Meeting Thurs 23rd with Trust, SISA, Saveoursaints, 2 MPs, LM and MC

[derry]

I have talked over this whole thing with Nick Illingsworth.

 

Fundamentally the trust and us are coming from the same position and I'll restate it.

 

1) If the administrator indicates there is no buyer and the club is going under that is the point the supporters have to try against the odds to mount a rescue plan.

 

2) In the event there is only one decent buyer who is say 2/3rds funded but otherwise ideal it is conceivable that an appeal would be mounted to assist that bid in return for a share of the equity and influence.

 

3) In the meantime Nick Illingsworth has taken the pledge website address, and is going to put it on his website and the saints aid site he is going to contact the Echo and request their assistance in promoting the pledge site.

 

He sees that what we are doing is necessary to create a base so that an appeal has a ready made foundation.

 

The buy the club anyway movement is SISA not the Saints Trust.

 

I showed Nick this thread and got him to read some of it. He recognises the need for change and a relaunching of the trust.

 

I personally and Nick has said the same to me am not prepared to back an outright fans bid for the club in any circumstances other than those outlined above.

[trousers]

 

The buy the club anyway movement is SISA not the Saints Trust.

 

Perhaps it would help with the clarity if Richard Chorley posted why one Saints fan group is 'competing' with another fan group?

Edited 22 April, 2009 by trousers

[hypochondriac]

Who is judging who is a decent individual and what sort of influence are they expecting

[derry]

Thanks, I take on board you have pulled back from this I do hope Derry does not get hurt by his obvious willingness to help.

I cant help thinking about those good people who spent good time helping with the statue only to be humiliated unfairly as they did not have the experience or expertise to get the project right.

 

I won't get hurt by this as Ron will tell you, I care about the club for historical reasons but I don't give a rats arse about criticism and know where the on/off button is.

 

This is an emergency initiative only as the others will find out tomorrow night. If they don't like it that's tough. I won't be led by the nose neither will the original saveoursaints group and neither will Nick Illingsworth.

[Mole]

an appeal would be mounted to assist that bid in return for a share of the equity and influence.

 

Influence for the Saints Trust. No thanks.

[derry]

Perhaps it would help with the clarity if Richard Chorley posted why one Saints fan group is 'competing' with another fan group?

 

I don't think they are competing because neither us or the trust are remotely interested in anything except an all hands to the pumps rescue if nobody buys the club.

 

The joint best position is a decent buyer with the necessary funds to take us forward.

[derry]

Who is judging who is a decent individual and what sort of influence are they expecting

 

Who can answer that without knowing all the details, it was a general statement and not a cover all. Until the circumstances arise, option 1 is all there is. A judgement would have to be made at the time.

[derry]

Influence for the Saints Trust. No thanks.

 

Which saints trust, the old one or one that comes out of necessity. If the club is going down and the only way to save it was to make a pact with the devil himself I'd probably take it.

[derry]

This is just becomming a complete farce, where ego's and self promotion are leading the agenda....

 

The fans buy out is complete fantasy land and it just about some uber fans having their 15 minutes of fame so that if it all goes tit's up they can proclaim "they done their bit"

 

There are far to many un answered questions ..I have asked previously about the fans buy out proposals but have yet to be answered on the basics. What worries me is that some of those who are wanting to get their hands on the club start of with the premises that they will root out the dross players and get rid of them ....have these people have no idea of employment law ..its just hype upon hype .....and concerning that such thoughts are claimed and offers false hope to those who are of a vunerable nature......and for those reasons I'm out

 

As I've said to you before where the hell did you get that from because apart from you saying it, nobody I know has said that or anything like it.

 

It's obvious if we go down with the majority of the players out of contract in July there will be a mass exodus. There will also be the contracted players who won't want to drop down and will get their agents to find them a new club. Either way most of this years team will be gone.

[Mole]

Which saints trust, the old one or one that comes out of necessity. If the club is going down and the only way to save it was to make a pact with the devil himself I'd probably take it.

 

lol, so it's going to have a new Labour makeover. No thanks. Just let it die.

[Rod Le Shearer]

Who can answer that without knowing all the details, it was a general statement and not a cover all. Until the circumstances arise, option 1 is all there is. A judgement would have to be made at the time.

 

your plan sounds reasonable to me.

any & everything to avoid extinction of this club.IMO!

and that is an attitude I would expect from any true saints fan.

