Thetownend.com

is this being broadcast live? i've got some shitty old music playing

what frequency ralphus

He's a Luton supporter!!!

2:01pm
The press conference is due to start right now. No sign of messrs McCrory, Murrall, Rice and Hooper yet.

Great start, fellas!

Is he wearing a tie?

great minds Gnasher

"What are the plans long and short term?"

"I've only been here 2 days!"

That isn't a good enough answer in my book. He should have been prepared to answer that question a lot better.

Fuck off BBC Wilts!!

They all are

https://twitter.com/SamMorshead_SA/status/306041765398458368/photo/1

hate to say that I agree with that, bit of a cringeworthy response.

Where was the business plan they supposedly presented to the Football League to get this deal approved?

I ain't convinced folks

What's the point of such a short broadcast? Pathetic.
From what was said it hardly inspires does it? Guess i'm firmly in the moaning,miserable negative camp.
The being in no rush to get a manager in and not even making enquiries is worrying.

McCrory does not rule out return of Di Canio to the hotseat.

McCrory does not rule out return of Di Canio to the hotseat.

Am i the only one worried that the money in this consortium prefers ti stay anonymous?

@SamMorshead_SA: McCrory: "This is a tremendous football club and people need to call it Swindon Town.



WTF ?

The impression I'm getting is of 4 blokes who have landed a club that they didn't think they were going to get.  And now that they have, they're thinking 'Shit, what happens next?'

• No approaches to potential managers.  PDC exit has, apparently, taken them by surprise and, as yet, do not even have a short list drawn up for a replacement.
• No plans for the ground.
• Ambiguous about Nick Watkins' future.

Sorry to be so down on this again.  Appreciate I'm sounding like a broken record, but this does not inspire confidence.

Knowing us it will be a Colombian drugs cartel or something similar behind them.

 :suicide:

Am i the only one worried that the money in this consortium prefers ti stay anonymous?

Am i the only one worried that the money in this consortium prefers ti stay anonymous?

The impression I'm getting is of 4 blokes who have landed a club that they didn't think they were going to get.  And now that they have, they're thinking 'Shit, what happens next?'

• No approaches to potential managers.  PDC exit has, apparently, taken them by surprise and, as yet, do not even have a short list drawn up for a replacement.
• No plans for the ground.
• Ambiguous about Nick Watkins' future.

Sorry to be so down on this again.  Appreciate I'm sounding like a broken record, but this does not inspire confidence.

No, that is the most significant piece of non-information so far . "A couple of business backing us", who and why? That's not a negative question, that's a fundamental one.

I assumed that is opposed to 'Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town' which, If i'm honest, I'd fully agree with

This could be dig by Jed. Paolo will have to consult his legal team.

No, that is the most significant piece of non-information so far . "A couple of business backing us", who and why? That's not a negative question, that's a fundamental one.

could be... this almost definitely is:

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
Hooper: "We're one team here now. We're not a team of individuals now.

The managerial role being performed by 2 players in the side is the thing that needs sorting now. No good asking them if they want to do it. I'm pretty sure they will want to but that doesn't make it right. Need a manager in the dug out asap.

Lots of nice platitudes, no real information, no plans - no point to the press conference really, I don't feel much more informed than I did at 13:59.

So what came out of the press conf we didn't already know?

We do know now there are 'a couple of businesses' behind them. Was hoping for more.

Given that the consortium's plans regarding the playing/coaching staff and the stadium appear to be so vague, you have to wonder what their rationale was for getting involved in the first place.  Add in to the mix anonymous business concerns acting as backers, and it would not be unreasonable to assume that the involvement of these businesses are the reason for the takeover.

We need to find out who these businesses are and what their plans are, and sooner rather than later.

We do know now there are 'a couple of businesses' behind them. Was hoping for more.

I was expecting some sort of plan for the club going fowerd, they have known for a month they were buying the club.

isn't this exactly how it panned out at Notts County? Anonymous backers which turned out not to exist whatsoever.

Not even thinking about ground redevelopment either. Jed isn't inspiring confidence.

If he had come out and said half the team are leaving tomorrow because the JCB's are moving in to redevelop the Town End . . . .  I guess you wouldn't be happy again!!

Did the sale and acquisition of STFC just fall into their laps?

First impressions count for everything and that press conference was a huge disappointment.
It almost felt like a couple of football fans getting together with their mates,forming a consortium
which is to be funded by some anonymous/shadowy businessmen.

Did the sale and acquisition of STFC just fall into their laps?

No we don't. Not until they name names. We know they're very vague about the sources of their funding, and possibly by extension we may infer that they're admitting they don't have that funding themselves.

I can't understand the "we've been here 2 days" response to the question about future plans when the takeover wheels have been in motion for weeks. Absolute bullshit.

Did the other board members introduce themselves at any point and explain their purpose?  Where, for example, does the bloke who runs a pub in Lincolnshire fit in?  And what does he bring to the table?

A politer way of saying no comment.

Did the other board members introduce themselves at any point and explain their relevance.  Where, for example, does the bloke who runs a pub in Lincolnshire fit in?  And what does he bring to the table?

Did the other board members introduce themselves at any point and explain their purpose?  Where, for example, does the bloke who runs a pub in Lincolnshire fit in?  And what does he bring to the table?

That's exactly what's happened. But haven't they already admitted it (well, not the shadowy part!)

Why would they have no comment?

How about we give them a chance and judge them on that basis? They have only been in the position 2 days.

Did the other board members introduce themselves at any point and explain their purpose?  Where, for example, does the bloke who runs a pub in Lincolnshire fit in?  And what does he bring to the table?

Did the other board members introduce themselves at any point and explain their purpose?  Where, for example, does the bloke who runs a pub in Lincolnshire fit in?  And what does he bring to the table?

Because they have no answer to the question, or not one they'd like to pass on at this stage.

Jed named as the Chairman.

Steve Murrall named as STFC general manager.

Callum Rice named as Director aiming to bring new income streams to STFC.

Gary Hooper named as STFC Commercial Director.

Steve Murrall named as STFC general manager.

Callum Rice named as Director aiming to bring new income streams to STFC.

Also dont think people should get too hung up on vague comments from their opening press conference... I'll be judging the new owners on their actions, not their words, albeit spurious words.

Im not interested in them sitting there and saying we will do this and that. I will judge them on their actions in the immediate future (until the end of the season) and beyond. The only issue I have concern with is over the managerial position

Also dont think people should get too hung up on vague comments from their opening press conference... I'll be judging the new owners on their actions, not their words, albeit spurious words.

Your drinks and food order probably.

Not really acceptable in my opinion.

It's going to be interesting to see how Sam Morshead reports this.  Does he take the view that it's early days and that the owners need a little time to get their feet under the desk, or does he highlight the concerns (as on here) about the apparent lack of strategy or direction?

Steve Murrall named as STFC general manager.

An important action, that would have sent a strong message about their professionalism, would have been preparing for the press conference.

Wasn't impressed with the last one of those we hadWhat the fuck is that? Sounds like something out of Monty Python. Or Mr Whippy reincarnate.

Would people have preferred the alternative to them taking over?

