The Everton Board Thread (Inc. Bill Kenwright / Blue Union)

[davek]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/live...t-in-catch-22-over-its-plans-100252-28191719/

Last in this weeks Echo series on Everton - the ongoing stadium problem.

 

[Rugby Toffee]

And round and round it goes...no easy solution..

 

[Phenom]

See someone on NSNO is adamant were taken over. Arabs, summer.


Zzzzz

Does he have a reputation?

 

[Matt Damon]

Elstone - round II - "Strategy and Investment"

http://www.evertonfc.com/news/strategy-and-investment

18th February 2011 - 19:31
Feedback from last week’s blog has generated two main follow-up questions; firstly, one that relates to an over-used business-speak word ‘strategy’ – specifically, do we have one? And secondly, where is Everton’s billionaire?

Strategy

At the risk of getting defensive, it seems according to some, Everton is a Club ‘bumbling along’ going nowhere. Unsurprisingly, we have a different view. Everton has a very clear three-tiered strategy designed to support its objective of regular European football:

1. Firstly, to prosper in this League, as I said around ‘Kirkby time’, you need either a big, modern stadium that you fill every week or a billionaire who can make up that revenue gap (or maybe both). On the former, as we all know, for the first time arguably since 1892, we had a stadium solution we could fund at Kirkby, but on the decision of a Government minister, we were denied. Within a matter of weeks, we were back up and running, talking to a much more positive City Council, to land owners, developers and potential partners. And we’ve not stopped talking since. We’re talking positively about a handful of good, potential sites but in this day and age, it’s not easy. All prospective partners are facing challenging times. Within a year of the Kirkby rejection, we’d developed a scheme to improve Goodison – a self-funding, cash generating project with a new shop, hospitality, office and museum. We expect to start work soon as we wade through some complex legal matters.

As for the search for a new investor, there has been a stream of potential investors, or rather in truth, intermediaries and agents inquiring about the Club
– all too often, agents who know a man, who know a man, who brings his plan and who’s ready to buy Everton. I’ve held meetings. The Chairman’s held
many meetings. We’ve had meetings together. And, whilst quite clearly, they haven’t delivered what we’re looking for, it’s not because we’ve been imposing
unreasonable conditions, no one has come up with any money. The Club is for sale and that sale does not depend on the Chairman remaining in charge.

2. Secondly, we have to out-perform our rivals, developing, buying and selling players. Our track record is good; a Chairman who realised a fantastic sum on Joleon Lescott, and others, a Manager who signed Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta, and others and an Academy that developed Jack Rodwell with more to come. Whilst to date we haven’t succeeded on our first objective, we have done better than most on this one.

3. Thirdly, we have to grow our fanbase and build loyalty. Quite simply, we strive to find more Evertonians, loyal Evertonians who will fill Goodison Park on a regular basis. To do this, we’re improving our data and knowledge of our fans; we’re developing initiatives to provide a real sense of ownership to our fans; we’re looking at making matchdays as exciting as they can be; and, we are making sure we’re easy to buy from and deal with – becoming every bit as good as any modern, consumer business. All of these areas are being worked on, developed and improved. In a nutshell, the above represents our three-line strategy, a plan of attack which has worked, is working and will continue to see us competing for European qualification places.

The Six Million Dollar Question?

The question everyone wants the answer to, including the Board, is why hasn’t Everton found a new investor? And that’s a tough one to answer. I do know when I look at the values on other clubs that it isn’t Everton shareholders asking for too much money. Football club valuations are imprecise and often subjective but investors are not rejecting Everton because it’s too pricey. As I said earlier, I do know also it’s not the notion that our Chairman wants to stay in charge. Likewise, I also know it’s not because potential investors don’t know that Everton is for sale. The Club has met, and meets, and has appointed proven advisors who work on our behalf across a wide-ranging, worldwide network of contacts.

I also know that anyone buying any football club needs to accept that a big part of the return will be the profile and excitement of owning a football club. And the investment required, which only really starts on day one, is certainly not small-change. If the new owner is after a sensible, rational, cast-iron business investment then football probably won’t fit the bill. If he wants guaranteed dividends, then he’s also in the wrong place. As I’ve said before, the current Board hasn’t taken a solitary penny and certainly, their original investment wasn’t particularly ‘rational’ nor motivated by future financial gain.

If however, on a more positive note, the investor wants to buy something uniquely exciting and secure a place at the best sporting table in the world then he might be in. In our case, if he wants to be in at a Club with unique history, with a large and loyal fanbase, with real spirit and passion then he should come here. More than a century ago, a handful of great clubs were formed and Everton was one of them. It is this heritage that will provide the bedrock of any investment.

