Pinnacle consortium enter exclusivity period for Southampton FC deal

Saints enter exclusivity with bidder Saints enter exclusivity with bidder

THE Matthew Le Tissier backed Pinnacle consortium have entered an exclusivity period with the aim of completing a buy-out of Saints within three weeks.

The group have stumped up the £500,000 non-refundable deposit that will allow the staff and players at the club to be paid their wages for May.

They now have the opportunity to complete full due-diligence before deciding whether to proceed with their proposed offer for the club, which has been given the seal of approval by the major creditors.

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The time frame to complete the deal is three weeks but during that period Pinnacle, who have been negotiating the talks on behalf of a wealthy investor, cannot be gazumped.

They have beaten three other groups to the exclusivity period - a duo of Irish businessman, a consortium led by businessmen Stuart Green and Marc Jackson and another group believed to be from Zurich.

In a statement, administrators Mark Fry and David Hudson of Begbies Traynor, said: "We are pleased to announce that they have entered into an exclusivity agreement with the Pinnacle Consortium for the sale of all of the assets of the Company, including Southampton Football Club.

"In order to enter into the exclusivity agreement, the Consortium has paid a non-refundable, undisclosed fee, and as a result the Club is now in a position to pay its staff wages in full for the month of May.

"The exclusivity agreement will last for 21 days, during which time we will be working hard with the Consortium on the technical aspects required to complete the sale, and we will make a further announcement when it is appropriate to do so."

Mark Fry added: "I am extremely pleased to be able to announce this significant development in the sale process of Southampton Leisure Holdings Plc."

Comments(107)

oldtimesaint says...
3:51pm Fri 29 May 09

yes.....at last...cant wait to renew my season ticket

Shoong says...
3:53pm Fri 29 May 09

I'm pleased, but cautious... let's hope the offer is a good one & they have a decent idea of where to take the club going forwards.

wonder weasel says...
3:53pm Fri 29 May 09

happy news at last

long live the saints and all that play for her

Saint Rob says...
3:58pm Fri 29 May 09

OH HAPPY DAYS!!!!!!!!!!

Security Word:
call-club....

alane61 says...
4:05pm Fri 29 May 09

Don't get too carried away, this is a period of exclusivity not a deal. There's now 21 days for the deal not to materialise. Its only now that Pinnacle get to see the true state that Lowe and Co left behind. Once they see this lets hope that it doesn't frighten them off.

I'm glad the staff will now be paid, it is them who have kept the lights on these past weeks. Although Mark Fry is operationally in charge at the moment I presume the 'no pay' arrangement wouldn't apply to him? Being an administrator is a bit like being a politician - make your own rules and skim off of the rest of us.

Look out for another Fry deadline!

montecristosaint says...
4:07pm Fri 29 May 09

wonder weasel wrote:
happy news at last long live the saints and all that play for her
I who the lucky wonder investor is..
can we be that lucky??
COME ON YOU REDS N WHITES!!!

season ticket holder says...
4:08pm Fri 29 May 09

oldtimesaint wrote:
yes.....at last...cant wait to renew my season ticket
I am ready as well,but I hope the prices reflect that we are now in League 1. Last seasons prices were as high as some Premier teams

cpnhaddock says...
4:09pm Fri 29 May 09

I just wonder who the 'wealthy backer' is.... how wealthy? is he a fan?.... what does he estimate he will invest?.... what are his motives....

Cautiously good news though! Atleast those NORMAL workers at the club will get paid - I couldnt give a stuff about the players!

Major Sir Jerry Pending says...
4:10pm Fri 29 May 09

hooray! let's hope it doesn't take all of three weeks though to conclude. Need to get player contracts sorted asap.

LeC7 says...
4:13pm Fri 29 May 09

Some good news at last....fingers crossed everyone...

ladysaint says...
4:17pm Fri 29 May 09

YIPPEE!! Another eager season ticket holder waiting to renew. COYR.


Bitterne Park Tim says...
4:18pm Fri 29 May 09

alane61 wrote:
Don't get too carried away, this is a period of exclusivity not a deal. There's now 21 days for the deal not to materialise. Its only now that Pinnacle get to see the true state that Lowe and Co left behind. Once they see this lets hope that it doesn't frighten them off. I'm glad the staff will now be paid, it is them who have kept the lights on these past weeks. Although Mark Fry is operationally in charge at the moment I presume the 'no pay' arrangement wouldn't apply to him? Being an administrator is a bit like being a politician - make your own rules and skim off of the rest of us. Look out for another Fry deadline!
Have you been following this story at all?

The books were opened up at the beginning of the week, reason being the buyers were concerned about putting a 500K deposit with out have full acess to the books... That was Monday/Tuesdays news!!!

the fact that they have paid the deposit, means they are convinced by the books and they are pretty much good to go.... We do not know how much of a deposit has been put down though... it does not say in the statement, the Echo mention 500K but that is a guess.

You do not put down a non refunable deposit with out knowing what you are buying.

richard sennatt no2 says...
4:20pm Fri 29 May 09

about time long live sir matt

LeC7 says...
4:20pm Fri 29 May 09

Also, to pay 500k non-refundable means they must be pretty serious and I suggests they're not expecting too many surprises when they look through the books????