Some of you seem to think there was a queue of bored millionaires  with money burning holes in their pockets wanting to spend on STFC for  fucks sake

An important action, that would have sent a strong message about their professionalism, would have been preparing for the press conference.

Would people have preferred the alternative to them taking over?

Some of you seem to think there was a queue of bored millionaires  with money burning holes in their pockets wanting to spend on STFC for  fucks sake

He's got a background in the music industry but who knows.

All a bit vague, hopefully it'll all come out in time.

Isn't that basically the same job as Chief Exec that Nick Watkins has?

Would people have preferred the alternative to them taking over?

Some of you seem to think there was a queue of bored millionaires  with money burning holes in their pockets wanting to spend on STFC for  fucks sake

Would people have preferred the alternative to them taking over?

Some of you seem to think there was a queue of bored millionaires  with money burning holes in their pockets wanting to spend on STFC for  fucks sake

It's going to be interesting to see how Sam Morshead reports this.  Does he take the view that it's early days and that the owners need a little time to get their feet under the desk, or does he highlight the concerns (as on here) about the apparent lack of strategy or direction?

It's going to be interesting to see how Sam Morshead reports this.  Does he take the view that it's early days and that the owners need a little time to get their feet under the desk,

The only way an owner / investor is going to make money from the club is by redeveloping the ground - this has to be on the agenda?

Fairly big leap in logic there.

I'm pleased they've come in and taken on the club but I'd quite like to know who they are, who is financing this and what their plans are.

Considering the fact they will have provided the Football League with a business plan I don't think refusing to answer a question to the local media is fair.

I understand people's concerns, and im not saying all in the garden is rosy, but remain cautiously optimistic for now.

I'm gonna give them the benefit of the doubt for a while, and not slash my wrists just yet. They've only been here a couple of days after all.

Among other reasons for an experienced manager to arrive PDQ is the fact that several current players' contracts are up this summer. Or do any of the new board or Miller/Ward have experience in contract renewal negotiation?

2 of them more or less said the same thing when questioned. Both said about bringing alternative income into the club etc.
I could sit there and say that and frankly those avenues have been done to death anyway.

One of the reasons they could do with being transparent about the backing is what went on at Luton and vale.

They all are

https://twitter.com/SamMorshead_SA/status/306041765398458368/photo/1

My Trust membership is about to get renewed.

Oooh, Jed looks like Lee Mack in that photo. I quite like him so that's encouraging at least :)

I thought the league brought in rules about having to identify your investors in the wake of the Leeds/Bates thing?

the one thing all you moaners have forgot is, without this lot we would be fucked, lets give them a chance, i do agree with those that have said we need a perm manager tho

I thought the league brought in rules about having to identify your investors in the wake of the Leeds/Bates thing?

I knew we were in strife the moment Pauld came back ........

I thought the league brought in rules about having to identify your investors in the wake of the Leeds/Bates thing?

The biggest impression from the Press Conference was that Jed and the consortium,whilst having a background within business,just aren't 'Leaders'.

They sounded nervous to me. Right up until the point where cunty wilts radio switched it off.

is it just me who wants to start a hate campaign about this?

What does the Fit & Proper test consist of? Is it in-depth enough to allay any fears regarding the anonymous backers?

I dont know weather to laugh or cry .....

Does anyone think Jed's cheery man of people persona will involve him not wating to upset the team so a win tomorrow will result in him giving Miller/Ward the job on an ongoing basis?

He didnt seem to know a lot about much. Like they have taken the gig and intend on running on a 'see how we go' basis!

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
One on ones reveal plenty of interesting ideas and real substance to takeover. All there for you to read in tomorrow's @swindonadver
Expand   Reply  Retweet  Favorite  More

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
One on ones reveal plenty of interesting ideas and real substance to takeover. All there for you to read in tomorrow's @swindonadver
Expand   Reply  Retweet  Favorite  More

I understand certain frustrations, but even when Fitton took over Black & Arbib weren't "revealed" for a month or so.

I'm as disappointed as the next man at the press conference.

Depends whether the next man is Reg or not. No-one could match the depth of his disappointment ;)

I imagine Reg is a little relieved the despair can be dragged out a little longer  ;)

After some light digging, here are some facts that are interesting, but nothing you can draw any conclusions from.

Takeover company is called Seebeck 87. This sounds like an off-the-shelf firm set up by a lawyer. And there appears to be a Seebeck 86, Seebeck 85 etc.

Seebeck House is the registered office of the new firm, and is also the main office of this law firm.
http://www.emwllp.com/

This firm is very involved with Franchise. (http://www.emwllp.com/whats-the-matter/real-estate/what-weve-been-doing/#c2022 and http://www.thelawyer.com/emw-leads-on-56m-deal-to-expand-mk-dons-stadium/1010423.article). Their main sport and property partner has "worked as a lawyer with Pete Winkelman for the last 10 years in bringing football to Milton Keynes"

http://www.mkdonsset.com/about/trustees/

After some light digging, here are some facts that are interesting, but nothing you can draw any conclusions from.

Takeover company is called Seebeck 87. This sounds like an off-the-shelf firm set up by a lawyer. And there appears to be a Seebeck 86, Seebeck 85 etc.

Seebeck House is the registered office of the new firm, and is also the main office of this law firm.
http://www.emwllp.com/

This firm is very involved with Franchise. (http://www.emwllp.com/whats-the-matter/real-estate/what-weve-been-doing/#c2022 and http://www.thelawyer.com/emw-leads-on-56m-deal-to-expand-mk-dons-stadium/1010423.article). Their main sport and property partner has "worked as a lawyer with Pete Winkelman for the last 10 years in bringing football to Milton Keynes"

http://www.mkdonsset.com/about/trustees/

After some light digging, here are some facts that are interesting, but nothing you can draw any conclusions from.

Takeover company is called Seebeck 87. This sounds like an off-the-shelf firm set up by a lawyer. And there appears to be a Seebeck 86, Seebeck 85 etc.

Seebeck House is the registered office of the new firm, and is also the main office of this law firm.
http://www.emwllp.com/

This firm is very involved with Franchise. (http://www.emwllp.com/whats-the-matter/real-estate/what-weve-been-doing/#c2022 and http://www.thelawyer.com/emw-leads-on-56m-deal-to-expand-mk-dons-stadium/1010423.article). Their main sport and property partner has "worked as a lawyer with Pete Winkelman for the last 10 years in bringing football to Milton Keynes"

http://www.mkdonsset.com/about/trustees/

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
When asked whether funds behind Town under new regime were similar to those under their predecessors, McCrory said they were.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
McCrory: “Yes to be fair, yes it is but not to be spent naively or through false promises & it’s about managing it and one’s expectations."

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
McCrory: “Yes to be fair, yes it is but not to be spent naively or through false promises & it’s about managing it and one’s expectations."

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
McCrory: “Yes to be fair, yes it is but not to be spent naively or through false promises & it’s about managing it and one’s expectations."

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
Could not get it out of the new board who their benefactors are or what background their money is from. Sorry to disappoint.

