Personally, I didn't learn that much new from that. He didn't say anything wrong and came across as somewhat nervous, which surprised me. I thought he'd be very/overly confident, yet the longer it went on the more you knows there were.
Surprised Bowyer's contract won't be sorted until after the window closes, but Bowyer has always said he's not in a rush over his own contract.
Overall, sounded promising and sensible, but not overly exciting. He could of course be playing things down, as he said agents are already adding 2 zeros to all negotiations.
100% this for me. His body language looked a bit iffy with certain questions and I was intrigued with the decisions he is going to make that will not go down well with us.
However on the whole a huge step up from Roland so can’t complain.
COYR
Yes, a 'strange' comment...didn't go down to well when Duchatelet said the exact same thing.
Time will tell...
Might have been referring to the Lyle Taylor contract situation.
As an individual (i.e. not comparing the ESI finances and plans with those of the Spivs), Southall reminds me slightly of Michael Slater's public persona.
Both personable, both with a keen interest in football, but with no particular connection to Charlton
Indeed what has happened to Slater, who's been pretty low profile when compared to Jiminez?
I personally believe there is money coming from other sources. If His Excellency is worth 'several hundred million' and say that was £600m. IF they paid £60m for the club is putting in an additional £15m to fund the training ground then would he have really invested / risked over 10% of his wealth on us??
I agree. "Because of the people behind the takeover, a couple of 00's get added". But he had already mentioned Hellier and Tahnoon. So behind them? 🤔
Haven't read all comments but he came across quite well.
I will say though my view on the contract comments for Bowyer coupled with the "must stay in the championship " words, are that if results don't improve with an improved squad, Lee will be cast aside quickly and cheaply. If we improve and stay up then he'll get the contract. Possibly harsh but makes sense financially.
I’m thinking I’m liking this new Charlton era alot already...wot a breath of fresh air young Matt S is, talking about our club as a “we” passionately ,trying to make the doubters fall in love again with our club. Bring it on ESI nurture us honestly & decently then anything could be possible on our adventures together...
Too much name dropping imo......mentioning Shelvey, Gomez, Aribo etc etc etc. Trying too hard. Just get your head down, sign some decent players & let us fans drool over all our yesteryears.
I know a bloke who used to be Chairman or Director of Gravesend and Northfleet FC and he's always said that he couldn't understand why Charlton was never bought out by foriegn investors (this would've been before the Roland days), purely because of the fact it's in London and has a great catchment area to tap into. Noticed that MS alluded to that when asked why it was Charlton they chose
Maybe also to do with Charlton being the only London club for sale at the time (as far as I know)
Maybe they have other business interests in South East London & buying the local football club is just an add on to their portfolio.
1 or possibly both of Bowyer and Southall won't be here in 18 months time.
He is a football fan, former player and agent. He knows what fans want and want to hear.
He is an excellent sales man. Probably an excellent man manager as well.
He will personally know every employee's birthday, partners name, children's names name and favourite animal by Friday.
Something will happen before the 1st of Feb that will cause up roar on here.
"We as investors" hit me, I wouldn't mind being £10 behind him, but it's not his money.
Not so concerned about "exit strategy" but being a medium term "established championship club" is just a good way of throwing good money after bad.
No idea what you watched.
The same interview as most people I would imagine unless they beamed a "unique" one to my TV.
What of those 7 points do you think weren't evidenced in that?
Points 1,4,5,6 & 7 weren't evidenced in that.
1) 1 or possibly both of Bowyer and Southall won't be here in 18 months time. That is my opinion, I honestly don't think they will mix well. I have said that from the start. I hope I am wrong.
4) He will personally know every employee's birthday, partners name, children's names name and favourite animal by Friday. That was ment as a positive from what he said, he even mention ex players by first name only.
5) Something will happen before the 1st of Feb that will cause up roar on here. He will "explain" it though.
6) "We as investors" hit me, I wouldn't mind being £10 behind him, but it's not his money. Did he not say that, or did I make it up?
