Bumped into Mr Fulthorpe yesterday...

[Long Shot]

I really hate to start another "takeover" thread but at the same time it is important that this forum gets up to date "report back" if it is going to be taken seriously. I was lucky enough to be a guest of corporate hospitality at Doncaster yesterday. Also there was J Fulthorpe and, because we had both placed lucrative bets we fell into an interesting conversation around the Ladbrokes desk, post match.

 

Without going into the nitty gritty he insisted the takeover is still alive and could happen this week. I told him that everyone was fed up with the "its about to happen any moment" rumour and now was the time to deliver or shut up. He accepted that criticism and said things had been awkward recently (Rupert) but he was confident "it" would happen. I asked him where the money was coming from and if the credit crunch problem would harm things. Apparantly the "money" is from the USA/Germany/Canada.

 

This is the first time I have met JF and I have to say although I felt him to be a friendly and avuncular man I do think he could be regarded as a bit of a "Walter Mitty". I hope I am wrong, fair play to him for being there alongside John Cousins. Apart from that the only other person I recognised sitting nearby was Leon Crouch. During the match I sat near him and Andrew Cowan greeted him as our seats were very near the director's box. (Rupert Lowe and Mike Richards were present but no sign of M Wilde). I am going to make no further comment on this thread, indeed I was reluctant to make it in the first place but I do feel a certain duty to let the fans know what I witnessed yesterday. Personally I don't think a takeover with JF will happen but I think the bloke has at least tried to broker something and after all he is at least a fan who wants what is best for our club.

[Weston Saint]

Thanks for the update Longshot.

 

I am still very sceptical and as you say, we have heard it all before.

[Amesbury Saint]

 

Without going into the nitty gritty he insisted the takeover is still alive and could happen this week. .

 

It would be interesting to know whether "could" is 75% chance, 50% chance or 1% chance.

 

I could win the lottery this week but that would be a .0001% chance

[TopGun]

Long Shot makes pertinent points IMO.

[saint lard]

This week,Friday it is then,or is it Wednesdays the preferable day.

 

So,USA,Germany and Canada it seems are the cash cows,that's going to take some detective work,Trousers is going to be busy.

 

Thanks for sharing this snippet of info.

[benjii]

Was it hot pot and Tetleys?

[benjii]

I really hate to start another "takeover" thread but at the same time it is important that this forum gets up to date "report back" if it is going to be taken seriously. I was lucky enough to be a guest of corporate hospitality at Doncaster yesterday. Also there was J Fulthorpe and, because we had both placed lucrative bets we fell into an interesting conversation around the Ladbrokes desk, post match.

 

Without going into the nitty gritty he insisted the takeover is still alive and could happen this week. I told him that everyone was fed up with the "its about to happen any moment" rumour and now was the time to deliver or shut up. He accepted that criticism and said things had been awkward recently (Rupert) but he was confident "it" would happen. I asked him where the money was coming from and if the credit crunch problem would harm things. Apparantly the "money" is from the USA/Germany/Canada.

 

This is the first time I have met JF and I have to say although I felt him to be a friendly and avuncular man I do think he could be regarded as a bit of a "Walter Mitty". I hope I am wrong, fair play to him for being there alongside John Cousins. Apart from that the only other person I recognised sitting nearby was Leon Crouch. During the match I sat near him and Andrew Cowan greeted him as our seats were very near the director's box. (Rupert Lowe and Mike Richards were present but no sign of M Wilde). I am going to make no further comment on this thread, indeed I was reluctant to make it in the first place but I do feel a certain duty to let the fans know what I witnessed yesterday. Personally I don't think a takeover with JF will happen but I think the bloke has at least tried to broker something and after all he is at least a fan who wants what is best for our club.

 

Owen Hargreaves?

[saint michael]

thanks for update, makes interesting reading.

 

It is extemely difficult to buy a company if somebody doesn't want to sell, or you dont want to overpay for a listed company, and I guess that is what they are finding out. I have seen this first hand (not saints) always astonishing how egos get in the way even if an obvious / logical deal can be offered. Ledt's hope they can all get together

[Micky]

Thanks for the update - interesting post.

