Your voice, your solution for member retention

At 2:21PM on 9 July 2009, Michael Grinnell wrote: dr.joshi, Your comment that "A well-informed rotarian seldom quits" is precisely one of the things that would make people quit. The arrogance of that statement is eye-watering.

At 9:43AM on 15 June 2009, dr.joshi,RID 3260 wrote: Well informed rotarian-seldom quits.

At 10:19AM on 29 April 2009, Nisar Sheikh wrote: Look at his problems and reasons for leaving. Address each one by one. Job demand always creat stress. Convince him that attanding weekly meetings could be relaxing. Avoid giving him additional responsibilities. If he has been good contributor to the club schedule the event focused to change his perception about the club. let him feel that club is the group of people among whom he will get much needed peace of mind.

At 10:58AM on 23 March 2009, Greg Krauska wrote: First, shift your thinking from "convincing" them to stay to exploring possibilities. Is the member open to this discussion? If not thank them for their service and move on. If yes, it might be that by finding a way for THIS busy member strike a balance could be helpful for other members and nonmembers create similar balance. It is not failure if a member chooses to leave Rotary, especially if those reasons are outside of our control. We all change as we continue to discover ourselves and the world. I can understand this member's situation. I, too, am reaching a time when my kids want me to coach their soccer team, when clients are asking more of my time and when business partners expect me to follow through on our mission together. As a result, I am scaling back my time devoted to Rotary. Asking "how do you get this person to stay?" presumes that their leaving is somehow a failure. If you are confident in what you offer as a club, you will find more members to replace them. If you are forming true friendships, then those connections should continue even as members move on to the next phase in their life. I have yet to see a club that celebrates when members leave. Yes, what if we held a special ceremony where a leaving member would be recognized for their service, how they demonstrated Rotary principles and how they will be missed and welcomed back at any time. Make it easy to be a member. Celebrate member contributions. Create a club worth joining. And, don't be desperate. There are many people who could be great Rotarians if we knock down the barriers and make Rotary work as part of a busy person's life. Greg Krauska District 5950 Membership Chair www.innovaterotary.com

At 9:07AM on 5 March 2009, Sunil Shankargouda wrote: Since there are a group of people in every club, difference of opinions and judging of personalities takes place, hence forming sub groups. The condition of this persnal competition has lead to terminating a good member of the club, which is very hearting there by many have decided to discontinue. How best can this problem be resolved.

At 9:27AM on 16 February 2009, rtn suhas kulkarni wrote: rotary is a place to get relax with friends .so for his demanding life he should have true friends to talk something. Now a days everybody's life is hectic but once you go to the meeting and talk with fellow members you will get back your energy so don't worry.

At 3:14PM on 7 January 2009, Paul Nevin wrote: Leave of absence or should I consider moving to another club? In the past three years I have asked to be apart of the five committees and have been turned down. Our club has tripled our fund raising, now over 25K,. I have been turned down to foster programs for the local region. What should I do?

At 8:51AM on 29 December 2008, Aline B. wrote: If I were in the position of a leader I would acknowledge that each and every member of my crew is unique and essential for the whole team's health. Having that in mind, I would probably show concern for his matters first and ask if there was anything we (the team and I) could do for him. Then, I would remind him that there have been times on every person's life in which they had to focus their mind on a specific matter but that does not give them the right to give up all the hard work they had put in other fields of life or interests and needs of their own. I would also prompt that, that momentarily aggravated situation of his would cool off eventually and he would be ready to bring balance back to his sense of priorities, share attention to all his responsibilities, and be that devoted and hard working colleague, group member we know he is.

At 11:55AM on 24 November 2008, Rtr.SAGAR wrote: As human being it is not compulsory or the only platform as Rotary to serve Humanity.We can serve from anywhere but the most important thing is the willingness and heart to serve the mankind.

At 9:54AM on 4 November 2008, Evelyn Cowled wrote: It would probably be good if we apply the positive energy arrangement of the club meeting venue where we meet every week so that we can bring out the goodness of each member. I believe too that the club should be able to give something to the club members and not always the other way around.

