I’m still can’t work out the reason for Duchatelet’s extended visit last week, and why talk to SLP? Anyone wanting him out, just reads it and thinks same old bull, those not protesting might even change their views with classics like we have no plan with regards to relegation. So for whose benefit was it for? Is it I’m still playing hard ball in relation to any sale but make me an offer anyway. But I can’t help thinking that he turned up just to see what the hell was going on. I know Charlton aren’t high on his list of priorities that’s for sure, he would put such an inexperienced lawyer at the helm if it was. Maybe he needed to personally look over the “books”, He obviously gets reports from Meire but as we know her version of the facts often differ from reality, season ticket sales for this season spring to mind. So she seems to have got the dreaded vote of confidence despite her mismanagement. She is clearly rattled, but I don’t think she will walk. But what happens if she ever does get dismissed, maybe she can become an asset to the protest. I would love to see her in the role of disgruntled ex-employees. There must be stuff she is aware of that would provide leverage to rid us of him. He left Standard because of pressure bought to bear on him from other clubs after the promotion of StTrinians, not because of a few hoodies getting into his office a couple of years earlier. Keep the pressure on Meire, I want her to play the victim with Duchatelet the perpetrator.
ok, just a passing thought. Davo and a few others remarked that a lot of fans didnt know what was happening behind the scenes as they didnt buy the Voice, didnt keep up with local newspaper reports, and didnt use the internet for forums such as this....
How about a free edtion of The Voice of the Valley
Just a suggestion but why not produce a bumper FACT filled edition of the Voice and make it a free copy? No, Im not mad and Im not trying to bankrupt Rick either, but why not use some of the CARD funds to produce a much bigger edition and give it away for free on a match day. Ive no idea what the current circulation is, but produce enough to at least give one to every adult? Then we get the message out there to everyone.....perhaps target the next football for a fiver game.....anyway, its just a thought.
excellent idea, don't think it needs to be a bumper edition though but maybe twelve pages to get the message across with a couple of poster pages with bullet points of the main concerns. I also agree that it should be under the VOTV banner as it is a well respected publication and I think that they are a number of fans who would accept a free VOTV but would refuse a copy if they thought it was from the protest group. I'm not saying keep the CARD name out of it, or no CARD content, but we need people to actually take a copy first before we can 'convert' them.
It's times like this that in even more annoyed than usual that I'm not a billionaire. I'd head over to Belgium, say to Roland, 'Here's £100m, now piss off', then walk out of his office laughing maniacally.
I’m still can’t work out the reason for Duchatelet’s extended visit last week, and why talk to SLP? Anyone wanting him out, just reads it and thinks same old bull, those not protesting might even change their views with classics like we have no plan with regards to relegation. So for whose benefit was it for? Is it I’m still playing hard ball in relation to any sale but make me an offer anyway. But I can’t help thinking that he turned up just to see what the hell was going on. I know Charlton aren’t high on his list of priorities that’s for sure, he would put such an inexperienced lawyer at the helm if it was. Maybe he needed to personally look over the “books”, He obviously gets reports from Meire but as we know her version of the facts often differ from reality, season ticket sales for this season spring to mind. So she seems to have got the dreaded vote of confidence despite her mismanagement. She is clearly rattled, but I don’t think she will walk. But what happens if she ever does get dismissed, maybe she can become an asset to the protest. I would love to see her in the role of disgruntled ex-employees. There must be stuff she is aware of that would provide leverage to rid us of him. He left Standard because of pressure bought to bear on him from other clubs after the promotion of StTrinians, not because of a few hoodies getting into his office a couple of years earlier. Keep the pressure on Meire, I want her to play the victim with Duchatelet the perpetrator.
Duchatelet's interviews weren't about the fans. It was a desperate effort to convince outsiders, I.e the media that everything is fine and we're just unhappy because of our league position.
Let's be honest, no one who is serious about buying the club is going to go near us with a bargepole at the moment, it's a car crash in motion, if you were a buyer you'd wait till we were in league one and on our knees and pick us up at a fraction of the price.
