Thetownend.com

After the Trust meetings this week it appears I was right  :?

if thats the case i will no longer be giving my money to them. i will go to away games but i am not giving diamandis another penny of my cash.

According to the adver today the new board will consits of.

Jim Little
Sandy Gray
Mike Diamandis
Martyn Starnes
Bob Holt
Willie Carson is leaving and they are undecided on Mike Bowden. All members of current board must resign before taking up the new post.

if thats the case i will no longer be giving my money to them. i will go to away games but i am not giving diamandis another penny of my cash.

are you really that surprised?

it's been pretty obvious since day one.

Yep.

Can't quite out my finger on this.

In essence, what has happened is that someone has taken over the majority ownership of the club. That much I can understand.

So, you plough millions into the club and what's the first thing that you do - of course - you retain 90% of the previous regime and promote the previous General Manager onto the Board.

These new guys must have been SO IMPRESSED with the job that the previous regime did. How can this be? Simple - it's an effing smokescreen and the same old problems will surface in the months to come...rumours of the Chippenham move etc etc.

Why on earth would Diamandis not only be retained but PROMOTED!! Becase it's smoke and mirrors that's why.

Like others, I doubt very much indeed if I will attend another match while these twats are in charge.

How is going to games now giving diamandis cash?  How exactly is he going to take cash out when he's no longer in charge and his chums are not the majority shareholders?

I'm as pissed off as the next town fan that some of these clowns are being retained but a bit of logic wouldnt go amiss

Best holdings have taken the majority ownership in town, but who owns Best Holdings.

Would you put it past Diamandis to set up a foreign holding company through some contact ,and for him and Wills to own Best Holdings?
OK someone seems to have come up with some money to pay off the CVA, so maybe there is some other investment somewhere, but name to me one other 'takeover' where someone allows the existing board to manage their 'investment.'

It is unbelieveable that the same idiots are in charge. I know nothing about Portuguese company law, but surely the Trust or someone should be doing all possible to try and find their way through this smokescreen and find out who owns Best Holdings.

So much for the 'dynamic changes to the board'. Yet another lie.

How is going to games now giving diamandis cash?  How exactly is he going to take cash out when he's no longer in charge and his chums are not the majority shareholders?

I'm as pissed off as the next town fan that some of these clowns are being retained but a bit of logic wouldnt go amiss

  Do you not think that its entirely possible that the reason we wont know who is behind Best Holdings, is that its Diamandis and Wills.  Possibly in some arrangement with agents which may be in contravention to FIFA rules, if they were the named parties.

In regards to the Chippenham rumours, apparently this is what Jim Little told the trust according to the email sent out.

" Encouragingly, in response to a reference to the Chippenham rumour he did state very clearly that he understood that the club is called Swindon Town for a reason and that any move would have to preserve the club's identity which clearly a move to Chippenham would not."

Reg i think the same. I think Diamandis is behind BEST holdings peersonally and Little is just a face

Same old shit- different name

has the trust sat down in a private meeting with the new owners/JL yet and discussed there plans and how the majority of supporters feel about the existing board?

I think this needs to happen as they are the fans voice and if JL wants to be involved with the fans then he needs to be told what a bunch of clowns he'll be working with.

Is that a definite statement saying we will NOT be moving?

No. Diamandis does not have that kind of money, Wills probably does, but wouldnt want to sink it all into paying off STFC's debts.

If it were Diamandis and Wills what the fuck is Jim Little doing here?  What is Rufus doing here?  Why would these mysterious agents pump millions into an ailing club just to get their players seen?  There's plenty of scope for putting players in the shop window around europe without going mental and buying a debt ridden club

Thats just what was in the Trust letter thats not official from the club by any means.. sounds like they are saying they will NOT be moving!

No. Diamandis does not have that kind of money, Wills probably does, but wouldnt want to sink it all into paying off STFC's debts.

