Montegnée deal under threat

[Zonnebloem]

Maybe a dramatic headline but that is how it appears.

Read below a chat with Paul Topping of Montegnée and, have patience, follow the thread of the conversations.

http://www.claretandbanter.co.uk/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=7

[Bantam Of The Opera]

Thats all done and dusted then.

Im not being funny but reading that leaves little faith in the people running the show at City does it. I can see this coming back and biting us in the behind.

[BBB]

Thats all done and dusted then.

Im not being funny but reading that leaves little faith in the people running the show at City does it. I can see this coming back and biting us in the behind.

City board ****ing things up ??? no you lie :rolleyes: :D

[Northern]

Can anyone give a quick summary? For some reason I can't access the Journal as I don't have sufficient privileges! tdwn:

[Zonnebloem]

I was very aware in putting the interview together that I could be seen as interfering or undermining the management.

On the other hand, there is the clamour for information and clarity.

I recorded the interview and was torn between asking people if they wanted to know what was going on or not. I decided that, in the long run, people would prefer to know.

I think it would be fair to put this to the board, as a right of reply, to say if they intend to maintain the deal with Montegnée or not.

[Zonnebloem]

Can anyone give a quick summary? For some reason I can't access the Journal as I don't have sufficient privileges! tdwn:

A quick summary is not possible. Read it. It takes time.

http://claretandbanter.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20349

[Northern]

A quick summary is not possible. Read it. It takes time.

http://claretandbanter.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20349

Ok no problem, I'll just wait until Ed sorts it out! tup:

[Spoonhead]

I'd be interested to hear Mr Lawn's response to this interview. And Julie's of course but you've more chance of catching the pope wanking than hearing Julie speaking out loud.

[Zonnebloem]

I was tempted to send it to the Board as a right to reply sort of thing but, is this MY responsibility?

[BBB]

I was tempted to send it to the Board as a right to reply sort of thing but, is this MY responsibility?

I assure you they will already know about it

[BaselBantam]

Thanks for that Z. A very interesting read with some candid comments from Paul.

[Blue Monday]

aaaahhh. Bless, He remembers MElove:

[Kop Kred]

26 grand a year doesn't seem a lot for the potential it offers... OK we could probably pay a young 4th division player that amount but it's just as much of a gamble as the speculative Montegnee agreemant.
This could cost the club a lot lot more in the courts and if the deal is terminated and some other club ties up with Paul Topping, they could gain significant reward, which we will have partially financed.. whilst our investment and costs end up in the loss column.
If it was a good deal then, it's a good deal now... just what is the thinking in the BCFC boardroom.?

[Macca Ha Ha Ha]

We don't know all the ins and outs so I'd prefer to sit on the fence on this one.

[Kop Kred]

We don't know all the ins and outs so I'd prefer to sit on the fence on this one.

ouch! ;)


I know what you mean... but this deal was touted by Lawn as a fantasic opportunity and it raised the moral of the troops... sometimes too much as some on here and the OMB were asking "where are the players... where are the players".. when it was well known to be a long term investment.
Consequently the continuence of the agreement is vital to maintain belief in our future and not be just another pie-in-the-sky publicity excersise or dead-in-the-water idealism.

£125,000 over 5 years is a sound investment IMO when the returns could possibly far more lucrative, both on the pitch and in the bank.

Of course it's a gamble.. but chicken feed really if we could realise the ROI.

[king billy]

Cheers for that Z - very interesting....

Doesn't present our board in a very positive light does it?

PT seems like a thoroughly decent, honest bloke, prepared to answer any questions!! He's obviously very passionate about what he does......pity we don't have someone like him at our helm!
Until we hear from our side (which i think is very unlikely) you have to say it looks like the fault totally lies on our side....

Can see this turning nasty TBH - which would be a shame!!

[Macca Ha Ha Ha]

"Calling Mr Gibb, Calling Mr Gibb, telephone call on extension 541 thank you!"

[king billy]

"Calling Mr Gibb, Calling Mr Gibb, telephone call on extension 541 thank you!"

If only.....

[sweetcakes]

"Calling Mr Gibb, Calling Mr Gibb, telephone call on extension 541 thank you!"


