Printable View
Why would the consortium bid not have been a runner? Because they were asking too many questions or because they were going to cut out the Trust (I don't know what the relation between to two was/is)? Also what happened to the UK consortium? While I admire what the Trust can offer, they won't have the financial muscle to make Dundalk challenge for European places. Right now it looks like the Trust are throwing in their lot with GM, which will only end in tears.
Without Trust involvement any private owner would have to prove long term (ie 99 years) benefit to Oriel Park. With Trust involvement there may be a little more lattitude in relation to the terms of the current lease. The consortium were not cutting out the Trust as they recognised the essential role that is and will be played; GM currently has a similar opinion. As for asking too many questions - well no more than had been asked over the last while by your average supporter. Get your hands on the Dundalk Demo this week and read for yourself the contrasting points of view. I'd be interested in hearing about the English interest too - maybe with your contacts Spud you could do a bit of digging! Once again it must be stressed that the Trust will only involve itself with any owner or investor on its own terms!! There is no simply throwing their lot with in with anyone as you put it. The Trust will engage with whomever, and as it stands that is with GM at the moment, but there is no case of settling for what is on the table.
Dundalk FC Trust latest statment
Delighted with the Supporter' Direct link-up.Quote:
The DFC Trust would like to thank everybody for their support, encouragement and patience over the past weeks.
We are still positively engaged in talks with Gerry Matthews and the board and continue to receive legal and financial advice on all aspects of the club.
We are hopeful that all the uncertainty surrounding the club will end this week.
The DFC Trust are also meeting with Kevin Rye of Supporters Direct on Tuesday. Kevin is the Development Manager of Supporters’ Direct and has helped many Trust organisations in the UK and Ireland.
In the Trust we Trust.
Does this week mean next week then? Or by Sunday? While I feel the Supporters Direct organisation has been very positive in many aspects, isn't it surely better for an Irish way to take hold (cue gags galore).
I for one am glad that the Trust are not rushing into making statments or glib promises on this.You know sometimes silence is golden Spud !Quote:
Originally Posted by Spudulika
If the help of supporters direct is no good then so be it,but they(the Trust) can't be seen to have left a stone unturned.
The facts remain the same though,the fans are going to have to get behind the club sooner rather than later.
Maybe something is happening behind the scenes, as the club had a colour add in the Indo football section today for the manager vacancy, but interestingly its was for 'the 2012 season', another short term deal..............also not sure why they advertised in the paper, surely anyone going for any LOI job will contact the club direct, and not from seeing an add in a paper.
Rumours suggest the budget wont be too different to 2011, so maybe if someone decent came in, he could work it a little better than 6th and 7th place finishing by Foster. When I think of it, he really fxxed up his opportunities, was handed a euro spot in his first season, very well paid package (prob only 2 or 3 managers better paid) decent crowds at the start and middle of each year, ground improvements made, top class training facilities, and still he couldnt improve the team.
DFC Trust will not be taking over the club.
Disappointing. But the main thing for now is that they don't get suckered into giving over money to the club with no guarantee of control/ shares, as other trusts have been.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dunny
Why am I not surprised? I know the claims of the Trust to knowing what they were at was with good intentions, but until the club go bang, they won't get in there. I'm fearing the Cork scenario, especially now that one certain messer is putting it around that he's a favourite to take over. Not good, not good at all.
edit: The only option for the Trust is to withdraw support for the club en masse, build up a war chest and wait for DFC Ltd to go, then step in like FORAS (start getting a licence in order) and begin from the 1st division. I'm certain the Casey's will co-operate.
I don't see what the trust has done wrong - they entered negotiations, it didn't work out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spudulika
To enter at all Macy - to allow themselves be played. It's like Roy Keane going into a new club, you're just waiting for the inevitable crushing end. So much has yet to come out of this mess that it's just frightening.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macy
So why not get involved yourself and see how you can help
I just don't see it. The club is for sale, a supporters trust would be nuts not to at least investigate taking control. It costs nothing to talk.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spudulika
Did, so I'm speaking from what I know.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodge
Macy, in principle yes, completely - kick the tyres, do the homework etc, but the dogs in the street knew there was so much going on and my single fear is that the Trust have damaged trust in giving any air to the situation. What FORAS did, but a more extreme action, could still work. It's just lost in rhetoric now.