 

people saying "we dont want the club to go under,but IF this and that person is involved,we dont care if it does",are not true supporters-but mere stubborn arseholes who doesnt posses the maturity to look beyond their personal agendas,prejudices and double-standards.

 

most often,the use of principles is the appropriate way to guide ones behaviour. in this case,however,ill-thought principles are the worst possible reasoning imaginable..

[hypochondriac]

So any money I donate could potentially fund the trust having a greater influence over the club? No thanks

[hypochondriac]

Your plan is fine imo except the ambiguity of the influence statement. Just say I decide to give money to help the club and the saints trust use that money to get a fotb next year. Well I wouldn't be pleased because I totally oppose that. If I knew my money was going purely to help the club survive well that's a different story

[RoswellSaint]

I have talked over this whole thing with Nick Illingsworth.

 

Fundamentally the trust and us are coming from the same position and I'll restate it.

 

1) If the administrator indicates there is no buyer and the club is going under that is the point the supporters have to try against the odds to mount a rescue plan.

 

2) In the event there is only one decent buyer who is say 2/3rds funded but otherwise ideal it is conceivable that an appeal would be mounted to assist that bid in return for a share of the equity and influence.

 

3) In the meantime Nick Illingsworth has taken the pledge website address, and is going to put it on his website and the saints aid site he is going to contact the Echo and request their assistance in promoting the pledge site.

 

He sees that what we are doing is necessary to create a base so that an appeal has a ready made foundation.

 

The buy the club anyway movement is SISA not the Saints Trust.

 

I showed Nick this thread and got him to read some of it. He recognises the need for change and a relaunching of the trust.

 

I personally and Nick has said the same to me am not prepared to back an outright fans bid for the club in any circumstances other than those outlined above.

 

Derry - I think you are on the right track here and I admire you pushing forward despite all the abuse that is thrown around.

 

Yes, this is a long shot (whatever happened to him/her?) but if there is no credible bid, it's better to try than just give up.

 

Also, I understand the antipathy (probably not strong enough word for some) toward the Trust but these are desperate times. Like him or not, Nick Illingsworth is seen as a spokesman by the media, asking him to take a back seat now may not help get the needed publicity.

 

Here's hoping our mysterious billionaire is about to be revealed...

[CB Fry]

This is just becomming a complete farce, where ego's and self promotion are leading the agenda....

 

The fans buy out is complete fantasy land and it just about some uber fans having their 15 minutes of fame so that if it all goes tit's up they can proclaim "they done their bit"

 

There are far to many un answered questions ..I have asked previously about the fans buy out proposals but have yet to be answered on the basics. What worries me is that some of those who are wanting to get their hands on the club start of with the premises that they will root out the dross players and get rid of them ....have these people have no idea of employment law ..its just hype upon hype .....and concerning that such thoughts are claimed and offers false hope to those who are of a vunerable nature......and for those reasons I'm out

 

 

I'm with this guy.

 

We don't need any of this apart for the sake of a bit of "we did our bit" ego stroking.

 

We will be taken over by one or a group of businessmen.

 

We will not be "saved by" or "owned by" ver fans. Not next month, not next year and please, please, please god, not ever.

[um pahars]

I personally don't think the mixed messages coming from the Club, the administrators, interested parties, informed observers, supporters groups, pressure groups, SOS or whoever isn't doing anyone any good at the moment.

 

There seems to be a very obvious lack of clarity, direction and dare I say it leadership. I'm just struggling to get my head around all the various permutations, and when met with silence from some and too much information from others, I find it very difficult to get a grasp on the situation.

 

If anyone could answer any of the following questions then that would be great:

 

1) What sums are needed to keep us ticking over (how much for how long will suffice)?

 

2) What is the upshot of not finding these sums - (a) expulsion from the League for not fulfilling fixtures, (b) administration for the football club, © Something else?

 

3) If (a) I presume we have no Club, is this right and so we start again at the bottom of the pyramid with and AFC Saints. Is this right?

 

4) If it's (b) what does this entail (in addition to any points deduction next year)?

 

5) What is the outcome of finding these sums, but no buyer coming forward and then the funds are unableto found again in say Sept 2009 (Is it back to 2) above)?

 

 

I would like to think that someone comes forward to buy us, but in the absence of that what are the choices (At this point I'd be interested to hear the opinions of those of have been the most vociferous against fan involvement on this thread, as I have to say that as a last resort it may be all we have)???

