Bond holders meeting

[Casino]

Off you trot

[desperado]

8 hours ago, thebells said:

Just back from bondholder evening. 

Will post more tomorrow. Certainly said an appointment would be as quick as possible, and that promotion was still the aim this season. Didn’t sense they had someone yet, but could be wrong. 

On Evatt, it seems the ‘fuck off’ incident was what finished him. This wasn’t mentioned publicly of course, but chatting to someone tonight who would know. The Charlton result was irrelevant really 

Julian Darby excited beyond belief for tomorrow  

Lastly, Phil Mason. The club is so lucky to have him. 

 

Look forward to your post might give us some clarity.

 

8 hours ago, thebells said:

Don’t want to say too much, but the person that told me most certainly knows. 

Which thread mate? 

 

8 hours ago, L/H White said:

have you had a breakdown on what your money has / hasn't been spent on?

 

8 hours ago, thebells said:

Yep. I’ll post a few highlights tomorrow. Club in decent shape though and financial plans in place for both scenarios next season. 

 

8 hours ago, Zico said:

Not having that

They'd have sacked him before the Charlton game if they were that arsed 

They wouldn't have sacked him had beat Charlton

 

8 hours ago, Johnnyrotten said:

Yes, Phil Mason was very impressive, I've only really associated him with being club chaplain and a few other roles over the years, never thought anything about it.  But blimey he really knows his stuff, is a natural and funny communicator and has an unbelievable passion for the club.  Obviously not a spring chicken any more, I hope we keep him here for many years yet.

Nice to see SJM too, quite emotional about seeing how much his kids and grandkids loved the Wembley win v Plymouth.  A genuine club legend.

The compere Phil Heys (stadium announcer) - what a character he is too, natural and amusing, far more personality than what comes across on a matchday.

Considering the chairman and manager weren't present as intended, a very enjoyable and insightful evening (and personally great to bump into an ex colleague I haven't seen for 25 years).  

 

8 hours ago, thebells said:

Glad you enjoyed it too. Was a really good evening. 

Phil’s a top bloke - I know him well. Very different in person than when you see him on pitch.  Big supporter too who goes home and away. 

And yep, SJM nearly had me at the end too. 

Mainly relieved I got outbid on the mascot experience. My 15 year old would have killed me 😂

 

7 hours ago, Johnnyrotten said:

Would have been the oldest mascot ever!  Can't believe two folk each paid £600 for it, but well done them.

Niaz Shazad, Chief Finance Officer, seems to know his onions too.  He seems to be blown away by working for someone with Sharon's energy and principles.

Good idea.

I’ve put the posts above from the other thread.

Looking forward to hearing a few more details/stories 

[thebells]

Here goes. And @Johnnyrotten can fill in any gaps or correct me.

Phil Mason did a 30 min speech about the bondholders money. In a nutshell, it’s been spent on players, upgrading hospitality, installation of the LED stuff in ground and improving the ‘connectivity motorway’ (stopping tech breaking basically). Most impressive of this was the hospitality with over 1,200 people most match days now in this, and it generates well over £1 million for club per year. 

They’re part of a scheme that links clubs across Europe. We’re looking to work with clubs of similar revenue to us and find out what they do to increase that. Niah Sharzad was really clear that they’re striving to make the the club sustainable, so not completely reliant on investors. Only way to do this is to find more ways of making money. 

They’ve got a good link up with Ajax and met them recently. Looking at their youth set up and how it can be replicated at Bolton. They didn’t give much detail but sounds like a long term thing. This doesn’t mean we’ll be getting their players. But we can use their ideas and knowledge. 

Phil Mason spoke really well. So passionate about the club. Niah Sharzad much more corporate but still impressive. Both were full of praise for Sharon. Couldn’t speak highly enough of her enthusiasm and desire to do good. She’s involved regularly with them and they talk daily. 

Phil Mason took time to thank Ian Evatt. Felt genuine. Club was on its arse a few years ago, and his work has brought us back to where we are. He said it’s been an ‘interesting’ week and the club were working to make a swift appointment. 