LeC7 says...
4:21pm Fri 29 May 09

LeC7 wrote:
Also, to pay 500k non-refundable means they must be pretty serious and I suggests they're not expecting too many surprises when they look through the books????
and suggests, not and i suggests!!

LeC7 says...
4:27pm Fri 29 May 09

Bitterne Park Tim wrote:
alane61 wrote: Don't get too carried away, this is a period of exclusivity not a deal. There's now 21 days for the deal not to materialise. Its only now that Pinnacle get to see the true state that Lowe and Co left behind. Once they see this lets hope that it doesn't frighten them off. I'm glad the staff will now be paid, it is them who have kept the lights on these past weeks. Although Mark Fry is operationally in charge at the moment I presume the 'no pay' arrangement wouldn't apply to him? Being an administrator is a bit like being a politician - make your own rules and skim off of the rest of us. Look out for another Fry deadline!
Have you been following this story at all? The books were opened up at the beginning of the week, reason being the buyers were concerned about putting a 500K deposit with out have full acess to the books... That was Monday/Tuesdays news!!! the fact that they have paid the deposit, means they are convinced by the books and they are pretty much good to go.... We do not know how much of a deposit has been put down though... it does not say in the statement, the Echo mention 500K but that is a guess. You do not put down a non refunable deposit with out knowing what you are buying.
Hadn't read your comment when i made mine - spot on.

sw: hide-debt - classic!

worried of e sussex says...
4:32pm Fri 29 May 09

i'm so excited i could crush a grape!

worried of e sussex says...
4:32pm Fri 29 May 09

i'm so excited i could crush a grape!

saintsfan25 says...
4:33pm Fri 29 May 09

Could the legend that is Matt Le Tiss save our club yet again!? Just like all those years he kept us in the Premiership! I hope so! With Matt's name at the helm, I have a feeling we will sell a lot moe season tickets, just because his name!

Let's just keep the fingers crosed and this actually happens! A team to support next year!

:-)

SW rare town

Pedant says...
4:38pm Fri 29 May 09

well the fat lady is certainly in her dressing room, don`t get too carried away yet. The FA have to know who the mystery wealthy investor is so he or she can be declared a "fit and proper person" to own a football club. Look at the Pompey stories in todays papers.
Let`s hope its not "Frank" Shinawatra of Man city fame.

Rossbkr C.O.Y.R says...
4:39pm Fri 29 May 09

all i can say, its gotta be serious, who would put down 500k to a league 1 club, on its arse, without having plenty of cash to invest....

all i can say is, its great news...surely and it goes to show you exactly where sir matt of le tissiers priorities are..... what a great man what a legand... will he give up punditing and become a coach? who wouldnt want to be coached by the greatest?

made my weekend that news..... C.O.Y.R

im going to the bank to withdraw my season ticket money asap!!!

andoversaint says...
4:40pm Fri 29 May 09

alane61 wrote:
Don't get too carried away, this is a period of exclusivity not a deal. There's now 21 days for the deal not to materialise. Its only now that Pinnacle get to see the true state that Lowe and Co left behind. Once they see this lets hope that it doesn't frighten them off. I'm glad the staff will now be paid, it is them who have kept the lights on these past weeks. Although Mark Fry is operationally in charge at the moment I presume the 'no pay' arrangement wouldn't apply to him? Being an administrator is a bit like being a politician - make your own rules and skim off of the rest of us. Look out for another Fry deadline!
Nonsense.

brennothornhill says...
4:41pm Fri 29 May 09

Good news at last, I know it doesnt necessarily mean we have been bought but a. at least staff get paid. b. we know this bid is more serious c. if they do not buy the club someone else will as there are other bidders waiting but will have to wait the 21 days. Lets hope pinnacle carry this through, and lets all unite and get behind the saints. SFC for life, we will NEVER die

St Retford says...
4:45pm Fri 29 May 09

Amazing. If I caught Matt Le Tiss is bed with my missus I'd make him a cup of tea and tuck him in.

O, and have you seen this Pompey bidder is going to be the subject of the first ever FA investigation into whether he would be a fit and proper owner? If he's anything like the Man City boss it's probably not that hard to find links to human rights violations somewhere along the line.

Have lovely weekends everyone.


Le Tissier's Nose says...
4:51pm Fri 29 May 09

I bloody love Matty!!..........and his nose of course...

Long Live Saints!
xx

brennothornhill says...
4:54pm Fri 29 May 09

St Retford wrote:
Amazing. If I caught Matt Le Tiss is bed with my missus I'd make him a cup of tea and tuck him in. O, and have you seen this Pompey bidder is going to be the subject of the first ever FA investigation into whether he would be a fit and proper owner? If he's anything like the Man City boss it's probably not that hard to find links to human rights violations somewhere along the line. Have lovely weekends everyone.
love it.

sw wish-deep

Saint Madcap says...
4:57pm Fri 29 May 09

Slowly, slowly to catch the monkey.
OOPS i have just been overtaken by a snail.