Not knocking potential investment for the sake of it, but surely they know these questions are not going to go away until the identity and intentions of the backers are known.  Pieces starting to fall in to place...just very slowly.  McCrory, Rice, Hooper etc. all feel very much more like employees to me, rather than directors.  I could be wrong...but doesn't feel as if the 4 chaps wearing the red ties this afternoon are the ones setting the strategy.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
Could not get it out of the new board who their benefactors are or what background their money is from. Sorry to disappoint.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
Could not get it out of the new board who their benefactors are or what background their money is from. Sorry to disappoint.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
When asked whether funds behind Town under new regime were similar to those under their predecessors, McCrory said they were.

Who is Callum Rice?  I work in the music industry and have never heard of him.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
Rice: “We will be having concerts here at County Ground. I don’t know whether it’s something people found they couldn’t manage (in past)."

Who is Callum Rice?  I work in the music industry and have never heard of him.

Depends whether the next man is Reg or not. No-one could match the depth of his disappointment ;)

After some light digging, here are some facts that are interesting, but nothing you can draw any conclusions from.

Takeover company is called Seebeck 87. This sounds like an off-the-shelf firm set up by a lawyer. And there appears to be a Seebeck 86, Seebeck 85 etc.

Seebeck House is the registered office of the new firm, and is also the main office of this law firm.
http://www.emwllp.com/

This firm is very involved with Franchise. (http://www.emwllp.com/whats-the-matter/real-estate/what-weve-been-doing/#c2022 and http://www.thelawyer.com/emw-leads-on-56m-deal-to-expand-mk-dons-stadium/1010423.article). Their main sport and property partner has "worked as a lawyer with Pete Winkelman for the last 10 years in bringing football to Milton Keynes"

http://www.mkdonsset.com/about/trustees/

Lead singer for Whitesnake, before David Coverdale.

Sam just tweeted that when Jed was asked if the benefactors have the same money as the old board Jed answered they did. Very interesting

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
Rice: “We will be having concerts here at County Ground. I don’t know whether it’s something people found they couldn’t manage (in past)."

Who is Callum Rice?  I work in the music industry and have never heard of him.

Who is Callum Rice?  I work in the music industry and have never heard of him.

His current company was previously called CR Artiste Management, so I'm guessing he was some kind of agent/manager.

You have hit the bullseye............Seebeck 1 to 857 and counting.......this is the concern.

They will sell if we got promoted. Like backing a horse at about 6/1.

However lets be patient and see................what else can we do. No orange hats yet.

Conclusions. You. Jumping. Are. To.

It's on off-the-shelf company, lots of people do it. It doesn't necessarily mean they're a bunch of crooks (but it doesn't rule it out either).

Conclusions. You. Jumping. Are. To.

It's on off-the-shelf company, lots of people do it. It doesn't necessarily mean they're a bunch of crooks (but it doesn't rule it out either).

If it's a priority, and I hope to God it is, I would have liked to hear about a new manager, new players that are desperately needed as Navarro and Ferry are both out tomorrow.

Where's the urgency

new players that are desperately needed as Navarro and Ferry are both out tomorrow.

Absolutely. What they should have said we are desperate, has anyone got any midfielders we can buy that are really good that you're not using at the moment, it's urgent.

He runs or owns a pub in Lincolnshire.
He lives in Dunstable.
He has long hair.

It's not rocket science to identify in advance players a club may need to bolster a squad - surely they dont just wait until a couple of players get crocked then start looking

It's not rocket science to identify in advance players a club may need to bolster a squad - surely they dont just wait until a couple of players get crocked then start looking

That twat Agent Darren called them Trotters independent traders.

Still bitter about being banned from the club i see

I cant be bothered to read all this, whats the name of the long hair one?

"Swindon are bigger than a little club"...in your face SleepingMinnow ;)

Lucius Malfoy

Here he is talking about the takeover, and death eaters:

I can't think why anyone would be accepting the boards bollocks line today about them not having any immediate redeveloment plans for the club.

Fucking really?

I :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:'m about as convinced about that as I am the colour of Jed-the-hamsters' dodgy fucking hair-dye job.

And is Callum Rice is fooling anyone in that video? Nervous, phoney and zero levels of gravitas / Charisma in equal levels, not to mention a distinct lack of any demonstrable business credibility.

Not sure who said it earlier in the thread, but Trotters Independant Trading seems a very, very apt description of what has to be one of the shoddiest looking bunch of full-kit wankers ever to masquerade as Directors of our football club.

I wonder if the Advertisers' Sam Morshead or the BBC's Chris Wise are going to ask any of them how large the salary packages were that they awarded themselves today?

And I wonder if anyone is planning on asking them how come they were all (strangely) available for work, and therefore able to willingly accept their new job offers - all at the same fucking time?

I bet Nick Watkins is as we speak plotting a timely escape from anywhere near the vicinity of this collection of losers - probably without even a second thought about where his next pay cheque might be coming from....

  epic  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

No they don't. This was the bullshit logic that kept anyone from criticising Holt/Wills/Diamandis etc for years. Just because there isn't an immediate alternative, doesn't mean to say people aren't entitled to feel concerned at what we have been landed with

No income tax... No VAT..

Another point. Sam said yesterday all would be revealed in tomorrow's Adver about his 'one 2 one' chats as he called them. Where is this in today's paper ???

lets just say "the face of the consortium not the heart of it".

I think this sums it up perfectly. Which makes it all the more important that Wise, Morshead etc make urgent efforts to find who is at the heart of it and what they want. If anyone.

We do not need to specifically know who the money man (or woman) is behind it really just that there actually is one or more, it would be nice to know but just making sure they are there would probably be enough.

I must admit, when I heard Jed mention Trevor Watkins yesterday and given his connections to the Wills era, I did think "Oh shit, has Diamond Mike bought the club 'for a laugh' again?".

Crikey that is a scary list.

John Batchelor York City Soccer Club

I just feel a lot of posters are jumping to conclusions and everybody has an air of negativity.

I think people are making some limited judgements on what we've seen so far and worrying about what we haven't seen.

Just watched that interview with Callum Rice, he hasn't got a clue has he. I was cringing watching it.

Or in other words..... jumping to conclusions.

 

Where?

Some people do have some genuine concerns Paul, which is furry muff.

However, there's no denying that some that have jumped to conclusions and have them down as a bunch of crooks already.

If the unknown backers chose that rabble to front the board it hardly installs confidence does it? 
Its like four sad uncles in the morning after a night in the piss.

(NB bullshitting on twitter != transparency)

In the piss? Yuk! :)

Eh?

So you have them down as bullshitting then Paul?

Oh FFS.

Stop getting arsey you dick.

If you don't mean to say they are bullshitting then perhaps, maybe, you shouldn't use the word bullshitting. Just a thought like.

I saw this on Twitter, and it looked like bullshitting to me.

 "Family guys"? Please.

--

paul wardell ‏@paulw36
@JedMcCoy slightly concerned at the lack of transparency on the companys putting money in we have been down this ave b4 #transparencyiskey

10 hrs JedMcCoy ‏@JedMcCoy
@paulw36 understand that Paul I really do but would like to respect there feelings as they are family guys ..

Ah but which KIND of bullshitting?

There's a difference between describing the stream of banality on Jed's twitter over the past couple of weeks as "bullshit" which I think is a reasonable, if harsh, desciription tbh and characterising the entire board and their whole approach as "bullshitting". It's a subtle difference, granted, but I was surprised to see you jump to such an extreme conclusion from an off the cuff comment. However, I'll be careful to be much more precise in my use of language in future, sorry.

