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Post by PessimistGas on Aug 12, 2018 12:33:17 GMT
Just listened to the interview again. Please note that the number of references to I, rather than we. "I am the driver" "I am committed" The key is whether DS will allow Wael to see the outside investment to allow a viable option to get off the ground. This is starting to resemble a personal tragedy. Wael hamstrung in his dream position by family's lack of passion for what should have been a shared goal. Wael is saying that they are supportive, but our fan-base recognise that this is not the case. In effect Wael needs to find backing from elsewhere as he can not keep playing the legal disclosure card. I have no sympathy with argument that they have only been here for 5 mins. It is 2.5 years to be precise. I think this pretty much sums it up. In terms of legal disclosure/ confidentiality - we have purchased the Colony land and have supposedly appointed a project manager to design and build a training ground within a budget. What's the need for strict confidentiality which would stop regular updates? Absolute nonsense to the point of being disingenuous. We have a budget but Hamer has hinted that it keeps being exceeded. Basically Hani won't release enough funds to build anything halfway suitable. Let's face it, it's not happening.
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Post by gasheadpirate on Aug 12, 2018 13:57:01 GMT
I am not sure what to make of the interview. I think Geoff did as well as he could to keep pushing on the stadium. Is UWE still an option, Filton or somewhere else. I hope the Mem has been written off as unviable. However, I agree that not being able to give any update on the training ground is just a load of bull and concerns me greatly about any infrastructure improvements. I so want to believe Wael but as time goes on it becomes harder,
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Post by mangogas15 on Aug 12, 2018 15:52:49 GMT
There obviously a lot he can't say due to legalities and he didn't have to be interviewed.
I thought he gave as much as he could and it made me feel better that they appear to be still trying for the club and supporting the manager for the long term.
Loan players or signings are key for me. When they arrived we were taking Kaid Mohamed on loan and signing Bodin for nothing.
Now its Payne for 200k and Jakubiak the only loan player in the summer window and from an established prem team.
The pitch needed investment they did it.
I still believe in them.
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Post by badbloodash on Aug 12, 2018 17:04:09 GMT
Is it really the case though that he can't give us even the vaguest notion of the direction they are going in? "We are exploring all viable opportunities" is literally just hot air. It was disappointing that he didn't even seem to be trying to drop some hints to appease supporters so we can get an idea that something is actually happening, rather he spent the time trying to squirm around semantics and retreating to his mantra about viable opportunities. It really did seem like he has nothing to say because nothing is going on and he has the benefit of using nebulous 'legal contracts' to obfuscate things and drag this charade out til the bitter end. Sounded very far from convincing when asked if the family are still on board with this - he's given up even pretending now. Ultimately they can make improvements to the bars etc. but we are never going to be "sustainable" at the Mem as it is any they will continue losing a lot of money year after year. Ultimately, whatever happens this season, retaining our league 1 status is going to be a constant struggle as we don't have the infrastructure to compete. I'm really not sure where we go from here. Nowhere slowly by the looks of it. Unfortunately it appears they got into something they didn't understand. Alright mate you know me I’m more pessimistic than you but there’s a few on the other forum who are convinced there’s something going on regarding uwe / new stadium you heard anything ? I’m a sceptic but timescale mentioned for just after Xmas so maybe we will have something to celebrate in magaluf in may unless it’s dempo that’s knowall utg ☠️
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crater
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Post by crater on Aug 12, 2018 20:52:01 GMT
Sounded very far from convincing when asked if the family are still on board with this - he's given up even pretending now. Ultimately they can make improvements to the bars etc. but we are never going to be "sustainable" at the Mem as it is any they will continue losing a lot of money year after year. Ultimately, whatever happens this season, retaining our league 1 status is going to be a constant struggle as we don't have the infrastructure to compete. I'm really not sure where we go from here. Nowhere slowly by the looks of it. Unfortunately it appears they got into something they didn't understand. Alright mate you know me I’m more pessimistic than you but there’s a few on the other forum who are convinced there’s something going on regarding uwe / new stadium you heard anything ? I’m a sceptic but timescale mentioned for just after Xmas so maybe we will have something to celebrate in magaluf in may unless it’s dempo that’s knowall utg ☠️ Been told that the family want to sell but Wael wants to retain 25%. Somebody from Southampton wants to buy the club but he wants the 92% the Al-Qadi's own. This may be BS but it's what I've heard. Colony is being held up because the Al-Qadi's don't want to spend money on something they may not own in a few months time
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Post by bluebeard on Aug 12, 2018 21:32:28 GMT
It was an uncomfortable interview but, in the absence of a definitive announcement, I'm not sure what I was expecting. I think Wael is used to answering to other "investors" so the level of scrutiny and aggression he is getting from "customers" has come as a bit of a surprise. A few things did make sense though:
However clumsily he explained it, DS is not going to throw money at an unsustainable goal. So for now, DC will need to operate within a certain budget.
