Interesting JP chat w/ Gab Sutton

[Jim]

John Palmer had an interesting one-hour chat earlier with Gab Sutton on Youtube, discussing the state of play at the club.

There are a few interesting tidbits in there I thought, some added context around some of the decisions and a bit of an update on the takeover. Not sure if I'm more or less confident going into the new season now having listened to it (probably less), but it's well worth a watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJVwGJOiiKY

[Si Robin]

I listened to it earlier and it is really in-depth and interesting from Jon.

I think he does a lot to quell some of the negativity, whilst also reiterating that there's a need for caution going into the new season. His comment that this could be like the first couple of seasons under John Ward really stood out to me.

I like that he pointed out a couple of important things as well, such as the fact that Bradbury and Kinsella weren't put on the transfer list last season due to the manager doubting their ability. Also that Flynn being respectful of his previous clubs shouldn't be a stick to beat him with (something that really confuses me).

[Robin]

Just listening to it, Jon makes it clear that 'other figures' no prize for guessing who were perhaps driving the transfer listing of Bradbury and Kinsella rather than Mike Flynn. Also confirms the new ownership should be announced in the coming weeks which is excellent news.

[Si Robin]

He didn't say the new owners would be announced - he said there would be news in the coming weeks. They'd still need to come through the EFL fit and proper persons test, etc...

Interestingly, he said they're UK based and have been involved in the top end of football previously.

[Jim]

Joy Seppala is London based...? I got the feeling JP was on the brink of saying too much at that point!

I agree with pretty much everything he said, we are in danger of being weaker this season than last - in fact it feels almost likely. I'm personally not as keen on Day as JP, but I think we have more pressing areas to improve, as highlighted in the chat.

I'm more confident that we might hold on to Archer, but that can change very quickly.

Who's ready for a Dulson left wing/forward masterclass this season?

[Robin]

Joy Seppala is London based...? I got the feeling JP was on the brink of saying too much at that point!

I agree with pretty much everything he said, we are in danger of being weaker this season than last - in fact it feels almost likely. I'm personally not as keen on Day as JP, but I think we have more pressing areas to improve, as highlighted in the chat.

I'm more confident that we might hold on to Archer, but that can change very quickly.

Who's ready for a Dulson left wing/forward masterclass this season?

i must admit I didn't think it would be Seppala but that little tease certainly indicates it could be. We know she has the funding we need and she is bringing with her someone who would operate as a CEO and they were both involved with Coventry but that would be a very big clue if Jon casually gave it away so I wouldn't jump to any conclusions yet. I'm sure we will find out in the next couple of weeks.

Also if it's Seppala she has passed the EFL checks before so presumably would pass them again and they may go quicker as Jon indicated the funds could yet still reach us before the close of the transfer window.

[Robin]

He didn't say the new owners would be announced - he said there would be news in the coming weeks. They'd still need to come through the EFL fit and proper persons test, etc...

Interestingly, he said they're UK based and have been involved in the top end of football previously.

Are we not saying the same thing? At the very least they will announced that a preferred bidder is now in place or we get the names of who it is and that is subject to passing the EFL tests a bit like Morecambe have just done with their new ownership.

[Si Robin]

I think they're different things - your initial post makes it sound like a full takeover will be completed in a few weeks, which isn't what was said.

It may well be done in a few weeks, but I think you're misquoting JP.

[Robin]

Interesting for me I'm expecting an announcement that we have an agreement in principle in the coming weeks not that everything is concluded because we all know there are EFL fit and proper persons test. But on re-read yes my original post could be taken out of context which was not the intent.

[Si Robin]

Admittedly it was splitting hairs, but it was certainly how I read it.

[Shade]

"UK-based investor who's got a lot of experience within high level football" - doesn't sound like Seppala to me. I personally wouldn't say she was involved in high-level football or has a lot of experience, even if she was part of the ownership at Coventry for 15 years. Unless that sentence means experience in getting a club relegated a couple of times.

