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Pompey Takeover Saga


Fitzhugh Fella

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I was kind of assuming, maybe wrongly, that as the biggest creditor, if Portpin didn't accept the terms of the PST bid, it wouldn't be the one chosen.

 

The terms of the CVA (unsecured creditors) has already been agreed. Portpin's charge on the ground means that they are a secured creditor which is treated differently, and if they doesn't accept the offer from the PST then the administrators can choose to go to court / Portpin can fight it in court (admittedly I'm not sure exactly who has to bring the case) if they feel a fair market value is being offered. Whichever way it goes, it's going to be a bit of a big mess.

 

Of course, no-one has yet mentioned the player deferral payments yet. The PST were entirely dependent upon the parachute payments for those; all the while PKF are using those up with their own fees and a potentially lengthy legal battle then that source of funding gets signifcantly eroded, and the PST's ability to meet its payment obligations diminishes further still.

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I was speaking to someone who works in the insolvency law and if I understood him right, it's not just down to what the ground is valued at, it is what represents the best return for Chanrai. If he (Chanrai) could demonstrate he would get a better return, by doing somethinge else with the land or even renting it back to the pst, then he would be expected to win.

 

The way I look at it, is the pst will be asking a court of law to force a sale against the owners wishes at a fration of the charge, to give it to a property developer so they can make money on it - That doesn't make any sense and lets not forget, if Chanrai did lose the court case, then he simply has to offere a bit more than the pst to retain control of the ground.

 

But then unlike the good doctor the news wheeled out, I don't have a degree in tourism, so am probably wrong.

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I was kind of assuming, maybe wrongly, that as the biggest creditor, if Portpin didn't accept the terms of the PST bid, it wouldn't be the one chosen.

 

I also think there is some relevance in the Chanrai swapping 10 million of debt for equity. Regardless of the fact he is being forced to do this by the FA. From Trev's perspective that is 10 million wiped of the debt, that wouldn't happen if the trust took over, so when it goes back to "Best deal for the creditors"......

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The terms of the CVA (unsecured creditors) has already been agreed. Portpin's charge on the ground means that they are a secured creditor which is treated differently, and if they doesn't accept the offer from the PST then the administrators can choose to go to court / Portpin can fight it in court (admittedly I'm not sure exactly who has to bring the case) if they feel a fair market value is being offered. Whichever way it goes, it's going to be a bit of a big mess.

 

Of course, no-one has yet mentioned the player deferral payments yet. The PST were entirely dependent upon the parachute payments for those; all the while PKF are using those up with their own fees and a potentially lengthy legal battle then that source of funding gets signifcantly eroded, and the PST's ability to meet its payment obligations diminishes further still.

I was looking at PKF's options to get out without further damage, rather than try to engineer a preferred outcome.

 

Dont forget, as well, that Portpin also have around 25% of the unsecured debt as major creditor of CSI, through their poxy AA.

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"He turned down numerous offers to quit Fratton Park during the summer, in favour of soldiering on."

 

I'm assuming the implication is that other clubs wanted him rather than Trev begging him to leave, and if I'm right can anyone enlighten me who they were or is this a result of more deluded Appleton spin.

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Make up your own gags...

 

@pn_neil_allen: #Pompey handed £2,500 FA fine after six players were cautioned against Crewe at the weekend.

 

If fines for Yellow and red cards are not paid on time am I right in thinking that these players are not eligible to play until they are cleared.

 

Another nail in the Pompey playing staff or will they sign more monthly contract players to get over the shortfall?

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That is unfair, the ref was overawed by the big occasion and it's pompey that has to pay the bill - I bet he had an email telling him to do it as well.

They only ask to have a level playing field, bet they get another points penalty for the same offence as well, the authorities have really got it in for them, they haven't hit Man Utd, and they are in debt too.

 

 

 

 

The News makes a good point, there were loads of Appy managerial offers, numerous they were!

 

Clubs were queueing up to try and scoop the services of a manager who had embraced a points penalty and steered the 2nd highest paid squad in the championship into the division below - he was the hot ticket, the coaching genius that smaller clubs like Wolves and Birmingham tried to pluck away from the faithful.

