[Archived] Rovers Sold ??

[SuperStella]

think whoever these Americans are would have to be very very stupid to bring all their own people in, and will look at our current financial situation and see that we are a well-run club, in sound financial state with no debt, so they will surely realise Williams is no mug.

The other questions we have, we wont know until details of the bid are released etc.

If its Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, then I think we can be optimistic, looking at his previous history.......see below;

Sports involvement

In 1988, Allen purchased the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team from Harry Glickman for $70 million, and was instrumental in the development and funding of their Rose Garden Arena in 1993. One of Allen's most memorable moments as owner of the Trail Blazers was his participation in a hot dog eating contest at halftime of a 2002 game against the Denver Nuggets. Allen ate ten hot dogs in 12 minutes, but lost to world champion Takeru Kobayashi.

In 1997, Allen purchased the Seattle Seahawks NFL team when former owner Ken Behring threatened to move the Seahawks to Southern California. He played a large part in the development of the new Seahawks' stadium, Qwest Field, although it was funded largely by tax revenue.

Since 2006, Allen has been asking Portland and Oregon officials for assistance in the financing of the Blazers, which he estimated would lose $100 million over the next three years. Portland Mayor Tom Potter has so far rebuffed the requests.

According to a 2006 issue of Forbes, the Blazers are valued at approximately $300 million.

On 27 April 2007, it was rumoured that Allen may launch a takeover bid for English football club Southampton. An apparent close source said "he believes there is long term investment value in UK Soccer. Southampton is a sleeping giant, a family-supported club with traditional values, and we see the value in taking the brand global."[1]

[krislu]

1) American buys Rovers

2) Rovers spend big - fans happy - team does well

3) Suddenly the ticket prices go rocketing up

4) Fans get annoyed - attendances drop dramatically

5) American gets upset with low income - decides to call it a day

6) Rovers are sold, but left with a huge wage bill

7) Rovers end up the "New Leeds"

OR

1) American buys Rovers

2) Rovers spend big - fans happy - team does well

3) Rovers getting more publicity and become more attractive to sponsors

4) More fans starts to attend games, and kids in the area are no longer walking around with ManU shirts.

5) The riverside is re-build, and the average attendence goes up to 35 000 as Rovers qualify for the Champions League

6) The new owners are happy with the development

7) Rovers have become a real force in English and European football

[philipl]

There is limited correlation between rich new owners and cash being spent in recent seasons.

The Glazers kept the Mancs spending on a tight rein of £25m maximum initially- even now, the headline grabbing numbers are high but very conditional upon Manc success from what I understand. The rises in ticket prices and forced cup ticket purchasers are the beginning of the price for the Glazers.

Lerner has funded two significant purchases at Villa (Young and Carew) but even deadly Doug OK'd some impressive signings in his time there.

Liverpool are already back down to earth after lots of loose talk following the AC Milan defeat.

The exceptions seem to be Mandaric/Gaydamuk at Pompey who have transformed that team (and Mandaric is at it again at Leicester) and the West Ham Eggman. And Chelski of course but not this year apparently.

Prices will go up this summer but to what extent that is TV money recycling as opposed to rich new owners remains to be seen.

As for Rovers, as I have said before, any potential investor has the high hurdle of Jack's Will to overcome. The Trustees will have to be very certain the deal is unambiguously positive for the club and town before selling.

[trueblue]

OR

1) American buys Rovers

2) Rovers spend big - fans happy - team does well

3) Rovers getting more publicity and become more attractive to sponsors

4) More fans starts to attend games, and kids in the area are no longer walking around with ManU shirts.

5) The riverside is re-build, and the average attendence goes up to 35 000 as Rovers qualify for the Champions League

6) The new owners are happy with the development

7) Rovers have become a real force in English and European football

I have the exact same dream Krislu.... After about 10 pints of Grolsch

[American]

Or:

1. American (citizen - not me) buys Rovers

2. Spends sensibly, upgrades facilities and puts energy into marketing

3. Rovers have a viable future with a decent fan base

Most of the buyers are looking for long-term investments, not to spend a ton of money with no chance of return.

[doctorryan]

Unfortunately, whilst our own financial situation is ok, the tide around us is rising and we are fast approaching a time when every other team in the premiership will have more financial backing. We could stay up for a while in that sort of a situation, but relegation would have to come eventually. Realistically we'll never get an investor who wants to simply put money in without getting to see his name flashed around, so we will have to actually sell the club. I'm sure that there are good options out there, so the club is taking the right approach and really looking around.

