Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

That sort of thing is acceptable if n explanation had followed, as to why, Transparency they dont understand the concept.:(

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

No disrespect to anyone concern; and certainly no disrespect to Ilyas Khan; his efforts and generosity are the reason we still have a club. But in a earlier post I did warn (and was shot down) that things would return to the same old ways. If you own something, you own it and in most situations you can "but for the Law", please yourself.

This is a dire situation only "if" fans turn their back on those running the club. Please keep faith in the name and keep investing in that name. Revenue is the only target we need to achieve now before next season. If the money keeps coming in, we'll still have a club and while the club survives we have hope that the future will clear out the rot.

What happened to the Online Store plans? lost income.

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Currently being installed I think

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Think they are still happening as i went in yesterday to order the limted addition shirt and give my details and they sent me an email with my email and password to use online so i could buy tickets etc

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

i am sorry for the negativity on this site. Its clear that i am not able to communicate clearly the reasons why i am not as worried as many of you. The idea of a fans forum is just a way to try and continue to communicate with you all about the longer term plans.

Along the way, here is another attempt to try and bring you along towards my perspective. I fully appreciate that this may take a few more attempts, but i would encourage you to try and see things in the way i do - not fully, but at least a little bit. I certainly try to see things from your way, thats for sure (and not always successfully).

1. when we started again after the high court debacle i committed to be available and transparent

2. i asked you to judge me by my actions, not my words.

3. i laid out a short and medium term plan. I said that the problems that come to be apparent could not be resolved over night.

4. earlier this week I was able to expand upon the way in which I will commit to ensure that the club at the end of the season has no debt and is capable of completing on the important plans for the stadium development and pitch work. I will pay for this if no other money is available.

Now turning to ownership. Doug, with all due respect, not only do i think you are way off mark, but your bulletin is misleading. Lets ask ourselves what exactly does eric/david o'neil own ? they own 51% of the outstanding shares of the club. They are not owners, but simply the largest single owner. HOwever, and this is the key you seem always to miss. Ownership of 51% of the current outstanding share capital is meaningless. Its meaningless because the club is controlled through its board, and its meaningless because at any time the number of shares could increase and eric/david's shares would be a small fraction of the percentage. Put graphically, say eric/david (and i use both their names as i respect the fact that david believes he has done the deal with Eric) own 51 shares and there are 100 in issue. lets say tomorrow there are 200 in issue. then Eric/david would own only 25%. I hope this is clear ?

you then will say - what will it take for the shares to be issued. From a purely legal perspective it requires only a board meeting. However i made a commitment to David that i would step down, and in that context i dont foresee having to or needing to or wanting to convert at this point.

Now, lets turn to what really matters. What next ?

(see next post, running out of space)

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

edited as Ilyas is answering as I type ....

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

you will have to wait a few more minutes. my fingers are not as fast as jimmy ryans feet !

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

question please Ilyas.

You are stepping down as Chairman - Does that include your position on the board?

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Post 105, is totally clear to me and is as simplistic as can be :) In Ilyas Khan, we trust!!!!! :) :) :)
Vote for Rob Houseman.

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Its not the chief that worries people, who have the greatest respect fer ya Ilyas, its the Indians.:eek:

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

I understand what u say Ilyas, but miss the point that fans Dont trust Eric or Don at all, they trust u ilyas but not them thats the crux of the case upon the proof they have seen themselves. Hope that explains the issue of why people are worried.
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Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

OK, carrying on now. with apologies for spelling mistakes and bad syntax.

What next ?

I am very conscious that this is something that you all want to ask, but for different reasons have not done so. In many cases i think its because the place we came from was so dark, that simply surviving and getting the basics right was a priority. DOnt get me wrong, I am not criticising the team and FG Coley. I am talking about the way in which the club seemed to have alienated so many aspects of the community, and also wracked up huge debts whilst selling players etc etc.

As you all know, Accrington is my HOME. lets say it again ACCRINGTON IS MY HOME, which means I care not just about the club, but my neighbours, my friends and all who live in this area. My thoughts, since the Salisbury game have been focused on much more than survival. The challenge I put to myself is this - having done business all over the world, could I turn the problems of stanley into an opportunity for the town ? I am sure you have all heard about the chinese character for danger being the same as opportunity. Need i say more ?