7) Not so concerned about "exit strategy" but being a medium term "established championship club" is just a good way of throwing good money after bad. Name one club, bar Leeds, that has been in the championship for a longish time and doesn't loose money left right and center. Birmingham, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby are prime examples.
Pointless discussion but these are your opinions they were not evidenced in that interview.
1) Zero evidence. 4) I understand the gist, but factually it is not true and not evidenced. 5) Pure guesswork by you. 6) His investment is his 25% shareholding, plus no doubt remuneration package. 7) I presume you assume their long term objective is to stay in The Championship (I heard no clarity re long term stated).
Like I said, random thoughts and MY OPINION, or do I not qualify for an opinion?
1) I said MY OPINION
4) FFS I say something that anyone with a notion of what makes a good leader would see as a positive but you see fit to dig me out for it?
5) Come back to me on the 1st of feb and I will gladly eat humble pie. Its my OPINION.
6) Oh his "salary" I should start including that as investment in my employer.
7) the strategy was stated as being an "established" championship side. If he didn't say that I am sorry.
You can have any opinion you want. You said your opinions were evidenced in the interview and I proved they were not.
You "proved" sod all mate, I said my opinion was evidenced. I didn't say you had to draw the same conclusion.
Your opinion is different to mine, but pray tell me, where did Mr Southall get, in the region of £10+ million, to invest?
Which you are suggesting he has done. Or is that a misunderstanding?
He didn't invest £10M. But he owns 25% of the shares, which would be viewed as part of his "remuneration package", so he has every incentive for us to be a success.
So he isn't an "invester" is he? He won't be investing in the squad, academy, training ground. He is a salesman that has sold an opportunity to HE. So to suggest "we as investors" isn't totally honest is it? He is playing with someone else's money.
As Mike Tyson used to say "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face".
He also said WE tried to sign Green in August when he had no involvement with Charlton. More lies, burn him at the stake the bloody norvenor
Great interview. He’s clearly a bit nervous but came across very well. Loved the cheeky ex-player name drops. Has clearly done his research. Was clearly wanting to get over with the fans without being a hype man, which is a tough balance to strike. All in all, can’t fault that for a first interview. for reference, compare and contrast with this absolute car crash from 6 years ago...
Too much name dropping imo......mentioning Shelvey, Gomez, Aribo etc etc etc. Trying too hard. Just get your head down, sign some decent players & let us fans drool over all our yesteryears.
Damned if he does...damned if he doesn't...personally I appreciate him making the effort. Seems a very likable family man.
Too much name dropping imo......mentioning Shelvey, Gomez, Aribo etc etc etc. Trying too hard. Just get your head down, sign some decent players & let us fans drool over all our yesteryears.
Damned if he does...damned if he doesn't...personally I appreciate him making the effort. Seems a very likable family man.
Absolutely.
We've just had an owner who turned up to the Valley once or twice in about 6 years. Now this guy is here, meeting fans, doing an interview and he's accused of 'trying too hard'.
I think it’s also very important that Tahnoon Nimer shows up and is made to feel very welcome. The closer that he becomes to the club, fans and team the more likely he is to get involved. I hope he doesn’t just turn up and sit anonymously in the directors box. Think he should do the full scarfy bit on the pitch.
1 or possibly both of Bowyer and Southall won't be here in 18 months time.
He is a football fan, former player and agent. He knows what fans want and want to hear.
He is an excellent sales man. Probably an excellent man manager as well.
He will personally know every employee's birthday, partners name, children's names name and favourite animal by Friday.
Something will happen before the 1st of Feb that will cause up roar on here.
"We as investors" hit me, I wouldn't mind being £10 behind him, but it's not his money.
Not so concerned about "exit strategy" but being a medium term "established championship club" is just a good way of throwing good money after bad.
No idea what you watched.
The same interview as most people I would imagine unless they beamed a "unique" one to my TV.
What of those 7 points do you think weren't evidenced in that?
