Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: DerHammer on February 27, 2012, 01:16:35 PM
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Can't see anything else posted on this here yet & not sure how behind the times this is but any news on this or is it Villa Bullshit again?
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I can't see anyone taking over Villa in this climate.
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I don't know based on the apparent competancy displayed by Lerner and Faulkner, I'm sure they could be talked into exchanging the club for some magic beans.
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Thanks, so Villa Bullshit it is!!
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I dont know. A lot of what I see and hear makes it a possibility and then again maybe not.
There are all sorts of rumours doing the rounds.
I'm not ruling it out or depending on it. Unfortunately, I am hoping for it.
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Well, very good golfing bud of mine and one of the lads of the eighties Villa side, still with on going contact with the Villa mentioned to me and I put it on here a couple of months ago that there is an interested party, that party was looking at buying another club in England, it all fell through, they turned to Villa and as far as I know RL isn't opposed to it.
That's all I know, so its not new news unless there has been other developments.
Really Randy Lerner doesn't seem to have the interest anymore, he certainly doesn't seem to have the bottomless pocket to achieve (which is hardly his fault) so if some rich Arab comes in from Qatar Petroleum and wants Villa, so be it.
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It is the only way out of another 2 years of McLeish I fear! But in the current climate there is no chance.
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I think it's mainly wishful thinking.
I like Randy and have never doubted he has the very best interests on the club at heart, but he simply isn't rich enough to sustain his initial levels of investment. He also wasn't able to capitalise on that honeymoon period to significantly increase our turnover to the point where he didn't need to. After that you need an absolutely brilliant approach to be able to compete and the top end without a Sugar Daddy, which he again has not demonstrated.
So our only hopes of getting back to where we were is either a takeover or some master plan by Randy he's keeping under wraps at the moment.
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It is the only way out of another 2 years of McLeish I fear! But in the current climate there is no chance.
If its the kind of interested party like as mentioned "Qatar Petroleum" the guy that head this lot up could buy Villa and it would be like you or me buying a Mars bar, he's one of the richest Arabs out there, for what Villa would go for, he could spend that again rebuilding the squad easily and still not notice it, if that's what you mean by current climate.
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To be honest, I don't particularly want us to become the plaything of some Near-Eastern oil magnate whose wealth is outstripped only by his ego.
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Yes, to the likes of the Qataris, the climate matters not a jot. In fact, they're thriving.
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To be honest, I don't particularly want us to become the plaything of some Near-Eastern oil magnate whose wealth is outstripped only by his ego.
I do.
I wants us to be winners.
Man City, Man Utd, Blackburn have all bought it, i'd be happy to do the same.
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To be honest, I don't particularly want us to become the plaything of some Near-Eastern oil magnate whose wealth is outstripped only by his ego.
I don't think that sort of takeover means you're necessarily a plaything. The owners of Man City have just sat back and provided the money.
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To be honest, I don't particularly want us to become the plaything of some Near-Eastern oil magnate whose wealth is outstripped only by his ego.
I don't think that sort of takeover means you're necessarily a plaything. The owners of Man City have just sat back and provided the money.
I would say they're the exception, the takeovers of Malaga and PSG, not to mention Chelsea, have so far proved all about the wealthy investors and nothing to do with the fans.
To be honest, I don't particularly want us to become the plaything of some Near-Eastern oil magnate whose wealth is outstripped only by his ego.
I do.
I wants us to be winners.
Man City, Man Utd, Blackburn have all bought it, i'd be happy to do the same.
That's fine, just for me I don't particularly mind if Villa don't win everything. I support my club for other reasons - as do you, of course (I'm not trying to be the 'better fan' or any shite like that, don't worry) - and I wouldn't really sacrifice feeling close to my club for particular, artificial success. Of course, at the moment we are all totally disconnected, unsuccessful and chronically un-entertaining, so something really has to change.
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That's fine, just for me I don't particularly mind if Villa don't win everything.
Winning anything would be a nice change really, its been a long time.
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To be honest, I don't particularly want us to become the plaything of some Near-Eastern oil magnate whose wealth is outstripped only by his ego.
I do.
I wants us to be winners.
Man City, Man Utd, Blackburn have all bought it, i'd be happy to do the same.
I've said all along that I would hate us to buy trophies & to do it the proper way-however, I think it's about tiem we deserve something like that.
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Is a buy-out the only option?
What we seem to lack is a decent manager and an owner that has a clear idea of what investment requirements are necessary and available. And some people on the board who understand the EPL and know the football world and can operate effectively within it.
Satisfying these criteria may not mean we win loads, but we should win enough to satisfy us and enable us to continue enjoying Villa as a 'real' club rather than it being someone's bitch (which might happen if the oil men get hold of it).
I don't think these criteria are out of reach, but they require the current owner to do a few things that seem alien to him (like, eat humble pie for a start - accept that he's made some mistakes and put them right).
No? Okay, I'll get my coat.
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Even if we do get taken over by mega rich oil Sheiks, we've kind of missed the boat with the financial fair play rules coming into play. We certainly won't be able to go on a Man City type of spending spree. Not without some very creative accounting anyway.
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Really Randy Lerner doesn't seem to have the interest anymore, he certainly doesn't seem to have the bottomless pocket to achieve (which is hardly his fault) so if some rich Arab comes in from Qatar Petroleum and wants Villa, so be it.
I don't think it's a question of Randy no longer being interested, more a case of family commitments since his divorce. Obviously on the money side, he must have got hit hard since the economic crisis.
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To be honest, I don't particularly want us to become the plaything of some Near-Eastern oil magnate whose wealth is outstripped only by his ego.
I don't think that sort of takeover means you're necessarily a plaything. The owners of Man City have just sat back and provided the money.
I would say they're the exception, the takeovers of Malaga and PSG, not to mention Chelsea, have so far proved all about the wealthy investors and nothing to do with the fans.
I think Chelsea is an interesting example, as Abramovich, although high profile, has never given an interview about the club as far as I know? He hit gold with Mourinho, but I think that stat is then something like 7 managers in 6 years since he left - he's obviously got an itchy trigger finger. It's also pretty common knowledge that Schevchenko was 'his signing', as I believe Torres was also.
Yet as far as I know the Chelsea fans love him.
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Really Randy Lerner doesn't seem to have the interest anymore, he certainly doesn't seem to have the bottomless pocket to achieve (which is hardly his fault) so if some rich Arab comes in from Qatar Petroleum and wants Villa, so be it.
I don't think it's a question of Randy no longer being interested, more a case of family commitments since his divorce. Obviously on the money side, he must have got hit hard since the economic crisis.
We all have family commitments, but I find it really hard to believe that a man who has his own private jet can not make it over for more than a couple of games a season.
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I hate Man City and Chelsea for what they have done, and how they did it, but, to be honest, I hate what's happening at Villa a shit load more. If the arabs want to buy us a chance at competing in the league, a decent cup run, and a few more European trips, I wouldn't be complaining about it.
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Really Randy Lerner doesn't seem to have the interest anymore, he certainly doesn't seem to have the bottomless pocket to achieve (which is hardly his fault) so if some rich Arab comes in from Qatar Petroleum and wants Villa, so be it.
I don't think it's a question of Randy no longer being interested, more a case of family commitments since his divorce. Obviously on the money side, he must have got hit hard since the economic crisis.
We all have family commitments, but I find it really hard to believe that a man who has his own private jet can not make it over for more than a couple of games a season.
I think you're simplifying it, Paulie. I'm assuming his weekends are taken up with his son who appears to be at school hundreds of miles away from the rest of his family. The last thing I'd imagine Randy would want would be for his young son to feel abandoned. Midweek games however are a different case.
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Really Randy Lerner doesn't seem to have the interest anymore, he certainly doesn't seem to have the bottomless pocket to achieve (which is hardly his fault) so if some rich Arab comes in from Qatar Petroleum and wants Villa, so be it.
I don't think it's a question of Randy no longer being interested, more a case of family commitments since his divorce. Obviously on the money side, he must have got hit hard since the economic crisis.
We all have family commitments, but I find it really hard to believe that a man who has his own private jet can not make it over for more than a couple of games a season.
I think you're simplifying it, Paulie. I'm assuming his weekends are taken up with his son who appears to be at school hundreds of miles away from the rest of his family. The last thing I'd imagine Randy would want would be for his young son to feel abandoned. Midweek games however are a different case.
His son has moved to a school in the Cleveland area, which is where Randy has now based himself, too, apparently.
I still am just not going to be convinced that a day or two here or there can not be found.
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To be honest, I don't particularly want us to become the plaything of some Near-Eastern oil magnate whose wealth is outstripped only by his ego.
I agree. But if it meant Emile not coming on to protect a clean sheet against the current bottom club I might be persuaded otherwise.
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Really Randy Lerner doesn't seem to have the interest anymore, he certainly doesn't seem to have the bottomless pocket to achieve (which is hardly his fault) so if some rich Arab comes in from Qatar Petroleum and wants Villa, so be it.
I don't think it's a question of Randy no longer being interested, more a case of family commitments since his divorce. Obviously on the money side, he must have got hit hard since the economic crisis.
We all have family commitments, but I find it really hard to believe that a man who has his own private jet can not make it over for more than a couple of games a season.
I think you're simplifying it, Paulie. I'm assuming his weekends are taken up with his son who appears to be at school hundreds of miles away from the rest of his family. The last thing I'd imagine Randy would want would be for his young son to feel abandoned. Midweek games however are a different case.
His son has moved to a school in the Cleveland area, which is where Randy has now based himself, too, apparently.
I still am just not going to be convinced that a day or two here or there can not be found.
Indeed but the rest of the family are with his ex-wife. I'd imagine that's why he's very focused on his young son.
As I said, midweek games shouldn't be too much of an issue, nor should bringing his son over as he's done many a time to see the games. Much depends on what his son wants to do.
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The Generals comment that one time still sticks in my craw, when questioned about Lerner's commitment he wrote
'Randy has a tattoo of the AVFC crest on his ankle, how many other Villa fans can say THAT?'
As if that's all you have to do to be a dedicated Villa supporter.
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One thing I dont doubt is that he has genuine affection for the club and I really want it to work out for him.
But I think its all gone a bit tits up and he should probably look for a buyer or investment. He can still support and attend even if he doesn't own us.
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I queried this talk on the Bimingham Mail forum.
I had this reply from a Villa fan in Saudi:
"Nigel, I have been following this after forevaavillan1 told me about it on the football transfer gossip column in January.
I have had a couple of sources tracking this over here in Saudi. The Qatari Investment Authority who is effectively the Qatari Royal Family are looking at purchasing a football club in England they also own Malaga and 70% of Marseille [from me, think it's PSG]. They also own Harrods.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Crown Prince of Qatar 1st Heir to the throne.
And there is a distinct possibility that he may look to acquire Villa. I will check with my sources again on Saturday to see if there are any new developments from this side."
Personnaly I don't really go into these rumours. I reckon this could be a case of Chinese Whispers.
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Chinese Whispers is difficult if you're full of Qatar.
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If the Sheikh did restore our glory he would be a Qatar hero!
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Until I see new owners and heaps of £££s being spent on players with ability, the right attitude and a winning mentality I will not get excited by any takeover rumours.
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Until I see new owners and heaps of £££s being spent on players with ability, the right attitude and a winning mentality I will not get excited by any takeover rumours.
Agree
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And there is a distinct possibility that he may look to acquire Villa. I will check with my sources again on Saturday to see if there are any new developments from this side."[/i]
Absolutely hilarious
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I would love to see rich investors pumping multi millions into the team and compete at the highest level, bring it on , lets give those mancs a run for their money.
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If the Sheikh did restore our glory he would be a Qatar hero!
If it's a Chinese consortium, I can see it all going horribly Wong.
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If it's a Chinese consortium, I can see it all going horribly Wong.
I hope we are taken over by a rich fella from Abu Dhabi, just so that I can do my Fred Flinstone impression
Abu Dhabi doooooo!
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Chinese Whispers is difficult if you're full of Qatar.
Yep.
I for one am never, ever gonna dance again.
oh, chinese ....
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If the Sheikh did restore our glory he would be a Qatar hero!
If it's a Chinese consortium, I can see it all going horribly Wong.
No, it's definitely a sheik from Qatar.
If it goes wrong it will be our very own Qatarmess
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The Generals comment that one time still sticks in my craw, when questioned about Lerner's commitment he wrote
'Randy has a tattoo of the AVFC crest on his ankle, how many other Villa fans can say THAT?'
As if that's all you have to do to be a dedicated Villa supporter.
