Developing MCT/GMFC Board Situation

[Gareloch Gnomes]

Worth remembering that Dalrada always made it clear that they weren’t looking for anything in return for their investment.

This has changed now that Liard has become the man leading the discussions on behalf of the club.

My guess is this is not about Dalrada wanting control but instead agreeing to a deal, put to them by a charlatan, who hopes it will in time lead to him gaining control. 

I just hope Brian Bonner’s legacy does not end up being tarnished by his association with this deceitful individual.

[Mr.Blue]

Is John Laird as much of a cunt as he's being made out to be here? 

[TONofmemories]

Assuming they want some kind of shares, can only draw conclusion that's to protect their investment? 

I struggle to see a situation where they would want full control; why would they want that? Are they financially in a position to do so? Have they got long term cash to sustain? 

All seems iffy if its not just straight up good will sponsorship. 

[dunning1874]

Surely we're getting something today? There's no way they can drag this out until Monday.

[irnbru]

2 hours ago, dunning1874 said:

Surely we're getting something today? There's no way they can drag this out until Monday.

Feels a bit late already. Even if it's out today, if its something for voting on then that's likely to take us to the end of the month - we'll be at a hug disadvantage in terms of recruitment if we're not able to make offers until then. 

The more I think about it, the more it is annoying me a bit. If Dalrada really wanted to change the terms from sponsorship to something that needs a members vote then they should have done in at least mid way through a season, not now. 

Edited May 17, 2025 by irnbru

[Greacen2000]

1 hour ago, irnbru said:

Feels a bit late already. Even if it's out today, if its something for voting on then that's likely to take us to the end of the month - we'll be at a hug disadvantage in terms of recruitment if we're not able to make offers until then. 

The more I think about it, the more it is annoying me a bit. If Dalrada really wanted to change the terms from sponsorship to something that needs a members vote then they should have done in at least mid way through a season, not now. 

Delaying it strengthens their position (assuming that club officials have made no attempt to find alternative sponsors and this offer is indeed the only show in town)

[irnbru]

5 minutes ago, Greacen2000 said:

Delaying it strengthens their position (assuming that club officials have made no attempt to find alternative sponsors and this offer is indeed the only show in town)

Aye, that's the annoying bit. I don't have a problem with outside investment, selling some shares, etc but however we ended up in this position isn't on. 

[CM48]

My latest guess is some Dalrada cash is coming with no real strings attached while the Chairman does everything he can to 1. Big up his role in securing it. 2, stay surrounded by people who’ll let him play at being in charge of a club, without having to do much hard work. 3 All this while also trying to avoid having to answer to pesky supporters who actually own Morton.

Like I say though, just a guess. It’s all any of us can do for now. 

[Greacen2000]

1 hour ago, CM48 said:

My latest guess is some Dalrada cash is coming with no real strings attached while the Chairman does everything he can to 1. Big up his role in securing it. 2, stay surrounded by people who’ll let him play at being in charge of a club, without having to do much hard work. 3 All this while also trying to avoid having to answer to pesky supporters who actually own Morton.

Like I say though, just a guess. It’s all any of us can do for now. 

At this stage I would bite your hand off for that outcome, but I suspect there might be a bit more to it than that - why else would they need it to be sanctioned by MCT members?

[AndyClark22]

First post I many years, under a new username. But I'm not an ITK tattler or a leaking board member (not that anyone really cares, but anyway).

 

Is it just me who now thinks it's obvious that the original share-selling deal that was put to MCT - the mysterious company who wanted a shareholding without telling us anything - was Dalrada all along? Their sponsorship (with boardroom presence) came very, very quickly after the membership asked for basic information and, overtime, it looks like they're achieving their original objectives. Absolutely no idea as to their motivation, but it seems like a long game has been played here which should cause concern. 

 

It is evident that MCT members need to step up and be more proactive. I think most of us - me included - have been happy to chuck in our monthly contribution and not have much interest in how its run or the nature of its relationship with GMFC. That is why we now have an interim board of stooges who are likely spending their weekend polishing up this 'deal'. It's hard - I don't think I'm in a position to volunteer the required hours - but hopefully some who can become more involved and take control back to the membership.

Edited May 17, 2025 by AndyClark22

[Jamie_M]

2 hours ago, CM48 said:

My latest guess is some Dalrada cash is coming with no real strings attached while the Chairman does everything he can to 1. Big up his role in securing it. 2, stay surrounded by people who’ll let him play at being in charge of a club, without having to do much hard work. 3 All this while also trying to avoid having to answer to pesky supporters who actually own Morton.

Like I say though, just a guess. It’s all any of us can do for now. 

You seem to be selling that as a negative.

