[Archived] Rovers Takeover Thread

[Fife Rover]

The Trustees want out...but they also want out with a big wad of cash.

THAT is the issue here.

Jack's wishes? I wonder.

Obviously the Trust was left for family and benefactors and they are entitled to their 'inheritance.'

However that's just not going to be too easy in the current climate.

Are you quite certain about that Nicko? I am sure I read sometime shortly after Jack's death that the Trust had been set up purely to benefit Blackburn Rovers, and all the family had been taken care of quite seperately in the normal way through other provisions in Jack's will. Is this not the case?

[thenodrog]

The Trustees want out...but they also want out with a big wad of cash.

THAT is the issue here.

Jack's wishes? I wonder.

Obviously the Trust was left for family and benefactors and they are entitled to their 'inheritance.'

However that's just not going to be too easy in the current climate.

1. All this talk of Jack ensuring this and that? Have you all forgotten Fred's input both then and now?

btw Fife ...I'd imagine that Fred would never have allowed Jack to put in some stupid clause which included the word 'never'.

2. 'Current climate' Crikey I know there is a recession looming but there has never been as much money swilling around in the Prem as there is now.

[nicko]

1. All this talk of Jack ensuring this and that? Have you all forgotten Fred's input both then and now?

btw Fife ...I'd imagine that Fred would never have allowed Jack to put in some stupid clause which included the word 'never'.

2. 'Current climate' Crikey I know there is a recession looming but there has never been as much money swilling around in the Prem as there is now.

Current climate as in lack of people who want to buy Rovers...

[thenodrog]

Leave em to it cos they managed to get one hell of a price which was well over valuation for a bit of a steel business 20 odd years ago.

Anyway hark at all the turn coats on here. If a condition of the Walker years was that we gave the players away in 2008 and burned Ewood down I dare say that we'd still have taken that 20 years ago!

btw all forward thinkers brace yourselves......

I'm sure that if Jack had chosen a different course of action and used his irresistable wealth and persuasive powers to amalgamate the 4/5 local lower league clubs into one super club all those years ago it might be rather easier to find a wealthy and willing buyer now.

[Eddie]

but theno, it isn't in our interest (by our I mean the club's) that they drive the price up. Every extra penny they get from the new owner is one penny less for signings and everything else.

You might have taken that 20 years ago, but I wasn't around 20 years ago. I'll tell you one thing, like everything in my life, if we're to go down I want to do it with a fight. If we take a gamble on a new owner and it goes tits up then so be it, much rather that then a slow demise. We'll end up in the same division either way.

[FourLaneBlue]

I can’t help but think if this was any other club/supporters more direct action would have been taken to get rid of the trustees. Obviously the situation would have to be clarified, but if the trustees are just after a big pay off its about time they’re made to feel a little less comfortable than they’re feeling right now.

Anyone recall the Brighton fans coming up here to protest against the chap who owned Focus.

Credit where credits due.

I disagree regarding it being anything to do this club or supporters. How can our current situation be compared to that of Brighton?

In that case Brighton fans were worried about going bankrupt and falling out the league. Dont think they had a stadium at the time either. They were almost relegated to the Conference a few times as well in the nineties.

Whereas at Rovers we have just had 3 consecutive top ten finishes in the richest league in the world. Maybe we have been spoiled since Jack came in.

When we have just finished seventh in the whole country there is unlikely to be too much anger towards the owners. If things go really pear-shaped that may change. Difficult to expect the fans to be really angry when they have it to so good.

[Fife Rover]

1. All this talk of Jack ensuring this and that? Have you all forgotten Fred's input both then and now?

btw Fife ...I'd imagine that Fred would never have allowed Jack to put in some stupid clause which included the word 'never'.

2. 'Current climate' Crikey I know there is a recession looming but there has never been as much money swilling around in the Prem as there is now.

Took me a while to figure out what on Earth you were referring to there Theno. Eventually by some research through my last 10 posts I found what you may be referring to, which was in one of the conditions I would have built into the Trust document that I would set up in the hypothetical case I was talking about and assuming I had similar disposable wealth to what Jack Walker had at the time he bought the Rovers. How on Earth you could somehow mistakenly confuse that with the real Trust Deeds we are all discussing on this thread at present I do not know. No doubt you will enlighten me and the other readers as well?

