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

[krissyboy31]

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.

 

I would imagine it's more about 'green' credentials and integrated transport plan (political agenda) than getting bums on seats.

[The Tango Man]

Personally , and supporting the Saints for almost 50 years , the most important thing is to rescue the club with sustainable finacial support and guidance.

I still feel strongly about involving some passionate ex Saints and the Saints trust is not and will never be the voice of the supporters, we need something much bigger to save our once great club.

[Frank's cousin]

I really lose the will to live at times. From the couple of occasions I have met Derry at matches - he is about the least egotistical person I have met - I have 100% confidence in him doing this purely for love of OUR club. To rip into ideas and those willing to give their own time FREE OF CHARGE to try something, anything to help in a crisis, is to be honest a bit of a S hitty thing to do.

 

As I have said in the past on and on this thread, there are names on the 'joint list' that I can not agree with, others that I can only agree with in part, but the WHOLE concept of fan ownership is that it will be based on a democratic system and that will mean there will be folk and things I would vote against - but the beauty is in having that chance to start with.

 

If we need fans to try and step in, because no one else comes in for us, its these guys, warts and all that should be getting our support, not ridicule etc. If you feel that they dont represent your views get off your arses and get involved - I would suggest they would welcome your support and input because the MORE representative of fans these things are, the more representative of ALL factions, groups and opinion, the more unified they become and a successful outcome becomes more likely - we cry out for unity, yet it us very fans who now the big bad wolf has gone seem at times to stepped outside and are huffing and puffing to blow our own house down....

 

Good luck to all involved - I would happily volunteer to be part of this, but a) I dont have the time right now as other things are a priority and b) I suspect my 'luvvie' tag might alienate rather than unite...

Edited 23 April, 2009 by Frank's cousin

[Mole]

I'm not having a go at Derry. He's doing what he thinks is right. The call for money is just so unclear on the amount needed and where it's going though. Like others have said i'm not keen on my money going to players wages for example.

 

Voicing concernes about the Trusts involement is unrelated. They are a group that many don't like or want involved in Saints.

[Frank's cousin]

I'm not having a go at Derry. He's doing what he thinks is right. The call for money is just so unclear on the amount needed and where it's going though. Like others have said i'm not keen on my money going to players wages for example.

 

Voicing concernes about the Trusts involement is unrelated. They are a group that many don't like or want involved in Saints.

 

I appreciate teh money concerns - but this has been complicated by the CRouch call to donate to the club direct - Monies that will ultimately go towards paying the club costs including player wages

 

The pledging that is being called for by the joint group indicated as I understand it, is to accumulate sufficient interest to be able to mount a realistic bid for the club AND the training ground and hopefully getting the council to buy SMS. HOw much this needs to be is still unclear as we dont know what sort of offers the administrator is considering for the club alone.

 

Whilst Crouch's call for funds donmated directly to the club, may help keep the club alive a bit longer, ultimately its just about paying bills and wages

 

The Mark/Derry group is about raising funds that will give donors a stake in the club itself and buying it for fans.

 

The trust involvement - I have to say that I feel the Trust has been given a bad rep for teh obvious reason that they wer Not vocally anti Lowe (IMHO) - The truth is that the TRUST is NOT a supporters association that exists purely to stand up for fans rights against the club, but was an honest attempt to slowly build a shareholding amongst fans that would eventually become big enough to have a serious voice. The Truth is that no matter how much we might dislike or hate the board, the only way fans (trust) would be taken seriously and be offered a board position is if they have shown that its NOT single agenda and NOT about shouting to get rid of him or her, but by demonstrating a calm, rational and importantly PROFESSIONAL approach to negotiations and discussion - with a desire to offer positive criticism for sure, but by working constructively with WHOEVER was in the boardroom. I appreciate that the opinions of NI and SG are not everyones cup of tea, and indeed I would probably disagree with both of them more than agree, BUT from the occasions I have met both of them, talked to them etc, they are actually passionate fans who are also prepared to listen and represent teh MAJORITY view even if that is not their own and that is all we can ask for.

 

The reason for lack of interest to date in the trust has NOT been down to their opinions or approach but down to our own Apathy TBH.

 

Please dont go round in circles about 'committees' and all that nonsense, I know no one likes that guff but like it or not these processes are a required part to maintain a legal framework and to some extent credibilty if thats not an oxymoron. ;-)

[LostBoys]

I welcome any initiative that will help the club. However in my opinion the Trust and SISA are no longer credible if ever they were and have done nothing in recent years to assist the club and have been accused correctly of merely acting as Lowe and Co lackeys.

 

I have met with some of them on away days and I have told them this face to face and to their credit they did not agree.

