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25% => The Boardroom => Topic started by: wisemensay1879 on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 19:01:11



Title: Zavier Austin
Post by: wisemensay1879 on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 19:01:11
I think this subject deserves its own thread, rather than being rapidly buried in 'New beginnings - Fresh Start'.

Catch up here: https://thetownend.com/index.php?topic=58890.660

Can someone from the Trust let us know what due diligence they have done on our proposed Vice Chairman in terms of background checks, and are they satisfied that he is the right sort of person to be the figurehead and key decision maker in Morfuni's absence?

What did they make of the statement on the club website? Is it appropriate and normal that reports of criminal violence first appear in club communications announcing a key appointment?

As stated on the other thread, I think this needs addressing ASAP. The Trust have responded to social media posts they are tagged in with incredible speed over the last few months and I note that there are no replies on the few questions that have been asked on this front.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Redhouses on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 19:04:13
Thought it was strange to mention the assault, is it in some way connected to the club or was it just additional context as to the time the hire has taken.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: penhillbilly on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 19:08:44
mate.where do you intend to go with this?you have ten posts on here,all on the same subject,nothing to do with the football side of things,it seems to me like you have an axe to grind or agenda to instill negativity just at the same time as the take over is happening,maybe an agent provacateur for the previous regime,i don't know,just seems a bit suss to me fella.....
 :hmmm: :hmmm: :hmmm:


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Samdy Gray on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 19:13:48
I think it's right to ask the question.

There could be nothing in it at all, or he may have a questionable past. People can, and do, change but we've had too many dealings with dodgy owners/directors in the past to not be a little bit cautious about this.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: JBZ on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 19:14:06

Can someone from the Trust let us know what due diligence they have done on our proposed Vice Chairman in terms of background checks, and are they satisfied that he is the right sort of person to be the figurehead and key decision maker in Morfuni's absence?


What standing, if any, does the trust have in these matters?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 19:30:23
What standing, if any, does the trust have in these matters?

None whatsoever and can’t influence the “owners” and real “decision makers” at the club.
Best let sleeping dogs lie and just hope the Courts / EFL treat us favourably next month.

Best to deflect all attention to football matters right now.
Fallouts happen and big boys don’t play nicely.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 19:33:07
Quote from: JBZ
What standing, if any, does the trust have in these matters?

They have lines of communication into the club, as you know.

they also championed Clem and went to lengths to explain the due diligence they had done.

Now I'm a bit suspicious of the OP's motives pushing this. But it's also a valid question.

once bitten...

ultimately it's Clems decision.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: RobertT on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 19:54:36
Given the industry they work in, it would actually be very surprising if Clem didn't know or get exposed to some dodgy people.  I'm taking a punt on a sketchy youth, knows some East End Characters, reformed and knuckled down to running a business.  Based on about three lines of text you can get on google about the chap.  Snap judgement made.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: wisemensay1879 on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 20:13:05
We haven't all spent the last 12 months reading court documents and refreshing the Companies House page to fall asleep at the wheel on the final corner. I want nothing more than a happy well run club. I actually don't even really care how good we are on the pitch!

Don't we all wish we'd asked more questions of Power when he turned up? Or Jed McCrory when he turned up? Or Mike Diamandis when he turned up?! Unless you have a super rich life long fan you always have to wonder why anyone gets involved, surely?

With the history of our club it would be absolutely insane to sit back and start sipping margaritas just because Power seems to have been ousted. And the time to ask questions is at the start, before the damage is done.

I really hope that there is nothing to worry about here and it is as good as it all seems to be, but I slightly worry that the lovefest has meant the eye has been taken off the ball.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Quagmire on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 20:19:01
The Trust will be asking questions next week and i’m led to believe may even be meeting Austin himself.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 20:21:37
Quote from: Quagmire
The Trust will be asking questions next week and i’m led to believe may even be meeting Austin himself.

cheers.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Costanza on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 20:23:40
The Trust will be asking questions next week and i’m led to believe may even be meeting Austin themselves.

They will meet him and declare that he's a charming fellow who they believe has the interests of Swindon Town at heart. Very nice but it won't really prove much.

I'll go with Banbury. Focus on football and see what court related stuff brings in September and beyond as there is nothing that can be done before then.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: theakston2k on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 20:23:56
Ultimately we are going to end up with a board, all of whom provided the money for Power to survive as long as he did but were ultimately stitched up. How this turns out only time will tell, how the appointments will impact following the September court case and subsequent punishment for the club is the primary concern at the moment.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 20:28:22
Quote from: Costanza
They will meet him and declare that he's a charming fellow who they believe has the interests of Swindon Town at heart. Very nice but it won't really prove much.

I'll go with Banbury. Focus on football and see what court related stuff brings in September and beyond as there is nothing that can be done before then.

you are probably right.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 00:27:07
Talking of the Trust, where has Panda Paws gone? He's pretty much disappeared from here since the takeover was confirmed...

I hope you're well Terry.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Costanza on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 07:09:09
Terry's good, no longer on TEF, but he's good.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 11:13:15
Well don’t we have an intriguing little story, saga, conundrum going on here eh? Add into the mix a number of ‘new’ members and posters adding a little bit of spice to the mix to put doubt into fans minds while on the pretext of being ‘concerned’ fans who again, have suddenly appeared out of no-where.

Are we getting to a point of entrenchment with fans starting to take sides because of the ‘alleged’ back story to Mr. Austin’s sudden appearance on the scene? I say sudden because I’ll wager that the vast majority of fans had never heard of him till Fridays statement about the appointment with I’m sure many a fan saying WTF & who is this bloke? Then along comes WMS1879 to cast a shadow of doubt with a murky past expose, Quelle Suprise. He came on here with veiled warnings and asking what on the face of it sounded pertinent questions but then comes out with “I actually don't even really care how good we are on the pitch!” Really? I’d have thought as a concerned supporter how the team perform must be high up there in any fans concern, after all if you don’t have a team performing well you get, well, relegated and relegated. So may I tactfully suggest that maybe you watch Supermarine (as I do occasionally) being an established “happy and well run club?” Then come back to STFC when you are happy that they are also or to gloat and say I told you so.

