7pm tonight

[insider]

It's just the bollocks peddled out by the same people that have no in anymore that gets me.
No-one is doubting there is interest from certain parties but the I'm in know and it will all be told at 7pm on a certain day is just ridiculous.
Everything that was mentioned was either vague or made up.
As expected.

[Bluebird Of Happiness]

I just had a quick glance at the video and that was enough for me to doubt very much everything that ***** was claiming. He may believe what he claims but I honestly think someone in the background is leading him on by giving him false information.

The claim that a consortium is very close to concluding a deal is denied by all of the club directors who say Vincent Tan has also said this is not true.

The claim that the interested party has got clearance for a deal from the EFL. Speaking to an EFL director they haven`t even received an approach from anyone interested in acquiring the club let alone approved them as suitable.

The claim that the interested party has met with the FAW. I haven`t spoken to Neil Mooney, but others at a very senior level there say they have no knowledge of this.

The claim that an interested party has had a meeting with Cardiff Council is not supported by senior people there who say they have no knowledge of this.

The claim that the interested party flew out to Monaco to meet Mehmet Dalman. I have spoken to him personally and he says that this simply didn`t happen.

I took a quick look over on that forum the other day and noticed they have even made a poster called Trust something.

[TheBirchgrovePub]

All he's doing on that forum is building it up to all be Tans fault. this 'deal' probably isn't even taking off. so when 'it all falls apart' he and the other mods can push the marches and protests with fans to get him out.

The only opinion that matters on there is that you hate Tan and want him out.

Can't stand An**s but would actually applaud if this was a ploy to get the fans seriously protesting at the ownership. Unfortunately I think you're giving him far too much credit of coming up with that

[ccfcwelshlad]

I want to believe the talk about a takeover, but since writing a supportive blog story about it on Saturday, I've become less upbeat about the whole thing. Keith's post above only makes that feeling become a bit stronger. I know and like Keith and am 99.99 per cent sure that he's not lying in that message and, leading on from that, you have to ask if the people Keith talked to were lying to him, to what end were they doing it? What do they have to gain by giving him false information?

I've just watched the video from last night and what becomes clear is that the version of events put out by those who are adamant that the takeover is well on track to completion appears to be coming from the same source as their stories are so similar. Again you wonder what some one would have to gain from putting out stories that they know to be wrong. However, if you look at it from a perspective of which of the two sides is more likely to have an agenda here, it seems more likely to me that someone would want to undermine and turn fans against Vincent Tan by heavily hinting that he is the one stopping a takeover being completed than it is the likes of the FAW, local councils, the EFL and the City hierarchy all denying contact with a consortium when they all knew that there had been.

What is clear is that Gareth Bale has talked about two bids being made by a consortium that he is involved with, but it's now getting discredited by those telling us about the "South African" bid as they say the amounts offered were derisory (an approach matched by the club to a large degree who have given the distnct impression that the Bale consortium ix not being taken seriously).

What we've got currently is two sides that apear to want to do their public speaking through selected individuals - supporters, some of whom have a high media profile with the South African consortium and a media outlet and, to a small extent, the Supporters' Trust with the club. What's needed is for one, or both, of the parties to come clean on what's happening, but is that likely to happen? I very much doubt it.

That is pretty much word for word on how I see things Bob.

[Jamsarnie]

IMHO if there were serious expressions of interest from a number of potential bidders it would very much be in Vincent Tan's interest to put that in the public domain to help him extract the best price possible if he wants to exit.
As it is the information from Vincent Tan, the club and it's senior executives suggest such interest simply does not exist at this time.

What if potential bidders were also in discussions with other clubs and had included a non disclosure agreement with each of them?

If anything, all these rumours and ‘in the know’ statements are more likely to derail any takeover at Cardiff, rather than assist it.

Anyway, apparently the new owners are meeting with fans tomorrow. If anybody has the inside scoop on the venue, could they share it here please?

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

Can't stand An**s but would actually applaud if this was a ploy to get the fans seriously protesting at the ownership. Unfortunately I think you're giving him far too much credit of coming up with that

I had a similar thought process about why anyone would push such a strong narrative that a sale is on the cards knowing it's not, and the only thing I could think of was to generate even more dissatisfaction with the current regime, leading to better supported marches and protests. But then I also thought that that's far too Machiavellian for the people making the claims.
So wtf is going on?

[Trigger]

Can't stand An**s but would actually applaud if this was a ploy to get the fans seriously protesting at the ownership. Unfortunately I think you're giving him far too much credit of coming up with that

I agree, I think it's likely more a case he has heard something but then like everyone else has got a bit too excited and maybe one or two of his sources play on that I don't know.

One thing he has said for a few days is "it's now all on Tan" as if it isn't always all on Tan. But apparently he now effectively has the pen in his hand and is deciding to just piss us all off.

I don't buy that it's that close sadly and fans are going to be a bit disappointed.