Or do a deal like RD where the price depends on survival or not.
Surely any potential buyers would see what's going on and know that they would have the fans on their side just because they have 'helped' the fans get rid of RD? Essentially entering as a hero or saviour for buying the club...
I suspect the new 'communications' manager told Roly it would be a good idea to perform a lengthy scripted interview. I doubt we will see him again for a few months.
I suspect the new 'communications' manager told Roly it would be a good idea to perform a lengthy scripted interview. I doubt we will see him again for a few months.
I’m still can’t work out the reason for Duchatelet’s extended visit last week, and why talk to SLP? Anyone wanting him out, just reads it and thinks same old bull, those not protesting might even change their views with classics like we have no plan with regards to relegation. So for whose benefit was it for? Is it I’m still playing hard ball in relation to any sale but make me an offer anyway. But I can’t help thinking that he turned up just to see what the hell was going on. I know Charlton aren’t high on his list of priorities that’s for sure, he would put such an inexperienced lawyer at the helm if it was. Maybe he needed to personally look over the “books”, He obviously gets reports from Meire but as we know her version of the facts often differ from reality, season ticket sales for this season spring to mind. So she seems to have got the dreaded vote of confidence despite her mismanagement. She is clearly rattled, but I don’t think she will walk. But what happens if she ever does get dismissed, maybe she can become an asset to the protest. I would love to see her in the role of disgruntled ex-employees. There must be stuff she is aware of that would provide leverage to rid us of him. He left Standard because of pressure bought to bear on him from other clubs after the promotion of StTrinians, not because of a few hoodies getting into his office a couple of years earlier. Keep the pressure on Meire, I want her to play the victim with Duchatelet the perpetrator.
Good interpretation and reasoning as to why he graced us with his presence. However I think it highly unlikely that Ms Meire will be sacked but just moved elsewhere with a clause in her contract that restricts her from becoming yet another ‘disgruntled ex-employer'. However even the disgruntled have to be careful of what they say........
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
I don't think this is his thinking. I'm pretty sure that he hasn't bought the teams in the network to asset strip.
He seems genuinely obsessed by the statistics and economics of football and wants to prove right his vision of running a successful football club at breakeven. All of the evidence suggests that this is not achievable, but he seems intent on pressing on regardless.
Putting aside the arguments of how much is his net investment into the club, I believe he wants to get to the point soon (my take on this - 2-3 years) when he doesn't invest at the current level. Not sure what happens then, or if that is the point he decides to sell.
I believe he has been told that using his model in the Championship won't work due to the financial madness there compared to any other league in Europe. That his model might work in League 1 or the PL, but not the Championship. As far as I can tell he does not accept this view.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
I agree almost in entirety here. But he essentially does asset strip, this doesn't necessarily mean that was/is his plan to do so, but by stripping our staff and other resources down to their bare minimum, he will only sell us when we are essentially stripped. I have no doubt that when he does sell on it will be at the weakest point our Club has reached in a long long time.
My thinking is the man bought us to be part of a network, and I was completely against this from the first articles I read on the man and strongly projected that on to here. He now has weakened the network by the forced 'sale' of Standard Liege, although of which he still has a say in the ownership of, I'm pretty certain. Now this essentially puts teams into a more 'solo' effort, but still an overall goal is required between them, if one team is failing but one other succeeding then it still may be break even (plus tying teams into loans and whatnot to turn this into long term profit)
He's obsessed with the economics, and hellbent on changing something in that essence, and he is hellbent on sticking with it, so intent on trying to make it work regardless of how badly it seems to be going.
His method would never ever ever work in the PL, Watford would be the closest model to his but that in it's own right achieved success in the Championship before further strengthening and improving from there. Rolands method is to go at it cheaper, players with injury ridden past, inexperienced or journeymen who will take the payday, a great CV but 5 years past the mark. Watford aren't that, they have players in their prime. They also keep prospects, i.e. Deeney would be long gone if he was a CAFC player.