So back to the the cast members of our ongoing saga. There has to be an understanding that at our level clubs are easy targets for shysters, chancers and frankly characters of even more dubious and nefarious intentions as evidenced here and many other lower league clubs to make easy money. So I deduce that all the players in our stage performance saw an opportunity to make money here, including Clem, who no doubt was sold a solid investment opportunity after introductions via his association at Harrow Borough if you believe the backdrop to Clems arrival on the stage @ SN1. What appears to have happened is that some members of this ‘investment club’ had other intentions which have been exposed and accelerated by covid I suspect. Clearly when you lend someone a tenner and don’t get it back you’re pissed off, ‘lend’ or ‘invest’’ £m’s and pissed off doesn’t register on the Richter scale I think. Try to sell that investment to a dubious American co., behind your fellow investors backs in an attempt to keep the booty and absolve oneself of all liabilities lit the fuse to a mahoosive and acrimonious fallout, whereby at our level eye watering amounts of money have been spent on legal fees to get to where we are now. Clearly battle lines were taken up and sides chosen, in certain parts of our shadowy society that spells trouble, big trouble. This is where I reckon Mr. Austin fell foul of certain persons ‘unknown’ who didn’t like that for fear of what? You can work it out yourselves I think, you don’t need WMS1879 to join the dots for you.

As I said in another post, poachers have it would appear become gamekeepers. I’ll support Clem, Aberdeen & Mr. Austin until it transpires otherwise as it will if there is anything shitty or shady to expose. Be mindful, can you imagine what goes on in the shadowy world of the championship and da, da, daaa PL with there vast telephone figure monied world? Fuck me, look @ FIFA & the IOC for gods sake.

Clem may not take a penny out until he decides he’s gone as far as he can but in the long run even he can see the potential to make far, far more than he ever could have under the ponzi scheme he and others were sold.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 13:46:40
Terry's good, no longer on TEF, but he's good.

Well that's good to hear (the being good bit) but also a shame (no longer on TEF bit) for a relatively regular poster as he does have some good insights.

Noticed he appears to have deactivated his twitter account too (I did follow, as with a few other Town fans). I hope it's just a case of him taking a break from social media (personally) as I know he mentioned something about that after the "Wembley posting".

As long as he's all good, as you mention but was just checking in.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 14:47:47
Well don’t we have an intriguing little story, saga, conundrum going on here eh? Add into the mix a number of ‘new’ members and posters adding a little bit of spice to the mix to put doubt into fans minds while on the pretext of being ‘concerned’ fans who again, have suddenly appeared out of no-where.

Are we getting to a point of entrenchment with fans starting to take sides because of the ‘alleged’ back story to Mr. Austin’s sudden appearance on the scene? I say sudden because I’ll wager that the vast majority of fans had never heard of him till Fridays statement about the appointment with I’m sure many a fan saying WTF & who is this bloke? Then along comes WMS1879 to cast a shadow of doubt with a murky past expose, Quelle Surprise.

Now I am beginning to believe that I have indeed hacked your account  :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

First off, on the number of 'new' posters/members bit and concerned fans out of nowhere comment. Hardly, there are several long term, regular posters who have rightly raised concerns and totally agree with WMS that questions should be asked regarding this appointment. There is still the rather glaring omission that the appointment doesn't appear to have been communicated via STFCs interim Press Officer (that's Steele-Davis btw). This wouldn't be so odd, except pretty much every major appointment/signing/action has certainly been communicated that way - so if nothing else, it seems a little odd.

Then the statement itself is just rather odd and not very professional at all. It was loaded with axes to grind and nods to former incumbents. You don't bring that to a professional and public statement. A simple;

"STFC is delighted to announce ZA as the VC of STFC. ZA has been a great help in bringing CM to STFC and will take responsibility of CMs duties when he is unavailable.

Please give a warm welcome to ZA who will be present with CM in the Director's Box at today's match versus Carlisle.

COYR,

SFTC & CM"

