Matthew Le God Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 (edited) Tony, Matt and "mystery man" I love you all! Key things I want to know 1) Will there be an appeal and if so how confident are you of success? 2) Will there be a new management team? 3) Will Matt be football board chairman or a different role? 4) Is there any chance the group of four may come back together or other people join the party and invest? 5) Any chance of getting Mr Strachan back? 6) Any chance of us beating Portsmouth to getting a place on the World Cup 2018 bid? Dear All I have been contacted by a large number of people that use this forum given our entering into an exclusivity period for the purchase of Southampton Leisure Holdings (which to the man on the street and pretty much all supporters relates the Club itself). One of the Administrators from this site, Rob, has asked me to do a short session where you may pose questions to me concerning our impending takeover. I will be more than happy to oblidge, in due course. I will however in the meantime offer you a few words of comfort. You will no doubt have seen various articles in news papers, news clips etc. I was originally asked by a group of 4 very wealthy business people to become involved with their proposed takeover of SFC. I politely declined their offer of 'employment' since I just knew that because this was such a public matter, my own life for a short period of time would enter into the media circus. As many of you who know me personally will know, I am far from a shy retiring character, but equally I don't enjoy people phoning me up asking my business, or shoving cameras outside of my office, or even home. The more harsh of you could perhaps joke that I "have a face for radio"! In the end, the group/consortium changed my mind, and to be honest I am now quite glad that they did. Part of what changed my mind was a chat over a coffee with Matt (Le Tissier), where I could see the pure passion and belief that we could make this a success, with the right backing. What followed was a crazy few weeks of working 24/7, by myself and numerous others. That work was geared at arriving to the point that my client was willing to make an offer - not just to buy the club (that's the easy part), but to buy into the concept of sustained investment over the medium-long term to make this great club a success. When I projected the sheer cost of this, a couple of the guys were a little less willing to throw cheques at me. Ultimately I have in fact now entered into this "exclusivity agreement" on behalf of ONE client only. And myself, Matt and others involved are very pleased with that. Gone are the days of petty squabbles. Our one client has SUBSTANTIAL wealth - several hundred million. Irrespective of this however, I am looking at this as a business which can stand on its two feet. But we have the comfort of knowing that if myself/Matt/colleagues make a recommendation for investment (be this for players/staff whatever), it will be catered for. Matt will have a pivotal role at the club - and I would urge you all to never under estimate this mans ability. You all know of his amazing skills as a footballer. As a friend of his for a number of years, I also know the other side of Matt, and believe me, he has a very wise head on those shoulders. We now have 20 days (the clock started ticking yesterday) to get down to the serious business. We'll let the legal people do what they have to for the delisting process of the PLC, transferring of assets to the new holding company, repayment of debt to creditors, and handing over of title to me (on behalf of my client). Meanwhile, Matt and myself and colleagues will be formalising football matters. I'll rely more on their knowledge of the beautiful game, and they'll rely on me to get our client to fund their plans. Its quite simple. This is now a time for unity, and I really do hope that I get all of your support, and the support of the wider community to make this club great again. I will stop at nothing to make this happen guys - but I need bums on seats AND support to achieve this. Together, we can have a club to be proud of once more (and there's me a boyhood Liverpool fan saying that!). You will understand that I will not have the time to be a regular visitor to this forum, but I wish you all the best. Its a nice day out there, so take your kids out to play, or the missus down to the beach......... or of course make some excuse to have a pint at 3pm and enjoy the FA Cup Final. Whatever takes your fancy, have a nice weekend. Best wishes Tony Lynam Edited 30 May, 2009 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintKenny Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Cheers Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 30 May, 2009 Author Share Posted 30 May, 2009 (edited) Best letter I've read in years Edited 30 May, 2009 by Matthew Le God Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L1Minus10 Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 I love you all too.... pint and FA Cup Final for me.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fareham saint phil Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Now that made wonderful reading, plain and simple Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry the Badger Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Brilliant. Sounds fantastic. Would rather have one totally commited owner than 4 who aren't sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clash City Saint Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Many thanks Tony and team on all your efforts. Here's looking forward to a brighter future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancelot link Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 All I can say is.......... :smt041:smt041:smt041:smt041:smt041:smt041 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry the Badger Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Key things I want to know 1) How much of these hundreds of millions will be put in (unlikely to find out I know) Reading between the lines it doesn't sound like this owner will be pumping tens of millions into the team, but is prepared for a bit of investment to get us going at first? I'm more than happy with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandwichsaint Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 fantastic news, thanks for all you have done! COYRs !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St_Tel49 Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Now I am looking forward to the season! For my part I have fingers crossed and ST cheque poised and waiting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingeletiss Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Cripes........24 hours into the job, and we have communication with the owners. Well done Tony/Matt, and others.........you can only imagine what this has meant to many family's in and around Southampton. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. Regards Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Farmer Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Reading between the lines it doesn't sound like this owner will be pumping tens of millions into the team, but is prepared for a bit of investment to get us going at first? I'm more than happy with that. The club owner putting money into the club, now there is a novelty for us!