This is great news, the sun is shining brighter and the birds are singing louder.

Almost there COYR

bumblysaint says...
4:59pm Fri 29 May 09

Yabadabadooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooo
oo.

BrooksoSaints09 says...
5:00pm Fri 29 May 09

Im 16, this is my first post, i read the stories every day from the daily echo and i read the comments people say, id like to add my own :)

This club has been on a horrible rollercoaster ride since the FA Cup Final in 2003, i believe that that ride is coming to an end, a financial backer, a man whos first love is southampton football club, and the passion and desire of the fans, we have all the ingredients for the premier league and for the first time in a long time, i have confidence that we're going back there, i have heard so many new potential players names been thrown around, but i believe if they kept the current squad maybe adding a natural goalscorer with expirience like James Scowcroft or Jamie Cureton for that matter, we would be the perfect team to back to bounce back from -10, compared to most fans, i find saints fans to have their feet on the ground and not everyone will share the same enthusiasm as me but im begging any unsure fans, get behind the squad, show your support and lets get back to the sacred land!!!!


COYR! COYR! COYR!

Le Tissier's Nose says...
5:03pm Fri 29 May 09

BrooksoSaints09 wrote:
Im 16, this is my first post, i read the stories every day from the daily echo and i read the comments people say, id like to add my own :) This club has been on a horrible rollercoaster ride since the FA Cup Final in 2003, i believe that that ride is coming to an end, a financial backer, a man whos first love is southampton football club, and the passion and desire of the fans, we have all the ingredients for the premier league and for the first time in a long time, i have confidence that we're going back there, i have heard so many new potential players names been thrown around, but i believe if they kept the current squad maybe adding a natural goalscorer with expirience like James Scowcroft or Jamie Cureton for that matter, we would be the perfect team to back to bounce back from -10, compared to most fans, i find saints fans to have their feet on the ground and not everyone will share the same enthusiasm as me but im begging any unsure fans, get behind the squad, show your support and lets get back to the sacred land!!!! COYR! COYR! COYR!
I'd give you the managers job mate....you speak more sense than Wotte does already!!!

Fingers crossed this all works.

LeC7 says...
5:06pm Fri 29 May 09

Mrk Fry about to speak on radio solent

Saints No 1 Fan says...
5:06pm Fri 29 May 09

I hope they get a move on and seal the deal, I cant wait to purchase my season ticket!

And this should allow the great KD to stay on hopefully. God bless Matt Le Tiss!

Saint Madcap says...
5:07pm Fri 29 May 09

BrooksoSaints09 what a first post well said.If Matt has anything to do with it The Princess of Darkness (Wupert) will never show his smug mug in St Mary's again. COYR

worried of e sussex says...
5:17pm Fri 29 May 09

brennothornhill wrote:
St Retford wrote: Amazing. If I caught Matt Le Tiss is bed with my missus I'd make him a cup of tea and tuck him in. O, and have you seen this Pompey bidder is going to be the subject of the first ever FA investigation into whether he would be a fit and proper owner? If he's anything like the Man City boss it's probably not that hard to find links to human rights violations somewhere along the line. Have lovely weekends everyone.
love it. sw wish-deep
if i caught him in bed with my missus he would have to of been drunk!

St.Yorkie says...
5:20pm Fri 29 May 09

I know we should all be jumping up and down with joy - but in sales the oreder isn't an order until the contract is signed! I keep thinking about Clement Atlee (was it him?)and "Peace in our time"
It's great to see a consortium being fronted by MLT being given exclusivity - I did have my concerns about the Jackson bid...just a gut feeling.
I think someone is having a laugh on the SW - many-blue!
I settle for having a club in 2/3-weeks - but then a decent Manager with time & money to rebuild for Div.1. Even our over-payed lot aren't capable of doing what Leicester achieved without a proven goalscorer and a midfield enforcer.
The sun is shining, tea is nearly on the table, the Saints are nearly safe *(sorry saved)...life is looking at lot better tonight in Yorkshire!

Le Tissier's Nose says...
5:22pm Fri 29 May 09

worried of e sussex wrote:
brennothornhill wrote:
St Retford wrote: Amazing. If I caught Matt Le Tiss is bed with my missus I'd make him a cup of tea and tuck him in. O, and have you seen this Pompey bidder is going to be the subject of the first ever FA investigation into whether he would be a fit and proper owner? If he's anything like the Man City boss it's probably not that hard to find links to human rights violations somewhere along the line. Have lovely weekends everyone.
love it. sw wish-deep
if i caught him in bed with my missus he would have to of been drunk!
No, that'll be Claus!

BrooksoSaints09 says...
5:25pm Fri 29 May 09

Le Tissier's Nose, Southampton says...
5:22pm Fri 29 May 09
worried of e sussex wrote:

brennothornhill wrote:
St Retford wrote: Amazing. If I caught Matt Le Tiss is bed with my missus I'd make him a cup of tea and tuck him in. O, and have you seen this Pompey bidder is going to be the subject of the first ever FA investigation into whether he would be a fit and proper owner? If he's anything like the Man City boss it's probably not that hard to find links to human rights violations somewhere along the line. Have lovely weekends everyone.
love it. sw wish-deep
if i caught him in bed with my missus he would have to of been drunk!
No, that'll be Claus!





