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Post by warehamgas on Mar 15, 2019 12:11:40 GMT
Overall it was good that Wael went in 20man and gave his answers to questions that were asked. Like gassy, if you take Wael at the face value Iām excited that things are happening in the background. But like markcz and others I am concerned at how much Wael is actually in charge of the process. Iām sure he really wants to do all he says but the rest of the family Iām not so sure. Actually I am sure that they donāt want to put money into the club. And heās hardly going to come out and start a family argument on radio. So I think people can be excited and worried in equal measures.
When the accounts come out it might tell us a lot more about whatās been happening and what theyāve been doing. I donāt know but I canāt believe it will be very good reading. Consequently, Iām not sure that thereās too much difference between what people are posting. Iām quite excited if I believe what Wael says but Iām concerned because he doesnāt have overall control (ie. the money) or apparently the means to do what he wants. In other words, much the same as the last 50 years, I hope for the best but donāt necessarily expect it!!š UTG!
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Post by mehewmagic on Mar 15, 2019 12:12:38 GMT
Not leaving the forum brother, actually quite enjoy it. Dave is the banter king, I was just having some with him and yes he did have selfies with Wael, it was all over his twitter handle. I think said on my last post on here Iāve enjoyed the debate and mine is just an opinion. For the record when I buy a house I do due diligence and did the board do this properly on the UWE? I see both sides of the argument and having met Wael several times it doesnāt mean I am in his pocket. I think unity is better right now, thatās us staying up and me giving Wael the benefit of the doubt. Tonightās interview was set up 4 weeks ago and like you I hope to find out more tonight. I judge a person on meeting them and their actions. Wael Al Qadi is a diehard Gashead, he really is and he wants the best for our club and is trying to put things right. I look at Alan Sugar, Tony Fernandes, Venkiys, Tiger at Oxford now, football is another level of business. Do we add Wael to the list, probably yes right now with the UWE and training ground collapse but having met the guy, listened to him and seen his passion, I truly believe heās trying to put it right, hence benefit of the doubt and tonight. I think calling him a diehard gashead is abit OTT... maybe with time he will be,but just because the guy stands in the away end with fans when things are going good doesnt mean anything.Where has he been while things have been sh**..? Sadly in hiding..Higgs and the dunfords where more diehard gasheads as they fronted up to us when needed. I like wael and believe he has the right intent and cares about our club, but unless something concrete and meaningful is delivered by him and his family while they are here him kissing the badge and declaring his love wont wash with alot of people.Honestly,hard work,and results off the pitch is what his job is to do given his position at the club. Club owners that were diehards and delivered are the likes of the late Jack walker at Blackburn and David Whelan at Wigan. If wael provide what those two did here in regards to stadiums than the boy will have done good. Nail on head.
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Post by Topper Gas on Mar 15, 2019 12:12:40 GMT
This is the most honest interview yet by Wael but still things don't stack up. 1) Wael says that the club don't need money and then says they are looking for investors. 2) Wael says the money is available for the training ground development, yet sometime back Hamer said that the owners didn't realise how expensive the training ground would be to develop and that the owners had only budgeted to a third of the cost. So who is correct. 3) When I went to my daughters graduation at Bristol Cathedral a few years back the Chancellor was very enthusiastic about working with the club on the new stadium. After the feesbility study everything went quiet and eventually the club pulled out not UWE, why would UWE want to pull out and use the land for something else after having spent so much time negotiating with the club. AQ's have done a great job in keeping the club going, but Wael and the club need to Stop contradicting themselves,and get some lessons in PR. It clear that at the moment we are as far away as ever from a new stadium, no site, no planning no money. The owners set aside 15million to invest in the club, let's hope we don't exceed that in losses and they keep on supporting us. It seems talks recommenced with the UWE and it was that development which was pulled before Christmas, it's any bodies guess what they've spent the last 3.5 years discussing w/o managing to agree a deal.
