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25% => The Boardroom => Topic started by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:14:28



Title: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:14:28
Is Clem the man to make Swindon great again?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Hunk on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:16:19
I liked his piece in the Adver yesterday. He's worth a punt if it means Power is gone


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:18:46
I liked his piece in the Adver yesterday. He's worth a punt if it means Power is gone

Does he have enough money to take us forward or are we better waiting for someone wealthier!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:19:33
Does he have enough money to take us forward or are we better waiting for someone wealthier!

We should try and get him on here for a Q&A... I'd love to ask him this question too.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:20:10
Good point you make


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Hunk on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:20:41
Does he have enough money to take us forward or are we better waiting for someone wealthier!

Power has checked out, it seems. If Clem comes in and turns out to be a charlatan then we can at least justify being wrong, and you ever know, he could turn out to be really good for the club. I really think we've got to the point where anything but Power is worth a go


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:22:12
Power has checked out, it seems. If Clem comes in and turns out to be a charlatan then we can at least justify being wrong, and you ever know, he could turn out to be really good for the club. I really think we've got to the point where anything but Power is worth a go

Yes I agree there's nothing left here for Power anymore and he needs to let hot for the sake of the football club


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:28:22
I have spoken to him a few times(business-related and charitable things). O like the man tbh and think he has ambitions and could be genuine. I think where fans and rightly so are worried are with how he was a bit open with fans at the beginning. For what it's worth i think he was not helped by being put in touch with the GW Reds group as the voice of the fans at first. He has since reigned it in and i believe does talk to the trust often


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:29:43
Is he based local or does he live away?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:31:12
I have spoken to him a few times(business-related and charitable things). O like the man tbh and think he has ambitions and could be genuine. I think where fans and rightly so are worried are with how he was a bit open with fans at the beginning. For what it's worth i think he was not helped by being put in touch with the GW Reds group as the voice of the fans at first. He has since reigned it in and i believe does talk to the trust often

Interesting, this is the same as my experience.  He still responds to messages but is definitely more aloof now, which is no bad thing.  This is a time for action not words!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:33:15
Is he based local or does he live away?

He lives just outside Sydney I think.  I've met Clem a few times and he's very convincing, but the elephant in the room question for me is "what's the appeal of a crap league one football club to a wealthy Australian businessman?"


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:34:35
He lives just outside Sydney I think.  I've met Clem a few times and he's very convincing, but the elephant in the room question for me is "what's the appeal of a crap league one football club to a wealthy Australian businessman?"

That was my thinking although I didn't know he lived in Australia I suspected he wasn't local so then what's in it for him


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:35:57
I would imagine redevelopment will be part of it


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:36:55
That was my thinking although I didn't know he lived in Australia I suspected he wasn't local so then what's in it for him

I think he stops in the UK for a few days on his way to other places, and has to do the "dash to the train station just before the final whistle" that is common to many of us.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: BoA Vagabond on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:37:34
Don't know if I trust any prospective Town owner. I do know that the current owner can do no more for us, if he ever actually achieved anything other than taking cash.
If Clem is willing to stump up enough to satisfy the current wankers then fair enough. Wouldn't it be amazing if he turned out to be genuine and not a chancer?
I will get behind the purchase of the ground when that happens and hope that Clem, or another, take the club forward.
For personal reasons I really needed a successful team this year more than any previous to cheer me up. Power and Dinosaur snr have screwed that so good riddance as soon as possible. You Reds!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:38:46
I think he stops in the UK for a few days on his way to other places, and has to do the "dash to the train station just before the final whistle" that is common to many of us.

I guess he would be chauffeur driven back to the train station


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:42:16
I guess he would be chauffeur driven back to the train station

Remember that crap home game against Newport in the EFL Trophy, when only the Arkells was in use?  He invited me and a mate into the Chairman's Lounge (nobody else was in there) and he had to leave at 9.15pm to walk to the station to get the train to Paddington.

I reckon we've all used that excuse one time or another  ;)


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JoeMezz on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:42:55
Can’t be worse than power. From what he’s said in the open letter, it looks like he understands the frustrations and knows what he wants to do to get the fans back on board. That’s only going to be a positive step for the club. The lack of openness and transparency in Lee powers tenure has only worsened.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:45:54
Remember that crap home game against Newport in the EFL Trophy, when only the Arkells was in use?  He invited me and a mate into the Chairman's Lounge (nobody else was in there) and he had to leave at 9.15pm to walk to the station to get the train to Paddington.

I reckon we've all used that excuse one time or another  ;)

Imagine if he does become the chairman you're sorted :wink:


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:47:57
Can’t be worse than power.

Oh, but he could be worse. A lot worse. By some distance. There's been other owners in football that have made power look an angel in comparison.

Not that I'm saying Clem is worse, I don't know. But...


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:48:41
Imagine if he does become the chairman you're sorted :wink:

Yeah me and Jaybox and half the FB group.... might get a bit busy in there.

Joking aside whilst I'd love to know what he's thinking and planning I think he's right to be a bit more circumspect now.  After all I am just a fan.  Literally the last three messages I have from him say "no worries I appreciate it" and that is probably how it should be.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:50:39
Oh, but he could be worse. A lot worse. By some distance. There's been other owners in football that have made power look an angel in comparison.

Not that I'm saying Clem is worse, I don't know. But...

If you could ask him one question what would it be?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: flammableBen on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:54:17
Nothing about how he's put himself across fills me with confidence. If he wanted to buy me a drink then I'm sure it would change my mind. Which doesn't fill me with confidence. A confidence spiral if you will.

More Jed or Power than Black or Wray.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: swindonmaniac on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:55:22
If you could ask him one question what would it be?
What cheese do you like ?.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: flammableBen on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:56:38
What's Bill Power up to?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Costanza on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:56:38
I'm fence sitting.

Morfuni belongs to the same chain that started when McCrory took over. That's a red flag (big issue for me)

Morfuni has zero links to the Town and has, despute everything, fallen in love with the club. That, to me, is a red flag (what is in this for you? If I experienced anything close to what he has during his relationship with Swindon then I'd get my money back and run)

Morfuni has a naive tendancy to talk to randoms but not the media. Red flag (another owner who doesn't talk via the right sources)

Morfuni isn't Lee Power. Roll the frickin' dice.

The stuff in his open letter was too good to be true in places. Over-sold it which I appreciate sounds like 'fans will never be happy' rhetoric. I'll be happy once this club is in safe hands.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 19:57:02
I know nothing about this bloke so cannot say whether or not I trust him.  


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 20:00:14
Morfuni has a naive tendancy to talk to randoms but not the media. Red flag (another owner who doesn't talk via the right sources)

True, but I believe he's in regular contact with the Trust, and his letter was circulated via the media (not the fans).


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Formerly Drummer Boy on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 20:11:40
Clem has done one thing that we haven’t seen since the days Fitton was around and that’s someone who owns a portion of the club be open and honest with the fans.

Does he have enough money to fund us properly? Hard to really know but the fact he’s been running Axis for 27 years and been involved in orojects like Spurs new ground and various large scale commercial projects doesn’t suggest to me that he’s short of a pound or two.

For me, it comes down to his intentions. In the open letter to the fans, it wasn’t exactly setting out a vision of what he sees the club being. It was pretty much the basics of what I’d expect of any new owner which would suggest to me he doesn’t know.

However, Lee Power doesn’t give us a vision (or at least one that we believe) and has never really covered the basics.

So would I take Clem now rather than wait for someone (potentially) wealthier? I’ll take anyone who is willing to do the right thing by the club and respect it’s history. Clem has stuck around and paid his dues through all the shit Power has brought us so why not give Clem a whirl in the hot seat. He might not have the football knowledge like Power but at least it keeps the wolves away from the door for a while longer and who knows what it may bring us.. For better or worse.. At the very least, it buys us more time until Bitcoin is worth more!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Nomoreheroes on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 20:13:09
It doesn't matter whether we trust him or not. Where we are now is that we need a change. Power wants to leave and not put any cash in. We are in trouble on the pitch and off it. We need someone to take us forward.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JoeMezz on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 20:16:13
Clem has done one thing that we haven’t seen since the days Fitton was around and that’s someone who owns a portion of the club be open and honest with the fans.

Does he have enough money to fund us properly? Hard to really know but the fact he’s been running Axis for 27 years and been involved in orojects like Spurs new ground and various large scale commercial projects doesn’t suggest to me that he’s short of a pound or two.

For me, it comes down to his intentions. In the open letter to the fans, it wasn’t exactly setting out a vision of what he sees the club being. It was pretty much the basics of what I’d expect of any new owner which would suggest to me he doesn’t know.

However, Lee Power doesn’t give us a vision (or at least one that we believe) and has never really covered the basics.

So would I take Clem now rather than wait for someone (potentially) wealthier? I’ll take anyone who is willing to do the right thing by the club and respect it’s history. Clem has stuck around and paid his dues through all the shit Power has brought us so why not give Clem a whirl in the hot seat. He might not have the football knowledge like Power but at least it keeps the wolves away from the door for a while longer and who knows what it may bring us.. For better or worse.. At the very least, it buys us more time until Bitcoin is worth more!

Completely agree


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: pauld on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 20:22:56
It doesn't matter whether we trust him or not. Where we are now is that we need a change. Power wants to leave and not put any cash in. We are in trouble on the pitch and off it. We need someone to take us forward.
100%


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: flammableBen on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 20:36:50
Clem has done one thing that we haven’t seen since the days Fitton was around and that’s someone who owns a portion of the club be open and honest with the fans.


Has he? Like I'm well for prospective owners getting down and dirty in the county or whatever, but has any of what he's said to the media or fans been shown to be honest? Terry Brady media work springs to mind.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: flammableBen on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 20:40:28
There needs to be a push from 'clubs' being businesses. The model of the football league doesn't work, and whilst trust own clubs like exeter etc aren't setting the world on fire, they'll be much better off when it all collapses.