Fuck off paul. I was only asking your thoughts but it's people like you and Si Pie that I listen to on these matters, that's all. I shan't bother you again if that's your reaction.

Extreme conclusion my arse! I was asking a fucking question for crying out loud.

Jesus wept

Sorry, FH. Seemed like you jumped down my throat and tried to pin me on a phrase I really hadn't been meant to be taken that way. My bad. Hugs? :)

OK, you big gayer.  :-*

OK, you big gayer.  :-*

http://www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/news/headlines/10251753.Calming_the_waters/

Well thats much clearer, he bought the club with his own money - wasn't the purchase price £1?

Still no clearer and seem to still be peddling the same old lines, we shall see.

Having been constrained by the terms of a non-disclosure agreement during the weeks before the sale of the club was formally ratified by the Football League, McCrory is happy to be able to talk openly and honestly about the future.

Though it was McCrory’s cash which acquired the club initially, he told the Advertiser that two private investors would help to bankroll the continued development of the Wiltshire outfit and that they have a financial clout roughly equating to the budget under Black.

Well thats much clearer, he bought the club with his own money - wasn't the purchase price £1?

That £1 would surely have also purchased the outstanding debt of 3-4mil-ish (we think)

Though, entertainingly: https://twitter.com/RikkiHunt

Business, Executive and Team Coach, Entrepreneur, Author, Philanthropist, Adventurer and Motivational Speaker who has worked at a CEO level across many industries including Oil, Mobile, Sport, Internet, Retail, Financial services, Automotive and the Public Sector.

That £1 would surely have also purchased the outstanding debt of 3-4mil-ish (we think)

The one on ones are on the adver site horlock.

Sorry but who really gives a fuck about the licensing position?

This is moaning for the sake of it now.

Indeed appeared as I was typing that missive!

Still doesn't really say anything that any of us wouldn't have said if we had to discuss a business at short notice and wanted to sould like we wanted to work with the community

Whats the licencing position with regards to having 6 concerts a year, cannot imagine the residents will be happy?

Surely he sees the contradiction?

I remain in the cautiously optimistic camp at the moment and we should be following the phrase "dont judge a book  by it's cover". We need to give these guys time before all branding them as bullshitters and conmen, the one fact that no one can deny is that they saved us from a scenario that none of us would have wanted which would have been more than 10 points as we know how the FL love a good old STFC bashing. The financial backers not wanting to go public is a concern but they must have been revealed to the FL and passed a token fit and proper test which would have also been checks on links with other clubs etc, the one overriding question which could have been levelled at the previous guys is why invest in STFC what is in it for them ?

We need to give these guys time before all branding them as bullshitters and conmen, the one fact that no one can deny is that they saved us from a scenario that none of us would have wanted which would have been more than 10 points as we know how the FL love a good old STFC bashing.

Who would invest in/take over/rescue a club?  I have briefly met two of the new board and spoken at length to Callum Rice. I am not concerned by superficial concerns such as how they look/dress/speak. What I am interested in is stability promotion and growth. I think they were genuinely surprised by the PDC drama.

6 concerts per year is what Arsenal are trying to achieve, sounds like a plan.

Do we actually know this is fact, I only ask as it seems to have become fact during the process but I still cannot understand why if we go into admin for a third time we get banned, excluded and our bottoms smacked, but Pompey are deep into admin 3 and apart from a points deduction there has been no talk of kicking them out the league?

Not knocking the new or old boards, just genuinely interested.

Pompey have only been in Admin twice it is just the existing one has never been exited although the FL are losing patience and our now threatening them with expulsion if they dont sort things out before next season.
As for us we would have faced liquidation as the cashflow would have been severed completely as AB stated not a penny more so we would not have been able to trade day to day this is what Nick Watkins has already said. This would have been our third period of administration which would have been really viewed poorly by the FL and who knows what sanctions they would have placed upon us whatever they were - 10 points would have been the least of our worries.

As for us we would have faced liquidation as the cashflow would have been severed completely as AB stated not a penny more so we would not have been able to trade day to day this is what Nick Watkins has already said. This would have been our third period of administration which would have been really viewed poorly by the FL and who knows what sanctions they would have placed upon us whatever they were - 10 points would have been the least of our worries.

They award themselves highly paid salaries

There should be no issues with licensing, people have winged in the past but it never came close to stopping anything we have done in the past.

6 concerts per year is what Arsenal are trying to achieve, sounds like a plan.

The key bit was expressing that the backers can maintain the same funding agreed by Black (which is probably a little lower than we were spending in the past 3 months or so, but still sufficient to maintain the current squad).

Don't imagine the Private investors have been presuaded to go public by the shit Black seems to have taken (using Blacks own words on this, have no idea what it amounted to myself).

Who would invest in/take over/rescue a club?  I have briefly met two of the new board and spoken at length to Callum Rice. I am not concerned by superficial concerns such as how they look/dress/speak. What I am interested in is stability promotion and growth. I think they were genuinely surprised by the PDC drama.

Like others I am concerned by their lack of transparency and why their new businesses / investors / bankrollers / family men want to stay hidden in the background.

The other thing is that the jobs they seem to have dished out to thremselves, are these jobs not done already by club staff ?

I do fear that Nick Watkins will walk away from this once he has completed his hand over and that will be a shame as thse guys have not got the experience of running a football club and will have to learn quick but with Nick around you would be relyed on to keep them on the straight and narrow

I guess if people have already made up their mind that these guys are crooks then there is very little point in stating the truth.

Patey on twitter:

@WCPatey: Some Swindon fans are saying the same nice things about the new chairman that they once said about me.  I wish him well and hope it lasts!

And what is the truth then?

The truth is they have got experience of running a football club which is the main point I was replying to , many on here have already made your minds up after 4 days that these guys are dodgy I am just trying to have a bit more of an open mind about it.

Ah fair dos. I misunderstood, thought there was some major bigger picture you were alluding to that everyone was missing. Fair point though.

Ah fair dos. I misunderstood, thought there was some major bigger picture you were alluding to that everyone was missing. Fair point though.

No probs the one thing we need to do is stick together in all of this and in fighting between groups of supporters is the last thing we need.

There is a difference to thinking they are dodgy-crooks etc compared to being concerned at what and who they are. There is the odd fan who has them down as robbing the club but most are more in the concerned but hoping to be impressed camp.

The first impressions are not good(for me at least)
They look like the first lot who could meet the requirements for a quick sale as Black wanted shot pronto.
If they have been left a healthy club with debt written off and money to spend then great.
I cannot help thinking that they are just a bunch of blokes who want to have a play at running a football club though  and could be out of their depth.

Their interview comments are completely lacking in anything new and if anything lacked any preparation whatsoever. The reasons Jed gave for wanting to take STFC on straight away rang alarm bells. He made a comment about wanting to help a club in the football family. Christ,do people actually swallow that? give me a break!

Patey on twitter:

@WCPatey: Some Swindon fans are saying the same nice things about the new chairman that they once said about me.  I wish him well and hope it lasts!