At 1:34PM on 3 November 2008, Wilbur Walrond wrote: I found Raymond Chin's article most interesting since after 35 years in Rotary and always in an active position on the Board, I can relate to his words especially as far as myself and our club are concerned. I have circulated Raymond Chin's article among our members by e-mail hoping to get some feed back but not surprised that I have not as yet had any. So I plan to use it next week as part of our Rotray Moment. One thing I would like to have clarified - What does NGO mean? I have heard it before but my memory seems to slipping away- so please reply quickly:) Thanks for this very worthwhile and timely forum. Regards Wilbur Walrond RC of Richmond, BC Canada.

At 9:21AM on 13 October 2008, Wunmi Oyewoleason President RC Agege,D9110 Nigeria wrote: I know for an organisation like this,many join Rotary for diverse reasons.Such members who decide to resign their membership after sometime,may be those who went in for some contrary reasons other than 'Service'. No committment right from the on set.To some people,Rotarians are seen as bunch of layabouts who do not have any serious employment. I think that's a big errorneous misconception and that's where Rotary needs to ENLIGHTEN the World more.I want to say again,that Rotary makes my day and will continue to make my day.

At 8:43AM on 22 September 2008, S.Navaneedhan wrote: Dear Rotarian! I did not agree with these statement. Once a person is committing himself to become a Rotary member he is ready to sacrifice some time, not more time, for Rotary. He could allot a little time for Rotary daily or weekly. All are having huge committments in our life. But we have some leisure time also. In that time we prefer Rotary and do some services to the community. There is no compulsion in Rotary. If we understand Rotary properly we could plan properly and there is no need of resigning from Rotary. The resignation is advisable only when a Rotarian is having illness or aged. Once we enter into Rotary family then we should commit ourselves as Rotary is also a family and be a Rotarian for our lifetime.

At 10:07AM on 25 August 2008, rtn Peter Wandoff wrote: I couldn't agree more with rtn Raymond Chin's comments! There are times when a member must resign due to family and/or work obligations, however, what concerns me nost is how did we fail? Assuming the Rotarian that is resigning consider the following; did the sponsor fail to regularly 'check in' with the new member to determine if Rotary was the right fit? Did we as Rotarians welcome the new member? If the Rotarian has been in the club for some time think about the following; did club leadership ASK and/or GUIDE the member to take an active roll on service projects, special initiatives, etc.? Sadly, until we know these answers, many more Rotarians will have resigned long before making it official.

At 10:18AM on 18 August 2008, Dr. Suresh Marcandan - RC Kuala Lumpur DiRaja wrote: It is far more important to be a Rotarian in thoughts, words and actions and live the ideals of the four way test, rather than be a namesake member of a Rotary Club. I wish to commend Rtn. Raymond Chin (RC KL Di Raja) for his very honest and candid comments. Knowing him to be a Rotarian who serves selflessly and unconditionally without any expectation of recognition or reward, he is more than amply qualified to make such a scathing attack. Having been a Rotarian for the past 20 years (in four different countries) my humble opinion is that some (I emphasise the word 'some') PDG's and Past Presidents must learn to 'let go' and not overshadow the incumbent President or stifle his individual style, under the lame excuse of tradition. I was almost prevented from joining my present club (as a joining member from another district) due to the petty-mindedness of a certain PDG, who clearly is totally out of touch with reality. As far as there are senior members like this who continue to interfere in the day to day running of the club in a 'destructive' manner, Rotary will continue to loose its best members. Lets join hands to make Rotary an 'inclusive' and 'nurturing' club - we dont need to be 'exclusive' or 'elitist' to serve - and so lets learn to place service above self. Yours, in Rotary.

At 9:17AM on 15 August 2008, RUTH PALMER wrote: To remain in Rotary it takes commitment, it largely depends on your initial contact ,your proposer and also your orientation. With the pressure of today's world our Rotarians need encouragement and I would often share my joys of serving giving service above self. We have invited Rotarians to reconsider their resignations and by sharing you will realize that sometimes he does not feel a part of the club. Sometimes to retain a member you must be their friend and most times when he/she is encouraged to have a Rotarian for life. That exit interview is very critical. pressures, you realize that , they were either not involved in the Club's activities or they joined for the wrong reasons,

