The ST seek preferred bidder status but from what I read in the Bolton News they haven't even opened a bank account for the pledged money to be deposited into. Just how much money has been pledged is not sure and of course the real test is how much money will be transferred if and when the account is actually opened.
Here is the article.
THE Bolton Wandereres Supporters Trust say they are working closely with the club to prove they should be given preferred bidder status by owner Eddie Davies.
The trust released a statement last night to assure members they are in “constant dialogue" with officials at Wanderers as they look to progress their own takeover effort.
Discussions have continued with around 30 businesses and local organisations that could provide the financial muscle to run the club.
Although Portsmouth’s fan-led takeover has been their most prominent role model, it is understood the BWFCST has also been speaking with the “Foundation of Hearts" who took over the Edinburgh club last year with a similar community-funded bid.
A bank account is still being set up to allow the first membership fees to be taken, while the steering group is also working towards the first elections.
“It is clear that the Trust itself could not takeover the club alone," the BWFCST said. “So we have been continuing to look at how a community-led takeover could work and how other trusts have been able to be an active partner in any takeover of their club.
“Obviously we have worked very closely with the Pompey Trust and are now speaking to a number of others to ensure we have as much information as possible to take forward.
“Our request for preferred bidder status is still being considered by the club, and we are working closely with them to show why a community-led takeover, where the supporters’ trust is a central pillar, would be the best option."
Preferred bidder.
posted on 6/2/16
At the moment i really don't know what to make of this. Might find more out today, have a chat with a couple of people who are more involved than me. I am suspicous that this will just allow Ed to remain in control and still own the stadium etc and still not contribute financially. The money raised by the trust will probably go towards renting the ground off Ed and allowing Bolton to compete at league two or league one level at best.
posted on 6/2/16
And when Ed decides he wants to increase the rent, he will.
I think he should go completely. He won't even give the fans his views on what he wants or what he thinks should happen.
It's a complete shambles and Ed has contributed greatly to our present predicament, along with the dark one.
posted on 7/2/16
Found out nothing. Just more questions. Who are these businesses? Are they going to want the money back at some stage? Will they be one of payment or will the businesses be putting money in each year. For a fans trust there are not a lot of fans knowing what is going on.
posted on 9/2/16
Here is an update from the ST. Still trying to secure preferred bidder status but in all honesty, very little new news.
Here is the article.
THE Bolton Wanderers Supporters Trust say they are making progress in their attempts to launch a community-led takeover of the club – but that they are being delayed by red tape.
After making representations to owner Eddie Davies the trust is waiting to hear if it will receive preferred bidder status, based on a number of high net worth individuals and businesses that have expressed an interest in funding them.
Setting up an established hierarchy has proved difficult, however, and their attempts have been slowed by paperwork, in particular that which will allow them to create a community bank account to enable the process of membership fees.
The topic of elections has also caused some concern, with the trust now launching a separate steering group to ensure they are set up as quickly as possible.
Concern has been raised from a section of supporters over exactly how the takeover will be funded, and which individuals will be involved.
But in a statement released today, the trust insisted they would not work with anyone who did not “support its aims”.
“We are still awaiting news on the preferred bid status from the club, but we are still in constant dialogue with them,” it said.
“We have also continued speaking to a number of local institutions and businesses who have expressed an interest in our community-led takeover offer. When speaking to all of these potential partners, we have made it abundantly clear that this is a scheme to bring BWFC back into the heart of the Bolton community. We will not be working with anyone who is not committed to this fundamental aim.
“We appreciate that people will want to know who we are speaking to, but due to commercial sensitivities and confidentiality at this stage we are unable to list who they are. However, again we reiterate that we will not be working with anyone who does not support and is willing to sign up to the aims of the Trust.
“The lack of a credible takeover from the numerous other parties who have expressed an interest in our club has driven us to prepare this offer, albeit far sooner than any of us had envisaged. We are deeply concerned that time is running out and we do not want to see our club stripped of its prized assets, including the stadium, hotel and our best young players if the worst were to happen if the winding up petition was to be enforced later this month.
“We believe that we can offer an alternative for the club which is focused on the community. Working together with like-minded institutions, business and individuals we can put our club back at the heart of our community.”
posted on 9/2/16
I wonder what Eddie is thinking, will he go for it?
With so little information and from what I can garner from the article, they may still be struggling to get firm pledges of support from the businesses and organizations that they are talking to. Without pledges of large amounts of cash, the bid is dead before it actually gets off the ground.
With the court case almost upon us, I think they may be flogging a dead horse. We will see.
posted on 9/2/16
Seems to be getting quieter and quieter on here. Wheres tmp, golden and pasty gone?
posted on 9/2/16
Disappeared into the ether for the moment. Hopefully they will be back soon.
It really is quite, I hope the board hasn't died.
posted on 9/2/16
I see Neil Redfern got the boot yesterday. Hopefully the millers won't go on a good run of form now that he's gone.