Dragan Solak

[sockeye]

Sell up please

[benjii]

Fuck off you fat cunt.

 

[Wiggles31]

Clueless buffoon. 

[AlexLaw76]

Useless owner

[Colinjb]

I feel for him, so much money spent on shite. Sell up please, cut your losses. 

[Andrew Watson]

You have been taken for a complete ride by the charlatons running the club Mr Solak,but surely it is time for you to sell up now.

[SaintNate]

Needs to cut his losses and sell. The amount of his money that he's allowed these useless tosspots to piss up the wall is eye watering.

Dragan, do yourself a favour mate and get fucking shot. 

Edited Saturday at 16:17 by SaintNate

[Sir Ralph]

Poor blokes got mugged off by a couple of chancers

[Football Special]

[S-Clarke]

For someone who has made a fortune in media, you'd assume he'd be quite savy - but fuck me, he is an absolute dinlo. 

They have no idea how to run elite sports teams and they should give up. Sport Republic is an embarrassment and he has been a complete and utter fool to fall for it all.

Now he needs to have some dignity and fold it all up, pull the funds, sell the clubs as part of the group. He has the power to do that, and that's the only thing I want to see him do now.

[saintant]

Solak must surely be sitting down with his advisers and discussing his exit strategy to get him out of this money losing racket. No idea how he goes about it but surely he is too shrewd a businessman to let this farce continue. Anyone who understands the SR/Dragan set up and relationship know how he could extract himself and get back some of the money he's put in and where that leaves the football club? Up shit creek without a paddle I would imagine.

[EBS1980]

Did that Boxing guy end up buying another club? Maybe it’s time he put another call in? 

[trousers]

16 minutes ago, saintant said:

Solak must surely be sitting down with his advisers and discussing his exit strategy to get him out of this money losing racket

Has he actually lost much, if any money though (yet)? I thought we've been around the top of the 'net spend table' since Semmen's "perfect solution" took over the club...?

(Of course, that could well change in the future if our current trajectory continues...)

[saintant]

3 minutes ago, trousers said:

Has he actually lost much, if any money though (yet)? I thought we've been around the top of the 'net spend table' since Semmen's "perfect solution" took over the club...?

(Of course, that could well change in the future if our current trajectory continues...)

Not sure on that point. As a business you'd think two relegations would prove disastrous but I suppose that's partly offset by parachute payments. They've also seriously fucked off the majority of the fanbase. Whichever way you look at it it's a mess and the future looks pretty unpalatable for us fans.

[Osvaldorama]

Dragan, I have a bridge to sell you. 
 

£40mil and £100k a week and it’s yours 

[Roo1976]

3 hours ago, Andrew Watson said:

You have been taken for a complete ride by the charlatons running the club Mr Solak,but surely it is time for you to sell up now.

or get rid of those incompetent leaders in influential positions below you, and start afresh..............

[Wade Garrett]

What is the point in saying sell-up?  There would need to be a buyer.

[Willo of Whiteley]

Investment from Dragan Solak hasn’t been an issue. 

The issue has been those that spend it. Those at the club.

[LuckyNumber7]

Whilst Sports Republic have clearly been a disaster, I find it hard to turn against Dragan specifically as I genuinely believe he cares and has good intentions.

If he sells up, there's every chance we could end up with someone worse.

[AlexLaw76]

Just now, LuckyNumber7 said:

Whilst Sports Republic have clearly been a disaster, I find it hard to turn against Dragan specifically as I genuinely believe he cares and has good intentions.

If he sells up, there's every chance we could end up with someone worse.

so soft. The buck stops with him

[Lee On Solent Saint]

4 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Investment from Dragan Solak hasn’t been an issue. 

The issue has been those that spend it. Those at the club.

But how has he allowed this situation to develop? Certain posters here would have you believe that he is some hard ass Serbian Godfather type figure. Seems to me he has been incredibly naive and trusting of the people placed in key positions within the club. 

[Saint_lambden]

4 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

Investment from Dragan Solak hasn’t been an issue. 

The issue has been those that spend it. Those at the club.

Those which he employs. Wankerson may have fucked off to Turkey but his legacy still lingers. If it ain't broke consider breaking it, after all

[Lee On Solent Saint]

3 minutes ago, LuckyNumber7 said:

Whilst Sports Republic have clearly been a disaster, I find it hard to turn against Dragan specifically as I genuinely believe he cares and has good intentions.