[Ihearye]

I listened to it earlier and it is really in-depth and interesting from Jon.

I think he does a lot to quell some of the negativity, whilst also reiterating that there's a need for caution going into the new season. His comment that this could be like the first couple of seasons under John Ward really stood out to me.

I like that he pointed out a couple of important things as well, such as the fact that Bradbury and Kinsella weren't put on the transfer list last season due to the manager doubting their ability. Also that Flynn being respectful of his previous clubs shouldn't be a stick to beat him with (something that really confuses me).

conversely, I got to the end of it feeling a tad fearful of next season. Sounds like if we do get the investment, it will come just in time, if not even a bit late. Hadn't picked up on the comment re us having to sell a player to cover non squad expenses. All sounds pretty grim

[Robin]

"UK-based investor who's got a lot of experience within high level football" - doesn't sound like Seppala to me. I personally wouldn't say she was involved in high-level football or has a lot of experience, even if she was part of the ownership at Coventry for 15 years. Unless that sentence means experience in getting a club relegated a couple of times.

She owned Coventry and we Dave Boddy who is involved with her also was Chief Executive at Coventry and Newport, as well as the National League chairman, so it could be them, She's also UK based and Boddy is Worcestershire based so local.

[Robin]

I listened to it earlier and it is really in-depth and interesting from Jon.

I think he does a lot to quell some of the negativity, whilst also reiterating that there's a need for caution going into the new season. His comment that this could be like the first couple of seasons under John Ward really stood out to me.

I like that he pointed out a couple of important things as well, such as the fact that Bradbury and Kinsella weren't put on the transfer list last season due to the manager doubting their ability. Also that Flynn being respectful of his previous clubs shouldn't be a stick to beat him with (something that really confuses me).

conversely, I got to the end of it feeling a tad fearful of next season. Sounds like if we do get the investment, it will come just in time, if not even a bit late. Hadn't picked up on the comment re us having to sell a player to cover non squad expenses. All sounds pretty grim

I suspect if funds do come it would mean we don't have to sell a player and could go for more expensive loans, I don't see us doing the Carlisle route and bringing in lots of players in a short period.

[Ihearye]

I listened to it earlier and it is really in-depth and interesting from Jon.

I think he does a lot to quell some of the negativity, whilst also reiterating that there's a need for caution going into the new season. His comment that this could be like the first couple of seasons under John Ward really stood out to me.

I like that he pointed out a couple of important things as well, such as the fact that Bradbury and Kinsella weren't put on the transfer list last season due to the manager doubting their ability. Also that Flynn being respectful of his previous clubs shouldn't be a stick to beat him with (something that really confuses me).

conversely, I got to the end of it feeling a tad fearful of next season. Sounds like if we do get the investment, it will come just in time, if not even a bit late. Hadn't picked up on the comment re us having to sell a player to cover non squad expenses. All sounds pretty grim

I suspect if funds do come it would mean we don't have to sell a player and could go for more expensive loans, I don't see us doing the Carlisle route and bringing in lots of players in a short period.

don't seriously believe there will be any extra funds this side of august. I we lose who JP expects to go and don't get offers for those he intimates we can't afford to keep, then I will pop in to Pittville and check out Prestbury Panthers for a few hidden gems while out on my Saturday morning walk!!

[Shade]

"UK-based investor who's got a lot of experience within high level football" - doesn't sound like Seppala to me. I personally wouldn't say she was involved in high-level football or has a lot of experience, even if she was part of the ownership at Coventry for 15 years. Unless that sentence means experience in getting a club relegated a couple of times.

She owned Coventry and we Dave Boddy who is involved with her also was Chief Executive at Coventry and Newport, as well as the National League chairman, so it could be them, She's also UK based and Boddy is Worcestershire based so local.