But he only had eyes for the packed park and wasn't going to abandon his post - he stood firm against the financial storm of the summer, proudly leading his troops from the tempest to glory, via a holiday in Gibraltar.

 

Or maybe that's just more tiresome and cliched spin, aimed squarely at the dim and the unimaginative.

 

 

 

 

This is quite a boring adminstration now - it's been run by Lord Lucan, and the Trust seems to have shut shop.

AA was more fun, he didn't bother with libel laws and wasn't really troubled by UK law or regulations.

He would have seen the fan bid off by now.

 

Surely this is the time for the Trust's massive PR and fundraising effort?

There was a chink of an opportunity to open the door on a deal, Chinny looks to be on the back foot and even though he still holds the cards, an educated and targetted media campaign would benefit the Trust.

 

Yet nothing is happening.

 

 

Are they saving up to buy a white flag?

 

Don't tell me, their professional team is quietly working 24-7 on a masterplan that will deliver the club into the hands of the most passionate fanbase in Europe.

Dedicated they may be, the Trust has put a lot of hours in and I understand and respect their aim.

 

But I have seen NO quality or long term validity in their plans, and their current silence makes you wonder if they are shrewd players with a handful of aces up their sleeve - or just a clueless bunch of waifs and strays who have been coaxed way out of their depth by the thought of doing the right thing.

 

Better order that white flag and some armbands.

Bring on a phoenix club, this one is broken.

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I see the POL lynching of anyone who dares to question the Trust goes on. Also some of the few are alluding to the Fratton land dispute taking up to six weeks to settle if PKF sell it from under Chanrai.

 

Trevor best chalk up another £270k on the board.

 

I have no experience of this sort of case, but judging by legal process in general, They'll be lucky if it only takes 6 weeks. All chainrai has to do is to keep delaying and prevaricating, and the "only allowed one year in administration" deadline will fast approach, quickly followed even if they get a legal extension on that, by the FL "don't start 2 seasons in administration" rule.

 

He is in the position of the false mother in the Solomon disputed baby story. The Trust care more than him about the club. He's not all that bothered is they are liquidated or not. 'Cut the baby in half'.

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And the rest. Surely they won't get a Court date this year?

 

So, IF Birch is prepared to do that (which I doubt) PST either proceed carrying the risk of paying Portpin's damages & costs next year if Chinny wins, or they tell Birch they'll wait until after the Court case. How much money have the Trust got?

 

I don't know if it works this way, but it seems to me that Birch's best option is to convene another Creditor's meeting, and make them choose one bid, then take that bid to the FL. If the FL don't accept then liquidate.

 

The other problem is that if Birch takes the case to court and Chinny wins, with costs, then he might be able to sue PKF for inappropriate use of creditors funds.

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"He turned down numerous offers to quit Fratton Park during the summer, in favour of soldiering on."

 

I'm assuming the implication is that other clubs wanted him rather than Trev begging him to leave, and if I'm right can anyone enlighten me who they were or is this a result of more deluded Appleton spin.

 

Of course, there is nothing to suggest that these were offers of a job as a football manager. Doorman on the players' entrance? Car park attendant? Kitman? There you go ---"numerous offers-- but I think I'll stay here on my lucrative 2 and a half year contract, knowing I'm a football creditor and will get my money" (tm B.Chainrai 2011)

 

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@solentsport: PST spokesman Colin Farmery has told @solentsport talks have resumed with PKF but that negotiations are still at an early stage. #pompey

 

"Resumed talks"? (Why did they stop?)

 

"At an early stage?"

 

FFS....they've been in administration (again) for 9 months now....and they're still in the early ****ing stages....do me a favour...

 

jazusyzy.jpg

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From the Vital Pompey website regarding the possible return of Wes Thomas to Bournemouth:-

 

The loan deal expires after the game at Sheffield United in two weeks time and with the current run of form and the form of Thomas the move is fully understandable. Some eyebrows were raised when a striker from a club at the same level was brought in but Wes has soon shut up the doubters.

