Eastleigh FC up for Sale

[stadium]

Statement from Stewart Donald:


www.eastleighfc.com/statement-a-message-from-stewart-donald/


Looks like the Sunderland investment was too good to miss. Brilliant guy and will always be remembered here for all he has done for us. "My focus now must move to finding a suitable owner who will understand the ethos of the club" Is it likely that the buyer will be anywhere near as ambitious as him? I bloody hope so! Real shame.

[slewmcg]

Wo got to say I didn't see that one coming! Question is will all the plans with the stadium now still be going ahead e.g. The changing of the makoy stand?

[back4more]

Got to say. No surprise there really. The writing has been on the wall for a while. 

rokerreport.sbnation.com/2018/4/29/17298668/the-most-groundbreaking-day-in-sunderlands-history-has-arrived-new-owners-in-chris-coleman-out


www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-afc-news-live-latest-14588889

[slewmcg]

Richard Hill appointed new manager of Sunderland

[nobadspitfire]

The day had to come, sooner or later. We owe Stewart an enormous amount of gratitude for building the club the way he has and we have to trust him to find the right buyer. That's a difficult proposition. He has to sell at a price that is right for him, and to someone he trusts will do the right thing for the future of the club.

Guess any future stadium developments will have to wait.

Thank you for everything you have done for Eastleigh FC, Stewart. You'll always be a legend at the club.

[stew5018]

I think its clear that he will make sure the Club continues in a similar way to how it is now. I wouldn't be surprised if he has already got plans in mind relating to a new owner. Very good luck to you Mr Donald and thank you for everything you have done for EFC

[owen2929]

Buzzing to go down

[swb]

This day had to come. All he very best Stuart and a heart felt thanks for everything it has been a wonderful journey.

[boyatthood]

There are few owners out there like Stewart Donald. I am sure there will be parties interested in the club but will be surprised if anyone with the financial clout or heart needed to take this club to next level will be found. Odds for relegation next season?

[back4more]

And a few thoughts on this:-

My guess is Richard Hill could be going to Sunderland as well. Richard has a long time association with Stewart Donald and was his early key appointment as our manager. After leaving when he felt the need for change for the club and for himself, Richard was very quickly brought back here by Stewart when the wheels came off. He then did what was necessary to keep us in the division and then provide the basis for future development and continuity with the appointment of Andy Hessenthaler as manager. It would seem a bit surprising therefore if Stewart didn't take Richard to The Stadium of Light with him, especially if you also consider Richard's extensive knowledge of and contact network within all levels of the English game.
Regarding said Mr Hessenthaler, it comes to mind that he recently mentioned that he was working for Stewart without a formal contract. He was putting a brave face on about this but must now be wondering whether it might be a good time now to address that anomaly. It's hard to see though how Stewart can effectively give him even a one year contract when he is about to relinquish control of the club. In Andy Hessenthaler's shoes I think I would be looking around unless I were able to get that contract signed with suitable terms.
Then there is the matter of ownership of the ground. No doubt someone with the knowledge of Companies House records and the time to be bothered looking at them would be able to find out more about who owns what at the Silverlake. As it stands though I'm not sure whether it is totally clear whether the site and buildings are owned by Eastleigh FC, Bridle or Stewart Donald. I only raise the point because my recollection from the time when Stewart took over was that he was negotiating with the Ten Acre group who then owned the ground for its sale to himself and possibly his partners. That was my impression anyway. It could be that he has transferred the ground ownership to Eastleigh FC but, if not, it would be interesting to see whether his stated intent to sell the club for nothing applies to the ground as well. It's hard to imagine anyone giving away such a big piece of "Real Estate".
And then there's the matter of those expensive long term contracts given out to certain players under Martin Allen's regime and some of which still have some time to run. That could make the difference in the quest to find a good new owner because many might be put off by the financial commitments that those contracts might still represent, with effectively zero return.
And oh yes - I guess that'll be the end of heavily subsidised away travel. Well that was excellent while we had it.
One other thing - I found out recently from the fitter who fitted me a new gas fire that the next day he was going to fit one for Chris Coleman at his house in Winchester. Not very far to come then if he doesn't want to wait long for a new job.

