Thetownend.com

He's brave.

So many things to ask.

Still not got an answer to why the Liverpool friendly tickets were cheaper than for a league game!

I'd have a poser or 2 for him

Think I'll tune in. The inevitable stupid questions alone should make it worth while.

I'd quite like to know what shoe size he is.

Are they asking for questions? If they are, I think we should get all email the same ones in.

I do hope that those who have been getting or aggro on here about questions needing answering have already emailed in...

For tonight:

Text: 81333 and start your message with Wiltshire
Call: 03459 513366
Tweet: @BBCWiltsSport and use the hashtag #Powerhour

If I call in will it be pot luck if I get to ask my question or will it be scheduled beforehand

This is very much needed given the recent "crisis."

Hi Audrey,

We'll try and get through as many calls as we can. The more fans we hear from, the better so if you call in during the show (unless it's 2 minutes from the end) then we'll get you on.

Okily dokily

Hi Will. Is there a facility to email questions over?

I thought friendlies were always cheaper than league games? I certainly wouldn't want to pay £25+ to watch any pre-season game.


Jesus, what year do you think it is? 2012?

Ballsy.

Well if GL5 doesn't phone in to make Power answer his accusations, he shouldn't bother turning up on here again.

reasonable question?
where did the money you put into the club come from (not strictly relevant)?

Is any still owed back by the club?

is there interest on that, if so what are the terms?
_----------------

I've no problem with a personal loan being paid back with interest. but not if it's at wonga rates - not that I'm suggesting it is
-----------------
also the are a million questions on who does what on player recruitment..etc, etc...

but I'm not around to ask any of this

Can i send one in on a postcard?  :D

Text them in buddy

Red Frog, after last nights shower of shit i couldn't give a fuck if Power sells the turf, the goal posts and the flood lights.  I have a season ticket and have been going for 28 years but i have had it.  Interesting on the train to and from the game, not one supporter had a positive word to say about Lee Power, i mentioned this forum and the majority just laughed, says it all.
The club right now is depressing, attendances will reflect this, but hey you guys carry on with those blinkers and look forward to the next singing from Melksham Town.

New manager (who is allowed to manage) and injury free players and we'll be OK - not promotion candidates, but OK

Can I suggest, Don't look back in anger

I honestly don't understand how you could be a season ticket holder for 28 years and even begin to think that this is the nadir.

We nearly went bankrupt three times in the last ten years alone, and we've been relegated to League Two on multiple occasions, including under Iffy when we really were selling anything that wasn't nailed down.

So in other words, you're so incandescent with fury at Lee Power that you'll go an internet forum and sling all kinds of accusations about but not sufficiently cross and/or sure of your facts that when given the chance to confront the source of your rage with your accusations you go all shy. Keyboard warrior.

Don't disagree that it's depressing right now, but we've been in much much darker places on and off the pitch even in the last 10 years. What is it about the situation now that's pushing you over the edge?  For example, why is this so much worse than when we got relegated under Iffy and we knew the club was being run into the ground off the pitch? (genuine question)

Cos football is all about the here and now. Instant gratification and all that.

Just a note,

He's on at 6, not 7!

So it is, tans is a knob. I fixed the header.

28 years? I've not even been alive 28 years and I've seen much worse. Not like a Town fan to give into hyperbole..

I hope this will be available to listen to after broadcast. I have a feeling Brian or whatever his name is and his merry compatriots will make me almost as depressed as the losses, though.

I concur

Ok don't fucking show off  :)

So if they are taking questions on the hoof (as suggested earlier) and Power fronting the fans up the day after that does kind of refute the idea that he just sits in a dormant volcano stroking a white cat whilst engaging with the media in a controlled manner.

What would motivate you to carry on watching?:

Power out?
Cooper out?
Big money signing?
Letting good players go for free at the end of a contract rather than selling for a decent transfer fee?
Ending the current poor run of results?
Playing crap but winning?
Playing well but losing every 2-3 matches?

Good question that.

I, too, am missing my first home game Saturday mainly due to the lack of entertainment and I find it difficult to watch just how bad we are at the moment.

If Cooper was replaced by someone who obviously wasn't just a Cooper clone, I'd go.

More of the same under a different manager and I'd remain absent.

I plan to watch a few more times because I feel a bit sorry for Cooper with the squad having  many injuries, and now the stupid red card,  not his fault.  When they're all back, we will see.

It is dull, no denying it. But I can't help think we are over egging it a bit.

I mean, I remember such dull games where we tried to watch the game over at the athletics track rather than our own, or watch the Oasis starling formation. This was quite recently.

It happens all over.

I remember a Danny Baker story of a Millwall bore game where they started playing their own match at the back of the stand. It was only when a massive cheer went up when one of them scored that he realised half the stand was watching their game too.

(just an idea for the DRS concourse Saturday).

I guess the difference between then and now is previously I thought we'd find a way to play to get out of it.. Now I think we'll keep try and keep playing the same way in hope that it'll suddenly work again. And it might, who knows.

Haha I used to do this all the time. In fact there used to be kids playing cricket on the grass outside the DRS entrance for ages, I think I may have suggested at one point we go and watch them instead.

I think you're right about changes being made though - has Cooper ever made a sub before about 65 minutes? It doesn't feel like it. I suppose again though the lack of game-changing manoeuvres from the bench are bound to be few and far between with such a small squad (not to mention with injuries etc.)

I realise I come across as a bit of a Cooper apologist of late - I actually think a lot of the criticisms levelled against him are fair. I think the biggest issue for me though is that given his interlinked role within the set up whoever replaces him is unlikely to be much different.

it's [email protected]

PaulD, first and foremost i may be many things and may post heat of the moment that is because i care.  However you call me a keyboard warrior, may i suggest next home i am attend we meet up for a beer and a chat, you can come on here and describe me, i promise you keyboard warrior will not be the description.  Let me know where you would be convenient for you, geniune offer as well, i will even buy first round.

Re at the moment.  Just utterly depressed that we have the lowest wage budget, sign players on a shoe string, have received millions (wembley and transfer fees) etc etc.  Top it of we get beat again by that shower of shit.  lLike i posted earlier, lads i know, lads on the train to and from the game cannot stand Lee Power so i am not in the minority.

You're angry at Lee Power because he's not stupidly rich, then? Seriously, what is your solution?

You make it sound like there are thousands of Qatari oil billionaires just queuing up to take over and Power pushed them over because he was so desperate to take charge.

Ells Power us bleeding us dry, you don't think he is?

You spout so much shit and the moment a question gets asked you can't prove or justify anything. We don't have the lowest budget, if you think Thomas, Ajose, Stewart and plus many others are shoe string then you clearly have no perspective. Teams like Exeter are run on a shoe string, clubs which can only sign 1 player a season

I don't tend to believe anything without evidence, no.

So then knowing a few lads that agree with you puts you in the majority?

"People like Coldplay and voted for the Nazis. You can't trust people, Jeremy."

 ;D

On the train, yes.

WEll take the opportunity to ask the questions then email at [email protected]

Bleeding us dry of what???

I'm trying to work out who you are as GL5 is Stroud so I'm guessing you are on the Gloucester train which I'm on quite a lot. The vocal majority on that train that I speak to have no time for Cooper anymore which is understandable but I've not really heard much rhetoric aimed at Power and they are generally too pissed up to make much sense.
Unless of course you're discussing your views with the likes of Barry, Brian and Rose who will just agree with whatever you say as they don't have a clue what day of the week it is yet alone know anything about football. So your 'everyone on the train' argument isn't exactly proof of a 'majority'.

Well, in that section of that carriage of that train.

We need a Venn diagram.

Obviously he is. We used to make so much profit before his arrival and it's annoying how quickly people forget how wildly profitable football outside the premiership is.

Questions to put forward:
1. How do you respond to those saying that you have sold all of our assets and replaced them with cheap, inferior players?

2. Can you clarify Mark Cooper's role? There are rumours that he is does your bidding and that you are more involved in managing the side than most chairmen. Is this true?

3. Does Mark Cooper have a rolling 12 month contract?

4. Would you consider replacing the manager if we are facing relegation?

5. Does your footballing model work no matter what division we are in?

6. Is there any truth in the rumour that you are keen to obtain only attacking players as that it where you can turn around a profit?

7. Are you worried about the performances and results this year?

8. With your recruitment policy you are likely to unearth successes as well as failures. What do you think is an acceptable ratio?

9. Do you think Brendan Rodgers departure will affect what players we have this season?

10. Can we have a bit more news/information coming from the club please!

When things go wrong on the pitch it has to be somebody's fault - usually the manager.

As a lot of us actually have a bit of sympathy for Cooper, albeit having now come to the conclusion a change is needed, Power (or any old Chairman/owner will do) is next in line.

It's understandable. Nobody really has a clue as to how the club is being run behind the scene so, again, poor performance on the pitch is easily transferred to boardroom shenanigans.

I still maintain the players brought in are more than good enough for us to have a half decent season - given the right leadership and direction.

If I  get on I'll put forward a couple of them.

I recall when MBoro were locked out of Ayresome Park, playing at Hartlepool, so they signed Archie Stephens who'd started at Melksham....he and Bernie Slaven scored the goals that got the Smoggies promoted, a place above us in 86/87.

Yes could be a que tonight, others have been abit slow, although I'm sure you'll get on!

que?

Queue?

Yes queue

Qué?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7mpClSPyhk

I've got a better idea - email your obviously very genuine concerns into the phone-in this evening and ask the man who can address them. Buying me a pint will achieve nothing, shaking Lee Power's tree might. It might set your mind at rest, or it might prove to the rest of us that you're right to be concerned.

Do we know what his favourite cheese is?
I think that's the real reason most people want Cooper out. Edam ffs.

ah, but have you had a mature vintage Edam?

Proper Edam is very nice but it's not the best cheese ever. That's called being wrong.

Definitely, Cooper OUT!

Should be an interesting listen, hope they get a few nutters on

I don't think that's in any doubt..

Live updates here:

twitter.com/truststfc/ (http://twitter.com/truststfc/)

Said it before but, fucking hell, how many times can one man say "obviously" in one sentence?

Isn't it obvious?

Lee Power's voice is like aids.

Oh do continue with the pun

Him gets mentioned...

Ivan's phoned in under water...

Ivan's concerned about the variety of goods in the club shop!  

Priorities, eh !!

So we're playing for Stewart regardless. Seems a tad harsh on the lad if we're going to prevent him from playing for 3 years.

https://twitter.com/TrustSTFC/status/651811038736838656

So Cooper does pick the team  :hmmm:
That's that one put to bed

Its early days, he has a contract for 3 years. He may grow up and come back, or someone may buy him. LP didn't say we would just let him rot for 3 years

Seems the club still owes Power millions of pounds :(

At least, I think that's what he said.

No comment on interest. Left to accountants.

Realistically he doesn't think he'll get his money back until we sell the club.

Bit vague, but thanks for asking Mr Hodgetts.

We paid a fee so we'd be stupid to cut our losses as he's a talent.

I'm sure Stewart didn't intend on getting homesick, it's one of those things.

I thought that's what he said.  Bit worrying.

Can't beat saying 'I do my money'!

The fella talks a good game.

Why Is it worrying? Its been the same since day 1. Club is debt free, he'll get his money back when he sells.

Depends what the terms are really. Needs to be transparent.

Only worrying if he wants his money now

Was it ever in doubt? The bit about 'picking the philosophy' would be the interesting one for me. If Cooper is being told to play a possession-based style, would it not make more sense to bring in a head coach that actually wanted to play that way through choice, not being forced to do so? Doesn't seem good for the club or Cooper. 

Rumour of us getting Flinty on loan...FFS. No...No...No...

Why did Hodgett's even read it out?

That guy. Cushiest job in radio.

For many of those having a pop at Power yes

oooh, feisty Ed.

Power brings in the players
Williams coaches them
cooper picks them and makes the subs

FACT - Power

bye ed

Not much right to reply there.

As it was the 2nd time LP had said it tonight why give it more airtime.

Because he had a follow up question by the sound of it.

To be fair, Power has dealt with these questions very well in the past hour.

It would have been the same one repeated.

So any ideas anyone who we might be after for this more experienced CB?  Been looking through Championship squads but don't know who's not really been featuring significantly enough lately to be interested in securing a loan here?

Yeah he did well, kept composed which must have been hard.

Power always comes across in a very good way.

If he's genuine, then its good for us. If he isn't, well time will tell.

Greer?????

So expect a revised lower budget in Jan if this slump continues

I thought that was his shakiest thus far but he does deal with questions well. He notably dodged some serious questions tonight but in fairness you're not going to tell Johnny in Malmesbury that Mark Cooper has three games to save his job.

Or another Power cash injection

Can you imagine DV if this happened?  Darren Ward more likely....player manager.

He was washed up and past it when we sold him.
What's he does since?
....apart from play around 150 games at Championship level and play internationally for Scotland.

Nothing, I tell you. 250k wisely invested on our part.

Yeah, and the young player we'd earmarked as his replacement, was soon flogged for £5 mill......just not by us  :(

For someone who has always stated how uncomfortable he is in speaking to the media he either genuinely wants to do the right things or is a bloody sadistic bugger!

Why do people ask questions that have already been answered. I.E., 'where's the money gone?'