If he sells up, there's every chance we could end up with someone worse.

Not for me. Ultimately the shit stops with him. He's allowed this situation to develop. 

[Dark Munster]

3 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

Those which he employs. Wankerson may have fucked off to Turkey but his legacy still lingers. If it ain't broke consider breaking it, after all

Has he though? Wasn't he in charge of selling players this summer? And all the Spors cock ups, Will Still, Downs, no new gk, Shoehorn extension, etc. are classic Rasmuseque-type disastrous decisions. He is partial owner, so he may be pulling strings behind Dragan's back and Spors has no choice but to follow him. Not that Spors is off the hook, he needs to clear his desk tomorrow.

[ecuk268]

Just now, Dark Munster said:

 Not that Spors is off the hook, he needs to clear his desk tomorrow.

If that offer from Juventus is true, he'd be a fool to stay.

[beatlesaint]

For those turning on Solak be very careful what you wish for !

Just look at Sheffield Wednesday ffs.

Dragon’s error, major that it is, is putting his faith and money into SR.

 

[Miltonaggro]

Whatever way you look at it it's remarkable that the first time in a decade we have someone willing to put proper money into the club he chooses the footballing equivalent of Dumb and Dumber to implement the strategy.  All that was needed on takeover was investment in key areas on the pitch, and give Hassenhuttl a season to stabilise and ensure that the backroom elements of the club were functioning as they should be.  If not Hassenhuttl, an experienced head with Premier league experience, but no, far too easy, far too diligent. 

Instead all three of their permanent appointments at manager have been work experience projects at the point of hire, and there has to be a human reason why they avoid recruiting people with genuine / proven footballing nous every time they can.  Still is not going to get better.  Spors and Ankerson are likely on the same wavelength and private WhatsApp number, so we will keep playing deja fucking vu!  Someone close to Solak needs to explain to him that is he wants to be a Premier League football club owner this much, a scorched earth clearout at SFC is the only thing likely to save that dream, and our long suffering club into the bargain!  

[saintant]

15 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

For those turning on Solak be very careful what you wish for !

Just look at Sheffield Wednesday ffs.

Dragon’s error, major that it is, is putting his faith and money into SR.

 

This is the bit that I just can't get my head round - SR own the club but Solak puts the money in. How does that work as a business model if Solak gets pissed off at the way the owners are running the club he is financing? Can anyone explain it in laymen's terms because I can't make sense of it.

[saintant]

4 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Whatever way you look at it it's remarkable that the first time in a decade we have someone willing to put proper money into the club he chooses the footballing equivalent of Dumb and Dumber to implement the strategy.  All that was needed on takeover was investment in key areas on the pitch, and give Hassenhuttl a season to stabilise and ensure that the backroom elements of the club were functioning as they should be.  If not Hassenhuttl, an experienced head with Premier league experience, but no, far too easy, far too diligent. 

Instead all three of their permanent appointments at manager have been work experience projects at the point of hire, and there has to be a human reason why they avoid recruiting people with genuine / proven footballing nous every time they can.  Still is not going to get better.  Spors and Ankerson are likely on the same wavelength and private WhatsApp number, so we will keep playing deja fucking vu!  Someone close to Solak needs to explain to him that is he wants to be a Premier League football club owner this much, a scorched earth clearout at SFC is the only thing likely to save that dream, and our long suffering club into the bargain!  

But it was Martin Semmens who presided over the take over by SR surely?

[Britannia]

If Solak has control, could he sell SR’s shares in St Mary’s Football Group Ltd (the holding company) to himself as a private shareholder, taking SR out of reach entirely with them retaining the other two clubs?

Edited Saturday at 20:37 by Britannia

[Southner]

Good job he previously said that he/they wouldn't make the same mistakes again.

[saintant]

Just read this on the internet;

As of 2024, Southampton FC is owned by St Mary’s Football Group Ltd., which is 100% owned by Sport Republic (80%) and Katharina Liebherr (20%). Sport Republic acquired the club in January 2022, purchasing the 80% stake previously held by the Chinese businessman Gao Jisheng for approximately £100 million.

 

So SR paid £100 million for 80% of the club and Katharina Liebherr owns the other 20%. That's quite straight forward but what share if any does Solak own? This is the confusion for me because he seems to put money in but doesn't seem to own any shares in the club.

