Investment update

[Fuller]

JP tweeting understand Cheltenham Town are making significant progress amid strong interest in their search for new investment, with the board working intensely in recent weeks.
Expecting an update soon.

[Ihearye]

Kind of linked (kind of). Since the news splash last year about cakebridge being free to use. Has anything happened in that area?

[Robin]

I think everything is pretty much on hold until the takeover is concluded. I can imagine the new owners will want to purchase that land from the council.

[Robin]

I don't know who is taking over but if it's Joy Seppala this is worth a read:
https://www.idobusiness.co.uk/joy-seppala-net-worth/

[Shade]

Kind of linked (kind of). Since the news splash last year about cakebridge being free to use. Has anything happened in that area?

It was covered at the last meeting. From memory, as it's on a fairly short-term lease (for now), it's not in the clubs interests to spend a load of money putting tarmac down and doing it all up good enough for a new entrance, so they're looking to turn the area into a fan/family zone for next season instead, I believe.

[Artemis]

I don't know who is taking over but if it's Joy Seppala this is worth a read:
https://www.idobusiness.co.uk/joy-seppala-net-worth/

So which one(s) of the three is CTFC???

"Over the years, she has built a reputation in the financial industry for her strategic investments in distressed assets, corporate restructuring, and high-risk, high-reward financial dealings."

[Artemis]

I don't know who is taking over but if it's Joy Seppala this is worth a read:
https://www.idobusiness.co.uk/joy-seppala-net-worth/

Although this line is a little more comforting:

"Despite criticism, she maintained a firm stance on her investment strategies, prioritising long-term financial stability over short-term gains."

[Robin]

I don't know who is taking over but if it's Joy Seppala this is worth a read:
https://www.idobusiness.co.uk/joy-seppala-net-worth/

So which one(s) of the three is CTFC???

"Over the years, she has built a reputation in the financial industry for her strategic investments in distressed assets, corporate restructuring, and high-risk, high-reward financial dealings."

That's my big concern about her and whether she would be the right owner but I did read she focuses on identifying undervalued assets that could be built up and sold on for profit. I do think that could be us, if she built the main stand and we become a competitive league one side that's very do able as Wycombe proved.

[Ihearye]

Fair play to the board, they could on theory be putting in all this effort to put themselves out of a 'job'

[Si Robin]

David Bloxham confirmed in his season ticket thank you video yesterday that he's hoping to have a positive update soon.

Kind of like an announcement of an announcement.

[Robin]

David Bloxham confirmed in his season ticket thank you video yesterday that he's hoping to have a positive update soon.

Kind of like an announcement of an announcement.

Presumably they will announce the take over is agreed in principle but still subject to the FA fit and proper persons test which can take months. Question for anyone who knows, if it's Joy Seppala would that mean the fit & proper tests are quick er as she will have completed these before?

[Si Robin]

I'm not convinced its Seppala. I think if it was, JP might well have known and used her name in his update given she's one of the names to have gotten out.

[Robin]

Another question, how soon do we feel that new main stand is away from realisation? Presumably it's still at least three years away from now.

[Si Robin]

I'll bet good money that it won't be this side of 2030.

[Robin]

I'm not convinced its Seppala. I think if it was, JP might well have known and used her name in his update given she's one of the names to have gotten out.

I am not convinced it's her either, it's very telling to me that Jon has reported on two groups that have baggage from prior ownership but not reported on the local consortium or the other two groups in the race. The cynic in me suggests he may have done that as a warning and to help drum up further interest.

My question was more once it's announced we know it can be done quite quickly and other times drag on for months, does the fact that a person has previously owned a club impact the speed of conclusion.

[Robin]

I'll bet good money that it won't be this side of 2030.

It's all hypothetical but presumably the future owners will want to secure the land first, then draw up plans (which could happen quite quickly as relatively low cost) then we need planning permission then it will take up to a year to demolish and rebuild. So 3-5 years is probably right even if the funding is there soon.

[asl]

I saw a link to the DB post-earlybird interview on Facebook (although I've not yet watched).

I did, however, read the comments... Good grief... A couple of "Sack The Board" calls and, as an added bonus, an early "I'm not attending until Flynn is sacked" post.

[asl]

We'd probably want still to be in L2 if we do ever rebuild the main stand, given that we'll have reduced capacity for most - if not all - of a season.

[Si Robin]

There's certainly an online agenda against Flynn, hence my tongue in cheek comment about Bradbury being forced out if he goes to FGR.

I just don't get it myself - I think he comes across well, speaks his mind and doesn't bullshit the fans. The football left a lot to be desired at times last season, but there were other times when the football was fantastic.

Some have decided they don't like him though and simply aren't going to accept him going forward.

As for the "sack the board" comments - it's just whispers in the wind now isn't it?

[horlickfanclub]

There's certainly an online agenda against Flynn, hence my tongue in cheek comment about Bradbury being forced out if he goes to FGR.

