Four men behind new £12.5m bid for Saints (From Daily Echo)
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Four men behind new £12.5m bid for Saints
6:00am Saturday 4th July 2009 in
-
- By Peter Law » Feature Writer
A NEW consortium of four wealthy British businessmen yesterday tabled a last minute £12.5m bid to buy Saints.
Fronted by the former York City FC owner John Batchelor, the consortium is confident of completing its dramatic take-over by Monday or even over the weekend.
But administrator Mark Fry says he remains “very confident” of pushing through a deal with a party at a very advanced stage – believed to be the Swiss group.
An announcement could come as early as Monday once final paperwork has been completed and signed off.
The deal is being brokered by Yorkshire firm Gillico.
Batchelor, who has made failed attempts to buy Stockport, Mansfield Town - which he wanted to rename Harchester - and Carlisle, said he was only acting as a negotiator and was not one of the investors.
The group first made contact with administrator Mark Fry just hours after the Matthew Le Tissier-backed Pinnacle bid collapsed on Tuesday afternoon.
“I have been talking to a group in relation to acquiring a football club for a long time and it was a case of getting the right entrepreneurial individuals around to do it,” said Batchelor.
Comments(112)
ThorncombeSaint1976
says...
6:13am Sat 4 Jul 09
Southampton boy
says...
7:06am Sat 4 Jul 09
Lets face it if it is just a matter of signing the paper work why cant they do that today and get it over and done with??
Northern Saint
says...
7:20am Sat 4 Jul 09
dannyep
says...
7:23am Sat 4 Jul 09
security word: oh sh1t
dannyep
says...
7:39am Sat 4 Jul 09
dannyep wrote:This fella is a ruthless, shamelessly brutal concience free asset stripper, hes comicly honest about it. there are many more quotes like this from him, and worse ones about him i just cant be arsed to put them on. apart from this from his former business partner: "He ruins peoples lives and walks away with money"
Genuine quotes from John Batchelor; "Thats what I do for a living I f@ck companies" About York City fans; "Basicly I was lying to them. theres no way of dessing it up" "Yes I do asset strip" security word: oh sh1t
sfc4lyf
says...
7:41am Sat 4 Jul 09
Saintimbo
says...
7:42am Sat 4 Jul 09
Captain Kirk
says...
7:52am Sat 4 Jul 09
Saintimbo wrote:Have just read half of the Guardian article about this guy. Bloody hell! No need to read the second half of the article. The first said enough. Keep him away at all costs Mr Fry!
I've just read some of the comments about this "person" quite shocking to say the least...
one johny m
says...
7:56am Sat 4 Jul 09
Captain Swing
says...
8:01am Sat 4 Jul 09
Ian Murray, it really is time to do something about the clowns you employ to cover the Saints.
Linesman
says...
8:26am Sat 4 Jul 09
Mansfield Town!
Carlisle United!
Southampton!
All BIG Clubs!
pawnsacrifice
says...
8:30am Sat 4 Jul 09
dannyep
says...
8:31am Sat 4 Jul 09
one johny m wrote:Salt and vinegar with that big bag of chips on your shoulder? Be positive, even if we do have to delude ourselves
Is it time to throw in the towel, how can this once great club go limping on, we have been shafed by BW (a failed politicion),the football league, Harry the suspect in coruption cases, Rupert lowe and just about anybody who comes into contact with us. Maybe we are just not wanted, the big agenda is to have only one team in Hampshire and they are the dodgy dealing skates so they can all get on with laundering their the suspect overseas money
robhythe
says...
8:32am Sat 4 Jul 09
Linesman wrote:linesman ha ha ha
York City! Stockport County! Mansfield Town! Carlisle United! Southampton! All BIG Clubs!
milton road
says...
8:35am Sat 4 Jul 09
perhaps that is why arab interest is cooling
AB12345
says...
8:41am Sat 4 Jul 09
s/w:
neck-debt
saint-barnard
says...
8:43am Sat 4 Jul 09
Optimist
says...
8:47am Sat 4 Jul 09
Tuesday "exclusive, some new group interseted, different group might buy club tomorrow, buy our paper to find out more."
Wednesday; "exclusive, some new group interseted, different group might buy club tomorrow, buy our paper to find out more."
The Echo must be loving this, they have never sold so many papers over the Summer.
kinkyboots
says...
8:53am Sat 4 Jul 09
Linesman
says...
8:58am Sat 4 Jul 09
robhythe wrote:No laughing matter, especially when there is a high tide at Hythe!
Linesman wrote: York City! Stockport County! Mansfield Town! Carlisle United! Southampton! All BIG Clubs!linesman ha ha ha
dannyep
says...
9:10am Sat 4 Jul 09
kinkyboots wrote:If fry has any duty to the creditors he wont let this professional liquidator anywhere near the club, and for that reason I cant see a batchelor takeover happening. Surely he can be edged out at the fit and proper persons test stage with his history.
we dont want this ruthless piece of work having anything to do with our club.iknow fry has a duty to the creditors but surely common sense should prevail
Enrico Palazzo
says...