Never going happen while JR is still around

[Jumbo]

Wohooo BM, teacher's pet love:

Well, that is embarrassing on Bradford City' part. Sounds like a great set up over there, I can't understand why the agenda has changed.

Thanks Z and Dutch. tup:

[Northern]

Very interesting read that Z, cheers.

Paul Topping seems like a great bloke and it sounds like what he's doing in Belgium for those kids is superb. I have to say, after reading that I feel ashamed about the way our club has treated Montegnée. The deal sounds too good to be true with PT doing all the work and City doing hardly anything and reaping the rewards - why an earth we've lost patience with them is beyond me.

I wish Montegnée and Paul Topping all the best, and I thoroughly hope the whole situation is sorted out soon!

[Lofty]

Thanks Z and Dutch tup:

[Skyebantam]

looks potentially like we've missed out on a great opportunity for a club like ours, although it's just one side of the story. city's lack of communication hardy inspires confidence in our side of the dealings though does it? And from the other thread, yeah Z is right we should thank paul Topping for doing the interview for our benefit.

particularly eye openig the fact city have never sent anyone over there to see how things operate or watch the players jawdrop:

[king billy]

To be quite honest i'm fookin embarrassed at the way our club has acted - i hope Montegnee tell us to fook right off, we don't deserve a link up with them......
As Northern says - the fact we haven't even sent anyone over there is not only totally and utterly unprofessional, but downright fookin rude and arrogant!!

Your better off without us Paul!!

[Tarty]

To be quite honest i'm fookin embarrassed at the way our club has acted - i hope Montegnee tell us to fook right off, we don't deserve a link up with them......
As Northern says - the fact we haven't even sent anyone over there is not only totally and utterly unprofessional, but downright fookin rude and arrogant!!

Your better off without us Paul!!

Couldn't agree more. I thought that with the new ownership the club was going to change the way it acts with other companies etc.

We are just doing the same not paying people

[panther]

Took a while but I got to the end eventually.. cheers Z..

[Mallorcabantam]

To be quite honest i'm fookin embarrassed at the way our club has acted - i hope Montegnee tell us to fook right off, we don't deserve a link up with them......
As Northern says - the fact we haven't even sent anyone over there is not only totally and utterly unprofessional, but downright fookin rude and arrogant!!

Your better off without us Paul!!

I agree with the above -- I am really not happy that a club I support has acted in this way -- If they dont want to pay or want to drop out, fine, its up to them -- but have the courtesy to contact and speak to folk -- looks like a big black mark to City

[Macca Ha Ha Ha]

That does seem poor from City's point of view - no one bothering to go out there as well! - but no wonder there's a wall of silence at VP if solicitors letters have been exchanged.

[Zonnebloem]

Something that I found particularly sad, that nobody else has picked up on yet, was that Paul was asked to set up a pre-season tour for July in Europe. He fixed up Montegnée, Aachen, Maastricht and mighty Standard Liège, with a base at the training camp used by England in Euro 2000 and by the Belgian national squad now at Spa. Then City didn't follow it up. Look at a map and see how close together these places are, even though they are in 3 different countries.

I told a couple of confidantes about it last February and tried to drop a few hints on here at the time, by suggesting C&B regulars try a little July tour of these towns . I even posted pictures of the Aachen club badge and Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix circuit. Nobody twigged.

[Kop Kred]

Something that I found particularly sad and shameful, that nobody else has picked up on yet, was that Paul was asked to set up a pre-season tour for July in Europe. He fixed up Montegnée, Aachen, Maastricht and mighty Standard Liège, with a base at the training camp used by England in Euro 2000 and by the Belgian national squad now at Spa. Then City didn't follow it up. Look at a map and see how close together these places are, even though they are in 3 different countries.

I told a couple of confidantes about it last February and tried to drop a few hints on here at the time, by suggesting C&B regulars try a little July tour of these towns . I even posted pictures of the Aachen club badge and Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix circuit. Nobody twigged.


I would think that PT would be suspicious of the proposed tour anyway seeing has he hadn't been paid by City since February.

[Zonnebloem]

I would think that PT would be suspicious of the proposed tour anyway seeing has he hadn't been paid by City since February.

The provisional arrangements were made in February.

[DutchBantam]

The provisional arrangements were made in February.