If it were Diamandis and Wills what the fuck is Jim Little doing here?  What is Rufus doing here?  Why would these mysterious agents pump millions into an ailing club just to get their players seen?  There's plenty of scope for putting players in the shop window around europe without going mental and buying a debt ridden club

  We've no evidence that any money thus far has been pumped in let alone millions.....we've been promised the CVA will be paid,  lets imagine that the club has say scraped together 400/500K ....sale of Lukey Dukey for instance.....then the Portugeezers buy in for say a further 500K, its not exactly big bucks by football standards.....I daresay Rufus after a few seasons  with his nose in the trough might have put in a say 200K

But what if ... the old board has to resign then a new board is voted in ... those crafty investors say "oh, things have changed now. You can still be ballboys (and a ballgirl if that exists) but we want to make dynamic changes to the board. Don't call us, we'll call you." That would be ironic.

Colin.....its a fair point, but if our new lords and masters are that well endowed and dynamic, there is no way they would retain the services of the old guard.....

   Now, if its just some haggling going on and when the Board is reconstituted Diamond Mike and co are shown the door all well and good.

Could we see a return of the ORANGE!

Could we see a return of the ORANGE!

I think we had our chance and blew it, by being too civilised

we need to see how things pan out over the next 3 weeks, by which time the picture should be clearer.

No comment.


 :goodpost:

I'm hoping that the majority of the current board will get the push within the next 12 months. I could see at least some logic in trying to maintain a little continuety for at the short term before easing them out once the likes of Little and Breveitt have a better handle on how the club works behgind the scenes.  I just hope that happens.

What take over......
I suggest this is a con job and we have just got conned...
These cunts could not lie straight in bed.
Wills is the prick that needs to give some answers.  :(

How is going to games now giving diamandis cash?  How exactly is he going to take cash out when he's no longer in charge and his chums are not the majority shareholders?

I'm as pissed off as the next town fan that some of these clowns are being retained but a bit of logic wouldnt go amiss

logic!?! i will tell you about fucking logic. we the fans have been duped. You really think that none of my gate money goes into diamandis pocket? Jesus wept. This club fucking stinks. The sooner the fans wake up to this the better.
I call for direct action. But will the comatose people of swindon be bothered? No course they wont thats why its important that we lead the charge and highlight the wrongdoings of these shady wankers.

And yes i am on the trust board, however i am first and foremost a fan of swindon town and im not going to sit back anymore.

logic!?! i will tell you about fucking logic. we the fans have been duped. You really think that none of my gate money goes into diamandis pocket? Jesus wept. This club fucking stinks. The sooner the fans wake up to this the better.
I call for direct action. But will the comatose people of swindon be bothered? No course they wont thats why its important that we lead the charge and highlight the wrongdoings of these shady wankers.

And yes i am on the trust board, however i am first and foremost a fan of swindon town and im not going to sit back anymore.

Whatever. Have your little hissy fit based on.........erm absolutley nothing other than rumour

Toddy the Mushroom :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

My take on this is that Little really doesn't know anything about the current board, so he's not had any time to make judgements and say who we wants on the board and who he doesn't.

What's to say that a month or so down the line Little may come to his senses and bring in some fresh faces?

Little already said in his meeting with the Trust and SC on Friday that Best holdings (and ultimately himself) will hold the whip hand. I really can't see how Diamandis, the devious creature that he is, can get away with what he's supposedly done before when he no longer at the top of the pyramid.

Yes, Diamandis might be one of the investors in Best holdings but he's certainly not got the £10 million that's been touted. If anything he'll be a minority shareholder. And I really can't see that Wills will be one of the people behind Best holdings, he's got no money left and the money he would've got as part of the takeover will be going straight to pay off his mortgages.

My money says Diamandis will be gone within 6 months. He's got nothing left to hang around for, his shares in the original holding company are now effectively worthless. And if he is part of Best holdings, he's not going to be making any money out of that in a hurry.

My take on this is that Little really doesn't know anything about the current board, so he's not had any time to make judgements and say who we wants on the board and who he doesn't.

What's to say that a month or so down the line Little may come to his senses and bring in some fresh faces?

Little already said in his meeting with the Trust and SC on Friday that Best holdings (and ultimately himself) will hold the whip hand. I really can't see how Diamandis, the devious creature that he is, can get away with what he's supposedly done before when he no longer at the top of the pyramid.