By all means people should be able to question finances and what-not, but stop asking the same fucking question. You're just going to get the same answer. I think that's at least 3 times now I've heard Power give the same answer. If he is taking the club to the cleaners or whatever then it's easy for him. All he has to do is give the same answers that he has done before because people ask the same fucking questions. It'll happen on the next phone in as well.

Why don't these people try to challenge the answers that he has given instead? That's how to get the bottom of things (If there is something to get to the bottom of)

Because people are idiots.

Of course, stupid question.

I felt very flat after Blackpool on Saturday and last night. Power's phone in has helped to lift my mood. If the experienced defender we sign is any good (unlike Ricketts) it will be a briliant bit of business; it's what we've been dying out for, for seasons now.

When does the listen again link go up?

Link is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p034l8f8#play

Thanks again to everyone who called, tweeted, emailed and texted. We couldn't get through them all (because there were loads) but I hope we got most of your points across and we will be following up on what came out of the hour.

Was a good listen. I reckon Blood pressure levels dropped around 40% by 7pm ;)

Just listened - Looks like someone read my questions from earlier as they were mostly asked and answered.

About to listen when I get home - what is the ratio of Dereks to normal humans roughly?
Just want to know what I'm letting myself in for.

Pretty good, couple of people who didn't probably hear previous answers, but not bad on the whole.

Whatever you think of what's happening this year, I have to give Power credit for setting that up so quickly.

How many other clubs chairmen would do that ? Can u imagine Levy ever offering to explain why he thinks 1 striker is all that Spurs need ?! Abramovitch (insert yor own questions), Glaziers etc etc etc ?

I agree with - or perhaps should say, am willing to go along with, what he's said, on the basis of the 5 year plan. Something I wish he had addressed was :

Why sell Byrne now and not at seasons end (I thought the 1 year option took him to 2017) ?

No Byrne was out at the end of the season, Jan16 was the last we would make anything

There is a thread on the oxford forum about this :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Thanks Will

Did GLTrainPoller put his money where his mouth is or is he still just shouting at his computer screen?

No he is preparing to give you a good shoeing when he buys you that pint!

Another one on BBC WS, wonder if he's over to appoint Williams the new manager:

@Official_STFC chairman Lee Power will be with us from 6-7 on Wednesday. Send us your questions using the hashtag #Powerhour

I read power hour and heard ROOOAAAR, in my head.

Theyve been asking for questions on twitter for days, williams to be announced i reckon

They ask for questions on twitter before every phone in.

If I'm honest, I'm expecting either a signing or two or a managerial appointment.

I'm expecting him to say, 'fuck the lot of you and the constant moaning, I have agreed to sell the club to a consortium of Mike Diamandis, Jed McCrory, and Tommy Agombar who I understand have lined up Paul Hart as manager to take over with immediate effect. - careful what you wish for motherfuckers, me and Sangita are eloping to Barbados on the money - Rrrroooooaaaaarrrrr'*



* Not really I suspect it will be the normal dull stuff. 

I'm hoping he's going to run through a medley of Jazz/Swing classics. SingalongaPower

Or perhaps Power ballads?

Hour of Power

anyone able to let me know if the Power Hour accessible on Player or a radio internet link for "out of towners"?

BBC radio wilts always has it online live

Thanks!

No new manager decision as of yet.

Lee Power not exactly bigging up Williams... Well, that's how I read it.

Premier League interest in Kasim? Thats some comical scouting of him this season.

Bournemouth, I bet it was Bournemouth.

Power buying training ground with 50 yr lease back to club on peppercorn rent.

fuck me graham must be on the wind up

Muppet alert. On about roofe not leaving, jeez he's only been there 6 months...

Thought that was excellent, covered pretty much everything that might be of interest to us. Any body from now on who asks about training ground rent, loans, or where's the money gone, should be pointed at that interview, and then banned if they repeat the question. No doubt though some of the clowns on the adver will still be rehashing those in a month.

Do you include Sir Red Ken in that lot?

Fair play to the guy who asked some probing questions, much better than 'where's the money gone, DERP'

Missed it. What was said about manager? Any more players going? Anyone coming in? Loans or perms? What about Pino? What about this Irish defender? Anything interesting?

All of those were answered, it will be on iplayer or whatever shortly. The pino one made me think there is a 3rd party ownership involved, not sure why, just a hunch.

Can somebody post the link when it is available please?  In the US at the moment so can't listen, but I will check it out when driving back from the airport on Friday..

Cheers muchness

Did he have any opinions on the national anthem?

BBC Wiltshire Special - Swindon Town fans' phone-in - @BBCWiltshire http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03f8p36

Apologies if it doesn't work.

Non committal - said he and Williams would talk after Saturday's game, mentioned he had a couple of (unnamed) targets too. Got the impression Williams isn't sure about taking it but at the same time he didn't say it had been offered.


Said a couple more fringe players could leave, then used Smith as the example.
Working on bringing a couple in..Could see Thompson back but he's injured and he talked about "weeks". Said he's chasing Stephens but 2 championship clubs are in and it depends if they could guarantee first team footy - because we can.

Clarified el-Abd - change of manager...couldn't guarantee him football which he deserves....Seemed a bit of a shit answer to me when in the next breath he mentioned Stephens - who knows...

Missed the rest myself, will listen back later.

Yeah that answer was the only one really I didn't gain any insight from.

Doesn't sound too bad, unless he has a 4000 sq mile pepper grinder.

He's trying to sign Vigs permanently again.

Wonder what the remainder of the 100 acres is earmarked for, he did say something. No idea what as I have no knowledge of the area. Would a hotel work there?

He did say he had plans for a development on the rest, never mentioned what but fancy he may struggle with pp on that, took Dougie Grant years to get a golf course there - and he started that without pp as he was refused on several occasions! Guess that is what the chairman is thinking of, getting permissions in place and selling the rest off and makes his money that way.

Stables for race horses and holiday homes I believe.

If we do give him his first pay packet in pennies

Horses on holiday,now theres a thing.

First question on the adver board after the training ground story. "I dont understand where the transfer money has gone"... I despair.

So you are saying Power has used the transfer money to by a golf club. Hmmm.


(yes I know you meant the building costs really).

Just listening back - good listen but jeeeez, Graham about 40 mins in, wow. Like pulling teeth.

Fair play to Power for not going full destruction mode on him.

Direct from twitter.

More from twitter:

The majority of people are absolute weapons. No doubt about it. The sort of people who put bog roll in a urinal and block it.

I pointed out in the Facebook page that power said he was paying for it himself and was told to "get off powers bus"

Town fans are fucking idiots

What lot ? Working for the advertiser and rehashing phone in answers as articles. Or just banning Sir Red Ken, you need to clear this up you cunt.

cunning masterstroke to get Yas to up his game if he thinks prem scouts might be there.

Well I appreciated this if nobody else. Good work.

Was Graham the one who was disgusted that the c.£50 rent Power will receive over the term of the lease was decimating the transfer budget.

Thats him. To be fair it was a reasonable question, just he didnt or didnt want to understand the answer.

He did a lot better than "where's the money gone?"

I did fear that the conversation was going to move to why Power wanted to be paid in Peppercorns...

For someone who claims to be extremely uncomfortable talking to the media, I have to say he is bloody good at it (Power not Graham ;-) - either he is straight in his answers or a bloody good bullshitter!

A bit of both I suspect

Wasn't it Graham who took exception to the remark that Power called Nile Ranger a loveable rogue?  And the guy who wanted Power to re-sign Ranger . . . . . . pmsl

No that was a different guy shortly after.

You always get the impression that Power only tells us what he wants to share and let's face it Shaun Hodgetts is more Paxo than Paxman and doesn't delve too deep.

For example, Power said for a long time he had put in £2m to the club. Last night it's up to £4m so has he funded another £2m of losses (despite selling players and his regular quote the club is financially stable). Or is that £2m for the new training ground.?

I guess we were spoilt in the days of Fitton, Wray and Watkins who gave the sense of transparency (and backed it up with published annual accounts).

He's said 4 million at least the 2 previous phone ins.

Im a bit mystified about this whole Yelko Pino business, is he going to actually play for us or are we a bridging club and hes on his way elsewhere for a fee?

Will the Highworth training ground be able to have an astro pitch installed as surely they will have the same problem as they currently have with Beversbrook under water and needing to train somewhere?

I dint think Fitton, wary and Watkins were any more transparent, the Austin sell on clause a case in point and Fitton even tried to meddle with the first team. Powers basically doing what Fitton tried to do but was more of a media man and had a bit more money behind him so people were more trusting.

If only someone who ran the club was open enough to go on, say, the radio and take fans' questions like that.

I'd be pretty confident they'd have at least 1 4g pitch installed. My local team in South Wales has got a 3g pitch & some League of Wales clubs play on 3/4g so if we weren't getting one then something would be very wrong.

He was vague on that, hence me wondering further up if maybe there was 3rd party crap, or the suchlike.

So here is my conspiracy theory:

1. Power has said that there have been two managers since Pino was brought over: So, I think that means that he was found (in Spain from other context) by Mark Cooper, who rated him. However, I wonder whether that means that Williams doesn't? I also wondered whether there was a similar conflict over Bangoura? I think that he crocked Obika in training. Maybe both he and Pino are more aggressive, combative midfielders and don't fit into the 'Swindon way' ?

2. Power said there is a player in there but the signing is complicated: Others on here read that to mean that there is a 3rd party involved. I wondered whether it was Terry Cooper and there is a finders fee?

Or maybe its just an agent that wants a large fee? Or maybe it is bridging for another club? Who knows.

I read into the El Abd answer that Williams didn't rate him. probably wrong. just add baffling as pino.

Bangoura was a power signing, don't think cooper knew much about it before it happened. to play so little probably meant he was plain sub standard.

The guy really pressing Power on what would be left for STFC to spend on players after having to meet the peppercorn rent on the training ground was class entertainment.

Power did mention that getting the Eady estate to invest in the facilities at the training ground was a possibility.  This  did however make me wonder whether if the Eady estate didn't choose to invest there the club (and not Power) might have to borrow considerable sums to pay for the infrastructure and indeed maintain it.

No problem with Power so far as that is concerned but it rather seemed like STFC was only going to get a big field for that peppercorn and that funding the necessary facilities was down to STFC - whether through the Eady estate or more commercially.

Thought he was at Brighton when Williams was there. Think thats where the initial link came from.

I think it comes down to money. El Abd wanting a lot. STFC not wanting to pay much. Plus STFC wanting to play Thompson and Branco ahead of him to increase their value and having to play Turnbull because of the terms of the loan. Could also be because Stephens may be back too?

Stephens is a target. suppose the guaranteed football could be a midfield spot...

didn't realise the Williams link. If it's a case of money just be honest.. which he may have been

A journo who watches Spain at u16 etc level described Pino to me as being like David Silva, so I doubt he is a bruise.

I saw mention on social media that as well as the sale of Randall and the players sold in the summer, two players from the youth academy have also been sold for a substantial figure, is this true? If so where has that money gone?

If you're serious with that last sentence please just go! The Swindon fans Facebook page would be ideal for you!

I've heard it wasn't that Williams didn't rate him, just that he wasn't taking to the 'Swindon way' to well. So Williams decided to move him on.

Was that on the phone in when power alluded it was down to a must play clause? As I didn't hear your version but heard mine! And as for the guy further up, facebook rumour???? I doubt they know what day it is, let alone anything else.

Makes sense, he didn't fanny around with it at the back and closed down players. Cheeky bastard :)

Yeah, that's what he said. Then said we could guarantee Stephens football! Stephens is more versatile and can play in midfield but be there for cover - IF we get him..

He did also mention something about 'there's been a change of manager' when mentioning el-abd too though didn't he? maybe memory is playing up. I'll have to re-listen

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03f8p36 (15 minutes)

"Adam was a fantastic professional...a beast in the dressing room and on the pitch..he was someone we were looking to keep, it just that a lot of things changed....with Martin leaving..with Luke coming in and a lot of people coming back ..there's Rafa and Turnbull and at the time Jordan Stewart maybe coming back..OK its competition but someone like Adam you've got to have respect for he needs to be guaranteed he plays every week and at the time it couldn't be guaranteed - so that was a big factor..nothing to do with him as a person or a player..made a big difference. And for whatever reason..probably for those reasons it was probably best he returned to Bristol".

So not really 100% clear. Seems he'd be down the pecking order - presumably as a result of loan stipulations - the "with Martin leaving and luke coming in" bit made me think what I thought..

I'd have thought that Stewart has a 'must play' clause. And as Brancs and Thompson are our players we'd prefer to play them, while Turnbull is such a solid unit, it'd seem silly to leave him out. So I can see why he'd be down the order a little bit.

I dont really understand what you mean Theakston? I am sure i saw another Swindon fam mention it as a question to BBC Wilts sport the other night so im not sure why you are being rude, it was a legitimate question

I can't see how we'd be at break even after signing Ajose and gladwin/Thompson/Thomas on loan.

so I'd guess it's plugging that gap.

one day we'll some accounts to prove it I suppose

If I can figure out how, I'm going to make "Where's the money gone" change automatically to "I'm a fuckwit". That's if I get around to it, which I probably wont.