Club has financial plans next season regardless of division. BUT they were both clear that promotion remains the aim this season. If still in League One, we’re fine, but they didn’t say how much investment would be coming in. 

Said Julian Darby is excited beyond belief about today but also very anxious and nervous. Got the impression he’d be leading things of the 3. Spoke about him being a ball boy, player, Bolton lad, etc and what a proud moment it is. And he’s right. Ju Ju Ju Darby will never forget today.

There wasn’t much football talk because there couldn’t be. As I mentioned, in a private conversation, I was told the incident last weekend pretty much sealed Evatts ending. Would rather not say more than that. And was also told in the same conversation the Swiss investors are keen to invest much more heavily should we get to the Championship. 

John McGinlay rounded things off with a little 5 min speech. Love how much he loves the club. He described the 4-0 Wembley day as one of his proudest in football, seeing all his family there celebrating together. 

All in all a good, informative evening.  Club is in a sound place and really good people running it. 

Just gutted I didn’t win the 10 Pink Floyd platinum vinyls signed by Nick Mason. 

I might have missed some bits so will post more if stuff pops into my head. 

[athywhite1958]

4 minutes ago, thebells said:

Here goes. And @Johnnyrotten can fill in any gaps or correct me.

Phil Mason did a 30 min speech about the bondholders money. In a nutshell, it’s been spent on players, upgrading hospitality, installation of the LED stuff in ground and improving the ‘connectivity motorway’ (stopping tech breaking basically). Most impressive of this was the hospitality with over 1,200 people most match days now in this, and it generates well over £1 million for club per year. 

They’re part of a scheme that links clubs across Europe. We’re looking to work with clubs of similar revenue to us and find out what they do to increase that. Niah Sharzad was really clear that they’re striving to make the the club sustainable, so not completely reliant on investors. Only way to do this is to find more ways of making money. 

They’ve got a good link up with Ajax and met them recently. Looking at their youth set up and how it can be replicated at Bolton. They didn’t give much detail but sounds like a long term thing. This doesn’t mean we’ll be getting their players. But we can use their ideas and knowledge. 

Phil Mason spoke really well. So passionate about the club. Niah Sharzad much more corporate but still impressive. Both were full of praise for Sharon. Couldn’t speak highly enough of her enthusiasm and desire to do good. She’s involved regularly with them and they talk daily. 

Phil Mason took time to thank Ian Evatt. Felt genuine. Club was on its arse a few years ago, and his work has brought us back to where we are. He said it’s been an ‘interesting’ week and the club were working to make a swift appointment. 

Club has financial plans next season regardless of division. BUT they were both clear that promotion remains the aim this season. If still in League One, we’re fine, but they didn’t say how much investment would be coming in. 

Said Julian Darby is excited beyond belief about today but also very anxious and nervous. Got the impression he’d be leading things of the 3. Spoke about him being a ball boy, player, Bolton lad, etc and what a proud moment it is. And he’s right. Ju Ju Ju Darby will never forget today.

There wasn’t much football talk because there couldn’t be. As I mentioned, in a private conversation, I was told the incident last weekend pretty much sealed Evatts ending. Would rather not say more than that. And was also told in the same conversation the Swiss investors are keen to invest much more heavily should we get to the Championship. 

John McGinlay rounded things off with a little 5 min speech. Love how much he loves the club. He described the 4-0 Wembley day as one of his proudest in football, seeing all his family there celebrating together. 

All in all a good, informative evening.  Club is in a sound place and really good people running it. 

Just gutted I didn’t win the 10 Pink Floyd platinum vinyls signed by Nick Mason. 

I might have missed some bits so will post more if stuff pops into my head. 

Beltin update, hope stuff like that shuts the doom mongers up

[itdiddidit?]

Great to get an insight into the behind the scenes work that's occurring 

Sounds like an exciting opportunity for the next man at the helm

 

[FrancisFogarty]

42 minutes ago, thebells said:

Here goes. And @Johnnyrotten can fill in any gaps or correct me.

