Interesting that The Telegraph is leading the way in breaking news on the take over again today. The very latest seems to be that Fernandes and Sullivan are in the lead as we enter the final furlong, with Massimo Cellino possibly disqualified for misuse of the whip and Intermarket labouring six lengths behind after a late change of jockey. The journalist is again Duxbury's friend Jason Burt; remember, the guy singing Scotty's praises earlier this week. I said then that the reward would be exclusive news on the takeover courtesy of the Grand Puppet Master and that is exactly how it is unfolding.
The interesting thing is that the Telegraph's "source" does not seem to know exactly what is happening himself. News is now being released regarding Zola's future, perhaps because Scotty understands the popular support for Zola amongst the fans and players. Duxbury's best hope of surviving in his present role must surely lie with Fernandes succeeding in his bid and so we are being told that the two Davids and Don Cellino are planning to replace the popular Italian. I suspect that Duxbury is trying to build up support for his preferred candidate, hoping to prove his loyalty to manager and new owner should the dice fall the right way.
But Duxbury knows he is powerless here. The banks will sell to the highest bidder, although there does now appear to be a desire to offload sooner rather than later. The spectre of relegation hangs over the club and the accountants have clearly been doing their sums.
According to the Telegraph, a decision is expected today or Monday and as every day ticks past, so our chances of surviving in the Prem recede. Who will play up front at Villa? Nouble? Sears? Collins is in for an easy afternoon if he plays isn't he? The January window is open and we desperately need to recruit a striker but until the ownership issue is resolved, we are out of the market.
The big question is, if any of the bidders are serious, why the hell didn't they start this process earlier? Unless, of course, it is a convenient excuse for keeping their hands in their pockets in January. "Sorry, due to the delays, we have been unable to invest in the squad this January but we would like to give assurances to the wonderful fans that money will be committed to improving the squad in the future".
I suspect that the bidding war didn't start earlier becuse they were all waiting to what would happen on Dec 11th.
ReplyDeleteThey knew on the 12th! More than a month has passed since. Fernandes fannied around and only seemed to jump in on the back of the Chelsea and Pompey games - a real case of the heart ruling the head! If Fernandes does win, I hope he has a link with Branson! Mind you, our shirts might become scarlet and blue!
ReplyDeleteFernandes almost had deal a sorted months ago. He hasn't just got interested. He has clearly been trying for a while and is our best bet. He will invest in the team and give us stability. Sullivan and Gold will turn out to be Terry Brown revisited, just as they were at Brum
ReplyDeleteAs I said on my original post (11:38) I think that the bidders were seeing where the land lied before making any bid. But weren't there some due diligence done before Dec 11th? So maybe the wheels were turning very slowly on that matter before Dec 11th and that could have been at least one of the reasons that Straumur got their nine month extension on their moratorium as things in life, whether it be football, business or politics tend to go on long before the rest of muppets get to hear about them.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, this particular article of Burt's was pretty rubbish. It was padded out, almost like he was forced to write something by his boss.
ReplyDelete