Rocker268

I agree strachan would probably be one of my top choices, but I think KK would have a wider impact on neutrals

Nice apology as gingeletiss said it takes guts. hopefully everyone can now be united so we can rebuild and re-establish this clubs rightful place, ahead of the blue few!

I think it could be Keegan, or someone more at this sort of level, Tisdale, Dowie etc

Brilliant news hopefully it won't be another false start. I agree they should concentrate on the football but the Echo has become a complete shambles in the last few weeks (even more than it was) and needs something to bring it back into line. so maybe this could be it

This was posted yesterday evening just before 10pm Originally Posted by Channon's Sideburns Farmer...you're closer than most to the action....any chance you could ask TL his thoughts in putting forward Mr Fialka to the cameras yesterday? I'm intrigued....seriously. Didn't quite fit the earlier descriptions mentioned did it? Quote: Originally Posted by trousers Hi Farmer, Grateful if you could clarify this one for me.... Are the 'group of rich people' that Mickey Fialka is associated with a contractually bound 'consortium' that have specifically joined together (formally) to jointly bid for Southampton Football Club OR are they an informal group of business associates that the likes of Lynam and Le Tissier would call upon for financing on a case-by-case basis. i.e. they have not contracturally joined together as an official 'consortium' to buy SFC ? I believe you or Tony Lynam could answer that one at a high (not detailed) level, and thus not break any NDAs, to put minds at rest. Thank you Response to the questions above: From Tony Lynam, 9:31pm 26.06.09 Spencer Thank you for your e-mail, and I will happily answer the questions posed as I fully appreciate that the continued uncertainty causes nothing but concern, least of all for the staff and players at the Club, and of course to the fans. Firstly I want to address the wholly inaccurate portrayal of Michael Fialka. I have been in meetings back to back today, and therefore have not been privy to any additional media or press coverage, though my understanding from the BBC is that they had properly researched Michaels credentials, and were going to ensure that an accurate description was put in the public domain. This mornings "sensational" headlines were quite astonishing, and you can imagine my shock and surprise at what was said about Michael. This created an incredibly embarrassing position to explain - and Michael and the Administrator have spoken of their shock about this. Michael spoke with a senior member of staff at the Daily Echo and I understand that he made his position clear, including some true facts and not speculation. In making his name known yesterday, of his own choosing, Michael clearly hoped that this would help strengthen his position and the on-going discussions with the League, who obviously had his name as part of the fit and proper persons test procedures. What was subsequently (incorrectly and ill informed) said done damage to the hopes and desire of both the consortium/administrator in completing the deal, and added to the very real worries of the staff. The BBC will, or have, put the actual true position across to repair that damage. And I am pleased to say that despite this embarrassing episode, Michael and his colleagues remain determined to completing the deal that everyone wants signed. For the avoidance of any doubt, Michael and his colleagues chose NOT to seek publicity - they don't need it, and for this reason, their identity was specifically kept confidential at their request. The sticking point (obstacle) with the League led them to decide it was time to speak out. So for anyone who has any doubts, if he wished to be involved with this transaction for any other reason than buying the Club, he would have sought to attract the limelight for the past 2 months. It is plain to see that this is simply not the case. In direct answer to your question, there is a formal relationship between Michael and his colleagues for the purchase, funding and development of Southampton Football Club, which they remain committed to achieving. Let me also make clear that Michael will be the legal owner of the Club, and thus be responsible for the financial arrangements and commitments being made. Without jeopardising a signed confidentiality agreement with my client (the "Consortium"), Michael has committed to the purchase of the Club and only yesterday publicly stated that there will be funds available to rebuild the Club, and the prospects of pushing for promotion in the long term to try regain stability on and off the pitch. The Administrator today also confirmed that the issue causing delay in completing the purchase is an issue which only came to light very late in the day with the Football League, an issue which we had no prior notification of. Finally, on a personal note, I can only apologise to everyone concerned that despite relentless effort to resolve this issue, the situation is still on-going, thus putting the considerable time, money and effort that has already been spent by a number of people at risk. I remain instructed to continue to work at resolving the problem, and whilst continued uncertainty does not ease concern, continued commitment by our clients/legal representatives should demonstrate the passion and belief that this is something that can be overcome. I assume that any other interested party will be having the same issues facing them, and I therefore dearly hope that this deal can be completed as quickly as possible, for the fans, the staff and for the Club itself. Best wishes Tony Lynam