 

A) I presume we just fold and start at Level 8/9 - Southern or Wessex League.

 

or

 

B) Is there any way that supporters could club together to do something?

 

 

If it's (A) what form does the Club/company take that owns AFC Saints???

 

If it's (B) are the sums involved too big and the issues too large to circumvent? Could it really come off???

 

 

I think there's nothing wrong with some of the scepticism on this thread (after all I just don't get the whole situation and I'm not sure given the sums invlved it could work), but have to say some of the misinformation is worrying.

 

I particularly chuckled that someone still has the idea that there will be 10,000 directors all having their say or that ameteurs will end up running the Club!!!

 

Think about how the principle of shareholders work for most companies and you're closer to how it might work (we had 3,000+ shareholders & ten times that amount of stakeholders last time around and we still managed to operate, then again we also had ameteurs running the show then;)).

 

I have doubts about the sums involved and how any additional funding will come on board, but we may have to drop the grandoise ideas that we're too big for this type of thing. Not least because we'll probably be starting the season 25 points behind Exeter, a Club who have risen from near extinction with the support of their fans.

 

Would total fan ownership be top of my list??? NO, but in the absence of any other offers, I'm not sure I would dismiss it out of hand, just like I wouldn't dismiss out hand a consortium containin Wilde, Lowe & Crouch if it wa the only one out there!!!!!!!!!

Edited 22 April, 2009 by um pahars

[derry]

Your plan is fine imo except the ambiguity of the influence statement. Just say I decide to give money to help the club and the saints trust use that money to get a fotb next year. Well I wouldn't be pleased because I totally oppose that. If I knew my money was going purely to help the club survive well that's a different story

 

You are picking up on general terms I'm using, I'm not really in favour of this option but there would have to be ring fenced safeguards to protect the contributers interests and to avoid a 6% dictator getting his hands on the club.

 

In my view the vital 1/3 equity to enable the deal brings 50% of the influence.

[CB Fry]

Would total fan ownership be top of my list??? NO, but the absence of any other offers, I'm not sure I would dismiss it out of hand, just like I wouldn't dismiss out hand a consortium containin Wilde, Lowe & Crouch if it wa the only one out there!!!!!!!!!

 

 

But its not going to be the only option.

 

There is some chancer consortium out there that will end up taking the club over.

 

It won't be the fans groups.

 

I'm a bit sick of all this stuff about "we'll end up in the Wessex league" and all that.

 

It's like people have been living in caves - how many times have Notts County, or Mansfield been here?

 

We're not going to end up like Bradford Park Avenue. It's jolly exciting to pretend we are and getting MPs and action teams together but I bet both of my bottom cheeks it doesn't happen and a consortium of businessmen takes us over sometime between now and "the eleventh hour".

[(not THE) Kevin Moore]

trying to be as constructive as possible here.... but fan ownership of saints would be nothing short of disastrous, it'd be like herding cats.

 

I'd sooner have Lowe back... and I'd HATE to have Lowe back

[OldNick]

In my view the vital 1/3 equity to enable the deal brings 50% of the influence.

Do you really believe that would be even considered. Derry the person who puts up 2/3's and the majority risk is going to give 50% influence????

It is holed below the water line. i really do appreciate your trouble but surely it is unrealistic

[derry]

I personally don't think the mixed messages coming from the Club, the administrators, interested parties, informed observers, supporters groups, pressure groups, SOS or whoever isn't doing anyone any good at the moment.

 

There seems to be a very obvious lack of clarity, direction and dare I say it leadership. I'm just struggling to get my head around all the various permutations, and when met with silence from some and too much information from others, I find it very difficult to get a grasp on the situation.

 

If anyone could answer any of the following questions then that would be great:

 

1) What sums are needed to keep us ticking over (how much for how long will suffice)?

 

2) What is the upshot of not finding these sums - (a) expulsion from the League for not fulfilling fixtures, (b) administration for the football club, © Something else?

 

3) If (a) I presume we have no Club, is this right and so we start again at the bottom of the pyramid with and AFC Saints. Is this right?

 

4) If it's (b) what does this entail (in addition to any points deduction next year)?

 

5) What is the outcome of finding these sums, but no buyer coming forward and then the funds are unableto found again in say Sept 2009 (Is it back to 2) above)?

