Is a supporter ownership model possible at Barnsley FC

As Ive said before, we, BFC supporters, could not raise £40,000 in 1966 (less than a quarter pledged), and I can see us doing no better today.

 

Next home game look around and have a guess at what percentage of our fans have a spare £1-5 grand to sink into becoming a shareholders. Majority of this town struggles to afford a season ticket. This model is a sure fire way to lead to long term mediocrity.

 

But unless someone puts forward the suggestion of a model, there is no discussion at all. I am simply trying to see if there is any interest amongst the fans for this type of scheme. I will be able to tell, one way or another, from the interest that this thread attracts. I do not expect any expression of interest in doing what I have suggested. But if there was any enthusiasm for fan ownership, I would expect this thread to attract interest (as judged from the number of people who have looked at it) and replies (as judged from the number of people who have taken the time to respond).

 

There are 2 issues - 1.would I as an individual supporter buy a share at £1000 (or 5 shares etc) ? yes I would.

2. But the management model for that to happen would for me personally not have Barry Taylor, the Cryne family or BFCST involved. And I don't think that would happen.

 

I don't think such a thread on a forum like this tells you everything at all, but I do see your point.

In all honesty, I don't think there is any interest in fan ownership right now. No one sees us as under threat. No administration etc so it's not on people's minds. It's when **** hits the fan that people become engaged. Currently it's just apathy.

However, I do believe it's possible & I do believe that there should be some sort of organisation whilst times are good.

 

set up a kickstarter for a target of £3,000,000 see how far we get

 

If cryne and/or his family after sale wanted to buy shares then they would be treated like everyone else.

Want a seat on the board... better get some votes.

Agreevwith bazza and the supporters trust is too close to the club for it to be an independent voice.

 

I think that the idea would have more viability if we were operating at a lower level and on a reduced budget. The club seem well on the road to this.

 

No..

 

Re: Not in a million years

And the person who puts most cash in will want the largest say of where his cash goes....

 

Re: Not in a million years

'Look, I will make this simpler. I will give everyone some ideas so that everyone has a target.' Somewhat patronising

 

...........'It has been reported that Mr Cryne is looking for a way out'
He has been looking for a way out even before he bought the club......his intentions have always been to steady the club and then sell it on.
He did the first part brilliantly but the second part of that has still to be achieved - even when we know he is a fantastic salesman who was able to build a company from nothing to be worth £1Billion...........so in my view summerts wrong somewhere

..........as for..........'Could Barnsley Football Club ever become a supporter owned independent company again'

Yes of course it can.........but expect to see 4th Division football on a permanent basis as a consequence

 

I don't believe it will happen without at least one or two wealthy supporters. And I'm not sure Mr Cryne is keen on supporter ownership. But, he keeps on saying he wants out, and that's an awful situation for our club to be in, being led by someone who would rather be elsewhere.

 

One way to help fund it - stop spending £150k a year on agents.

 

How insane is it, that in order to get players in. Clubs pay the agent's cut, and not the player

 

Re: Not in a million years

He'd need 75% of the shares.

 

Re: Not in a million years

You're a clown. You need it simplified.

Now pay attention. Have you got ten grand lying about?

Good. Cough it up for the cause.

 

I imagine this sort of buyout would be more complex than it looks on face value but perhaps not unachievable. From the snippets that we can put together based on information released in public the following might work......

Sell the land to raise the reported £3m for PC to balance the books (not sure of the land value but assume the car parks would be sufficient)
Local, key businesses invest, including PC. For this they get a seat at the table, stadium, training land and any other assets (share of). If a pre agreed number of shares were released, let's say 1 million at say £10 each and capped at 49% maximum ownership per individual investor/ group.


Would have the potential to raise £10m in investment up front and assuming that it went roughly 50/50 major players:fans as a ratio would equate to 500k shares at £10 each being bought by the supporters, equivalent to 5000 buying 100 shares each but possibly with a minimum purchase set at 50 shares.

You could also include the first years season ticket within the investment

I'm sure there are holes in this but I'm also sure with a bit of thought something would be doable

UTR

 

Re: Not in a million years

Red Rain - you have pm