Amazing, ask a serious question, get a load of abuse, some great people on here

If you are looking for serious chat and sympathy, I would highly advise going elsewhere.

Until/if a set of accounts are published people are entitled to ask questions regarding money. I'm a Power fan but it's amazing how many people are quick enough to shout down anyone with the temerity to ask questions regarding finances despite the fact there's no hard evidence to back up what he says. If people choose to take Powers word on what he says that's fine but there's no need to constantly shout down those who might just have a different opinion.

It would be interesting to know what the exact stipulations are from the Eady estate, as I understand it is to be spent on infrastructure not players and has to be of benefit to the football club, I assume with a training ground if Power wanted the other land for his money making ventures then technically it would be a partnership with him and the training ground would not have been owned fully by stfc even if the Eady money was used.

Must make this difficult, but I suppose it could be used to help with a ground redevelopment.

I have a vague recollection of the TrustSTFC chaps saying they was going to contact the Eady estate  - was this ever done ?

He's moaning/asking about the money from other youth players that have been sold despite not actially knowing if they've been sold FFS. It's laughable....
Usually if a club is in trouble you start seeing the winding up orders in the Gazette a la the Diamandis days. The fact that's not happened to date is enough for me to give the benefit of the doubt. Add in that we do appear to spend money when we need to like the Floodlights, DRS PA system etc backs up his point that we will spend money when and where it's needed.

Bit harsh on the new chap there,asked a question no need for that.

There's that same old binary train of thought so prevalent among football fans.

It's not the asking of questions that's being criticised here, it's the asking of the same fucking question that has already been asked ad-finitum (where's the money gone). It's been asked, and answered, on numerous occasions. If somebody isn't happy with the answer then challenge the answer, just don't ask the same question again because you'll only get the same answer. It's utterly pointless and really quite tiresome.

Look back through this thread and you will see that I personally commended the caller that asked Power a load of 'probing' questions in the call in. Again, it's not the asking of questions that's the problem, but the asking of the same fucking question over and over despite the fact that it has been answered.  It often seems that those that keep on asking questions are those that are least interested in the answers.

Firstly how can you say I was moaning, I was asking a question, i was asking if anyone knew about two young lads also sold and IF that was true wondering where that money had gone. Why are you so aggressive?

This

Well how about finding out for sure that they gone before asking 'where's the money gone?' from their sale?

He asked if so? He was asking if anyone knew if there was any truth in it

  :nonono: :nonono:

Thank you DRS, a sensible person at last!

As I mentioned in my last post, I won't say it again after this, until a set of accounts are published outlining where money has gone people are more than entitled to ask the 'same' question. The only way we'll get a definitve answer is by accounts being
published. In the meantime people can choose whether to take Powers comments at face value, like yourself, or they can choose to be a bit more sceptical like Mr Mason. Entirely a matter of opinion on what stance to take. To suggest changing a phrase on here because you don't agree with it is a little bit childish. Use the Ignore button if you don't wish to get involved, there's no point spending all that time replying if it winds you up that much.

As Flash says challenge the answers to where the money has gone, don't just ask the same question as the thread just goes round and round in circles.

You've kind of answered you own question there? He asked the question because he wasn't sure of the answer!!

I revert to the main part of my original question, does anybody know anything about a couple of young lads from the academy being sold?

Where has anyone asked about two youth team players being sold already

The answer is no. And there are more than enough who would probably know something on here if it was true., So I doubt it is.

Your wish is my command

 8)

Paul Mason earlier in the thread.


http://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=56108.msg1367234#msg1367234

Maybe we should get this guy in on the next phone-in?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaiSHcHM0PA

That's what I am saying. He is only person who has asked that question so bit harsh to be abused for asking questions that have supposedly been asked already when they haven't

Where's the money gone?

Yay, it works. This is cool.

I'm confused!

Try asking where the money has gone

with the youngsters...

Sippo is a fuckwit.

Yay it works ;)

Where's the wonga gone?

Needs some work though.

If you intend sticking around, get used to it. This is nothing by TEF standards.

It's not which probably explains why it gets no more than 10-15 posters a day anymore

Well i havent posted that often and perhaps its best i dont as it seems you just leave yourself open for abuse, i get enough of that already off the wife, dont need anymore  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

This forum is pretty mild compared to the majority of other club forums I've been on.

Anyway, onto more pressing matters. What has Power done with all the dough?

I heard that Power kidnapped the missing posters, and sold them into slavery in the Middle East.

Lets be honest, we all at the back of our mind would like to know the finances (ins and out the past season or two)
All media are scared to ask any serious questions, as they afraid of being blacked out.
Good intentions or not, there is fuck all we can do about it.

Enjoy supporting the team is all we can do and hopefully our future is bright. ;)

Gotcha. On both counts.

This is utter gold, how on earth has it not been picked up earlier.

Terry Cooper....  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick: a finders fee....  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Has Audrey hacked your account?

Whilst it's fun to watch all the bitching going on... Perhaps to move things forward could you state where on social media it was seen that these two youth players were sold... Knowing where it came from might establish its source and perhaps explain were has the money gone?

I'm still confused.

Just been reading some comments on Kasim's Facebook page....

 https://www.facebook.com/YaserKasim.Official/?fref=nf

Prince Eues Yasser my friend the entire Iraqi people want you to leave Soinden Club because the club does not take you to the tender offers you something that I hope you show a new club in the Premier or non-country   

He'll be gone soon, no doubt about that.

Horlock it was a tweet from @MarcHiett to BBC Wilts Sport at 13:40 on Wednesday "Randall was sold yesterday for an undisclosed fee, I believe that 2 academy lads were sold before Xmas for a substantial fee, can Mr Power confirm that any player sales funds will be reinvested into the 1st team this month? #powerhour"

I've not heard anything about any kids leaving recently but we wouldn't find out how much they went for and where the money went anyway. We never do.
We survive on gossip and the odd nod from someone in the know. Often the fees themselves are not huge but have tie ins which, until they're triggered are not even mentioned.

Ta - Right found it, so BBC asked the guy to go on the show and ask the question but he couldn't. Any ideas who these two players were?

Do you have a son in the academy Arriba?

I did. But not currently.

Let go recently? Hope he is still playing somewhere?

Horlock, no I dont hence the question which i got shot down over  >:(

No, not let go. And no, doesn't play anywhere (which frustrates me)

Thats a shame, sorry to hear that

Loads of lads with high ability turn their backs on the game. He's just another of them. Knee's ruined anyway so not worth playing semi pro to end up a cripple.

Has Lee Power sold him to another club for millions of pounds?

that's a secret. Ssshhhhh

Was he in the academy setup long and what was it that made him lose interest? What position did he play?

Im sure Arriba will correct me if im wrong, but i think he was in the same team as Will Randall and Lee Marshall coming through the age groups.

I see, that would explain the comment having seen a lot of Randall through the years

From age 8 to 16.
Didn't think he'd make pro. Thought college was a better option.
Everywhere at one point or another.
Year above mate. Year groups get mixed up,lads play up etc so played with both loads of times and in Will's case played a lot of tournaments in a local side together during summers(very successfully I might add #winners #trophies #goals)
Both Will and Lee are great lads by the way. Wish them nothing but success.

Shame he packed up playing after all those years commitment, hope it worked out for him at college or whatever he did in the end?

Still making his way in life but I think he got it right. He's happy and that will do for me.
Thanks for your kind words

Jayden Bogle and Jayden Mitchell-Lawson. To Derby.

Sam you've made those names up right? Jayden Bogle.... Brilliant.

He's gone to extreme lengths!

http://totalswindonsport.com/tag/jayden-bogle/
http://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/news/article/netherlandsdiarycontinued-1489566.aspx

So Paul Mason's question was perfectly reasonable then.

yep

It was (although saying at the time one had read it on social media means many will immediately be suspicious as we are aware of the work of Tans!) and good to see some flesh on the bones.

Doesn't really remove the doubt of the overarching issue though, which is how much will two academy lads, who are no where near the team actually bring in short term (I suspect any deal is very limited in value up front but with some pretty handy sell on's included), I just cannot see either Power getting rich or the transfer budget ballooning due to selling a couple of academy players to Derby - if that's Powers get rich scheme we are all doomed I tell thee.

Dont know what you mean! 8)

Glad to see Paul Mason had a point all along. Might shut up 1 or 2 of the know-it-allers on here.

To be fair, you've only got names - they could have been sold for £50 a pop

BUT WHERE'S THE DOSH GONE?

And the honest answer is: who knows

But one of those would have funded the lease on the training ground for its entire duration! We have got to look at the big picture here.

To whom are you referring old chap?

Six figures, apparently. Though that is probably over time. Sounds like a decent chunk up front too.

Got to be honest, I've no idea if this is a 'normal' thing to happen or not because I rarely bother with following things outside the fringes of the first team.

Does appear that we sell almost anything we can at the moment*. Whether that's just the reality of break even, to invest in training facilities/youth football, pay for floodlights  or something else is hard to say. It doesn't feel normal simply because its not what normally happens in a season...

* we could of course be discretely turning down offers every day..

If they are under 16 then it gets difficult when bigger clubs come calling. They can sign with who they want and we are at risk of what a tribunal might offer. Maybe it's better to negotiate a fee and sell on than lose out.

Im suprised the club or the academy itself hasnt publicised this, shows the academy is developing talent whether that be for the first team or to sell

This. Which is why the debate exists. NOBODY knows exactly where the money is gone/goes/is going to!!

The posters who shot him down in flames when he raised this point.

And we still don't know if it's right. All I've seen is 2 names mentioned by Sam, no evidence to back it up. If it was a court case it would be thrown out for lack of evidence. So until I see it in writing, it will stay as how it started, a rumour and a question. And I would suspect that it will be a question for the next phone in.

Wouldn't those deals be under EPPP? If so, aren't the fees fixed and very much geared to appearances etc?

Not sure how to give you proof. Will do my best. Here's a start: https://twitter.com/JaydenLawson7

I'm also very confident it's true (the fact they've been sold) though that may not hold any clout. Interestingly, and could be totally irrelevant, the managing director and founder of iPro is also a 'Bogle' and seems to be a relation.

You seemed to be confused dear boy. I've just had a look back through this thread and saw nobody shoot anybody down over  mentioning the sale of a couple of kids, at most a couple mentioned they hadn't heard of it and wondered if the information is correct.

Now, onto more pressing matters, what's happened to the Benjamins?

Calm down sweetheart. You seem to throw your toys out of the pram everytime somebody has the temerity to disagree with you. You'd do well to realise it's not the Flashheart show on here. You were one of the ones who sarcastically responded about where the money had gone when he mentioned the youngsters being sold. It's not about who's right or wrong, it's about opinion & debate. As I've mentioned before a set of accounts would clear a lot of things up & until/when they are produced & made public supporters have the right to ask questions. Surely the very nature of this football club demands that suppirters act with an air of caution at all times?

lolz.

I explained where my criticism was directed quite clearly. It's there for you to read again at will.


Do you not have a sense of irony? This didn't even involve you and you're taking it to heart.

Why is it that people are so often accused of getting upset when they disagree with something? It's sort of how debate and discussions work.

In Flashers world, you're innocent until proved guilty, which is fine as an appreciation of jurisprudence, but one of the joys of being a football fan, is such lofty idealism needn't apply.  As far as STFC owners/chairman go....guilty until proved innocent, twas ever thus.

Hahahaha. Nice try on turning the tables. It involved me no more than it involved you and you're very much 'involved' in the debate. Your contribution to the thread initially was to suggest changing 'Where's the paper gone' to 'I'm a fuckwit' implying the guy who asked was a fuckwit even though you, like him at the time, had no evidence to back up your argument. That in itself is covered in irony!!!!!  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

Quite. Which is why we've been in the shit on so many ocasions. Benefit of the doubt has been offered too freely & for too long.

"had no evidence to back up your argument."

I wasn't making any argument that required evidence.

This is silly, you're making no sense and seem to be struggling to understand what's written. I'll leave you to it. Toodle-pip.

I disagree.

OH MY GOD. NO NEED TO THROW A TANTRUM.

 :D

I do live in fear that if I ever ended up in court in front of a jury it would happen in the Swindon area where evidence seems little required to make and sustain accusations and guilty until proven innocent is the stock response...

This is getting silly now, I am almost hoping for the return of Audrey.....

Serious question for a minute - do we actually have any shareholders anymore outside Power and associated companies? Do we need to present any detailed accounts above what is needed to keep Companies House happy?

Strangely no one is demanding written evidence of how much Power has spent on the club????

If you mean individual shareholders with minimal shares then yes. My uncle's old man has got some. He used to attend the AGM's but age & illness prevents him from doing so these days.

Actually.....

Initial court cases do not decide whether or not a person is innocent, they simply decide whether or not there is enough evidence to find that person guilty. Just a little Monday morning pedantry for you.

Didn't Saint Fitton et al seriously dilute much of the private shareholding, still needs some manner of AGM I suppose.

Actually looking at the last return to Companies House dated last Wednesday, Seebeck 87 have the majority of ordinary and deferred shares by a country mile, with Power and Shah as directors.

Last abbreviated accounts (as required) up to end May 2014 lodged 28th April 2015 - so assume we will see same end April 2016.

