Just as a nice reminder of the Chief Scout.....
Fans' forum goes as smoothly as expected
Gee Evans - a director of the Pilgrims' owners, Lavaflow, and brother of manager Steve - and club sponsor Michael Chinn had to be restrained by chairman Jim Rodwell after confronting Melvin Moxon, vice-chairman of Boston United Supporters' Trust.
The incident occurred after Steve Evans was asked to clarify his financial interest in the club and its holding company, Lavaflow.
The Pilgrims boss denied he had invested in either, but revealed he had re-mortgaged his house in August 2005 to help pay the players' wages. Evans is believed to have lent the club between £150,000 and £200,000.
A disagreement then took place between the pair about a previous meeting, held earlier this month, before Gee Evans and Chinn vented their fury at the Trust and Moxon, who was seated with his 14-year-old grandson.
Chinn was heard to shout: "I'm sick of this club. I've invested a quarter of million of my money and get nothing but stick for it.
"If you lot (the Trust) think you can do any better, I'll buy the club for you."
After being asked to calm down by Rodwell and Steve Evans, the former finally defused the situation by ushering Gee Evans and Chinn out of the Sports Bar, where the forum was being held.
Moxon described the scenes as 'disgraceful' and said it would damage the club's already tarnished reputation.
"There were parents there with children - what kind of example is that to set for two of the club's main investors to act like that," said Moxon.
"I don't understand why it got out of hand. The evening was very cordial up until that point.
"The question I asked Steve was very reasonable. All he had to do was explain about re-mortgaging his house and that would have sufficed - but instead it turned personal.
"I wasn't worried for myself - I've worked in the prison service for 30 years - but for my grandson, who witnessed the whole thing.
"We go to every match home and away, but after seeing that he's wondering whether he wants to go again - other young people who were there might feel the same after watching that."
Either side of the explosive scenes, supporters pitched questions to Steve Evans, Rodwell and club accountant Justin Rushworth.
Most revolved around the planning application for a new stadium in the Boardsides area of the town and the club's perilous financial situation.
On behalf of the Supporters' Trust, Moxon asked a series of questions which had been sent to Rodwell earlier in the week.
"Although I wasn't totally satisfied with all the answers I got, I thought Jim Rodwell did a very good job at the forum," added Moxon.
"He tried to answer everything we put to him and he deserves credit for that.
"However, there are a number of key issues that we remain in the dark over.
"We still don't know whether Lavaflow will continue to support the club if the planning decision is deferred.
"I don't know about the time scale, but it may be some time before the decision is taken again.
"Will Lavaflow continue to support the club during that time?
"We weren't really given assurances that the club will be able to complete its fixtures."
In a shock turn of events, Gee Evans joined the Supports' Trust later on Wednesday evening.
He also apologised to Moxon for his outburst. Despite the earlier confrontation, Moxon welcomed the news.
"We're a democratic organisation and we'd welcome anyone who can make a contribution," he declared.
"If Gee Evans has joined the Trust, that is encouraging."
Gee Evans is the first member of Lavaflow to join the Trust, and Moxon hopes more follow his lead.
"We would also be happy for the manager and chairman to come on board," added the 61-year-old.
Rodwell said he was looking forward to working with the Trust in future and also apologised to Moxon.
"I spoke to Melvin yesterday and offered my apologies on behalf of the club," said the Pilgrims chairman. "I know Gee has offered his apologies too and sent a private letter to Melvin.
"It was a unsavoury incident which overshadowed what was otherwise a very positive evening.
"There were some excellent questions and I felt we answered them in the best way we could.
"Gee joining the Trust is positive step and I see no reason why the manager and myself couldn't join in the future.
"But the first thing we must do is to build up dialogue between ourselves and the Trust.
"I must admit I don't know a lot about it, or what they can offer, but I'm looking forward to forging a closer relationship with them.
"My door is always open.
"That goes for the Trust or anyone else who has the club's best interests at heart."