Have a dream, but the divide get's wider every year.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: theakston2k on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 20:44:55
Clem reminds me a bit of Terry Brady saying all the right things and sounding ambitious and I imagine his motives are similar, it’s all about the ground.  If things go well with the ground redevelopment then I’d imagine for a while at everything will be ok, any issues or obstacles however and it’ll likely be a very different story.
Another concern I have is that he’s mentioned in the past using the club to develop Australian talent, 2 or 3 players and that’s fine but a team flooded with Aussies wouldn’t do it for me.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: chalkies shorts on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 20:49:42
I wouldn't be in a rush to buy the club. I'd like to see resolution of the court case first and any possible challenge to it. I'd also want to send in some heavy hitting forensic accountants to ensure I knew what assets and liabilities were including training ground etc.
I would probably also sit down with the trust to agree a way forward on ground. I wouldn't be in a hurry to put an exact number on the table.
I would also bomb out all the coaching staff and all bar twine and the apprentices of the playing staff. Anderson would go as well. Basically, drain the swamp.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 20:53:41
If he had a new stadium built...

He'd do it himself through his company. As opposed to having another construction firm do it for him. That would surely shave a fair bit off the cost. Then there's probably all sorts of taxation tomfoolery on top of that which could benefit him.

That, and he'd have a stadium build on his portfolio which, as far as I can tell, he doesn't yet. Imagine if he built a nice shiny new stadium hosting Championship football week in, week out. How much would that be worth to him, considering other people will want stadiums built as well.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 21:00:46
I had a throwback then back 2001 when Terry Brady had everything in place and the 30000 stadium stadium had been a great success, regularly filled with football and Rugby supporters, the hotel was thriving, houses had nice views towards the ridgeway and we were a sustainable championship club of many years!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 21:40:14
Not a clue about Clem Morfuni. Talks a good game, but that's easy. Better ownership material than the incumbent? Almost certainly. But it's a low bar.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 21:46:45
There's a quick win awaiting Morfuni. He's in property. And the County Ground was badly in need of redevelopment 20 yrs ago. We're way behind the curve. (You can probably find posts of mine on here from 2008 saying exactly that.) If he can fix that, and give us a modern town centre ground fit for the next 30 yrs, then he gets my vote. It's been a long time coming. You can't keep sweating a 1960s asset forever.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Tails on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 21:48:13
No I don't. But I'm sure he can bring some stability, maybe even some ambition for a few years before it inevitably goes tits up and we're left broke in our crumbling stadium yet again!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 21:52:06
There's a quick win awaiting Morfuni. He's in property. And the County Ground was badly in need of redevelopment 20 yrs ago. We're way behind the curve. (You can probably find posts of mine on here from 2008 saying exactly that.) If he can fix that, and give us a modern town centre ground fit for the next 30 yrs, then he gets my vote. It's been a long time coming. You can't keep sweating a 1960s asset forever.

The big question would be redevelop or relocate and as for the town centre we've already been spoilt with the regeneration of the old college site😳


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 21:52:18
I had a throwback then back 2001 when Terry Brady had everything in place and the 30000 stadium stadium had been a great success, regularly filled with football and Rugby supporters, the hotel was thriving, houses had nice views towards the ridgeway and we were a sustainable championship club of many years!

With nesting Great Spotted Woodpeckers.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 21:53:06
With nesting Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Loys around st the moment and the one in the photo is actually asleep


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Batch on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 21:53:32
redevelop. that can be done in stages.

relocation is all in and requires a lot more cash in one go


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 21:55:36
redevelop. that can be done in stages.

relocation is all in and requires a lot more cash in one go

And you have to fight a council that won't approve any site suggested


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Tails on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:06:45
redevelop. that can be done in stages.

relocation is all in and requires a lot more cash in one go

Honestly I'd rather we moved at this point. Stadium is in a shite location now that is only getting worse. Get a new site with room to grow. Why polish a turd?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:10:53
20 years on since we flirted with the idea it's hard to find any locations as Junction 15 & 16 are now both developed as well as the Shaw Forest site and B&Q distribution centre.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Costanza on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:11:03
Honestly I'd rather we moved at this point. Stadium is in a shite location now that is only getting worse. Get a new site with room to grow. Why polish a turd?

Because it's close to the train station and that works for me.

 :)


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:14:44
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, eh?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:15:35
It's best if we continue to stagnate :pint:


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:16:15
Honestly I'd rather we moved at this point. Stadium is in a shite location now that is only getting worse. Get a new site with room to grow. Why polish a turd?

Keep the football club at the centre of the community it represents.  Don't peripheralise it.  Support the businesses - pubs & restaurants - in the centre of town.  Passing trade is everything.  Stick STFC on a retail park 4 or 5 miles from the centre of town, and you'll change it forever.  Not for me.  No one wants to emulate Oxford or Colchester.  Utterly soulless.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:17:18
I'll include Reading as well


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: RobertT on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:18:14
There is very little in the public domain that gives me any sort of confidence he'd be a long term success - not saying he wouldn't be, but I'd be cautious about getting too excited by a guy who runs a plumbing and sparky business.

A few have mentioned him being involved in big stadium developments - yes, but as a contractor for a very small and specific part.

The Open letter was little more than a chest thumping effort - nothing of any real substance.  You could have ripped the list of things off of any pre-ownership sale job for every other club.

Don't get me wrong, I don't anywhere near enough to say he's a bad person to have as an owner, just that we surely have far to little to judge either way.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:36:22

A few have mentioned him being involved in big stadium developments - yes, but as a contractor for a very small and specific part.


Which, I suspect, is the point.

My hunch is that he wants the opportunity to do the whole thing himself to add to his portfolio. He's unlikely to get over the hump for other projects when coming up against other contractors that do have that feather under their cap. So what's it worth to him to invest in a business so he is the decision-maker, meaning he gets to be the one choosing who builds the stadium?

He gets to choose himself to do the job. Also owning an English league club in the process might just be a bonus (or an affordable hindrance)


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: molepar on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:40:27
Honestly I'd rather we moved at this point. Stadium is in a shite location now that is only getting worse. Get a new site with room to grow. Why polish a turd?
Is a stadium 10 mins walk from the station really a shite location? Where would be a better location?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: pauld on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 22:58:20
Keep the football club at the centre of the community it represents.  Don't peripheralise it.  Support the businesses - pubs & restaurants - in the centre of town.  Passing trade is everything.  Stick STFC on a retail park 4 or 5 miles from the centre of town, and you'll change it forever.  Not for me.  No one wants to emulate Oxford or Colchester.  Utterly soulless.
Absolutely this. It's an ideal location, you'd be hard pushed to pick a better one


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Formerly Drummer Boy on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 23:16:11
We’re 23rd in League One, 2nd manager in 6 months about to walk, owned by Del Boy Trotter with plenty of people chasing him through the courts, games running out and the squad has zero confidence and this thread has turned into shall we leave the County Ground or redevelop 😂😂😂 Can’t beat the giggles on this forum


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: pauld on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 23:23:30
We’re 23rd in League One, 2nd manager in 6 months about to walk, owned by Del Boy Trotter with plenty of people chasing him through the courts, games running out and the squad has zero confidence and this thread has turned into shall we leave the County Ground or redevelop 😂😂😂 Can’t beat the giggles on this forum
If you're looking for a forum where the threads stay on topic for much more than a page, this might not be the place for you :)


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Ardiles on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 23:29:59
We’re 23rd in League One, 2nd manager in 6 months about to walk, owned by Del Boy Trotter with plenty of people chasing him through the courts, games running out and the squad has zero confidence and this thread has turned into shall we leave the County Ground or redevelop 😂😂😂 Can’t beat the giggles on this forum

Sorry mate.  Circulate your list of permitted discussion topics, & we'll all be sure to stay within the correct parameters from now on.

[Clem Morfuni's in the property business, unless this had passed you by.  He's interested in taking a controlling stake in the club.  Maybe a discussion of the club's accommodation strategy in a thread with Clem's name in it might not be so outlandish after all?]


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Saturday, March 13, 2021, 23:35:45
We’re 23rd in League One, 2nd manager in 6 months about to walk, owned by Del Boy Trotter with plenty of people chasing him through the courts, games running out and the squad has zero confidence and this thread has turned into shall we leave the County Ground or redevelop 😂😂😂 Can’t beat the giggles on this forum

Which has what to do with whether or not people trust Clem Morfuni (which was the original question).

Irony much?



Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Tails on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 08:21:58
Fucking hell. Do people on here not have conversations in real life? Things move and flow.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Arriba on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 09:01:31
I'd like the club to stay where it is too. The only issue I can see with any potential redevelopment of the ground is the Stratton bank which has always had the problem of the houses behind it.
The site is large, located well and has the new community pitches adjacent. See no reason to relocate.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 09:06:20
I am not a fan of stadia stuck out on the edge of towns and cities.

I don't live in Swindon but have no problem with the location of the county ground.  It's unlikely that a capacity of more than, say, 20,000 will be required and I assume that this can be accommodated on the current site.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Saxondale on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 09:11:37
The issue with people wanting to redevelop is that they want space to include a hotel and a supermarket and all that sort of shit so money can be made outside of just the football club.  Hence sticking it on a big bit of ground outside of town.

Not sure that is possible on the current footprint.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 09:18:05
The issue with people wanting to redevelop is that they want space to include a hotel and a supermarket and all that sort of shit so money can be made outside of just the football club.  Hence sticking it on a big bit of ground outside of town.

Not sure that is possible on the current footprint.


I'm not sure there would be any suitable size land anymore as all of the sites I mentioned 20+ years ago have all been developed unless you litereally go a few miles outside swindon


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Nomoreheroes on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 09:20:28
I am not a fan of stadia stuck out on the edge of towns and cities.

I don't live in Swindon but have no problem with the location of the county ground.  It's unlikely that a capacity of more than, say, 20,000 will be required and I assume that this can be accommodated on the current site.
This is a bit of an odd one for me. I've been to a few stadia in the US and it is pretty awesome to be able to just get to them easily, park up and walk in (or be shuttle-bused in). But sport, on the whole, is a bit of a different experience in the US.

The converse is that whenever I go to Ikea in Bristol, I always feel sad that Eastville is no longer there. I keep trying to remember back to watching both football and speedway there. Unbelievable in a way that there is no sign of its past.