Since then, I have been thinking carefully, and learning a lot about the dynamics of the club and the commercial hub it should represent. What i mean here is that I am proof positive that "brand accy stanley" means a lot. The number of people who are not from here but want to be associated with the name and the brand is not just a figment of someone's overactive imagination.

So, what is next ?

I think we should think big. I dont mean getting to the premiership in 5 or 6 years, but I mean BIG relative to where we are. Why are we stuck in a pokey old cow shed ? what will it take to replicate some of the great success stories when club and community meet to mutual advantage.

These questions led, not unaturally also to thinking about LEGI. Its my view that the council authorities have been more than fair to asfc. In fact we owe them a huge thanks. But are our aims for development compatible with LEGI, and is it fair to try and squeeze a round peg into a triangular hole ?

Sorry to be so long winded, but I really want to try and take my time to help you see things the way i see them.

My thoughts therefore have turned in the past few months to the idea of building a really top class development in accrington, perhaps even developing a state of the art sports centre combined with a beautiful new home for the club. i dont mean a huge monstrosity, but a neat, fit for purpose, easy to access stadium that sits in the heart of a community that is proud to come along, and where, in the process, we bring jobs, economic activity and prosperity to our town and our area.

(pausing for breath here....will be back. bear with me please)

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

I have not mentioned this or talked about this to anyone - partially cos i think that during the season we should focus on the basics, and also because i have wanted to ensure that we have credibility when we talk about the future. How could i Possibly describe plans that would cost millions if we dont even have the wherewithal to pay our past debt ?

I am also very wary of the local media turning this into some sort of headline. Its not a headline, but a careful plan to help with the journey that we all started a few months back, and that, if carefully managed, can create something of value for the town AND bring the club back into the heart of the community.

I went across to reading, and then also bolton, and on a smaller scale to some other places. I also talked to various large retail park developers and international property players who understand what drives cohesive and successful ideas. For those of you who follow my career or are aware of my career you will know i was on the board of some very large property entities and have some experience - albeit outside Lancashire.

The upshot of this is that I want to turn my attention in the close season to really putting serious money into building and creating a new home for our beloved club, and also then bringing something into the town. How brilliant if the much admired "brand" that our club possesses could be usefully put to work for us all, and bring jobs and prosperity to our people ? Stanley Park anyone ?

i hope this all helps you see my perspective. I remain committed and focused. I love what we have achieved, together, but see it as just the start. And i am sure that if we provide the basic infrastructure, the team will take on a new life of its own in due course !

with my warmest respects to you all
Ilyas

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

What an incredible vision! This is what we have all dreamed about, but so far not dared to hope for!

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

i'll tell you Mr K, I'v e spent the last few months having been disillusioned with a lot of things and wanting only to concentrate on the football and the day out - you've probably just re-motivated me!

Forget waiting until the end of the season ILYAS OUT NOW!!!!!!!!! (so that you concentrate more on bricks and mortar)

To be honest, I'm not interested in the shiny new ground bit but more about what it can bring to the club, and you have certainly been doing your homework with a view to expanding YOUR vision of a United Accrington into a reality. Whenever you want Ilyas, I'll marry ya!

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Yer too late, Cashy proposed months ago :D

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

... all I ask is that you try your absolute utmost to ensure the ground remains in Accrington, rather than on the outskirts of town (Whitebirk, power station etc)


and I got years and youth on my side!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

of course in accy !!! thats the whole point.

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

I expected so with you Ilyas but there have been mutterings although in the distant past.

I know you'd play your cards close to your chest and that is very early days, but have any potential sites been identified with the Council?

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

The future sounds good. The only other thing that i would suggest is keeping an all standing end!

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Iylas,
thank you for your response (once again).
Will the new stadium be funded/owned by the community not the club to safeguard it as a key community asset.
For example, the club pay a comical fee for a 100 year lease?