9:13am Sat 4 Jul 09
Captain Kirk
says...
9:16am Sat 4 Jul 09
milton road wrote:Nah...Arab interest is cooling cos they went to Pimpey (whoops, slip of the finger but I'll leave it like that)and saw what it was actually like. Until they they had only seen pictures of the best bits and thought "I suppose it could be worse" then when they arrived they saw it was a lot worse.
well with Saints having assetts of 50 plus million. it is far cheaper to plough 20 million into them to get them to the top than spend 60 plus million on a stadium in a city that looks like a tip. who can't even fill the existing ground in the premiership. perhaps that is why arab interest is cooling
WilliamH
says...
9:17am Sat 4 Jul 09
S Pance
says...
9:19am Sat 4 Jul 09
milton road wrote:Saints do NOT have £50million of assets! Saints effectively RENT the stadium from the banks.
well with Saints having assetts of 50 plus million. it is far cheaper to plough 20 million into them to get them to the top than spend 60 plus million on a stadium in a city that looks like a tip. who can't even fill the existing ground in the premiership.
perhaps that is why arab interest is cooling
Saints do not have huge assets, hence people baulking at the modest asking price.
Even if someone pays £12.5million for the club they'll have to inject many tens of millions more before the club makes a profit.
An associate of mine who is knowledgeable on such things has estimated that it'll cost new owners £150million minimum before Saints stand any chance of getting back in the Premiership.
Ross96
says...
9:20am Sat 4 Jul 09
sec word dark-side
Rudd Gillett
says...
9:20am Sat 4 Jul 09
jhp767903
says...
9:23am Sat 4 Jul 09
"Chancers" and "Opportunists", a la Fialka, Jackson,
the other mob from Yorkshire, and (not sure of they are the same as)this guy, just look for maximum exposure.
We all know tha the sharks are circling, but I certainly pray that none of the affore mentioned get their grubby hands on our beloved club.
I hope that the two "professional" bids are geniune and that all is resolved soon. If not, I would prefer administration than any assett strippers getting their hands on our beloved Saints!
This of course only reflects my opinion!!
winchestersaint
says...
9:25am Sat 4 Jul 09
But I feel he'll do the right thing- just let him get on with it without the fickle criticism..
Tirau Dan (NZL)
says...
9:30am Sat 4 Jul 09
Not a single word from within the stadium has slipped out,,, amazing silence.
Omega Saints.. the precision team sounds rather good.
Just don't start calling Saints the Meusli Boys or Southampton Grasshoppers.
Linesman
says...
9:32am Sat 4 Jul 09
winchestersaint wrote:As Mr Fry's responsibility is to obtain as much money as possible for the creditors of the club, you could well be correct!
well the way some of you have slated Fry I would not be surprised if he didn't give a t*ss who buys the club... But I feel he'll do the right thing- just let him get on with it without the fickle criticism..
Once the club has been sold and creditors are paid 'pence in the pound', his job is done. If the new owner wants to sell the training ground for housing, and use SMS for pop concerts, is of no concern to him.
If Pinnacle HAD paid for the club, and then not gained membership of the football league, that would not have been Mr Fox's concern. His job would have been completed!
Captain Kirk
says...
9:37am Sat 4 Jul 09
Tirau Dan (NZL) wrote:Cow Bell Boys? What if the Austrian lot get us...Bruno Boys?
Think Pos+ guys and gals. Fry is bringing in the deal with the good guys. Things are going well. Not a single word from within the stadium has slipped out,,, amazing silence. Omega Saints.. the precision team sounds rather good. Just don't start calling Saints the Meusli Boys or Southampton Grasshoppers.
sholingred
says...
9:47am Sat 4 Jul 09
billythesaint
says...
9:49am Sat 4 Jul 09
SW leaf-come. Maybe we'll be bought by the autumn?
Stuckinthemiddlewithyou
says...
9:53am Sat 4 Jul 09
I've observed as soon as Fiasco was revealed as Pinnacle we all went off the idea as it wasn't Rod Stewart !! But we are all keen on the Swiss consortium & we haven't any idea who they are , or if they are in the same arena as Batchelors asset stripping lot.
Fri 19th I thought it would be done & dusted . It wasn't. The following week I was on holiday in France & spent many euros in an internet cafe trying to get info. I hope next years holiday is more enjoyable !!
InThatNumber
says...
9:56am Sat 4 Jul 09
AdrianSmith
says...
10:03am Sat 4 Jul 09
Captain Swing wrote:To be fair, if you read the full story in the paper there is loads more about the deal than a quick Google search can tell you.
Once again, the readers on this site are making the house "journalists" look like a bunch of nine year olds running a fanzine. Ian Murray, it really is time to do something about the clowns you employ to cover the Saints.
Tirau Dan (NZL)
says...
10:07am Sat 4 Jul 09
Captain Kirk wrote:Lol..no chance we have the monopoly on that here in Waikato NZ.. The Waikato Rugby Team are known as The Mooloos everyone clangs cow bells at the games.. makes a great racket too.
