Just seen this on Facebook from SC he was asked when he was coming back to clear up the mess ...
When I am asked to! |have some excellent ideas on recruitment side but I think Bal wants to go his own way at the moment which is fine by me.
:laughcry: That is unbelievable especially after last years debacle when the club nearly folded with him in charge. Whoever wants him back is on a different wavelength to most of the other supporters.
Perfect timing, he can sell Christmas Draw tickets. :xmassign:
To answer the original question, in a word, no. That isn't a ringing endorsement of Bal's time to date but just based on the fact that SC took the club to the brink two years ago and I can't think he has changed that much whilst out of the Linnet spotlight.
Whilst the 'new era' has undoubtably seen more commercial activity, I don't think it's unreasonable to question what has happened since May when Bal told the assembled Trust members that TSI's tenure would be founded on a more sustainable basis. Unfortunately there has been very little put out officially by the club which has allowed rumour and hearsay to fill the void with people jumping to their own conclusions when they see players that were starting earlier in the season being allowed out on loan whilst IC is struggling to get XI on the pitch let along fill the subs bench. Hopefully some money can be found from somewhere to help IC with the squad and I think a couple of the loans might have only been until the end of November so maybe that could also help but it would be helpful to hear from the club itself what the plans, both in the short and medium term are.
I don't really see why the Trust don't just hand over the cash they have to help the Club out.
All this waiting for shares to be handed over seems now irrelevant. It's only a few % anyway and doesn't give them anything in real terms. They can always have a seat on the board you don't need to be shareholder to be appointed.
They obviously have faith in the Jo/Bal model so what stops them getting it done?
'Would you want him back?'.....Did he ever in reality go away?
Jo/Bal gave him a role not sure how well that worked out or indeed if he still has the role.
I'm sure most of us are not surprised so little information is coming out of the club. They can't even keep the website up-to-date - Joe Simpson is still shown as interim manager and Crowther, who left weeks ago, is listed as a player.,
Thy made a lot of noise when they took over from Cleeve on what they were going to do. I don't think I'm alone in feeling totally underwhelmed by it all. Following on from Cleeve was a fairly low bar but does anything really feel that different ?
The difference between Cleeve and new owners is blindingly obvious. No new owners no Club. The new owners have been covering the huge shortfall since January 2024 and without there financial support we would not have a Club and if we did it certainly would not be at this level.
Whilst some might be ok with the Club maybe in administration and then playing in the UCL again others may finally say enough is enough with Kings Lynn Football Club and get another team to support on a Saturday.
At the moment we have an owner who is prepared to try and take the Club forward even with half million owed to the DCMS on top of whatever other problems they have inherited.
Be grateful for what you've got you will certainly miss it if its gone unless of course you've got a spare million to invest in a football Club.
:scarf: Veritas that's put it all in a nutshell.
Some folk don't realise how lucky we are to have a fc playing at this level.
Quote from: Linnet465 on November 19, 2025, 05:44:46 PM:scarf: Veritas that's put it all in a nutshell.
Some folk don't realise how lucky we are to have a fc playing at this level.
Apparently Bal thinks we are playing one level too high. What's he going to do about that? :dontknow:
Personally I agree with him, and I know many others do as well.
Play at the highest level you can afford, no higher!
It's a shame Bal can't find it in his busy schedule to tell the supporters what's going on. Much better than sending messages via an underling.
I don't get if the Club went pop again that they would get a 3 tier demotion rather than a 2 tier one.
If as suggested there are other issues appearing then is that not down to a lack of due diligence ?
When Bury FC went pop they started at the 9th tier - the old club was expelled at the third tier. Nothing cam be taken for granted.
Quote from: Veratis on November 19, 2025, 04:39:38 PMThe difference between Cleeve and new owners is blindingly obvious. No new owners no Club. The new owners have been covering the huge shortfall since January 2024 and without there financial support we would not have a Club and if we did it certainly would not be at this level.
