sign of the chimes
Active member
I don't have any problem with private ownership in itself, but when there's a lack of governance/regulation it does make it more attractive for dodgy individuals/groups to come in and chance their arms, particularly where there's any sort of potential to make a quick return. The problems come when that isn't realised and it turns up those taking over never had the means in the first place.I have no problem with private ownership, The guy in charge of your club now did and seems to be doing things the right way, Not promising the earth but a careful financial plan and hopefully progress on the pitch too.
In our instance we went arms dealer -> 2008 financial crash -> russian front for previous owners who defrauded lithuanian bank -> asset strippers related to original owners including a convicted terrorist -> fake sheik -> ***** sheik who was ultimately convicted for trying to finance takeover with money he stole from his wife -> hong kong based loan shark -> various vulutres circling who were still being linked to the likes of bury and bolton over the past couple of years.
Some of the chronology above may be misordered, but they were all stages we went through and have kind of reinforced my sense that regulation/governance is a good thing.
On the plus side the current owners seem to be a) legit and b) running things sustainably. There's a sizeable section of our fanbase who would still like them to spend more money/go for broke.. that's life, I guess.