Iron Bru › Forums › Blast Furnace › Update from DH
- This topic has 88 replies, 33 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 4 months ago by Just Iron.
-
AuthorPosts
-
August 24, 2023 at 1:39 pm #270215
Had an hour chat with David this morning about a number of issues. Highlights below. Hope this clears up some of the rumours doing the rounds.
SAG/Safety Certificate
DH confirmed that the SAG had applied and delivered documentation stating capacity was capped at 2500 the week prior to the Peterborough Sports game. DH contested this with the council as he believed the demands for NLN football were over the top and the same as when SUFC were in the Championship/L1. Oldham game last season COST the club 20k+ in stewards and policing and this outlay every home game is not viable for a club in the NLN
Following discussions between the council, DH and the new safety manager the cap was relaxed to 4500 later in the week. The 50% cap in each stand caused some confusion on the matchday and led to the DRE being closed at “capacity”. Due to this a small number of fans were relocated to another stand. DH apologised for any inconvenience this caused.
DH said there are no issues with the number of stewards and it is not because he cannot afford them. He is working with a new company and can draft more stewards if and when required if certain fixtures attract larger crowds. Any big/cup games would be risk assessed and club will work with council/SAG ahead of these games.
Alan Welsh has left his role as safety manager and has been replaced. New safety manager has 30 years experience and is working closely with the council/SAG moving forward.
He is expecting the 4500/50% per stand cap to be lifted today with a renegotiated level of match day staff required.Wages
DH said Jimmy Dean and the rest of the squad/staff were paid in full at the end of July. Jimmy’s travel expenses were missed by the part time stand in accounts manager etc, which was sorted out as soon as it was bought to his attention. Admitted this is likely the basis of some of the rumours currently circulating. Club is operating with no permanent accountant but will appoint one next week. This will help to tie up this type of loose end.CCJs
Acquired lots of debt with purchase of SUFC. There are potentially five CCJs ranging from roughly £350, to the largest which was made public yesterday. DH currently working to authenticate all bills. Unfortunately some have been not received and therefore missed, they will be authenticated paid and set aside as many have over the past few months. He reiterated he had inherited over 600 debts with the football club and threats of court action and indeed action are a daily occurrence whilst debts are authenticated and contracts reviewed. The total level of debt is now reduced since January by nearly 80% and he is working through debts as quickly as possible to clear the remaining.Academy
DH is working out redundancy packages for 3 academy staff, 7 scholars and also accommodation providers are still owed. He said he has about boxed off all agreements and the final few will be paid imminently and the academy officially closed. The academy failed an EFL audit despite staff on big wages and paid to ensure this doesn’t happen. Because of the audit fail no funding has been received since June. All remaining payments and a six figure debt left by the academy are being funded by him. He regrets changing his mind on academy in the summer and said it had to close in its current format100 club
DH said 100 club is not a fundraiser and it will remain at 100 members despite being inundated with interest. The majority of 1899 members who have responded are happy to move over to the new 100 club setup. Wanted to reward fans with lifetime season tickets for their patience with the 1899 scheme. Acknowledges that 1899 didn’t work out as the key element was the stadium. Only a small number are on sale and he estimated it will be a 60/40 split between fans/businesses. Nearly all 1899 members have thanked the club and requested the new membership. He pointed out, if he was looking to raise quick funds he would not cap the membership numbers to 100 with 74 1899 members transferring for free.Planning/Glebe Rd
Planning application and a list of surveys being prepared with regards to the Glebe Road site and stadium. Hoping to submit this ASAP with a view to a spade in the ground in the Spring. Has had costings and believes the new stadium is viable and will be achieved by the start of 25/26.Squad
Still looking to strengthen the squad and has enquired about a very experienced National League player this week. Happy with the start made but will strengthen if the right player comes upTotal of 33 users thanked author for this post. Here are last 20 listed.
August 24, 2023 at 1:45 pm #270216Thanks for this!