I think that depends if there were any accidents near the bedroom, haha

matty07uk says...
5:32pm Fri 29 May 09

At last good news. Just so relieved to move forward at last. Still some way to go but clearly Fry has wanted to deal with Pinnacle group and having major creditors approval is another good sign. Plus payment of deposit means having to sell players on the cheap avoided, will have to sell but at least can try and get decent fees. Having ben a saints fan for 40 years know never take anything for granted but at last a decent weekend, and the sun is shining!! The sooner it gets concluded the sooner they can sort out season tickets as a large chunk of money to bring in. Plus it means can sort out who wil be manager, dont think it will be Wotte and then get players contracts sorted. Have lost an awful lot of time over last 5 weeks to catch up on. OWTS

wacky44 says...
5:34pm Fri 29 May 09

UNBELIVEABLE! Some positive news at last!

ShakeyWiffles says...
5:38pm Fri 29 May 09

omg, now it's nail biting time! I can only hope this leads to them buying us! COYR! "We all need these colours, we all bleed these colours!"

Lone Ranger says...
5:41pm Fri 29 May 09

I would love to see your comments if the wealthy investor is the Dark Destroyer !!

Pedant says...
5:47pm Fri 29 May 09

I`ve heard a whisper that, if true, could have some people eating their words about Mr Fry. The whisper was that all those making serious enquiries were only interested in the Stadium,training ground and Jacksons Farm and didn`t want the football club which they saw as a loss making business. It has taken Mr Fry this long to persuade someone to potentially take the whole shooting match. Whether the perceived negative value of the football club affects the price paid we may (or not) discover in due course. I wouldn`t be too confident about getting a top rate manager or some half decent players.

stevethesaint says...
5:51pm Fri 29 May 09

at last!!!!! can't wait to renew my season ticket

tauntonsaint says...
5:54pm Fri 29 May 09

NEW DAWN

After slowly sliding down the inside of a very large hypothetical barrel for the last 6 years, often thinking we had finally stopped falling, only to find we had only temporarily snagged ourselves on a passing splinter, then sliding some more, before so nearly falling through the rotten bottom, I really feel that the ladder has descended to allow us to start the long climb out.

EVERYONE grab hold!!!

Despite what some have said, many of the fans HAVE done their bit through all this recent uncertainty but we must fill that ground next season. Next season is all about US, not the perceived attractiveness of the opposition.

Also, I feel that Lawrie should resurrect the All Stars match as I feel that (properly planned and marketed this time!) it could be a great way to celebrate. Play that game in the morning, followed by a friendly against Barcelona in the afternoon? - show MU where they went wrong:-)


COYR COYR COYR COYR

geordie saint says...
5:54pm Fri 29 May 09

Pedant wrote:
I`ve heard a whisper that, if true, could have some people eating their words about Mr Fry. The whisper was that all those making serious enquiries were only interested in the Stadium,training ground and Jacksons Farm and didn`t want the football club which they saw as a loss making business. It has taken Mr Fry this long to persuade someone to potentially take the whole shooting match. Whether the perceived negative value of the football club affects the price paid we may (or not) discover in due course. I wouldn`t be too confident about getting a top rate manager or some half decent players.
Go on son have a moan, This is the best news since my wife left me, come on SAINTS

BrooksoSaints09 says...
5:54pm Fri 29 May 09

Pedant wrote:
I`ve heard a whisper that, if true, could have some people eating their words about Mr Fry. The whisper was that all those making serious enquiries were only interested in the Stadium,training ground and Jacksons Farm and didn`t want the football club which they saw as a loss making business. It has taken Mr Fry this long to persuade someone to potentially take the whole shooting match. Whether the perceived negative value of the football club affects the price paid we may (or not) discover in due course. I wouldn`t be too confident about getting a top rate manager or some half decent players.
Thats my point, i dont understand how you can call yourself a real fan if you dont have faith in the club, maybe they didnt want the club, but i dont believe for one minute that Le God only wanted the assets, thats bulls**t. The club is the only thing he wanted, who also thinks this?

(LeTissiersNose i agree i should be managing, you up for being my assisstant?) haha

Saints No 1 Fan says...
6:02pm Fri 29 May 09

oh and a note of thanks to Leon Crouch for keeping the finances ticking over while the club was in dire straights. Thanks Leon.

COYR

geordie saint says...
6:05pm Fri 29 May 09

hello tauntonsaint, did you get the video? great news eh. I can see liver and onions tonight to celebrate

saintofatheism says...
6:09pm Fri 29 May 09

oh yer!!!!! this could be it! matt, you are the messiah- but better and you actually excist!!! thank you---

what a lovely weeekend, my headaches going away!

fingers crossed!

seedhouse says...
6:11pm Fri 29 May 09

Don't talk nonsense about asset stripping, the ground would cost more to tear down than the land is worth, remember where it is? It's only use is as a football stadium - so needs a team!

