[Archived] Rovers Sold ??

[BlueMonday]

My understanding is that if this were the case then the Trustees would not sell, even if they wanted to, as there are certain sanctions in place to protect the future of the club.

A takeover of a club where 99.8% of the shares are owned by a single entity should be more straightforward than most, however what makes things more complicated in our case is the fact that the sole entity is a trust put in place by our late owner, who set in stone certain sanctions to ensure the future of the club. Whilst the people in charge of this trust may have there own ideas of what they would like to do, the fact is that the structure of Jacks will / trust means that their hands will be somewhat tied to what they can actually do / not do.

I honestly don't think the club will be sold unless the interested party meets some very strict requirements.

A fair point and one which will more than likely scupper this take over.

I was initially optimistic but the more I've heard the less I've liked.

It sounds too much like some home sick expat who's had a Rovers Wet Dream, but can't afford to indulge long term.

He'll realise soon and buy Accy Stanley instead.

U.T.B.

[RevidgeBlue]

Whilst this particular guy Williams is getting a bit of a slating at the moment, it's probably wise not to set our sights too high as fans.

Whilst as supporters we would all like to see a Blackburner who lives on Nuttall Street, has the wealth of Abramovic, and hasn't missed a home game since 1960 take over, it's probably worth remembering that even if new owners "only "made a modest net 5m available for transfers each season, that's 5m more than Mark Hughes has had since he took over the managerial reins.

(Discounting the effect of the new TV money)

[Billy Castell]

Yet another leveraged buy out - He'll put up a few bob with most of his funds coming as debt which will Rovers will be saddled with. I fail to see how this can be welcomed by any Rovers supporter.

So does that mean we'll be in a similar position to Man Utd, but on a smaller scale?

[Jimbo]

"No debt going on the club" - Where's it going then ? - If he's not going to put up all the money himself, but coming from institutions then that is debt and it will need to be secured against something and once he has all the shares then there is only really one place it can be secured against - BRFC. Sorry if I sound cynical, but we've had one Jack Walker - I honestly don't believe there can be another !

[Claytons Left Boot]

Early on in the Andy Neild piece Daniel Williams mentions £50m and that he does not have that sort of amount 'in free cash that is spare to invest.' He doesn't say the amount of cash he has available. The rest, to make up the purchase (whatever this figure may be), will either have to be borrowed by the consortium or made available from personal resources. It is likely to be several million pounds or tens of millions.

Whilst the 'debt' may not be in the name of Blackburn Rovers, it is Blackburn Rovers who will have to service it, unless these people have fallen in love with us and it's all a freebie.

One way or another, I'm sure John Williams & Co have enough business accumen to see this through either to Daniel Williams and his consortium or whoever else may be in the frame.

[1864roverite]

72000 mancscumfans went in uproar at the sale oif the club to the Glazier family, I dont see anyone whingeing now from mould t espcecially as they have just spent the best part of 50m quid on a couple of players even when they are in 800m worth of debt !

Far too many on here ar jumping the gun without any knowledge of the deal, the talks or any semblemnce of the ultimate views/opinions of the potential buyers and investors and are basing their own views on media reports and headlines sprinkled by one Alan Nixon and the like.

Until John Williams and Blackburn Rovers make any positive noises and/or announcements I suggest people take a chill out pill, get ready for the summer holidays and WAIT until something happens.

The club are the ones in the know and the pure speculation on this thread is bordering on suicidal madness.

Relax people, its 3 week on Friday for Blackburn Holidays !

[thenodrog]

it's probably worth remembering that even if new owners "only "made a modest net 5m available for transfers each season, that's 5m more than Mark Hughes has had since he took over the managerial reins.

Mark Hughes?! Hmmm..... I wonder what he is making of all this?

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

Another Michael Knighton Saga !!!!!!!!!!!

