hector
TFF member
Posts: 1,311
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Post by hector on Feb 22, 2024 13:25:27 GMT
Can’t post the link at the moment as the website isn’t loading. Osborne is stepping down and not funding the club anymore because of circumstances outside his control. Appointing administrators.
What a mess that sociopath has left our football club in!
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hector
TFF member
Posts: 1,311
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Post by hector on Feb 22, 2024 13:27:24 GMT
Clarke Osborne has today issued the following statement regarding TUAFC: "It is with sincere regret that I advise that circumstances beyond my control during the last five weeks have brought me to the position that I am unable to continue financial support for the Club and I have today filed on behalf of the Directors, an intention to appoint an administrator to the Club and Company. The prospect of creating a new stadium and commercial facility was the driver for the investment, the excitement to deliver something truly transformative for the Club and Torbay. I would reiterate what I have said many times, that Torquay United is blessed with fantastic, passionate support and I am sorry that we have not been able to reach our goal for the Club and fans, despite significant effort and investment. I would like to pay a personal tribute to both George Edwards and Mel Hayman who have worked tirelessly for this Club, voluntarily. Their selfless time commitment, and passion for the Club has been limitless despite some very difficult headwinds. I also pay tribute to the entire Torquay United family, the Team both on and off the field of play, for their hard work, commitment and in some instances on a voluntary basis. The financing of football in this country is precarious and can only thrive in the lower divisions where there is either a close collaborative relationship with the local authority, it is a trophy asset or is backed by substantial local individuals and businesses. I believe that it needs a fundamentall overhaul of its financing structure, rights distribution in the lower leagues and recognition that many clubs represent a fundamental part of the local community and its visitor attractions. Ambitious Clubs should in my opinion be given special status in their push to bring in investment, develop facilities, bring spend and employment to the local economy. I have today stepped down as Chairman of the Board. Now is the time for the Club, supporters, Torbay community and the Local Authority to come together and continue on the path to the future. I will assist a change of ownership where and when invited. The detailed plans, proposals and related data for the proposed developments will be gifted to the Club as will any time requested to assist in the future planning and development."
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rjdgull
TFF member
Admin
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Post by rjdgull on Feb 22, 2024 14:27:00 GMT
So the first question is, can the club be saved or is a phoenix needed? It will depend a lot on the current incumbent.
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rjdgull
TFF member
Admin
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Post by rjdgull on Feb 22, 2024 14:30:45 GMT
So the first question is, can the club be saved or is a phoenix needed? It will depend a lot on the current incumbent. link - administrators will try to find a buyer in the first instance.
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Post by gateman49 on Feb 22, 2024 14:32:53 GMT
We probably all need to pause and take a deep breath.
If this this does indeed pan out, with or without receivership, it's a road that has been travelled by any number of clubs and, for some, their eventual phoenix successors. As my cup has to be half full having come so far with Torquay United, I am optimistic that positive will eventually come from this. After all, we have a good fan base and, perhaps, the ground will now be secure.
I'm just getting on my knees to pray.
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petef
Match Room Manager
Posts: 4,626
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Post by petef on Feb 22, 2024 14:40:38 GMT
A sad but inevitable conclusion. Their ownership was nothing more than a temporary reprieve from what we are now facing and facing once again. I can't say I'm sorry that he's dipping out but devastated for what's happened to our football club in recent years and for its future whatever that may be. Rest assured he was never genuinely interested in the football club it was purely a means to and end and to get what he really wanted from his slow burn investment. We were all being used. Yes a £6 million investment so what we he be wanting to recover from his failed plans?
Wherever this club ends up, at whatever level, I hope it ends up in the hands of football people who really care. So much more important than league status.
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chelstongull
TFF member
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Favourite Player: Jason Fowler
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Post by chelstongull on Feb 22, 2024 14:46:33 GMT
Sad day indeed, let’s hope a football loving buyer can be found.
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Post by gateman49 on Feb 22, 2024 14:49:55 GMT
.... I hope it ends up in the hands of football people who really care....... That could be us.
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petef
Match Room Manager
Posts: 4,626
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Post by petef on Feb 22, 2024 14:57:25 GMT
Ten point deduction and a real danger of slipping down to the league below and will be the first step by the looks of things....that's how much he really cares about this club. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68372224
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Post by dave1958 on Feb 22, 2024 15:05:08 GMT
The owners of your club are now doing what they have to a number of greyhound stadiums, genuinely hope your club can be saved.
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rjdgull
TFF member
Admin
Posts: 12,227
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Post by rjdgull on Feb 22, 2024 15:11:24 GMT
The owners of your club are now doing what they have to a number of greyhound stadiums, genuinely hope your club can be saved. Luckily, the Freehold of our stadium is owned by the Council.
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Post by dave1958 on Feb 22, 2024 15:16:42 GMT
The owners of your club are now doing what they have to a number of greyhound stadiums, genuinely hope your club can be saved. Luckily, the Freehold of our stadium is owned by the Council. Thats good mate, the council own the lease for poole stadium but now it only hosts speedway,these owners will not care about the fans,they will only do what best suits them,they recently closed the 24 dogs site and money held in peoples accounts cant be accessed
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Post by gateman49 on Feb 22, 2024 16:54:52 GMT
I have written to Cllr. Steve Darling no doubt pushing at an open door as he is a fan. Every local fan should be writing to their ward Councillors to ask for their support. The Council is under a lot of budget pressure so every effort should be made by us to keep them on their toes. Steve has already replied with a very positive message and he will raise the matter at a Council meeting tonight. If you aren't sure, you can find out who to write to here: www.torbay.gov.uk/DemocraticServices/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=WARD&VW=LIST&PIC=0
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Post by gateman49 on Feb 22, 2024 16:59:41 GMT
and a bit more as I wrote to Kevin Foster as well:
On behalf of Kevin Foster MP, thank you for your email. Kevin is aware of the club’s announcement, on the back of this he has organised a meeting with the Torquay United Supporters Trust to discuss how he can support fans. Kevin has also requested an urgent meeting with the Sports Minister next week. Kevin will update concerned fans through his social media and weekly update following these meetings, he will do all he can in support.
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Rob
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Post by Rob on Feb 22, 2024 18:25:55 GMT
Mentioned it elsewhere but we are not as yet in administration. Pete Masters being keen to make an offer to Osborne has been mentioned on BTPIR as some are no doubt aware. The source of this is a previous owner
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