Carl Hutchings - Twitter

[bluerebel]

Having read all of the previous comments I appreciate it is very frustrating as a supporter seeing the clubs name/reputation tossed around as it currently is.

Obviously with previous experiences all supporters are concerned that we are not offloaded to a person/persons or company that does not have the long term future of STFC at heart and also has insufficient fluid capital to ensure the future.

I have been involved in several multi million company acquisitions in the past and we have to respect the purpose of NDA's. This is a starting point to negotiations to enable the parties to  perform due diligence to ensure that what they are buying does not have any skeletons in the closet that may make an Acquisition  less worthwhile than it initially seems. The NDA is in place to ensure that this confidential information does not reach the public domain or is used for other purposes.

If the NDA is drawn correctly it is enforceable by law if the terms are breached.

I assume the clubs Directors have sufficient professional advice in this process. If they do not it would be a worry.

Having said this I hope that the Directors are acting as " Custodians" of the club on the supporters behalf and will try to ensure the deal is in there supporters best interests.

There may well be further complications with our Lease with SBC and our agreement with them may have some clauses instead regarding selling the club on without their agreement.

In the meantime, we must also recognise that there is only so much the club can say without breaching confidentially which could deter investors.

 

 

[Richard Kendall]

An interesting post this for sure. we know:

Season tickets were down post covid and have not recovered. We cannot blame this on lack of ambition alone. Covid did impact this and maybe people’s lifestyle plans. No doubt though success on the pitch can impact ticket sales, both up or down. 

This season was planned full of optimism, a decent squad with potential investment.  Whilst not published, most fans were aware of this, excited, and it became a ‘when rather than if’ position. Sadly, this did not materialise which has led to a number of changes being required.

The board, who are not new, clearly understand all the current financial revenues and overheads, including previous covid grants, sponsorship, cup revenues and ticket sales, council and stadium etc and are working on delivering a strong longer term option. These options are only known when presented and then reviewed, diligence etc.
 

The supporters have opinions and all want to know what is happening and also what can be done to support the club in future. A lot will depend on the agreements and what they look like. I.e. large financial investment, major sponsorships or an option which gives say less money but a stronger platform to build on. A reasonable lump sum whilst very appreciated is not a long term plan. 

Some posts have been very critical of the board or part of it. They are best placed for these discussions and fans would expect that any agreement is properly evaluated and scrutinised before being signed off. This could well mean charges to structure (my view only) but the clubs future and supporters are at the heart of their decision. They must get this decision 100% correct, watertight and suitable for all parties.

I don’t know details of any conversations that have taken place so cannot comment on these. 

 

 

[SloughFlyer]

Heck of a time to take a few days off the forum LOL.

Seems to me reading the information in general circulation and the club statment, Mr Hutchings is acting like a spiteful ex-girlfriend on social media. Didn't get what she wanted so is now attacking anything possible, throwing enough mud to hope something sticks.

If someone is prepared to act like that when not getting what he wants, best we steer well clear IMO.

[epicrebel]

How long has Steve been gone?

Have the board not handled things since Steve left?

So why all of a sudden they are incapable of handling things now?

 

 

[Sir Rebel1965]

57 minutes ago, epicrebel said:

How long has Steve been gone?

Have the board not handled things since Steve left?

So why all of a sudden they are incapable of handling things now?

 

 

FA cup second round in 2017/18 and 2018/19 generates surplus.

25-04-2019 Steve Easterbrook stands down leaving healthy bank balance and ground stability.

2019/20 2020/21 COVID seasons surplus funds needed to be used.

Seasons 2021/22 and this season crowds drop, surplus depleted further, no recovery plan.

Now - remaining reserves running down.

Possible new backer, but not in place.

Future - still uncertain.

[Shredding Green]

1 hour ago, epicrebel said:

How long has Steve been gone?

Have the board not handled things since Steve left?

So why all of a sudden they are incapable of handling things now?

 

 

Exactly.

Mike Lightfoot, Craig Edwards, Kay Lathey and Ade Gomme are a very competent and hard working group.

As I pointed out in a quite recent post, the root cause of the club's current problems goes back to the 2016/7 season when on bank holiday 29th August 2016 1,401 attended the first match at Arbour Park for a 2-1 league win against Hayes & Yeading United. After 7 consecutive wins (5 league and 2 FA Cup), the next home game was on Saturday 24th September 2016 when a mere 575 attended the 3-0 home league win against Biggleswade Town. The second best home gate of the 2016/7 season was 918 for the 1-2 home defeat to Chesham United on bank holiday 2nd January 2017.

For the enormous amount of hard work that he and his team had put in to bringing the club back to Slough, Steve Easterbrook must have been bitterly disappointed by the attendances after that opening league match.

A few members of this forum should appreciate that the board has been saddled with this problem of low attendances ever since and it certainly has not been due to a lack of effort in improving attendances.