Yes, Diamandis might be one of the investors in Best holdings but he's certainly not got the £10 million that's been touted. If anything he'll be a minority shareholder. And I really can't see that Wills will be one of the people behind Best holdings, he's got no money left and the money he would've got as part of the takeover will be going straight to pay off his mortgages.

My money says Diamandis will be gone within 6 months. He's got nothing left to hang around for, his shares in the original holding company are now effectively worthless. And if he is part of Best holdings, he's not going to be making any money out of that in a hurry.

Isn't it logical to assume that the new investors require some continuity in the club until they are up to speed?

My take on this is that Little really doesn't know anything about the current board, so he's not had any time to make judgements and say who we wants on the board and who he doesn't.

What's to say that a month or so down the line Little may come to his senses and bring in some fresh faces?

Little already said in his meeting with the Trust and SC on Friday that Best holdings (and ultimately himself) will hold the whip hand. I really can't see how Diamandis, the devious creature that he is, can get away with what he's supposedly done before when he no longer at the top of the pyramid.

Yes, Diamandis might be one of the investors in Best holdings but he's certainly not got the £10 million that's been touted. If anything he'll be a minority shareholder. And I really can't see that Wills will be one of the people behind Best holdings, he's got no money left and the money he would've got as part of the takeover will be going straight to pay off his mortgages.

My money says Diamandis will be gone within 6 months. He's got nothing left to hang around for, his shares in the original holding company are now effectively worthless. And if he is part of Best holdings, he's not going to be making any money out of that in a hurry.

The investment is 'supposedly' £10m - no-one has any proof - as Reg said earlier, it could be substantially less. Spin spin spin spin spin - put a gloss on things and a lot of people will believe it.

And you are overlooking the fact that Diamandis COULD VERY WELL BE a big player within Best Holdings - why couldn't he be?

Why oh why would you appoint a General Manager, who has had his income cut short with the cancellation of the Dunwoody contract his to the Board of Directors?

Smokescreens and mirrors I tell thee ....  :old:

The investment is 'supposedly' £10m - no-one has any proof - as Reg said earlier, it could be substantially less. Spin spin spin spin spin - put a gloss on things and a lot of people will believe it.

And you are overlooking the fact that Diamandis COULD VERY WELL BE a big player within Best Holdings - why couldn't he be?

Why oh why would you appoint a General Manager, who has had his income cut short with the cancellation of the Dunwoody contract his to the Board of Directors?

Smokescreens and mirrors I tell thee ....  :old:

My take on this is that Little really doesn't know anything about the current board, so he's not had any time to make judgements and say who we wants on the board and who he doesn't.

What's to say that a month or so down the line Little may come to his senses and bring in some fresh faces?

Little already said in his meeting with the Trust and SC on Friday that Best holdings (and ultimately himself) will hold the whip hand. I really can't see how Diamandis, the devious creature that he is, can get away with what he's supposedly done before when he no longer at the top of the pyramid.

Yes, Diamandis might be one of the investors in Best holdings but he's certainly not got the £10 million that's been touted. If anything he'll be a minority shareholder. And I really can't see that Wills will be one of the people behind Best holdings, he's got no money left and the money he would've got as part of the takeover will be going straight to pay off his mortgages.

My money says Diamandis will be gone within 6 months. He's got nothing left to hang around for, his shares in the original holding company are now effectively worthless. And if he is part of Best holdings, he's not going to be making any money out of that in a hurry.

Fucking amazing!!!

You're asking for proof that the investment is 10 million....

What 'proof' have you got about any of the shit you've been flinging?

None?


Didn't think so...............................

Just had a thought

While Jim Little won't say who is behind the investment co, at the next Trust meeting, can someone not ask him directly :

'We understand that you cannot let us know the identities of the investors Jim Bob but can you answer Yes or No whether or not any Board member/Mike Diamandis has involvement with Best Holdings?'

....then no doubt we'll see him squirm.

 :shock:

Behave herthab....sams making his point like the next man, and has to rely
on rumour and conjecture just like us all.

:goodpost:

I agree that it sounds bad at the moment with the old brigade still in place (and elevated in MD's case.) However I'm completely in agreement with Samdy's posting. It's not unusual in takeovers for the previous Board to be retained to start with. If the new owners are worth their salt as businessmen, surely they will form their own opinions of the incumbents quickly, and with the majority shareholding, move them on if necessary. For example, it can't take very long to confirm our FD's suitability.

