Ron makes bid for Delancey and FF developments

[Napster]

From the Trust's latest liaision minutes:

(RM) said that under the Option they now have 20 acres whereas RM would have preferred the original 50 acre proposal...RM said that he wanted the new stadium to be able to be increased to about 22,500 capacity and feels that in an “immediate” catchment area of 300,000 and 750 within 15 miles, gates could be greatly improved. He said that he had had meetings with the council and who remained supportive of the proposed stadium relocation.

RM said that he had placed a Fully Funded proposal to Delancey to acquire their 50% shareholding in SEL. Delancey have said they want out and were carrying out an appraisal to see if they are getting value from the proposed buy-out...
He said that that was the deal he was proposing to Delancey and although it is not confidential it is important to achieve a resolution in order to move forward. He said that if and when the deal happens he may form a new co. or keep it as SEL UK Ltd...He said that if and when the deal was done with Delancey he wanted to discuss fully with the Trust what the supporters wanted at the new stadium. He said that he looked forward to our input...He said that the finance required at the Club hasn't been provided by from SEL for nearly two years...RM said that there was no conflict between Ron Martin owning Martin Dawn and Martin Dawn/SEL owning 100% of the Club. He said that he wants to return the stadium to the supporters and also wished to remove the debt.


Thoughts? There is more, but I've selected the juicier stuff.

[fbm]

Quote[/b] (Napster @ Dec. 09 2004,13:18)]From the Trust's latest liaision minutes:

(RM) said that under the Option they now have 20 acres whereas RM would have preferred the original 50 acre proposal...RM said that he wanted the new stadium to be able to be increased to about 22,500 capacity and feels that in an “immediate” catchment area of 300,000 and 750 within 15 miles, gates could be greatly improved. *He said that he had had meetings with the council and who remained supportive of the proposed stadium relocation.

RM said that he had placed a Fully Funded proposal to Delancey to acquire their 50% shareholding in SEL. *Delancey have said they want out and were carrying out an appraisal to see if they are getting value from the proposed buy-out...
He said that that was the deal he was proposing to Delancey and although it is not confidential it is important to achieve a resolution in order to move forward. *He said that if and when the deal happens he may form a new co. or keep it as SEL UK Ltd...He said that if and when the deal was done with Delancey he wanted to discuss fully with the Trust what the supporters wanted at the new stadium. He said that he looked forward to our input...He said that the finance required at the Club hasn't been provided by from SEL for nearly two years...RM said that there was no conflict between Ron Martin owning Martin Dawn and Martin Dawn/SEL owning 100% of the Club. He said that he wants to return the stadium to the supporters and also wished to remove the debt.


Thoughts? There is more, but I've selected the juicier stuff.
Sounds very good news to me... as long as Delancey are out of the picture.

Can we hear from any of the conspiracy theorists please?

[Andy_S]

Nice to read that he will fully back the management if there is a player that we find who'll improve us. Time to sort out those full back positions! http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Shrimperstrust]

The full Liaison Minutes are available on the Trust's Website www.shrimperstrust.co.uk (http://www.shrimperstrust.co.uk), where you can also buy your last minute Xmas gifts from the Trust's Own Shop or from a host of Major Retailers at www.buy.at/ShrimpersTrust (http://www.buy.at/ShrimpersTrust).

Sorry for the plug, but it is getting close to Xmas *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Firestorm]

My first thought was that in trying to buy Delancey out now RM is hoping to maximise SEl's revenue from the FF development. Assuming that the offer being made is less than the current figure Delancey expect to make, the sweetener for Delancey being that they get all the money they have put in to date back now as opposed to when FF is finished in addition to there being no further requirements for cash from Delancey.

The concern is the funding, at the moment all of our debt is to one organisation, who despite not being overly keen on the "investment" they have ended up with are highly unlikely to wind us up. Compare this to the likes or Wrexham, who owe a number of people, including the most common "winder upper" of football clubs, the Inland revenue.
So will the new funding be as accomodating ? Is it a loan (or number of?) where interest is due ? or is a a group of individuals with a bit of spare cash (I doubt) . Will the investors expect a regular payout from SEL post FF or will they get a one off payment at completion like Delancey were going to get ?