 

We are deep enough in the mire already and I cannot see that a bunch of amateurs could ever help us out of it and do not command enough gravitas and support to raise anywhere near the money that the Club require.

[up and away]

I cannot understand the idiots on here having a pop at Illingsworth. All he has ever said is that if we do not support our club, no one else will and the consequences that could entail. There was no endorsement of Lowe or Wilde, just the practical application of what is best for Saints. And even now many cannot figure out how right he was and are still arguing the toss as the possibility of our demise looms nearer.

[OldNick]

How about we go the old fashioned way.We get an owner who takes the risks and we pay to go and watch and leave the politics out of our saturdays entertainment.A committee will NEVER run a professional football club that becomes successful.

We had 3 businessmen with each of their egos with the Wilde bunch we dont need a room full of football chairman wannabees.

[OldNick]

I cannot understand the idiots on here having a pop at Illingsworth. All he has ever said is that if we do not support our club, no one else will and the consequences that could entail. There was no endorsement of Lowe or Wilde, just the practical application of what is best for Saints. And even now many cannot figure out how right he was and are still arguing the toss as the possibility of our demise looms nearer.

I think that is fair, I have no axe to grind with NI or Derry they both care deeply for SFC and are doing their best.Im trying to be practical and frankly if we are not a club worht investing in by a group how can a fans collective ever hope to do so?

[Frank's cousin]

I welcome any initiative that will help the club. However in my opinion the Trust and SISA are no longer credible if ever they were and have done nothing in recent years to assist the club and have been accused correctly of merely acting as Lowe and Co lackeys.

 

I have met with some of them on away days and I have told them this face to face and to their credit they did not agree.

 

We are deep enough in the mire already and I cannot see that a bunch of amateurs could ever help us out of it and do not command enough gravitas and support to raise anywhere near the money that the Club require.

 

Crouch/Wilde/ LOwe/- all amateurs when it came to running a club - and they all failed to get the right people in to help - the fans group would be about employing the RIGHT people - interviews CVs and the works answerable to the owners - the fans themselves, cant see how that is about amateurs running a club can you?

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I really lose the will to live at times. From the couple of occasions I have met Derry at matches - he is about the least egotistical person I have met - I have 100% confidence in him doing this purely for love of OUR club. To rip into ideas and those willing to give their own time FREE OF CHARGE to try something, anything to help in a crisis, is to be honest a bit of a S hitty thing to do.

 

As I have said in the past on and on this thread, there are names on the 'joint list' that I can not agree with, others that I can only agree with in part, but the WHOLE concept of fan ownership is that it will be based on a democratic system and that will mean there will be folk and things I would vote against - but the beauty is in having that chance to start with.

 

If we need fans to try and step in, because no one else comes in for us, its these guys, warts and all that should be getting our support, not ridicule etc. If you feel that they dont represent your views get off your arses and get involved - I would suggest they would welcome your support and input because the MORE representative of fans these things are, the more representative of ALL factions, groups and opinion, the more unified they become and a successful outcome becomes more likely - we cry out for unity, yet it us very fans who now the big bad wolf has gone seem at times to stepped outside and are huffing and puffing to blow our own house down....

 

Good luck to all involved - I would happily volunteer to be part of this, but a) I dont have the time right now as other things are a priority and b) I suspect my 'luvvie' tag might alienate rather than unite...

 

 

I would like to echo FC's sentiments here.

I have no time for the Trust, believing they lost all credibility by their seeming inability to speak out over the last 2 or 3 years.

I have little time for SISA believing them to be a busted flush.

I have little time for Leon Crouch/Lawrie McMenemy/Mike Richards/Guy Askham sitting behind Mark Fry in the director's box (what gives them that right?)

 

However one thing unites everyone above with everyone on here (excepting the odd troll) and that is we are all Saints fans. Whatever our politics, our religion, our race or sexuality we all want Southampton FC to continue. Can you simply imagine not having a football club to cheer or moan at. No more looking forward to Saturdays, no more hooking up with mates for a few pre-match beers, no more away days, no more stories, no more history, no more memories.

 

Therefore, whore that I am when it comes down to supporting my team, I will climb into bed with anyone (see below) if it means something that has been most precious to me, ever since I attended my first match in 1963, keeps going. That includes Margaret Thatcher, Willie Walsh, Rupert Lowe and John Westwood if need be. It also includes Jonah, SoG, CB Fry, Manji and all the others on here I have crossed swords with in the past. We simply HAVE to put our prejudices to one side and, to save our club - unite behind whatever is out there. The alternative is too awful to contemplate.

[solentstars]

I would like to echo FC's sentiments here.