Points 1,4,5,6 & 7 weren't evidenced in that.
1) 1 or possibly both of Bowyer and Southall won't be here in 18 months time. That is my opinion, I honestly don't think they will mix well. I have said that from the start. I hope I am wrong.
4) He will personally know every employee's birthday, partners name, children's names name and favourite animal by Friday. That was ment as a positive from what he said, he even mention ex players by first name only.
5) Something will happen before the 1st of Feb that will cause up roar on here. He will "explain" it though.
6) "We as investors" hit me, I wouldn't mind being £10 behind him, but it's not his money. Did he not say that, or did I make it up?
7) Not so concerned about "exit strategy" but being a medium term "established championship club" is just a good way of throwing good money after bad. Name one club, bar Leeds, that has been in the championship for a longish time and doesn't loose money left right and center. Birmingham, Sheffield Wednesday and Derby are prime examples.
Pointless discussion but these are your opinions they were not evidenced in that interview.
1) Zero evidence. 4) I understand the gist, but factually it is not true and not evidenced. 5) Pure guesswork by you. 6) His investment is his 25% shareholding, plus no doubt remuneration package. 7) I presume you assume their long term objective is to stay in The Championship (I heard no clarity re long term stated).
Like I said, random thoughts and MY OPINION, or do I not qualify for an opinion?
1) I said MY OPINION
4) FFS I say something that anyone with a notion of what makes a good leader would see as a positive but you see fit to dig me out for it?
5) Come back to me on the 1st of feb and I will gladly eat humble pie. Its my OPINION.
6) Oh his "salary" I should start including that as investment in my employer.
7) the strategy was stated as being an "established" championship side. If he didn't say that I am sorry.
You can have any opinion you want. You said your opinions were evidenced in the interview and I proved they were not.
You "proved" sod all mate, I said my opinion was evidenced. I didn't say you had to draw the same conclusion.
Your opinion is different to mine, but pray tell me, where did Mr Southall get, in the region of £10+ million, to invest?
Which you are suggesting he has done. Or is that a misunderstanding?
He didn't invest £10M. But he owns 25% of the shares, which would be viewed as part of his "remuneration package", so he has every incentive for us to be a success.
So he isn't an "invester" is he? He won't be investing in the squad, academy, training ground. He is a salesman that has sold an opportunity to HE. So to suggest "we as investors" isn't totally honest is it? He is playing with someone else's money.
As Mike Tyson used to say "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face".
He has a 25% investment stake, it's immaterial whether you believe that makes him an investor. The bottom line is it was a very good interview.
The bottom line is he told you what you wanted to hear.
How much of his cash is on the line? How much is he going to stump up for a striker?
Investor
noun
a person or organization that puts money into financial schemes, property, etc. with the expectation of achieving a profit.
HE IS NOT AN INVESTOR!
I would suggest that the only thing he has got to loose if this goes tits up, which I hope it doesn't (and I don't think it will), is his reputation.
Matt works for East Street Investments, an investment company, and in effect manages the investment capital on a day-to-day basis. He is perfectly entitled to say "We as investors..."
What a silly argument.
I'd also like to point out you have no idea of his personal net worth or whether he has indeed invested himself, not that that is necessary in this case.
Didn’t he turn up with various consortiums looking to buy Bolton and Villa in the last few years ? Was it with Tahnoon or different punters land why did those bids fail ?
he’s just a front man /smooth talker/ fixer/ go getter for the real money(hopefully) men .
Could easily have been spouting out what their fans wanted to here if it had worked out for him there
Playing devil's advocate, could the "strange" comment be that MS wanted to let Bow and his team sign players before tying them down to their contract? That certainly would be "different" to what Bowyer would have seen before.
I know a bloke who used to be Chairman or Director of Gravesend and Northfleet FC and he's always said that he couldn't understand why Charlton was never bought out by foriegn investors (this would've been before the Roland days), purely because of the fact it's in London and has a great catchment area to tap into. Noticed that MS alluded to that when asked why it was Charlton they chose
This is the bit, about Charlton being attractive, I don't get. More people probably live within 10 miles of Charlton than live in with in 50 of Newcastle, Sunderland, Rangers or Celtic. And have done for a long time.
