[Archived] Rovers Sold ??

[EwoodGlory]

BUT who (and why) will anyone from half way around the globe want to invest in a finacial lame duck

I wouldn't call an established Premiership club a 'lame duck'

Just because we don't get big crowds, it does not mean that there is not an investment opportunity.

The premiership is a global brand which seems to be 'on the up'. The next TV deal could be even bigger than it is now.

We could do better in the sponsorship area, which is why the club hired a company this summer to look for a new sponsor for next season, with the brief of looking around the globe for the best deal the club can get.

The football side of the club needs some new investments, as stated all over this place and most agree, but we have good staff and good players, something solid to build on.

On the business side of the football club there is a lot of room for improvement.

The merchandise is a shambles for a start. I know the club is trying to sort this, but it's taking a while, and maybe it's something they could have prevented in the first place by stating in contracts with Sports World that they must produce some sort of Rovers merchandise.

Other things could be pre-season tours in Asia, where there is more people who watch the premiership than in this country. We haven't yet tapped into the massive potential there.

[Mozzer]

I think you can drop the bodyguard act now - Nicko appears to love / be hooked on this forum as much as everyone else!

nicko has provided good information on this site, if it wasnt for his good information, this forum would be nothing..i think your quite jealous that nicko is liked on this forum, and you like many other people are out there trying to make him look like he doesnt know what he is doing...if you dont like the information provided, simple , dont follow what he has to say...things can change you know-about information he provides...

[Eddie]

I think Nicko is a good poster, but I think you're going a little far by saying that this forum would be nothing without him, it was good before he got here you know. Having said that, I do agree that it does appear that some of those who seem to have a personal vendetta when it comes to Nicko might be motivated by the fact that they have had a little bit of the spotlight taken away from them.

I don't understand why this issue upsets people so much. If he's wrong he is wrong, not a big deal. Everyone on here is wrong from time-to-time and every newspaper is as well. If he is right and you are worried about the prospect of a new owner then you need to direct your fear and/or anger at the proper person.

[deryck guyler's spoon]

Some posters on here are like hyperactive five year olds who cant bear Nicko taking a bit of the limelight.

[Mozzer]

i agree with both the comments below my post...

if nicko is wrong its because things change...

[Paul]

nicko has provided good information on this site, if it wasnt for his good information, this forum would be nothing..

oh well that puts us in our place.......................................you haven't been around long have you?

[Tris]

nicko has provided good information on this site, if it wasnt for his good information, this forum would be nothing..i think your quite jealous that nicko is liked on this forum, and you like many other people are out there trying to make him look like he doesnt know what he is doing...if you dont like the information provided, simple , dont follow what he has to say...things can change you know-about information he provides...

Nicko has added something to the site for sure, but you appear to want to protect every single word he posts. If people weren't allowed to discuss things then there wouldn't be much point having a discussion forum would there? I don't expect you to be able to grasp this concept.

If the forum is "nothing" for you without the contributions of your hero, why don't you just quit, and buy his newspaper every day? The fact that posters like ffan (Fulham) stick around after a first visit suggests that this place has plenty more to offer than the contributions of one person.

For the record, personally I haven't posted anything which could possibly upset Nicko since August 3rd!

[Cheshireblue]

People, let us not forget, he is a tabloid journalist.

How is the sale to Dan Williams going by the way?

[Boz]

A journalist with other interests too, which any good search engine will shed more light on.

Yes very entertaining on our 'supporters' forum, but as with many things in life, best sometimes viewed with an enquiring mind.

[Eddie]

No one on here is taking every word he says as the gospel, I think many just don't like the way in which some of you seem to want to destroy the man. I have enjoyed the discussions that have taken place regarding this topic, but some of what has gone on hasn't been a discussion, it's simply been a slanging match. Disagree with him, don't buy the paper, do whatever you have to do but don't turn this into a game of personal insults and then try and pass it off as you simply being a fan with the interest of the club at heart who doesn't want to have the wool pulled over your eyes.

[Boz]

I thought I asked a perfectly valid question weeks ago as to whether he might have any personal gain, as this would impact on the way in which I viewed his posting on this topic. He quite rightly had the option to ignore or choose not to answer. I have since ignored or viewed his postings regarding the sale of BRFC in a sceptical manner. Purely my own personal opinions shared on this forum and in no way a personal insult. I for one moment wouldn’t dream to think that I was talking on behalf of everyone on here.

[USRoverME]

Everyone on here is wrong from time-to-time...

Umm, eddie... do you see who is attacking nicko... they are never wrong, just ask them, they'll tell you, goodness knows they have said it countless times before.