 

 

I would like to think that someone comes forward to buy us, but in the absence of that what are the choices (At this point I'd be interested to hear the opinions of those of have been the most vociferous against fan involvement on this thread, as I have to say that as a last resort it may be all we have)???

 

A) I presume we just fold and start at Level 8/9 - Southern or Wessex League.

 

or

 

B) Is there any way that supporters could club together to do something?

 

 

If it's (A) what form does the Club/company take that owns AFC Saints???

 

If it's (B) are the sums involved too big and the issues too large to circumvent? Could it really come off???

 

 

I think there's nothing wrong with some of the scepticism on this thread (after all I just don't get the whole situation and I'm not sure given the sums invlved it could work), but have to say some of the misinformation is worrying.

 

I particularly chuckled that someone still has the idea that there will be 10,000 directors all having their say or that ameteurs will end up running the Club!!!

 

Think about how the principle of shareholders work for most companies and you're closer to how it might work (we had 3,000+ shareholders & ten times that amount of stakeholders last time around and we still managed to operate, then again we also had ameteurs running the show then;)).

 

I have doubts about the sums involved and how any additional funding will come on board, but we may have to drop the grandoise ideas that we're too big for this type of thing. Not least because we'll probably be starting the season 25 points behind Exeter, a Club who have risen from near extinction with the support of their fans.

 

Would total fan ownership be top of my list??? NO, but in the absence of any other offers, I'm not sure I would dismiss it out of hand, just like I wouldn't dismiss out hand a consortium containin Wilde, Lowe & Crouch if it wa the only one out there!!!!!!!!!

 

I am hopeful we won't be needed and a buyer will be found. However we have to be prepared if that doesn't happen, to ignore that possibility would certainly mean the end of the club.

[um pahars]

But its not going to be the only option.

 

There is some chancer consortium out there that will end up taking the club over.

 

It won't be the fans groups.

 

Here's hoping!!!

 

Just as we're a decent proposition to many potential managers out there, I would like to believe that there is something/someone out there who can see some as a bit of a prospect (despite the recent shtstorm!!).

 

But I also fear no one has gone to the wall in such a shtstorm of a financial climate.

 

My view is that it might need the type of consortium that got Leicester out of the mire a few years back (a few celebs, some faces, some money and a helping hand from the fans - who whilst not able to fund all the money, found a decent enough amount to help out).

 

I'm a bit sick of all this stuff about "we'll end up in the Wessex league" and all that.

 

It's like people have been living in caves - how many times have Notts County, or Mansfield been here?

 

We're not going to end up like Bradford Park Avenue. It's jolly exciting to pretend we are and getting MPs and action teams together but I bet both of my bottom cheeks it doesn't happen and a consortium of businessmen takes us over sometime between now and "the eleventh hour".

 

Hence my point (4) above, in that just what does administration for the football club mean???? Surely, even if the Club goes in to administration something will come out the other side and we will remain in the league (but I also have this nagging worry, that in the current climate no one will want us!!!!!)

[derry]

Do you really believe that would be even considered. Derry the person who puts up 2/3's and the majority risk is going to give 50% influence????

It is holed below the water line. i really do appreciate your trouble but surely it is unrealistic

 

It's called horse trading, If they want the club and can't get it without help then they have a choice to make and so would we.

 

We also have the choice to disregard the failed bid and mount a rescue attempt. In any event we really don't want either scenario.

Edited 22 April, 2009 by derry

[OldNick]

It's called horse trading, If they want the club and can't get it without help then they have a choice to make and so would we.

 

We also have the choice to disregard the failed bid and mount a rescue attempt. In any event we really don't want either scenario.

Not worth their risk and anyway they know that your hearts (saints fans) will rule your head and wouldnt walk from a deal if it meant saints folding. You will get 10% for your 1/3 IMO

[derry]

Not worth their risk and anyway they know that your hearts (saints fans) will rule your head and wouldnt walk from a deal if it meant saints folding. You will get 10% for your 1/3 IMO

 

If it was down to me then nick, I don't blink, so it would be the second option. I only ever give one chance then walk away. I come from a long line of Irish farmers and builders. I was born with a hard nose as anybody who knows me will tell you.

[OldNick]

If it was down to me then nick, I don't blink, so it would be the second option. I only ever give one chance then walk away. I come from a long line of Irish farmers and builders. I was born with a hard nose as anybody who knows me will tell you.

