Sense Check

1) Aye, the board clearly have an issue with the state of Oakwell and the council lease. Nobody can argue with how run down Oakwell had become, so it’s not too much of a surprise. Like it or not, it was always going to come to a head at some point. A split of club and ground always causes issues.

2) The council themselves are not exactly Saints themselves - destroying green belt at Higham, Penny Pie Park and Hoyland Common, and then declaring a climate emergency straight after they passed the plans. So I’ve little faith with BMBC in some respects. And ultimately, we want the club to succeed - so that might mean ‘strong-arm’ tactics against the council are required.

3) The board suggested the long term plan was to grow the club, have it self-sustainable and nurture young talent to sell on and re-invest. I can see that has been done, and with a degree of success. I’d also suggest that Taking on Oakwell and certain repairs required, will cut our playing budget - which has already been cut by Covid-19 impacts.

4) Cryne knew what he wanted the ideal buyers to do - and within reason, they’ve followed this through. He often commented, that BFC wasn’t easy to sell. My point being - we have to be careful for what we wish for. There aren’t many alternatives out there and realistically, the one we have, have done ok and certainly won’t be pushed around by the council. That’s not entirely a bad thing. And yes, it’s in the public, but at least it’s transparent!

 

A self sustainable club shouldn't be difficult to sell when Derby with all their debts are still getting interest. Don't see why some talk the club down, we've a history of punching above our weight and have a steady fanbase.

 

All fair points. I think we all want all parties concerned to now sit down, talk straight and work together in the best interests of the club. Until we see evidence of that I'm afraid I don't trust any of them.

 

True. Hopefully the fan meetings later this month will shine more light on it.

I just think so long as the board are doing their best for the ‘club’, then we may have to take a pragmatic view on it. In some respects, it’s about time someone stood up to BMBC. I’m not a council badger - some good folk work there, and the new town centre looks good, but I’m not blind to their many faults either.

 

Shouldn’t be - but Cryne stated many a time it was difficult.

 

Trust me mate, if it comes to a battle of 'strong-arm tactics' there will be only one winner.

 

Really? Whom?

 

I was glad when the ownership of the ground was split when Patrick took over. I thought it was at threat before Patrick.
I have to confess that had a vision of joint owners working together on the upkeep of the stadium. I never thought I’d see an exhibition of responsibility passing as we have got now. While everyone is pointing at the other part owner nothing is ever going to get done.
My message to all parties is that if you are not prepared to maintain it then you should sell it.
Surely the legal hitches are not insurmountable?

 

The lengths gone to by some people in defending our 80% owners is quite frankly staggering.

 

I actually believe, reluctantly, that we may not have a club 5 years from now. Hope not, obviously.

 

The only bad decision the Council could take would to be to sell the ground to the other 80% of the ownership.

How fans still have faith in this group of individuals is baffling. Just look at the evidence of their mismanagement- on an off the field.

 

WTF as a bloody park in poggy got to do with whether or not the club was telling the truth about why it's closed the stand. The council might not get everything right but it's not them that's shut the stand and as for the repair of the stadium if the lease says it's down to the club it's down to the club end of story.

 

They've not paid for their original purchase.. that's why we're having these issues.

 

This post isn’t specifically aimed at the West Stand if you actually re-read my post. It’s about the situation overall…… sadly, the club ‘could’ survive without the ground. The ‘ground’ cannot survive without the club. Hence both sides need to listen and work it out.

Don’t believe me? Just look at Rotherham Utd - that’s worked out pretty well for them eventually…..

 

Good god, wake up

 

Great. Stick by the 20% owners and BMBC then…. See how far that gets us as a club.

Eco Stick League…… as that’s where our future budget would get us

 

To what?

 

It sure you understand what's going off here.

 

Maybe. Kick us out then…..

 

No more than you do