Interesting ......

Like everyone else I don't know what is going on at Vic Park.
However, what strikes me as odd is the lack of any communication from the Club, coupled with the paucity of "credible " rumours regarding whether a takeover is still in progress. Even Shelley Hammond, as far as I'm aware, hasn't stated that the deal she was fronting has come to a conclusion.
I'd just like some clarity from the Club, if only to put a stop to the interminable conjecture!
 
Old Poolie said:
Like everyone else I don't know what is going on at Vic Park.
However, what strikes me as odd is the lack of any communication from the Club, coupled with the paucity of "credible " rumours regarding whether a takeover is still in progress. Even Shelley Hammond, as far as I'm aware, hasn't stated that the deal she was fronting has come to a conclusion.
I'd just like some clarity from the Club, if only to put a stop to the interminable conjecture!
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Well there has been communication from the Club, we just don't know the truth of it. Raj Singh has said a number of potential buyers have been 'time-wasters' and others haven't been able to amass the required cash in time. I've always sympathised (a bit) with the flak he gets on- line, especially the threats to him and his family.

But suspicions have become too strong to ignore, culminating with that ridiculous 'poll'. I struggle to believe that anyone in good faith would have done that. Then there's the resignation of Jeff Stelling which speaks volumes, to me at least. It's just beyond infuriating if a Club and all its supporters can be manipulated by someone who simply happens to have a pot of money.
 
Things appear to be hotting up, again, down at Vic Park
- Herd group have released a statement that they are still trying to takeover
- Raj has, allegedly, done an interview for release to the fans; but nobody knows what it contains
- a schedule of preseason friendlies have been posted on Official Site
- Pools rumoured to have approached Boston Utd for their manager

Watch this space!
 
Quick question, what, if any effect will the appointment of Grayson have upon negotiations?
May easily be seen, by some, as an attempt to put a spanner in the works, as it is what the current owner wants but not necessarily what new owners would prefer.

There seems to be an enthusiasm from potential buyers - "Herd Group wishes to confirm its ongoing intention and firm commitment to the takeover of Hartlepool United Football Club," (mail 06/06/2025)

There also seems to be a reluctance to sell, in equal measure, from the current owner. One can only wonder as to why, with the pelters and alleged apparent threats directed at him and his family.
It can’t be love for the club so it has to be financial, if he is losing money hand-over-fist, as he says, offload it to some other mug.
There must be other financial incentives, that benefit his interests, has to be. Maybe it’s just a toy to show the other kids in the yard at break time, who knows?

Anyhow it’s his business and [as fans] our frustration.
:red:
 
Just watched Grayson's first interview on OS, he certainly talks the talk, and he would appear to be under no illusions with regard to the negativity surrounding the Club. He also implied that signings were imminent - we'll find out soon enough I guess.
 
billytwodogs said:
Quick question, what, if any effect will the appointment of Grayson have upon negotiations?
May easily be seen, by some, as an attempt to put a spanner in the works, as it is what the current owner wants but not necessarily what new owners would prefer.

There seems to be an enthusiasm from potential buyers - "Herd Group wishes to confirm its ongoing intention and firm commitment to the takeover of Hartlepool United Football Club," (mail 06/06/2025)

There also seems to be a reluctance to sell, in equal measure, from the current owner. One can only wonder as to why, with the pelters and alleged apparent threats directed at him and his family.
It can’t be love for the club so it has to be financial, if he is losing money hand-over-fist, as he says, offload it to some other mug.
There must be other financial incentives, that benefit his interests, has to be. Maybe it’s just a toy to show the other kids in the yard at break time, who knows?

Anyhow it’s his business and [as fans] our frustration.
:red:
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I don't know anything more than anyone else, and with my usual view of things when putting 2 and 2 together I may well be coming up with 22!
However, with Raj's change of heart and the fact that there are, at least two, consortium's of "business men" looking to take over the Club. I'm of the opinion that there is something going on behind the scenes which is making the Club, suddenly, a more attractive proposition - perhaps a redevelopment opportunity of the Mill House site, which has been mooted previously?
 