Why hasn’t it happened here when it’s happened elsewhere? As I’ve said, I’m not sure but perhaps two points to consider and a word of caution. Firstly, some recent sales have been ‘forced’ with much less certainty that the sale results in the club moving into the right hands. Whilst it’s clearly important that any investor coming into the game needs deep pockets and their eyes wide open, it’s also the case that a seller with an interest in the long-term future of their club will want to be equally challenging of the next custodians. Secondly, we can debate where has new ownership really catapulted a club forward?

Indisputably, at Chelsea and Manchester City, but the impact of new owners is mixed to say the least.

Of course, what we all want is someone to buy the Club a Premiership winning squad and build us a new stadium. And whilst not one new investor in the Premier League has done both, it is not stopping us looking.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Grand Old Team comments to follow:

 

[everton2512]

ipetitions.com/petition/evertonleadership/

All please sign the petition.

FYI after you have signed you do not have to donate just close the page.

 

[Matt Damon]

"As for the search for a new investor, there has been a stream of potential investors, or rather in truth, intermediaries and agents inquiring about the Club
– all too often, agents who know a man, who know a man, who brings his plan and who’s ready to buy Everton. I’ve held meetings. The Chairman’s held many meetings. We’ve had meetings together. And, whilst quite clearly, they haven’t delivered what we’re looking for, it’s not because we’ve been imposing unreasonable conditions, no one has come up with any money. The Club is for sale and that sale does not depend on the Chairman remaining in charge."


BINGO!

Finally the EFC board are ADMITTING - that THERE ARE INTERESTED PARTIES.


( Told you so...)

Despite more DISINGENUOUS protestations from the board - about "unreasonable conditions" being imposed.

i.e. they're haggling over PRICE.

 

[kenada_blue]

http://www.evertonfc.com/news/strategy-and-investment

18th February 2011 - 19:31
Feedback from last week’s blog has generated two main follow-up questions; firstly, one that relates to an over-used business-speak word ‘strategy’ – specifically, do we have one? And secondly, where is Everton’s billionaire?

Strategy

At the risk of getting defensive, it seems according to some, Everton is a Club ‘bumbling along’ going nowhere. Unsurprisingly, we have a different view. Everton has a very clear three-tiered strategy designed to support its objective of regular European football:

1. Firstly, to prosper in this League, as I said around ‘Kirkby time’, you need either a big, modern stadium that you fill every week or a billionaire who can make up that revenue gap (or maybe both). On the former, as we all know, for the first time arguably since 1892, we had a stadium solution we could fund at Kirkby, but on the decision of a Government minister, we were denied. Within a matter of weeks, we were back up and running, talking to a much more positive City Council, to land owners, developers and potential partners. And we’ve not stopped talking since. We’re talking positively about a handful of good, potential sites but in this day and age, it’s not easy. All prospective partners are facing challenging times. Within a year of the Kirkby rejection, we’d developed a scheme to improve Goodison – a self-funding, cash generating project with a new shop, hospitality, office and museum. We expect to start work soon as we wade through some complex legal matters.

As for the search for a new investor, there has been a stream of potential investors, or rather in truth, intermediaries and agents inquiring about the Club
– all too often, agents who know a man, who know a man, who brings his plan and who’s ready to buy Everton. I’ve held meetings. The Chairman’s held
many meetings. We’ve had meetings together. And, whilst quite clearly, they haven’t delivered what we’re looking for, it’s not because we’ve been imposing
unreasonable conditions, no one has come up with any money. The Club is for sale and that sale does not depend on the Chairman remaining in charge.

2. Secondly, we have to out-perform our rivals, developing, buying and selling players. Our track record is good; a Chairman who realised a fantastic sum on Joleon Lescott, and others, a Manager who signed Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta, and others and an Academy that developed Jack Rodwell with more to come. Whilst to date we haven’t succeeded on our first objective, we have done better than most on this one.

3. Thirdly, we have to grow our fanbase and build loyalty. Quite simply, we strive to find more Evertonians, loyal Evertonians who will fill Goodison Park on a regular basis. To do this, we’re improving our data and knowledge of our fans; we’re developing initiatives to provide a real sense of ownership to our fans; we’re looking at making matchdays as exciting as they can be; and, we are making sure we’re easy to buy from and deal with – becoming every bit as good as any modern, consumer business. All of these areas are being worked on, developed and improved. In a nutshell, the above represents our three-line strategy, a plan of attack which has worked, is working and will continue to see us competing for European qualification places.

The Six Million Dollar Question?

