[Archived] Rovers Might Have Been Sold?

[MeanGreenMachine]

I'm not happy with the game being so uncompetitive? I'm not happy with the unsustainable nature of the game? But I am happy with my 130+ year club being run in a sensible way, so that it is here for a few more generations...

The greedy, i want it now, look at me, celebrity culture will pass... In my opinion

And you dare suggest other people are naive .

Your so right how could I possibly even suggest it. Sorry.

I mean its on such a solid footing isn't it? 70% of clubs heavily geared and many with outgoings exceeding income, the biggest clubs not even paying back debt, some even struggling with the interest (with rates at a historic low) and the whole game dependent on the whims and attention spans of 7-8 billionaires.

The banking industry was on a much more solid footing and look what happened there... you did notice didn't you?

Wow you have took 2 extremely different industries, found a small common factor in both and come to a conclusion that they will end up alike. When a whole league collapses due to finances going tits up, you might be able to have some credit. Till then stick to doing the day job mystic meg.

Can I suggest if you have a problem trying to understand other peoples mindsets, you should perhaps look to open your own up, just fraction more.

I can quite easily understand rational arguments. What your suggesting is dying slowly.

[rebelmswar]

Take Syed, and take the risk. Only way to win.

Would you rather bet on a game of Russian Roulette with one bullet or three in the chambers?

[RevidgeBlue]

If the club is worth £25mio then £100mio cash injection is the equivelant of a 400% mortgage, your right I'd be wetting myself in that case (personal circumstances) just not with excitement.

P.S. I read the articles thanks. Increasing revenue by tapping into the local asian market, signing Beckham and building a new Riverside to house the hordes of new fans. Pure Genuis.

What generates more revunue 10% more fans or 10% on ticket prices?

No way of posting without sounding rude but I find your posts on this topic constantly belittling the Syed bid to be utter nonsense. A few points about what you have said in some of your posts.

1) Just because the asking price for the Club might be 25m at this point in time does not mean it will still be worth 25m in fifteen years time. It would hopefully be worth far more than that even without any additional invesatment which should of course enhance the value of the club in itself. You could easily argue the hundred million figure is necessary as an up front boost just to bring the squad back up to scratch after years of non investment by the current owners. There's been no net investment on players since Duff was sold.

2) Theoretically we would be better off being bought by an extremely rich sugar daddy who is so well off that he can afford to lose his initial investment without batting an eyelid - and then gets bitten by the football bug. Mr. Syed has said that he hopes to increase our income but even if he is successful in that we still wouldn't be able to generate the same sort of revenue as the very biggest Clubs. That said, I haven't seen anywhere where he's said he would want the Club to run on an UNSUSTAINABLE basis. I tell you what is unsustainable, continuing to starve the team of investment and being relegated with our current wage bill.

3) Please tell me what is wrong with the concept of either tapping into the local market or increasing our profile overseas? I know both are easier said than done but just because Rovers haven't previously attempted the latter doesn't mean it can't be done. We just haven't had any available resources to put into it.

Essentially we have two choices, we can take a bit of a gamble in the hope of developing the Club to it's next stage in the current era and hopefully enjoy another period of success at the highest level or do nothing and wither away and continue at a much lower level than now and that's assuming we would survive the impact and eventual fall out of being relegated.

[rebelmswar]

No way of posting without sounding rude but I find your posts on this topic constantly belittling the Syed bid to be utter nonsense. A few points about what you have said in some of your posts.

1) Just because the asking price for the Club might be 25m at this point in time does not mean it will still be worth 25m in fifteen years time. It would hopefully be worth far more than that even without any additional invesatment which should of course enhance the value of the club in itself. You could easily argue the hundred million figure is necessary as an up front boost just to bring the squad back up to scratch after years of non investment by the current owners. There's been no net investment on players since Duff was sold.

2) Theoretically we would be better off being bought by an extremely rich sugar daddy who is so well off that he can afford to lose his initial investment without batting an eyelid - and then gets bitten by the football bug. Mr. Syed has said that he hopes to increase our income but even if he is successful in that we still wouldn't be able to generate the same sort of revenue as the very biggest Clubs. That said, I haven't seen anywhere where he's said he would want the Club to run on an UNSUSTAINABLE basis. I tell you what is unsustainable, continuing to starve the team of investment and being relegated with our current wage bill.