Having just read his interview that comment is hitting the nail right on the head for me Alan.This fella clearly states he DOES NOT have sufficient funds to buy the club himself and so is relying on faceless backers to support him? this is way too much of a gamble for me personally.Rovers are looking for solid investment but he states this consortium would not be looking to buy players at around 10million? .....around standard asking fee now for a quality player.

Is this Daniel Williams nothing more than a chancer?......VERY unsure I'm afraid.

[Tris]

Far too many on here ar jumping the gun without any knowledge of the deal, the talks or any semblemnce of the ultimate views/opinions of the potential buyers and investors and are basing their own views on media reports and headlines sprinkled by one Alan Nixon and the like.

The club are the ones in the know and the pure speculation on this thread is bordering on suicidal madness.

Have you missed out the last 10 hours? Most of the posts today have been nothing to do with speculation, sprinkled headlines or Alan Nixon.

They have been made on the back of an extensive LET interview with one of the potential buyers ffs!!!

People should be airing their views about the interview. This is a critical time for the club.

[Hasta]

I'm with everyone else. Very wary about this and my gut feeling is it's not good.

However as Rev touches on, we are likely to be sold at some point in the future and are unlikely to find the ideal buyer we all dream of i.e another Jack. It is highly unlikely that a 'takeover' would happen with which we wouldn't question certain aspects of it and worry about.

Best case scenario here is that Daniel Williams is geniunely a fan who wants good things for Rovers. He realises that, with others sniffing around, if he wants to be involved now is his chance. He might not get another one for a long while. Maybe he needs backers now to fund the deal now but over the next 10 years plans to buy them out at a later stage and own the club outright. He has been asked what his 'backers' long term interests are. What are his? Serious long-term ownership or is he also after a 10 year profit?

The £10 million quote is a strange one. Surely he knows that in order to attain top half/top flight status we need to be buying players for significant fees. Especially with the other clubs being taken over. He doesn't actually say these people "aren't going to spend £10 mill." He says aren't going to spend £10mill Abramovic-like. He goes on to indicate they would spend the money if it was to improve the team. This needs clarifying. Hopefully he just means we're not going to start spending money like confetti, something which unless we've got bottomless pockets we all agree with. Look at Leeds.

And finally in his interview he says:-

I've looked on a few websites and people are talking about Paul Allen (the co-founder of Microsoft). But there'....

Hi Daniel!

[Craigman]

I think we should all take the interview with a pinch of salt. I think that when he was talking about spending £10million on players he was referring to players who really aren't worth half that. Chelsea have just paid inflated prices for everyone. I think he wants to look after Blackburn in the way it has been for the last 5 years and we don't get ripped off by other clubs. I am sure that he has investors backing him. Lets just leave the sale of the club to John Williams and see what happens in the next couple of weeks/months.

[1864roverite]

Tris, that interview with Williams was really informative wasnt it ?

Exactly what did he confirm ? He is interested in a dealf or Rovers THATS ALL

[T4E]

Have you read it??

[nicko]

The guy's interview was pretty honest. His team have got the funds to buy or they would not be wasting anyone's time, including his own. He admits he won't be funding it himself, but his backers will make up the rest. There won't be any debt. There will be some money for players if it makes a difference.

The Walker Trustees have been looking for a buyer for two years and have finally found one who is close to doing the business. Some of the others, who did not make headlines, were clearly unsuitable. You can judge him when he reveals his backers. Which may be sooner than you think.

Don't scare this one away.

The stuff from the DJW website is bogus, by the way.

And congratulations to the LET for following up the People...

[trueblue]

The guy's interview was pretty honest......

The stuff from the DJW website is bogus, by the way.

And you're asking us to trust this bloke ?????

[Roversider]

Firstly, anyone who thought that Daniel Williams had the cash to handle this sort of purchase alone was always in error.

