What do we want and how do we achieve it?

[Weston Saint]

Let’s look at this from a logical viewpoint. We want Lowe and Wilde out of SMS and SLH. That is the mission statement but is it enough. We need to make sure someone competent can come in and run the club, not for a while until the mythical investor turns up but for the next 5 years.

 

Ridding Lowe of attending matches is not enough. We need to see the back of him permanently.

 

So how do we achieve it lawfully? We have to marginalise his support but how? Wilde will be a good start but so far he has not shifted as he is worried about losing his money. Quite honestly Lowe is doing a pretty good job at marginalising his own support through his actions to date and even that has been ineffective. What can we achieve?

 

Once he has been marginalised, what next? We need a plan for someone to come in knowing there is no money in the pot with a struggling side and coaches that are just not up to the job. Who is capable of this and drive us forward with a business plan for the next 5 years?

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a way.

 

First find a consortium of business men who have a passion for Saints. Say Salz, Davies and others who I will not name as I have promised confidentiality. Then find a football CEO to bind it all together.

 

Ask them to put together a business plan for the next 3 or 5 years to save the club and take it forward.

 

Once you have that you need to review the shareholders list and write to all shareholders setting out the plan and asked for pledged support.

 

If you are lucky to get enough support you then get the consortium to go to the financial institutions including Aviva for support of the plan and showing the shareholder support.

 

Just may be Wilde and some of the others who support Lowe at present will see that alternative and break ranks.

 

Once you have a pledge for 50% or more, you approach the board and ask them to resign. If they do not you call for an EGM.

 

Once Lowe has gone the rebuilding can take place but it will not happen tomorrow. It needs time

 

Anyone got a better idea?

[Mole]

I liked Woppers idea of kidnaping one of his pigs and holding it to ransom.

[Weston Saint]

I liked Woppers idea of kidnaping one of his pigs and holding it to ransom.

So I am criticised for taking a "voice of reason" view by some, come up with a plan of action and this is your response!

 

Thanks for nothing Tris.

[saint_stevo]

Steal his hockey stick

[Amesbury Saint]

I agree with what you have written.

 

A few points

 

- the people you named (and not named) - are they prepared to act?

- It would be good if MLT could be involved

- Us ordinary fans have to do our bit - once everything you have written has happened - we need to turn up at the matches plus we realistic in our expectations.

[Rocker268]

This is the best plan of action that I have seen, it should be effective without anyone turning to abusive behaviour towards other saints fans and obviously if people know others (not asking to name drop) who would be interested then I suggest contacting them now and enquiring further

[hypochondriac]

The main problem is I can't see Davies getting involved. He has had plenty of opportunities in the past. No harm in asking though!

[Weston Saint]

I agree with what you have written.

 

A few points

 

- the people you named (and not named) - are they prepared to act?

- It would be good if MLT could be involved

- Us ordinary fans have to do our bit - once everything you have written has happened - we need to turn up at the matches plus we realistic in our expectations.

Well some of them were working with Crouch before he stepped down.

 

Would they act now, I do not know. One is too busy trying to save another major plc at present.

[Rocker268]

I agree with what you have written.

 

A few points

 

- the people you named (and not named) - are they prepared to act?

- It would be good if MLT could be involved

- Us ordinary fans have to do our bit - once everything you have written has happened - we need to turn up at the matches plus we realistic in our expectations.

 

 

I doubt MLT would be involved, it would be nice as he is a saints legend, loves the club etc etc but I doubt he would want to be involved and if it went tits up then many would turn on him saying why did he back it so it would tarnish his reputation

[Weston Saint]

The main problem is I can't see Davies getting involved. He has had plenty of opportunities in the past. No harm in asking though!

That was investing money. I am not expecting that, just his experience of business. It has been reported to me he still has a love for Saints

[Delmary]

Let’s look at this from a logical viewpoint. We want Lowe and Wilde out of SMS and SLH. That is the mission statement but is it enough. We need to make sure someone competent can come in and run the club, not for a while until the mythical investor turns up but for the next 5 years.

