I understand the caution but some of the posts this morning are way too negative
Remember this - we have multiple sources including direct from the Aussies themselves saying that the takeover is expected to be completeld in between 1-3 weeks. I’m happy with that and if even half the stuff James Seed has reported comes off we will be massively better off as a club (and I don’t nean financially) than for many a year.
Tbh, I was always expecting some negative replies to my meeting with my chap.
That's fair enough, but I can't keep replying to each and every point raised, you end up going round in circles. And sometimes people seem to have misread what I wrote.
Probably best that I leave it now until the deal is announced official (WIOTOW), or I've spoken to them again. Of course I can only pass on what I'm allowed to.
Sorry, but this dishwasher doesn't load itself you know.
Great news James and a great relief . I , we, were all very anxious about how you were going to manage the cleanup. A dishwasher is a fantastic labour saving device and it’s a credit to you that you've had the foresight to have had one installed. Speaks volumes about the likely success of future dinner parties. I for one am ending my boycott - I’m free next saturday night .
I have friends who have two dishwashers. Highly recommended apparently.
8pm, Aussie consortium willing.
I'm having dramas with a customer at the moment because I cannot fit a washing machine and normal sized dishwasher on any side of their kitchen, so they've decided to keep the washing machine and have 2 slimline dishwashers on 2 sides of the kitchen. It's only a holiday home ffs.
Is owning 2 dishwashers the lates status symbol?
I've read that people have 2 so that they don't unload the d/w - they remove clean stuff as needed - use it and put in the other d/w then when full it goes on and they repeat the cycle. Saves cupboard space and time. I don't even have 1...
Pure laziness then basically.
which is the definition of a dishwasher, isn't it ?
Glicksteen,Fry,Barrow Boys,RD-------our history is full of top notch "owners"----whom ever comes next ,bring it on ----seen it,herd it ,lived it.
And the needle returns to the start of the song mate <blockquote
@Airman Brown I have said many times I believe Murray is the main blocking mechanism on any takeover because he will want it right for him first and cafc second so I agree with your last part
I think that very early on there was contact with those that have loans and I believe thier e posts and tweets are very good barometers of where we are in the process not taking away anything from the great info put up by @JamesSeed this weekend
@Davidsmith has been absolutely spot on with his info so far imo
Mine is a word of caution that’s all there have been so many false dawns so many hopes raised only to be dashed
Our job as fans is to enjoy the football first and foremost and be more concerned about those kicking a ball , however recent history at cafc has never just allowed that over the last 30 odd years , so maybe just maybe we should excerise our own DD and not be as willing to accept anyone but Roland just because of the shit we have had to endure
Let’s hope I am wrong in being cautious and all things Aussie are the bollox
But I get the feeling this will be another chapter of uncertainty
I have no idea and this really surprised me. Maybe it’s because there are still two people in the running until everything is absolutely final and money has been paid for the frontrunner.
Interesting that Duchâtelet thinks Murray is a ‘super guy’.
Duchatelet's judgement on people is what exactly? I offer Meire, Driessen and Fraeye just for starters.
‘Battersea, Balham and Clapham Addicks’ of course. I think we could get a good guest for our launch ;-)
So that's actually "South Chelsea, South Cla'ham and Cla'ham Addicks".
No need to change the name of Balham - Gateway to the South!
We enter Balham through the verdant grasslands of Battersea Park, and at once we are aware that here is a land of happy, contented people who go about their daily tasks in truly democratic spirit.
This is busy High Street, focal point of the town's activities. Note the quaint old stores, whose frontage is covered with hand-painted inscriptions, every one a rare example of native Balham art.
Great news James and a great relief . I , we, were all very anxious about how you were going to manage the cleanup. A dishwasher is a fantastic labour saving device and it’s a credit to you that you've had the foresight to have had one installed. Speaks volumes about the likely success of future dinner parties. I for one am ending my boycott - I’m free next saturday night .
I have friends who have two dishwashers. Highly recommended apparently.