PT was still in contact with City at that time, I went along to MVV Maastricht as interpreter and got hold of contacts in AA Aachen by which time the Spa facility was already arranged, as were provisional dates with 2 clubs in Liege. It was not long after then that things went silent from City.
Can't remember when Coira and a couple of others went for trials?
Can't remember when Gomez ended up at Guisely?
Can't remember when the kids tour to the US was either?
But the timeframe can't have been that long when all this was happening.

Of course the silence from City is the reason I did not write any more articles about Montegnee for the City website. I was busy with a couple of massive articles following my meet with Zonne and PT as well as my meeting at Christmas with ML (at which point he was very positive about the deal and I got a good impression of the man).

I think one thing that was not discussed the other day was the revamp of the City coaching setup (which has since been put into place) and potential moves into expanding the City academy. Both things PT had been working on and when I was at Montegnee one time there was an educational rep from schools/uni in Leeds along with Mega Mark Ellis who has ties in that area.

On a personal level whatever happens between City and Montegnee I will always remain a Bantam but I will also remain very interested in Montegnee and will regularly be down there. PT is a thoroughly top bloke, as are everyone I have met there. I believe that what they are doing there is MASSIVE, groundbreaking and will definately be a huge success.
I'll just be very very gutted if City are not a part of it to take advantage of it.

As for the Mexican thing, if the Montegnee agreement still stands then a tie up between the 3 would seem to be a brilliant way of tapping into Mexico.

[phil]

I really do hope we as a Club respect the deals we strike.Surely ML and co,understood the financial implications well enough,especially since already 'juggling' figures around during the past few months.I despair that we as a professional outfit might resort to such disrespectfull and arrogant behaviour towards Montegnee....Not much goodwill from us it would seem,thanks for a really good report on things over there.Crazy that no-one connected with BCAFC has been over to have a look at the set-up...surely if you enter into an arrangement such as this,that would be the first thing anyone would do...I am really sad about this...Maybe GG was right when he said he could not believe the business ethics employed by the Board during his time with City!!..Maybe things have not changed then..:confused:

[Parrot]

Shock, horror........City In customer relations disaster, whatever next? :rolleyes:

Will the club ever learn? tdwn:

At least ML and DB brought some fresh limes for the BB back from Mexico! :)

[Mallorcabantam]

Welcome Phil -- BCFC are looking the villains in this -- may be the City board should have a quiet meeting with PT

[Tallinnbantam]

Wohooo BM, teacher's pet love:

Well, that is embarrassing on Bradford City' part. Sounds like a great set up over there, I can't understand why the agenda has changed.

Thanks Z and Dutch. tup:

Exactly my thoughts - embarrassing. From the board room, to the website to the ticket office, it sounds as though there just isn't any professionalism at Bradford City. Can't believe that this deal was struck and no-one from the club has been out there. Can't believe the club haven't bothered to pay up each month either! :poo:

Great article Z and Dutch - at least you two can organise a piss up in the proverbial.

[biliousbantam]

If what PT says in anything like the truth it makes the board seem amateurish and parochial while the attempt at gagging reminds me of GR. I am left dismayed by this and I really hope the board have the good sense to come out as put their side ASAP.

Thanks for the good work Nigel.

[biliousbantam]

Just another thought. Could this be anything to do with why Willy seems unsettled?

[Jumbo]

I wondered the same Bilious. If our football club treat another like that then I can't imagine them offering much support for a newcomer in the country. tdwn:

[Devil's Advocate]

Just another thought. Could this be anything to do with why Willy seems unsettled?

Perhaps but I imagine it is more about wanting an opportunity. The only way Montegnee would still be involved with Willy is if we sell him and they get a cut of the fee. Unless someone linked with Montegnee is Willy's agent.

[Mallorcabantam]

Will has come out and said his piece and cleared the air with Stuart -- well done --
Now if only the City board would do the same with PT -- whether its a carry on or get out decision

[Tallinnbantam]

I can imagine the club have given Willy some cheap digs in Mannigham as part of his deal. Poor old Willy cowering in his room - its like Tom Hank's character in Big when he's watching tv with all the shooting going on, turns off the set...and the shooting carries on!
I really hope the club can learn how to look after players and clubs of the future.