 

Ridding Lowe of attending matches is not enough. We need to see the back of him permanently.

 

So how do we achieve it lawfully? We have to marginalise his support but how? Wilde will be a good start but so far he has not shifted as he is worried about losing his money. Quite honestly Lowe is doing a pretty good job at marginalising his own support through his actions to date and even that has been ineffective. What can we achieve?

 

Once he has been marginalised, what next? We need a plan for someone to come in knowing there is no money in the pot with a struggling side and coaches that are just not up to the job. Who is capable of this and drive us forward with a business plan for the next 5 years?

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a way.

 

First find a consortium of business men who have a passion for Saints. Say Salz, Davies and others who I will not name as I have promised confidentiality. Then find a football CEO to bind it all together.

 

Ask them to put together a business plan for the next 3 or 5 years to save the club and take it forward.

 

Once you have that you need to review the shareholders list and write to all shareholders setting out the plan and asked for pledged support.

 

If you are lucky to get enough support you then get the consortium to go to the financial institutions including Aviva for support of the plan and showing the shareholder support.

 

Just may be Wilde and some of the others who support Lowe at present will see that alternative and break ranks.

 

Once you have a pledge for 50% or more, you approach the board and ask them to resign. If they do not you call for an EGM.

 

Once Lowe has gone the rebuilding can take place but it will not happen tomorrow. It needs time

 

Anyone got a better idea?

 

A sensible post. Nevertheless the club needs a short-term fix, last throw of the dice. Therefore, I would like to see Askham, Richards and Withers withdraw their support for Rupert Lowe. Someone like Salz could then come in as acting PLC Chairman. Also, a new experienced first team manager is a must. The club will only win the relegation battle united.

 

Over the next few days the likes of Askham, Richards and Withers will have to do some hard soul searching. I hope they put the wellbeing of Southampton Football Club ahead of any loyalty they hold with Rupert Lowe.

[stevegrant]

It has been reported to me he still has a love for Saints

Was that before or after he renewed his season ticket at the Emirates?

 

Your original post is by far and away the most sensible, logical and well thought-out idea that has been mooted in recent times to effect change, particularly as there's no suggestions in there that would instantly pass any moral high ground straight into the hands of the "opposition".

[Weston Saint]

A sensible post. Nevertheless the club needs a short-term fix, last throw of the dice. Therefore, I would like to see Askham, Richards and Withers withdraw their support for Rupert Lowe. Someone like Salz could then come in as acting PLC Chairman. Also, a new experienced first team manager is a must. The club will only win the relegation battle united.

 

Over the next few days the likes of Askham, Richards and Withers will have to do some hard soul searching. I hope they put the wellbeing of Southampton Football Club ahead of any loyalty they hold with Rupert Lowe.

 

But they have to want to come in first. They need to be approached. As for Askham, Richards and Withers, if thay have not changed their views now they need to be given evidence that there is someone who can do it better. HaHa could anyone do it worse I hear you laugh. Well they still seem to need convincing. And it has to be through lawfull means. Mob rule will not work

[Fitzhugh Fella]

A sensible post. Nevertheless the club needs a short-term fix, last throw of the dice. Therefore, I would like to see Askham, Richards and Withers withdraw their support for Rupert Lowe. Someone like Salz could then come in as acting PLC Chairman. Also, a new experienced first team manager is a must. The club will only win the relegation battle united.

 

Over the next few days the likes of Askham, Richards and Withers will have to do some hard soul searching. I hope they put the wellbeing of Southampton Football Club ahead of any loyalty they hold with Rupert Lowe.

 

 

Absolutely.

 

Salz has let it be known though that he will have nothing to do with SFC while Lowe is in charge.

Personally I do not think he is showing much of an aptitude, and I am starting to think if you can't be bothered to get stuck in now when we need you why don't you "foxtrot oscar". But there again its late and it has been a long weekend to be a Saints fan.

[Badger]

 

Here is a way.

 

First find a consortium of business men who have a passion for Saints. Say Salz, Davies and others who I will not name as I have promised confidentiality. Then find a football CEO to bind it all together.