So they didn't come over that well at the press conference.  Quite frankly if it had been me, and some of the shit that has been spouted off about them on this forum alone in the past two weeks, I might just have said fuck it and walked away - and let's face it they couldn't have been looking forward to a grilling from Chris "Administration" Wise and Big Sam Morshead.  Thank fuck the Football League Paper didn't turn up!!

some of the comments are bordering on hysterical ( I hasten to add in general across the whole forum not just in this thread). I dont see much different from the few days after A Fitton took over the only difference was he was a born presenter and loved the media limelight so therefore came across as the real deal. When the old consortium came in we did not know who was involved in the background, they did not mention ground re-development plans after 3 days in fact to my knowledge they never really released any public plans about Ground Development. Other accusations such as giving themselves large salaries where has that come from ? 

I am as concerned as the next fan but we really need to give it more than one presser and a couple of Adver interviews before we start preparing the public gallows and donning the orange balaclavas. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21588183 some interesting comments on here around 2.20
about new investors all the time.
I think he comes across well here.

Patey on twitter:

@WCPatey: Some Swindon fans are saying the same nice things about the new chairman that they once said about me.  I wish him well and hope it lasts!

A lot of people seem to be mistaking concern for hysteria and cautious optimism for complacency.

Perhaps it's me but that seems a very sarcastic tweet...

Patey on twitter:

@WCPatey: Some Swindon fans are saying the same nice things about the new chairman that they once said about me.  I wish him well and hope it lasts!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21588183 some interesting comments on here around 2.20
about new investors all the time.
I think he comes across well here.

I heard Rice's interview on the radio earlier - "I have worked the cruises", "spent a few summers in Majorca" and "own a hotel in Lincolnshire" :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Why is this person a director at a football club?

I heard Rice's interview on the radio earlier - "I have worked the cruises", "spent a few summers in Majorca" and "own a hotel in Lincolnshire" :Ride On

I heard Rice's interview on the radio earlier - "I have worked the cruises", "spent a few summers in Majorca" and "own a hotel in Lincolnshire" :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Why is this person a director at a football club?

Three simple questions

1. Who are their backers?
2. What are they paying themselves?
3. Do they have any plans to add debt to the club's balance sheet?

The reason they do not get the benefit of the doubt is that they are too closely associated with people who in general, have been bad for lower league football (Deakin, etc) and unfortunately you are judged by the company you keep. So if they are serious, they will want to disassociate themselves from these people. Transparency is the best way of doing this.

Until we get solid answers to those three questions I will assume they are going to pay themselves huge amounts of money, load the club up with debt, leave when their property adventure fails and we find ourselves back where we started. As always.

I've seen an article that Deakin has been employed by Kassam's company as the stadium manager at oxford.

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Fan-fury-Deakin-lands-new-job-Oxford/story-15900507-detail/story.html#axzz2M3kTJ8cH

Just been reading Nick Watkins farewell notes in the programme, He sounds more professional than the whole of the new lot put together. Great bloke who made a real connection with Swindon supporters. Will miss not having him around.

Another one of your accounts Tans?

I heard Rice's interview on the radio earlier - "I have worked the cruises", "spent a few summers in Majorca" and "own a hotel in Lincolnshire" :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Why is this person a director at a football club?

Just been reading Nick Watkins farewell notes in the programme, He sounds more professional than the whole of the new lot put together. Great bloke who made a real connection with Swindon supporters. Will miss not having him around.

So he's definitely offski? This is a massive blow, I trusted him and hence thought we'd at least have one pair of safe hands while he was around.

"own a hotel in Lincolnshire"

I don't think they appointed him in the end.

So he's definitely offski? This is a massive blow, I trusted him and hence thought we'd at least have one pair of safe hands while he was around.

Just don't read most of the TripAdviser reviews of said hotel. Yes, I know people can be vindictive and all that on TA, but if you were really into looking after the customers you'd do something to try and answer the complaints.

As for gigs at the CG....I know more people who've lost their shirts trying to be 'promoters' (rather than getting a proper job) than any other line of business.

But why the fuck would Black want to get involved again?

But why the fuck would Black want to get involved again?

But why the fuck would Black want to get involved again?

So is the consensus now this board might be half decent guys worth a go running our club?

Not really my main worry.  It's more wanting an indication of what their thoughts on the redevelopment issue are...because ours is now so long overdue that it's difficult to see how the Club is going to progress further without some kind of movement in this area.

My main concern is that the purchase has been so rushed that they haven't even thought about this...and that they might not have either the skills or the inclination to deal with the issue.

It's always the same argument that's sort of unquantifiable - the new stadium/redevelopment effect. It's worked for Reading, Swansea et al so there's a belief (or blind hope) that it would work for us.

But then there's also Notts County, Preston, Chesterfield, and the disasters of Rusden and Diamonds and poor old Darlington, where it didn't quite work as well.

Dalumpimunki, Ardiles has probably written more about ground redevelopment than anyone else on this forum and been the most vocal about a general concern (i don't think i've seen anyone seriously pursuing as a worry the concern you brought up earlier, though i stand to be corrected by a link to a comment) that if the new people don't have long term plans for redevelopment then we don't have long term plans for sustainability and the cycle of boom and bust is likely to continue.

I have no problem with Jed, but some of the tweets directed in his direction over the weekend were cringeworthy..I know we were all on a high etc, but he's not the second coming.

Actually, I do have a grizzle about big J; I find the fact that he doesnt know the difference between 'there' and 'their' a little depressing.

But then there's also Notts County, Preston, Chesterfield, and the disasters of Rusden and Diamonds and poor old Darlington, where it didn't quite work as well.

:cry: They're their, shhhhhh

To be honest its neither hear nor they're

Looking at our average gates, and average gates in the Championship, I can't see that we'd have capacity issues more than a couple of times a season.

One option is wait until we get promoted to the Championship, then rather than spending all the increased income (worth at least an extra £5m a season) on player transfer fees and salaries we put some of it towards a new stand.

Personally I'd be happy with a single season in the Championship and relegation if it meant a new stand and increased income in the future. Plus Kmac might be able to work wonders on a budget.

For the near future all we really need to do is build a new Townend, a la Tranmere's stand behind the goal, that could take us up to 17k/18k.

If we were to get promoted we may have to do something short term with the Statton Bank like putting a roof on it. Bristol Rovers/Bristol Rugby put a roof on the open terrace a few years ago for under 100k. If we did something like that, we could give over to the away fans giving them 2500 seats under cover. With no immediate plans for redevelopment it could bring this part of the ground into play more regularly. Might pay for itself with larger away attendances in the Championship.

If we were to get promoted we may have to do something short term with the Statton Bank like putting a roof on it. Bristol Rovers/Bristol Rugby put a roof on the open terrace a few years ago for under 100k. If we did something like that, we could give over to the away fans giving them 2500 seats under cover. With no immediate plans for redevelopment it could bring this part of the ground into play more regularly. Might pay for itself with larger away attendances in the Championship.

I don't see why we don't stick away fans in the Stratton Bank only. Hardly any teams bring many and we only have to give 10% of our capacity to them, putting them in the Stratton Bank every game makes sense, keeps the away fans cold and quiet.