I also remember going to Smallmead on a NYD (or was it Boxing Day?) many years ago (1980s) with some friends. We all had 'very bad tummies' after excesses the previous day. I don't think I've ever seen such a disgusting set of public toilets (but I probably have). The state made me try to hold on, although I remember a braver mate (who couldn't) asking me to guard the door (which was off its hinges) for him!

Not sure what the point of my post was other than reminiscing. There are pros and cons with everything. There are concerns whenever a property developer shows interest in a football club. There are also concerns at Swindon given past history of wide boys (who seemed legit, but weren't) trying to take over - In hindsight, was Bill Power good or bad? As they used to say on Hammy Hamster, 'Now that is a different story'.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 09:24:51
Good point about the Eastville stadium as even now if I drive down the M32 I can't  help but look over and down to where the stadium used to be and expect to see the pitch, speedway track and the curved stands behind the goals.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 09:40:37
I like away days when you spend a bit of time in town and stroll over the ground for the match.  Getting shipped in and out of a trading estate has less appeal. 

I acknowledge that there may be good reasons for moving large stadia out of town.  However, I think it's important to keep clubs in the community and upgrade where possible.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: leftside on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 09:55:23
For the seasoned, (dare I say ‘old skool’) home and away footy fan, the CG is in the perfect location - heart of a community, accessible by public transport, close to facilities that support local businesses. And great views of he town and surrounding countryside to boot.

Give me the CG, Brisbane Rd, Loftus Rd etc over Franchise, Scunthorpe, Colchester et al any day of the week.

The only way I’d support a move to a new ground would be if it was part of a ‘sports village’ type of development that puts sport, health and well-being at the heart of a residential community.

As for Morfuni, he’s started by writing the right things, which means I’m looking forward to the possible next steps but without getting too expectant.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Formerly Drummer Boy on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 09:57:53
Which has what to do with whether or not people trust Clem Morfuni (which was the original question).

Irony much?



I don’t think my amusement was accurately portrayed in my response.

I get the link, just makes me laugh where the convo has gone.

For the record, I’m all for redeveloping the County Ground. It’s the perfect place to restore the club to being the heartbeat of the community. So much potential sat right there to be unlocked with the right strategy. Move the club to the outskirts of Town and it’s out of sight, out of mind.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 10:07:33
Returning to the initial poster's question, is there consensus on what "make Swindon great again" means? 

If that's return to being a competitive div 3 team, that shouldn't take too much effort.

If that means, compete in div 2, that is a different kettle of fish.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 10:56:17
Returning to the initial poster's question, is there consensus on what "make Swindon great again" means?  

If that's return to being a competitive div 3 team, that shouldn't take too much effort.

If that means, compete in div 2, that is a different kettle of fish.

Good question.  I reckon long-term success looks like becoming an established championship club, with an infrastructure,  ground, fanbase and playing budget that enables this.

In the short-term it's all about survival of course, but the delivery of the 11-point plan in Clem's letter would be a useful foundation for achieving something more ambitious...


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:17:57
I think most people would be happy just to have a stable club once again. There’s been a cloud over Power’s tenure ever since he rode into town - rumours and conspiracy theories abounded.

If the CG sale goes ahead with the Trust and whoever, I can’t see a relocation of the ground being feasible. It’s a fantastically well appointed stadium - from a fan’s perspective - and long may it remain there.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:22:23
I agree it's a fantastic location and I wouldn't want it elsewhere but with the known problem regarding the Stratton bank roof/blocking daylight to the houses I would explore again if there is anyway of turning the stadium around 90 degrees and maybe trying to relocate the cricket ground which won't be easy because of the heritage protection of the pavilion


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:26:17
We'd be bonkers to relocate if we could avoid it.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:29:00
I agree it's a fantastic location and I wouldn't want it elsewhere but with the known problem regarding the Stratton bank roof/blocking daylight to the houses I would explore again if there is anyway of turning the stadium around 90 degrees and maybe trying to relocate the cricket ground which won't be easy because of the heritage protection of the pavilion
As long as it doesn’t affect our wind tunnel.

Has anyone ever properly evaluated the effect a roofed Stratton Bank would have on the houses on Shrivenham Road. I bet it wouldn’t effect that many.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: hefty toe on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:31:32
The manner in which Clem conducts himself does not inspire confidence. Obviously that does not mean I want Power to stay. In the 30 years I've supported Swindon the only decent owner I would say that we've had is Andrew Black who had real financial clout. Had Wray not caved into Di Canio's financial demands he might still be here today. All the money that has come into football has passed Swindon by. Just imagine if James Dyson liked football.....


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:33:12
As long as it doesn’t affect our wind tunnel.

Has anyone ever properly evaluated the effect a roofed Stratton Bank would have on the houses on Shrivenham Road. I bet it wouldn’t effect that many.

Yes we need to keep that wind tunnel! I can't remember the legal stuff regarding any roof blocking out light to the houses directly behind the stand but its always been a known issue when any redevelopment has been looked into


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Ginginho on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:34:03
There's enough space and scope to redevelop the current site. Plus who wants to move when there are so many pubs within walking distance.

The idea of a bowl on the outskirts surrounded by shops and such depresses me greatly.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Red Frog on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:35:14
Anyone would bite your arm off for the CG site. On top of that, I think that many clubs will regret dumping their heritage and moving to soulless identikit grounds. Football is steeped in tradition, and an old-fashioned stand will be considered an important historical artefact in years to come. I loved sitting on an ancient wooden flip-up seat at Fulham a few years back - they’ve redeveloped sensitively, and I’d be very sad to see the Arkell’s knocked down or the old turnstiles on the Shrivvy Road scrapped.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:45:03
Dilapidation aside, the County Ground is a good stadium and is conducive to creating a good atmosphere. 4 sides each with different characteristics - perfect.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:47:00
Swap the town end for the Stratton bank which could then have a roof and the existing town end is so small it wouldn't impact the house. Simples!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:48:24
Yes we need to keep that wind tunnel! I can't remember the legal stuff regarding any roof blocking out light to the houses directly behind the stand but its always been a known issue when any redevelopment has been looked into

I assume that the property owners will have rights to light through certain apertures.  A substantial interference with the level of light received by a new structure would give rise to claims for injunctive relief and/or damages by those owners.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:49:13
Well explained and no doubts your right


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: chalkies shorts on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 11:54:04
We can't build a new stadium until we get the plans out of Mr whippys head


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: flammableBen on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:02:16
Relocating would kill it for me. Also the bigger pictures of developers looking for housing money obvs rings alarm bells.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Mr Stevens on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:03:27
It always struck me that the logical move is for the pitch to stay as it is now but simply moved 30 yards into the car park. That would allow the Clock end to be moved 30 yards and a roof to be put on the stand.

My favourite ground in the country is Newcastle, given that it's such an integral part of the city centre. Perfect!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Quagmire on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:13:11
I love where the ground currently is.
Walking distance from the train station, plenty of pubs within walking distance. Moving the ground would ruin the whole day for me.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:17:21
It always struck me that the logical move is for the pitch to stay as it is now but simply moved 30 yards into the car park. That would allow the Clock end to be moved 30 yards and a roof to be put on the stand.

My favourite ground in the country is Newcastle, given that it's such an integral part of the city centre. Perfect!

That's a good point I've not heard before I guess I'd depends on whether the current size car park is needed the only problem then is the Arkells and DR stands would be out of sync unless you build a complete new stadium


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: swindonmaniac on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:25:24
I love where the ground currently is.
Walking distance from the train station, plenty of pubs within walking distance. Moving the ground would ruin the whole day for me.
Especially the kebab down Manchester Road.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:26:35
York road chippy😀


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Arriba on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:30:06
I'd leave the pitch where it is. Redvelop a bit at a time starting with the townend. Plenty of room to go upwards and outwards there. Then the Arkells and eventually the Stratton bank. I'd probably shrink the Stratton bank slightly by a few rows so a roof could be incorporated more easily. No need to race into redevelopment and could go hand in hand with any progress the club may make through the divisions 🤞


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:33:17
I'd leave the pitch where it is. Redvelop a bit at a time starting with the townend. Plenty of room to go upwards and outwards there. Then the Arkells and eventually the Stratton bank. I'd probably shrink the Stratton bank slightly by a few rows so a roof could be incorporated more easily. No need to race into redevelopment and could go hand in hand with any progress the club may make through the divisions 🤞

Another good suggestion I hadn't heard before


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: flammableBen on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:33:52
We could put new bricks round the outside to make it look like a new stadium


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:40:30
If Power stay safe nothing would surprise us


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Kinky Tom on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:41:35
Could do what Barcelona had to do and dig down to lower the pitch, plenty of room around it to put extra rows in at the bottom of the stands, the Stratton Bank roof could then be lower than it would be, were there one on it now, without reducing capacity of the stand.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:43:24
Could do what Barcelona had to do and dig down to lower the pitch, plenty of room around it to put extra rows in at the bottom of the stands, the Stratton Bank roof could then be lower than it would be, were there one on it now, without reducing capacity of the stand.

Just one flaw in your suggestion.....The cost to do it😀


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Kinky Tom on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:48:55
Cost involved any which way, at least it doesn't involve it all being picked up and moving 30 yards  ;D


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: flammableBen on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:51:35
I'm fence sitting.

Morfuni belongs to the same chain that started when McCrory took over. That's a red flag (big issue for me)

Morfuni has zero links to the Town and has, despute everything, fallen in love with the club. That, to me, is a red flag (what is in this for you? If I experienced anything close to what he has during his relationship with Swindon then I'd get my money back and run)

Morfuni has a naive tendancy to talk to randoms but not the media. Red flag (another owner who doesn't talk via the right sources)

Morfuni isn't Lee Power. Roll the frickin' dice.