8pm, Aussie consortium willing.
I'm having dramas with a customer at the moment because I cannot fit a washing machine and normal sized dishwasher on any side of their kitchen, so they've decided to keep the washing machine and have 2 slimline dishwashers on 2 sides of the kitchen. It's only a holiday home ffs.
Is owning 2 dishwashers the lates status symbol?
I've read that people have 2 so that they don't unload the d/w - they remove clean stuff as needed - use it and put in the other d/w then when full it goes on and they repeat the cycle. Saves cupboard space and time. I don't even have 1...
Pure laziness then basically.
which is the definition of a dishwasher, isn't it ?
Don't have one
Sorry to hear your wife's left you.
When it comes to dishwashing in our house, that would make zero difference.
When I mentioned that the transfer window was open, they said they knew, but that they're in this for the long haul. They've of course been trying to get this across the line as early as possible. Bear in mind that they also weren't put off when we failed to gain promotion, for the same reason.
Their comments about the transfer window and missing out on promotion are of course perfectly reasonable statements to make publicly in a negotiation situation. However, privately I hope they are very disappointed about both and tbe financial effect of another season in L1, and if team rebuilding is not successful this summer, probably more than one season with the inevitable negative knock-on effects.
When I mentioned that the transfer window was open, they said they knew, but that they're in this for the long haul. They've of course been trying to get this across the line as early as possible. Bear in mind that they also weren't put off when we failed to gain promotion, for the same reason.
Their comments about the transfer window and missing out on promotion are of course perfectly reasonable statements to make publicly in a negotiation situation. However, privately I hope they are very disappointed about both and tbe financial effect of another season in L1, and if team rebuilding is not successful this summer, probably more than one season with the inevitable negative knock-on effects.
I suppose if we had got promoted this past season RD would have wanted a higher price for the sale. That's probably why the potential new owners aren't that disappointed.
When I mentioned that the transfer window was open, they said they knew, but that they're in this for the long haul. They've of course been trying to get this across the line as early as possible. Bear in mind that they also weren't put off when we failed to gain promotion, for the same reason.
Their comments about the transfer window and missing out on promotion are of course perfectly reasonable statements to make publicly in a negotiation situation. However, privately I hope they are very disappointed about both and tbe financial effect of another season in L1, and if team rebuilding is not successful this summer, probably more than one season with the inevitable negative knock-on effects.
I suppose if we had got promoted this past season RD would have wanted a higher price for the sale. That's probably why the potential new owners aren't that disappointed.
That would depend on how the price increase compared to the costs of a season (or more) in L1 plus the cost of building a L1 promotion team. I think I would take a definite over a maybe.
Glicksteen,Fry,Barrow Boys,RD-------our history is full of top notch "owners"----whom ever comes next ,bring it on ----seen it,herd it ,lived it.
And the needle returns to the start of the song mate
The Aussies will be good, if for nothing else, for not being Roland. Having an owner who does not think winning is important is the lowest of the low. There is no worse owner in the world.
No need for DD, no need for caution, and it is not our call anyway. It is what it is and we will need to all pull together and make it work.
I, like so many, have had enough of negativity and I will be only looking for the positives. I will be taking everything at face value and believe everything they say until proved wrong. If Richard Murray is given a role I will support that. Bring it on. I can’t wait.
Glicksteen,Fry,Barrow Boys,RD-------our history is full of top notch "owners"----whom ever comes next ,bring it on ----seen it,herd it ,lived it.
And the needle returns to the start of the song mate
The Aussies will be good, if for nothing else, for not being Roland. Having an owner who does not think winning is important is the lowest of the low. There is no worse owner in the world.
No need for DD, no need for caution, and it is not our call anyway. It is what it is and we will need to all pull together and make it work.
I, like so many, have had enough of negativity and I will be only looking for the positives. I will be taking everything at face value and believe everything they say until proved wrong. If Richard Murray is given a role I will support that. Bring it on. I can’t wait.