I do hope this is the right lot, I rather fancied the Irish, we know their worth. The term "wealthy investor" means jack, to many fans Wilde and Crouch would be wealthy but it's not the sort of "wealth" that's any good to a professional football club.

I don't want to be pessimistic but also don't want to get my hopes up only to be dashed again. Why can't we be told who the investor is? Why does it need to be a secret? The name will out at some stage whether the bid succeeds or fails so come on out into the sun Mr investor and get the fans behind you!

tauntonsaint says...
6:13pm Fri 29 May 09

Hi Geordie,

Yes,it came today.

Once I've finished this enormous vat of celebratory liver & onions, I'll bung it on and see if the 84 Liverpool match is on there.

More later

geordie saint says...
6:14pm Fri 29 May 09

If Matts involved no more penalties missed, does anyone know how many was missed last season?

worried of e sussex says...
6:18pm Fri 29 May 09

Liver and onions still wouldn't give it to my dog!

Saints No 1 Fan says...
6:23pm Fri 29 May 09

On the note of penalty misses I would say there were near to 10 last season, which is an absolute disgrace, 2 in one bloddy game!

Pedant says...
6:24pm Fri 29 May 09

"Thats my point, i dont understand how you can call yourself a real fan if you dont have faith in the club, maybe they didnt want the club, but i dont believe for one minute that Le God only wanted the assets, thats bulls**t. The club is the only thing he wanted, who also thinks this?"

With respect I don`t think you have got my point. It may be MLT has been saying to Pinnacle "the club is worth having" but we don`t that and we don`t know if he has been involved in the negotiations. We don`t know how much notice (if any)Pinnacle have taken of what he has to say. Neither do we know much about his involvement with them. A lot of people, led on by the Echo, seem to imagine that MLT is riding in on the white charger with the Pinnacle people ready to back him up with loads of money, let`s wait and see. MLT in a story sells a lot of papers.


geordie saint says...
6:24pm Fri 29 May 09

tauntonsaint wrote:
Hi Geordie, Yes,it came today. Once I've finished this enormous vat of celebratory liver & onions, I'll bung it on and see if the 84 Liverpool match is on there. More later
Thanks, i have managed to get a 50 min. dvd of the game found on google, thanks to you, cheers mate,

dannyfloyd says...
6:29pm Fri 29 May 09

geordie saint wrote:
hello tauntonsaint, did you get the video? great news eh. I can see liver and onions tonight to celebrate
who said liver? aarrgghh! you know i hate that. i can't see tiss backing someone who is a waste of time. yee mama lovin ha!

geordie saint says...
6:32pm Fri 29 May 09

Saints No 1 Fan wrote:
On the note of penalty misses I would say there were near to 10 last season, which is an absolute disgrace, 2 in one bloddy game!
i agree, disgrace points thrown away, anyway new start thank GOD

Irate Wintonian says...
6:45pm Fri 29 May 09

St.Yorkie wrote:
I know we should all be jumping up and down with joy - but in sales the oreder isn't an order until the contract is signed! I keep thinking about Clement Atlee (was it him?)and "Peace in our time" It's great to see a consortium being fronted by MLT being given exclusivity - I did have my concerns about the Jackson bid...just a gut feeling. I think someone is having a laugh on the SW - many-blue! I settle for having a club in 2/3-weeks - but then a decent Manager with time & money to rebuild for Div.1. Even our over-payed lot aren't capable of doing what Leicester achieved without a proven goalscorer and a midfield enforcer. The sun is shining, tea is nearly on the table, the Saints are nearly safe *(sorry saved)...life is looking at lot better tonight in Yorkshire!
Ey oop lad.

It was Neville Chamberlain.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - Jim Magilton as mgr.

Tripe and onions for tea again?

Security word: bear-team. Grrrrrrr

;o}

BrooksoSaints09 says...
6:50pm Fri 29 May 09

Does anybody think that Le Tiss could be offered a potential managers job?

I wouldnt mind if he did, although i personally believe Strachan has unfinished buisness with the club, i also saw Steve Coppell linked with the club on Wednesday morning in The guardian.

andy newbury says...
6:57pm Fri 29 May 09

great news. just show us supporters you mean to do what is best to make our club great ounce again. lets all put some passion back in St Mary,s and really cheer our team on. let us know when the season tickets are going to be on sale and us the suporters will show you we really are serious in supporting our team.

normsted says...
7:42pm Fri 29 May 09

New dawn,New broom,New ideas,New commitment,New manager (unfortunately),New goalscorer,Old saints optimism,St Marys the theatre of dreams !!!!