The Trust would be damaged if they didn't investigate it. Could you imagine the spin if the club went under and the Trust had refused to engage? I think FORAS did at least attempt to talk to TNB as well, but nothing that the has happened in Dundalk prevents them taking a similar course if it's required in the future. It actually strengthens their hand imo.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spudulika
I don't want to think about the spin that would have emerged - but it's going to damage them as there has been so much going on in the background. Most of the crap that has been emerging came out with the private groups going in and asking questions, however I just hope there's a club there come this time next year. I've seen some of the figures that are emerging and they're not nice. I hope you're right Macy, I really hope it strengthens what they can do, I just have my doubts in Dundalk.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macy
Showdown meeting in OP on Monday ??
http://www.dundalkfc.com/important-s...ight-on-mondayQuote:
Dundalk FC will host a Supporter Information Night in the Reilly Suite (YDC Bar) on Monday night, 21 November, at 8pm.
The meeting is intended to inform supporters of the plans and updates for the 2012 season, along with more information on the process of transfer to a Community-Owned model next year.
Let's hope so!!
More bluff and bluster I fear - GM has been draining cash out of the club since his business went into trouble a couple of years agoQuote:
Originally Posted by bullit
He is delusional in that he is holding out for the money he 'invested' in the farcical YDC (a private investment). Either that or he wants to hand over ownership to the 'people of Dundalk' via his own 'supporters club" who will no doubt keep him in the lifestyle that he has become accustomed.
Some people in Dundalk need to realise that GM doesn't have to disclose anything about the club. It is a privately owned company. They also need to look back at where the club was when he took over. Why not give him a chance. He has been receiving a lot of flack from keyboard warriors. Go to the meeting. He may just be genuine.
Some also have issues with him not being a football person. They didn't have these reservations when he rescued the club. He stated that it was a personal challenge in running the club. There is no way he could be making any significant money from a LOI club.
The camp that supported the take over need to have a hard look at themselves and the damage they have done to the club and themselves. They started posing on Oriel Web about the negotiations. Making some wild allegations without having the evidence to back them up. Personally I'm glad that their negotiations failed. It looks like they would have made a complete f-up of things and would be attempting to take loads of money out of the club as it was an investment.
As for the trust. While they certainly have the best interests of the club. Unfortunately I don't think they have the ability to run the club themselves as the support from the town is not there and is obvious from the patron scheme that the money will be difficult to come by.
Before anyone slates me for this post...I have no affiliations to any of the 3 parties involved over the last while. However, I do have the best interests of the club at heart and also an open mind.
I would have been worried with the Dundalk consortium taking over and/or the Trust going in. I had hoped and thought that GM was going to be clever and get out while he didn't have to dig further holes, but there is so much still sitting there that is deeper and darker than he initially let on that it's not funny. And worse of all is his/DFC's treatment of genuine interest in the club. Of course this won't be addressed as it doesn't suit. It's just a shame they've been destroying Dundalk's standing by not just commanding the situation. The man did put his own money into the club, his own business interests have been rocked and he shold be allowed get out. But one question - was it his own money in the YDC?
If you are around tonight then ask him. If not then see if anyone you know can ask on your behalf. Unfortunately I can't make it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spudulika
Getting text updates, and I asked the GM in person and got 3 answers. So hopefully they'll clear it up tonight.