The stuff in his open letter was too good to be true in places. Over-sold it which I appreciate sounds like 'fans will never be happy' rhetoric. I'll be happy once this club is in safe hands.

hashtagreetweet

what i meant but better put innit. you should get into broardcasting lolz


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Frigby Daser on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 12:54:04
We have no reason to trust or distrust him. I have been wary of him talking directly to fans on social media - which is a bit Jed like. But being honest, all Morfuni needs to do is not be Lee Power. It may be out of the frying pan and into the fire, but when the frying pan is this bad....


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: 4D on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 14:59:37
Could do what Barcelona had to do and dig down to lower the pitch, plenty of room around it to put extra rows in at the bottom of the stands, the Stratton Bank roof could then be lower than it would be, were there one on it now, without reducing capacity of the stand.

Just fill the TE car park with something like the Holte End at Villa Park  :)

https://youtu.be/ejog_9xeKSk


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Formerly Drummer Boy on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 16:11:31
Relocating would kill it for me. Also the bigger pictures of developers looking for housing money obvs rings alarm bells.

There is a stipulation on the land deeds from when it was it was handed over to the council that the land could only be used for sporting and recreational use if I remember rightly. So housing developers would have a hard job on that front..

If it was me, I’d buy up the County Ground hotel and the cricket pitch, flatten the Town End and build a new side stand with executive boxes with Michelin Star food and service, a big sports bar at the top/ back of the stand overlooking the pitch. New office space for the club staff, modern changing rooms and sports therapy suite, conference facilities, gym. Most of the current car park would be gone but got the cricket ground space.

Once that’s done, knock the Arkells and Stratton Bank down, rotate the pitch 90 degrees. Build a new Town End in the style of the Kop (preferably safe standing!) and new Stratton Bank side stand that’s moved forward to give space to match the height as the Don Rogers. Modify the Don Rogers nearest the Stratton to fill in the corner and there you go.

Yeah, I’ve thought about it sadly a lot..


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 16:14:48
Trying to purchase the cricket pitch would be harder than getting rid of Power


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: flammableBen on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 16:25:20
There is a stipulation on the land deeds from when it was it was handed over to the council that the land could only be used for sporting and recreational use if I remember rightly. So housing developers would have a hard job on that front..

If it was me, I’d buy up the County Ground hotel and the cricket pitch, flatten the Town End and build a new side stand with executive boxes with Michelin Star food and service, a big sports bar at the top/ back of the stand overlooking the pitch. New office space for the club staff, modern changing rooms and sports therapy suite, conference facilities, gym. Most of the current car park would be gone but got the cricket ground space.

Once that’s done, knock the Arkells and Stratton Bank down, rotate the pitch 90 degrees. Build a new Town End in the style of the Kop (preferably safe standing!) and new Stratton Bank side stand that’s moved forward to give space to match the height as the Don Rogers. Modify the Don Rogers nearest the Stratton to fill in the corner and there you go.

Yeah, I’ve thought about it sadly a lot..

I’d love to be wrong but don’t reckon the old Goddard covenant would stand up if someone really wanted to legally get over it.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 16:27:55
I’d love to be wrong but don’t reckon the old Goddard covenant would stand up if someone really wanted to legally get over it.

I don't know anything about the covenant(s) in question but would be interested to hear the detail on how you formed that view.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: pauld on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 16:45:11
There is a stipulation on the land deeds from when it was it was handed over to the council that the land could only be used for sporting and recreational use if I remember rightly. So housing developers would have a hard job on that front..
It's a covenant with the Goddard Trust. If they can be persuaded to waive it, e.g. because a suitable alternative has been provided, then it needn't be an obstacle.

Trying to purchase the cricket pitch would be harder than getting rid of Power
When we looked at this 15 years ago as part of the Trust's plans to redevelop the County Ground, the cricket club were amenable in principle to a move provided a suitable alternative site could be provided. That might not still hold of course and identifying a suitable alternative site might be harder now than it would have been then (plus I suspect some wrangling over what constitutes "suitable") but it's possibly not as set in stone as you imagine.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 16:47:40
Similar to 20 years ago when trying to find suitable land to build a new stadium all of the desired plots have now gone. Wasn't there also a sticking point removing the protected pavilion even if they could find somewhere for a new cricket pitch?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 16:53:36
It's a covenant with the Goddard Trust. If they can be persuaded to waive it, e.g. because a suitable alternative has been provided, then it needn't be an obstacle.

An express release should be given by everyone with the benefit of the covenant.  I assume that this can be identified here.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: pauld on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 17:30:56
Similar to 20 years ago when trying to find suitable land to build a new stadium all of the desired plots have now gone. Wasn't there also a sticking point removing the protected pavilion even if they could find somewhere for a new cricket pitch?
No


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 17:33:13
No

I never knew that so if that's the case you would think moving the cricket pitch would be relatively easy


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: pauld on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 17:36:52
I never knew that so if that's the case you would think moving the cricket pitch would be relatively easy
Sorry I should have been clearer, there is a sticking point in that the pavilion would need to be relocated and reconstructed at any new site, which isn't with some cost and hassle, but it's not necessarily a blocker (or wasn't thought to be back then). Finding a suitable site was thought then to be likely to be more problematic. But I should stress this was all very theoretical and didn't get beyond the stage of "In principle, would this be something you'd find doable" and the approach from the cricket club seemed to be "In principle, maybe. Come back to us with something concrete and we'll look at it". And as I say, feelings may have changed since then


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 17:39:46
Sorry I should have been clearer, there is a sticking point in that the pavilion would need to be relocated and reconstructed at any new site, which isn't with some cost and hassle, but it's not necessarily a blocker (or wasn't thought to be back then). Finding a suitable site was thought then to be likely to be more problematic. But I should stress this was all very theoretical and didn't get beyond the stage of "In principle, would this be something you'd find doable" and the approach from the cricket club seemed to be "In principle, maybe. Come back to us with something concrete and we'll look at it". And as I say, feelings may have changed since then

Thanks for clarifying as I vaguely remember moving the pavilion stand was quite complex.
Over by me Tadpole Garden Village have a cricket pitch ear marked in the plans and it would fit perfectly on the common there


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: pauld on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 17:43:50
Thanks for clarifying as I vaguely remember moving the pavilion stand was quite complex.
Over by me Tadpole Garden Village have a cricket pitch ear marked in the plans and it would fit perfectly on the common there
Not sure you'd get away with that as you'd still be losing green space (i.e. where you used to have two cricket pitches, or land earmarked for cricket pitches, you'd now only have one), but I may be wrong. It's certainly not a trivial undertaking either to find the land in a suitable location (and with suitable access etc) or to move the pavilion.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 17:46:15
Not sure you'd get away with that as you'd still be losing green space (i.e. where you used to have two cricket pitches, or land earmarked for cricket pitches, you'd now only have one), but I may be wrong. It's certainly not a trivial undertaking either to find the land in a suitable location (and with suitable access etc) or to move the pavilion.

Knowing Swindon well im struggling to think of any other suitable green space so it's hard to see it ever moving


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: DiV on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 18:14:57
Knowing Swindon well im struggling to think of any other suitable green space so it's hard to see it ever moving

The 15 year ago discussions Paul is referencing I think the alternative was the old Allied Dunbar site
at Wanborough, which the football club used to train on to.

The theoretics behind it being the club could purchase the plot, continue to train there and relocate the Cricket Club there. I believe the site was up for sale at the time.

Now it’s PGL I believe


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 18:17:12
The 15 year ago discussions Paul is referencing I think the alternative was the old Allied Dunbar site
at Wanborough, which the football club used to train on to.

The theoretics behind it being the club could purchase the plot, continue to train there and relocate the Cricket Club there. I believe the site was up for sale at the time.

Now it’s PGL I believe

I know the site well and would have been a great acquisition if the club had purchased it as it was easy to get to and in an idyllic setting


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 18:30:18
Thinking long term and with the hindsight of the last fifty years or so since we sold off the old training ground and SN1 back to the council, we have lurched from well meaning owners to dubious shysters.

Going forward, if the club is going to prosper, it has to be off & on the pitch and also outside the playing season. So having accepted that you then have to put ourselves at the mercy of people with the money to make it happen. The trust, well meaning and intentioned as it is and I believe they are, have limited resources to make things happen. Indeed, having a fifty percent stake on the freehold (as it currently stands with Power) could still be an impediment to having a successful and self sustaining club we all crave.

To have a sustainable and successful championship club the minimum capacity IMHO would be 30,000. Having that size of a stadium would then enable the club to have decent out of season concerts with A list bands amongst other money spinning events to help finance this aspiration. I’ll go further. To achieve everything we as a collective desire, the purchase of the cricket ground and what I know as the CG extension is a must. Car parking is pivotal (forget the environment lobby, well all be in electric cars before long and still need the roads and parking) and that takes space, of course the northern park & ride could come out of mothball to help. As mentioned earlier having the railway station on the doorstep is a massive asset.

So it matters not whether you ‘trust’ Clem & Axis or not, we’ll all have to put our faith in anyone with the money, vision and wherewithal to make it happen. Our saving grace is the sporting covenant on the site in the first place. That is both a blessing and in some ways a curse.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 18:40:09
Franchise seemingly have everything in place 30000 stadium, rich owner and a massive catchment but the still can't make it work to the delight of most football supporters


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: ron dodgers on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 18:40:44
car park aint part of the stadium - unless you want to buy that off the council as well


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 18:43:23
In reality, it doesn't matter whether supporters 'trust' anyone as it generally has little or no impact.

Doing business all year round is important.  Somerset cricket club seem to be a good example of that.

30,000 capacity seems a good idea but is it a great thing to be playing each week with the ground only a third full?



Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 18:46:59
Unless his thinking has changed in the last 12 months or so, I think Clem has plans to develop the CG on its current site - especially the Town End as others have described here, with corporate boxes, a casino and even a hotel I think.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 19:17:25
In reality, it doesn't matter whether supporters 'trust' anyone as it generally has little or no impact.

Doing business all year round is important.  Somerset cricket club seem to be a good example of that.

30,000 capacity seems a good idea but is it a great thing to be playing each week with the ground only a third full?



Not if you’re in the championship, with ticket pricing to encourage family attendance. Think Bradford.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: singingiiiffy on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 19:27:31
car park aint part of the stadium - unless you want to buy that off the council as well

a land locked asset!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 19:30:16
Not if you’re in the championship, with ticket pricing to encourage family attendance. Think Bradford.

