Bryan Richardson Speaks! (1 Viewer)

Godiva · Apr 26, 2012

Paxman II said:
Is it all positioning 'in case of' scenarios?
Or a real effort to align itself for the least impact in pulling the plug?

What comes out of SISU's mouth next will be a very telling moment indeed.

I don't think it matters what sisu says - nobody really believe them anyway - or even listen.

We need to look at all the other evidence that builds up:
- the failure to get to negotiate a lower rent
- the staff meeting at Ricoh and the talk about 'risk assessment'
- just about everyone who have friends in high places tells the same story: The club is skinned and can't hold on much longer
- the new mortage on Ryton and all CCFC assets
and so on.

Is this the moment to push harder to sisu knowing the clubs very existence is threathen?
Isn't it long overdue that the fans actually try to help the club and get a positive or just neutral dialogue with sisu as asbyjan suggested.
Is this the time not to purchase ST's?
Is this the time to restart the sisu-out campaigning?

When you're in a hole, stop digging!

Why are we only trying to force sisu's hands ... we could turn our attention towards Hoffman and the council. If they really have the club at heart, they need to show some passion.

SkyBlueScottie · Apr 26, 2012

Walking Bird said:
He may have a few bob to invest. He did quite well out of a land deal a few years back apparently.

Well if you are talking about the Gas works land deal then you have to wonder what went on cos we never ended up owning any of the land......

Vale87 said:
I cannot really understand why there is any support for Richardson, until someone proves otherwise I will believe that he caused/started our downfall with the cavalier attitude that was adopted to the finances.
Interestingly for those of you who can remember the forum that was part of the official site, one of the reasons that it closed seemed to be the vitriol that was directed at Richardson, and as stated above if he did nothing wrong and his figures stack up why was there a confidentiality clause?

Started it yes, but then we all know Geoffrey was in charge all along.

SkyBlueUkeman · Apr 26, 2012

I truly hate the man. If I met him I couldn't not be held responsible for my actions. He, in my opinion, is the soul reason why we are where we are today.

Him, McGinnty and Robinson. Greedy, theiving, scumbags.

Paxman II · Apr 26, 2012

Godiva Hoffman has sidelined himself already stating investors have gone away for now but maintain some interest still wanting to be kept informed.
That means he's out.
Unless the stadium is on the agenda I personally doubt anyone will touch us with a barge pole.
That really is why SISU are hedging their bets and have been for some time.

Looking at the various scenario's then i can see them investing some more, enough to get next season going and a few additions and changes in the squad. there is not much else they can choose.

Whether you believe them or not SISU do need to speak out now and lay down their mantra for moving on in the short, medium or longer term.

Failure to do so will see revenue cut in season tickets as no one will splash the cash on such uncertainty.

Those that figure Hoffman as a white knight of sorts have to accept even when the current owners are in dire condition being drip fed intravenously on the edge of death he has no response. Makes me wonder a lot about him. If the council wised up and stopped being so arrogant allowing for talks on the stadium ownership then you would see Hoffman and perhaps other investors showing an interest.

Yes SISU and the council are enemies in a way but they need to look past that for the long term future of the City of Coventry....their really doing no one any favours here.

Grendel · Apr 26, 2012

SkyBlueUkeman said:
I truly hate the man. If I met him I couldn't not be held responsible for my actions. He, in my opinion, is the soul reason why we are where we are today.

Him, McGinnty and Robinson. Greedy, theiving, scumbags.

Really? Why not do a positive and negative on all our owners / chairman from Richardson onwards.

Richardsons positives were premiership status for practically a decade, a string of quality players, vision for a new ground which was desperately needed.

Personally I can think of zero benefits from all that followed and a whole string of negatives for the bufoon mcginnity. Oddly the things that really led to richardsons problems and the subsequent DTI investigation don't seem mentioned.

The debt was never at £60 million and the asset base a lot stronger.

Brighton Sky Blue · Apr 26, 2012

And Richardson's legacy is 10 years of crap in the second tier followed by humiliating crap in the third.

Grendel · Apr 26, 2012

Brighton Sky Blue said:
And Richardson's legacy is 10 years of crap in the second tier followed by humiliating crap in the third.