The positives you state are pretty much stuff Charlton have built their foundations around, nothing new, so it's hard to thank him for them. We've always had cheap ticket prices, even in the PL, thanks to the hard work of many, and the community is the last thing we can think Roland for - he is tearing that apart if anything, not strengthening it. (He is withdrawing funding from many different schemes, most of which are slipping under the radar)
I’m still can’t work out the reason for Duchatelet’s extended visit last week, and why talk to SLP? Anyone wanting him out, just reads it and thinks same old bull, those not protesting might even change their views with classics like we have no plan with regards to relegation. So for whose benefit was it for? Is it I’m still playing hard ball in relation to any sale but make me an offer anyway. But I can’t help thinking that he turned up just to see what the hell was going on. I know Charlton aren’t high on his list of priorities that’s for sure, he would put such an inexperienced lawyer at the helm if it was. Maybe he needed to personally look over the “books”, He obviously gets reports from Meire but as we know her version of the facts often differ from reality, season ticket sales for this season spring to mind. So she seems to have got the dreaded vote of confidence despite her mismanagement. She is clearly rattled, but I don’t think she will walk. But what happens if she ever does get dismissed, maybe she can become an asset to the protest. I would love to see her in the role of disgruntled ex-employees. There must be stuff she is aware of that would provide leverage to rid us of him. He left Standard because of pressure bought to bear on him from other clubs after the promotion of StTrinians, not because of a few hoodies getting into his office a couple of years earlier. Keep the pressure on Meire, I want her to play the victim with Duchatelet the perpetrator.
I hear he done a full and frank interview and it was all recorded! it lasted for over 6 hours!!!
Katrien was asked to oversee the editing and make sure it got on YouTube.
With the attention of a 5 year old she got bored of the long upload time so just put up the 4 clips she thought were best! (2% I believe)
FYI - The other 98% of the interview was also Bullshit! So a good job done by all!
I’m still can’t work out the reason for Duchatelet’s extended visit last week, and why talk to SLP?
I suspect he was asked to give support to the current regime. Why else break cover and talk about the Dublin seminar when that has been the stick used to beat Meire for months?
And he talked to the SLP as that paper would guarantee to give him the room to say all he wanted. Reading it a few times I can't help but think that he vetted the questions in advance. Had he agreed to speak openly and honest, then I would have expected specific questions about contentious issues - Fraeye, for example, interference in the team , who decides on signings, why was Riga brought back etc.
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
I don't think this is his thinking. I'm pretty sure that he hasn't bought the teams in the network to asset strip.
He seems genuinely obsessed by the statistics and economics of football and wants to prove right his vision of running a successful football club at breakeven. All of the evidence suggests that this is not achievable, but he seems intent on pressing on regardless.
Putting aside the arguments of how much is his net investment into the club, I believe he wants to get to the point soon (my take on this - 2-3 years) when he doesn't invest at the current level. Not sure what happens then, or if that is the point he decides to sell.
I believe he has been told that using his model in the Championship won't work due to the financial madness there compared to any other league in Europe. That his model might work in League 1 or the PL, but not the Championship. As far as I can tell he does not accept this view.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
I agree almost in entirety here. But he essentially does asset strip, this doesn't necessarily mean that was/is his plan to do so, but by stripping our staff and other resources down to their bare minimum, he will only sell us when we are essentially stripped. I have no doubt that when he does sell on it will be at the weakest point our Club has reached in a long long time.
My thinking is the man bought us to be part of a network, and I was completely against this from the first articles I read on the man and strongly projected that on to here. He now has weakened the network by the forced 'sale' of Standard Liege, although of which he still has a say in the ownership of, I'm pretty certain. Now this essentially puts teams into a more 'solo' effort, but still an overall goal is required between them, if one team is failing but one other succeeding then it still may be break even (plus tying teams into loans and whatnot to turn this into long term profit)
He's obsessed with the economics, and hellbent on changing something in that essence, and he is hellbent on sticking with it, so intent on trying to make it work regardless of how badly it seems to be going.
