[Archived] Rovers Might Have Been Sold?

[Hughesy]

Shah seems to have more or less admitted defeat (and im glad - even if Syed fails, as he doesnt have the resources to meet Premier league needs).

He has said 'I will own a football club one day'. 'If the other party can bring the money that they are talking about, then I will step aside, as I want the best for the club'.

'I have a small family, and I DO NOT have £300m to put into a football club I want to buy a football club, and blackburn are my first love, but if not i will look elsewhere'.

[philipl]

caveat emptor- Latin for buyer beware.

That goes for Ahsan Ali Syed as much as for Rovers fans- none of us are talking to the world's media about £300m commitments.

My reading is that this is a man with "old money". He has talked about 9 generations of his family in his interviews. In other words he is putting his FAMILY's reputation on the line here.

I accept there are risks that misjudgements may be made under his stewardship but I for one do not now question the genuine good faith of Ahsan Ali Sayed.

This has gone too far and he has too much to lose for him not to back up his words. He is putting the credibility of everything- his family, his personal investment business and himself on the line and taken a far far higher profile than he has ever adopted before. Even if he subsequently buys a Formula 1 team, it will be as "Blackburn Rovers owner, Ahsan Ali Sayed today.... "

That is how he has chosen to identify himself.

The Talksport interviiew with David Conn was actually quite intelligent and reasonable by their standards. Interestingly, Darren Gough said investing £100m into Blackburn Rovers WOULD make us Premier League title contenders!

[rovers_rob]

Seem to remember the 'billionaire' Mike Ashley talking the same talk when he bought Newcastle.

That worked out really well, didn't it?

Why should Rovers be just about the only club to find a true sugar daddy with a heart of gold?

What's the Latin for seller beware?

John Williams and the Trust have seen what has happened to the likes of portsmouth, liverpool etc.. over the years so do you not think they would have learned from their experiences ?

As for us being the only club with a sugar daddy, Chelsea have done ok haven't they ?

I trust the board 100% and whoever they sell the club to will be in their opinion the best owner for us. John Williams is passionate about the club and he and the trust are well aware of what Jack would want.

[Hughesy]

I am little bit confused this morning.

I have talked to two of Saurin Shah's advisers this morning. Both of them are adamant that they are still very much in with a chance of buying Rovers, they concede that Syed Ali has made big steps over the last week, however they say that they had productive talks with Rothchild's yesterday. They believe that Mr Ali still has some issues on which he has to convince the Trust on. They are due to have further talks this week.

Kamy forget him.....contact Syeds crew and get some info - they seem to be talking to most radio stations etc...see if you can gain anything new which you can disclose..

[philipl]

I am little bit confused this morning.

I have talked to two of Saurin Shah's advisers this morning. Both of them are adamant that they are still very much in with a chance of buying Rovers, they concede that Syed Ali has made big steps over the last week, however they say that they had productive talks with Rothchild's yesterday. They believe that Mr Ali still has some issues on which he has to convince the Trust on. They are due to have further talks this week.

Rothschilds are being sensible. It is not over until it is over and there is nothing like a competitor gaining a lead to spur another potential bidder into getting their act together.

These continuing talks with Shah are above board but Syed has said unambiguously that the MoU include heads of agreement. In other words it is now for him to say no sale if they change their minds- otherwise it is a done deal and he is the new owner of Rovers. Let's see if this interpretation gets challenged or refuted shall we?

[Guest Kamy100]

Already done that Hughesy. Got something special coming up for this site within the next day or so! A Q&A with Mr Ali, have sent him the questions last night, it is going to cover stuff that has not been mentioned in the press, questions are more fan focused.

Thanks to Philip for helping me put the questions together.

[imy9]

so can the trust not back out now philip?

[LeChuck]

Interestingly, Darren Gough said investing £100m into Blackburn Rovers WOULD make us Premier League title contenders!

It's only interesting because it's complete nonsense!

[philipl]

so can the trust not back out now philip?

Depends on the precise wording of the Heads of Agreement but basically they are over the threshhold.

Again somebody might have a different personal view to mine.

It's only interesting because it's complete nonsense!

No- interesting in that they have spouted nonsense in our favour!

By the way, didn't Ferguson sound bitter and frustrated in that interview when he was asked about other clubs' spending.

[phili]

Seem to remember the 'billionaire' Mike Ashley talking the same talk when he bought Newcastle.

That worked out really well, didn't it?

Why should Rovers be just about the only club to find a true sugar daddy with a heart of gold?

What's the Latin for seller beware?

I don't think Mike Ashley was the smartest chap in the world. Certainly buying a club for £100m, not doing due diligence properly and finding £250m of debt and paying that off in your first year, is more investment clearing the old regimes problems than the total investment being talked about with us.

If you had just spent £350m in one year and still have fans wanting your head, What would you have done?

In one way Mike probably saved Newcastle from going in administration, just the wheels fell off when he refused to buy players that Keegan and the Geordies expected.

[Hughesy]

Heads of agreement (law), a non-binding document outlining the main issues relevant to a tentative (partnership or other) agreement

[imy9]

Hope that is a question asked of syed as it would put our minds at ease about shah

[thenodrog]

And I'm old enough to remember Fulham signing George Best, Rodney Marsh and Bobby Moore - didnt exactly set Fulham on the World stage.

