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Looking 24/7

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A company have just taken up a new lease in the office block I work from, they have exclusive betting rights to Premier League football in China and they're expecting to clean up over the next few years. According to one of the guys behind the business, the reason so much Middle East money is flowing into the Prem is because of the interest from the Asian market.

I know this is going to turn into a 'rant fest', but reading about Pompey this morning and also hearing (unconfirmed reports) that Hull have two potential buyers lined up, makes me wonder how much longer we're going to carry on believing Bill Kenwright's "24/7" claims.

His response to a legitimate question at the AGM was disgraceful, we're the stakeholders in EFC and all of us (including Bill apparently) want new ownership. Something is not right and it's time to flush him out!
Marcus Dawson, Midlands     Posted 06/10/2009 at 09:26:48

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David Johnson
1   Posted 05/10/2009 at 21:02:49

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We are just days away from a decision on DK and to be honest I have a terrible sense of foreboding. My head tells me that the decision will go our way as DK complies with few planning rules and regulations. But life's expereriences have taught me that sometimes life just aint fair and that money talks.

The people behind this scheme have no thought for Everton or Evertonians — of this I'm certain. Their only concern seems to be to make a quick buck. What happens if we lose? Do we fight the good fight from over the border or perhaps all that will be left are a few rebel songs and a slow demise.

It saddens me that if we lose I will not witness Everton's return to Liverpool in my lifetime and that Kenwright will be long gone before his chickens come home to roost. But let's not rock the boat eh... We don't want to jeopardise our chances of finishing fifth again.

Brian Waring
2   Posted 06/10/2009 at 14:39:44

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"How much longer we’re going to carry on believing Bill Kenwright’s 24/7 claims" — Marcus, did you ever acctually believe them in the first place? The man is so full of bullshit, that I believe he doesn’t remember what he says from one day to the next.
Shaun Brennan
3   Posted 06/10/2009 at 14:45:30

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Brian Waring, I think the wording for what your trying to say is;
"to be a liar you’ve got to have a fucking good memory".
Besides it’s not just Kenright it’s the others too, Green, Carter et al. It’s not going to change anytime soon. The directors are not looking for buyers as they are concentrating on delivering Kirkby.
Brian Waring
4   Posted 06/10/2009 at 14:54:54

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So you agree Shaun that he is full of bullshit? If as you say "The directors are not looking for buyers," then his 24/7 claim is a huge lie?
Ciarán McGlone
5   Posted 06/10/2009 at 14:58:52

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He looks remarkably well for a man who never gets any sleep...

I wonder what his secret is..
Marcus Dawson
6   Posted 06/10/2009 at 14:57:14

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I hope it didn’t come across as being too naive, football is full of unsavoury characters, many of them a lot worse than Bill. My real point is that surely the game is well and truly up on the ’24/7’ , does anyone still believe him? If it’s a resounding ’no’ what do we do next?
Peter Griffin
7   Posted 06/10/2009 at 15:04:07

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The current board talk about looking for "investment" not a buyer.
Chris Lawlor
8   Posted 06/10/2009 at 15:14:45

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Oh Christ, here we go yet again with another attack on Kenwright brought about by a pointless unsubstantiated story based on the wording of ’One of the guys behind the business’.

Give it a rest lads for christ’s sake. I for one do not want an Arab, Asian, Russian, American et al consortium buying our club. I’d rather it stayed as it is than sell our traditions and class to a billionaire playboy with no interest in the club or its surroundings.

Kenwirght may not be the long-term answer to our financial woes but he’s a damn sight safer than some of the individuals currently passing the laughable ’Fit & Proper’ test set by the PL authorities.

Peter Griffin
9   Posted 06/10/2009 at 15:19:54

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Is the fact we have an exclusivity deal preventing interest from these groups looking to buy a Premier League club, looking at Everton?
Steve Pugh
10   Posted 06/10/2009 at 15:32:29

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As Peter said, BK is looking for investors not buyers.

There is a difference.
Alex Rowland
11   Posted 06/10/2009 at 15:32:28

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I have been reading posts on t-web for a while now without commenting but just one question for you to ponder... Would you like to be involved in a fiasco like Portsmouth or maybe the stability we have at Goodison????
Duncan McDine
12   Posted 06/10/2009 at 15:37:14

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You got there just before me Alex - well said. People are talking about the Pompey takeover as if its been a resounding success!!! We’d all love to see a wad of cash in DM’s hands every transfer window, but don’t go wishing for a takeover at any cost (relegation).
Ciarán McGlone
13   Posted 06/10/2009 at 15:46:58

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Alex,

We are far from stable....Can I suggest you rescript your question and leave out that word.

