Shares instead of certifiates/draws/names on seats?

[BlueWhiteStripes]

In the general thread on the clubs need for cash, Tom Hark mentoioned how attractive a share issue might be. I think this would be much more motivating than the present approach which is turning saving the Albion into a kind of prize raffle.

We could all have our stake and maybe a fans rep on the Board.

Would someone who knows more about this than me please outline the pros and cons of an Albion share issue?

I think it would stand much more chance of generating the kind of cash levels we appear to need....

 

[Marc]

Ask The Club Forum, someone post a detailed question rearding everything pro/con about shares then insider can pass it on.

 

[Gazwag]

I think that getting certificates for donations will really be no different from have a share certificate.

The chances are that the club would only create a different class of shares which contain no voting rights anyway.

The shares owned by individuals will have little value, as nobody would be interested in buying them from an share owner as they would have to buy many thousands to make it worthwhile.

The shares would not be able to be traded like share with Man Utd and would probably not give any dividends

Therefore, I believe there will be no difference, although it could be argued that doing it the way the club are it is more valuable than shares as if you donated £250+ you would get a permanent memorial - a seat - always assuming of course that Falmer is approved.

 

[ditchy]

to have a public Stock Exchange listing would cost a great deal

 

[beorhthelm]

dont need to be listed on stock exchange to have share issue. you'd just find it very difficult to trade the shares. As pointed out, a class of shares could be created without voting rights (or anything else for that matter) so wouldnt mean any loss of control. I thinks its a great idea and certainly better than a life time season ticket raffle.

 

[Man of Harveys]

I agree, much better idea than just a donation (although I'll donate too). It's investing in the future of the club at a time when they obviously need it most.

 

[Brovion]

Conference Two (North) club Bradford Park Avenue have a share scheme. You can either buy blocks of shares or contribute £x amount per month (no amount too small)

The shares are non-voting, non-preference and effectively worthless. However they do mean that fans know they 'own' part of the club and know that they are contributing.

 

[Easy 10]

The shares owned by individuals will have little value, as nobody would be interested in buying them from an share owner as they would have to buy many thousands to make it worthwhile.

The shares would not be able to be traded like share with Man Utd and would probably not give any dividends

I think weall know that,as fans, we wouldn't actually make any money out of our shares. There's no way we'd EVER get a dividend or any kind of return on it.

But personally, if we were floated, I would certainly pay out some of my hard-earned to own some shares in the Club. It means you personally own a piece of the Albion, and that idea just "appeals" to me for some reason. There's no real logic behind it I know, but just the knowledge that you have invested in the club and now own a piece of it...I dunno, I just like the idea.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

I think weall know that,as fans, we wouldn't actually make any money out of our shares. There's no way we'd EVER get a dividend or any kind of return on it.

But personally, if we were floated, I would certainly pay out some of my hard-earned to own some shares in the Club. It means you personally own a piece of the Albion, and that idea just "appeals" to me for some reason. There's no real logic behind it I know, but just the knowledge that you have invested in the club and now own a piece of it...I dunno, I just like the idea.

It would be like owning a bit of Goldstone turf in a way.

And the following quote from the official wording would seem to suggest there is some leeway for someone with 'substantial investment' to get involved, presumably in some other way than the £100/£250 route?

'Indeed, you may know of someone, or wish to make a substantial investment in the club yourself. If this is the case do please make contact with us and we will be happy, on a confidential basis, to explore ways, which are mutually acceptable, in which such an investment could be made.'

NSC consortium for a block of shares?

 

[Easy 10]

It would be like owning a bit of Goldstone turf in a way.

Exactly.
The only problem I could forsee is if the likes of Ernest or FG invested in a few shares, and then use it as a stick to beat the club with. I can hear it all now.

"As a Shareholder I am entitled to answers from Dick TIGHT"...etc etc. But then we get all that crap already anyway, so maybe its not a bad idea.

I'm sure Looney would love to make claims about "owning" part of the Albion as well.

 

[Gwylan]

I believe that AFC Wimbledon had a successful share issue. I don't understand why a club several divisions below the Albion could do it, but we can't.

I'd willingly put money for a share, I'm hesitant about splashing out my hard-earned on a certificate though.

 

[Gazwag]

I'd willingly put money for a share, I'm hesitant about splashing out my hard-earned on a certificate though.

My point is that there is no difference between the certificate we will get for our donation to the certificate we would get for owning a share.

In effect you stand to get more if you give £250 as you will get a piece of "worthless" paper + you name on a seat for ever. Spend £250 on a share(s) (which would hold no rights) and all you would get is a piece of "worthless" paper

Please note the word worthless means its value in cash rather than "supporter" value

 

[Brovion]

My point is that there is no difference between the certificate we will get for our donation to the certificate we would get for owning a share.

In effect you stand to get more if you give £250 as you will get a piece of "worthless" paper + you name on a seat for ever. Spend £250 on a share(s) (which would hold no rights) and all you would get is a piece of "worthless" paper

Please note the word worthless means its value in cash rather than "supporter" value

This is in some ways a 'stupid' view - but owning a share SOUNDS much more important than simply owning a 'certificate'. Yes I know that shares are issued as 'Certificates' but bear with me.

Saying "I got a Certificate for helping the Albion" sounds a bit 'nursery school': "Mummy, mummy today i got a certificate for swimming a width and helping to save the Albion!" Saying "I'm a shareholder" sounds much grander - even though as you say intrinsically both peices of paper are worthless.

And as far as Ernest and FG go, well if they buy shares, great. If they then start saying "I'm a shareholder and ....." then others can say, "'m a shareholder too so shut up". Also as they will be non-voting shares it will be effectively no better than owning a Certificate - except it sounds better. I'm back where I started so I'll stop now.

 

[BlueWhiteStripes]

Whatever the reality of shares vs certificates/prize draws, the emotional side of share ownership wins hands down for me.
And supporting/financing the Albion is a very EMOTIONAL thing for most of us.
Also there is no donation hierarchy ('no, I'm afraid you only get a seat name for £250'), ruling out many supporters from the 'top prize' .
Quite rightly you get your share, your emotional stake, for £5 or £500.
I could even pass the shares on to my children!!!
......'And £250 BHA shares to my son'....now there's a legacy !!!

£ 2 million is a HUGE sum to raise from supporters for any club and the decision as to whether/how to part with more money for the Albion will be driven by emotion not logic .

The club needs to think this through .......