What is the least worst alternative

[Sean Thornton]

But irrespective of who started the process he has exercised an option to purchase, yes?

That's what we believe to be the case. I'm still wondering why Kev started it in the first place.

 

[Revolution]

That's what we believe to be the case. I'm still wondering why Kev started it in the first place.

One explanation is that he didn't think the Prince would take up the option, as I said above (presumably if he didn't there was machinery in the agreement to get rid of him) but that strikes me as a massive risk for McCabe to take. It's odd.

 

[Davalon]

In answer to the OP, come the end of the August transfer window....

 

[Come from away]

Both the Prince and Mr McCabe will need to find partners willing to invest significantly if we are to challenge for promotion (or if some miracle playoffs win - for survival in the Premiership). McCabe offers some stability for what we have seen in the last couple of years while the Prince has the Van Winkle option/influence. The Prince has shown little direct interest in the club and unless we suddenly became a top ten Premiership club I do not see how he will 'make money' (his original stated goal for getting to the Premiership) unless he needs some off-set for profits elsewhere. All in all, I would opt for Mr McCabe right now and hope he can entice an investor willing to chip in.

 

[Snowman]

An early post from a new contributor so I hope you will bear with me here...

As thoughts move towards next season it seems more likely than not that we will be facing another season in the Championship despite the fantastic efforts of the team and manager during the current season.

I would pose the following for comment:

What is the least worst alternative of

a- The Prince winning overall control of the club say by the end of May 18

b- The Prince backing out and the club reverting post this to KM by say May 18 thereby enabling KM to potentially pursue other options.

c - The current litigation ( far more likely ) of the dispute moving well in to next reason

All of the above have downsides and all of the above may/could create sufficient uncertainty for CW to smell the "lack of funds" coffee and seriously consider the many options that are bound to come his away.

On the basis 99.99 % of us would want CW to stay any thoughts on the above ?

B

 

[Stretch]

Whichever option most likely ensures that Wilder stays for at least another year or 2. So on that basis B would be my choice.

 

[FriethBlade]

The best option...and not one on the table is McCabe sells to a 'proper' billionaire. I don't trust the Prince as he doesn't seem that interested, has parachuted a number of different people into the club and then removed them and doesn't appear to have made good on his investment 'promise'.

Although McCabe is the safe option he doesn't have the wherewithal to take us to the next level and I fear it's a pipe dream for him to remain in control whilst someone else pumps the money in

I think it's time for a clean slate and hope McCabe can protect his legacy and standing with the fans by selling to the right person.

 

[Sean Thornton]

One explanation is that he didn't think the Prince would take up the option, as I said above (presumably if he didn't there was machinery in the agreement to get rid of him) but that strikes me as a massive risk for McCabe to take. It's odd.

Very. We just don't know. Maybe he thought he would but the Prince decided he'd cherry pick the bits he wanted. My initial thought, guess really,was that Kev had either a partner or buyer in the wings. However, as none of the board members or high ups at Bramall Lane have opened up to their favourite posters on here - in confidence natch - like they normally do, anything could be happening.

As it appears there is now litigation as opposed to negotiation, next seasons budget is becoming a worry.

 

[56yearsablade]

Thanks for the responses to my original post , many valid opinions and thoughts made I would say.

The last post by ST is particularly relevant in my view "as it appears there is now litigation as opposed to negotiation next seasons budget is becoming a worry" - I would be in full agreement re this concern and it is logical to conclude that this scenario will be a very serious worry to CW also

 

[zablade]

I am edging towards (A)

Option (b) and (c) will eventually result in relegation back to League one within a year to three years.

It’s by no means a guarantee that option (A) won’t but we can’t just go on with McCabe hanging on hoping for a genie to pop out of a bottle. The Prince is more likely to attract investors with his family connections.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

It's taken you 56 years to come up with that shite?

Whereas it only took you 2 minutes, 2 fecking minutes!!!

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

B with the caveat that it's Chinese money he brings in - proper amount of spondulics.

If nit, then A

C is the last thing we need.

The worst option is the club falling completely into foreign hands, mind you but at least China does seem to be embracing English football

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Being serious for just one second, the prince worries me.
I can smell trouble ahead if he gains overall control, so it's a B from me.

B for me too!

I think the Prince’s motive has been sinister from the outset.

He’s just trying to upset us so he can sell more of his tissues.