The only thing that doesn't add up for me is the lack of transfer activity, seems very odd for us, yes we have less income but we must have cleared a fair amount from the wage bill already and this squad badly needs at least a couple of additions. This could indicate something is happening beyond just the initial stages.

Who knows? It has certainly been more interesting than our manager search but I just have a bad feeling it's going to be like your parents converting to Jehovas just before Christmas.

[Ninian1962]

What if potential bidders were also in discussions with other clubs and had included a non disclosure agreement with each of them?

If anything, all these rumours and ‘in the know’ statements are more likely to derail any takeover at Cardiff, rather than assist it.

Anyway, apparently the new owners are meeting with fans tomorrow. If anybody has the inside scoop on the venue, could they share it here please?

Not sure who they are going to be meeting with. It is certainly not the elected Fans Advisory Board (most voted in direct by season ticket holders) or the other elected fan bodies, being the Supporters Trust board, the Supporters Club committee or the Disabled Supporters Association. No claimed interested party has even made any attempt to contact these groups which seems more than a little strange if they are serious with their bids.

[JumpersforGoalposts]

What if potential bidders were also in discussions with other clubs and had included a non disclosure agreement with each of them?

If anything, all these rumours and ‘in the know’ statements are more likely to derail any takeover at Cardiff, rather than assist it.

Anyway, apparently the new owners are meeting with fans tomorrow. If anybody has the inside scoop on the venue, could they share it here please?

There would be no NDA unless in serious discussions on the details of a bid. This is not relevant to potential bidders or expressions of interest.

[wayne]

His followers who accepts every word he said , must be by now getting a little concerned and some doubt creeping in. This doesn't smell right. Surely they will not except the BS from their leader if this so called takeover fails,and then him trying to put the blame all on Tan

[North Cardiff Blue]

Si and Abrams are basically saying the same thing — there’s definite interest in a takeover, and it’s a real possibility. But I think some of the more exaggerated stuff might be coming from Dayo or others like him, who are desperate to be the first to break the news. That urgency to be “first” often leads to chasing rumours and treating speculation as fact.

Dayo was saying the interest started when Otto was chatting to Jonny Owen at a Forrest game, when he was discussing buying a team, and Owen recommended Cardiff. I think both have alluded to that at various times.

Reading between the lines, it looks like Gary Otto’s group is genuinely serious and is trying to put together a strong enough offer to convince Tan to sell. As for Tan himself, he’s likely weighing his options:

Sell now, if the offer is fair and he’s not confident in promotion this season.

Or hold on, give BBM a chance to build something, and hope a promotion push boosts the club’s value — potentially leading to a better deal next summer.

[Grangenders]

If this supposed deal had been ratified by all the necessary parties (EFL, Council, FAW etc) I would suspect there would be more rumour sources / leaks by now.

[North Cardiff Blue]

I just had a quick glance at the video and that was enough for me to doubt very much everything that ***** was claiming. He may believe what he claims but I honestly think someone in the background is leading him on by giving him false information.

The claim that a consortium is very close to concluding a deal is denied by all of the club directors who say Vincent Tan has also said this is not true.

The claim that the interested party has got clearance for a deal from the EFL. Speaking to an EFL director they haven`t even received an approach from anyone interested in acquiring the club let alone approved them as suitable.

The claim that the interested party has met with the FAW. I haven`t spoken to Neil Mooney, but others at a very senior level there say they have no knowledge of this.

The claim that an interested party has had a meeting with Cardiff Council is not supported by senior people there who say they have no knowledge of this.

The claim that the interested party flew out to Monaco to meet Mehmet Dalman. I have spoken to him personally and he says that this simply didn`t happen.

But the fact is, they have made an offer or are in discussions with Tan and others. We can’t say for certain they haven’t spoken to someone at the Welsh FA or Cardiff Council — maybe it was just informal or off-the-record conversations with people none of us are directly connected to.

I’m not criticising you personally, just making the point that none of us really know the full picture. People can claim things, others can deny them, but the only ones who truly know what’s happened are those directly involved.

[Dave St]

Can't stand An**s but would actually applaud if this was a ploy to get the fans seriously protesting at the ownership. Unfortunately I think you're giving him far too much credit of coming up with that

You'd be supprised what I know. I know he feeds the Mods information to put out so it looks like they know things. Then once someonething is posted, he comes in with posts like 'yeah i hear that too' . so predictable . mods are *****

[Captain_Sensible]

Why would interested parties have a pre-meeting with someone at Cardiff Council?

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

If it really is complete bullshit then the club really should call it out as such now, as a great many people are believing it and are going to blame Tan big time if nothing happens. If no formal bid has been made then say that. If no talks have been taking place then say that. If enquiries have been made but they’ve not gone any further then say that. The relationship between fans and the club is toxic enough as it is. Just saying they don’t comment on rumours doesn’t cut it now – it's gone way beyond mere rumours. They need to make an official statement now to shut it down if it’s not true.