I just don't get it myself - I think he comes across well, speaks his mind and doesn't bullshit the fans. The football left a lot to be desired at times last season, but there were other times when the football was fantastic.

Some have decided they don't like him though and simply aren't going to accept him going forward.

As for the "sack the board" comments - it's just whispers in the wind now isn't it?

I wonder if the dissenters have applied for the Shadow Board as they know best. I also wonder how many of the "i'm never watching again" people have bought a season ticket.

[Jerry St Clair]

Surely the next update will be that one party has entered exclusivity? Which will mean another period of discussions. It is very unlikely to be an announcement that we have a new owner.

[Jerry St Clair]

I'm not convinced its Seppala. I think if it was, JP might well have known and used her name in his update given she's one of the names to have gotten out.

I am not convinced it's her either, it's very telling to me that Jon has reported on two groups that have baggage from prior ownership but not reported on the local consortium or the other two groups in the race. The cynic in me suggests he may have done that as a warning and to help drum up further interest.

I do not believe that is true.

JP is a journalist who reports facts. He should not, and I believe does not, act on behalf of the club the extent you describe. Sure, sometimes he’ll have to be discreet and maintain confidentiality, but that’s journalistic bread and butter.

[Wellwisher]

Obv I have no idea whether Ms. Seppala is interested in investing in CTFC or not.

But I would say two things: 1. She hardly covered herself in glory at Coventry City, nor ever got the fans on her side; and 2. If her net worth is somewhere between £50m-£100m (and tbf, whoever wrote that article doesn't seem to have any real idea), then the amount she has unencumbered/available to invest in CTFC will doubtless only be a small fraction of whatever it is she actually worth.

For both those reasons, I'd be reaching for the 40ft. barge pole were it me.

[Ihearye]

Personally, my first hope for any investment is that we can start to hold onto players and start building a team. Rather than the usual annual rebuild, knowing we face another season of hoping we have a squad that will avoid relegation

[shevates]

Personally, my first hope for any investment is that we can start to hold onto players and start building a team. Rather than the usual annual rebuild, knowing we face another season of hoping we have a squad that will avoid relegation

Couldn't agree more, in our time of being in the league we havnt had a continuous run as in seasons of being consistently good, three seasons at best. Would be nice to be able to keep our better talent to build a team around get bums on seats, consistently have gates of 5,000 plus then get that new stand

[Robin]

Obv I have no idea whether Ms. Seppala is interested in investing in CTFC or not.

But I would say two things: 1. She hardly covered herself in glory at Coventry City, nor ever got the fans on her side; and 2. If her net worth is somewhere between £50m-£100m (and tbf, whoever wrote that article doesn't seem to have any real idea), then the amount she has unencumbered/available to invest in CTFC will doubtless only be a small fraction of whatever it is she actually worth.

For both those reasons, I'd be reaching for the 40ft. barge pole were it me.

Just my opinion but I hope it's not her and to be honest I don't expect it to be her. The baggage from Coventry won't sit well, just like the American football consortium they may have the money but they don't fit the 'Cheltenham way' which will be important to Charles and the other main owners.

[Robin]

Personally, my first hope for any investment is that we can start to hold onto players and start building a team. Rather than the usual annual rebuild, knowing we face another season of hoping we have a squad that will avoid relegation

I understand the sentiment but the only way we do that sustainably is by building off the field revenue. Whilst I would like some money to go into the playing budget and do expect that to happen what I would love to see is the new owners buying Parklands and Cakebridge place and using the land to generate money for the club. Then build new stands behind the goal and a 4000 seater main stand with non-match day income guaranteed. This will improve our budget significantly, crowds can hopefully average over 5000 and ensure we move up the pecking order probably from bottom third to middle third in league two and hopefully enables to get back into league one and be more competitive there.

I would see that as realistic ambition and sustainable growth.

[paperboy]

It's just finding that football loving millionaire, who wants to spend zillions buying land, building shiny new stands so as to increase crowds by 20%.
Sounds easily achievable to me.

[Robin]

It's just finding that football loving millionaire, who wants to spend zillions buying land, building shiny new stands so as to increase crowds by 20%.
Sounds easily achievable to me.

But we've been very clear that is what we want and talked publicly that any investment is eight figures and above so they coming eyes wide open. The key purpose is to find someone who will invest and improve the infrastructure so any new owner is going to be judged on that. The good new is we've found five or six parties with those millions who say they are willing to do that.

It's a risk for anyone but get it right and they can make a serious profit when they sell if we find ourselves up the leagues with average crowds much bigger and the infrastructure in place to keep growing.

[Ihearye]

Personally, my first hope for any investment is that we can start to hold onto players and start building a team. Rather than the usual annual rebuild, knowing we face another season of hoping we have a squad that will avoid relegation

I understand the sentiment but the only way we do that sustainably is by building off the field revenue. Whilst I would like some money to go into the playing budget and do expect that to happen what I would love to see is the new owners buying Parklands and Cakebridge place and using the land to generate money for the club. Then build new stands behind the goal and a 4000 seater main stand with non-match day income guaranteed. This will improve our budget significantly, crowds can hopefully average over 5000 and ensure we move up the pecking order probably from bottom third to middle third in league two and hopefully enables to get back into league one and be more competitive there.