Apart from Goonhilly and Jodrell bank how many satellite dishes did you see in those days Alan?

I am little bit confused this morning.

I have talked to two of Saurin Shah's advisers this morning. Both of them are adamant that they are still very much in with a chance of buying Rovers, they concede that Syed Ali has made big steps over the last week, however they say that they had productive talks with Rothchild's yesterday. They believe that Mr Ali still has some issues on which he has to convince the Trust on. They are due to have further talks this week.

Hey howe about a coalition? Seems all the rage currently.

[Majiball]

Apart from Goonhilly and Jodrell bank how many satellite dishes did you see in those days Alan?

Loads of these where I grew up:

You could hardly miss them in those days.

[mogster]

The moment Mr Shah and his advisors deviate from the solid stance they have held so far (i.e. they are in with a chance of buying the club) it's over and they have admitted defeat.

So until they actually do concede or until Mr Syed complete's his takeover, expect Mr Shah's side to continue with the 'we're in with a chance message'.

Admittedly it does look bleak for them and they seem to be saying what they need to but none of us really know what both groups will bring to the club and we won't know for sure until someone takes us over because the club will want proof and assurances on the future.

All we know for a fact is that cordial talks were held with Mr Syed's advisors.... that's it!

The rest is hearsay, speculation and unsubstantiated promises.

[thenodrog]

What's the Latin for seller beware?

caveat emptor- Latin for buyer beware.

Thats not what he wanted to know Philip.

[rovers_rob]

I am little bit confused this morning.

I have talked to two of Saurin Shah's advisers this morning. Both of them are adamant that they are still very much in with a chance of buying Rovers, they concede that Syed Ali has made big steps over the last week, however they say that they had productive talks with Rothchild's yesterday. They believe that Mr Ali still has some issues on which he has to convince the Trust on. They are due to have further talks this week.

Shah said on Monday he was still in with a chance but since then the club have made an official statement about productive discussions with WGA.

I think that speaks volumes.

If Shah was still in with a chance I would expect the club to state that they are still in discussions with more than one potential buyer.

If there is any doubt about Syed then I think the club should come out ASAP and play the talks down a bit and tell the fans to calm down !!

[Hughesy]

Already done that Hughesy. Got something special coming up for this site within the next day or so! A Q&A with Mr Ali, have sent him the questions last night, it is going to cover stuff that has not been mentioned in the press, questions are more fan focused.

Thanks to Philip for helping me put the questions together.

Fan focused in what way? Look forward to it...

[RoyRover]

Until the takeover happens, I'm not counting on anything. I'd love this to happen and think this is the type of investment we need if we are to move forward. We've all been crying out for years at the chronic lack of investment put into the club by the Trustees and how we needed a new owner to take us on. Now that they are potentially here, there are some people who are rightfully nervous about it. What is clear is that we need new owners and can't go on like we have been. There are people on the Blackburn side of things who will be making sure that the club is being passed into the right hands. As others have mentioned, I do wish that the figure of 100 million wasn't made public as this only drives up prices. I'm looking forward to what develops over the next couple of days.

[jim mk2]

What's the Latin for seller beware?

Caveat venditor

[mogster]

I keep trying to explain to my girlfriend about what this all actually means.

She is less interested than I would like....

He would like Beckham !

Combining these two comments - My wife was also not nearly excited enough by what is going on. She even said Sam would probably resign because it's unethical to spend that much money on footballers!!!!

Granted, she and my 11 year old daughter tag along with me faithfully to every home game as I bought them a season ticket each as they're so cheap (season tickets, not my family), but beyond the thrill of a match day there is little other interest.

UNTIL THIS MORNING when I mentioned the link above and the very slim chance David Beckham might come to Rovers!

They are changed people. My wife actually had a hot flush - A HOT FLUSH!! Something I've never seen nor caused. And she's all for the takeover now.

So Bucky, you know what to do to get your girlfriend interested in the takeover - but it might cost you your manhood.

[greggyk]

When does this Uefa Financial Fair Play protocol get implemented btw? Meaning clubs can only spend as much as they generate

[Hughesy]

When does this Uefa Financial Fair Play protocol get implemented btw? Meaning clubs can only spend as much as they generate

2012-13...IF it comes in

[doctorryan]

Surely age is irrelevant here.

Abramovich is only 43...

Which means he was 36 when he took over Chelsea.

Lancashire United's one and only fan emerges from his 1980s bunker.

I think we should call it "Gordon FC".

Gotta love this board.

In two weeks we have gone from...

Benjani or Beattie?

to...

How big should we make our stadium?

What if Sam wastes £80m?

Should we buy Beckham?

Which continents should the club be most heavily promoted?

Cracks me up. Can't help but be very excited.

I'm surprised arguments haven't broken out over where the European Cup should go in the trophy room.

[unluckymorton]

Which means he was 36 when he took over Chelsea.

I think we should call it "Gordon FC".

I'm surprised arguments haven't broken out over where the European Cup should go in the trophy room.

Along side the Premier League trophy of course.