wehatepompey says...
7:53pm Fri 29 May 09

not exactly a big fat arab with an endless pot of cash!!!!!but hey.at least we might be able to survive in league 1 now

stew5018 says...
8:04pm Fri 29 May 09

I would never have thought that what happens at st marys would affect me so much--but hopefully an end to weeks of misery and worry YET--we must not forget those who have seen us through this crisis and did 'their bit' to ensure the Club survived this long. UNFORTUNATELY--the one group of staff who have shown not an ounce of committment to the Club during this period has been THE PLAYING STAFF. They could have done so much to raise funds both by pay cuts and personal appearances etc and by supporting the charity events. This will never be a Community Club until the Playing Staff realise that they have to be part of the total Club ethos. I doubt whether with the current crop that that will ever happen. Lets hope League 1 is a leveller for them. THIS SHOULD BE A WAKE UP FOR ALL INVOLVED WITH THE CLUB. We both need to show support for each other

Southampton boy says...
8:23pm Fri 29 May 09

Here we go agone around and around the merry go round? not so long ago they could not get the 500k now they have it?? sound like a two bit outfit to me still hoping for a buyer with money to make us great again but not holding my breath, still a long way to go 21 days of HELL CITY for Saints fans

SW "half-more" half of 0 = 0

LEt me know when the season tickets or on sell then we will kknow we have a club to support next season

Patrick80's says...
8:25pm Fri 29 May 09

wehatepompey wrote:
not exactly a big fat arab with an endless pot of cash!!!!!but hey.at least we might be able to survive in league 1 now
Told you all that an announcement would be made at 4pm today, close 3.47 pm to be precise. I have it on good authority the person behind MLT/Pinnacle bid is megga megga loaded and WGS is coming back to manage the club.
SW: book-deal

soton3009 says...
8:41pm Fri 29 May 09

Told you all that an announcement would be made at 4pm today, close 3.47 pm to be precise. I have it on good authority the person behind MLT/Pinnacle bid is megga megga loaded and WGS is coming back to manage the club.
SW: book-deal

If you did,fair play.Put your rep on the line though.Give us a detailed example of what will happen next and ill buy you a pint!

season ticket holder says...
9:04pm Fri 29 May 09

Mark Wotte will stay as manager because he will accept the very low wages that he was paid last season.He was paid less than any manager in the Championship or League 1

tauntonsaint says...
9:25pm Fri 29 May 09

Just seen the Mark Fry interview on Sky Sports News.

All sounds very positive.

Would WGS come back to us considering where we are?

Then again he could do with a challenge after the hum-drum Scottish Premier!

UTS says...
9:29pm Fri 29 May 09

Pedant wrote:
I`ve heard a whisper that, if true, could have some people eating their words about Mr Fry. The whisper was that all those making serious enquiries were only interested in the Stadium,training ground and Jacksons Farm and didn`t want the football club which they saw as a loss making business. It has taken Mr Fry this long to persuade someone to potentially take the whole shooting match. Whether the perceived negative value of the football club affects the price paid we may (or not) discover in due course. I wouldn`t be too confident about getting a top rate manager or some half decent players.
Total garbage.

These things always take time and always go to the wire. The reason why is because there has been significant difference. In what people where willing to pay and what Aviva in particular would except.


tauntonsaint says...
9:30pm Fri 29 May 09

soton3009 wrote:
Told you all that an announcement would be made at 4pm today, close 3.47 pm to be precise. I have it on good authority the person behind MLT/Pinnacle bid is megga megga loaded and WGS is coming back to manage the club. SW: book-deal If you did,fair play.Put your rep on the line though.Give us a detailed example of what will happen next and ill buy you a pint!
I'll buy you 2 pints and all the liver & onions you can eat
:-)

championez says...
9:38pm Fri 29 May 09

Maybe i'm over-simplifying, but if all these groups want to own the club, why don't they merge?

It would mean a vastly reduced amount of investment on each individuals behalf and would increase the funds available if they were needed

Patrick80's says...
9:39pm Fri 29 May 09

tauntonsaint wrote:
soton3009 wrote: Told you all that an announcement would be made at 4pm today, close 3.47 pm to be precise. I have it on good authority the person behind MLT/Pinnacle bid is megga megga loaded and WGS is coming back to manage the club. SW: book-deal If you did,fair play.Put your rep on the line though.Give us a detailed example of what will happen next and ill buy you a pint!
I'll buy you 2 pints and all the liver & onions you can eat :-)
Buy a season ticket instead ! or 2

SW: such-when


Patrick80's says...
9:42pm Fri 29 May 09

Clue: The Man with the money is very much into his music !

SW:drop-take

worried of e sussex says...
9:53pm Fri 29 May 09

rolf harris?

tauntonsaint says...
9:55pm Fri 29 May 09

george formby?

foreverasaints says...
10:02pm Fri 29 May 09

I believe it could be Rod stewart

OSPREYSAINT says...
10:12pm Fri 29 May 09

If it was Ingvar Kamprad could you stand St. Marys being painted bright yellow? Just a thought.....

soton3009 says...
10:14pm Fri 29 May 09

gary glitter? Actually i heard the rod stewart rumour last month sometime. if it comes true then patrick 80's my ol mucker,i will not only buy you a pint,i'll splash out on some pork scratchings!

