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Post by mangogas15 on Jun 20, 2020 10:26:50 GMT
Calm down a bit. This means nothing unless we are much better run the debts will soon rack up again. From memory, in round terms, £7m became £20m in 5 years with no structural plan to address that problem. Fair play for doing whatever he's agreed to clear those numbers down, but let's keep an eye on the future here. Edit. I hope that Tom has found his place at the FC, he always looked like 1 person trying to do 3 jobs to me. Good luck to him in his new position. They have a chance to not make the same mistakes they made in the past maybe with certain player's wages, get Bennett out and that will also save some money. Over to you now Ben to practice what you preach with the younger players
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Post by mangogas15 on Jun 20, 2020 10:27:27 GMT
Calm down a bit. This means nothing unless we are much better run the debts will soon rack up again. From memory, in round terms, £7m became £20m in 5 years with no structural plan to address that problem. Fair play for doing whatever he's agreed to clear those numbers down, but let's keep an eye on the future here. Edit. I hope that Tom has found his place at the FC, he always looked like 1 person trying to do 3 jobs to me. Good luck to him in his new position. Well if season starts in September all league 1 clubs will be struggling to not add debt. Gives us a dramatic line in the samd
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jackthegas
David Pritchard
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 313
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Post by jackthegas on Jun 20, 2020 10:38:46 GMT
Calm down a bit. This means nothing unless we are much better run the debts will soon rack up again. From memory, in round terms, £7m became £20m in 5 years with no structural plan to address that problem. Fair play for doing whatever he's agreed to clear those numbers down, but let's keep an eye on the future here. Edit. I hope that Tom has found his place at the FC, he always looked like 1 person trying to do 3 jobs to me. Good luck to him in his new position. Bambi may be a bit over provocative and contentious here. But he is right. Unless we stop losing millions per year, the club is not sustainable without a Sugar Daddy. And that is NEVER going to happen at the Memorial Stadium in it's current configuration , it just can't pay for itself. Just imagine if upfront The Al Qadis had splashed out £30m on tangible ground improvements and buying in quality like whassisname did to buy Blackburn in to the Premier league. In ten years time we could be where Blackburn are (what do you mean bankrupt and relegated twice. then bought up by a Indian big pharma and food firm?) I hear what you're saying but I think cautious optimism is ok here. The debt was around £20m of which a good chunk was built up by previous regimes. Even if they'd spent £13m in year one, it's probably not enough to transform the club. It might have got us a new stand though I'll grant you. I think yesterday's announcement makes it more likely that we'll be able to finance some kind of ground redevelopment or a new stadium. A mortgage is a decent analogy. If you are trying to secure a loan from the bank to fund an extension you are much more likely to be approved if you have paid off your mortgage than you are if you have equity of 10%. We're a more attractive borrower after yesterday's announcement. I also think there has been a shift towards a more sustainable model with an emphasis placed on developing young players with a sell on value. Whether we've got the right manager to succeed is questionable but it's a start.
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Angas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,067
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Post by Angas on Jun 20, 2020 10:39:28 GMT
I think this is fantastic news. Wael seems now to be in a position to follow through on everything we were promised when the family first took over the club. He has said repeatedly that he is committed to Rovers but the passing years, mounting debts, and long silences, along with many and various rumours, inevitably raised serious doubts. I like that he acknowledges that those doubts were understandable. I can imagine he has been as frustrated as the rest of us at his inability to move forward for so long. I am delighted that the hope we had back in 2016 looks not to have been misplaced. Actually, more than delighted. And on top of that this news comes at exactly the right time when we look at the parlous state of lower league football right now. One other little bonus for me - our friends down the road won't be happy As for the SC - they and their shareholding were already so insignificant, this news makes no difference whatsoever imo.
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Post by tauntongas on Jun 20, 2020 11:13:34 GMT
It is reasonable to look at yesterday's developments as extremely positive for the club. The large reduction of the debt and Wael streamlining the family control of the club being the two obvious highlights.
