Re: Signings
 

Thanks for getting my point. I don't think he is the anti christ all I'm saying is pay attention to what's going on. And on that note, I have other things to be concerned about just now as I'm in Luxembourg for the game tomorrow. And some think a trip south is difficult :D

Re: Signings
 

I'm always wary, but i tend to give the benefit of doubt to someone who's chucking money at the club, until they give reason not too.

Re: Signings
 

It seems to me that Andy Holt is simply a successful businessman who has got the Stanley bug, after experiencing the unique spirit and atmosphere at the club. If that means I'm being "naive" or indulging in "hero worship" so be it.

Yes, he's said he wants the club to be self-sufficient, but I can't understand this "return" he's alleged to be expecting. How can you make a "return" on a full time football league club with gates of 1,600 and a covenant on the ground which says it can't be used for anything else but football?

But, most important of all, if Andy Holt hadn't turned up, where would be headed to now, as I sure as hell didn't see any others lining up to invest the sort of money he has?

Re: Signings
 

Andy has gone on record numerous times as 'not expecting a return'.

His stated intent is that of a self sufficient club that can provide a legacy to the community.

As far as self sufficiency is concerned he has developed a quarter of the ground that is now generating money on matchdays.

He has developed a large, quality car park that is now generating matchday income.

He has improved hospitality numbers (not sure on quality) that is now generating matchday income.

He has developed the Commercial department that is now generating year round income with both major and minor partners involved.

Commercial parties are keen to get involved again and many aspects of the club are beginning to bloom.

He has given JC the largest budget thus far (900k iirc).

He has brought much needed stability and respect back to a club that has teetered from one chaos to another for a decade.

The ground and its perimeter are both cleaner and tidier than they have ever been and the groundwork for further development has been done, or is underway.

He has been instrumental in the re-emergence if the Supporters Club.

The pitch has been expensively refurbished to its current best ever state.


... not bad for a little under 2 years since he first clapped eyes on the ground.

Has he made mistakes? Undoubtedly, but I would massively give him the benefit of the doubt. Every corner of the club was a shambles and needed overhauling. He didnt have the cast of Ben Hur in the office to offer their wisdom, experience or professionalism - everything has been pretty much from a standing start. I'd be more than happy to offer him my wisdom, experience and professionalism, as would others, but who is to say I know how to run a football club?

As a parent I expect my kids to adhere to what I teach them is right or wrong. They rarely agree with me because, as kids, they aren't privy to the bigger picture. As football fans we are as those kids. We dont know what finances are available, what people are available to implement ideas, what legislation they must adhere to, what works must be done before other works can be done etc etc etc.

I'm by no means hero worshipping but for gods sake leave off the UNNECESSARY criticism, it's unwarranted and unwanted.

Re: Signings
 

... and thats not including the work that has gone on so far in trying to secure ownership of the ground AND establish a proper training ground in the town

Re: Signings
 

How the hell thats suspicious or concerning to me is way beyond common sense.:rolleyes:

Re: Signings
 

Edwards back for a full season excellent.

Re: Signings
 

Superb result imho:)

Re: Signings
 

Time will tell IMO I don't think he's up to our level hope to be proven wrong.

Re: Signings
 

No but you might be willing to pay a bit more in rent if your landlord built one for you.

But yes i agree if AH can get a good deal to buy the ground either personally or by using his money companys money or even by using his companys credit rating to borrow it and then using the asset to raise money for the upgrade/new stand it wouldnt be a bad thing.

Personally i think this has now left him with a big decision to make and i.m not sure he.ll take the big jump which is why i think hed be better off getting Hyndburn to make the improvements to their asset in return for increased rental payments.

Re: Signings
 

Careful now - that's criticising one of our own.

Re: Signings
 

To be fair I don't think we saw enough of him to make a judgement - welcome back Jonathan & thank goodness this thread's now got back on track talking about signings - hope there's a few more to come :)

Re: Signings
 

Best signing so far - well pleased with this :)

Re: Signings
 

Brilliant post as ever Rob.

Re: Signings
 

thought he was up to our level last season. the bits we saw of him for me he looked decent. needs more game time than he got last season though. showed a lot more for me than a current chorley striker did in the last month or so of the season.