3) Please tell me what is wrong with the concept of either tapping into the local market or increasing our profile overseas? I know both are easier said than done but just because Rovers haven't previously attempted the latter doesn't mean it can't be done. We just haven't had any available resources to put into it.

Essentially we have two choices, we can take a bit of a gamble in the hope of developing the Club to it's next stage in the current era and hopefully enjoy another period of success at the highest level or do nothing and wither away and continue at a much lower level than now and that's assuming we would survive the impact and eventual fall out of being relegated.

[RevidgeBlue]

Would you rather bet on a game of Russian Roulette with one bullet or three in the chambers?

If we stay as we are now the gun has five real bullets in and one rubber one which might not kill us but will leave us pretty badly bruised.

[RevidgeBlue]

All I know about one of the 'movers' is that they seem pretty serious. No more details than that.

The point that interested me most was that they were told a buy could still be done...

No offence intended nicko but we have rightly spent all summer scoffing at the LT's revelations about an alleged undisclosed bid for a mystery striker and now right at the tenth hour we read about an alleged bid for the Club from would you credit it......undisclosed mystery buyers.

Two things occur to me about this.

1) It's common knowledge the Club has been up for sale for a couple of years isn't it? Why would a serious bidder wait until another party had been granted a period of exclusivity before coming forward? Unless it was a mischievous/malicious attempt by them to cast doubt on the Syed approach?

2) It's not at all surprising imo the Club are not dismissing any other potential suitors out of hand. What happens if Mr. Syed decides not to proceed for any reason?

[rebelmswar]

I have to agree, this cloak and dagger bullshit is as suspenseful as Friday the 13th part six and about as tired.

[nicko]

No offence intended nicko but we have rightly spent all summer scoffing at the LT's revelations about an alleged undisclosed bid for a mystery striker and now right at the tenth hour we read about an alleged bid for the Club from would you credit it......undisclosed mystery buyers.

I know for a fact there has been one approach...it is quite surprising that another is mentioned in the Screws...as we do not compare notes you will just have to accept that there are [at least] two other interested parties.

It's not THAT much of a surprise. There are people out there wanting clubs and Rovers is a club you can buy at a reasonable price and without any hassle.

There is obviously some urgency about the interest because Syed has got to a stage where he is potentially close to buying it and taking it off the market.

The one/two new faces around could be tyre kickers for all I know.

But, I will say again, there is still scope for someone else to come in.

As for the phantom strikers. The difference here is that neither I - nor I presume the Screws - were given this information from inside the club or the sellers or their agents.

[RovertheHill]

It's only daft if you don't consider the wider picture. The game of 15 years ago is unrecognisable today, things move on and change, in another 15 years who knows where the game will be. Anything is possible.

I think that the flurry of interest in purchasing the club is recognition in part that the game may well be changing to our benefit. Platini seems Hell bent on leveling playing fields and slowly the financial restrictions under discussion/implementation will start to curb wages and the therefore the huge cost of currently running a club. I think you will find that the game will turn to focus more on youth and notably that is being spoken about by Mr Syed and those with an interest of buying into other clubs.

If we are early into the battle and build on our already substantial investment in the Academy then we will be well placed to have a good number of future stars locked into the club. Some currently rich clubs are spending massively right now to beat the upcoming restrictions but it won't be long before the revamping of the new rules will have some real tangible effects on the league tables.

Taking this together with what we already know about about Jack's stipulations to the Trust about providing entertainment for the people of Blackburn (which ensures that the Rovers EPL franchise cannot be bought and relocated elsewhere a la Millwall/Milton Keynes and some teams in the NFL) plus what Mr Syed proposes for the development of the brand in the new economic powerhouses of India, China etc - then we can be reasonably sure that any Rovers title aspirations will be stronger over the next 15 years than now.

So no, I don't agree it was a daft thing to say for the above reasons. Then again I don't think it was a daft thing to say because I am also a passionate aspirational supporter and such dreams sustain me. And yet again, Jack was a fan, Mr Syed is a fan. I still choke up when I see footage of Jack with a tear in his eye and his lip trembling so yes, I'd love to go through the same emotion again with the new (fan) owner.

You're welcome to your opinion of course but you don't need to be so caustic and disparaging about those of others. I'm a dreamer, so what.

