Alan Biggs questions to the owners

All advertisments are hidden for logged in members, why not log in/register?

Aah. Bigger Blade time. "I care because I shout from the rooftops".


So you doubt I care about the club because I have a sensible, professional view on boardroom matters? I certainly care about the club enough to defend it when people post absolute nonsense about what's going on. Agenda based lies half the time.

I want to know as much as anyone. However understanding how these things work luckily stops me from being some childish cheerleader - and a very gullible one - for those who just want to knock the owners ad nauseum.
I am no childish cheerleader , but I have worries for the Blades future and don't see anything wrong with a little pressure bring applied on behalf of the fans to encourage the co-owners to settle.
 

My pants are still dry and will remain so.

The issue? We can do nothing about the outcome. It really is that simple.



On what grounds is our demise perfectly possible?

demise
[dih-mahyz]
noun
  1. death or decease.

  2. termination of existence or operation:
Well Sean , since you're an accountant , you can explain how a company with a history of substantial losses can keep making those losses and continue to exist , without support from a benefactor with a penchant for large charitable donations ad infinitum.
And if something stops existing.....

I mean , if we had a bank on board which was as dumb as the Co-op , that would be great (in an evil slimy piggy way).

Why are you so confident that we'll be fine and so disparaging of my worries ? This isn't to knock the owners. Kevin wants out after pouring money in for years. Any Blade should be grateful for the money and understand his desire to "retire".
And the Prince has poured money in for quite a few years , without having any ownership of the only assets which have any value.
Neither have done anything other than support the Club financially.
But their current dispute throws into very sharp focus the fact that , like many other clubs , we are not viable as a going concern , even if Kevin simply donated the freehold to the Cub.

Given that fact , supporters know we need conyinuing substantial subsidy from somewhere and naturally worry about who is gonna provide it in future.

Would you prefer that we all bury our heads until implosion , like Carillion ?

Is that why you call me a bed-wetter ?
 
Nobody seems to know anything. Not sure if that means lots of conversations are going on or they've reached an impasse.

Well that, or people respect confidences.


On the overall situation, some of us did point out it was never going to be a quick resolution and as frustrating as it is, there are three parties involved who are most likely to speak publicly...

Kevin McCabe - Who has spoken semi-publicly on the issue and addressed wider shareholders with as much as he's likely to say until the process is completed (heavily influenced by his legal advisers)

The Prince - Who has been fairly quiet for some time in terms of publicly speaking about the club and remains so, again, is unlikely to say a great deal until the process is completed.

Chris Wilder - Who will continually get asked as he's in front of the press more often, like others, has a vested interest in it being sorted as soon as possible with a clear direction, but has no real influence over the process other than to make one of them blink/give assurances/try to speed things along. He can, however, influence his own position and involvement and has the relative freedom to do so whenever.

Whilst we are concerned "stakeholders", the most publicly vocal of the two with real influence on a resolution has commented and has laid out what is happening as far as practically possible.

Whilst I'm all for getting opinions across and taking action, I'm not sure what can be realistically achieved by the fans in the current situation? They aren't stupid enough to not know the feelings of the supporters or manager. Are we proposing running one party out of town with pitchforks?
 
Well that, or people respect confidences.


On the overall situation, some of us did point out it was never going to be a quick resolution and as frustrating as it is, there are three parties involved who are most likely to speak publicly...

Kevin McCabe - Who has spoken semi-publicly on the issue and addressed wider shareholders with as much as he's likely to say until the process is completed (heavily influenced by his legal advisers)

The Prince - Who has been fairly quiet for some time in terms of publicly speaking about the club and remains so, again, is unlikely to say a great deal until the process is completed.

Chris Wilder - Who will continually get asked as he's in front of the press more often, like others, has a vested interest in it being sorted as soon as possible with a clear direction, but has no real influence over the process other than to make one of them blink/give assurances/try to speed things along. He can, however, influence his own position and involvement and has the relative freedom to do so whenever.

Whilst we are concerned "stakeholders", the most publicly vocal of the two with real influence on a resolution has commented and has laid out what is happening as far as practically possible.

Whilst I'm all for getting opinions across and taking action, I'm not sure what can be realistically achieved by the fans in the current situation? They aren't stupid enough to not know the feelings of the supporters or manager. Are we proposing running one party out of town with pitchforks?