I am sure you have to offered covered seating if you have it. If we were to redevelop then we might need to use Stratton Bank for a couple of seasons. If we don't do anything in the next 5 years, a quick upgrade like Pompey and Rovers did with their open ends means we use more often.

As a person, I'm warming to Jed.  But the unanswered questions are still the 'elephant in the room' for me.

• Who are the backers?
• What's in it for the backers?
• If you are completely sure that you cannot reveal the identity of the backers, are you at least able to explain why?
• Do the backers have an exit strategy and, if yes, what is it?
• Ground redevelopment or relocation?
• If neither of the above are a part of your business plan, why not - and how do you propose to maintain the ageing asset of the County Ground?
• What are the salaries of the new board members?

All that is just for starters.

Impressed with the MacDonald appointment, and with the initial soundings about youth development.  It demonstrates that the man at the top knows his football (and probably a lot better than I do, given that I'd not even heard of Kevin MacDonald before last week.)  Otherwise, jury still out until we get the full picture.  As a club, we have too much bad history to be able to offer any newcomers - and especially newcomers that none of us have any prior knowledge of - the benefit of the doubt.  That isn't ingratitude; it's common sense.

I understand the residents behind would probably object which is why there is talk of moving the town end back and shifting the pitch in that direction

Less revenue for the club.

No point putting a roof on the Bank - it's a dump and will hopefully be the first to go if/when the ground is redeveloped.

Aye, offer at least 200 visiting supporters under cover...rule 34.2.1

Aye, offer at least 200 visiting supporters under cover...rule 34.2.1

The £5m is just the increase in centrally distributed funds (ie the Football League, primarily the TV deal).

I'd guess the increases in ticket sales, merchandise, TV fees, sponsorship and so on would be a minimum of another £2m.

The wage bills of some of the Championship clubs is beyond scary, reckon Brighton's must be £15m (based on their loses and the additional income). No way we can compete with that even if we wanted to.

Would handing out umbrella hats count?

I want to believe it was some whimpy West Brom fans who got just the Bank a number of years back that caused this issue.  Granted t was pelting it down the entire match and it was fucking cold and windy as well, but I'd survived plenty of similar games on the Bank without getting hypothermea

Apparently the 3 backroon staff apart from piccaretta wanted to stay.

Yes we went.

Apparently the 3 backroon staff apart from piccaretta wanted to stay. They were given documents to sign stating they would not sue the club, these havent been returned yet

Meeting with di canio and advisers this week

Playing budget to remain the same

Club looking to actively engage with the community

Shrewsbury paid off

Embargo to be lifted by tuesday, FL wanted 1.2m deposited in an account

Club has no debt

Herthab kept asking questions

Still not convinced by this lot. Maybe it's just me but it just seems like they are a bit shady and Jed is putting a face on on twitter.

What do the FL want 1.2m for? Do we operate on a deposit basis in regards to transfers now then? A bit like one of those Christmas hamper Farepak style deals?
What have they done wrong so far? Aside from the lack of disclosure regarding background investment, I'd find it very hard to see how anybody could criticise them.

Club has no debt

What do the FL want 1.2m for?

What have they done wrong so far?

Can only assume its ring fenced as funding for the club.

I'm as skeptical as anyone but some are making entirely unfair judgements just because they're not Saint Nick and his band of merry men.

Maybe we were spoilt with the previous board as they were very clued up and professional.

They have done nothing yet to be praised or slated. Too early. The arse licking of jed fits the trivial annoying-mildly amusing categories. Take your pick

This is EXACTLY my take too.

Giving them the benefit of the doubt is hardly arse licking, its called tolerance and optimism.

his arse is being licked more than a dog with a blocked anal gland.  The stuff on Twitter makes my stomach crawl.

Still not convinced by this lot. Maybe it's just me but it just seems like they are a bit shady and Jed is putting a face on on twitter.

Steady on IsOB...you'll have the  :clap: on your case.  Edit...I see you have  :)

Steady on IsOB...you'll have the  :clap: on your case.  Edit...I see you have  :)

yawn

How do you know this lot are not very clued up and professional?

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I love the way that now being tolerant and ever so slightly optimistic is being a happy clapper.

Ive no idea, but I do find Jed a bit cringeworthy with his laddy tweets such as

JedMcCoy ‏@JedMcCoy
@milescopland @cosmo_mb13 haha.. Was you at the top and got led away .. Shouldn't laugh .. #swindononthepiss

Jesus. If there's a conclusion to jump to you're the man to do it. You bite harder than a starving great white shark.

That doesn't make any sense. What conclusion is JJ jumping to?

Jesus. If there's a conclusion to jump to you're the man to do it. You bite harder than a starving great white shark.

zzzzzz

Don't you fucking start

Ive no idea, but I do find Jed a bit cringeworthy with his laddy tweets such as

JedMcCoy ‏@JedMcCoy
@milescopland @cosmo_mb13 haha.. Was you at the top and got led away .. Shouldn't laugh .. #swindononthepiss

But they haven't seemed to given this a great deal of consideration,  I would tiew it in with another thought of mine, which is around increasing the entertainment before the match, so that people get there at 2.00 and drink and eat at the club, by having some kind of competitions so that comics get the chance to do 10 minute session before the game, tie that in with some PA's by some boy bands / girl groups who would probably play (mime) for free for the exposure and the robinettes, etc. and people may start to come and spend more money at the club.

Now that took me 10 minutes to think of the new board have had weeks and haven't seemed to come up with anything more thought out than this.  when they were buying the club and putting their business plans together did they not sy what they would do to generate all this extra money.  the old board seemed to be quite good with marketing and raising revenue, so its not going to be that easy for them to do this.

There I feel a bit better now that I have got this off my chest, and its a given that I want them to squeeze more money out of the ground, I just don't think that there backgrounds in business inspire me really that they can do this...   

He's right to a certain extent about entertainment before the game.  I used to get to the Legends about 1-45 and joined the queue for a beer, then finding a table to drink at was the next problem, "this one is reserved" "what all of it, there's room for about another eight people" "yes, they'll be here at 2-30!"  Used to meet some mates in there, but no more, embarrasssing!!  If I fancy a drink now its into the County or else I just roll up at 2-50, get in and spend nothing at the club.  Now, girl/boy bands is pushing it a bit, but a litle bit of entertainment wouldn't go amiss.  Some better entertainment over the pa before the game would be a major improvement, talk about creating an atmosphere!!  We are beaten into submission before we start with some of the crap that's played on there!

If you want something done for pre-match why not ask Jed? You may be pleasantly surprised.

Don't stop the party!

I hope you meant to be ironic, as your plans are of the ilk of theirs (which you seem to be criticising). You're either pretty clever or pretty stupid.

I'll leave you to decide, all I was saying was that I thought of these things in ten minutes while bored, I was kind of hoping for better more thought out plans from them, can you imagine them going in the dragons den, and saying things like I've only just started the business so don't know what I want to do with it yet

I'll leave you to decide, all I was saying was that I thought of these things in ten minutes while bored, I was kind of hoping for better more thought out plans from them, can you imagine them going in the dragons den, and saying things like I've only just started the business so don't know what I want to do with it yet

Why has this guy surfaced now?