I have no time for the Trust, believing they lost all credibility by their seeming inability to speak out over the last 2 or 3 years.

I have little time for SISA believing them to be a busted flush.

I have little time for Leon Crouch/Lawrie McMenemy/Mike Richards/Guy Askham sitting behind Mark Fry in the director's box (what gives them that right?)

 

However one thing unites everyone above with everyone on here (excepting the odd troll) and that is we are all Saints fans. Whatever our politics, our religion, our race or sexuality we all want Southampton FC to continue. Can you simply imagine not having a football club to cheer or moan at. No more looking forward to Saturdays, no more hooking up with mates for a few pre-match beers, no more away days, no more stories, no more history, no more memories.

 

Therefore, whore that I am when it comes down to supporting my team, I will climb into bed with anyone (see below) if it means something that has been most precious to me, ever since I attended my first match in 1963, keeps going. That includes Margaret Thatcher, Willie Walsh, Rupert Lowe and John Westwood if need be. It also includes Jonah, SoG, CB Fry, Manji and all the others on here I have crossed swords with in the past. We simply HAVE to put our prejudices to one side and, to save our club - unite behind whatever is out there. The alternative is too awful to contemplate.

 

amen to that ,at the moment we need saints to survive and we are along way from that.

[Barry Horne]

How about we go the old fashioned way.We get an owner who takes the risks and we pay to go and watch and leave the politics out of our saturdays entertainment.A committee will NEVER run a professional football club that becomes successful.

We had 3 businessmen with each of their egos with the Wilde bunch we dont need a room full of football chairman wannabees.

 

Unfortunately I think you're right. The harsh reality is that it's very unlikely to work long-term, jeez just look at the trouble a lot of amateur clubs have with people falling out over how it should best be run or in which direction it should go. I applaud the enthusiasm shown, I'll even contribute money, and I will certainly pray that it works. Sad thing is my head is ruling my heart over this.

[Frank's cousin]

I would like to echo FC's sentiments here.

I have no time for the Trust, believing they lost all credibility by their seeming inability to speak out over the last 2 or 3 years.

I have little time for SISA believing them to be a busted flush.

I have little time for Leon Crouch/Lawrie McMenemy/Mike Richards/Guy Askham sitting behind Mark Fry in the director's box (what gives them that right?)

 

However one thing unites everyone above with everyone on here (excepting the odd troll) and that is we are all Saints fans. Whatever our politics, our religion, our race or sexuality we all want Southampton FC to continue. Can you simply imagine not having a football club to cheer or moan at. No more looking forward to Saturdays, no more hooking up with mates for a few pre-match beers, no more away days, no more stories, no more history, no more memories.

 

Therefore, whore that I am when it comes down to supporting my team, I will climb into bed with anyone (see below) if it means something that has been most precious to me, ever since I attended my first match in 1963, keeps going. That includes Margaret Thatcher, Willie Walsh, Rupert Lowe and John Westwood if need be. It also includes Jonah, SoG, CB Fry, Manji and all the others on here I have crossed swords with in the past. We simply HAVE to put our prejudices to one side and, to save our club - unite behind whatever is out there. The alternative is too awful to contemplate.

 

Surely you would not get intio bed John Westwood.... you know taht imga ehas now penetrated my brian ARHRARRR ;-)

 

You are right, we need practical realism - we have heard and read thousands of calls for unity over these last three years 0- yet the moment the factions try and work together, everyone begins slagging off one or the other.... FFS guys I I can book a virtual Holiday in Switzerland with Alpine Saint, the leats you can do is give these guys a chance - they just CARE.

[Frank's cousin]

Unfortunately I think you're right. The harsh reality is that it's very unlikely to work long-term, jeez just look at the trouble a lot of amateur clubs have with people falling out over how it should best be run or in which direction it should go. I applaud the enthusiasm shown, I'll even contribute money, and I will certainly pray that it works. Sad thing is my head is ruling my heart over this.

 

Thats fair enough, noone is saying it will be ideal or it wont be without its ups/downs and own problems, but at the very least its about a committment to the club, to keep it going and if it takes a few spats and tears to get to teh right solution so be it - but its about the knowledge that everyone WANTS the right solution even if they iffer on how to achieve it - thats democracy ;-)

[Mole]

The reason for lack of interest to date in the trust has NOT been down to their opinions or approach but down to our own Apathy TBH.

 

I diasagree with this. The reason the Trust are too embarrassed to tell us how many members they've got is because they have so few BECAUSE it's been badly run from day 1.

[OldNick]

I would like to echo FC's sentiments here.

I have no time for the Trust, believing they lost all credibility by their seeming inability to speak out over the last 2 or 3 years.

I have little time for SISA believing them to be a busted flush.