 

 

[SassenachTon]

Outwith what’s been going on for the last week or so - I’m sure I speak for at least some others who are absolutely gutted at this behind-the-scenes debacle which I’m sure has come as a shock. I didn’t expect everything to turn to shite virtually overnight. As an ordinary supporter, it’s exactly at this time that the anticipation and excitement for next season starts to build. What will the season bring? Who will Dougie release? Who will he sign? Will he even still be here? If he’s not - who will replace him?  Where will we sit regarding budget? A pile of questions, all of which relate directly to fitba - not to shenanigans surrounding sponsors, boardroom battles, resignations, reinstatements, MCT’s position and so on. 
 

I’d echo AndyClark22’s comment above about the need to have more members providing proactive input, and I agree that putting in a few quid every month could be supplemented by those who could spare the time to provide some practical assistance to the club. I retired a few months ago after a lifetime in the construction industry. There are countless skills I could bring to Cappielow in terms of fixing simple stuff up. But I live 300 miles away - and that frankly frustrates me. If I was closer I’d be all over it like a rash.

I also think that the worst thing about this whole situation is not knowing what the hell is going on. I hope that this will be resolved with a good outcome for the club, its players and its supporters.

Mon eh Ton.

[CM48]

1 hour ago, Jamie_M said:

You seem to be selling that as a negative.

 

 

I guess alongside all the other "What ifs" it's not too bad, but I'd rather we had MCT representatives we could all get behind...and lots of cash from a big sponsor. A bit unrealistic I suppose.

[Tubes]

Really disappointing that nothing has came from the club over the last few days. Also, we were told the transfer embargo doesn’t have any impact on new contracts but absolutely no update on that front by now doesn’t look great. I understand the budget may be up in the air with this clusterfuck of a situation that’s ongoing but if Dougie does go to Partick and with Millen away it’s not a great start. 

[James]

Communication now out from MCT. Key points:

- No shares or other assets to Dalrada

- 540k sponsorship

- Agreement for 12 months, with further review

- However GMFC Board amended to x2 MCT reps, x2 Dalrada reps, and x3 Directors appointed on their skills. Laird as Chair.

[AndyClark22]

The update has now been sent to MCT members. Main takeaway is that ongoing sponsorship doesn't include any transfer of shares, but that Dalrada will have 2 members on the club board (the same as MCT), MCT gives up majority board membership, and Dalrada will be more involved in the running of the club. 

It's quite a lot of information to take in (4 pages) with these being the main takeaways. Probably best to read it a couple of times and digest it, before reacting. I can't say I'm overly fussed about any of it - other than how it's been done. As many have said on here, the process has left a sour taste in the mouth. 

MCT meeting on June 2nd (which I can't make, annoyingly), but the MCT board will more than likely rubber-stamp this deal beforehand. The figures seem fine, with minimum £540k over twelve months. Given that shareholding doesn't change, I'd probably lean towards accepting the deal but with us - as fans and MCT members - asking much more questions over those 12 months to prevent the same mess arising again. 

[port-ton]

Not keen at all on amending the articles to remove the need for the majority MCT reps on the GMFC board. They can spin it any way they want but to me that email just looks like an interim MCT board that’s currently favourable to the GMFC board, Chairman and Dalrada attempting to consolidate their power without needing to purchase any shares.

Im no expert but if MCT doesn’t have the ability to at least in theory have the majority vote on the board then how are they as an organisation ever meant to hold the people running to the club ever again? 
 

I’ve nothing against Dalrada or Bonnar but anything that gives Laird, Barr and Robinson more power and less accountability is a massive red flag in my book. 

[SpoonTon]

The suggestion seems to be that they want to improve the governance of the club by making one change - bringing in one more Dalrada board member. 

It feels very much like they don't like the previous MCT board and wanted a way to kill off any threat like that appearing again while they're involved. 

[irnbru]

21 minutes ago, SpoonTon said:

The suggestion seems to be that they want to improve the governance of the club by making one change - bringing in one more Dalrada board member. 

It feels very much like they don't like the previous MCT board and wanted a way to kill off any threat like that appearing again while they're involved. 

The majority is ok but MCT need to have a way of influencing as the majority shareholder. This removes that completely. 

MCT also need an EGM to vote on who the representatives should be. Both the 'interim board' and Barr and Robinson can't just continue without the members having a say. 

Edited May 17, 2025 by irnbru

[TRVMP]

I agree that 'fan owned, not fan run' is the best idea, given what's happened so far, but at the same time the majority shareholders need to have as much if not more oversight than a sponsor who can, at any time, simply opt to leave. As owners of the club we don't have that chance; the corporate existence of Morton is in our hands.