In the short term, any investment will go towards increasing turnover. In the medium term, any investment will go towards creating an infrastructure that can sustain the longer term goal.
Some have speculated that the Colony site has the potential to be an enabling development for the main stadium project. If this has legs, they are not going to waste money on building a training complex and yes, confidentiality will have come into play.
Many have speculated that UWE might yet be resurrected. I have heard this cited as fact from some sensible people, The issue has always been around building a complex that generates enough revenue to satisfy the landowner, the investors and the tenant.
This IMO, is the key point. Wael appears committed but I suspect the rest of the family have concluded they've taken on a bag of spanners. I belive the continuing short term investment is a pretty strong indicator that they're not out to asset strip the club or bail any time soon. However, we may well need new / additional investors coming in before Wael can deliver the dream.
In summary, frustrating but broadly positive and the doom merchants are embarrassing.
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Post by a more piratey game on Aug 12, 2018 21:58:54 GMT
Alright mate you know me I’m more pessimistic than you but there’s a few on the other forum who are convinced there’s something going on regarding uwe / new stadium you heard anything ? I’m a sceptic but timescale mentioned for just after Xmas so maybe we will have something to celebrate in magaluf in may unless it’s dempo that’s knowall utg ☠️ Been told that the family want to sell but Wael wants to retain 25%. Somebody from Southampton wants to buy the club but he wants the 92% the Al-Qadi's own. This may be BS but it's what I've heard. Colony is being held up because the Al-Qadi's don't want to spend money on something they may not own in a few months time That has a ring of truth about it IMO
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Post by richmace on Aug 12, 2018 22:20:19 GMT
It was an uncomfortable interview but, in the absence of a definitive announcement, I'm not sure what I was expecting. I think Wael is used to answering to other "investors" so the level of scrutiny and aggression he is getting from "customers" has come as a bit of a surprise. A few things did make sense though: However clumsily he explained it, DS is not going to throw money at an unsustainable goal. So for now, DC will need to operate within a certain budget. In the short term, any investment will go towards increasing turnover. In the medium term, any investment will go towards creating an infrastructure that can sustain the longer term goal. Some have speculated that the Colony site has the potential to be an enabling development for the main stadium project. If this has legs, they are not going to waste money on building a training complex and yes, confidentiality will have come into play. Many have speculated that UWE might yet be resurrected. I have heard this cited as fact from some sensible people, The issue has always been around building a complex that generates enough revenue to satisfy the landowner, the investors and the tenant. This IMO, is the key point. Wael appears committed but I suspect the rest of the family have concluded they've taken on a bag of spanners. I belive the continuing short term investment is a pretty strong indicator that they're not out to asset strip the club or bail any time soon. However, we may well need new / additional investors coming in before Wael can deliver the dream. In summary, frustrating but broadly positive and the doom merchants are embarrassing. The lack of progress off the field is really frustrating, to be sure. I feel it, we all do...
However.
With regards to the short term plan of increasing turnover, and the medium term plan of creating the foundations for significant long term growth. This kind of thinking is what we, as supporters, have been calling for all these years. These are sensible business principles. At least there is a plan for growth. That much has to be acknowledged.
Back in the day (the summer of 2006), these sort of principles (and action) would have been very welcome...
We are just going to hang in there, and wait and see. Have faith (as always).
I do (still) think that Wael is the perfect figurehead for our football club. I would love to see him with some serious cash to spend here...