[Jantje]

To be quite honest i'm fookin embarrassed at the way our club has acted - i hope Montegnee tell us to fook right off, we don't deserve a link up with them......
As Northern says - the fact we haven't even sent anyone over there is not only totally and utterly unprofessional, but downright fookin rude and arrogant!!

Your better off without us Paul!!

Just caught up with all this and i agree totally KB.

Much as i appreciate ML's involvement, he seems to be all about short term good news headlines and then forgetting about whats been said and moving on to the next.

Typical City silent approach despite promises of openness and as you say, downright rude & bad business practice.

Good luck to Racing & Paul who has always been honest when asked questions.

[Skyebantam]

Something that I found particularly sad, that nobody else has picked up on yet, was that Paul was asked to set up a pre-season tour for July in Europe. He fixed up Montegnée, Aachen, Maastricht and mighty Standard Liège, with a base at the training camp used by England in Euro 2000 and by the Belgian national squad now at Spa. Then City didn't follow it up. Look at a map and see how close together these places are, even though they are in 3 different countries.

I told a couple of confidantes about it last February and tried to drop a few hints on here at the time, by suggesting C&B regulars try a little July tour of these towns . I even posted pictures of the Aachen club badge and Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix circuit. Nobody twigged.

ay you did Nigel, good point and when I read the article it did stand out and I'm amazed how calm PT sounded as it appears a lot of leg work was done for our benefit and then it all collapsed because of problems at City's end. Then again, it's hardly suprising since we appear to have given scant regard towards actually setting foot over there, being proactive about the arrnagement, getting involved so we get the best out of it for the club. would have been a great tour too :jd::)

[Zonnebloem]

I'm on holiday in Brittany and trying to catch up.

Nothing came of the story then? Like Simon Parker never picked it up? Never thought he would actually because he has to keep in good books down at VP.

Nobody else had a look at the question?

[Mallorcabantam]

It seems city just want to keep the wall of silence in place and hope this thing will go away -- unfortunately it looks like it might -- a very poor do on city's part

[Macca Ha Ha Ha]

It's nowt to do with us apparently Mall, we should know our place and get back under the rocks lol

[Jantje]

Why does there seem to be a wall of silence from the City end. They come out with these big announcements and then nothing else is heard.

Even though things seem to have improved under ML's regime, the PR is still piss poor

[Spoonhead]

Why does there seem to be a wall of silence from the City end. They come out with these big announcements and then nothing else is heard.

Even though things seem to have improved under ML's regime, the PR is still piss poor


I assume there is some legal stuff to be dealt with so they would be advised to keep their mouth shut. Perhaps Derm could be asked via email to mention it tomorrow? I'll keep radio L**ds tuned in to find out. :rolleyes:

[Mallorcabantam]

I assume there is some legal stuff to be dealt with so they would be advised to keep their mouth shut. Perhaps Derm could be asked via email to mention it tomorrow? I'll keep radio L**ds tuned in to find out. :rolleyes:


I emailed Derm yesterday -- he mentioned the first part of the email, then with regards to my question with regards to this business, he said he wouldnt read it out but would try try get some info -- so the radio is another party that is in the dark

[glennbo]

As a litigation lawyer, I am very surprised by the nature of this article.

As mentioned, this matter is subject to a contract.

As further mentioned, the matter is subject to legal exchange by lawyers. Discussion of relevent matters is therefore sub judice.

There are two sides to every disagreement. One party deals with the dialogue in a professional discreet way.

Another talks openly to a fan knowing that the contents will be published.

Before rushing to judgment, you may wish to reflect on the above.

[Jantje]

Is that a threat!!

[Macca Ha Ha Ha]

Glennbo - we as supporters don't expect to know everything - but sometimes getting any news from City on certain subjects is hopeless - they still need to improve the PR down at VP - mind you, do they have anyone qualified as such to carry out the task?

[Mallorcabantam]

Glenbo does have a valid point -- some things should stay behind closed doors

[Jantje]

Glenbo does have a valid point -- some things should stay behind closed doors

But not in this case Mally. Lawn was the one that trumpeted the revolutionary agreement to everyone about what great benefits City were going to get out of it. It was always acknowledged by both sides that it would take 2-3 years to start bearing fruit but thats not newsworthy is it?