Nonsense. There are only so many "Premier League jobs" available to players around the world. Even if every team starts spending enough to have "big squads" (i.e. 2 solid players for every position), that's only 440 footballers in the Prem at any one time. And even if you're the most measly little club that just got promoted from the lower divisions, you're still going to have more TV money to spend than all but about 2 dozen clubs in the rest of the world. Many players wanting to get opportunities for big Premier League paydays will have to settle for playing with the Watfords, Wigans & WBA, etc, etc....at least temporarily. With almost no debts and a trust backing us held by people whose net worth is something supposedly over £1 billion (Carole Walker, Fred Walker, & the others), and all that TV money to spend (keep in mind we just plussed fiscally a year ago for the first time since Jack took over, we wouldn't be lowering ticket prices if we weren't in such good shape), we'll be perfectly fine. We've got good people running the show and they've ample funds available to them for us to make a run at the Champions League this year if we play our cards right this summer. I'm all for bringing in new investors, I'm not for new bosses. Let these bums get their bling from some other group of supporters' precious football club. NOT OURS!

[Ronin]

On 27 April 2007, it was rumoured that Allen may launch a takeover bid for English football club Southampton. An apparent close source said "he believes there is long term investment value in UK Soccer. Southampton is a sleeping giant, a family-supported club with traditional values, and we see the value in taking the brand global."[1] [/i]

He must see something similar in Rovers if he's supposedly interested in buying us, with that quote. Will be interesting to see how this develops.

[neekoy]

Allen does nothing these days so all he wants is a season ticket in return, I say bring him on.

Put it this way, Premiership or relegation in three years, it is that simple.

[den]

Take over talks progressing.

Official site

[BrianPotter]

I agree with the general view on here, I am very wary of this.

In an ideal world I would like to think that the board and trustees would not sell without certain guarantees and assurances from the new owners, and feeling totally confident that the new owner is right for the club. The amount of money that the Walkers and subsequently the Trust have invested in the club would hopefully mean that it would be seen as bad business sense to put the club in a potentially dangerous position which could see their investment over the years wasted. The counter balance to this would be the amount the Trust would receive for their shares in the club compared to their investment over the years.

We do not live in an ideal world, and in reality the trustees may just want their money and get out. I for one am very happy with the way the club has been run over the past 15 years, and I'm wary of anybody coming in and throwing money at our club without the slightest affection for it. Granted the Walkers can't / don't want to support the club to the level that Jack did, but being realistic if Jack was still here today as a shrewd business man maybe even he wouldn't have kept pumping money in without question.

I really don't know what the best option for the club is, my gut feeling is that we are better off as we are.

The one thing that is in my mind for some reason is what Jack's views and feelings would be looking down and seeing that the club is no longer under his families control. Can't think that it would fill him with happiness.

[doctorryan]

Allen does nothing these days so all he wants is a season ticket in return, I say bring him on.

Put it this way, Premiership or relegation in three years, it is that simple.

More nonsense. You hang with Paul do you?

Let me give you something simple. We do not want American sports owners bringing their stupid ideas about how to do things into the Premier League. Right now it's only a few. If they ever get to be near a majority we're going to see multiple major problems develop (in the Prem, with UEFA, with FIFA, the rest of FA,.....). Take it from an American who has worked in the sports biz here in the US & who loves this football club. We don't want them.

It's simple really.

[modes98]

Take it from an American who has worked in the sports biz here in the US & who loves this football club. We don't want them.

Isn't that just a bit of a sweeping statement? Surely every american businessman can't be the same?

Glazer seems to have done well with the brand that is Manchester United, can't really say must about the liverpool blokes yet and Mr Learner seems ok. They all seem quick to promise money and slow to deliver.

[doctorryan]

Isn't that just a bit of a sweeping statement? Surely every american businessman can't be the same?

Yes modes, it is a sweeping statement. But I didn't say "American businessman", I said "American sports owners". The 2 are not really comparable.