Butt-head: I'm gonna get a tattoo of a butt!
Beavis: Oh yeah, well I'm gonna get a tattoo of a butt, on my butt!
Butt-head: Oh yeah, well I'm gonna get a tattoo of a butt that has a butt-shaped tattoo on it. And I'm gonna get it right on my butt!
Beavis: Yeah, me too!
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Not sure why some dislike the Citeh and Chelsea approach - the system that enables football to be horribly distorted, yes I hate that.
We are where we are, but given that is how it is then I want my club to benefit rather than see someone else 'buy' success.
As Mark Radcliffe, he of Radio 2 etc and a Citeh fan said: "if you now need a massive pile of case, then best have a bigger pile of cash than everyone else (especially United)."
I wished it wasn't so but I would rather see an expensively assembled Villa squad play great football and win games and trophies than what is currently served up.
Give me the choice of a genuinely level playing field and I will vote for that but until then ...
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Qatar you all talking about? A buyer isn't going to come in any time soon and Sheikh this shambles up. We need a rich arab Dubai this club though, if you Saudi performance on Saturday you'd know we're going to be in trouble... just you Kuwait and see.
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I don't know based on the apparent competancy displayed by Lerner and Faulkner, I'm sure they could be talked into exchanging the club for some magic beans.
Very good.
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If we got taken over by two Chinese and it went tits up that would be two Wongs.
They don't make a Whyte who got it all Wong at Wangers.
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Rumor has it the this Qatari billionaire is going to be at the Blackburn game, to see the club he didn't fancy and the one he's next looking at buying.
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If can play up front he might get a game
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Rumor has it the this Qatari billionaire is going to be at the Blackburn game, to see the club he didn't fancy and the one he's next looking at buying.
This could be bad, once he's seen us he'll never buy
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I have invested my lifetime into this club from boy to young man to middle age and hopefully old age. I do not want some rich sultan swing us as his egotistical weapon however I would welcome a level of investment that makes us competitive. That is all winning trophies comes after that.
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Just my gut-feel, but the next big takeover in this country will be at Everton.
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Just my gut-feel, but the next big takeover in this country will be at Everton.
can't see it myself. Need a new stadium which will likely cost a fortune and too much competition in that region.
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Just my gut-feel, but the next big takeover in this country will be at Everton.
Hopefully not, we'll be passed out by another rival if that happens.
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Surely (hopefully!) if there's another takeover we'll be the obvious club. No Manchester club will be bought, Everton need to compete with Liverpool. To a rich investor, Aston Villa, the biggest club in Birmingham, must be an attractive prospect
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If we're bought out by a huge oligarch or oil barron then I think that I'll walk away from football.
If it's built on vulgar foundations based on one person's ego then I'm not interested. I'd prefer to grow organically - like arsenal or spurs - rather then effectively end up supporting who'll merely throw money at it.
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If we're bought out by a huge oligarch or oil barron then I think that I'll walk away from football.
If it's built on vulgar foundations based on one person's ego then I'm not interested. I'd prefer to grow organically - like arsenal or spurs - rather then effectively end up supporting who'll merely throw money at it.
If some rich guy came in and bought Sneidjer, Dani Alves and brought Milner back you wouldn't show up in Saturday..? Yeah right. It wouldn't effect our proud youth system. Set the bar high and they should thrive. A billionaire is a billionaire as far as I'm concerned.
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Problem is we already have a billionaire. Having the money and having the balls for owning a Premiership club are very different.
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Problem is we already have a billionaire. Having the money and having the balls for owning a Premiership club are very different.
LOL! He's already spunked 100 million $$$ on the club, what's that if it's not balls? Stupidity? He's fed up of pouring money into a black hole, and fair enough.
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Problem is we already have a billionaire. Having the money and having the balls for owning a Premiership club are very different.
LOL! He's already spunked 100 million $$$ on the club, what's that if it's not balls? Stupidity? He's fed up of pouring money into a black hole, and fair enough.
What did he expect? This is a football club we don't do vacuum forming, make widgets or anything else that is a good way to make money.
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My sources tell me a recently benighted elderly gentleman is going to buy us for £100million.
£30million deposit and he borrows the other £70million at low interest rates, making the repayments out of the salary he pays himself from the club.
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My sources tell me a recently benighted elderly gentleman is going to buy us for £100million.
£30million deposit and he borrows the other £70million at low interest rates, making the repayments out of the salary he pays himself from the club.
..........Then put very little into the club, name the stadium after himself and watch us go down the pan
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My sources tell me a recently benighted elderly gentleman is going to buy us for £100million.
£30million deposit and he borrows the other £70million at low interest rates, making the repayments out of the salary he pays himself from the club.
..........Then put very little into the club, name the stadium after himself and watch us go down the pan
Say what you like about Ellis he would not have appointed Mcleish and if he had he would have sacked him by now, he wasn't afraid to pull the trigger
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Everton won't get taken over - too much expenditure for anyone coming in, not just buying / building a stadium but trying to find somewhere to put it. If they didn't have a quality manager they could really be in the sh*t - unlike us...
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How different it may all have played out if Randy's son had taken his term place at Rugby school.
Circumstances changed quickly,but I feel if he'd have stayed here,Randy would obviously be a lot more hands on.
Personally,I believe he is in the longhaul,football revenue streams will continue to grow pan worldwide over the next 20 years.
The glint of a formation of a worldwide league involving 80 odd clubs ,including the clubs from the middle east etc will mean we'll be a holding asset for him for now.Indeed much more than the Browns I believe.
Cut operating costs,recoup his loans,pay out dividends etc allied to just enough capital to perform.Thoroughly depressing!
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Problem is we already have a billionaire. Having the money and having the balls for owning a Premiership club are very different.
LOL! He's already spunked 100 million $$$ on the club, what's that if it's not balls? Stupidity? He's fed up of pouring money into a black hole, and fair enough.
To use a tired old analogy.
A modern Premiership club is like a shark, it has to keep moving forward and it has to keep on eating.
It's a costly business running a premiership club, he should have realised that from the get go, although most of the wasted £££ has been through his poor decisions and leadership.
If he wants us to go round in circles and cut off the food supply then he should find a new buyer as soon as possible.
After all, he is only the 'custodian.'
McLeish has been a nightmare, but I can't believe how lightly Lerner has got away with the criticism.
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I'm with you Fletch, it may be his money but it's the supporters who turn up week in week out who keep the club going and it's them that have to sit through the crap that's being dished up. He is the owner custodian, he fires and appoints, the responsibility is his.
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If we're bought out by a huge oligarch or oil barron then I think that I'll walk away from football.
If it's built on vulgar foundations based on one person's ego then I'm not interested. I'd prefer to grow organically - like arsenal or spurs - rather then effectively end up supporting who'll merely throw money at it.
Arsenal, organic? Does the name of US billionaire Stan Kroenke ring any bells?
I trust you wouldn't want to be paying the same ticket prices as them.
Before throwing money at the club, what we need first and foremost is a good manager. Let him do his thing, then financially support him, building on our success to have sustained growth.
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If we're bought out by a huge oligarch or oil barron then I think that I'll walk away from football.
If it's built on vulgar foundations based on one person's ego then I'm not interested. I'd prefer to grow organically - like arsenal or spurs - rather then effectively end up supporting who'll merely throw money at it.
Arsenal, organic? Does the name of US billionaire Stan Kroenke ring any bells?
I trust you wouldn't want to be paying the same ticket prices as them.
Before throwing money at the club, what we need first and foremost is a good manager. Let him do his thing, then financially support him, building on our success to have sustained growth.
i read recently that Wenger's net spend is 4m for all the time he has been manager.
I actually think they take the "organic" thing too far and should spend more on players.
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I actually want Randy to sell, he's all but given up.
In managerial speak ' he's taken the club as far as he can'.
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If we're bought out by a huge oligarch or oil barron then I think that I'll walk away from football.
If it's built on vulgar foundations based on one person's ego then I'm not interested. I'd prefer to grow organically - like arsenal or spurs - rather then effectively end up supporting who'll merely throw money at it.
Arsenal, organic? Does the name of US billionaire Stan Kroenke ring any bells?
I trust you wouldn't want to be paying the same ticket prices as them.
Before throwing money at the club, what we need first and foremost is a good manager. Let him do his thing, then financially support him, building on our success to have sustained growth.
i read recently that Wenger's net spend is 4m for all the time he has been manager.
I actually think they take the "organic" thing too far and should spend more on players.
Very true. Arsenal made another £40m-odd profit on last year, but to be honest a football club should be looking to get nearly or just over zero for its profits. It shouldn't make a loss - obviously - but at the same time this is an industry where the business serves the on-field performance, which is paramount, and every club should look to maximise its resources.
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If we're bought out by a huge oligarch or oil barron then I think that I'll walk away from football.
If it's built on vulgar foundations based on one person's ego then I'm not interested. I'd prefer to grow organically - like arsenal or spurs - rather then effectively end up supporting who'll merely throw money at it.
Arsenal, organic? Does the name of US billionaire Stan Kroenke ring any bells?
I trust you wouldn't want to be paying the same ticket prices as them.
Before throwing money at the club, what we need first and foremost is a good manager. Let him do his thing, then financially support him, building on our success to have sustained growth.
i read recently that Wenger's net spend is 4m for all the time he has been manager.
I actually think they take the "organic" thing too far and should spend more on players.
Indeed, you did read that, it was me that posted it. *blushes*.
Again, you're right about the lack of spend although there's an interesting article about them in the FT today, they have a surplus of £45.8m in player trading although a lot of that money goes on improved contracts of existing players. Their first half turnover was £113.5m, but an increased wage bill contributed to a rise in football operating costs to £98.4m. Not a lot left to play with, is there?
Despite Arsenal have qualifying for the CL for 14 consecutive years, their chairman said, “a solid financial platform is important to secure the on-field success of any professional football club, for the short and the long term”.
I think he and Randy are in agreement there, despite the frustration of the fans.
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Maybe that is why both clubs are going backwards? As others have mentioned football clubs are quite unlike other businesses. Rather than investments they are really financial black holes. It is becoming more and more difficult to get by in the league without spending money and merely getting by on shrewd management (and our management is many things but shrewd is most definitely not one of them) alone is rare. I'd much prefer it if we could get by developing youth and having shrewd management alone but that seems to become much more difficult.
Arsenal are a false comparison. They have a greater prestige than us, they have a much greater income as they can charge Tarquin from Surrey a grand a year for a season ticket and they can find 50,000 Tarquins from Surrey willing to pay that. They have more money and are able to attract better players. And even they are struggling to keep up with clubs who have more money to spend.
Anyway, it's all academic as I doubt that there are Qataris waiting around the corner.
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It's a sad reflection on the state of football if a teams only hope of competing is to have a guy at the top who is prepared to throw his own money at the problem. In a weird way it's no longer the club that is important but the chairman.
has it always been like this? In the nineties and noughties Man United dominated and they generally made a profit each year. Was Liverpool's success in the eighties based on greater spending and was that spending generated from within the club or from a sugar daddy?
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What happened is players wages went through the roof and now is crippling clubs and without a rich owner to pay these wages you can't get anywhere.With the new FFP rules even that avenue is cut off so if you are not a ''big'' club with a high turnerover you are pretty much screwed
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What happened is players wages went through the roof and now is crippling clubs and without a rich owner to pay these wages you can't get anywhere.With the new FFP rules even that avenue is cut off so if you are not a ''big'' club with a high turnerover you are pretty much screwed
Aren't you allowed a short fall of 50m or something over three years? Basically that's a club's window to get near to Europe. As I understand it (and it's not very well) the only punishment is the threat that the club will not be allowed to enter european competitions. When it's the Europa League that is probably no bad thing.
For us (and many other clubs) that is not a problem for the forceable future so the clubs at the bottom can catch up by throwing money at it, but once they get near to european competition their books need to be in order.
Whether or not UEFA have the guts/teeth to stop a club entering remains to be seen.
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It's a sad reflection on the state of football if a teams only hope of competing is to have a guy at the top who is prepared to throw his own money at the problem. In a weird way it's no longer the club that is important but the chairman.
has it always been like this? In the nineties and noughties Man United dominated and they generally made a profit each year. Was Liverpool's success in the eighties based on greater spending and was that spending generated from within the club or from a sugar daddy?
Yes, certainly has been ever since the EPL was formed
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It's a sad reflection on the state of football if a teams only hope of competing is to have a guy at the top who is prepared to throw his own money at the problem. In a weird way it's no longer the club that is important but the chairman.
has it always been like this? In the nineties and noughties Man United dominated and they generally made a profit each year. Was Liverpool's success in the eighties based on greater spending and was that spending generated from within the club or from a sugar daddy?
