[Archived] Rovers Supporters Launch Trust To Buy Club

[47er]

Glen Mullan. Nothing 'ITK' about it, it was posted on here by a few people recently.

So what?

[47er]

A week ago Wayne Wild was nothing to do with this and had just been asked for his input. Now he is leading the group whilst one of his employees is organising supporter's protests against the current owners.

I'm sorry but it just doesn't sit right.

Yes -real problem this. Wayne is a life-long Rovers supporter, lives locally, is relatively wealthy and hopefully has connections to other people with wealth. Totally unsuitable!

Glen is a committed supporter who has worked his arse off for months organising protests which have brought Venkys mismanagement to the fore world-wide. Another one we don't want!

Who should we get? Someone who thinks its all a waste of time?

[BiggusLaddus]

So what?

I was asked a question and answered it, that's what.

It 'doesn't sit right' with me because it's a conflict of interest. I'm not suggesting for one minute that there is anything untoward going on but to me it just doesn't look good.

[47er]

I was asked a question and answered it, that's what.

It 'doesn't sit right' with me because it's a conflict of interest. I'm not suggesting for one minute that there is anything untoward going on but to me it just doesn't look good.

Where's the conflict of interest? If you're not suggesting for one moment that there is anything untoward going on how can it not "look good"?

Weasel words mate. You're chucking mud in the hope some of it sticks.

[BiggusLaddus]

Why on earth would I be doing that? If you are really saying that you can't see any potential problem with the leader of a group of protesters against the current owners being employed by the leader of a potential takeover group then you are either being extremely naive or deliberately obtuse.

There doesn't need to be anything dodgy going on in the background for people to get put off by the way it looks from the outside.

[47er]

Why on earth would I be doing that? If you are really saying that you can't see any potential problem with the leader of a group of protesters against the current owners being employed by the leader of a potential takeover group then you are either being extremely naive or deliberately obtuse.

There doesn't need to be anything dodgy going on in the background for people to get put off by the way it looks from the outside.

They are both life-long supporters of the club. Perhaps Glen should get a job somewhere else? So, no I don't see a problem just a possible solution. What you're implying is Glen's been bought off.

However you phrase it that's what you mean.

[Daniel Louis Grabko (Dan)]

Has anybody mentioned a compromise, where the supporters buy a stake in Rovers?

This would allow venkys to save face and may even gain them some respect for being prepared to work in partnership with supporters.

The financial requirements of the supporters body may then not be quite as onerous, making £10m an achievable target.

Once the supporters have valid representation within the club sustainable change can be brought about through due process.

It doesn't need to be an 'either or' situation.

The middle road way well be the best outcome here.

I know a lot of people want to completely end venkys ownership of Rovers but I feel it is 'better the devil you know'.

We need stability not further ownership change.

Venkys need help to run the club, help from people who are free from ulterior motives.

The best people to provide this help are to be found amongst the body of supporters.

Venkys would not only save face but would gain a massive PR coup if the sold a stake to a supporters body.

This enlightened move should not be a philanthropic act - it would lose it's impact then. To maintain credibility any stake purchased must be at the current market price.

(in my ideal world the cash input from the supporters would be used to satisfy the bank...)

Supporters alone cannot afford to sustain a premier league club, division two maybe, but not premier league.

External funding will be needed if the ambition is Premier League football.

Fans and owners working in partnership would be the ideal solution, but I fear that too many people in both camps will be too stubborn for this to happen.

Good comments, John. I can tell you that the BRSIT is currently exploring ALL options to bring a controlling interest in the club to the supporters and the community, including possibilities similar to the one you describe. There are a lot of valid points you make, and you are not alone in making them.

[TBTF]

This is a top effort by many people and full credit to all involved. Personally I don't see it coming off in a million years but nobody should create an obstacle for these guys who are genuinely having a go.it seems a bit strange that this comes within days of hearing that Venkys are aware of 3 bidders but state they have no interest in selling.it is hard to commit to something that is only a concept so we end up getting fans to say yes who don't follow up when they chips are down and the whole thing is a farce.

I was reading the announcement and obviously volunteers are required in some important areas and I was hoping to see the 2 Ian s on board. Daniel,are they part of this group and have you spoken to them? They seem to have been quiet for a bit-probably because Venkys have ignored them like everyone else

[john.leigh]

Good comments, John. I can tell you that the BRSIT is currently exploring ALL options to bring a controlling interest in the club to the supporters and the community, including possibilities similar to the one you describe. There are a lot of valid points you make, and you are not alone in making them.