[John]

I find some of the comments within this thread ridiculous. You would think we have just been relegated. In a way, looking at our recent league positons, we have never had it so good. Credit must go to Hughes and also the board for that.

People are forseeing a demise etc, but I am sure JW and the board are fully aware of the situation.

The thought of taking a 'risk' on new ownership is absurd.

[stuwilky]

Yep. As I said about a month ago Gav, if they didn't have the Jack Walker legacy to fall back on the torches and pitch forks would have been out by now. It's time that we forget that they have anything to do with Walker and judge them for what they are: horrible football club owners who seem to have no interest in acting in the best interest of the club. They need to go and fast.

Bloody hell.

What a very very strange thing to say Eddie.

How on earth do you know whether they are acting in the best interests of the club or not? Are you privy to the information they and their agents and representatives are regarding the "bidders" that have been reported in the media? Are you privy to whether or not they meet any (if there is indeed such clauses) of the criteria laid down by Jack?

[Blackburn Ender]

Some people here need to think this through.

If the Trust wanted a quick buck, they could sell to any number of new money types and foreign consortia who are currently sniffing around Premiership clubs and coffers.

The fact is this: They must be convinced a new owner can do better than they can to honour the terms of Jack's will. Not because they want to; but because they have to.

Also, Nicko's spoken to some of the suitors. Are they aware of any conditions of sale governing the next but one owner of Rovers?

Because I can't see how Jack's wishes can be met if a new owner can sit on the club for a season or two and sell on for a profit to God know's who.

As the original statement from the Trust made clear: "The trust fund was structured by Jack Walker to provide on-going support for the club for the forseeable future and arrangements have been made to ensure that support is there now and for the years to come."

Whoever wants to buy Rovers has to satisfy this and I just can't see how a property developer from Cheshire or a sportswear executive is in a realistic position to do this.

The more I think about this and the more Nicko reveals who are the interested parties, the more I'm convinced our best long-term future will be as a club owned by the Walker Trust.

We might not be Chelsea, but we can hold our own in the Premiership with decent management, on and off the field, and the TV money will always make us competitive.

And if we need to sell a Bentley every now and again to top up the funds, then so be it.

[tony gale's mic]

Some people here need to think this through.

If the Trust wanted a quick buck, they could sell to any number of new money types and foreign consortia who are currently sniffing around Premiership clubs and coffers.

These new money types and foreign consortia would firstly need to be interested in us to do that.

The more I think about this and the more Nicko reveals who are the interested parties, the more I'm convinced our best long-term future will be as a club owned by the Walker Trust.

The same Walker Trust who want rid and aren't providing any future funding? Are you sure about that?

[OscarRaven]

The fact is this: They must be convinced a new owner can do better than they can to honour the terms of Jack's will. Not because they want to; but because they have to.

Because I can't see how Jack's wishes can be met if a new owner can sit on the club for a season or two and sell on for a profit to God know's who.

As the original statement from the Trust made clear: "The trust fund was structured by Jack Walker to provide on-going support for the club for the forseeable future and arrangements have been made to ensure that support is there now and for the years to come."

Whoever wants to buy Rovers has to satisfy this and I just can't see how a property developer from Cheshire or a sportswear executive is in a realistic position to do this.

The more I think about this and the more Nicko reveals who are the interested parties, the more I'm convinced our best long-term future will be as a club owned by the Walker Trust.

I hope this is true and they are indeed looking for a billionaire willing to invest and just wants the kudos of owning a premier league football club.

[thenodrog]

And if we need to sell a Bentley every now and again to top up the funds, then so be it.

And there's the rub! In 50 years I've only ever known one manager who has consistently sourced quality players on the cheap and increased their value many times to the benefit of BRFC ...... and we've just let him buggger off to Dodge(pot) City.

[leftfooter]

Leave em to it cos they managed to get one hell of a price which was well over valuation for a bit of a steel business 20 odd years ago.

Anyway hark at all the turn coats on here. If a condition of the Walker years was that we gave the players away in 2008 and burned Ewood down I dare say that we'd still have taken that 20 years ago!btw all forward thinkers brace yourselves......

I'm sure that if Jack had chosen a different course of action and used his irresistable wealth and persuasive powers to amalgamate the 4/5 local lower league clubs into one super club all those years ago it might be rather easier to find a wealthy and willing buyer now.