Paul Topping freely came on here to answer a Q&A session and gave interviews openly & honestly whilst the feedback for the fans from City & Mr Lawn was a big fat zero.


Is it any wonder fans started questioning the deal? Even then, nothing from VP apart from a pathetic contradictory comment about how poor the quality of the imports from Montegnee had been in the first 6 months.

City haven't even had the courtesy to send a member of staff over there , what sort of partnership is that. The money aspect i'll leave alone for obvious legal reasons but City & Lawns behaviour in this leaves a lot to be decided. Don't forget it was Mr Lawn who said that he wanted the fans to be 'more involved' with the club.

I presume he just meant he wanted free labour to do jobs around the place but to keep their noses out of club affairs.

[Mallorcabantam]

PT has told his side of the story -- which if - if - correct show city up in a very bad light -- but also Joe Public should not have right to know the wheelings and dealings of business between one group and another -- it may very well be correct what PT says -- but we don't know the other half of the tale -- really PT should have contacted the city board and dealt with them -- if nothing comes back, as he says, he moves on to legal bodies to sort it out - not really come and complain on a web site

I do appreciate PT being so open with us fans -- but this should be sorted behind closed doors

[Jantje]

[QUOTE=Mallorcabantam;228556]
I do appreciate PT being so open with us fans -- /QUOTE]

Perhaps City could learn from this...........since GR's time the PR from the club has been abysmal............unless they are asking for money.

[Mallorcabantam]

[quote=Mallorcabantam;228556]
I do appreciate PT being so open with us fans -- /QUOTE]

Perhaps City could learn from this...........since GR's time the PR from the club has been abysmal............unless they are asking for money.

Well there we do agree JS

[panther]

I see what everyone is saying but, perhaps the lack of response from the Club could be down to them checking into the matter thoroughly before commenting... (just a wild guess like) tup:

[Jantje]

I see what everyone is saying but, perhaps the lack of response from the Club could be down to them checking into the matter thoroughly before commenting... (just a wild guess like) tup:

I agree there Panth but i was meaning from Day one and the original announcement there has been nothing from the club.

Only Paul Toppings appearance on C&B and Dutch & Zonnes interviews showed fans it was still in existence.

How much have we heard about the Mexico trip since the initial announcement?

Mr Lawn is all over the press with stories but there is never any follow-up to anything leaving fans dangling. Thats when rumours start flying

[panther]

Yep, having read it again I see where you are coming from... lol

[Zonnebloem]

That interview would never have taken place if Mark Lawn had not given the interview published on 10 July 2008 in the Telegraph & Argus, which is a wide circulation local newspaper, a globally available website and widely quoted in national and international press.

"Any move to develop in Central America in the future could cast a doubt over City’s current link-up with Royal Racing FC Montegnee in Belgium.
City had hoped to use the Liege club as a production line for bringing through young talent from around the world but so far they have been disappointed with the lack of results.

Lawn admitted: “Things aren’t going as well as we would have expected them to be. The quality of the lads that have come over is not what we had hoped.” "

Perhaps Mr Lawn should also have kept his thoughts to himself then. That reads to me like criticism of a business partner.

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/3200474.Mexican_link_up_for_City_/buylinksingle/buylinksingle/

The Topping interview, conversely, was typed up onto a fans' message board, over a month later.

Also, compare the quote in yellow above to what was said back in January:

"Meanwhile, City yesterday flew out an under-13s team to take part in a 12-club tournament in Arizona.
The Bantams, who are the only non-American or Mexican participants, play two games on Saturday against TMSFC Alliance Gold and New Mexico Rush Coyotes.
Their participation has been arranged through the international link with player recruitment specialist Paul Topping.
Lawn said: "It lifts the profile up and there will be more of these available at different age groups.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters involved and Paul is trying to organise something for the youth team in the summer."
City are also taking part in a soccer coaching conference in Baltimore alongside Topping. Marketing chief David Baldwin will head for the States tomorrow."

and

at the time of the announcement of the deal.

League Two - Bradford close to academy deal

Eurosport - Thu, 25 Oct 12:05:00 2007

Bradford City are close to completing a deal with a Belgian club that could see them attract some of the best young talent from around the world.
The proposed deal with Royal Racing FC Montegnee of Liege would give the Bantams manager Stuart McCall (pictured) access to top youth players, chiefly from north and south America, who use the Belgian club's academy.