If he’s got any business acumen he’ll leave us next season and join Sheffield Wednesday, because they’ll be shitting themselves.

 

[GreasyChipBeattie]

B for me too!

I think the Prince’s motive has been sinister from the outset.

He’s just trying to upset us so he can sell more of his tissues.

You're on form tonight CB!

 

[Sean Thornton]

B for me too!

I think the Prince’s motive has been sinister from the outset.

He’s just trying to upset us so he can sell more of his tissues.

If he’s got any business acumen he’ll leave us next season and join Sheffield Wednesday, because they’ll be shitting themselves.

I thought he had to dispose of his paper business when he took the government job?

 

[Numpty's Dusty Ruts.]

I can't see this ending well whatever. One of the timeless positives about United has always been it being just SO Sheffield, holding onto being of and for the city. Foreign ownership of any football club changes not just the relationship between club and fans but something in the soul of a club. United was set up to win stuff, and was good at this till about 1925, but not a lot since. I don't actually think pumping in cash (if this happens anyway), and having a foreign owner will make a lot of difference to this, so why lose (sell?) your soul and identity for little or no gain? Kev has made mistakes, and although he appears to make very sound business decisions, he may have had his pre-Tufty manager-appointing head on when he teamed up with this Prince bloke. If he was going to put money in he'd have done it by now, and there's clearly been no "game changing" investment. There's been some limited investment, but no evidence the Prince either has the cash necessary or is willing to use it. I may be wrong, but feel that after some of the best times the fans have had for a very long time, we may be on the edge of a cliff. I fear that if the person who isn't Kev gets full control we can say goodbye to reasonably priced tickets and a feeling (however misplaced) that we have a sort of stake in a club which is so linked to Sheffield and our roots. I want us to be successful, but I don't want that to come at the expense of our soul and identity. Anyway, what sort of success are we really talking about? Stoke and West Brom have had relative success during the time we have been in the doldrums, but it's likely that in few weeks we'll be in the same league - for all the expense and effort their crowds are not much or no better!
Rambling a bit now, but I think what I'm trying to say is just be careful what you wish for - the grass is rarely greener on the other side, even if it is a Desso! Good night!

 

[grafikhaus]

That's what we believe to be the case. I'm still wondering why Kev started it in the first place.

One explanation is that he didn't think the Prince would take up the option, as I said above (presumably if he didn't there was machinery in the agreement to get rid of him) but that strikes me as a massive risk for McCabe to take. It's odd.

I love Kev McCabe to bits and will always be grateful for what he's done for our club, but...he does seem to have a problem in gauging 'fit and proper' persons. Apart from utterly unsuitable managers (not hindsight, terrible managerial record, out of work etc. - I reckon I've had tougher interviews than a few of these), people like Trevor Birch and now the prince.

He needs Claude Littner in on the next interview.

 

[finlaytheblade]

An early post from a new contributor so I hope you will bear with me here...

As thoughts move towards next season it seems more likely than not that we will be facing another season in the Championship despite the fantastic efforts of the team and manager during the current season.

I would pose the following for comment:

What is the least worst alternative of

a- The Prince winning overall control of the club say by the end of May 18

b- The Prince backing out and the club reverting post this to KM by say May 18 thereby enabling KM to potentially pursue other options.

c - The current litigation ( far more likely ) of the dispute moving well in to next reason

All of the above have downsides and all of the above may/could create sufficient uncertainty for CW to smell the "lack of funds" coffee and seriously consider the many options that are bound to come his away.

On the basis 99.99 % of us would want CW to stay any thoughts on the above ?

McCabe said it has to be sorted quickly and the prince agrees with that.Both owners know an opportunity is missed if it drags on..I suppose it s possible they could mend there difference s , once it's established which division we are in next season ,that could be the. Key

 

[Revolution]

Bumping thread for Sean Thornton

 

[Sean Thornton]

At the time we weren't aware of UTB's manouverings. Posts #31/32 sum up the situation at the time as known. Whilst neither owner is immune from criticism it's clear that McCabe had to go to litigation.

Interestingly the property valuation mentions the lease free valuation at £20m higher than the current market value with a low rent lease. Would this mean it's £20m ABOVE the last accounts valuation?

 

[SuperDuperBlades]

None of the above. They are all shite options.

 

[Deleted member 875]

Best case scenario is that the Saudi Arabian Royal Family, decide to have another cull and Abdullah gets gullotined