Ilyas speaks .....
 

Mr Khan has broken the 'silence' surrounding the mystery second bidder, he has warned against what he thinks the first bid amounts to and confirmed that if the bid falls through for what ever reason (quote "if he has lost the bottle") then he will step in and buy Erics shares.


as a fan I like to know what is going on and to some degree it is exciting to wonder which twists and turns our little club is going to take over the next month or so. But one does have to wonder how much of what is said is to be believed or is it all just hoo hah designed to discredit rival bidders?

Either way, Mr Whalley has made one big decision by agreeing to sell the club, his next big decision will be the most important one he has ever made for ASFC ........

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

if reading what ya posted macca, that means he aint actually made a bid?:confused: which is a shame I.M.H.O.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Source ?

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Khan wary of O’Neill Stanley bid (From Lancashire Telegraph)

A bit disappointed that he's not made a bid anyway...and somewhat worried about the consequences of David O'Neill's bid! :(

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Must say some of the article does not make good reading!!:(:( The last thing the club needs is to go down the road of Leeds, selling what might come.. Not the way forwards in my opinion :( But as Macca posted (I think) we may not be hearing/seeing the true facts?????

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

oops forgot the link

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

I like the cut of his jib.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

The last thing this club needs is to go into debt. Like Cashy, I've seen it happen before at Stanley and it all ended in tears. :(

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

i would love to know the "REAL" truth of all this, n have no doubt many feel the same.:eek:

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Just so you know.. in case you didnt... Ilyas Khan will almost definitely be reading this messaegboard... he used to be a regular contributor (100% fact) and had stronger opinions than me :)

so...


Go on Ilyas.. you know you want to and there are many here who would like to see it happen :)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Too true Cashy, but will we find out what is going on??? I believe strongly that Eric will always do his best by the club, I just hope that others follow suit.......:confused::)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Posted via Mobile Device. When is the announement gonna be public? Seems its something everyone wants to know not just on here. Eric needs to be careful about over doing the suspence thing.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

We were talking about this on Saturday. There's a lot of uncertainty regarding this bid that has been 'made', but it is more encouraging to read that Ilyas Khan would be willing to step forward if it was all the fall through. The problem then lies in what Eric wants for the club.

By the way, does anyone know if all shareholders would be consulted before any sale went through? Wouldn't there have to be a shareholders meeting or something?

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

i assume ya mean "Cash"? regarding what eric wants for the club.:rolleyes:

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Mr Khan will be on 2BR this afternoon at 430 and 530, with a more detailed interview to follow tomorrow...

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Would have to say, after reading the article, that I agree with SHAKERMAKER...Mr O'Niell may well have the clubs best intentions at heart,but Mr Khan is a true blue. C'mon Mr Khan, you are a REAL Stanley man, (and your past actions I've read about support this). What are you waiting for?
Will off the pitch developements be more exiting than the happenings on the field over the next few weekes????:confused:

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

So what happened?

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Mr Khan has sent an open letter to the club and the local press which outlines what he'd like to see happen next.

You can see it at 2BR

He's also been speaking to us at length about his hopes and fears for the club, and you'l be able to hear the first part of that interview tomorrow, with the concluding part on Saturday.

The gist is that he is willing to invest a considerable sum, but for more details check out the letter and listen tomorrow - 2br.co.uk or 99.8 FM.

Hope this helps
Dan

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

In all honesty, it was never a realistic proposition to imagine the club to be debt free, despite what some people wanted to believe.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Thanks DAN...what I genuine bloke that Mr Khan comes accross as...what we call down here a 'Good Bastard. (Thats a compliment of the highest order in NZ).

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

He doesnt want to buy the club but does want to help save it.. Top bloke :)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

i know for a fact the club isnt debt free, the company i used to work for did some work at the ground and when the time came to pay they couldnt so after a long dispute finance was arranged with interest.!

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Having spoken to him a couple of years ago, I got the impression that he's a top bloke and totally dedicated to the cause of Accrington Stanley. Completely agree with his letter...going into large-scale debt is NOT the way to go. I hope the club have the sense to see this and agree to his request!

