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| My Football Club Website Agrees Deal; Ebbsfleet United FC | |
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| Topic Started: Nov 13 2007, 01:53 PM (23 Views) | |
| Ninja Boi | Nov 13 2007, 01:53 PM Post #1 |
The Lego Master
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I am a member of this... so i thought i would post the good news, although i would have preferred Halifax town as its closer to us. Website agrees Ebbsfleet takeover By Alex Perry and John Sinnott Ebbsfleet United are six points off the play-offs Fans' community website MyFootballClub has agreed a deal to take over Blue Square Premier outfit Ebbsfleet United. The 20,000 MyFootballClub members have each paid £35 to provide a £700,000 takeover pot and they will all own an equal share in the club. Members will have a vote on transfers as well as player selection and all major decisions. "We are united in believing this is a great opportunity," Ebbsfleet chairman Jason Botley told BBC Sport. Interview: Assistant manager Alan Kimble Interview: MFC spokesman Tim Glynne-Jones Interview: Birmingham City co-owner David Sullivan "This extra finance and support will enable our club to progress." The deal is expected to be completed in a few weeks after a due diligence process and the website will purchase a 51% controlling stake, while also having the option to buy the club outright in the future. The takeover is a landmark for English football, given the website's stated intention of involving the members so radically in the running of the club, particularly with team selection. Picking 11 players and formations isn't a precise science Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish After the takeover goes through the current board will stay in place, as will manager Liam Daish, although his title will change to head coach. Daish insisted that he was happy for fans to have an input on team matters. "Picking 11 players and formations isn't a precise science and luck often plays its part," stated the Ebbsfleet boss. "During and after matches, Ebbsfleet supporters often give me their opinion on which players should or shouldn't start games. Now they can have their say. "My job won't change that much. As a club, we'll select the starting 11 players and formation together. "But just as before, what goes on at the training ground and in the dressing room on the day of the match is down to me. "It's the supporters' money that finances this club and pays my wages and those of the players. "So there's a good argument for them having a say in what players they want to see." Ebbsfleet were formerly Gravesend and Northfleet but the club's name was changed in May in a bid to tap into the regeneration of the area. They are currently ninth in the Blue Square Premier, six points off a play-off place for entry to the Football League. Ebbsfleet United boss Liam Daish Daish played for Portsmouth, Birmingham and Coventry and has five caps for the Republic of Ireland And Ebbsfleet's push for a spot in League Two will receive a boost as some of the funds raised by MyFootballClub members will be available in the January transfer window. MyFootballClub members will be given the option to vote on who the club should buy. Daish added that he was fully behind the radical model for the club. "We all agree we need something extra to take us to the next step," he said. "As a football fan, I think the MyFootballClub idea is fantastic. "As the coach, I look forward to the challenge of working with thousands of members to produce a winning team. "My assistant Alan Kimble and myself are 100% committed to making this work." Since the website's launch in April, 50,000 members have signed up, with 20,000 of those paying the registration fee. The membership subscription is paid annually so new members can join and become owners at any time, adding to the club's finances. MyFootballClub was approached by nine clubs and looked into seven of those before opting to take over Ebbsfleet. The Financial Services Authority has approved the setting up of the MyFootballClub Trust to safeguard members' interests in the eventuality of the club running into financial difficulties. 606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Ebbsfleet's takeover by MyFootballClub "The MyFootballClub ownership model is an innovative way of funding a lower league club," said Dan Jones, partner at Deloitte and editor of the Annual Review of Football Finance. "Reports of having raised over £700,000 in 11 weeks suggests it is viable too. "Deloitte has been following its progress with interest and we're now looking forward to offering our experience in football finance to assist with advice and guidance during the due diligence process." MyFootballClub creator Will Brooks added: "We hope that MyFootballClub members and Ebbsfleet supporters will join forces and make the football club more sustainable and successful." Jessica McQueen, Ebbsfleet United Supporters' Trust chair commented: "Being a Trust, our members understand the MyFootballClub concept immediately. "We very much look forward to working with the MyFootballClub members for the benefit of Ebbsfleet United." |
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| Ninja Boi | Nov 13 2007, 02:03 PM Post #2 |
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The Lego Master
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How it Works Welcome to MyFootballClub For the first time in football history, fans have the opportunity to buy and then take control of a professional football club - both on and off the pitch. Every MyFootballClub member will have an equal say in team selection, player transfers and the running of the club. Members will own the club through their MyFootballClub Trust, and together they will attempt to guide their football club to success. Buying the football club The most popular club, as voted for by MyFootballClub members, and the one that most closely meets the following criteria, will be purchased: * 51% or more of the football club shares can be bought. * There is none, or a manageable debt. * The club has the potential to reach the Premiership. * The size of the stadium and the availability of public transport. * The club is amenable to our approach. Owning the football club When you pay your membership fee, you will become a member of the MyFootballClub Trust. Your Trust will purchase a controlling interest in the football club, in effect making you a joint owner of your football club. The MyFootballClub Trust is registered with the Financial Services Authority as an Industrial and Provident Society, registration number 30275R. Your Trust share certificate will be sent to you by e-mail. The membership fee The MyFootballClub membership fee is £35. £27.50 will go towards purchasing a football club, buying new players and other club expenditure. £7.50 will go towards the administration of the MyFootballClub Trust and the building and management of the MyFootballClub website. |
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3:23 PM Nov 26