I have little time for Leon Crouch/Lawrie McMenemy/Mike Richards/Guy Askham sitting behind Mark Fry in the director's box (what gives them that right?)

 

However one thing unites everyone above with everyone on here (excepting the odd troll) and that is we are all Saints fans. Whatever our politics, our religion, our race or sexuality we all want Southampton FC to continue. Can you simply imagine not having a football club to cheer or moan at. No more looking forward to Saturdays, no more hooking up with mates for a few pre-match beers, no more away days, no more stories, no more history, no more memories.

 

Therefore, whore that I am when it comes down to supporting my team, I will climb into bed with anyone (see below) if it means something that has been most precious to me, ever since I attended my first match in 1963, keeps going. That includes Margaret Thatcher, Willie Walsh, Rupert Lowe and John Westwood if need be. It also includes Jonah, SoG, CB Fry, Manji and all the others on here I have crossed swords with in the past. We simply HAVE to put our prejudices to one side and, to save our club - unite behind whatever is out there. The alternative is too awful to contemplate.

Duncan thankyou for that almost statesmanslike post.You have won me over as you are prepared not to side but to unite behind the thing that is very important in ours lives.

Your open criticism of some you have been in favour of does worry me a little as I wonder that they might have let your hopes down and may not be active in trying to bale us out.Am i wrong or is it just you are ably trying to unite the fans behind the banner Duncan because somebody who can be so vitriolic (forgive the criticism) to say these things is a step forward and make what you say more palletable for a lot of fans

[Frank's cousin]

I diasagree with this. The reason the Trust are too embarrassed to tell us how many members they've got is because they have so few BECAUSE it's been badly run from day 1.

 

Stanely if you believe its been badly run, what /how would you have done it differently? Offer some practical advice to improve it if you feel that its crap.

 

OK there are several reasons why the take up may or may not have been as expected.

 

1. Folk did not like/or like teh opinion of those on teh variious committees

2. Folk are naturally suspicious of anyone who stands for such things - we never seem tolike folk who eiethr put themselves forward or are nominated and accept (we see tham as pushy and egotistical)

3. the communication was confusing - mixed messages, registration an issue, cionfusion over what the aims were and what teh trust stood for - this last bit about aims though it was actually VERY clear. The trust would represent teh opinion of teh majority of its members - democracy in action - the committe could not tell you yet where the trsuts stood on an issue because during the recruiting phase it had not yet convased opinion from its members.

 

If you believe it was a body that sucked up to Lowe, which dont believe, It woudl only ahve been the case if the majority of its members held taht opinion - thats was its mandate - if you did not liek this,, the trick was to get all the like minded antis to join and change this.

 

And rem,ember what I said about the need for CONSTRUCTIVE ideals not single agenda politics if wantingto be taken seriously .

 

The thing is whatever you believ about teh above, these guys did give a FECK and were prepared to do something - as Red Ken famously and rightly said - 'If you want me out, you should have the RIGHT to vote me out' - If you dont like waht the fan groups stand for you have two choices: stand on teh sidelines and moan, or join them and change what they stand for - Its pretty obvious to me what choice we would take says about us as people and as fans.

[Mole]

Stanely if you believe its been badly run' date=' what /how would you have done it differently? Offer some practical advice to improve it if you feel that its crap.[/quote']

 

1. I wouldn't have accepted the share proxies from Wilde and Crouch - bang went the Trust independence on day 1.

2. I would drop the fan on the board nonsense - it would be a super fan voting off his own back how him and his mates saw fit (confidentiality clauses would mean they'd be no accountability).

3. I wouldn't have wasted money on shares - instead investing the money in building the Trust.

4. I would ask members for their opinions before trotting out what the Trust thinks.

5. I would be honest - they won't even admit how many members they've got!

 

It's too late to save it now though Frank because it's so damaged the situation is irretrievable.

[StuRomseySaint]

Have the Trust told us how many PAID UP, OPTED IN members they have got yet?

 

Come on, I know members of their board post on here/will be reading this thread.

 

Nice simple question that I have been asking for a year.

 

HOW MANY?

 

If you don't want to answer, then please can you give a reason why you won't release your figure of PAID UP,OPTED IN members?

 

I'll tell you why, because the figure is less than 50, probably less than 20, and if the club and the media knew this, you lot wouldn't get your mugs on TV and in the papers.

 

'largest supporter group' ? My arse....

[Mole]

If you dont like waht the fan groups stand for you have two choices: stand on teh sidelines and moan' date=' or join them and change what they stand for - Its pretty obvious to me what choice we would take says about us as people and as fans.[/quote']

 

I would never be a member again. I don't agree with the supporters direct concept. Also by joining all you'd do is add weight to Nick Illingsworths opinions.