Also,
While I agree the shares are worthless, shouldnt the majority shareholder part fund any future project?
And if its a question that they havent got the capital, we as fans are right to ask after the past 12 months, do either EW or DO have the finances to run the club in the short to medum term at a loss, albeit a smaller loss with no debt to re-pay?
I dont expect you to answer that question but I included it to show how much we dis-trust the formentioned.

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

I wanted to add,
it pains me that the club relies upon you to bail them out when they hit financial problems. If they havent got the cash to sustain the club, then what is it that motivates them? status?

Can you please see there are so many questions to be answered if DO or EW remain in a senior role at the club.

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

I doubt you would get planning permission these days to build a ground with terracing

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

lancsdave - im sure a club either in the blue square south or Ireland (I am trying to find the article as I type) built a new stand with half terrace / half seating.

That maybe for blue square or soutern Ireland BUT we're football league and football league rules apply and does rely on mainly seating terraces, end of really nowt we can do about it same as health and safety rules.

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Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Morecambe will be having standing areas at their new ground that they are about to move into.

Seating is only applicable 3 years after entry to the Championship. Maybe thats part of why Ilyas mention about round pegs and triangular holes? An all seater stadium would remove much of what we are about and is totally unnecessary.

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

its an idea that needs to be carefully planned and then implemented, and it will require a partnership with local authorities as well as other important stakeholders. The whole point of the exercise is to help nurture the club towards a self sustaining future, and yes, having secure tenure is important.

Guys, this website has been very important over the past, and a high degree of trust exists here. I would like to request that we keep things in perspective. My intentions in sharing my thoughts with you was not to create some sort of diversion to the core issues we still face, nor is it to try and bring focus onto a plan that still needs a lot of fleshing out. It was to try and continue with my pledge to be accessible and open with you all.

Just on the question of the club and the cost - i dont think its feasible for the development to be funded through the club. We all know of many clubs where the future has been mortgaged to "grand ideas". My promise to you all is that we will keep ourselves firmly grounded, and the safety and interests of the club will be put first in the plans.

I would hope that as the year progresses I can share details and benefit from feedback.

in the meantime, we still need to get behind coley and the boys for the last few games. lets end on a positive this season.
I am around for the next 20 mins or so for questions, if any. Dave did i miss your point ?

Ilyas

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Well obviously not a planning problem then :)

Presumably they have provsion to convert those areas in to seating though. They might need it in 4 years :D

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! Right, after I was flagging a bit, that's totally remotivated me! :D

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Quite right, Mr Y, and by the way, we'll be expecting the pleasure of your company in the pub tomorrow (not forgetting the immortal Alfred!)...your absence has been noted! ;)

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

A Heck of a lot to take in there and a truly great vision for the Future

I can see now the Business side of things developing with that sort of development which is great because with that comes sustainability

My Main concern at the moment is we still don't seem to be reaching out to the wider public of Hynburn and surrounding areas to help increase crowd numbers.

The age bracket of 12-16 year old is one that is often overlooked and I may be wrong but I think the Clarets are only slightly dearer in that bracket and Rovers are round and about in the Season Ticket stakes.

I noticed in the Observer walk on prices have increased unless booked online with the new C3PO System which again bulds up the database but not everyone has web access and other's make their minds up at the last minute and that increase may put some off?

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Pendle, you have done us all a favour by reminding us of a critical aspect of any plan going forward. When i got to grips with the situation last summer (prior to being politely asked by the then directors to "go away"), I thought it would take a few years to build back the trust and the bond with a wider fan base, and give them a reason to come back to the ground. I dont quite know whether we are many years away, or many many years away, but its a long term project that needs careful shepherding. In the meantime, as we subsist on low gates, we need to be grounded in our efforts to pay our way in the league. Does that make sense to you ?

I can see the enthusiasm for the club, but I am assuming we wont be filling out the terraces with 3000+ crowds in the coming season or two, but that if we really are welcoming and hospitable in all the ways that matter, then we can have our own neat little self sustaining relationship with the fans.

My few months of experience are still nothing compared to the expertise out there in others' minds, but I know that without our fans we are nothing.

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

That makes perfect sense to me

Your second paragraph eptimises what needs to be done to help achieve this goal, for me it was knowing I could spend some quality time with my kids watching football in a safe enviroment for a reasonable price.