Whilst they’re at it, if Tan is staying they could also tell us where they are with the “period of review across several structures and practices” they promised after we were relegated. Is the appointment of a new Head Coach and one Assistant Head Coach plus replacing the Head of Physical Performance with a Head of Performance it, or is there more to come? If he’s not selling now he really should be making the sorts of changes that will help the club move forward, which will mean he’ll get more back when he does want to call it a day.

[Rontomuk]

Hi Mike, Hope you don’t mind me picking your brain on this, as I know you’re an accountant and usually spot things others miss.

There’s been talk that Gary Otto has been in negotiations to buy Cardiff City for the last five or six months. Yet at the same time, Companies House now shows that ACV Sports Ventures (his vehicle) holds 50–75% of Sutton United’s shares, and he’s listed as the only person with significant control.

My question is — why would he allow that to happen if he’s supposedly trying to buy Cardiff?

I only ask because under EFL rules, you can’t have control or ownership of more than one club. So if he’s aiming to take over Cardiff, wouldn’t taking control of Sutton now actually prevent that?

The club said at the AGM that he “doesn’t intend to take a controlling interest,” yet the filings now say otherwise — so I’m struggling to understand the logic or strategy here. Is this something that might make sense from a financial or legal perspective?

[Rontomuk]

Sorry, just noticed I said Mike when I meant Kieth Morgan

[Natman Blue]

If it really is complete bullshit then the club really should call it out as such now, as a great many people are believing it and are going to blame Tan big time if nothing happens. If no formal bid has been made then say that. If no talks have been taking place then say that. If enquiries have been made but they’ve not gone any further then say that. The relationship between fans and the club is toxic enough as it is. Just saying they don’t comment on rumours doesn’t cut it now – it's gone way beyond mere rumours. They need to make an official statement now to shut it down if it’s not true.

Whilst they’re at it, if Tan is staying they could also tell us where they are with the “period of review across several structures and practices” they promised after we were relegated. Is the appointment of a new Head Coach and one Assistant Head Coach plus replacing the Head of Physical Performance with a Head of Performance it, or is there more to come? If he’s not selling now he really should be making the sorts of changes that will help the club move forward, which will mean he’ll get more back when he does want to call it a day.

They have https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...-city-32103114

[delmbox]

Cardiff's very own little Donald Trump

[Garth Blue]

I wouldn't trust ***** at all. But Si (and others close to him) is a different matter. Put it this way - if they are wrong, they have been completely hoodwinked by the Otto group. I just cannot imagine why they would want to do that.

[Ninian1962]

Hi Mike, Hope you donÂ’t mind me picking your brain on this, as I know youÂ’re an accountant and usually spot things others miss.

There’s been talk that Gary Otto has been in negotiations to buy Cardiff City for the last five or six months. Yet at the same time, Companies House now shows that ACV Sports Ventures (his vehicle) holds 50–75% of Sutton United’s shares, and he’s listed as the only person with significant control.

My question is — why would he allow that to happen if he’s supposedly trying to buy Cardiff?

I only ask because under EFL rules, you canÂ’t have control or ownership of more than one club. So if heÂ’s aiming to take over Cardiff, wouldnÂ’t taking control of Sutton now actually prevent that?

The club said at the AGM that he “doesn’t intend to take a controlling interest,” yet the filings now say otherwise — so I’m struggling to understand the logic or strategy here. Is this something that might make sense from a financial or legal perspective?

You are quite right about the EFL dual ownership rules. However, if he were just a minority shareholder in a CCFC acquisition, there may be some leeway available in the rules. Of far more importance though is the claim that the South African consortium has received clearance from the EFL that they have passed the necessary fit and proper person test. This is simply not true as the EFL have told me that there has not even been an approach to them to start such a procedure. There is an EFL board meeting today so I should have confirmation and a further update by tomorrow.

Keith

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

They have https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...-city-32103114

I just think it would help if they said something directly themselves at this point rather than just answering questions asked by WOL or Keith.

[Ninian1962]

I just think it would help if they said something directly themselves at this point rather than just answering questions asked by WOL or Keith.

I agree entirely, which is why the Trust have told the directors that their response (or lack of) is simply not good enough.

I am also aware that both the FAB and the Supporters Club have written to both Steve Borley and Ken Choo and not had even the courtesy of a reply

[Rontomuk]

You are quite right about the EFL dual ownership rules. However, if he were just a minority shareholder in a CCFC acquisition, there may be some leeway available in the rules. Of far more importance though is the claim that the South African consortium has received clearance from the EFL that they have passed the necessary fit and proper person test. This is simply not true as the EFL have told me that there has not even been an approach to them to start such a procedure. There is an EFL board meeting today so I should have confirmation and a further update by tomorrow.

Keith

Thank you, looking forward to the update if you are allowed to post it, that is.