Christmas message from the Chairman
As Christmas approaches, I would like to give you a ‘latest status’ report before we all move on to our family duties and concentrate on opening presents and eating as much as possible!
The hard work continues behind the scenes and every day sees our Club take a step closer to new ownership. For any of you who have been involved in a situation such as the potential bidders face, you will know that legal, financial and operational issues take time to resolve to everyone’s satisfaction, to ensure that any bid is bullet-proof and that it is in the long term interests of the Club. Therefore, it is no surprise that all potential bids for the Club are still in the early stages of development.
All potential bidders have been given a timetable by the administrator and any bid that wants to be considered has to show proof of funds to the tune of £3m. However, the timeframe is very short and it may be that the administrator decides to extend certain deadlines. We can only wait and see what develops and which parties put forward official bids.
We already know the number of people who have expressed an interest, although if there are really 15 interested parties as newspaper reports suggest, it is a great shame that so far only one has sought to consult with supporters on any level. However, we understand that there are real and positive steps on this encouraging bid enabling us put our full support behind it becoming reality.
Now is the time to be vigilant to ensure that we can support any bid that helps both the short term and long term futures of the Club, staff, players and fans. These things are never quick, rarely go according to plan and must be respectful of confidentiality. Therefore, I ask you that you bear with us until further details on any potential bids are released before giving our view of them, and which, if any, we feel should be supported. However, from what we do know, things are looking positive and this gives me great heart for the Christmas period. If you are able to read the articles in this week’s Luton News (web access is at www.hattersnews.co.uk) you can also take heart in the fact that the administrator, who is privy to some of the confidential matters to which I refer, states:
“There is a consortium backed by fans and they have issued a prospectus. They are looking for Luton fans to come in and help them make a bid. I’ve seen some evidence that they are having success in that.”
He goes on to say:
“I was concerned about the attitude of the supporters’ groups so we got together. We met after the Nottingham Forest match and it was positive – very good.”
Hopefully, you can see from his comments that we, LLSC and LTSC are making influential inroads. I must stress, however, that whilst the bid referred to is aligned with our cornerstones for ownership, it is not our bid! These are cornerstones that are to the benefit of the Club and supporters IF we can gain the agreement of any new owner. Therefore, any bid that includes these cornerstones from the outset jumps to the top of our list of preferred owners from our perspective!
The bid being put together is being done so by the investors themselves and we are merely taking every opportunity to share our experiences and views so that this group know the full facts and huge opportunity before they decide to press forward. From what we have seen so far, we are assured that this particular group would put the Club in safe hands but, as I have repeatedly said, consultation from other parties would be welcomed before we carefully consider where to place our support. Some bids may not consult fans or detail their plans whereas hopefully the majority will seek to take an inclusive attitude to supporters.
TiL will continue to engage with any party that acknowledges and supports our cornerstones outlined in my last statement. Some of these are potential investors and some are people who can help or offer advice and expertise. We are also using the expertise of our retained professional lawyers and accountants to make sure a proper and fair process is followed.
All the supporters’ groups are keeping in close contact so that we can act in as much a unified way as possible. This does not mean we have any intention of merging – as it has been stated many times before, we fulfil different functions and we all respect each other’s independence completely. So far in this process, by utilising each other’s strengths and expertise, we are able to do our best for the Club. My thanks go to my counterparts Kevin and Kevin at LLSC and LTSC.
I feel as though I am writing many words without saying much! However, things are moving forward at a pace, Luton Town Football Club does have a future and I am confident that, at this stage, 2008 is looking far better than 2007!
2007 has definitely been a year to forget – relegation, unwanted media coverage, debt, dismantling of a successful team, FA charges, points deductions and administration. However, as you all sit down for your festive lunch, can I ask you to do just one thing…..
…..raise a glass to two legends who gave unconditionally to our Club for our joy. David Preece and Bob Bates went to the great stadium in the sky. Although I didn’t personally know Bob, I have heard nothing but praise for him and what he did and felt for Luton Town. David is one of our all time legends, so I feel it is appropriate here to pay respects to two true Hatters. Hopefully, they are looking down on us now proud that we are united in continuing what they showed us we should do. So please, smile, remember them, think of what they stood for and spare a prayer for their families.
It only remains for me to say a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all and your families. Thank you for your support during 2007 and here’s to a successful 2008!
Cheers
Liam |