If you can't convert them to bums on seats how do you convert them to revenue? If you can't get an affordable ticket for the Valley, and you live in say Kidbrooke, why would you support Charlton?
The location doesn't really matter if you only watch them on sky does it?
The Valley will sell out if a decent product is supplied. That is a fact as proven by the Premiership years.
I would imagine that ESI are fully aware of this. Furthermore there are exciting developments along the Thames corridor that can be tapped into and exploited - and not just in a football sense, their business interests are quite diverse.
It's not exactly cheap to reside in the multitude of local new riverside apartments, there must be hospitality packages and executive memberships to sell there. It would be great to see Charlton Athletic run on a professional footing on the sales side.
There is an awful lot of love for our football club out there - just look back at the recent Wembley experience. Not everybody is a 'die hard' fan but maybe they're just waiting to be converted?
If our club was run properly, with great sales, led by success on the pitch, ESI's main problem would be the limitations on the stadium.
A good interview that. To me he came over as very genuine and a caring kind of guy. I like what he said about the Upbeats.
The main things I picked up on were:
1. He had been working with the Middle east for a few years, had been monitoring us and he approached His Excellency regarding our potential. I liked that he said they were really onboard with it straight away. That shows that they trust him. 2. His Excellency is involved with 50 odd investments and that he is passionate about each one and has made them all a success because of his passion and involvement. That bodes well for us. 3. The main aim was to get the takeover completed by the start of the January window. He recognises the importance of adding a few bodies to our squad. He recognises the importance of staying in the Championship. That recognition and acknowledgement is huge in my opinion. 4. He recognises that people will now add a couple of zeroes to any transfer activity. This shows that people do realize there is some serious wealth backing us now. 5. I liked that he stressed the importance of building in a manageable and sustainable way. This shows a very balanced approach. 6. I liked that he recognised that Charlton is currently operating in a very lean way. What he meant was with minimal staff. I also like that he spoke about expanding this in various areas. That means adding more resources where they are needed. 7. He referred to the previous ownership as a regime. This in itself shows that he recognises what we were dealing with. 8. The impression I got was that it was Bowyer who wanted to concentrate on the January window before dealing with his new contract. I felt that Lee and his agent were saying this so as not to detract from the window activities. That has a higher priority. I don't think Lee's purpose was to see how that went before negotiating his contract. Southall spoke about bringing in a few players which bodes well. 9. He did mention other assets that hadn't been acquired yet. I'm sure the main asset here is Sparrows Lane. He said the reason for this was to expedite the takeover so that it could be done by the start of the January transfer window. I don't think there is anything suspicious here. 10. Everything he said about community engagement was very encouraging. He genuinely seemed shocked and surprised at what happened in Crossbars. That shows a humility there which I found came over in the interview. He recognises that the previous regime had lost a lot of the community engagement including people boycotting coming to games. 12. He really 'got' the importance of the fans. He spoke about getting 27,000 at every game. He mentioned the banging of the drum. 12. Most importantly, his investors seem to trust him. He will be involved with the day to day activities which I like. 13. He's a football man. He knows the English game. His family have already been to games. 14. He mentioned His Excellency's passion, even commenting on his twitter posts regarding Charlton.
I hope MS is prepared to have every single word he utters in the interview scrutinised and taken at face value and repeated later down the line when he does something that someone doesn't like
Playing devil's advocate, could the "strange" comment be that MS wanted to let Bow and his team sign players before tying them down to their contract? That certainly would be "different" to what Bowyer would have seen before.
Could be Taylor situation, eg giving him a short deadline and if not accepted then offer is withdrawn
I think with the statement from Matt, we can see what Bowyer could possibly meant by strange..