Again, I don't see that as "high-level." I've no idea what others do, but high-level, compared to us, is top Championship or PL, imo.

[Artemis]

Just listening to it, Jon makes it clear that 'other figures' no prize for guessing who were perhaps driving the transfer listing of Bradbury and Kinsella rather than Mike Flynn. Also confirms the new ownership should be announced in the coming weeks which is excellent news.

of course 'other figures' were behind their listing. Why would a manager who clearly rated the pair of them want rid. They were on our version of L1 wages. Financial considerations, just like now, will have been driving it. Fortunately, solvency is the primary objective at our club, and as a business so it should be.
I know that probably comes as a disappointment to those who expect people with deep pockets and long arms to subsidise their sporting entertainment.

[Ihearye]

Just listening to it, Jon makes it clear that 'other figures' no prize for guessing who were perhaps driving the transfer listing of Bradbury and Kinsella rather than Mike Flynn. Also confirms the new ownership should be announced in the coming weeks which is excellent news.

of course 'other figures' were behind their listing. Why would a manager who clearly rated the pair of them want rid. They were on our version of L1 wages. Financial considerations, just like now, will have been driving it. Fortunately, solvency is the primary objective at our club, and as a business so it should be.
I know that probably comes as a disappointment to those who expect people with deep pockets and long arms to subsidise their sporting entertainment.

Ah so one should not feel unhappy about the possibility of dropping a league - got it

[PittvillePundit]

Interesting hour..a pretty balanced view from JP I thought ...not sure whether I came away optimistic or pessimistic !

So much up in the air player and investment wise and as the two are inextricably linked it's going to be an interesting few months!

[TheTownClub]

So, we have to sell a player to balance the books but not to improve the playing budget? That should have us worried. As should the line about needing cup runs, because the position used to be that cup games were never budgeted for but now they're essential for keeping us out the red?

I also noted the comments about our apparently not first choice but nonetheless expensive director of football, and his brother.

[CS85]

So, we have to sell a player to balance the books but not to improve the playing budget? That should have us worried. As should the line about needing cup runs, because the position used to be that cup games were never budgeted for but now they're essential for keeping us out the red?

I also noted the comments about our apparently not first choice but nonetheless expensive director of football, and his brother.

This has been well known since that famous fans forum last year with DC and Bloxham.
We run at a 500k loss each season and hope to have found a talent to fill the void.
A dangerous game indeed and one which only 2 years without a sale would see us in deep shiz.

[art vandalay]

That You Tube video is encouraging on the investment but not in the slightest on the playing front. It all sounds a complete mess, robbing Peter to pay Paul. Right now, I’d say we’ve got to be one of the favourites for relegation. This season isn’t in the slightest about consolidation; it’s simply about patching together a team that hopefully stays up, so that the team can then move forward under new ownership.

[Jerry St Clair]

Let’s not forget the Robins Trusts role in any new ownership.

The new owners will either be content to allow the Trust to retain its fairly significant shareholding, or it will make an offer to buy them out.

Any such offer will need to be debated and voted on by Trust members. There’s a long way still to go.

[Si Robin]

Indeed.

Also, if it is Joy Seppala who's the lead investment figure (and there really isn't any evidence either way), you'll forgive me for being extremely cynical and concerned given how things were at Coventry.

[Robin85]

Let’s not forget the Robins Trusts role in any new ownership.

The new owners will either be content to allow the Trust to retain its fairly significant shareholding, or it will make an offer to buy them out.

Any such offer will need to be debated and voted on by Trust members. There’s a long way still to go.

The trust own 15%, if a new owner comes in and buys over 50%, it won't matter a jot what the trust own. They will have no say either way. This may be a time where the trust membership starts to increase, as we will be entering territory that none of us have ever been in before. This could be a good thing for the trust.

I personally do not see any new owner buying the trust out, the shareholding is insignificant enough that any new owner would not have to worry about them voting on any plans as they will have the overall control.