At the same time, it is also possible and sensible to acknowledge that that yesterday's news could be rendered completely irrelevant, if the same mistakes are made over the next 5 years.
There is nothing wrong with maintaining scepticism of the latest news or wishing to continually hold those in power to account - we will always need people to counter-balance the hype.
Following on from how fans may receive the news, I think Gasheads have a bigger part to play in the overall plan than they realise.
If we as fans want "evolution not revolution" to work, we need to think about what we want to see from the club and match our patience and expectations accordingly.
You can't invest in youth and grow your own, if we get on their backs or quickly resort to demanding that senior, higher profile players are signed to improve our fortunes. We all know that early in their career, the majority of youth players will seem weak and incapable of taking us where we want to be.
Marrying the development of young prospects with the expectations and desires of football fans to see their club be successful, can sometimes be like trying to mix oil and water. I also understand that as Rovers fans, we have already invested huge amounts of time, money and patience across God-knows how many years, signings, managers and stadium plans.
However, if you are the kind of fan who does worry about the sustainability or finances of the club; a fan who wants to see as many young players progressed as possible and the type of fan who wants to see Rovers continue to re-cement itself as a traditional, respected Football League Club; redrawing some additional patience for the staff and players at this time will surely go a long way.
UTG.
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Angas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,067
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Post by Angas on Jun 20, 2020 12:23:17 GMT
I wonder what DC and GC think of the latest developments.
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eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,119
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Post by eppinggas on Jun 20, 2020 12:42:26 GMT
I wonder what DC and GC think of the latest developments. Despite DC being occasionally critical of "the owners", I don't think he ever had a bad word to say about Wael directly. I would imagine DC would be delighted for Wael and for Rovers.
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basel
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,064
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Post by basel on Jun 20, 2020 12:55:09 GMT
I wonder what DC and GC think of the latest developments. Despite DC being occasionally critical of "the owners", I don't think he ever had a bad word to say about Wael directly. I would imagine DC would be delighted for Wael and for Rovers. I imagine they will accept 'that's the way it goes' in the shifting sands of British football.
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Post by droitwichgas on Jun 20, 2020 16:48:03 GMT
I wonder what DC and GC think of the latest developments. Probably like us, where the hell did all that money come from? Although we don't really know who was owed £18m and what deals have been agreed to clear that debt in the background. £18m may be the headline figure but perhaps it hasn't actually cost Wael £18m to actually clear the debts. Regardless were effectively debt free for probably the first time since the 50's when we sold Eastville, assuming the sale cleared all our debts? Although back then we clearly didn't also own the ground once it had been sold.
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,255
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jun 20, 2020 17:19:01 GMT
I think Mr Wael might be owed apologies from some... I lost faith in Wael and said/posted some stuff that deserves an apology. I'll make it to the man in writing or to him personally. Ditto and my offer stand of an on pitch apology
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Deleted
Joined: January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2020 17:21:43 GMT
I wonder what DC and GC think of the latest developments. Probably like us, where the hell did all that money come from? Although we don't really know who was owed £18m and what deals have been agreed to clear that debt in the background. £18m may be the headline figure but perhaps it hasn't actually cost Wael £18m to actually clear the debts. Regardless were effectively debt free for probably the first time since the 50's when we sold Eastville, assuming the sale cleared all our debts? Although back then we clearly didn't also own the ground once it had been sold. Ummmmm..really?