Of course, if there is some involvement of the board members in Best holdings or whatever the proper name is, that would be more difficult, but it seems that Little is to be an active chairman rather than a figurehead.

It wouldn't surprise me if agendas change after a while, so I'm not getting warm and fuzzy about relocation or redevelopment statements just yet. I'll be happier when it is officially confirmed that we're no longer under threat of being wound up for CVA failure. By that time we'll have a better idea of what sort of investment has been allowed in the team and therefore what the ambitions are.

That said, we could have sold Brezovan, Ifil and Tozer by then as well.

Whilst composing this post, some of the above has already been said  - sorry.

I think Hertha was replying to WorcesterRed's post Millom

Yes - that's a thought

"I know you said you're not going to tell us, but will you please tell us ?"  - I doubt he'll see through that one.

Yes - that's a thought

"I know you said you're not going to tell us, but will you please tell us ?"  - I doubt he'll see through that one.

It wasn't aimed at Sam, it was aimed at Worcs.

It just amazes me that hardly anyone will believe something that is possibly good for the club, yet be actually eager to believe something that may be bad.

Good rumour= Bollocks/don't believe it/ spin.

Bad rumours= Must be true!

Do you see what I'm getting at?

It wasn't aimed at Sam, it was aimed at Worcs.

It just amazes me that hardly anyone will believe something that is possibly good for the club, yet be actually eager to believe something that may be bad.

Good rumour= Bollocks/don't believe it/ spin.

Bad rumours= Must be true!

Do you see what I'm getting at?

I see what you're getting at, and you may have a bit of a point. But to be fair this isn't negativity for the sake of being negative as some would have it, this is a studious caution built up over many years of lies deceit lies insults disrespect and lies. From the same people who under this earth shattering takeover, have now gone absofuckinglutely nowhere. Thats why I'm uber sceptical on the whole matter, and currently I 100% think it is bollocks/don't believe it/spin.

Precisely what has changed from D-Day june 30th?

Good post Sam

Its all conjecture and speculation about a situation that is 4 days old.

I for one will wait and see what develops based on fact and fact alone

They could of told us all the names and people would still be on here moaning like fuck

They could of told us all the names and people would still be on here moaning like fuck

No, they could BE HONEST AND UPFRONT WITH THE FANS FOR ONCE and not gloss over everything with spin.

Good rumour= Bollocks/don't believe it/ spin.

Bad rumours= Must be true!

Do you see what I'm getting at?

Please re-read the post so that you understand it.

Question One - can you please tell me who is behind Best Holdings?
Answer One - No I can't

Question Two - can you please tell me if Board Member One/Board Member Two/Board Member Three are involved in Best Holdings?

Two different questions.

It wasn't aimed at Sam, it was aimed at Worcs.

It just amazes me that hardly anyone will believe something that is possibly good for the club, yet be actually eager to believe something that may be bad.

Good rumour= Bollocks/don't believe it/ spin.

Bad rumours= Must be true!

Do you see what I'm getting at?

yes because every club in football operate in a fully honest way dont they.If your not happy protest again and do it properly this time round i wont be protesting i have had enough of hearing a 100 different versions of what is going on.Im going to watch the football and get pissed and let the people who "Know" what is happening carry on and sort out the problem that we dont actually know anything about

Macca...what Is a proper protest?
Seems to me that nowt us lot do has any bearing on things. I did the back of the Arkells thing and that got us where?
Legit question like, and not a dig.

Worcester,  Little was clearly briefed not to reveal any names (rather like I've just been reading Patrick Murrin wouldn't reveal who was behind Swan Management in the Leeds debacle).  So whether you ask him for a list or specifically about Holt, Diamandis etc he would still refuse.  I think this totally stinks but is fairly common practice and only a change in the Football League rules to force transparency of ownership will solve it.  At the moment I'm struggling to see where the great financial gains for the "new" board will come but that's probably for another thread

I see what you are getting at Herta - but I can also see the other side...

On the face of it - Big investment, Debts paid and money to spend on strengthening the squad all equal GREAT news...