Dont worry I realise that, but it wont be down to just you.

[derry]

Dont worry I realise that, but it wont be down to just you.

 

Let's just say that I'm hopeful the problem will be resolved and we can then dump this contingency plan.:smt117;)

[hypochondriac]

Well whatever but I'm not giving any money unless I am sure it will be used purely to help the club to continue to exist. I urge everyone else to do the same and all this talk of "influence" could potentially be damaging. I'm sick to death of all this and to be perfectly honest if the choice is to continue in league one with no money doing a whip round every year between the fans to keep us going and seeing continued decline or to go under and start again with a clean slate at the bottom I would chooe the latter every time.

[Bearsy]

Can someone let me know why we all hate the Trust so much? I'm feeling a bit left out.

[The Rover]

and this is The Saints Trust blueprint for the future:

 

The Business Plan will contain the following key elements:

 

1. Electronic Transaction System

The introduction of a swipe card season ticket system providing the means for season ticket holders to obtain refunds on matches not attended, with the same promotional discounts offered by the club on specific match days. This will also provide significant marketing benefits for the club to develop, in particular with association with supporting transport partners.

 

2. Supporters Social Club

The conversion of the Mike Channon Suite into a social club for season ticket members open seven days a week throughout the year - as well as match days, in order to fully utilise the revenue earning potential stadium and to provide the social forum for regular supporters.

 

3. Corporate governance by the FA

It will seek to reduce the monopoly power of the Football Association in regard to its failure to regulate the board room structures of professional football league clubs according to the guidelines of the Higgs Report on corporate governance, their power over the terms and conditions of players contracts and their power over the pricing and marketing strategies and tactics of individual clubs.

 

4. Players Contracts

It will seek to change the status of the trade unions representing contract football players and managers to a trade association, and introduce as salaried terms and conditions of employment (not salary levels) for its players as other employees and introduce a business based employee representation structure in regard to negotiation and consultation procedures.

 

5. Environmental Impact

In the interests of progressing the Stern Report’s call for long term corporate governance policies to reduce carbon emissions, it will seek to incorporate in its long term business plan to develop new mainland and possibly water borne links to the stadium in consultation with transport operators and local authority bodies. It will also negotiate special discount terms for season ticket holders with transport operators (including domestic airlines) to encourage motorists to use public transport.

 

http://www.saintstrust.co.uk/news.php?id=287

 

Can't think why no-one takes them seriously.

[hypochondriac]

Can someone let me know why we all hate the Trust so much? I'm feeling a bit left out.

 

I don't speak for anyone else but personally I am annoyed that they continue to lie about the amount of members they represent and therefore make themselves sound more important than they are. I am irritated that they have stayed on the sidelines and organised quiz nights whilst the club was going under. It is only now that they decide to do something whilst Nick condemned the previous protests and seemed to imply that it was the fan's fault that we are where we are.

 

I'm also irritated that Nick uses the Trust to voice his own opinions and it then translates to something that "The Trust" said (something that some people could take to mean the opinion of hundreds.)

 

I've probably missed some out as well.

[Bearsy]

Is that all? They haven't been fiddling with kids or anything?

[hypochondriac]

Is that all? They haven't been fiddling with kids or anything?

 

Why be ridiculous about it? They are very valid and legitimate concerns, especially if they are trying to get involved with running the club.

[Bearsy]

Wait... They've been organising quiz nights!!!?

 

Trust bastards!!!

[Berkhamsted Saint]

I welcome any attempt to save the club and would take any solution to keep the club. Unfortunately many fans do not see the Trust and SISA as representing them. The Trust has very few members and cant remember the last time I saw Richard Chorley and co at an away game. Many of the Regional Supporters Groups have little in common with the Trust and SISA and by holding private meetings with these two groups all that will happen is splits within the fan base as various fans with ambitions look to gain power.

 

If Derry wants to get the support of the fans then he should include all the Supporters group eg London Saints, Northern Saints, Colslaw, Cardiff Saints etc.

 

Yes it would be fantastic to save the club but if fans are to lead it then it needs to be a new approach uniting all the fans not the Trust.

 

A divided club is one of the major problems of the last few years. Promoting the Trust will just keep the fan base divided which is the last thing we need or want.

[hypochondriac]

Wait... They've been organising quiz nights!!!?

 

Trust bastards!!!