[WelshRed]

1) American buys Rovers

2) Rovers spend big - fans happy - team does well

3) Suddenly the ticket prices go rocketing up

4) Fans get annoyed - attendances drop dramatically

5) American gets upset with low income - decides to call it a day

6) Rovers are sold, but left with a huge wage bill

7) Rovers end up the "New Leeds"

Maybe I'm being over dramatic - but I'm happy how we are. We're doing ok with a limited budget - and while it's going to get tougher - as long as we're managed well we'll not get relegated - even while the others are spending big. I'd like us to find someone to invest, as long as it's someone who's not just after making a quick bit of money or looking for a short-term play thing. We'll never find another Jack Walker though.

Hello.

I am Prestys Mate, who posts on here. Can I just pick a few valid points on this post?

1) American buys RoversCongratulations, maybe it is time you got bought, but my opinion is there are too many clubs being bought from foreigners.

2) Rovers spend big - fans happy - team does wellSpend Big? they haven't even finalised anything yet, and you are already dreaming of BIG name. BIG names will only go somewhere where they get perks, eg. Champions League, Potential CL winners/Premiership winners etc. Alas buying big names doesn't mean you are going to be successful. Chelsea for instance, granted they won 2 titles on the back of a big spend, but are Rovers really going to get that kind of money? I think not.

3) Suddenly the ticket prices go rocketing upI am a United fan, we can move on to this in a bit. As for big names joining etc, you will expect to fill the stadium week in week out. The big names only come with big crowds, which Rovers don't have. People buying clubs are not buying them for love of football, but to make a profit. So yes they will go up, In United's case they have gone up over 19% in 2 years. Yes I know.

4) Fans get annoyed - attendances drop dramaticallyAttendance can't drop lower than what they are for Rovers, Surely?

5) American gets upset with low income - decides to call it a dayWhich will only heap the club in a load of debt, which to be fair, anyone investing in a club wouldn't want to happen, so they are going to stick it out, and bleed the fans where they don't notice, the odd 3% on tickets, booking fee's for matchday tickets, programmes increase, food, and merchandise all go up OTT, this is coming from experience. I have not stepped a foot inside United's MegaWhore for a long long time, and don't plan on renewing my Season ticket book either.

6) Rovers are sold, but left with a huge wage billWhich any new potential buyer would have had access too (when you take a club on, all the books are opened to potential buyers, so they know 1, the debt they are in 2, expenditure of the club and 3, the amount they themselves are likely to make. So only people who are willing to buy the club and make illegitimate profits from the fans will take it on.

7) Rovers end up the "New Leeds"Overall, I would say this is not going to happen, If they do get bought, the worst that could happen is you could get a few more players maybe make fringe european success, this won't happen overnight, but will take a few years.

As for Presty, my mate... He thinks that there is going to be one addition (Bellamy) and you are going to win the league (Yes, I am deadly serious, this is what he says)...

So by adding Bellamy and losing maybe 1/2 key players you are going to get an extra 20+ points, and expect the likes of United, who have spent 50million on players not to improve?

Unlikely as it sounds I wish Presty and Rovers all the luck in the world with his little prediction...

Anyone, how is everyone, sorry for blabbing on...

[BRFC4EVA]

Im quite against this actually, for several seasons. Firstly, we have already been through the 'takeover period' with Jack Walker. That was wonderful and none of us will ever change that, but we've had our time in the sun imo. If we hadnt had JW, then maybe i would be more willing to look at this potential takeover, but as it stands, no thanks.

Im proud that the club is finantually self-sufficient. Im proud that the club 100% earns its success instead or arguably 'buying' its success. Im proud that we have the most progressive board in the Prem, which actually listenens to its fans and responds to the market in terms of cheaper tickets. Im proud to say to my friends that we have the best manger in the country, just look at our trnasfer record, we have a top 10 team which reaches the later part of cup comeptitions built up by which Hughes has made a net profit on our trnasfer since he came to the club. Im proud that i can say that our centre backs worth 400k, snuffed out opposition strikers worth £30m (ie ncastle) without breaking sweet.

Would we be able to maintain all of the obove with this new takerover? At least Vinjay will be pleased

[modes98]

But I didn't say "American businessman", I said "American sports owners". The 2 are not really comparable.

Aren't the 2 heavily linked, i.e. how they get their millions?

I can imagine that owners of american sports teams are basically not nice people, the way american sports works is a rough and ready, everybody out for themselves and a quick buck. Therefore the personalities help them keep control of players who are far too big for there caps or boots.

Glazer & Lerner seem to have taken a laid back stance to ownership and not the more aggressive approach shown by some of the russians around.

