It's interesting. I like the idea of this guy taking over way more than an American billionaire. He seems like he'll bring stability (judging by his track record) and he brings more than enough wealth to a club like ours.
I just think people shouldn't be too ambitious. We're hardly gonna sign up amazing players all of a sudden cause a) fair play b) we can't attract any (yet) c) it could effect our chemistry.
With this Belgian taking us over we should be able to keep on board our key players and staff, hopefully get the pitch sorted, win some spirit back, avoid relegation and hopefully sit in the safety half of the championship/push for a play off placement.
I'd be more than happy with just keeping the same squad, staying up, getting a few decent signings, nothing major and getting ready for next season.
Future looks good but I'm not raising my hopes up just yet. Would be a bit of a blessing if we made play offs. Being realistic, there are other clubs who are much more likely to end up in that top6 than we are.
I'm happy about all of this anyway, at least we know a fair bit about the geezer already. COYR
Why the Duchâtelet family would want five clubs in four countries, is an intriguing question. For the moment, at least, there are so many unknowns. Is it about spreading the risk whilst having a gamble on all five? Is it for the love of sport, the love of money, or both? If it’s for the love of sport, why these clubs? If it’s for the love of money, wouldn’t the stock exchange or the international gold markets be a better bet, or perhaps electronics? Perhaps being at the head of a footballing dynasty would give Roland Duchâtelet the necessary kudos to resurrect his political career. Or perhaps it would be sufficient diversion never to have to worry about politics again. Perhaps in time, us Charlton fans will start building up a picture of the man and his aspirations for our club. For the time being though, I suspect that most of us are just hopeful that he will help to dig us out of a bit of a hole.
It’s potentially an exciting time for Charlton. As #IdleHans stated earlier, there are a whole number of positives to this story; He’s developed the team at Standard, is likely to appreciate football culture and he is not a Mysteron. It’s also possible that we could benefit from being one of the larger teams in the Duchâtelet federation, perhaps benefitting form loans in from other teams. Of course, there’s a potential downside that we could end up losing our young talents like Solly and Cousins as it may be preferable (to some) to have them at Standard supporting the battle for a Champions League place - decided by play-offs. Trying to second guess what RD might have in mind, I’ve done a comparison of Charlton and the four clubs that the Duchâtelet family already controls.
The most striking thing for me is that looking at the league tables, most of RD’s teams seem to be doing rather well at this moment in time, so that looks positive. The second thing of note is that we seem to be the second “biggest” of these clubs after Standard. They trump us on four major categories; history, current league placing, size of stadium and average attendance. There is one area though where they can’t beat us, cash generating potential. The money paid out the last season's relegated Premiership teams is greater than the entire TV deal for Belgium’s Jupiler League. Just one season in the Premiership could, if played wisely, gross more cash than all of RD’s other teams combined. In terms of stature, the other three teams have interesting histories including European football, but aren’t even close to us when it comes to stadia, crowds or potential for success. Overall though, most if not all, of the questions posed above remain unanswered and that's even if the deal does ahead. Que será será.
This! It actually begs the question why has there not been more European interest in buying CAFC given that we have been within 3 points of qualifying for the play-offs and that we are one of the closest clubs to Brussels and Paris (via Eurostar). As Stig points out the TV deal for the Premier League is more per club than the entire league of certain European countries and we just know that the average gate for Charlton in the Premier League will exceed 24,000. And to answer my own question, it is all about price which appears to have reduced significantly over the last six months. Let us hope that the interested parties can dot the 'i's and cross the 't's in a timely fashion so that the baton can be passed across to someone who appears to have both the appetite and resources to make CAFC a play-off challenger again.
It's interesting. I like the idea of this guy taking over way more than an American billionaire. He seems like he'll bring stability (judging by his track record) and he brings more than enough wealth to a club like ours.
I just think people shouldn't be too ambitious. We're hardly gonna sign up amazing players all of a sudden cause a) fair play b) we can't attract any (yet) c) it could effect our chemistry.
With this Belgian taking us over we should be able to keep on board our key players and staff, hopefully get the pitch sorted, win some spirit back, avoid relegation and hopefully sit in the safety half of the championship/push for a play off placement.
I'd be more than happy with just keeping the same squad, staying up, getting a few decent signings, nothing major and getting ready for next season.
Future looks good but I'm not raising my hopes up just yet. Would be a bit of a blessing if we made play offs. Being realistic, there are other clubs who are much more likely to end up in that top6 than we are.
I'm happy about all of this anyway, at least we know a fair bit about the geezer already. COYR
Have you read the reports about the rioting in Liège?
