Friday 25 May 2018

Nearly there....

Not long now folks. Not long before the sound of trumpets and the herald of a new era after four miserable years under the unambitious, disinterested and hopeless Roland Duchatelet.

Chief-Exec-elect Gerard Murphy has been busy behind the scenes doing PR work and he has been faultless so far. Appearing in the Directors box at Shrewsbury was the biggest sign we've seen but he has also visited the training ground and has spoken incognito to reveal some of detail about the protracted takeover negotiations and to calm fears about the future by making it clear that Roland Duchatelet isn't walking away with anything other than the wapping loss he deserves and that once he's gone, there will be no more involvement and no further risk. He has also shown a keen interest in the history of the club, being particularly interested to learn of the rapid rise in fortunes under Jimmy Seed eighty years ago and seeking a museum visit as I understand. I am also impressed that the Aussies seem intent on running a meritocracy that will see them interview and appoint the best person for the managerial vacancy.

In terms of that takeover, it would also appear that four of the seven Directors who have a future charge over the club have refused Duchatelet the opportunity to put the club over a barrel in the greedy hope of extracting more money downstream through a lease deal. In time we will learn their names and they should be recognised for putting the club before their own material benefit. It is interesting to note that Duchatelet could have bought those Director's lease rights out under the existing contract for £4-7m or thereabouts, so his interest in hanging it out versus his potential net gain must be put into some context.

Great to hear, too, that Steve Avory, the driving force behind the highly successful Academy has been recognised with the Eamon Dolan Award for Youth Development. Avory is a man of conviction who has firmly rooted the Charlton Athletic Academy and seen it flourish under his leadership. I can only guess at how satisfying it must be to watch top class football and be constantly reminded of the great job you have done by watching players you have seen mature and develop.

Whilst the players are tanning themselves, whoever is left running the shop has managed to start arranging pre-season friendlies in addition to putting season tickets back on sale. The masses will wait to purchase their season tickets once the takeover is announced so that their hard earned goes directly to  the Aussies and the future of the club and not into Duchebag's pocket. That big Welling opener will take place at Park View Road on 7th July. I will be there.

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