At 4:20PM on 14 August 2008, Curt Devan wrote: Decisions to remain or leave a Rotary Club may be based on the shared values of its members. Membership is comprised of four generational cohorts: Traditionalist (Born: 1900 – 1945), Baby Boomers (Born: 1946 – 1964), Generation Xers (Born: 1965 – 1980), and the Millennials (Born 1981 – 1999). According to William Strauss and Neill Howe , these cohorts are defined by three common elements: (1) A perceived membership in a common generation, (2) as set of common beliefs and behaviors, and (3) a common location in history. Clubs experiencing retention problems may find that the largest cohort to make a decision to withdraw their membership is Generation X followed by the Baby Boomers. Generation X is the first generation that coined the phrase “work-life” balance and will apply it to work as well as other activities. This cohort may be difficult to retain as a member if alternative approaches to meetings and activities are not provided. As the age of the clubs grows older, the need for membership from the newest cohort is essential if the service provided by Clubs is to continue. The Millennial Generation is a very diverse and civic minded group who are bombarded with compelling messages daily. From “Be smart – you are special” to “Serve your community” it is an untapped resource that also wants balance in their lives. Balance initiatives are one of the most strategic approaches for companies to attract workers, retain the workers they have, and reduce stress and distraction in their lives. But balance means something different to each of the generations so understanding different perceptions of balance is the key to retention. For clubs to succeed in retaining members, a clear understanding of age demographics will need to be included in the strategic planning process for the club.

At 9:50AM on 14 August 2008, ma. victoria wrote: In situations similar to the problem at hand, I have to remind the member, who is resigning, about the many benefits that she/he has gained as a result of his/her membership to rotary. To ask him/her of the times when he/she enjoys the fellowship, to reminisce those times. I will also ask all the members of the club to visit the resigning member.

At 10:09AM on 14 August 2008, RTN. SYED AZMATULLAH RC: CHENNAI PHOENIX RD: 3230 wrote: The problem is that a member wants to resign(the reason being family and work commitments). The question is how to convince him to remain. My answer is that I would remind him of the principles and mottoes of Rotary and the achievements and visions of Rotary. I would also find out if there are other reasons for his resigning and suggest solutions.

At 8:39AM on 13 August 2008, John Grygorcewicz wrote: Firstly congratulations on developing a great resource like this. Many contributors have made great suggestions and I agree that the club or the members sponsor should have been aware that something not quite right. The key to retaining members is to make their contributions in the club, no matter how small, carry weight and be acknowledge. If a member feels he has worth he or she will always find it hard to leave. Its not about the size of projects but the acknowledgment that each member is a part of solution that is key. And this has to be actively managed by the board and the committee chairs.

At 8:42AM on 13 August 2008, rtn Raymond Chin wrote: When someone decides to leave, more often than not the reason given is work commitments and family. This is done so that it makes resigning easier. Frankly, over the last two months I myself have been comtemplating resigning, so I believe this problem is highlighted in the most appropriate of time. Lets moved back to Nov 2005 when I joined the Rotary movement under RCKL DIRAJA. Those who know me know of the fact that I choose to serve without asking for honour or position therein because I was there wayback in 1990 with only a packet of maggie mee to be shared with my wife and praying for meals to come the following days. My prayer was answered and from thereon I serve to help the less fortunates from where I have risen. I believe I have done precisely that especially so while I am with Rotary. So wherein lies the reasons for me to comtemplate resigning? I believe we must look at the bigger pictures and see for ourselves where the weakness in Membership retention lies. Now, imagine a new boy on the block and he was handed a project without support from his club. What will happen to him? How often have the senior Rotarians sat back with hands tied? Thought they have done their parts - that's one of the trouble. Leave the new Rotarian to find his/her own pace. I have always highlighted that Past President/old guards never die, they just fade away because others forget to practise the law of competence upon them and in fading they subconsciously undermine the determination of the fresh Rotarian. Thanks God I survived the Rotarians' indifference and with the help of several new Rotarians and DG Dato' Jimmy Lim of the year we managed to organise the District Conference Fellowship Golf 2006 surpassing all expectation. But-! what is stated here is only on the surface of the skin. Have anyone look into the clique mentality that has surfaced in most NGOs? If you are not with them then forget the support. I have always gone against such king-makers but what can a fresh rotarian do except to serve but how long can the urge to serve go against the DISservice of those king-makers and clique superiority? So Rotarians we need to address and arrest the issues long before it eats into new Rotarians. Sit back and rethink......provide the prevention rather than the cure. Don't start talking about attendance and service but about what went wrong instead. Throwing the book at a resigning Rotarian will not stop him from resigning for long. It will not solve the problem. As for me, only my urge keep me going and going and going.......but not necessary under the Rotary Banner and I cannot force another to serve as a Rotarian unless we can prove beyond all doubts that Rotary is doubtless the best. So forget about solving a resignation but start tackling the roots that give rise to the Rotarian wanting to resign. As for me, who knows I will resign any time soon. It does not matter, I will still serve........wherever, however and whenever..............but I pray someone out there will listen and act on the decay that is always there. I serve as always................wherever, whenever, however.