GM as in General Manager
Gerry Matthews clarified this along with a big chunk of detail about the YDC previously - apart from the Sports Capital Grant of €250k he funded the rest of the construction costs jointly from his own resources and assistance from other friends/investors, on the understanding that this money would be repaid only when the YDC was fully operational and generating profits.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spudulika
The report (linked below) on that Supporter meeting will also clarify that no club funds (season tickets, match ticket revenue etc was used at all), but the idea was/is that the club coffers would benefit from YDC revenue immediately it generates profits and not having to wait 20 + years untill contruction costs are paid off.
http://www.dundalkfc.com/matthews-on...lanning-leviesQuote:
“We started it and we went back to them, and then all of a sudden, with the recession and the cutbacks, the Capital Sports programme was abolished altogether and there was no money, so we didn’t get our money. I had a choice to make. I could try to proceed with the building – there wasn’t very much done at this stage – or not proceed with it. We put a lot of money into the design of it – we had to design it twice – and we had all our planning application fees, so I went to friends of mine who are investors, but they’re more friends than investors, and jointly we came up with a mechanism to try to finance it. We proceeded on this basis, and I just want to be clear – I was committed to building this building in Oriel Park. And the reason it was built in Oriel Park and not Hiney Park was, this is my contribution to Dundalk Football Club and the town. It could never be sold. Even if I want to sell it, I can’t sell it. If my sons want to sell it when I’m gone, they can’t sell it. This is why it was built in Oriel Park and not in Hiney Park. Had I built it in Hiney Park, I could do what I like with it – I could sell it or I could turn it into a warehouse. I want to make that clear.
20 applications for the Dundalk job.
Actualy it will be 19 once they filter my spoof application :)
The Trust are having another meeting next week, which is good enough.A line in the sand has to be drawn fairly soon because there is a huge sore beginining to fester,if it hasnt already gone septic!! I still have some faith in GM,but my faith decreases by the day.
Tis all mad! GM & co offer some rallying cry to DFC supporters, now it seems, going on orielweb posts, the crosshairs have been lined up on the Trust! Are fans really that malliable, fickle, or just plain stupid. Oh and if anybody ever goes to a meeting in Oriel Park dont wear a suit what ever you do, or you may be singled out as that groups 'advisor/puppet master' or something!
30 applications for the managers job was stated (start worrying Magicme), no shortage of interest from the UK and then yer usual few from LoI!
I can't access OW from work. What's being said?
nesta I think you will find that nobody is accusing the trust of anything, the main questions being asked by fans is if there is any bad blood sitting there now between the trust and gm. People are saying that there seemed to be bad vibes coming from their corner last night. I cant comment fully to the situation as I could not,make the meeting due to work commitments but from messages I got from people at that meeting was there seemed no be.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nesta99
There is no issue between the trust and GM
I hear Mark McGhee is one of themQuote:
Originally Posted by Nesta99
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_McGhee
According to BBC Sport this is carried by the Daily Mail -Quote:
Originally Posted by askmehoop
Quote:
Mark McGhee, sacked a year ago by Aberdeen, has put his name forward to be the new manager of Irish club Dundalk. (Daily Mail)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/scotland/15852012.stm
Local Paper The Argus carries this report from the recent Supporter Information meeting -
http://www.argus.ie/sport/soccer/dun...s-2943184.htmlQuote:
Dundalk owner to relinquish control 'within six weeks'
By TERRY CONLON
Wednesday November 23 2011
DUNDALK FC owner Gerry Matthews has told the club's supporters that he is on the verge of quitting the club.
More than 200 fans attended a meeting in the Youth Development Centre on Monday night where they were brought up to date with developments regarding ownership of the club and the hunt for a new team manager.
Matthews said he is less than six weeks away from surrendering control of the club and handing over to a re-constituted board.
The club is in the process of big changes, with a new manager scheduled to be appointed in the next couple of weeks to replace Ian Foster, whose contract was not renewed after two years in charge.
Close on 30 applicants have applied for the vacant post, and the club this week was still receiving CVS, although the deadline has passed for applications. The club was 'very happy with the calibre of candidates', General Manger Paul Johnston said yesterday.
They include World Cup players and former players from home and overseas, with the club's preference being for a replacement or at least a backroom member of staff with personal knowledge of the League.