Yes, I tried to enter into a discourse with Nick Watkins over the status of my father's shares when he passed away. 

Completely ignored  >:(   

Thank the lord it wasn't Power who pulled such a trick, would have been burning torches at dawn.

Having served upon a jury at the Crown Court I absolutely and completely agree, my fellow jurors had licked many windows.

Certainly looked to me like Paul Mason's original question was ridiculed and leapt upon.
Nothing new there mind as that's frequently happened on here when a point or question isn't the popular one of the time.
Glad he stuck with it and emphasised his point.

Which is why I say guilty until proved innocent...unfortunately, the Fitton regime prepared the ground for the likes of Jedward.

Even the Carson/Wills/Diamond Mike regime was more transparent...and that's saying something

This

The rules were changed around 2010 and due to the club having a turnover of just over £5m, they were termed a 'small company' and don't have to hold an AGM, nor produce full accounts.

I know you can avoid full accounts due to small turnover, wasn't aware it also prevented the need for an AGM? - Learn something new everyday!

Unless their articles say otherwise there is no legal requirement for any private limited company to have an agm

So essentially the crux of this is that we are never going to get a full set of accounts apart from the abbreviated ones that get submitted to Companies House.

Therefore those who do not trust Power will never be satisfied (even though I suggest that the vast majority would not understand what detailed accounts said anyway - I know i don't!) and thus this argument will continue verbatim, with every little tit bit on social media being poured over endlessly and anyone who dares to ask for evidence to support anything being accused of being a Power Stooge..... Oh Happy days.

Pretty much.

Nothing stops Power to publish full accounts and call an AGM, which the club did until 2011, under the Black regime. Since Jed and Power...Nothing.

Whilst that's true of the likes of you and me, there are fully qualified accountants around these parts that can understand them, and translate them into plain English for us as has happened in the past.

Would you bother (not saying that he shouldn't) but it will cost money to accountants and to arrange and just be an opportunity for loads of people to demand where the money has gone, misinterpret the accounts - Power would no doubt claim that the phone in's serve the same purpose and don't cost the club anything - strangely people are somewhat less demanding to know where the money to do the floodlights or buy Ajose came from?

I have no idea if Power is stripping the club bare, but if he is I cannot see where and there must be much easier ways to make money!

To put some perspective on things I note that with pledges the Trust now estimate that the Red Army Fund will raise c.£10k a year, so that is less that 1/6th of what the club just spent on the floodlights - at that rate its going to be 50 years to pay for the roof on the bank? Nor knocking the Trust in the slightest but ultimately there seems little momentum for fan ownership or an involvement that would make Power have to listen to the fans?

No idea how things move forward so continue as you are......

Indeed - but is Power going to release accounts that show for instance a monthly payment of £2k to Swindon mercedes, or a cash payment of £4m to Swinton Reds or whatever they are called? or will they be vested with all manner of bollocks as accounts always are - what are they actually going to show that will move this matter forward, plus people are so entrenched on each side will it make any difference.

There are so many unanswered questions on either side (funding and expenditure) that frankly are never going to be answered....

Power can forget getting his hands on the Eady money to kit the new training ground out with.  They think he's a crook and have no intention of letting him near the money.

Care to elaborate?

I know I am going to get shot down for asking this but - on what basis/evidence do they think he is a crook, to be making such statements in the public domain they must have a basis for it - getting such things out and the details to back them up would obviously help reveal what the gentleman is really like (nad move this whole sorry debacle forward) instead of just supposition and twitterings on social media?

It's not the first time I've heard that the Eady Estate don't trust Lee Power.

The Red Army Fund, was not just for a roof on SB, but to do other things as well, like improve disabled facilities and community fan causes, which they have started on in the meantime.

This I would like to here more of. PM if you don't want to put it out there.

I very much doubt they've stated that in public. Just FCBs interpretation of why funds aren't being released?

I'd be amazed if the estates lawyers didn't want cast iron guarantees that the money would solely be provided for the good of the club. That's not the same as calling Power a crook, just a stipulation of use of the cash.

Well it has now been stated in public and is now on the interest for all to see.....

The estates caveats make perfect sense, but thinking about the terms of the will its going to be very hard to meet that criteria whilst the club remains in private hands, taking the training ground as an example, even if the ground was owned by Swindon Town Football Club Ltd, that is essentially a subsidiary of Seebeck, which is a subsidiary of Swinton Reds Ltd.... going to be a legal minefield to sort that out and put the protections in place.

That's a bit moronic saying that with no backup. If it was me being slated/slandered. I'd  be asking the mods for claimants details. I'd be very careful of what you think is an anonymous comment!

Link?

If you are talking about fan opinion on an internet opinion , that does not count as "being stated". If its come from Eady's estate fair enough.

I am being a little mischievous here but I am indeed talking about post #314 on this thread which states for posterity in full public view that 'Power can forget getting his hands on the Eady money to kit the new training ground out with.  They think he's a crook and have no intention of letting him near the money.'

It doesn't suggest that it is the posters opinion and could be construed by anyone stumbling across this as being based wholly on fact.

I am taking this to extremes  to illustrate a point here, but actually this just illustrates how this whole topic has just become polarised and weird, there would be nothing to stop someone from the Adver site for instance to now state on there that the estate think he is a crook as they have seen it mentioned on the net somewhere - hopefully someone would pick them up and ask for evidence/source (hopefully not getting the same shoeing that people get for asking likewise on here) and see if came  from here and thus everyone could move on but once its out there, its out there and always at the back of peoples mind.

Anyone would think I have got an important piece of work to finish that I don't want to!  ;)

Well they could. But unless the poster is identified as authorised to speak on behalf of the estate, which I very much doubt, they'd have no basis for doing so whatever. All they could *reasonably* construe is that the poster claims that is the opinion of the estate. Any comeback would be on the poster, not the estate. Otherwise, you'd be liable for any bizarre claim anyone wanted to make about your opinions, irrespective of whether you even held them, much less had publicly stated them.

Just a good thing we have Power rather than Oyston really.....

Have to agree

Having the Eady estate (and not STFC) own the 50 year peppercorn lease would probably be a necessary minimum and even then not secure as Power otherwise controls both the Landlord and the Tenant.  Could even be a role for the Supporters' Trust if the Eady estate were to trust that entity in the longer term.

Nothing to do with Power personally but you cannot trust an entity like STFC, one minute controlled by Power and in the future by whom?

Is this training ground really THE BEST answer for the medium term of STFC for training and attracting new players at youth level and above or is it just a site that happens to adjoin land Power is acquiring for overriding personal investment purposes where getting a training ground use for part might help secure lucrative use for a complementary use on Power's retained part?

The objectives of the Eady estate will be defined in a "letter of wishes" and based on the long term interests of STFC as a professional community football club  (not the current owners).  The objectives of STFC and its various corporate owners are to benefit its shareholders - ultimately Power so far as we know or whoever buys (or inherits) from Power.

I have no idea, what is clear on here is that you would struggle to find any town fans who could even agree what is best for the long term benefit of the club...

Ultimately in the next 50 years the club can and will change hands, the Trust may ebb and flow in diverse contrast to the fortunes of the club.... so what is still here in 50 years time who knows?

Except the good old TEF where everyone will still be arguing about the owners....


and discussing cheese.

I'm confident I won't be around in 50 years time but I'm sure the next generation will indeed carry the torch and maintain the universal values of the TEF of moaning, discussing cheese and all the while maintaining the 80% bollocks threshold.

Obviously been reading the TEF and all the experts on here!

Although the AGM's were a bit pointless in terms of doing anything...they did serve the purpose of preserving the history, and if you like the soul of the club as a community based thing.

It was often argued that they were anachronistic, being relatively expensive to set up for nothing really happening. Nevertheless I always liked the opportunity to quiz the top table, and see the whites of their eyes.

Now for me, the soul of the club lies squarely with the loyalist fans, the likes of Plowman and Banyard, and the loons I know who go every week, rain or shine and the dwindling band who turn up at the CG to  :doh: at another joke goal concession.

Power has said fair and square his objective is to make money; the link between fans and club has now gone. I woudl suggest given the ageing demographic of much of the fan base, the club will not exist in 50 years.

If your predictions had come true we'd have ceased to exist years ago.

How many years ago? 

We've been told at least twice in the last say dozen years, that the club has come within hours of closure, whether I predicted it or not. 

I just enjoyed voting against anything one particular regime wanted to do.  The looks I got from Sandy Grey were...nonplussing (is that a word?).

We might get a better idea what the training ground legal arrangements are when the golf course sale completes with the Land Registry and any long term leaseholds attached.

Maybe Power has got other investors happy to invest in a the golf course redevelopment than a football club or it might be tax efficient to keep the two companies separate. The questions to be answered are what will the club pay on top of the peppercorn rent such as ground maintenance, ground staff and improvements such as floodlights or 3G pitches.

It would be great for the Eady money to be spent on ground improvements for some lasting legacy. I guess on the ground front there is too much uncertainty around the SBC expired lease and doesn't Andrew Black have money due back if the ground is redeveloped. Maybe the Stratton Bank roof doesn't count as that.

 Further to the debate on this thread....here's something

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/19/manchester-united-premier-league-fans-supporters-trust-deal

There does seem to be some contact between the club and Trust, but maybe a bit informal.....this proposal, would seemingly be helpful to our fans.  BTW it's not really much to do with ManU, and the relevant to us bit is at the top.

Not the club but from that other local news outlet

http://www.flicwiltshire.com/town-academy-duo-seal-derby-county-move/

Tweets from academy

Swindon Town Academy ‏@AcademySTFC  22m22 minutes ago
Congratulations: U16 @Jayden_bogle who has developed with STFC over the last 18months to sign for @dcfcofficial #development #Productivity

Congratulations: U16 @JaydenLawson7 who has developed through our academy from U7s on his move to @dcfcofficial #development #Productivity

What about this media ban eh

Don't know why but the congratulations tweets are pissing me off a bit.

Yeah, congratulations Jayden and Jayden for fucking off to some other Club. Well done  ::)

That's probably it :)

Won't it be congratulations from Power for all the cash they have raised him!

My thoughts also.  What's there to celebrate here?  Why bother developing the Jaydi in the first place if they're going to clear off to a bigger club at the first opportunity?

This. The sooner we get into this training ground & hopefully enter some sort of youth/reserve/development league the better.

My personal belief is that they don't mind selling lads to other clubs. I actually believe they encourage it too.

If you want to read the full report :

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-expert-working-group-on-football-supporter-ownership-and-engagement

For every Theo Walcott there are a multitude of Henshall's, Stephens', Mills, etc who amounted to nothing but earned us valuable money.

We have probably made a lot more right decisions than wrong ones about floggings kids who are nothing but "potential" at that moment in time.

I guess that goes towards a self funding academy. I wonder what % of sold at their age go on to have a good league career - not aimed against the lads that have gone, they could both be brilliant.

edit ^^^ what abrahammer said ^^

Its a bit more disappointing (as a fan) to lose the players that once appeared close to the first team without seemingly getting a chance to prove themselves.

I can't see the point of a self funding academy if it is seen as a success to flog players to the likes of Derby (great club, but in the league we aspire to be in). United, Arsenal etc, fine - but clubs a league above who we want to be competing with? Maybe I am naive, but the purpose of the academy should be to supply players for our first team with the ones that are simply too good moving on if we cannot keep hold of them.

Hoping for a return of the Jaydi?

So did we actually get any dosh?

Powers true colours will really only become clear when we release our next accounts.  Show a healthy million plus profit then fair enough.  Anything less and he's just a football agent feeding off the club.  ALA Carlos Tevez agent.  We shall see

A million from what? 2 kids? Since he's been here? Have you not listened to the phone ins? We are a club that has constantly been in the red, and you want to see an above the line profit asap. Get in the real world.

Haha brilliant stuff

This is the primary argument against fan ownership right here.

Not forgetting Ben Tozer!

There's no way of knowing, of course, but how might some of those lads' careers turned out if they'd stayed and worked their way up instead of being thrown into the Premier League Academy deep end to sink or swim?

If we sell these players like the two Jaydens and Will Randall and the money gets re-invested into the academy to improve the academy to help produce even better players for OUR first team, great. I have no idea though if that money does or whether it just gets swallowed up in other areas of the club, only people on the inside will know that.

Its when the players get to their teens that im unsure of though, whats happened to the likes of Aaron Oakley who was a Wales U21, Connor Waldon who was well thought of by many as a possible star. Non league is littered with former Swindon players at clubs like Swindon Supermarine, Chippenham etc, were they really not good enough all of a sudden, or were they not given the chances to progress at Swindon?

Then if you think the likes of Will Randall, Josh Cooke and Lee Marshall were all utilised last season in the first team squad which was a stronger squad then than now and they got some time on the pitch yet this season in a weaker squad they have disappeared without a trace yet the likes of Ojamma, Hylton, Balmy have had opportunities, are they really any better than the players the academy provide? You have Belford who is one of our players never gets a chance either, yet we give chances to young players from other clubs, could we not give chances to our own young players and develop them into solid first team players and perhaps then we could use the words "One of our own"  :D

Didn't we sign Belford from Liverpool? never considered him to be one of our own

I meant in terms of being one of our contracted players not a loanee, hes young, hasnt been given any chances really but he is one of our own contracted players so couldnt we develop him

Bit different with a goalkeeper though isn't it, can't exactly sub them on with 20 minutes to go in the way you can with an outfield player. Belford's had chances in the cups and has never looked anything other than fairly average. I take the point on Cooke, Marshall, Randall et al, but don't think Belford really should be lumped into that conversation.