The question everyone wants the answer to, including the Board, is why hasn’t Everton found a new investor? And that’s a tough one to answer. I do know when I look at the values on other clubs that it isn’t Everton shareholders asking for too much money. Football club valuations are imprecise and often subjective but investors are not rejecting Everton because it’s too pricey. As I said earlier, I do know also it’s not the notion that our Chairman wants to stay in charge. Likewise, I also know it’s not because potential investors don’t know that Everton is for sale. The Club has met, and meets, and has appointed proven advisors who work on our behalf across a wide-ranging, worldwide network of contacts.

I also know that anyone buying any football club needs to accept that a big part of the return will be the profile and excitement of owning a football club. And the investment required, which only really starts on day one, is certainly not small-change. If the new owner is after a sensible, rational, cast-iron business investment then football probably won’t fit the bill. If he wants guaranteed dividends, then he’s also in the wrong place. As I’ve said before, the current Board hasn’t taken a solitary penny and certainly, their original investment wasn’t particularly ‘rational’ nor motivated by future financial gain.

If however, on a more positive note, the investor wants to buy something uniquely exciting and secure a place at the best sporting table in the world then he might be in. In our case, if he wants to be in at a Club with unique history, with a large and loyal fanbase, with real spirit and passion then he should come here. More than a century ago, a handful of great clubs were formed and Everton was one of them. It is this heritage that will provide the bedrock of any investment.

Why hasn’t it happened here when it’s happened elsewhere? As I’ve said, I’m not sure but perhaps two points to consider and a word of caution. Firstly, some recent sales have been ‘forced’ with much less certainty that the sale results in the club moving into the right hands. Whilst it’s clearly important that any investor coming into the game needs deep pockets and their eyes wide open, it’s also the case that a seller with an interest in the long-term future of their club will want to be equally challenging of the next custodians. Secondly, we can debate where has new ownership really catapulted a club forward?

Indisputably, at Chelsea and Manchester City, but the impact of new owners is mixed to say the least.

Of course, what we all want is someone to buy the Club a Premiership winning squad and build us a new stadium. And whilst not one new investor in the Premier League has done both, it is not stopping us looking.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Grand Old Team comments to follow:

blah, blah, blah, blah...

Secondly, we can debate where has new ownership really catapulted a club forward?

Indisputably, at Chelsea and Manchester City, but the impact of new owners is mixed to say the least.

Of course, what we all want is someone to buy the Club a Premiership winning squad and build us a new stadium. And whilst not one new investor in the Premier League has done both, it is not stopping us looking.

IE At least we're not Portsmouth Football Club.


The dodging of the "Howcome none of Everton's millionaire board members have put a penny into the club?" question was well documented.

 

[Matt Damon]

"I also know that anyone buying any football club needs to accept that a big part of the return will be the profile and excitement of owning a football club. And the investment required, which only really starts on day one, is certainly not small-change. If the new owner is after a sensible, rational, cast-iron business investment then football probably won’t fit the bill. If he wants guaranteed dividends, then he’s also in the wrong place. As I’ve said before, the current Board hasn’t taken a solitary penny and certainly, their original investment wasn’t particularly ‘rational’ nor motivated by future financial gain."




Another disingenuous statement.

Given that the value of the club with additional capacity (i.e. revenue generation capability) would be higher.

That was the gamble the current board took.

So it is based on future financial gain, which they failed at.

Also Keith Harris : Seymour Pearce as much admitted on Radio City, its all about PRICE of the club.


Robert Elstone.

He's admitted some things and there is SOME honesty in this latest one, but he's also holding things back it seems too.

Maybe they're waiting on the new annex to be up before making a further decision?

But either way. ITS ALL ABOUT SEATING CAPACITY at Goodison.

ADD / SEATS:
5000 = £3million added to turnover a season
10000 = £6million added to turnover a season
15000 = £9million added to turnover a season

Double that with a £2 ticket rise. i.e. £18 million for 55000 seats putting us in the £100million revenue a season range BEFORE added corporate!

Then Moyes may have a chance to compete with Spurs and Newcastle for revenue generation! ergo the Transfer Market.

 

[kenada_blue]

"As for the search for a new investor, there has been a stream of potential investors, or rather in truth, intermediaries and agents inquiring about the Club
– all too often, agents who know a man, who know a man, who brings his plan and who’s ready to buy Everton. I’ve held meetings. The Chairman’s held many meetings. We’ve had meetings together. And, whilst quite clearly, they haven’t delivered what we’re looking for, it’s not because we’ve been imposing unreasonable conditions, no one has come up with any money. The Club is for sale and that sale does not depend on the Chairman remaining in charge."


BINGO!

Finally the EFC board are ADMITTING - that THERE ARE INTERESTED PARTIES.


( Told you so...)

Despite more DISINGENOUS protestations from the board - about "unreasonable conditions" being imposed.

i.e. they're haggling over PRICE.

They've already said before they've talked to people but the havent "shown them the money".

As for the price...Elstone's said its not about the price.......aparantly.

