i went along on Saturday night to meet the people involved and clarify what the bigger picture actually is , i met a lot of people i already knew and some that i didn't ,i also met a lot of friends who already knew Graham or worked with him , and said nothing but good things about him , so i'll be taking my friends word for that .anyone i spoke to was more than happy to chat and explain why they are doing this and how they are doing it,
they also explained what the process is going to be (once confirmed and signed), there will be a legal contract and signed terms and conditions setting out that contract given to each of the pledge's, asking them to convert the pledge into a payment , this payment will then go towards the players budget and only the playing budget, and for this pledge "golden casket" will gift MCT 15% shares (this is still being negotiated), and this will be from the off , not at the end of the 2 years , but at the befgining,
i asked the question about ownership changing hands and how that would affect the MCT cash, and basically "golden Casket" could sell the remaining 75% as MCT would still hold 15%, obviously this changes things slightly as there would be new owners in place and the relationship may change, but the aim is still the same to provide additional funds for the playing budget....and eventually increase that share holding..
they also explained they have had many meetings with the Hibs, Hearts and St mirren Fan ownership groups and are modelling it around the Hibs system (if i heard correctly), i think we need to remember these guys started this from Scratch 8 weeks ago or something and are trying to pull together different streams of knowledge , and resources from a standing start , it's not going to be water tight or word perfect , but its certainly been better than anything else on offer ..
for me the fact that MCT would start with the 15% shareholding is important , if it was to be gifted after the 24months , i would have been a bit more concerned.. there is also the thought that after the 2 years there would be a further plan to increase the shareholding and bring in further grants and funding to the club ....
i think i could work out great for the club and the area if it were to take off and the guys all seem genuine and have the club and community at heart ... but it's up to each individual to decide i suppose ...
should have said as well , all decisions will be put to vote on a 1 vote 1 person setup ....
paddi
Ps.. i dont have all the answers ...but i'll answer what i can