 

 

Anyone got a better idea?

 

 

I totally support your intention and belief Weston.The problem in this is the over simplification of part A,which if you read or say it quickly enough sounds simple and easy.However,I expect both Crouch and even Wilde - during his COYR 'lets get our club back' phase -have attempted this without success.

 

Other than out of desperation is anyone likely to invest - money,or even time -now ?

[Badger]

A sensible post. Nevertheless the club needs a short-term fix, last throw of the dice. Therefore, I would like to see Askham, Richards and Withers withdraw their support for Rupert Lowe. Someone like Salz could then come in as acting PLC Chairman. Also, a new experienced first team manager is a must. The club will only win the relegation battle united.

 

Over the next few days the likes of Askham, Richards and Withers will have to do some hard soul searching. I hope they put the wellbeing of Southampton Football Club ahead of any loyalty they hold with Rupert Lowe.

 

That would be the best we could hope for at the moment.

[Mole]

So I am criticised for taking a "voice of reason" view by some, come up with a plan of action and this is your response!

 

Thanks for nothing Tris.

 

Sorry. i did read your posts on the other threads and they are good. Marginalising Lowe the control freak won't be easy but i do think it's achieveable. Ironically i think Cowen could well ready to quit and if this happened it'd be a crushing blow for Lowe. That said Wilde is the man who i think we need to focus on.

[Weston Saint]

Sorry. i did read your posts on the other threads and they are good. Marginalising Lowe the control freak won't be easy but i do think it's achieveable. Ironically i think Cowen could well ready to quit and if this happened it'd be a crushing blow for Lowe. That said Wilde is the man who i think we need to focus on.

Thanks Tris, appreciate your response.

[Badger]

Absolutely.

 

Salz has let it be known though that he will have nothing to do with SFC while Lowe is in charge.

Personally I do not think he is showing much of an aptitude, and I am starting to think if you can't be bothered to get stuck in now when we need you why don't you "foxtrot oscar". But there again its late and it has been a long weekend to be a Saints fan.

 

Sorry FF,but for clarity is "he" Salz, or Lowe that is not showing the aptitude ?

 

I assume you mean RL,but you might know more about Salz's actions on the periphery of things.

[gordonToo]

The priority has to be a new team manager. Wilde is the club chairman as well as the largest shareholder and it's entirely his call. The board changes can wait.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Sorry FF,but for clarity is "he" Salz, or Lowe that is not showing the aptitude ?

 

I assume you mean RL,but you might know more about Salz's actions on the periphery of things.

 

I meant Salz

 

OK he can't stand Lowe and refuses to "get involved" - apparently - while Lowe is at the helm but that sort of attitude does not help shift things along. He has influence, contacts and is well respected but they are not being used to help the club in its hour of need.

 

And Steve is right about Gavyn Davies - there has been a lot of talk about his love of Saints but we have yet to see any action. It is now these sort of people should get into gear but perhaps they don't want to climb aboard a sinking ship.

[stevegrant]

OK he can't stand Lowe and refuses to "get involved" - apparently - while Lowe is at the helm but that sort of attitude does not help shift things along. He has influence, contacts and is well respected but they are not being used to help the club in its hour of need.

 

And Steve is right about Gavyn Davies - there has been a lot of talk about his love of Saints but we have yet to see any action. It is now these sort of people should get into gear but perhaps they don't want to climb aboard a sinking ship.

I suspect their long-standing reputations in various high places are more important to them than their "love" of SFC.

 

I think Salz is more than happy to sit in the background making noises about how he "might" get involved at some stage, but at the same time hoping that someone else steps up to the plate and puts in the time, effort and expense of actually doing something. Arguably, it's the same sort of "empty" promise that Leon Crouch seems to favour, along the lines of making a pledge to people in private (knowing that it'll get leaked to paint him in a good light) that he knows he'll never have to follow through.

[Wade Garrett]

Why would Salz come in and work for the current shareholders (Wilde and the Lowe cabal), when he can't stand them? Why would he want to get them out of the sh*t. Now if they were willing to leave the club completely then that is a different story.