Hmmmmmm? Pitchforks you say?
 
Well that, or people respect confidences.


On the overall situation, some of us did point out it was never going to be a quick resolution and as frustrating as it is, there are three parties involved who are most likely to speak publicly...

Kevin McCabe - Who has spoken semi-publicly on the issue and addressed wider shareholders with as much as he's likely to say until the process is completed (heavily influenced by his legal advisers)

The Prince - Who has been fairly quiet for some time in terms of publicly speaking about the club and remains so, again, is unlikely to say a great deal until the process is completed.

Chris Wilder - Who will continually get asked as he's in front of the press more often, like others, has a vested interest in it being sorted as soon as possible with a clear direction, but has no real influence over the process other than to make one of them blink/give assurances/try to speed things along. He can, however, influence his own position and involvement and has the relative freedom to do so whenever.

Whilst we are concerned "stakeholders", the most publicly vocal of the two with real influence on a resolution has commented and has laid out what is happening as far as practically possible.

Whilst I'm all for getting opinions across and taking action, I'm not sure what can be realistically achieved by the fans in the current situation? They aren't stupid enough to not know the feelings of the supporters or manager. Are we proposing running one party out of town with pitchforks?


Assuming you know more about the details than most of us, and being respectful of confidences by not wanting any details, are you worried by whats going on?
 
Well that, or people respect confidences.


On the overall situation, some of us did point out it was never going to be a quick resolution and as frustrating as it is, there are three parties involved who are most likely to speak publicly...

Kevin McCabe - Who has spoken semi-publicly on the issue and addressed wider shareholders with as much as he's likely to say until the process is completed (heavily influenced by his legal advisers)

The Prince - Who has been fairly quiet for some time in terms of publicly speaking about the club and remains so, again, is unlikely to say a great deal until the process is completed.

Chris Wilder - Who will continually get asked as he's in front of the press more often, like others, has a vested interest in it being sorted as soon as possible with a clear direction, but has no real influence over the process other than to make one of them blink/give assurances/try to speed things along. He can, however, influence his own position and involvement and has the relative freedom to do so whenever.

Whilst we are concerned "stakeholders", the most publicly vocal of the two with real influence on a resolution has commented and has laid out what is happening as far as practically possible.

Whilst I'm all for getting opinions across and taking action, I'm not sure what can be realistically achieved by the fans in the current situation? They aren't stupid enough to not know the feelings of the supporters or manager. Are we proposing running one party out of town with pitchforks?



Well Foxy you should be a politician. You have referred to maybe 2 of Alan Biggs questions and answered none.

Should fans coordinate and unite, the only areas we could hope to influence are: 1. Wilder's backing.( and yes if Wednesday fans kept McLaren out, we can keep Wilder in) 2. Seeking reassurance that the ongoing negotiations will not impede squad building this Summer Transfer Window. i.e. 1message, 1 question.

We cannot possibly influence the ownership negotiations.
 
I am no childish cheerleader , but I have worries for the Blades future and don't see anything wrong with a little pressure bring applied on behalf of the fans to encourage the co-owners to settle.


I'd imagine they want it settling asap as well. These things take time. That's my point.
 
Well Sean , since you're an accountant , you can explain how a company with a history of substantial losses can keep making those losses and continue to exist , without support from a benefactor with a penchant for large charitable donations ad infinitum.
And if something stops existing.....

I mean , if we had a bank on board which was as dumb as the Co-op , that would be great (in an evil slimy piggy way).

Why are you so confident that we'll be fine and so disparaging of my worries ? This isn't to knock the owners. Kevin wants out after pouring money in for years. Any Blade should be grateful for the money and understand his desire to "retire".
And the Prince has poured money in for quite a few years , without having any ownership of the only assets which have any value.
Neither have done anything other than support the Club financially.
But their current dispute throws into very sharp focus the fact that , like many other clubs , we are not viable as a going concern , even if Kevin simply donated the freehold to the Cub.

Given that fact , supporters know we need conyinuing substantial subsidy from somewhere and naturally worry about who is gonna provide it in future.

Would you prefer that we all bury our heads until implosion , like Carillion ?