Not a legacy as he wasn't at the helm. It would have been better for a good reason - he would have filed for administration - no points penalty and we would have carried on. The legacy is mcginnity's.

Brighton Sky Blue · Apr 26, 2012

Must disagree with you there Duffy. If he has nothing to be ashamed of, why the need for secrecy for a decade? 10 years of silence and all of a sudden a 5 page article in the Telegraph seems awfully convenient timing with the club in the most precarious position since his departure. Trying to score some points off SISU whilst promoting a new business venture is what it looks like.

Grendel · Apr 26, 2012

Well he did sign a confidentiality agreement so there had to be a period of silence.
Yes he is looking at the new venture but the telegraph article is ultimately positive.
I'd take him back in an instant.

SkyBlueUkeman · Apr 26, 2012

kduffy said:
Really? Why not do a positive and negative on all our owners / chairman from Richardson onwards.

Richardsons positives were premiership status for practically a decade, a string of quality players, vision for a new ground which was desperately needed.

Personally I can think of zero benefits from all that followed and a whole string of negatives for the bufoon mcginnity. Oddly the things that really led to richardsons problems and the subsequent DTI investigation don't seem mentioned.

The debt was never at £60 million and the asset base a lot stronger.

You're taking the piss, aren't you?

The debt was never at £60 million because we weren't landed with a stadium that we can't afford to own.

we had the chance to buy back HR after we were relegated, but because McGinnty owned the company which installed the Ricoh Arena's seats he would have made a huge loss if the building of the stadium was stalled, so we (or more to the point 'he) carried on regardless. McGinnty, Richardson and Robinson leave with millions and we are left HOMELESS.

And HR wasn't exactly 'Falling Apart'? Maybe the last 5-6 years it was looking a little shabby around the corners but that was because we had already sold it! Plus there was still room for expansion if needed (which there clearly wasn't). It was one of the better Stadiums in the League, nay, the country. It was a micro-monster. A Tardis, Bigger on the inside.

MusicDating · Apr 26, 2012

The 'confidentiality agreement' between the parties indicates to me they are all culpable. Please can someone more legally aware than me explain the implications (financial??) for breaking this?

To me a comparison is the News Corp v Gordon Taylor (dont get me started on him...) confidentiality agreement following Taylor's phone hacking. It's all come out following the Leveson inquiry, yet nothing appears to have happened.

My idea is publish what we believe to be the truth and then dare Richardson/McGinnity to prove us wrong. A bit like the Daily Heil's 'Murderers' headline... (we may need donations to a skybluestalk trust in case it does go to court... ). Might be the only way to find out the truth...

torchomatic · Apr 26, 2012

Unfuckingbelievable.

kduffy said:
I'd take him back in an instant.

Grendel · Apr 26, 2012

torchomatic said:
Unfuckingbelievable.

I was being slightly factitious (surprised no-one else picked it up). However this is a more acceptable comment than comparing him to someone who murdered 6 million people or child murderers. What actually was his crime and who would have cared if relegation had been avoided.

Brighton Sky Blue · Apr 26, 2012

kduffy said:
Well he did sign a confidentiality agreement so there had to be a period of silence.
Yes he is looking at the new venture but the telegraph article is ultimately positive.
I'd take him back in an instant.

A period of silence that conveniently ends when Coventry finds itself with the real possibility of losing its 129 year old football club.

Gynnsthetonic · Apr 26, 2012

I seen plans in the council house to bulldoze the old Sky Blue stand and build a new 3 tier stand similar to the one at Filbert St, would this have been a better option than moving to the Ricoh

coundonskyblue · Apr 26, 2012

<p>

Gynnsthetonic said:
I seen plans in the council house to bulldoze the old Sky Blue stand and build a new 3 tier stand similar to the one at Filbert St, would this have been a better option than moving to the Ricoh

</p>

That was the original plan, however the great socialist Dave Nellist soon put a stop to that. Claiming it would be 'unfair' on the people living around HR.

frodobaggins · Apr 26, 2012

MusicDating said:
The 'confidentiality agreement' between the parties indicates to me they are all culpable. Please can someone more legally aware than me explain the implications (financial??) for breaking this?