 

Wouldn't worry too much about the 'Walter Mitty' theory, we are well used to those on this site...!

 

Once again though - thanks for the insight.

[Fan The Flames]

Interesting.

[Weston Super Saint]

[benjii]

 

 

Chino wearer?

[Weston Super Saint]

Chino wearer?

 

And short sleeves.

[puff the magic dragon]

When you state Leon Crouch was sitting nearby was he nearby in the sense that Fulthorper, Cousins and Crouch were a group?

 

I ask this because it's widely known that Leon Crouch's wealth dwarfs that of Lowe's and Wilde's combined. I've long suspected that Leon, being a big Saints man and a man of honour, would be involved again.

[dubai_phil]

USA/Germany/Canada.

 

That worries me more than anything, USA PLC is broke, you can buy a billion dollar bank for 50p and a rail card. Germany's economy is going down faster than a cheap street-walker and Canada...

 

In other words a buch of people getting together to put money into a speculative business venture. Don't like the idea of it. Could have more personalities involved than we've had chairman in the past coupe of years

 

Now if he had said "Sovereign Wealth Fund" or owner of a major corporation, game on and likely to work long term.

 

All in favour of a take over, but it HAS to be sensible, we can't afford a leveraged buy-out in this climate or another let's go Wilde

[TopGun]

When you state Leon Crouch was sitting nearby was he nearby in the sense that Fulthorper, Cousins and Crouch were a group?

 

I ask this because it's widely known that Leon Crouch's wealth dwarfs that of Lowe's and Wilde's combined. I've long suspected that Leon, being a big Saints man and a man of honour, would be involved again.

 

A good question.

[buctootim]

it's widely known that Leon Crouch's wealth dwarfs that of Lowe's and Wilde's combined. I've long suspected that Leon, being a big Saints man and a man of honour, would be involved again.

 

Crouch is 'rich' by most people's standards, but he isnt stonkingly rich in the sense that he could afford to buy Saints, pump millions in and weather years of losses before it pays off (if at all). Note Fulthorpe didnt say USA / Germany / Canada / Lymington.

Edited 28 September, 2008 by buctootim

[benjii]

And short sleeves.

 

 

 

Oh no!

 

With tie?

[Weston Super Saint]

USA/Germany/Canada.

 

That worries me more than anything, USA PLC is broke, you can buy a billion dollar bank for 50p and a rail card. Germany's economy is going down faster than a cheap street-walker and Canada...

 

In other words a buch of people getting together to put money into a speculative business venture. Don't like the idea of it. Could have more personalities involved than we've had chairman in the past coupe of years

 

Now if he had said "Sovereign Wealth Fund" or owner of a major corporation, game on and likely to work long term.

 

All in favour of a take over, but it HAS to be sensible, we can't afford a leveraged buy-out in this climate or another let's go Wilde

 

Paul Allen is American

[dubai_phil]

Paul Allen is American

 

spoke to him while down the pub last week, he's still up for it but keeps getting put off by a split loyalty customer base for some reason.....

 

 

 

 

 

allegedly

[The Godfather]

USA/Germany/Canada.

 

That worries me more than anything, USA PLC is broke, you can buy a billion dollar bank for 50p and a rail card. Germany's economy is going down faster than a cheap street-walker and Canada...

 

In other words a buch of people getting together to put money into a speculative business venture. Don't like the idea of it. Could have more personalities involved than we've had chairman in the past coupe of years

 

Now if he had said "Sovereign Wealth Fund" or owner of a major corporation, game on and likely to work long term.

 

All in favour of a take over, but it HAS to be sensible, we can't afford a leveraged buy-out in this climate or another let's go Wilde

 

All you have to look at is Derby County's new american owners who haven't really put any of their own money into the club.

[saint_stevo]

Is JF defo linked into Asturius?

