Sadly shareholders don't have much in the way of rights. I can tell you this from experience. Me and two other investors were stiffed to the tune of £550k. Company assets sold to "friends" by directors without shareholder knowledge. Refusal to provide accounts. Company put into receivership. All without the shareholders being informed until it's too late. It's scary stuff especially as one was/is an investment banker! Now I'm not suggesting for one second that any football club would behave in such a way I'm merely explaining that shareholders and other stakeholders are rarely considered and have little comeback unless they have deep pockets and are prepared for a long fight. The words "People's Club" will mean nothing if the key stakeholders (shareholders, season ticket holders, creditors) are not kept informed and encouraged to be a part of the process. However I am disappointed that Kenwright's comments were taped and broadcast. Kenwright attended that meeting in good faith and given his experience his naivety is probably excused by the fact that he is a supporter first and foremost and probably left his business head at home on this occasion. This will have further entrenched the Chairman and whoever came up with that idea is probably as deceitful in all other aspects of his life.
Going forward we need stability and cohesion not division. Booing the team on Saturday was a disgrace. It's the first game of the season for goodness sake and when in the past 5 years have we started well? Action like that will alienate the players and give their agents a golden opportunity to engineer a move for their "client".
Back to the Chairman: I do accept that we may have a Chairman who want to have his cake and eat it. A sale and remain top dog. Sorry Bill, no can do. At the same time we the supporters have to accept that football is a business. A crazy business, but a business, and profit should not be seen a dirty word. Oh to be in the same financial position as Arsenal and Wolves! They say players wages are bringing us down. OK, so if that's proven to be the prime cause of our plight let's change that. I don't begrudge a player 10, 50, 100k or more a week if he can get it and if the club can afford it. Wish it was me.But if paying these wages will bankrupt the Club, then STOP. Put a plan in place that addresses this problem and one that gives lenders some confidence.
A Buyer: Any buyer will know that in EFC they'll acquire a BIG club with massive marketing potential both for the Club and THEIR brand and associated businesses. Look at City's owners. Man City is no more than a marketing tool for their other businesses but they are also investing significantly in the community. These are smart people. Is it true they looked at EFC first? Don't depress me... However we are the right Club at the wrong time right now. Who do we have seeking a buyer? We need an experienced team in place to do this confidentially. Do we have one?
Are we going down? If we keep thinking we are, then yes. It's true that you get what you think of most of the time. Now is the time for solidarity and positivity. we need to support the players, manager and board. Sure, we can tell them how we feel, but not from the terraces, not in the glare of the world's media, who we know love a negative story.
Anyway, must go now. I've been trying to get through to the Samaritans since Saturday but it's been engaged. Wenger must be off by now!