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Thanks for everything you've done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bourno Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Wow, that has certainly cheered me up. I hope that the deal goes through smoothly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 The club owner putting money into the club, now there is a novelty for us!!! And the fact it's just one owner is good. Gone of the days of personality/ego clashes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW11_Saint Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 (edited) Thanks so much for taking the time to post Tony - it has given me a massive boost, and I am sure all other forum users. Naturally we are delighted that our club has been saved, but to know that there is long term financial backing is the icing on the cake - we can once again start to move onwards and upwards and ultimately take our rightful place in the top division. Thank you to you, and your colleagues, for making this happen (subject to a successful next 20 days naturally!). It is also fantastic to have Matt involved - he is the one person who can really unite this club, which has been tearing itself apart for several years. Please do not have any doubt whatsoever our fan base is ready to support the new board, and I am confident you will have people renewing or taking up season tickets in great numbers so that we can back the club and get out of League 1 at the earliest possible opportunity. Enjoy a beer or two during the cup final, I know I will now!!! COME ON YOU SAINTS!!!! Edited 30 May, 2009 by SW11_Saint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 And the fact it's just one owner is good. Gone of the days of personality/ego clashes. that is spot on from my standpoint Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgeismyname Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Thanks very much Mr. Lynam, that is fantastic news and thank you for all your efforts. :smt041:smt041:drinkers::smt051:smt051\\:D/L Let's just hope it goes through without a hitch [-o Thanks again, :prayer::prayer: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocker268 Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Reading between the lines it doesn't sound like this owner will be pumping tens of millions into the team, but is prepared for a bit of investment to get us going at first? I'm more than happy with that. I agree I don't think we will be recieving hundreds of million to spend, but I would rather have a club that earns its success with a committed following team and board than one that is an arab/russian billionaires plaything, so they can show off to their rich mates. If I wanted to follow a massively rich team then I would but I would rather support the same club as my entire family, and one that can make me proud to call myself a supporter and not just be a sheep following one of the big 4 good luck to whoever the finacial back is and to Lynam and Le Tis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beavis17 Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 I agree I don't think we will be recieving hundreds of million to spend, but I would rather have a club that earns its success with a committed following team and board than one that is an arab/russian billionaires plaything, so they can show off to their rich mates. If I wanted to follow a massively rich team then I would but I would rather support the same club as my entire family, and one that can make me proud to call myself a supporter and not just be a sheep following one of the big 4 good luck to whoever the finacial back is and to Lynam and Le Tis spot on, this is just the start, proud to be a saint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
L1Minus10 Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 I agree I don't think we will be recieving hundreds of million to spend, but I would rather have a club that earns its success with a committed following team and board than one that is an arab/russian billionaires plaything, so they can show off to their rich mates. If I wanted to follow a massively rich team then I would but I would rather support the same club as my entire family, and one that can make me proud to call myself a supporter and not just be a sheep following one of the big 4 good luck to whoever the finacial back is and to Lynam and Le Tis My feelings exactly. Build it up slowly, be patient.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cat Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 That was more enjoyable to read than my favourite copy of Razzle. Thanks so much for all the hard work Tony. Hope you get a moment to reflect on your achievement soon! Up The Saints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazlo78 Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Granted, from the depths of despair anything will look like up, but this looks like a group that is getting ready for the long haul back up and to new heights. And by god we need investors that are willing to spend wisely over a long period rather than a one-off huge economical boost... Interesting, interesting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weston Saint Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Good early engagement. Fingers crossed for a smooth takeover and a steady and fruitful future. Well done so far to everyone involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 I think for us all to move on united can Mr Lynham tell us that none of the former people are near the bid and will not be in the directors box Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 30 May, 2009 Author Share Posted 30 May, 2009 I think for us all to move on united can Mr Lynham tell us that none of the former people are near the bid and will not be in the directors box Unlikely Matt would be happy if they were. Of course doesn't mean its not possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thegaffer Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Bring it on COYR at last some fantastic news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HEBRIDEAN SAINT Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Tony (and Matt) thank you so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary r Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 thank you to tony and his staff .good times coming we hope Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancelot link Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 I think for us all to move on united can Mr Lynham tell us that none of the former people are near the bid and will not be in the directors box Nick - I know for a fact he's watching the FA Cup final with his business partners! I don't know for a fact the answer to your question, but I'll bet you £100 here and now thar Lowe & his friends are not involved! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