 

They still rent a conference room in Eastleigh, 1 month left on rental

[mprobert]

....Without going into the nitty gritty he insisted the takeover is still alive and could happen this week. ......Personally I don't think a takeover with JF will happen.

Thats sorted then

[offix]

 

Wow, tire kicking a FORD? They have factories in the USA, Canada and Germany don't they?

[Window Cleaner]

Thats sorted then

 

Great, we won a match, time to crank the old takeover handle a bit.

[Long Shot]

When you state Leon Crouch was sitting nearby was he nearby in the sense that Fulthorper, Cousins and Crouch were a group?

 

I ask this because it's widely known that Leon Crouch's wealth dwarfs that of Lowe's and Wilde's combined. I've long suspected that Leon, being a big Saints man and a man of honour, would be involved again.

 

No LC is not part of this group although I know JF keeps him "informed" as he does the other 2 major shareholder groups. That would only make sense because the first steps would be an approach to buy all the shares.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

thanks for update, makes interesting reading.

 

It is extemely difficult to buy a company if somebody doesn't want to sell, or you dont want to overpay for a listed company, and I guess that is what they are finding out. I have seen this first hand (not saints) always astonishing how egos get in the way even if an obvious / logical deal can be offered. Ledt's hope they can all get together

 

Like LongShot you make a point. (Tongue in cheek now) Is there an ego involved?

 

And for all you Skinhead/Rude Bwoys out there:

 

Is Longshot a Pioneer? Will Longshot Kick De Bucket? :cool:

 

Is it too early in the day for humour? I'm sat here with an inner ear infection, something's got to cheer me up.

 

C'mon Mr Fulthorpe, do a Joseph of Arimethea and lift that cross which we collectively bear!

[EastleighSoulBoy]

No LC is not part of this group although I know JF keeps him "informed" as he does the other 2 major shareholder groups. That would only make sense because the first steps would be an approach to buy all the shares.

 

What is good to see is that the shareholders are still attending. Mr Crouch does not really surprise me!

[yorkie]

Not being ITK but surely we should be "in a bid" situation and the stock market should be advised - I thought all that had been refuted and we were no longer in a bid situation?

 

This got me thinking - if there were an offer on the table (and I have it reliably confirmed there is) who has the final say if the offer is acceptable?

 

Surely if the parent company is in so much trouble financially - the bank will demand the offer is accepted and the incumbant "investors/owners" take full control.

 

Do SLH have any assets?

Can RL block any such deal if this situation is so dire?

Is he holding out for the goalden good-bye for the failure he has brought to the club?

 

Someone must know the answers?

[dubai_phil]

Not being ITK but surely we should be "in a bid" situation and the stock market should be advised - I thought all that had been refuted and we were no longer in a bid situation?

 

This got me thinking - if there were an offer on the table (and I have it reliably confirmed there is) who has the final say if the offer is acceptable?

 

Surely if the parent company is in so much trouble financially - the bank will demand the offer is accepted and the incumbant "investors/owners" take full control.

 

Do SLH have any assets?

Can RL block any such deal if this situation is so dire?

Is he holding out for the goalden good-bye for the failure he has brought to the club?

 

Someone must know the answers?

 

 

Yes people do know the answers

No they don't post on here

And if anyone DID know the answers who post on here they couldn't because then they'd be ITK and we all know what that means

 

HTH

 

:-)

 

But in reality, it has been stated in print that the club would welcome the right investors and are willing to talk to anybody who has a proof of funds (been mentioned enough onn here as well) - after the shenangians of HMR & tommac, that line is pretty darned important as it means that middlemen can't apply, only moneyedmen. Hence no tyre kickers and no ITK threads on here since May.

The PROBLEM then simply becomes one of politics. It's been stated in writing but a large majority don't believe it.

Can't blame them really

[exit2]

I really hate to start another "takeover" thread but at the same time it is important that this forum gets up to date "report back" if it is going to be taken seriously. I was lucky enough to be a guest of corporate hospitality at Doncaster yesterday. Also there was J Fulthorpe and, because we had both placed lucrative bets we fell into an interesting conversation around the Ladbrokes desk, post match.