On the bad news side you may also be able to see No information (secrecy), old board members who have shown a complete distain for the supporters being asked to stay on, and the (current) refusal to say who is involved with the takeover....

There are two sides to this - and clearly nothing is black and white....

Sorry 'protest again' - not sure what you mean here because I have never once protested.

And if you are happy to just watch the football and ignore the policitics but don't disrespect others that do have an opinion on the matter, like I don't disrespect your position.

I agree with this to a certain extent - however, you pick and choose from the best. What you don't do is simply put bums on seats to fill board positions.

Surely with a little research/due diligence, they would have noticed the VAT cockup. If i recall correctly there were two VAT errors. The first, in not budgeting for VAT is an internal issue and would not affect the financial results - just the adherence to financial budgets. I would not expect this to have come to light during DD. The second, which was action by HMRC (again, from memory) as a result of non-payment, should have been disclosed. However as the takeover would have been based on the financial situation now the decision was probably taken that things were up to date

Surely with a little research/due diligence, they would have noticed the walking PR disaster that goes by the name of Bob Holt/Mike Bowden. If they looked at anything it would have been at a cv/known fact level, I doubt they would base a business decision on such criticism as could be found on supporters' fora, or at a local Press level. Perversely they could have looked at Bowden's appointment as a positive in terms of moving things forward. They would have undoubtedly met with all these individuals before deciding to proceed

Surely with a little research/due diligence, they would have noticed the issues surrounding Mike Diamandis. If history was not disclosed I'm sure there will be a correction quite quickly, but I can't believe that it would be a surprise. I'd see this, and the FD's tenure to be the shortest.
....but no, let's ignore all of those issues for 'continuity' sake.

I don't think so somehow.

Thats the problem people are just reading the bits that they want to.Little has said that they MIGHT keep them on board but they will be working for the new owners.They will not be making the decisions and to be honest i will be amazed if they are here in 6 months.The takeover is not complete yet so little is very unlikely to come out and say "right he is going" he is a useless cunt etc.

Let the takeover be completed THEN see what happens

Thats the problem people are just reading the bits that they want to.Little has said that they MIGHT keep them on board but they will be working for the new owners.They will not be making the decisions and to be honest i will be amazed if they are here in 6 months.The takeover is not complete yet so little is very unlikely to come out and say "right he is going" he is a useless cunt etc.

Let the takeover be completed THEN see what happens

Thats the problem people are just reading the bits that they want to.Little has said that they MIGHT keep them on board but they will be working for the new owners.They will not be making the decisions and to be honest i will be amazed if they are here in 6 months.The takeover is not complete yet so little is very unlikely to come out and say "right he is going" he is a useless cunt etc.

Let the takeover be completed THEN see what happens

Well said Dean

And to be honest, whilst I am suspicous of the takeover, there is still a chance it is what they say it is.   I don't think the Trust should burn its bridges iunless there is something concrete  that is shown to be wrong.

added to that even if it was a dodgy Diamandis effort then I think most people are a) weary of the whole off field battle, b) generally happy enough as long as things look good on the pitch and we aren't going under as a club - which is how it should be really.

It could all end in tears of sorrow or triumph, but at this stage all anyone can do is ask the obvious questions really to Mr Little.

