blueheaven Posted July 9, 2024 Report Share Posted July 9, 2024 For all the people who were insisting the new owner would want to move us to a new stadium, the planned upgrades to the car park, gym and other facilities don't really indicate that such a move is on the horizon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garydavidson Posted July 9, 2024 Report Share Posted July 9, 2024 (edited) 10 minutes ago, blueheaven said: For all the people who were insisting the new owner would want to move us to a new stadium, the planned upgrades to the car park, gym and other facilities don't really indicate that such a move is on the horizon. The Courier seemed to be pitching a stadium move as something he should look into following an interview Geoff Brown, maybe Eric had this written before the open letter from Webb: https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/sport/football/st-johnstone/4967775/adam-webb-st-johnstone-5-big-questions/ "3. Is a stadium move on the cards? Geoff Brown has told Courier Sport that selling and leaving McDiarmid Park is a logical next step for St Johnstone. What was out-of-town land when the ground was built in the late 1980s is now edge-of-town. The 22 acres that the stadium, a big car park, an all-weather pitch and a training ground sit on is worth a lot more than the fee Webb will be about to pay for his 75% share in the club. Saints don’t need a stadium that can accommodate approaching 11,000 supporters. And nobody is better placed to identify a site for a new 7,000-ish capacity ground than the house-builder who has sold the club. Webb has been involved in Cambridge United buying their stadium back and in creating a new training facility. You would think that a stadium move would be an obvious project for him to sink his teeth into in Scotland." Edited July 9, 2024 by garydavidson blueheaven 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cagey Posted July 9, 2024 Report Share Posted July 9, 2024 47 minutes ago, glenrothes saintee said: From his letter to the fans: Such changes, however, will be undertaken only after engagement and consultation with supporters. I have already met with supporters once via Zoom and I look forward to doing so again in person. I wonder who the Zoomers were. Are the infamous secret 7 still a thing ?. Anyone willing to put their head above the parapet?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueheaven Posted July 9, 2024 Report Share Posted July 9, 2024 2 minutes ago, Cagey said: I wonder who the Zoomers were. Are the infamous secret 7 still a thing ?. Anyone willing to put their head above the parapet?. Don't know but my guess would be that the club probably put him in touch with people from the "fan steering group" from the open meetings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pezza70 Posted July 9, 2024 Report Share Posted July 9, 2024 1 hour ago, glenrothes saintee said: From his letter to the fans: Such changes, however, will be undertaken only after engagement and consultation with supporters. I have already met with supporters once via Zoom and I look forward to doing so again in person. Did anyone on the forum meet with him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBored Posted July 9, 2024 Report Share Posted July 9, 2024 Interesting interview with the man himself. I would like to hear a little bit more about his background and why he has got involved. I'd worry if he is looking to make a gain from this....how many owners actually manage that? I was also a bit worried this might turn into a Brookes Mileson (was that the name?) type of thing where it becomes a play thing...the owner eventually passes away and then the family has no interest and it implodes like Gretna. Although, to be fair we did have an issue with the Browns as none of the family wanted to take it on after Steve's go at it. Hearing that there are other investors behind him gives a wee sign that isn't a great issue...although again, I would like to hear to these people actually are. With a lot of it we will just have to see how it goes. He can promise the earth but only time will tell whether he can follow it up. Hearing the bits about the fans doing their bit etc....I wonder what that might mean to future season tickets etc going forward? As a footnote, the Saints TV people should have the Brown's (Geoff & Steve) on there giving their thoughts on the past 30 odd years. Best times/worst, favourite games/players etc...and perhaps a little on the things that went on that we never knew about. Geoff gets a lot of justified credit....Steve should too, although his time ended 'poorly' it shouldn't be ignored the time etc he gave up to chair the club through the most successful time. Lets see what the new dawn brings us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomGuy Posted July 9, 2024 Report Share Posted July 9, 2024 Also interested to know what he gets out this, can't see any evidence that owners at Cambridge earn any money from their ownership there but also don't see anything that says they don't. The "other" investors seem to be the guys who shares Cambridge United with, just Webb is the majority shareholder here. Cambridge seems to be his blueprint. And from what I can tell its all about putting their money into facilities, increasing sponsorship money as much as possible, and then the club lives or dies by how much it earns itself. It should be nothing like Mileson making a 4th tier side the 3rd highest paying in the country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garydavidson Posted July 10, 2024 Report Share Posted July 10, 2024 11 hours ago, MrBored said: Interesting interview with the man himself. I would like to hear a little bit more about his background and why he has got involved. I'd worry if he is looking to make a gain from this....how many owners