Well, i know i speak for a heck of a lot of people, but the season ticket money i have is burning a hole in my pocket - and i would happily, with a huge smile, give it to the Aussies or for that matter anyone who wants to take us out of this Belgian hell.
Well, i know i speak for a heck of a lot of people, but the season ticket money i have is burning a hole in my pocket - and i would happily, with a huge smile, give it to the Aussies or for that matter anyone who wants to take us out of this Belgian hell.
Glicksteen,Fry,Barrow Boys,RD-------our history is full of top notch "owners"----whom ever comes next ,bring it on ----seen it,herd it ,lived it.
And the needle returns to the start of the song mate
The Aussies will be good, if for nothing else, for not being Roland. Having an owner who does not think winning is important is the lowest of the low. There is no worse owner in the world.
No need for DD, no need for caution, and it is not our call anyway. It is what it is and we will need to all pull together and make it work.
I, like so many, have had enough of negativity and I will be only looking for the positives. I will be taking everything at face value and believe everything they say until proved wrong. If Richard Murray is given a role I will support that. Bring it on. I can’t wait.
That's like a double whoosh isn't it?
You will have to explain to me why. Was North London joking?
Charlton needs to be rebuilt. Every aspect of the club needs carefully and considerately to be re-engineered so that it is no longer not fit for purpose. That's not to say that some people and some areas of the club are still delivering well. For example, Olly Groome is doing a great job in my opinion. As are Jason Euell and Steve Avory. But their jobs - and everyone else's - will need reshaping and refocusing and soon - I hope - each role will have a new focus and new energy.
Because the legacy of Roland Duchatalet's embarrassing - for him and for us - ownership of the club is one of broken ineptitude, scatter-gun diplomacy and failure heaped upon failure. We fans don't know what the club is trying to do any more. The staff seem only focused on delivering the latest, direction-changing instruction. And the owner oscillates between blind incompetence and complete disinterest. He's come very close to ruining a great institution and for that reason he should never be forgotten or forgiven.
Despite his cataclysmic ownership, we came within two wins of promotion, bolstered by a manager successfully rebuilding and harnessing a spirit that changed under-performing players into an over-performing team. But a close brush with promotion this season does not guarantee a better return next season. On the contrary, with some of the best players no doubt leaving in the Summer, for various reasons, we're starting from behind square one. Right now, we look in bad shape for next season. But next season's not here and - we hope - a lot of things are going to change between now and then.
What's the point of this post? It's just a bit of gentle encouragement to everyone to look beyond the short-term. If the takeover goes through, we shouldn't judge the new owners on their immediate actions. They'll appoint a permanent manager, no doubt; they'll let some players go; they'll sign some more. All of these will be tiny indications of the success they will deliver. But don't panic if the manager isn't the person you want it to be. Don't worry if the signings aren't as stellar as we might hope. Don't get too concerned if we are mid-table at Christmas.
Because the new owners will have a longer-term plan. They need to hire good people in the key roles: CEO, Chairman, Manager. And those people are going to have to make big, long-term decisions. They will look beyond the fans' immediate horizon. They know that the promotion failure this season is a pity, rather than a disaster. They know that recruitment isn't going to be cheap. And they know hiring the right manager is a crucial component of a long-term plan, not a quick fix method to "improve our ranking" over the next few weeks. They seem to be giving out exactly the right messages; and, from what I have heard (and I have heard no more than anyone else) they seem to be the right sort of people for Charlton.
A five-year plan to get Charlton to the Premier League is very ambitious. That doesn't mean it's unrealistic; but it also means that we shouldn't get down-hearted if it's not accomplished, nor if the method of getting there comprises sliding down snakes as well as clambering up ladders. But it's great to have ambition - something SE7 has lacked during the disastrous Duchatelet years.
Will we be in a better position in a few years' time? Who knows? But, dammit, for what it's worth, I think we will.
For the first time in a very great number of years, I think we're going to be alright.