You still might get the same answers - you never know - but at least you’ll not be fabricating our position.
Peter Griffin
14   Posted 06/10/2009 at 15:36:55

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Alex -The answer at this moment in time is obvious, and it’s a good point. But pompey have land with permission to build a new 40,000 stadium, which can be increased, also with a 10,000 indoor arena adjacent. With a new billionaire owner, plans for a new stadium (in a good location) and "funds for the manager to spend" ask me again in May.
Shaun Brennan
15   Posted 06/10/2009 at 16:05:25

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Brian mate, correct I do agree with you.

Alex stop comparing us to Pompey. We are not the same as them.
Tony Hughes
16   Posted 06/10/2009 at 16:23:14

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Kenwright is a liar.. ’shock horror’!!!
Gerry Morrison
17   Posted 06/10/2009 at 16:35:02

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Do the anti-Kenright people really wish we were attracting the kind of riff raff that are being connected to Portsmouth?
Ciarán McGlone
18   Posted 06/10/2009 at 16:48:00

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Oh for goodness sake..

Why does it always amount to lowest common denominator arguments...

It’s like that Harry Enfield sketch...’Is that what you want, Cos that’s what’ll happen’...

I thought this website attracted a better class of thinking....
Sean Patton
19   Posted 06/10/2009 at 17:52:16

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Marcus

Never mind all that... get in there and get some tips from them.
Marcus Dawson
20   Posted 06/10/2009 at 18:37:06

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Sean, they’re on-line bookies mate, not tipsters!! I think one or two miss my point, I’m simply asking what is the 24/7 battle cry all about, no-one in their right minds would want a Pompey situation at EFC.

I guess the key word is ’investment’, but real investment won’t come without a change in ownership, Green and Earl anyone?

In response to Chris Lawler, you’ve confused me, I was talking about a new company that’s set up next door, their business model is based on the Chinese going mad for the Prem, one of their directors suggested that’s why so much Middle East money has been flowing in, hope that clears it up for you.

Jeremy Benson
21   Posted 06/10/2009 at 18:44:34

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I find it a bit difficult to accept/understand all this criticism of Kenwright, and whether or not there is/is not activity on selling the club.

Some of you are clearly extremely naive in the working of a private, limited company.

The bottom line is that the club will only be sold, or receive investment at the expense of shares, with the express permission of the majority private shareholders.

If they don't want it, it won't happen — regardless of what anyone else wants. Bill isn't the only majority shareholder (if he is at all...). This isn't a public company where all shareholders will get a say and it will be share-price triggered to sell as a pure money-motivated deal. This isn't a club owned by the fans where it will be by vote.

People have to face facts. The destiny of Everton Football Club is in the hands of the current private owners, and what they want. There is nothing that you, or anyone else, can do — other than persuade them to sell. There is nothing to stop the current owners/shareholders maintaining the status quo, forever.

It's really simple.
Stewart Littler
22   Posted 06/10/2009 at 19:18:11

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The only club that’s had the level of investment Everton would need to do any better than they have been doing is Shitty, and that was a one-off. That bloke from Birmingham has £25m — wouldn’t touch the sides at Everton, yet you’ll hear people complaining that ’another club’s been bought, so why haven’t we!’ Please!
Gary Green
23   Posted 06/10/2009 at 19:25:29

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Jeremy, please excuse my ignorance. Who are/is the current private owner/s?
Robert Daniels
24   Posted 06/10/2009 at 19:21:37

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Chris Lawler
Kenwright might not be the long term solution; He's not the short term either, the prick has sold us out for the Green Shield Stamp stadium... GET THE TWAT OUT NOW BEFORE ITS TO LATE.
Sorry about the shouting, and didn't you play for the shite a few years ago?
Karl Masters
25   Posted 06/10/2009 at 19:51:43

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As far as I can make out from what Bill Kenwright has said he wants the following to happen:

Somebody to come in, effectively give EFC a load of money, far more than Bill has ever done, just for a place on the Board. Not to be in charge. Oh no, cos it’s his baby (or trainset etc) and he wants to be the man in charge. You can hand over loads of cash, but not have the power.

Based on that, it dowsn’t matter if he really does look 24/7, he’s got no hope of finding anybody that silly.

