Iron Bru › Forums › Blast Furnace › This saga is unending but I hope it resolves like this › Reply To: This saga is unending but I hope it resolves like this
I agree that for the majority of fans who were duped forgiveness and moving on is possible, given their connection to Hilton was minimal. I don’t think bans from the terraces are necessary. However, for others who associated themselves with Hilton, I would like to see some contrition. It’s not about being right, but making sure we learn from our mistakes and ensure we’re not here again for a 3rd time (presuming the takeover happens or with a phoenix club). It’s about rebuilding trust for those who made very bad errors of judgement.
I have no gripes with Elliott as a fan, but he did make errors in haranguing fans suspicious of Hilton, saying they should unite behind a man they had suspicions about, calling fans twerps and spreading rubbish about Hilton being attacked outside the Iron Bar. All the while, burners were abusing at this point and built upon his words. Elliott also appeared with Hilton at that fan’s forum, as a means by Hilton to shore his position, I believe. I have been told that Elliott regrets falling for it all, but it would be nice if we saw an apology for his error of judgement so we can at least hope he has learned from it all. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
As for Herbert, he shows no sign of contrition, the club should have distanced from his antics as unofficial spokesman and I have no faith he’d change his ways. As much as it’s important we don’t get too bogged down with “I told you so’s” from Hilton sceptics, learning and modifications of behaviour cannot be all one way. Those who fully bought in, especially among those who tied themselves to Hilton, should also demonstrate a willingness to learn from this so trust can be earned. Action, by taking steps to demonstrate this (like making an apology), speaks louder than assurances.
You talk a lot of sense, here, and I found myself nodding along with parts of your post.
Elliott appearing alongside Hilton at the forum may be something that, as you say, shored Hilton’s position in some ways. It also perfectly illustrates a point I made too – about Elliott inserting himself in things to appear to be a figurehead. Cosying up to power to give the impression of being powerful. I’m sure he “regrets falling for it”, much the same as I imagine Sharp “regrets falling for it”…