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

SOURCE: Accrington Stanley April 2005

Ilyas is an old Accringtonian. His family still live in Accrington, and despite having lived and worked in Hong Kong since 1989, Ilyas manages to get back home 5 to 6 times a year, and fitting in a Stanley game every now and then. Ilyas attended Accrington Grammar School, and then took his A levels at the Accrington College on Sandy Lane. Following an honours degree at the University of London, he joined the City Merchant Banking firm of Schroders in 1984, spending the next 15 years building a successful career as an investment banker. In 1994 for example Ilyas was chosen as one of the top 100 investment bankers in the World by the magazine Global Finance, and a number of transactions managed and completed by him were selected as “deal of the year” by industry commentators.

In 1998 Ilyas started his own investment company, and as a consequence is the Chairman of Hong Kong listed Techpacific Capital which has a market value of over US$200 million. In 2002 Ilyas also acquired and founded Crosby Capital Partners, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has a value of over £225 million. Ilyas is also a non executive director of London stock exchange listed Speymill Group, and Australian Stock Exchange listed Amerod Resources.

Ilyas has retained a close link with Accrington Stanley for many years, and in 1993 became a significant shareholder in the club. He has donated to the club on various occasions in order to help building and expansion projects such as the seated area in front of the main lounge and the installation of floodlighting here at the ground. In addition to his business career, Ilyas is a published author. His book, “Underdogs in Overdrive” was published in February 2000, and he has also contributed regularly to a variety of magazines and newspapers both in Asia and Britain.

Ilyas is married to Mara, and has a young son named Elijah. The whole family are dedicated Stanley supporters, and Ilyas is looking forward to 2023 when Elijah might be able to compete for a place in the first eleven (by which time the team will be playing in the Premiership!)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Its also on the front page of the accy observer tonight ... Ilyas Khan is calling on all people connected with the club to hold a meeting to sort out its future. He also says that he wants a say in its future and hopes the shareholders, hyndburn council and the fans can all meet together and thrash out a deal in the best interests of the club. I am coming to accrington adn i am going to write to everyone and ask for a meeting ...

from the accy observer

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Interesting read in the Observer

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Must say that this seems to me to be the best way, we must not get involved in never never debt. I feel that Ilyas is just our Eric in another guise.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Too true K-P.....

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Poor dress sense though :)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

would be very happy fer stanley to go the "Ilyas Way" after a few con flabs with wynonie n others oer last couple of years, would be a major result in my eyes, hope it happens, aint holding me breath though.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Who would be in charge aftre going the "Ilyas Way" ?

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

the "Don" i would imagine.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Frankly I would love to see Ilyas Khan take the club over.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Ilyas Khan is right. Companies have rediscovered the benefits of funding through share issues. Just look at the wall of rights issues recently.

Securitisation of future incomes may be just sustainable for the biggest Premiership Clubs with huge guaranteed income flows but its seen a number of lesser club into administration and a number of ex FTSE 100 Companies who used it have lost virtually all their enterprise value and scarcely exist more than to funnel their income to their lenders.

I am surprised its being mentioned in the context of Accrington Stanley. Look at my avatar. Its only a couple of weeks since we first saw our star player donning the striped shirt of a club that once tied up much of its future income and suffered the consequences.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Haggis, if we did go down the never never route you would see players other than Mullers going out on money grabbing loans Ryan,Turner Etc. Quick fixes, but is that the way???????? I do not think so...

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

I thought that is what my message said.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Rob? :)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

He does seem to be getting passed over in all this doesnt he... yet he is another you would tag mister Accrignton Stanley for sure..

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

I think most fans will be utterly dismayed if the deal goes through & Mr Khan is virtually ignored. Get all parties round a table including an OSC member & ALL shareholders. Thats what Illyas wants, he's been involved for years, he has always invested dosh.

If we don't then Mr Khan may never again get his cheque book out for the good of ASFC....

Just wear sunglasses if he has the purple jacket green shirt combo on again......

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Not as far fetched as some may think................good shout Shaker :)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

One of your better posts Willie, nice one!

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

my goodness, come on admit it, Luce wrote this :D it's far too sensible for you Jase :p but I have to agree

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

From afar, Rob Heys would appear to be the most under-estimated man in the Accrington Stanley organisation.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Sorry Haggis :o I was in agreement with you! Must have come across the wrong way :) Sorry again..

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Mr Khan will be on 2BR this lunchtime at around 1245 explaining the letter and his reasons for sending it, and what he'd like to see happen at the club.