I can see a clean sweep of the boardroom when this does happen, and in my opinion there will not be a FED (Or whatever it is called now) on the board, and the trust will have to earn their crust and figure out a way to actually raise funds more than once a year when the begging bowl comes out for new members.

[Robin85]

Indeed.

Also, if it is Joy Seppala who's the lead investment figure (and there really isn't any evidence either way), you'll forgive me for being extremely cynical and concerned given how things were at Coventry.

Sisu (Not Seppala on her own) purchased Coventry when they were on the brink of going out of business, cleared the debt they had, and whilst I agree they had a rough existence whilst Sisu were in charge, they were stabilised, put on an excellent financial footing and sold. (Which is the point of a Venture Capital company)

[Si Robin]

Rough is a bit of an understatement - they dropped two divisions, played in three other football grounds and were constantly at odds with the local authority (losing every court case they brought against them - despite that being their biggest strength apparently).

People are concerned about what's going to happen over the next year and how it's a scary thought that we have to work hard to stand still - it took Coventry 13 years to stand still under SISU's ownership.

As I said, I won't be booking the parade in celebration if she is the preferred bidder.

[Robin]

If it is indeed Seppala (and I have no indication it is) I believe we all need to be cautious, as Si says her time at Coventry was very turbulent with a lot of investment in the playing side early followed by calamity off the field and then disaster on the field (the two are usually closely linked). There were some positives though once she went through several executives she landed on David Boddy (the man most Coventry fans love) who over saw their rise back up to the Championship. Boddy sorted out the appointment of Mark Robins, brought the club back to playing in Coventry and completely changed how the club was run ensuring it's competitive on and off the field. The indicators are that Boddy would come with Seppala here probably as Chief Executive as he's been attending games.

We also know she has the money we need for that new main stand and can inject some into the playing budget but won't go crazy. I'm wary of her but I can also see a few things which would appeal.

We will find out soon enough but if it's her I hope a) Boddy is appointed as Chief Exec and b) they've learnt how to deal with the local council as we will need to work with them to hopefully purchase the Parklands land and build the new main stand in the coming years.

[paperboy]

If it is indeed Seppala (and I have no indication it is) I believe we all need to be cautious, as Si says her time at Coventry was very turbulent with a lot of investment in the playing side early followed by calamity off the field and then disaster on the field (the two are usually closely linked). There were some positives though once she went through several executives she landed on David Boddy (the man most Coventry fans love) who over saw their rise back up to the Championship. Boddy sorted out the appointment of Mark Robins, brought the club back to playing in Coventry and completely changed how the club was run ensuring it's competitive on and off the field. The indicators are that Boddy would come with Seppala here probably as Chief Executive as he's been attending games.

We also know she has the money we need for that new main stand and can inject some into the playing budget but won't go crazy. I'm wary of her but I can also see a few things which would appeal.

We will find out soon enough but if it's her I hope a) Boddy is appointed as Chief Exec and b) they've learnt how to deal with the local council as we will need to work with them to hopefully purchase the Parklands land and build the new main stand in the coming years.

So in a nutshell you're very wary of Joy but if she comes in and mentions shiny new main stand and trying to sign Jamie Vardy you'll be reasonably happy.

[Artemis]

"UK-based investor who's got a lot of experience within high level football" - doesn't sound like Seppala to me. I personally wouldn't say she was involved in high-level football or has a lot of experience, even if she was part of the ownership at Coventry for 15 years. Unless that sentence means experience in getting a club relegated a couple of times.

Rupert Lowe fits that criteria..... and I believe he lives in or close to Gloucestershire.

[Robin]

"UK-based investor who's got a lot of experience within high level football" - doesn't sound like Seppala to me. I personally wouldn't say she was involved in high-level football or has a lot of experience, even if she was part of the ownership at Coventry for 15 years. Unless that sentence means experience in getting a club relegated a couple of times.