Personally, if it means that SEL get a bit more at the end of the FF / RH redevelopment to plough into SUFC then its ok by me, as long as there aren't any Anton Johnsons tucked away in the background here.....

[Upminster Blue]

Interesting, I see that the site will now only be 20 acres rather than the hoped for 50 acres. I guess this means a smaller and less grand stadium so that all the "enabling development" can be fitted onto the site.

Hopefully we'll end up with something better than Chester, Northampton & Sc**thorpe but I'm not holding my breath. At least Ron's willing to listen to supporters comments and Fossets Farm appears to be progressing, although much slower than we would like.

(By the way, what is the Shrimpers Trust Army Fund?)

[Beaver]

Quote[/b] (Upminster Blue @ Dec. 09 2004,13:56)](By the way, what is the Shrimpers Trust Army Fund?)
A new scheme the Trust are looking at.

More details will follow when finalised.

[Upminster Blue]

Quote[/b] (Firestorm @ Dec. 09 2004,13:39)]My first thought was that in trying to buy Delancey out now RM is hoping to maximise SEl's revenue from the FF development. Assuming that the offer being made is less than the current figure Delancey expect to make, the sweetener for Delancey being that they get all the money they have put in to date back now as opposed to when FF is finished in addition to there being no further requirements for cash from Delancey.
Agreed - taking the really positive view of this, Delancey (being removed from the day to day issues) want out of their "investment" and would be happy to take some form of (lower?) upfront payment. Whereas, RM is increasinlgly bullish of the potential success of the project (good news for us). Hence his willingness to increase his investment. Everyone's a winner?

One question, does RM have the cash to buy-out Delancey? If not, the payments might be partially contingent on the success and revenues generated by FF but with some of the downsider risks taken away for Delancey.

[Firestorm]

Do I assume that the relief road mentioned as taking up some of the space is this proposed new Northern relief road which Rochford Council are vehemently against ?

As for the 20 Acres we are not getting. I would guess that Lansbury have found a better deal now that the B&Q has got the nod. Its beginning to make that error of Judgement with Swan Hill look very expensive.....

[steveh1510]

So, if RM buys out Delancey, will club actually be in any debt? Presumably we'll owe money to SEL, but will this be a debt (as such), as they will be owned by RM, who'll get the money back from the Fossetts Farm development?

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[Firestorm]

Quote[/b] (steveh1510 @ Dec. 09 2004,14:14)]So, if RM buys out Delancey, will club actually be in any debt? Presumably we'll owe money to SEL, but will this be a debt (as such), as they will be owned by RM, who'll get the money back from the Fossetts Farm development?

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
True, except that "RM said that he had placed a Fully Funded proposal to Delancey to acquire their 50% shareholding in SEL" insinuates that funding has been sought, as opposed to just popping down the cashpoint for the odd 8M quid.. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[The General]

Im confused.

[blues_r_best]

Quote[/b] (The General @ Dec. 09 2004,14:29)]Im confused.
Same here, the only thing I could add is that I thought we were in £6M in debt instead of £8M.

[Firestorm]

Quote[/b] (blues_r_best @ Dec. 09 2004,14:30)]Quote[/b] (The General @ Dec. 09 2004,14:29)]Im confused.
Same here, the only thing I could add is that I thought we were in £6M in debt instead of £8M.
In all honesty I just used 8 M as a number, How much is the bid ? God knows ,but thinking that it will include paying back the debt, paying off an element potential profit in the FF/RH developments it has got to be a good few bob....

[sufcintheprem]

Quote[/b] (steveh1510 @ Dec. 09 2004,14:14)]So, if RM buys out Delancey, will club actually be in any debt? Presumably we'll owe money to SEL, but will this be a debt (as such), as they will be owned by RM, who'll get the money back from the Fossetts Farm development?

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Or even, as RM has hinted, might SEL actually continue to hold the club under its ownership, removing all debt from the club, other than the debt SEL could recoup from selling the club?