At 9:06AM on 12 August 2008, Mainak wrote: Very valuable addition. Please continue with the department. It will really help the Clubs to run more effectively. Rtn. Dr. Mainak Mukherjee, RC Byrdwan Greater, RID 3240

At 9:06AM on 12 August 2008, Glanville Johansen wrote: If a member gets to this stage before any of the club members are aware of the intention. Maybe the club itself needs to re-assess its profile with its members. Has the club got a section where it is required to be aware of the inner ripples such as health of members and their families. Excess stress signs from a member, coping or not coping with an assignment. A new member especially needs to see regularly that this is the place i want to be.

At 9:09AM on 12 August 2008, PP Ashish Ajmera wrote: Members come and go.. This issue is suffered by almost all the NGO's which are community based (non caste based). One important factor which can lessen this issue is BUILDING YOUR CLUB'S PUBLIC IMAGE. If your club implements a huge project, where the PUBLIC IMAGE of your club gets VERY STRONG, I feel, no member would like to quit from its membership. In fact; it would possibly fetcth new members to the club \.

At 9:10AM on 12 August 2008, S B Sukumar wrote: First before inviting new members we have to give the member clear financial obligation and the programmes going on through Rotary International as well as the local Club. Next we have to involve new members with families in club programmes and family meets. Coming to the point when a members comes to reseign, before approching him we have to know the reason why he is leaving and then we have to meet him and convince on behalf of the matter he is leaving.

At 9:13AM on 12 August 2008, Rtn Paul Agbroko, D9140 Nigeria wrote: I just wonder how much time we spend for Rotary that any serious member who believes in the overall good Rotary carries out in the world, can not accommodate in his family and work schedules. I have a feeling the member may not be telling me the 'whole truth' as his reason for wanting to leave Rotary. So first I will prod him/her to get to know what's behind it all. It may well be that weekly fellowships have lost their attraction, or member does not feel challenged enough for his abilities and talents by the club, or member feels club does not care enough about their welfare, etc On the whole, my idea of a good Rotary club is one where more and more people seek to join and nobody wants to leave - not even the one who has genuine work and family schedules.

At 4:40PM on 11 August 2008, Carl Loveday wrote: I agree with a number of others. By the time the Rotarian announces he/she wants to resign, they have mentally left your Club. One member I sponsored resigned because of our Club's dues and meal costs. When he expressed an interest in joining our ranks I had pointed him to a page on our website we publish for the whole world to see http://www.naplesnorthrotary.org/joinus.html so I was puzzled at his decision. Maybe there was something else going on.

At 4:42PM on 11 August 2008, Dr Narendra Kamath wrote: Arrange for a quality pre-induction talk. Inite the potential member to the club for a couple of weeks before induction. Once inducted take care to see that he feels wanted. You have a longstanding member for sure. Lets remember that drop outs are highest in the first year. Add the feel good factor in every new member.

At 4:42PM on 11 August 2008, shrinivvas Malu wrote: IHe shoudl be convinced about the importance of attendance at Rotary meetings and programs . He should be made aware about the various options for making of his attendance. He should be convinced to make use of time management techniques. It is said that the "Busiest person only can find time if he really wants to ".

