[Archived] Rovers Sold ??

[thenodrog]

Ewood Park is in the wrong place. If Uncle Jack ever made a mistake at Ewood it was to rebuild on the existing site. Somehow this deal has to be financed and to earn a profit so perhaps "the scale of what is planned" includes moving us lock, stock and barrel to somewhere close to the M65.

err hang on Paul .... Ewood Park is less than a mile from the M65! In an ideal world the land at the other side of the Riverside would be terraced for parking with a slip road needed to J4 or as near as damn it is to swearing.

Word of caution here though .... The Reebok is bang on a mway junction and it's hell to get away from.

[thenodrog]

Nicko, PhilipL has never been right about anything ever, and thenodrog is a wind-up merchant. The former has good intentions but is prone to wildly inaccurate predictions, and the latter feels the need to stick his oar in with everything, mostly to stir the pot.

I've not been one of these people who has said "We love you nicko. Please can you tell me if you have heard anything about <X>, <Y> or <Z>." I've enjoyed reading this thread a lot and appreciate your input. Please don't take anything to heart here. I know 99% of the people here are grateful for the little snippets and teasers you provide us.

What are you on about? I've never dissed him at all! Where did that one come from?

Maybe to you Alan Nixon is a celeb but to me he is simply another contributer .... albeit about the best and most informed that we've ever had. Sorry but if I refuse to go all gaga and doey eyed every time he posts like some bloody pop star groupie then tough.... it's just not in my nature.

[blue phil]

It might be a mile away , Drog , but it might as well be 10 miles away at the moment . The infrastructure is awful - a fair sized chunk of any money invested would have to go in improving it drastically . Plus , as I said earlier , the full active co-operation of the council which has been non-existent in my lifetime .....for some reason they're not interested .

(Don't be too hard on Bellamy , Gord ....his post was half right ! )

[thenodrog]

It might be a mile away , Drog , but it might as well be 10 miles away at the moment . The infrastructure is awful - a fair sized chunk of any money invested would have to go in improving it drastically . Plus , as I said earlier , the full active co-operation of the council which has been non-existent in my lifetime .....for some reason they're not interested .

A mile is still a mile Phil. I think I've given my opinion on the lack of civic pride and assistment for BRFC (apart from the usual Town Hall freeloaders bunfight every time we win something) quite frequently. It's only my personal opinion but I believe that a lot of old Blackburn Labour workingmans club based diehards hold a certain amount of ingrained and bitter resentment toward the Walker family.

However dont give up.... hope springs eternal! We have a new broom in the Town Hall. The new coalition council has only room for one Labour councillor on the Executive commitee (and she, Kate Hollern, is apparently 'struggling' mentally to come to terms with it all) so it may well ensue that the new regime will see visible co-operation with the towns pride and joy as a political necessity. Then again it may not..... but thats probably down to each one of us to convey that message to the politico's isn't it? You never know even Ewood Spark might see some mutual benefit in that.... eh Sparky?

[RevidgeBlue]

Before the new Ewood was built, Rovers were apparently offered a new site up near the M65 but Uncle Jack didn't want to move from the existing site.

At that time I would have supported that view. Now, with the benefit of hindsight it could well be argued we'd have been better in a stadium with four decent sides and easier access. I'd still be 50 -50 though. And if we redeveloped the potting shed aka The Walkersteel Stand/ CIS Stand/Riverside/Fraser Eagle Stand I can't see a problem with the existing site. With the ground already 75% done it's surely no more expensive or difficult than relocating to a different site and building from scratch.

As for nicko I agree whole heartedly with one of Bellamy 11's earlier posts. I'm one of the 99% who love his informed contributions and am surprised at the amount of stick he's getting from both senior contributors and those who have never posted anything worthwhile.

This is in no way a criticism but:

When nicko first broke the takeover news I queried why he appeared so fiercely pro the Williams camp. I don't think now for one moment he is a "plant" and suspect the breaking of the story wasn't the Americans' choice of preference. Probably quite the opposite. I think we ought to be extremely grateful to him for alerting us to it in the first place.