Yes, certainly has been ever since the EPL was formed
But man u won the league repeatedly whilst making a profit so were in effect self funding.
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I actually want Randy to sell, he's all but given up.
In managerial speak ' he's taken the club as far as he can'.
As far as he wants to.
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We are probably at our lowest for several years and there is no sign of us recovering. So if the Quatar group or any other super rich group with an established reputation made an offer, it would be the turn round we are desperate for. Lerner would not let this club go to anyone he thought did not have the club at heart. I do think he has lost interest and his continued absence appears to confirm that ......................
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I'm not trying to be funny but how anyone can say he's lost interest when last year he provided another £25 million in funding? It just doesn't add up.
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I think the 25 million was basically covering Walker Bent and Makoun, as the reach of relegation would have seen this loss look small in time.
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I'm not trying to be funny but how anyone can say he's lost interest when last year he provided another £25 million in funding? It just doesn't add up.
It does, if the failure to add 25m would have led to the company going tits up (not saying it would, just giving an example)?
Losing interest in competing etc etc is one thing. Losing interest to the point that you sit by and watch your investment become worthless is another altogether.
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If we're bought out by a huge oligarch or oil barron then I think that I'll walk away from football.
If it's built on vulgar foundations based on one person's ego then I'm not interested. I'd prefer to grow organically - like arsenal or spurs - rather then effectively end up supporting who'll merely throw money at it.
You could argue that Doug built villa on the foundations of his own ego , presumably that didn't stop you going to vp whilst he had control of the club?
I know what you're trying to say though and I agree largely.
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One of the ways these big Oil-Rich companies will get around Financial Fair Play rules is by dodgy sponsorship deals. Faulkner has spent all year making long term deals with Macron, Genting and I presume money changed hands for the Sohu deal too.
It would be hard to have a mega-money deal for just our stadium naming rights as fans would be against it and the other areas they could be done for instance Liverpools £150m kit deal, or Utd's £40m Training Kit deal are already tied up in contracts with Macron and Genting.. and FFP would look very suspiciously at us getting £40m for our training top. What im trying to say is that even if we get taken over. It will be a while yet until they can start making the deals that will actually make us able to start investing and get into Europe.
Also, over the next 3 years we can only make a loss of €45m. Last season alone we lost €64.5m. Obviously there are a lot of fees to come off that this year in terms of loss. But I dont think we'll do that year in year out for the next 3 seasons.
I could be completely wrong and maybe there could be things we could do to bankroll the club, or maybe cancel deals or find other loopholes around FFP.
But if we were selling up why would Randy and Faulkner be spending so long getting 3/4 year deals with Macron and Genting (or even McLeish?), it doesnt make sense to me. I dont think we'll be getting sold.
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FFP only matters if you are playing in Europe. That's not going to happen fo a while yet.
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The Macron and Genting deals were good financial deals to make for where we are at the moment. If a takeover happened it could be a couple of years before the club merited massive deals with Sheikh Yerbouti Airways or Addidas.
In any case there could be contractual loopholes where Villa can buy themselves out of the contracts or provide compensation for early termination.
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FFP only matters if you are playing in Europe. That's not going to happen fo a while yet.
Yes but in relation to this QIA takeover rumour that keeps popping up.. IF they were going to buy us it would be to win things and get into Europe. So it matters in relation to the thread.
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The Macron and Genting deals were good financial deals to make for where we are at the moment. If a takeover happened it could be a couple of years before the club merited massive deals with Sheikh Yerbouti Airways or Addidas.
In any case there could be contractual loopholes where Villa can buy themselves out of the contracts or provide compensation for early termination.
I agree. I think Faulkner did very well making those deals considering they gave us more money than before, despite us being infinitely more shit than we were before.. Yeah thats what I was saying, but Im not sure a Sheikh would want to wait a few years to get to play with his new toy.
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FFP only matters if you are playing in Europe. That's not going to happen fo a while yet.
Yes but in relation to this QIA takeover rumour that keeps popping up.. IF they were going to buy us it would be to win things and get into Europe. So it matters in relation to the thread.
It only pops up on here and Villa Talk, though, doesn't it? The takeover, I mean.
It's just something that keeps getting resurrected randomly. Look at the first post in this thread, for example. It is talking about a potential takeover, and there are six pages of discussion following it, but the thread was only started because someone asked whether there is likely to be one - not because there is further rumour about it.
Don't get me wrong, I would love it to be true, but it still exists only in the posts of a handful of people on here - there's nothing else out there, really.
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To be fair it's on a lot more than 2 sites and the rumours have been circulating for months now.
Doesn't mean there's anything more to it than rumour but still...
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To be fair it's on a lot more than 2 sites and the rumours have been circulating for months now.
Doesn't mean there's anything more to it than rumour but still...
Where else is it then, other than Villa fans sites?
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To be fair it's on a lot more than 2 sites and the rumours have been circulating for months now.
Doesn't mean there's anything more to it than rumour but still...
Where else is it then, other than Villa fans sites?
Well, there's more than 2 fan sites for starters. I've personally heard talk outside of the internet altogether, plus a lot of it kicked off on that Sports Witness site and a few others that were not specifically about Villa. Then there were articles in newspapers over the last few months about Randy being ready to sell and of course a lot of it is adding 2 + 2 and getting x.
I'm not claiming anything as cast iron proof (I dont really know what to think) but the takeover rumours and evidence for it are a lot more widespread than simply on Villa Talk and H&V.
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But is a lot of it not just people glancing at the Premier League table and just speculating who might be next? Villa would be prime candidates in a lot of people's eyes - big stadium, great history, in a big city near enough to London, owner possibly looking to cut his losses.
I've heard fans of other clubs (including, laughably, Small Heath) circulating similar rumours about their teams.
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But is a lot of it not just people glancing at the Premier League table and just speculating who might be next? Villa would be prime candidates in a lot of people's eyes - big stadium, great history, in a big city near enough to London, owner possibly looking to cut his losses.
Much the same as can be said about Everton, yet they don't seem to have any stories of Arabs banging on their door.
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But is a lot of it not just people glancing at the Premier League table and just speculating who might be next? Villa would be prime candidates in a lot of people's eyes - big stadium, great history, in a big city near enough to London, owner possibly looking to cut his losses.
Much the same as can be said about Everton, yet they don't seem to have any stories of Arabs banging on their door.
Do a quick internet search, there's a few! More about Americans and Indians but some UAE rumours as well. All started by fans in exactly the same way as our rumours are:
"I know a mate who knows someone who works at the club..."
I'm not going to get excited just yet.
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To buy a football club these days you have to be barking mad! Like finding a drain and just tipping your money away
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There's a link on VT to a Blackburn rovers fan site and they seem pretty sure in there that the QIA are going to buy us?? Could all be BS (most probably is) but there's a lot of smoke....
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Some guy on another site (Vital Villa?) has posted emails supposedly from General Krulak saying that "the fans will be happy" in the summer.
Of course, that could mean anything. But it may as well be noted on this thread.
My guess is that, despite the financial figures released, Randy will sanction some spending again.
I just hope the right man is spending it.
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I'd quite happpily take winning the league and two cups every year and being barred from Europe because we can't explain where we got the money for Messi and Iniesta.
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Some guy on another site (Vital Villa?) has posted emails supposedly from General Krulak saying that "the fans will be happy" in the summer.
Of course, that could mean anything. But it may as well be noted on this thread.
My guess is that, despite the financial figures released, Randy will sanction some spending again.
I just hope the right man is spending it.
If he's sanctioning spending, as you say we need to get the right man in. If we give money to Mcleish it'll be like throwing it down the drain again.
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I'm not going to get excited just yet.
Neither am I - we're Villa and things that much fun just don't happen to us!
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Some guy on another site (Vital Villa?) has posted emails supposedly from General Krulak saying that "the fans will be happy" in the summer.
Too right we'll be happy in the summer.
The season will be over, for starters.
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Some guy on another site (Vital Villa?) has posted emails supposedly from General Krulak saying that "the fans will be happy" in the summer.
Too right we'll be happy in the summer.
The season will be over, for starters.
I think the General is harking back to his pre season prediction of us finishing 5th.
If so, we'll all be happy.
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Some guy on another site (Vital Villa?) has posted emails supposedly from General Krulak saying that "the fans will be happy" in the summer.
Too right we'll be happy in the summer.
The season will be over, for starters.
I think the General is harking back to his pre season prediction of us finishing 5th.
If so, we'll all be happy.
Hasn't 4th place actually been rechristened "fourthoopssorryfingerslippedimeanttosay5th"?
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This was posted on a Blackburn Rovers site by a guy they all seem to respect and consider legit. I think he may be a local journo or something.
Anyway:
"Ok i'll clear this up once and for all.
The Qatari's are talking to Villa, even their players know about it. The last I heard was that Lerner is contemplating selling but would rather wait until the end of the season before deciding. The Qatari's are willing to wait as they believe that they can get Villa. Once they have completed the Villa deal, they have promised me and a couple of other Journo's that they will talk on the record about what happened with Venky's."
Interesting.
MM on Villa Talk says there is no substance to the rumours but then again he guranateed everybody McLeish wouldn't be manager so... fuck knows.
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But is a lot of it not just people glancing at the Premier League table and just speculating who might be next? Villa would be prime candidates in a lot of people's eyes - big stadium, great history, in a big city near enough to London, owner possibly looking to cut his losses.
Much the same as can be said about Everton, yet they don't seem to have any stories of Arabs banging on their door.
As already said, Everton would require a lot more money as they need a new stadium, they are restricted on the corparte side as they only have a few boxes. The hassle of trying to find a location and then getting permission will put potential investors off. The only thing keeping them going is Moyes - I dread to think what would happen if he left.
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I'm personally a bit sick of being compared to Everton.
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Better (just) than being compared to Bolton, etc etc. Which we are.
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By whom?
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I'm personally a bit sick of being compared to Everton.
Burrif if yer know yer 'istory.
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Hi Maz. Well outside of UK where I have lived for many years. That is where we are seen. And increasingly in the UK we are perceived as mid table fodder. We as supporters seem to think we are viewed as Liverpool, Spurs type Club. We are not. Not Newcastle, Everton. Even anymore.
Not to the outside World. You have to trust me on this. We are, like it or not Bolton.etc. Or if they are knowledgable enough Nottingham Forest.
This is not a new debate especially on here as we become frustrated over our real or possible perceptions. Goals or aspirations.
We are just not considered. That's why you see no Villa shirts here in Africa or the East. We are old.
To answer you question succinctly. By everyone. Ok Many. Except us.
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Hi Maz. Well outside of UK where I have lived for many years. That is where we are seen. And increasingly in the UK we are perceived as mid table fodder. We as supporters seem to think we are viewed as Liverpool, Spurs type Club. We are not. Not Newcastle, Everton. Even anymore.
Not to the outside World. You have to trust me on this. We are, like it or not Bolton.etc. Or if they are knowledgable enough Nottingham Forest.
This is not a new debate especially on here as we become frustrated over our real or possible perceptions. Goals or aspirations.
We are just not considered. That's why you see no Villa shirts here in Africa or the East. We are old.
To answer you question succinctly. By everyone. Ok Many. Except us.
I do travel, a lot and that is not my experience. No we're not a powerhouse but we're not considered to be equal to Bolton either. Not in my experience anyway.
I only get tired of the Everton similarities because from a buyers point of view, we're a much better bet.
Plus, I dont like Everton.
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This was posted on a Blackburn Rovers site by a guy they all seem to respect and consider legit. I think he may be a local journo or something.
Anyway:
"Ok i'll clear this up once and for all.
The Qatari's are talking to Villa, even their players know about it. The last I heard was that Lerner is contemplating selling but would rather wait until the end of the season before deciding. The Qatari's are willing to wait as they believe that they can get Villa. Once they have completed the Villa deal, they have promised me and a couple of other Journo's that they will talk on the record about what happened with Venky's."
Interesting.
MM on Villa Talk says there is no substance to the rumours but then again he guranateed everybody McLeish wouldn't be manager so... fuck knows.
Well we all wish and dream having the money of Qatar. But if I did and I was going to buy a club in the PL it would be Villa.
That said there is something a bit odd about a Qutar businessman talking in such a way to a sports reporter from the Blackburn Herald or whatever.
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I'm personally a bit sick of being compared to Everton.
Burrif if yer know yer 'istory.
I hate that bloody song, it has an annoying habit of making me tap my feet along to it.