Is that why you call me a bed-wetter ?


You said there's a possibility we could fold. Or words to that effect, over this. We've survived far worse financial issues in the past. The thought that either would let their whole or even part of their investment go down the pan due to brinkmanship is pretty ridiculous. So ridiculous it smacks of scaremongering. My concerns, as I've said, are that there is no budget in place ( or one that isn't sufficient) when Wilder needs it. I worry that our manager will walk, a huge problem for everyone if he does and also, to a lesser extent, that whoever takes over will have a not insignificant part of the fan base against him/them.

What I don't feel the need to do though is exaggerate points to make things seem worse than they are. Personally I can't see what good a list of demands - because that's what they are - will do because there is a legal process going on. But I don't make stories up saying say, "there's a chance if you do that, they'll both walk away and we'll go bust".

We haven't, in the true sense of the phrase, been a going concern for years. All of a sudden this is a problem now? The questions are about Wilder and his budget and future planning. I believe you're the only one on about us going under. Do you think McCabe will walk away and lose everything he's put in? Or HRH?


And of course you now raise the spectre of Carillion. More drama. It's a nonsense analogy.



See woodwardfans concerns. I can't see him worrying about our imminent demise.
 
Why ... he seems alright to me
Top bloke and good journalist I reckon. He’ll do well to get an answer to those questions though.

He should try asking questions that they know the answer to instead.
 
Assuming you know more about the details than most of us, and being respectful of confidences by not wanting any details, are you worried by whats going on?

Concerned is probably the best word.

Well Foxy you should be a politician. You have referred to maybe 2 of Alan Biggs questions and answered none.

Should fans coordinate and unite, the only areas we could hope to influence are: 1. Wilder's backing.( and yes if Wednesday fans kept McLaren out, we can keep Wilder in)

Alan Biggs hasn't aimed any questions at me :)

Not sure in what way the fans can 'keep Wilder in', other than lock him in his office... However, he's not the type to remain caged or held against his will :)

2. Seeking reassurance that the ongoing negotiations will not impede squad building this Summer Transfer Window. i.e. 1message, 1 question.

We cannot possibly influence the ownership negotiations.

They clearly will and already have to an extent.

Regardless of who wins out, or if they decide or are forced to continue to work together temporarily... Without further investment, neither have the kind of funds floating around to invest "significantly" (in terms of challenging the top spenders in the division) on the playing side.

Whatever happens, unless either has additional investment incoming, Wilder will have to continue to wheel and deal.
 
6 pages and still none the wiser.

I'm concerned that at worst Wilder will get pissed off and walk, or at best not get a budget that lets us take advantage of the progress we've waited too long for.

I can't pretend that if this legal battle takes us backwards and we lose momentum, and worse still Wilder, then I will be angry with both owners (whether that's fair or not).

Thing is though folks nothing is going to change until either owner wants it to.

We're all concerned but until it's resolved and we know the implications of that resolution, I don't know what answers or comfort people expect.
 
You said there's a possibility we could fold. Or words to that effect, over this. We've survived far worse financial issues in the past. The thought that either would let their whole or even part of their investment go down the pan due to brinkmanship is pretty ridiculous. So ridiculous it smacks of scaremongering. My concerns, as I've said, are that there is no budget in place ( or one that isn't sufficient) when Wilder needs it. I worry that our manager will walk, a huge problem for everyone if he does and also, to a lesser extent, that whoever takes over will have a not insignificant part of the fan base against him/them.

What I don't feel the need to do though is exaggerate points to make things seem worse than they are. Personally I can't see what good a list of demands - because that's what they are - will do because there is a legal process going on. But I don't make stories up saying say, "there's a chance if you do that, they'll both walk away and we'll go bust".

We haven't, in the true sense of the phrase, been a going concern for years. All of a sudden this is a problem now? The questions are about Wilder and his budget and future planning. I believe you're the only one on about us going under. Do you think McCabe will walk away and lose everything he's put in? Or HRH?


And of course you now raise the spectre of Carillion. More drama. It's a nonsense analogy.



See woodwardfans concerns. I can't see him worrying about our imminent demise.