aliscan66 says...
10:21pm Fri 29 May 09

BrooksoSaints09 wrote:
Pedant wrote: I`ve heard a whisper that, if true, could have some people eating their words about Mr Fry. The whisper was that all those making serious enquiries were only interested in the Stadium,training ground and Jacksons Farm and didn`t want the football club which they saw as a loss making business. It has taken Mr Fry this long to persuade someone to potentially take the whole shooting match. Whether the perceived negative value of the football club affects the price paid we may (or not) discover in due course. I wouldn`t be too confident about getting a top rate manager or some half decent players.
Thats my point, i dont understand how you can call yourself a real fan if you dont have faith in the club, maybe they didnt want the club, but i dont believe for one minute that Le God only wanted the assets, thats bulls**t. The club is the only thing he wanted, who also thinks this? (LeTissiersNose i agree i should be managing, you up for being my assisstant?) haha
I heard it was the other way round a couple of weeks ago...all matt & co were interested in saving was OUR CLUB, not the assets at that point and thats what the hold up was. Maybe im wrong but who cares cos i will be there wearing my saints shirt with pride!! WOOO HOOOO COYR we love you xxx

Dazzz says...
10:27pm Fri 29 May 09

If it wasn't for MLT NO-ONE would be interested in the gang.

tauntonsaint says...
10:32pm Fri 29 May 09

soton3009 wrote:
gary glitter? Actually i heard the rod stewart rumour last month sometime. if it comes true then patrick 80's my ol mucker,i will not only buy you a pint,i'll splash out on some pork scratchings!
I remember seeing LuLu at the Dell once in the West Stand

SomersetSaint says...
10:58pm Fri 29 May 09

It won't take 3 weeks as fixtures come out on 17th June and the Football League will need firm assurances in advance. Also, revenue from season tickets is vital, so I suspect (& hope)it'll be done and dusted by this time next week.

IanRRR says...
12:54am Sat 30 May 09

Pete Waterman was at Eastleigh to watch the trains at the weekend, so we will have to guess its him... Rick Astley for manager! Kylie as cheerleader. Now we are talking!!!

IanRRR says...
12:57am Sat 30 May 09

We should be so lucky. Lucky lucky lucky!!!!

Jesus_02 says...
8:24am Sat 30 May 09

Le Tiss,Le Tiss, Matty Matt Le Tiss, he buys the club he pays the bills Matty, Matt Le Tiss!

come on!!

Measaint says...
8:25am Sat 30 May 09

Now is the time to hell Sir Matt and the people behind him, He has worked hard for this club and put his own money towards this deal.

So lets get behind the board, Management and team by turning up at every match, yes we start with a -10, but we can get over that, they did it for us now lets do it for them

tmk saints says...
8:29am Sat 30 May 09

Any truth in the rumour that the Arab bidder only wants to by Pompey so that he can knock down fratton park And build a multy storey car park!!Get more people on the site that way1

hasnain11 says...
9:37am Sat 30 May 09

We shouldn't get over exited because it's ONLY an exclusivity period. The club has not been bought yet. And Pinacle group are not financially sufficient, so we'll still have to sell our good players. So we don't know for sure if the club is going to be bought. They have been given 500k from a financial backer (maybe rupert lowe) so we shudn't be over confident about the exclusivity.

season ticket holder says...
10:00am Sat 30 May 09

hasnain11 wrote:
We shouldn't get over exited because it's ONLY an exclusivity period. The club has not been bought yet. And Pinacle group are not financially sufficient, so we'll still have to sell our good players. So we don't know for sure if the club is going to be bought. They have been given 500k from a financial backer (maybe rupert lowe) so we shudn't be over confident about the exclusivity.
All this positive comments and you have to spoil it with this. Go and support a London club instead of Saints.
COYR

SAINTJANE says...
10:05am Sat 30 May 09

GREAT NEWS.CAN NOT WAIT TO HEAR WHAT THE NEXT STEP FORWARD IS FOR MY TEAM.
LE GOD MATT
I LOVE YOU !

Patrick80's says...
10:31am Sat 30 May 09

hasnain11 wrote:
We shouldn't get over exited because it's ONLY an exclusivity period. The club has not been bought yet. And Pinacle group are not financially sufficient, so we'll still have to sell our good players. So we don't know for sure if the club is going to be bought. They have been given 500k from a financial backer (maybe rupert lowe) so we shudn't be over confident about the exclusivity.
Muppet !!!!
Talking out of ones bottom, bet you never been to watch a football match in your life, go back to your knitting !
SW band-cell

Barry the Tash says...
10:35am Sat 30 May 09

I heard the new manager is gonna be Bear Grylls. I'll take that, we should avoid any more relegation cause he's a 'Born Survivor'. Although the new diet may be a bit tough to get used to.

Adamw1993 says...
11:29am Sat 30 May 09

Just a rumour I've been hearing but apparently the wealthy backer is Paul Allan. The first deal was cancelled because of all the media attention, and so he's backing the Pinnacle group providing that he remains anonymous until the deal is sorted.