 

Without going into the nitty gritty he insisted the takeover is still alive and could happen this week. I told him that everyone was fed up with the "its about to happen any moment" rumour and now was the time to deliver or shut up. He accepted that criticism and said things had been awkward recently (Rupert) but he was confident "it" would happen. I asked him where the money was coming from and if the credit crunch problem would harm things. Apparantly the "money" is from the USA/Germany/Canada.

 

This is the first time I have met JF and I have to say although I felt him to be a friendly and avuncular man I do think he could be regarded as a bit of a "Walter Mitty". I hope I am wrong, fair play to him for being there alongside John Cousins. Apart from that the only other person I recognised sitting nearby was Leon Crouch. During the match I sat near him and Andrew Cowan greeted him as our seats were very near the director's box. (Rupert Lowe and Mike Richards were present but no sign of M Wilde). I am going to make no further comment on this thread, indeed I was reluctant to make it in the first place but I do feel a certain duty to let the fans know what I witnessed yesterday. Personally I don't think a takeover with JF will happen but I think the bloke has at least tried to broker something and after all he is at least a fan who wants what is best for our club.

 

 

Problem here is that myself and Um Pahars were sat on the same table as JF etc at the West Ham game pre season. He said exaclty the same thing about "one bit of documentation" to be sorted and that ity would be a done deal in a couple of weeks. Here we are 2/3 months on. SO if it happens then Ill be very happy

[Weston Super Saint]

I am going to make no further comment on this thread, indeed I was reluctant to make it in the first place but I do feel a certain duty to let the fans know what I witnessed yesterday. Personally I don't think a takeover with JF will happen but I think the bloke has at least tried to broker something and after all he is at least a fan who wants what is best for our club.

 

No LC is not part of this group although I know JF keeps him "informed" as he does the other 2 major shareholder groups. That would only make sense because the first steps would be an approach to buy all the shares.

 

LOL.

 

If JF really said the takeover could happen soon then I'd certainly believe him. Would be fantastic long term if he can sort it out anyway.

 

Sure, why not, it's not like he's said it before or anything.

[DT]

Personally, I wouldn't want any old takeover. I'd want a takeover from an individual or company with enough money to make a difference. Which in the current climate - vis a vis credit crunch or football world - is a heck of a lot.

PS had horrible dream we'd enter a ground share with Pompey to ease each of our financial worries...

[Frank's cousin]

I think though whatever the rights and wrongs of the current strategy, we should see it through... further wholescale changes do little for any form of consistency. What we need to be careful of is simple - A change of ownership and nothing more is currently of no advantage to SFC - only to those who despise the current regime. Its also unlikely to happen as Wilde has stated he is unlikely or will not sell simply to change ownership, but only where there is demonstratable cash for long term security - which is fair enough in MHO

[Long Shot]

Like LongShot you make a point. (Tongue in cheek now) Is there an ego involved?

 

And for all you Skinhead/Rude Bwoys out there:

 

Is Longshot a Pioneer? Will Longshot Kick De Bucket? :cool:

 

Is it too early in the day for humour? I'm sat here with an inner ear infection, something's got to cheer me up.

 

C'mon Mr Fulthorpe, do a Joseph of Arimethea and lift that cross which we collectively bear!

 

 

Prefer the earlier stuff like "Jackpot" but Long shot is a Pioneers fan - big time. Yip Yip hooray!

[Long Shot]

LOL.

 

 

 

Sure, why not, it's not like he's said it before or anything.

 

 

WSS when i said that I meant divulge any more details of the conversation - I am happy to clarify any misunderstandings and i wouldn't like people to have the impression that LC was working in tandem with JF.

[once_bitterne]

"could happen this week"? I assume he meant in the sense of if his lottery numbers had come up on Saturday evening......

 

The fact that the football face of this Walty Mitty consortium is Dave Merrington speaks volumes.