As for going back to the St. Louis 'stuff'... yes an MLS side is worth $25 million or thereabouts, mainly due to the potential growth of the sport, the TV rights, the land and development rights, the fact that the players salaries for the most part are tied directly to the league, etc. They are currently clsoe to a break even prospect, and they are in a growth cycle... those types of reports are easy to get your hands on. FYI, average MLS attendance is nearing 16K ~ 500 less per game than the championship), so the financials are decent compared to a championship side, only with a smaller outlay in player salaries.. must be nice eh? How mouch would a middle of the road championship side be worth?

Once the league gets their ducks in a row re: stadiums and therefore being independednt on scheduling, they'll have better success with such things as TV revenues as well, in addition to the ESPN contract they already have, which will aos bolster their already enviable marketing since the MLS is a hot commodity with kids and teens, who are a valued demographic. Also, any proposed SSS (soccer specific stadium) which is what the MLS is requriing new franchises to come on board with, will need to seat ~20K (so their 18.5 K is in line), I believe is the figure, hence the ~$450 million project on the new stadium, especially based on the lcoation and infrastructure improvements that the St. Louis location is going to require. However that is a join project with monies from the investors, from the state and local governments (due to later tax revenue and jobs, etc), those types of deals are commonplace, and rarely involve alrge outlas of cash from the club entity, unless the states are unwilling, in hich case you don't get to the point where the St. Louis bid is currently. Although I think St. Louis is NOT in line for a 2009 slot, San Jose has been confirmed, and there are 2 more coming, likely one from Oregon (since they have a lower division club, a nice fan base, and a stadium) and Philly, but I guess St. Louis could step in front of Philly, doubtful though give Philly's location and sports track record and fan commitment in place.

St. Louis has a great track record and a great potential fan support due to the youth soccer movement in the area, has been a hot-bed for a while, that being said, I'd see them in the fold for the future expansions planned in the 2010 range. The St. Louis reports are part of the potential planning that goes into every "bid" type process.

[nicko]

Cheers for pointing that out, my man. It always helps when there are people who know what is going on rather than guessing. Good points, well made.

I think I should point out something that seems to have been missed in the Southampton side-track show...

There is another interested party in town as I referred to a couple of weeks back. And they are still very much here. Probably favourites to come up with the cash.

I thought with so much expertise in some quarters that the names would have come out by now.

I won't be revealing them just yet, for fear of cocking it up for this lot.

And I'm sure they won't want their bins and e-mail addresses raided. I really don't know if Hyacinth would approve, I don't really care.

Incidentally, if they are looking for a PR man?

[Mozzer]

No one on here is taking every word he says as the gospel, I think many just don't like the way in which some of you seem to want to destroy the man. I have enjoyed the discussions that have taken place regarding this topic, but some of what has gone on hasn't been a discussion, it's simply been a slanging match. Disagree with him, don't buy the paper, do whatever you have to do but don't turn this into a game of personal insults and then try and pass it off as you simply being a fan with the interest of the club at heart who doesn't want to have the wool pulled over your eyes.

exactly....

people, im not saying dont have discussions, without discussions and debates the forum wouldnt be as good...,everything he says people are trying to catch him out, and want him to be wrong..he provides information, if you dont like it dont bother asking questions

nicko answers most of our questions when asked, but slagging him off because he is getting limelight and everyone asks him questions is wrong..

[Boz]

Incidentally, if they are looking for a PR man?

Touché, top reply!!

99% per cent of the posters on here are Rovers supporters and want the best for our club.

It’s nothing personal, but just have an open mind and be aware that many people justifiably make a living out of the football sector through many and varied means.

Anyway come on the Rovers, lets get behind the lads tomorrow!!

[nicko]

Don't worry about it, pal.

But if you are going to check things be sure to check them all.

As a limited company you can even check my accounts at companies house. I think you will find I don't need any other revenue apart from the dosh I make from writing for newspapers.

[Jan]

Nicko has added something to the site for sure, but you appear to want to protect every single word he posts. If people weren't allowed to discuss things then there wouldn't be much point having a discussion forum would there? I don't expect you to be able to grasp this concept.

If the forum is "nothing" for you without the contributions of your hero, why don't you just quit, and buy his newspaper every day? The fact that posters like ffan (Fulham) stick around after a first visit suggests that this place has plenty more to offer than the contributions of one person.

For the record, personally I haven't posted anything which could possibly upset Nicko since August 3rd!