August 24, 2023 at 1:46 pm #270217Cheers SST
August 24, 2023 at 1:48 pm #270218Thanks SST, as always.
August 24, 2023 at 1:52 pm #270219Well done Matt in getting us an update which should address worries. I hope he can achieve his goals, but I think a 2025 start for the stadium is incredibly ambitious.
It’s good to hear that the supporter cap sounds like it is being resolved, and this gives more assurances than being forever told it’s a rumour when it clearly wasn’t and previously confirmed by Hilton. Also, good to hear that wage payment issues are currently miscommunication (I am aware it wasn’t previously, though that was said to be due to payment method issues) and I hope the CCJs work themselves out.
This is the benefit of openness, and from questions in a neutral setting. It creates more trust, alleviates worry and we can hold Hilton to his word. The ground issues still have me worried, but the answers above address some of the worries in a way that dismissals don’t.
4 users thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 2:04 pm #270220Cheers Matt and thank you to Mr Hilton for doing this.
Hope he starts to realise the fans are not the enemy, although they want is to be involved. Added to that many have good ideas and are not looking for reward. Survival and future success would be reward enough.
August 24, 2023 at 2:13 pm #270221Good to know DH is prepared to speak to a journalist from time-to-time and well done to SST for getting some answers. It still feels concerning that the lack of information from the club has allowed rumours to flourish.
3 users thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 2:15 pm #270222Thanks SST .. much appreciated , totally agree this kind of openness re updates is what is needed (suppose twas too much to ask his thoughts re next Tuesdays court case).
Im sure there will be some responding negatively deriding DHs comments in your post as it seems hes dammed if he does n dammed if he doesnt.
UTI
2 users thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 2:18 pm #270224Nice one SST.
Most of the ‘rumours’ discussed on here look to be based on fact- including the 2,500 cap that was dismissed as rubbish in the Facebook group. I’ll look forward to reading the apology later.
Regardless, I’m pleased to hear some of the issues are being addressed. The capacity cap being lifted is a relief, especially if we are expecting a good crowd on bank holiday.
Be interesting to see the planning application for the Glebe road site. Ultimately, that is our only way out of this mess.
2 users thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 2:25 pm #270225Most of the ‘rumours’ discussed on here look to be based on fact- including the 2,500 cap that was dismissed as rubbish in the Facebook group. I’ll look forward to reading the apology later.
Perhaps David only thinks these have truth because he’s been drinking at the Malt Shovel. :-)
2 users thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 2:28 pm #270226well done Matt, what have the famous two stirrers got to say about it, seeing they get to know everything that is going wrong
2 users thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 2:30 pm #270227Most of the ‘rumours’ discussed on here look to be based on fact- including the 2,500 cap that was dismissed as rubbish in the Facebook group. I’ll look forward to reading the apology later.
Perhaps David only thinks these have truth because he’s been drinking at the Malt Shovel. :-)
Perhaps if he calls in to check for rumours Pat O’ Fake can introduce us to each other.
August 24, 2023 at 2:32 pm #270228At last a through update on the club, it’s finances and the club moving forward thanks
August 24, 2023 at 2:44 pm #270230Yep nice one Matt it’s good to get an update from the horse’s mouth, instead of several horses arses peppering this site.
3 users thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 2:54 pm #270232Thanks SST & DH
A much needed update to put some minds at ease!
1 user thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 2:58 pm #270233‘several horses arses peppering this site.’
What a way with words! But an image I can do without
August 24, 2023 at 3:07 pm #270235Didn’t mean to startle DM, just an expression I have picked up and used over the years from observing and listening to persons mainly in public but also on discussion forums. Heard it originally in the first Home Alone film, I believe Kevin was discussing his older brother when he made it.
August 24, 2023 at 4:08 pm #270239I wonder what the two main shit stirrers have to say to that news ?. Usually they can’t wait to rip the club/Hilton to shreds.