[Long Shot]

Problem here is that myself and Um Pahars were sat on the same table as JF etc at the West Ham game pre season. He said exaclty the same thing about "one bit of documentation" to be sorted and that ity would be a done deal in a couple of weeks. Here we are 2/3 months on. SO if it happens then Ill be very happy

 

And I made that very point to JF. I told him the fans were fed up being told or hearing rumours that it would happen by the end of the week. He took it on board (I think) but he did appear to be a thick skinned individual. Like you I will be happy if it happens but I think the chances are considerably less than 50%. Still it was nice to talk to the horse's mouth for once and I think it only fair to reveal it on here so people can make their own minds up.

[Weston Saint]

"could happen this week"? I assume he meant in the sense of if his lottery numbers had come up on Saturday evening......

 

The fact that the football face of this Walty Mitty consortium is Dave Merrington speaks volumes.

 

And there was me thinking Fulthorpe was the "Walty Mitty" of the consortium

[exit2]

And I made that very point to JF. I told him the fans were fed up being told or hearing rumours that it would happen by the end of the week. He took it on board (I think) but he did appear to be a thick skinned individual. Like you I will be happy if it happens but I think the chances are considerably less than 50%. Still it was nice to talk to the horse's mouth for once and I think it only fair to reveal it on here so people can make their own minds up.

 

Yeah I know mate, I spoke to one of your party this morning, who told me that he said to JF about myself and UP, but we will see.

 

PS Perhaps we should ask him for next weeks Lottery numbers too as I hear his betting tips were spot on also

[Long Shot]

Yeah I know mate, I spoke to one of your party this morning, who told me that he said to JF about myself and UP, but we will see.

 

PS Perhaps we should ask him for next weeks Lottery numbers too as I hear his betting tips were spot on also

 

Can't fault his betting tips - when a 125 to 1 comes in I do owe him at least a beer.

[Mr X]

I really hate to start another "takeover" thread but at the same time it is important that this forum gets up to date "report back" if it is going to be taken seriously. I was lucky enough to be a guest of corporate hospitality at Doncaster yesterday. Also there was J Fulthorpe and, because we had both placed lucrative bets we fell into an interesting conversation around the Ladbrokes desk, post match.

 

Without going into the nitty gritty he insisted the takeover is still alive and could happen this week. I told him that everyone was fed up with the "its about to happen any moment" rumour and now was the time to deliver or shut up. He accepted that criticism and said things had been awkward recently (Rupert) but he was confident "it" would happen. I asked him where the money was coming from and if the credit crunch problem would harm things. Apparantly the "money" is from the USA/Germany/Canada.

 

This is the first time I have met JF and I have to say although I felt him to be a friendly and avuncular man I do think he could be regarded as a bit of a "Walter Mitty". I hope I am wrong, fair play to him for being there alongside John Cousins. Apart from that the only other person I recognised sitting nearby was Leon Crouch. During the match I sat near him and Andrew Cowan greeted him as our seats were very near the director's box. (Rupert Lowe and Mike Richards were present but no sign of M Wilde). I am going to make no further comment on this thread, indeed I was reluctant to make it in the first place but I do feel a certain duty to let the fans know what I witnessed yesterday. Personally I don't think a takeover with JF will happen but I think the bloke has at least tried to broker something and after all he is at least a fan who wants what is best for our club.

 

thanks for the feedback intentions, but i wish people wouldn't post takeover related stuff we've had two years of it in thread after thread, and nothings materialised we need to lay it to rest and accept it's not a reality and get back to the very real reality of trying to stay in this league

[itchen]

"could happen this week"? I assume he meant in the sense of if his lottery numbers had come up on Saturday evening......

 

The fact that the football face of this Walty Mitty consortium is Dave Merrington speaks volumes.

 

Perhaps that's why Merrington wasn't on Solent on Saturday. He was away plotting the big money deal. It certainly made for a more cheerful listening experience with David Armstrong so please can the negotiations go on for a few more weeks?