Phil Mason did a 30 min speech about the bondholders money. In a nutshell, it’s been spent on players, upgrading hospitality, installation of the LED stuff in ground and improving the ‘connectivity motorway’ (stopping tech breaking basically). Most impressive of this was the hospitality with over 1,200 people most match days now in this, and it generates well over £1 million for club per year. 

They’re part of a scheme that links clubs across Europe. We’re looking to work with clubs of similar revenue to us and find out what they do to increase that. Niah Sharzad was really clear that they’re striving to make the the club sustainable, so not completely reliant on investors. Only way to do this is to find more ways of making money. 

They’ve got a good link up with Ajax and met them recently. Looking at their youth set up and how it can be replicated at Bolton. They didn’t give much detail but sounds like a long term thing. This doesn’t mean we’ll be getting their players. But we can use their ideas and knowledge. 

Phil Mason spoke really well. So passionate about the club. Niah Sharzad much more corporate but still impressive. Both were full of praise for Sharon. Couldn’t speak highly enough of her enthusiasm and desire to do good. She’s involved regularly with them and they talk daily. 

Phil Mason took time to thank Ian Evatt. Felt genuine. Club was on its arse a few years ago, and his work has brought us back to where we are. He said it’s been an ‘interesting’ week and the club were working to make a swift appointment. 

Club has financial plans next season regardless of division. BUT they were both clear that promotion remains the aim this season. If still in League One, we’re fine, but they didn’t say how much investment would be coming in. 

Said Julian Darby is excited beyond belief about today but also very anxious and nervous. Got the impression he’d be leading things of the 3. Spoke about him being a ball boy, player, Bolton lad, etc and what a proud moment it is. And he’s right. Ju Ju Ju Darby will never forget today.

There wasn’t much football talk because there couldn’t be. As I mentioned, in a private conversation, I was told the incident last weekend pretty much sealed Evatts ending. Would rather not say more than that. And was also told in the same conversation the Swiss investors are keen to invest much more heavily should we get to the Championship. 

John McGinlay rounded things off with a little 5 min speech. Love how much he loves the club. He described the 4-0 Wembley day as one of his proudest in football, seeing all his family there celebrating together. 

All in all a good, informative evening.  Club is in a sound place and really good people running it. 

Just gutted I didn’t win the 10 Pink Floyd platinum vinyls signed by Nick Mason. 

I might have missed some bits so will post more if stuff pops into my head. 

Thanks for that. Sounds promising for the future, it's in our hands.

[worthy10]

Super feedback bells. Thank you

[thebells]

6 minutes ago, worthy10 said:

Super feedback bells. Thank you

They did also say nobody at the club rates Vic but they’re going to tie him into a 10 year deal to wind you up 😉😂

[worthy10]

34 minutes ago, thebells said:

They did also say nobody at the club rates Vic but they’re going to tie him into a 10 year deal to wind you up 😉😂

I did wonder about that!😄

[BWFC_LOVE]

Really happy to hear the club is in a good place. I’ve been concerned by some mindless idiots on social media diverting some vitriol towards Sharon recently. 

On McGinlay, I’ve only been in his company once. Asked for a photo in the hotel after the charity game for Gethin’s mum. He was the proudest man alive that day.

Edited January 25 by BWFC_LOVE

[gonzo]

That's brightened my day that.

Great to hear the club is in a good place.

Hopefully shuts a few of the amateur accountants and shit stirrers up for a bit.

[thebells]

31 minutes ago, worthy10 said:

I did wonder about that!😄

And he’s starting today 😂

[worthy10]

2 minutes ago, thebells said:

And he’s starting today 😂

I called it yesterday. He's the only, target man/big striker in the squad, so if you want a more traditional 2 up top, that's the only option. 

[Rival Son]

But he’s awful in that role. Can’t control a ball, poor in the air and weak in the challenge.

[FrancisFogarty]

7 minutes ago, worthy10 said:

I called it yesterday. He's the only, target man/big striker in the squad, so if you want a more traditional 2 up top, that's the only option. 