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kingswood Polak
Without music life would be a mistake
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10,255
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Post by kingswood Polak on Jun 20, 2020 18:18:02 GMT
As a peice of communication this is outstanding. Of course, it helps when there good news/progress to share, but still. One of my major concerns was the accumulation of large amounts of interest on the balance sheet. Since they had no hope of ever getting it back it made no sense. The fact that Wael has done this is a big statement of intent, even if it makes no practical difference, it is reassuring. As we all suspected it was the family who weren't fully invested. I never really doubted his intentions, just his means to deliver them. Wael has clearly come into a sizable inheritance after his father died and it appears that this is the way he is choosing to spend it. The proof will be in the pudding, he needs to deliver a stadium but he earned time and our support. Hopefully this is the start of a new dawn and we can all start pulling together. Weal has my full backing and though much of what I have posted regarding the family has proved to be accurate, I'm aware that I have more than occasionally stepped over the line for which I am happy to apologise if he reads this forum. It was borne of frustration and despair at 4 years of stagnation. Stagnation and inertia. As you say, most likely not his fault but I still feel bad that we didn’t push on after the 2nd promotion. The family obviously did not share his views and so we had one family member with one view and others who differed. I see this as very good news and hope that Wael has learned from the inertia years. Forgive me for not jumping for joy as I will wait to do that once we have achieved something, on the pitch. Still fine to do an on pitch apology though
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Post by laughinggas on Jun 20, 2020 19:16:38 GMT
Achievement = what?
From the open letter. Youth - Under Ben Garner’s stewardship, we want to develop young players, bring them into the first team and give them their opportunity within the game. We hope that we can play an exciting and attractive brand of football whilst doing this.
How patient are you going to be?
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Post by droitwichgas on Jun 20, 2020 20:12:29 GMT
Achievement = what? From the open letter. Youth - Under Ben Garner’s stewardship, we want to develop young players, bring them into the first team and give them their opportunity within the game. We hope that we can play an exciting and attractive brand of football whilst doing this. How patient are you going to be? Patient enough to wait the calibre of players we sign this summer: "The lockdown, not only brought about time to look at our strategic approach but it has also allowed us to get a head start on recruitment for next season. Ben and Tommy Widdrington have been working around the clock to ensure that we have the best possible squad for the new season and I am delighted with how plans within this area are progressing." A mix of youth and experience could bring exciting times back to the Mem, I can't see Wael spending upwards of £20m of his money to then sit and watch a season long relegation fight.
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Angas
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,067
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Post by Angas on Jun 20, 2020 20:50:57 GMT
For me (as DC would say) it's not just this news. It's the fact it comes on top of the training ground finally being developed. Definite show of intent. What happens on the pitch is yet to be seen, but that's the same as it's always been. I'm happy to feel that's the 'only' thing we need to worry about for now. It's all any fan should have to worry about. And a whole lot better than where we were just a few weeks ago, deeply concerned as to whether BRFC would be in existence for much longer, or would be on the list of those for whom covid 19 proved to be the final straw. Who knows what the future holds, but this evening it's looking a fair bit brighter in my eyes. And I know we should concentrate on ourselves, but I have to say 1-3 has added a little icing to my cake today We just need the duck to return now.
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Post by a more piratey game on Jun 20, 2020 21:08:29 GMT
What Angas said
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syg
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 1,008
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Post by syg on Jun 20, 2020 21:21:27 GMT
Achievement = what? From the open letter. Youth - Under Ben Garner’s stewardship, we want to develop young players, bring them into the first team and give them their opportunity within the game. We hope that we can play an exciting and attractive brand of football whilst doing this. How patient are you going to be? Patient enough to wait the calibre of players we sign this summer: "The lockdown, not only brought about time to look at our strategic approach but it has also allowed us to get a head start on recruitment for next season. Ben and Tommy Widdrington have been working around the clock to ensure that we have the best possible squad for the new season and I am delighted with how plans within this area are progressing." A mix of youth and experience could bring exciting times back to the Mem, I can't see Wael spending upwards of £20m of his money to then sit and watch a season long relegation fight. Every club has had to time to look at recruitment though.
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Post by droitwichgas on Jun 20, 2020 21:42:08 GMT
Patient enough to wait the calibre of players we sign this summer: "The lockdown, not only brought about time to look at our strategic approach but it has also allowed us to get a head start on recruitment for next season. Ben and Tommy Widdrington have been working around the clock to ensure that we have the best possible squad for the new season and I am delighted with how plans within this area are progressing." A mix of youth and experience could bring exciting times back to the Mem, I can't see Wael spending upwards of £20m of his money to then sit and watch a season long relegation fight. Every club has had to time to look at recruitment though. But how many seemingly have no real financial concerns? I sense Wael will want us playing attractive winning football next season, although whether BG's capable of getting his players to achieve that is another matter.