[Britannia]

1 minute ago, saintant said:

Just read this on the internet;

As of 2024, Southampton FC is owned by St Mary’s Football Group Ltd., which is 100% owned by Sport Republic (80%) and Katharina Liebherr (20%). Sport Republic acquired the club in January 2022, purchasing the 80% stake previously held by the Chinese businessman Gao Jisheng for approximately £100 million.

 

So SR paid £100 million for 80% of the club and Katharina Liebherr owns the other 20%. That's quite straight forward but what share if any does Solak own? This is the confusion for me because he seems to put money in but doesn't seem to own any shares in the club.

He owns the shares in Sport Republic Ltd which in turn owns 80% of SMFGL.

[saintant]

Just now, Britannia said:

He owns the shares in Sport Republic Ltd which in turn owns 80% of SMFGL.

So he can sack the idiots running the club? What's he waiting for.

[FredVaFC59100]

2 hours ago, trousers said:

Has he actually lost much, if any money though (yet)? I thought we've been around the top of the 'net spend table' since Semmen's "perfect solution" took over the club...?

(Of course, that could well change in the future if our current trajectory continues...)

Apparently SR must be raking in the dough otherwise how could they afford buying a 4th club (Levski Sofia) and their recent investment in UAE club Rimal Al Sahra ? How they make money is beyond me. I just wish SR to go bankrupt at this point to stop the pain. 

[Mr Saints]

How this bloke ever made his money is a mystery. Chocolate tea pot.

[Football Special]

2 hours ago, saintant said:

Solak must surely be sitting down with his advisers and discussing his exit strategy to get him out of this money losing racket. No idea how he goes about it but surely he is too shrewd a businessman to let this farce continue. Anyone who understands the SR/Dragan set up and relationship know how he could extract himself and get back some of the money he's put in and where that leaves the football club? Up shit creek without a paddle I would imagine.

Any potential owners can see promotion to the Premier League is not a viable possibility for this season so would value the club accordingly, he'll have to sell at a loss if he can afford to do that 

[Football Special]

13 minutes ago, Britannia said:

He owns the shares in Sport Republic Ltd which in turn owns 80% of SMFGL.

Not all the shares though , others have a portion like Ankerson and Kraft I think 

[Gloucester Saint]

17 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Not all the shares though , others have a portion like Ankerson and Kraft I think 

Although those aren’t worth anything if SR wasn’t a going concern.

[Dark Munster]

31 minutes ago, saintant said:

So he can sack the idiots running the club? What's he waiting for.

Ankersen owns shares (not as many as Dragan, but an owner nonetheless). Otherwise you'd have thought Dragan would've told him to f*ck off after his second relegation. In short, Ankersen is a disgusting turd that can't easily be flushed.

If I were the Skate mayor (shudder) I'd consider giving Ankersen the keys to their (decrepit) city and building a statue in his honour for the damage he's done to the "scummers".

[Gloucester Saint]

10 minutes ago, Dark Munster said:

Ankersen owns shares (not as many as Dragan, but an owner nonetheless). Otherwise you'd have thought Dragan would've told him to f*ck off after his second relegation. In short, Ankersen is a disgusting turd that can't easily be flushed.

If I were the Skate mayor (shudder) I'd consider giving Ankersen the keys to their (decrepit) city and building a statue in his honour for the damage he's done to the "scummers".

Two relegations and likely a third this season to ‘Agent Redknapp’s’ one.

Solak has also overseen a far better Serbian SFC demolition job than Milan Mandaric could have delivered deliberately.

[Midfield_General]

3 hours ago, trousers said:

Has he actually lost much, if any money though (yet)? I thought we've been around the top of the 'net spend table' since Semmen's "perfect solution" took over the club...?

(Of course, that could well change in the future if our current trajectory continues...)

Net / net yes, but the club he bought was 12th in the Premier League and he has now ‘steered’ it to 20th in the Championship. By surrounding himself with idiots he’s tanked his asset. 

Edited Saturday at 21:47 by Midfield_General

[trousers]

19 minutes ago, Dark Munster said:

Ankersen owns shares (not as many as Dragan, but an owner nonetheless). Otherwise you'd have thought Dragan would've told him to f*ck off after his second relegation. In short, Ankersen is a disgusting turd that can't easily be flushed.

