Update from Tony Lynam - 16.10 24th June

[Pancake]

Guys

 

By request, a quick time out to let you know where we are at. Before I start, can I please ask in the nicest possible way that people stop bombarding us with e-mails and text messages for now....... as anyone who has previously taken the time to write to us will testify to, I have personally taken the trouble to reply to each and every one of your messages, e-mails and letters. I will be happy to continue to do so within reason after the takeover is complete in the interests of showing you guys that we are totally transparent and approachable, but for now, it would be helpful if you could press "pause".

 

On to the important business. I understand from Spencer and others that there is an understandable sense of nervousness amongst some fans. That is quite reasonable to expect under the circumstances, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that those nerves turn into celebration.

 

What I am going to say is not new, more reiterating what has already been said. We need a football license for the Club to play football, in the same way as a pub needs a liquor license to serve alcohol. The terms which were put to us (and not those originally proposed or agreed) were in their first draft form unacceptable. It became a necessity to discuss this with the Football League, and we continue to discuss some of the points. Such discussions are two way, professionally, frank, open and friendly. In my view, we are both working towards the same goal, ensuring that the right decision is arrived at concerning the contractual terms contained within the agreement. Further contact has been made with the League in the last half hour, and I anticipate more to follow during the remainder of the day.

 

In the meantime, on a personal note, I am mindful that tomorrow is looming. For this reason, I took an hour out yesterday to meet with all the staff and players at Staplewood, and as many as were at the offices in St Marys so I could explain first hand exactly what was going on, exactly the nature of what needs to happen, and confirmation that we remained totally committed to completing the takeover as originally planned. Moreover, nothing that has happened since these new conditions were placed upon has in any way put us off, if anything it has strengthened our resolve to do the best for the Club. If any other Group(s)/Individuals claim not to be interested in the clauses contained within our contract, this would to my mind raise questions as to why they would not be prepared to stand up for what is best for the Club. Knowing what we know, factually and legally, certain aspects of the agreement need alteration, without which it is our firm belief that you would be exposing the Club to risk. And with this in mind, we are working closely with the League and we will resolve the issues as quickly as possible, thus resulting in the best position for the Club.

 

On a brighter note, and to get away from the legals for a moment to try and lighten the mood, I was most amused to be e-mailed a picture of a characature chap kicking a tyre this afternoon by a friend on here. Could I politely ask you to perhaps replace the tyre with a lawyer and a rule book please! Whether the picture was supposed to be a joke or an insult, it did make me laugh, and that’s welcome at the minute to keep spirits high.

 

I know its extremely frustrating guys, but far too much time, effort and money has been spent on this – we’ve now run costs into 7 figures, and that is not done for the fun of it. We will stop at nothing to ensure every measure is taken to ensure the best interests of the Club is served. Your continued support and unity is appreciated and we hope to resolve everything very shortly.

 

Regards

Tony

 

 

 

There you go.

[Andyb1]

Sorrry but i am bored... Not a pop at Tony.

 

 

 

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Edited 24 June, 2009 by Andyb1

[scott_saints]

I just want to f**king know how long "shortly" is ffs.

[ottery st mary]

Friday is shortly here..

[fareham saint phil]

Thanks to TL again for the update, its the not knowing anything that is the worst. I like the open and frank side of them and if/when they sign it will be nice being treated as human beings not just a ticket price as before

[johnsey]

I appreciate the new approach of talking to us the fans. But in reality I think coming here and telling us nothing will incite more problems mate. I would like to know if the staff are confident it can be resolved after all its their living. Good luck in gaining the club

[OldNick]

There you go.

are we any more forward now than 24hours ago? On the first reading of the statement it doesn't look that way. There does not seem to be a guarentee that the wages are to be paid.

If they have paid a 7 figure sum so far then it would be fair to say any other bids that have got to that stage must be close to 6 figures.If Fry is still talking to MJ's group they will be in for high fees as well. I know he is seen as a fantascist but how many of those out there have that much money to waste?

Pinnacle please sign and then we dont have any more worries.

[kalkansaint]

Great stuff Tony and serious amounts of respect for keeping us ITK !!

By the way - tomorrow is my birthday and I will have been supporting Saints in various parts of the world for 46 years, but ALWAYS with the same fervour, as displayed by many on here.

NOW THEN - for my birthday I would like ........!!!!!!!

