[Archived] Rovers Might Have Been Sold?

[Tim Southampton Rover]

I'm not sure why everyone is jumping up to defend Syed. If he has nothing to hide then surely this investigation shouldn't bother him.

If he has got stuff to hide and it's all coming out then we're lucky it's coming out now and not next month when it could have been too late.

[Muddboy]

Professor and financial analyst says that after looking into WGA's accounts, he's "highly sceptical" of their substance and that most of the transactions he came across were "paper wealth" and did not add up to the wealth that's been quoted.

All very bizarre.

[John]

Should we believe an Essex University lecturer or Rothschilds?

Not sure....

[DE.]

Which Essex Uni lecturer was it?

[RibbleValleyRover]

Which Essex Uni lecturer was it?

Professor Prem Sikka. Professor of Accounting at the University of Essex

[magicalmortensleftpeg]

Alot of what was stated amounted to parking tickets and failures to pay rent. Nothing too big.

The most concerning element is that Syed is not known at all in any banking circles or local financial communities. This, and the fact that nobody seems to have a clue what he does to make money must be of serious concern.

Some decent answers are needed. Because which ever way you want to view it there are certainly genuine concerns over how this guy does business.

[SIMON GARNERS 194]

The questions regarding his financial dealing were put to him and his advisors weeks ago apparently.....no reply to date?

[Iceman]

1 side of the story thus far, it takes 2 to tango!

[den]

I don't have any problem at all with this. If Syed is genuinely the man to take us over, then he will be able to rebut these allegations [that's all they are at the moment] to the trustees and to Rothschilds.

It's really quite good that he's being put under this pressure because the only beneficiary to this will be BRFC.

[J*B]

They seem to be saying a lot.. but not coming up with too much evidence? I'd definatly like to hear some more solid evidence, rather than a journalist, a landlord and a lecturer.

I'd also like a WGA statement quickly.

[DE.]

Professor Prem Sikka. Professor of Accounting at the University of Essex

Ah, not a lecturer I know...

This is a bit concerning, but considering how prudent the Trust/Rothschilds seem to have been in the past it seems strange that they could have overlooked all of this.

[PAFELL]

Can't believe this post...

I have my opinion as do others. I want investment into Rovers same as others. But in the light of these revelations, there are questions to answer. Until those questions are answered he is not fit for Blackburn Rovers. As mentioned, the jury is still out and considering its verdict.

[modes98]

Its a complete character assassination attempt. I'm just not sure why Goldberg has such an interest in Mr Syed, I'm sure he hasn't looked into other potential buyers of clubs, not that it is a bad thing.

I did wonder why they got a lecturer from Essex University to check over his account information, why not get a proper financial expert in?

I don't think we really know any more than before, just casts a few doubts over the funding available to Mr Syed, but the Trust and Rothchilds will have had access to this information anyway.

The questions regarding his financial dealing were put to him and his advisors weeks ago apparently.....no reply to date?

I did laugh when they said they had tried to contact him via his Bahrain office, ah yes Mr Goldberg the one which you told us is closed.

[Spansterkid]

Professor and financial analyst says that after looking into WGA's accounts, he's "highly sceptical" of their substance and that most of the transactions he came across were "paper wealth" and did not add up to the wealth that's been quoted.

All very bizarre.

All very bizarre indeed, not least because Mr Ali said he was going to channel his personal wealth through the Swiss WGA. Looking at WGA's accounts doesn't tell us much about that.

[Wolverine]

I note they picked and chose the comments carefully - ignoring Peter Waring's comment on the facebook page which is a shame as it is the only comment on there making a very good point.

[PAFELL]

We should be grateful that this is happening before a takeover and not afterwards.

IF Rothschild has missed all this then thank god they're aware of this now.

IF the BBC has got it wrong and Ali Syed can prove he has the funds and answer all these questions then at least he can be classed as a fit and proper person.

If what has been reported is true, then Rothschilds should be sacked.

[John]

Its fine, Rothchilds will ensure he is the right man....