His method would never ever ever work in the PL, Watford would be the closest model to his but that in it's own right achieved success in the Championship before further strengthening and improving from there. Rolands method is to go at it cheaper, players with injury ridden past, inexperienced or journeymen who will take the payday, a great CV but 5 years past the mark. Watford aren't that, they have players in their prime. They also keep prospects, i.e. Deeney would be long gone if he was a CAFC player.
The positives you state are pretty much stuff Charlton have built their foundations around, nothing new, so it's hard to thank him for them. We've always had cheap ticket prices, even in the PL, thanks to the hard work of many, and the community is the last thing we can think Roland for - he is tearing that apart if anything, not strengthening it. (He is withdrawing funding from many different schemes, most of which are slipping under the radar)
I don't entirely disagree with Charlton operating on a break even basis in principle. Trouble is, he's going it about it arsebackwards. He is cutting the budget to nothing so he can break even now, when what he should be doing is investing and building the club to the point where it can break even in the future.
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
I don't think this is his thinking. I'm pretty sure that he hasn't bought the teams in the network to asset strip.
He seems genuinely obsessed by the statistics and economics of football and wants to prove right his vision of running a successful football club at breakeven. All of the evidence suggests that this is not achievable, but he seems intent on pressing on regardless.
Putting aside the arguments of how much is his net investment into the club, I believe he wants to get to the point soon (my take on this - 2-3 years) when he doesn't invest at the current level. Not sure what happens then, or if that is the point he decides to sell.
I believe he has been told that using his model in the Championship won't work due to the financial madness there compared to any other league in Europe. That his model might work in League 1 or the PL, but not the Championship. As far as I can tell he does not accept this view.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
The positives you state are pretty much stuff Charlton have built their foundations around, nothing new, so it's hard to thank him for them. We've always had cheap ticket prices, even in the PL, thanks to the hard work of many, and the community is the last thing we can think Roland for - he is tearing that apart if anything, not strengthening it. (He is withdrawing funding from many different schemes, most of which are slipping under the radar)
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
I don't think this is his thinking. I'm pretty sure that he hasn't bought the teams in the network to asset strip.
He seems genuinely obsessed by the statistics and economics of football and wants to prove right his vision of running a successful football club at breakeven. All of the evidence suggests that this is not achievable, but he seems intent on pressing on regardless.
Putting aside the arguments of how much is his net investment into the club, I believe he wants to get to the point soon (my take on this - 2-3 years) when he doesn't invest at the current level. Not sure what happens then, or if that is the point he decides to sell.
I believe he has been told that using his model in the Championship won't work due to the financial madness there compared to any other league in Europe. That his model might work in League 1 or the PL, but not the Championship. As far as I can tell he does not accept this view.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
The positives you state are pretty much stuff Charlton have built their foundations around, nothing new, so it's hard to thank him for them. We've always had cheap ticket prices, even in the PL, thanks to the hard work of many, and the community is the last thing we can think Roland for - he is tearing that apart if anything, not strengthening it. (He is withdrawing funding from many different schemes, most of which are slipping under the radar)
Can you tell us more ?
- The upbeats now have to purchase their own tickets to matches as they are no longer given the 10 free season tickets they used to get each season. The Community Trust are now paying to let them attend (Trust is a completely separate entity and has to pay it's own way). In mid-December they had to cut the contracts of some of those working for the youth service, seemingly because their costs elsewhere were rising.
- All of the freebies to school's had stopped (it used to be a rolling exercise, now barring the 3,000 they gave out to stop the Valley being empty, it's more of a 'one' off gesture) under this regime and in my eyes it's never a good gesture if it's a gesture you are doing just to get recognition/praise yourself, as is inn this case.
There's other bits and bobs I've heard/read on here (I'm sure) but can't recall, and they all add up to a rather depressing read. They may only be 'little' things but these 'little' things are what make our Community one rather special, but it's now a Community that the Club will take praise of yet contribute a Hell of a lot less to than they used to.