However nicko is a freelance journalist, and if a story isn't published he doesn't get paid. Therefore it is in his own financial interests for the story to run and run.

That is in no way a criticism of nicko and as far as I know the interest certainly exists from a couple of official sources so it's not a made up story.

Whether this particular expression of interest is in the club's best interests is a different matter entirely, but that's no reflection whatsoever on Nicko.

[Mike Graham]

err hang on Paul .... Ewood Park is less than a mile from the M65! In an ideal world the land at the other side of the Riverside would be terraced for parking with a slip road needed to J4 or as near as damn it is to swearing.

Word of caution here though .... The Reebok is bang on a mway junction and it's hell to get away from.

The Reebock also sees lots of corporate activity, such as mid-week business meetings and seminars due to being accessible by road and rail. I know this because I go to the said dump on a regular basis. Can I get the host companies to go to Ewood....NO....as "Ewood is too difficult to get to" and "it has no hotel facilities" etc, etc.

Rovers are loosing out big time on the corporate £. Unfortunately this was one of the few very big mistakes that Uncle Jack made.

Time to bite the bullet and get a buyer who will look to move neare the M65 or the M6 at Salmesbury.

[Paul]

err hang on Paul .... Ewood Park is less than a mile from the M65! In an ideal world the land at the other side of the Riverside would be terraced for parking with a slip road needed to J4 or as near as damn it is to swearing.

Word of caution here though .... The Reebok is bang on a mway junction and it's hell to get away from.

Think you're taking me a bit literally there thenodrog. Blue phil has expanded this point quite nicely. My main thoughts are these. Both the Reebok and OT (only ones I've been to) have extensive facilities for use during the week and a major aspect of this must be the local infrastructure. I went to a SAGE Partnership Day at OT two years ago and, other than the obvious, it was impossible to tell this was a football ground. Goodness knows how much SAGE paid for this facility. I believe Ewood has these facilities but I've no idea to what extent they are used or how they compare, little is my guess. Last year the same event was at the G-Mex, so this is the level OT is competing at.

Accessibility is a match day issue but it only comes into play every fortnight. If other revenue streams are required accessibility becomes important. I have no idea if Bolton Wanderers benefit from the retail areas around them but it's not unusual for our household "to pop down to the Reebok" for shopping, films etc. One possible benefit from the retail area is the number of times potential spectators drive past the ground? This is the accessibility needed if Rovers are to benefit from other developments. For example the often mentioned hotel is unlikely to be a starter, there is nothing else to attract the visitor to the area.

I only have two reasons to visit the Ewood area, to watch football and go to the cycle shop. Obviously this is much more than a Rovers issue but it highlights one of the major issues facing the club, how to increase revenue. I'm not a great supporter of out of town retail developments.......but I use them all the time!

[bob fleming]

You've got to be kidding preston blue? Move the entire ground to Salmesbury, build a hotel as well - just to get the corporate £??!? When will that pay for itself then - 2075?

Bolton will surely still prove more favourable to the corporate mob though as it's nearer to Manchester and the Airport. Who would want to stop over in Blackburn anyway? There's not much to do is there in the week?

As Theno has already said the current ground is only 1 mile away from the M65 - it can't get much nearer surely? A bit of work from the Council to improve the roads and infrastructure and it could easily be made more accessable (actually that might take longer than 2075 looking at the state of the town centre).

[Paul]

On the nicko subject and those who raise alternate views. I don't see this as people having a go at him but if anything I say is interpreted this way I apologise. I read the newspapers, listen to the radio, have my own experiences and thus form my own opinions. There is nothing to say I have to believe anything written by any journalist, but I welcome the opportunity to read their opinions. For example my thought that D Williams might consider moving the club only came as a result of reading nicko's comment "the scale of what is planned."

[philipl]

...which clearly indicates that nicko has inside information from the DW camp. Given we are talking about a multi-million deal and how these sort of things are done on an absolutely strict need to know basis, either nicko is an insider in the DW camp or DW leaks badly.

From the Southampton perspective, I'd say both are possible.