I was on the receiving end of some adverse reactions recently when I suggested that STFC are unlikely to sustain average attendances much over 10k.  History certainly suggests that. If anything, it's now harder to compete with the premier league/PL clubs, particularly given Swindon's close proximity to London.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 19:42:51
a land locked asset!

It's not landlocked per se as there will be rights of way etc over neighbouring land included in the lease.  However, I seem to recall the area demised (or leased) essentially included the current 'footprint' of the ground and buildings.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 20:32:04
I was on the receiving end of some adverse reactions recently when I suggested that STFC are unlikely to sustain average attendances much over 10k.  History certainly suggests that. If anything, it's now harder to compete with the premier league/PL clubs, particularly given Swindon's close proximity to London.

I agree. Hence the need to encourage families whose offspring are the fans of tomorrow. Match day experience and all that.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Batch on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 20:38:15
Quote from: JBZ
I was on the receiving end of some adverse reactions recently when I suggested that STFC are unlikely to sustain average attendances much over 10k.  History certainly suggests that. If anything, it's now harder to compete with the premier league/PL clubs, particularly given Swindon's close proximity to London.

I think the championship is as hard for us to reach and sustain now as the premiership was when we were in it.

That said I don't think we are capped at 10kn crowd ceilings, but it's going to take a lot of investment to show that.

the Bradford model doesn't work in most places. What chairman wouldn't want double the crowd in at half the price


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Oaksey Moonraker on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 20:38:59
Coming back to the original question.

Doesn't it simply come down to how much cash Clem has and how much is he prepared to invest (rather than loan the club).

Power and his backers were regularly putting in £1-£2M a season. Reasonable expectation is he might need to do the same (as did Andrew Black and Co).

The ground redevelopment may be important in the long term but short term it's about building a stable team on the pitch and not the constant rebuild every summer.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Ardiles on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 20:49:34
We managed 13,000 just last season in the 4th tier.  I do think that 30,000 would be too big for us, though.  We'd never come close to filling it.  Franchise are the perfect example of a club whose ground is way too big for them.  The place is cavernous and the atmosphere in the ground will suffer as a result.

Think I'd be happy enough with a nicely redeveloped, coherent 20,000 seater ground on the current site - which should just about be doable.  Interesting to see that Brentford's new place - which looks lovely - holds just 17,250.  And they could be playing in the Prem next season.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: DiV on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 21:05:58
30,000 would be way too big for the football club but that’s not overly relevant is it?

Any new ground/redevelopment would need to multipurpose and used as often as possible.
STFC might not be able to attract 30k people but could *insert name of popular band* do it? Could the CG host say a major boxing card? Could they get WWE to put on a show here during their European loop? So on and so forth.



Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 21:06:31
20k would be sufficient in my view.

You might see 13k when a league title is in sight - but not week in and week out regardless of whether it is div 2, 3 or 4.  Of course, as is the case with most topics, this is informed by idle speculation.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 21:08:23
Do you need a 30k seats for a gig when you have a large part of the pitch as well? 


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: DiV on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 21:14:45
Do you need a 30k seats for a gig when you have a large part of the pitch as well? 

I guess that depends on who is playing. How much capacity you lose to the stage and whether said act and doing gigs in the surrounding areas.

Not my area of knowledge at all to be fair.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Saxondale on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 22:01:32
I event managed the Take that show at Anfield in 2019.  We were working on a capacity of roughly 40k.  It's dependent on the size and positioning of the stage.  A stage like the Take that stage takes a third of the pitch.  We had 10k on the pitch.

Truth is the CG is not going to get A list of stadium gigs.  Ashton gate already has the contacts with the main promoters.  We might get the likes of Rod Stewart but we're not getting Muse, Spice Girls, Take That, Killers etc.

The money the venue makes from the stadium shows is not amazing.  It's made from the concession stands.  Where we put them is another matter due to the small footprint.

As I see it we should not be relying on gigs as a vital part of the business plan.  We'll be lucky to get 1 a year. 


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 22:45:28
Translucent aluminium and translucent blocks would be an innovative way of getting over the "bullshit" issue that is the Stratton Bank. I bet Clem knows a friend or two.

In terms of design, I wouldn't mind seeing some incorporation of things on the current crest. Something "steam powered" maybe even something Steampunk related or all of the roofing could incorporate railway tracking; would look awesome set in the translucent roofing of the new SB. Also with the Robin element, maybe incorporating some beautiful watery shadow from a "birds nest" style design in what would be part of the New Town End and Shrivvy Corner. Maybe a really decent craft ale bar and grillhouse up in that area. I think keep the Rolex and at least two of the original floodlights. Maybe have the Rolex integrated into the bar and call it...The Rolex Bar & Grill?!  :hmmm: You could even have a viewing gallery that not only looks out onto the pitch but also to the countryside (but a proper panorama).

Make it a hub and a focal landmark where people want to be seen. These things cost money of course but if you build a place that people want to spend time in and around, beyond football, then they will of course spend money whilst there. It will pay you back in the long run.

The CG indeed could be a great blank canvas for someone wanting to put a stadia development onto their CV...  We could also go a bit more eco and piss on Dale Vince's chips, how good would it be to say "Hey Dale, that's great and all that but this is how you make a sustainable stadia" :)


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 22:49:41
I think the championship is as hard for us to reach and sustain now as the premiership was when we were in it.

That said I don't think we are capped at 10kn crowd ceilings, but it's going to take a lot of investment to show that.

the Bradford model doesn't work in most places. What chairman wouldn't want double the crowd in at half the price

Ideally you have a 30k capacity paying full price. The reality it not as clear cut. To achieve 100% capacity at 100% full price to have to get the customer begging for more. How you get there is another conversation.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 22:54:08
30,000 would be way too big for the football club but that’s not overly relevant is it?

Any new ground/redevelopment would need to multipurpose and used as often as possible.
STFC might not be able to attract 30k people but could *insert name of popular band* do it? Could the CG host say a major boxing card? Could they get WWE to put on a show here during their European loop? So on and so forth.



This.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Sunday, March 14, 2021, 22:55:41
I event managed the Take that show at Anfield in 2019.  We were working on a capacity of roughly 40k.  It's dependent on the size and positioning of the stage.  A stage like the Take that stage takes a third of the pitch.  We had 10k on the pitch.

Truth is the CG is not going to get A list of stadium gigs.  Ashton gate already has the contacts with the main promoters.  We might get the likes of Rod Stewart but we're not getting Muse, Spice Girls, Take That, Killers etc.

The money the venue makes from the stadium shows is not amazing.  It's made from the concession stands.  Where we put them is another matter due to the small footprint.

As I see it we should not be relying on gigs as a vital part of the business plan.  We'll be lucky to get 1 a year. 

One a year, is more than none a year.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: 4D on Monday, March 15, 2021, 01:24:31
A 12000 seater ground set in 3 stands, with a cedar red stained wooden fence.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Monday, March 15, 2021, 09:13:03
I would rather play at Webbs Wood it's more atmospheric


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, March 15, 2021, 09:36:12
One a year, is more than none a year.

I heard Toploader ft P.D.C was on the cards.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: horlock07 on Monday, March 15, 2021, 09:59:44
It always struck me that the logical move is for the pitch to stay as it is now but simply moved 30 yards into the car park. That would allow the Clock end to be moved 30 yards and a roof to be put on the stand.

My favourite ground in the country is Newcastle, given that it's such an integral part of the city centre. Perfect!

Nice idea albeit we would want to avoid the absurdity of the Carlisle scenario. Ultimately in terms of the redevelopment (at least short term), this would allow something reasonably small and modern to go on the bank site, whilst also open up the town end for redevelopment. the one problem is that things like Hotels have been mooted to provide the much needed 24/7/365 income, they tend to want car parking of sorts, unless is there another public car park within easy walking distance?

Interestingly Newcastle are wittering about moving again, they are hamstrung by the grade I listed building immediately behind the east stand (which I used to live in!)

Sorry I should have been clearer, there is a sticking point in that the pavilion would need to be relocated and reconstructed at any new site, which isn't with some cost and hassle, but it's not necessarily a blocker (or wasn't thought to be back then).

Picking up listed buildings and plonking them else where has become much less of an acceptable thing in recent years.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Monday, March 15, 2021, 10:03:00
It would be a shame if Newcastle moved as that's one noisy atmosphere stadium


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: horlock07 on Monday, March 15, 2021, 10:07:32
It would be a shame if Newcastle moved as that's one noisy atmosphere stadium

Think it would actually get even more noisy and atmospheric if they moved, the absurdity of the present arrangement means that a lot of sound is lost over the roof of the East Stand and Gallowgate, neither of which can be extended up due to planning (east) and sheer cost (gallowgate).


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Jimmy HaveHave on Monday, March 15, 2021, 10:10:08
Think it would actually get even more noisy and atmospheric if they moved, the absurdity of the present arrangement means that a lot of sound is lost over the roof of the East Stand and Gallowgate, neither of which can be extended up due to planning (east) and sheer cost (gallowgate).

You know the stadium much better than me so get what you're saying


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: pauld on Monday, March 15, 2021, 10:29:18
Picking up listed buildings and plonking them else where has become much less of an acceptable thing in recent years.
As I say the discussions we were having were around 15 years ago and even then didn't get any further than "Would this be feasible for the cricket club?", didn't get as far as exploring whether it would be feasible from a planning perspective etc. But we had to know whether it would be acceptable to the cricket club because clearly a redevelopment of the football club that forced out another of the town's major sports clubs wouldn't have been acceptable or viable.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, March 15, 2021, 11:17:51
Clem shows Power that he has the money, the next thing we see is Power....

(https://media3.giphy.com/media/xTiTnqUxyWbsAXq7Ju/giphy.gif)


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: singingiiiffy on Monday, March 15, 2021, 13:25:10
Stole this from Simon Pieman 2013, the club vision:

Quote
Very good evening tonight, well done to Steve Murrell and Marc Isaacs.

