Comment: Fife Flyers’ directors Q&A - a hesitant first step

Tom Muir and Jack Wishart have never sought the limelight, so sitting on stage in front of almost 400 fans was a big leap out of their comfort zone.

It was clear everyone in the room shared the same goal – to see a team that entertains and challenges, and lights up the match night once again.

But there was a sense of “is that it?” as they everyone left.

Almost all the answers were turned back to the fans in the room – we need more people rinkside, we need more help, get on board, come forward with ideas, start a Supporters Club.

Those answers needed to come from the stage.

The number of fans who stayed behind to express their desire to get involved, or to ask for more information, underlined the real desire to get this club back on its feet once more.

So, the door has been opened and now the club has to usher in new ways of working and embrace new ideas.

As long standing supporter Frank Maxwell commented on thehockeyforum.co.uk – “They have put the direction and improvement of the club in the hands of the fans. If this club dies, will we be as much to blame because we didn’t come forward with ideas?”

But, what the event needed – and didn’t get –was a statement of intent from the directors on the known issues, and, more importantly, their aspirations and ambitions for the future.

The opening question gave them that ‘in.’

Asked if the team would be in the EIHL, Jack Wishart simply said “yes” to applause.

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That was the perfect opportunity to take the fans through the bigger picture – coaching, GM, PR, crowds, British players, the match night experience et al.

Instead, we only touched upon the topics with no real in-depth dissection of answers.

So, while the fans certainly appreciated the directors taking to the stage – and one fan who showed disrespect was quickly put in their place – they were also left wanting more.

One fan summed it up: “Was looking forward to seeing progressive comments tonight, but, for me, it looks like it’s as you were...”

Another also pretty much nailed it: “Flyers and Rovers fans in our house. The comparison is like night and day. I don’t grudge a penny at Raith, I don’t see where any of mine goes at the barn – certainly not on engaging with the fans.”

That engagement runs from clear, consistent communication to opening the door to people getting involved – areas the club has simply failed to address in the past.

Perhaps the sooner this season is finished, the better.

It needs to start again with a blank canvas.

Going forward, there has to be fresh thinking and a much more open approach.

Next year will mark Tom and Jack’s 25th anniversary at the helm.

They, and the fans, deserve it to be a special one.