Mr Johnston said the club will be looking to provide the successful candidate with a player budget of between €5,000 and €6,000, and plans to start interviews for the post next week.
Dundalk FC has gone through a period of turmoil since before the season ended, with proposed takeovers involving the Supporters Trust and an investors group consisting of the principals of the club's former main sponsors Fastfix and former Financial Director Ciaran Bond failing to materialise. The club are also looking for a new
Stepping down - Gerry Matthews. main sponsor.
The club owner said his departure after five years in charge could be even sooner than the six weeks he announced with a revamped board in the process of being set up, comprising eight to 10 members, with possibly four newcomers.
There were strongand heartfelt calls by, among others, club president Jim Reilly 'to put to bed any discontent or ill feeling' and for all to get behind the club, as Mr Matthews addressed issues and rebutted criticism of him.
He offered to open club accounts for examination to an outside accountant or auditor and also a quantity surveyor to look into the cost of the newly-opened Youth Development Centre, which he insisted was a big asset to the club - but wouldn't be pumping any more money into Dundalk FC.
The club was successful in negotiations with the Town Council to reduce the €430,000 planning levy on the building and to agree a structured payment scheme, he revealed.
He asserted that the club met all its financial commitments since he took over, including paying players. He also stated that, contrary to reports, the Oriel Park synthetic surface had been accorded two-star rating which means that it can stage Champions League games.
Johnston said that the club expected to have a four-member interview panel in place by the end of the week, one with football experience, and a representative of the board, business community and Supporters Trust, guided by a mentor with Human Relations qualifications.
Matthews said 'different people have been approached and have expressed willingness to join the board. So I think it will be time for me to step down. Some existing members might go and some might stay and there will be additions,' he said.
He couldn't say whether there will be a change at the top in the board, stating that Padraig Mcgowan has been a 'tremendous chairman'.
The aim was to secure quality rather than quality, and the board talked to a few senior people. -Dundalk Youths received a walkover as Shamrock Rovers failed to travel on Sunday to fulfil their fixture in the Dublin Schoolboy League. They are scheduled to play at home this Sunday.
- TERRY CONLON
Foster needs hard cheese with his usual whine !!!
:D
The blame for an extremely dissapointing season lies everywhere else but not with him of course !!
Totally agree, he was HANDED a euro spot in 2010, big crowds too that season, established decent players in both seasons, Faz, Fenn, Milligan, Quigley & Byrne, other young players Miller/Kearns, and local youths like Griffin, Cian Byrne and possibly Nathan Muprhy, other big players who turned out to be rubbish, Bolger & Gutherie, all of these were his fault for poor mgt and just more and more reasons why he blew it. In hindsight, possibly the worst manager ever to manage more than one season in the PD.
I think he's right about the pitch though.
The injury list at Oriel Park was ridiculous and a few non-biased people have said the pitch could be a factor in that.
It's long been established that harder ground leads to more injuries and, visually, the Oriel surface looks abnormally firm. I believe Newcastle had a problem a few years ago with players picking up knee injuries with the weather being much colder up there.
There is a whole bunch of contrary opinions and research about this, but it was the same pitch without the long injury list in 2010 and 2009.Quote:
Originally Posted by dong
If a manager really believed that the pitch would cause more injuries, then surely the logical actions would be to assemble a larger squad pre-season, and to do the bulk of the training on grass during the season itself
How could he when the budget is not available to do so?Quote:
Originally Posted by Ezeikial
who do ye want lads to be the new Dundalk manager? I know Tommy Johnson has being linked with the job along with Sean Connor. Would Connor be welcomed back with open arms?
Isn't the argument that he went for quality (Byrne, Hawkins, Quigley) over quantity? If he knew the pitch was likely to cause injuries, the correct approach might have been to pass on one of those and perhaps get two less talented players to cover the numbers. But then he'd have been accused of lacking ambition so I can see his argument.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dunny