 

No doubt eyebrows were raised on many Skate Neanderthal foreshortened foreheads. When did they last sign up players, even on loan, from the same division since they were in the Premierhip? Following their fall from grace, only players from higher divisions have been considered good enough to play for the mighty Pompey.

 

Regarding their beloved manager, the imbecile goes on to say:-

 

The job though is far from complete and I for one hope he gets the chance to complete it with both hands free and a reasonable budget to play with.

 

Par for the course for the usual Skate fan. "Reasonable" of course being coded Skatetalk for sufficient dosh to buy players of a standard higher than most other rival teams could afford in whichever division they find themselves, and regardless of whether their income is sufficient to cover their wages.

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@solentsport: PST spokesman Colin Farmery has told @solentsport talks have resumed with PKF but that negotiations are still at an early stage. #pompey

 

"Resumed talks"? (Why did they stop?)

 

"At an early stage?"

 

FFS....they've been in administration (again) for 9 months now....and they're still in the early ****ing stages....do me a favour...

 

jazusyzy.jpg

TB: "So, my trusty friends. We meet again."

PST: "Hi Trev"

TB: "Have you got an agreement with the debenture holder yet?"

PST: "Yes we have..."

TB: "That's brilliant"

PST: "... But Chainrai refuses to accept it"

TB: "Ah, riiiight"

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Interesting turn of phrase from the trust.

 

If the bids were truly neck-and-neck, and the trust bid stacked up in the absence of the Portpin bid, then this would be a much more positive story - "No barriers remain to PST takeover" or suchlike.

 

What it really sounds like is PKF have finally given up on the Portpin option (perhaps after some less then encouraging hints from the FL) and decided to give the Trust one last shot (or else look like the bad guy), but without holding out much hope. And in any case racking up a tidy sum in fees.

 

If the Chainrai bid is now torpedo'd, then that does strengthen the negotiation position of the trust with PKF and most "normal" creditors... unfortunately for them, just not with Chainrai, who is probably their biggest obstacle, and would now probably prefer liquidation to a PST takeover.

 

Either way, hilarity will continue...

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Interesting turn of phrase from the trust.

 

If the bids were truly neck-and-neck, and the trust bid stacked up in the absence of the Portpin bid, then this would be a much more positive story - "No barriers remain to PST takeover" or suchlike.

 

What it really sounds like is PKF have finally given up on the Portpin option (perhaps after some less then encouraging hints from the FL) and decided to give the Trust one last shot (or else look like the bad guy), but without holding out much hope. And in any case racking up a tidy sum in fees.

 

If the Chainrai bid is now torpedo'd, then that does strengthen the negotiation position of the trust with PKF and most "normal" creditors... unfortunately for them, just not with Chainrai, who is probably their biggest obstacle, and would now probably prefer liquidation to a PST takeover.

 

Either way, hilarity will continue...

 

It's only around 120 days until the next PP hits the accounts of PFC2010 Ltd(In Administration). Trev may burn the best part of a million quid to get there but it's probably the best time to hit that big red button.

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@SjMaskell: #Pompey latest Rebuttal of Anrew Andronikou and what happened last January http://t.co/TKQtGmJ4...

 

Andrew Andronikou and Portpin had no authority to run Portsmouth FC at that time. It was up to the club’s management to negotiate deals and make decisions. Instead, as disclosed by Andronikou, Portpin had a plan and Andronikou tried, by his own admission and the evidence of Ipswich Town’s CEO and team manager, to ride roughshod over the club’s properly appointed management in pursuit of that plan. QED.

 

As Pompey were days from administration, Andrew Andronikou and Portpin were running the show.

Edited by trousers
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Aaaaannnd....

 

IF PKF really have turned back to the PST it may well suggest that none of the other bids are viable - it certainly suggests that none are close to completing a deal as it stands - which places Trevor and Unappy in a "tricky" spot. Whilst I'm sure the PST would like their team to be competitive (ie, cheat their way to wins) on the pitch, they also need that money that Trev is currently spunking away on players they clearly can't afford in order to run the club should they actually be successful.