I might not quite put it as strongly, but Keen Blade , Sean Thornton is pretty much on the money. I don't know how long you've been following the Blades, but we've been through FAR worse buddy. The club has survived that, it will survive whatever the fuck this is. It's not about Mcabe, the Prince, or even Wilder. It's about the club, our club. That's my take on it anyway, for what it's worth.

Take the rough with the smooth my friend, THAT is the Blades Way.
 

I might not quite put it as strongly, but Keen Blade , Sean Thornton is pretty much on the money. I don't know how long you've been following the Blades, but we've been through FAR worse buddy. The club has survived that, it will survive whatever the fuck this is. It's not about Mcabe, the Prince, or even Wilder. It's about the club, our club. That's my take on it anyway, for what it's worth.

Take the rough with the smooth my friend, THAT is the Blades Way.

I go all the way back to Dick Wragg , so taking the rough with the smooth must be part of my Blades DNA , since I'm no masochist !
I appear to be alone in my real concern that this badly timed dispute could see us unravel.
But with Kevin desperate to "retire" , as he revealed many years ago , the knowledge that he's now in a legal battle with the very person he saw as the means of his retirement , is fundamentally destabilising.
I have no wish to scaremonger.
I was just hoping that someone might respond with some reassuring feature that I hadn't spotted.
Some logical argument that cut through the present mess.
But the most everyone seems to be saying is "it'll be alright , cos they won't cut their losses at this stage and we've survived worse in previous years".
I don't think CW will stay for long under a "just surviving" ethos.
Nor do I think intelligent businessmen throw good money after bad , at least not forever.
However , sharing my concerns appears to be unwelcome on here , so I'll shut up about them.
What a pity though :
Promotion with the best football in years , under the best manager in years , in front of the biggest crowds in years , and the co-owners can't communicate with the fans
 
I go all the way back to Dick Wragg , so taking the rough with the smooth must be part of my Blades DNA , since I'm no masochist !
I appear to be alone in my real concern that this badly timed dispute could see us unravel.
But with Kevin desperate to "retire" , as he revealed many years ago , the knowledge that he's now in a legal battle with the very person he saw as the means of his retirement , is fundamentally destabilising.
I have no wish to scaremonger.
I was just hoping that someone might respond with some reassuring feature that I hadn't spotted.
Some logical argument that cut through the present mess.
But the most everyone seems to be saying is "it'll be alright , cos they won't cut their losses at this stage and we've survived worse in previous years".
I don't think CW will stay for long under a "just surviving" ethos.
Nor do I think intelligent businessmen throw good money after bad , at least not forever.
However , sharing my concerns appears to be unwelcome on here , so I'll shut up about them.
What a pity though :
Promotion with the best football in years , under the best manager in years , in front of the biggest crowds in years , and the co-owners can't communicate with the fans


Come on Keen. The "they won't cut cut their losses" and "we've been in a worse financial state before" are comments directly related to your - and only your - "demise" scenario, not the current situation with Wilder. To suggest otherwise is a bit underhand.

We all have the same concerns. People just differ on some thinking they can change the minds of multi millionaires with impotent threats.
 
I go all the way back to Dick Wragg , so taking the rough with the smooth must be part of my Blades DNA , since I'm no masochist !
I appear to be alone in my real concern that this badly timed dispute could see us unravel.
But with Kevin desperate to "retire" , as he revealed many years ago , the knowledge that he's now in a legal battle with the very person he saw as the means of his retirement , is fundamentally destabilising.
I have no wish to scaremonger.
I was just hoping that someone might respond with some reassuring feature that I hadn't spotted.
Some logical argument that cut through the present mess.
But the most everyone seems to be saying is "it'll be alright , cos they won't cut their losses at this stage and we've survived worse in previous years".
I don't think CW will stay for long under a "just surviving" ethos.
Nor do I think intelligent businessmen throw good money after bad , at least not forever.
However , sharing my concerns appears to be unwelcome on here , so I'll shut up about them.
What a pity though :
Promotion with the best football in years , under the best manager in years , in front of the biggest crowds in years , and the co-owners can't communicate with the fans

The Dick Wragg years, well you've certainly paid your dues!

I wish I could respond with something reassuring mate, but the truth is, I just don't know. Do any of us? But the only crumb of comfort we can take is that we HAVE survived worse, we can ride this out in my view.

