The new (co) owner speaks (video)

Apologies. For some bizarre reason, I haven't heard it! Maybe I just commented on other peoples comments. Anyway. Here it is, video n'all.

A very sensible move not to alienate the Barton Fan Club.
Though I wouldn't imagine there are that many who fell hook, line and sinker for the charlatan, but you never know.
Speaking of which, has anyone heard anything from the previous manager? This is odd considering his propensity to mouth off about all and sundry.
Methinks an NDA has been signed and a large cheque awaits the previous incumbent. But that cheque might be dated for 2024.
By which time it will all have seemed like a very long, very bad dream.

Mr Al-Saeed came across very well.
Two points on his comments about the development though. I've said some of this before...

1) Stage 2 should be the North Stand, not East Stand.
- You can build a seating stand behind the terracing on the footprint of the current clubhouse.
- Keep the terracing, Convert to safe-standing, if required, at a later time.
- You increase capacity without having to reduce it during build.

2) Don't build north and south wings on the existing East Stand - knock it down and start again.
- Despite the fact that the pitch had to be moved a metre away from the stand, due to the sightlines after it was built, you still can't see the corners of the pitch, and it would only get worse if you build either side.
- Build a new stand, further from the pitch, with better sightlines, the whole length, and higher.
- You can add further hospitality boxes.
- You can better configure the rooms inside for hospitality, offices, shop, and Community Trust education suites.

I get the feeling that none of this will happen until they get planning to develop part of the Quarters for housing.

These guys are looking for ways to fund the rebuild from the existing assets and perhaps further loans. Nothing wrong with that method as long as the loans are serviceable.