Glicksteen,Fry,Barrow Boys,RD-------our history is full of top notch "owners"----whom ever comes next ,bring it on ----seen it,herd it ,lived it.
And the needle returns to the start of the song mate
The Aussies will be good, if for nothing else, for not being Roland. Having an owner who does not think winning is important is the lowest of the low. There is no worse owner in the world.
No need for DD, no need for caution, and it is not our call anyway. It is what it is and we will need to all pull together and make it work.
I, like so many, have had enough of negativity and I will be only looking for the positives. I will be taking everything at face value and believe everything they say until proved wrong. If Richard Murray is given a role I will support that. Bring it on. I can’t wait.
That's like a double whoosh isn't it?
You will have to explain to me why. Was North London joking?
I wasn't sure if I'm honest. The RM bit might be a clue. Or might not. Hopefully he'll let us know.
For me Bowyer plus Curbs as director of football would be marvellous. Would also like to think there would be a place for Varney and or Steve Sutherland with Suzi Sausage back at the secretarial helm as well....if she was interested that is. All a bit fanciful I know.....but one can only dream.
I wasn’t joking I honestly feel there is caution needed as it all sounds like a experiment we will see should they finally sign off
As for RM being involved I would genuinely hope not I am sick to death of him hanging around he needs to no longer be there
I did not think you were, but couldn’t understand the double whoosh.
I don’t think anyone could fail to understand why any of us would be suspicious and cautious after our recent experiences, and I think we are all hoping that the new owners can dispel these quickly so we don’t waste time and effort questioning everything as this would stop the club moving forward as quickly as it might.
As for RM, I have nothing against him personally and an awful lot to be grateful for. That said, if his presence causes negativity for some it would probably be best if he bows out gracefully.
For me Bowyer plus Curbs as director of football would be marvellous. Would also like to think there would be a place for Varney and or Steve Sutherland with Susie Sausage back at the secretarial helm as well....if she was interested that is.
would Bowyer want someone (even curbs) overseeing him? to my mind he's very much his own man and not sure how this would fit.
1. They’re hoping, subject to approval from a couple of investors and the EFL, that the sale will happen next week. I think they might being a little optimistic with their estimate of the how long the EFL can take processing these fit and proper person tests, so an extra week or two might be on the cards? (Just guessing). But they're patient people. They believe it will happen, but that's all they would say on the matter. They say they're in this for the long haul, and it's already been a two year project, which so far has cost them a million Pounds. They mentioned a five year plan to get the club into the Premier League, which is their stated aim. The five year plan might include the previous two years ago, I'm not sure. They are interested in success. They have ambition. It's the Australian mentality when it comes to sport.
2. He described Fulham as being the only other club in London they might have been interested in. Why? Because both clubs 'have great fans, and a great stadium', which they see as key. They appreciate that fans are the heart of the club, and pointed out how 'different' the ownership system is in England, compared to the fan ownership system in Australia. They seem very aware of the differences between the fans of Charlton, and the fans of some of our London 'rivals', and see that as a big positive. They respect the passion.
3. They see they Australian system of 'Membership' as something they want to promote at Charlton. In Australia clubs have 'memberships' into the high tens of thousands - Essendon have just topped the 70,000 mark, for example. (Click here to read more.) How that might translate to how Charlton is run and owned remains to be seen, but I believe they see season ticket holders as the current 'members'. My contact was very pleased to hear that many people are waiting until new owners are in place to renew their season tickets. I was surprised they didn't know that already!
4. The reason for all the delays hasn't actually been to do with Roland Duchâtelet dragging his feet. Due diligence has been massively complicated by the fact that RD didn't actually complete proper due diligence himself when he bought the club, because of the circumstances of the sale. The complications they have encountered have apparently been a legacy of the previous Tony Jimenez and Michael Slater regime. I can't comment on their feelings about Roland Duchâtelet. Apparently RD mentioned how powerful the fans are at Charlton, something he hadn't experienced before. I think they see this as a positive.