And you (and some others on here) shouldn't tell people that if they don't share your dreams then they shouldn't be on this board

[RevidgeBlue]

I know for a fact there has been one approach...it is quite surprising that another is mentioned in the Screws...as we do not compare notes you will just have to accept that there are [at least] two other interested parties.

It's not THAT much of a surprise. There are people out there wanting clubs and Rovers is a club you can buy at a reasonable price and without any hassle.

There is obviously some urgency about the interest because Syed has got to a stage where he is potentially close to buying it and taking it off the market.

The one/two new faces around could be tyre kickers for all I know.

But, I will say again, there is still scope for someone else to come in.

As for the phantom strikers. The difference here is that neither I - nor I presume the Screws - were given this information from inside the club or the sellers or their agents.

Thanks for the reply.

I have no reason at all to disbelieve you but if I'm reading you correctly it's quite a serious assertion to make that news about the new interest was intentionally leaked by The Club, the Trustees or Rothschilds.

After Syed has already signed a period of exclusivity and all parties are supposed to be bound by NDA's.

What could we possibly be thinking of?

[nicko]

Thanks for the reply.

I have no reason at all to disbelieve you but if I'm reading you correctly it's quite a serious assertion to make that news about the new interest was intentionally leaked by The Club, the Trustees or Rothschilds.

After Syed has already signed a period of exclusivity and all parties are supposed to be bound by NDA's.

What could we possibly be thinking of?

No, misread that...what I am saying is that my story did NOT come from the club [unlike the Mystery Striker yarns].

[PAFELL]

And you dare suggest other people are naive .

Wow you have took 2 extremely different industries, found a small common factor in both and come to a conclusion that they will end up alike. When a whole league collapses due to finances going tits up, you might be able to have some credit. Till then stick to doing the day job mystic meg.

I can quite easily understand rational arguments. What your suggesting is dying slowly.

Instead of pouring scorn on what this poster said, you should look at the reality. The prem, the game of football IS unsustainable in its current form. It will colapse and the banks are just an example he gave. There only so many billionares and football clubs. Eventually the other clubs will just be feeder clubs for other clubs. People should realise, NO club has a divine right to be in the top flight. But every club should have the chance. But at the moment there is NO level playing field.

what is the answer or solution? I suggest wake up time will come when so called big clubs - man u and liverpool are forced to pay their debts. You only have to look at Fulham and WHU, two clubs in London, both over 100 million in debt. That debt has to be repaid, somehow. Both ironically are still spending and signing players in this transfer window.

The premier league is a financial ticking time bomb.

you may not like or agree with another person posts, so be it. But you riddiculed it without putting forward a decent arguement against what was posted.

[RevidgeBlue]

No, misread that...what I am saying is that my story did NOT come from the club [unlike the Mystery Striker yarns].

Ok - sorry my apologies. I see what you mean now.

If that's the case I have to go back to my original view that the revelations are unhelpful though.

Not your fault but I have to question the motives of the parties expressing an interest so late.

[philipl]

I understand that both the parties reported as being interested by the popular press this morning are a lot more credible than Saurin Shah was.

[RevidgeBlue]

I understand that both the parties reported as being interested by the popular press this morning are a lot more credible than Saurin Shah was.

What do you mean?

Bollywood dancing girls at half time? How much more credible could it get?

[Iceman]

C'mon uncle Ahasan!

[TimmyJimmy]

And you (and some others on here) shouldn't tell people that if they don't share your dreams then they shouldn't be on this board

It must have been one of my multiple personalities typing that as I have no recollection of it at all. Re-reading my response to your accusation of daftness I can't spot it either, perhaps you could enlighten me. If you think my post was implying this then you are wrong, of course everyone is entitled to their say. I had my say and you called me daft pot, kettle, black?

In my opinion if you don't believe (dream) that we can tub one or two of the big boys from time to time why turn up to watch at all? Surely it's masochistic to turn up each week expecting to get beat. I'm an optimist, with the right investment we can beat 10th place and beating 10th place means we can land in positions 1 to 9. What's wrong with first place? I've bet on worse odds than 1:9 and won money.

Some on here, you included, should lighten up and look to get a bit of fun back in your life, life's not all gloom and doom.

Oh and OscarRaven whilst I'm at it, if you found my post offensive then you must have either a very thin skin or you are one of those people who is perpetually looking for reasons to be a victim, grow up. I was referring to Jack's reaction to winning the EPL and hoping to see the same kind of reaction from a new owner, I was not comparing Jack to anyone. Please don't try to set me up to be the Bully to your Victim, I don't appreciate it.