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This was posted on a Blackburn Rovers site by a guy they all seem to respect and consider legit. I think he may be a local journo or something.
Anyway:
"Ok i'll clear this up once and for all.
The Qatari's are talking to Villa, even their players know about it. The last I heard was that Lerner is contemplating selling but would rather wait until the end of the season before deciding. The Qatari's are willing to wait as they believe that they can get Villa. Once they have completed the Villa deal, they have promised me and a couple of other Journo's that they will talk on the record about what happened with Venky's."
Interesting.
MM on Villa Talk says there is no substance to the rumours but then again he guranateed everybody McLeish wouldn't be manager so... fuck knows.
Well we all wish and dream having the money of Qatar. But if I did and I was going to buy a club in the PL it would be Villa.
That said there is something a bit odd about a Qutar businessman talking in such a way to a sports reporter from the Blackburn Herald or whatever.
The link to Blackburn and the QIA is that they were rumoured to be in talks with the Venkys to buy them. Maybe that's why the Blackburn journo has had dealings etc? Could also be complete tosh!!
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If they have decent intentions I hope it's true, but there's a lot of ifs and buts and I shalln't be getting too excited yet.
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Hi Maz. Well outside of UK where I have lived for many years. That is where we are seen. And increasingly in the UK we are perceived as mid table fodder. We as supporters seem to think we are viewed as Liverpool, Spurs type Club. We are not. Not Newcastle, Everton. Even anymore.
Not to the outside World. You have to trust me on this. We are, like it or not Bolton.etc. Or if they are knowledgable enough Nottingham Forest.
This is not a new debate especially on here as we become frustrated over our real or possible perceptions. Goals or aspirations.
We are just not considered. That's why you see no Villa shirts here in Africa or the East. We are old.
To answer you question succinctly. By everyone. Ok Many. Except us.
I do travel, a lot and that is not my experience. No we're not a powerhouse but we're not considered to be equal to Bolton either. Not in my experience anyway.
I only get tired of the Everton similarities because from a buyers point of view, we're a much better bet.
Plus, I dont like Everton.
Ok see your point. Yes we are a much better bet than Everton for a take over. We do have a special Club and perhaps our only weakness is being in Birmingham. Never understood that. I accept that Liverpool, Manchester have a better perception BECAUSE of the success of their teams. But we are the 'second City' do have a fantastic if historical record and could have a great support base without any real competiton. European Cup is massive for us. Probably why Lerner used it as a marketing tool. Unlike Doug. But we know why. Fair comment.
Just tried to give an overseas perception.
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Birmingham isnt a weakness. Only when compared to London and then really only from a glamour point of view.
Birmingham is a strength in fact as it is and will continue to increasingly be a hub of international business.
I disconnect myself (or try at least) and consider how attractive Villa is to buyers and there are so many pros. There is far more room for growth than Man City for instance.
The fanbase is far larger than many would credit, its just been difficult getting them to the ground regularly in large numbers. Even still a relatively decent prospect of progression and honours and we had 40k averages. That would increase if the football was genuinely star studded and exciting.
If I was a very wealthy organisation looking to buy it would be a simple choice.
Relatively cheap, lots of potential growth, growing local business hub, a potentially great marketing vehicle, the undisputed top dogs for 100 miles in every direction... and on and on...
Randy doesn't have to sell outright though, he could use these arguments to invite investment.
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Does he want to wait to the end of the season so it doen't effect us on the pitch?
Why would anyone with plenty of money seriously look at Blackburn compared to say Newcastle, Everton, Villa etc.?
Doesn't make sense to me.
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Does he want to wait to the end of the season so it doen't effect us on the pitch?
Why would anyone with plenty of money seriously look at Blackburn compared to say Newcastle, Everton, Villa etc.?
Doesn't make sense to me.
It does seem odd, admittedly.
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It did seem odd and I remember a few being worried Blackburn were going to try and ovetake us but there hasn't been much investment really
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It's from a BOLLOCKS site so I can't say where the Sky Sports reference comes from....
24 Feb 2012 21:58:54
"Aston Villa "subject to takeover bid"
Oil rich Qatar to invest in Premier League club
Aston Villa are to become the latest football club to fall into the hands of the oil rich nation of Qatar.
Sky Sports News understands, The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) have held preliminary discussions with Aston Villa Chairman Randy Lerner with a view to a potential £150m buyout.
Lerner had previously stated that he would be unwilling to sell the football club, unless personal circumstances dictated, however it seems he has been tempted to sell.
It is not known when the takeover could take place but it it thought the QIA is awaiting for Villa to secure their Premier League status before going public with the deal.
A source who did not wish to be named said. "Randy never wanted to sell Villa, but the Qataris will be able to make Villa successful. He will however, only agree to the sale if assurances over the long term future of the club are given"
If the deal is completed, Aston Villa will join the mega–rich elite league of the Premiership. Currently, Manchester City's owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has an estimated wealth of over £20bn but it is believed that the cash available to QIA surpasses this amount.
Neither Aston Villa or The Qatar Investment Authority were available to comment last night.
"
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Again I have to agree with you in that I think that Randy is looking for investment Capital in lieu of percentage shareholding and not outright sale. I would. Ok, Dilutes his profit potential but there seems to be little chance of any short term return and lets face it his risk is huge. Particularly given the current problems. He can't keep pumping cash into us.
So obviously a long term (business) plan. But I still don't understand the current decisions, AMC for eg if he wants to maximise the potential benefit to an investor. Relegation , please God no, would be a killer.
Don't get it. Gotta hope that there is a plan but I can't fathom it.
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Blimey
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Well if it is Bollocks it is a very carefully crafted press 'release'. Protects everyone. Hmmm.
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Ah there's the problem, 'securing Premier League status' that isn't going to happen.....
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Ah there's the problem, 'securing Premier League status' that isn't going to happen.....
So you think we ARE going to get relegated?
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Not really, it was only a joke. I do think there is a reasonably strong possibility if we don't pick up soon though.
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It's from a BOLLOCKS site so I can't say where the Sky Sports reference comes from....
I had a look at the Sky Sports website and can see no reference to this on the Villa page.
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Again I have to agree with you in that I think that Randy is looking for investment Capital in lieu of percentage shareholding and not outright sale. I would. Ok, Dilutes his profit potential but there seems to be little chance of any short term return and lets face it his risk is huge. Particularly given the current problems. He can't keep pumping cash into us.
So obviously a long term (business) plan. But I still don't understand the current decisions, AMC for eg if he wants to maximise the potential benefit to an investor. Relegation , please God no, would be a killer.
Don't get it. Gotta hope that there is a plan but I can't fathom it.
I think you could maybe argue that the appointment of AMC does actually fit in well with Randy's plan to eventually sell up. He's the only manager prepared to work under the current cost cutting measures, ie sell the best players for large amounts, only reinvest a fraction of the money on new signings, massively slash the wage bill, whilst making sure we maintain our PL status.
As long as AMC doesn't go and get us relegated then Randy's plan is working. It's depressing and boring for us now, but may make us that bit more attractive to potential buyers in future.
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It's from a BOLLOCKS site so I can't say where the Sky Sports reference comes from....
24 Feb 2012 21:58:54
"Aston Villa "subject to takeover bid"
Oil rich Qatar to invest in Premier League club
Aston Villa are to become the latest football club to fall into the hands of the oil rich nation of Qatar.
Sky Sports News understands, The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) have held preliminary discussions with Aston Villa Chairman Randy Lerner with a view to a potential £150m buyout.
Lerner had previously stated that he would be unwilling to sell the football club, unless personal circumstances dictated, however it seems he has been tempted to sell.
It is not known when the takeover could take place but it it thought the QIA is awaiting for Villa to secure their Premier League status before going public with the deal.
A source who did not wish to be named said. "Randy never wanted to sell Villa, but the Qataris will be able to make Villa successful. He will however, only agree to the sale if assurances over the long term future of the club are given"
If the deal is completed, Aston Villa will join the mega–rich elite league of the Premiership. Currently, Manchester City's owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has an estimated wealth of over £20bn but it is believed that the cash available to QIA surpasses this amount.
Neither Aston Villa or The Qatar Investment Authority were available to comment last night.
"
That's from Football Rumours, isn't it?
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Financial take-over is not the only strategy for success!
Whilst the talk is inevitably about financial takeovers and ownership changes, have we lost sight of the things that could be done without an enormous injection of new capital?
Excluding the increase in transfer fees to Citeh-esque proportions, what are the things that we should be doing to improve where we’re at? For example,
1. more football expertise on the Board, to improve decision-making;
2. a manager that has the experience / credibility / foresight / character / decision-making capability / footballing – tactical awareness / media-management capability;
3. a Board that has a medium-term perspective on the football / player requirements and makes decisions largely based on these (i.e. rather than pumping money at the manager – MON – and then suddenly (relatively) cutting it off);
4. ensuring that the scouting system really is fit for purpose;
5. continuing to develop and enhance the youth academy, and then using its output.
And there are plenty of others. At the moment it seems obvious from the outside that the first 2 are not being addressed.
The reason I ask these questions is that (i) we may not get taken over and may have to continue under the current ownership and financial constraints; and (ii) even if we get a ton of money, without European competition we will initially struggle to attract the best players – our scope for using the £££-influx may be somewhat limited until the club gets the right management and some forward traction.
In summary there are things the club should be doing now that would improve our fortunes substantially. Perhaps it's the fact that little / none of this seems to be in progress which supports the prospect of an imminent takeover.
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As long as AMC doesn't go and get us relegated then Randy's plan is working. It's depressing and boring for us now, but may make us that bit more attractive to potential buyers in future.
Sorry to pick on your paricular post, but am I the only one that doesn;t get this?
Chelsea were in big financial trouble when Roman came in. And would stupidly rich oil sheiks care if our wages/turnover ratio wasn't healthy? A Ratio they'd more than likely immediately inflate anyway?
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As long as AMC doesn't go and get us relegated then Randy's plan is working. It's depressing and boring for us now, but may make us that bit more attractive to potential buyers in future.
Sorry to pick on your paricular post, but am I the only one that doesn;t get this?
Chelsea were in big financial trouble when Roman came in. And would stupidly rich oil sheiks care if our wages/turnover ratio wasn't healthy? A Ratio they'd more than likely immediately inflate anyway?
Maybe he's preparing to sell us to someone who's not stupidly rich, ie not the Arabs, which would piss on all our chips. Who really knows? We're all just speculating.
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Yes, sorry no intention to deceive, mislead or excite anyone. The quote is from one of those ridiculous rumours sites i.e. a BOLLOCKS site.
Previous post was brief due to trying to use the net while I should be working....
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Yes, sorry no intention to deceive, mislead or excite anyone. The quote is from one of those ridiculous rumours sites i.e. a BOLLOCKS site.
Previous post was brief due to trying to use the net while I should be working....
S'alright.
I was hoping in my heart of hearts it'd be a "bollocks, but maybe, just maybe some credibility" site, rather than an utter out and out bollocks one ;-)
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Yes, sorry no intention to deceive, mislead or excite anyone. The quote is from one of those ridiculous rumours sites i.e. a BOLLOCKS site.
Previous post was brief due to trying to use the net while I should be working....
S'alright.
I was hoping in my heart of hearts it'd be a "bollocks, but maybe, just maybe some credibility" site, rather than an utter out and out bollocks one ;-)
Dont worry paulie, theres still hope that it may happen-just about our only hope of getting back into the elite of europe.
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Whenever I see the words "Sky Sports News understands" I always hear it in my head in the same voice/accent as "it's Ireland's largest lingerie department I understand".
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Yes Joe I know what you mean, or Jim White
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If I see one of those hot sky presenters saying Sky understands Aston Villa will be taken over by QIA with Mourinho saying he wants to be Villa manager . My pants will go in the washer straight away .
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My mind converts "Sky Sports News understands" as "The following is diabolical whimsy conjured by our YTS lads".
My mind also converts anything Charlie Webster or Kirsty Gallagher says to "James, can you help me with my bra...".
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If I see one of those hot sky presenters saying Sky understands Aston Villa will be taken over by QIA with Mourinho saying he wants to be Villa manager . My pants will go in the washer straight away .
My pants go in the washer after seeing the Irish bird with her lovely norks.
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I just can't wait for the day when the word 'rumour' can be taken away from the heading of this thread.
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If Millie Clode tells me we have been taken over by QIA I will probably explode with enough force to put the patio windows through.
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I like Alex Hammond.
If she announced an imminent takeover by some minted Eco dodgers, you'd be able to put a paint brush on it and I could paint your celing.