[benhben]

Please please please let this happen! I know many are against it but it is the only way rovers will remain competetive in the current footballing climate. You know Williams and the Walker trustees would only sell the club to an investor which would take the club forward and has good intentions for the club. Im my eyes a takeover could be the best thing to happen to rovers since Jack Walker.

[WelshRed]

Please please please let this happen! I know many are against it but it is the only way rovers will remain competetive in the current footballing climate. You know Williams and the Walker trustees would only sell the club to an investor which would take the club forward and has good intentions for the club. Im my eyes a takeover could be the best thing to happen to rovers since Jack Walker.

To be fair, there hasn't be a lot happening for you lot since Walker era anyway.

[LeftWinger]

Be interesting to see if it is Paul Allen involved in the take over.

He's listed as the 19th richest person in the world with a fortune of 18 billion dollars. To put that in perspective - Abramovic is valued at 18.7m dollars - 16th on the list. If I remember rightly weren't Jack Walker and his brother valued about 450m? That means Allen is 40 times richer.

I remember when we won the Premiership in 1995. My dad said to me -"Enjoy it while it lasts, they'll never win it again in your lifetime" Looks like he could be right - unless we get another rich man in.

[Bennisfromheaven]

Though it does seem like rovers could be selling their soul like other premiership clubs I think this is something rovers HAVE to do sooner or later & it is probably best to get in before the rest of the bunch.

We are never gonna find another jack walker so we have to allow our club evolve with the rest of the game or risk supporting a championship or lower league team in the years to come! At the current rate we will never be able to make an impact on the top four but with a foriegn investor with the kind of money paul allen has we can level up the playing field again.

Remember, these americans do want to make money & they look at the premiership as a long term investment which they will be able to exploit in the states & like blockbuster hollywood movies these type of investments need their BIG STARS, so whos to say we wont be after Kaka instead of Koumas!?!

I would like the return of the days when we were linked to stars such as Batistuta & zidane, but these players are never going to come unless we can offer what the man u's, chelseas & villa's can. Even our home grown stars such as damien duff who professed his love for the club & wrote a goodbye letter to the fans saying how much he would like to return to rovers was celebrating scoring against us by kissing the chelsea badge within a year of leaving!! There is no loyalty with footballers anymore & money talks so lets embrace this rather than fear it!?!?!

[broadsword]

I just don't see the potential for a takeover, why would we be attractive for a foreign investor? We're always losing money.

They would look to make money out of it somehow and then eff off, so surely it would leave us worse off?

(Can you tell I'm not alvin Hall in disguise?)

[benhben]

I wonder if the well run nature of rovers and the fact we arent riddled with debt may make us a favourable investment, despite the lack of glmour from a small town club. Not many premiership clubs are as well run as rovers which means that the potential capital loss for an investor in rovers is significantly less than other clubs.

[broadsword]

We're well-run, but aren't we still a loss-making concern?

[OscarRaven]

Its not our decision to make we already have owners and if they chose to sell up then that’s their business, we are merely customers. I think this will all end in tears but there again not competing with other PL clubs will probably have the same net result.

Lets be realistic though the catchments area isn't going to get any bigger, its still a small town with more than 30% of the premier league on its doorstep.

To me its a choice of maintaining the status quo (with the unpalatable thought that if the bubble bursts we will suffer more than most) or slipping behind.

[Martin]

I am with Bryan on this. I really don't see how Rovers can make anyone any money. Regardless of how much success Rovers may produce as a result of a takeover the attendance and the fan base can not compete with United, Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, Everton, City and Chelsea. There is no money in it.

Why on earth would somebody want to buy Blackburn Rovers?, especially someone who has no interest, ties or loyalty to the club or UK football in general? Because that is exactly who will takeover.

The problem is, before long all PL clubs will be owned by Americans, Eggmen etc. So we either join 'em or gracefully fall behind.

I find myself caught between two stools. Do we become a football club who sells their passion for glory? Or do we remain a well-run club that will survive, but is unlikely to be competitive at the top level? A difficult situation.

What I do know is that I am proud to support Blackburn Rovers, we are a club with soul. Would it be the same without the soul? I worry that much of things I value about Blackburn Rovers would be lost if a takeover happened.

However, I do find strength in the fact that Uncle Jack would have not left us in the hands of incompetent people.