Perhaps withdrawn would have been a better word than withdrawing, as I don't know their plans for the future but the cost cutting isn't just on the pitch, I know that much.
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
I don't think this is his thinking. I'm pretty sure that he hasn't bought the teams in the network to asset strip.
He seems genuinely obsessed by the statistics and economics of football and wants to prove right his vision of running a successful football club at breakeven. All of the evidence suggests that this is not achievable, but he seems intent on pressing on regardless.
Putting aside the arguments of how much is his net investment into the club, I believe he wants to get to the point soon (my take on this - 2-3 years) when he doesn't invest at the current level. Not sure what happens then, or if that is the point he decides to sell.
I believe he has been told that using his model in the Championship won't work due to the financial madness there compared to any other league in Europe. That his model might work in League 1 or the PL, but not the Championship. As far as I can tell he does not accept this view.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
The positives you state are pretty much stuff Charlton have built their foundations around, nothing new, so it's hard to thank him for them. We've always had cheap ticket prices, even in the PL, thanks to the hard work of many, and the community is the last thing we can think Roland for - he is tearing that apart if anything, not strengthening it. (He is withdrawing funding from many different schemes, most of which are slipping under the radar)
Can you tell us more ?
- The upbeats now have to purchase their own tickets to matches as they are no longer given the 10 free season tickets they used to get each season. The Community Trust are now paying to let them attend (Trust is a completely separate entity and has to pay it's own way). In mid-December they had to cut the contracts of some of those working for the youth service, seemingly because their costs elsewhere were rising.
- All of the freebies to school's had stopped (it used to be a rolling exercise, now barring the 3,000 they gave out to stop the Valley being empty, it's more of a 'one' off gesture) under this regime and in my eyes it's never a good gesture if it's a gesture you are doing just to get recognition/praise yourself, as is inn this case.
There's other bits and bobs I've heard/read on here (I'm sure) but can't recall, and they all add up to a rather depressing read. They may only be 'little' things but these 'little' things are what make our Community one rather special, but it's now a Community that the Club will take praise of yet contribute a Hell of a lot less to than they used to.
Perhaps withdrawn would have been a better word than withdrawing, as I don't know their plans for the future but the cost cutting isn't just on the pitch, I know that much.
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
I don't think this is his thinking. I'm pretty sure that he hasn't bought the teams in the network to asset strip.
He seems genuinely obsessed by the statistics and economics of football and wants to prove right his vision of running a successful football club at breakeven. All of the evidence suggests that this is not achievable, but he seems intent on pressing on regardless.
Putting aside the arguments of how much is his net investment into the club, I believe he wants to get to the point soon (my take on this - 2-3 years) when he doesn't invest at the current level. Not sure what happens then, or if that is the point he decides to sell.
I believe he has been told that using his model in the Championship won't work due to the financial madness there compared to any other league in Europe. That his model might work in League 1 or the PL, but not the Championship. As far as I can tell he does not accept this view.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
The positives you state are pretty much stuff Charlton have built their foundations around, nothing new, so it's hard to thank him for them. We've always had cheap ticket prices, even in the PL, thanks to the hard work of many, and the community is the last thing we can think Roland for - he is tearing that apart if anything, not strengthening it. (He is withdrawing funding from many different schemes, most of which are slipping under the radar)
Can you tell us more ?
- The upbeats now have to purchase their own tickets to matches as they are no longer given the 10 free season tickets they used to get each season. The Community Trust are now paying to let them attend (Trust is a completely separate entity and has to pay it's own way). In mid-December they had to cut the contracts of some of those working for the youth service, seemingly because their costs elsewhere were rising.
- All of the freebies to school's had stopped (it used to be a rolling exercise, now barring the 3,000 they gave out to stop the Valley being empty, it's more of a 'one' off gesture) under this regime and in my eyes it's never a good gesture if it's a gesture you are doing just to get recognition/praise yourself, as is inn this case.
There's other bits and bobs I've heard/read on here (I'm sure) but can't recall, and they all add up to a rather depressing read. They may only be 'little' things but these 'little' things are what make our Community one rather special, but it's now a Community that the Club will take praise of yet contribute a Hell of a lot less to than they used to.
