what needs to be done and has made a good start in reorganising management".
In a joint statement they said: "Since her appointment as head teacher of St Vincent's Catholic School in January 2006, Mrs Cleugh has been working diligently to improve the performance of the school and to resolve a number of longstanding problems. In this work she has been fully supported by the Governing Body.
"A recent survey of parents and an open parents' meeting indicated very high levels of satisfaction with the school and where issues were raised the Governors have prepared an action plan to respond to these."
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