[OldNick]

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.

 

.

That is just a nonsense. Im sure South west trains will do the same when you dont travel to London.Lol

[derry]

The only focus in my mind is to be able to gauge the level of support and if in the event of imminent liquidation try to rescue something out of the existing mess.

 

I really don't give a rats arse about prejudices and historical issues. If it comes down to it, it is going to be you, me and the ordinary fan that will put their hands in their pockets.

 

I hope there is going to be a buyer, but if that fails we need to do something. If that means shaking hands with the devil, so be it, if by combining we make ourselves more effective then that's the way to go.

 

To that end I've asked Steve Grant to take that bloody silly business plan off the saveoursaints pledge page. It detracts from the only issue and only supports the bloody silly SISA proposal which isn't going to happen.

[OldNick]

The only focus in my mind is to be able to gauge the level of support and if in the event of imminent liquidation try to rescue something out of the existing mess.

 

I really don't give a rats arse about prejudices and historical issues. If it comes down to it, it is going to be you, me and the ordinary fan that will put their hands in their pockets.

 

I hope there is going to be a buyer, but if that fails we need to do something. If that means shaking hands with the devil, so be it, if by combining we make ourselves more effective then that's the way to go.

 

To that end I've asked Steve Grant to take that bloody silly business plan off the saveoursaints pledge page. It detracts from the only issue and only supports the bloody silly SISA proposal which isn't going to happen.

Good thats a start

[Marsdinho]

Firstly, I think we all agree that NONE of us want to see Saints go down the pan. NONE OF US.

 

So, when people reply with "so you would rather see saints cease to exist that unite the groups" the answer is a very firm NO.

 

But that wasnt the question we were originally asked.

 

if we had been asked "Would you rather see saints owned by a fans group or out of business all together" then the vast majority would want the former.

 

But we werent, we were asked to give opinion on a specific situation. which we have given. So to come back with the argument that "you cant be a real saints fan if you want them to go under" is not really fully understanding the issues involed in this post.

 

Another question I have:

 

The last I heard was that there were 30+ potential investors. I have not seen any further update to suggest this amount has changed.

 

So why are The Saints Trust, SISA etc of the opinion that we may end up with NO BIDS for the club.

 

Have they been given information the rest of us dont know about.

[derry]

Firstly, I think we all agree that NONE of us want to see Saints go down the pan. NONE OF US.

 

So, when people reply with "so you would rather see saints cease to exist that unite the groups" the answer is a very firm NO.

 

But that wasnt the question we were originally asked.

 

if we had been asked "Would you rather see saints owned by a fans group or out of business all together" then the vast majority would want the former.

 

But we werent, we were asked to give opinion on a specific situation. which we have given. So to come back with the argument that "you cant be a real saints fan if you want them to go under" is not really fully understanding the issues involed in this post.

 

Another question I have:

 

The last I heard was that there were 30+ potential investors. I have not seen any further update to suggest this amount has changed.

 

So why are The Saints Trust, SISA etc of the opinion that we may end up with NO BIDS for the club.

 

Have they been given information the rest of us dont know about.

 

There have been no bids, I believe that all but three or four at the most have been weeded out. The criteria we are at, is evidence of funds before due diligence takes place.

 

Any group that don't have the funds in place don't have a prayer. If all the boxes are ticked for a prospective buyer who have the funds in place, then it may well happen. Even then we don't know what part of the business and assets are being considered.

 

At the moment to my limited knowledge it is still a bloody big 'if'.

 

We have to organise a back up. That is where we are.

[SaintDonkey]

I for one, will never set foot in St Marys again whilst there is a bunch of self-obsessed ego's running it. So for that reason, I hope this comes to nothing.

 

Great - there's not even a new regime in place yet (or any guarantee they'll be a club to have a new regime) and already people are calling for a boycott! Let's face it whoever takes over will be an ego - you just don't get to be a football chairman without being one. If they bring success on the pitch the ego will be forgiven (by all but the lunatic fringe of course ).

 

All we can hope for at the moment is that someone comes in and I applaud any efforts to keep Southampton Football Club alive. I have my doubts about the trust* but at least they're doing something!

 

 

 

*[edit] actually after reading their Business plan for SFC can I raise that from "doubts" to "they're a bunch of unrealistitic lunatics who should be allowed anywhere near the club"

Edited 23 April, 2009 by SaintDonkey
researching on the Saints Trust site

[OldNick]

There have been no bids, I believe that all but three or four at the most have been weeded out. The criteria we are at, is evidence of funds before due diligence takes place.