 

Could they find themselves in a position where the PST are actually asking Trev to cut those players loose, and thus increase their chances of playing in L2 next season, in order to make their own numbers add up?

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@SjMaskell: #Pompey latest Rebuttal of Anrew Andronikou and what happened last January http://t.co/TKQtGmJ4...

 

Andrew Andronikou and Portpin had no authority to run Portsmouth FC at that time. It was up to the club’s management to negotiate deals and make decisions. Instead, as disclosed by Andronikou, Portpin had a plan and Andronikou tried, by his own admission and the evidence of Ipswich Town’s CEO and team manager, to ride roughshod over the club’s properly appointed management in pursuit of that plan. QED.

 

As Pompey were days from administration, Andrew Andronikou and Portpin were running the show.

 

 

They tried, yes. They also failed. That's a pretty rubbish "running the show", you daft cow.

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"Andronikou said on 6th January 2012 that Vladimir Antonov had appeared to be "triple A rated" when he came to Pompey. No he wasn't. His bank wasn't allowed to trade here because of "a pattern of misrepresentation" common to all institutions run by Mr Antonov. The banking arm of the EU wouldn't allow him to own any business that owed them money. He was barred from entering America. In short, there was nothing “triple A rated” about Antonov, certainly not his bank which was rated as junk on the credit markets. Mr Antonov denies any wrongdoing in the investigation into the £200m missing from that bank.

 

Where did the £10.5m come from that went into Pompey? The jury is quite literally out on that one, but when Pompey-fans.com did due diligence on CSI, we found enough to suggest that Snoras Bank wouldn’t be our chosen haven for our pocket money. Portpin chose to sell to Antonov, when there was ample evidence to suggest that their IOU £17m was about as reliable as a betting slip…"

 

All together now.... "We told you so"...

Edited by trousers
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Just heard David Lampitt on 5Live - remember him?

He was the guy who spent way more than pompey had, dished out unsustainable contracts, looked after the charities so well and left the club in ruins.

 

Well he's still doing stand-up...

At Supporters Direct we promote a sustainable model.

 

Wow!:o

That's the biggest U-turn since the Jimmy Savile Fan Club reviewed their statue campaign and Nike read the cycling press.

 

Thanks Davy but if I need financial advice I'll ask Ridsdale before you - how is that whole quality over quantity thing going for you?

I tried it myself with a post last night, but it's difficult to generate the same laughs mate, you may want to rethink it.

 

 

What a clown, the red and blue of Hampshire finally unite to laugh at Lampitt.

 

 

Meanwhile the Trust just need to tick a couple of boxes and they're home and dry.

Unfortunately they don't have a pen, and Chinny owns the boxes.

 

 

And Mr Hall's latest piece suggests that the owners and CEO of the club got into bed with loan sharks, and then under pressure, allowed others to run the business - a clear breach of Fifa and FL rules that could result in a massive penalty.

Is Mr Hall a witness for the defence or the prosecution?

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Interesting turn of phrase from the trust.

 

If the bids were truly neck-and-neck, and the trust bid stacked up in the absence of the Portpin bid, then this would be a much more positive story - "No barriers remain to PST takeover" or suchlike.

 

What it really sounds like is PKF have finally given up on the Portpin option (perhaps after some less then encouraging hints from the FL) and decided to give the Trust one last shot (or else look like the bad guy), but without holding out much hope. And in any case racking up a tidy sum in fees.

 

If the Chainrai bid is now torpedo'd, then that does strengthen the negotiation position of the trust with PKF and most "normal" creditors... unfortunately for them, just not with Chainrai, who is probably their biggest obstacle, and would now probably prefer liquidation to a PST takeover.

 

Either way, hilarity will continue...

It sounds to me more like Chainrai is playing hardball with the FL over their imposed "terms", and he will decide if and when he will compromise far enough to meet their requirements.

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@pn_neil_allen: Trevor Birch speaks. On Appleton's future and #Pompey ownership latest. http://t.co/ZGvh94LV

 

Birch remains in negotiations over the sale of the club.