Perhaps withdrawn would have been a better word than withdrawing, as I don't know their plans for the future but the cost cutting isn't just on the pitch, I know that much.
would be good PR for CARD and help out the Community Trust at the same time if the protest fund paid for ten season tickets for The Upbeats next season, or reimbursed the Community Trust for this seasons cost, and I'm sure that would grab media attention - supporters buy season tickets for The Upbeats after Club stop doing so.
What can be done to get these bastards out. They seem to enjoy every bloody minute of it or are they so dense.
I thought Saturdays protest was a bit of a damp squib after the game. There was so many who wernt there behind the west stand. And again was dissappinting to see so many from the west stand just walk on by laughing as though they too don't give a toss.
The pinnochio theme was great its a shame the protest didn't t live up to it in my view. Just hope fans haven't given up already.
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
I don't think this is his thinking. I'm pretty sure that he hasn't bought the teams in the network to asset strip.
He seems genuinely obsessed by the statistics and economics of football and wants to prove right his vision of running a successful football club at breakeven. All of the evidence suggests that this is not achievable, but he seems intent on pressing on regardless.
Putting aside the arguments of how much is his net investment into the club, I believe he wants to get to the point soon (my take on this - 2-3 years) when he doesn't invest at the current level. Not sure what happens then, or if that is the point he decides to sell.
I believe he has been told that using his model in the Championship won't work due to the financial madness there compared to any other league in Europe. That his model might work in League 1 or the PL, but not the Championship. As far as I can tell he does not accept this view.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
He should have bought a club in league 2, one without expectations or high cost base, and see if he could build a club that could be successful and break even.
The problem with doing it here is that he has to destroy all the things that made this club strong in order to test his theories.
Isn't the point that Roland actually wants relegation....so he can turn us into Crewe Alexandra of the south, pay smaller salaries to kids and develop the away end into a block of flats.
How do you explain the recent signings and millions spent on players like Vetokele and Sarr? Results aren't his priority but I don't think that means he wants relegation either. It's more that he thinks we can be the Crewe of the Championship.
The recent signings? Journeymen like Motta. Loan signings like Sanogo who hasn't scored a goal for 30 years. A bloke called Fanni who last played competitive football in Qatar. A South Korean reject from QPR. And how do you know he spent 'millions' on the likes of Sarr? All undisclosed fees as I remember. So could be £10k down, £990k when he makes 400apps.
The fact that they signed 5 year contracts is the biggest clue, in terms of FFP I think the fee is split over the time of the conttact. The clubs they joined from also suggest they weren't cheap. I doubt the rumoured fees were far off either.
If he wanted us to go down why bother signing four players in the space of a few weeks? Arsenal and QPR players will be on decent wages (at least for us) and I doubt they're loaning them to us for free. I can't imagine a proven top tier French player like Fanni would play in Qatar unless he was getting well paid for it.
As with last season the plan was try to get away with the bare minimum in terms of a squad, hoping youth players would step up. In the new year we'd then improve the squad if needed, saving on money as we only pay those players for half a season (aside from the few brought in on longer deals of course).
As well as any signings it costs millions a season just to keep the club running and relegation won't actually save him money with the drop in TV revenue, season tickets etc.
I agree with this. I think he genuinely wants not to fail. The problem is that he's trying to do it in a way doomed to failure and won't be told - or at least has surrounded himself with sycophants who won't tell him straight of his delusion.
I’m still can’t work out the reason for Duchatelet’s extended visit last week, and why talk to SLP?
I suspect he was asked to give support to the current regime. Why else break cover and talk about the Dublin seminar when that has been the stick used to beat Meire for months?
And he talked to the SLP as that paper would guarantee to give him the room to say all he wanted. Reading it a few times I can't help but think that he vetted the questions in advance. Had he agreed to speak openly and honest, then I would have expected specific questions about contentious issues - Fraeye, for example, interference in the team , who decides on signings, why was Riga brought back etc.