Edited December 13, 2022 by Shredding Green

[Richard Kendall]

1 hour ago, Shredding Green said:

Exactly.

Mike Lightfoot, Craig Edwards, Kay Lathey and Ade Gomme are a very competent and hard working group.

As I pointed out in a quite recent post, the root cause of the club's current problems goes back to the 2016/7 season when on bank holiday 29th August 2016 1,401 attended the first match at Arbour Park for a 2-1 league win against Hayes & Yeading United. After 7 consecutive wins (5 league and 2 FA Cup), the next home game was on Saturday 24th September 2016 when a mere 575 attended the 3-0 home league win against Biggleswade Town. The second best home gate of the 2016/7 season was 918 for the 1-2 home defeat to Chesham United on bank holiday 2nd January 2017.

For the enormous amount of hard work that he and his team had put in to bringing the club back to Slough, Steve Easterbrook must have been bitterly disappointed by the attendances after that opening league match.

A few members of this forum should appreciate that the board has been saddled with this problem of low attendances ever since and it certainly has not been due to a lack of effort in improving attendances.

Attendances increased for a good number of years but sadly have reduced post covid. A massive amount of time, offers, energy and commitment have gone into trying to improve this position. A few hundred more fans makes a massive difference financially. 

[Shredding Green]

10 hours ago, Shredding Green said:

Exactly.

Mike Lightfoot, Craig Edwards, Kay Lathey and Ade Gomme are a very competent and hard working group.

As I pointed out in a quite recent post, the root cause of the club's current problems goes back to the 2016/7 season when on bank holiday 29th August 2016 1,401 attended the first match at Arbour Park for a 2-1 league win against Hayes & Yeading United. After 7 consecutive wins (5 league and 2 FA Cup), the next home game was on Saturday 24th September 2016 when a mere 575 attended the 3-0 home league win against Biggleswade Town. The second best home gate of the 2016/7 season was 918 for the 1-2 home defeat to Chesham United on bank holiday 2nd January 2017.

For the enormous amount of hard work that he and his team had put in to bringing the club back to Slough, Steve Easterbrook must have been bitterly disappointed by the attendances after that opening league match.

A few members of this forum should appreciate that the board has been saddled with this problem of low attendances ever since and it certainly has not been due to a lack of effort in improving attendances.

I will be taking action regarding the behaviour on this forum of Sir Rebel1965.

[Sir Rebel1965]

There you go SG - happy now?

Lets all have a big love in for SG as he does not like it when people put the confused emoji on his posts - but he is happy to question other users state of mental health!

[Richard Kendall]

Everyone has a view, but i think the future is not about the past. The past is important and our managers kept us competitive.  Yes, we lacked major investment to move forward and now we can see what happens when investment that was expected does not materialise. Hopefully, when the board reach a position then everyone can be involved in a positive future direction rather than being pessimistic. 

[Sir Rebel1965]

4 minutes ago, Richard Kendall said:

Everyone has a view, but i think the future is not about the past. The past is important and our managers kept us competitive.  Yes, we lacked major investment to move forward and now we can see what happens when investment that was expected does not materialise. Hopefully, when the board reach a position then everyone can be involved in a positive future direction rather than being pessimistic. 

So Richard are you saying that the board expected the investment and budgeted for it, and when it didn't materialise there was a shortage?

Richard - is that the correct interpretation of what you are saying?

[3spirit]

5 hours ago, Sir Rebel1965 said:

There you go SG - happy now?

Lets all have a big love in for SG as he does not like it when people put the confused emoji on his posts - but he is happy to question other users state of mental health!

Please play nicely, you two !  It's not a school playground.

SG,     SR1965 is allowed to post whatever emoji he wishes. 

SR1965, try not to wind up our fellow forumites. We may have different opinions on various subjects on this forum but WE are supposed to be on the same side, and care about Slough Town FC !  You may not agree with someone but you don't need to offend them.

[Richard Kendall]

21 hours ago, Sir Rebel1965 said:

So Richard are you saying that the board expected the investment and budgeted for it, and when it didn't materialise there was a shortage?

Richard - is that the correct interpretation of what you are saying?

Sorry for late reply. Was not aware I would have limited posts each day.

every club sets a budget. Slough are very realistic and yes I do believe investment was taken into consideration to an extent.

Most fans were well aware of the significant shortfalls in terms of season tickets and attendances, both which also add more money in the bars, refreshments etc. don’t forget there was certainly a reason why there was no shirt sponsor for months until finally another sponsor was found for the rest of this season.

I am new to posting in here, but appalled by the negative comments made by some who clearly just want to moan. Be good to channel their negativity into positivity 

 

 

[3spirit]

25 minutes ago, Richard Kendall said:

Sorry for late reply. Was not aware I would have limited posts each day.

every club sets a budget. Slough are very realistic and yes I do believe investment was taken into consideration to an extent.