5. They are buying the club, lock, stock and barrel. Roland wants to sell, and isn’t looking to hang on to any assets, Sparrows Lane for example - and isn’t looking for and sell-on deals vis a vis player sales. My source hasn't met with Duchâtelet, but has been dealing with his representatives. It's has been a very complicated process, but there has been no dragging of feet.
6. It was never the intention to make Charlton a kind of nursery club for Australian footballers. If any Australian footballers sign for Charlton it will only be because they are capable of playing at the appropriate level or higher. They’re more interested in getting Australians at home, and the Australian community in London, to support the team. They will be very vigorously promoting the club to the Australian community. I can only speculate that if there were any truly top class Australian footballers playing for Charlton, that would only help with that process.
7. They are looking to appoint a manager ASAP. My source spoke to Lee Bowyer yesterday, and he is being considered for the job. They have approached Chris Powell's people in an attempt to see if he is available as well. Other managers may also be considered, but only experienced ones. Mr Kewell isn't on the list apparently. They are aware that the transfer window is open.
8. They weren't too worried that we failed to win promotion. Again, because they see this as a long term project, not an immediate bid for glory.
9. They're genuinely looking forward to establishing contact with groups and trusts connected with Charlton, including CAST and the Community Trust if and when the sale has been completed.
There was probably more, and if I remember any of it I'll post here.
If anything comes up at our next meeting I'll also post it here.
Would like to take him to visit the Museum. I don't suppose anyone on here might be available to help with that ;-)
So I'm a few hours late to this but it all sounds fantastic, and I say this as someone who will be skeptically optimistic toward any incoming owners.
The best part for me is the idea of Membership. I truly belive that the only way to prevent people like Roland is to have fan representation on the board and/or other decision making entities, akin to Germany, what Swansea have, etc. This is not just down to my Socialist leanings, but also because fans can see things Directors can't, and vice versa. And putting my Capitalist hat on, who better to market/proselytize to supporters than other supporters?
While that may not happen with this group, it sounds like something they would at least consider and hopefully The Trust will be able to have some conversations with them on the matter.
Just remember I liked you before it was cool @JamesSeed (and thanks so much for the hard work on this).
Comments
Remember this - we have multiple sources including direct from the Aussies themselves saying that the takeover is expected to be completeld in between 1-3 weeks. I’m happy with that and if even half the stuff James Seed has reported comes off we will be massively better off as a club (and I don’t nean financially) than for many a year.
That's fair enough, but I can't keep replying to each and every point raised, you end up going round in circles. And sometimes people seem to have misread what I wrote.
Probably best that I leave it now until the deal is announced official (WIOTOW), or I've spoken to them again. Of course I can only pass on what I'm allowed to.
Sorry, but this dishwasher doesn't load itself you know.
<blockquote
@Airman Brown
I have said many times I believe Murray is the main blocking mechanism on any takeover because he will want it right for him first and cafc second so I agree with your last part
I think that very early on there was contact with those that have loans and I believe thier e posts and tweets are very good barometers of where we are in the process not taking away anything from the great info put up by @JamesSeed this weekend
@Davidsmith has been absolutely spot on with his info so far imo
Mine is a word of caution that’s all there have been so many false dawns so many hopes raised only to be dashed
Our job as fans is to enjoy the football first and foremost and be more concerned about those kicking a ball , however recent history at cafc has never just allowed that over the last 30 odd years , so maybe just maybe we should excerise our own DD and not be as willing to accept anyone but Roland just because of the shit we have had to endure
Let’s hope I am wrong in being cautious and all things Aussie are the bollox
But I get the feeling this will be another chapter of uncertainty
We enter Balham through the verdant grasslands of Battersea Park, and at once we are aware that here is a land of happy, contented people who go about their daily tasks in truly democratic spirit.
This is busy High Street, focal point of the town's activities. Note the quaint old stores, whose frontage is covered with hand-painted inscriptions, every one a rare example of native Balham art.
and so on .....