(I think technically this fits more in to FF forum or the trust one but then I don't entirely agree with the moving of some topics!)

[Napster]

Quote[/b] (sufcintheprem @ Dec. 09 2004,14:15)](I think technically this fits more in to FF forum or the trust one but then I don't entirely agree with the moving of some topics!)
Nah, it's Southend first and foremost.

[The Artful Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (Firestorm @ Dec. 09 2004,14:27)]True, except that "RM said that he had placed a Fully Funded proposal to Delancey to acquire their 50% shareholding in SEL" insinuates that funding has been sought, as opposed to just popping down the cashpoint for the odd 8M quid.. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
This isn't the Jeff King rumour mkII is it?

[* ORM *]

Quote[/b] (Napster @ Dec. 09 2004,13:18)]From the Trust's latest liaision minutes:

(RM) said that under the Option they now have 20 acres whereas RM would have preferred the original 50 acre proposal...RM said that he wanted the new stadium to be able to be increased to about 22,500 capacity and feels that in an “immediate” catchment area of 300,000 and 750 within 15 miles, gates could be greatly improved. *He said that he had had meetings with the council and who remained supportive of the proposed stadium relocation.

RM said that he had placed a Fully Funded proposal to Delancey to acquire their 50% shareholding in SEL. *Delancey have said they want out and were carrying out an appraisal to see if they are getting value from the proposed buy-out...
He said that that was the deal he was proposing to Delancey and although it is not confidential it is important to achieve a resolution in order to move forward. *He said that if and when the deal happens he may form a new co. or keep it as SEL UK Ltd...He said that if and when the deal was done with Delancey he wanted to discuss fully with the Trust what the supporters wanted at the new stadium. He said that he looked forward to our input...He said that the finance required at the Club hasn't been provided by from SEL for nearly two years...RM said that there was no conflict between Ron Martin owning Martin Dawn and Martin Dawn/SEL owning 100% of the Club. He said that he wants to return the stadium to the supporters and also wished to remove the debt.


Thoughts? There is more, but I've selected the juicier stuff.
Well isn't that just dandy ! Even better news is that they're going to consult the fans asking for ideas for the new stadium for which the plans were being submitted during the summer (oops).

Meanwhile, in the real world......

1) When are we getting a new stadium ?

2) When (if) are plans likely to be submitted ?

3) Is there any truth whatsover in the rumoured plans for Franchise FC mach II ?

[Benfleetshrimp]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Dec. 10 2004,19:25)]Is there any truth whatsover in the rumoured plans for Franchise FC mach II ?
What are the rumours surrounding this?

As our ideas for the ground are being asked for on the new ground, i can say for definite the current food contract holders should not have their contract renewed when we move.

Crap selection and run out when we get anything close to a decent crowd.

Bruce Shrimpsteen

Born to Shrimp

[sufcintheprem]

Quote[/b] (Benfleetshrimp @ Dec. 10 2004,19:33)]Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Dec. 10 2004,19:25)]Is there any truth whatsover in the rumoured plans for Franchise FC mach II ?
What are the rumours surrounding this?
Was that the start of it?

[footymad13]

How is the stadium being funded ?, Martin Dawn arn't exactly 'big players' and his paying off Delencey, so how does he pay for a stadium ?

[Javea Shrimper]

How have Arsenal paid for theirs?

WS

[footymad13]

Quote[/b] (Javea Shrimper @ Dec. 12 2004,19:56)]How have Arsenal paid for theirs?

WS
Do you think Granada, Nike & Air Emirates will have a wip round for Southend ?

Seriously, any ideas how RM will fund the stadium, more debt ?

[McScriven]

Quote[/b] (footymad13 @ Dec. 12 2004,22:25)]Quote[/b] (Jávea Shrimper @ Dec. 12 2004,19:56)]How have Arsenal paid for theirs?

WS
Do you think Granada, Nike & Air Emirates will have a wip round for Southend ?

Seriously, any ideas how RM will fund the stadium, more debt ?
Forget sponsorship deals thtas extra money how has Wembley been paid for?