"....If a condition of the Walker years was that we gave the players away in 2008 and burned Ewood down I dare say that we'd still have taken that 20 years ago.."

10 OUT OF 10 for sheer dogged persistence TND, but for logic, go to the back of the glass.

To use an analogy; your flawed reasoning would have an offspring advocating infancticide by its parent or uncle by slow starvation as its siblings and the offspring thanked the parent/uncle for for allowing them to live so well until adulthood.

It doesn't work like that in the real world (no Fred West jokes please)

[1864roverite]

Come on TND, Hughes jumped ship.

He would have gone 6 months earlier if he could and I think that is what ultimately cost us a top 6 finish because by then we had the points on the board and it was silly formational football that cost us upto 6 points. Maybe Hughes was making a point but now he has gone we move on.

[daveoftherovers]

Come on TND, Hughes jumped ship.

He would have gone 6 months earlier if he could and I think that is what ultimately cost us a top 6 finish because by then we had the points on the board and it was silly formational football that cost us upto 6 points. Maybe Hughes was making a point but now he has gone we move on.

Hang on, Hughes knew FULL well what he was signing upto when he joined us.

If he was making a point it was an own goal, time with tell at "Massive club" City with it's fickle fans and nutjob owner.

[FourLaneBlue]

And there's the rub! In 50 years I've only ever known one manager who has consistently sourced quality players on the cheap and increased their value many times to the benefit of BRFC ...... and we've just let him buggger off to Dodge(pot) City.

Dalglish did so as well despite his big spending.

Shearer...bought for 3.3million and sold for 15

Sutton...bought for 5 and sold for 10

Berg...bought for 400,000 and sold or 5mill

Le Saux...bought for 700,000 and sold for 5 mill

and other players like Batty and Sherwood who were sold on for a profit.

Without a takeover appearing too likely (at least not soon) we are going to need Ince to keep finding diamonds in the rough. If we then sell them on for a big profit allowing us to plough the money back into the squad then the lack of recent investment from the Trust will be offset somewhat.

I think some on here are being too quick and desperate for new ownership. If it takes time then so be it. We should no rush to sell to anyone and if they have trouble in meeting the demands of the Trust then just what can they really do for us? How could they take us onto the next level?

[leftfooter]

Hang on, Hughes knew FULL well what he was signing upto when he joined us.

If he was making a point it was an own goal, time with tell at "Massive club" City with it's fickle fans and nutjob owner.

A lot of legitimate criticism can be lodged at Man City; but 'fickle fans'?

Long term Rovers fans would (I doubt) agree with such an epithet

[Fife Rover]

And there's the rub! In 50 years I've only ever known one manager who has consistently sourced quality players on the cheap and increased their value many times to the benefit of BRFC ...... and we've just let him buggger off to Dodge(pot) City.

EEHH Nathen!! At last you have posted something I can agree with Theno. Indeed I would extend your 50 by 12 more years with the same result. But then I would just like to ask you one perfectly civil question: How do you, or I, or anyone know that Paul Ince may not also be able to repeat the success that Mark Hughes achieved in the transfer market? I would suggest that you dont, but would still like to hear your considered answer.

[thenodrog]

EEHH Nathen!! At last you have posted something I can agree with Theno. Indeed I would extend your 50 by 12 more years with the same result. But then I would just like to ask you one perfectly civil question: How do you, or I, or anyone know that Paul Ince may not also be able to repeat the success that Mark Hughes achieved in the transfer market? I would suggest that you dont, but would still like to hear your considered answer.

I cannot see into the future Fife any more than the next man ...... but if you'd like to make small wager on the figures I'd might be more than willing to accept it.

btw re: the point I made ...... I'd have thought you'd have been a Johnny Carey fan.

[Tris]

The Trustees want out...but they also want out with a big wad of cash.

THAT is the issue here.

I get increasingly concerned every time Nicko peddles this line on this messageboard, because it generates a whole furore which is based on nothing but speculation by a journalist. The more times it gets posted, the more people react, and the more moss grows fat on a rolling stone.

The only thing that is known as an actual FACT is that the Trustees have to, and will act in the best interests of the football club.

There is no evidence whatsoever that the Trustees are doing anything other than acting in the best interests of BRFC.

So when Nicko rolls out the old "Trustees want to cash in" crap - just ignore it. It's to sell tabloids.