Tirau Dan (NZL) wrote:Cow Bell Boys? What if the Austrian lot get us...Bruno Boys?
Think Pos+ guys and gals. Fry is bringing in the deal with the good guys. Things are going well. Not a single word from within the stadium has slipped out,,, amazing silence. Omega Saints.. the precision team sounds rather good. Just don't start calling Saints the Meusli Boys or Southampton Grasshoppers.
Fides
says...
10:09am Sat 4 Jul 09
Ross96 wrote:Bit late to start thinking the fire was a better option than the frying pan after all.
Just googled batchelor and he is worse than lowe. Keep him out !!!!!
sec word dark-side
I just hope the Swiss crew - about whom we know absoluty nothing - care a bit about football and would have a small amount to invest.
saint tom
says...
10:11am Sat 4 Jul 09
Measaint
says...
10:13am Sat 4 Jul 09
richiebrill
says...
10:15am Sat 4 Jul 09
s.w ring-your
Maybe I won't welcome Lowe back if everybody else has had the same 3rd word on that as I did lol
AdrianSmith
says...
10:19am Sat 4 Jul 09
Measaint wrote:I assume you've missed this line in the story:
fingers crossed that it aint gillico, i've wanted anybody to buy over the months, (can't believe it's months now)but now looking at this group, I say 100% NO
"The deal is being brokered by Yorkshire firm Gillico."
saint tom
says...
10:20am Sat 4 Jul 09
st ewe saint
says...
10:22am Sat 4 Jul 09
Badja
says...
10:29am Sat 4 Jul 09
InThatNumber wrote:Got my tickets yesterday! Sky are sending a camera crew down so maybe theyre expecting something!!? Lets show em how much we value OUR club!!
Now is the time to show your support, get yourselves up Eastleigh Fc today and rally behind the team. It's only a tenner and the beer is good!!! Hope to see you all there
Measaint
says...
10:40am Sat 4 Jul 09
AdrianSmith wrote:I've googled this company and looked at the other Saints sites, they are (most of them)saying it stinks a lot of Lowe, I'm just not convinced about them, they were formed on the 1st April 2009, that is the rough time lowe started the administration wheel in motion, it is only my opinion
Measaint wrote:I assume you've missed this line in the story:
fingers crossed that it aint gillico, i've wanted anybody to buy over the months, (can't believe it's months now)but now looking at this group, I say 100% NO
"The deal is being brokered by Yorkshire firm Gillico."
rickyroyl
says...
10:40am Sat 4 Jul 09
The Exiled Saint
says...
10:57am Sat 4 Jul 09
If you think either Crouch, Lowe and Wilde set were bad, then you haven’t seen nothing.
After assuring the York City FC Supporters Trust( who spent years on fundraising efforts to save the club) it would be his principal investment he promptly sold them down the river.
Last May I spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon at Wembley for the FA Vase in the company of York City fans where they still hate him.
If the Daily Echo is any sort of a local newspaper, then it should contact the Yorkshire Evening Press, and ask to reprint their copy from the Batchleor days.
Be Aware, Be Very Aware!
Mark Murphy
says...
10:59am Sat 4 Jul 09
Not even Portsmouth.
And I know this annoys some, but whoever set the security word as "stop-this" did so knowingly...
sholingred
says...
11:02am Sat 4 Jul 09
saintpeter48
says...
11:04am Sat 4 Jul 09
Tirau Dan (NZL)
says...
11:11am Sat 4 Jul 09
saintpeter48 wrote:Hope everyone gets over to Silverlake to watch.. its only ten quid and kids under 12 free.
blimey, i've just read the squad for the eastleigh game....about 6 i recognise, where did we get the rest from, the job centre on friday afternoon!!!!!
Go show Wotte you got!
as we say down under
Get in Behind
and tell me all about after
milton road
says...
11:23am Sat 4 Jul 09
all for 12.5 million
So if that is not assetts please tell me what is?
why do you think despite the messing about there are around six consortiums interested in buying it up.
with the club then bouyant those assets will be worth in the region of 40-50 million even in a depressed market.In five years and possibly the premiership think how much then.
put 20 0r so million in for players and maybe a few more for other bits and pieces. walk away in five years with around 30-40 million pofit or carry on running it. That is sound business sense. No of course there are no assetts.Why do you think these people are interested love of the game in div 1
Der!!!!!
dannyep
says...
11:27am Sat 4 Jul 09
His evil is of a kind unknowable.
Hes so honest about how hes gonna shaft this company or that club he's hilarious. Ive even started to like him for his barefaced front. Sorry cant help it.
BUT if he gets hold of our club were dead, its over.
wraggster
says...
11:30am Sat 4 Jul 09
Badja wrote:Unfortunately can't make this game due to work.but will be at st mary's for ajax game does antbody know if the eastleigh game is on radio? And i've heard a southampton 11 are playing Newport isle of wight at st Georges on the 17th july anybody else heard this?