Money is borrowed from banks. Whether this is how a new Southend stadium will be financed I haven't a clue.

[Javea Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (footymad13 @ Dec. 12 2004,22:25)]Quote[/b] (Jávea Shrimper @ Dec. 12 2004,19:56)]How have Arsenal paid for theirs?

WS
Do you think Granada, Nike & Air Emirates will have a wip round for Southend ?

Seriously, any ideas how RM will fund the stadium, more debt ?
I have no idea how exactly RM intends to raise the necessary funding but the money could raised against an asset. Can you think of any prime development land that SEL could use?

WS

[footymad13]

Quote[/b] (Javea Shrimper @ Dec. 12 2004,22:04)]Quote[/b] (footymad13 @ Dec. 12 2004,22:25)]Quote[/b] (Jávea Shrimper @ Dec. 12 2004,19:56)]How have Arsenal paid for theirs?

WS
Do you think Granada, Nike & Air Emirates will have a wip round for Southend ?

Seriously, any ideas how RM will fund the stadium, more debt ?
I have no idea how exactly RM intends to raise the necessary funding but the money could raised against an asset. Can you think of any prime development land that SEL could use?

WS
Indeed, but interesting to see what he can build on it once the convient has been lifted. Wern't there problems building on RH, something about the soil ?

I understand the whole stadium, bank thing however surely that would be going from the frying pan into the fire.

[sufcintheprem]

Quote[/b] (footymad13 @ Dec. 13 2004,00:33)]Quote[/b] (Jávea Shrimper @ Dec. 12 2004,22:04)]Quote[/b] (footymad13 @ Dec. 12 2004,22:25)]Quote[/b] (Jávea Shrimper @ Dec. 12 2004,19:56)]How have Arsenal paid for theirs?

WS
Do you think Granada, Nike & Air Emirates will have a wip round for Southend ?

Seriously, any ideas how RM will fund the stadium, more debt ?
I have no idea how exactly RM intends to raise the necessary funding but the money could raised against an asset. Can you think of any prime development land that SEL could use?

WS
Indeed, but interesting to see what he can build on it once the convient has been lifted. Wern't there problems building on RH, something about the soil ?

I understand the whole stadium, bank thing however surely that would be going from the frying pan into the fire.
I guess quite a lot of it may be raised by selling off leases for some of the commercial areas we intend to build. I would have thought they may get a loan secured on Root Hall but this would commit RM to a long time with the club as the liability would lie in his interests alone and not the club's as we don't own te ground anymore.

No idea which bank would lend a third division side who've only turned one profitable year in about ten years of trading.

Seriously, why can't my accounting course have stuff like football financing in instead of forcing me to write about the OFR (if you don't know, you don't want to!)

[Matt the Shrimp]

Quote[/b] (Napster @ Dec. 09 2004,13:18)]RM said that he had placed a Fully Funded proposal to Delancey to acquire their 50% shareholding in SEL. *Delancey have said they want out and were carrying out an appraisal to see if they are getting value from the proposed buy-out...

He said that he wants to return the stadium to the supporters and also wished to remove the debt.

Thoughts?
Hmm, whilst we're about it, can we have an end to war, famine and third world debt?

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/oops.gif

Seriously, the $64,000 - or, more accurately, the £6-8m question is: how is the buy-out of Delancey's 50% stake in SEL - which will be, in effect, the way in which they recoup their investment in SUFC over the last 5 or 6 years - going to be funded?

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

In answer to Scriv & Mike - how are Wembley / Ashburton Grove funded:

1. Wembley: mixture of banks, but ultimately security is provided by the Government. It's the national stadium.

2. Arsenal: funding provided by banks, on the security of "Arsenal". They are one of the biggest and most successful brands in Europe. That's good enough security for most banks.

So, how about Ron & SUFC? What sort of bank is going to loan us money? Where's their security? Roots Hall...? Erm, we don't own it. Ron only half owns it. Is it worth, as a site, the amount that he needs to draw down in order to pay off Delancey?