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Rex
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 3,287
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Post by Rex on Jun 21, 2020 5:48:34 GMT
It is reasonable to look at yesterday's developments as extremely positive for the club. The large reduction of the debt and Wael streamlining the family control of the club being the two obvious highlights. At the same time, it is also possible and sensible to acknowledge that that yesterday's news could be rendered completely irrelevant, if the same mistakes are made over the next 5 years. There is nothing wrong with maintaining scepticism of the latest news or wishing to continually hold those in power to account - we will always need people to counter-balance the hype. Following on from how fans may receive the news, I think Gasheads have a bigger part to play in the overall plan than they realise. If we as fans want "evolution not revolution" to work, we need to think about what we want to see from the club and match our patience and expectations accordingly. You can't invest in youth and grow your own, if we get on their backs or quickly resort to demanding that senior, higher profile players are signed to improve our fortunes. We all know that early in their career, the majority of youth players will seem weak and incapable of taking us where we want to be. Marrying the development of young prospects with the expectations and desires of football fans to see their club be successful, can sometimes be like trying to mix oil and water. I also understand that as Rovers fans, we have already invested huge amounts of time, money and patience across God-knows how many years, signings, managers and stadium plans. However, if you are the kind of fan who does worry about the sustainability or finances of the club; a fan who wants to see as many young players progressed as possible and the type of fan who wants to see Rovers continue to re-cement itself as a traditional, respected Football League Club; redrawing some additional patience for the staff and players at this time will surely go a long way. UTG. I think there is more chance of us being in a new stadium in time for next season! I think this is more of a time for cautious optimism about the future of our club , we have all seen a fair few false dawns.
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Post by mangogas15 on Jun 21, 2020 7:01:38 GMT
For me (as DC would say) it's not just this news. It's the fact it comes on top of the training ground finally being developed. Definite show of intent. What happens on the pitch is yet to be seen, but that's the same as it's always been. I'm happy to feel that's the 'only' thing we need to worry about for now. It's all any fan should have to worry about. And a whole lot better than where we were just a few weeks ago, deeply concerned as to whether BRFC would be in existence for much longer, or would be on the list of those for whom covid 19 proved to be the final straw. Who knows what the future holds, but this evening it's looking a fair bit brighter in my eyes. And I know we should concentrate on ourselves, but I have to say 1-3 has added a little icing to my cake today We just need the duck to return now. Reading the 6 point plan article from Bristol Live you can see that the London Office was clearly an unnecessary over spend. We may become a feeder club first by developing young players for fees that could mean no debts, let's face it, we only got money for Bodin, Taylor and Harrison but nowhere near the big bucks. I bought my first season ticket 2011/12 and we were picking up free transfers and loans to cope with a season and our most saleable asset Jo Kuffour i believe left on a free. We are still at that point to an extent with Tom Lockyer leaving for nothing last year, an international. It's important that while we are grateful for the ball out (Wael out) this situation will keep on happening until we fundamentally change the daily running profit/cost. The overall matchday experience won't bring people back in droves unless we're winning but we must also stop doing the basics like amateurs. A lot of fans stopped coming under GC so we have to get them back. This is where a certain Mr Higgs deserves an honourable mention maybe, because I remember him saying they needed 9000 crowd a week to break even, he must have lost a lorra sleep ove our predicament especially the relegation and he oversaw the return and eventual sale. I may be wrong but that's how i see it. If we have too many mini Bens though we may be in danger of being the youngest team to be relegated next season. We can't rely on 3 more crap teams as that we had this season. Bury didn't even turn up. BG needs the right blend, not just a couple of oldies. Didn't know we had a London office, no mention of the Jordanian one.. By the way, what even is this? ¥ You will only find it on your keyboard by mistake.
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