99.8FM or 2BR

Hope it's informative
Dan

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Dan, only just seen this post is there a 'listen again' opportunity on the website?

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Come on Dan, play it again......please.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

I only caught the last couple of minutes, would like to listen again if available.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

As you're doubtless all aware, 2BR Sport is on from 1 o clock this afternoon...

I'll get the piece about the letter from yesterday repeated between 1 and 2, and then between 2 and 3 we have the second part of the interview (which is new) in which Mr. Khan speaks more generally about his hopes (and fears) for the club, and what he'd like to see happen next.

We'll also have some interesting stuff from Coley about next season too..

I'll also do my best to get the whole thing on our website, though this might not be until tomorrow.

Hope all this helps
Dan

99.8FM, 2BR - 2BR Sport this afternoon from 1 o clock

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Cheers Dan.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

On the back page of the paper today am sure it will be on the LET site later.
Whalley: i've no concerns
Eric Whalley has dismissed IIyas Khan's concerns about the long-term future of Accrington Stanley - and hopes the takeover of the club will be completed early next week. He goes onto say. Whalley has no plans to meet personally with Khan though, and believes his concerns about the deal are unfounded. He goes onto say "He's said that he's put hundreds of thousands of punds into the club but he must have donatated it secretly because over the last six+ years he's put in £75,000 he thinks he's fairy godmother.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

£75,000 v F All.......

Eric, I love you, I love what you've achieved over the years but let’s not fall out over this, I’m sure Mr Khan is thinking of the long term future of the Club….personality’s apart should we not be embracing Mr Khan for his offer and any others who are committed to standing by their commitments with wallets in hand rather than just their gobs.

You have done a tremendous job in you own right and with the help of others in the Stanley rebirth, let’s open the doors and spend the next four years building on what’s been achieved.

Please…..

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Youve got to laugh.... :rolleyes:

Jimbo T :horn8:blower

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

I think it's absolutely disgusting Eric Whalley's coments. I think he should shut up and ****** off,with his monies. He is going to cause a lot of unrest and ill will.
Come on Ilyas call a shareholders meeting,

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Exactly what he "tried" to do.... If it happens it might be burtons window time though..

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Mr Khan's £75k V Erics £??????? + daily unpaid attendance running a tight ship + keeping Coley working within a budget that the club and Eric's annual contribution could afford. Even after getting the club promoted into the Football League some on here can't wait to get rid of the person who along with a few others as worked miracles. I have fallen out with Eric many times, his views are never understated, but his contribution must never be underestimated.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

that to me is ludicrous, every fan is well aware how much eric whalley has done fer stanley,no question, but to refuse to meet a guy who publicly said he will put 200K in new shares into the club is rank stupidity n dictatorial, it costs nowt to talk.:(

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

I agree he should keep an open mind and talk to anyone who can help us.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

To be fair to Eric, I'm sure he doesn't mean to make silly comments like that. He hasn't got a dimplomatic bone in his body when it comes to giving statements to the press, as we have seen on many occasions. He wears his hear on his sleeve and this is the result - seemingly slagging off someone who continuously puts large sums of money into the club. Very embarrassing.

In an ideal world I, and probably a few others, would wish to see Khan as the major shareholder and Rob Heys running the club for him as a proper Chief Executive. As it is we know next to nothing of what is to happen with the ownership saga. It is known that members of the board are unhappy at Khan's decision to send his letter to the press.

I personally like the way Khan has chosen to act, it's shows us all that there is a major invester out there waiting to take the reins who has Stanley at heart.

Who can match a bid like that?

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

http://www.michtoy.com/MTSCnewSite/n...iers/BH001.jpg

Jimbo T :horn8:blower

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

spot on i reckon shaker, if the board are unhappy about the letter of which i have no idea:confused: then it says to me - they never wanted or intended to speak to Mr Khan, and if that is the case they should all follow E.W. out of the door. n not slam it on the way out.:mad:

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

And they wonder why gates hover around the 1000 mark. Until Mr. Whalley is long departed my season ticket money's stopping right where it is.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

This is Ilyas here.

I am posting here, rather than talking to newspapers, since it would appear that this is a very good forum for true Stanley fans.