Besides, if we're not to be saddled with crippling interest payments, that means we'll have to move bloody quickly into a new stadium in order to sell Roots Hall (and/or redevelop it, if that's Ron's plan?) and realise the capital in the asset in order to pay off the bank.

Surely, Ron shouldn't even be thinking about trying to buy Delancey out until we've got planning permission approved (bearing in mind that Prescott may wish to "call it in"). Any attempt to buy out Delancey now surely smacks of empire-building, rather than putting in place the plans that will allow the club to move into a new stadium, and also to move out of debt...

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Since I can't see where the money's coming from, nor can I see a set of approved plans for the construction of the stadium, I can't feel overly excited about Ron's latest pronouncements.

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/down.gif

Matt

[Upminster Blue]

Quote[/b] (Matt the Shrimp @ Dec. 13 2004,11:58)]What sort of bank is going to loan us money? *Where's their security? *Roots Hall...? *Erm, we don't own it. *Ron only half owns it. *Is it worth, as a site, the amount that he needs to draw down in order to pay off Delancey?
I was under the impresssion, but might be wrong (it has been known!), that the club would have no direct financial interest in the new ground and surrounding developments. It is to be completely financed by RM and his associated companies with SUFC meerly being rent paying tenants at the new ground.

In which case, it is up to RM's companies to finance the deal in the same way that any other property development would be financed (where there is always the inevitable delay between starting the development, with the need for cash, and the development being profitable). So, surely a combination of short term borrowings, possibly against other company assets (eg Roots Hall), advance sale of leases and options on the retail part of Fossetts Farm etc would be needed to fund the upfront building costs.

As to whether the required short term borrowings are possible, this, I imagine, would hinge on the business plan RM can put to potential lenders, the strength of RM's companies' balance sheets and their past tack record on similar sized developments. This would seem to be the stumbling block.

[Firestorm]

Financing aside, the bit I want to know is where are we going to train and where will the academy play ?

[Napster]

I'm sure all will be revealed in due course. Ron seems to be very pleased with the way things are progressing.

[shrimperian]

my guess is that we will all be given wheelbarrows and a map to Highbury and told to purloin the old arsenal stadium bit by bit in the dead of night. even if we were to only work out how to put half of it together we would have a 20,000 all seater!!

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[sufcintheprem]

Quote[/b] (Firestorm @ Dec. 13 2004,14:45)]Financing aside, the bit I want to know is where are we going to train and where will the academy play ?
Easy, Chalkwell park.



Quote[/b] (MattTheShrimp @ Dec. 13 2004,14:00)]Surely, Ron shouldn't even be thinking about trying to buy Delancey out until we've got planning permission approved (bearing in mind that Prescott may wish to "call it in"). Any attempt to buy out Delancey now surely smacks of empire-building, rather than putting in place the plans that will allow the club to move into a new stadium, and also to move out of debt...

Not sure about the empire building bit. However RM may intend to finance it, you can be sure it won't be from cash he has lying around in an offshore account. He's a businessman and I'd bet it's invested somewhere.

If it puts anyone at ease, my neighbour (director) spent his whole working life in the financial sector and I can certainly testament to the quality of his character.

Then again, suppose you'd have to be able to testament to my character as well.....

[Javea Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (Matt the Shrimp @ Dec. 13 2004,11:58)]So, how about Ron & SUFC? *What sort of bank is going to loan us money? *Where's their security? *Roots Hall...? *Erm, we don't own it. *
I was under the impression that it wasn't going to be SUFC who would finance and build the stadium. Therefore SEL (and subsequently RHL) would be able to do so?

WS

[sufcintheprem]

Quote[/b] (Javea Shrimper @ Dec. 13 2004,19:55)]Quote[/b] (Matt the Shrimp @ Dec. 13 2004,11:58)]So, how about Ron & SUFC? What sort of bank is going to loan us money? Where's their security? Roots Hall...? Erm, we don't own it.
I was under the impression that it wasn't going to be SUFC who would finance and build the stadium. Therefore SEL (and subsequently RHL) would be able to do so?