Are you suggesting we didn't clear in excess of a million profit from sale of gladwin, luongo, and Byrne sales and I guess play off final was a loss maker then.  Even taking loses into account we are forever been told it's being run on a sustainable basis.  Accounts should show healthy balance for last year for sure.  Of course we did invest heavily in wages this year, not.  Transfers in oh wait.

Why Is it always users that begin with D in their name that invite my ignore button?

The rules on young players were changed in 2011, very much to the advantage of bigger clubs....so, there are fixed fees for the length of time the kid was at a club, relative to the status of your academy, in other words the higher the status the more you get. Asssuming these lads have been with us for about 6 years, we could expect about 56 K per lad. That I think is for the lowest ranked academy and we may be the one above so perhaps into the 60K's.

This could be fun!

What did donkey say ;)

(http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3163/1605/1600/stupidity.jpg)

Is a one off game in a weakened team what you would call a chance? The point im making is about players that are ours, ones we own rather than loanees, can they not be given a few games / run of games to develop and improve or show what they can do? I thought Marshall did quite well in the time he had last season, enough potential there to suggest he could be developed, likewise Randall.

Maybe the management team think the loanee's are better than the youth players? Maybe they don't show enought enthusiasm on the training ground.

I think you are reading too much into it.

What, do you men to suggest that the management team might be choosing what they think is the best available team to give themselves the best available chance of getting positive results?

Madness.

still reckon there are loanees we have to play, of not contractually then financially .

that would reduce the chances of our own players.

and no i don't know for certain

I understand what Paul is saying, what happened to that ginger haired smith lad that scored a goal not so long ago? Vanished  :sherlock:

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure he was out for a while injured?

Titmouse.

The thing is the young loan approach has probably got us better players and made more money in the last couple of years than our youth set up has in its entire history. Luongo & Byrne both started as loans that helped sow the seeds for permanent switches. I'd wager some money that either Stephens or Turnbull will sign for us permanently in the next few years and Power is obviously trying to sign Vigs as well. Similarly Ajose's move was thanks to a successful loan spell.
Only one team in this league plays a lot of their own young players and that's Crewe who have struggled around the relegation zone for years and their youth system is light years ahead of ours. Most decent young players in this league have at some point been released from the youth system at bigger clubs.

Supermarine and Chippenham et al play at what is a pretty low level and our ex youth teamers don't exactly stand out which vindicates the clubs decision that they just weren't good enough. Also Oakley was injured for the majority of his time as a pro and Waldon had a few loan spells at the likes of Brackley and Tamworth and didn't impress. If you get released by a league club but have genuine quality you find yourself back pretty sharpish just look at Austin and Gladwin who were both released by Reading.

How many 'gems' have we actually let slip through down the years? Mustapha Carayol is about the best I can think of and I think he wanted to leave anyway.

From his Twitter account on 21/11/15

"Superb 2-1 win from the boys vs Exeter, good to get a solid 55 minutes back from injury."
So Yeh he was injured but has been playing youth games since

Injured or not isn't he 17? Don't want to break him, in what has been a turbulent few months since Crewe.

Just as a follow up to this, I wrote to the Company Secretary in November to inform them of a change of my home address and made the point that it had been a long time since I had received any communication from them.  I provided details of my (small) shareholding and included the Share Certificate numbers.  And, yes, I know about the share 'consolidation' exercise in 2009 and the 'sub-division of share capital' in 2012, both of which reduced the status of people like me who owned a small number of shares and used to go to AGMs in the days when there were such things.

Getting no response, I wrote again a couple of weeks ago and have now received the following reply:

"We confirm receipt of your letter and apologise for the delay in responding.  This arose from difficulties in tracing details of your shareholding given the many changes in share reorganisation and ownership changes that have taken since you last communication from the club.

"Whilst we are unable to track your share certificates in the shareholding register given the multiple ownership changes we can confirm that following the acquisition of Swindon Town Football Club Limited in February 2013, the Club was acquired by Seebeck 87 Limited.  And indeed, in a subsequent high court ruling in July 2014 the Club registers rectified to reflect Swinton Reds 20 Limited as the owners of Swindon Town Football Club Limited.

"Kindest regards etc...."

 :hmmm:

Just read Lee Johnsons pre match preview on the official Barnsley website.
All the latest team news and injury updates and thoughts on Saturdays game.
How different is that to the news blackout emanating from our beloved County Ground.
No wonder it seems difficult to generate any interest for the missing supporters.

You mean like the news we had from bbc wilts this morning from Luke Williams

So why not put it on the STFC website where it could be found easily.

And not much help when you live within the M25 being on BBC Wilts. Saying that I'm sure if it was important it would be on here, otherwise its all fluff really.

BBC wilts breakfast show is now so bad I doubt many people in Swindon heard it either

This media blackout is so bad that I have to resort to using the media for news.

The presenter has far more important things to talk about.
Humbug ,Archie . . . his new car.

Is it still Ben Prater?

I think its direction from above. Graham Mack was pretty good in the role once you got used to him. Used to get stuck in to local issues. Then he got axed when BBC Swindon did, and Prater took over - carried on in a similar vein for a bit before suddenly going back to being a shitty local station with light news and added crappy music.

Mark OD got axed too, presumably for not being Radio Norwich enough.

FOOTBALL : @Official_STFC chairman Lee Power on BBC Wiltshire (103-105FM) 6-7pm Mon 7 Mar for latest fans' phone-in. Questions please! #stfc

Cheers, thought we must be due one.

Come on guys, make it a bit more uncomfortable for Hodgetts and LP!

Somebody could ask where the Benjamins have gone, they wont be expecting that.

How do you get in touch if you're not on twitter? Is there a phone number to call in?

Hereford.

http://www.swindon.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=76245

If you want to complain about something ring in.

Ha, well that's one Benjamin accounted for....

Naah that's just silly, better way to complain is on here, repeatedly, using the argument that as Power has never responded your,argument is vindicated and thus FACT!

This is indeed true FACT!

I might if someone could tell me how.

Would imagine the details have remained the same.

nobody expects the Benjamin inquisition

Thx

Quite frankly I am not going to complain to Power unless he rings me up this evening..... Bloody question dodging asset stripper!

He'd only tell you its a question for Steve Anderson, or one for his accountant if he did.

I think somebody should request a phone in with Steve Anderson to answer the questions Power can't/won't  :wink:

There is no Steve Anderson - at least a lesser spotted one has never been seen!

I have often suspected that Steve Anderson is a name that Sangita Shah sometimes uses?

More a figment of Power's mind!

The abbreviated accounts have been published on companies house. Our assets have increased (mostly cash) but so have our liabilities

You can't really draw a conclusion from them, but no doubt it won't stop some trying

So early in the season, Luke Williams wasn't always at training which obviously fuels the Cooper/ Williams conspiracy theories. Power avoided the follow up question better than Boris yesterday though Hodgetts is no Andrew Marr

What was the follow up question

Power mentioned Luke Williams not always being at training. Question came in as too why that was but Power just waffled on like he does without actually elaborating and Hodgetts didn't press him. Obvious conclusion was that there was a rift between Cooper and Williams

On the subject of the Aden Flint sell on clause, Power started by saying that it was something he'd have to look into and finished by saying that he'd arranged the deal and there was a sell on clause. No percentage mentioned though

We sold Flint in 2013 yeah? Power just said something about when 10 year catering deal was signed. Said Jed signed it. Anyone know when that was? Pretty sure it was the same summer that we sold Flint...

I believe you are right...

Quick look on Google tells me, it happened on the same day  :girlgiggle:

And having no AGM's not going to stop it either.

Can I be the first to say....our owner is a corrupt cunt :crash:
There. Rant over

Thanks for such insightful input.

I think even a rant usually involves more insight than that.
Would you care to elaborate?

I am in no way Powers greatest fan, however can you point me in the direction of the evidence for such a strong statement to be made in writing? Just hope he hasn't been reading club chairmanship by Owen Oyston!

You're not Luke Hodgson who had their flags and banner question comprehensively dismissed by Power?

Anything remotely interesting then?

What was that question?

Power dodging questions be like:

(http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_super/11/117031/3705821-hancock.gif)

Was worth the listen for that alone, superb.

 :D

Something along the lines of 'is there any progress with us being permitted to paint a mural in the DRS concourse', Power - "No."

O2's email address would suggest so.

So Power is corrupt because he won't allow you to have your flag/mural, Luke?

What, who, why?

I still want someone to start an anti drum petition, please.

We can't stand for such corruption. What we need is a banner....

We asked a question last time along the lines of 'can we talk about storage options for all our display materials or the possibility of painting banners to support the club in the concourse under the stand after matches?'

All we want to do is get a dialogue with the club about how they could help us take our displays further and put on impressive stuff that could really wow fans and players.

That's not an example of corruption though is it?

Obviously is to some mis-guided souls.

Did he see the refugee welcome banner

Was just about to mention that politicising the banners would not have helped the cause.

Anyway, that's been done to death already.

What I did find interesting tonight was that, apparently, Jordan Stewart has been sick in hospital which is the reason why we've not seen him, and that we may see him before the end of the season.

i left that phone-in mostly enthused about our future with Luke Williams in charge.

If it's true that Williams said he wanted no more players, then I'm right with you.

Also Power strikes me as an old fashion football person rather than a cheerleader at an American style Jamboree.

I agree with that. Granted there's one or two things most of us don't like about the club. We can't deny we are on a much nicer road than before.

Anyone ask about relations with the Trust, or the lack of them?

I'm an hour behind. Interesting we have 2 deals for players done in principle already.

Yes he says Steve Anderson meets them regularly. And they are good people. and are a plus for the club that are appreciated.

Does say something that most of the calls were moaning about the food and the catering :)

Latest supporters club newsletter says SA also met with the supporters club in February too so maybe he does exist after all

Only  heard the last 25, nothing too insightful. Confident and composed but anything tricky was sidestepped or "ask Steve" 'd.

Not that there was too much tricky presented. Still don't like his media approach, sort of fudged the Trust question (probably rightly so) and still can't warm to him. Not that it matters - if the club moves forward then great.

The only item I thought he fudged was the Cooper/Williams scenario. Its obvious they fell out, but don't think we'll know why. And if you mean tricky by the DRS bogs need a deep clean, then yeah I'd be passing that onto someone else as well..

I felt the lack of an  AGM was allowed to pass without much comment from Power or much pushing/ probing from Hodgetts. Other than that, seemed a fairly open exchange. Time will tell.

Well if the club do genuinely appreciate the Trust as a plus for the club, they seem to be hiding it well. And the "regular meetings" seems to fly in the face of what was said at the Trust AGM? LP glossing it up a bit or SA not keeping the boss fully in the loop?

Dunno, though pets commented on the AGM but not that piece, so I'm guessing the latter.

Heard the same last - "our business will be done early" - let's hope it works this time!

Did you expect anything else from Hodgetts?  Scared of his own shadow!!

I genuinely don't know why we would need one? Everyone I've ever been to, you run through the expenses against income, giving a balance, work out who's washing the kit, then get pissed. We know the first 2 of those.

Surely the club is privately owned now, LP has 98% of the shares I understand - why would he need an agm.  I had shares in the club many years ago but they are no longer valid in the club right now i thought.  May have that totally wrong, where is PaulD when you need him!

It's been mentioned a few times but there were several reasons/factors why we don't hold AGMs and they all stem from the Fitton era. I'm sure the below is factually correct, but the general reasons are if I haven't recalled something quite right.

Firstly, the laws changed in 2006 meaning it was no longer a requirement. This was introduced to decrease red tape for owner managed businesses. As Fitton's consortium had over 75% of the share votes, they voted to scrap it and there was nothing the minority shareholders could do. Concerns were raised at the time and although Fitton did state that he would still hold one for the fans, it wouldn't actually be required. Of course, not a problem when he's in charge but when he stood down the AGMs ceased.

There is a rule that someone or a group of shareholders with 5% or greater voting rights can call for a general meeting. However, Fitton's consortium also diluted everyone's shareholding, thus owning over 95% of shares.

So we haven't had an AGM since Fitton left and the running was passed to Wray/Black and I doubt we will again.

I remember attending an AGM chaired by Jeremy Wray in July 2012, which I think was the last one to be held. 

Those with a small number of shares have been marginalized since then as a result of the various sub-division of shares etc. I had a recent exchange of letters with the Company Secretary, who all but told me that they are now unable to track details of individual shareholdings and, following the 2014 High Court ruling that Swinton Reds 20 Limited now own the Club.  I took this to be code for "fuck off"!

and the fact that the cupboard where they want to store their banners is the same one Lee uses to hide the cash from his dodgy dealings

I believe (and I am happy to be corrected here) that the revision to shareholding and the dilution of shares occurred under the stewardship of Saint Fitton so to be fair to Power he is only working with what was in place when he took over.