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Natalie Sawyer's magnificent rack for me.
If she announced it the wife would have to put a brunette wig on (she's blonde) and would get some serious seeing to.
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Midlands Today are beleived to report tonight that Qatar are to invest £150m into a Birmingham project this summer-interesting
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Agree about Natalie Sawyer.
If she announced it, the wife would have put the lotion on or she'd get the hose.
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Midlands Today are beleived to report tonight that Qatar are to invest £150m into a Birmingham project this summer-interesting
Unlikely, but how brilliant would it be?
A bit like when you sometimes go off into a daze imagining what you would do if you won the lottery.
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Midlands Today are beleived to report tonight that Qatar are to invest £150m into a Birmingham project this summer-interesting
Where did you hear this?
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Can someone confirm whether this is true or not? If it's true, then I can be elated. If it's not, then I don't have to spend the next few hours pressing F5 repeatedly and waiting for my dreams to be dashed. Ta.
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I wonder how attractive a proposition we really would be if another money no object type was looking for an English club.
We've already had one crack at it and managed to average over 40K once, and managed to lose a shed load of money along the way. When the money stopped the crowds dropped.
Taking my Villa hat off, I can't help but wonder how attractive would that be to an outsider?
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Did anyone see Neil Moxley's piece on the Daily Heil website about us? It was very good.
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This thread is worse than the January Transfer one. Let it be, Mother Mary said.
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Not very, although the stab we had at it was muted by the standard of player that was bought. We never signed 1 established crowd pleasing player that you would pay to see. Man City did it straight of the bat with Robinho after Sven had taken some fairly exciting players there the year before. Chelsea did with a myriad of well know top players, even if some were a little older. We spent 8million on Reo Coker, and then a further 17 on Cuellar and Davies. Not in the same league. We missed the chance to get the results to push us on when we signed Heskey, not Bent.
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Not very, although the stab we had at it was muted by the standard of player that was bought. We never signed 1 established crowd pleasing player that you would pay to see. Man City did it straight of the bat with Robinho after Sven had taken some fairly exciting players there the year before. Chelsea did with a myriad of well know top players, even if some were a little older. We spent 8million on Reo Coker, and then a further 17 on Cuellar and Davies. Not in the same league. We missed the chance to get the results to push us on when we signed Heskey, not Bent.
*runs bath, plugs in toaster*
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I wonder how attractive a proposition we really would be if another money no object type was looking for an English club.
Truthfully, I imagine we'd be a rather attractive one. We have a great history, a fantastic stadium, a big city location, we're the biggest club for miles around, we've got a strong fan base that can be even further extended and we're a very well known name. Compared to the rest of the teams in the premier league, I'd say we'd be one of the most attractive.
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If I see one of those hot sky presenters saying Sky understands Aston Villa will be taken over by QIA with Mourinho saying he wants to be Villa manager . My pants will go in the washer straight away .
My pants go in the washer after seeing the Irish bird with her lovely norks.
my pants are not normally on when she comes on.
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Anyone watching Midlands Today?
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Did anyone see Neil Moxley's piece on the Daily Heil website about us? It was very good.
I've just read it. It would be a big step to get supporters back on board,and its something which has been discussed on here for months now. Two people who know the fabric of our club more than anyone.
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I wonder how attractive a proposition we really would be if another money no object type was looking for an English club.
Truthfully, I imagine we'd be a rather attractive one. We have a great history, a fantastic stadium, a big city location, we're the biggest club for miles around, we've got a strong fan base that can be even further extended and we're a very well known name. Compared to the rest of the teams in the premier league, I'd say we'd be one of the most attractive.
I'd agree. If people like Qatar are involved, we need to forget about whether we'd be a good investment or not. Like with Abu Dhabi, this isn't about money, it's about prestige. The amounts needed to buy Villa and turn us into contenders may seem a lot to us, but it's the fluff between the pennies under the majlis carpet for these people.
These people want credibility, and I'm afraid building the world's tallest buildings in the desert just isn't enough. Buying their way to the top of the world's most famous league is a much cheaper, and more effective way of saying "over here, look at us, we've arrived!"
If they were looking to do this, what better club than Villa? England's second most populous city, Established name, strong identity, great ground, and huge catchment area.
Still, I'll only believe it when the Qataris are ITDITB*.
*In The Dishdash, In The Boardroom.
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Can someone confirm whether this is true or not? If it's true, then I can be elated. If it's not, then I don't have to spend the next few hours pressing F5 repeatedly and waiting for my dreams to be dashed. Ta.
[/quote]
Someone from the City Council was on central today a week or so ago quoting this and I said to the wife at the time that we were the 'target' of this investment. Seems to be a legit story but whether the money is really destined for B6 remains to be proven
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If I see one of those hot sky presenters saying Sky understands Aston Villa will be taken over by QIA with Mourinho saying he wants to be Villa manager . My pants will go in the washer straight away .
My pants go in the washer after seeing the Irish bird with her lovely norks.
my pants are not normally on when she comes on.
She coming on at you as well? Huh! - I'll have to have a word with that two-timing hussy.
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Did anyone see Neil Moxley's piece on the Daily Heil website about us? It was very good.
I've just read it. It would be a big step to get supporters back on board,and its something which has been discussed on here for months now. Two people* who know the fabric of our club more than anyone.
The article is spot on. Moxley seems to be telling it the way it is.
And * - see my points on page 9 (comment 129) re bringing more expertise on to the board.
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This was posted on a Blackburn Rovers site by a guy they all seem to respect and consider legit. I think he may be a local journo or something.
Anyway:
"Ok i'll clear this up once and for all.
The Qatari's are talking to Villa, even their players know about it. The last I heard was that Lerner is contemplating selling but would rather wait until the end of the season before deciding. The Qatari's are willing to wait as they believe that they can get Villa. Once they have completed the Villa deal, they have promised me and a couple of other Journo's that they will talk on the record about what happened with Venky's."
This would be the work of self-confessed 'King of Transfer Gossip at the Daily Mirror' Alan Nixon. Maybe what he says is true as he often gives info on BRFCS that he isn't ready to make into articles just yet or rumours he hasn't had confirmed yet etc.
And I presume IF this were true the bit where he says:
they have promised me and a couple of other Journo's that they will talk on the record
Is under the condition they don't talk beforehand. Could it be true? Yes. I guess.
That said, he works for The Mirror and is their 'King of Gossip'. Who report the most unsubstantiated bollocks out of all the red tops pretty much every transfer window. So I shudder to think how much utter crap they decide ISNT worthy of an article.
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Nixon is hit and miss, but on the rovers site generally fairly ITK, most of his stuff on there is reliable from what I have read.
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I didn't realise until just now that there was a little bit more to this one than wishful thinking, is there anybody with some "my mates next door neighbor knows a bloke who knows a bloke" stories to get us all giddy?
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Nixon is hit and miss, but on the rovers site generally fairly ITK, most of his stuff on there is reliable from what I have read.
It's not him it's some guy by the name of kamy100 seems massively respected on their site....
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Ah right. Presumed it would be Nicko as he is usually the go-to guy over there, i thought.
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So was anything said on Midlands Today?
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It's bollocks. We'd all just better get over it. I'd be happy to be lampooned on this site in four months time though.
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Anyone watching Midlands Today?
anything said?
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This was posted on a Blackburn Rovers site by a guy they all seem to respect and consider legit. I think he may be a local journo or something.
Anyway:
"Ok i'll clear this up once and for all.
The Qatari's are talking to Villa, even their players know about it. The last I heard was that Lerner is contemplating selling but would rather wait until the end of the season before deciding. The Qatari's are willing to wait as they believe that they can get Villa. Once they have completed the Villa deal, they have promised me and a couple of other Journo's that they will talk on the record about what happened with Venky's."
This would be the work of self-confessed 'King of Transfer Gossip at the Daily Mirror' Alan Nixon. Maybe what he says is true as he often gives info on BRFCS that he isn't ready to make into articles just yet or rumours he hasn't had confirmed yet etc.
And I presume IF this were true the bit where he says:
they have promised me and a couple of other Journo's that they will talk on the record
Is under the condition they don't talk beforehand. Could it be true? Yes. I guess.
That said, he works for The Mirror and is their 'King of Gossip'. Who report the most unsubstantiated bollocks out of all the red tops pretty much every transfer window. So I shudder to think how much utter crap they decide ISNT worthy of an article.
Not so sure that guy is Alan Nixon after this exchange on twitter:
Darran Nicholas
@reluctantnicko have you heard anything about QIA interest in any premier league teams?
Alan Nixon
@darrannicholas Been sniffing around for months. Plenty of talk. No action.
Darran Nicholas
@reluctantnicko I read that Kamy (BRFCS) thinks there is something more concrete? I don't know who Kamy is, but said players are in on it?
Alan Nixon @reluctantnicko
@darrannicholas Villa players spottd an Arab-looking chap at training ground recently. Put two and two together.
Nixon (or Nicko as he sometimes tags himself) certainly doesn't appear aware of anything going on.
And in reply to an earlier post, the news report from Central News a couple of weeks back was this...
Foreign Investment
6.30PM Wed Feb 22 2012
Central Tonight has learnt foreign firms and wealthy nations are looking to invest in Birmingham. Microsoft is looking for a base and the oil nation Qatar is on the verge of announcing a major investment. It's thought to have been in talks to spend 150 million pounds.
So nothing concrete there either. Didn't see Midlands Today but assume any report would've been a rehash along the same lines?
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Didn't see it either. My 20- month old daughter had a tantrum when I turned over from the Chase, which we were watching on ITV+1. Luckily, she likes football as well.
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My lad is a similar age and goes batshit mental at the lights when the chaser comes out.
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Nothing said on Midlands Today.Miss Verdi looking as good as ever.
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Never mind The Chase, there were a couple of fit birds snogging on Hollyoaks over on Channel 4.
And just to confirm it, they also snogged on Channel 4+1 an hour later.
Then several times on 4OD.
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Was the bird on dancing on ice involved? If so I may break my never watch Hollyoaks rule to have a gawp.
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Just read the Moxley article and must comment that it was the most succint explanation of what has gone wrong at Villa especially the sacking of Steve Stride. There is not one other club that would have given MON carte Blanche over all footballing matters including player payments,the idiocy of it beggars belief. I still believe with the right investment over the longer term we could match any club in the premiership, but investment is useless unless there are wise heads on the board and the right manager in place. I am coming to the realisation that AM was given the job because he was the only manager available who was willing to see his best players sold, nothing to do with ability all to do with cost cutting.
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Just read the Moxley article and must comment that it was the most succint explanation of what has gone wrong at Villa especially the sacking of Steve Stride. There is not one other club that would have given MON carte Blanche over all footballing matters including player payments,the idiocy of it beggars belief. I still believe with the right investment over the longer term we could match any club in the premiership, but investment is useless unless there are wise heads on the board and the right manager in place. I am coming to the realisation that AM was given the job because he was the only manager available who was willing to see his best players sold, nothing to do with ability all to do with cost cutting.
Spot on
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Foreign Investment
6.30PM Wed Feb 22 2012
Central Tonight has learnt foreign firms and wealthy nations are looking to invest in Birmingham. Microsoft is looking for a base and the oil nation Qatar is on the verge of announcing a major investment. It's thought to have been in talks to spend 150 million pounds.
It is true that development companies are looking at Birmingham with a view to invest in regeneration. Salhia, a Kuwaiti real estate company are looking to redevelop an area in Digbeth, to be called the Beorma Quarter (£100m + land costs etc) but like many things, they have stalled due to the economic climate.
The Middle East are looking to use their oil money to regenerate rundown areas in Western cities so that if the oil does dry up in the future, they are well set to profit.
When you look at the Aston and Witton areas there are vast areas of under performing light industrial, together with vacant land that is idealy situated for transport links and fairly near the city. Prime areas if you have vast amounts of money and a long term strategy.
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When you look at the Aston and Witton areas there are vast areas of under performing light industrial, together with vacant land that is idealy situated for transport links and fairly near the city. Prime areas if you have vast amounts of money and a long term strategy.
Light industrial doesn't fetch big money, though.
I can't see any reason for arab investors to focus on Aston other than the football club.
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When you look at the Aston and Witton areas there are vast areas of under performing light industrial, together with vacant land that is idealy situated for transport links and fairly near the city. Prime areas if you have vast amounts of money and a long term strategy.
Light industrial doesn't fetch big money, though.
I can't see any reason for arab investors to focus on Aston other than the football club.