Yet instead, it gave us all the revealings of a shady undertone that was totally avoidable but only adds further questions to the appointment. If can of worms is one thing, this was akin to snakes in a tin  :eek:

~~~

With regards to 'sudden appearance' and 'never heard of him 'til Friday', that's simply not true. His name has been mentioned several times by Clem previously. It would rather be an insult to people's intelligence that they had never heard ZA mentioned before. Yes the manner of the statement certainly highlighted his "profile"....of course it did but then he's just been named a VC; a position of authority and control effectively at the top of the club.

It's right to ask questions when the foundations for 'open and transparent' have been driven home and laid continuously during this takeover. That transparency is what has given a lot of people trust in this new owner, convinced them to jump back on board the STFC train and much more. It's is then what makes that statement appear more odd and out of character.

Regards to your comment on what else goes on in higher echelons of sport is neither here nor there. That's like saying "the bloke down the road is a dodgy cowboy builder and never finishes jobs. Therefore, I am going to be a dodgy builder and follow in his footsteps because I have exactly the same ethics and moral outlook as he." That's not being naive to what's going on elsewhere, that's just not standing for having it going on at STFC and it doesn't have to be either. Especially with the links the Trust have to a recently appointed CEO of the club.

~~

Hopefully all it will transpire is that it was purely just that, an odd statement in which the Chairman got carried away (before putting it past ASD) and couldn't help but take a very large swipe at a former owner and his "friends" (allegedly). I still don't like it as it isn't professional, we're supposed to be shrugging off the "dodgy monkey". This kind of thing doesn't really help.

I still have my own doubts that it was purely an odd statement and like several others (old and new), I will raise concerns until satisfied that those concerns have been put to bed. My initial thought is that this may linger on...so right now is correct to scrutinise. We know there's still plenty to come out.

A good season may gloss over it for some, meeting Clem at Webbs Wood and being his bestie might gloss over it too. This just feels like the first layer of a decoupage repair job - many more layers are needed for it to be fixed, if not it could easily tear apart again. I'm glad we've got football back but I'm not quite ready to fully believe that we've "got our club back" just yet.

Agree or disagree but man, I wish Reg was here to give his tuppenny worth!


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 16:03:07
ASD? he's not back is he?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Boeta on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 16:10:10
Anyone (Austin and subsequently Clem) who has got involved with Lee Power has to be a bit dodgy right?

The appointment of Angus is a good move - whether it’s a good move for us because he will do things properly or it’s a good move for them because it gives them legitimacy only time will tell. Let’s see if Angus is still CEO in 2 years time

These guys are clearly not involved for the love of STFC and Clem has shades of Jed with a few more brain cells, so it is important to be wary. However, if they get what they want out of it, leave the club better than they found it and give us some success on the field in time then hopefully it will be a marriage of convenience, as it is with most owners of EFL clubs  


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: tans on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 16:20:26
ASD? he's not back is he?

On a temporart basis


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 16:21:25
cool


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Ardiles on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 16:57:47
Anyone (Austin and subsequently Clem) who has got involved with Lee Power has to be a bit dodgy right?

The appointment of Angus is a good move - whether it’s a good move for us because he will do things properly or it’s a good move for them because it gives them legitimacy only time will tell. Let’s see if Angus is still CEO in 2 years time

These guys are clearly not involved for the love of STFC and Clem has shades of Jed with a few more brain cells, so it is important to be wary. However, if they get what they want out of it, leave the club better than they found it and give us some success on the field in time then hopefully it will be a marriage of convenience, as it is with most owners of EFL clubs  

I do remember similar sentiments being expressed about McCrory.  And Power.  Latter lasted longer, but neither ended well.

Clem has done a brilliant job of love-bombing the fan base.  And I'm on board.  Most of us who have been following the club for 30+ yrs are naturally cynical - because the club we love has been horribly mismanaged for most of that period, and we've punched below our true fighting weight as a result.  And I will give him a chance.  I want it to work.

But the jury is out.  Buy in from the Trust, a body I belong to and respect, is a plus.  But the proof of the pudding, as ever, will be in the eating.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Nomoreheroes on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 18:33:00
I hope that the new regime runs the club well, gives us excitement on the pitch. I hope that the club is financially stable and success is sustainable both on and off the pitch. I don't want EFL or FA rules being broken, dodgy dealing taking place or laws being broken.

I don't want people coming on here (or regular contributors) trying to polarise opinions. I understand that the vast majority of monied people in football are shady to some degree. I don't want STFC to stick out from the normal levels of behaviours associated with football clubs.

I would like to see the club grow and develop its own talent. I would like to be able to link with bigger clubs to get exciting players to supplement out team. But, I would like the main core of the team to be our own players. If we have to sell, I would like money to go back into the club to finance replacements.

Now, I've said everything I want to about the behind the scenes part of the club. The club seems to be being run more transparently than it was before. That is a positive turn of events. Long may it continue. I'm going to focus on watching football and supporting my team and not criticising people who I know nothing about.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 20:19:02
Amen to all of that NMH...in a nut shell👏👍


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Costanza on Sunday, August 15, 2021, 21:21:47
Sigh.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: JanAirplaneMan on Monday, August 16, 2021, 16:23:59
Hi All.. Update on this from the Trust. The Trust notes the intended appointment of Zavier Austin as vice-chair and director. We are grateful for his important part in bringing Clem to the club.   There have been some concerning comments about Mr Austin’s background on social media, but we have yet to meet him and do not know if they are accurate.  We are seeking clarity.  The Trust will be looking to meet Mr Austin if approved by the EFL and appointed as director and will then provide a further update.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, August 16, 2021, 16:25:18
Be a bit late then though


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Frigby Daser on Monday, August 16, 2021, 16:45:28
Hi All.. Update on this from the Trust. The Trust notes the intended appointment of Zavier Austin as vice-chair and director. We are grateful for his important part in bringing Clem to the club.   There have been some concerning comments about Mr Austin’s background on social media, but we have yet to meet him and do not know if they are accurate.  We are seeking clarity.  The Trust will be looking to meet Mr Austin if approved by the EFL and appointed as director and will then provide a further update.

Genuine question - how does the “consultative role” for the Trust work if they are told about unilaterally made decisions (including appointments of alleged money launderers/drug pushers) after the event?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: JanAirplaneMan on Monday, August 16, 2021, 16:48:59
Be a bit late then though