In terms of the share register again I do wonder what Jed got up to in order to muddy the waters when Power was claiming to own the club which would explain possibly the mess with knowing who of the smaller shareholders own what (I also suspect that paperwork was not a strong suit of Jeds), I have no idea what legal requirement they have to rectify this (or how they would do this) but it is clear from the latest return that due to the consolidations of the Fitton/Black era the smaller shareholdings are now essentially (but sadly) pointless.

As an aside I suspect this really scuppers any chance for the Trust to build up a shareholding to have some say in matters as it would need Power to sell them shares to achieve this....

According to the paperwork I still have, there was a capital consolidation and rights issue carried out in 2009 (the letter explaining it was signed by Andrew Fitton).  The sub-division of share capital exercise happened in the summer of 2012 (Fitton left in August 2011).  This was during Andrew Black's period as Chairman but pre-dated the appointment of Sir William Patey (October 2012) and the subsequent arrival of Jed (February 2013).  The letter to shareholders explaining the sub-division of share capital was dated 12 July 2012.  My electronic copy is unsigned. 

I fear you are right about small shareholdings being "pointless" but I will hang on to my share certificates anyway.

Do so, you can put them into the Trust Museum.

I lamented earlier in this thread that Power had managed to complete the process begun circa 1985, whereby the traditional links between club and fans have been broken. Very sad state of affairs.

If there was an AGM, it wouldn't change Power's reluctance to give a straight answer to a question. All that would be achieved is a fractious meeting and damaged relations.

I've just got to the point where I am satisfied that he is in it to make money, which is fine, but doesn't see the need to service the community side of the club and, for want of a better phrase, the heart and soul of the club. That's not fine, but attacking him for it would probably be counter productive too. We've not got a better option.

That's where the Trust has a role now, and we should all be 100% behind it.

Don't rate these q+a's as I think they are a waste of time and never more so than under the current owner - chairman. I won't ever trust an owner of stfc as they all have something in the closet that eventually comes to light. Whatever they say means nothing to me personally. They're just empty words.

It will end in tears for sure, it always does. It's just a matter of when.

You sound like a jilted teenager!  ;D

Yeah the bitch left me....

Surely the point isn't that they legally HAVE to hold an AGM but that doing so, or at least releasing a full set of accounts + follow up meeting, would go a long way to providing transparency to prove that the club isn't heading in the same toilet bound direction it normally does.

He doesn't have to of course, and almost certainly won't. That's his choice. So we will be perpetually in this situation until he leaves again (or another disaster arises publically).

I may be missing the point and being a bit thick (probably the latter) but do the accounts recently submitted showing a loss of 86k down from whatever they were not answer what a AGM would answer?

The point of the AGM, was more symbolic....the Board would have to front up to room full of fans so some sort of accountability even if flawed

Yeah but an AGM gives fans/shareholders to raise grievances and abuse the board face to face rather than from behind a keyboard.

I am not sure what the law is regarding the need for an AGM (or how this is affected by a company that only really has a few shareholders?)

An AGM would have presented an opportunity to query, for example, that the Cash Liabilities have apparently gone up, but that isn't really any of our business :-)

not really, no.

so that's not breakeven then.

it would be nice to ask some quess around this

Well it all depends upon the articles of association and memorandum of understanding of Mr Power's company, doesn't it? Although I believe that the articles have now superceded the memorandum stuff. It might be written that they can have an "AGM" every twenty years for all I know. Or that just the directors, secretary and the two biggest shareholders should be present.

Si Pie will know and can probably look it up/find out

Articles for Swinton Reds 20 Limited (https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/document-api-images-prod/docs/NbAZrjF0wGSxsuTuTukeLK6_s8ZMNHIRdrs4YsM7sCE/application-pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIAJWSJXHZWX3FTVENQ&Expires=1457466931&Signature=ARTry47klk7D8YKCS%2BKloRkB%2Br4%3D&x-amz-security-token=AQoDYXdzEKj%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEa4APQC3kF%2B7fcoSkxewKzIfipHkSlgWEaYarhBZZoNHk8QhK26IKM0o6NEjrFy09pEQAyRV%2B5vNsT7ApgdZqq9FaiweDf%2B1Ma2B9pRJ9Br9IFGz0CQFVw%2FQjRaIa9Iee2kdWaZqb8PCK4%2Flc8wc6HU4qjoSEyDqEVIziEHTEaMqiYMUjhVpTzq7SMxiGgZTVPXwFOKyTbNlR0ZNK%2Byq2Bbc3gUpjovvLHV%2F5plln%2Bs3kGyyUrvHZQZ%2FOGH0vQwRXKhgbBn1%2FaqZGEvENCRTWYspWUMzGouCcUJ2WYBpDHKcZoVzubgOiqtx7brf8r81prhfj6UaNkV2k7LnneaqnuXl9nVAOKvzsZ27xq5XESTc%2FJVFdQ2NN3Ssn5%2BpUrrJgeuYMkwIf5Jx%2BLLPYEZ5oUOF5Y%2B4n9FiGBbstsy8ij8ex%2FE4sg36VOrQRlKfRQf9lRSP9RJjc8oZTOSvZOEgkWg%2FISNgWqfl4LjGHdZ0cwyvCpdlpHH2crHbSa2JMIXC0KQbOSJ%2BfoI1vY%2Fvvp0cS08s%2FVry9PifgogUJsM5jDV6FV68eAV1zK4nw%2BCjhosaWAwFQT%2BMYqrR5ZtdybXVG6WAhnGbOTMcxAF4xKgUz2gzhy3hTwrG6Hd7uMtKN2%2BWESmm0gscz7tgU%3D)

I thought Power was a bit more open than he usually is. He explained that he has subsidised losses of £3m and £1.7m as the budgets have been pared down and is now looking to take some of that money back.

Can anyone blame him for that unless you believe in the Robin Hood approach to football ownership where wealthy owners throw millions of cash to make the 'poorer' supporters happy. Look how fans' owned Bournemouth took the Russian millions when offered.

I don't think Power is ever going to be transparent, you don't get to be an Irish (check his nationality on Companies House but he did play for the Republic U21s) Swiss based tax exile by being transparent.

I think Power believes there is an opportunity in the current game to make money by polishing up reject talented youngsters into Championship or Premier League quality. The difference is he makes the buy sell decisions rather than rely on a manager who might have a 12-18 month shelf life and has the contacts to pull it off. The training ground is part of that process.

What we don't know is what the end game or his exit strategy is. Imagine getting promoted might be an opportunity to sell up.

Doesn't work Sam. Expired request apparently...

Can you pdf it?

Try this one (https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/08462753/filing-history/MzA3NTIwNzkyM2FkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0)

Do you reckon they spelt the company name wrong and just couldnt be arsed to change it :D

Thanks Sam.

Well that clears that up then. One director and shareholder. The club is worth exactly one English pound of capital.

General meetings can be held as and when the director feels like it, no commitment to do this annually or ever.

Brilliant!

I've always thought that as well. Bit like my mother in law who has 8 first names as her dad was pissed at the registrars and couldn't remember which way round they should be and did several variations and never crossed any out. Her passport is a mindfuck.

Well, it's a bit more complicated than that actually.

Power is the sole shareholder of Swinton Reds 20 Ltd. Swinton Reds 20 Ltd own 100% of the share capital of Seebeck 87 Ltd (Jed's old company) which in turn owns 99.79% of the share capital of Swindon Town Football Company Ltd.

Didn't Power say he would would be willing to hold an open meeting as long as it was within his time in the country, something like that would be good as it would give fans the right of reply when he dodges a question, as long as it was compared (sp?) by someone sensible that is able to keep control, like a Phil King or Shaun Hodgetts.

It would be good perhaps for the Trust to set something like this up.

The next one is tomorrow. 6-7pm.

BBC Wilts just tweeted.

I've got a good one.

Where's the money gone, Lee?

Or has that been done (to death).

I'll ask if he, personally, will be paying for kitting out the training ground or the club.

Snigger

Go ahead, it would be jolly exciting for someone to actually ask the questions directly rather than just bleating about such matters on here?

(http://www.referee-equipment.co.uk/imagecache/2bb6a6bf-fa82-4dc5-8628-a1ba01125d2e_300x300.jpg)

About a tenner a throw, although I believe Mike Ashley, is doing a deal atm in anticipation of Newcastle's relegation.

Do they do these from the CG or the BBC?

I'll be there at that time tomorrow is all. My work are a sponsor and we're having a game on the pitch and then getting pissed up after.

How have ticket sales gone?...

Why would he personally pay for that?

He's the landlord. If I rent a house I want a house to live in. Not just a piece of land to build it myself.

I'm normally up for these, but think I will sit out, as I have a feeling the woodwork will squeak, and out come the freaks. Everyone will ask the same old stuff as they haven't bothered listening before. Might be wrong, but probably not.

He wouldn't buy you a TV or microwave though would he

No. But I presume he is renting the club a training ground - not just a piece of land.

I'm probably wrong but if the club has to pay for pitches etc. he is putting the club in the same position as it is with the ground and the council - which he is not happy about.

Cant have it both ways

The only plans submitted so far are for 'two temporary pitches'.

Not sure how much that would cost to sort.

Shame we're no longer sponsored by Cotswold Farm Machinery.

CFM are still involved.

Of course he can, he owns the club...

And in regard to him personally paying to kit the training ground out, he's never going to do that. He has a company to do that with.

I dont expect him to pay for it as Lee Power just meant I think the club shouldn't pay for the pitches. Everything else - fine.

I think we all know the money will come from the club in some way, shape or form.

There's a huge scope for a conflict of interest being both landlord and tenant. I presume he is likely to be landlord longer than he will be owner.

So long as he doesn't sign us into long contract, leave and screw us the same way Firoz Kassam has done to the shit bags up the road with astronomical rents without the ability to terminate the contract.

One pitch has been enough for most of our time...pick up the dog shit before starting and the aforementioned cones placed.

Glenn Hoddle used to use the astro in the corners of the CG athletics....the bits for throwing and jumping. He'd stick a volley ball net up, and get them doing keepy uppy.

Proper state of the art facilities cost millions, I'm sure we're not going there.

Got to be a couple of 4G pitches, surely.

If every age group is going to use this facility (which is the main reason for the training ground in the first place), then grass is out of the question.

Personally I'm going to wait and see what's actually planned and built before worrying too much but each to their own. It would be impossible for Power to lock the club into a lucrative contract on the training ground as any decent lawyer would be able to get out of it and would be a major discussion point during any sale process.
Oxford could leave their ground if they wanted, problem is they have no other stadium to go to. Not quite the same with a training ground!

I want to get through by posing a question about whether he intends to keep a back four system in the locker and if so who can fill in for NT when he is inevitably suspended. Then when I get on the air say

"..
What you wearing"

I feel this will be more beneficial than some of the stuff that people ask.

As always, it is amusing how the BBC/Hodgetts get accused of filtering questions and giving Power an 'easy ride' yet when they ask fans directly on Twitter whether they would like to speak to Power over the phone, they nearly all make their excuses. Anyone could get on and take him to task if they wish.

On another note, I wonder if Jay's mate will ask for an update on the DRS mural and throw a strop when Power laughs the idea off as he did last time.

I noticed this. A lot of keyboard warriors.

What you mean after all the bitching on here no one phone in and asked the immortal question - shocking!

I would love to ask about the Swindon Advertiser presentation snub, but we have be made aware that we need to keep the club powers at be sweet if we want any chance of getting anything done display-wise. So I don't want to give them an excuse to reject anything we want to do without a real reason.

I'd rather carry on having what (very little) communication we have. He'll just come up with the usual "I'm not here to help them sell papers" anyway. :/

Ring in and give a different name, get a mate to ring in, its not exactly rocket science?

I'd suggest Kaybox. They'll never rumble that

What exactly do you want to know about it? Power doesn't like the media, and the Adver in particular. You can disagree and moan but, frankly, he isn't going to give a shit.

Unless the club have reneged on a commercial agreement as part of the sponsorship of that award, it's a non-story.

Bets on the HIM klaxxon?

I'm going 13 minutes, 20 seconds.

A few things -

I guess i'd be quite interested in our player recruitment for last season. For instance how on earth did we end up with free transfer players like Henrik Ojamaa/Bangoura. Were these panic signings? Were these signed based on information from our new chief scout Stevie Wonder?

Also what's the deal with the Irish Messi, do we see him playing a part next season?

What are the ST sales like?

And depending on the answer to the ST sales, what are the plans for the budget next season?

Has he got plans in place for promising young players on loan from Prem/Championship sides? I think we were very unlucky last season with the Liverpool players and injuries and I think we do get quality loans in so I am happy to add to the squad with a couple.

Are we looking to bring in a permanent number 1 keeper? Does he think Will Henry is now our number 2 based on his first team performances.

All good questions, the thing with Jewell is that he seems to be primarily opposition scout, not a recruitment one. Power said as much once and his location (the north) would indicate that he would be doing mostly that, as does his relatively lack of experience.

Be interesting to know more about Brady's function too as clearly he had experience as an analyst and technical scout for Tim. Suspect part of it will be to impose order on the scouting system, to prioritise and follow leads given by Power's mates and agents, especially as Scout 7 is now standard issue in the FL. So a big part of it would be to provide a filter the crap earlier on...