[AndyC]

I get increasingly concerned every time Nicko peddles this line on this messageboard, because it generates a whole furore which is based on nothing but speculation by a journalist. The more times it gets posted, the more people react, and the more moss grows fat on a rolling stone.

The only thing that is known as an actual FACT is that the Trustees have to, and will act in the best interests of the football club.

There is no evidence whatsoever that the Trustees are doing anything other than acting in the best interests of BRFC.

So when Nicko rolls out the old "Trustees want to cash in" crap - just ignore it. It's to sell tabloids.

it is, however, undisputed that the trustees have the club up or sale tris.

[Tris]

it is, however, undisputed that the trustees have the club up or sale tris.

And will no doubt eventually sell the club to the right buyer who can move the club foward.

Not to some two bob geezer who got bored renting flats.

[Brfcrule1]

Hello all,

I have been going through all the newspaper stories and things don't add up a few more questions for Nicko:

a) it said earlier Choudery has offered 30-35M they want 40-45Mill then reading back how comes both parties Choudery & C.Ronnie have been quoted 2 different prices what is the thinking behind that?

It has been reported that Choudery has wealth in Dubai & America I understand it in the U.K. he is worth 150M so what is his wealth abroad? It was reported in total he is worth half a billion? Is this correct?

c)If Choudery is taking on the clubs debt although it won't go into the walker trustees pockets surely in view of this he is actually offering more by taking on the debt which seems very reasonable?

d) Looking back through the articles when it first broke it was quoted in the people C.Ronnie was on the verge of a 25M takeover with all this talk of 2 different prices do I then take it if C.Ronnie bids 25M it will be accepted? or will the WT play hard ball and insist on the full price for the club?

e) Is the reason behind the 2 prices due to the fact C.Ronnie is financially more secure and Choudery could run into problems later and the WT might have to help & bail us out later? to me if the 2 people have have been quoted 2 different prices seems to me the WT want to start an auction to find the highest bidder which seems wrong

f)If the reported fee of 25M from C.Ronnie is accepted will he then have to take on the debt at the club 15-17M?

g) Do you think after everything that has gone on if C.Ronnie does come in with a bid do you think the WT will play hard ball and still want 40-45M + someone on top of that to take on the debt?

h) Is it true the icelandic consortium are part of the C.Ronnie takeover team?

As always you input Nicko is very refreshing & going through the newspaper articles recently I saw your pic on the J.Barton story recently you broke you look very smart keep up the good work.

Laters all.

[yoda]

Hello all,

I have been going through all the newspaper stories and things don't add up a few more questions for Nicko:

a) it said earlier Choudery has offered 30-35M they want 40-45Mill then reading back how comes both parties Choudery & C.Ronnie have been quoted 2 different prices what is the thinking behind that?

It has been reported that Choudery has wealth in Dubai & America I understand it in the U.K. he is worth 150M so what is his wealth abroad? It was reported in total he is worth half a billion? Is this correct?

c)If Choudery is taking on the clubs debt although it won't go into the walker trustees pockets surely in view of this he is actually offering more by taking on the debt which seems very reasonable?

d) Looking back through the articles when it first broke it was quoted in the people C.Ronnie was on the verge of a 25M takeover with all this talk of 2 different prices do I then take it if C.Ronnie bids 25M it will be accepted? or will the WT play hard ball and insist on the full price for the club?

e) Is the reason behind the 2 prices due to the fact C.Ronnie is financially more secure and Choudery could run into problems later and the WT might have to help & bail us out later? to me if the 2 people have have been quoted 2 different prices seems to me the WT want to start an auction to find the highest bidder which seems wrong

f)If the reported fee of 25M from C.Ronnie is accepted will he then have to take on the debt at the club 15-17M?

g) Do you think after everything that has gone on if C.Ronnie does come in with a bid do you think the WT will play hard ball and still want 40-45M + someone on top of that to take on the debt?

h) Is it true the icelandic consortium are part of the C.Ronnie takeover team?

As always you input Nicko is very refreshing & going through the newspaper articles recently I saw your pic on the J.Barton story recently you broke you look very smart keep up the good work.

Laters all.

He is not worth that much and it is his family that has the money!

It is easy to find people that know him in Blackburn, he/his family are their landlords, they own town centre properties that are leased out as well as the other more significant properties.

The majority of the money is tied up in assets, it is not free cash.