WS
I agree. But then, if SEL gets full ownership of the club and has no other business purpose then there will surely be very little distinction between the two.

Question is, will RM be in for the long haul and keep the club or get his money back and sell it off?

[footymad13]

Quote[/b] (Matt the Shrimp @ Dec. 13 2004,10:58)]Quote[/b] (Napster @ Dec. 09 2004,13:18)]RM said that he had placed a Fully Funded proposal to Delancey to acquire their 50% shareholding in SEL. *Delancey have said they want out and were carrying out an appraisal to see if they are getting value from the proposed buy-out...

He said that he wants to return the stadium to the supporters and also wished to remove the debt.

Thoughts?
Hmm, whilst we're about it, can we have an end to war, famine and third world debt?

2. Arsenal: funding provided by banks, on the security of "Arsenal". *They are one of the biggest and most successful brands in Europe. *That's good enough security for most banks.


Matt
To a certain extent, however they have a very good and very viable business plan to pay for the stadium and any debts. Yes at the end of the day a bank loan payed for the stadium but as well as the stadium is a large regeneration of Islington including affordable housing and lots of jobs, thus the council have been really supportive. Most of the prawn sandwich seats are sold and Arsenal have a disposit on them. Then combine this with the sponsorship deals with Nike (£50m) and Emirates (£100m) plus other little bits and pieces and you have alot of money and then theres the money the club have put in themselfs.

At the end of the day we need to get local companies on board, we can earn a packet in sponsorship and hospitality, I just don't see how RM is going to fund both the buying out of Delencey and the building of FF. And i hope to god its not a basic souless stadium e.g Chester. Any ideas when the planning application will go in ?

[londonblue]

Quote[/b] (Benfleetshrimp @ Dec. 10 2004,19:33)]Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Dec. 10 2004,19:25)]Is there any truth whatsover in the rumoured plans for Franchise FC mach II ?
What are the rumours surrounding this?
If we can play at twice the speed of sound who cares?
http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[J]

cant we close this, hasnt been used in ages

[Napster]

I think things may be interesting very soon.

[Hong Kong Blue]

Quote[/b] (Napster @ April 12 2005,11:28)]I think things may be interesting very soon.
Is this another Napster "I know something you don't know..." post.

[J]

Quote[/b] (Napster @ April 12 2005,11:28)]I think things may be interesting very soon.
ok, you have pm napster can you reply

[sufcintheprem]

Quote[/b] (Hong Kong Blue @ April 12 2005,11:41)]Quote[/b] (Napster @ April 12 2005,11:28)]I think things may be interesting very soon.
Is this another Napster "I know something you don't know..." post.
I thought it was the Napster "I know something you don't know..." board!

Just for the record, I know something Napster doesn't.

[Matt the Shrimp]

Quote[/b] (sufcintheprem @ April 12 2005,16:50)]Just for the record, I know something Napster doesn't.
So do I - namely the insolvency provisions in the JCT 98 Standard form of Building Contract with Contractor's Design Portion, something on which our Naps is a bit ropey...

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/upside.gif http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[Matt the Shrimp]

Hmm... an interesting quote from the latest Blues News, and in particular the article about TV advertising and revenues:

<span style='color:blue'>&quot;Roots Hall now has an average attendance of 5655 which is a 25% increase on last year’s figure. *We anticipate a further increase for the 2005/06 campaign and expect a 50% increase when the BLUES move stadium.&quot;</span> (emphasis added)

I note with great interest the use of &quot;when&quot; rather than a more conditional phrase such as &quot;in the event that&quot;.

Can we expect an announcement soon, I wonder?