No not really.. The EFL process will involve an assessment of the background of Mr Austin including any criminal checks prior to a decision being made on the fit and proper test.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: donkey on Monday, August 16, 2021, 16:49:45
Clem pays, Clem decides.  All we can do is hope he is the genuine article.  For my own sanity, I've decided he is.  I need to believe something good can happen at STFC.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: bathford on Monday, August 16, 2021, 17:05:37
Clem pays, Clem decides.  All we can do is hope he is the genuine article.  For my own sanity, I've decided he is.  I need to believe something good can happen at STFC.

With you 100%


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Monday, August 16, 2021, 17:27:23
Be a bit late then though
Why?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, August 16, 2021, 17:31:27
‘The Trust will be looking to meet Mr Austin if approved by the EFL and appointed as director and will then provide a further update.’

If he’s approved and appointed what are The Trust going to do about it after the event.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Monday, August 16, 2021, 17:52:13
Hi All.. Update on this from the Trust. The Trust notes the intended appointment of Zavier Austin as vice-chair and director. We are grateful for his important part in bringing Clem to the club.   There have been some concerning comments about Mr Austin’s background on social media, but we have yet to meet him and do not know if they are accurate.  We are seeking clarity.  The Trust will be looking to meet Mr Austin if approved by the EFL and appointed as director and will then provide a further update.

A couple of genuine questions (genuinely):

Was a representative of the Trust not able to meet with Mr. Austin (Zavier) at the CG when it was known he was in attendance? Surely this was a perfect opportunity to have a discussion in the boardroom, you would think? Possible to consider in your response the strong link the Trust presently has with STFC via a recently appointed CEO.

Let's say the EFL approve the appointment of ZA. How would the Trust feel about someone appointed to a considerably high level and influential position in the club (which appears to have been without any consultation), with said background? Please consider that the club is now trying to operate as not only 'open and transparent' but also as a family friendly club. Can you see why an appointment like this might put some people off and raise concerns?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Frigby Daser on Monday, August 16, 2021, 17:59:43
Agree with the above. If this is the same man, then it just feels like more of the same, with more bucket hats and photo opps. Very confused that the club isn’t even able to confirm that it’s a different person, which should be easy to do. Yet they’re able to disclose to the entire fan base that he was beaten up in front of his family??!!


Title: Zavier Austin
Post by: wisemensay1879 on Monday, August 16, 2021, 18:43:17
Appreciate the Trust statement, but as Frigby says it should be pretty easy to find out: is this the same guy or not? If not, then it's all aboard the Morfuni Express. If yes, then I'm not sure 'we've got our club back' sadly.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Simon Pieman on Monday, August 16, 2021, 18:55:43
Are we sure it's not this guy?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xavier_Austin


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Oaksey Moonraker on Monday, August 16, 2021, 19:16:02
Think we should let the EFL processes run first before we talk about whether the Trust should set a higher bar.

I wouldn't have thought anyone like the person described in the BBC article with a money laundering conviction would get through the EFL director test. It talks about a conviction for a dishonest act...!!!


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: STFC_Manc on Monday, August 16, 2021, 19:27:12
Appreciate the Trust statement, but as Frigby says it should be pretty easy to find out: is this the same guy or not? If not, then it's all aboard the Morfuni Express. If yes, then I'm not sure 'we've got our club back' sadly.

Why on earth does the appointment of a vice chairman mean we don't have our club back? We HAVE our club back.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Monday, August 16, 2021, 19:38:19
As said previously let’s just concentrate on the football.
Yes it is the same person and yes more challenges lie ahead. The number one objective was always to overthrow Power and that objective has been met in full. Clearly the more the club can demonstrate that it intends to run it’s business in a more transparent way then we can only hope the EFL and governing bodies give us some leniency.
Yes we have previously breached rules and we can’t change the past.

The club was days from the end and only one viable and positive alternative, we have that now.

Enjoying the football once again.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Flashheart on Monday, August 16, 2021, 19:41:50
I'm not trying to join a side regarding Austin specifically. He may well have cleaned up his act (see what I did there?)

But the EFL should not be allowing people into clubs if they have convictions for money laundering.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Quagmire on Monday, August 16, 2021, 19:42:27
As said previously let’s just concentrate on the football.


Is fans concentrating only on the football and turning a blind eye to everything off the pitch not part of the reason we ended up in a mess in the first place?
I’d say the sooner things like this are out in the open, the better for the club.

We have had to much shit to “just concentrate on the football” when our possible new vice chairman could be a convicted money launderer.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Monday, August 16, 2021, 19:52:42
indeed.

zaver Austin also used to own this dissolved company

https://www.companywall.rs/firma/novi-sports-management-doo-beograd-novi-beograd/MMoV5uVY

that's not good, bad or indifferent really. just an observation.
--------

I've no reason or desire to want to piss our new owner off.

but the transparent card was played. let's see how it goes.

Banbury is right though, the choices were this or bust.. And let's be honest, the ownership in 3 weeks has been great


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Monday, August 16, 2021, 19:56:00
Is fans concentrating only on the football and turning a blind eye to everything off the pitch not part of the reason we ended up in a mess in the first place?
I’d say the sooner things like this are out in the open, the better for the club.

We have had to much shit to “just concentrate on the football” when our possible new vice chairman could be a convicted money launderer.

I get that but becoming the next Bury would have been likely.
The EFL will be aware and we can only hope that this and other issues are looked upon as the past and the future is what gets measured against.

As we know Lee Power was passed as a fit and proper owner. Equally two wrongs don’t make a right.



Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Monday, August 16, 2021, 20:00:55
indeed.

zaver Austin also used to own this dissolved company

https://www.companywall.rs/firma/novi-sports-management-doo-beograd-novi-beograd/MMoV5uVY

that's not good, bad or indifferent really. just an observation.
--------

I've no reason or desire to want to piss our new owner off.

but the transparent card was played. let's see how it goes.

Banbury is right though, the choices were this or bust.. And let's be honest, the ownership in 3 weeks has been great

Best way mate and on the field we can all but dream again.
Off the field we are soon to enter another significant battle and lots more could get dragged up.
Get through September hoping everyone is given another chance and we can all move on.



Title: Zavier Austin
Post by: wisemensay1879 on Monday, August 16, 2021, 20:04:58
I totally agree that getting rid of Power was essential. But if we have come out of the frying pan and into the fire then it won't be quite the dream that we have been sold.

I certainly get the impression from the Trust statement and what was said on the Monday Night Panel that this has come to them as a surprise, but I could be wrong. If it has, that in and of itself should be a red flag. Austin was in the court documents (https://www.casemine.com/judgement/uk/5ec564d92c94e079ae125608) and has clearly been involved for some time. The Trust have given the impression that they have carried out exhaustive checks during the takeover, but if they have missed this, and bear in mind Austin is due to be Morfuni's man in the UK if the press release is to be believed, then what else have they missed?