City joint chairman Mark Lawn told the Telegraph & Argus: "The idea is to get the best youth from all over the world and take them to Belgium.
"Then we bring them into the English game which is where we come in."
Chile international Willy Topp's move to Bradford was facilitated by Racing owner Paul Topping, and Lawn hopes to make the those kind of deals a regular occurrence.
He said: "A lot of players are going to be south American but Paul has just set up another three academies in Calgary, Canada.
"They have 30,000 youngsters playing soccer in that country and nobody is looking at them.
"And if the players who come over are sold on for a fee, then 50% will go back to the Belgian club."
The club could also send players the other way, with Lawn adding: "We've got too big a squad and we might be able to shift the likes of Craig Bentham, and Tom (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/tom.html) Penford over there to get them back on form."

http://mobile.bradfordcityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1150572,00.html

Or another Mark Lawn quote: ""It's about getting the best youth from all over the world. To do that we need someone who's got ties in those areas and that's where Paul comes in. He bought this club as a vehicle to get these players into Europe and develop them and they will come to us as more rounded individuals because of the education programme, which is just as important". http://www.bradfordcityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1166648,00.html


What people can't understand is, not so much the financial arrangements between the parties, but the public quotes show City seem to have lost sight of the long-term nature of the deal. This is odd, given that they had asked fans to be patient.

[Jantje]

What people can't understand is, not so much the financial arrangements between the parties, but the public quotes show City seem to have lost sight of the long-term nature of the deal. This is odd, given that they had asked fans to be patient.

Maybe its not so shocking considering the 'Quick Soundbite ' nature of Mr Lawn where the press is concerned. Like i've said earlier, there is never any follow-up on these stories!.

Maybe that is also the fault of the local press for not following up headline stories

[Zonnebloem]

Glenbo does have a valid point -- some things should stay behind closed doors


Is that why you Emailed the question to the BBC radio commentator Mally?
:)

[Macca Ha Ha Ha]

They don't take kindly to criticsm at VP these days - off the pitch i'm talking.

[Macca Ha Ha Ha]

Now if i won £70m on the euro lottery then i would....................

[Mallorcabantam]

Is that why you Emailed the question to the BBC radio commentator Mally?
:)

Some info should be - could be -- made public -- such as City & PT are still involved in ongoing discussions or some such spin -- but fine details should be none of our business --
I.e. do you have a bank account -- Yes --
How much is in it? -- none of your business

[panther]

Now if i won £70m on the euro lottery then i would....................

you would buy me that 'Easter egg' you still owe me from last year.... roflmao:

[ChuckleBantam]

It's obvious isn't it? It's not as warm in Belgium as it is in Mexico.

Another PR disaster from the idiots tasked with improving this club. Not surprised though, I said, it would all end in tears didn't I?

[Jantje]

It's obvious isn't it? It's not as warm in Belgium as it is in Mexico.

Another PR disaster from the idiots tasked with improving this club. Not surprised though, I said, it would all end in tears didn't I?


The potential of the agreement was there for all to see but as you say, in PR terms, a total cock-up. The problem i see with our Joint chairman is that its all about quick headlines & soundbites without any depth.

If it hasn't garnered any results after the first 2 minutes its forgotton about or left to flounder.

As mentioned several times on here the clubs PR is a complete & utter shambles and has been since GR left

[ChuckleBantam]

The potential of the agreement was there for all to see but as you say, in PR terms, a total cock-up. The problem i see with our Joint chairman is that its all about quick headlines & soundbites without any depth.

If it hasn't garnered any results after the first 2 minutes its forgotton about or left to flounder.

As mentioned several times on here the clubs PR is a complete & utter shambles and has been since GR left


Everything about the whole club since GR left has been a shambles. That's because that's what the Rhodes family are where this football club is concerned...shambolic.

[Zonnebloem]

Putting things in a slightly different perspective, I reckon that the long-term view had been firmly in the sights with the signature of this deal.

It's the fact that the recent quotes don't tie in with the old ones that baffles me. If they'd just stick with waiting for the results of overseas players gaining EU citizenship, which was always announced as taking 3 years.