[Dutch-Saint]

Well he's at least giving us the low down ( pardon the pun). I think he is stand up fella, hope that it all works out....sooner rather than later of course

[saintbletch]

You gotta love this guy haven't you. He certainly knows how to treat people.

 

If any other Group(s)/Individuals claim not to be interested in the clauses contained within our contract, this would to my mind raise questions as to why they would not be prepared to stand up for what is best for the Club.

 

Is this a dig at Marc Jackson?

 

Knowing what we know, factually and legally, certain aspects of the agreement need alteration, without which it is our firm belief that you would be exposing the Club to risk. And with this in mind, we are working closely with the League and we will resolve the issues as quickly as possible, thus resulting in the best position for the Club.

 

Is this a reference to the possibility of further sanction if the CVA is not produced?

[PaulGilchrist_76]

Another 48 hours!

[darren]

I almost feel like sayin GET LOST.

[Crab Lungs]

He's damned if he does 'update', and he's damned if he doesn't. If he doesn't speak for a day, people get the razor blades out, if he does and it's nothing particularly groundbreaking, people still whinge about it being nothing of substance.

 

Sort it out you whingey cackers...

[RonManager]

Thanks Tony, much appreciated. Keep going, you'll get there.

[Master Bates]

They've spent over £1m so far! Crikey

[Hatch]

damned if you do , damned if you don't.

[WATERSIDEIFASAINT]

Tt has got to be about ensuring we don't get a further points deduction that is holding this deal up imho.Reading between the lines that is what I would understand by safeguarding the clubs future!?

[JustMike]

Another 48 hours!

 

where does it say that?

[trousers]

They've spent over £1m so far! Crikey

 

Is he counting staff pay in that total?

[lenwilkins]

Dictionary: blar·ney (blär'nē) pronunciation

 

Home > Library > Literature & Language > Dictionary

n.

 

1. Smooth, flattering talk.

2. Deceptive nonsense.

 

 

 

 

[steadyeddie]

Another 48 hours!

 

We have had songs, now let's have films!

[Master Bates]

Is he counting staff pay in that total?

 

Doesn't say, just:

 

but far too much time, effort and money has been spent on this – we’ve now run costs into 7 figures, and that is not done for the fun of it.

[whizz]

Thanks for the update Tony, we can't help being impatient, or expecting the worst to happen.... we're Saints fans after all!

 

Hope everything really is sorted very soon, so we can have a forum party :-)

[thesaint sfc]

Is he counting staff pay in that total?

 

Got to be. Surely :confused:

 

It sounds good to me. If I was in his position I wouldn't be updating the fans so regularly. I think we're pretty lucky tbh. People who are saying that its another waste of time - lol. Waste of what time? Time is something we don't have. We've got absolutely nothing better and I just pray to god that it all works out ok.

[Burger]

Now if we had a letter from the FL stating that:

 

discussions are two way, professionally, frank, open and friendly. In my view, we are both working towards the same goal, ensuring that the right decision is arrived at concerning the contractual terms contained within the agreement.

 

...then we could relax a bit. But that is not going to happen.

Only choice is to accept TL as being genuine and retain the hope that all will be sorted soon.

 

Thanks for the taking time out to send a letter TL.

[WinchesterSaint]

Thanks Tony, I for one find it refreshing that we are being updated reguarly, compared to the previous regime when we were told diddly squat and seen as income only.

[OldNick]

They've spent over £1m so far! Crikey

and so makes less to spend on the club when they take over.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

The bit that confuses me is the apparent need for the league and Pinnacle to agree "a contract". Is this the clause to not appeal or is it something else? It seems the whole delay is because the League and Pinnacle are at loggerheads over something other than the 10 points and I am struggling to understand what that is. I thought the league only had to be satisfied in the suitability of the owners to grant license?

 

So many questions and while I appreciate TL's message and sentiments I am never afterwards, ever any clearer as to the real nature of the problem.

[Truesaint]

Thanks Tony. I appreciate the updates from you as im sure do many others. it may be more of the same for us all, but id sooner that,than hear nothing. Thanks again.

[PokingFun]

"Knowing what we know, factually and legally, certain aspects of the agreement need alteration, without which it is our firm belief that you would be exposing the Club to risk. And with this in mind, we are working closely with the League and we will resolve the issues as quickly as possible, thus resulting in the best position for the Club."