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Post by Gassy on Mar 15, 2019 12:15:18 GMT
This is the most honest interview yet by Wael but still things don't stack up. 1) Wael says that the club don't need money and then says they are looking for investors. 2) Wael says the money is available for the training ground development, yet sometime back Hamer said that the owners didn't realise how expensive the training ground would be to develop and that the owners had only budgeted to a third of the cost. So who is correct. 3) When I went to my daughters graduation at Bristol Cathedral a few years back the Chancellor was very enthusiastic about working with the club on the new stadium. After the feesbility study everything went quiet and eventually the club pulled out not UWE, why would UWE want to pull out and use the land for something else after having spent so much time negotiating with the club. AQ's have done a great job in keeping the club going, but Wael and the club need to Stop contradicting themselves,and get some lessons in PR. It clear that at the moment we are as far away as ever from a new stadium, no site, no planning no money. The owners set aside 15million to invest in the club, let's hope we don't exceed that in losses and they keep on supporting us. Bugger, I'm going to start coming across as a huge Wael fan at this rate: 1. He never said they're looking for investors. He said they're open to speak with investors who can speed up the project of getting BRFC a stadium Otherwise, they will do it themselves. 2. Both, wasn't the training facilities cut back? So perhaps the money is available for the scaled back version? 3. I don't know, I'd be curious to know why they did - but I don't really think it fits into not stacking up.
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Post by Gassy on Mar 15, 2019 12:18:38 GMT
Overall it was good that Wael went in 20man and gave his answers to questions that were asked. Like gassy, if you take Wael at the face value Iām excited that things are happening in the background. But like markcz and others I am concerned at how much Wael is actually in charge of the process. Iām sure he really wants to do all he says but the rest of the family Iām not so sure. Actually I am sure that they donāt want to put money into the club. And heās hardly going to come out and start a family argument on radio. So I think people can be excited and worried in equal measures. When the accounts come out it might tell us a lot more about whatās been happening and what theyāve been doing. I donāt know but I canāt believe it will be very good reading. Consequently, Iām not sure that thereās too much difference between what people are posting. Iām quite excited if I believe what Wael says but Iām concerned because he doesnāt have overall control (ie. the money) or apparently the means to do what he wants. In other words, much the same as the last 50 years, I hope for the best but donāt necessarily expect it!!š UTG! Unfortunately I don't think it will. He mentioned last night that everything is being done through a 3rd party so unless you can get the accounts from DS, perhaps then you might know more, but ultimately specifics will be hard?
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Post by mehewmagic on Mar 15, 2019 12:19:13 GMT
Some really good questions from Geoff heās not pulling any punches tonight unfortunately Wael is ducking and diving hasnāt answered any of them really. Geoff always does a good job of asking the questions most Gasheads would ask and he does seem to get genuinely frustrated when they are not answered. True. Spoken to GT a few times & he knows his Onions and is a decent and very professional guy. Also a good talker & gas underneath the 'neutrality' he has to do for professional reasons.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2019 12:21:40 GMT
People keep talking about 'investors'. Are these people who are expected to make money available to the club that will still be ran by the AQ Family? If so, maybe 'investors' are not willing to do that. Maybe they want to buy the club and control how their own money is spent? Also, an investment implies that there will be a return on investment, and if a new stadium etc provided a decent ROI then why don't the AQ's just go ahead and do it?
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Post by mehewmagic on Mar 15, 2019 12:23:52 GMT
I said earlier heās a massive fan, he really cares and the bloke is doing everthing possible to put things right. Give him the benefit of the doubt, he loves the club and I believe will be here long term with the right investment to take us forward. I will tell him heās stupid for doing this interview when I see him next because he canāt win and he can hardly say we are about to be sold if say an NDA has been signed in secrecy at the expense of another bidder can he? Simply should never have done this tonight but he tries to please people Well, at least it's very clear that we can agree to disagree. To suggest that the president / owner of a well respected community football club shouldn't do an interview (pre-recorded btw) makes your position very clear and IMO your position is utterly untenable. Oh, but of course, you must be right because you 'know him', 'next time I see him' ...
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Post by mehewmagic on Mar 15, 2019 12:26:43 GMT
Some would slag him off, not matter what as well lol. There are something's they can't tell us. But that automatically means nothing is happening, according to most on here. Absolute rubbish. Iād be happy with a new training ground and absolutely no development to the Mem. Iām not asking for the world. I just donāt understand what the actual point is in them buying our club? All Iām asking for is some improvement (not new tents and hand dryers!) and some actual AMBITION. Absolute ditto. An excellent trg facility is seriously important and would be a major step to an ambitious future. My other priority would be being a great community club and treating volunteers well.