 

I don't blame Salz for that to be honest. He could turn things around but at the end of it you would still have the same 2 idiots still there.

 

The only realistic, workable solution I could see would be one which sees Lowe and Wilde selling their shares. We've seen with Lowe before that he is willing to snipe in the shadows and play the long game to get what he wants.

 

Leopards never change their spots.

[stevegrant]

Why would Salz come in and work for the current shareholders (Wilde and the Lowe cabal), when he can't stand them? Why would he want to get them out of the sh*t. Now if they were willing to leave the club completely then that is a different story.

 

I don't blame Salz for that to be honest. He could turn things around but at the end of it you would still have the same 2 idiots still there.

I think what people mean by Salz "getting involved" isn't so much coming in and working with the people currently in the boardroom, but more like joining forces with like-minded respected individuals who would be in a position to actually make changes at the top.

 

There are supposedly a large number of wealthy individuals who each hold a great deal of kudos who could get involved (even if they - understandably - didn't want to put much/any of their own money in the pot), but I suspect the majority of them will have already been sounded out and haven't been interested.

 

It's quite likely that the "investment" Wilde pledged when he removed Lowe in 2006 was due to come from these individuals, and with the global financial position having slumped since then, I can't see them wanting to have anything to do with it this time around.

[dubai_phil]

WS

 

I totally support the Mission Statement - like it!

 

Just one problem I see like Wade above is the whole "money to fund a revolution" thing.

 

As an example an article today, Arabic investors have lost US$ 2.6 TRILLION since the start of the crash. Now that is the first hard figure I have seen on losses anywhere.

 

The PROBLEM is that many wealthy people have lost large sums mostly on paper, but it has gone none the less.

 

In BAD times, wealthy investors look for safe havens or low risk high return opportunities.

 

By mounting what in effect would be a "hostile takeover" and possibly re-fracturing the shareholding bases, in theory you could actually make matters worse, you would in all likelihood have a much harder sell when it comes to finding money.

 

In the long term it could work, but we need something doing NOW.

 

IMHO we have made a rod for our own backs here.

 

We need Lowe & JP out, but right NOW we need JP out MORE than we need Lowe out because the ONLY thing that stops that from happening is it means that Lowe would be admitting his mistake.... So unless Lowe eats humble pie, JP doesn't go, but if JP stays we are doomed. We need to think of ways around this paradox as well as your loner term plan.

 

I think we need a two stage plan, this week and your longer term scheme.

 

I have to get my head around how to come up with something similar to you

[CanadaSaint]

I like Ron's thoughts but these people are likely to be extremely leery about associating themselves in any meaningful way with something that is perilously close to administration.

 

You're going to have to figure out what roles they can fulfill that don't expose them to any liability, because that's likely to be their first question.

[lordswoodsaints]

 

Once Lowe has gone the rebuilding can take place but it will not happen tomorrow. It needs time

 

Anyone got a better idea?

 

and this is where your solution fails.......

 

we hav'nt got time,we need a quick temporary fix to keep us in this league and then sort something else out......this may involve putting up with lowe until the end of the season but the most important thing at the moment is to get the team winning or at least not losing and then the big guns can make their move,thats if they are willing and have the money........personally i dont think there is anybody out there at the moment who wants any part of SFC.

[stevegrant]

You're going to have to figure out what roles they can fulfill that don't expose them to any liability, because that's likely to be their first question.

As a PLC, directors' liability is limited by definition, so unless they did something negligent, they wouldn't be financially liable for anything.

[Frank's cousin]

I think Ron's post is one that displays a great deal of common sense and its refreshing to see it ... aftearll there are plenty of time son here when all we see are the cries of LOwe out, without any suggestion of how togo about it. Sorry but protest will not work. I would however include Crouch in the list. Why? Because if we really want/need a new 'era' we need to make a brake from the past - its why I was never for LM or M Corbet etc being involved... In the stampead to appease fans and please us all with the rhetoric of past glories returning, as we saw with crouch last time, the eye was of the ball and we failed to do what was necessary at the time no matter how hard the decision.