1 user thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 4:34 pm #270242Love a bit of hyperbole
August 24, 2023 at 4:59 pm #270245Noticed neither Ironeye/ Ironinsider or BI (the man Andy) hasn’t thanked Matts recent and very welcome update from DH, guess they both have grave doubts and are thinking up their responses right now.
1 user thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 5:20 pm #270252Still waiting for II/IE to appear in his Hilton T-shirt as he promised. BH Monday at GP would be another great opportunity for him to gain some credibility. (If daddy will let him come of course!!)
To DH – I hope you’ve sent him the photo he needs for the shirt otherwise he’ll blame you as he has for everything else.August 24, 2023 at 5:28 pm #270256Lol, or they’ve just not logged on for a few hours I-A? It’s ‘Get IB and II / IE Day!’ folks! Bring your flaming torches!
August 24, 2023 at 5:32 pm #270259Most of the ‘rumours’ discussed on here look to be based on fact- including the 2,500 cap that was dismissed as rubbish in the Facebook group. I’ll look forward to reading the apology later.
Perhaps David only thinks these have truth because he’s been drinking at the Malt Shovel. :-)
Perhaps if he calls in to check for rumours Pat O’ Fake can introduce us to each other.
Why would i need to introduce you to him, you know all about him dont you??? Dont get mardy just because you have been found out
August 24, 2023 at 5:41 pm #270260Looking at all this from a different angle.
IB has posted a lot on here, always anti Hilton and the vast majority on here want to crucify him but what he’s posted he’s always backed it up with proof.
The vast majority has turned out to be true, the remainder that hasn’t been proved but may yet prove to be true.
Today, Hilton makes a statement on many things but without any proof, these are all things that he claims are going to happen but as yet none proven.
You’re all taking his word for it.
I don’t know IB, regardless of whether he has a personal agenda to do with Hilton matters not, he has a track record of his claims coming true, ask yourself does Hilton have the same track record?2 users thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 7:11 pm #270271And yours is one of talking bollocks and lying SNOT.
August 24, 2023 at 7:50 pm #270279No flaming torches as far as I can see. IB and II have raised many issues in an unrelenting and negative way. …so no surprise that posters await their response.It will be interesting to see how they do respond to SSTs excellent interview and report. I see SNOT has already made it clear that there are no positives for him as he confuses IB, someone with the luxury of pouring out his ‘info’ from his anonymous and ‘neutral’ position, with someone who has a commitment to fulfil and alot at stake if it goes pear shaped.
August 24, 2023 at 7:54 pm #270283People got libeled as Paedos and had death threats for spreading such rumours, hope Dave’s followers don’t see this, can you imagine their dilemma ?
1 user thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 8:00 pm #270286So the first spade is going in the new ground next Spring, 2024 and the new ground will be ready for the 2025/26 season. Hmmm.
August 24, 2023 at 8:07 pm #270287People got libeled as Paedos and had death threats for spreading such rumours, hope Dave’s followers don’t see this, can you imagine their dilemma ?
Not just the vile ‘mates of Dave’. Those who spent the last few weeks and months playing the ‘top fan’ berating anyone as not being true fans for having concerns, saying they’re all just rumours, telling them to go and support Grimsby and that they are undermining Hilton.
It’s good that Hilton has answered such concerns, and he should stick to his word, and has no excuses for not meeting it now. It has alleviated some of my worry, and there is some truth in what JI and others has said, in we don’t know what else we can do. One thing is not to turn on fans for raising concerns. Likewise, less of the aggro, as seen between Pat and SNOT lately.
1 user thanked author for this post.
August 24, 2023 at 8:17 pm #270290It seems likely that you get kicked out of GP , it’s just when .
Does Hilton think he can bluff the council and secure other funding towards a new stadium , with the threat of the club becoming extinct as his leverage ?
Will be a tall order to raise 30 million quid upwards in double quick time .
But whether you are a Hilton detractor or supporter , it can’t be denied it would be a masterstroke if he can pull it off .
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.