Only just got back as it was a very long presentation with all the questions and I'm sure there will be a lot of contributions on here and social media about it.

Main points for me:

1) Football budget of £2.4m would see us break even. We're currently at £2.9m spend. This is based on attendances of 7500 average per game. Steve stressed that whilst looking to bring down to £2.4m it probably won't happen this season and if there is a need for more in the short term the funding is there. Not looking to ship out loads of players for the sake of it.

2) Concerts - Up to 6 a year. It is a 10 year contract and the promoter is renting the space from the club. Minimum of £300k per year income to us (no costs, all profit) even with no concerts. If all the concerts were sell outs it would bring in £1.8m per year. Steve felt that the potential uplift would be more like £900k per year and for 2013/14 £750k was the conservative budget.

3) Catering - 10 year contract with Lindley worth £4m to the club. £200k additional revenue per annum and £200k in cost savings.

4) Other additional income will be made from sponsorship, stfcmyworld and other activities. Also cost savings with ticketmaster compared to previous ticket administrator. Total additional revenue (not full financial benefit) is £2m for 2013/14 based on conservative forecast.

5) The Legends Lounge will not be cut in half now. Steve didn't realise the Supporters Club had put in money previously to refurbish it. Instead, the club will allow fans to book tables with a full waiting service for food and drink. Any tables not booked will operate as they do now.

6) Possibility of putting a roof on the stratton bank, awaiting planning permission and would cost £150k.

7) New training facilities are necessary as the current facility has loads of kids around which causes problem. The owners of the current facility are also expanding and thus there will be even more kids around. The pitches aren't that great and the new facility will be cheaper to rent than currently. Has needed investment but this is reflected in the lower rent.

Cool Ticketing improvements will also mean that when phoning it will cost a maximum of 10p a call. Previous telephone costs and booking fees have been necessary to cover costs. Negotiated a better deal with ticketmaster and passed onto fans.

Loads of other really good points raised and intelligent questions. And I mean loads.

Interesting to read previous owner statements. Ticketing has definitely improved over the years, very easy to buy and print at home.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Batch on Monday, March 15, 2021, 13:29:48
yeah. that's one good thing they did manage


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, March 15, 2021, 13:48:23
"It is a 10 year contract and the promoter is renting the space from the club. Minimum of £300k per year income to us (no costs, all profit) even with no concerts".

I presume this contract is no longer a contract? Or never was?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Saxondale on Monday, March 15, 2021, 13:55:32
I would be very interested to know who the promoter was.  Certainly no one reputable.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, March 15, 2021, 14:34:39
"It is a 10 year contract and the promoter is renting the space from the club. Minimum of £300k per year income to us (no costs, all profit) even with no concerts".

I presume this contract is no longer a contract? Or never was?
See other thread ;)

I have heard the catering deal has been voided since lockdown and cancelled.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, March 15, 2021, 14:37:28
See other thread ;)


Ah cheers JJ, but prior to lockdown were we getting 300k a year rent from this promoter then?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, March 15, 2021, 14:51:18
Ah cheers JJ, but prior to lockdown were we getting 300k a year rent from this promoter then?
Nowhere near the figure I heard mate. I heard it was way way less than that. Not even in the hundreds of thousands more like a couple thousands per year.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: pauld on Monday, March 15, 2021, 14:55:53
Ah cheers JJ, but prior to lockdown were we getting 300k a year rent from this promoter then?
I suspect the more pertinent quote from the post may give you a clue as to how trustworthy the answers and any figures given were:
"Very good evening tonight, well done to Steve Murrell and Marc Isaacs."


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, March 15, 2021, 15:02:48
Nowhere near the figure I heard mate. I heard it was way way less than that. Not even in the hundreds of thousands more like a couple thousands per year.

I did wonder about that figure!! I guess more likely 3,000 than 300,000!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, March 15, 2021, 15:04:15
I suspect the more pertinent quote from the post may give you a clue as to how trustworthy the answers and any figures given were:
"Very good evening tonight, well done to Steve Murrell and Marc Isaacs."

Remember when he starting posting on here? He was a real slim shady and was caught out.

https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/sport/two-conmen-almost-bankrupted-hartlepool-united-elaborate-scam-jailed-63268/

I suppose a lesson to all that just because someone is willing to come out and speak to the fans, doesn't necessarily mean he's going to be the messiah.

Here is an interesting thread when he made his appearance on the TEF.

http://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=52997.0


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, March 15, 2021, 15:10:10
I suppose a lesson to all that just because someone is willing to come out and speak to the fans, doesn't necessarily mean he's going to be the messiah.
Very very true.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: ron dodgers on Monday, March 15, 2021, 18:09:55
I hae the county ground register plan I printed 3 years ago, It's 463kb if anyone wants it


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Monday, March 15, 2021, 19:39:35
I hae the county ground register plan I printed 3 years ago, It's 463kb if anyone wants it

And...Axis would sub out any work here I should imagine. Can’t see coach loads of diggers coming from a land down under to rebuilt the stadium of despair. What is more, Clem says he won’t take a penny, pull the other one digger, you might not directly I’ll bet the subsidiaries of Axis will if not Axis directly. Plenty of ways to hide monies out and monies in through clever accounting.

Still having said all that digger is as far as we know the only show in town at the mo. Just a thought that should digger get the keys to the club eventually he’ll be gagged by NDA’s left right and centre concerning the previous incumbents financial shenanigans.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: 4D on Monday, March 15, 2021, 21:30:40
Remember when he starting posting on here? He was a real slim shady and was caught out.

https://www.thelondoneconomic.com/sport/two-conmen-almost-bankrupted-hartlepool-united-elaborate-scam-jailed-63268/

I suppose a lesson to all that just because someone is willing to come out and speak to the fans, doesn't necessarily mean he's going to be the messiah.

Here is an interesting thread when he made his appearance on the TEF.

http://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=52997.0

I like his direct response to my question asking if he could get Jed to sign up to the TEF  :)


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: tans on Monday, March 15, 2021, 21:37:42
Steve Murrall bought me a pint once.

Whether the money was counterfeit, laundered or stolen, i have no idea.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Monday, March 15, 2021, 21:46:02
Steve Murrall bought me a pint once.

Whether the money was counterfeit, laundered or stolen, i have no idea.

Was it a nice pint? I'm gonna say it was a pint of Stella?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: RedRag on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 14:30:07
Was it a nice pint? I'm gonna say it was a pint of Stella?
the Wifebeaters' lager of choice? ???


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: The Grim Reaper on Monday, April 5, 2021, 18:42:22
So any recent news of Clems offer? I find it incredible that the club never saw fit to post a statement regarding it, still should we really be surprised? Clinging to the hope no news is good news and things are happening in the background amongst all the various parties.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 5, 2021, 18:45:25
Isn't there an injunction preventing Power from selling without getting Standing's approval, in lieu of any decision being made on whether he is a part owner or not.  Power is not going to be negotiating with Standing while they haven't decided that outcome first, through fear of exposing himself to losses with him.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Costanza on Monday, April 5, 2021, 18:46:03
Lee Power would do well to acknowledge Morfuni's existance let alone his bid to buy the club.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: tans on Monday, April 5, 2021, 19:31:52
Lee Power would do well to acknowledge Morfuni's existance let alone his bid to buy the club.

Quick enough to have accepted his money mind ;)


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:00:00
The Trust have today published details of Clem Morfuni's Q and A at our most recent board meeting.

https://truststfc.tv/truststfc-press-release-9-4-21-clem-morfuni-outlines-vision-for-stfc-reiterates-commitment-at-trust-board-meeting/

He was extraordinarily generous with his time and answered everything we asked.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:01:09
good stuff. he's offering openness and fan representation.

obviously caution always needed. But on the face of it...


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Tails on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:03:08
Certainly says the right things.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:05:38
Was he asked whether he’d change his mind if we were in L2 next season with a points deduction?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:06:43
Totally agree about being cautious but I get the impression he is a good guy. Still think he was stupidly put in the direction of the GW Reds as fan representation when he first joined hence why he opened up to them like he has the Trust.

Interesting few weeks coming up  


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Quagmire on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:09:10
Does anyone know how he got involved with the club/Power in the first place?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:11:04
Does anyone know how he got involved with the club/Power in the first place?

From memory, Luongo was the connection. Power was over in Oz for some related reason and met Morfuni when he was there.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Quagmire on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:18:54
Ah, cheers mate.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:24:28
Does anyone know how he got involved with the club/Power in the first place?

He was introduced to Power by a mutual contact and was looking at investing via sponsorship into the English FL game having dabbled in non-league sponsorship.

Was he asked whether he’d change his mind if we were in L2 next season with a points deduction?

I actually don't recall if he was asked that specific question, but certainly, there was nothing to suggest his interest is dependant on our League 1 status.



Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Quagmire on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:36:16
He was introduced to Power by a mutual contact and was looking at investing via sponsorship into the English FL game having dabbled in non-league sponsorship.



I bet he’s regretting that.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:36:45
Totally agree about being cautious but I get the impression he is a good guy. Still think he was stupidly put in the direction of the GW Reds as fan representation when he first joined hence why he opened up to them like he has the Trust.

Interesting few weeks coming up  
This is how I am thinking too. Early doors he got in bed with the wrong section of the fanbase - as they say, but he seems genuine and currently seems to be the best, if not only option to take us forward.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:40:10
GW Reds are well intentioned.  Its just the don't represent the entire fanbase.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JanAirplaneMan on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:41:55
Was he asked whether he’d change his mind if we were in L2 next season with a points deduction?
Yes he was and the answer was very clear, what league we are in doesn't matter in terms of his desire to want to buy the club..


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:43:44
GW Reds are well intentioned.  Its just the don't represent the entire fanbase.

Which is not a problem in itself.

It's when they go acting as though they do speak for all of us that gets under some peoples' skin.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Crackity Jones on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:45:22
At the moment I have no reason to trust or distrust Clem. He says what every supporter wants to hear and it's a great tick list. For me the thing I took was that he is still committed to his intention to buy the club even in the current climate.