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Post by Gassy on Mar 15, 2019 12:30:18 GMT
Absolute rubbish. Iād be happy with a new training ground and absolutely no development to the Mem. Iām not asking for the world. I just donāt understand what the actual point is in them buying our club? All Iām asking for is some improvement (not new tents and hand dryers!) and some actual AMBITION. Absolute ditto. An excellent trg facility is seriously important and would be a major step to an ambitious future. My other priority would be being a great community club and treating volunteers well. Stadium has to be the priority though tbf, we can survive renting a training facility. We can't survive in the Mem
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Post by warehamgas on Mar 15, 2019 12:30:43 GMT
Overall it was good that Wael went in 20man and gave his answers to questions that were asked. Like gassy, if you take Wael at the face value Iām excited that things are happening in the background. But like markcz and others I am concerned at how much Wael is actually in charge of the process. Iām sure he really wants to do all he says but the rest of the family Iām not so sure. Actually I am sure that they donāt want to put money into the club. And heās hardly going to come out and start a family argument on radio. So I think people can be excited and worried in equal measures. When the accounts come out it might tell us a lot more about whatās been happening and what theyāve been doing. I donāt know but I canāt believe it will be very good reading. Consequently, Iām not sure that thereās too much difference between what people are posting. Iām quite excited if I believe what Wael says but Iām concerned because he doesnāt have overall control (ie. the money) or apparently the means to do what he wants. In other words, much the same as the last 50 years, I hope for the best but donāt necessarily expect it!!š UTG! Unfortunately I don't think it will. He mentioned last night that everything is being done through a 3rd party so unless you can get the accounts from DS, perhaps then you might know more, but ultimately specifics will be hard? Not specifics but the accounts should show generally where money has gone and if this stuff is being done by a ā3rd partyā that will tell us something. That we are more in debt and no nearer to resolving our big issue! UTG!
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Post by baggins on Mar 15, 2019 12:31:17 GMT
People keep talking about 'investors'. Are these people who are expected to make money available to the club that will still be ran by the AQ Family? If so, maybe 'investors' are not willing to do that. Maybe they want to buy the club and control how their own money is spent? Also, an investment implies that there will be a return on investment, and if a new stadium etc provided a decent ROI then why don't the AQ's just go ahead and do it? Not that easy finding a site for a Stadium round here.
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Post by peterparker on Mar 15, 2019 12:35:41 GMT
Unfortunately I don't think it will. He mentioned last night that everything is being done through a 3rd party so unless you can get the accounts from DS, perhaps then you might know more, but ultimately specifics will be hard?Ā Not specifics but the accounts should show generally where money has gone and if this stuff is being done by a ā3rd partyā that will tell us something. That we are more in debt and no nearer to resolving our big issue!Ā UTG! Indeed, at least it may or may not convince some people they are actually spending money
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Post by Henbury Gas on Mar 15, 2019 12:47:53 GMT
Absolute rubbish. Iād be happy with a new training ground and absolutely no development to the Mem. Iām not asking for the world. I just donāt understand what the actual point is in them buying our club? All Iām asking for is some improvement (not new tents and hand dryers!) and some actual AMBITION. Absolute ditto. An excellent trg facility is seriously important and would be a major step to an ambitious future. My other priority would be being a great community club and treating volunteers well. They do, My mate Dave is very happy the way they have treated him.....