At 4:45PM on 11 August 2008, dr vinod kumar goyal wrote: very commmon problem - i also faced it & turn it into the gold mine - as a psychiatrist we are facing this problems day in & day out = psychology says that he joined because he was invited to join - & whole year he was never involved in any decisiion making or if any ideas is mooted he was said that you are too young to act upon so rather than encouraging he was a top brass top decision maker & considered useless - ego hurts - so why he would continue - what we did - we went to his house & said thanks for the s ervices you rendered or thanks for being with us for whole 12 months - we appreciate your contribution- we made a mistake of not involving you & respecting you - can you for give our mistake so that by taking up the responsiblity you can be better in the eyes of your wife & child - & we said clearly - we will respect your decision what ever it is & you will remain our friend whole life. his ego was satisfied & he felt fulfilled & came back. thanks dr vinod goyal psychiatrist & land mark graduate President rotary club nadiad dist 3060

At 9:58AM on 11 August 2008, Scott M. Sherman wrote: I fear this question comes to late. By the time someone decides to resign and tells the club about it, they are already (mentally) gone. Instead, what would have happened had members of the club noticed his attendance suddenly falling off. Did anyone call him up, ask if everything was OK? Ask if the club could do anything to help? Assure him that we all get to times when life requires more of us than hours in a day, but that his Rotary Club would be there for him and would work something out with him? Being proactive like this might have changed the situation from a resignation to a creative problem solving session that would either help the member stay in the club or leave the door open to his returning. And if he does leave on good terms, keep in touch so that he may return when the stresses calm down (as they usually do). Just my two cents. (Just my opinion.) Scott M. Sherman President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Palmer Massachusetts USA in District 7890

At 9:12AM on 11 August 2008, Rafiq Ahmed Siddique wrote: Point out his invaluable services to club and also your/President's future plan with him in club leadership and that his absence will be costly to the club.Inform about latest attendance rule- 50%, as also other rather new make up rules like attending committee meetings etc.Have other members also to approach him.

At 9:17AM on 11 August 2008, Johan De Leeuw wrote: I ask him to take a short break of the club and make an appointment for a new contact within two monts....he probably missed the weekly contacts with his friends members of the club. In no way we should try to convince him by force...rotary is an engagement that is token on a free bas..

At 9:18AM on 11 August 2008, Dr Surajit Sahu, RI Dist 3260 wrote: It is true that family life & work commitments are there and they need to be given priority whether they are demanding or not.We need to remember that by both these two components iI only look at me and my family. Request you to look around the suffering world and their need to be supported by our service, That will definitely change our attitude and we will definitely stick to continue to be a ROTARIAN in its full sense to serve others. Instead of looking at yourself through the mirror better look through the lens of others sufferings.God be with you.

At 9:17AM on 11 August 2008, UMAPRASAD DATTA wrote: The statement of the Rotarian assures that he wishes to remain in Rotary and only demanding commitments to family and work force him to take a decision against his wishes. Rotary propagates priority to profession and family over rotary activities. The statement of the Rotarian, therefore, is undeniably in line with basics of Rotary. My recommendation would be sharing his rotary responsibilities by fellow members, advising him to record attendance through any E-club till the stated commitments are eased out and enjoy rotary fellowship with family. He can also be advised to induct associates in work to Rotary. Finally, he should be offered opportunity to train himself to manage time, as we know that the busiest persons are those who can manage time too well to enjoy leisure.

At 9:23AM on 11 August 2008, Jack Selway, CEO RGHF wrote: By the time a member decides to leave, it's almost too late. But, what I'd do is have lunch with this person and tell them the story of Rotary. Recently we got two weeks at a resort on Maui (Hawaii, USA). What I really wanted was a trip to Kauai where I have many memories and where I know the area well. The solution was to study Maui. Then I found that I was really looking forward to the trip, planned for this November. When I speak to Rotary clubs, I talk about learning the background of anything you get involved with. Hence the value of Rotary's history. A member who knows the history will more likely remain and contribute. See www.rghf.org for more. Make history a priority in your clubs and you'll have better retention and TRF contributions. Regards, Jack Selway, RGHF Founder and CEO ceo@rghf.org