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eppinggas
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Post by eppinggas on Aug 12, 2018 22:26:23 GMT
It was an uncomfortable interview but, in the absence of a definitive announcement, I'm not sure what I was expecting. I think Wael is used to answering to other "investors" so the level of scrutiny and aggression he is getting from "customers" has come as a bit of a surprise. A few things did make sense though: However clumsily he explained it, DS is not going to throw money at an unsustainable goal. So for now, DC will need to operate within a certain budget. In the short term, any investment will go towards increasing turnover. In the medium term, any investment will go towards creating an infrastructure that can sustain the longer term goal. Some have speculated that the Colony site has the potential to be an enabling development for the main stadium project. If this has legs, they are not going to waste money on building a training complex and yes, confidentiality will have come into play. Many have speculated that UWE might yet be resurrected. I have heard this cited as fact from some sensible people, The issue has always been around building a complex that generates enough revenue to satisfy the landowner, the investors and the tenant. This IMO, is the key point. Wael appears committed but I suspect the rest of the family have concluded they've taken on a bag of spanners. I belive the continuing short term investment is a pretty strong indicator that they're not out to asset strip the club or bail any time soon. However, we may well need new / additional investors coming in before Wael can deliver the dream. In summary, frustrating but broadly positive and the doom merchants are embarrassing. 1. ... I suspect the family have concluded they've taken on a bag of spanners. 2. ... broadly positive and the doom merchants are embarrassing. But surely the "doom merchants" are the people suggesting that the family have taken on a bag of spanners. So that would appear to be people like you? Do you find yourself embarrassing? :-)
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eppinggas
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Post by eppinggas on Aug 12, 2018 22:31:11 GMT
And it's great that the bar facilities have been improved. Just a bit of a shame that it's the fans who will actually be paying for it with beer at £4 a pint and £4 for a pasty.
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simonj
Archie Stevens
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Post by simonj on Aug 13, 2018 6:09:37 GMT
And it's great that the bar facilities have been improved. Just a bit of a shame that it's the fans who will actually be paying for it with beer at £4 a pint and £4 for a pasty. I kind of agree that the football club is a community thing, but actually it also needs revenue. Most football clubs lose money (TV money aside for the lucky ones). £4 a pint isn't cheap but its not Friday night out prices either. As for the pasty, that is toppy.
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Post by Henbury Gas on Aug 13, 2018 6:10:01 GMT
Just listened to the interview again. Please note that the number of references to I, rather than we. "I am the driver" "I am committed" The key is whether DS will allow Wael to see the outside investment to allow a viable option to get off the ground. This is starting to resemble a personal tragedy. Wael hamstrung in his dream position by family's lack of passion for what should have been a shared goal. Wael is saying that they are supportive, but our fan-base recognise that this is not the case. In effect Wael needs to find backing from elsewhere as he can not keep playing the legal disclosure card. I have no sympathy with argument that they have only been here for 5 mins. It is 2.5 years to be precise. I think this pretty much sums it up. In terms of legal disclosure/ confidentiality - we have purchased the Colony land and have supposedly appointed a project manager to design and build a training ground within a budget. What's the need for strict confidentiality which would stop regular updates? Absolute nonsense to the point of being disingenuous.We have a budget but Hamer has hinted that it keeps being exceeded. Basically Hani won't release enough funds to build anything halfway suitable. Let's face it, it's not happening. Are you 100% sure they ONLY want to build an academy on a 29 acres site ?, If so thats one big Academy. A better use of that land would be a mixed development of some kind. i let you guess what they have in mind. That takes time to develop plans and get a pre planning "Nod" from our friends in South Gloucester planning
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Peter Parker
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Post by Peter Parker on Aug 13, 2018 7:09:16 GMT
And it's great that the bar facilities have been improved. Just a bit of a shame that it's the fans who will actually be paying for it with beer at £4 a pint and £4 for a pasty. I won't buy many £4 pasties, but £4 a pint is reasonable in the sense of what it would cost to drink elsewhere around. Certainly dearer at The Welly. At least there is somewhere a bit nice to drink at The Mem now and I would rather the club get the money
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Peter Parker
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Post by Peter Parker on Aug 13, 2018 7:15:43 GMT
didnt hear the interview and dont want to.