 

This is a very significant statement as clearly the terms and conditions as imposed at the moment by the FL for a license are problematic for the long-term well being of the club. Personally, I would rather they do the job properly and reduce the risk to the football club than rush to sign a contract that may cause more long term pain. Also, the suggestion is now they have spent in excess of £1m for this process and that is not money that gets spent on a whim or for 15 minutes of fame.

[once_bitterne]

Cheers for the update Mike.

[Joesaint]

Thanks TL

 

COYR

[OldNick]

The bit that confuses me is the apparent need for the league and Pinnacle to agree "a contract". Is this the clause to not appeal or is it something else? It seems the whole delay is because the League and Pinnacle are at loggerheads over something other than the 10 points and I am struggling to understand what that is. I thought the league only had to be satisfied in the suitability of the owners to grant license?

 

So many questions and while I appreciate TL's message and sentiments I am never afterwards, ever any clearer as to the real nature of the problem.

Duncan that is the problem, every day the statements are basically the same and pandering to our egos that we are important.

It has been well debated by a few that the -10 may well be -25 they are trying to stop happening or worse

I feel very concerned for old friends who must be very worried who work at the club.The players they can drift off and earn a good wage. The poor souls in the offices have to try and find a job in this market if it all goes t### up.

[CB Fry]

The bit that confuses me is the apparent need for the league and Pinnacle to agree "a contract". Is this the clause to not appeal or is it something else? It seems the whole delay is because the League and Pinnacle are at loggerheads over something other than the 10 points and I am struggling to understand what that is. I thought the league only had to be satisfied in the suitability of the owners to grant license?

 

So many questions and while I appreciate TL's message and sentiments I am never afterwards, ever any clearer as to the real nature of the problem.

 

 

It reads precisely as I have been telling people and getting shouted down for the last couple of days.

 

They are in negotiation, its a bit of a stand off, the League are probably being extreme in threatening non entry to the league, and Pinnacle are probably being extreme in threatening to drag the league through the courts and hold up an entire season of football.

 

I personally think the League have a far stronger case than we do, but it takes time to settle a negotiation as any union negotiator or high level sales trader will tell you.

 

I am keeping the faith that this will happen and don't doubt the commitment. But it is MLT that makes me believe these people.

[Block 5]

TL = Jedi.

[leeroy Jnr]

I found this funny

 

On a brighter note, and to get away from the legals for a moment to try and lighten the mood, I was most amused to be e-mailed a picture of a characature chap kicking a tyre this afternoon by a friend on here. Could I politely ask you to perhaps replace the tyre with a lawyer and a rule book please! Whether the picture was supposed to be a joke or an insult, it did make me laugh, and that’s welcome at the minute to keep spirits high.

[saint_stevo]

On a brighter note, and to get away from the legals for a moment to try and lighten the mood, I was most amused to be e-mailed a picture of a characature chap kicking a tyre this afternoon by a friend on here. Could I politely ask you to perhaps replace the tyre with a lawyer and a rule book please! Whether the picture was supposed to be a joke or an insult, it did make me laugh, and that’s welcome at the minute to keep spirits high.

 

ooops......LOL

[trousers]

They are in negotiation, its a bit of a stand off, the League are probably being extreme in threatening non entry to the league, and Pinnacle are probably being extreme in threatening to drag the league through the courts and hold up an entire season of football.

 

If it's as 'dramatic' as that why are we not seeing more daily coverage in the national press?

[Midfield_General]

I'm just gob-smacked by the attitudes of some of the people on here.

 

A few weeks ago it looked like we weren't going to have a club to support next year.

 

Now thanks to this guy and his team we are not only within a whisker of not only keeping our club, but also having MLT at the helm, potentially a really exciting manager the likes of which we wouldn't have dreamed of until recently, and a united fan base for the first time in a decade.

 

Not only that, but he/they take the time out to write articulate, professional, updates to keep us all updated.

 

And some people have a pop at him??

 

If I was him reading some of these responses I'd be seriously questioning whether it was all worth the f*cking bother.

 

Wind your necks in will you, you're acting like spoilt children. Let him finish the job.

 

Tony and team, I for one think you're conducting yourselves in a fantastic fashion, can't wait for you to resolve the last few bits and bobs with the FL to complete the deal, and will be eternally grateful for you saving the club I love.

