Went to a meeting with the Board and the Sponsors tonight...

[The Large One]

Didn't really learn anything new above and beyond what is in the letter that we have received.

There were a couple of questions relating to what would happen if we didn't reach our target of £2m. The club 'would carry on', (there is presently little danger of us going out of business) but there would have to be extra tightening of purse strings.

Des Lynam urged all of us to dig deep. He made an interesting comparison with the fact that in Milan, Madrid, Munich, Barcelona that the city provides for the football club(s) - it is expected to be their duty. In this country, it is still expected to be the preserve of the elite few, with little or no support or obligation from the public purse. If Dick and other had put in so much, while expecting to never see that money again, can we all do our bit? (These weren't his exact words - I'm paraphrasing.)

Plenty of stuff re Falmer, underlining our position with regards to Prescott. Martin Perry urged us all to go on the march, reminding us that when the march goes past the Grand / Metropole etc at around 5.45-6.00, the political commentators will be interviewing the Labour people with the sea / pier in the background. And several thousand Albion fans.

Loads of other stuff, I may remember if asked a relevant question...

Came out of the meeting kind of upbeat, knowing that our cause is in good hands, no matter what certain individuals make of the board.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

can we tighten the purse strings any more?

 

[The Large One]

Well, they would have to look at any expenditure which may be seen as cut-downable.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Any sign of cheque books coming out of pockets?

 

[clapham_gull]

"There were a couple of questions relating to what would happen if we didn't reach our target of £2m. The club 'would carry on', (there is presently little danger of us going out of business) but there would have to be extra tightening of purse strings."

I think that raises a few questions ?

 

[The Large One]

It was a genuinely sympathetic crowd who, I believe, rather than putting £250 and their name into a hat, who rather put in a few grand if it meant a little something in return. These are businessmen who have a genuine love for the Albion, and would like to help.

As one person put it, (and I'm paraphrasing here) 'at times like these, your head stops thinking and your heart takes over...'

In short, Lord B, yes.

 

[The Large One]

"There were a couple of questions relating to what would happen if we didn't reach our target of £2m. The club 'would carry on', (there is presently little danger of us going out of business) but there would have to be extra tightening of purse strings."

I think that raises a few questions ?

Go on, I'm listening...

 

[clapham_gull]

I'm not one of the anti-Knight brigade and I'm willingly contributing to the fund. I'm Albion through and through and get constantly annoyed by the negativity. I'm a season ticket holder who purchased two season tickets this year, etc.. etc..

It just seems that the messages are slightly mixed.

Anyway, I'm aleady convinced of the need to contribute. A think a few others need a bit more convincing.

God knows where they would tighten the purse strings? - doesn't bear thinking about. Get your cheque books out..

 

[The Large One]

Unfortunately, the playing squad could be in line, but I am sure it won't get that bad.

 

[balloonboy]

Plenty of stuff re Falmer, underlining our position with regards to Prescott. Martin Perry urged us all to go on the march, reminding us that when the march goes past the Grand / Metropole etc at around 5.45-6.00, the political commentators will be interviewing the Labour people with the sea / pier in the background. And several thousand Albion fans.

I'm planning organising a few hundred (blue & white) helium balloons to give out to those on the march. Logistics of getting the helium tanks from Somerset to Madeira Drive, plus the time needed to get them all blown up, are still being worked on, but I thought it would add a bit of colour which will hopefully catch the eye of politicians, TV cameras, etc.

 

[Northstander]

Admittedly I was at first asking why should I? But I am now willing to send what I can afford! If it is just £20 or £250 it WILL help!

 

[oldham gull]

The worrying thing is that whenever else this has happened this first appeal is just the tip of the iceberg.
At Oldham last season under the old owners and before administration there was a huge campaign like this. Thousands of people sent in donations, got their names on seats, raised money. A month later it had all disappeared into a black hole and the debt was no nearer being paid off. I hope this appeal does not follow the same route.

 

[Northstander]

No, from what I understand it is just to help with the e-opening of the public enquiry.

I may be wrong, and Im sure I will be Corrected!!