I apologise whole heartedly for the way in which our club is being subject to ridicule and fun. My interests are simple and straightforward. They are to safeguard our club from debt. At this point there are a number of things that appear to be in play. Firstly, the club has clearly run up significant debt that needs to be repaid. At the same time Eric, whose achievements stand for all to applaud, clearly wants to sell his shares and move on with his life. And, on top of all that,our club needs capital and finance to build on the progress that it has made. If any of these facts are not correct, then the club can clarify and we can all stand corrected.

I wish to state that I am very sorry that Mr Whalley should choose the path of personal insult. I will not reciprocate his words or his actions, and simply wish him well, and hope that his objectives are met. Personal insults play no part in my life when it comes to Stanley, a club that I supported with cash way before Eric was Chairman, and a club where my cash will continue to support long after Eric has left. Indeed I extend my best wishes to Eric and his family as I have always done. I also have nothing to do with Mr O Neil's offer to buy Eric Whalley's shares. My interest is only with the club, and the financing that might be put into place as any part of the deal that Mr Whalley completes with Mr ONeil. If the club is to incure indebtedness, that becomes our concern as stakeholders.

If anyone on this forum wishes to ask a question, I will answer it to the best of my ability, and with 100% transparency. This club belongs to us all. Its future matters to us all. I have nothing to hide, and, thankfully, over the years, I have kept meticulous records and notes of all the conversations that have taken place (including the episode of 10yrs ago).

I would also like to thank all of you who have made such kind comments in the past week. For those of you who have anything to ask, please fire away. I will check this forum regularly over the coming days. If I am late in replying, it is not out of lack of interest, it is just a question of time.

Ilyas Khan
(currently in London)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Nice to hear from you, Ilyas. I reckon that statement alone represents a thoroughly refreshing contrast from those who presently run the club!

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Thank you very much for your post Ilyas.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

I echo that sentiment.

Great the person at the centre of the story has chosen to speak directly to the fans.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

hmm strange posting history

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Hello there everyone. I wanted to drop in and say hello. my family is moving into Ossy (have been in Accy all our lives so not really moving very far !). I visit the accy web forum quite often, mostly on the Accy Stanley site, but have never posted. Hope to become a regular on this sub forum. Cant wait to make ossy our new home
http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...llo-21375.html


:confused:Very odd. Is he relocating from the Far East to Ossy?

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Having spoken to Ilyas in the last few days I have sent a message now and I am awaiting confirmation that the poster is in fact him.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

awaiting confirmation of poster

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

good on yer K-P,was wondering that meself.:confused:

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Eric used a terrible turn of phrase.

Ilyas is a wealthy exile with ASFC in his heart.

There are no sides to take (Illyas or Eric's) & no lessons you can give to Eric about Google Page Ranking that he would listen to at his ripe old age. However, without the man, we'd be playing Prescot Cables & his own money, time, stress has gone into getting Accrington where it is now.

For the future, hopefully D O'Neill can repair this relationship & take Accy forward into 2009-2010 & beyond......

For Illyas, maybe the money can be invested into a Supporters Trust (Many clubs have one.....) The Supporters Club I am sure would be interested in such a project. Just a thought...

ASFC: The Frank Gallacher of the Football League......

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Welcome aboard Ilyas :)

Confirmed..

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

So he's moving to Ossy, as his introduction thread stated?

:confused:

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

nope :)

but its been explained and its not for me to repeat.. 100% is ilyas posting though..

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Fair enough.

It seemed very genuine, just very unlike the other posts made by the 'same' member.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

hence the alarm bells and given the seriousness of the current situation it was best to check..

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

thats good to know, nice one K-P.:)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

identity confirmed? time to fire away then please Mr Khan!

firstly.

in your letter you state that you have put hundreds of thousands of pounds into the club, yet Eric states that you have put in £75k. Clearly one of you is lying, could you please clarify (and it is by no means binding as it is a one sided reply) what funds you have put into the club in recent years, particularly since we became a Football League club.

secondly

I am by no means fully conversant with law, business take-overs or share issues but my limited understanding of the current climate is that by issuing new shares the existing shares would become next to worthless unless a new investor (such The Do'n) were to 'double' their bid? surely the alternative would be to over value the existing shares - again forcing The Do'n to double his investment?

thirdly

I understand from your postings as Eastern Red, and from your various letters to the press over the years that you have indeed invested money, and have tried to invest more without seeking ownership, would this continue to be the case if The Do'n takes over? and could the finance you are able to provide not be used to protect against the alleged borrowing against future profits?

and finally could we have a jukebox for the clubhouse please?