I didn't realise there was one last night, at the moment although I am grateful for the updates I think it would be best if we hear nothing until a takeover is done

I reckon the idea of MLT is a good one, probably not as chairman but as Director of football or a football advisor I think it would be a good move, his prospective targets such as KK show he has vision in this sort of role

I will go for A, preferably someone with the club at heart and the same sort of drive as pinnacle promised, for the prem in 5 years, with the investment to meet it

Orginally the FL gave them the right of appeal and then late last week they changed their minds and gave them a new contract, which is what has led to the delay. Before that Pinnacle were ready to sign last friday and we would be speculating on who was the next player to come in instead today

I think this deserves a new thread all the others are negative, and I share the sentiment, we must be positive, we will not know the hard facts until the takeover is completed, and I have the feeling today is going to be the day that we get answers! I am looking forward to finding out who the new manager will be for one thing

i agree, this was a very good idea....

For those who have access to Sky Sports News and have not yet seen the interview it is on just past the hour and I would recommend watching it, because it has helped to calm my nerves. As I have said before I would rather follow Saints struggling, but earning their place than being an arab or russian billionaires plaything who only wants success to show off to their friends. I am still trying to remain positive, but with everything dragging on I am starting to lose hope and will soon pass the point of caring, hopefully everything will be done tomorrow and a new manager can be brought in, that may still be KK, which will cause a resurge of optomisim and once we can concentrate on the football again without backroom politics hanging over us we will enjoy it again and be able to get fully behind the team!

I think we all got our hopes up with the names being suggested as to the backer and raised expectations, the little information behind him suggests that he isn't one to draw attention to himself which fits the secrecy, tbh I am feeling a little let down BUT we now know who is behind it all, Nothing has changed at all in the last few hours all we have done is replaced a question mark with a face, MLT is still involved and the enthusiasm, expectations drive of pinnacle is still there. Once this is all sorted and a new manager is in place I think enthusiasm will return. I personally feel that if he is happy to reveal himself he is confident that this will all be sorted very soon! Keep the faith for just a few more days

I'm glad someone else shares my frustration at people fixating on the 10 points, it is not about that it isn't even the moral rights, there are other cluases in there which pinnacle are fighting over like the right to appeal, if not the FL could do what they want to us

I think it has already been stated that when we get bought thhey will announce who it is, then again i may be wrong

the fl things were originally agreed, but the fl then changed it last week which is why its dragging on so long, i don't think its ruined the players have only been back a few days and training, its not the best start but not a disaster

Pinnacle

I don't think anyone on here knows much more than they are saying and if they do then they have probably agreed to secrecy, as it would betray their sources trust and be unprofessional if it is business related. I'm afraid we shall all have to wait for something to happen before the majority know anything than rumours and speculation

It's not just the 10 points though, as it stands it is more the right to appeal, which they should be entitled to, it has also been said that this is only one issue of several, that the football league only made an issue last wednesday or thursday, as I understand it the FL had agreed to everything, then at the last minute threw it all into confusion.

He runs pinacle with Tony Lynam, they have been in business together for 4 years, and run pinacle for 1 year together. They explained on South Today last night, I don't think he is involved beyond being a business partner

I really hope that the pinnacle group can move forward ahead of Jackson, I will be happy with a club to support next season regardless, but I feel that the pinnacle deal with Le Tis at the head will have the best potential to bring in bigger names and help the club overcome the -10 as quickly as possible

Leyton Orient after their comments the other week about us being cheats. But otherwise I agree that Swindon will be the most likely

I agree, I can see him being the main advisor on football matters, but not soley in charge, I will be happy with him in any role though, just him being part of the running will be a huge boost and a positive

Surely b wont happen until the official start of next season when the fixtures are announced, until then we should remain a championship club. I think a deal will be done first though

Exactly by the FL's rules we don't deserve the punishment, despite how well linked they claim we are. it is SLH that went into admin, not the club. IMO they ignored their own rules to avoid the complaints from more clubs than just us and went with the morale not legal judgement.