 

There is without doubt a need for a clean break. I dont like the idea that of various numpties who believe all the crap written in their ignorance enjoying the schardenfreude, but its clear that the only way out of the mess is change. How this is achieved REALISTICALLY, and without further damage, I really dont know. I cant see an answer that is viable as no one is likely to step forward during this financial climate.

[saint1977]

Great post Ron and it gives us a good platform to build from and to unite around. If people on here genuinely have access to some of the individuals Ron has alluded to, now would be a great time to get on the phone.

[Gemmel]

I agree with Westons sentiment and ultimatley, something or somebody will need to be in place to effect any change.

 

Does the Saints Trust have enough (Or any) funds to place an advert in the times or Telegraph for the position of CEO? Obviously it would need to include the minor detail that the job isn't actually availble yet, but i guarantee you would still get some credible replies..... the press would love it as well and if it did provide half a dozen professional candidates, it might just be a starting point to approach the shareholders who will be feeling very uncomfortable at the moment

[Weston Saint]

I had been receiving some criticism from some respected posters on here over the weekend for my attitude to what is going on so my opening post on here was prompted by that and only took about 10 minutes of thought to put it down on paper.

 

We have, what I consider, a stagnant Saints Trust at present and posters from that committee on this forum. There are better minds than me out there and with a bit more thought I am sure my ideas could be expanded and made into a workable document.

 

As many have posted on this thread it may be unworkable/unsucessful and time is of the essence.

 

My post was to stimulate thought, debate and ideas without going down the militant path which will not gain support apart from a tiny minority and alienate the supporter base even more than it is now.

 

My idea was not for the "new regime" to bring in their own monetary investment, that is not likely, but to work within the financial parameters in place at present and invest their skills and time to stabilise and take our club forward.

 

Short term? Is there really any short term action that will be EFFECTIVE in deposing Lowe? What then? There MUST be a workable and effective plan in place for when he does "step down"

[solentstars]

Let’s look at this from a logical viewpoint. We want Lowe and Wilde out of SMS and SLH. That is the mission statement but is it enough. We need to make sure someone competent can come in and run the club, not for a while until the mythical investor turns up but for the next 5 years.

 

Ridding Lowe of attending matches is not enough. We need to see the back of him permanently.

 

So how do we achieve it lawfully? We have to marginalise his support but how? Wilde will be a good start but so far he has not shifted as he is worried about losing his money. Quite honestly Lowe is doing a pretty good job at marginalising his own support through his actions to date and even that has been ineffective. What can we achieve?

 

Once he has been marginalised, what next? We need a plan for someone to come in knowing there is no money in the pot with a struggling side and coaches that are just not up to the job. Who is capable of this and drive us forward with a business plan for the next 5 years?

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a way.

 

First find a consortium of business men who have a passion for Saints. Say Salz, Davies and others who I will not name as I have promised confidentiality. Then find a football CEO to bind it all together.

 

Ask them to put together a business plan for the next 3 or 5 years to save the club and take it forward.

 

Once you have that you need to review the shareholders list and write to all shareholders setting out the plan and asked for pledged support.

 

If you are lucky to get enough support you then get the consortium to go to the financial institutions including Aviva for support of the plan and showing the shareholder support.

 

Just may be Wilde and some of the others who support Lowe at present will see that alternative and break ranks.

 

Once you have a pledge for 50% or more, you approach the board and ask them to resign. If they do not you call for an EGM.

 

Once Lowe has gone the rebuilding can take place but it will not happen tomorrow. It needs time

 

Anyone got a better idea?

good post at last you have given a plan b, rather then those people who have no plan .

[Rob the Saint]

Think administration could be the best way forward ! Take the hit on the points, let the bank repossess the stadium then the new club could lease it or refinance it (and not at 8%).

 

Someone with a bit of dosh could get the club on the cheap from the administrators, and to be honest that's probably what the so called potential investors are waiting for.

[slickmick]

If Wilde holds the key, how much would it cost to buy him out ? There has been two ITK who have said he would except either .40p or 30p a share.