Ffan mainly posts on Nicko's thread and most of his originating posts are asking Nicko questions about Fulham. But in your self-obsessed little world you don't notice things like that, you and the other attention-seekers who can't bear that someone with some ACTUAL information and something to say posts on here.

Sad, sad individuals.

[Boz]

Don't worry about it, pal.

But if you are going to check things be sure to check them all.

As a limited company you can even check my accounts at companies house. I think you will find I don't need any other revenue apart from the dosh I make from writing for newspapers.

Cheers for that mate, although I already know about and regularly use www.direct.companieshouse.gov.uk. You can indeed obtain lots of information to check up on individuals and companies, if you felt so inclined.

And as for Jan...just because someone talks about ACTUAL information it doesn't necessarily follow that they are correct. There may be posters on here who personally knows two trustees of a Jersey trust, plays golf with MD's of football clubs, played cricket with big movers in Pro sports agencies based in leafy Cheshire, but choose not to share information in a public domain, but does that make them sad?

[Damage]

People, let us not forget, he is a tabloid journalist.

How is the sale to Dan Williams going by the way?

lol absolutley beautiful!

[Damage]

Cheers for pointing that out, my man. It always helps when there are people who know what is going on rather than guessing. Good points, well made.

I think I should point out something that seems to have been missed in the Southampton side-track show...

There is another interested party in town as I referred to a couple of weeks back. And they are still very much here. Probably favourites to come up with the cash.

I thought with so much expertise in some quarters that the names would have come out by now.

I won't be revealing them just yet, for fear of cocking it up for this lot.

And I'm sure they won't want their bins and e-mail addresses raided. I really don't know if Hyacinth would approve, I don't really care.

Incidentally, if they are looking for a PR man?

How much longer do we have to wait until you tell us something of interest? Man you have spun this takeover story for all it is worth!

How long have you said "I won't be revealing them just yet, for fear of cocking it up for this lot."?

You have spent alot of time not revealing! I really wish you would start to change your attitude on this because as a BRFC supporter I would appreciate being infromed of the knowledge that you obviously have.... or dont. I would respectfully request that you be a journolist and cease interfering in BRFC. If you wish to post transfer rumours on this mb then great BUT please stop destablising this great club of ours!

Your constant insinuation that MH "needs funds" and by implication will be running away at the first sign of money ...... well frankly it really pi$$$e$ me off. Maybe there is no such thing as bad publicity but I would rather there is none thank you!

[nicko]

How much longer do we have to wait until you tell us something of interest? Man you have spun this takeover story for all it is worth!

How long have you said "I won't be revealing them just yet, for fear of cocking it up for this lot."?

You have spent alot of time not revealing! I really wish you would start to change your attitude on this because as a BRFC supporter I would appreciate being infromed of the knowledge that you obviously have.... or dont. I would respectfully request that you be a journolist and cease interfering in BRFC. If you wish to post transfer rumours on this mb then great BUT please stop destablising this great club of ours!

Your constant insinuation that MH "needs funds" and by implication will be running away at the first sign of money ...... well frankly it really pi$$$e$ me off. Maybe there is no such thing as bad publicity but I would rather there is none thank you!

So the takeover story wasn't of interest...

And both Mark Hughes and John Williams have said - not insinuated - that the club could do with investment.

Have you been living in a cave?

[Damage]

It was late so my logic circuits were probably hibernating.

Nicko, Im not living in a cave (although my wife sometimes says that my social skills belong there!).

It just seems to me that the "story" is extremely lightweight!

And yes I know we could do with a few extra quid but we should be cautious lest the quest for finance becomes more important than results on the pitch. It really doesnt help (my psyche or the spirit within the club) for people to keep reading that we are a club with little cash looking for some foreign investment and by the way the managers going in the not-to-distant.

Call me an ostrich if you wish but some prophecies ARE self-fulfilling. Negative vibes NEVER help !

[den]

Several parties interested in buying rovers, but no deal likely this year.

[thenodrog]

Several parties interested in buying rovers, but no deal likely this year.

Anybody know how Rothschilds are remunerated?

[philipl]

The normal arrangement for this sort of transaction is a retainer plus success fee but that is probably more complicated in this case with the involvement of a Trust settlement.

The tab would go to the seller (the Walker Trust) but again that will be a negotiable point when it comes to closing negotiations.

I am as certain as I can be that Dan Williams is not among the leading contenders as a potential purchaser being evaluated by Rothschilds and hasn't been for a very long time. However, he has a good PR.

The end of the year is only eight weeks away so although the statement is worded to play things down, my reading is that there are developments for John Williams to have commented publicly at this stage.