I agree about CW, the worst thing the board can do is just assume that CW will take what they're giving forever more. He won't, when he's had enough, he will bail.

Your concerns are as welcome as anyone else's and I hope you will keep expressing them.

Your last sentence, yes I agree. A massive missed opportunity to kick on, and kick on we must. Some good teams coming down, and I really think our neighbours will improve next season.
 
Both owners are businessmen so this impass suits neither ,got to be resolved quickly and they know it.
Whoever takes control has a great opportunity to kick on but time and tide wait for no one .
I want McCabe to take control . He's made mistakes and the prince is the latest one but he always has the best interests of the club at heart.
 
Sorry if I've been a bit downbeat , lawyers hate uncertainty and live their lives trying to pin things down , so as to avoid it.
 
I’m more in line with the concerns expressed by Keenblade than the alternative view about “it’ll all be oreight”.

It will all be alright, for sure, But when?

Timing is critical. If this drags on for weeks we could be starting next season with no new signings. We could struggle next time around if we don’t strengthen pre season.

I’m an optimist but this is very concerning!
 
I’m more in line with the concerns expressed by Keenblade than the alternative view about “it’ll all be oreight”.

It will all be alright, for sure, But when?

Timing is critical. If this drags on for weeks we could be starting next season with no new signings. We could struggle next time around if we don’t strengthen pre season.

I’m an optimist but this is very concerning!


So do you think we'll go bust or not? It isn't clear.
 
I go all the way back to Dick Wragg , so taking the rough with the smooth must be part of my Blades DNA , since I'm no masochist !
I appear to be alone in my real concern that this badly timed dispute could see us unravel.
But with Kevin desperate to "retire" , as he revealed many years ago , the knowledge that he's now in a legal battle with the very person he saw as the means of his retirement , is fundamentally destabilising.
I have no wish to scaremonger.
I was just hoping that someone might respond with some reassuring feature that I hadn't spotted.
Some logical argument that cut through the present mess.
But the most everyone seems to be saying is "it'll be alright , cos they won't cut their losses at this stage and we've survived worse in previous years".
I don't think CW will stay for long under a "just surviving" ethos.
Nor do I think intelligent businessmen throw good money after bad , at least not forever.
However , sharing my concerns appears to be unwelcome on here , so I'll shut up about them.
What a pity though :
Promotion with the best football in years , under the best manager in years , in front of the biggest crowds in years , and the co-owners can't communicate with the fans



Keen. I agree with most things you say and really welcome your posts. Trouble is I don't agree we fans can help speed resolution to the ownersip dispute or that the club can unravel completely. You have made me think though and now I have started to wonder. I did think MccCabe would have to invest to maintain his asset even if he resented taking back control. He could nurse the club along until a buyer comes along. The chances of him insisting on and finding a good buyer for us would reduce though I agree. I do feel Wilder has helped him rediscover his appetite though and there is still a case for him to reach for the Prem even as sole owner, then sell. Like you though, I wish him an earlier way out as he deserved it and has risked enough of his family's money.

Is the prince a good buyer for us? I fear not if we want to keep Wilder. That much seems clear to me. Would we be better without Wilder? Not unless the prince intends to multiply his cash injections when in sole charge.

The dispute over freeholds valuations is normal business. My belief was McCabe took ownership of the freeholds a) to make the club cheaper to sell and b) to protect the club and fans from asset strippers. Perhaps that is the current problem if he has lost some confidence in the prince.

Keen. You talk about giving up posting. I hope you don't but if I was giving advice I would say get out while you can; plenty of other quality posters like you have come and gone. Unfortunately I am made differently.

There is no place for independent, original views on here. You have experienced numerous abusive posts that I have seen and I detect many others from that little group that I have on "ignore'. For whatever reason they target anybody who expresses sincere views. It's hard to tell whether It's just contrary aggression for its own sake because they rarely offer their own opinions on anything, not sure they have any to be honest. They just publish cartoons and make snide comments to make each other laugh.

I am sorry I have not helped you in your spats with some posters but I don't read their side of anything I can see that you have now encountered Sean who is there every hand and turn after any of my posts even though he knows I have him on 'ignore. Keen these types have all the time in the world to do what they do. Maybe you haven't. I'm on holiday at present and that's when I spend more time funnily enough. It usually starts all sorts of shenanigans! Go home today though.

