Drogheda to become a "Community Club"

**ndrog** · 15/10/2009, 9:34 PM

Originally Posted by A face

This sounds well dodgy, and it mightn't be .... the board may have the best of intentions and it could be just an extended handover period. But that said, i mentioned this to a few self proclaimed barstoolers in work and they laughed. Now the same bunch of lads would be naturally sceptical it has to be said but they had a point .... it sounds like a rip off.

With nothing safeguarded legally then the supporters CandB should really be reviewing what they are doing, consider arbitration and other measure to make sure they are not getting done, or enabling themselves to get done, or take responsibility and not leaving the potential/temptation to get done.

No one is saying that something like this shouldn't work, i'd be a complete optimist and love the idea of something like this taking off, but not doing it properly is doing a huge injustice to all parties, all stake holders in fact. And remember fans who aren't members of C&B or the supporters club or anything but are still Drogs fans dont deserve to go through all this stuff again.

Cop on, dont dive in, do it right, the world is your oyster !!

Why should " COP ON " ? Lets get something straight lads the members of cab and the Duisc have the clubs interests at heart at nothing else and wont be taking on club debts and wont be taken for mugs .Everything possible step will be taken to do what is right for the football club ..

**A face** · 15/10/2009, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by John83

For a moment there, I was startled at the idea that the Criminal Assets Bureau might be looking at Drogs.

"And please can you all give a big Louth welcome to tonights sponsors, the 'Criminal Assets Bureau' !!!!"

**A face** · 15/10/2009, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by ndrog

Why should [we] "COP ON"?

Because it seems like you (C&B) need to. And thats not taking a dig or anything. Its just it seems that you are taking things at face value, and not even that (because as i already said, the board may have the best of intentions) you seem to be leaving it wide open for abuse.

Lets get something straight lads the members of cab and the Duisc have the clubs interests at heart and nothing else

Man, thats straight as a dye, i have the message loud and clear, and i love it. Its brilliant to see it, and you club will thrive on this.

and wont be taking on club debts and wont be taken for mugs.

But it seems like you will be taking on their debt. Everything thats been said seems to point at that anyway. Have debts been discussed? I dont know what C&B are getting in return, and thats my issue.

I think you are being taken for mugs, thats why i am posting this. Have you sought legal advice on this? Do you know what you are entering into legally etc.

Everything possible step will be taken to do what is right for the football club ..

I wouldn't doubt it for a second.

And, ndrog ... there is nothing wrong with asking questions, and the more questions that are asked will enable this to be a success. Open and clear discuss and then agreement on what you are signing up to with everything outline with no ambiguity will ensure its the right thing for everyone involved.

**Drogman.** · 16/10/2009, 9:59 AM

Lads, without going into too much detail, as this is purely at the proposal stage, noone is being taken for a ride and there is still a bit to go yet before anything is set in stone.

A lot of logistics to be worked out before anything is signed.

We'll (DUISC/C&B club/DUFC) have more news shortly regarding what developments are happening.

**Mr A** · 16/10/2009, 10:12 AM

How much debt can there be one year on from examinership? Surely DUFC hasn't screwed it up again that fast?

**redobit** · 16/10/2009, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by Drogman.

Lads, without going into too much detail, as this is purely at the proposal stage, noone is being taken for a ride and there is still a bit to go yet before anything is set in stone.

A lot of logistics to be worked out before anything is signed.

We'll (DUISC/C&B club/DUFC) have more news shortly regarding what developments are happening.

This lad is everywhere. Is he one of the Noone's from Donegal.

**A face** · 16/10/2009, 4:15 PM

Originally Posted by Drogman.

Lads, without going into too much detail, as this is purely at the proposal stage, noone is being taken for a ride and there is still a bit to go yet before anything is set in stone.

A lot of logistics to be worked out before anything is signed.

We'll (DUISC/C&B club/DUFC) have more news shortly regarding what developments are happening.

Ok, that sounds a bit better

**micls** · 17/10/2009, 3:57 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

How much debt can there be one year on from examinership? Surely DUFC hasn't screwed it up again that fast?

Is that a serious question

Exhibit 1: Tom coughlan and cork City fc,,,

**Mr A** · 17/10/2009, 3:59 PM

It was actually. But all the talk seemed to be of doing it right there this time round, and I haven't heard anything much to the contrary.

If they really are in debt again Hoey and co. should be run out of the place.

**Celdrog** · 17/10/2009, 4:34 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

It was actually. But all the talk seemed to be of doing it right there this time round, and I haven't heard anything much to the contrary.

If they really are in debt again Hoey and co. should be run out of the place.

Vincent Hoey (or "and co.") haven't been on the board post examinership. Now they are willing to give all their shares to the fans, for nothing - except membership of the CandB club.
It was also clarified that if the club went to the fans it would only be with no debt.

**Mr A** · 17/10/2009, 4:35 PM

So who is running the club currently?

**Celdrog** · 17/10/2009, 6:22 PM

A board of management since we came out of examinership - Sean Connolly arrived a couple of weeks ago as general manager or CEO or something.

**stamullendrog** · 17/10/2009, 11:00 PM

personally speaking im in both the DUISC and the C&B club and id trust those running both not to be taken for any ride and do it properly.to my understanding while both groups want the best for the club they dont cross over in terms of people involved at the top of both groups.to me thats a good thing the more sensible heads together the better

**ClaretBlue** · 21/10/2009, 8:00 PM

A public meeting to shape the future of Drogheda United will take place in the Tommy Leddy Theatre in Drogheda at 8pm on Wednesday 28th October. All are welcome. More details on www.CandB.ie

**Ronnie** · 22/10/2009, 1:42 PM

Originally Posted by Macy

Running a football club isn't the rocket science most club boards appear to try and make it!

Half right - if the finances are available it is pretty startighforward running a club. If not, then its completely different animal.

Clubs do not simply get it wrong, or fail to spot difficulties. Look at this from a clubs point of view - the expenditure side is decided at the start of the year and 70% of this is wages. The other 30% is something that probably can't be reduced by anything significant if things get tight.
Now half way tthrough a season the window opens, giving a chance to redcue the wage bill. Say this is reduced by half, then over the year, costs will have fallen by under 20% for the year.

On the income side, again decided at the start of the season, but based on deals done, anticipated gates, anticipated sponsorship, anticipated fundraisers etc. Clubs budget for a small surplus, or if they are carrying a loss from the previous year to reduce this. Clubs do not anticiapte large profits, and if they did fans expect it to used to strengthen the team.
But, the problem is that the expected income invaribly falls short. And in Ireland, what happens is that every area of income starts falling short compounding the problem, and with very little opportunity to reduce the costs. Basacially this has been the norm for the majority of clubs.

**tallaghthoop** · 22/10/2009, 1:59 PM

Fantastic idea Drogheda and best of luck with it. Have to say was chatting to some of your supporters at the Rovers game in Tallaght and they reckoned it was the only way forward. Will be interesting to see how it develops, hopefully for the fans and the club they can get it right.