All I will say is he generally turns clubs into profitable companies. Richard Murray said we ain't moving and without him we will be admin. I welcome it and hopefully some nice signings off the back.
It's interesting. I like the idea of this guy taking over way more than an American billionaire. He seems like he'll bring stability (judging by his track record) and he brings more than enough wealth to a club like ours.
I just think people shouldn't be too ambitious. We're hardly gonna sign up amazing players all of a sudden cause a) fair play b) we can't attract any (yet) c) it could effect our chemistry.
With this Belgian taking us over we should be able to keep on board our key players and staff, hopefully get the pitch sorted, win some spirit back, avoid relegation and hopefully sit in the safety half of the championship/push for a play off placement.
I'd be more than happy with just keeping the same squad, staying up, getting a few decent signings, nothing major and getting ready for next season.
Future looks good but I'm not raising my hopes up just yet. Would be a bit of a blessing if we made play offs. Being realistic, there are other clubs who are much more likely to end up in that top6 than we are.
I'm happy about all of this anyway, at least we know a fair bit about the geezer already. COYR
Have you read the reports about the rioting in Liège?
Yeah I have, apparently it only happened cause he sold a bunch of players because the club were in serious debt? Only going by what i've heard about him though, we'll only really know what he's like if this all actually happens.
By stability all I mean is if Roland takes over we should be able to keep all our squad, have enough money to not worry about debt, keep all our staff etc. All the essential stuff. Judging by where his team is in the Belgian league he must be clued up to some extent.
I will only be happy when a billionaire who is prepared to put loads of money into our club for no return and who is prepared not to interfere in the running of the club in any way comes along. Until that day I am afraid I can only see potential takeovers as a disaster for Charlton.
"It was The Daily Mail that reported a deal had been sealed yesterday. This was a bit premature though. The talks are "in an advanced phase", but there are a couple of obstacles to be cleared before a final deal can be reached, the VRT's sports desk Sporza was told by reliable sources."
Think this from Flanders News is likely to be accurate, but we'll see.
"It was The Daily Mail that reported a deal had been sealed yesterday. This was a bit premature though. The talks are "in an advanced phase", but there are a couple of obstacles to be cleared before a final deal can be reached, the VRT's sports desk Sporza was told by reliable sources."
Think this from Flanders News is likely to be accurate, but we'll see.
Ok. Let's just keep our fingers crossed then and hope it's just some formalities which need to be sorted.
I will only be happy when a billionaire who is prepared to put loads of money into our club for no return and who is prepared not to interfere in the running of the club in any way comes along. Until that day I am afraid I can only see potential takeovers as a disaster for Charlton.
I think you mean interfering in the running of the team WMT, rather than the club? I too would be happy to see that, but realistically that has never happened at a club of our size. I think the word disaster is a bit strong, given our current position - it suggests that without the billionaire we dream of, we would be better off with the current, skint, regime holding onto the club forever rather than anyone else taking the helm?
It's interesting. I like the idea of this guy taking over way more than an American billionaire. He seems like he'll bring stability (judging by his track record) and he brings more than enough wealth to a club like ours.
I just think people shouldn't be too ambitious. We're hardly gonna sign up amazing players all of a sudden cause a) fair play b) we can't attract any (yet) c) it could effect our chemistry.
With this Belgian taking us over we should be able to keep on board our key players and staff, hopefully get the pitch sorted, win some spirit back, avoid relegation and hopefully sit in the safety half of the championship/push for a play off placement.
I'd be more than happy with just keeping the same squad, staying up, getting a few decent signings, nothing major and getting ready for next season.
Future looks good but I'm not raising my hopes up just yet. Would be a bit of a blessing if we made play offs. Being realistic, there are other clubs who are much more likely to end up in that top6 than we are.
I'm happy about all of this anyway, at least we know a fair bit about the geezer already. COYR
Have you read the reports about the rioting in Liège?
Yeah I have, apparently it only happened cause he sold a bunch of players because the club were in serious debt? Only going by what i've heard about him though, we'll only really know what he's like if this all actually happens.
By stability all I mean is if Roland takes over we should be able to keep all our squad, have enough money to not worry about debt, keep all our staff etc. All the essential stuff. Judging by where his team is in the Belgian league he must be clued up to some extent.
Yes, I just thought stability was the wrong word to use (in fact the opposite of what he had brought Liege). Solvency perhaps.
But as Henry most famously says.....when its on the OS. Untill then i find it funny people comparing us to Watford and how many loans we will have from SL. We will get taken over and any takeover wether we like it or not will eventually se us move from the valley.