 

Any group that don't have the funds in place don't have a prayer. If all the boxes are ticked for a prospective buyer who have the funds in place, then it may well happen. Even then we don't know what part of the business and assets are being considered.

 

At the moment to my limited knowledge it is still a bloody big 'if'.

 

We have to organise a back up. That is where we are.

Reading that is very disturbing

[slickmick]

Surely you would not get intio bed John Westwood.... you know taht imga ehas now penetrated my brian ARHRARRR ;-)

 

 

Perhaps he wants to play with his bell.

[Roger]

I couldnt give a damn who has done what in the past, all I know is all the groups are trying to get together and try and do something. Everyone just snipping on here should get off their backsides and try and do something too. I have never been a fan of the trust but they do seem to be trying to do the right thing at the moment and I applaud nick for this. There is no doubt that the people involved here love sfc and wouldnt be giving up their free time otherwise to try and discuss ways of helping the club. I for one applaud duncan for his post. Everyone needs to pull together because we might not have a club this time next week.

[Marsdinho]

There have been no bids, I believe that all but three or four at the most have been weeded out. The criteria we are at, is evidence of funds before due diligence takes place.

 

Any group that don't have the funds in place don't have a prayer. If all the boxes are ticked for a prospective buyer who have the funds in place, then it may well happen. Even then we don't know what part of the business and assets are being considered.

 

At the moment to my limited knowledge it is still a bloody big 'if'.

 

We have to organise a back up. That is where we are.

 

 

Is the reason that there are no formal bids becuase the bidders dont know a) what division we will be in next season b) if we will have a 10 point deduction.

 

Surely, the outcome of a) and b) will dictate what bids come our way and what amount they are.

[OldNick]

Is the reason that there are no formal bids becuase the bidders dont know a) what division we will be in next season b) if we will have a 10 point deduction.

 

Surely, the outcome of a) and b) will dictate what bids come our way and what amount they are.

I cant believe that a bidder does not factor in we are down. Everything then is an upside.If it is true we are within a week of folding then it would be clever business to get a low bid in at the same time preparing a higher 1 if we stay up.The low bid and funds could be in place in case we do go t### and ready to move in an instant .

We may not know for sure for over a week if we are to go down and so they are really playing stupid games/risks

[derry]

Is the reason that there are no formal bids becuase the bidders dont know a) what division we will be in next season b) if we will have a 10 point deduction.

 

Surely, the outcome of a) and b) will dictate what bids come our way and what amount they are.

 

There is a difference between passing the proof of funds stage, then doing due diligence and an actual bid which would depend on the state of the club as found in the due diligence.

 

The potential buyers like the league, FA, administrators, club, will have had their lawyers looking at the rules. They all know where they stand we just haven't been told by the league because I suspect they are waiting and hoping that the club drop into administration.

 

I wouldn't for one minute think that any buyer would be put off by relegation, I do know there is serious interest and the process can't be hurried. In the end do we put all our eggs in one basket or do we get a structure in place just in case, you know my answer.

 

The sooner the fat lady gets up and sings the happier I'll be, Its the doubt that is the killer.

Edited 23 April, 2009 by derry

[SP Saint]

We have to organise a back up. That is where we are.

 

FAO Derry:

 

I'm glad you've disassociated yourself from the w@nk proposal put together by the Trust.

 

This is only my opinion but it seems to me that if this is ever going to work SOS has to be totally single minded about what it's doing.

 

Surely the business plan is to

 

1. Raise the required capital to buy the football club

 

and

 

2. Install an experienced team to run the club

 

 

I can't help think that the more bureaucratic types you involve (Trust /MPs) the more tangled up in knots the plan will get and the less likely it will be to succeed in it's objectives.

 

I also wouldn't even contemplated bidding for Staplewood or Jackson's Farm. There won't be enough money and again it will reduce the chances of success.

 

The people you need on your team right now are experienced fund-raisers, respected local figures such as ex-players and perhaps commitment from people capable of running the club off and on the field (these may have to involve current personnel such as Dave Jones to make it work imo). Would Benali and MLT commit to managing I wonder?

 

Again just my thoughts but in summary I think your team needs to keep it's blinkers on and focus only on the objective at hand (not politics) and you need doers not talkers.

 

Hope you have a good meeting this afternoon.

[Marsdinho]

I cant believe that a bidder does not factor in we are down. Everything then is an upside.If it is true we are within a week of folding then it would be clever business to get a low bid in at the same time preparing a higher 1 if we stay up.The low bid and funds could be in place in case we do go t### and ready to move in an instant .

We may not know for sure for over a week if we are to go down and so they are really playing stupid games/risks

 

I must admit Im venturing onto ground I dont know much about (not the first time !!)