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Yours, still not holding my breath,

Matt

[Stig Purple]

Looks like the club are pretty confident about the stadium so perhaps an end-of-season or close-season announcement is in the offing. It would make sense to have some good news up their sleeves regardless of how the rest of the season pans out, especially when season ticket prices/details get announced for next season. If the new stadium were to be 'in the bag' then perhaps the club would want to do what Charlton did when returning to The Valley and issue five- or ten-year season tickets at discount prices to guarantee the best seats in the new stadium. I've got a friend who got a ten-year season ticket for Charlton and got excellent value. They subsequently got promoted to the Premier$hite but he had only paid discounted division one prices to see it. I'm not suggesting SUFC would be similarly successful but getting season ticket money upfront would allow them to invest in building a squad capable of climbing the leagues over the coming seasons. The Ron Martin regime should be competent enough to manage the finances appropriately which I don't feel would have been the case in, say, the Vic Jobson era.

Any idea how they came up with 50% increase for the 'new stadium effect'? Is it based on an assumption of on-pitch success? Would we really get that many extra if we were having a bad season? A new stadium would certainly help attract and retain people who wouldn't be seen dead in Roots Hall because it can't live up to the Sky TV/Premier$hite-delivered expectations of modern facilities and good views from all seats. It's worked for other clubs. Though not directly comparable to us, I remember being astounded when Middlesbrough went from getting 16,000 crowds at Ayresome Park when we were playing them to 28,000 at Riverside. Here's hoping we get a similar boost if we get the new stadium.

[Hong Kong Blue]

Quote[/b] (Stig Purple @ April 15 2005,15:52)]Any idea how they came up with 50% increase for the 'new stadium effect'?
Its probably because most clubs suffer and get relegated whilst their new stadiums are being constructed ie Stoke, Reading, Sunderland, Middlesborough.

They then bounce back in their first year in a new stadium and the crowds who deserted them whilst they were struggling return!

[Napster]

as an update- there isnt one. there seems to be a stalemate between Ron and Delancey...

[sufcintheprem]

Quote[/b] (Napster @ April 15 2005,16:31)]as an update- there isnt one. there seems to be a stalemate between Ron and Delancey...
Anything a bit of well-directed fan power can help?

[blues_r_best]

Quote[/b] (sufcintheprem @ April 16 2005,16:44)]Quote[/b] (Napster @ April 15 2005,16:31)]as an update- there isnt one. there seems to be a stalemate between Ron and Delancey...
Anything a bit of well-directed fan power can help?
Unless they were a bit hot, then I wouldn't have thought so.

[Napster]

Quote[/b] (sufcintheprem @ April 16 2005,16:44)]Quote[/b] (Napster @ April 15 2005,16:31)]as an update- there isnt one. there seems to be a stalemate between Ron and Delancey...
Anything a bit of well-directed fan power can help?
I wouldnt have thought so at the moment. Hopefully at the end of the season if things remain the same...

[* ORM *]

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Front page of the Echo anyone ?

[Napster]

Hmmm. Watch out for more stating the obvious soon.

[Upminster Blue]

Quote[/b] (* ORM * @ Sep. 27 2005,23:03)]http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Front page of the Echo anyone ?
Which said?

[dloman]

Hi all, I am surprised more people haven't mentioned last night's echo!!. In the castle point edition it was around page 14 /15 with Colin Wagman (remember him?) stating something like &quot;its highly unlikely that sufc will move &quot; or words to similar effect.


This is a potentially a very worrying development i think

[Napster]

Quote[/b] (dloman @ Sep. 29 2005,12:19)]Hi all, I am surprised more people haven't mentioned last night's echo!!. * In the castle point edition it was around page 14 /15 with Colin Wagman (remember him?) stating something like * &quot;its highly unlikely that sufc will move &quot; * or words to similar effect.


This is a potentially a very worrying development i think
Potentially very worrying. I reckon CW and RM are doing a Jo Moore*.

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

*burying bad news (in this case, whilst we are playing well)

[dloman]

I think you could be right on that one, it was only a very small article in my edition and very much hidden away.



Great saying that one, will end up as a common expression.

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Smiffy]

It wont happen, we all know that so lets forget about it.

It has to be the longest drawn out false dawn in the history of Southend United F.C.

http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[TerryintheWest]

So if a new stadium does not happen and Ron Martin is insisting that a new stadium is essential for the club's future, are you not in the slightest bit concerned?http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?