[RovertheHill]

I look forward to the scenes of Mr Syed crying like Jack did when we again win the Premiership, even if it's in 15 years time, and if you don't think that's a possibility then you shouldn't be on a supporters board.

It must have been one of my multiple personalities typing that as I have no recollection of it at all. Re-reading my response to your accusation of daftness I can't spot it either, perhaps you could enlighten me. If you think my post was implying this then you are wrong, of course everyone is entitled to their say. I had my say and you called me daft pot, kettle, black?

In my opinion if you don't believe (dream) that we can tub one or two of the big boys from time to time why turn up to watch at all? Surely it's masochistic to turn up each week expecting to get beat. I'm an optimist, with the right investment we can beat 10th place and beating 10th place means we can land in positions 1 to 9. What's wrong with first place? I've bet on worse odds than 1:9 and won money.

It's there in black and white. I'm pretty sure I've not misinterpreted that - you say that if people don't believe what you believe then they shouldn't be on here.

Who said I didn't think we could beat the big boys from time to time? As for your maths/odds for finishing first then all I can say is that the bookies must love you. Finishing above 10th does not mean therefore mean that the odds of finishing first are 1 in 9. To put it into context - Spurs have spent £290M in the last few seasons to get 4th place. Man City have spent £300M and haven't got 4th place yet. There is nothing wrong with dreaming - we all do it. But there needs to be a HEALTHY cynicism about these things because if not then you become West Ham/Portsmouth. I have no reason to think Mr Syed will be bad for this club. Equally I have no particular reason (other than what he tells us) to think he will be good for it. However, I have an open mind and will give him my support if he does take over the club but I will judge him over a period of time - not based on some soundbites given in the last few weeks.

And finally, the reason I called your post daft is because Jack was a lifelong Rovers fan. Mr Syed, whatever he says and however impeccably he is presenting himself, patently is not. The actual words I would use to describe somebody comparing the two are quite a bit stronger but let's stick with daft.

[RevidgeBlue]

And finally, the reason I called your post daft is because Jack was a lifelong Rovers fan. Mr Syed, whatever he says and however impeccably he is presenting himself, patently is not. The actual words I would use to describe somebody comparing the two are quite a bit stronger but let's stick with daft.

I do think this is a complete red herring. I wonder how much Roman Abramovic knew about Chelsea before he took over there.

In my view it matters not one jot whether whether Mr. Syed has supported Rovers from the cradle or whether he knows relatively little about us but has a burning desire to own a Premiership Club and wants to make a relatively good fist of it.

All that matters is what he does from the moment he takes over. Assuming it happens.

[Pete1981]

Another story on the Telegraphs website

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/blackburnrovers/news/8360633.Syed_has_no_Rovers_takeover_concerns/

[Bobby G]

Things looking a bit "unclear" to say the least on all three fronts right now. Lets hope a clearer picture emanates sooner rather than later.

[philipl]

LT link which works

Says that there are live bids from Saurin Shah, the Australians and the Asians nicko reported on but some Americans and people from Dubai have withdrawn. The key paragraphs are:

"Syed’s bid is understood to be further advanced than any of his competitors, having agreed a one-month period of exclusivity in which no-one else can buy the club as they explore the finances, but no binding deals have been done.

"Rovers continue to keep their own counsel but have stated all along that there are several interested parties and that the process is ongoing."

Probably the greatest significance of this is that Andy Cryer wrote a headline about Ali Syed's bid still being on track at 10.40 this morning. Also note the careful use of words- no binding deals- which rather suggests to me there is a very real deal which has been done subject to due diligence.

[iamarover]

"@PaulPlunkettLT: @Jessie666_TW Syed breakdown would be £60m to buy club and pay debts £100m for transfers and rest long term investment ie academy etc"

Quite specific numbers. The Telegraph seem on the inside here. I suspect the freeholds on Brockhall and Ewood are going if the price for the club is 60 million with debt.

Time to pray.

[Hughesy]

Not sure - £60m (£20m debt) - only means a £40m asking price - which given the increase in interest in us, could soon push the price up!

[imy9]

Its all a positive as far as I am concerned, if syed buys us we are happy, if not then there are others ready to purchase the club.