Rupert Lowe fits that criteria..... and I believe he lives in or close to Gloucestershire.

He tried to buy the club before and Paul Baker was not welcoming of it at all. I can't imagine he has the funds either given his net worth is only £30millon.

[art vandalay]

Isn’t he now reform MP for Great Yarmouth? Hopefully he’s too busy shouting at small boats to get involved with us.

[horlickfanclub]

If it is indeed Seppala (and I have no indication it is) I believe we all need to be cautious, as Si says her time at Coventry was very turbulent with a lot of investment in the playing side early followed by calamity off the field and then disaster on the field (the two are usually closely linked). There were some positives though once she went through several executives she landed on David Boddy (the man most Coventry fans love) who over saw their rise back up to the Championship. Boddy sorted out the appointment of Mark Robins, brought the club back to playing in Coventry and completely changed how the club was run ensuring it's competitive on and off the field. The indicators are that Boddy would come with Seppala here probably as Chief Executive as he's been attending games.

We also know she has the money we need for that new main stand and can inject some into the playing budget but won't go crazy. I'm wary of her but I can also see a few things which would appeal.

We will find out soon enough but if it's her I hope a) Boddy is appointed as Chief Exec and b) they've learnt how to deal with the local council as we will need to work with them to hopefully purchase the Parklands land and build the new main stand in the coming years.

Parklands is not currently for sale. The Council does not even have vacant possession.

[Robin]

If it is indeed Seppala (and I have no indication it is) I believe we all need to be cautious, as Si says her time at Coventry was very turbulent with a lot of investment in the playing side early followed by calamity off the field and then disaster on the field (the two are usually closely linked). There were some positives though once she went through several executives she landed on David Boddy (the man most Coventry fans love) who over saw their rise back up to the Championship. Boddy sorted out the appointment of Mark Robins, brought the club back to playing in Coventry and completely changed how the club was run ensuring it's competitive on and off the field. The indicators are that Boddy would come with Seppala here probably as Chief Executive as he's been attending games.

We also know she has the money we need for that new main stand and can inject some into the playing budget but won't go crazy. I'm wary of her but I can also see a few things which would appeal.

We will find out soon enough but if it's her I hope a) Boddy is appointed as Chief Exec and b) they've learnt how to deal with the local council as we will need to work with them to hopefully purchase the Parklands land and build the new main stand in the coming years.

So in a nutshell you're very wary of Joy but if she comes in and mentions shiny new main stand and trying to sign Jamie Vardy you'll be reasonably happy.

To be honest I am a bit worried and believe we should be if it's her but I could also see some positives. We desperately need that new stand and I feel with her financial backing and David Boddy running the club operationally it will happen. Assuming of course we do not fall out with the council

[Robin]

If it is indeed Seppala (and I have no indication it is) I believe we all need to be cautious, as Si says her time at Coventry was very turbulent with a lot of investment in the playing side early followed by calamity off the field and then disaster on the field (the two are usually closely linked). There were some positives though once she went through several executives she landed on David Boddy (the man most Coventry fans love) who over saw their rise back up to the Championship. Boddy sorted out the appointment of Mark Robins, brought the club back to playing in Coventry and completely changed how the club was run ensuring it's competitive on and off the field. The indicators are that Boddy would come with Seppala here probably as Chief Executive as he's been attending games.

We also know she has the money we need for that new main stand and can inject some into the playing budget but won't go crazy. I'm wary of her but I can also see a few things which would appeal.

We will find out soon enough but if it's her I hope a) Boddy is appointed as Chief Exec and b) they've learnt how to deal with the local council as we will need to work with them to hopefully purchase the Parklands land and build the new main stand in the coming years.

Parklands is not currently for sale. The Council does not even have vacant possession.

How do you know it's not for sale? The council have apparently refused to extend the lease of the community centre. The council need money and we desperately need that land for a new home end and a potential fan zone not to mention access to the ground.