Countless people pulling apart what was or wasnt said, looking for negatives or positives.
Probably shouldnt have bothered doing it, but no doubt would have got stick if he hadnt.
If the Al-Qadis want out, then fine. Not much you or I can do about that and it will be about finding the right buyer for us and the Al-Qadis.
If they are here to stay, then they are playing the long game, which they have said from the start, but might take longer than hoped.
Whatever happens, things have been and are being implemented to increase revenue and the general respectability of a neglected stadium. Which is a positive for us and whomever is in charge of the team and the club even if it isnt what we ideally want or the ultimate goal
Not a lot we can do about it, and not like anyone will try anyway
Hey at least people can moan about the team as well now for good measure
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bloogas
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Post by bloogas on Aug 13, 2018 7:51:06 GMT
And it's great that the bar facilities have been improved. Just a bit of a shame that it's the fans who will actually be paying for it with beer at £4 a pint and £4 for a pasty. I won't buy many £4 pasties, but £4 a pint is reasonable in the sense of what it would cost to drink elsewhere around. Certainly dearer at The Welly. At least there is somewhere a bit nice to drink at The Mem now and I would rather the club get the money Actually, I bought a pasty & cup of tea,& asked to pay £6. I replied "Isn't it a meal deal (£5)?". "Oh, yeah,alright" was the reply.
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bloogas
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Post by bloogas on Aug 13, 2018 8:00:11 GMT
didnt hear the interview and dont want to. Countless people pulling apart what was or wasnt said, looking for negatives or positives. Probably shouldnt have bothered doing it, but no doubt would have got stick if he hadnt. If the Al-Qadis want out, then fine. Not much you or I can do about that and it will be about finding the right buyer for us and the Al-Qadis. If they are here to stay, then they are playing the long game, which they have said from the start, but might take longer than hoped. Whatever happens, things have been and are being implemented to increase revenue and the general respectability of a neglected stadium. Which is a positive for us and whomever is in charge of the team and the club even if it isnt what we ideally want or the ultimate goal Not a lot we can do about it, and not like anyone will try anyway Hey at least people can moan about the team as well now for good measure A measured & rational post,Pete,but of course, not welcomed here. I agree with you. A few years ago a fan tried to start a Supporters' Trust. He was met with ridicule & apathy. So if fans aren't willing to put their money where their mouth is they'll have to accept owners who do as they wish - & don't throw money at the club.
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Igitur
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Post by Igitur on Aug 13, 2018 8:41:25 GMT
And it's great that the bar facilities have been improved. Just a bit of a shame that it's the fans who will actually be paying for it with beer at £4 a pint and £4 for a pasty. I won't buy many £4 pasties, but £4 a pint is reasonable in the sense of what it would cost to drink elsewhere around. Certainly dearer at The Welly. At least there is somewhere a bit nice to drink at The Mem now and I would rather the club get the money Heineken in the old Bristol Room was £4.50 a pint. The only USP in the ground's bars, as such, is Sky TV but the monitors went off in one room and the old Supporters Bar was a bit of a scrum. When there is a poor game on TV people will drink elsewhere, as it will be easier to get served. The mobile bar outside the Supporters Bar was not open - magic!
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harrybuckle
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Post by harrybuckle on Aug 13, 2018 9:16:13 GMT
Apparently the bar on the West Stand side has now decided not to serve tea or coffee anymore which has upset quite a lot of fans sitting over there
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Peter Parker
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Post by Peter Parker on Aug 13, 2018 9:51:29 GMT
Apparently the bar on the West Stand side has now decided not to serve tea or coffee anymore which has upset quite a lot of fans sitting over there speak to Tom Gorringe
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Post by fatherjackhackett on Aug 13, 2018 9:51:37 GMT
Apparently the bar on the West Stand side has now decided not to serve tea or coffee anymore which has upset quite a lot of fans sitting over there i must have imagined the bloke in front of my ordering, and receiving, two Bovrils (in August!) on the West Enclosure pasty hut then. EDIT: Just realised you meant the bar. Couldn’t they have got a tea from the pasty hut then and took it into the bar. Not exactly a hardship is it?
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