Kever10, seriously, some questions for you, since you seem to be pushing this.
Do you really, honestly think Bill Kenwright is so evil that he would make an insincere speech at the Hillsborough Memorial service, in front of many grieving relatives and thousands of LFC fans? Seriously???
What does Bill Kenwright stand to gain by making an insincere speech at such an event?
Sorry, but in the context of this thread and this situation, your opinion comes across as twisted, like that of a conspiracy theorist who is so used to looking for a hidden motive (perhaps with good reason) that they have lost sight of what most see as a genuine moment. Holding such a low opinion of an individual that they cannot accept the moments where they did actually speak from the heart and were genuine. Perhaps you do want rid of Kenwright, but expressing such an extreme and arguable view in this context and situation really does your viewpoint no favours at all and actually generates sympathy for Kenwright, whether deserving or not. As a mate of mine used to say, in certain situations, if you've got nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all.
Hi Boysinblue
On the contrary, I am pushing nothing. I stated my opinion, and since then, I have essentially defended myself and my opinion. I did not however respond to your comment, so I guess addressing me personally with a question is a way to get the response you obviously want.
I have no hatred for the man. That is an assumption. I don't trust him, and don't believe him to be sincere, but I don't hate him. I certainly don't think he is evil.
The problem I have, is that I have heard him speak before. His speech today was not the 1st speech I have heard him deliver. And they all sound the same. He is an exceptional public speaker, of that there is no doubt. He brings the drama and the feeling, he provides the anecdotes to get people on side, and he loves the applause and the attention he receives afterwards.
And today's speech was no different. It was a good speech. It seemed heartfelt, and I do believe that a good proportion of what he said today was said out of genuine compassion and sorrow for the families the tragedy has affected. He really would be a monster otherwise, and that is not what I am saying.
But, and maybe it is the over theatricality of the man that is causing me to have this impression, parts of what he said just didn't sit right with me. With me. And when LittleJoe said that he cringes whenever Bill speaks, I just happened to agree. And when people shot down his opinion, for simply disagreeing with theirs, I spoke up, because I felt the same.
Do you ever get an impression of someone, based on nothing but gut feelings? Or maybe it's based on gut feelings and some past experiences to boot. This is all this is. My opinion on someone, and something.
Bill Kenwright could be the most genuine man on the planet for all i know. Everything he says and does may be exactly on the level. But that is not the way he comes across to me.
As for what he stands to gain, he has already gained what he could gain. People, who had previously criticised or disliked the man, for whatever reason, have new found respect for him. In much the same the way he hides when Everton are losing and appears on TV when we reach Wembley, he loves the attention and the publicity. He backs away from criticism, but loves the glory. He wants to be loved by everyone and hated by noone. So today, addressing Liverpool fans in his speech, he proclaimed his childhood love for both teams, and proceeded to say that he went to all the home games, "Here (Anfield) one week, and next week, the other place". It's pandering, and if does not seem insincere to you, so be it.
As far as the context of this thread goes, the thread is 2 things. The thread is both the Subject header and the sequence of messages that follow. The thread title was Bill Kenwright Speech JFT96, and the sequence of messages that followed, where majority in favour of the speech he delivered, and 1 dissenting voice opposed. I agreed with the opposition, so I shared my opinion. I was not disrespectful to Liverpool, it's fans, it's players. I was not disrespectful of any of the posters who had gone before me.
I was somewhat negative towards Bill Kenwright the man, following Bill Kenwright's speech. I did not bring up my opinions of him as a chairman, other than to sarcastically suggest that he was the best man for selling the club he so dearly loves, after referring to Goodison, tongue in cheek or otherwise, as "The other place". I did not use foul and abusive language (apart from from bull****, but that is forgivable).
My opinion may be twisted. That is your opinion. You are welcome to it. That's the great thing about opinions. And in your opinion, he came across as heartfelt and genuine.
I happen to disagree.
And to paraphrase your mate's quote (I always wondered where that quote came from, it's a truly brilliant quote) if you don't have anything nice to say about my opinion, then say nothing at all... about my opinion.
Thanks