At 9:56AM on 11 August 2008, NARENDER KUMAR JAIN wrote: my dear rtn ROTARY WILL MAKE YOU LEARN TIME MANAGEMENT; JUST VISUALIZE YOUR FAMILY'S MOST ENJOYABLE FELLOWSHIPS IT IS ALWAYS A ROTARY GET TOGETHER OR A ROTARY MEETING - HOW YOU CAN DO SANS THOSE HILARIOUS AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS - YOU HAVE BEEN ADOPTED BY ROTARY FAMILY, OF COURSE IT IS BIGGER THAN YOUR INDIVIDUAL FAMILY AND WE ARE MEETING ONLY ONCE A WEEK FOR FEW HOURS ONLY - HOW IT IS THAT YOUR WORK COMMITMENTS ARE HINDERING YOUR IN YOUR VOCATIONAL TIME SCHEDULE - MORESO, WITH THE PACE OF TIME YOUR SELF HAS BECOME MORE PRECIOUS, NOW YOUR TIME IS MORE PRECIOUS, YOUR WORKING IS MORE PRECIOUS, YOU HAVE STARTED TO WORK ONLY PRECIOUS PROJECTS AND LEAVING LESS PRECIOUS PROJECTS FOR OTHERS, THATS WHY WE IN ROTARY REQUIRE YOUR PRECIOUS TIME, MY DEAR ROTARY WHEN MEETS ALL THE MEMBERS DEVOTE THEIR MOST PRECIOUS AND PRESTIGIOUS TIME AND FORWARD THEIR SKILLS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CLASSIFICATION. IT IS ONLY A QUESTION OF TIME MANAGEMENT AND NOW YOU SHOULD START THINKING ABOUT THE ROTARY COMMITMENTS ALSO IN THE SAME MANNER - AS YOU HAVE LEFT SOME OF YOUR LESS PRECIOUS PROJECTS FOR THE OTHERS IT IS ALSO A PRIVILEGE FOR A ROTARIAN TO DO SOME THING FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED PART OF OUR SOCIETY.

At 9:25AM on 11 August 2008, PDG DEBASISH MITRA wrote: I would talk to him about the feeling of ownership of the Rotary Club. It is your own Club & its members are part of your own family. Your absence will be missed - a loss which can never be regained. Together you do somuch for somany who really need you. Just like you need to give attention to your family & work you also need to pay back something to the community that has given you so much. We all have a responsibility towards the future generation & we must leave behind a better world for them. Rotary gives us ordinary people extraordinary opportunities to reachoput to the suffering humanity. Let us give a life worth living & when you live for others you really live. You get back from life what you give to it . Leave behind a legacy - leave behind marks in the sands of time my friend.

At 9:57AM on 11 August 2008, Rtn. IPP M BASHIR ULLAH BHUIYAN PHF wrote: Current National & International issues should discuss in the Club meeting and invite knowledgeable speakers in the regular weekly meeting. Spouses should be invited regulary in the fellowship dinnar. Family members are also be involved in the Rotary Programme. So that members will not leave the Rotary Club.

At 9:59AM on 11 August 2008, Dr Ho wrote: Not much chance, really for I believe family and career come before Rotary. May teach him skills to work out a good work-life balance. However, I would encourage him to make a comeback to Rotary when situation permits.

At 9:59AM on 11 August 2008, SN Agrawal wrote: Difficult situation! If the member has genuine problem, then its difficult to convince him. But we have to try!! First of all, he has to be convinced about what he is getting from Rotary - fellowship, friendship & opportunity to serve the needy. Secondly, he has to be informed that if its a temporary problem, he can get a short reprieve from the club - asking for leave from attendance for a shorter period. Thirdly, he has to be informed that Rotary does not need 100% attendance. Also, at difficult times, he may make up attendance at e-clubs. Lastly, he has to be advised to involve his family as well in Rotary so that the family is always with him!

At 10:00AM on 11 August 2008, DG Pam Russell wrote: Ask the Rotarian to join me on a hands-on project and bring the family along too. Rotarians At Work Day is an excellent way to reinspire and prevent Rotarians from leaving.

At 10:00AM on 11 August 2008, Richard Martinez wrote: Explain that there are times when we can't make a full time committment, but can still contribute on a smaller scale. Participating with one committee or project for instance.

At 10:01AM on 11 August 2008, PDG Chris Molam DMC D-9210 wrote: There are so many ways of maintaining minimal aatendance requirements - Involvement in Service is the key and the Club Board should condone hours of genuine service. Alternatively e-club make ups are an option. If members are not committed and involved in service maybe we should let them go!!

At 10:01AM on 11 August 2008, PDG Dr. James J. Yarmus wrote: Explain the 50% attendance policy at an exit interview and possibly create alternative meetings for the member such as Board, Committe and special event sessions to make the member feel welcome during this difficult time. Consider a recommendation to ease the way to another club if all else fails.