Eg his own contract situation, Taylor, etc
but as he also confirmed "strange" isn't necessarily a bad thing in this instance
Quite surprised to be honest at just how much positivity has been taken from what would have been a well prepared fluff piece aimed at generating support. Not saying that’s a bad thing but surprised others have taken a lot more from it than I did.
A good interview that. To me he came over as very genuine and a caring kind of guy. I like what he said about the Upbeats.
The main things I picked up on were:
1. He had been working with the Middle east for a few years, had been monitoring us and he approached His Excellency regarding our potential. I liked that he said they were really onboard with it straight away. That shows that they trust him. 2. His Excellency is involved with 50 odd investments and that he is passionate about each one and has made them all a success because of his passion and involvement. That bodes well for us. 3. The main aim was to get the takeover completed by the start of the January window. He recognises the importance of adding a few bodies to our squad. He recognises the importance of staying in the Championship. That recognition and acknowledgement is huge in my opinion. 4. He recognises that people will now add a couple of zeroes to any transfer activity. This shows that people do realize there is some serious wealth backing us now. 5. I liked that he stressed the importance of building in a manageable and sustainable way. This shows a very balanced approach. 6. I liked that he recognised that Charlton is currently operating in a very lean way. What he meant was with minimal staff. I also like that he spoke about expanding this in various areas. That means adding more resources where they are needed. 7. He referred to the previous ownership as a regime. This in itself shows that he recognises what we were dealing with. 8. The impression I got was that it was Bowyer who wanted to concentrate on the January window before dealing with his new contract. I felt that Lee and his agent were saying this so as not to detract from the window activities. That has a higher priority. I don't think Lee's purpose was to see how that went before negotiating his contract. Southall spoke about bringing in a few players which bodes well. 9. He did mention other assets that hadn't been acquired yet. I'm sure the main asset here is Sparrows Lane. He said the reason for this was to expedite the takeover so that it could be done by the start of the January transfer window. I don't think there is anything suspicious here. 10. Everything he said about community engagement was very encouraging. He genuinely seemed shocked and surprised at what happened in Crossbars. That shows a humility there which I found came over in the interview. He recognises that the previous regime had lost a lot of the community engagement including people boycotting coming to games. 12. He really 'got' the importance of the fans. He spoke about getting 27,000 at every game. He mentioned the banging of the drum. 12. Most importantly, his investors seem to trust him. He will be involved with the day to day activities which I like. 13. He's a football man. He knows the English game. His family have already been to games. 14. He mentioned His Excellency's passion, even commenting on his twitter posts regarding Charlton.
In my opinion all this bodes well.
Great summary. Can’t see why we need to break down his words and forensically analyse them at this stage. Understand some apprehension based on what we had before and going into another ownership, but at this stage they have only just bought the club, and the early signs seem positive.
I would enjoy it and take heart in comments like recognising the situation with the playing squad and what could happen if we don’t get bodies in. I felt he was trying to be very diplomatic in his approach when talking about bringing players in and avoiding relegation, because he didn’t want to come across as perhaps alienating what Lee has achieved this season and the current squad.
He talks with humility and when you hear of multiple bids on the table for players, on the basis they recognise how bad dropping out the Championship would be, I’m inclined to think they have a long term plan
A good interview that. To me he came over as very genuine and a caring kind of guy. I like what he said about the Upbeats.
The main things I picked up on were:
2. His Excellency is involved with 50 odd investments and that he is passionate about each one and has made them all a success because of his passion and involvement. That bodes well for us.
So - he will be able to devote about 2% of his time to Charlton then. Sound familiar?
Comments
Does anyone know if Murray, Keohane and any other bad blood is still involved? I've not seen that answered anywhere yet, apologises if I've missed it.
He's obviously done his homework, just surprised he didn't mention the car park potholes or the number of chips in a CAFC portion.
Both personable, both with a keen interest in football, but with no particular connection to Charlton
Indeed what has happened to Slater, who's been pretty low profile when compared to Jiminez?
