It’s not just Pompey which could benefit from an overall strategy
The article by Jordan Cross, How potential Pompey sporting director position would operate (March 24), highlights the need for a more thorough and progressive approach to the structure of major organisations.
Instead of just managing the ups and downs of the Pompey team on an everyday basis, there needs to be an established philosophy and style which represents the long-established ‘values’ of the club.
Most successful corporations have strategic directors devising ‘Mission Statements’ promoting their high ambitions and philosophy.
If this is done with genuine intent to inspire their own team and their customers, it is a very valuable tool and it should be instituted by Pompey and by Portsmouth City Council.
Cllr Pitt has been trying to develop a community-inspired ‘vision’ for 2040, which is the right thing in principle, to help guide political decisions.
But there is always everyday debate about political priorities from locally elected members. But they are only temporary custodians and represent a very small section of the population.
They are not equipped to make strategic decisions on the future of the city and city region without a higher, elected mayor or strategic director being able to emphasise the overriding principles of a ‘Mission Statement’, so that better quality longterm decisions are made.
A more responsible local authority or city region would be able to argue for greater devolution of resources from Whitehall.
This is a coming trend and is essential, in my view for the Portsmouth city region.
Jerry Bamforth Sennen Place, Port Solent