 

I doubt Lowe would sell his shares at a reasonable price, so as you say, he needs to be frozen out if he cant be bought.

 

I believe we have people waiting that will buy out Lowe and co but not until we get as desperate as Coventry were with SISSU. At the eleventh hour lowe may have to accept any kind of offer.

The only other way out of this would be for the fans to buy enough shares (Wildes) who can then side with Crouch to freeze Lowe out.

Then Salz ect may think again.

 

If we fail to shift on any players this transfer window, things may be brought to a head sooner rather than later.

[Weston Saint]

Think administration could be the best way forward ! Take the hit on the points, let the bank repossess the stadium then the new club could lease it or refinance it (and not at 8%).

 

Someone with a bit of dosh could get the club on the cheap from the administrators, and to be honest that's probably what the so called potential investors are waiting for.

 

Administration is not a plan Rob, it is a disaster. We must avoid that at all costs in my opinion.

[ottery st mary]

Let’s look at this from a logical viewpoint. We want Lowe and Wilde out of SMS and SLH. That is the mission statement but is it enough. We need to make sure someone competent can come in and run the club, not for a while until the mythical investor turns up but for the next 5 years.

 

Ridding Lowe of attending matches is not enough. We need to see the back of him permanently.

 

So how do we achieve it lawfully? We have to marginalise his support but how? Wilde will be a good start but so far he has not shifted as he is worried about losing his money. Quite honestly Lowe is doing a pretty good job at marginalising his own support through his actions to date and even that has been ineffective. What can we achieve?

 

Once he has been marginalised, what next? We need a plan for someone to come in knowing there is no money in the pot with a struggling side and coaches that are just not up to the job. Who is capable of this and drive us forward with a business plan for the next 5 years?

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a way.

 

First find a consortium of business men who have a passion for Saints. Say Salz, Davies and others who I will not name as I have promised confidentiality. Then find a football CEO to bind it all together.

 

Ask them to put together a business plan for the next 3 or 5 years to save the club and take it forward.

 

Once you have that you need to review the shareholders list and write to all shareholders setting out the plan and asked for pledged support.

 

If you are lucky to get enough support you then get the consortium to go to the financial institutions including Aviva for support of the plan and showing the shareholder support.

 

Just may be Wilde and some of the others who support Lowe at present will see that alternative and break ranks.

 

Once you have a pledge for 50% or more, you approach the board and ask them to resign. If they do not you call for an EGM.

 

Once Lowe has gone the rebuilding can take place but it will not happen tomorrow. It needs time

 

Anyone got a better idea?

 

 

As Delmary states and most agree, short term fix is required now.

 

The above vision statement is also exactly what is needed.

I have prayed and wished for the names, including, Salz, Davies, Bransgrove, Trant, Crouch, Corbett, Hunt etc etc to get together and sort this out. I was

at a loss why they did not do this before or sooner this time around...

But when needs must....But as you rightly point out it has to be done A1 to get the full support of the shareholders and financial institutions.

 

A constant worry is the presence of Lowe and his little group....These people have to go now.

 

COYR Then again I return to my prayers and wishing and hoping Saints will be saved.

[Weston Saint]

If Wilde holds the key, how much would it cost to buy him out ? There has been two ITK who have said he would except either .40p or 30p a share.

 

I doubt Lowe would sell his shares at a reasonable price, so as you say, he needs to be frozen out if he cant be bought.

 

I believe we have people waiting that will buy out Lowe and co but not until we get as desperate as Coventry were with SISSU. At the eleventh hour lowe may have to accept any kind of offer.

The only other way out of this would be for the fans to buy enough shares (Wildes) who can then side with Crouch to freeze Lowe out.

Then Salz ect may think again.

 

If we fail to shift on any players this transfer window, things may be brought to a head sooner rather than later.

 

Mick, what makes you think there are people out there ready to buy Lowe and Wildes shares. Why would they take the risk?

 

There are bound to be vultures out there waiting for the club to die but remember what vultures do. They pick at the remains and leave an empty shell.