 

But, if we are at the stage of bidders having to prove funds, wouldnt it be easier to prove funds for a League 1 team, than a Championship team.

 

Or do you only have to prove that you can pay off our debt?

[Roger]

Have the Trust told us how many PAID UP, OPTED IN members they have got yet?

 

Come on, I know members of their board post on here/will be reading this thread.

 

Nice simple question that I have been asking for a year.

 

HOW MANY?

 

If you don't want to answer, then please can you give a reason why you won't release your figure of PAID UP,OPTED IN members?

 

I'll tell you why, because the figure is less than 50, probably less than 20, and if the club and the media knew this, you lot wouldn't get your mugs on TV and in the papers.

 

'largest supporter group' ? My arse....

 

I have agreed with a lot of things you have said in the past mate but I dont understand your stance on this. What are you on? Everyone is trying to help but it doesnt help when people are threatening to boycott already it doesnt help anyone. Please mate get on board and try and save this great club. Come on guys lets all pull together.

[OldNick]

I must admit Im venturing onto ground I dont know much about (not the first time !!)

 

But, if we are at the stage of bidders having to prove funds, wouldnt it be easier to prove funds for a League 1 team, than a Championship team.

 

Or do you only have to prove that you can pay off our debt?

to be fair I have never been involved in having to go the due diligence route, there are many better to ask.

My crude viewpoint is a bit like an opportunist really. The club is reportedly days from folding so, a wealthy businessman/group put in a low/measly bid but have the proof of those funds in place. They are at least ready to act if the club is suddenly about to fold. They then have a bargain, but at the same time they can be working on a more extensive bid if we happen to stay up.Derry saying there is no bid at this time is quite concerning .It would be good if people like Clapham could guide us here and tell us if it is expected that no bids are on the table. To me considering the few weeks we have been here Im surprised no bids are there, especially as we had interest up to the night before SLH went into admin and Lowe etc's removal.

[Mole]

Derry saying there is no bid at this time is quite concerning.

 

Why?

 

It's a bit like a bloke down the pub telling you something.

 

I'm not being funny but we really need to get away from this ITK twaddle. The only people who know what's going on are the administrators.

[bridge too far]

Whilst it is a bit of a worry that there is nothing concrete out there, I'm not surprised there are no BIDS on the table ATM.

 

Due diligence has to be undertaken first. Once that's done, then the bid(s) will follow, I would have thought.

 

One step at a time.

[Wade Garrett]

The only focus in my mind is to be able to gauge the level of support and if in the event of imminent liquidation try to rescue something out of the existing mess.

 

I really don't give a rats arse about prejudices and historical issues. If it comes down to it, it is going to be you, me and the ordinary fan that will put their hands in their pockets.

 

I hope there is going to be a buyer, but if that fails we need to do something. If that means shaking hands with the devil, so be it, if by combining we make ourselves more effective then that's the way to go.

 

To that end I've asked Steve Grant to take that bloody silly business plan off the saveoursaints pledge page. It detracts from the only issue and only supports the bloody silly SISA proposal which isn't going to happen.

 

Derry, what concerns me is that Perry McMillan was quoted in the Echo saying that the club being run by a supporters trust is the only way to go. I'm not sure if he is saying there is no buyer out there, or he is just pushing himself to the fore to try and get publicity and power for himslf and one or two of his cronies.

 

I accept that a number of people involved, like yourself, in this initiative are genuine. However some people who have been spouting off to the radio and newpapers in the last couple of days I'm not at all sure about.

 

As I said before, I think a supporters trust running the club is a recipe for disaster (I can see it all going a bit Animal Farm). But it is better than no club at all. I just hope that certain people aren't using others at the moment for their own personal agendas.

[derry]

I am saying specifically that there are potential bidders going through the process, which is stage by stage.

 

I didn't say there wasn't anything happening, I'm sure there is, but until all the stages are carried out the actual offer and hopefully acceptance won't happen.

 

An acceptable bid is the second last thing to happen apart from the signing.

[Marsdinho]

Surely, the only person that has up-to-date and accurate info would be Mark Fry.

 

So now this is sounding a mixture of some people panicing because they have been told about any bids / not kept ITK, and some people seeing the situation as an ideal opportunity to get their feeet under the table.

 

Now I dont want to slag Derry off (you have come across very well in this post) but if I was a prospective bidder, I wouldnt be handing out information about what I was doing to any old tom **** or harry.

 

The fact that Derry, NI, Perry, SISA (the list goes on) havent heard anything doesnt worry me. Its when Mary Fry come out and says that all interest is over, thats when I will start to panic.