[Smiffy]

No dont get me wrong TITW, of course i'm concerned, very much so, all I am saying is it is pointless getting worked up about something we have no control over what so ever and something we have heard countless times over the past 25 years.

[TerryintheWest]

Quote[/b] ]all I am saying is it is pointless getting worked up about something we have no control over

so that's that then!! *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif What would you do if you could?

[Kent Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (TerryintheWest @ Oct. 01 2005,00:43)]Quote[/b] ]all I am saying is it is pointless getting worked up about something we have no control over

so that's that then!! *http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif What would you do if you could?
well if i win tonights lottery i would by the club. not sure how we would get the new stadium, maybe do as most clubs do let the council stump up the 30mil. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Sadly it seems like the new Stadium dream is just that. I just wish that they'd come forward and admit it's highly unlikely to happen. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Quite happy at the Hall, I never really wanted to leave it, but the club has been so adamant that they need a new ground to progress. Due to this I'm a bit worried about the whole situation...

[Kent Shrimper]

For the exiles who missed the piece in the echo.

Taken form www.thisisessex.co.uk

Southend: Stadium plan in limbo
Brought to you by the Evening Echo
Southend United's dream of a new stadium at Fossetts Farm could be scuppered because of a dispute between its major shareholders, it was revealed today.

Blues chairman and shareholder Ron Martin has always insisted the new 15,000 seater stadium was essential for the club's future.

However, joint shareholder Colin Wagman, of London-based Delancey Estates, cast doubt over the stadium plan by suggesting it was &quot;not the most likely scenario&quot;.

Mr Wagman said: &quot;It's fair comment that it's pretty difficult to relocate the club to Fossetts Farm in the circumstances and it has been for some time. &quot;I think it's very difficult to commercially achieve and I don't think it's the most likely scenario.

&quot;But it doesn't stop them playing football at Roots Hall.&quot;

Mr Martin confirmed his hopes of leaving Blues' spiritual Roots Hall home for a new site at Fossetts Farm have stagnated for now.

* Full story in Tuesday's Echo

[Winkle]

now dat ron martin has had a b id considered by delancey we can probably get this stadium plan to go ahead wahoo!!!!!!!

[shrimptank]

Over the course of the years i think we have heard so many rumours about how the new stadium will bring in £XXmillions in the future, but we seem as near now as ever, but still as far away as we were at the beginning of this saga all those years ago. Until there is an opening game at any new stadium i wont believe it till it happens.

Quote[/b] (Winkle @ Jan. 24 2006,18:16)]Now that ron martin has had a bid considered by delancey we can probably get this stadium plan to go ahead. Wahoo!!!!!!!
He has? I haven't read this yet. Even if that's true, Delancey have to agree, not just consider, to sell their shares if we are to proceed, so lets not start counting chickens yet.

Quote[/b] (Whatever @ Jan. 25 2006,11:45)]Quote[/b] (Winkle @ Jan. 24 2006,18:16)]Now that ron martin has had a bid considered by delancey we can probably get this stadium plan to go ahead. Wahoo!!!!!!!
He has? I haven't read this yet. Even if that's true, Delancey have to agree, not just consider, to sell their shares if we are to proceed, so lets not start counting chickens yet.
Clicky (http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1692816,00.html)

[Xàbia Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (<span style='color:red'>Southend</span> @ Jan. 25 2006,23:39)]Clicky (http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1692816,00.html)
&quot;Wise stirs up controversy despite his scoring debut for Sky Blues&quot;

Interesting. But what's it got to do with Southend United?

WS
Jávea

Quote[/b] (Xàbia Shrimper @ Jan. 25 2006,23:18)]Quote[/b] (<span style='color:red'>Southend</span> @ Jan. 25 2006,23:39)]Clicky (http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1692816,00.html)
&quot;Wise stirs up controversy despite his scoring debut for Sky Blues&quot;

Interesting. But what's it got to do with Southend United?

WS
Jávea
It's right at the bottom of the article. Until I see something from Southend themselves I won't believe it...

[Napster]

December 9, 2004 it all began, so it took 15 months to find the finance...