So, he’s not looking for a new Owner, as correctly pointed out by others already, he’s looking for somebody to chuck in tens of millions while he is the figurehead and a shadowy figure behind him (Green) makes all the decisions. At a Board meeting, this investor, despite paying in loads of cash and guarantees, would have to bow down to BK, Earl and their toothless sidekicks Carter and Woods.

Hardly attractive is it?
Robert Daniels
26   Posted 06/10/2009 at 20:05:06

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You're quite right, Karl. He's surrounded himself with people who have no love of the club, anyone with half a brain can see that he's a puppet for two Spurs fans. What price shall be paid by us fans , god only knows...

Poeple have a better-the-devil-you-know attitude, but that's bollocks. When this liar and his cronies have dumped us in Kirkby, everyone will say we should've got rid, but it will be too late.

Stephen Baines
27   Posted 06/10/2009 at 21:00:40

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I am not against Kenwright... quite the opposite, I would hate to see what division we would be in if Agent Johnson was still here. But hearing that a billionaire has just taken over Portsmouth beggers belief. They're shite, they have no fans, a crap stadium and no history.

How the fuck can a billionaire say yes to them and not want one of the greatest clubs in England? I would love Bill to answer that. Maybe he didn't know his phone number.

David Johnson
28   Posted 06/10/2009 at 23:22:27

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"You're quite right Karl. He's surrounded himself with people who have no love of the club, anyone with half a brain can see that he's a puppet for two spurs fans. What price shall be paid by us fans, god only knows.
People have a better-the-devil-you-know attitude, but thats bollocks. When this liar and his cronies have dumped us in Kirkby, everyone will say we should've got rid, but it will be too late."
------------------------------------------------
My thoughts exactly and forums like this should shoulder some of the blame as I believe what would have been Kenwright Out chants have turned into internet moaning and I’m as guilty as the rest.
Kieran Kinsella
29   Posted 07/10/2009 at 01:56:26

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It would be great to have a rich owner like Mike Ashley, Sulaiman Al Fahim, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, Milan Mandaric, Robert Maxwell, Michael Knighton, George Gillett,
David Hallwood
30   Posted 07/10/2009 at 02:01:47

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If a billionaire wanted to buy Everton, or anything else for that matter, they wouldn’t wait to be invited, they’d offer some money and see whoever owns the property wanted to sell. That’s how it is in business — everything’s for sale at the right price and the reason nobodies come in to buy Everton is because they cannot see a profit. End of.

They’re probably looking at the price for a new stadium: £200-300 mill, before they’ve even started. If Sheik Yerwedge or Ivan Haditoff had offered to but Everton and BK had refused, it would’ve been all over the papers and then there would’ve been another offer. Doesn’t anybody on this site follow takeover bids?

Eugene Ruane
31   Posted 07/10/2009 at 10:13:07

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Gerry Morrison asks...

"Do the anti-Kenright people really wish we were attracting the kind of riff raff that are being connected to Portsmouth?"

Instead of Anti-truth Bill?

Absofuckingyes!!

Hope that’s cleared that up for you.
Alex Rowland
32   Posted 07/10/2009 at 14:03:31

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I was not saying that we were world beaters in the economic sense Ciaran but merely suggesting that in the last 10 years we have come a long way and if you were to look at another Kieran’s post you will see that there are a lot of worst chairman to be in control of our club.
Jamie Rowland
33   Posted 07/10/2009 at 15:33:15

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How will we flush him out? Bill Kenwright holds his cards so close to his chest that I don't think he knows what hand he’s got.

I am not sure that we are totally stable but I prefer our position to many other clubs in and around us.

Having said that, I am baffled as to why we can't find a buyer and I wish BK would let us in on that. Why aren’t we even speculated over for example?

Is it because BK could see what some of these big buyers would do to the club? Could he possibly be savvy enough to sound out a potential investor and see that they are only after stripping every pound out of a good football club?
Or is it something more selfish — is he just waiting for the golden handshake?

We’ll never know until a change in ownership occurs.

I wouldn’t want owners like those in charge of Pompey, Newcastle, Leeds, the Shite etc. But on the other hand I wouldn’t mind an Abramovich... or two!

I think we have to be ’happy’ with what we’ve got at the moment — partly because we have little choice and secondly because we are in a good position and the books do seem to balance better than most others... I’d rather have a manageable financial situation than two/three years of success followed by the stripping of everything worth something by vultures who have lost a fortune or become bored (Peter Johnson anyone?)...