Most fans were well aware of the significant shortfalls in terms of season tickets and attendances, both which also add more money in the bars, refreshments etc. don’t forget there was certainly a reason why there was no shirt sponsor for months until finally another sponsor was found for the rest of this season.

I am new to posting in here, but appalled by the negative comments made by some who clearly just want to moan. Be good to channel their negativity into positivity 

 

 

I think the limited posts thing,Richard, is until you get offically endorsed by a moderator. Lots of new people post but it is evident by what they write, that some are not suitable for the forum but there needs to be a period to see if they are bona fide/legit.

I can't see you having a problem.

Welcome aboard !

[SloughFlyer]

17 hours ago, 3spirit said:

Please play nicely, you two !  It's not a school playground.

SG,     SR1965 is allowed to post whatever emoji he wishes. 

SR1965, try not to wind up our fellow forumites. We may have different opinions on various subjects on this forum but WE are supposed to be on the same side, and care about Slough Town FC !  You may not agree with someone but you don't need to offend them.

Nah, let them fight LOL. In fact, with all this internet, youtube boxing stuff, perhaps we could arrange something for them both to fight it out and PPV it? Might be a money generator for the club  

[3spirit]

37 minutes ago, Richard Kendall said:

Sorry for late reply. Was not aware I would have limited posts each day.

every club sets a budget. Slough are very realistic and yes I do believe investment was taken into consideration to an extent.

Most fans were well aware of the significant shortfalls in terms of season tickets and attendances, both which also add more money in the bars, refreshments etc. don’t forget there was certainly a reason why there was no shirt sponsor for months until finally another sponsor was found for the rest of this season.

I am new to posting in here, but appalled by the negative comments made by some who clearly just want to moan. Be good to channel their negativity into positivity 

 

 

Just one other thing Richard, don't mistake a football forum [where positives and negatives can be shared] for back slapping and sucking up to those that run our football club. A forum has a duty to allow Slough Town fans to express their opinions in whatever way they feel,as long as they keep within the boundaries/rules of the forum.

I suggest you look at the Woking or Aldershot forum, if you think this one is bad !  

Most of us come in peace but we always get a few agitators ha ha !    

[Reading Rebel]

9 minutes ago, 3spirit said:

Just one other thing Richard, don't mistake a football forum [where positives and negatives can be shared] for back slapping and sucking up to those that run our football club. A forum has a duty to allow Slough Town fans to express their opinions in whatever way they feel,as long as they keep within the boundaries/rules of the forum.

I suggest you look at the Woking or Aldershot forum, if you think this one is bad !  

Most of us come in peace but we always get a few agitators ha ha !    

Don't forget the Wealdstone forum who don't give a s**t about what they say or who they slag off.  

This forum has it's moments like this thread when strong feelings about the club are vented but in general I'd say it's pretty tame compared to other forums. 

Edited December 15, 2022 by Reading Rebel

[SloughFlyer]

56 minutes ago, Richard Kendall said:

Sorry for late reply. Was not aware I would have limited posts each day.

every club sets a budget. Slough are very realistic and yes I do believe investment was taken into consideration to an extent.

Most fans were well aware of the significant shortfalls in terms of season tickets and attendances, both which also add more money in the bars, refreshments etc. don’t forget there was certainly a reason why there was no shirt sponsor for months until finally another sponsor was found for the rest of this season.

I am new to posting in here, but appalled by the negative comments made by some who clearly just want to moan. Be good to channel their negativity into positivity 

 

 

The problem is Richard that you see them as negative comments, but those making them are sharing their opinion just like you on the positive side (and I'm sure they may see your posts as "sucking up" or "rose tinted glasses" etc).

The best bit for me about this forum IMO, is it doesn't / shouldn't matter what your opinion is, you can post it and have a discussion about it.

Whilst it would be good to change peoples opinions, they hold them for, what they see as valid reasons (see my opinion on an ex-goalkeeper that will remain nameless so 3spirit doesn't tell me off  ). Best to give your opinion v theirs and see what comes out in the wash.

AND

Welcome to the forum  

Edited December 15, 2022 by SloughFlyer

[3spirit]

Just now, Reading Rebel said:

Don't forget the Wealdstone forum who don't give a s**t about what they say who they slag off.  

Yes, forgot about that one,RR, you are right about it they take no prisoners on there !

 

 

 

[Reading Rebel]

13 minutes ago, 3spirit said:

Yes, forgot about that one,RR, you are right about it they take no prisoners on there !

 

 

 

They look upon it as their platform for supporters to say what they like regardless of who they offend.

Not something I agree with as imo with all forms of social media a line has to be drawn.

Edited December 15, 2022 by Reading Rebel