Surely a pertinent question for the interviewer to ask Simon Grayson would have been : How do you feel about the probability that, in a few weeks time, you will be sacked without reason or justification?
 
According to the Mail - so just speculation - negotiations with Herd group have ceased.
Personally, I don't see a takeover being concluded, with anyone, before the start of the season, if ever!
For me, a takeover will only occur if the Club (Raj) becomes insolvent and I don't think that is likely.
 
grabeca said:
Surely a pertinent question for the interviewer to ask Simon Grayson would have been : How do you feel about the probability that, in a few weeks time, you will be sacked without reason or justification?
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With the way things are (not) shaping up at Victoria Park, I'm starting to think Mr Grayson won't even be in charge at the start of the season!
- no word on Mani D or Joe Grey
- First team coach left for Carlisle
- no appointment of replacement first team coach
- only 3 permanent signings made to date

Simon, will be packing his bags to return to Nepal.
 
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I’ve been critical of Raj in this thread however, in light of events at Morecambe, he appears at least to be attempting to fulfil his commitment to the EFL’s Owners’ & Directors Test…..the Source and sufficiency of funding element, where owners are legally bound to provide funding on an as required basis - no wolves at our door, decent summer recruitment, payment of bills etc.

Unlike those elsewhere, who according to reports, have been involved with 25 companies, 18 of which were dissolved, went into liquidation or receivership. Yet these individuals or groups are continually allowed to enter into and ‘pass’ the EFL Owners and directors test.
Then again the initial stage, first criteria, is only a self declaration test !!!!

However the other 2 criteria to be met must surely be overseen by the EFL,
Future Financial Information - review of
Profit & loss accounts
Cash flow forecasts &
Balance sheets.

Source & Sufficiency of Funding - review of
3 years accounts
Cash in bank &
Where it came from.

What is the criteria for not being allowed or being disqualified from becoming an owner or director of a football club.

According to EFL an event disqualifying individuals may be….
Being struck off or barred from a professional body or
Have been a director of a company or companies which have suffered insolvency.

I’m no know it all I just googled it.

The question is….who is enabling it and why/how is it allowed to continue?
:red:
 
billytwodogs said:
I’ve been critical of Raj in this thread however, in light of events at Morecambe, he appears at least to be attempting to fulfil his commitment to the EFL’s Owners’ & Directors Test…..the Source and sufficiency of funding element, where owners are legally bound to provide funding on an as required basis - no wolves at our door, decent summer recruitment, payment of bills etc.

Unlike those elsewhere, who according to reports, have been involved with 25 companies, 18 of which were dissolved, went into liquidation or receivership. Yet these individuals or groups are continually allowed to enter into and ‘pass’ the EFL Owners and directors test.
Then again the initial stage, first criteria, is only a self declaration test !!!!

However the other 2 criteria to be met must surely be overseen by the EFL,
Future Financial Information - review of
Profit & loss accounts
Cash flow forecasts &
Balance sheets.

Source & Sufficiency of Funding - review of
3 years accounts
Cash in bank &
Where it came from.

What is the criteria for not being allowed or being disqualified from becoming an owner or director of a football club.

According to EFL an event disqualifying individuals may be….
Being struck off or barred from a professional body or
Have been a director of a company or companies which have suffered insolvency.

I’m no know it all I just googled it.

The question is….who is enabling it and why/how is it allowed to continue?
:red:
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All good questions Billy2, I do think that to some extent the EFL/NL are trapped between a rock and a hard place when it comes to "fit and proper tests".
Taking Morecambe as an example, if NL found prospective buyers unfit, and thereby condemned club to Administration, who would be held accountable for the clubs demise?
 
Old Poolie said:
All good questions Billy2, I do think that to some extent the EFL/NL are trapped between a rock and a hard place when it comes to "fit and proper tests".
Taking Morecambe as an example, if NL found prospective buyers unfit, and thereby condemned club to Administration, who would be held accountable for the clubs demise?
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True
 
Things are starting to look bleak for Morecambe.
Suspended all footballing activities, lack of insurance and players leaving!
 
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