 

[davek]

Elstone >>> "...their original investment wasn’t particularly ‘rational’ nor motivated by future financial gain." Erm...King's Dock....Destination Kirkby. Robert Earl told us he could gain from Kirkby. Unbelievable.

On the Annexe: "We expect to start work soon as we wade through some complex legal matters." FFS, they've screwed this up too!

 

[Matt Damon]

Elstone >>> "...their original investment wasn’t particularly ‘rational’ nor motivated by future financial gain." Erm...King's Dock....Destination Kirkby. Robert Earl told us he could gain from Kirkby. Unbelievable.

On the Annexe: "We expect to start work soon as we wade through some complex legal matters." FFS, they've screwed this up too!

You don't know that mate, could be planning, licencing or other issues. Behind schedule none the less. Not good.

For us, months is critical.

 

[davek]

"As for the search for a new investor, there has been a stream of potential investors, or rather in truth, intermediaries and agents inquiring about the Club
– all too often, agents who know a man, who know a man, who brings his plan and who’s ready to buy Everton. I’ve held meetings. The Chairman’s held many meetings. We’ve had meetings together. And, whilst quite clearly, they haven’t delivered what we’re looking for, it’s not because we’ve been imposing unreasonable conditions, no one has come up with any money. The Club is for sale and that sale does not depend on the Chairman remaining in charge."


BINGO!

Finally the EFC board are ADMITTING - that THERE ARE INTERESTED PARTIES.


( Told you so...)

Despite more DISINGENUOUS protestations from the board - about "unreasonable conditions" being imposed.

i.e. they're haggling over PRICE.

Cool your heels Matt, they're looking for donors not a sell off. If you didn't pick up on that there's no hope for you!!

By the way, PMSL at Elstone saying people came to enquire about the club 'with no money'.

It's official: they're taking the piss!

 

[Deleted member 28206]

"The damon and davek showwwwwwww..."

To the tune of itchy and scratchy shown tune..

 

[davek]

This is scary. Elstone: "The question everyone wants the answer to, including the Board, is why hasn’t Everton found a new investor? And that’s a tough one to answer. I do know when I look at the values on other clubs that it isn’t Everton shareholders asking for too much money."

Is he really suggesting the the board will lump upwards of £100M asking price for shares on top of almost £75M debt when you include the securitization loan interest and a stadium that needs upgrading/moving out of?

Defo taking the piss.

Thanks for the statement, Elstone. If it's designed to answer questions, though, it's an epic fail.

 

[Kay20]

Okay - I'll join the show.

His first section is embarrassing in my opinion. Part of that "over-used business speak" word "strategy" is to have one that is DIFFERENTIATED than your competitors. Some winning advantage that you have that will make you successful versus the rest.

Let's review:
1. New stadium - Yes, agreed, this is 100% important, and I'm glad it's a goal. It's not a strategy. West Ham got a new stadium too. It's a way to increase revenues, but it's not your winning formula, though it'll be your #1 driver of increased revenues in the short-term. Are you doing anything new and different with said stadium? Now that's a strategy. I think he harkens to it at the end of his statement, but he doesn't fulfill it's promise. (And a relegated team won't fill those brand new shiny seats!)

2. Buying/selling of players better than the rest. Well. That's nice. EVERY club wants to do this. How in the world are we doing this differently? Do we have a better talent scouting system? Do we have a better manager with a better eye? Does our academy operate differently than others?

3. Building loyalty among Evertonians elsewhere. Okay - this is a strategy. "To do this, we’re improving our data and knowledge of our fans; we’re developing initiatives to provide a real sense of ownership to our fans; we’re looking at making matchdays as exciting as they can be; and, we are making sure we’re easy to buy from and deal with." Okay - we actually get more detail here, fantastic! And to jdawg's point a few posts ago, I do see Everton making some strides here - mainly domestically. There are some initiatives that jdawg posted about - like the phone deal in Japan & the Asda promo. But the team is woeful in the two markets where they have the most to gain: USA/Australia (I still can't buy a damn kit here in the US). Matchdays as exciting as they can be/fans developing ownership? Huh? What does that mean? So I guess I'm just not seeing it. (If this was one of the team's goals then not signing LD was a bad mistake.) Frankly, the top clubs put us to shame in this aspect, we should learn from them.

So to sum up Mr. Elstone - not a coherent strategy that is differentiated. This not only didn't reassure me, it made me feel even worse. The fact that he put down the word "strategy" had my teeth on edge from the start. Man U is a business, and they recognize themselves as a business, and it benefits them. Poopoo-ing those skills gets you nowhere.

Where in the world is his PR person? He just gets himself in even deeper with these things and it comes off as pandering. I don't get it.

My two cents.