InThatNumber wrote: Now is the time to show your support, get yourselves up Eastleigh Fc today and rally behind the team. It's only a tenner and the beer is good!!! Hope to see you all thereGot my tickets yesterday! Sky are sending a camera crew down so maybe theyre expecting something!!? Lets show em how much we value OUR club!!
dannyep
says...
11:34am Sat 4 Jul 09
milton road
says...
11:46am Sat 4 Jul 09
The majority of any seasonal finance comes from the club itself.
The sort of figures thta you qouted would see virtually every club without a backer.
dannyep
says...
11:55am Sat 4 Jul 09
championpish
says...
11:56am Sat 4 Jul 09
This guy sounds like a total penis.. dont let him buy our club.
St.Yorkie
says...
11:58am Sat 4 Jul 09
The Exiled Saint wrote:I can only endorse what is said above. He is a figure of hate - he did exactly what RL did to our club - plus a lot more.
As a former York City supporter I must warn my fellow Saints fans this man must at all costs never set foot inside St Mary’s. If you think either Crouch, Lowe and Wilde set were bad, then you haven’t seen nothing. After assuring the York City FC Supporters Trust( who spent years on fundraising efforts to save the club) it would be his principal investment he promptly sold them down the river. Last May I spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon at Wembley for the FA Vase in the company of York City fans where they still hate him. If the Daily Echo is any sort of a local newspaper, then it should contact the Yorkshire Evening Press, and ask to reprint their copy from the Batchleor days. Be Aware, Be Very Aware!
Tempted to say better the devil you know - but two wrongs don't make a right!
Paul TS
says...
11:59am Sat 4 Jul 09
I have no problem with anyone buying the club and trying to make a commercial success of their investment, but at the same time whoever this might be hope as most fans do, that they have ambition for the club to not only survive, but in due course move back up the league divisions!
As for the grounds worth, let us all remember that the value of commercial property is down by around 40% nationally in the last 2 years. The training ground would never get permission to develop for residential usage, nor I doubt would Jackson Farm. The stadium is only currently able to promote 4 x pop concerts PA at around £500,000 per gig profit = £2,000,000 PA income for any new owner. Something that we could have done this year with a few 'Take That gigs'?
The only thing that might be able to increase more revenue streams would be Southampton Council allowing more than 4 x concerts PA and if not prepared to allocate some of their art work revenue to buy St Mary's (after all when in use St Mary's does bring in substantial commercial revenue to traders in the City).
This the only short term commercial route for making immediate money, after all their are no guarantees for promotion, nor how long we could potentially remain in League 1!
I look forward to seeing Saints V Eastleigh this afternoon and hope that all fans can show their support today and impress all interested parties that Southampton FC is worth buying!! I hope this saga ends soon and that whoever buys our club has more intention than personal greed or publicity, as has seemed to be the case with various parties so far!
connor16
says...
11:59am Sat 4 Jul 09
l me it`s not happening
milton road
says...
12:11pm Sat 4 Jul 09
yet i think Pinaccle are still there but they have ummed and aahd.
creditors want to see money on the table. I think the swiss.
i know we get very wound up about delay but these guys are businees guys and they will only sign when everything has been done correctly.
Sure we would like them to sign saturday morning or even yesterday or last week.
Fry will choose who the creditors want and who he feels best for the club.we have had many false dawns,I actually think by tuesday night we will have new owners.Who now that is the question????
Just remember while this is life blood to alot of us to htem it is just another business deal
TottonScrutineer
says...
12:16pm Sat 4 Jul 09
o2binibiza
says...
12:53pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Jesus_02
says...
1:31pm Sat 4 Jul 09
"The Football League has a "fit and proper persons test" for football club directors and substantial shareholders but it does not bar from involvement people, who have committed breaches of company law, or those with serial insolvency records, in and out of football, such as Batchelor. The disqualification applies to any person with unspent convictions for dishonesty, anyone who is bankrupt, and anyone who has run a football club into insolvency twice."
This is what the football league need to sort out. Not help people like Bachelor "F@uck clubs up for a living"
forcaster
says...
1:50pm Sat 4 Jul 09
kinkyboots
says...
2:01pm Sat 4 Jul 09
LeopardsSpots
says...
2:03pm Sat 4 Jul 09
SomersetSaint
says...
2:10pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Dickosfc
says...
2:27pm Sat 4 Jul 09
dannyep wrote:If that happened, he'd be over!! he'd have thousands and thousands of people out for his blood!
The more I read about j batchelor the more astounded i am that i havent heard about him and his antics before. His evil is of a kind unknowable. Hes so honest about how hes gonna shaft this company or that club he's hilarious. Ive even started to like him for his barefaced front. Sorry cant help it. BUT if he gets hold of our club were dead, its over.
Lowe is one thing but if this clown was to do that then he'd be done for, surley......
Patrick80's
says...
