Questions for Mr Bhatia and Mr Strang from Notts County Supporters Trust

 

Q1    There is growing discontent and uncertainty amongst Trust Members about
the delay in completing the take-over process. The new season is only a few
weeks away. Why is the process taking so long? What are the I's that need to be
dotted and the T's that need to be crossed? When can we expect the take-over to
be completed and when can we expect to come out of administration?

         Both Frank and I understand the concerns of the trust members and
indeed all

Notts County supporters.  The delay is down to two factors.  The first is the
process of due diligence being undertaken by all parties involved.  The second
is the unsolicited offer of two additional sources of funding by financial
institutions, both of whom have approached us after hearing of our plans for the
club via the media.  We took the view that it would have been remiss of us not
to consider these offers and in doing so we will ensure we secured the best deal
for the club as we face up to the challenges of the future.

         We are totally committed to moving the club forward in a sensible and
prudent way and ensuring we never again face the traumas of the last two years.
I don’t want to lift people’s expectation by forecasting a date for completion
but let me assure you we are totally committed to Notts County and are moving
things along as fast as is humanely possible.

 

Q2    We have a squad that is down to the bare bones.  On the first day of the
season, what assurances can you give that well have new players available to
play and that Billy Deardon will have the necessary funds to secure these
players for Notts County Football Club?

         The playing budget for the coming session has been agreed with Billy
and is in place.  We currently have a number of new players in pre-season
training who will sign for the club when the deal is finally signed.

         The positive aspect of this is that all of these players and indeed
Steve Parkin have had the opportunity to go to other clubs and all have chosen
to stay at the club.

 

Q3    What will be the position if the Club is still in administration when the
new season kicks off?

         I understand the concern but the club will be out of administration
before the season starts.

 

Q4    Who will be on the new board of directors once the takeover is completed?

         Plans for the new board have not been finalized however both Frank and
I will be actively involved.

 

Q5    Some people have said that you do not have the money to take over the
Club. Can you confirm categorically that the necessary finance is in place

to satisfy the purchase conditions?

        

Yes, most certainly the money is in place.

 

Q6    There has been confusion over the season ticket concessions and mixed
messages over whether Steve Parkin will be Billy's number 2. What is the reason
for this confusion and what steps will be taken to ensure that consistent and
accurate information is given to supporters?

        

We were not very clever with either of these examples.  Overall however I
believe communications is an area where we have been particularly strong.  With
Sam McEwan doing an outstanding job and it is no coincidence that in both the
examples you cite Sam had not been involved but in fact moved very quickly to
resolve both issues when they were highlighted to him.  Through Sam we have
outlined our plans to ensure two way communication with the fans and we remain
totally committed to those plans and will work with supporters to ensure their
success.

 

Q7   

There is some discontent over the season ticket and match day ticket pricing.
While the Trust understands the need to put the Club on a stable and realistic
financial footing, a Trust survey shows ticket prices to watch Notts County are
in the top quarter of prices in the second division. £18 is a very high price to
pay to sit in the Main Stand. The loss of the incentives for under 12's will not
help in attracting kids to come along and watch our Club. Will you agree to look
again at the pricing structure,  particularly for match day tickets and see
if any changes can be made?

         When arriving at this season’s prices we carried out an analysis of
other second division clubs and of our pricing structure during the previous
season and I think that in most cases we have set the prices at a reasonable
rate.  I know from discussions with Sam McEwan that you have expressed
disappointment about prices for certain areas and changes to previous
practices.  Sam has also told me that the trust have a number of ideas which
they want to put to us and you have my commitment that ticket pricing will be on
the agenda of our first meeting which I hope can be scheduled soon.

 

Q8    When will the first "fans forum" be?

        

It is our intention to hold a forum within the first month after completion of
the deal.

 

Q9    What are your plans for the Lifeline scheme?

         We intend to look at ways of extending the scheme and I know that Sam
McEwan has already spoken to members of the trust’s board and other supporters
about how this might be done.  We are very keen to hear supporters ideas
regarding lifeline.

 

Q10  What ideas do you have for increasing the role of the club in the
community?

        

I can’t give you a definitive answer on this, however let me say that we believe
that football clubs are an important part of the community and as such should
play a role within the community.  Sam has told me that this is another area
where the trust has a number of very interesting ideas and I look forward to
discussing these with you in the near future.

 

Q11  What role will Geoffrey Richmond be playing in his capacity as Chief

Executive?

        

Geoffrey is the Chief Executive of the club and will manage the day to day
business of the club under the direction of the board.

 

Q12  Where do you see Notts County Football Club in five years time?

        

The first priority is to stabilize the club’s financial position.  The second is
to move forward on the playing and commercial fronts.  We will develop the
commercial potential of the club with a view to increasing revenue flow into the
club.

The playing side will be developed by a combination of home grown talent and a
sensible signing strategy.  Given prudent financial management allied to a
responsible approach to team building I believe the first division is achievable
and in five years time I would hope we are a first division side or mounting a
serious challenge to become one.

Finally let me thank you for giving us the opportunity to answer your questions.

I know this is a worrying time for all genuine Notts County supporters but
better times are ahead and we are both looking forward to working with you as we
move Notts County forward.

[This message was edited by Nigel King on Sat 19 July 2003 at 06:47 PM.]

[This message was edited by Nigel King on Fri 25 July 2003 at 11:38 AM.]