[nicko]

I really am getting brassed off with this. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but let me point out these facts.

The DW insider theory. The first story was written without knowing who he was - the second story was despite his denial - the third story 'outed' his backers and let the conspiracy theorists get excited about who they were.

The DW leaks badly theory. I refer to the first three above.

Some questions...

Why would Dan Williams want it in the public domain that he is trying to buy Blackburn Rovers? It only alerts any opposition - although I wonder where they are after all of this time.

What does he gain from publicity? If it happens it won't have helped, if it doesn't he has failed in public.

I've been on this story for two months now. I have found out things Dan Williams did NOT want in the press and printed them. I have passed on hints here too which I didn't even put in the papers.

I could tell you two more nuggets of news right now that would make a story, but I have chosen not to because the next tale should either be 'Dan Williams buys Rovers' or 'Dan Williams pulls out of Rovers deal.'

[dave birch]

or philipl, as is more likely, nicko has used his journalistic skill to find out what's going on.

He does know more but is choosing to keep the info back until the appropriate time. Which is his right.

My main worry (if I can call it that) is how the deal is to be financed. It could be putting the Rovers in a situation similar to Leeds. On the other hand, there may be some major development made around Ewood, that the purchasers sell off and take as profit or to use as ongoing investment in the Rovers.

Only time will tell.

[AggyBlue]

I really am getting brassed off with this.

Don't let the MB bully boys get to you. You've stolen a few peoples thunder on here and the bitterness is there for all to see.

The 'ignore' option can be useful.

[thenodrog]

As for nicko I agree whole heartedly with one of Bellamy 11's earlier posts. I'm one of the 99% who love his informed contributions and am surprised at the amount of stick he's getting from both senior contributors and those who have never posted anything worthwhile.

wtf! Can someone please remind me of this 'stick' that I am giving?

Making valid comments / queries even on delicate issues is not 'giving stick'.... and I can assure you that I know chapter and verse about getting stick on here! Ignoring them and worse not daring to ask whilst voicing simpering platitudes and wringing me ecky thump cap for all its worth because Alan Nixon is our closest thing to a celeb is frankly pathetic. As far as I am concerned the biggest disagreement that I have had with AN is over the playing ability of Shadsworths favourite son! Talk about chucking enough mud for some to stick eh? Lets ask the great man.... (Leaving the Cross Maltese out of this as his contribution does seem rather truculent at the minute) Have I written anything to offend you Mr Nixon?

[rovers_rob]

...which clearly indicates that nicko has inside information from the DW camp. Given we are talking about a multi-million deal and how these sort of things are done on an absolutely strict need to know basis, either nicko is an insider in the DW camp or DW leaks badly.

From the Southampton perspective, I'd say both are possible.

Of course he has inside information, he is a journalist for gods sake, thats his job to get inside information. If you read the articles they is no biased towards or against the DW takeover, it seems to me that nicko is expressing an opinion just like the rest of us on this messageboard. Do you honestly think that DW has told one of his people to go onto a messageboard to make him look good ?

I hope he does take the club over because he seems a genuin guy. I might be wrong but that is just my opinion. DW is a Rovers fan, he is a good businessman, Mr Hubert an ex director at the club says it is a good deal. The walkers have done a superb job since Jack died but they want out and eventually we will be sold to someone whether that is DW or not.

[joey_big_nose]

I really am getting brassed off with this. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but let me point out these facts.

Nicko, I wouldn't worry about Phillipl, your contribution at present is far more interesting than his, which is probably why he is being a bit of an idiot.

[nicko]

Have I written anything to offend you Mr Nixon?

Not at all.

I do get the hump at suggestions of being used to leak stories when the opposite is the case.

I think I have said before that if I had chosen not to use some of the stories the deal would have been done by now.

However I wanted as many key details out as possible.

It was a battle to get the Hooray for Hollewood' on the back page, it was a hard sell to get the Dan Williams is the man and the Billion Dollar Rovers stories in the People.

Believe me you are fighting indifference most of the time in London newspaper offices.