Rich Cawley has told me that the club didn't vet the questions and he wouldn't have proceeded on that basis, which I believe. I think it's more that RD gave answers he wanted to give, rather than addressed the questions. It was also done at very short notice in terms of the paper's deadlines and available space. But there's more to come anyway.
Would us going down increase the chance of a sale? If so, keep doing what you're doing literally everyone involved with the club. Keep doing what you're doing.
My understanding is no, because RD still wants to prove his breakeven project is achievable. @Henryirving2's use of the word 'yet' is interesting. I have heard this word used but it seemed in terms of years rather than months.
I believe RD's words were "it's a bit too quick to sell".
This will be to do with debts and interests, and also tying himself in to a lot more to give his empire income once he has sold on. Loans, real estate etc etc. He will sell up, but only when it's clever for him to do so, this mans plan was clear (for some) to see from day one; and that did not go hand in hand with the success of our Football Club. We have to wait it out but we can certainly help speed it up.
I don't think this is his thinking. I'm pretty sure that he hasn't bought the teams in the network to asset strip.
He seems genuinely obsessed by the statistics and economics of football and wants to prove right his vision of running a successful football club at breakeven. All of the evidence suggests that this is not achievable, but he seems intent on pressing on regardless.
Putting aside the arguments of how much is his net investment into the club, I believe he wants to get to the point soon (my take on this - 2-3 years) when he doesn't invest at the current level. Not sure what happens then, or if that is the point he decides to sell.
I believe he has been told that using his model in the Championship won't work due to the financial madness there compared to any other league in Europe. That his model might work in League 1 or the PL, but not the Championship. As far as I can tell he does not accept this view.
The really sad thing in this is that within his model are some positive things, particularly stuff like making sure ticket prices are kept down and affordable, that the club should be a key part of the local community, contributing in a positive way, of wanting to use the Valley and SL as a community resource during the week. These are all things that we would probably support and, in a different situation, be proud of. Unfortunately they are completely lost in the current situation, and a situation of RD's own making.
I agree almost in entirety here. But he essentially does asset strip, this doesn't necessarily mean that was/is his plan to do so, but by stripping our staff and other resources down to their bare minimum, he will only sell us when we are essentially stripped. I have no doubt that when he does sell on it will be at the weakest point our Club has reached in a long long time.
My thinking is the man bought us to be part of a network, and I was completely against this from the first articles I read on the man and strongly projected that on to here. He now has weakened the network by the forced 'sale' of Standard Liege, although of which he still has a say in the ownership of, I'm pretty certain. Now this essentially puts teams into a more 'solo' effort, but still an overall goal is required between them, if one team is failing but one other succeeding then it still may be break even (plus tying teams into loans and whatnot to turn this into long term profit)
He's obsessed with the economics, and hellbent on changing something in that essence, and he is hellbent on sticking with it, so intent on trying to make it work regardless of how badly it seems to be going.
His method would never ever ever work in the PL, Watford would be the closest model to his but that in it's own right achieved success in the Championship before further strengthening and improving from there. Rolands method is to go at it cheaper, players with injury ridden past, inexperienced or journeymen who will take the payday, a great CV but 5 years past the mark. Watford aren't that, they have players in their prime. They also keep prospects, i.e. Deeney would be long gone if he was a CAFC player.
The positives you state are pretty much stuff Charlton have built their foundations around, nothing new, so it's hard to thank him for them. We've always had cheap ticket prices, even in the PL, thanks to the hard work of many, and the community is the last thing we can think Roland for - he is tearing that apart if anything, not strengthening it. (He is withdrawing funding from many different schemes, most of which are slipping under the radar)
would be good PR for CARD and help out the Community Trust at the same time if the protest fund paid for ten season tickets for The Upbeats next season, or reimbursed the Community Trust for this seasons cost, and I'm sure that would grab media attention - supporters buy season tickets for The Upbeats after Club stop doing so.