SW - Deal-than

Billy 2 Baps says...
12:18pm Sat 30 May 09

Adamw1993 wrote:
Just a rumour I've been hearing but apparently the wealthy backer is Paul Allan. The first deal was cancelled because of all the media attention, and so he's backing the Pinnacle group providing that he remains anonymous until the deal is sorted. SW - Deal-than
Allen has a place on the IOW and one of his boats on the south coast. If truth, outside of seeing my daughter being born. The best news ever COYR


SW yeah-bind
time for fans to unite

Saints Mike says...
12:22pm Sat 30 May 09

Adamw1993 wrote:
Just a rumour I've been hearing but apparently the wealthy backer is Paul Allan. The first deal was cancelled because of all the media attention, and so he's backing the Pinnacle group providing that he remains anonymous until the deal is sorted. SW - Deal-than
Hey, I heard that as well, but also heard the Rod Stewart rumour, and WGS coming back rumour, in fact I was nearly convinced by the rumour that my mum is taking over, making my sister manager, along with my brother as coach. Whoever it is, lets just hope that everything is financially in place and we don't have to wait 21 days before the deal is done.

Can't wait to for the new season. Hopefully all the people who have commented on here for the last 2 months will be in the ground, making SMS a stadium where no opposing team wants to come.

normsted says...
12:31pm Sat 30 May 09

Well Done ,thats the anonymous bit blown out of the water then.

Saints Mike says...
12:45pm Sat 30 May 09

normsted wrote:
Well Done ,thats the anonymous bit blown out of the water then.
Rumour is exactly that Rumour, as my previous post states, Ive heard so many over the last couple of months, it's done my head in. Whoever it is, he or she will be better than Lowe Wilde & Cowe.

SW Farm-Warm,
Is that a clue to who the mystery person is ??? Maybe The Cast Of Emmerdale

Linesman says...
1:31pm Sat 30 May 09

St Retford wrote:
Amazing. If I caught Matt Le Tiss is bed with my missus I'd make him a cup of tea and tuck him in. O, and have you seen this Pompey bidder is going to be the subject of the first ever FA investigation into whether he would be a fit and proper owner? If he's anything like the Man City boss it's probably not that hard to find links to human rights violations somewhere along the line. Have lovely weekends everyone.
I hope it tastes better than the one you brought up for me.

Incidentally, don't tuck the duvet in to tight as it restricts the movement!


geordie saint says...
1:41pm Sat 30 May 09

St Mary's has not really been a lucky stadium, so how about a new name to go with the new fresh start, my choice would be Le Dell

hasnain11 says...
2:32pm Sat 30 May 09

season ticket holder wrote:
hasnain11 wrote:
We shouldn't get over exited because it's ONLY an exclusivity period. The club has not been bought yet. And Pinacle group are not financially sufficient, so we'll still have to sell our good players. So we don't know for sure if the club is going to be bought. They have been given 500k from a financial backer (maybe rupert lowe) so we shudn't be over confident about the exclusivity.
All this positive comments and you have to spoil it with this. Go and support a London club instead of Saints.
COYR
Look i'm also absolutely delighted about the exclusivity.!! But what if the deal does not happen.. That might put the fans hopes up high! BUT IM VERY HAPPY ASWELL BOUT LE God taking over. If they take over will we have another manager?OD

hasnain11 says...
2:38pm Sat 30 May 09

So how long will it take until Le Tiss agrees to the deal?

Security Word
'gain firm' GAIN GAIN!!

St Retford says...
2:52pm Sat 30 May 09

It would be nice, but does it really matter if there's not some mega wealthy backer behind the deal? I just want our club saved and then, in a sense, it's up to the fans. If Pinnacle clears our debts then all the fans have to do is sell out St Marys every other week and we should have more than enough coming in to get out of League 1.

Frankly, I'd rather take that than be in some Pompey situation where they're owned by some billionaire who doesn't really care about the club. It's all a bit tacky and nouveu riche, don't you think? After all, City have got billions in the bank and they best they could buy at Christmas was Shay Given.

And the idea that Lowe is somehow involved in this bid is just stupid - Matt would have walked away by now as it's clear what he thinks of him.


seedhouse says...
2:58pm Sat 30 May 09

hasnain11, London says...
9:37am Sat 30 May 09
We shouldn't get over exited because it's ONLY an exclusivity period. The club has not been bought yet. And Pinacle group are not financially sufficient, so we'll still have to sell our good players. So we don't know for sure if the club is going to be bought. They have been given 500k from a financial backer (maybe rupert lowe) so we shudn't be over confident about the exclusivity.

MLT has the same view of Lowe as the fans do so he wouldn't back any deal involving him would he?

geordie saint says...
6:16pm Sat 30 May 09

ok dont join in, see if i care,would'nt be funny if they brought back hanging and Rupert got arrested for robbery, any offers to be the hang man.

aliscan66 says...
1:25pm Sun 31 May 09

geordie saint wrote:
St Mary's has not really been a lucky stadium, so how about a new name to go with the new fresh start, my choice would be Le Dell
sorry cant think of a better one than that but a good one for pompey....da nottarf krap camel shed !!

mccoisty09 says...
10:48am Mon 1 Jun 09

i hope we get a buyer soon i cnt take much more !

click2find

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