Now, lets look at the situation. I think its safe to assume that the Trust and John Williams will make certain (in conjunction with Rothschilds) that the consortium fronted by Williams will have the cash to buy the Trust shareholding. Why should we be particularly concerned whether this is an individual or a group? The reality is that US sports investors are interested in the Premiership because they can make money but take a careful look at North American sports. Money is made with a winning team so it really isn't in their interests not to back the manager if he is successful. There are precious few assets in a club that will pay out in the same way as a successful, highly placed team.

So whatever we may think (and I am a traditionalist who would love another Jack Walker to come along) any new owner(s) have an imperative to get a winning team.

Income whilst in the Premiership is more than enough to get a return, plus there are further brand opportunities available overseas. If Rovers are doing well then merchandising is a potential earner, so everyone knows the Man U brand in China - there's room for some more given the profile of the Premier League.

What we do need is a commited set of owners, I have tremendous appreciation for the Trustees but you can't look on them as a long-term, stable solution. The Rovers have passed through many hands since 1875 and probably will pass through some more.

Survival is based on success. Any buyer with a brain, and Daniel Williams definitely fits that, will know that is critical.

Finally, I really do have 'trust' in the Trustees and John Williams. Does anyone actually believe that Jack had no foresight of what might happen after his death? The existence of the Trust tells you that he did make plans.

God Bless him.

So, a little apprehensive until we know more but not fearful. This deal may not happen but one definitely will. Keep the faith guys and gals!

[nicko]

Some crank put up a website in his name. It happens. He is trying to close it down as it is misleading.

Nothing on there is from Daniel Williams.

His interview today was as straight as you get from a millionaire.

Give him a chance.

[T4E]

A new member with 2 posts, both in defense of our prospective new owner, with a hint of inside information.

C'mon Nicko, who are ya?

[John]

Early call, the pedigree of the backers will buy him the club. He said he will reveal his backers when/if a deal is near completion.

The Rothschild Group are involved in this takeover process on our behalf - trust me, if it was bullsh*t coming from Williams & his camp, then they would have known about it by now or they will do in due course.

Just read your post Roversider - totally agree.

[nicko]

Think I get enough mentions on this site already

[T4E]

Oooh very cryptic.

Give us a clue then!

EDIT: Surely not our favourite tabloid journalist?

[trueblue]

Some crank put up a website in his name. It happens. He is trying to close it down as it is misleading.

Nothing on there is from Daniel Williams.

And you know this how ?

[nicko]

Hardly favourite.

But always good to see conversation being stimulated.

[HairwayToSteven]

I'm scared for two reasons:

1. Williams seems to be a fan, and from what I can gather honest enough. But if he and his compatriots aren't going to enhance our spending powers then where are we in five years time, and where will Williams' entourage be? The time to act is now, we could easily find ourselves in the quagmire financially and relegation threatened in the not too distant future.

2. If, and when the trust lets go of the club, will this transfer window have already closed? This could be disastrous, because not many teams can stand still for very long and still be as successful as before, we've seen that one before...

Though I'm not freaking out, there is some cause for concern. As one poster wrote above, these are critical times, and indeed they are. Don't get me wrong, I knew we weren't going to get another Jack, but I'd love to get as close as possible.

[Tris]

Just had a call from someone I know who write's for "Insider" magazine, he tells me that the deal to buy Rovers is almost complete, he said that the person who is fronting the deal is local, he isn't sure if that local person has backing from other foreign parties. I have no reason to doubt this information as he is really well connected.

One thing the interview does is remind us how far off the national press (and Kamy's sources) can be!

"A Dan Deal" was one of the weekend headlines, and above we read about a deal which is "almost complete".

All put to bed by the LETs exclusive

"The whole thing about a deal being imminent and a price being agreed just isn't the case.

"I certainly haven't seen anything in the way of due diligence, and we haven't formally made an approach.

"It's very much at the conversational stage at the moment."

Just reinforces the fact that the LET is the only written press likely to be consistently accurate when reporting Rovers stories.