As someone who already owns 15% of a club currently under investigation for breach of FA rules over funding/ownership, I would have liked to hear to some commentary around that (within boundaries of what he is legally allowed to say of course).


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JanAirplaneMan on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:49:22
At the moment I have no reason to trust or distrust Clem. He says what every supporter wants to hear and it's a great tick list. For me the thing I took was that he is still committed to his intention to buy the club even in the current climate.

As someone who already owns 15% of a club currently under investigation for breach of FA rules over funding/ownership, I would have liked to hear to some commentary around that (within boundaries of what he is legally allowed to say of course).
You have hit the nail on the head there, unfortunately its tough for him to comment publicly about this given the legal status and fact a lot of this is confidential. He shares what he is allowed to though. There will be follow ups from him as and when he can comment further


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 08:50:09
I'll treat him in the same way I treat all owners - reserve judgement either way until evidence surfaces.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:01:14
Sustainability has to be a good thing.  However, can the club be sustainable and harbour desires to reach, and then survive in, div 2?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:02:25
I'll treat him in the same way I treat all owners - reserve judgement either way until evidence surfaces.
Absolutely this.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Riddick on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:06:10
Sustainability has to be a good thing.  However, can the club be sustainable and harbour desires to reach, and then survive in, div 2?

Well this is where all previous owners have shafted us. Being sustainable on pure football income, no chance. But expanding revenue streams through ground development, then it would seem more likely. However none of them have done anything to move the club forward in this regard.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:07:58
Sustainability has to be a good thing.  However, can the club be sustainable and harbour desires to reach, and then survive in, div 2?

Ask Plymouth fans - their chairman is running it as a sustainable business (after some initial capital) and has a long-term plan to reach the second tier.

He's an extraordinarily smart man who runs the club like a business - hiring great people into important roles and measuring success in much more intelligent ways than 3 points on a Saturday. He did a pod with Mark Chapman on the Athletic a few weeks back. Worth a listen.

Well this is where all previous owners have shafted us. Being sustainable on pure football income, no chance. But expanding revenue streams through ground development, then it would seem more likely. However none of them have done anything to move the club forward in this regard.

And this is key. The club is 30 years behind the times when it comes to commercial revenue generation. Run the whole business like an scaling SME and you can grow these clubs.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:12:29
Certainly says the right things.

They always do...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/24778775


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: RedRag on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:17:56
I trust the Trust.  The fact that Clem is talking to it is a good sign.  He has a longstanding involvement with the club.

History tells us to be wary and there is no reason to change.  

I would like to see more financials explored.  In particular ideas or plans even for revenue generation for the club on the playing, training and ground development fronts.  It is too early for now.

We will always have to rely on hope to some extent.  I think Sir Seton was honourable and wealthy but (I may be wrong) he was perhaps born into wealth and business.  LP of course has impressive entrepreneurial skills.  He's a spiv but I think that's a side you need to have on board to work in English football.  Trouble is, LP crosses lines and when the chickens come home to roost, it's STFC not LP picking up the tab.

Clem, like LP and unlike Sir Seton, seems self made.  He has however built up a legitimate, credible business empire and may be able to bring the kind of competence that we saw under Andrew Black.  He'd need a football savvy team he can trust.  A rarity  :).

At the end of the day, as fans, we have to accept that we have zero control over who buys us. Again though, we are lucky to have the Trust.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:22:19
They always do...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/24778775

I wasn't around as much when the previous incumbents took on the club, but the amount of work others in the Trust have put in to try and ascertain the credibility of all interested parties is vast.

Morfuni can't do more than he's doing right now, publically anyway.

I understand that there have been years of false dawns and shysters. That's impossible to overlook. But at the same time, I don't recall any interested party committing to some of the things Morfuni has committed to if he can purchase the club.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:24:28
Good work from the Trust just to get some fucking dialogue going. The silence from our great owners during this time is deafening. Last time we heard from Power was basically when DJ was sold and how perilous our financial state was in February. Fair play to the Trust for pushing for comment from Power and Anderson, I trust (see what I did there!) that there will be no let up in this.

As others have said Clem is talking a good game, but is he just saying what people want to hear? Difficult to know until the wheels have actually been put into motion but getting involved with the Trust at such an early stage and stating he wants fans on the board is a big step forward in my eyes. I think getting 'involved' with the GWR, whilst naieve is not particularly damaging as they too want the best for the club. As we are scientists penned it was 'an honest mistake' which I'm sure he will learn from. There is a balance between being open and honest and he has to get that right.

Given what's happening on the field I think what the Trust are doing should be applauded. Being an STFC fan is not easy at the best of times and particularly now, emotions are lower than a snakes belly. Everyone now accepts change has to happen, lets hope this is the beginning of a new chapter. I would just warn Clem about saying 'I want this club to be in the Championship in 5 years' like a certain Bermondsey scrap merchant salesman!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Bogus Dave on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:30:11
What other football clubs has he sponsored?? And what’s the evidence with his axis group that correlates with openness to the fans??


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:32:22
Well this is where all previous owners have shafted us. Being sustainable on pure football income, no chance. But expanding revenue streams through ground development, then it would seem more likely. However none of them have done anything to move the club forward in this regard.

I don’t that is true, though. I’m certain most clubs generate enough income to operate. OK that may not be to the level most fans want, but they are the self same fans who moan when overspending comes back to bit the club on its arse.

When an owner is charging hugely inflated interest on their ‘loans’ to the club, when incoming transfer fees disappear into arse pockets of all and sundry - that’s when it becomes unsustainable.

When you know your income it’s fairly simple to work out budgets for all aspects of running a club.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:37:30
The Trust have today published details of Clem Morfuni's Q and A at our most recent board meeting.

https://truststfc.tv/truststfc-press-release-9-4-21-clem-morfuni-outlines-vision-for-stfc-reiterates-commitment-at-trust-board-meeting/

He was extraordinarily generous with his time and answered everything we asked.

Good stuff, albeit sadly, and no disrespect for Clem but prospective owners have been saying that sort of thing about clubs when trying to get fans on board since year dot and it reflects what various shysters have said about us various times in the last 20+ years, until he gets the keys to the door his promises are pretty shallow and meaningless, even if made with the best intentions.

I would concur with the various points above, would I be pleased if he took over, undoubtedly so, but then the hard work will begin and judgements will be made.

Just a small plea if you are involved with Trust communications, in the past when such stories came out members (is it members, no idea, I pay some cash each month) got an email it would be handy if this started again just so we know what's going on?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:39:39

Just a small plea if you are involved with Trust communications, in the past when such stories came out members (is it members, no idea, I pay some cash each month) got an email it would be handy if this started again just so we know what's going on?

I'll pass that feedback on - it's valid.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: ThreeDrawsMentality on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:42:27
From everything that's been said and the character references given, I'd say that I trust Clem and that he's well intentioned. One slight concern is that on companies House, Axis Football Investments Ltd accounts have been over due for best part of 3 months. There could be valid explanation due to the court cases last year, but probably something he should clarify on. Especially as he promises to provide open full accounts.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:44:56
I don’t that is true, though. I’m certain most clubs generate enough income to operate. OK that may not be to the level most fans want, but they are the self same fans who moan when overspending comes back to bit the club on its arse.

When an owner is charging hugely inflated interest on their ‘loans’ to the club, when incoming transfer fees disappear into arse pockets of all and sundry - that’s when it becomes unsustainable.

When you know your income it’s fairly simple to work out budgets for all aspects of running a club.

The one at this level which seems to be regularly rolled out as a 'well run club' is Accrington, no idea how they sustain themselves be it via owner loans or off field revenues*. Its the age old problem with fan ownership, it may be viable to run a club on revenues alone, but when suddenly you want to spend 300k on a player that is a rather big unforeseen in the budget to fund in some manner or another!

* Thing is with Andy Holt at Accrington is that he fits perfectly into the mould (he made his money in plastics, see what I did there) of local lad done well and wanting to give something back to the community he comes from and feels ties to, I (and it may just be me) find it very hard to understand why someone with no links to the town/region or in this case even country or the club would want to pour cash into a black hole for purely philanthropic porpoises. I would have no problems with Clem or any other owner taking a reasonable return on their investments (its the lack of transparency with Power that really doesn't help, the cynic in me just doesn't believe anyone who claims this is not their objective.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: JBZ on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:46:11
Ask Plymouth fans - their chairman is running it as a sustainable business (after some initial capital) and has a long-term plan to reach the second tier.


Funnily enough, I know many. They primarily seem to bang on about the new stand bringing in some money from functions, weddings, bar mitzvahs and the like.

I have no issue with CM but, as observed above, the statements made mirror what has largely been said before.  Also, it's great to have supporters groups etc but, when push comes to shove, they have no impact on who gets their sweaty mitts on the club's silver.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: stfcjack on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:47:58
To be honest this has been a dark year in the clubs history, I’m not the oldest of town fans but in all my time being a supporter I don’t quite remember things being this bleak. We appear to be in utter turmoil off the pitch which is now being directly reflected on the pitch. I don’t know an awful lot about this Clem, but from everything I’ve read and the things I’ve heard and that fact he still wants the club providing everything that’s going on, I like him. This could be completely naive, however, I’m feeling at my lowest point as a town fan. It’s hard to see how things are going to get better at the moment in fact they look as if they may get worse! Clem appears to be offering some hope, and gives me a small sense of optimism something of which the club does not currently fulfil me with.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 09:54:14
From everything that's been said and the character references given, I'd say that I trust Clem and that he's well intentioned. One slight concern is that on companies House, Axis Football Investments Ltd accounts have been over due for best part of 3 months. There could be valid explanation due to the court cases last year, but probably something he should clarify on. Especially as he promises to provide open full accounts.

I would not worry hugely, as Axis Football Investments Ltd is, as I understand it, purely a vehicle for Clem to make the investment into Swinton Reds Ltd its accounts will say the square root of nothing it being to all intents and purposes little more than dormant. It does show a slightly worrying lack of basic admin skills to keep on top of the basic stuff but not much more.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: ibelieveinmrreeves on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 10:35:58
The one at this level which seems to be regularly rolled out as a 'well run club' is Accrington, no idea how they sustain themselves be it via owner loans or off field revenues*. Its the age old problem with fan ownership, it may be viable to run a club on revenues alone, but when suddenly you want to spend 300k on a player that is a rather big unforeseen in the budget to fund in some manner or another!