If I were the Skate mayor (shudder) I'd consider giving Ankersen the keys to their (decrepit) city and building a statue in his honour for the damage he's done to the "scummers".

I'm yet to be convinced that Sport Republic / Ankersen / Solak aren't part of some Portsmouth fan plot to bring Saints crumbling down from within. Someone tell me how things would be playing out differently if that was actually true...

(Other conspiracy theories are available)

Edited Saturday at 21:49 by trousers

[S-Clarke]

13 hours ago, beatlesaint said:

For those turning on Solak be very careful what you wish for !

Just look at Sheffield Wednesday ffs.

Dragon’s error, major that it is, is putting his faith and money into SR.

 

I do see what you mean, but to counter that - we're in the same bat shit crazy world of ownership as the likes of Blackburn and Wednesday are in, so wishing we're not them isn't exactly a mile away from what we have today. We have hideous owners, there aren't any worse out there in my eyes.

Yes, Dragan has put the money up, but he's put in place the biggest load of morons to use it. Supposedly he took more control over the last 12 months or so, and you can't say it's got any better.

Intentions are all well and good, but if you're no good in the industry you're in then you're best just sodding off before you do even more damage. That's how I see Solak, he has no idea about elite sports management and never will.

[Badger]

16 hours ago, LuckyNumber7 said:

Whilst Sports Republic have clearly been a disaster, I find it hard to turn against Dragan specifically as I genuinely believe he cares and has good intentions.

If he sells up, there's every chance we could end up with someone worse.

Agree to a point but Dragan should rid the club of the imbeciles that are causing the rot. Rasmus W springs to mind, it seems he hasn’t been restricted to Goztepe. If he has, then who is the person responsible for things, and the appointments? 
 

Easy to say we want to see the back of Solak and SR. Not so easy to see where a saviour is arriving from. I certainly don’t want a fake Sheikh, or another skint businessman from the Far East rocking up

[trousers]

16 hours ago, LuckyNumber7 said:

Whilst Sports Republic have clearly been a disaster, I find it hard to turn against Dragan specifically as I genuinely believe he cares and has good intentions.

Other than one or two puff piece interviews with Solent / The Echo over the last 4 years, what do we have to go on to be so certain of that..?

(I don't count wasting loads of money on mediocre players as 'good intent')

Edited 12 hours ago by trousers

[Morse]

20 hours ago, Dark Munster said:

Ankersen owns shares (not as many as Dragan, but an owner nonetheless). Otherwise you'd have thought Dragan would've told him to f*ck off after his second relegation. In short, Ankersen is a disgusting turd that can't easily be flushed.

If I were the Skate mayor (shudder) I'd consider giving Ankersen the keys to their (decrepit) city and building a statue in his honour for the damage he's done to the "scummers".

I'm not sure that Rasmus ownes any shares, but if he does it a tiny amount. And as a minority shareholder (at best) he can be sacked from his role by Dragan Solak. He'd still own the shares but have no role or influence. The bottom line is Dragan Solak can do what the he'll he likes. 

[Badger]

22 hours ago, Saint_lambden said:

Those which he employs. Wankerson may have fucked off to Turkey but his legacy still lingers. If it ain't broke consider breaking it, after all

What evidence or media coverage  is there of this ? Seems he might still be exerting an influence. 

[Badger]

21 hours ago, FredVaFC59100 said:

Apparently SR must be raking in the dough otherwise how could they afford buying a 4th club (Levski Sofia) and their recent investment in UAE club Rimal Al Sahra ? How they make money is beyond me. I just wish SR to go bankrupt at this point to stop the pain. 

I wasn’t aware they’d  gone through with any further purchase. Last club linked was in Dublin, before the UAE nonsense arose. 

[FredVaFC59100]

55 minutes ago, Badger said:

I wasn’t aware they’d  gone through with any further purchase. Last club linked was in Dublin, before the UAE nonsense arose. 

But wait, there is more ! Apparently they also acquired Mali Coura FC earlier this year, a Malian 2nd division club (source: Wikipedia). How did that fly under the radar ? 

Feels like SR is specializing in mediocrity. All SR teams are now playing in 2nd division or lower except for Göztepe S.K , these wankers are lagging behind, they need to go down too to meet SR's standard of living!