The story goes that AA was led to believe that if he bought the club the council would be willing to tango. Trouble was the Brady Bunch council were in opposition at the time and when they took up residence in Guildhall again they ( HCC) realised that couldn't lawfully do what they had hinted at regarding the sale of the stadium. Some would say AA was sold a pup.
I had two meetings with Stephen Brady, specifically about the situation re the stadium. The SMC had drawn up detailed plans for a development at the KCOM, within the existing lease footprint, I've mentioned them on here before. I thought they were very good plans (even if I did have some reservations about it as a site for a hotel) and I asked Brady if those plans had ever been submitted, he said they hadn't, which was a shame, as that's exactly what the Council had hoped would happen on the site. He also made it clear that there was an option for a sale of the stadium if the circumstances were right, though they would involve actually having to pay for it and not kicking FC out (as you said, West Park and Walton Street car park were never available).
You think local businessmen who were quite open about not caring about football saved the local club at great expence, then soon after asked for a load of council owned land and freehold of the ground for what reason? The club was an in for their get rich quick retail/property/whatever cockamamy scheme they had. Once they got what they wanted they would have dumped the risky hassle that is a football club and made off with the freehold. That didn't work out for them though. They then couldn't sell the club without taking a big hit, so they had to find another way out. They haven't sold now because they're in too deep and have nestled the club under their umbrella and got it treading water and waiting for the next Bowen to come along.
Where did I say that? Nowhere. I believe his impassioned speech in a private meeting over his James Mooney-led spin in the local press.
I dont know any businessman who's got into football to loose money - they all wantna profit or kickback one way or another. Sounds like the old regime and the council said whatever they had to to get the sale through to save the club at the time as there wasnt anyone else, then reneged. Anyone would be pissed off. Cant condone the actions and contempt since then - but it still doesn't change the fact that boycotting the club simply perpetuates the current state of affairs and weakening club turnover makes it less attractive to a potential buyer. Old man Allam is obviosly not involved in day to day running of the club anymore and reading between the lines lacks some of the capacity he once once had. Somewhere down the line the impasse between fans and owners will have to break for the good of the club - which will mean compromise on both sides. One lot continuing to be as stubborn as the other isnt getting us anywhere.
I've said this before, but I'll say it again. Why would I, or anyone else need an "excuse" to stay away from games? I'd simply tell you I don't want to go any more. It really is as simple as that! I don't need an excuse, I and many others have 'reasons' not to go. Not excuses! I'm not going to go into these reasons, not again. They're more than well documented. It's very very simple. I won't go until they've gone
Is that why when questioned about the sale of the stadium Brady headlined on the front page of the HDM saying the decision would have to go to a public referendum ? To me that means he bottled the decision. I actually liked Steve Brady and thought he did an half decent job as council leader.
Your decision to make. I think its self - defeating for reasons already stated, but theres no question youre entitled to do what you like. I know plenty others citing Allams as the reasons stay away when in truth they're only interesred in the premier league bandwagon. Many of them were in the staduim against chelsea 18 months or so ago.
I have watched City in all 4 divisions, I didn't particularly enjoy the Premier League, it was run as fast as you can to stand still (and avoid relegation). I thought the refereeing was ****e also. I was not in the stadium against Chelsea 18 months ago. I didn't even pay to stream last season. I just cannot stomach giving money to the Allams. I absolutely don't care how this is perceived by others. Hope this helps.
Again, do as though wilt. Up to you how you spend your money Doesnt stop it being counter productive though.
Or you could see it as your paying the wages of the players you "support" or the staff the work in the club both footballing and none footballing sides
He actually said a public referendum would be held if "Mr Allam submitted a serious offer and a matching business case to acquire the stadium”, but he never did. I thought he did a decent job as well.
Suppose we should just be glad not all see it like that or there would be some extremely talented and commited people out of work.
Absolutely! There is no question people were there to see Chelsea. I know that for certain. I wasn't one of them. In fact when we played Chelsea at home in the prem, I lent my pass to my brother in law, because he was forces at the time and couldn't get to games. It was a night game and I believe we lost unfortunately. I just wanted him see a big game. I've been going to City since I was 7rs and I don't need people telling me I'm making excuses for not going. I have Reasons and the Allams are the reason. No excuses needed
Never said everyone is. Just many are. Obviously if you arent one theres no reason to hit a nerve is there? .... And stripping value from the club is still counter productive.
I know the score in my wider circle, plenty of ex-passholders from when the gravy train was in town. And then of course theres the attendence figures. Hope that helps.