New beginnings - 25% Truth, 80% Bollocks

[theakston2k]

Good old Zav - see his efforts are likely to pay dividends (and probably a whole host of fees associated with obtaining Visa's etc):

https://footballpakistan.com/2023/06/pakistani-footballers-to-get-uk-scholarships/

Seeing that some people pay £50k+ to be smuggled in I dread to imagine what people would pay for a ‘legitimate’ visa.

[RobertT]

It was always clear what the game was with the Pakistan link-up, especially when it became clear the team did not exist.  There is anther article in March, on the same site, describing the set-up from a local Coach point of view.  Essentially, they created a brand new team specifically for this purpose (not a team that was bothered with competing in a league), the link up with STFC provides the legitimate sponsor and the education scholarships provide the way in.  Locals get some better facilities and coaching, so good for them, but ultimately our involvement is necessary to make the scheme financially viable I assume.

[Audrey]

It was always clear what the game was with the Pakistan link-up, especially when it became clear the team did not exist.  There is anther article in March, on the same site, describing the set-up from a local Coach point of view.  Essentially, they created a brand new team specifically for this purpose (not a team that was bothered with competing in a league), the link up with STFC provides the legitimate sponsor and the education scholarships provide the way in.  Locals get some better facilities and coaching, so good for them, but ultimately our involvement is necessary to make the scheme financially viable I assume.

Will the government’s brilliant initiative on curbing immigration not have a bearing on this?

[Nemo]

Will the government’s brilliant initiative on curbing immigration not have a bearing on this?

Perhaps STFC can solve a few of Rishi's many problems and agree to hold our entirely above board talent trials in Rwanda?

[RobertT]

Will the government’s brilliant initiative on curbing immigration not have a bearing on this?

Not likely, this is all above board skills based and education based immigration with a Country within the old Empire.  Even if it does, it will simply enhance the premium people will pay to get their family sponsored over.

[RWB Robin]

Not likely, this is all above board skills based and education based immigration with a Country within the old Empire.  Even if it does, it will simply enhance the premium people will pay to get their family sponsored over.

When this was first mooted, I asked why it was not being done in co-ordination with the Community Foundation, which already has an excellent partnership in Livingston, Zambia. I wrote to all levels of the club, but received no reply or acknowledgement at all. Enuff said.

[stfcjack]

So fed up with everything STFC to be honest. Have been going near enough my whole life and will most probably continue to do so for the rest of it. That being said my interest is at an all time low. Problem after problem, shite after shite. The club really needs someone to grab it by the balls and sort it out once and for all. As pointed out by many people the potential is enormous at the club, it just needs the right people behind the scenes to get it moving. We thought we had it under Black/Fitton but in true Swindon style it came crashing down.

I don't see any way that January isn't a disaster. Either Clem is looking for cash before he sells or he's looking for cash into the club regardless. That most probably entails that Kahn will be sold, perhaps Hutton as well. Young to return, but that's a given anyway. Supposedly there is a deal to be done for Kemp, MK owe us money for Twine, so does Clem use that as part of a bid for Kemp or receive the money in for Twine? Think i know which one i'm leaning towards.

[lambourn red]

This is the way that I feel about it we have never really recovered from the Black era and have continually gone backwards since . I feel that the current situation will not end well and the sooner they sell up the better but until that happens you cant see things improving anytime soon.

[Crozzer]

This is the way that I feel about it we have never really recovered from the Black era and have continually gone backwards since . I feel that the current situation will not end well and the sooner they sell up the better but until that happens you cant see things improving anytime soon.

Totally agree, why claim massive investment, while not investing sufficiently on the pitch ensuring no progress and dwindling revenue.  Hoping that the sale is well under way.  From the last interview with Clem, his ownership has become a chore.

[TheDukeOfBanbury]

So fed up with everything STFC to be honest. Have been going near enough my whole life and will most probably continue to do so for the rest of it. That being said my interest is at an all time low. Problem after problem, shite after shite. The club really needs someone to grab it by the balls and sort it out once and for all. As pointed out by many people the potential is enormous at the club, it just needs the right people behind the scenes to get it moving. We thought we had it under Black/Fitton but in true Swindon style it came crashing down.

I don't see any way that January isn't a disaster. Either Clem is looking for cash before he sells or he's looking for cash into the club regardless. That most probably entails that Kahn will be sold, perhaps Hutton as well. Young to return, but that's a given anyway. Supposedly there is a deal to be done for Kemp, MK owe us money for Twine, so does Clem use that as part of a bid for Kemp or receive the money in for Twine? Think i know which one i'm leaning towards.

With you here.
It means a lot to me and why it hurts.

It’s been far too long to be owned by shysters.

[Crozzer]

With you here.
It means a lot to me and why it hurts.

It’s been far too long to be owned by shysters.

I think that Anthony Hall put the final nail in the coffin of supporters backing the owner, don't let the door hit your arse on the way out.

[joeydubya]

People have been so distracted thinking about Lee Power, Michael Standing, Zav Austin, Chris Kiely etc...

This man is a pure distillation of how the chairman thinks and operates, as exemplified by the doubling down of such in the AB notes.

Not something a guy who takes a loose passing interest in Arsenal from a distance thinks up in isolation.

[theakston2k]

People have been so distracted thinking about Lee Power, Michael Standing, Zav Austin, Chris Kiely etc...

This man is a pure distillation of how the chairman thinks and operates, as exemplified by the doubling down of such in the AB notes.

Not something a guy who takes a loose passing interest in Arsenal from a distance thinks up in isolation.

That’s a good point to be fair. This is the first time we’ve encountered a Morfuni man from the real world so is a reflection of the man himself. With his sweary interviews and seeing one his go to people in action we’ve seen the real Morfuni and it isn’t pretty.

[Mooneyraker]

That’s a good point to be fair. This is the first time we’ve encountered a Morfuni man from the real world so is a reflection of the man himself. With his sweary interviews and seeing one his go to people in action we’ve seen the real Morfuni and it isn’t pretty.

Correct. It was a very slick PR campaign from the get go, super-powered by the Trust. Amazing/terrifying that people were blinded by a bucket hat, pulling pints and, most shamefully, embracing Don Rogers, when the man’s first act was to attempt to install a convicted drugs money launderer as his right hand man who would be running the club in his absence. Axis never passed the sniff test either. It was maddening to be in the minority frantically pointing out the clear red flags. I totally get that people were ready for “Anyone but Power” but the Trust absolutely failed everyone by flogging the Morfuni regime and pretending that he was, in dear old Zav’s words, “the Messiah” and hysterically screaming “we’ve got our club back” at every opportunity. I can’t think of a time where I’ve felt further from the club than now.

The question is, what can we do about it?

[The Million Pound Man]

I'd love to see the due diligence that was claimed to have been done on Morfuni.

The man said he was willing to buy the club for 7m, got it for 200k and has plead poverty in the name of sustainability ever since.