No, you flatten the lot and start again. Under performing industrial areas and wastelands are cheap to buy. Compulsory purchase of other areas when you have Council backing is not expensive either.
This is pure speculation on my part but if you have massive wealth you can do almost anything. What price the Docklands and Canary Wharf 30 years ago. I know, it's not London but look at the redevelopment going on in Manchester.
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I'm not sure what is going on in Manchester, but I reckon it will have to go some to match some of the things that are happening in Brum.
But still, I see your point and I would be almost as delighted to see what petro-dollars could do for Aston as I would to see what they could do for Aston Villa.
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There was a Prince at Bodymoor Heath a few weeks ago but apparently he's just some sort of corporate client.
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Birmingham is being sold as a big technology centre, aston uni and birmingham uni (proper one, not the uce with it's rebranding) are both making a big push on courses in cutting edge tech and they, along with the council and various lobbying groups are trying to sell these graduates to people like apple, google and microsoft to start bringing product development (hardware) to Birmingham. If it all pans out how they're hoping most of the east side of the city centre is going to start seeing these comapnies pop up. It's one of the main reasons they're looking at the high speed rail link being around the back of millenium point so it's stopping right in amongst the big growth area.
I'd be really suprised if there aren't big economic players all over the world keeping a close eye on things. Birmingham was built on industry and they're wanting to go back to that, with a twist.
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This city my city the best city in the world. This football club my football club the best football club in the world. Petrol dollars or no petrol dollars.
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Some insights into the strategies of The QIA taken from:http://oxfordswfproject.com/tag/qia/
The following is directly from the site:
"The Qatar Investment Authority is perhaps the most active and strategically oriented SWF in the world today. In short, it’s one of the most interesting SWFs I track. So you can imagine my reaction at seeing a new Wiki-leaked cable (09DOHA691) from 2009 detailing a conversation between US Ambassador Joseph E. LeBaron and QIA Executive Board Member Dr. Hussain Al-Abdulla. Now, there isn’t actually anything too revealing in the document. But, the (one-sided interpretation of the) conversation between the Ambassador and the Executive Director is still fascinating, as it focused almost exclusively on the Qatari SWF’s long-term investment strategy. As such, the cable offers a unique opportunity to gain some additional insights into the QIA’s operations and motivations. Some of the highlights:
Here’s an explanation for why the QIA (which is funded out of commodities) has been doubling down on commodity investments around the world:
“The first area of the QIA’s investment efforts will be the commodities sector. Ambassador asked Al-Abdulla if he could be more specific, to which he replied that the QIA is interested in all types of commodities – oil, gas, gold, silver, and agricultural products. He shared his view that a structural change is underway in the commodities sector, strongly suggesting long-term price increases. The growth in the middle class of emerging countries such as China and India, for example, suggests higher food prices over the long term.”
Here are some additional insights into the QIA’s recent strategic investments:
“In 2010 the QIA will also focus on business acquisition. It will seek to acquire businesses with good management and good products, but which have cash flow problems. “We are not interested in distressed assets or distressed debt. We are interested in distressed sellers”, Al-Abdulla said.
See Harrods, Paris Saint-Germaine Football club, Banco Santander Brazil, and the Agricultural Bank of China for details on this approach.
Finally, here’s an explanation for the QIA’s focus on real estate:
“The third part of the QIA’s investment strategy will be in the real estate sector. Al-Abdulla said that the QIA has not yet begun investing heavily in real estate assets, because it believes that prices will go lower through the first half of 2010…Ambassador asked Dr. Al-Abdulla to go into more detail concerning the types of real estate assets the QIA was looking to acquire, and in what areas of the world. Al-Abdulla explained that the QIA was looking for prime commercial real estate, and expects QIA’s best opportunities to be in the U.S. and Europe. He observed that East Asia real estate has become too expensive; there are no bargains there. He noted, however, that the QIA was in search of value, and that price alone would not be the determining factor in its investment decisions.”
In sum, there’s nothing really damaging in the cable; I’d even say the QIA comes off looking quite good in the Ambassador’s write-up. And, moreover, I think we can assume that follow-up conversations went quite well between the two parties, as the SWF would later make a big investment in Washington DC real estate. (In fact, one also has to wonder if the US Ambassador was giving out investment tips during his meetings with the QIA…)"
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Birmingham is being sold as a big technology centre, aston uni and birmingham uni (proper one, not the uce with it's rebranding) are both making a big push on courses in cutting edge tech and they, along with the council and various lobbying groups are trying to sell these graduates to people like apple, google and microsoft to start bringing product development (hardware) to Birmingham. If it all pans out how they're hoping most of the east side of the city centre is going to start seeing these comapnies pop up. It's one of the main reasons they're looking at the high speed rail link being around the back of millenium point so it's stopping right in amongst the big growth area.
I'd be really suprised if there aren't big economic players all over the world keeping a close eye on things. Birmingham was built on industry and they're wanting to go back to that, with a twist.
That sounds like a great plan. You look at the "silicone roundabout" in London and you could easily see Birmingham doing the same but better. It could really rejuvenate the city and give the place a proper identity and selling point. Kind of fits too, after Birmingham had such a huge part to play in the industrial revolution.
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Light industrial doesn't fetch big money, though.
I can't see any reason for arab investors to focus on Aston other than the football club.
A big theme park centred around Aston Hall....Aston Towers maybe.
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The article by Neil Moxley for those that haven't seen it: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2108657/I-Aston-Villas-waste--The-Midlander.html
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Erm trying to sugest that an investment in The Villa could be based on the commercial attractivenes of Birmingham is pretty far fetched, a lot of people see HS2 as providing the opportunity to get to London 20 minutes earlier.
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When you look at the Aston and Witton areas there are vast areas of under performing light industrial, together with vacant land that is idealy situated for transport links and fairly near the city. Prime areas if you have vast amounts of money and a long term strategy.
Light industrial doesn't fetch big money, though.
I can't see any reason for arab investors to focus on Aston other than the football club.
No, you flatten the lot and start again. Under performing industrial areas and wastelands are cheap to buy. Compulsory purchase of other areas when you have Council backing is not expensive either.
This is pure speculation on my part but if you have massive wealth you can do almost anything. What price the Docklands and Canary Wharf 30 years ago. I know, it's not London but look at the redevelopment going on in Manchester.
Canary Wharf is a short distance from the City of Lndon. Aston isn't.
The regeneration of Manchester is similar to the regeneration of Birmingham or any other provincial city, and is totally irrelevant. This is not prime city centre land.
Yes, you can do anything with money, but that doesn't change the fact that Aston is primarily low grade light industrial waste land.
How long, for example, has the serpentine land been empty? It has been empty for a reason. That reason doesn't go away because someone has lots of money.
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The regeneration of Manchester ...
was largely based on the Commonwealth games.
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The regeneration of Manchester ...
was largely based on the Commonwealth games.
The IRA Bombings in '96 had quite a bit more to do with it I think.
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When you look at the Aston and Witton areas there are vast areas of under performing light industrial, together with vacant land that is idealy situated for transport links and fairly near the city. Prime areas if you have vast amounts of money and a long term strategy.
Light industrial doesn't fetch big money, though.
I can't see any reason for arab investors to focus on Aston other than the football club.
No, you flatten the lot and start again. Under performing industrial areas and wastelands are cheap to buy. Compulsory purchase of other areas when you have Council backing is not expensive either.
This is pure speculation on my part but if you have massive wealth you can do almost anything. What price the Docklands and Canary Wharf 30 years ago. I know, it's not London but look at the redevelopment going on in Manchester.
Canary Wharf is a short distance from the City of Lndon. Aston isn't.
The regeneration of Manchester is similar to the regeneration of Birmingham or any other provincial city, and is totally irrelevant. This is not prime city centre land.
Yes, you can do anything with money, but that doesn't change the fact that Aston is primarily low grade light industrial waste land.
How long, for example, has the serpentine land been empty? It has been empty for a reason. That reason doesn't go away because someone has lots of money.
A lot of my friends/family are planners and engineers so I know something of this.
Aston is a very short distance from the City centre and although a lot of it is run down and currently underused (which makes it attractive as its cheap and there's plenty of it plus rezoning is relatively painless), it only takes a few key investors to begin making use of it to start a major redevelopment. The huge work going on at Snow Hill and the surrounding area will increase the relevance of the North and North East part of the city. It's not an overnight thing but it will spread out from there. Plus it's right on the M6 Birmingham junction which makes it very accessible and important.
If the companies and sectors that are rumoured to be looking at coming to Birmingham do set up here, with the sorts of investment talked about (hundreds of millions) it will dramatically elevate the relavance and importance of Birmingham and in turn the value of being based in and associated with it. In short, it will invite more business and commerce.
And despite its overinflated sense of importance, Manchester is nowhere near as important as Birmingham. For one thing its half the size, is not the transport and North/South communication nexus that Birmingham is and never will be. Birmingham is more than just a provincial city.
But all this doesn't neccessarily mean much for Aston Villa or, it could be very important.
Also, a takeover wouldn't have to be based on interest in Aston itself. But if it was an issue to an investor with Man City like ideas of local redevelopment, then there's a lot of cheap land available around it. Its something to consider.
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That reason doesn't go away because someone has lots of money.
Thats usually exactly why the other reasons would go away.
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Hi hope Mazz is right, Aston is desperate for investment and is in a great location. Maybe the Birmingham renaissance will be resurrected after the last phase in the 90s. Would be great if Villa could also play a part.....
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I'm not saying Aston is going to see another Golden age, there are other options in the city.
But in my opinion it will be one of the areas next targeted for redevelopment.
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It seems to me that Aston would be a fascinating but do-able challenge for everyone with an interest in the area. There are a number of problems - unemployment and gang culture for instance - that you'd think the city council would be desperate to tackle. Then there are a number of 'drivers' and assets in place that could help them do so.
Aston University, Aston Pride, Aston Events Centre, the Villa, the transport museum, the Council, other local 'corporate citizens', they should all come together, perhaps under one banner, and maybe come up with a plan to make the most of all these assets. Look at all the beautiful buildings at present so under-valued - Aston Hall, King Edwards (school and pub!), the Brittania, the Bartons, the excellent transport links, the profile thanks to the Villa.
What a challenging yet rewarding project it would be to turn around the fortunes of a poverty-hit inner-city area. It could become a template and an inspiration for local government all over Britain
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The huge work going on at Snow Hill and the surrounding area will increase the relevance of the North and North East part of the city. It's not an overnight thing but it will spread out from there. Plus it's right on the M6 Birmingham junction which makes it very accessible and important.
Why is the work going on at Snow Hill going to have any impact on Aston? The current building is going to be the home of Wragge and Co, who are a law firm. I can't see the connection there. The only exposure their staff have to Aston will be as they drive past it on the Expressway every evening.
If companes like Microsoft or Google were to set up offices in Brum, it would almost certainly be in the "Eastside" area of the city centre. Companies like that need to attract very highly skilled individuals, and such people aren't going to want to work in Aston.
I'm sure there are companies who will look at investing in Aston, but anyone who thinks it is going to turn into a silicone roundabout or a new Cambridge is going to be very disappointed indeed.
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Think it'd do better as an entertainment centre, put a Villa-branded Genting Casino nearby, a few big-name restaurants and bars, a cinema. Well it'd make going Villa a better day out anyway. Drinks, Food, Villa, Drinks, Casino, Short-Train into brum for a night out.
Maybe not as much money in it as office blocks etc though for outside businesses. But stick a Villa-branded casino next to the office blocks of some high-flyers and we'll be quids in. (Newcastle at one stage were going to put a casino right next to, or inside of - i forget which - St James'). If there was a hint of development of Aston, the club should start buying up land near-by to sell at a large profit and give us some control of what goes nearby.
All this daydreaming is much more exciting than the usual moaning crap.
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No doubt everything is bollocks or will go tits up! Boo hiss!
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Think it'd do better as an entertainment centre, put a Villa-branded Genting Casino nearby, a few big-name restaurants and bars, a cinema. Well it'd make going Villa a better day out anyway. Drinks, Food, Villa, Drinks, Casino, Short-Train into brum for a night out.
Yes, but no business is going to survive based on Villa home matches, of which there are only guaranteed to be 19 a season. The reason Newcastle considered a casino is because their ground is right in the city centre (and even with those favourable circumstances, they didn't build one)
Also, the club did sell a chunk of land recently - the Serpentine - and five years later, the use of that land is still limited to a car park 19 odd times a year.
We also have an example of an entertainment venue being run right next to the ground, the Holte Hotel, which is a financial albatross.