If anybody had told me five years ago I would be following Accrington Stanley, I would have told them they were off their rocker

I suppose I have always seen the potential with the Club in terms of on & off the pitch but what used to always drive me mad was the seemingly sideways steps the Club seemed to make or doing things on the cheap?

If I honest with myself the stuffing was kicked right out of me earlier this season with what went on and the size of the debts that had been built up and how close this Club came to being consigned to the History Books once more, that has slightly eroded over your tenureship and I thinks most peoples reactions on this thread alone will tell you in what high esteem you are held in and how much gratitude as fans we all owe to you.

I think the thoughts of returning to the bad old days was just to much to take on board so soon after the last shambles.

Time is a great healer but as I have said before and this is not a criticism of yourself but for most the scars are still raw and trust has to be rebuilt by others in and around the Club only then will the scar really heal.

I Hope that makes sense?

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Great stuff these announcements in the Observer, unfortunately I have as much chance of getting an Observer as you have of getting a Galloway News. It's a good job that the SPL fixtures are such that I can get down to the game tomorrow and get an Observer but why is this not on the website. There are quite a few of us who are not local but come down from time to time and would like to know whats going on.

It looked like it would be worth my while buying a season ticket for the number of games I get down to for this season but when i emailed the club with a few questions to help me decide I got no reply so I didn't get one. I may consider one this season as with the vouchers thrown in it would be £120 which equates to how many games?

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

It may be my imagination, but there seems to be a lot more young 'uns on the Clayton End than there used to be, especially teenagers. Reckon a lot of this is down to the sterling efforts of Jase and the chaps who have made it a more exciting, atmospheric and colourful place to be. However, I think the club need to back up this up with special deals, especially for the age bracket Google Page Ranking was talking about, so it's a more attractive proposition from a cost point of view than Ewood or the Turf. Time to make Stanley the new rock 'n' roll! :cool: :D

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Twenty Three home games in League Two for your £120 or as a walk on £345:eek: or £299 using C3PO

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

walk ons simply HAVE to be cheaper! these are what we don't attract!!!!!!!!!

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Ilyas as always THANK YOU!!!:):)

So many positive points and so many questions to answer!!

Briefly new stadiums can be what you want if self funded.(and the planners grant it) Morecambe's will have terracing because they aren't getting any grants, because they don't tick enough boxes.

Chesterfield wanted terracing, but aren't having any as the are reliant on grants ( Football Foundation now only pay up to 40%, where as after Bradford there was 90% available)

The future vision is FANtastic (as always) however we have to meet Football League criteria NOW and we don't. They(FL) may accept this grand plan and allow us dispensation, but it will need a good man to work it through!! But I suppose if anybody can, ILYAS CAN!!:)

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Mr T, over the summer we must work as a club to meet the minimum club for FL. As i said on the radio I dont think ASFC will be moving anywhere for a while. The plans that I want to develop will take some time. And the local authority (and possibly LCC) will need to be absolutely part of the vision and partners in the roll out. So, briefly, you are right, but in the interim we must not take undue advantage of the goodwill of the FL, and we need to do a fair bit of renovation work (not least the pitch !)

cheers
Ilyas

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

some mornings you think "lets have a quick look on Accy web with a brew before facing the world" so you have a quick look and nothing much has changed, so its off out you go

and other mornings you switch on the laptop and within 5 minutes your running round the house shouting YES !YES !YES !

Danish ale Brewers didn't make the best Chairman in the land ........ACCRINGTON DID!

thank you Ilyas for lifting our heads out of the dark, day to day infighting and allowing us to look to the future and smile at the sun

Loweiy

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Can't think of a better way to say it than what Loweiy just said so I won't elaborate - just once again, thanks Ilyas - you're a gem :)

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

One very very Happy Bunny, here this morning.:):):):):)

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

I think all anybody wants is what is Best for Accrington Stanley FC:)

Debate is healthy and it's good not everybody see things from the same perspective as everbody else:)

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

Re: Ilyas on BBC Radio Lancashire
 

For Gods sake lets not skimp on the pitch, above all else. Levelling is the bare minimum that is required, plus raising the whole surface up. Sixty grand won't cover what's needed!