Thanks for the acknowledgment Dan - let me know if I can help.

[Daniel Louis Grabko (Dan)]

This is a top effort by many people and full credit to all involved. Personally I don't see it coming off in a million years but nobody should create an obstacle for these guys who are genuinely having a go.it seems a bit strange that this comes within days of hearing that Venkys are aware of 3 bidders but state they have no interest in selling.it is hard to commit to something that is only a concept so we end up getting fans to say yes who don't follow up when they chips are down and the whole thing is a farce.

I was reading the announcement and obviously volunteers are required in some important areas and I was hoping to see the 2 Ian s on board. Daniel,are they part of this group and have you spoken to them? They seem to have been quiet for a bit-probably because Venkys have ignored them like everyone else

TBTF - Ian Battersby and Ian Currie are not currently affiliated with the BRSIT in any way, yet. We haven't had contact from them yet, but have expressed our interest in communicating with them. One thing that must be understood about the businesses that guys like the two Ian's run is that they operate very much on reputation and being affiliated and synonymous with success - it is the major competitive element in a financier or M&A marketplace - i.e. having a 100% record. It is nothing against them at all - I fully respect that and so does the BRSIT as a whole. We know we aren't going to get the public backing of these types of people or organizations yet, but as soon as we show that there is sufficient support from the individual fans and community, we are confident that we can be in a position where these guys and those like them will want to step forward and join forces with us.

In that spirit, the BRSIT is focusing on gathering momentum and support, which is coming in droves in just the first two and half days. We hope that through this, as stated above, we can gather in the support of whoever the other two groups are, one of which is certain to be backed by the two Ian's, and present a unified front to the current ownership to be able to initiate a mutually beneficial dialogue. In plain English - United we are strong and that is the immediate goal of the BRSIT.

[rovers_rob]

TBTF - Ian Battersby and Ian Currie are not currently affiliated with the BRSIT in any way, yet. We haven't had contact from them yet, but have expressed our interest in communicating with them. One thing that must be understood about the businesses that guys like the two Ian's run is that they operate very much on reputation and being affiliated and synonymous with success - it is the major competitive element in a financier or M&A marketplace - i.e. having a 100% record. It is nothing against them at all - I fully respect that and so does the BRSIT as a whole. We know we aren't going to get the public backing of these types of people or organizations yet, but as soon as we show that there is sufficient support from the individual fans and community, we are confident that we can be in a position where these guys and those like them will want to step forward and join forces with us.

In that spirit, the BRSIT is focusing on gathering momentum and support, which is coming in droves in just the first two and half days. We hope that through this, as stated above, we can gather in the support of whoever the other two groups are, one of which is certain to be backed by the two Ian's, and present a unified front to the current ownership to be able to initiate a mutually beneficial dialogue. In plain English - United we are strong and that is the immediate goal of the BRSIT.

Its good to know BRFC has fans like you and Mr Wild who are prepared to put the time and effort into coming up with a solution. There has been so much negativity around the club in the last few months but this is definitely a positive.

I will be honest that I don't fully understand the financial side of things in football (in fact that is an understatement) and I'm not sure if this will work but I have signed up and I am prepared to scrape a grand together if it is needed. I would rather put my faith (and money if required) into a fellow rovers fan than anyone else, especially after what has happened since Venkys took over.

I know the plan is to buy the club in the worst case scenario but I think it would be good for fans to take ownership (or even part ownership) of the club if we stay up or not. Not sure if that is possible though.

Anyway, keep up the good work Daniel !

[TBTF]

TBTF - Ian Battersby and Ian Currie are not currently affiliated with the BRSIT in any way, yet. We haven't had contact from them yet, but have expressed our interest in communicating with them. One thing that must be understood about the businesses that guys like the two Ian's run is that they operate very much on reputation and being affiliated and synonymous with success - it is the major competitive element in a financier or M&A marketplace - i.e. having a 100% record. It is nothing against them at all - I fully respect that and so does the BRSIT as a whole. We know we aren't going to get the public backing of these types of people or organizations yet, but as soon as we show that there is sufficient support from the individual fans and community, we are confident that we can be in a position where these guys and those like them will want to step forward and join forces with us.

In that spirit, the BRSIT is focusing on gathering momentum and support, which is coming in droves in just the first two and half days. We hope that through this, as stated above, we can gather in the support of whoever the other two groups are, one of which is certain to be backed by the two Ian's, and present a unified front to the current ownership to be able to initiate a mutually beneficial dialogue. In plain English - United we are strong and that is the immediate goal of the BRSIT.