So I agree with Alex in part but I also think that we need to find money from somewhere while keeping our club in a decent shape.
Robert Daniels
34   Posted 07/10/2009 at 18:09:03

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It isn't just the fact BK hasn't got the investment himself, he's sold us to a supermarket. If we had to struggle along as we are doing for the next ten years, I could deal with that, but to throw all our history and tradition away for a retail fucking stadium is unforgivable. You don't move your business away from its customers too a site were there are less customers — it's madness!

If Burger King and MacDonalds have a presence in a high street and the latter decided to move to a less populated area, the chairman would be sacked. Burger King's takings would increase and MacDonalds would decrease, it's the logic of a madman or someone so desperate to keep his train set that he would be prepared to do anything.

These are dangerous times for us, my fellow blues... if Bill is right and we prosper from the move, great. But what if he's wrong, bad run of form and gates of 20,000 become the norm? The Shite's fanbase increases in Liverpool, my beloved club becomes small forever, never to return to the city...

Shit stadium on a crap retail park. If he were to abandon this foolish path, I could put up with his lies and bullshit for years, but it's the fear of a major mistake that haunts me.... What if he's wrong?

Colin Potter
35   Posted 08/10/2009 at 09:42:05

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I was wondering whether all these people who think Kenwright is seemingly doing no wrong, will come on here and admit they were wrong. Especially if they are one of the 15 to 20 thousand who are still walking the 2 to 3 miles to the retail park in Kirkby.
Jamie Rowland
36   Posted 08/10/2009 at 10:10:32

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Burger King and McDonalds do operate and take chances in retail parks. Liverpool road...its like mini america...

On another note - to reply to Colin Potter...

I would admit I am wrong but let me start by saying that I would love extra funds at Everton in the form of a new chairman. I would love to be able to compete for players because of a billionaire backer. But I would also want to know that the club is secure and not going to be robbed from under us.

I would want a decent backer to do what Abramovich has done with Chelsea and put money in a trust to cover us should the shit hit the fan...

As I said earlier — BK may be holding out for this assurance — but he may also just be holding out for profit... either way — I hope when he does sell, he gets the right person in.

Right now, I would rather have BK than Salamon Akbar the Third from Uzbekistan... who has a few quid, a shaded past and a struggling business portfolio! But that's right now.

When the recession settles down, then we need a decent chunk of investment.
Richard Jones
37   Posted 08/10/2009 at 11:08:07

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Personally I think what Bill has in store for us with regard to Kirkby, is far worse than what any foreign conman could ever have dreamed up. So let's have less of this "I’d rather have one of us looking after the club" bullshit, because anyone else would never have been able to have even suggested that we move out of our city.

I will add further that we chased one charlatan out of town and we can chase another one out... I can still remember Johnson's car speeding off down Gooodison Road with an angry blue hanging off the back and he was never seen here again, the difference is what your saw with him is what you got.

Eugene Ruane
38   Posted 08/10/2009 at 12:12:34

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Richard Jones - spot on!
Iain Love
39   Posted 08/10/2009 at 12:06:13

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Why do you think foreign investors buy or put money into English football? Is it for the Pride or heritage? is it because they supported the club as a kid? I don't know! All I know is they make an investment in order to get a return. How they do that, we will probably never know.

A bloke I knew built a golf course, I had a rough idea how much it was costing him and the potential from green fees didn’t cover the cost of the land, never mind anything else... Later I found out he was charging £90 a lorry to dump building rubble on the site to make dunes and bunkers etc, 50 lorries a day for 2 years = serious money, and at the end of the day he’s got a golf course!!!!

My point is there has to be a reason behind what Bill's doing — we just dont know it. Personally, I think he’s trying to help himself and the club if he can. Kirkby is the key, I feel; once that's decided one way or the other, then we’ll get a better idea.

Marcus Dawson
40   Posted 08/10/2009 at 13:13:40

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Iain, my original post is all about the fact that the Premier League is increasing its presence in Asia and that the growing interest in that part of the world is the key reason why so much Middle Eastern money has started to flow in. Those people presumably have the contacts and know-how to exploit the opportunity that this presents.

I would not blame Bill for wanting to make a profit, but he has led us all a merry dance for the last few years, with claims about his plans that are misleading and in some instances downright untrue. I just hope that Kirkby turns out to be another fuck-up as per NTL, Fortress, Gregg etc etc.

Robert Daniels
41   Posted 08/10/2009 at 16:14:43

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Well said, Richard Jones — my feelings exactly.

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