actually manage that? I was also a bit worried this might turn into a Brookes Mileson (was that the name?) type of thing where it becomes a play thing...the owner eventually passes away and then the family has no interest and it implodes like Gretna. Although, to be fair we did have an issue with the Browns as none of the family wanted to take it on after Steve's go at it. He did mention why he got involved in the interview. As for Gretna I really don't think it will ever be that way, no signs of him promising the untouchable, very realistic and pragmatic. Sustainability looks to be a key thing for him which should allow continuity in all situations if we remain at this level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueheaven Posted July 10, 2024 Report Share Posted July 10, 2024 11 hours ago, RandomGuy said: Also interested to know what he gets out this, can't see any evidence that owners at Cambridge earn any money from their ownership there but also don't see anything that says they don't. At the risk of being very naive, could it not be enjoyment? I think loads of people would love to own a football club. If I had enough money I'd probably do it too. It sounds to me like he's got a taste for it at Cambridge and has decided he'd love the challenge of being the head guy at a club and seeing where he can take it. And at Saints there's a lot more scope for success than there is at Cambridge. With us he's got a top flight club who can win trophies and play in Europe. Cambridge aren't realistically going to get that without a ginormous spend, no matter how well run they are. Clearly he's going to want to earn back on his investment eventually (and I'd be interested to know what money is being used to improve the car park, changing rooms, gym etc) but if the club remains sustainable then that shouldn't be an unrealistic goal. If he's thinking he can make a fortune out of running Saints then that's clearly a mistake ... but I don't get the impression he's thinking that way. I also don't get the impression he's going to be a Brooks Mileson type. Bankrolling big-money signings doesn't seem to be something that's on his agenda. Personally I think he's made a really good first impression. He comes across as personable and approachable but with a very clear idea of what he wants to do and how he wants to do it. Improving the facilities and trying to build us for the long-term, while improving relations with the fans and community, seems like the right approach to me and is exactly what I would have asked for. Only thing I find frustrating is that his ambitions on the pitch (top 6, cups, Europe) are actually what we already had just a few years ago. But that also shows it's not unrealistic to have the goal of getting back there. Coltrane, PSJ.84 and Willie Peat 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
templeofsaints Posted July 10, 2024 Report Share Posted July 10, 2024 Press conference on YouTube now dave mc, blueheaven, pezza70 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
templeofsaints Posted July 10, 2024 Report Share Posted July 10, 2024 38 minutes ago, templeofsaints said: Press conference on YouTube now Just sat through it - very impressed by Webb's handling of the questions. Didn't commit to much but did a good sales job on the club and Perth going forward. Interesting he's confirmed the player budget is up on last season so given the players that have left you have to imagine there's a bit of scope for some big signings to come in. pezza70, Willie Peat and blueheaven 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garydavidson Posted July 10, 2024 Report Share Posted July 10, 2024 Interesting reading of other fans comments on the tweet, they mostly seem to be Perth based rangers fans though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rik2304 Posted July 10, 2024 Report Share Posted July 10, 2024 18 minutes ago, garydavidson said: Interesting reading of other fans comments on the tweet, they mostly seem to be Perth based rangers fans though. So.... morons? templeofsaints, lindz105, Cleveland-Saint and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
california_saintee Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 I think this made me realize how, in my lifetime of supporting Saints, I've never heard either Geoff or Steve sound happy or enthusiastic about the club. It'll be nice to have someone in place who actually seems to want the gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pezza70 Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 Very impressed with his press conference and interview, he is hopefully going to be a great owner for our club and field by sound like he is going to be in for the long haul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chips Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 Liking what I've been hearing/reading from Adam Webb so far, also states he's added to the player budget and to be fair CL seems to be "thinking out the box" going by signings just now, also Webb knows we need another couple of quality players yet. One comment that sticks out though is Webb saying " Playing on the front foot and having an exciting style for fans" He watched a few games last season and must know that's not really the CL way. Obviously a new/fresh start for everyone involved and after a clear out CL will be mainly fielding a chunk of his own team come start of the league, Webb putting a wee bit pressure on the manager already ? All in all, I'm happily optimistic about this coming season, Webb saying all the right things and a manager given time to make his own stamp, cant see Webb being the type to let things drag on for weeks/months though if we're in dire trouble 😏 Cleveland-Saint 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_gain Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 