2:48pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Jesus_02 wrote:I agree the likes of him Risdale and Lowe etc should be banned for life from running or being involved at any level with a football club. Also each serving director of a football club should put up a refundable substantial financial bond with the Football League that in the event of any financial wrongdoing the bond is not returned. This is the only way to stop clubs being run into the ground financially and the innocent fans being punished for years to come.
from the Guardian "The Football League has a "fit and proper persons test" for football club directors and substantial shareholders but it does not bar from involvement people, who have committed breaches of company law, or those with serial insolvency records, in and out of football, such as Batchelor. The disqualification applies to any person with unspent convictions for dishonesty, anyone who is bankrupt, and anyone who has run a football club into insolvency twice." This is what the football league need to sort out. Not help people like Bachelor "F@uck clubs up for a living"
Sw:tear-then
connor16
says...
3:53pm Sat 4 Jul 09
very sad times!!!
weh8pompey
says...
3:56pm Sat 4 Jul 09
BertCatt
says...
5:44pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Patrick80's
says...
6:00pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Actually, it's not just about the FA saying their hands are tied. When Batchelor and Craig were screwing us over at York, we made an absolutely almighty noise about, helped by journalists like the marvellous Mr Conn who got our story out. We went on marches, raised petitions, tried to get questions asked in Parliament, held demos outside the houses of those trying to steal our club - and to what end? I think in all that time, we got a three line email back from the FA. It wasn't that they didn't know what was happening at York, it was that they actively chose to ignore it. And the fact that one of the men trying to kill us - Douglas Craig - was cozy with the FA himself and on several boards of theirs.
I had the misfortune of meeting Batchelor personally a few times when he was at York City. He is a proper Walter Mitty character. I actually think he might be borderline personality disorder. He's a strange and odious creature, desperate to be liked but unable to tell the truth for more than two seconds. And what he did to our club - when we were already on our knees - was unforgivable. He is, I believe, one of the main reasons we fell out of the football league.
Notice that Batchelor only ever approaches clubs in very dire straits. He knows he's as dodgy as they come and that only the very very desperate would entertain a charlatan like himself. It is quite unthinkable that this man should be allowed to let history repeat itself. Truly our football authorities are the most pathetic, lily-livered and morally bankrupt individuals on earth.
Be warned do not let this man buy Southampton Football Club under any circumstances.
Stagsfan
says...
6:08pm Sat 4 Jul 09
He tried to get involved up here at Mansfield Town and admitted he was an asset stripper, who had led numerous companies into administration and bankrupcy. He has no money and no assets so hes not going to invest and to cap it all hes a serial fantasist who will suck every penny he can from the club. Hes only interested in himself and doesnt give a hoot about anyone else. Luckily he was shown the door and regularly abused by our supporters and we have 3 guys now running club who are shaping up as the best owners we have ever had.
Dont let Batchelor anywhere your front door. If you need to read up about his antics David Conn of the Guardian wrote an excellent article about him Its entitled "I do assest strip"- John Batchelor
http://www.guardian.
co.uk/football/2008/
apr/09/sport.comment
Good luck
From everyone connected at Mansfield Town
Fides
says...
6:13pm Sat 4 Jul 09
BertCatt wrote:You rather prove the last point yourself.
OMG if John Batchelor,tkaes over we are well and truly shafted. What the **** is Fry up to? Only interested in getting this nest of vipers off his back, and taking his cut. Fans? They can go **** themselves, who are thye? Just football loving morons, is his attitude, it seems!
When will people get through their thick heads that the administrator has no responsibilty to the fans and precious little to the club. The fact that Mr Fry appears to striving as hard as he can to keep the Saints playing is a great credit to him and his company. If he manages to pull off a deal that keeps us in business he will acheived more for the club than anyone since those who founded it.
wraggster
says...
6:25pm Sat 4 Jul 09
ohn-Batchelor-answer
s-YOUR-questions
He's on this link as well also with a picture god help us
Jimmysaint
says...
6:38pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Tirau Dan (NZL)
says...
7:50pm Sat 4 Jul 09
"We currently are very confident that a sale will be achieved and that this process will be concluded very shortly."
"In relation to information regarding new interested parties, we are now in an unusual situation whereby we are receiving offers from a number of other parties very late in the day, but are committed to getting the transaction completed with our current buyer."
Fry added: "We are pleased that the directors of the football club were able to take action that has enabled the staff to be paid for last month and once again would like to thank the club and its staff for their continued support and patience.
"Last week I was very concerned for the club's future following the failure to complete by the then proposed purchaser, but this week has been much more positive and as said we believe a sale is close to completion."
I think it is good that The Directors worked with Fry to sell a couple of players, they paid the wages and let Fry get on with getting a deal done instead of arguing points and stuffing around with the league.
Last week we were terribly let down by Matt and Pinnacle. We all thought about extra points scaring away buyers and the club going under. Fry was not sucked in after they failed to cough up the dough the first time.. he went straight to the next bidder and got on with it.
This week Fry has kept us afloat and kept the players at the table. We should pat Fry on the back and I for one would buy him a drink if a deal completes on Monday. Of course he'd have to come down to NZ so you guys should stand him one in stead :p But I know a few Saints down here and you'd be looked after if you get here after getting it done and dusted on Monday
Patrick80's
says...