BBC Wilts asked mine regarding money/interest owed to power in an early phone in, fair play.

He said it was one for his accountant, blah blah. At this point I realised he wasn't going to answer/commit to answer anything transparently so any serious suggestions are rather pointless.

I actually have no idea about our scouting network so that is quite interesting.

Are you able to summarise who they are and what they do Mr Orange?

Or Banner Boy?

I have no idea of the details, but just to say in terms of detail and company structure I have very little idea of exactly what is going on in my case, it makes perfect sense when my accountant explains it to me, but ask me about it 10 minutes later and my answer would resemble Power's.

I don't know nothing directly, nowt. However, scouting fascinates me at the moment so I might try to put something together about more general ideas. Not least to keep me busy for a bit while there is no football.

nothing to stop him finding out if he is making interest* on his loans and getting back to us.

*not got a problem with it, if its or below market value BTW.

There was an interesting interview with Steve Walsh, the man co-credited with Leicester's success, through player recruitment, on 5live t'other evening.  He was saying that the FA now run courses at St George's, in scouting and recruitment.

I'd heard of this fella, and mistakenly thought it to be the old Leicester warhorse defender of the same name...but this one is an ex teacher. Listening to him, I couldn't help but feel he's now blown it....somehow, I feel like a scout shouldn't be noticed, in order to do his/her best work.

Sure Bear Grylls  as Chief Scout can sort you out?  :D

Is it not 'that' Steve Walsh, I had always assumed the same?

Same as until saw him interviewed after the Everton game.

Definately not the old school defender fella

http://linkis.com/www.punditarena.com/RUQdl - Cheers. I'll have a listen.

And it seems that most full-time scouts are well known to clubs, players and agents. Just because fans don't know them we assume they operate in anomity. They also know who is looking at whom and know exactly who is good and who isn't.

The trick seems to be in making the right leap of faith. Listening to one the other day saying Vardy was scouted at Halifax by everyone up to Championship and by him for WBA (his club) and they all fancied him. But that it was Fleetwood who took the risk & paid a big (ish) price.

Mike Calvin's book The Nowhere Men is good on the subject.

Seconded for Nowhere Men, a really good read.

Some good questions there. I just wonder if this time Steve Anderson will be alongside him in the studio because the last two times they have held these, he often answered a question with "thats one for Steve Anderson" so perhaps it would make sense if Shaun Hodgetts got him in as well?

It would be interesting to know whether the team will train full time at Highworth from next season or if its not ready if they will be at Wootton Bassett again

Nope, BBC Wilts tweeted he has a "prior engagement".

Spot on.
These scouts will also be informing clubs of there attendance in upcoming games. They have a seat ready and waiting for them. People in football like the sound of their own voice and ain't backwards at coming forwards with details so will talk openly to each other. All football rumours come from blabbermouths in clubs let's not forget.

Our youth set up used to have games with top academies in the hope of some of our individuals getting taken by them. Liverpool and Chelsea two prime examples I know of.

I was also told by the Everton youth coach when at the milk cup that they had details on every kid at every academy.

You bet your life the first thing Power or any investors he has got money off would have been the interest they'd get.  Power can fuck off with his this is one for the accountants business.

In the absence of any information I am going to go with Power being a LIBOR +7% man.

This is Steve Walsh the Leicester scout:

(http://www.lcfc.com/cms_images/stevewalsh280-2780977.jpg)

...and this is Steve Walsh the Leicester 1993 play off loser:

(http://www.sportsworldcards.com/ekmps/shops/sportsworld/images/leicester-city-steve-walsh-226-merlin-s-english-premier-league-1995-football-sticker-57474-p.jpg)

My brother sent me a pic of the former just last week, commenting that the last few years had not been kind.  As Reg says, though, not the same man.

It wouldn't surprise me if Power has taken a fee (like an agent fee) from transfers. Think it's fair enough if you can sell players for the amounts we have, given the sub-par fees we've achieved before that.

Didn't Fitton receive a cut of the Charlie Austin money?

If steve anderson was there power couldn't conveniently dodge any questions

No surprise there then!

Should we not be simply content that Power makes himself available for these phone-ins?

I suppose I only say that because the 'Anderson deals with this' questions are not very interesting...

Indeed, I would imagine Karl Oyston doesn't do the same at Blackpool!

I think we can all be glad that (at the moment) LP is nothing like KO.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-36248594

Well I for one plan to wrap my radio in tin foil this evening so that the mesmerising thought rays from Power will not impregnate my brain and brain wash me into believing his nonsense!

Indeed although please don't underestimate how much of the Oyston v. fans battle is being fanned by the wider Oyston v. Valeri Belokon battle over money, Belokon has been winding the fans up for ages as part of his argument with Oyston. I am not saying in any way that Oyston is blameless, the family are entirely thus but ultimately the relationship soured when they started to drop down the leagues and actually as they were in D4 when his old man took over and they are now back in D4 little seems to have changed.

Plus fans need to learn that the law applies to them when making stuff up about board members, although thankfully as your original point makes Power doesn't seem to be as litigious as Oyston!

He's a convicted rapist. Cant the FL look at his 'fit and proper person' test again and kick him out?

Blackpool are indeed in deep shit and its getting deeper, Oyston said in an interview that he would rather fold the club than sell it....which seems a little silly and short sighted and extremely inflamatory remark, probably said to wind up Blackpool fans rather than actually mean it.

He is a thoroughly unlikeable person though and I guess we can be thankful that we are not owned by somebody like him....although a lot of Town fans seem to think we actually are!

I suppose sadly if the club doesn't owe them anything (if the tales of dividends are to be believed) and you have been subject to disagreement with the fans for many years (including various threats and libels), if you were that way inclined you may take drastic/petty action or inaction its possibly human nature.

This should be interesting  :suicide:

Anyone care to provide a running commentary?

Obika doesnt want to sign a new deal

Pretty sure Power just said that Obika doesn't want to sign a new contract (presumably after the trigger of his extra year).

Correct

I hear a tefer.......

Oh dear

Who was that?

There's Power bingo potential here:

"I don't know the ins and outs Shaun"

"Better ask Steve, Shaun"

But if it's setting us up for a lucrative sale of a key player - "he definitely won't sign a new deal Shaun"


Sent from my iPhone

 :sherlock:

He's online, but probably doing autograph's ;)

KLAXON! KLAXON!

Looking for a fee for Storey and Smith.

The only Tefer who does autographs is Tansmedia ;)

Bobs orange

Cox not returning. Talking about Moncur, fee involved, others interested too. Standard Storey question! - he doesn't suit how we play. His contract has been extended to try and command a fee. Future elsewhere. Michael Smith will be moving on - Portsmouth and a few others interested. He wants to move. Power would happily keep him.

No new coaches. Possibility of joining an U21 league and would need a coach for that. Would be full of u17s and u18s plus over age players - and seen as a replacement for the reserve league.

What happened to the axis group (Australian investors)? All it was was shirt sponsorship - supposedly "significant"...


Sent from my iPhone

Dodged the aussie investor question, I never believe, the "I believe" answer. Normally means dead in the water

Pre-season tour! (well a week away apparently)

SONN could be back!

Norwich CEO leaving doesn't help - he's been the link at Norwich. 2016/17 want a different pre season - including a week away and non Prem league games. Adver question....


Sent from my iPhone

Power is buying the adver

This could be interesting.

Ooh companies house gets a mention

Ownership question - dodged.

Edit: actually, he goes into it a bit. They want to remove Seebeck from the structure.

Stephen Crouch has no role.

No new investors wanted.


Sent from my iPhone

kept calm, thought he might lose it there, but confirmed No Debt, No losses.

I don't mind Shaun Hodgetts, but whenever I listen to him I can only picture Alan Partridge.

What's your favourite type of monger Lee? Iron, fish or war?


Sent from my iPhone

Here we go.......

Still talking about signing Vigs permanently. Tried to agree a fee previously.

Has had a bad injury also.

Wants to sign Doughty who is determined to do well at QPR.

In fact would sign all the previous loanees - Turnbull and Louis Thompson. (Thinks Soton wants Turnbull to try playing higher up)

Getting tense.

He's getting mighty arsey

Ah he's buggering this up

Panama.....

He's ticking :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

How do you know he's wearing a hat

Fight fight fight

Great caller.


Sent from my iPhone

Cooper stuck the knife in, hadn't heard that before.

Apparantly Cooper has stuck the knife into the club and LP a few times since he left, radio Notts has a couple of recordings too.

Nor had I.

Just came over as sour grapes on Coopers part

Cooper always came accross like he was put upon and was hard done by in almost every interview I have ever heard, not a massive shock really, I know LP and Cooper didn't see eye to eye to say the least but theres no need for petty digs.

Cooper has now blamed other people for his failures at his 3 past consecutive clubs.

Can't see him having much more success with Eastington Rovers twat of a chairman, I give it a season at most.

He did come across as a bit of a plum. Forest Green had better win the final or he's going to sound a bit silly re the Wembley preparation thing!

What was the tension about?

These things are usually available to listen to after aren't they?

I supported Cooper while he was manager with us but I am no fan of his, and this soured it even more, I won't shed any tears if FGR don't win at Wembley (which I don't think they will).

It did re-enforce what most of us already knew, that chairman of other teams in our league are funding their losses into 7 figures each season.

That's fine as long as they are happy to write them off, if not you are just piling up debt for the future & end up in even more trouble.

It's just not a very exciting prospect, unless a mega rich Town fan with more money than sense comes along.

I wonder how many would swap Power for someone like Duchatelet at Charlton.

About we stayed 3 days at the belfry and a 5* hotel, FGR are going up on the day

There were some good questions posed about finances (just for a change!) when LP starts asking the questioner about his line of work, totally irrelevantly when he asked about publishing full accounts. LP got very very very defensive.

Or Oyston at 'pool and the Bury board who took out a payday loan to go for promotion...which failed...

Very unconvincing answer from a businessman who leaves his business to his accountant (and so on and so forth), and he doesn't know the details. So how can he be sure he's acting in the clubs best interest then!

Yes, yes he doesn't need to be transparent legally, and yes he could turn out to be the best thing since sliced bread . blah blah blah. Or he could be taking the piss out the club. or or or.

But you give those (lack of) answers Lee, you have to accept a massive dose of scepticism given the context of our past.

And therein lies the problem.

He isn't doing anything legally wrong ( he may well be taking us for a ride or not, and we probably won't know if he doesn't want to tell us), but he doesn't really understand the history or he would get why we aren't all convinced about what a great job he is doing.

Bullshit! He knows our financial history right enough. He even mentioned it.
I'm also calling bullshit on not knowing the payback terms of his loans - that's just my opinion.
I particularly liked his comparison with the BBC accounts - I'm sure nobody knows what goes on financially at the BBC ;)

He doesn't want to engage/divulge for whatever reason. Just as likely to be pig headedness as wrong doing IMO. Either way these phone ins are a colossal waste of time for anything other than Miles Storey questions.

This phone in has annoyed me. Not that it matters.

I thought the very noticeable anger in his responses was maybe genuine annoyance of a bloke doing his best and people thinking him a crook.

If he was a crook I'd imagine he'd be a bit more smarmy and give answers that would appease.

I honestly don't know how to take him at all.

I tend to agree Audrey. For me it seemed he was genuinely hacked off. Lets face it, we could have ended up with Jed and where would we be now?

As Posh Red alluded to, Power is not going to chuck in 2-3 million of his own money like the Colchester and Port Vale chairmen do so we are going to have to put up with low budgets and wheeling and dealing to ensure this club breaks even/operates at a profit.

If gates rise, we get more budget, if they fall we get less.

I think that applies to a fair chunk of the fan base.

If we just look at the football side, the picture he paints isn't going to create much of a buzz. Its been rightly pointed out that we can still do well on the pitch. And we can.

So why not try to create a buzz, the club PR is still an absolute amateur shambles. I just don't understand it given we need people through the gate to increase budget. Surely even if he's only here to cash in on transfer fees a successful side makes him more money than a shit one...

Thanks guys.


This is how I feel 100%.

I guess it all boils down to the fact it's quite difficult to make an informed opinion when there's not a lot of information!

I am desperately trying to find a job in marketing/ PR.

Maybe I should fire off an email...

I'd be inclined to tell people to fuck-off if I was questioned in such an accusatory manner, especially if I was working hard to do the right thing. He should be better prepared for it though. Many would take him getting irritated as proof that he's pocketing all the wonga, or something.

Sounds a bit like Cameron who wasn't really sure his inheritance was in an off shore non-taxpaying trust!!

Seeing as he is never going to be open and transparent about things, people might as well just turn up and support the team and, hopefully, enjoy the football.

All the shit, if any, will be shaken out in time.

I certainly don't think this but it wasn't his greatest hour as Town owner.

He's a good sport for doing these phone-ins but he's got to expect questions from time to time.

Questions yes but the same one over and over and over again would irritate most people surely

Then he shouldn't do a Q&A.

I'm very much on the fence regarding Lee Power, and that remains, but that wasn't his greatest hour.