explorer saint Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 I've been dreaming of reading a statement like that for years, we've sunk as low as we can I think but to read it now is fantastic just when we thought the worst. Thank you for all the work thats gone in so far. Well done and thank you to Matt as well, he now has the opportunity to prove himself off the field as well. Here's to looking forward to finding out more about our investor and completion of the deal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlesaint Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Thats bought tears to my eyes ! Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou !! COME ON YOU SAINTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ps - could we knock down West Quay and have a statue built of MLT that can be seen across the whole of the south coast of England ?? : - ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingeletiss Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Thats bought tears to my eyes ! Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou !! COME ON YOU SAINTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ps - could we knock down West Quay and have a statue built of MLT that can be seen across the whole of the south coast of England ?? : - ) Best idea for ages IMO.............Think Carnival may not like loosing their new offices though.....lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golac's Cunning Stunts Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Tony How refreshing to read a message like that after years of being considered "peasants". You will have my full support. Thank you so much for all your hard work. Up The Saints. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHAPEL END CHARLIE Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Simply the best (or at least the most welcome) post I've ever read on here . "I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead , I lift my eyes and all is born again" . Sylvia Plath Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graymalkin33 Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 What great news. Id like to buy that man a drink. Questions to Mr Lynam: Money- Does the company start with a clean slate I.E we are not still £30m+ in debt but to different people? Has this been financed in a similar way to Man Utd etc where the funds are financed against assets of the club? Barclays and Aviva have all been paid off and we will be banking with another bank hence forth? Am i correct in saying that SLH & SFC will no longer be listed companies and that we will have an owner instead of numerous share holders? If so where does that leave fans that are shareholders? Personel- Any views on the managment team? Any views on the renewal of players contracts? Will existing board members be replaced? General- When will season tickets go on sale? When will ticket prices be released? New Kit for a new start? Will there be an appeal against the 10pt deduction? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingeletiss Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 What great news. Id like to buy that man a drink. Questions to Mr Lynam: Money- Does the company start with a clean slate I.E we are not still £30m+ in debt but to different people? Has this been financed in a similar way to Man Utd etc where the funds are financed against assets of the club? Barclays and Aviva have all been paid off and we will be banking with another bank hence forth? Am i correct in saying that SLH & SFC will no longer be listed companies and that we will have an owner instead of numerous share holders? If so where does that leave fans that are shareholders? Personel- Any views on the managment team? Any views on the renewal of players contracts? Will existing board members be replaced? General- When will season tickets go on sale? When will ticket prices be released? New Kit for a new start? Will there be an appeal against the 10pt deduction? Cripes.........he's only got another 20 day's!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Please ask tony if he is going to ask wgs if he wants another crack. No harm in asking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Martini Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 What great news. Id like to buy that man a drink. Questions to Mr Lynam: Money- Does the company start with a clean slate I.E we are not still £30m+ in debt but to different people? Has this been financed in a similar way to Man Utd etc where the funds are financed against assets of the club? Barclays and Aviva have all been paid off and we will be banking with another bank hence forth? Am i correct in saying that SLH & SFC will no longer be listed companies and that we will have an owner instead of numerous share holders? If so where does that leave fans that are shareholders? Personel- Any views on the managment team? Any views on the renewal of players contracts? Will existing board members be replaced? General- When will season tickets go on sale? When will ticket prices be released? New Kit for a new start? Will there be an appeal against the 10pt deduction? Those shares are worthless now, so it would leave those fans with nothing at all (except a club to support). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Nick - I know for a fact he's watching the FA Cup final with his business partners! I don't know for a fact the answer to your question, but I'll bet you £100 here and now thar Lowe & his friends are not involved! Great but does that mean Askham and alll the others who have divided us. Iam hoping for a complete sweep and none of the people who have brought us to this still to be involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint lard Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 This could be the real deal that leads us out of the dark and into the light oncemore. Thankyou for your corespondance Mr Lynam. Maybe we will get a little transparency from here on in. Let the adventure begin.............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Johnson Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 That makes VERY exciting reading :-) Very happy today Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 20 days to secure the long term future of OUR club! And we have no influence on it. COME ON BOYS, lets get this done and push on. The future is bright, the future is red and white.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red and White Army Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Fingers crossed! I hope this is the real deal - we as fans have NOTHING to go on at the moment - no knowledge of the backer, no knowledge of his business plan, football plans or indeed anything at all of substance. I hope this is a new dawn, and I wish Tony all the best. I'll reserve the cheers until there is some evidence this is not Mike Wilde the second! Once again, best of luck Tony! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldNick Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Fingers crossed! I hope this is the real deal - we as fans have NOTHING to go on at the moment - no knowledge of the backer, no knowledge of his business plan, football plans or indeed anything at all of substance. I hope this is a new dawn, and I wish Tony all the best. I'll reserve the cheers until there is some evidence this is not Mike Wilde the second! Once again, best of luck Tony! I think if MLT was not at the front I would also have reservations but the great man would not do that to us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 From myself and my kids, the future fans of SFC, thanks for saving my club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mole Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 I can't wait for the first game of the season and the whole stadium singing Matt Le Tiss's song. After the dark years of Lowe this is a dream come true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wireframebox Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Thank you very much, and fingers crossed that this is completed so we can all concentrate on enjoying Football again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amesbury Saint Posted 30 May, 2009 Share Posted 30 May, 2009 Great news, great read and very pleased to hear from Tony Clearly his team has a lot to do. Is it worth setting up a sticky for questions and another for ideas on ticketing pricing, improvements to the club etc. The sticky not for debate but just for collecting ideas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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