7:53pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Glencore is rated BBB- (stable) and Baa2 (negative) by Standard & Poor's and Moody's respectively.
As a privately owned company, Glencore restricts access to its detailed financial information.
If you require this information for credit purposes, you may a. COYR
stormus troupias the 2nd
says...
8:15pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Tirau Dan (NZL) wrote:i hope to be going to NZ at easter < christchurch > i'll buy you a drink
Nothing has changed since Friday Fry's quotes then: "We currently are very confident that a sale will be achieved and that this process will be concluded very shortly." "In relation to information regarding new interested parties, we are now in an unusual situation whereby we are receiving offers from a number of other parties very late in the day, but are committed to getting the transaction completed with our current buyer." Fry added: "We are pleased that the directors of the football club were able to take action that has enabled the staff to be paid for last month and once again would like to thank the club and its staff for their continued support and patience. "Last week I was very concerned for the club's future following the failure to complete by the then proposed purchaser, but this week has been much more positive and as said we believe a sale is close to completion." I think it is good that The Directors worked with Fry to sell a couple of players, they paid the wages and let Fry get on with getting a deal done instead of arguing points and stuffing around with the league. Last week we were terribly let down by Matt and Pinnacle. We all thought about extra points scaring away buyers and the club going under. Fry was not sucked in after they failed to cough up the dough the first time.. he went straight to the next bidder and got on with it. This week Fry has kept us afloat and kept the players at the table. We should pat Fry on the back and I for one would buy him a drink if a deal completes on Monday. Of course he'd have to come down to NZ so you guys should stand him one in stead :p But I know a few Saints down here and you'd be looked after if you get here after getting it done and dusted on Monday
wraggster
says...
8:23pm Sat 4 Jul 09
om/watch?v=TGW00vKg8
6o
Ross96
says...
8:27pm Sat 4 Jul 09
wraggster wrote:Whats that about it only comes up as the homepage for me.
http://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=TGW00vKg8 6o
famtongs
says...
8:33pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Ross96
says...
8:35pm Sat 4 Jul 09
mr tein
says...
8:45pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Tirau Dan (NZL)
says...
8:54pm Sat 4 Jul 09
http://www.dailymail
.co.uk/sport/footbal
l/article-1197540/Sw
iss-billionaires-rol
l-save-League-One-So
uthampton.html?ITO=1
490
Willi and Isolde Liebherr, the son and daughter of company founder Hans, are worth more than £2billion and if a deal goes through, only Manchester City's Sheik Mansour, Chelsea's Roman Abramovich, billionaire QPR owners Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal and Tottenham backer Joe Lewis would rank higher in English football's rich list.
The Liebherr Group already have links with the city of Southampton through subsidiary Liebherr Cranes.
Two years ago, £50,000 was donated to three local charities as part of a deal for the Swiss company to supply Southampton Container Terminals with two cranes, which were put into position last month.
midlandsaint
says...
8:57pm Sat 4 Jul 09
"A billionaire Swiss family and a group led by football deal maker Keith Harris are battling to rescue League One Southampton from oblivion and make them one of the richest clubs in English football.
The identity of the potential owners being advised by investment banker Harris is unknown, but sources on the south coast revealed that the Swiss interest is backed by the Liebherr Group.
A third group named Gillico are also said to be in the frame, but the Harris-led bid and the Swiss are vying to complete a quick deal to save Southampton after the collapse of a bid fronted by explayer Matt Le Tissier.
Willi and Isolde Liebherr, the son and daughter of company founder Hans, are worth more than £2billion and if a deal goes through, only Manchester City's Sheik Mansour, Chelsea's Roman Abramovich, billionaire QPR owners Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal and Tottenham backer Joe Lewis would rank higher in English football's rich list.
The Liebherr Group already have links with the city of Southampton through subsidiary Liebherr Cranes.
Two years ago, £50,000 was donated to three local charities as part of a deal for the Swiss company to supply Southampton Container Terminals with two cranes, which were put into position last month." - http://www.dailymail
.co.uk/sport/footbal
l/article-1197540/Sw
iss-billionaires-rol
l-save-League-One-So
uthampton.html?ITO=1
490
Danielbarker
says...
9:16pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Tirau Dan (NZL)
says...
9:20pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Staff at SMS have been told to be in on Monday Morning.. got that from the thread of the other echo story.. all looking brilliant!!!
Back to the wall for Fry if this goes through Fans will s hag him!!!
wraggster
says...
9:24pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Tirau Dan (NZL)
says...
9:55pm Sat 4 Jul 09
wraggster
says...
10:03pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Tirau Dan (NZL) wrote:yeah seems to be involved with all the big footy deals
Keith Harris is top investment banker. The Liebherr Group is named only by The Daily Mails southern sources as yet. But it does sound like everything is coming to fruition on Monday.
and no he has not got a mate called Orville.
dannyep
says...