Can someone please confirm if this is true? I've asked before - Olly Groome has stated this not to be right, CAST/Upbeats in fact don't have to pay for themselves.
would be good PR for CARD and help out the Community Trust at the same time if the protest fund paid for ten season tickets for The Upbeats next season, or reimbursed the Community Trust for this seasons cost, and I'm sure that would grab media attention - supporters buy season tickets for The Upbeats after Club stop doing so.
Can someone please confirm if this is true? I've asked before - Olly Groome has stated this not to be right, CAST/Upbeats in fact don't have to pay for themselves.
Comments
Surely any potential buyers would see what's going on and know that they would have the fans on their side just because they have 'helped' the fans get rid of RD? Essentially entering as a hero or saviour for buying the club...
My thinking is the man bought us to be part of a network, and I was completely against this from the first articles I read on the man and strongly projected that on to here. He now has weakened the network by the forced 'sale' of Standard Liege, although of which he still has a say in the ownership of, I'm pretty certain. Now this essentially puts teams into a more 'solo' effort, but still an overall goal is required between them, if one team is failing but one other succeeding then it still may be break even (plus tying teams into loans and whatnot to turn this into long term profit)
He's obsessed with the economics, and hellbent on changing something in that essence, and he is hellbent on sticking with it, so intent on trying to make it work regardless of how badly it seems to be going.
His method would never ever ever work in the PL, Watford would be the closest model to his but that in it's own right achieved success in the Championship before further strengthening and improving from there. Rolands method is to go at it cheaper, players with injury ridden past, inexperienced or journeymen who will take the payday, a great CV but 5 years past the mark. Watford aren't that, they have players in their prime. They also keep prospects, i.e. Deeney would be long gone if he was a CAFC player.
The positives you state are pretty much stuff Charlton have built their foundations around, nothing new, so it's hard to thank him for them. We've always had cheap ticket prices, even in the PL, thanks to the hard work of many, and the community is the last thing we can think Roland for - he is tearing that apart if anything, not strengthening it. (He is withdrawing funding from many different schemes, most of which are slipping under the radar)
I hear he done a full and frank interview and it was all recorded! it lasted for over 6 hours!!!
Katrien was asked to oversee the editing and make sure it got on YouTube.
With the attention of a 5 year old she got bored of the long upload time so just put up the 4 clips she thought were best! (2% I believe)
FYI - The other 98% of the interview was also Bullshit! So a good job done by all!
And he talked to the SLP as that paper would guarantee to give him the room to say all he wanted. Reading it a few times I can't help but think that he vetted the questions in advance. Had he agreed to speak openly and honest, then I would have expected specific questions about contentious issues - Fraeye, for example, interference in the team , who decides on signings, why was Riga brought back etc.
I don't entirely disagree with Charlton operating on a break even basis in principle. Trouble is, he's going it about it arsebackwards. He is cutting the budget to nothing so he can break even now, when what he should be doing is investing and building the club to the point where it can break even in the future.
- All of the freebies to school's had stopped (it used to be a rolling exercise, now barring the 3,000 they gave out to stop the Valley being empty, it's more of a 'one' off gesture) under this regime and in my eyes it's never a good gesture if it's a gesture you are doing just to get recognition/praise yourself, as is inn this case.
There's other bits and bobs I've heard/read on here (I'm sure) but can't recall, and they all add up to a rather depressing read. They may only be 'little' things but these 'little' things are what make our Community one rather special, but it's now a Community that the Club will take praise of yet contribute a Hell of a lot less to than they used to.
Perhaps withdrawn would have been a better word than withdrawing, as I don't know their plans for the future but the cost cutting isn't just on the pitch, I know that much.
I thought Saturdays protest was a bit of a damp squib after the game. There was so many who wernt there behind the west stand. And again was dissappinting to see so many from the west stand just walk on by laughing as though they too don't give a toss.
The pinnochio theme was great its a shame the protest didn't t live up to it in my view. Just hope fans haven't given up already.
The problem with doing it here is that he has to destroy all the things that made this club strong in order to test his theories.