This sort of foresight was way beyond anything from the GR years.

[Zonnebloem]

PS to my last post.

I never intended to have a swipe at the City board by recording and postiing the interview. I don't believe in board incompetence and failure. In fact, I think the upturn in fortunes is fantastic. My intentions were more positive: to remind City fans of the long-term view and point out some apparent lapses in memory of the ultimate purpose of the deal.

My ideal solution to the problem would be for both sides to get on the phone, EMail or the Eurostar train and discuss person to person a negotiated settlement. Much better than fuelling the bank accounts of lawyers.

I am still convinced both sides would benefit hugely from this deal IF they could just sort it out.

[Mallorcabantam]

The story has not changed - it was always a long deal thing
As you say z, City should be in contact with PT -- And talk!

[The Terminator]

As a litigation lawyer, I am very surprised by the nature of this article.

As mentioned, this matter is subject to a contract.

As further mentioned, the matter is subject to legal exchange by lawyers. Discussion of relevent matters is therefore sub judice.

There are two sides to every disagreement. One party deals with the dialogue in a professional discreet way.

Another talks openly to a fan knowing that the contents will be published.

Before rushing to judgment, you may wish to reflect on the above.

Glenn... you may have your 'Litigation lawyer' hat on but you also I suspect have your '£10k temp director' hat on as well... I don't mean to be derogatory by that... if I had the dosh I'd do the same... but if you were not in your position and were just the 'normal' fan you were last season, perhaps you would view this the same way as most fans on this board.. I suspect you are privy to certain information you are unable to impart but if you look at this from our viewpoint you can see why we are puzzled and a little miffed by the goings on here.
Lets have a little glasnost here.



----------------------------------

Remember Belgium and the Brussels Museum
Where we piled on the front steps like stray cavaliers
Our code of living meant little to others
The few francs we saved bought some cheap souvenirs

[Kop Kred]

Me and Jules and a boy named Stu
Are going out today
Were off to do some travellin’
On the road to Montegnée.
As we drive down the 606
The radio did play
We having a good old sing-song
On the road to Montegnée.
Down the M1 to London
We’re happy and we’re gay…
As we board the Eurostar
On the road to Montegnée.
Through the tunnel into frogland
We head for our Soirée
We’ll be a-bopping with Mr Topping
On the road to Montegnée.
Ring ring.. a call.. it’s Mexico..
I wonder what they’ll say…
"stop the car before we get too far"
On the road to Montegnée.
Sod Paul Topping.. sod the deal
In Mexico it’s hot all day
No remorse.. were changing course
To the road to Monterrey.

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2510/lawnka7.jpg

[Mallorcabantam]

Me and Jules and a boy named Stu
Are going out today
Were off to do some travellin’
On the road to Montegnée.
As we drive down the 606
The radio did play
We having a good old sing-song
On the road to Montegnée.
Down the M1 to London
We’re happy and we’re gay…
As we board the Eurostar
On the road to Montegnée.
Through the tunnel into frogland
We head for our Soirée
We’ll be a-bopping with Mr Topping
On the road to Montegnée.
Ring ring.. a call.. it’s Mexico..
I wonder what they’ll say…
"stop the car before we get too far"
On the road to Montegnée.
Sod Paul Topping.. sod the deal
In Mexico it’s hot all day
No remorse.. were changing course
To the road to Monterrey.

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2510/lawnka7.jpg

Nice one tup:

[Zonnebloem]

Me and Jules and a boy named Stu
Are going out today
Were off to do some travellin’
On the road to Montegnée.
As we drive down the 606
The radio did play
We having a good old sing-song
On the road to Montegnée.
Down the M1 to London
We’re happy and we’re gay…
As we board the Eurostar
On the road to Montegnée.
Through the tunnel into frogland
We head for our Soirée
We’ll be a-bopping with Mr Topping
On the road to Montegnée.
Ring ring.. a call.. it’s Mexico..
I wonder what they’ll say…
"stop the car before we get too far"
On the road to Montegnée.
Sod Paul Topping.. sod the deal
In Mexico it’s hot all day
No remorse.. were changing course
To the road to Monterrey.

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/2510/lawnka7.jpg


Brilliant, absolutely Topping.