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

wow.. what an opener :)... well this is just my own personal view based on what I ahve read in here and not based on anything i have been told.... but hasn't he already answered that in his post by saying he put money in pre eric ?


good call re the jukebox fella :)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Like I said, the bloke is for real, integrity and truth would be a refreshing change for the game , clarity and transparency would be a real bonus for the Stanley! Ilyas, welcome mate, I would roll out the red carpet for you myself!:)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Wecome Mr Khan. K-P, thank you.

How about a supporters stand on this, could the OSC not purchase existing shares from those willing to sell in an attempt of gaining enough to claim a seat on the broad, sorry if this sounds over ambitious or simple but I’d make a donation towards a fighting fund, combined with Mr Khans shares it could give the fans a voice….and the shares could be held by the OSC in Trust so they couldn’t be sold on to strengthen any one individuals grip, just thinking out load on this.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Posted via Mobile Device. How loaded do u think the osc is pmsl. Welcome a aboard illyas great to hear your responses, i will look forward to further on this thread, im sure the chair from the osc will be about lol

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Is the OSC still going? :)

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

I was thinking of donations..........I'm sure their maybe enough of us willing to put what we can in.....

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Hiya Dad.......:D

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

I mentioned it higher up Doug.... its a Supporters Trust.... Something for the OSC to get involved with if they are interested. Its a lot of work, meetings, chairmen women etc etc Not for Ultras but OSC could get it going. York Alty have done it

Illyas could get involved, would be good with Eric leaving & new owners coming in.

Think you get a seat on the board etc etc.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Jesus Rocks

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Posted via Mobile Device. Yes the osc is still going - cheeky lol, im sure if illyas wishes to meet with the osc then he'd be most welcome to discuss ideas as well as anyone else.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

as long as he's a member .......

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

I remember the last time he came to a meeting.. gave the OSC 500 quid just like that... unfortunatly sent to the club and it never actually made it to the OSC .. but the following 1k we gave the club we only gave half and said use the 500 Ilyas gave as our other half..

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Pretty sure Eric isn't a member and he gets his say now and again :D

Isn't it a case of anybody can attend but only members can vote ? I'll ask somebody on the commitee for clarity :D

Posted via Mobile Device. Anyone can attend meetings more the merrier yes, any voting & u must be a member.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

oh yeah. I remember

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Can you come to a meeting and not vote?

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Mr Khan, firstly thank you for finding the time to come on here and post on this forum, it really is appreciated. The honesty and transparency of your post is something that we,as supporters, are not used to!

I have a question, if I may, You say in your post that the club has run up 'significant debt', we have all been led to believe that the Club has NO debt ( some of us have been shouted down for questioning this ), however this appears not to be the case now. My question is just how significant is this debt and just how much 'danger' are we in?

Thank you again for posting.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

When is the nxt OSC meeting! If Ilyas was to go than think some other people might come to see what he has to say and the progress the club could make etc

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

Posted via Mobile Device. The next osc meeting is the 11 may, this is also the AGM too 7.30 pm kick off. It depends whether illyas is available that eve or whether alternative arrangements like a special meeting can be made, would have to await our chairs opinion as well as illyas himself.

Re: Ilyas speaks .....
 

To all of you who have responded. Thank You. I am old enough and mature enough by now to realise that by turning up on this forum I will get a wide variety of questions, but I do not regret the decision to post, and I do hope to be a regular participant. I am afraid I wont be able to comment on the games etc, but for now I will certainly answer all questions directed to me, and I will reply to all private emails.

If you wish to contact me directly my personal email address is [email protected]

As I mentioned in my opening email, I am afraid I wont be as prompt in my replies as right now (for obvious reasons the things we are talking about are very much "current"), but I will come back to you all. If, for any reason your question is not answered, then please contact me directly to "prompt" me.

Turning to today's points.