[Rob the Saint]

Administration is not a plan Rob, it is a disaster. We must avoid that at all costs in my opinion.

 

Let's face facts here, there is a distinct possibility we are going to get relegated this season anyway. A clean start would rid the club of Lowe and Wilde once and for all. A clean start could mean the club could be privately owned and not a plc. A clean start would mean that the new owners could refinance the stadium loan at an affordable interest rate, and not at the current rate that is crippling us. We would be a far better attraction once in administration to new potential owners as I said before.

 

I'm all for a clean start.

[stevegrant]

Such protests will have far more impact if it's shown that support remains during games. Too many will think it's just bitterness at a **** performance if people continue doing it during games. If the team wins but people still remain after a game to protest, it will have far more impact.

While I agree with you, for that to happen, we'd actually have to win a home game first...

 

Let's face facts here, there is a distinct possibility we are going to get relegated this season anyway. A clean start would rid the club of Lowe and Wilde once and for all. A clean start could mean the club could be privately owned and not a plc. A clean start would mean that the new owners could refinance the stadium loan at an affordable interest rate, and not at the current rate that is crippling us. We would be a far better attraction once in administration to new potential owners as I said before.

 

I'm all for a clean start.

Administration would not guarantee the departure of Lowe and/or Wilde.

 

All it would do is make the club available to the person(s) who offer the largest monetary return to the creditors, after numerous assets have already been sold. The person(s) who make the largest offer could easily be Lowe and/or Wilde and their associates, and then they'd own 100% of the club rather than a smaller percentage of it as is currently the case.

[Frank's cousin]

Let's face facts here, there is a distinct possibility we are going to get relegated this season anyway. A clean start would rid the club of Lowe and Wilde once and for all. A clean start could mean the club could be privately owned and not a plc. A clean start would mean that the new owners could refinance the stadium loan at an affordable interest rate, and not at the current rate that is crippling us. We would be a far better attraction once in administration to new potential owners as I said before.

 

I'm all for a clean start.

 

Rob, please tell me who is going to finance a 28 mil loan at a 'reasonable' rate of interest in this current cliamte for a division 1 club with no guarranteed revenue stream and figures showing declining revenues as fans desert the sinking ship because we cant cope whn it gets tough?

 

The current rate must be below 5% - sure you can get better deals if you have good equity, byut teh stadium is worth feck all on its own so is no collateral so any loans against are in the 'risky' part of the equation. Administration is likely to se ethis loan called in - everything and anything worth more than a penny would be sold to satify these creditors. There would be no ashes, from which to rise - think Oxford United.

 

 

 

Administration woudl be a diaster and should be avoided at all cost

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I suspect their long-standing reputations in various high places are more important to them than their "love" of SFC.

 

I think Salz is more than happy to sit in the background making noises about how he "might" get involved at some stage, but at the same time hoping that someone else steps up to the plate and puts in the time, effort and expense of actually doing something. Arguably, it's the same sort of "empty" promise that Leon Crouch seems to favour, along the lines of making a pledge to people in private (knowing that it'll get leaked to paint him in a good light) that he knows he'll never have to follow through.

 

 

Steve - I understand your point but I do believe Crouch has made the offer he has in writing to the Board.

[Frank's cousin]

Steve - I understand your point but I do believe Crouch has made the offer he has in writing to the Board.

 

Yes but he must also know that both Wilde and Lowe DO NOT have that kind of cash available ... as such its really an empty promise i'm afraid.... or the cynical might suggest a way of scoring a few valuable fan friendly points without actually any risk of having to part with his cash....

[slickmick]

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is a way.

 

First find a consortium of business men who have a passion for Saints. Say Salz, Davies and others who I will not name as I have promised confidentiality. Then find a football CEO to bind it all together.

 

Ask them to put together a business plan for the next 3 or 5 years to save the club and take it forward.

 

Once you have that you need to review the shareholders list and write to all shareholders setting out the plan and asked for pledged support.

 

If you are lucky to get enough support you then get the consortium to go to the financial institutions including Aviva for support of the plan and showing the shareholder support.

 

Just may be Wilde and some of the others who support Lowe at present will see that alternative and break ranks.