I will say though my view on the contract comments for Bowyer coupled with the "must stay in the championship " words, are that if results don't improve with an improved squad, Lee will be cast aside quickly and cheaply. If we improve and stay up then he'll get the contract. Possibly harsh but makes sense financially.
Bring it on ESI nurture us honestly & decently then anything could be possible on our adventures together...
you know...!!!
We've just had an owner who turned up to the Valley once or twice in about 6 years. Now this guy is here, meeting fans, doing an interview and he's accused of 'trying too hard'.
We have not heard a peep from Bernie for 2 years. I wonder how often squirrel face and Bernie have been in contact since?!
What a silly argument.
I'd also like to point out you have no idea of his personal net worth or whether he has indeed invested himself, not that that is necessary in this case.
Was it with Tahnoon or different punters
land why did those bids fail ?
he’s just a front man /smooth talker/ fixer/ go getter for the real money(hopefully) men .
Could easily have been spouting out what their fans wanted to here if it had worked out for him there
I would imagine that ESI are fully aware of this. Furthermore there are exciting developments along the Thames corridor that can be tapped into and exploited - and not just in a football sense, their business interests are quite diverse.
It's not exactly cheap to reside in the multitude of local new riverside apartments, there must be hospitality packages and executive memberships to sell there. It would be great to see Charlton Athletic run on a professional footing on the sales side.
There is an awful lot of love for our football club out there - just look back at the recent Wembley experience. Not everybody is a 'die hard' fan but maybe they're just waiting to be converted?
If our club was run properly, with great sales, led by success on the pitch, ESI's main problem would be the limitations on the stadium.
The main things I picked up on were:
1. He had been working with the Middle east for a few years, had been monitoring us and he approached His Excellency regarding our potential. I liked that he said they were really onboard with it straight away. That shows that they trust him.
2. His Excellency is involved with 50 odd investments and that he is passionate about each one and has made them all a success because of his passion and involvement. That bodes well for us.
3. The main aim was to get the takeover completed by the start of the January window. He recognises the importance of adding a few bodies to our squad. He recognises the importance of staying in the Championship. That recognition and acknowledgement is huge in my opinion.
4. He recognises that people will now add a couple of zeroes to any transfer activity. This shows that people do realize there is some serious wealth backing us now.
5. I liked that he stressed the importance of building in a manageable and sustainable way. This shows a very balanced approach.
6. I liked that he recognised that Charlton is currently operating in a very lean way. What he meant was with minimal staff. I also like that he spoke about expanding this in various areas. That means adding more resources where they are needed.
7. He referred to the previous ownership as a regime. This in itself shows that he recognises what we were dealing with.
8. The impression I got was that it was Bowyer who wanted to concentrate on the January window before dealing with his new contract. I felt that Lee and his agent were saying this so as not to detract from the window activities. That has a higher priority. I don't think Lee's purpose was to see how that went before negotiating his contract. Southall spoke about bringing in a few players which bodes well.
9. He did mention other assets that hadn't been acquired yet. I'm sure the main asset here is Sparrows Lane. He said the reason for this was to expedite the takeover so that it could be done by the start of the January transfer window. I don't think there is anything suspicious here.
10. Everything he said about community engagement was very encouraging. He genuinely seemed shocked and surprised at what happened in Crossbars. That shows a humility there which I found came over in the interview. He recognises that the previous regime had lost a lot of the community engagement including people boycotting coming to games.
12. He really 'got' the importance of the fans. He spoke about getting 27,000 at every game. He mentioned the banging of the drum.
12. Most importantly, his investors seem to trust him. He will be involved with the day to day activities which I like.
13. He's a football man. He knows the English game. His family have already been to games.
14. He mentioned His Excellency's passion, even commenting on his twitter posts regarding Charlton.
In my opinion all this bodes well.
I think with the statement from Matt, we can see what Bowyer could possibly meant by strange..
Eg his own contract situation, Taylor, etc
but as he also confirmed "strange" isn't necessarily a bad thing in this instance