Keen. I'd love you to stay but can't recommend it. If they want you out they will never give in.
 
Sorry if I've been a bit downbeat , lawyers hate uncertainty and live their lives trying to pin things down , so as to avoid it.


I don't think there's anything to be sorry for. I disagreed with your view about going under that's all.

Btw, Childish cheerleader wasn't a reference to you at all. Apologies if you thought that.
 
Keen. I agree with most things you say and really welcome your posts. Trouble is I don't agree we fans can help speed resolution to the ownersip dispute or that the club can unravel completely. You have made me think though and now I have started to wonder. I did think MccCabe would have to invest to maintain his asset even if he resented taking back control. He could nurse the club along until a buyer comes along. The chances of him insisting on and finding a good buyer for us would reduce though I agree. I do feel Wilder has helped him rediscover his appetite though and there is still a case for him to reach for the Prem even as sole owner, then sell. Like you though, I wish him an earlier way out as he deserved it and has risked enough of his family's money.

Is the prince a good buyer for us? I fear not if we want to keep Wilder. That much seems clear to me. Would we be better without Wilder? Not unless the prince intends to multiply his cash injections when in sole charge.

The dispute over freeholds valuations is normal business. My belief was McCabe took ownership of the freeholds a) to make the club cheaper to sell and b) to protect the club and fans from asset strippers. Perhaps that is the current problem if he has lost some confidence in the prince.

Keen. You talk about giving up posting. I hope you don't but if I was giving advice I would say get out while you can; plenty of other quality posters like you have come and gone. Unfortunately I am made differently.

There is no place for independent, original views on here. You have experienced numerous abusive posts that I have seen and I detect many others from that little group that I have on "ignore'. For whatever reason they target anybody who expresses sincere views. It's hard to tell whether It's just contrary aggression for its own sake because they rarely offer their own opinions on anything, not sure they have any to be honest. They just publish cartoons and make snide comments to make each other laugh.

I am sorry I have not helped you in your spats with some posters but I don't read their side of anything I can see that you have now encountered Sean who is there every hand and turn after any of my posts even though he knows I have him on 'ignore. Keen these types have all the time in the world to do what they do. Maybe you haven't. I'm on holiday at present and that's when I spend more time funnily enough. It usually starts all sorts of shenanigans! Go home today though.

Keen. I'd love you to stay but can't recommend it. If they want you out they will never give in.


You should read all the posts before making things up then.
 
Well Foxy you should be a politician. You have referred to maybe 2 of Alan Biggs questions and answered none.

Should fans coordinate and unite, the only areas we could hope to influence are: 1. Wilder's backing.( and yes if Wednesday fans kept McLaren out, we can keep Wilder in) 2. Seeking reassurance that the ongoing negotiations will not impede squad building this Summer Transfer Window. i.e. 1message, 1 question.

We cannot possibly influence the ownership negotiations.


Foxy. I know it's hard but come off the fence and SUPPORT YOUR MANAGER.

Listen to what he's saying to us fans. We have a say!!!
 
Well, at least he's doing something to try and get answers.... more than our entire fanbase put together.

Should have known it would be the fans fault.

You're a broken record.
 

My best policy is not to comment directly on the preceding posts , because I am in no one's clique and I haven't time to investigate whether they exist or not , let alone worry about who any members might be. Not only am not a member but also I never wish to be accidentally seen as such.
As I have seen previously , "play the post , not the poster" is a good motto.
The same poster can be in various different mindsets at the time of posting , ranging from negative to positive , angry or euphoric.
My last word in this particular thread is that I don't personally believe we will go bust , but too many on this forum (and I don't mean ANY of the posters on THIS THREAD except Hamburg) don't even consider that it's a possibility , which it certainly is , albeit remote.
I realize that our views can't influence the minds of multimillionaire businessmen .... Like we can't influence Wilder's team selection ..... But it doesn't stop us talking about such things and occasionally being influenced ourselves by the views of others who love the club.
Obviously I shall be staying - I learn a lot on here !
 

All advertisments are hidden for logged in members, why not log in/register?

All advertisments are hidden for logged in members, why not log in/register?

Back
Top Bottom