 

[Brovion]

The worrying thing is that whenever else this has happened this first appeal is just the tip of the iceberg.
At Oldham last season under the old owners and before administration there was a huge campaign like this. Thousands of people sent in donations, got their names on seats, raised money. A month later it had all disappeared into a black hole and the debt was no nearer being paid off. I hope this appeal does not follow the same route.

It is a very valid point. I know it's been discussed on other threads but basically the club are asking us to chuck money in to help alleviate the accumulated debt. Basically paying off old bills. It's not very sexy is it? It's always better when your raising money 'Blue Peter style' towards something, that's an idea that's always easier to sell and has been the case all the way back to Pat Saward's 'Buy a Player' fund.

I wonder if it could be turned round? All the money the club had earmarked for operating costs this year goes to paying off the debt and we raise money to pay for the new Enquiry or to fund Currie's wages or something.

 

[3gulls]

If Dick and other had put in so much, while expecting to never see that money again, can we all do our bit? (These weren't his exact words - I'm paraphrasing.)

Except a "free" controlling shares in a football ground worth millions via their shareholding in the club (see Insider reply to question on Falmer funding)! If this is the case, then i suspect that they could get a very hansome return on their money. One thing is certain, we will get no return if we make a "donation"!

 

[The Large One]

I wonder if it could be turned round? All the money the club had earmarked for operating costs this year goes to paying off the debt and we raise money to pay for the new Enquiry or to fund Currie's wages or something.

Still ends up in the same place.

All the directors know they have little chance of seeing their money again - and DEFINITELY not until we get Falmer. Our donation is not going into a black hole - it is stabilising the club. It's a pre-emptive strike against the situation getting any worse.

The club is clear on this position - £7.1m has been invested since 1997. The cost of getting us to Withdean and bringing it in line with Football League standard was £2.7m, the cost of Falmer so far is £2.5m. The accumulated trading losses over the past seven years has been £4.2m (not bad considering all our constraints). The shortfall is £2.3m. The club is asking us to help plug that gap.

 

[Easy 10]

Re: Re: Went to a meeting with the Board and the Sponsors tonight...

One thing is certain, we will get no return if we make a "donation"!

This seems to be the crux of the matter for some supporters, who's first thought is still "whats in it for me ?".

Many people just don't seem to understand the concept of a donation. If you give to a charity, you don't get a material return for your contribution - you are giving them money because you want to help, it's something you care about, and you believe its a worthwhile cause.

Anyone who is responding to the clubs appeal by asking "whats in it for me ?" has really failed to understand the question.

 

[3gulls]

Re: Re: Re: Went to a meeting with the Board and the Sponsors tonight...

This seems to be the crux of the matter for some supporters, who's first thought is still "whats in it for me ?".

Many people just don't seem to understand the concept of a donation. If you give to a charity, you don't get a material return for your contribution - you are giving them money because you want to help, it's something you care about, and you believe its a worthwhile cause.

Anyone who is responding to the clubs appeal by asking "whats in it for me ?" has really failed to understand the question.

Spot on. Donations are made to charities, the Albion are a limited company. If the Club were to change its status, or allow a supporters trust to control the "donations" the matter would be different. I do not actually want a return on my money myself, but I will not subsidise the shareholders!

 

[aftershavedave]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Went to a meeting with the Board and the Sponsors tonight...

Spot on. Donations are made to charities, the Albion are a limited company. If the Club were to change its status, or allow a supporters trust to control the "donations" the matter would be different. I do not actually want a return on my money myself, but I will not subsidise the shareholders!

well said. people seem to forget that this is a limited company and not a charity. This is why the directors have loans and have not simply donated their cash. I'll do like them....invest in equity or make a loan.

 

[GUNTER]

I can only afford £110, that is what I will be sending next week.

Investors should speculate to accumulate.
For example, if we could sign Cullip, Knight and Nicolas on three year contracts, it is my firm belief that we would command decent transfer fees for all of them. At the moment, they are free agents at the end of the season and the club will receive NOTHING. One they are signed up, if we receive an attractive bid, them we are at liberty to accept, thus putting chunky amounts into the club coffers.