(you need to be of a certain age to get this!)
I'd certainly buy a few of those !
No need for DD, no need for caution, and it is not our call anyway. It is what it is and we will need to all pull together and make it work.
I, like so many, have had enough of negativity and I will be only looking for the positives. I will be taking everything at face value and believe everything they say until proved wrong. If Richard Murray is given a role I will support that. Bring it on. I can’t wait.
Because the legacy of Roland Duchatalet's embarrassing - for him and for us - ownership of the club is one of broken ineptitude, scatter-gun diplomacy and failure heaped upon failure. We fans don't know what the club is trying to do any more. The staff seem only focused on delivering the latest, direction-changing instruction. And the owner oscillates between blind incompetence and complete disinterest. He's come very close to ruining a great institution and for that reason he should never be forgotten or forgiven.
Despite his cataclysmic ownership, we came within two wins of promotion, bolstered by a manager successfully rebuilding and harnessing a spirit that changed under-performing players into an over-performing team. But a close brush with promotion this season does not guarantee a better return next season. On the contrary, with some of the best players no doubt leaving in the Summer, for various reasons, we're starting from behind square one. Right now, we look in bad shape for next season. But next season's not here and - we hope - a lot of things are going to change between now and then.
What's the point of this post? It's just a bit of gentle encouragement to everyone to look beyond the short-term. If the takeover goes through, we shouldn't judge the new owners on their immediate actions. They'll appoint a permanent manager, no doubt; they'll let some players go; they'll sign some more. All of these will be tiny indications of the success they will deliver. But don't panic if the manager isn't the person you want it to be. Don't worry if the signings aren't as stellar as we might hope. Don't get too concerned if we are mid-table at Christmas.
Because the new owners will have a longer-term plan. They need to hire good people in the key roles: CEO, Chairman, Manager. And those people are going to have to make big, long-term decisions. They will look beyond the fans' immediate horizon. They know that the promotion failure this season is a pity, rather than a disaster. They know that recruitment isn't going to be cheap. And they know hiring the right manager is a crucial component of a long-term plan, not a quick fix method to "improve our ranking" over the next few weeks. They seem to be giving out exactly the right messages; and, from what I have heard (and I have heard no more than anyone else) they seem to be the right sort of people for Charlton.
A five-year plan to get Charlton to the Premier League is very ambitious. That doesn't mean it's unrealistic; but it also means that we shouldn't get down-hearted if it's not accomplished, nor if the method of getting there comprises sliding down snakes as well as clambering up ladders. But it's great to have ambition - something SE7 has lacked during the disastrous Duchatelet years.
Will we be in a better position in a few years' time? Who knows? But, dammit, for what it's worth, I think we will.
For the first time in a very great number of years, I think we're going to be alright.
As for RM being involved I would genuinely hope not I am sick to death of him hanging around he needs to no longer be there
Would also like to think there would be a place for Varney and or Steve Sutherland with Suzi Sausage back at the secretarial helm as well....if she was interested that is.
All a bit fanciful I know.....but one can only dream.
I don’t think anyone could fail to understand why any of us would be suspicious and cautious after our recent experiences, and I think we are all hoping that the new owners can dispel these quickly so we don’t waste time and effort questioning everything as this would stop the club moving forward as quickly as it might.
As for RM, I have nothing against him personally and an awful lot to be grateful for. That said, if his presence causes negativity for some it would probably be best if he bows out gracefully.
The best part for me is the idea of Membership. I truly belive that the only way to prevent people like Roland is to have fan representation on the board and/or other decision making entities, akin to Germany, what Swansea have, etc. This is not just down to my Socialist leanings, but also because fans can see things Directors can't, and vice versa. And putting my Capitalist hat on, who better to market/proselytize to supporters than other supporters?
While that may not happen with this group, it sounds like something they would at least consider and hopefully The Trust will be able to have some conversations with them on the matter.
Just remember I liked you before it was cool @JamesSeed (and thanks so much for the hard work on this).