[Badger]

I really hate to start another "takeover" thread but at the same time it is important that this forum gets up to date "report back" ....

 

Thats an interesting read Long Shot,so thanks for posting it.I don't put your observations into the "ITK" ramblings read by any means.

 

I note the greeting from Cowan,did you notice or detect anything in Fulthorpe meeting or speaking with Lowe ?

 

I share your doubts that this JF takeover will materialise,and on reading your post the very thought of "Walter Mitty" had sprung to mind before I read it in your last paragraph.

 

Something I don't understand from whatever I've read about JF and his "consortium",is whether he and his cohorts are the takeover,or is he arranging it as an agent for a client? Given his background as a barrister in planning,development etc I've considered this a possibility,as part of a larger scheme/development of the area.

 

No doubt JF is well intentioned and sincere in his ambitions for Saints,but for me the vague prospect of the "money coming from " one of three unknown or unspecified sources is an indication of how far this in still in Dreamland rather than reality.(even allowing for him not 'wanting to divulge sources..blah,blah'.)

 

Even if he can stump up the £,you have to wonder if the emotions of a supporter running things are better for us now than someone looking at it in cold terms of stark reality and survival.(I'm no supporter of Lowe either).

 

Oh,and where does John Cousins fit in ?What is his background in this in terms of connections ?

[Scummer]

Perhaps that's why Merrington wasn't on Solent on Saturday. He was away plotting the big money deal. It certainly made for a more cheerful listening experience with David Armstrong so please can the negotiations go on for a few more weeks?

 

Wasn't Armstrong on Radio Hampshire?

[Weston Super Saint]

Perhaps that's why Merrington wasn't on Solent on Saturday. He was away plotting the big money deal. It certainly made for a more cheerful listening experience with David Armstrong so please can the negotiations go on for a few more weeks?

 

Can't see any reason why not.

 

Probably another two years left in this one

[Gemmel]

The post about the bid situation on the LSE is valid.

If we were talking to them in any great detail, we would be duty bound to disclose it.

 

My guess (and that's all it is) is that the structure of the deal was agreed in principle when Crouch was there. lowe has come along and asked for proof of funds, which havent been forthcoming and lowe wil only enter formal terms, once fulthorpe can prove he has the money to make it happen.

[stevegrant]

The post about the bid situation on the LSE is valid.

If we were talking to them in any great detail, we would be duty bound to disclose it.

 

My guess (and that's all it is) is that the structure of the deal was agreed in principle when Crouch was there. lowe has come along and asked for proof of funds, which havent been forthcoming and lowe wil only enter formal terms, once fulthorpe can prove he has the money to make it happen.

If that is the case, and I've no reason to believe or disbelieve it, it's a totally reasonable approach, IMO. Why get everyone's hopes up by going back into a bid situation if it's only going to turn out that they've not actually got the money?

[Badger]

The post about the bid situation on the LSE is valid.

If we were talking to them in any great detail, we would be duty bound to disclose it.

 

My guess (and that's all it is) is that the structure of the deal was agreed in principle when Crouch was there. lowe has come along and asked for proof of funds, which havent been forthcoming and lowe wil only enter formal terms, once fulthorpe can prove he has the money to make it happen.

 

Clearly the club are not in discussion,and this remains with JF to come back to the club once he has something of substance to talk about ie. as you say,proof of funds.

[BARCELONASAINT]

Frank's cousin

 

I think though whatever the rights and wrongs of the current strategy, we should see it through... further wholescale changes do little for any form of consistency. What we need to be careful of is simple - A change of ownership and nothing more is currently of no advantage to SFC - only to those who despise the current regime. Its also unlikely to happen as Wilde has stated he is unlikely or will not sell simply to change ownership, but only where there is demonstratable cash for long term security - which is fair enough in MHO

 

 

Completely agree, a change of ownership by itself will be of no benefit. The new regime need to be given a good run at getting things right and what i have seen from the first few games fills me with promise....if only some people will have some patience and not be susceptible to knee jerk reactions!!