15 hours ago, templeofsaints said: Press conference on YouTube now Really impressed with that. While his open letter was impressive it was nothing unexpected. This press conference realky does show his intentions and way of working. I really like his positivity about the club and Scottish football in general, especially liked his assessment that "some" English league 1 players could make the "leap" to our league. I get tye impression he's going to be good for the game here in general. I also liked his talk of effort within the squad, hope this rubs off on a few players. I was always going to be cautious of a new owner, we've all seen some basket cases over the years while we had stability. But the more I hear from Webb the more I see why Bown was willing to sell to him. If Webb retains our sustainability with gradual improvements across the board I'll be more than happy. garydavidson 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_gain Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 6 hours ago, california_saintee said: I think this made me realize how, in my lifetime of supporting Saints, I've never heard either Geoff or Steve sound happy or enthusiastic about the club. It'll be nice to have someone in place who actually seems to want the gig. Totally, Webb's enthusiasm for the club and Scottish football is refreshing. I wouldn't be surprised if he starts making some waves within the game here in a few years in order to try and improve things for clubs other than just the usual 2. california_saintee 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.B.B:- Adz Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 (edited) I know timing hasn’t been on his side etc(and would also be unpopular with the “what about something for me” bridgade) but would have been class if he had come in and released a really good offer for lapsed season ticket holders to attract them back. 50% off for anyone who has had a season ticket since 1986 but hasn’t renewed it in the past 10 years. Start with a bang! Edited July 11, 2024 by R.B.B:- Adz blueheaven 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueheaven Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 At the risk of getting all lost in his eyes, I'm really liking everything he's said so far. He seems enthusiastic and ambitious but in a sensible way that has a lot of thought and homework behind it. I love that he's spoken about already holding brainstorms with the staff - I wonder if the old regime ever really did that kind of thing? I always felt there was a very "we already tried that" or "it'll never work" attitude from Roddy and co to any new idea and it really feels like that's a thing of the past now. Sure, some of the stuff he's suggesting might not work or might be considered not viable, but at least they're seriously discussing these things and open to trying them. It all feels like a real breath of fresh air. I sent some ideas to the email address that was mentioned on his open letter, and have already had a really nice, positive, personal reply back from him, telling me that all of my ideas would be discussed and some would happen. Even if they don't happen, I'm fine with that. I just want things to be thought about and tried. All feels like a long, long way from the template, nonsensical emails a load of us had from Flaherty at the time of the Rangers nonsense a couple of years ago. (P.S. It'll be really interesting to see what Adam Webb's view is on how many stands to give the Old Firm, given the emphasis he's putting on attracting a bigger home support.) Saintdunc, Willie Peat, Coltrane and 2 others 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chips Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 So what's this about a further 8 investors but him having the majority share ? Is it his rich mates ? 🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_gain Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 29 minutes ago, chips said: So what's this about a further 8 investors but him having the majority share ? Is it his rich mates ? 🤔 What I understand from his interviews his Saints in Scotland company bought the controlling interest from Geoff. These other investors are investing a small stake in the company with him retaining the majority and therefore being the guy making the decisions. One is his lawyer partner, one seems to be a successful doctor. I'd imagine it's some people he's met in his career. They're probably fronting some capital to get things like the carpark and stadium improvements rolling. They're not on the board but having some other heads to call should surely be an advantage. chips 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Templar Saint Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 Saints in America llc bought Geoff's 75% shareholding. Adam Webb owns 70% of Saints in America and the other investors the remaining 30%. There is one man making the decisions after listening to the input of others and that is Adam Webb. Cleveland-Saint 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slf Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 Oodenarde a wee 5000 capacity stadium it’s obvious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueheaven Posted July 11, 2024 Report Share Posted July 11, 2024 For those who haven't seen the info in the Courier, he's confirmed that Stan Harris will shortly be stepping down, and at that point a new CEO will be appointed. He's also said it's a possibility that he'll take that role himself in the future. Also confirmed the current board is himself, Roddy Grant, Alan Storrar and Stan. Hopefully there'll be some more diverse voices added to that very soon, which seems likely. california_saintee 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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