10:03pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Dickosfc wrote:I agree, but dont call me shirley
dannyep wrote: The more I read about j batchelor the more astounded i am that i havent heard about him and his antics before. His evil is of a kind unknowable. Hes so honest about how hes gonna shaft this company or that club he's hilarious. Ive even started to like him for his barefaced front. Sorry cant help it. BUT if he gets hold of our club were dead, its over.If that happened, he'd be over!! he'd have thousands and thousands of people out for his blood! Lowe is one thing but if this clown was to do that then he'd be done for, surley......
dannyep
says...
10:39pm Sat 4 Jul 09
wraggster wrote:Is Orville Keith Harris's spokesman? For purposes of mirth I f@ckin hope so
Tirau Dan (NZL) wrote: Keith Harris is top investment banker. The Liebherr Group is named only by The Daily Mails southern sources as yet. But it does sound like everything is coming to fruition on Monday.yeah seems to be involved with all the big footy deals and no he has not got a mate called Orville.
Soulrebel One
says...
10:42pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Blimey-we could be one of the richest clubs in England!!
LOL!!
I dreamt this before, here's hoping that dreams do come true!
pawnsacrifice
says...
10:46pm Sat 4 Jul 09
If so, welcome and thankyou very much.
If I saw some major players like this come to the table, I'm surpised Fry didn't kick that tinpot bid from pinnacle into touch earlier.
The swiss have done everything under the radar in a manor that befits a professional organisation, not some attention seeking goon on Sky sports.
Maybe all these sharks circling saints can finally pi55 off
S/w land-blue...not likely mate
midlandsaint
says...
12:11am Sun 5 Jul 09
http://www.moneyweek
.com/news-and-charts
/keith-harris-footba
lls-mr-fixit-14144.a
spx
Tirau Dan (NZL)
says...
5:42am Sun 5 Jul 09
midlandsaint wrote:Thats really interesting. Harris is the guy that blew the ITV deal for the FL but since has handled sales like Chelsea West Ham and Man City..
For those who require some background on Keith Harris.
http://www.moneyweek
.com/news-and-charts
/keith-harris-footba
lls-mr-fixit-14144.a
spx
Money Week say: "The general public may not recognise him, but Keith Harris is arguably "the most influential man in British football", says Duncan White in The Sunday Telegraph. Harris, the 55-year-old chairman of investment bank Seymour Pierce, is the dealmaker behind the Premier League's biggest takeovers." He's doing Newcastle and Everton too.
This has to be brilliant as his investors are usually passionate about football and do spend lots on players.
He was also anti-the Man U sale as the buyer borrowed the money which caused the ticket prices to soar to pay for the loan. If He is the dealer for Saints his client will be very very wealthy... Looks like The Daily Mail have a good one for us.
I'll be lots happier when it's all signed and announced... but Keith Harris has admitted his involvement for the Swiss Group at Saints...we can allow ourselves to be part of this dream as it unfolds.
I still be rapt if it a lesser client but this look fabulous for Saints.
one johny m
says...
7:36am Sun 5 Jul 09
Captain Swing
says...
8:40am Sun 5 Jul 09
Tirau Dan (NZL) wrote:Seymour Pierce were brought hired by Michael Wilde to help him take over Saints back in 2006.
midlandsaint wrote: For those who require some background on Keith Harris. http://www.moneyweek .com/news-and-charts /keith-harris-footba lls-mr-fixit-14144.a spxThats really interesting. Harris is the guy that blew the ITV deal for the FL but since has handled sales like Chelsea West Ham and Man City.. Money Week say: "The general public may not recognise him, but Keith Harris is arguably "the most influential man in British football", says Duncan White in The Sunday Telegraph. Harris, the 55-year-old chairman of investment bank Seymour Pierce, is the dealmaker behind the Premier League's biggest takeovers." He's doing Newcastle and Everton too. This has to be brilliant as his investors are usually passionate about football and do spend lots on players. He was also anti-the Man U sale as the buyer borrowed the money which caused the ticket prices to soar to pay for the loan. If He is the dealer for Saints his client will be very very wealthy... Looks like The Daily Mail have a good one for us. I'll be lots happier when it's all signed and announced... but Keith Harris has admitted his involvement for the Swiss Group at Saints...we can allow ourselves to be part of this dream as it unfolds. I still be rapt if it a lesser client but this look fabulous for Saints.
They brought in PR man David Bick (a sidekick of Keith Harris it would seem) who basically dictated the Echo's editorial policy leading to Rupert's departure.
The main drift of that publicity was, you will remember, was that with Rupert out of the way, not only would Wilde invest some of his considerable wealth in the Saints, but other seriously rich people would be doing so as well.
Many thousands of Saints' ans believed this. And did Wilde have the mone? And did the rich start chucking cash at the Club?
No!
Believe me, Keith Harris is no genious (ask Newcastle United fans), he's one of the reasons we are are in such a mess.
Hopefully he's got it right this time, but bear in mind, his previous involvement in Southampton FC - and ask yourself why the Echo have failed to point out its significance.
peachy1
says...
