Tony’s Statement.

[andyh]

Well Al Futtaim Group are one of my company's customers. Own lots of hotels and car franchises in Dubai. Interesting.

Can you give them a ring and ask them?

[David_Nab]

Even if this crowd were oil-rich with a bottomless pit of money and willing to splurge it all on a struggling football club, they wouldn't be able to. So it's a moot point.

I'm speaking with no expertise at all, but if we look like we are at least trying to comply with FFP, I don't think the penalty would be as grim as some make out.

The punishments range anywhere from the minuscule fines Leicester and Bournemouth have received (though I understand no other sides will get away that lightly again), to QPR sized fines to points deductions.   But seeing as most of the division seem to be in breach of FFP now, actually enforcing that might be tricky.

If there were any truth in this latest update (and it sounds like good news so -where Villa are concerned, it must be shite) I would be made up just to keep Jack and Chester and move the likes of Lansbury and Thor on to free up some space for canny loans.

If any side were operating like we were in 16/7, buying All The Captains and All the Forwards -and doing that over a number of years- then aye, throw the book at 'em.

The point is Leicester and Bournemouth's punishement was so light as since they got promoted the EFL can not do much more to them , it's why they changed the rules so they check earlier so they can apply points deductions before you get promoted and out of their hands ..

My argument is we are where we are due to mismanagement from an owner they did the checks on and cleared to take us over , shouldn't they also be held accountable ?

[Damo70]

I'd be disappointed if we sacked Bruce and brought in Henry.

He's as thick as a house brick.

I have met him and he is actually rather well spoken and intelligent.

Nothing like the character he played in Crossroads.

[Nev]

I'd be disappointed if we sacked Bruce and brought in Henry.

He's as thick as a house brick.

I have met him and he is actually rather well spoken and intelligent.

Nothing like the character he played in Crossroads.

That would explain why everyone keeps going on about Stan Tennant in this thread.

[john2710]

Anyone on the lookout at Birmingham Airport?

[Stu]

I tweeted earlier: Never going to happen but wouldn’t it be amazing if the Middle Eastern investors turn out to be richer than Mansour and Fosun put together. Shut a few piss takers up. Bound to be be some tin-pot outfit though knowing our luck.

Then I’ve just read this:

Majid Al Futtaim is a name mentioned on Twitter. As of March 2017, Al Futtaim's net worth is estimated by Forbes at US$10.9 billion, the second richest individual in the Middle East.

We’re not that lucky are we?

Nope.

[TheTimVilla]

I’m known more for my legendary good looks than my brains so can somebody tell me if this would have any positive effect on FFP? For example, could they sponsor the Holte End lavs for 80m quid? Obviously this is all hypothetical and inevitably won’t happen.

[chrisw1]

I’m known more for my legendary good looks than my brains so can somebody tell me if this would have any positive effect on FFP? For example, could they sponsor the Holte End lavs for 80m quid? Obviously this is all hypothetical and inevitably won’t happen.

Only if it’s considered fair market value.

[brentastonb6]

Even if this crowd were oil-rich with a bottomless pit of money and willing to splurge it all on a struggling football club, they wouldn't be able to. So it's a moot point.

What we really want, as others have said, is a consortium of very good business-people to come in and run the club in the vein of a - for example - Tottenham Hotspur.

Whilst I agree we need people with business acumen a la Spurs, people with bottom less pits can get round the spending piece- They sponsor stadium naming rights for example .I believe Man City’s stadium was being bank rolled to the tune of over £ 40m per year  which means the club can then spend 70% of this on players and wages.

[Toronto Villa]

Anyone on the lookout at Birmingham Airport?

Just saw Randy’s plane

[Fasth56]

I’m known more for my legendary good looks than my brains so can somebody tell me if this would have any positive effect on FFP? For example, could they sponsor the Holte End lavs for 80m quid? Obviously this is all hypothetical and inevitably won’t happen.

Interestingly, I was told today that although BCFC have sold the naming rights to the "ground" it has little to no impact on FFP, and they still do not know what to do with Pederson who has been signed whilst in a transfer embargo.

[Des Little]

Anyone on the lookout at Birmingham Airport?

Only a 40 year old bloke with BO who lives with his parents and spends his evenings playing Fortnite.

[sirlordbaltimore]

We're not really allowing ourselves to believe this right

[pauliewalnuts]

Anyone on the lookout at Birmingham Airport?

Just saw Randy’s plane

There he is!

[TheTimVilla]

We're not really allowing ourselves to believe this right

Why not?! What’s the alternative? Planning for 3 centre halves from Hutton, Mad Tommy, Micah Richards et al. At least a few days away from reality would be nice.