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Think it'd do better as an entertainment centre, put a Villa-branded Genting Casino nearby, a few big-name restaurants and bars, a cinema. Well it'd make going Villa a better day out anyway. Drinks, Food, Villa, Drinks, Casino, Short-Train into brum for a night out.
Yes, but no business is going to survive based on Villa home matches, of which there are only guaranteed to be 19 a season. The reason Newcastle considered a casino is because their ground is right in the city centre (and even with those favourable circumstances, they didn't build one)
They signed a deal with MGM Mirage and had plans to build it but then: 'These plans failed when the proposed number of super casinos was reduced to one in the UK, and in January 2008 £5 million was repaid by the club to MGM.'
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Midlands Today are beleived to report tonight that Qatar are to invest £150m into a Birmingham project this summer-interesting
Where did you hear this?
over on the avillafan site, they also mentioned that SSN came out with something aswell,didn't see it myself
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Rather than commerce or industry, I imagine that something more community-based, like a 'sports-quarter', would be a better fit with Aston and it's existing facilities and parkland.
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@darrannicholas Villa players spottd an Arab-looking chap at training ground recently. Put two and two together
And come up with there was an Arab looking chap at the training ground recently who could have been our next owner, or, more likely was a man on a day out looking for autographs.
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Think it'd do better as an entertainment centre, put a Villa-branded Genting Casino nearby, a few big-name restaurants and bars, a cinema. Well it'd make going Villa a better day out anyway. Drinks, Food, Villa, Drinks, Casino, Short-Train into brum for a night out.
Yes, but no business is going to survive based on Villa home matches, of which there are only guaranteed to be 19 a season. The reason Newcastle considered a casino is because their ground is right in the city centre (and even with those favourable circumstances, they didn't build one)
Also, the club did sell a chunk of land recently - the Serpentine - and five years later, the use of that land is still limited to a car park 19 odd times a year.
We also have an example of an entertainment venue being run right next to the ground, the Holte Hotel, which is a financial albatross.
The casino at the plastic stadium in Coventry has gone through 3 owners already.That proves your point.City Centre or die.
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Aston University, Aston Pride, Aston Events Centre, the Villa, the transport museum, the Council, other local 'corporate citizens', they should all come together, perhaps under one banner, and maybe come up with a plan to make the most of all these assets.
Sadly your theory goes askew when suggesting these organisations work together. The Aston transport museum has recently closed because BCC shoved it's rent up (http://www.amrtm.org/).
Aston Pride spent the majority of it's time paying it's executives big fat wages instead of ploughing the money into long term beneficial regeneration projects etc etc etc. . .
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@darrannicholas Villa players spottd an Arab-looking chap at training ground recently. Put two and two together
And come up with there was an Arab looking chap at the training ground recently who could have been our next owner, or, more likely was a man on a day out looking for autographs.
Arab looking? Dark skin? Moustach? white robes and tea towel?
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@darrannicholas Villa players spottd an Arab-looking chap at training ground recently. Put two and two together
And come up with there was an Arab looking chap at the training ground recently who could have been our next owner, or, more likely was a man on a day out looking for autographs.
Arab looking? Dark skin? Moustach? white robes and tea towel?
It was when he arrived on a camel that really gave him away
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Was it around Christmas? Any nativity plays in the area?
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I saw the piccie that was on Twitter of some dark skinned gents pictured in the Trinity with Ken McNaught amongst others. It apparently got a few people excited.
Unfortunately it was the owner and manager of the Kababish Indian in Boldmere!
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The huge work going on at Snow Hill and the surrounding area will increase the relevance of the North and North East part of the city. It's not an overnight thing but it will spread out from there. Plus it's right on the M6 Birmingham junction which makes it very accessible and important.
Why is the work going on at Snow Hill going to have any impact on Aston?
State of the art transport services attracts business and commerce. Snow Hill is/will be a major station relatively near to Aston.
We're getting a bit sidetracked here anyway. Aston itself isn't integral to any potenial suitors for Villa anyway. It's just a nice bonus if they want somewhere close to regenerate/redevelop at relatively low cost.
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@darrannicholas Villa players spottd an Arab-looking chap at training ground recently. Put two and two together
And come up with there was an Arab looking chap at the training ground recently who could have been our next owner, or, more likely was a man on a day out looking for autographs.
Arab looking? Dark skin? Moustach? white robes and tea towel?
It was when he arrived on a camel that really gave him away
BloodyBedouins and their camels, they'll be more skint than the Venkys. We need our Arab to arrive in a gold played jet fuel led by camels.
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The huge work going on at Snow Hill and the surrounding area will increase the relevance of the North and North East part of the city. It's not an overnight thing but it will spread out from there. Plus it's right on the M6 Birmingham junction which makes it very accessible and important.
Why is the work going on at Snow Hill going to have any impact on Aston?
State of the art transport services attracts business and commerce. Snow Hill is/will be a major station relatively near to Aston.
Snow Hill station isn't changing, though. It's an office development next door that is being built. The only difference will be the Metro, but that's just an extension through the city centre, which will make it easier for the yams to go shopping.
We're getting a bit sidetracked here anyway. Aston itself isn't integral to any potenial suitors for Villa anyway. It's just a nice bonus if they want somewhere close to regenerate/redevelop at relatively low cost.
They might want to do something for the surrounding area, like the Man City lot, that's true. I remember reading something to the effect that a lot of the land in Aston on the one side (it was specifically about the Serpentine, actually) is very limited in what it can be used for, because of the pollution levels.
Someone tried to put in an application to develop housing / a school on the Serpentine land and got knocked back because the Expressway practically next to it generates pollution levels which are far too high.
It'd be nice, but if their generosity only extended to buying us some silverware, that'd still be nice.
Shit. I'm now starting to sound like I believe it is going to happen.
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While we're all day-dreaming, I'm fantasising about the kind of things Man City are doing round their ground. I'm just saying Aston would be ideal for a similar scheme.
EDIT: just read paulie's post above. Re: pollution, maybe not so ideal after all. Then again, we'll always need a car-park.
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Exactly, not just the yams but the north west Midlands, Staffordshire etc will have better access to commercial and business activity in and around Birmingham especially the area nearest Aston. It improves desirability to invest there. That whole area is being looked at for redevelopment though. From the new Colmore development right out to the Aston distressway. I've seen plans for it.
Not all approved yet, it has to be said.
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Exactly, not just the yams but the north west Midlands, Staffordshire etc will have better access to commercial and business activity in and around Birmingham especially the area nearest Aston. It improves desirability to invest there. That whole area is being looked at for redevelopment though. From the new Colmore development right out to the Aston distressway. I've seen plans for it.
I think that's a pretty tenuous link to Aston, to be honest, but hey ho, we'll see how it pans out I guess.
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Development from St Chads to the Aston Expressway is tenuous to Aston?
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Hmmm. Very interesting. So some unknown super rich person or people are going to buy a football club that has just posted record losses, that has an owner who if he were to sell would at least want his outlay back. And into the bargain they are going to spend billions redeveloping whole swathes of North West Birmingham.
Sorry I have to go now my transport back to reality has just arrived.
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Bloody hell TLP we can dream can't we? Miserable so and so....
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Bloody hell TLP we can dream can't we? Miserable so and so....
I'm a Villa Fan what more do you expect? ;)
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Is this rubbish 29 days early?
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My mate is a builder,he has been told to put his transit and shovel on stand by.It gonna happen I tell ya!
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Yes, it's ridiculous to imagine Aston being part of any city centre regeneration. I mean, it's so far away! It must be at least 90 seconds walk from the law courts in one direction, and you can double that trek walking from Snow Hill in another.
As for anyone thinking little Aston Villa could possibly be as attractive to investors as sleeping giants Man City, get your head tested FFS.
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Hmmm. Very interesting. So some unknown super rich person or people are going to buy a football club that has just posted record losses, that has an owner who if he were to sell would at least want his outlay back. And into the bargain they are going to spend billions redeveloping whole swathes of North West Birmingham.
Sorry I have to go now my transport back to reality has just arrived.
Now, I have absolutely no idea how these takeovers work nor the rationale behind them but I'm going to quote from a piece I stuck up here earlier on (P.13 of this thread):
Here are some additional insights into the QIA’s recent strategic investments:
“In 2010 the QIA will also focus on business acquisition. It will seek to acquire businesses with good management and good products, but which have cash flow problems. “We are not interested in distressed assets or distressed debt. We are interested in distressed sellers”, Al-Abdulla said.
See Harrods, Paris Saint-Germaine Football club, Banco Santander Brazil, and the Agricultural Bank of China for details on this approach.
Would Villa fall into any of these categories: Are we a distressed asset, do we have distressed debt or do we have a distressed owner/seller?
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I'm not saying with any certainty that Villa will be taken over or that any regeneration of any part of the city is neccessary as part of that.
This is a largely theoretical debate and it goes where it will. It just so happens we were applying a precedent (Man City) to our own circumstances.
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Yep, looking at at it all theoretically I'm just trying to see if there are any patterns in previous QIA investments that could be applied to a potential Villa/Aston area investment.
Whether this rumour has any credence or not I reckon the Villa/regeneration idea ticks a lot of the boxes found in previous QIA investments.
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On reflection I realise I was delude even discussing it. I'm now with the piss-takers as there's a lot more credence to their 'nothing will change - ever!' mind-set.
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On reflection I realise I was delude even discussing it. I'm now with the piss-takers as there's a lot more credence to their 'nothing will change - ever!' mind-set.
Keep the faith - it's good to dream Percy and this is great escapism from the present situation. Things will change, I'm certain of that. (Whether I'll be alive when it happens, though, is another question. *sob*.)
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Snow Hill station isn't changing, though. It's an office development next door that is being built. The only difference will be the Metro, but that's just an extension through the city centre, which will make it easier for the yams to go shopping.
Oi, weem gerrin our own Tesco an' Matalan, we dow need yower shaps.
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Snow Hill station isn't changing, though. It's an office development next door that is being built. The only difference will be the Metro, but that's just an extension through the city centre, which will make it easier for the yams to go shopping.
Oi, weem gerrin our own Tesco an' Matalan, we dow need yower shaps.
If only something was built to stop the Brummies and their high pitched nasal whinging, coming over to Merry Hill every Christmas.....the gloves are off! ;-)
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Very few football clubs make commercial sense. Villa does have some things going for it from a marketing /invesrment perspective. Huge catchment area, The Biggest Club in the Midlands, location plenty of development opportunitys with the land available, Birmingham is under Hoteled. But the club is losing money and has a negative image right now. Birmingham does not set the pulses running and has done very little to improve its standing as a major city.
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Yep, looking at at it all theoretically I'm just trying to see if there are any patterns in previous QIA investments that could be applied to a potential Villa/Aston area investment.
Whether this rumour has any credence or not I reckon the Villa/regeneration idea ticks a lot of the boxes found in previous QIA investments.
From living in Qatar for quite a few years, one thing the Qataris are used to and extremely competent at, is building huge complexes on areas of land that previously was just desert (and deserted); once constructed, all the infrastructure was slowly built around the complex to ensure sustainability.
Whether this principal would apply in a foreign country is debatable, but they sure know how to make it work if they're interested.
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[quoteauthor=pauliewalnutslink=topic=46265.msg1985725#msg1985725 date=1330701059]Snow Hill station isn't changing. It's office dev next door is being built.The difference will be the Metro, but that's just an extension through the city centre, which will make it easier for the yams to go shopping.
Oi, weem gerrin our own Tesco an' Matalan, we dow need yower shaps.
If only something was built to stop the Brummies and their high pitched nasal whinging, coming over to Merry Hill every Christmas.....the gloves are off! ;-). [/quote]
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I will be very happy if a West Bank style wall was built from J9 to Great Bridge to Halesowen along side M5 that kept the undesireables out of our city.
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[quoteauthor=pauliewalnutslink=topic=46265.msg1985725#msg1985725 date=1330701059]Snow Hill station isn't changing. It's office dev next door is being built.The difference will be the Metro, but that's just an extension through the city centre, which will make it easier for the yams to go shopping.
Oi, weem gerrin our own Tesco an' Matalan, we dow need yower shaps.
If only something was built to stop the Brummies and their high pitched nasal whinging, coming over to Merry Hill every Christmas.....the gloves are off! ;-).
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I will be very happy if a West Bank style wall was built from J9 to Great Bridge to Halesowen along side M5 that kept the undesireables out of our city.
[/quote]
Do be like that, I'd miss seeing any sovereign rings or fake Burberry.....or young chaps with tracky bottoms tucked into their socks & shoes. Anyway, we'd just go via Bromsgrove.