Following a Football League meeting last Thursday, PKF have opened discussions with ‘another potential bidder’.

Birch has declined to disclose their identity or the reasons behind the latest developments.

However, The News understands that party is the Trust, with talks having taken place at the start of this week.

And Birch is hopeful the club is inching nearer to getting a new owner.

He added: ‘At the minute our discussions are with the Football League, Portpin and another potential bidder.

‘We are just trying to resolve the discussions. It is not straight forward, otherwise it would have been sorted a while ago.

‘The PFA are in there as well. They have a vested interest, given their members are owed more than £8m, so they have a voice in it as well.

‘There are still discussions with all parties trying to find a solution as quickly as we possibly can.’

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http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/mordaunt-football-rules-are-not-fit-for-purpose-1-4385334

 

Ms Mordaunt said: ‘The house will be aware of the heroic efforts of the Pompey Supporters’ Trust in their quest to enable their community to own their club.

 

‘And it’s often seen having to do battle with football governance rules which are not fit for purpose, not least the fit and proper person test which is less rigorous than a five minute session on Google.

 

Mr Lansley said: ‘I am grateful to my honourable friend. I think she makes an important point and I am aware of the the way in which she has supported the Portsmouth

Supporters’ Trust’s trailblazing bid.

‘I can very much appreciate the sentiments that she expresses. The government very much shares her view.

‘We need to impress upon the football authorities the need for stronger scrutiny of clubs at all levels and transparency about ownership.

 

Of course, if a decent level of scrutiny had been in place in 2010, Pompey would more than likely have ceased to exist at the time...

Edited by trousers
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Scenario analysis here (realism is NOT important):

 

If the Trust were to take over in, say, November, through a long, long-term payment to Chainrai to recover ownership of Fortress Fatpipes, what would be the immediate consequences, apart from the 10 points and all that?

 

Would we see Appleton leave the scene as the ambition is cut? Would we see the 30th of November as "farewell day" for more than half of the actual squad as lack of funding means that their salaries can't be paid further? Would we finally see the signing of realistic, acceptable, lower L2-Conference players and the use of the development squad and other youngsters plus whatever loans they can find?

 

More importantly, how far down the divisions would they stop, having to pay the CVA (not the same backing or possibility to explore loopholes) and Chanrai, before they can avoid relegation? Southern Premier? Maybe a last day miracle in the Conference South?

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@pn_neil_allen: Trevor Birch speaks. On Appleton's future and #Pompey ownership latest. http://t.co/ZGvh94LV

 

So if talks are still ongoing with Portpin, then they haven't been rejected - At a guess they have to agree to some additional conditions.

 

If the PFA have been called back in, would that suggest that one of the bids is a bit short on the football creditors bit?

 

There's a way to go in this yet and a few more quid for Trev

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as my learned friends suggest, the fact that the PFA are involved in talks indicates to me that the Trust is trying to renegotiate the already renegotiated heroic player agreements.

Mainly because they want the PPs to use on new players, and they want to ignore the former players.

Nice.

 

And there was me thinking they would be paying football creditors in full, what a bombshell...pompey fail to pay debt.

 

As for MoneyPenny and friends...

Mr Lansley said: ‘I am grateful to my honourable friend. I think she makes an important point and I am aware of the the way in which she has supported the Portsmouth Supporters’ Trust’s trailblazing bid.

We need to impress upon the football authorities the need for stronger scrutiny of clubs at all levels and transparency about ownership.

 

 

That'll be the alternative definition of trailblazing I guess, the one that means following in the footsteps of other clubs.

 

 

And as for stronger scrutiny, yes that is needed, to prevent some clubs laundering money for organised crime.

But I forget, all that the club did wrong was begged organised crime to take them over, the naughty league didn't stop them and liquidate the club instead.

 

Yes, they need a new FaPPT to prevent stupid clubs making stupid decisions, but at what point do clubs become responsible for their own actions?

Or is it always the FL's fault for letting them act in an underhand, criminal and insolvent way?

 

 

I guess that makes the police responsible for every crime in the UK.

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