Something I found strange was how Able were always referred to as 'The Mysterious Able', but what was so mysterious about them, other than they clearly didn't want to engage with the Trust? William Keravuori is a real person, and related to the owners of the Boston Celtics. Do we think Power just made it up? They seemingly bothered to create a vehicle (AC Sports Wiltshire LLC) for the takeover. What if Power's last act, in lining his own pockets, would have been to deliver us into the hands of reputable mega-rich owners?

The Trust have appointed themselves as arbiters on all this, and I fully commend them and appreciate the mass of work that they must have done. But if they have missed something and sold us a dud it would be hard to come back from.

To be clear, I hate this negativity, but as someone else said, the 'he saved the club' approach to Power by so many for so long was what helped to drive us onto the rocks.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Crackity Jones on Monday, August 16, 2021, 20:07:04
Is fans concentrating only on the football and turning a blind eye to everything off the pitch not part of the reason we ended up in a mess in the first place?
I’d say the sooner things like this are out in the open, the better for the club.

We have had to much shit to “just concentrate on the football” when our possible new vice chairman could be a convicted money launderer.
I agree with this. Also with the point that FH made - the efl need to do their job with a stringent owners and Directors test. I am done with having Owners/Directors with a shady past at my club.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Boeta on Monday, August 16, 2021, 20:37:10
Clem and Zavi are Jed and co on steroids. Talk a better talk and more likely to have some money behind them so hope they walk a better walk.

I hope it works out.

What worries me is that the Trust have become entangled with them in their efforts to get Power out. How do they now stand aside and assert proper independence (given they own no shares) on behalf of the fans?..


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Monday, August 16, 2021, 21:33:22
I totally agree that getting rid of Power was essential. But if we have come out of the frying pan and into the fire then it won't be quite the dream that we have been sold.

I certainly get the impression from the Trust statement and what was said on the Monday Night Panel that this has come to them as a surprise, but I could be wrong. If it has, that in and of itself should be a red flag. Austin was in the court documents (https://www.casemine.com/judgement/uk/5ec564d92c94e079ae125608) and has clearly been involved for some time. The Trust have given the impression that they have carried out exhaustive checks during the takeover, but if they have missed this, and bear in mind Austin is due to be Morfuni's man in the UK if the press release is to be believed, then what else have they missed?

Something I found strange was how Able were always referred to as 'The Mysterious Able', but what was so mysterious about them, other than they clearly didn't want to engage with the Trust? William Keravuori is a real person, and related to the owners of the Boston Celtics. Do we think Power just made it up? They seemingly bothered to create a vehicle (AC Sports Wiltshire LLC) for the takeover. What if Power's last act, in lining his own pockets, would have been to deliver us into the hands of reputable mega-rich owners?

The Trust have appointed themselves as arbiters on all this, and I fully commend them and appreciate the mass of work that they must have done. But if they have missed something and sold us a dud it would be hard to come back from.

To be clear, I hate this negativity, but as someone else said, the 'he saved the club' approach to Power by so many for so long was what helped to drive us onto the rocks.

You are now distorting the fundamentals around the Able deal.
Power was openly touting to agents and direct to people in the game that he would be the silent partner in the Able set up. Equally serious proof of funds never materialised.

You would be better off dropping this and yes I don’t think the Trust know half of it and if they did they would be better off keeping the lid on the complete saga.

Power is gone and we didn’t become another Bury.
Hoping the last Court case we get some leniency and we can all move on together as one.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Flashheart on Monday, August 16, 2021, 21:55:50
Signs up and does nothing but bang on about Austin despite all the excitement around the club.

Then tries to legitimize ABLE and leaves in a strop when not everybody's completely on board.

There's nowt wrong with challenging Austin - it should be done. But there are better ways of going about it.


Title: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Monday, August 16, 2021, 22:18:53
able could easily have come forward if they were genuine

yeah keravouri is real. a developer. but absolutely no intent shown.. they power wanted them is a burger red flag than Austin.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Flashheart on Monday, August 16, 2021, 22:21:43
they power wanted them is a burger red flag than Austin.

Well, Power has told a few whoppers...


Title: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Monday, August 16, 2021, 22:28:29
Quote
Signs up and does nothing but bang on about Austin despite all the excitement around the club.

Then tries to legitimize ABLE and leaves in a strop when not everybody's completely on board.

There's nowt wrong with challenging Austin - it should be done. But there are better ways of going about it.
agenda much...(not you FH, mystery poster...).


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Monday, August 16, 2021, 22:28:46
Quote from: Flashheart
Quote
they power wanted them is a burger red flag than Austin.
Well, Power has told a few whoppers...

doh


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: theakston2k on Monday, August 16, 2021, 23:10:44
My only real concern is that the Trust were making out that it was just Clem taking on the club but in reality it appears to be him and a couple of others. Hopefully they knew the names involved all along but were just keeping the names out of the public domain for whatever reason.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: RobertT on Monday, August 16, 2021, 23:27:00
My only real concern is that the Trust were making out that it was just Clem taking on the club but in reality it appears to be him and a couple of others. Hopefully they knew the names involved all along but were just keeping the names out of the public domain for whatever reason.

Not quite - the new guy doesn't own any shares in the business and is filling a Director level role on the Board, unless I missed something.  No different to employing a Finance Director or Chief Exec, who I presume would trump a Vice Chair anyway and have more direct day to day influence on the business/club.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Monday, August 16, 2021, 23:33:29
I now really want a "Red Flag" burger :) Maybe it can be Town's new "flagship" burger ;)

Also can't wait for the Coca-Cola merchants to appear outside the County Ground too!

In other news, I'm half expecting Don Logan to turn up at some point. Also, Lee Power has always reminded me of Tony Tucker (or Terry Stone)  :hmmm:


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:03:22

Yes it is the same person and yes more challenges lie ahead.


So the Zavier Austin that was found guilty for money laundering is the same guy that we are asking the EFL for ratification for becoming our Vice-Chairman?

I don't know the rules that the EFL use to verify whether he is fit and able but surely given his previous he's not going to pass that test is he?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:11:19
indeed.

zaver Austin also used to own this dissolved company

https://www.companywall.rs/firma/novi-sports-management-doo-beograd-novi-beograd/MMoV5uVY

that's not good, bad or indifferent really. just an observation.
--------

I've no reason or desire to want to piss our new owner off.

but the transparent card was played. let's see how it goes.

Banbury is right though, the choices were this or bust.. And let's be honest, the ownership in 3 weeks has been great

Wasn't there another director that had an Eastern European name in the Power regime? Would he also have been potentially involved in this - i'm making a bit of a leap here so apologies if I am way off.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:19:00