This looks like his:

http://www.cityprojectgroup.com/

It may not be, but all seems very boiler room-ish. I hope this isn't where our money has come from.

Because he was recently appointed director of the holding company.

This looks like his:

http://www.cityprojectgroup.com/

It may not be, but all seems very boiler room-ish. I hope this isn't where our money has come from.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
Hall has background in carbon credit schemes. It's my understanding he has was linked as a possible director for a while before appointment.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
Hall has background in really really dodgy carbon credit schemes. It's my understanding he has was linked as a possible director for a while before appointment.

Well done, Si.  Supporters really shouldn't have to be digging like this.  The board should be communicating info such as this before the appointments are made.  Having left you to get the scoop, maybe the Adver could run the stor from here.  A few tricky questions would be nice as well.

Someone has woken up the chimp

Someone has woken up the chimp

I can understand why the adver would be uneasy about biting the hand that feeds them, especially so early on in their relationship with the new board.

But ultimately they're selling papers to the fans, not the board, and the susurrations of disquiet and rumour that have been there from the start are only growing in the absence of clear information about the unnamed backers backgrounds and motives, information that even without the co-operation of the board a tougher line of journalistic endeavour might still be able to shine a light on.

Better to confront these issues now than to look back with regret in hindsight.

I can understand why the adver would be uneasy about biting the hand that feeds them, especially so early on in their relationship with the new board.

But ultimately they're selling papers to the fans, not the board, and the susurrations of disquiet and rumour that have been there from the start are only growing in the absence of clear information about the unnamed backers backgrounds and motives, information that even without the co-operation of the board a tougher line of journalistic endeavour might still be able to shine a light on.

Better to confront these issues now than to look back with regret in hindsight.

I totally agree, and think that Morshead needs to grow a pair.

Cyber bully.

Cyber bully.

Sam Morshead ‏@SamMorshead_SA
@evo9190 Try calling it something other than a transfer embargo. A funding embargo perhaps, I'm not sure how it would be defined.

Careful, he's never lost an internet debate.

Money laundering?

It's entirely plausible that Sam has only just picked up on this himself and wasn't sitting on anything. I wouldn't blame him for not wishing to burn his bridges and it's simply unfair to give him stick for not providing us with information - if it wasn't for his efforts during the takeover, the transfer window and around Di Canio's departure we'd all be sitting in the dark.

A funding embargo? Does that mean the restriction isn't coming from the FL? Or have they got some new rules and stuff? It's a bit confusing...

True

I read it as the FL is restricting funding.

Ahhh, that makes sense. Do they do that then, surely it's none of their business?

A funding embargo? Does that mean the restriction isn't coming from the FL? Or have they got some new rules and stuff? It's a bit confusing...

So we may end up thanking the FL for keeping a weather eye on the goings-on at STFC.

It does make you think though, just what the point of the 'fit and proper person' test is when after the takeover is concluded any old scoundrel can be appointed to the board.

They can't. Fit and Proper Persons applies to any director of the club whenever appointed. And a club would also be in breach of the same rules if they had a person who was acting as a director even if they weren't formally named as one if that person would also fail FPPT. How well enforced these rules are is, of course, wholly another matter.

They can't. Fit and Proper Persons applies to any director of the club whenever appointed. And a club would also be in breach of the same rules if they had a person who was acting as a director even if they weren't formally named as one if that person would also fail FPPT. How well enforced these rules are is, of course, wholly another matter.

Maybe they're becoming more cautious of possibly dodgy money coming into football? It would make sense.

Doesn't mean our money is dodgy of course, just that they are being careful.

Fucks sake, jesus christ, whatever happened to giving these people a chance?!

Good work Si,but i can't help but feel a bit disappointed that the Adver have known about off the field issues,
but failed to report these concerns to the wider fanbase.

Hopefully,at the Trust AGM,these issues can be discussed and brought to the attention of fans.

His business history seems to be in textiles with a bit of property developing and software. Fuck knows how he got involved with Brazilian land banking, but I don't like it one bit.

It'll never happen here, but a German-style rule that insists on a minimum 51% share of all league clubs being owned by supporters or supporter bodies would prevent all of this from happening.  

Having done a bit of Googling over lunch, Hall appears a very shady character.

As has been alluded, Carvier Ltd appears to be a phoenix of Tullett Brown and it looks as though Hall is fronting that for the original con-men.

His business history seems to be in textiles with a bit of property developing and software. Fuck knows how he got involved with Brazilian land banking, but I don't like it one bit.
[/quote

Just read this on Adver thread, just copied and pasted.


I am an avid reader of the forums on this site but a first time poster. This article has prompted me to register as a contributor as I am concerned by the stories emanating from our club. I have supported the team since I was 8 and have watched Swindon on a regular basis from that point onwards. During this time we have seen a number of irresponsible owners becoming involved in the club for their own obvious gain. Whilst I can't support how Andrew Black exited the club you have to acknowledge that he put a lot of his own money into it and actively supported one of the most exciting and interesting periods I have known. Without this cash we would potentially not have survived and would probably not be in the play off positions in League 1. However, the rush job that has ensued to get new owners in has created the potential for people to access a well established asset and exploit it for their own gain.

I do not believe our current set of investors have got involved for the 'love of football'. They have surely got into it to make a return. What is unclear is whether it is a short term gain of being paid large amounts for their involvement with STFC or a long term one where they benefit through the move away from the County Ground and a new ground. Jed's judgement must be questioned whether he should be running a multi-million pound community asset given the appointment of this particular Director. As other posters have mentioned the Carbon company Gregory Hall is a director of is associated with dubious characters that have had other companies shut down by the High Court (in the public interest) and City Property has just issued a dissolution notice - www.duedil.com list a summary as 'City Project Limited was incorporated on 28 Oct 2008. The company's status is 'Dissolution Notice Issued', with one director. Gregory Hall is City Project Limited's sole shareholder. They have no known group companies. City Project Limited have total assets of £0 plus total liabilities of £164,889. Their book value is £-28,322, and the value of their shareholders' fund is £-28,322'. I really wanted this to work out so we could focus on the players not back room issues but I am really concerned. Apologies for the lengthy post but I hope it is useful.

Fucks sake, jesus christ, whatever happened to giving these people a chance?!

Which may be why new bloke isn't a director or on the board of the football club. Just the holding company. Or is that subject to FPP also?

No don't think so and of course you're right, my mistake. Oh bugger.

Had communication from the Football League - their stance doesn't change on commenting on embargoes...

FL: "We never confirm or deny the existence of an embargo. You’ll need to be guided by the club on this issue."

Tweeted by Sam

https://twitter.com/SamMorshead_SA/status/314008441410699264

https://twitter.com/SamMorshead_SA/status/314008311802511362

Now I'm really confused. So theoretically we might not be under embargo? It might be an excuse by the new owners not to spend cash they don't have? I've been pretty patient with them, but the total lack of information coming out of the club is starting to make me uneasy......

Now I'm really confused. So theoretically we might not be under embargo? It might be an excuse by the new owners not to spend cash they don't have? I've been pretty patient with them, but the total lack of information coming out of the club is starting to make me uneasy......