[bigchief]

Next Sam Matthews in a Sunderland shirt then

[taylov]

Apr 29, 2018 12:35:53 GMT slewmcg said:

Wo got to say I didn't see that one coming! Question is will all the plans with the stadium now still be going ahead e.g. The changing of the makoy stand?

SD announced his interest in investing in Sunderland last week on BBC Solent and reported on this forum, so its no great shock.

Thanks Stewart, when I first watched Eastleigh in the Wessex League there was a crowd of under 100. Not for a moment did I dream I'd be watching along with over 5,000 others as we played 4-times FA Cup winners Bolton Wanderers in the 3rd round proper.  If we never play another minute of football, it was worth it.

Those who heard the Radio interview with SD last week heard him say that the club was already making enough money off the pitch to be self financing with a playing budget in the top 6 in the NL.

[horseymchorseface]

Rats leaving a sinking ship comes to mind. The huge financial gamble hasn’t worked so off to the next business venture. Please do take Hill with you on your way out,

[Deleted]

Apr 29, 2018 13:21:25 GMT back4more said:

And a few thoughts on this:-

My guess is Richard Hill could be going to Sunderland as well. Richard has a long time association with Stewart Donald and was his early key appointment as our manager. After leaving when he felt the need for change for the club and for himself, Richard was very quickly brought back here by Stewart when the wheels came off. He then did what was necessary to keep us in the division and then provide the basis for future development and continuity with the appointment of Andy Hessenthaler as manager. It would seem a bit surprising therefore if Stewart didn't take Richard to The Stadium of Light with him, especially if you also consider Richard's extensive knowledge of and contact network within all levels of the English game.
Regarding said Mr Hessenthaler, it comes to mind that he recently mentioned that he was working for Stewart without a formal contract. He was putting a brave face on about this but must now be wondering whether it might be a good time now to address that anomaly. It's hard to see though how Stewart can effectively give him even a one year contract when he is about to relinquish control of the club. In Andy Hessenthaler's shoes I think I would be looking around unless I were able to get that contract signed with suitable terms.
Then there is the matter of ownership of the ground. No doubt someone with the knowledge of Companies House records and the time to be bothered looking at them would be able to find out more about who owns what at the Silverlake. As it stands though I'm not sure whether it is totally clear whether the site and buildings are owned by Eastleigh FC, Bridle or Stewart Donald. I only raise the point because my recollection from the time when Stewart took over was that he was negotiating with the Ten Acre group who then owned the ground for its sale to himself and possibly his partners. That was my impression anyway. It could be that he has transferred the ground ownership to Eastleigh FC but, if not, it would be interesting to see whether his stated intent to sell the club for nothing applies to the ground as well. It's hard to imagine anyone giving away such a big piece of "Real Estate".
And then there's the matter of those expensive long term contracts given out to certain players under Martin Allen's regime and some of which still have some time to run. That could make the difference in the quest to find a good new owner because many might be put off by the financial commitments that those contracts might still represent, with effectively zero return.
And oh yes - I guess that'll be the end of heavily subsidised away travel. Well that was excellent while we had it.
One other thing - I found out recently from the fitter who fitted me a new gas fire that the next day he was going to fit one for Chris Coleman at his house in Winchester. Not very far to come then if he doesn't want to wait long for a new job.

[bomber]

Apr 29, 2018 14:32:55 GMT spiritofeastleigh said:

I don't know John how you can put that last paragraph in about 'heavily subsidised away travel' which was excellent while we had it!!!! You travelled with your son, which was the so called reporter of EFC on the coach with him...both for FREE. You took advantage of the privilege your son was permitted to have and he used it to get his old man FREE travel. You are an intelligent man John, but that's pushing it a bit rich, rubbing fans nose in at this time when you sat in the coach knowing everybody else who are fans had to pay...shame on you.