So the Zavier Austin that was found guilty for money laundering is the same guy that we are asking the EFL for ratification for becoming our Vice-Chairman?

I don't know the rules that the EFL use to verify whether he is fit and able but surely given his previous he's not going to pass that test is he?

It’s a lot deeper than this.
Plenty of people remain in the game with a chequered past but given a chance.
Football is corrupt at many levels and Swindon are not the only club with history. We’re just not very good at it.

We were days away from the next Bury, we all know that we have one more massive hurdle but the positivity around the club right now is infectious and we all need closure.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:21:26
My only real concern is that the Trust were making out that it was just Clem taking on the club but in reality it appears to be him and a couple of others. Hopefully they knew the names involved all along but were just keeping the names out of the public domain for whatever reason.

The trust are merely the tail in all of this, not the dog.
Difficult positioning without doubt for them but they have to follow the road now, no other choices.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:22:33
Wasn't there another director that had an Eastern European name in the Power regime? Would he also have been potentially involved in this - i'm making a bit of a leap here so apologies if I am way off.

Power had many associates, some known and some not.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:43:12
Wasn't there another director that had an Eastern European name in the Power regime? Would he also have been potentially involved in this - i'm making a bit of a leap here so apologies if I am way off.

Veljko Jovanovic https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/13585526.town-appoint-three-new-non-executive-directors/

who according to Companies house is a) Montenegrin and b) the sole director of Wiltshire Automotive Services Ltd established in July 2020, registered office TCG, with no other paperwork served to date.

My only real concern is that the Trust were making out that it was just Clem taking on the club but in reality it appears to be him and a couple of others. Hopefully they knew the names involved all along but were just keeping the names out of the public domain for whatever reason.

If Austin is one, who is the other involved to make it Clem and a couple of others?


Title: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:44:40
Quote
Wasn't there another director that had an Eastern European name in the Power regime? Would he also have been potentially involved in this - i'm making a bit of a leap here so apologies if I am way off.
veljko?

***from when Power was in charge: Not Now***

Non-Executive Directors: Veljko Jovanovic, Roger Terrell, Ben Gristwood.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:45:54
veljko?

Non-Executive Directors: Veljko Jovanovic, Roger Terrell, Ben Gristwood.

Terrell is powers lawyer isn't he?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: tans on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:49:46
Gristwood is the Platinum Security bloke aka Dolph i think


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:58:48
Veljko Jovanovic https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/13585526.town-appoint-three-new-non-executive-directors/

who according to Companies house is a) Montenegrin and b) the sole director of Wiltshire Automotive Services Ltd established in July 2020, registered office TCG, with no other paperwork served to date.

If Austin is one, who is the other involved to make it Clem and a couple of others?

That's the fella.


Title: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:58:57
just to point out, that was from when power was in charge.

not now.

sorry for the confusion

currently we have https://www.swindontownfc.co.uk/club/whos-who/:

Boardroom
Honorary President: Mike Spearman

Chairman: Clem Morfuni

Directors:

Non-Executive Directors:


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 08:59:13
So the Zavier Austin that was found guilty for money laundering is the same guy that we are asking the EFL for ratification for becoming our Vice-Chairman?

I don't know the rules that the EFL use to verify whether he is fit and able but surely given his previous he's not going to pass that test is he?
But if he was already ratified when he was appointed as a director under Power, why does he need ratifying again?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:02:14
But if he was already ratified when he was appointed as a director under Power, why does he need ratifying again?

Do non exec directors need vetting, is he going to be on the payroll this time?

Or as has been hinted in this thread which seems to be descending faster and faster into a game of of ITK charades, has he got cash in the club?


Title: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:02:35
Quote
If Austin is one, who is the other involved to make it Clem and a couple of others?
if we are making guess, Standing?

After all he may have owned 50% of the club

everything is guesswork. hopefully the new honest transparent club will tell it as it is. Even if it's a story that may make us uneasy

(no, I don't know anything.)


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:03:42
But if he was already ratified when he was appointed as a director under Power, why does he need ratifying again?

They were non-exec which doesn't require the ratification I don't believe.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/13585526.town-appoint-three-new-non-executive-directors/


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: ThreeDrawsMentality on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:04:24
The latest Al Jazeera investigates piece into football club ownership highlighted how little the EFL do to prevent those with criminal pasts from being part of clubs, albeit some of these are not transparent and are hidden behind webs of shell companies rather than our chairman putting a public statement out.

Link below for those interested as it is a fascinating, yet bleak piece to watch.

https://youtu.be/ldgTCXpDEgk


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:06:32
Quote from: horlock07
Terrell is powers lawyer isn't he?

doubtful after the court hearing that have Clem the club!!


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:07:59
They were non-exec which doesn't require the ratification I don't believe.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/13585526.town-appoint-three-new-non-executive-directors/
Well, they certainly put the ‘rat’ in ratification!


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:08:25
if we are making guess, Standing?

After all he may have owned 50% of the club

everything is guesswork. hopefully the new honest transparent club will tell it as it is. Even if it's a story that may make us uneasy

(no, I don't know anything.)

Oh come on try harder, you have got to be incredibly opaque but make sure we know that you know something (or at least think you do) but sure as dammit you aren't going to tell us......


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:09:34
doubtful after the court hearing that have Clem the club!!

Who knows, as I have noted before after the pre-emption I wonder a) how much of the legal work for Power on recent cases have been done FoC and b) what claims may be forthcoming against PI insurances.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:12:37
Quote from: horlock07
Oh come on try harder, you have got to be incredibly opaque but make sure we know that you know something (or at least think you do) but sure as dammit you aren't going to tell us......

by the Ides Of March, the prime aggressor will be on a score and five. Beware of the manatee from the land of the confectioner.

;)


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:13:33
by the Ides Of March, the prime aggressor will be on a score and five. Beware of the manatee from the land of the confectioner.

;)

Beware the Jabberwock  :)


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:16:02
by the Ides Of March, the prime aggressor will be on a score and five. Beware of the manatee from the land of the confectioner.

;)

That's better!


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:21:01