* Thing is with Andy Holt at Accrington is that he fits perfectly into the mould (he made his money in plastics, see what I did there) of local lad done well and wanting to give something back to the community he comes from and feels ties to, I (and it may just be me) find it very hard to understand why someone with no links to the town/region or in this case even country or the club would want to pour cash into a black hole for purely philanthropic porpoises. I would have no problems with Clem or any other owner taking a reasonable return on their investments (its the lack of transparency with Power that really doesn't help, the cynic in me just doesn't believe anyone who claims this is not their objective.

There's definitely something fishy going on. Frankly I've haddock up to here with false dawns.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Berniman on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 10:45:11
The trust should certainly be applauded for trying to drive communication with this.  I feel comforted that the Trust are doing this on the fans behalf as if they didn't exist I am not sure we would see anything happening.

My only frustration, as with everyone else, is that it is all well and good the likes of Clem being (apparently) transparent, but unless the current incumbent breaks his deafening silence and actually does anything to move this forward, we will continue to go around in circles without really knowing too much more than we do today - which is very little.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 10:53:15
I think its not helped by the complete lack of media interest either locally or nationally, look at the Advertiser their reporting has been limited to reporting what they are spoon fed via press releases, there is no appetite be it due to budgets or lack of interest to dig into the story at all, perhaps the forthcoming Athletic piece might stirs things up but as it stands Power knows he has no media scrutiny to worry about so just keeps stum!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: The Grim Reaper on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 11:44:47
Whatever happens I think it’s the end of Power at the helm and all those connected to him. Hope the FA and FL really thrown the book at him so he can never darken another football club. Also hope The Courts rule against Power making it easier for Clem to do a deal with Standing/Barry. Power said judge him in 5 years. As I’ve said before we’ve stagnated under him and now in a worse position than when he took over. The stadium continues to deteriorate and it’s hard to get enthusiastic about The Trusts plans for redevelopment when we’ve been hearing various plans over the last 20 years or so! We need a fresh start from top to bottom. Sadly baring a miracle we will be back in L2 next season but I’ll feel more optimistic with Clem at the top, I’ll even buy a season ticket again as I haven’t done so for the last 3 years. If Power wins and stays in control then I dread to think what would happen next.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: RedRag on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 12:56:52
Excuse the shit stirring but I can't help noticing that those few who used to get quite shitty at criticism of Chairman Power have not exactly been to the fore with those views recently.

Power ain't gone yet.  That is the time to judge any Chairman/Owner, imo (obvious charlatans like Jed aside).

Against my own yardstick, I have given up on Power this year.  Clem is not a Jed, which is a start. 


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 13:02:23
Opinions change with the facts we have


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 13:05:07
Excuse the shit stirring but I can't help noticing that those few who used to get quite shitty at criticism of Chairman Power have not exactly been to the fore with those views recently.


So?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: theakston2k on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 14:00:46
Excuse the shit stirring but I can't help noticing that those few who used to get quite shitty at criticism of Chairman Power have not exactly been to the fore with those views recently.
You mean getting shitty with people because they were posting things as if they were fact without ever providing anything to back up what they were saying? Just because all this has come out now doesn't mean anyone was right, we've had years of 'Powers a crook' but it's only in the last 12 months that tangible proof of his dodgy ways has come out?

None of the original Power out mob like the Cheltenham fan have ever been able to provide an ounce of proof to back up their hysteria in the past so hardly surprising that people pushed back at them. I tend to make decisions and form opinions based on facts personally....


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 14:02:26
Excuse the shit stirring but I can't help noticing that those few who used to get quite shitty at criticism of Chairman Power have not exactly been to the fore with those views recently.

Power ain't gone yet.  That is the time to judge any Chairman/Owner, imo (obvious charlatans like Jed aside).

Against my own yardstick, I have given up on Power this year.  Clem is not a Jed, which is a start. 

I openly supported him the 1st 3 years, I was wrong. Fill ya boots  :)


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 14:23:27
I think a lot of people looked at his past business failures - and there were a lot of them - and decided, quite rightly as it’s turned out, that it was likely to turn out as it has. They all virtually ended up closing down with any assets sucked out and leaving a trail of debtors.

When Morsehead left the Adver he mentioned that when Power eventually left all the shit would come tumbling out.

He was evasive during one of his phone ins when asked about what interest rate he was charging on his ‘loans’ to the club - and that was years ago.

Getting relegated is the least of our worries.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Chunkyhair on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 14:29:15
I thought Power was a dodgy shyster when he first came to Town (I can't remember the details now but he had been involved some kind of footballl marketing thingy prior to STFC that was v dodge and went tits up or something like that).  After a couple of seasons I started giving him the benefit of the doubt - training ground, buying the CG with the Trust, finally letting managers choose how - and who - to play, then this shit.

I guess I was right at the beginning but that doesn't let me say "I told you so" as what happens over time causes opinions and facts to change.

That said - I always thought he was a dodgy shyster soapy tit wank




Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 14:38:29
I thought Power was a dodgy shyster when he first came to Town (I can't remember the details now but he had been involved some kind of footballl marketing thingy prior to STFC that was v dodge and went tits up or something like that). 


Cre8 publishing. https://www.sportsjournalists.co.uk/other-bodies/football-writers/celtic-and-rangers-ask-fans-for-power-cut-over-magazines/


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: theakston2k on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 14:44:36
I think a lot of people looked at his past business failures - and there were a lot of them - and decided, quite rightly as it’s turned out, that it was likely to turn out as it has.
But again this doesn't make anyone right, if they had any proof then people might have listened as it is everything they ranted about was based on gut feel at best.

If we start seeing an "I told you so" brigade then they still deserve to get shot down as their predicted outcome may have transpired but it was nothing more than a guess on their side.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 14:56:53
Agree with Theakston, for how shit it has ended up we were a playoff final away from it all being different. If we went up that year he may have fucked off in the sunset selling us on


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: theakston2k on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 14:58:37
Agree with Theakston, for how shit it has ended up we were a playoff final away from it all being different. If we went up that year he may have fucked off in the sunset selling us on
And if you listen to some of the more vocal Power critics they have claimed we deliberately threw that match so they have zero credibility.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 15:12:45
I don't even remember anybody saying power was 'good'.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 15:16:18
But again this doesn't make anyone right, if they had any proof then people might have listened as it is everything they ranted about was based on gut feel at best.

If we start seeing an "I told you so" brigade then they still deserve to get shot down as their predicted outcome may have transpired but it was nothing more than a guess on their side.
There WAS loads of proof. Just look up his previous businesses and it’s all there.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: theakston2k on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 15:17:51
There WAS loads of proof. Just look up his previous businesses and it’s all there.
That’s circumstantial at best, there was no ‘proof’ rolled out with regards to wrongdoings at STFC which is ultimately all we care about!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 15:31:51
The proof was about his business history. Leopards and spots. I’m sure there aren’t many that are surprised it’s turned out like this.

If he was prepared to shit over people without a care just to ensure he made his wedge in virtually all his previous dealings that seems a pretty good reason to believe that is just the way he operates and doubt why we should be treated any differently.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 15:40:07
Shouldn't this all be in the Lee Power thread, leaving the Clem thread clean to be resurrected when that goes to shit as well?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Crackity Jones on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 16:23:16
Maybe we need a general "I told you so" thread so we can revisit situations that come to pass years later


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 17:21:37
Sorry to ask a numpty question, but what is the route map for Clem taking over / buying (at least a controlling stake in) STFC?

Is it as simple as he negotiates a price with LP?  What role do Standing & Barry have in this?

Can anything happen before the court case is resolved?

Does the recent FA charge have any bearing on all this?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: RobertT on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 17:23:45
The key is the Court Case - currently Power is prevented from selling due to an injunction meaning Standing has a hand is this.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: That Nestor Lorenzo Heade on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 17:26:29
The key is the Court Case - currently Power is prevented from selling due to an injunction meaning Standing has a hand is this.

Did the Trust ask Clem if he has engaged directly with Standing about any of this, or if Standing/Barry feature in any of his plans - or indeed if he has any other partners / backers lined up?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Power to people on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 11:54:39
I assume that Clem will use a team of financial accounts to scour the books, before he takes over to ensure there are no financial skeletons left behind anywhere ?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 12:46:34
Question.

If Power does have much of a personal financial interest in STFC, why is he trying to put the club in admin?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: RobertT on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 12:55:07
Question.

If Power does have much of a personal financial interest in STFC, why is he trying to put the club in admin?

I'm not saying he is, but being in Admin would be one way of weasling out of paying up all the money he owes from transfer proceeds.  Don't forget he never passed them on as agreed and said they'd gone against the Debentures held against the club.  It would be a an exit plan to have in the back pocket if it looks like the other two golden geese are not going to lay anything - training ground development and trying to win a court case to show he owns the whole thing, bar 15% now.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: china red on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 13:11:13
Anyone know if the trust will release the full transcript of what Clem said?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Panda Paws on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 13:23:25
Anyone know if the trust will release the full transcript of what Clem said?

Happy to answer this on behalf of the Trust.

We're not planning on releasing the full transcript as some of the content can't be published for a few different reasons.

We're aiming to expand Morfuni's media presence and give more fans the chance to interact at some stage but we have to be led by Clem at this point and given there are active court proceedings in play, all parties have to be careful.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Nemo on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 13:24:12
You mean you can't just say "allegedly" after libelling Power like the rest of us do?


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Panda Paws on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 13:45:40
You mean you can't just say "allegedly" after libelling Power like the rest of us do?

I'll leave the over-use of allegedly to the rest of the LSPOD boys.


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Costanza on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 13:55:36
It was a(n overplayed) bit!


Title: Re: Do you trust Clem Morfuni?
Post by: Leggett on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 15:10:23
It was a(n overplayed) bit!

... allegedly