I would see that as realistic ambition and sustainable growth.

Maybe I am a completely out of touch luddite, but I would be interested to hear what you think would be put on cake bridge that would generate a substantial income. I don't think a fanzone would.

[London Exile]

I sort of agree with Iheareye here in that I don’t think Whaddon Road will ever generate huge off field revenues, I think the best we can do is maximise on match days with some other occasional events added in such as the concerts we’ve held.

If investment was to come which meant the club in the future could obtain and connect the Parklands & Cakebridge Place sites then Parklands could house a dedicated fan zone (I’m thinking something similar the ‘the locker’ at Walsall) where the general matchday goers congregate and the main stand could in turn become home solely to the corporate side. Personally I don’t think we’ll ever see a new main stand only an extensive refurbishment to the current one

All this would most likely be funded through the sale of parcels of land for dwellings (plus a small area at the seasons entrance)

[Robin]

Personally, my first hope for any investment is that we can start to hold onto players and start building a team. Rather than the usual annual rebuild, knowing we face another season of hoping we have a squad that will avoid relegation

I understand the sentiment but the only way we do that sustainably is by building off the field revenue. Whilst I would like some money to go into the playing budget and do expect that to happen what I would love to see is the new owners buying Parklands and Cakebridge place and using the land to generate money for the club. Then build new stands behind the goal and a 4000 seater main stand with non-match day income guaranteed. This will improve our budget significantly, crowds can hopefully average over 5000 and ensure we move up the pecking order probably from bottom third to middle third in league two and hopefully enables to get back into league one and be more competitive there.

I would see that as realistic ambition and sustainable growth.

Maybe I am a completely out of touch luddite, but I would be interested to hear what you think would be put on cake bridge that would generate a substantial income. I don't think a fanzone would.

I would suggest we have a couple of retail units like a gym or costa coffee/starbucks and use the rest for car parking. That would give us non-match day income. You could also put in a few electric charging units for cars leasing out a small plot of the land for that.

[Robin]

I sort of agree with Iheareye here in that I don’t think Whaddon Road will ever generate huge off field revenues, I think the best we can do is maximise on match days with some other occasional events added in such as the concerts we’ve held.

If investment was to come which meant the club in the future could obtain and connect the Parklands & Cakebridge Place sites then Parklands could house a dedicated fan zone (I’m thinking something similar the ‘the locker’ at Walsall) where the general matchday goers congregate and the main stand could in turn become home solely to the corporate side. Personally I don’t think we’ll ever see a new main stand only an extensive refurbishment to the current one

All this would most likely be funded through the sale of parcels of land for dwellings (plus a small area at the seasons entrance)

Buying using Parklands should be one of the first priorities for the club. It would make a great area for a fan zone and can be used to generate income midweek. We can then also build a modest 2500 seater stand behind the goal and using some of the land which is needed. That would kill two birds with one stone, and it could enable us to have bigger concerts at the ground end of season too.

[horlickfanclub]

I sort of agree with Iheareye here in that I don’t think Whaddon Road will ever generate huge off field revenues, I think the best we can do is maximise on match days with some other occasional events added in such as the concerts we’ve held.

If investment was to come which meant the club in the future could obtain and connect the Parklands & Cakebridge Place sites then Parklands could house a dedicated fan zone (I’m thinking something similar the ‘the locker’ at Walsall) where the general matchday goers congregate and the main stand could in turn become home solely to the corporate side. Personally I don’t think we’ll ever see a new main stand only an extensive refurbishment to the current one

All this would most likely be funded through the sale of parcels of land for dwellings (plus a small area at the seasons entrance)

Buying using Parklands should be one of the first priorities for the club. It would make a great area for a fan zone and can be used to generate income midweek. We can then also build a modest 2500 seater stand behind the goal and using some of the land which is needed. That would kill two birds with one stone, and it could enable us to have bigger concerts at the ground end of season too.

I think Parkands is a listed Community Asset and may not be easy to buy. Wymans Brook makes any building difficult or not safe with the flooding risk.

[horlickfanclub]

I sort of agree with Iheareye here in that I don’t think Whaddon Road will ever generate huge off field revenues, I think the best we can do is maximise on match days with some other occasional events added in such as the concerts we’ve held.

If investment was to come which meant the club in the future could obtain and connect the Parklands & Cakebridge Place sites then Parklands could house a dedicated fan zone (I’m thinking something similar the ‘the locker’ at Walsall) where the general matchday goers congregate and the main stand could in turn become home solely to the corporate side. Personally I don’t think we’ll ever see a new main stand only an extensive refurbishment to the current one

All this would most likely be funded through the sale of parcels of land for dwellings (plus a small area at the seasons entrance)

Concerts don't make significant money and risk damage to the pitch..We tried that.