[OldNick]

ooops......LOL

just he wait for the oilpainting of him with a noose around his neck!!!

[INFLUENCED.COM]

They've spent over £1m so far! Crikey

 

'Run costs into 7 figures' can we assume, now that the 'guys' in it for at least a mil already, he'll ensure it proceeds to takeover even if that means capitulating on this point with the FA ?

[notnowcato]

and so makes less to spend on the club when they take over.

 

...and so ensures that these people are serious.

 

Cost of purchase would have always been factored in to the equation.

 

Suggest you go and fill your half empty glass with some beer, take into the garden and chill.

[saint_stevo]

I'm just gob-smacked by the attitudes of some of the people on here.

 

A few weeks ago it looked like we weren't going to have a club to support next year.

 

Now thanks to this guy and his team we are not only within a whisker of not only keeping our club, but also having MLT at the helm, potentially a really exciting manager the likes of which we wouldn't have dreamed of until recently, and a united fan base for the first time in a decade.

 

Not only that, but he/they take the time out to write articulate, professional, updates to keep us all updated.

 

And some people have a pop at him??

 

If I was him reading some of these responses I'd be seriously questioning whether it was all worth the f*cking bother.

 

Wind your necks in will you, you're acting like spoilt children. Let him finish the job.

 

Tony and team, I for one think you're conducting yourselves in a fantastic fashion, can't wait for you to resolve the last few bits and bobs with the FL to complete the deal, and will be eternally grateful for you saving the club I love.

 

If he is put off by some people on an innernetz forum, he aint for us

 

oh, and here it is again, for those who missed it-

 

[OldNick]

...and so ensures that these people are serious.

 

Cost of purchase would have always been factored in to the equation.

 

Suggest you go and fill your half empty glass with some beer, take into the garden and chill.

I never thought they were not serious, as i have said to get into this position you spend a lot of money. That is why I cant understand people mocking MJ's backers, they woud also have spent a lot of money.

Pinnacle is still the group I want to suceed

[saintbletch]

The bit that confuses me is the apparent need for the league and Pinnacle to agree "a contract". Is this the clause to not appeal or is it something else? It seems the whole delay is because the League and Pinnacle are at loggerheads over something other than the 10 points and I am struggling to understand what that is. I thought the league only had to be satisfied in the suitability of the owners to grant license?

 

So many questions and while I appreciate TL's message and sentiments I am never afterwards, ever any clearer as to the real nature of the problem.

 

 

There has been speculation that Pnnacle might be looking for assurances that the league would deduct no further points (in addition to the -10). Clubs coming out of administration that unable to produce a CVA will be deducted -15.

 

We may not be able to produce a CVA for SFC as it was SLH that went and got the creditors angry.

 

Don't know if this is what TL is talking about though.

[Saint Richard of Woolston]

I share the frustration of some. But it is unrealistic to expect TL to put his full hand out in public. In negotiating a deal of this size, many things have to be traded-off (and I just don't mean financially) and that is, quite simply, where Pinnacle are.

 

I like the sound of them and trust they get all things ironed out asap.

[Crab Lungs]

If he is put off by some people on an innernetz forum, he aint for us

 

oh, and here it is again, for those who missed it-

 

 

But Steve, it's the wrong round IMO. We don't deserve someone like TL if we act like we do. Granted, there are worse things in life than a few cyberbullies getting their knickers in a twist but it shouldn't detract from the fact that people are acting like right w a nk ers.

[trousers]

There has been speculation that Pnnacle might be looking for assurances that the league would deduct no further points (in addition to the -10). Clubs coming out of administration that unable to produce a CVA will be deducted -15.

 

We may not be able to produce a CVA for SFC as it was SLH that went and got the creditors angry.

 

Don't know if this is what TL is talking about though.

 

I still wonder whether 'we' could/should put the Football Club subsidiary company into administration as a means-to-an-end to get over this catch-22 scenario? What would be the harm in doing so?

[alkasteve]

If it's as 'dramatic' as that why are we not seeing more daily coverage in the national press?

 

League 1 doesn't get daily coverage in the national press though.

[Barry the Badger]

I know we all want it to happen NOW but the buyer is spending multiple millions, of course they are going to want the terms to be acceptable.

 

Look at the F1 negotiations. 3 days ago the press were reporting it as though it was the end of the sport, but that was really just both sides taking extreme stances for negotiating purposes and today they announce a compromise.