 

Look. They have had a chance to voice concerns or to start something for ages. Did they bother? No nothing. Then as soon as there is a chance that they could get fan ownership and FOTB back on the agenda they jump at the chance, even coercing people like derry who are doing their best for the club to try and make them all unite under the trust banner so that they look like they are representing everyone. Why not just have come on you reds banners around town? No it has to be come on you reds with a big saints Trust logo. Why not have this save our saints concert with the Trust working in the background? No it has to be "in assosciation with the Trust". In my opinion they just want the credit and kudos with a lot of what they do and that's sad because if they just worked in the background for the good of SFC then I would support them.

 

If you want to be sarcastic and try to belittle the very real concerns that people have about the Trust then go ahead but I think most people can see that there are very real issues here and it's one of the reasons that most original members became disillusioned and left.

[saintalan]

Isn't the Trust redundant now? I thought its role was as a community of shareholders, so it effectively has no shares now.

 

So are they just not like any other group morphing themselves in to a 'Save the Club' unit?

[Amesbury Saint]

I have read most of the above and it has left me somewhat confused.

 

I wish all the best to those trying to do something.

 

But I suggest a high profile, creditable leader is needed.

[StuRomseySaint]

Come on Saints Trust.... come and tell us how many PAID UP, OPTED IN members you have, maybe then some people will be able to judge your credability....

 

I first asked for figures on your membership a year ago, it was also about a year ago that I pointed out the misleading 'members' total on your homepage. To this date, I have not recieved an answer and the misleading members figure has not been updated.

 

During that year, how many times have you contacted your members?

 

Come on Saints Trust, you claim to represent your members and not your individual opinions, how many times have you communicated with your members?

 

Bottom line is, I would rather have Lowe back as Chairman and Branfoot as manager, than have any of the Saints Trust ( or any other allie ) running our club.

[Mole]

and this is The Saints Trust blueprint for the future:

 

The Business Plan will contain the following key elements:

 

1. Electronic Transaction System

The introduction of a swipe card season ticket system providing the means for season ticket holders to obtain refunds on matches not attended, with the same promotional discounts offered by the club on specific match days. This will also provide significant marketing benefits for the club to develop, in particular with association with supporting transport partners.

 

2. Supporters Social Club

The conversion of the Mike Channon Suite into a social club for season ticket members open seven days a week throughout the year - as well as match days, in order to fully utilise the revenue earning potential stadium and to provide the social forum for regular supporters.

 

3. Corporate governance by the FA

It will seek to reduce the monopoly power of the Football Association in regard to its failure to regulate the board room structures of professional football league clubs according to the guidelines of the Higgs Report on corporate governance, their power over the terms and conditions of players contracts and their power over the pricing and marketing strategies and tactics of individual clubs.

 

4. Players Contracts

It will seek to change the status of the trade unions representing contract football players and managers to a trade association, and introduce as salaried terms and conditions of employment (not salary levels) for its players as other employees and introduce a business based employee representation structure in regard to negotiation and consultation procedures.

 

5. Environmental Impact

In the interests of progressing the Stern Report’s call for long term corporate governance policies to reduce carbon emissions, it will seek to incorporate in its long term business plan to develop new mainland and possibly water borne links to the stadium in consultation with transport operators and local authority bodies. It will also negotiate special discount terms for season ticket holders with transport operators (including domestic airlines) to encourage motorists to use public transport.

 

http://www.saintstrust.co.uk/news.php?id=287

 

Can't think why no-one takes them seriously.

 

That is one of the funniest things i've ever read.

[Viking Warrior]

I didnt think it long before wolvie smith and the free tooting bec came riding back into town.

 

I was very interested in the save our saints campaign sadly by having SISA

involved you have just blown any support/donations I was about to give to them.

 

If you think lowe and co divided the fans so did certain members of SISA.

[Viking Warrior]

Derry

 

I am in total agreement with what youa re saying here

 

"For me the only criteria is to be in SMS next season watching Saints"

 

However if we fail to attract a suitable buyer and the only option is to have a set of fans running the club then I can state that if chorley or mcmillan are anyway involved I will not purchase a season ticket for next season. They have as much history as lowe and co and have equally divided the fan base.

 

What we need is fresh faces, new ideas and certainly no history re the last few years.

 

Just when I think we were all coming together as a united group of fans

the ego's ride into town.