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There were a group of very smart of Asian's in the middle tier of the police control room yesterday. They couldnt be the consortium, could they?
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There were a group of very smart of Asian's in the middle tier of the police control room yesterday. They couldnt be the consortium, could they?
I doubt that very much indeed.
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There were a group of very smart of Asian's in the middle tier of the police control room yesterday. They couldnt be the consortium, could they?
I doubt that very much indeed.
Me and you both. But after a few beers I did start to convince myself!
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From living in Qatar for quite a few years, one thing the Qataris are used to and extremely competent at, is building huge complexes on areas of land that previously was just desert (and deserted); once constructed, all the infrastructure was slowly built around the complex to ensure sustainability.
Whether this principal would apply in a foreign country is debatable, but they sure know how to make it work if they're interested.
If I were in a position of responsibility at the Sandwell Chamber of Commerce / Council, I'd be sending a plump sheep to the Qataris via Oxen Express.
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We saw those smart asians. Number 2 son and I arrived early (we are so much better than other fans) Son was having a drink and I was trying to work out the legality of the signs outside the betting booth.
The smart asians were followed by an entourage of what looked like Villa lackeys.
The fact that they were asians is probably irrelevant because they snooped about like inspectors of some sort. Trading standards? health and safety? Maybe from Rangers administrators looking for a ground share.
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We saw those smart asians. Number 2 son and I arrived early (we are so much better than other fans) Son was having a drink and I was trying to work out the legality of the signs outside the betting booth.
The smart asians were followed by an entourage of what looked like Villa lackeys.
The fact that they were asians is probably irrelevant because they snooped about like inspectors of some sort. Trading standards? health and safety? Maybe from Rangers administrators looking for a ground share.
Or local councillors on their annual visit.
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Apparently Cafe Soya are taking over the catering. Yum.
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There were a group of very smart of Asian's in the middle tier of the police control room yesterday. They couldnt be the consortium, could they?
"Smart Asians" = must be oil barons.
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did they look like Arabs ?
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Smart asians. Love it.
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Smart Asians? I bet they were showing people how to differential equations and stuff.
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There were a group of very smart of Asian's in the middle tier of the police control room yesterday. They couldnt be the consortium, could they?
I doubt that very much indeed.
Me and you both. But after a few beers I did start to convince myself!
And you didn't shut up about it all bloody game either!! I was trying to watch the match and all you wanted to talk about was bloody middle eastern businessmen and takeovers.
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oh well, it was good to dream!!! f'all has happened
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Bugger, I read the title and got my hopes up!
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oh well, it was good to dream!!! f'all has happened
Put the champagne back in the fridge!
It would take months, not weeks to buy a football club.
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oh well, it was good to dream!!! f'all has happened
Unless the mystery buyers are waiting for the season-end.
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The main weakness in this flight of fantasy was the timescales.
Why would QIA (or whoever else for that matter) piss about by announcing it in Feb/ March and only complete the purchase in the summer?
Surely they'd want to do away with any chance of relegation and get involved ASAP? Why would it benefit them to delay?
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I saw a couple of smart Alsatians near Bodymoor Heath yesterday.
Clearly they'd just been shampooed and clipped.
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I saw some scArabs looking at Bodymoor Heath. They were several miles away at Drayton Manor Zoo.
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The main weakness in this flight of fantasy was the timescales.
Why would QIA (or whoever else for that matter) piss about by announcing it in Feb/ March and only complete the purchase in the summer?
Surely they'd want to do away with any chance of relegation and get involved ASAP? Why would it benefit them to delay?
What would they have been able to do if they had taken over in March? If there is any basis behind this I'd suggest the delay in anything concrete is due to them wanting the club to be assured of premier league football before committing any funds. I'm not saying it will happen but I can understand wanting the relegation issue cleared before doing anything.
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This thread is just wishful thinking. If we say it often enough it doesn't mean it's going to happen.
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I'm kind of glad this thread has reappeared, if nothing else its an antidote to all the relegation/McLeish staying talk, even though we all know its just a pipe dream.
Having a mooch round the net hasn't turned up anything we haven't heard and discounted before, although this caught my eye because it maybe ties in with events that have been proved correct SINCE it was written.
Lets call the person who sent this TOM SMITH and he has said that rumours of a takoever are strong. As I said to Tom these are generic stuff we have seen before but worht posting them to see what you think.
Please forgive the direct approach – but I do not want to post this randomly on one your blogs …
I got your e mail address from “a friend of a friend”. I’m told that you’re not a believer (or yet to be
convinced) that Aston Villa will be sold in the near future and I’m not about to try & change your mind with this e mail.
I correspond with a US business journalist at a Mid to Large sized newspaper over there. It’s more to do with my job than anything Aston Villa related but totally out of the blue – without prompting by me I received the following message:
Hey friend, good news for you and fellow Villa fans, It looks like you guys will be getting purchased or at least a majority stake investment…The plans include for the redevelopment of all the land around Villa stadium in a similar fashion to Manchester city and turn that particular area of Birmingham into a Major Business Hub.
As you know from our previous discussions – The likes of Google (who openly want out of London) and are looking to relocate – with Birmingham looking favourable.
With the New High Speed Rail Link and the New Airport Terminal (the Terminal is specifically for travelling “east”) Birmingham is fast becoming of interest to several “Big Time” investors.
He further states this is a great opportunity Qatar has seen how incredible the marketing & money opportunities have been with Abu Dhabi money Qatar believes Villa has an equal or even slightly bigger fanbase & greater marketing potential opportunities given the funding expect public media announcement Soonish.
I also speak with a much respected journalist in the Manchester region who contacted me separately – with the following message:
Persistent rumours are continuing across the pond that Randy Lerner is gonna sell Aston Villa this summer… I’m not the type to put 2 plus 2 together and make my own result up but I do genuinely believe there is substance in this.
I find it quite interesting that whilst the coffers are empty at Aston Villa (for many a discussed reason) he has just awarded a contract at the Cleveland Browns to a single player worth a reputedly $42.5m over 5 years … now with even my limited maths that’s over £25 Million sterling – so to me this proves he is spending and spending on his 1st love – the Cleveland Browns !
Now, I like many have seen rumours and taken them with a pinch of salt – but I have to admit that receiving these two e mails totally out of the blue without prompting is starting to make me sit up and take notice …. and I’m not looking to change your mind either !!!!
This blog was dated 28th Feb 2012 and the portion in bold is interesting.
As we now know, it has since been more or less confirmed that the redevelopment of land around the ground is happening, hence the closure of the Aston social etc. Thread discussion here...... http://tinyurl.com/86kpdnr
So how come some Yank got to hear about it a full month before the rest of us?
On the other hand, it was written by IanRobo, and therefore is probably a load of old bobbins.
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The proposed redevelopment had been in the draft area action plan for months. its only attracted attention because of the pub closures
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Isn't it the case that the very redevelopment potential and the fact that its all good to go is what makes Villa a very attractive package, these Qatar boys would see the football side a just part of the package, a part that must be successful, a part that would need major investment to make that happen, but its all there.
Lets hope its true because the comment about RL spending loads on the Browns wouldn't say to me the man has loads to spend it would say is priority is the Browns and Villa can take care of itself, in other words that 25ML is 25ML Villa won't have this summer.
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Don't get me wrong, a Qatar buyout and subsequent deluge of cash for the club to buy world-class players and first class stadium facilities is all well and good...but closing the Eddies means no top quality clunge to serve the pre match drinks. So I say NO to any takeover.
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I hear you brother
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I hear you brother
Me to brother.Class ass in the Eddy!
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"The likes of Google who openly want out of London"
Utter tosh.
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If there was any middle eastern country with a possible link to the city, it'd be Kuwait with the Beorma Quarter development which has started (big property redevelopment, opposite Selfridges)
In fact. If you emailed that to Ian Robathan, it'd no doubt surface back here and on VillaSquawk as 100 percent gospel within the week.
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"The likes of Google who openly want out of London"
Utter tosh.
The same google that have google street in Dublin? as you say utter tosh
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Isn't it the case that the very redevelopment potential and the fact that its all good to go is what makes Villa a very attractive package, these Qatar boys would see the football side a just part of the package, a part that must be successful, a part that would need major investment to make that happen, but its all there.
Lets hope its true because the comment about RL spending loads on the Browns wouldn't say to me the man has loads to spend it would say is priority is the Browns and Villa can take care of itself, in other words that 25ML is 25ML Villa won't have this summer.
The Browns sell out 75,000 tickets every home game,even though they are pissed of with there situation.What are we down to?32,000 at max,unless we play a top 4 team?that should be us up there,f..kin top 4.We were one step away and then we f..ked it up!Cheers Mr Lerner.Why the hell did you not give the cash to Old Pubehead and take us to the next level?MANY QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED BEFORE MARTIN O'NEIL GETS SLATED ON SATURDAY.Me for one,watching the game on telly in lanza will not even lower myself to slag O'Neil off.All he wanted was a bit of cash to move us up a level.Yes he made some dodgy signings,but so has every manager in the Prem.Lets not forget that Ferguson at Manyoooo was 1 game away from the sack and look now!How many dodgy ones did he sign?..........Someone on this forum thread will have the answers,they usually have!C'mon the VILLA tomorrow,please give us some hope.We do not need to go to tuesday's game with another loss under our belts.We are the Villa for f..ks sake. 10 San Miguels for the Beerintheevening thread by the way.Oh,2 Jaigermeisters aswell.F.O. McLeish
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Gave up after the first full stop/comma carnage.
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The Browns sell out 75,000 tickets every home game,even though they are pissed of with there situation.What are we down to?32,000 at max,unless we play a top 4 team?
The Browns play in a league that has 32 teams representing a nation with a population of 312,000,000 and they only play eight home games a season. Anyone could sell out in those circumstances. Well, maybe not Jacksonville.
that should be us up there,f..kin top 4.We were one step away and then we f..ked it up!Cheers Mr Lerner.
Sorry, was it Lerner who conceded a two-goal lead at home to Stoke?
Why the hell did you not give the cash to Old Pubehead and take us to the next level?
He did. We spent a fortune. Unfortunately, a lot of it was on rubbish. We never had the strenght in depth to last a whole season competing for top four as O'Neill bought loads of squad players who he almost immediately lost faith in. Then he refused to rotate and our challenge withered away. Every year. All he wanted was a bit of cash to move us up a level.
A bit? A BIT? Are you John D Rockefeller?
.F.O. McLeish
Yawn.
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The Browns sell out 75,000 tickets every home game,even though they are pissed of with there situation.What are we down to?32,000 at max,unless we play a top 4 team?
The Browns play in a league that has 32 teams representing a nation with a population of 312,000,000 and they only play eight home games a season. Anyone could sell out in those circumstances. Well, maybe not Jacksonville.
that should be us up there,f..kin top 4.We were one step away and then we f..ked it up!Cheers Mr Lerner.
Sorry, was it Lerner who conceded a two-goal lead at home to Stoke?
Why the hell did you not give the cash to Old Pubehead and take us to the next level?
He did. We spent a fortune. Unfortunately, a lot of it was on rubbish. We never had the strenght in depth to last a whole season competing for top four as O'Neill bought loads of squad players who he almost immediately lost faith in. Then he refused to rotate and our challenge withered away. Every year. All he wanted was a bit of cash to move us up a level.
A bit? A BIT? Are you John D Rockefeller?
.F.O. McLeish
Yawn.
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Happy anything to happen as long as it means Mc Moron gets the sack.
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Mc Moron
Ooh, how original.
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Happy anything to happen as long as it means Mc Moron gets the sack.
You used to be a lot funnier in the 70s.
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It is probably nothing and more of a hope on my part but has anybody seen the pre match interview with McLeish for tomorrows game? One reporter asks him if he wishes he had the money MON had and he responds with a cheeky grin and "maybe one day". As I say, it may be in hope more than expectation, but to me he looked like a man who knew something. (Insert jokes about him not knowing anything about football management etc)
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It is probably nothing and more of a hope on my part but has anybody seen the pre match interview with McLeish for tomorrows game? One reporter asks him if he wishes he had the money MON had and he responds with a cheeky grin and "maybe one day". As I say, it may be in hope more than expectation, but to me he looked like a man who knew something. (Insert jokes about him not knowing anything about football management etc)
just imagine all the cloggers and long ball merchants he coul buy with a £billion!!!!
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One reporter asks him if he wishes he had the money MON had and he responds with a cheeky grin and "maybe one day".
Hopefully the reporter was talking about compensation money!!