Hi All.. Update on this from the Trust. The Trust notes the intended appointment of Zavier Austin as vice-chair and director. We are grateful for his important part in bringing Clem to the club.   There have been some concerning comments about Mr Austin’s background on social media, but we have yet to meet him and do not know if they are accurate.  We are seeking clarity.  The Trust will be looking to meet Mr Austin if approved by the EFL and appointed as director and will then provide a further update.

Appreciate all the Trust do, but....

Why does all this have to wait until you meet him (and why does this have to wait until after the EFL have completed their box ticking), the Trust have the ear of Clem a quick phone call to Clem would confirm whether the guy is the same guy with the convictions?

Its at least vaguely concerning that for the last week or two we have been told what Clem has been eating for tea every day, but on something as big a this radio silence seems to have reappeared?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:23:55
Appreciate all the Trust do, but....

Why does all this have to wait until you meet him (and why does this have to wait until after the EFL have completed their box ticking), the Trust have the ear of Clem a quick phone call to Clem would confirm whether the guy is the same guy with the convictions?

Its at least vaguely concerning that for the last week or two we have been told what Clem has been eating for tea every day, but on something as big a this radio silence seems to have reappeared?
It's been one working day since the announcement. I think you need to give them a break tbh. They have done what people have asked and asked the question and will be having a meeting, the fact that it hasn't happened in your preferred time frame isn't their fault.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 09:54:57
The latest Al Jazeera investigates piece into football club ownership highlighted how little the EFL do to prevent those with criminal pasts from being part of clubs, albeit some of these are not transparent and are hidden behind webs of shell companies rather than our chairman putting a public statement out.

Link below for those interested as it is a fascinating, yet bleak piece to watch.

https://youtu.be/ldgTCXpDEgk

I watched the arse end of that the other day and what I did see wasn’t very comforting for football as a whole. I never said anything here because as I said I only caught the tail end of it.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Moss on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 10:49:41
Appreciate all the Trust do, but....

Why does all this have to wait until you meet him (and why does this have to wait until after the EFL have completed their box ticking), the Trust have the ear of Clem a quick phone call to Clem would confirm whether the guy is the same guy with the convictions?

Its at least vaguely concerning that for the last week or two we have been told what Clem has been eating for tea every day, but on something as big a this radio silence seems to have reappeared?

It's a spent conviction right? Doesn't everyone has the right to move on from their past?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 10:52:06
Being duffed up on your doorstep suggests he’s done something to mightily piss someone off.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 10:57:03
Being duffed up on your doorstep suggests he’s done something to mightily piss someone off.

Innocent people also get 'duffed up', and 'pissing somebody off' in this case may well have been helping Clem to get the club which would make the attacker the sole person in the wrong.

I'm not saying that Austin is innocent, he doesn't sound like the 'innocent' type, but being 'duffed up' is not a valid reason to be critical of him.

The money laundering is another matter altogether. I suppose a lot depends on what he's being doing since. It's not exactly impossible that he would have gone straight since but I have my doubts. Regardless, being part of a football club could be rather convenient for somebody who has money to be cleaned.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 10:58:02
It's a spent conviction right? Doesn't everyone has the right to move on from their past?

If you’re married you should know the answer to that.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: theakston2k on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:07:27
It's a spent conviction right? Doesn't everyone has the right to move on from their past?
I just don't think it can be ignored if someone is going to be involved in football club ownership. Football clubs are the ideal vehicle for laundering money, I wouldn't be surprised if stuff comes out relating to laundering money during during Power's time at the club as there have been plenty of rumours. Personally I think any conviction relating to laundering, embezzlement of money or similar should instantly disqualify an individual from passing the fit and proper persons test.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:11:29
Innocent people also get 'duffed up', and 'pissing somebody off' in this case may well have been helping Clem to get the club which would make the attacker the sole person in the wrong.

I'm not saying that Austin is innocent, he doesn't sound like the 'innocent' type, but being 'duffed up' is not a valid reason to be critical of him.

The money laundering is another matter altogether. I suppose a lot depends on what he's being doing since. It's not exactly impossible that he would have gone straight since but I have my doubts. Regardless, being part of a football club could be rather convenient for somebody who has money to be cleaned.
You’re right. I’m just presuming he hasn’t just been randomly duffed up - especially at home. It may not even be related to the club takeover. Which in a way makes it even more worrying.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:15:43
You’re right. I’m just presuming he hasn’t just been randomly duffed up - especially at home. It may not even be related to the club takeover. Which in a way makes it even more worrying.

For the club to have noted it specifically within the statement I would be amazed if the suspicion at least is that its related to the club, perhaps a public shot across the bows regarding knowing what has been done and by whom....


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:24:32
He used to be associated with the club via Power.

Then he introduced Clem to the club.

Then he disappeared for a bit

Then the club changed to Clems hands, and Clem bigged him up.

Then the attach is mentioned in a public PR.


2+2=5, possibly.... but ....


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:42:14
For the club to have noted it specifically within the statement I would be amazed if the suspicion at least is that its related to the club, perhaps a public shot across the bows regarding knowing what has been done and by whom....
That was my first thought - Power’s heavies delivering payback - which, tbh, was the only possible explanation for it being mentioned in that press release. Without that nobody would have known about the attack - it’s certainly not on t’internet.

Which begs another question. Why not? Almost every attack that requires hospital treatment is picked up by the local press. As I well know.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: theakston2k on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:44:17
He used to have Twitter but his account is suspended so you can’t see any of his old tweets to get an idea of his character but looking at some of the conversations he’s involved in he does sound a bit controversial…


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:46:03
Which account was that


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Moss on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:47:16
I just don't think it can be ignored if someone is going to be involved in football club ownership. Football clubs are the ideal vehicle for laundering money, I wouldn't be surprised if stuff comes out relating to laundering money during during Power's time at the club as there have been plenty of rumours. Personally I think any conviction relating to laundering, embezzlement of money or similar should instantly disqualify an individual from passing the fit and proper persons test.

But the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act suggests those with spent convictions do not need to declare them. Arguably it's not the individuals that make the system rife for money laundering, it's the governance and culture of the organisation/sector. TBH the amount of laundering that can go in league 2 is a drop in the ocean compared to the world of £150m transfers.

Someone getting caught once for an unrelated offence doesn't mean they are the bad apple in the barrel.