Firstly, let me explain that I WAS Eastern Red on Accyweb, but for the life of me I cannot remember the password to log in. I therefore have borrowed this "expatriate" log identity and will keep it. And therefore, as a logical follow on, let me clarify that I am not living in Ossy. I divide my time between Hong Kong and England, although my family home (meaning my home in Lancashire when I visit) is indeed in Ossy (in Stanhill), where my brother lives. For those of you in Stanhill I hope to see you at the Summer Fete.

Willie Miller - I am intrigued by the supporters trust. Please may I come back to you with a more considered response ? In principle however, I am willing to kick it off with a small donation, and if a trust is not possible, then I am willing to contribute to the supporters if there are worthy causes. Maybe this is something that the OSC can pick up ? I have made a donation in the past, and will do so again in the future. I am sure that the OSC must be the right avenue if the trust is not possible or easy to set up.

Macca - your questions are entirely fair and legitimate. The answers are quite simple. Firstly, Mr Whalley has chosen to focus on the last few years. You should be aware I first made a financial contribution in 1989. My contributions picked up in earnest in 1993. In total they add up to "hundreds of thousands". In the past two years my donations have dropped off to virtually zero. Mr Whalley is fully aware of the reasons for that drop off, and I will not comment on that issue in public unless Mr Whalley has another reason to be selective in his memory of his comments.

Macca - you ask about new investment and the impact on share value. This forum might not be the right place to issue a technical answer, but I simply reiterate that I have no interest in the value of Eric's shares since he is plainly keen to sell. It is equally clear that as he is trying to sell his shares, he wants the highest possible price. I leave it to Mr O neil to decide what they may or may not be worth. On the bigger issue that you raise, it is perfectly easy for ASFC to issue new shares at any price, and of course, the more money in the club, the more valuable the existing equity will become. I am aware this might not answer your question, so please follow up if I have missed the point. I have looked at the articles of incorporation, and the Mem&Arts, and a new share issuance is very very simple. I have no real understanding of the reluctance of the club (or Mr Whalley) to avoid this step. It is best therefore not to speculate.

Macca - you ask about new investment coming in alongside Mr O Neil. I reiterate that my willingness to support the club will remain in place post Mr Whalley. I suspect your question might be more relevant if and when Mr O Neil takes over as majority shareholder. I hope to prove by my actions (and not my words) that I remain constant and consistent.

As for the jukebox, maybe (in all seriousness) this is something for the OSC ?

Doug - a fighting fund is a very very good idea. I have been asked in the past, but I did not presume to speak for more than myself. If someone in Accrington can get a fund going I will contribute to it.

UK COwboy - I have not been kept informed about the club's financial position. I hope this comes across without emotion, but Mr Whalley has not been exactly transparent about the club's position. In the past, when I have made a donation, I have been aware that much of that cash is effectively going in Eric's pocket (since otherwise he would have to stump up), but I have gone ahead without wanting invoices and reciepts etc as I believed that the Club was more important than petty book keeping. However, in the very recent past (by which I mean in the past month) I understand that the Club owes more than £200,000 to various creditors. I believe some of these creditors are due and payable. In fact, to Mr O Neil's credit, I believe he has previously lent money to the club for money that was owed. My hope is that these various debts can be paid off through an issue of equity, and if Mr Whalley cannot contribute, then there are many others who will. Owning shares in Accrington Stanley can only be a positive thing for supporters, and it could save the club from incurring debt.

I hope my long message addresses the questions fairly. If not, please reply and shout loudly.

I would close by saying that I am, by nature, a positive person. When the subject of Accy Stanley comes up, I end up smiling and feeling very good about life ! To that end, as I have said before, I hope that Mr Whalley is able to overcome his current difficulties and sell his shares. In the meantime, I hope that Mr O Neil can buy those shares without creating any debt at the club. I do not know where this current debate will lead, but I have become sufficiently interested and engaged to not simply fade away in the face of Mr Whalley's rather deprecatory comments. In the past I have taken the view that I respect Mr Whalley, both as my elder, and also as someone whose track record of gaining promotion is worth almost any and all failings. I have now decided that this attitude is not correct - it is plain that the Club is not in a good state - and therefore a few inflamatory remarks and gratuitous personal insults will not scare me away. Transparency is important. Due process is important. And most importantly, lets create the environment where the club can prosper and attract and welcome supporters in an atmosphere of fun and friendship.

Even goodwill (occasionally) to Barrow Fans.