We retained Price Waterhouse Coopers to advise us on the fabric of the deal, and they received assurances from Rothschilds, one of the most respected and respectable names in global finance, who vouched for both Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

[MikeB]

Mass hysteria over circumstantial 'chicken-sh-t' issues, imo.

This is the same mob who 'framed' Big Sam for alleged transfer bungs.

Someone for some reason seems to have a hidden agenda.

This guy is either the real deal or an escapee from a lunatic asylum.

If any of this proves correct, the trustees will undoubtedly sack and sue the arse of Roth's for gross negligence.

I'll keep my powder dry and give him the benefit of the doubt.

[PAFELL]

Its a complete character assassination attempt. I'm just not sure why Goldberg has such an interest in Mr Syed, I'm sure he hasn't looked into other potential buyers of clubs, not that it is a bad thing.

I did wonder why they got a lecturer from Essex University to check over his account information, why not get a proper financial expert in?

I don't think we really know any more than before, just casts a few doubts over the funding available to Mr Syed, but the Trust and Rothchilds will have had access to this information anyway.

I did laugh when they said they had tried to contact him via his Bahrain office, ah yes Mr Goldberg the one which you told us is closed.

Maybe the lecturer is known to the BBC etc. Maybe a lecture has less axe to grind than others. Either way, Rothschilds (which I believe is Jewish) has a lot to answer for.

[Wolverine]

Ha ha ha! The follow up story is fantastic (about the Pakistani cricket scandal). These comments from 5live:

"Innocent til proven guilty"

"We can't make accusations without actual proof"

Not saying Ali Syed doesn't have questions to answer, but I find it typically hypocritical of the media to say these things straight after a pretty flimsy expo based on circumstantial evidence and no real proof!

EDIT - They did agree with an expert (the bloke who runs the unnoficial Pakistan cricket team website...) that no conclusions can be drawn on 'circumstantial evidence'.

A very slick programme, almose the yin, to Ali Syed's PR yang.

[Gav]

You take each report on face value, and having weighed up all that has been reported over the past month or so he sounds like a what does that mean? crook!

[Greedy_Crawford]

Clearly lots of questions being raised and some answers required.

For me though it comes down to this. Has Syed (or any other potential new owner) got the cash to but out Rovers and invest in the team/club for its long term stability. Whoever that is gets my support. Don't care about any unpaid bills, dodgy pasts, what they get up to in their own house etc. Run a business myself in the past, come across enough good business people who have done something a bit dodgy in the past, doesn't stop them being good at what they do.

If Syed has the money the deal will go through, despite these allegations and anything else uncovered, unless it stops him passing the EPL tests (can't see that happening). I for one am happy to sit back and watch the next few days unfold with interest.

The only winner in all this is BRFC. We either get a new wealthy owner or a chancer is chased off. Lets all remember that before we all get too carried with the emotions of it all.

[Tim Southampton Rover]

I note they picked and chose the comments carefully - ignoring Peter Waring's comment on the facebook page which is a shame as it is the only comment on there making a very good point.

They replied on the facebook site:

5 live Investigates Hi Peter -- we did mention them in our first online story from earlier in the week. To our knowledge, the deals have not yet gone through but it's our understanding that McCabe signed a confidentiality agreement and would not confirm either way.

[mogster]

As I said, if this is all they've got after investigating him all over the world, let's get this thing signed. Even if the "Letting Agent" is telling the truth (I can't believe I'm typing this, and it's certainly not with a straight face) as long as he has shown Rovers and Rothschilds the money he in.

Might I also say that I regret some of my past, so if I'm ever investigated I want to 'fess up:

I once told a girl I loved her to get sex! I'm sorry

I once did a runner from a taxi! I'm sorry

One of my friends was sick on my mum and dads floor at a secret party I had when they were out! I blamed the dog for the smell.

I think that's enough but I know I can never own a football club now.

I've done a lot worse too but my point is that I am a completely different person now than I was pre 30. Maybe Mr Ali is??

[ABBEY]

Simple .methinks.

If not true sue

If true he's thru