I'm sure many of us have history's we would not want speculated on an Internet forum. And, we can't change it anyway.  


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: theakston2k on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:49:45
Which account was that
@zavieraustin   It's definitely him as adver used a photo from it in an stfc story in 2015.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 11:53:55
But the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act suggests those with spent convictions do not need to declare them. Arguably it's not the individuals that make the system rife for money laundering, it's the governance and culture of the organisation/sector. TBH the amount of laundering that can go in league 2 is a drop in the ocean compared to the world of £150m transfers.

Someone getting caught once for an unrelated offence doesn't mean they are the bad apple in the barrel.

I'm sure many of us have history's we would not want speculated on an Internet forum. And, we can't change it anyway.  
That’s ridiculous. That’s saying ‘I had to do it, Guv. It was just too easy. It’s not my fault’. People have choices.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 12:12:53
That’s ridiculous. That’s saying ‘I had to do it, Guv. It was just too easy. It’s not my fault’. People have choices.
I personally think that a person who has been convicted once over 15 years ago for something has as much right as a second chance as anyone else. If there is a list as long as your arm then yes i agree but unless i am wrong it's one offence isn't it? Are you saying that he should still be hudged 16 years later for it


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 12:17:45
That is in no way me excusing him by the way i still think we need answers and would like to see them asked and explained in an open way. My fear is that no matter what the answer it's not going to be good enough for some people


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: RobertT on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 12:20:47
I personally think that a person who has been convicted once over 15 years ago for something has as much right as a second chance as anyone else. If there is a list as long as your arm then yes i agree but unless i am wrong it's one offence isn't it? Are you saying that he should still be hudged 16 years later for it

Convicted once but it's a pretty serious first offence if that is the case.  I doubt very much you just apply for the job of drug trafficker and money launderer straight from GCSE's.

Personally, if the EFL clear him and he and Clem front up about his less than stellar past, alongside a why we think he is good for the club ( maybe laying on the reformed character bit) then that should be enough for now.  As I said, he doesn't own any of the club officially for now and Rob Angus has the wheel.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 12:24:39
Quote from: RobertT
Personally, if the EFL clear him and he and Clem front up about his less than stellar past, alongside a why we think he is good for the club ( maybe laying on the reformed character bit) then that should be enough for now.  As I said, he doesn't own any of the club officially for now and Rob Angus has the wheel.

agree with that


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 12:26:45
Personally, I think it’s all about what direction a person takes after any conviction. If, in the intervening years, he’s been shown to have lived a more ‘average’ lifestyle, then yes. But to still be on the fringes of past behaviour then, no.

We all know lower league clubs, especially, are a perfect vehicle for money laundering so I’d say someone with a past conviction for such should not be touched with a barge pole.

The problem with the EFL governance is that they have to be fairly lax on their fit and proper tests cos, in a lot of cases, it’s only the shady geezers that want to get involved with a football club. If the choice for us was a warts and all Clem or nobody at all  . . .


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 12:33:48
Convicted once but it's a pretty serious first offence if that is the case.  I doubt very much you just apply for the job of drug trafficker and money launderer straight from GCSE's.

Personally, if the EFL clear him and he and Clem front up about his less than stellar past, alongside a why we think he is good for the club ( maybe laying on the reformed character bit) then that should be enough for now.  As I said, he doesn't own any of the club officially for now and Rob Angus has the wheel.
It is a very very weird crime to be honest. When you look at what he was doing he was the one picking up and collecting the money. There are 16 year olds in Swindon doing exactly the same thing now to be honest sop it is one of the first things most youngsters will do but the amounts involved here are what the biggest issue is for me. Like yopu say it'll be good of them to address it


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 12:50:08
@zavieraustin   It's definitely him as adver used a photo from it in an stfc story in 2015.

Very hard to judge without seeing his tweets but it seemed like he was defending Ched Evans re his rape conviction and then got in a bit of a discussion with a lady which looked to be a bit derogatory/mysogonistic. This was in 2015 so a fairly long time ago.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: theakston2k on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 12:59:14
Very hard to judge without seeing his tweets but it seemed like he was defending Ched Evans re his rape conviction and then got in a bit of a discussion with a lady which looked to be a bit derogatory/mysogonistic. This was in 2015 so a fairly long time ago.
Can only guess it escalated to get himself suspended, all guesswork but so far all the available info doesn’t paint a great picture but hopefully it all gets swiftly addressed.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 13:14:35
All we need to know - or more likely the EFL - is the answer to 2 questions.

1. What have you been doing since the conviction

and

2. How have you earned a living during the same time?


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: BambooToTheFuture on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 14:45:16
I don't like it one bit but I won't be commenting any further on this now.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Flashheart on Thursday, August 26, 2021, 10:37:09
This has all gone rather quiet...


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Thursday, August 26, 2021, 10:41:45
This has all gone rather quiet...
They will be addressing it for sure. They just want to get everything else sorted that needs sorting still behind the scenes and getting the sponsors etc all on board


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Thursday, August 26, 2021, 10:43:39
This has all gone rather quiet...

Yes, so has WiseManSay1879. Interestingly if you click on his username nothing happens, click on anyone less username however….🤔🤔🤔


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Thursday, August 26, 2021, 11:00:19
he's deleted his account


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: 4D on Thursday, August 26, 2021, 11:08:09
Wise men stay.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: TheDukeOfBanbury on Thursday, August 26, 2021, 11:18:11
This has all gone rather quiet...

Needs to stay that way before the pending Court Case.
Club have done everything right to demonstrate that it has and is getting its own house in order post Power.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Thursday, August 26, 2021, 11:23:46
he's deleted his account

Shit stirrer then.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: tans on Thursday, August 26, 2021, 11:34:19
Interesting tweet from Matt Slater from the Athletic yesterday, in response to the Trust signing the MOU with the club

Quote
This is good news, particularly as it comes at a time when people who I can only assume are close to the old regime are anonymously passing on negative stories about the new regime. It might be the beautiful game but it’s a cut-throat business.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Batch on Thursday, August 26, 2021, 11:41:37
yeah. came, stirred the pot. dropped the mike.

I do think it being highlighted has given something to keep an eye on.

But I'm sure the purpose was to shit stir and disrupt at the time of season ticket sales and good vibes.


Title: Re: Zavier Austin
Post by: Red Frog on Thursday, August 26, 2021, 12:32:42
Wise men stay.

 :clap: Good work that man.