Moving from the Valley is not part of Duchatelet's plan, I've been told. Worth bearing that in mind when weighing up other aspects of his possible plans, IF he turns out to be our new owner.
Out of interest Prague, what have you been told ARE his possible plans, if he turns out to be our new owner
Well, Mick Collins is pretty certain it's a done deal.
@MickPCollins "it's happened. All signed off and done. All good news, I think. Good riddance to the previous bunch..."
For the deal to be closed, all current and some former directors have to sign off. At the time Colljns wrote it, at least one had not.
Let me guess...... Prothero. on his christmas Sabatical! " This port won't drink itself you know.I'll sign it when I'm next in the office...........If I can remember where that is"
I will only be happy when a billionaire who is prepared to put loads of money into our club for no return and who is prepared not to interfere in the running of the club in any way comes along. Until that day I am afraid I can only see potential takeovers as a disaster for Charlton.
I think you mean interfering in the running of the team WMT, rather than the club? I too would be happy to see that, but realistically that has never happened at a club of our size. I think the word disaster is a bit strong, given our current position - it suggests that without the billionaire we dream of, we would be better off with the current, skint, regime holding onto the club forever rather than anyone else taking the helm?
I think WMT may have been indulging in some of that lowest form of wit, sarcasm.
Quick show of hands please. Is a takeover going to be announced tomorrow before the game?
Being the eternal optimist I say a big YES!
Hope so, but doubt it. Probably a couple of legal/tax issues to be ironed out then contracts signed. If so, could all be settled before january 1st so we can celebrate with a good win at Ipswich.
So wait, people are now saying directors in the background are holding it up?
Feel a bit sorry for Slater + Jimenez if this falls through and they get all the blame if it was something that they'd sorted only for another person to veto.
But as Henry most famously says.....when its on the OS. Untill then i find it funny people comparing us to Watford and how many loans we will have from SL. We will get taken over and any takeover wether we like it or not will eventually se us move from the valley.
Moving from the Valley is not part of Duchatelet's plan, I've been told. Worth bearing that in mind when weighing up other aspects of his possible plans, IF he turns out to be our new owner.
Out of interest Prague, what have you been told ARE his possible plans, if he turns out to be our new owner
Yes. Very intrigued. Is he going to knock down the new houses in the mews so they can extend south to east?
Comments
I just think people shouldn't be too ambitious. We're hardly gonna sign up amazing players all of a sudden cause a) fair play b) we can't attract any (yet) c) it could effect our chemistry.
With this Belgian taking us over we should be able to keep on board our key players and staff, hopefully get the pitch sorted, win some spirit back, avoid relegation and hopefully sit in the safety half of the championship/push for a play off placement.
I'd be more than happy with just keeping the same squad, staying up, getting a few decent signings, nothing major and getting ready for next season.
Future looks good but I'm not raising my hopes up just yet. Would be a bit of a blessing if we made play offs. Being realistic, there are other clubs who are much more likely to end up in that top6 than we are.
I'm happy about all of this anyway, at least we know a fair bit about the geezer already. COYR
It actually begs the question why has there not been more European interest in buying CAFC given that we have been within 3 points of qualifying for the play-offs and that we are one of the closest clubs to Brussels and Paris (via Eurostar). As Stig points out the TV deal for the Premier League is more per club than the entire league of certain European countries and we just know that the average gate for Charlton in the Premier League will exceed 24,000.
And to answer my own question, it is all about price which appears to have reduced significantly over the last six months. Let us hope that the interested parties can dot the 'i's and cross the 't's in a timely fashion so that the baton can be passed across to someone who appears to have both the appetite and resources to make CAFC a play-off challenger again.
By stability all I mean is if Roland takes over we should be able to keep all our squad, have enough money to not worry about debt, keep all our staff etc. All the essential stuff. Judging by where his team is in the Belgian league he must be clued up to some extent.
Think this from Flanders News is likely to be accurate, but we'll see.
Thanks AB. Here is the full article.
Yet again I said it would happen On nye and Again a former director told me I wouldn't regret the purchase of my Ipswich tickets.
He knew...
(Ok he didnt at all but that's how I'm seeing it)
;-(
NO top signings.
NO new contracts.
Can I be the first to sign up for the "Get rid of the board movement", even before they are the board.
" This port won't drink itself you know.I'll sign it when I'm next in the office...........If I can remember where that is"
: - )
Being the eternal optimist I say a big YES!
Feel a bit sorry for Slater + Jimenez if this falls through and they get all the blame if it was something that they'd sorted only for another person to veto.