Thanks for that little curve ball AMPG!
To be honest I believe you would have to have 'all your ducks in a row' (apologies to Shoveler).
And assuming you could get through the door you would need (not necessarily in order of importance)-
a) a plan for a stadium (fans are expecting nothing less for a team which is so far behind its contemporaries) that meets todays fans' requirements but also including such items as power producing (solar?), water retention (for pitch, internal use), potential for conferencing, offices, non football retail etc
b) the finance in principal to be in place if a transaction goes ahead. Not just for the immediate purchase but for future growth and working capital.
c) a plan for fan involvement/investment in the project (perhaps something like a bond issue)
d) a sustainable and realistic business plan, that maximises income from all areas including match day, non match day, conferencing/office/retail (as above), more sophisticated approach to travel, museum, etc
e) a plan for all areas of the footballing side from Junior to Senior level including potentially supporting female football which has the possibility to grow financially in the longer term. This would also include the interconnection with international sides which we almost had at one time (Richard Everson I believe had contacts at Ajax - stand to be corrected)
f) a view on the future role of WAQ. I believe that whilst this is a thorn in the side of any bid it has to be addressed to get anywhere. Even if that is an ambassadorial role, title of some sorts for a period, it can be negotiated. And a view on his exit that allows him to leave graciously without losing face. I know that won't suit many but it will be the only way to get him to the table and to move on. Realism and pragmatism.
g) an honest assessment of the people who are currently involved and who should be retained in the long term.
h) you should have people in place with experience of business, finance and of the football industry, this is not going to be a jolly boys outing this is grown up stuff! You need people who can do the hard miles and know how to operate in the football environment.
i) you will need to be dispassionate and hard nosed in your negotiations but with an end game where you know your red lines and be able to negotiate to get above them, but at the same time be able to appear conciliatory and ready to compromise.
All of the above is possible. But as they say 'the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step'. If you want to end up owning the club the ground work has to be done. The most difficult bit as others have found is getting a seat at the table in front of the man himself. Getting there is the tricky part but I believe that could be possible. But that needs an understanding of the man, his culture, his hopes/aspirations and what would get him to walk away...
Good luck AMPG!
Best regards
PS Swiss has a lot of experience in this area. You would do well to have him in your team!
