Oldham investment talks and New Manager talk

[Simpo]

First impressions: Not hugely comfortable in front of a camera, or full of grand promises about where he'll take us, but perhaps that's not a bad thing.

He's not massively flush with cash, but he's got enough to meet the old owner's valuation and clearly pumped some money in to get recent signings over the line. Overall we can't glean much from this press conference, but from what people have said he's a football man first and foremost and I have no reason to doubt that from what I've seen.

Some slightly odd body language in the press conference but that can be put down to the uncertainty of something new after years of stagnation. Interview with the website is better, wants a close relationship with the fans, says the fan culture in England is a big part of his attraction to the club.

Looks like he's not bringing his own board members straight away, and has not bought the ground, which remains the property of all 3 previous owners, 2 of which sold their stake in the football club some years ago. So it's transition instead of a big revolution. Already linked with more foreign players, who have been of varying quality so far, but everyone was forthright that team selection is completely in the coach's hands/

Mr Lemsagam's main motivation seems to be passion for football and its fans, rather than vanity or money, which is vital for any football club owner.

Cautious watchful optimism.

 

[Boletus Edulis]

Reading your analysis Simpo I would guess this changing of the guard will probably have no direct impact on tomorrow’s game, though it might help strengthen you for the season. Or you might overspend.

 

[PuB]

Have you been paying rent for your ground?

 

[Simpo]

Have you been paying rent for your ground?

Yes, the club has a 40 year contract, which is 20 years plus a club option for a further 20 to rent the land & buildings from Brass Bank Ltd. (company set up by previous owners) @ £100K per annum.

The fans' trust did a good job in the summer too:

"Trust Oldham are pleased to announce that Boundary Park (Sportsdirect.com Park) has been listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) under the Localism Act (2011).

The successful listing means that should the owners of the stadium propose to sell the ground, Trust Oldham must first be notified. Trust Oldham can then exercise a right to bid which could place a pause of up to six months on any sale to enable the Trust to put together a bid for the Stadium."

http://trustoldham.co.uk/stadium-listed-asset-community-value/

 

[DearneValleyRover]

It’s one of the reasons supporters trusts are so important

 

[PuB]

That's good to know, gives you some protection from pure asset strippers.

 

[SMH]

Just seen part of the press conference and the guy saying he isn’t a billionaire. I bet that was the exact moment all the Oldham fans’ hearts sunk.

 

[DearneValleyRover]

Just seen part of the press conference and the guy saying he isn’t a billionaire. I bet that was the exact moment all the Oldham fans’ hearts sunk.

I would hope that would be the pure supporters heart would rejoice to have a owner who realises community and the people who make it are important, basically how football developed.

 

[beaufighter]

Just seen part of the press conference and the guy saying he isn’t a billionaire. I bet that was the exact moment all the Oldham fans’ hearts sunk.

That was my first thought to that comment as well

 

[Lancs@(Bantam)]

Well if this is all over we should finally get to see this Oldham play off push at last.

 

[SELatic]

Just seen part of the press conference and the guy saying he isn’t a billionaire. I bet that was the exact moment all the Oldham fans’ hearts sunk.

Absolutely not. Clearly we need a higher level of investment that we’ve had before but he emphasised the step-by-step nature of his plans which gives the impression he’s a bit more pragmatic than some of these loony owners trying to buy instant success.

A bit of ambition, forward planning and ability to run a football club how it should be run will do me for now.

 

[PuB]

6k a week for players at this level is pragmatic?

 

[SELatic]

6k a week for players at this level is pragmatic?

Even if that figure is true, I’d rather see us paying that to a player like Byrne who is seen as an investment than an older has-been as some clubs have opted to do.

 

[SMH]

Oh dear, sounds like Oldham have found the only skint far easterner in town. I would laugh, but we’ve probably found the only skint group middle easterners to take us over so I’ll keep quiet, plus if regular staffers are not being paid then it isn’t a laughing matter.

 

[PuB]

It never seemed dodgy at all...

 

[Bobbin']

Absolutely farcical if true.

What is the point of these ‘fit and proper’ tests and how do you fail one if this is the case.
Surely some sort of proof of funding etc is required.

Not being able to pay staff within a week of buying the club is scandalous, the EFL just aren’t bothered, are they?

 

[Simpo]

In one of the first major moves since becoming owner of Latics, Abdallah Lemsagam has renegotiated the deal with Sports Direct to allow our stadium to be named Boundary Park again! Great news.

Oldham Athletic Football Club are pleased to announce the stadium will be returning to its roots and will be renamed Boundary Park with immediate effect.

The club have renegotiated the original deal with Sports Direct to enable the move.

The original five-year deal, later extended to six years, is the largest sponsorship deal in the club’s history.

Speaking about the return of Boundary Park, owner Abdallah Lemsagam said: “After speaking to Trust Oldham and supporters, it was a priority for me to look at the options surrounding the stadium name and how we could go back to our traditions and heritage.

“I would like to thank Sports Direct for the way they have engaged in discussions as well as the positive and efficient way we have been able to renegotiate the deal.

“We are also very grateful for the way they have supported the club throughout the last four years.

“I would like to welcome supporters back to our home, Boundary Park.”

 

[hold'um Oldham]

I sense major changes in summer. 2 new kits with a new kit supplier, new sponsor, new club shop, and id expect a fairly decent size ( for us) budget if we stay up.

Let' be honest the sports direct deal has been a farce from the off. They shot themselves in the foot when the took the naming rights to bp cos it got all the fans backs up