[derry]

Derry, what concerns me is that Perry McMillan was quoted in the Echo saying that the club being run by a supporters trust is the only way to go. I'm not sure if he is saying there is no buyer out there, or he is just pushing himself to the fore to try and get publicity and power for himslf and one or two of his cronies.

 

I accept that a number of people involved, like yourself, in this initiative are genuine. However some people who have been spouting off to the radio and newpapers in the last couple of days I'm not at all sure about.

 

As I said before, I think a supporters trust running the club is a recipe for disaster (I can see it all going a bit Animal Farm). But it is better than no club at all. I just hope that certain people aren't using others at the moment for their own personal agendas.

 

Their proposals are rediculous. There is not a hope in hell of them putting together a bid. The public for one just won't buy it.

 

The only way the public MIGHT contribute on mass, is a final last ditch attempt to rescue the club all other avenues having failed.

 

To be fair to the trust, and I'm not interested in history, that is the view that Nick Illingsworth gave me yesterday.

 

If in the end we need to save the club, it will require the support of the trust for the simple reason they have the proper trust structure in place.

 

The media also consider them to be of influence. To make a rescue work we need to use the media effectively.

[derry]

Surely, the only person that has up-to-date and accurate info would be Mark Fry.

 

So now this is sounding a mixture of some people panicing because they have been told about any bids / not kept ITK, and some people seeing the situation as an ideal opportunity to get their feeet under the table.

 

Now I dont want to slag Derry off (you have come across very well in this post) but if I was a prospective bidder, I wouldnt be handing out information about what I was doing to any old tom **** or harry.

 

The fact that Derry, NI, Perry, SISA (the list goes on) havent heard anything doesnt worry me. Its when Mary Fry come out and says that all interest is over, thats when I will start to panic.

 

That's the thing, I have been told in confidence where we are and I'm doing my best to keep you informed without breaking confidence. It seems nobody can read and understand any more.

[Dibden Purlieu Saint]

Not keen on NI myself, but he's trying to do something, and we need everything we can get so fair play to him.

[Teddy Nutkins]

That's the thing, I have been told in confidence where we are and I'm doing my best to keep you informed without breaking confidence. It seems nobody can read and understand any more.

 

Thank's for that Dave,keep going.

[Weston Saint]

Not keen on NI myself, but he's trying to do something, and we need everything we can get so fair play to him.

Have you met Nick illingsworth and talked to him about Saints? He is a decent bloke who only wants what is best for Saints. I know of some who shared your view but then when they met him on personal level changed their views.

[Wade Garrett]

Their proposals are rediculous. There is not a hope in hell of them putting together a bid. The public for one just won't buy it.

 

The only way the public MIGHT contribute on mass, is a final last ditch attempt to rescue the club all other avenues having failed.

 

To be fair to the trust, and I'm not interested in history, that is the view that Nick Illingsworth gave me yesterday.

 

If in the end we need to save the club, it will require the support of the trust for the simple reason they have the proper trust structure in place.

 

The media also consider them to be of influence. To make a rescue work we need to use the media effectively.

 

Cheers Derry. I'd put a bit of distance between your group and Chorley and McMillan if I were you. They strike me as a couple of chancers.

[SP Saint]

Here you are Stu. From the horses mouth:

 

Do the Trust really have 838 members as it says on their website? What do the trust mean by member?

 

Whenever someone joins the trust they effectively become a shareholder in the trust for life, what this effectively means is thats should the trust be wound up all assets would have to be distributed amongst all the Trust members, not just the current years members, or those members would need to vote on how they would be disposed, this is to safeguard if say the trust had no members that the committee couldnt wind up the trust and divee up the funds amongst themselves

 

Active members are those that subsscribe every year, they have the benefit of being able to vote on issues and represented throughout that year and any benefits etc.

 

Im sure someone will accuse me of spin on the figures, but I dont make the rules so the figures on the ssaints trust website are incorrect, there are actually around 1,000 members but only 400 membersfor season 2008/09

 

Nick I on the Ugly

 

http://www.clubfanzine.com/southampton/v2.forum.posts.php?id_t=107419

 

His two posts are at the bottom of the thread.

 

He makes some other interesting comments too - it's worth a read

[derry]

Here you are Stu. From the horses mouth:

 

 

 

Nick I on the Ugly

 

http://www.clubfanzine.com/southampton/v2.forum.posts.php?id_t=107419

 

His two posts are at the bottom of the thread.

 

He makes some other interesting comments too - it's worth a read

 

Pretty much what he told me yesterday. My answer to his question, any bid that would otherwise fail without assistance, gives an opportunity to ringfence and get a big slice of the influence. No influence - no deal. Influence means a large proportion of the board members. If the bidder couldn't stomach that it would be the end of their bid.