There's a difference between knowing we have been in admin twice and on the brink of another, and understanding just how deceitful previous owners have been. im not sure if it would make any difference to whether he would be willing to tell us anymore, but it might help him understand why so many people are unsure whether his intentions are good or otherwise

Oh, I see your point now. Apologies

Sounds like Keane is more likely to return as No. 1 keeper than Vigs with young Henry understudy.

Dunno where that leaves Belford

What was said?

No worries

Just that with Vigs injury problem it's unlikely we could take a chance on signing him on a permanent.

Talked up Keane and said young Henry would make a decent No.2 allowing for his age.

Or Eric Bana...

Henry looked more composed and solid in the couple of games he played than Belford has ever looked IMO. Belford needs to be moved on.

Who is Keane?

Edit - I assume you mean Kean, but doesn't the changes at Norwich potentially put the mockers on that?

Think he means Kean.

No Sherwood, and no more 'Bloke At Norwich', but we still have Sir Les, who might be willing and able to sort us out :-)

This is the crux of the matter very well highlighted. Create a buzz - the PR/Media and Comms side of the club seems sometimes to be treated as a luxury and not a necessity. Does come over as very amateur indeed.

Don't think you can create a buzz - it's a naturally occurring phenomenon when conditions are right.

A personality - PdC - can create it partially but it needs to be backed up with success on the pitch. Those things happen and people will stop banging about Power this and Power that and get back to concentrating on what is really the only important thing.

Winning football matches

Power out and out confirmed he would never do anything to put the club in jeopardy. Whilst we don't know if he's taking the piss with taking money out of the club, I suppose he has implied he isn't from the answers given.

I suppose it's a case of whether your view is innocent until proven guilty or vice versa. I think it's the latter view (or his perception that's the case) that's got Lee Power's goat.

Again, it's the whole busy body argument though - a lot of this would be easily appeased with straight forward answers.

Forgive my ignorance but is Power intent on recouping the money he put in to "save the club" ?
If so, that isn't really how it works. You don't put money into a football club(especially on like stfc) and expect your money back.

Doing this whilst dictating everything at the club from top to bottom with the football served up leaving a lot to be desired is hardly going to endear yourself to the fans.

He thinks he can, and who are we to say he's wrong. He jets around all year whilst we all do 9-5's. Quite refreshing in these days of easy credit and easy insolvency to try and do stuff the right way. Pity the rest of the world doesn't work like that imo.

He's got to be in the country for more than 90 days a year.

Is he into people smuggling as well?

He tried it with footballers but it didn't work   ;D

Herein lies many of the problems and misconceptions between football club ownership and fans perceptions.

We have ended up with Power as no one else wanted to invest when Jed was here, and we ended up with Jed as no one wanted to buy the club off Black - that was the time for obtaining either a wealthy benefactor who could have essentially got the club for nothing or some manner of fans ownership, it never happened and we are where we are with the club essentially as a private company (following the diluting of shares under Black) which has essentially dislocated the club from its supporters, its a private company Power can reveal as much or little as he chooses about the finances and I ask any of you, would you throw money at your business and not want anything back in return.

Fans (and PR specialists like Fitton) like to make much of the fact that the club belongs to the fans, the owners are only stewards etc etc, but ultimately both need the other to survive. This idea that Power should just plough money into the club with no return is idealistic in the extreme, one story that stuck in my mind was (and bear with me if I forget the detail) Jed was suggesting that there was a dubious historic £50k debt hanging over the club that was causing delay with lifting an embargo and many fans were saying that he should just put the cash in and not bother investigating whether the debt was valid or not, these were the same fans who on one hand were demanding that the owner should just throw £50k at it like its loose change but in the next breath moaning that season tickets go up 10% or the burgers 25p.

Sadly in the modern world you cannot have it both ways, if we want the club to proposer we have to support it and that includes from your pocket, and finding Power guilty of all manner of financial misdemeanours in the absence of evidence is not going to build a relationship nor make him inclined to work with the fans to move forward. Its human nature that if you feel someone (or a group) don't appreciate what you are doing or make all manner of unfounded accusations against you it isn't going to make you want to work with them, many people just don't seem to get this.

(as an example when I used to be a Local Council Planning Officer I used to have applicants/agents who made my life a bloody misery, and their applications got dealt with by the book, there were others who realised that I was only applying the law, spoke with me politely and provided information when requested rather than whinge or complain about it, their applications were also dealt with by the book but I would often go that extra mile to advise them and help them over the line - I could never understand why certain people didn't get that you treat people like shit they are at best unlikely to work with you and possibly will treat you likewise!)

What I am saying in a round about way is that we cannot just expect Power to throw money at it and respond by constantly accusing him of things, I am not for a minute saying he should have a free reign, yes watch him like a hawk and if there is evidence confront him), but to constantly berate the guy is only going to piss him off as will the same questions being thrown at him, should he answer them, probably, but its human nature to just think fuck the lot of them and retreat further into his shell - thankfully he is not Karl Oyston - yet!

Honestly, I don't think many expect him to chuck money around or even would want him to.

Retaining players doesn't seem to be top of his list if good money is possible - players are going after 1 good season.

Don't forget he would have sold Ajose last January if offered enough - hello L2 in that scenario.

It just appears that showcasing talent is the priority, not progression on the pitch.

He believes he has a new way of running a lower league club, because he knows the "game", and to Arriba's question, yes, he think he has a way to get most if not all of it back, if it works.

He believes that by playing the style of football that is used in Prem U21 games, he can bring in talent from that group - either those who are already going to go on to better things, or those who didn't seem to cut it, but might be able to.

For that reason, we don't change our style of play.

Getting these types of players in, playing a style they know, makes them look better to prospective buyers than traditional lower league fayre (when it works).

The aim is that we therefore make a profit on player sales, something rare in clubs but similar to Crewe's model (although they invest in their own youth set-up instead, which is getting tougher to do and more costly).

That means recruitment is skewed heavily to youth level - you need players who have a chance of having re-sale value to make this work.  Older players are already tarred to a degree in terms of the level they'll be scouted to.

Last season was a prime example of it coming together (although I think even he got taken by surprise on just how effective it was, and he cashed in much of his loans as a result).  That has left us exposed for this season, but even now we have a player being talked about as a 6 figure sale, closing in on 7 figures.  Plus we think at least two others will attract a fee if suitors come knocking.  That is a very different ball game to any we've played in since 1993 (in some respects, the team of that era was similar, made up mainly of higher level young talent, the difference being a sprinkling of older guile).

For Power, it's still working, but it works better when we do well for him.  That's our trade off - high risk of seasons like this, but financial stability as a club and the prospect of great seasons.

first of PR can still help, even in these times of  living in our means.

Secondly I don't blame Power for wanting his money back, with interest.

But it's perfectly possible to cream off a stupidly high repayment to yourself and keep the club sustainable. At least for a while.

To be clear my opinion is he isn't doing this, but fans can see budgets being slashed, and have trouble working out whether it's cutting cloth accordingly or something more sinister.

It's no surprise Power gets asked about such things is it. But getting all arsey doesn't help his cause.

His PR approach won't change either, he has form on this front.  Either they print what he wants or he doesn't bother with it - believing instead in the belief that a winning team and general fan loyalty cover the income stream outside of player sales.

Good piece Robert T.

Balanced and pragmatic.

One thing I think this raises it the difference between a sport and a business.  I think the FA should insist on all clubs having to publish detailed accounts, including transfer fees paid.  Unlike usual business, profit is not the ultimate mark of success, so financial exposure should not put businesses at risk as such.

Sadly I think that horse has already bolted and its all too blurred now. look at Swansea often lauded as the ultimately successful 'fans' club, in the process of being sold to the Americans, no idea what their motives are but its hardly linking back to the community?

Should sticky the first 2 RobertT posts, and point any indiscriminate non thinking ill informed shouters at them. Talking of which they've been quiet last couple of days. On holiday? absolutely no coincidence that if they had been here they could have rung in?

I think Power is shrewd enough to understand he is not going to be thanked by fans unless HIS model is in fact successful (which lets face it will only be occasionally and probably never sustainably at Championship level)

He will pursue his own objectives in his own style and without being distracted whether fans are grateful or not

I sympathise that there is no reason for him to be open about his business objectives - it's very common in most family and smaller businesses.  Whilst there is none of the "vision thing" of the Fitton era of communicating goals for the club (ultimately unsustainably because the main benefactor was not fully on board as matters developed under Wray) nor any of the absurd "fantasy thing" under the Walter Mitty chancer who succeeded Black (and we must surely be very grateful to Power for having relieved us of Jed), there is no reason to be so downright backward in the basic business of marketing to create publicity and excitement to sell tickets and atmosphere - the Trust really seems to perform Power's marketing for him and with minimal co-operation.  

This aspect of the business is weak and there really is no need not to transform it.  That is a factor of a one man ownership - that one man can't be good at everything but should recognise weaknesses and develop his team

Who has he sold after one season? Didn't he turn down bids for Luongo and Kasim in the january/

I did say 1 'good' season. Luongo had his 1 good season last year and was sold, also Byrne, Gladwin. Kasim would have been sold but nobody wanted him enough.

Ajose and Obika to follow no doubt.

Luongo was wanted though and we turned down a bid. A bid from QPR was also turned down for Kasim. A 2 year deal has been offered to Obika but no doubt people will find a sinister reason why this is. Gladwin we made over a million on in one season? should we have kept him?

Power has also said we want to keep Ajose but the player may want to leave, what should he do in that situation in your opinion

Obika probably has to go - be stupid to lose him for nothing next year.

Ajose doesn't have to be sold. He has another 2 years on his contract and if Power wants to keep him as much as he says he can make Ajose honour that.

He always uses the 'I don't want to stop the player for bettering himself' angle as the reason for selling.

I'm of a mind that there will not be a lengthy queue for Ajose.

As has been said before, I dont mind him selling if appropriate replacements are signed and not the hit and hope kind.

I'm not sure why everyone is getting so worried about this.

Obika is replaceable. Ajose as a player is replaceable. Are Ajose's goals replaceable? Difficult for one individual, but we might end up with a strike partnership next year that can score Ajose's goals between them.

Players come and go. I remember being disappointed when Quinn, Bamber, Shearer and many others departed. But we replaced them - Sometimes with utter rubbish mind! Lets see what happens and hope for the best!

players come and go but proven goal scoring partnerships are hard to find. they have masked the mediocrity of the squad this year and replacing them both  while possible is bloody risky.

Don't go Jon  :cry:

Players are always going to want to better themselves - both financially and professionally ie playing at highest level they can. Swindon have a pretty good record of giving players a platform to show what they are capable of and the chance to move on - from Eastoe to McLoughlin to Horlock to Moncur to Parkin to Cox to Austin to Ritchie to Luongo to Byrne. All came from bigger clubs where they were struggling to get much game time, came here, did well and  got move to bigger club and no doubt bigger pay packet.

The grass isn't always greener - just ask Sam Parkin and Nathan Byrne from that list. So having failed already at a bigger club and not get games and goals he needed for his career to kick on Ajose might be slightly wary about his next move. Undoubtedly if enough money is offered he will be moved on regardless. Obika having knocked around Spurs reserves for  years without ever getting a look in has certainly benefited from a regular start rather than a succession of loan moves. Not saying he is in that class but the other Spurs forward who seemed to be around for a while and was sent everywhere and anywhere on loan was a certain Harry Kane. So ex team mate Obika must fancy what would probably be his last chance of  proving himself at a higher level rather than committing to us for another couple of years.

Not when  Ibrahimovic is available on a free ;)

Have I missed something? I could have sworn Obika said himself that he'll be here next year.

Absolutely spot on in all counts Rob.

The club "on the pitch" is being run like an U21 acadamy of a Premier League club with a few allowed over 21 heads there to help the lads through the bad times.

It will always be like this with Power as owner and something we as fans have to accept, there will be some great, some good, some bad, some average and some terrible perfomances......but havent we always in almost all our lives?

We will have a few great players come to us, and some will look good in patches, thats the nature of the game we are playing, but when its good its very very good, the exact opposite is true also though.

I think a lot of our fans see Obika as an easily sellable assett while still under contract so they PRESUME Power will sell him while he can make money out of him.

Whether this is ACTUALLY true or not we will have to wait and see but I wouldn't be shocked to see Obika stay this season.

Well it just goes to demonstrate that despite protests from some of 'we don't get told this/that', people will still get themselves worked up regardless of what is/is not said.

Absolutely.

At least give us credit for being a step up from Poole Town!

I think he'll stay at leave at the end of the season. Can command bigger signing on fee and wages then, makes financial sense to him.

Another option, Obika stays and we get promoted. He then is playing for a Championship team when he signs a new 3 year contract from 2017-2020.  :D

What pisses me off the most about Power is the lack of cohesion between the club and the fans. A few loan signings returning to parent clubs for example with little news to tell us of their departures (Kean, Williams and Kevin Stewart for example, the latter I didn't even know had gone back to Liverpool until I saw him playing against Exeter on TV in the FA Cup). It's really not hard to just put out a tweet "Stewart returns to Liverpool" with a quick little article.

Nathan Byrne is doing fine at Wolves, played a few games in the 2nd half of the season and getting good press form the Manager.

The list you use though goes to show what we are doing now, trying to pretty much cram a team with players like that.

You mean that Stewart recalled by liverpool story which was reported on the official website, the adver and other media/news sources back in January?