"Speaking in an exclusive live web chat with the Echo yesterday, Baker said the fact the proposed investment would have made McCrory's consortium majority stakeholders at Whaddon Road led to the club declining their advances.

We did have an approach from the consortium who are now at Swindon, but we weren't convinced and you have to be very careful," Baker said.

"You have to be very thorough with your due diligence and the fact they want to become the controlling stake holders was a problem."

This looks like his:

http://www.cityprojectgroup.com/

It may not be, but all seems very boiler room-ish. I hope this isn't where our money has come from.

Did you look in to the City Project Group any further? His Linkedin profile lists the company as City Project Limited, which according to Companies House has had a couple of strike off notifications against it, both discontinued though.

As a person, I'm warming to Jed.  But the unanswered questions are still the 'elephant in the room' for me.

• Who are the backers?
• What's in it for the backers?
• If you are completely sure that you cannot reveal the identity of the backers, are you at least able to explain why?
• Do the backers have an exit strategy and, if yes, what is it?
• Ground redevelopment or relocation?
• If neither of the above are a part of your business plan, why not - and how do you propose to maintain the ageing asset of the County Ground?
• What are the salaries of the new board members?

All that is just for starters.

Impressed with the MacDonald appointment, and with the initial soundings about youth development.  It demonstrates that the man at the top knows his football (and probably a lot better than I do, given that I'd not even heard of Kevin MacDonald before last week.)  Otherwise, jury still out until we get the full picture.  As a club, we have too much bad history to be able to offer any newcomers - and especially newcomers that none of us have any prior knowledge of - the benefit of the doubt.  That isn't ingratitude; it's common sense.

The other board members are going to need time to get their feet under the table before we start seeing results from them...but the Callum Rice appointment still feels very strange to me.  I'd like to think that his being a Dunstable/Luton local is coincidental to Jed's own association with the area and that he hasn't landed the job simply because he's a drinking buddy, but I have my doubts.

When I did it everyone had a go at me.

I can't remember you doing it...

At the risk of preaching to the choir, the only way that we'll get any sort of fan influence in the club is if more people join the Trust and get involved. Ideally starting with the AGM next week http://www.truststfc.com/2013/03/trust-stfc-agm-27th-march-2013/

That's because he's never been right  ;)

It happened once, about 2 years ago.

Let it go.

COYR ... 3pts required sorry I can't be there tonight but stuck resolving issues stick with it all we are working our way through issues...

Why can't he communicate through the press and not Twitter? It's a fucking joke that Twitter is considered to be an acceptable media outlet to communicate with the fans.

My mate is a Peterborough fan and their chairman, MacAnthony uses Twitter a lot. I think their fans appreciate his open and honest approach on that medium.

I had to read that twice!

My mate is a Peterborough fan and their chairman, MacAnthony uses Twitter a lot. I think their fans appreciate his open and honest approach on that medium.

Apparently jed has said embargo will be 100% lifted before end of window.

He didn't state which window however!,

Apparently jed has said embargo will be 100% lifted before end of window.

He didn't state which window however!,

Makes you wonder why Nick Watkins and PDC and Co jumped ship. Watkins was going to stay on at first wasn't he? I was concerned when this lot took over and I still am now but we can speculate all we want. Until we know facts we can't judge one way or the other.

This Samsung player thing must be happening soon. Will we be able to offer the winner a contract if we are still in um bongo?

Don't Samsung pay their salary? Wouldn't be necessary to register him with the FL either, not like he's going to play.

They could put him on the books as a cleaner or hot dog seller if necessary.

Apparently jed has said embargo will be 100% lifted before end of window.

He didn't state which window however!,

The reason for that is he's still running through old tapes of Play School and cannot decide whether it is the round one, square one or arched one. These are tough management choices you know, they take time to resolve.

He says by the end of the window so we may come out of embargo as soon as it is closed or a few mins before thus leaving it to late to sign players - synical view

Also cynical perhaps (and maybe I'm reading too much into it), but the fact that he's so confident that it'll be lifted before the window ends might appear to suggest that the hold up is in our hands and not down to the FL after all. If the FL are dragging their heels why not say "well we've done all we can the ball's now in their court"?

Not a critisism, just an observation.

Also cynical perhaps (and maybe I'm reading too much into it), but the fact that he's so confident that it'll be lifted before the window ends might appear to suggest that the hold up is in our hands and not down to the FL after all. If the FL are dragging their heels why not say "well we've done all we can the ball's now in their court"?

Not a critisism, just an observation.

Nothing cynical or "reading too much..." about it; the guy's admitted as much on Twitter.

See: http://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=50784.msg1176144#msg1176144

See also the attached.

Erm call me dim but all I see there is that he says they're working towards it (i.e. lifting the embargo I assume) and in the other bit you quote that they're working to resolve the (unseen?) "issues". How's that amount to admitting that the hold up's in our hands? Like I say, maybe I've missed something here (and FWIW I'm not discounting or poo-pooing the idea either)

My point was that Manc seemed to be implying that what he was saying was in some way controversial

Edit: I see what you are getting at now - I wasn't suggesting Jed is holding things up deliberately, merely that the ball is in his court.  I don't doubt for a moment that he and his associates are working very hard to lift the embargo - any suggestion they would deliberately hold it up is clearly ludicrous.

Agreed. But my main concern is that it's a funding issue.

I bet it's all to do with PDC and his exit.  There was the issues around having his resignation accepted or not, along with threats of legal action etc. etc. etc...

It is all probably in the hands of solicitors, and until the paperwork has all been completed and his resignation / dismissal / whatever the leagal term used is completed, the League won't lift the M'Bongo because there is an outstanding creditor.  Hence the "It's being worked on" and "Will explain in detail later" comments from Jed.

 If all outstanding monies to other clubs has been paid by the club as inferred by the thinking mans beno, the n the above is plausible as is any legal issues with the old consortium? You would like to think that the sale by Black crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's, though I cannot help thinking that a few worms would crawl out of the woodwork after the completion on a technicality. Remember Bill Power came back for one last bite at the new old regime and even Diamandis tried it on as well. These claims are money related and legally complex which would enforce the FL/FA to impose an embargo and force the club to say nothing for fear of upsetting negotiations and fighting another battle with lawyers.

If all outstanding monies to other clubs has been paid by the club as inferred by the thinking mans beno, the n the above is plausible as is any legal issues with the old consortium? You would like to think that the sale by Black crossed all the t's and dotted all the i's, though I cannot help thinking that a few worms would crawl out of the woodwork after the completion on a technicality. Remember Bill Power came back for one last bite at the new old regime and even Diamandis tried it on as well. These claims are money related and legally complex which would enforce the FL/FA to impose an embargo and force the club to say nothing for fear of upsetting negotiations and fighting another battle with lawyers.

These claims are money related and legally complex which would enforce the FL/FA to impose an embargo

This line of argument would carry more weight if that is what had happened last time - i.e. if the legal action by Bill Power and Mike Diamandis had resulted in an embargo but they didn't. Something else is at play here. It may be just that the League have tightened the rules but I can't see it being just due to any form of legal action as most dismissed managers are technically in legal dispute with their former clubs - if the League imposed an embargo on every club involved in a legal dispute there'd be no transfers anywhere.