To me a comparison is the News Corp v Gordon Taylor (dont get me started on him...) confidentiality agreement following Taylor's phone hacking. It's all come out following the Leveson inquiry, yet nothing appears to have happened.

My idea is publish what we believe to be the truth and then dare Richardson/McGinnity to prove us wrong. A bit like the Daily Heil's 'Murderers' headline... (we may need donations to a skybluestalk trust in case it does go to court... ). Might be the only way to find out the truth...

Possible consequences of breaking a confidentiality clause:

- severe financial penalties

- jailtime for contempt of court

lordsummerisle · Apr 26, 2012

frodobaggins said:
Possible consequences of breaking a confidentiality clause:

- severe financial penalties

- jailtime for contempt of court

Contempt of what court?

Wouldn't apply in this case as obviously a private arrangement, though financial considerations probably the main driver as they are in most cases.

Usually along the lines of "keep your gob shut or you won't get any payoff"

Brighton Sky Blue · Apr 26, 2012

I would still be very surprised if such a confidentiality agreement came to an end last week in time for his interview. He says things like 'Nobody's put the questions to me' which suggests the agreement finished some time ago-it is just a convenient time for him to come out and bash SISU to better his crooked image.

Grendel · Apr 26, 2012

lordsummerisle said:
Contempt of what court?

Wouldn't apply in this case as obviously a private arrangement, though financial considerations probably the main driver as they are in most cases.

Usually along the lines of "keep your gob shut or you won't get any payoff"

Well I think that is widely accepted with £350,000 the price of silence.

wingy · Apr 26, 2012

Godiva said:
I don't think it matters what sisu says - nobody really believe them anyway - or even listen.

We need to look at all the other evidence that builds up:
- the failure to get to negotiate a lower rent
- the staff meeting at Ricoh and the talk about 'risk assessment'
- just about everyone who have friends in high places tells the same story: The club is skinned and can't hold on much longer
- the new mortage on Ryton and all CCFC assets
and so on.

Is this the moment to push harder to sisu knowing the clubs very existence is threathen?
Isn't it long overdue that the fans actually try to help the club and get a positive or just neutral dialogue with sisu as asbyjan suggested.
Is this the time not to purchase ST's?
Is this the time to restart the sisu-out campaigning?

When you're in a hole, stop digging!

Why are we only trying to force sisu's hands ... we could turn our attention towards Hoffman and the council. If they really have the club at heart, they need to show some passion.

When Sisu are gone and Hoffmans in that will be the time to focus on Council/ACL.

SkyBlueEG · Apr 26, 2012

Lots of figures have been quoted in this latest article from the CET on Richardson. I did a bit of digging and found this from December 11 2002. http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/coventry-city-fc/coventry-city-fc-news/page.cfm?objectid=12444800&method=full&siteid=50003 A pretty good article in terms of explaining the figures.

What is blindingly obvious is that no previous owner/executives can come out of this smelling of roses. What might be said though is that Richardson's business plan was based on reasonable logic of the club retaining the 50% stake in the Ricoh and the associated profits that would come with that. After all, every potential investor since then has said this is a deal clincher.

McGinnity was the next person to make a short-term instead of long term decision in selling this stake to the Higgs Charity to deal with yet another financial crisis. Ultimately leaving the club as a tenant with no access to the benefits of partial ownership of the stadium.

Short termism, panic buying, poor player purchases, no stability in managers, poor financial management = SISU being the only people willing to take a punt and subsequently making the exact same mistakes as Richardson and McGinnity.

torchomatic · Apr 27, 2012

Unfortunately we couldn't afford those ''string of quality players'' which is why he broke the club. When we were relegated our wage bill was 125% of our revenue thanks to good old Bry.

And I disagree that the new stadium was ''desperately needed''. We hadn't outgrown HR and the only person who thought we needed to move was BR. The man is responsible for where we are . I am shocked at the ''good old Bryan'' tone of the Telegraph piece.

kduffy said:
Richardsons positives were premiership status for practically a decade, a string of quality players, vision for a new ground which was desperately needed.r.

Grendel · Apr 27, 2012

torchomatic said:
Unfortunately we couldn't afford those ''string of quality players'' which is why he broke the club. When we were relegated our wage bill was 125%

about the same as the premier established clubs relegated last season from the premier league you mean?

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