Thanks Daniel thats fair enough and explains things nicely.I don't know the ins and outs of all the corporate things but what you have said makes sense.If they are the top operators people keep telling me they are then they won't be doing their planning and scheming in the glare of the spotlight will they ??

It would be really good to think that BRFC has its own top drawer fans capable of doing this when the rest of the country thinks we are out walking whippets all day.

Thanks again daniel

[Guest Wen Y Hu]

Further news on BRSIT published to the front page here regarding the backing of the Trust by Colin Mustoe, founder and chairman of Hyndburn-based furniture manufacturer Senator International.

[Rovermatt]

Now there's a top drawer supporter.

[Lurid Coat]

Further news on BRSIT published to the front page here regarding the backing of the Trust by Colin Mustoe, founder and chairman of Hyndburn-based furniture manufacturer Senator International.

Hopefully more (presumably) minted people will follow his lead.

How significant is this development? As a supporter based abroad, I do not know whether this fellow is rich and well connected.

[Guest]

Has anybody mentioned a compromise, where the supporters buy a stake in Rovers?

This would allow venkys to save face and may even gain them some respect for being prepared to work in partnership with supporters.

The financial requirements of the supporters body may then not be quite as onerous, making £10m an achievable target.

Once the supporters have valid representation within the club sustainable change can be brought about through due process.

It doesn't need to be an 'either or' situation.

The middle road way well be the best outcome here.

I know a lot of people want to completely end venkys ownership of Rovers but I feel it is 'better the devil you know'.

We need stability not further ownership change.

Venkys need help to run the club, help from people who are free from ulterior motives.

The best people to provide this help are to be found amongst the body of supporters.

Venkys would not only save face but would gain a massive PR coup if the sold a stake to a supporters body.

This enlightened move should not be a philanthropic act - it would lose it's impact then. To maintain credibility any stake purchased must be at the current market price.

(in my ideal world the cash input from the supporters would be used to satisfy the bank...)

Supporters alone cannot afford to sustain a premier league club, division two maybe, but not premier league.

External funding will be needed if the ambition is Premier League football.

Fans and owners working in partnership would be the ideal solution, but I fear that too many people in both camps will be too stubborn for this to happen.

IMO This is by-far the best idea. And the one most likely to succeed.

I've wanted to suggest this on the board for ages but was worried that people might think I had an alterior motive for mentioning it.

[john.leigh]

Supporter based football club ownership.

Form your own opinion.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/hi/football/17213691

I'm sure it COULD work, but lets not be too gung-ho about it. Will still need significant external funding IMO

I hope lessons are being learnt from where others have failed

[bob fleming]

I've wanted to suggest this on the board for ages but was worried that people might think I had an alterior motive for mentioning it.

You suggest what you like pal, it makes naff all difference if the idiots who employ you won't speak to anyone and continue to hide away in Pune like cowards.

Still at least the 25 year old nobody / cousin / assistant CEO / money for old rope piped up today. I'm sure season ticket sales will go through the roof this summer now after that statement. Venkys and Kean = 15 months of bullshit - and counting. Incredible.

Do us a favour, tell them to sell. Our club, not theirs, is dying thanks to the Raos. Yeah, like you or they actually give a damn about Blackburn Rovers Football Club and it's fans.

[John]

I thought it was great that Venny spoke out today, such a commanding figure at the best of times.

Feel "safe" after his comments, made my week.

[alexanders]

I thought it was great that Venny spoke out today, such a commanding figure at the best of times.

Feel "safe" after his comments, made my week.

What? Where?

[Sparky Marky]

I thought it was great that Venny spoke out today, such a commanding figure at the best of times.

Feel "safe" after his comments, made my week.

?....

Have I missed summat.? Has it been in't news?

[SouthAussieRover]

What? Where?

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/blackburn/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/12/02/29/manual_091632.html&TEAMHD=blackburn&DIV=prem&TEAM=BLACKBURN--ROVERS&RH=Blackburn--Rovers&PREV_SEASON=&BID=318

[Rovers_Dan]

"We hope Chris Samba will be the last key departure. There are no plans to sell any more key players because we want to improve the squad"

gets worse every day this.

[alexanders]

LOL.

In that article. Vince Grella and key player in the same sentence.

[john.leigh]

IMO This is by-far the best idea. And the one most likely to succeed.

I've wanted to suggest this on the board for ages but was worried that people might think I had an alterior motive for mentioning it.

If MG Road is truly a Venkys plant, then surely this is some sort of breakthrough?

Can we really afford to dismiss his comments?