 

Once you have a pledge for 50% or more, you approach the board and ask them to resign. If they do not you call for an EGM.

 

Once Lowe has gone the rebuilding can take place but it will not happen tomorrow. It needs time

 

Anyone got a better idea?

 

Mick, what makes you think there are people out there ready to buy Lowe and Wildes shares. Why would they take the risk?

 

There are bound to be vultures out there waiting for the club to die but remember what vultures do. They pick at the remains and leave an empty shell.

 

 

 

Would you buy them out now and have Lowe and co dictating the price or wait until they are on the verge of going under and be willing to accept a lower price ? That would leave extra money to reduce overdrat ect.

 

The same said people in your first post may be those vultures, but I some how doubt they will leave an empty shell.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

I think Ron's post is one that displays a great deal of common sense and its refreshing to see it ... aftearll there are plenty of time son here when all we see are the cries of LOwe out, without any suggestion of how togo about it. Sorry but protest will not work. I would however include Crouch in the list. Why? Because if we really want/need a new 'era' we need to make a brake from the past - its why I was never for LM or M Corbet etc being involved... In the stampead to appease fans and please us all with the rhetoric of past glories returning, as we saw with crouch last time, the eye was of the ball and we failed to do what was necessary at the time no matter how hard the decision.

 

There is without doubt a need for a clean break. I dont like the idea that of various numpties who believe all the crap written in their ignorance enjoying the schardenfreude, but its clear that the only way out of the mess is change. How this is achieved REALISTICALLY, and without further damage, I really dont know. I cant see an answer that is viable as no one is likely to step forward during this financial climate.

 

 

But Crouch is the only one who has come forward with any offer of any extra finance (even if it has come with strings). To discard him now will be akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

[slickmick]

Yes but he must also know that both Wilde and Lowe DO NOT have that kind of cash available ... as such its really an empty promise i'm afraid.... or the cynical might suggest a way of scoring a few valuable fan friendly points without actually any risk of having to part with his cash....

 

 

It a risky bluff. Not so much regards Lowe and Wilde, but if by some miracle we do get a consortium that joins sides with Crouch they may take him up on his offer.

[Weston Saint]

Steve - I understand your point but I do believe Crouch has made the offer he has in writing to the Board.

I was told from sources close to Crouch that he had written a letter and I can confirm, from sources close to the board that a letter was received, considered and rejected.

[fos1]

I suspect their long-standing reputations in various high places are more important to them than their "love" of SFC.

 

Ithe time, effort and expense of actually doing something. Arguably, it's the same sort of "empty" promise that Leon Crouch seems to favour, along the lines of making a pledge to people in private (knowing that it'll get leaked to paint him in a good light) that he knows he'll never have to follow through.

 

Steve you are wrong this was put to Lowe and Wilde in writing at least a month ago and a copy sent to the bank !!

[stevegrant]

Steve - I understand your point but I do believe Crouch has made the offer he has in writing to the Board.

That merely emphasises the point, to be honest. He knows Lowe and Wilde won't be able/willing to match it, so whether it's in writing or not, it's still pretty empty, in my opinion. The knowledge (or, more importantly, the release of the knowledge into the public domain) that the offer has been made gives him a moral standing, but it would be very interesting if they were to call his bluff on it, although I wouldn't expect either of them to take that risk as I don't think they could afford to do so.

[Fitzhugh Fella]

Yes but he must also know that both Wilde and Lowe DO NOT have that kind of cash available ... as such its really an empty promise i'm afraid.... or the cynical might suggest a way of scoring a few valuable fan friendly points without actually any risk of having to part with his cash....

 

So Frank what you are saying it is now all Crouch's fault because Lowe and Wilde won't put money on. It is this myopic irrational defence of Lowe that frustrates people on here and it appears at SMS on Saturday.

 

Jeez mate. Crouch offers two million on condition Wilde and Lowe do too. Sounds fair to me. Wilde and Lowe won't or can't and FC then slags off Crouch. You could not make it up.

No wonder fans are at each other's throats.