Still, they came out, people bought them and it seems to be of interest to the fans.

If I had not pointed out a pretty key fact in one of the early stories - the possibly inflated value of the club - the takeover would already be in place.

Some 'plant,' eh?

[roversmum]

Me too, Nicko. Don't worry about it. Years of following Rovers has turned some folks into eternal pessimists. Sometimes they even get me down . All together, now, "Always look on the bright side of life.........." (remembering the last verse of course )

Keep up the good work.

[Fife Rover]

Nicko, PhilipL has never been right about anything ever, and thenodrog is a wind-up merchant. The former has good intentions but is prone to wildly inaccurate predictions, and the latter feels the need to stick his oar in with everything, mostly to stir the pot.

I've not been one of these people who has said "We love you nicko. Please can you tell me if you have heard anything about <X>, <Y> or <Z>." I've enjoyed reading this thread a lot and appreciate your input. Please don't take anything to heart here. I know 99% of the people here are grateful for the little snippets and teasers you provide us.

To which I would add a resounding "Hear, hear!!" Absolutely spot-on Bellamy11.

[thenodrog]

I think at this stage all would do well to make a cuppa and spend half an hour or so Googling 'Peter Shackleton Burnley FC'.

I make no comment whatsoever except to suggest that Foreign unnamed Billionaires, big plans, false promises, Burnley supporter at the top, avarice, manipulation of the press etc it's all there folks.

I guess there is a sizeable gaggle of posters (is that an acceptable collective noun? ) on here who are happy to keep sticking their hands into the fire in the hope that just once they will not end up getting burnt. I realise that we can do nothing about the situation other than debate it but 'very cautious' would describe best my current attitude.

[thenodrog]

To which I would add a resounding "Hear, hear!!" Absolutely spot-on Bellamy11.

Absolute bloody stupid load of buloxx Fife! Can you not read? AN has just said himself that I have said nothing to offend him. (I thank you) You and everyone else who is so ready to point slurs and accusations can now retract the juvenile insinuations and effin well apologise.

btw no doubt you'll be enjoying a ginger nut with your cuppa.

[Damage]

I realise that we can do nothing about the situation other than debate it but 'very cautious' would describe best my current attitude.

Put me down as being "downright sceptical".

As for AN ..... well I will listen to his opinions and make my own judgement. I do not accuse him of anything but I do also have an opinion on the prospective takeover and I am not convinced.

One thing I do find strange is why this thread wasnt started a year ago? Odd that it should begin around the same time as takeover-mania??? As an old cynic I dont believe they are unconnected ..............

btw that doesnt necessarily mean that I think AN is dishonourable or in the pocket of DW or JW or Walker family or anyone else. Lots of possible motives for many peoples behaviour.

[dave birch]

btw no doubt you'll be enjoying a ginger nut with your cuppa.

How do you know that Fife has a cup big enough to dunk your head in? :ph34r:

[Fife Rover]

Absolute bloody stupid load of buloxx Fife! Can you not read? AN has just said himself that I have said nothing to offend him. (I thank you) You and everyone else who is so ready to point slurs and accusations can now retract the juvenile insinuations and effin well apologise.

btw no doubt you'll be enjoying a ginger nut with your cuppa.

Righty-ho Theno! Here we go.

First: I think I can just about manage to read OK (as long as there are no words with more than three syllables). The problem there is that I always answer posts as I come across them, and as I am usually several hours after they were written that CAN occsionally cause a problem!! By the way (and answer truthfully) do YOU always read right to the end of the thread before you reach for the keys?

Secondly: Perhaps it would have been better if I had added a smilie at the end of my post There now is that better? But, dear Theno, you really ARE a one for stirring the pot at any and every opportunity (come on now, own up). So I really don't think I said anything untoward, or that 99.9% of readers would not agree with. The other 0.1% being you!

Thirdly: I am just away to get my ginger nut, thanks for the reminder.

[Cheshireblue]

I can't believe that there are people on this board that are actually trying to defend and stick up for a tabloid journalist.

You'll be defending Estate Agents next.