Another caretaker type? budge up Jules, Andy and Andrew 

[freds dad]

1 hour ago, BWFC_LOVE said:

Really happy to hear the club is in a good place. I’ve been concerned by some mindless idiots on social media diverting some vitriol towards Sharon recently. 

On McGinlay, I’ve only been in his company once. Asked for a photo in the hotel after the charity game for Gethin’s mum. He was the proudest man alive that day.

Why did SJM want a photo of you for Gethin’s mum?

[Johnnyrotten]

3 hours ago, thebells said:

Here goes. And @Johnnyrotten can fill in any gaps or correct me.

Phil Mason did a 30 min speech about the bondholders money. In a nutshell, it’s been spent on players, upgrading hospitality, installation of the LED stuff in ground and improving the ‘connectivity motorway’ (stopping tech breaking basically). Most impressive of this was the hospitality with over 1,200 people most match days now in this, and it generates well over £1 million for club per year. 

They’re part of a scheme that links clubs across Europe. We’re looking to work with clubs of similar revenue to us and find out what they do to increase that. Niah Sharzad was really clear that they’re striving to make the the club sustainable, so not completely reliant on investors. Only way to do this is to find more ways of making money. 

They’ve got a good link up with Ajax and met them recently. Looking at their youth set up and how it can be replicated at Bolton. They didn’t give much detail but sounds like a long term thing. This doesn’t mean we’ll be getting their players. But we can use their ideas and knowledge. 

Phil Mason spoke really well. So passionate about the club. Niah Sharzad much more corporate but still impressive. Both were full of praise for Sharon. Couldn’t speak highly enough of her enthusiasm and desire to do good. She’s involved regularly with them and they talk daily. 

Phil Mason took time to thank Ian Evatt. Felt genuine. Club was on its arse a few years ago, and his work has brought us back to where we are. He said it’s been an ‘interesting’ week and the club were working to make a swift appointment. 

Club has financial plans next season regardless of division. BUT they were both clear that promotion remains the aim this season. If still in League One, we’re fine, but they didn’t say how much investment would be coming in. 

Said Julian Darby is excited beyond belief about today but also very anxious and nervous. Got the impression he’d be leading things of the 3. Spoke about him being a ball boy, player, Bolton lad, etc and what a proud moment it is. And he’s right. Ju Ju Ju Darby will never forget today.

There wasn’t much football talk because there couldn’t be. As I mentioned, in a private conversation, I was told the incident last weekend pretty much sealed Evatts ending. Would rather not say more than that. And was also told in the same conversation the Swiss investors are keen to invest much more heavily should we get to the Championship. 

John McGinlay rounded things off with a little 5 min speech. Love how much he loves the club. He described the 4-0 Wembley day as one of his proudest in football, seeing all his family there celebrating together. 

All in all a good, informative evening.  Club is in a sound place and really good people running it. 

Just gutted I didn’t win the 10 Pink Floyd platinum vinyls signed by Nick Mason. 

I might have missed some bits so will post more if stuff pops into my head. 

Great summary @thebells, I can't add much, other than to echo your sentiments that it feels like we are in good hands.  On the Ajax stuff, Niaz also spoke about going round similar sized (or positioned) clubs in Europe, not necessarily the "big" clubs.  To see how they do things corporately and how their matchday experiences (yes NIaz is very corporate!) are put together, trying to make BWFC improve off the pitch as well as on  it, both financially and innovatively (if that's a word).

McGinlay is a true one off that we should be proud of.  They had to take his dinner away last night and bring him a fresh one later because he was chatting with folk while everyone else was eating.  My wife is involved in the foodbank in Westhoughton and he regularly makes very significant donations, not representing BWFC or anything, just as an individual.  

 

[Traf]

On 25/01/2025 at 12:34, Johnnyrotten said:

My wife is involved in the foodbank in Westhoughton and he regularly makes very significant donations, not representing BWFC or anything, just as an individual.  

I recall him giving Xmas dinners away

[Gonk]

Did Smiley ever get his money?