 

But im not suprised

[hypochondriac]

Derry

 

I am in total agreement with what youa re saying here

 

"For me the only criteria is to be in SMS next season watching Saints"

 

However if we fail to attract a suitable buyer and the only option is to have a set of fans runing the club the I can advise that if chorley or mcmillan are anyway involved I will not purchase a season ticket. They ahve as much history as lowe and co and have divided the fan base.

 

What we need is fresh faces, new ideas and certainly no history re the last few years.

 

Just when I think we were all coming together as a united group of fans

the ego's ride into town.

 

But im not suprised

 

I would like to add Nick to that, especially if he wants to be the FOTB.

[StuRomseySaint]

That is one of the funniest things i've ever read.

 

I think the funniest thing was the bit about turning the Mick Channon Suite into a pub....

 

.... it's not like it is probably at the moment the Solents premier conferencing venue with a massive potential.

 

How many Saints fans would say on a Tuesday night "eh up, let's pop down for a pint down the Micky Channon, Saints Trust are having a Quiz Night"

 

Also, I am sure the overheads of Stadium security etc etc....

 

... not to mention, having been someone who has experienced hospitality at St Marys on countless times, part of the exclusivity of corporate hospitality is having your own entrance. Might seem pedantic but I would not be chuffed if I had paid £150 to cram into a lift with loads of face-painted kids and sweaty old men....

 

How on earth they think the Mick Channon Suite has more potential as a Social Club than a Corporate venue, is beggars belief, especially when they have a perfectly good 'social club' at the back of the Kingsland Stand which if they wanted, could be opened 7 days a week ( not that it would work )

 

And for that reason..... I'm out!

[Mole]

The bit where it says "it will seek to incorporate in its long term business plan to develop new mainland and possibly water borne links to the stadium in consultation with transport operators and local authority bodies" is priceless.

 

So who will water borne links serve? Presumably unless you live on or near the itchen you won't be able to catch the Saints Trust Ferry, or will they be building a new marina and dredging the river for the Isle of Wight Ferry to drop fans off? Perhaps i'm underestimating the extent of the plans and the Trust will be building canals like venice complete with gondolas to transport fans from all over the city.

[StuRomseySaint]

The bit where it says "it will seek to incorporate in its long term business plan to develop new mainland and possibly water borne links to the stadium in consultation with transport operators and local authority bodies" is priceless.

 

So who will water borne links serve? Presumably unless you live on or near the itchen you won't be able to catch the Saints Trust Ferry, or will they be building a new marina and dredging the river for the Isle of Wight Ferry to drop fans off? Perhaps i'm underestimating the extent of the plans and the Trust will be building canals like venice complete with gondolas to transport fans from all over the city.

 

That bit confused me too.... I know the Itchen runs close to the stadium, but I could not help image a canal network, or maybe they are looking into a monorail ( which would be quite cool ) , maybe even an underground network?

[Blanco Saint]

That is one of the funniest things i've ever read.

This is madness.

What about the needs of the Season Ticket Holder?

5p off a pint a pie for season ticket holders.

Priority toilets for season ticket holders.

Thicker toilet paper etc.

Softer seats for season ticket holders.

There is no way that I would ever imagine backing these ideas.

Good luck to anyone who is willing to help save our club. Im not sure the above points are going to cut it.

[krissyboy31]

That bit confused me too.... I know the Itchen runs close to the stadium, but I could not help image a canal network, or maybe they are looking into a monorail ( which would be quite cool ) , maybe even an underground network?

 

I presume it refers to reports (about 6 months ago) that the local authorities and the likes of the Hythe Ferry co. and Blue Funnel were looking into the feasibility of starting a river taxi service from various points along Southampton Water/The Hamble/The Test and The Itchen.

[StuRomseySaint]

I presume it refers to reports (about 6 months ago) that the local authorities and the likes of the Hythe Ferry co. and Blue Funnel were looking into the feasibility of starting a river taxi service from various points along Southampton Water/The Hamble/The Test and The Itchen.

 

I could offer to drive people to the stadium for free.... we still wouldn't fill the ground.

 

The people that are inside the stadium week in, week out are there because they want to be, not because the IOW Ferry doesn't drop them at the stadium doorstep.

[Mole]

That bit confused me too.... I know the Itchen runs close to the stadium, but I could not help image a canal network, or maybe they are looking into a monorail ( which would be quite cool ) , maybe even an underground network?