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Post by gashead1981 on Mar 15, 2019 12:49:19 GMT
Sorry Iām not allowing a Banned word speak to me like this and this is why I struggle with this forum. I have respect for the likes of MehewMagic and like reading his posts, he said earlier he seeās why the forum gets a bad name, people like you pal. I can take banter, some disagreeing with an opinion but I canāt accept person saying Iām acting a charade, Iām lier and I know nothing. Whilst saying all this behind a user name, thatās too easy. So we have a moderator on this forum, Gashead81. He will vouch I have been in Wael Al Qadiās box this season with my guest from one of the biggest global on line business in the world, did I not introduce you to him Steve? This guy says Iām not friends with Wael, I would say any man who rings or texts every day 2 weeks ago whilst I was in hospital is a good man and friend to see how I was. Iām not saying Wael and the board are perfect, better due dillegence on the UWE, yes. Better PR, yes but give the man the benefit of the doubt and letās see what happens in the next 6 months. I speak from the angle of meeting the man and he is a big fan now. I have invited Steve Gashead81 on my table for the 1883 awards night on the 10th April, if you are there Ross drop me a line and happy to meet you. Where to begin with this one. Mods such as Gashead81 should take note of that last sentence, sure thatāll violate a few t&cās. I wonāt bring it down to that level so will leave it at this a public forum, it isnāt personal to me. On platforms such as this you should know people will have other opinions, if you donāt like debate or alternative opinions a public forum isnāt the place for you. Perhaps start a blog and disable the comments. Back to the thread. In this very thread you have contradicted yourself a number of times. Claiming that āWael is in it for the long termā only to follow it up a few pages later with you expect the next 6 months to bring new investors, so which one is it? Unless you believe people would give Wael money for absolutely nothing in return. For years people have cropped up and spouted crap across the forums about stadium plans coming to fruition, American owners etc and nothing has ever come true (even the AQ takeover came out of nowhere), so forgive me if Iām sceptical when people such as yourself claim to be āin the knowā. Maybe I come across brash but all I want is the best for the club. Ambition from the fanbase as a whole and not to accept the mediocrity that weāre constantly fed. I want us to be a fan owned self sustaining club, slowly building our infrastructure (like Exeter) OR have owners who show abit of ambition and investment. Surely that isnāt too much to ask, or too hard to understand. Iām sure Wael is a decent enough guy, again itās nothing personal that I donāt like Dwane Sports owning our club, I donāt know him from Adam, I just donāt think he will invest any real cash to see us progress. This is backed up by his interviews and lack of progress off the field, training ground etc. Add to this the dubious hiring of Martin Starnes, saying funding for training ground isnāt an issue yet no progress being made in years, Starnes doing an interview saying Wael would refuse crowdfunding or outside investment.. etc, can you see why Iām sceptical? Progress has been made since they bought our club, commercially and especially in our community work - which is ace - as are the small stadium improvements and purchase of land for a training ground (appears dead in the water), but as stated by someone else in this thread the state things were left in by Higgs and Co realistically anything wouldāve been an improvement (new hairdryers and all), we were / still are stuck in the 80ās as a club infrastructure wise. Some fans appear to be stuck in that old school mentality as well, and we will be left behind. Also as pointed out by someone a few pages back, in this interview Wael has now ruled out the redevelopment of the Mem, contradicting a previous interview he gave Twentyman. Another concern for the average fan like myself, who has no āinsider knowledgeā and doesnāt attend matches in box 1. Itās no wonder so many in my position have packed it in all together, when just being sceptical or concerned with what is happening right before our eyes to the club is met with such outbursts and contempt. Perhaps I should take you up on the offer after all and you can give me some of the Kool-Aid. From a mod point of view I see nothing wrong with Roadys last comment. Heās not threatened you in any way, but merely offered to meet you for a cordial chat. Take him up on it, heās a good bloke with a (strong) but fair opinion. From the interview point of view I too see statements littered with inconsistencies and inaccuracies of fact but Iāve done it to death now and wonāt be doing it anymore. People know my opinion and concerns on matters from other threads and I have a genuine concern that itās going to end badly unless it will be proven otherwise.
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Post by baggins on Mar 15, 2019 12:59:55 GMT
Just out of interest, and knowing we're all fully aware of confidentiality agreements and everything that goes along with all that type stuff, what else did we expect Wael to say in that interview?
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Post by Henbury Gas on Mar 15, 2019 13:11:15 GMT
Just out of interest, and knowing we're all fully aware of confidentiality agreements and everything that goes along with all that type stuff, what else did we expect Wael to say in that interview? That the season ticket prices are going up
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Post by baggins on Mar 15, 2019 13:12:28 GMT
Just out of interest, and knowing we're all fully aware of confidentiality agreements and everything that goes along with all that type stuff, what else did we expect Wael to say in that interview? That the season ticket prices are going up Again? What on earth are they doing with my money?
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Post by albaron on Mar 15, 2019 13:13:37 GMT
Absolute ditto. An excellent trg facility is seriously important and would be a major step to an ambitious future. My other priority would be being a great community club and treating volunteers well. Stadium has to be the priority though tbf, we can survive renting a training facility. We can't survive in the Mem Gassy -- This is exactly the truth. The Mem is a dump and is holding us back. If we are still here in 5 years time . I dread to think.
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Post by Henbury Gas on Mar 15, 2019 13:15:57 GMT
That the season ticket prices are going up Again? What on earth are they doing with my money? Subsidising the price of Sausage Rolls
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