Well said Dean

The English adepts already had been become accustomed to see Russians, Icelandic, Americans, Israelis and until Egyptians and tailandeses in the presidential armchairs of its stadiums. Now they will have to become accustomed themselves, perhaps, to the presence of Portuguese in the administration of one of the clubs oldest of the country. In the morning of Wednesday, the Swindon Town FC emitted a brief official notice, of two paragraphs, confirming that the club had been vendido to Best Holdings SGPS, SA, a society of predominantly Portuguese investment. The notice, however, was received with immense diffidence on the part from the press and the local adepts had to the secretismo that has involved the "mysterious Portuguese". The Swindon, that in 1993/94 passed esporadicamente for the Premiership, disputes the League One, the third step of the English soccer currently. Established in 1879, the Swindon crossed some periods of financial difficulties, including two processes of bankruptcy and others two of tax foreclosure for debts. Sir Seton Wills, proprietor of the club in last the 16 years, embedded part of the personal richness in the Swindon Town FC, but in the last times it seems to have lost the patience and the enchantment for the club of this city the 130 quilómetros of London. In the scope of the last process of bankruptcy, initiate in 2002, the Swindon committed itself to pay a million to it of pounds (1,49 million euros) to the diverse creditors in the stated period five year. The club continues to have it 900 a thousand pounds (1,34 M€) In the passed year, a trust of adepts of the Swindon tried to buy, without success, the club. The proposal of takeover now presented for the Best Holdings, for the visas, had luck better. The club, however, did not advance any details on the business, promising to clarify the adepts during the next week. "Inside of days they will know more things", explained the lawyer of the club, Trevor Watkins, of the society Clarke Willmott, specialized in takeovers of soccer clubs. "This is plus an example of a British club that is to attract foreign money. Each time has more clubs, of all the divisions, to awake it covets it of foreign investors ", added. In fóruns of quarrel on to the club, however, the adepts have revealed its desperation before the information lack on the new owners. The local press advanced that the "trust of investors, maioritariamente Portuguese", bought the Swindon for 10 million (14,9 million euros) - a notice that nobody confirms. The Best Holdings, by the way, does not consist of the registers in Portugal. An administrator of the club explained solely that the new investors have "experience of management of clubs in Portugal" - an affirmation that soon gave origin to a series of rumors, in this city of 180 a thousand inhabitants, on the eventual entrance of the Benfica in the capital of the English club. The presence of some players represented for Castro Brothers, on the other hand, launched a speculation wave on the envolvement of this company of Portuguese agents Dionísio and Sundays I castrate. Here, at least, it seems to have some truth: "I do not go to it to hide that we are involved [ in the operation of takeover ] in the Swindon. But for already I cannot say more nothing ", explained an enigmatic Dionísio Castro to the DN sport in the afternoon of ontem.

Ok. Can we deal in facts, not rumour.

What FACTUAL basis is there for stating any of the old board are crooks? (I know they're crap at their jobs, but it's not the same thing).

What FACTUAL basis has anyone got that the new owners are the same people that were in charge before?

Why do so many of you desperately try to find the negatives and harp on constantly about the worst possible scenario?

Isn't it logical to assume that the new investors require some continuity in the club until they are up to speed?

 :goodpost:   Some good points there, amongst the fevered speculation.  I don't profess to know a lot of the background goings on (apart from what you read here), but I am prepared to wait and see and support my team!

Apologies for the Babel Fish translation of this Portuguese article in Diario de Noticias :o



http://dn.sapo.pt/2007/08/18/dnsport/o_misterioso_takeover_fala_portugues.html

What does Dionisio do on Mondays to Saturdays then ...

"... the envolvement of this company of Portuguese agents Dionísio and Sundays I castrate."

 :shock:

What does Dionisio do on Mondays to Saturdays then ...

"... the envolvement of this company of Portuguese agents Dionísio and Sundays I castrate."

 :shock:

What does Dionisio do on Mondays to Saturdays then ...

"... the envolvement of this company of Portuguese agents Dionísio and Sundays I castrate."

 :shock:

In the mean time, one question, how exactly does a mystery front company pass the FA's fit and proper persons test?

OK here goes...........

2. The holding company is the answer to the question of where all the sodding money coming into the club has gone over the last year. SSW and the others around him have been reclaiming all their loans and debentures and have parcelled it up into an investment fund to put through this new holding company, neatly taking the Wills family out of the firing line in the ongoing row with the fans. In this case Mr Little is either a hired mouthpiece or a partner. Either way sooner or later I'd expect him to get hacked off with the incompetence of the current regime and tell them to stuff it.

As I understand it, with a CVA ongoing, this action would be tantamount to fraud as first dibs should go to the creditors.  Can any experts comment?

As I understand it, with a CVA ongoing, this action would be tantamount to fraud as first dibs should go to the creditors.  Can any experts comment?

You've tried to be clever there...and failed.

Interesting that that is posted on the portuguese equivilent of BTinternet.com. Emailed it to my mother who lives near Lisbon to see if she can shed any light on the matter :mrgreen:

Basically  they are so desperate for the truth not to come out they have resorted to this- a total makeover- really think we are that stupid Mikey?