8:41am Sun 5 Jul 09
kinkyboots wrote:think they should just wind them up now close the club they owe alot of money they have stitched the supporters up time after time
remember the swiss are a very shrewd business orientated people who will look at all aspects of the purchase.i expect completion on wednesday at the very latest
Put a roof on saint mary's and call it the southampton indoor arena and have concerts there and jehovahs conventions
Its over face it your dead move on
Bob's Your Uncle
says...
8:47am Sun 5 Jul 09
(Please add your views at Southampton World. www.ohwhenthesaints.
net )
Tirau Dan (NZL)
says...
10:12am Sun 5 Jul 09
Captain Swing wrote:Harris is representing the Swiss Group in getting the deal done. The deal is impending...very close and one guy from the stadium (via another thread here)says staff have been told to be in early on Monday.
Tirau Dan (NZL) wrote:Seymour Pierce were brought hired by Michael Wilde to help him take over Saints back in 2006.
midlandsaint wrote: For those who require some background on Keith Harris. http://www.moneyweek .com/news-and-charts /keith-harris-footba lls-mr-fixit-14144.a spxThats really interesting. Harris is the guy that blew the ITV deal for the FL but since has handled sales like Chelsea West Ham and Man City.. Money Week say: "The general public may not recognise him, but Keith Harris is arguably "the most influential man in British football", says Duncan White in The Sunday Telegraph. Harris, the 55-year-old chairman of investment bank Seymour Pierce, is the dealmaker behind the Premier League's biggest takeovers." He's doing Newcastle and Everton too. This has to be brilliant as his investors are usually passionate about football and do spend lots on players. He was also anti-the Man U sale as the buyer borrowed the money which caused the ticket prices to soar to pay for the loan. If He is the dealer for Saints his client will be very very wealthy... Looks like The Daily Mail have a good one for us. I'll be lots happier when it's all signed and announced... but Keith Harris has admitted his involvement for the Swiss Group at Saints...we can allow ourselves to be part of this dream as it unfolds. I still be rapt if it a lesser client but this look fabulous for Saints.
They brought in PR man David Bick (a sidekick of Keith Harris it would seem) who basically dictated the Echo's editorial policy leading to Rupert's departure.
The main drift of that publicity was, you will remember, was that with Rupert out of the way, not only would Wilde invest some of his considerable wealth in the Saints, but other seriously rich people would be doing so as well.
Many thousands of Saints' ans believed this. And did Wilde have the mone? And did the rich start chucking cash at the Club?
No!
Believe me, Keith Harris is no genious (ask Newcastle United fans), he's one of the reasons we are are in such a mess.
Hopefully he's got it right this time, but bear in mind, his previous involvement in Southampton FC - and ask yourself why the Echo have failed to point out its significance.
The Swiss Family Leibherr have a good reputation for community service. If they bail out the club and give it a moderate budget that would be great.. anything better than that would be a dream come true for Saints.
Harris has nothing to do with the running of Chelsea or Man City does he? I don't think so. It wouldn't surprise if MLT ends up in a senior position on the Board.
I'll keep the feet on the ground and wait for Mark Fry to announce the when the deal is done.. but will drag the optimism down at the moment.
I just would love it lots turned up for the Totton Game and made enough noise for the down under Saints to be proud of.
It really is time to stop any negative worrying and get behind the new owners. Saving the club is fantastic, if we end up one of the richest clubs in England that would be a fabulous dream come true.
Someone write a brilliant pop song for the Saints!!
Get the voices going for the Prem!!
Up The Saints.
pawnsacrifice
says...
10:32am Sun 5 Jul 09
We have been crippled by debt for a long time now.
I am not expecting the new owners to plow 100's of millions in, that's just stupid. Look how Man City are killing the game by offering stupid wages to players
midlandsaint
says...
10:59am Sun 5 Jul 09
"
Billionaire Swiss family eyeing Southampton takeover
05.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Two groups are bidding for control of League One Southampton.
The Mail on Sunday says a billionaire Swiss family and a group led by football deal maker Keith Harris are battling to rescue League One Southampton from oblivion and make them one of the richest clubs in English football.
The identity of the potential owners being advised by investment banker Harris is unknown, but sources on the south coast revealed that the Swiss interest is backed by the Liebherr Group.
A third group named Gillico are also said to be in the frame, but the Harris-led bid and the Swiss are vying to complete a quick deal to save Southampton after the collapse of a bid fronted by ex-player Matt Le Tissier.
Willi and Isolde Liebherr, the son and daughter of company founder Hans, are worth more than £2billion and if a deal goes through, only Manchester City's Sheik Mansour, Chelsea's Roman Abramovich, billionaire QPR owners Bernie Ecclestone and Lakshmi Mittal and Tottenham backer Joe Lewis would rank higher in English football's rich list."
http://www.tribalfoo
tball.com/billionair
e-swiss-family-eyein
g-southampton-takeov
er-254928
sw: vary-want
weh8pompey
says...
12:57pm Sun 5 Jul 09
sam kurn
says...
6:35pm Mon 6 Jul 09
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Tirau Dan (NZL) says...
6:07am Sat 4 Jul 09
Good on you Mark get it done.