Good evening everyone. I dont know about you, but the past two weeks feel as if they have been two months. So much has happened that its been difficult at times just to keep up.
I wanted to post this message in order to continue to fulfill my pledge of being accessible, and open. Its very easy once you get into the position of a board member or "insider" to find all kinds of reasons for keeping quiet, or out of sight, but I hope that will not be the case with me and ASFC.
I am going to be up and around on this site and logged in for about an hour, and will try my best to get back to any questions that arise, but here is my quick summary.
- yes, i am thrilled to pieces with the Leeds draw. See you all at Elland Road. I agree with many of the people who have posted and said that we need the press behind us to get as much attention to the game as possible. Hopefully i can add to that process.
- Peter Marsden and I have had a few constructive and positive meetings with David and Rob. Its clearly a challenge to put all the past behind us, but I wish you all to know that both sides are genuine, and we have been very deliberate about our actions as well as our words.
- Right now, we are still in the process of putting together a clear record of the financial affairs. I am hoping that prior to the end of November we really are all seeing the same facts, and can then look to provide solutions. Clearly the club has been troubled for a while. The debt was all accumulated whilst Whalley was in charge, and the accounts will take a while to reconstruct. What took time to build up will not be solved overnight.
- my focus has shifted slightly from historic debt to the club. initially the squad (and yes, coleman is fabulous, his team are the bees knees and I want to do all I can to make them our priority), then the ground, and then the overall infrastructure around the ground
- I am afraid I cannot make all the games, but I do hope to be at Bradford, and then of course Leeds.
- On ownership, please note that David O Neil's comments to the Observer are accurate. As of right now Eric Whalley owns approx 51% of the shares outstanding. However I also confirm that David is actively trying to complete a deal that he and Eric have agreed. I am not privy to that deal, so I cannot comment on the timing, but I do know that David is trying his best to get things sorted out.
- On other debt, I hope that by the end of the month we have a clear picture, which I will share with our stakeholders (including fans)
- A board meeting appointing Peter and I did take place, and I can confirm that Rob Heys is dealing with the registration. You should not assume that a lack of any update at company's house is somehow suspicious
- I have pledged over and now completed transfer of the shares to the ASSF that i used to own. Peter Shaw has committed to push ahead asap to convert these shares into a trust that can be widely held by all fans.
Beyond that, David has put his focus onto the day to day running of the club. He makes all decisions there, and is the primary liason with both the Press and with internal staff. Rob works for him. This is the arrangement that was agreed, and i am pleased to say it works. Peter and I bring other qualities to the table, and as I think I said at the time of the funding going in, I shall bring my attention to bear on financial matters.
I close by saying that I remain enthusiastic and committed. I promise to let you know if things change. that is for sure. I am there on behalf of the community, and all stakeholders, not for myself or any group of single shareholders.
I hope this helps, somewhat.
with my regards
Ilyas
Monday 8.15pm