The worry for some fans is that TSI share some of the responsibility for 'the huge shortfall'. Given where we were in January 2024 surely the prudent thing would have been to make changes for the 2024-25 season? You can presumably understand why fans would question the levels of subsidy required that Bal was talking about at the May meeting and why things needed to change for 2025-26 although how much was subsequently implemented is perhaps open to debate.
Quote from: Veratis on November 19, 2025, 04:39:38 PMWhilst some might be ok with the Club maybe in administration and then playing in the UCL again others may finally say enough is enough with Kings Lynn Football Club and get another team to support on a Saturday.
At the moment we have an owner who is prepared to try and take the Club forward even with half million owed to the DCMS on top of whatever other problems they have inherited.
Be grateful for what you've got you will certainly miss it if its gone unless of course you've got a spare million to invest in a football Club.
As one of those of who was around in 2009, I can assure you I never want to see a repeat of that experience. That said, ever since reformation fans have been told to be grateful to anyone who has been prepared to throw money at the club but that shouldn't mean their actions and decisions should be above question
Quote from: TonyM on November 19, 2025, 10:15:11 PMQuote from: Veratis on November 19, 2025, 04:39:38 PMThe difference between Cleeve and new owners is blindingly obvious. No new owners no Club. The new owners have been covering the huge shortfall since January 2024 and without there financial support we would not have a Club and if we did it certainly would not be at this level.
The worry for some fans is that TSI share some of the responsibility for 'the huge shortfall'. Given where we were in January 2024 surely the prudent thing would have been to make changes for the 2024-25 season? You can presumably understand why fans would question the levels of subsidy required that Bal was talking about at the May meeting and why things needed to change for 2025-26 although how much was subsequently implemented is perhaps open to debate.
Quote from: Veratis on November 19, 2025, 04:39:38 PMWhilst some might be ok with the Club maybe in administration and then playing in the UCL again others may finally say enough is enough with Kings Lynn Football Club and get another team to support on a Saturday.
At the moment we have an owner who is prepared to try and take the Club forward even with half million owed to the DCMS on top of whatever other problems they have inherited.
Be grateful for what you've got you will certainly miss it if its gone unless of course you've got a spare million to invest in a football Club.
As one of those of who was around in 2009, I can assure you I never want to see a repeat of that experience. That said, ever since reformation fans have been told to be grateful to anyone who has been prepared to throw money at the club but that shouldn't mean their actions and decisions should be above question
I'm going to thank the girl at the Tesco checkout and tell her how grateful I am for her allowing me to spend my money and shop there!
Quote from: Veratis on November 19, 2025, 04:39:38 PM..........................unless of course you've got a spare million to invest in a football Club.
What if you have, but you're just not that stupid? :dontknow:
Far less stressful ways of losing a Mill I would suggest. Perhaps Bal would like to try it with his own money?.
Quote from: Mallard on November 20, 2025, 12:41:07 PMFar less stressful ways of losing a Mill I would suggest. Perhaps Bal would like to try it with his own money?.
I know its an old one, but ya go!
The only way to make a small fortune out of a Football Club, is to start off with a big one.
Some months ago we had "lots of offers on the table" then we were going tits up. Then a miracle happened and this guy from Asia turns up with pots of money Then Bal turns, up and we seem to be back to square one .And would you believe it Cleeve is still there!!! Is this a Christmas Fairy Tale?
I just hope anyone considering investing £1million in this or any other football club, doesn't come for a look on this forum, beforehand. :glum:
Quote from: fenlander on November 20, 2025, 02:41:10 PMI just hope anyone considering investing £1million in this or any other football club, doesn't come for a look on this forum, beforehand. :glum:
Why?
Would you rather them fall into a trap and lose their hard earned money, so a few people get to watch 90 minutes of football on a Saturday afternoon at a level higher than the club can afford or at a price they are willing to pay? I've never understood why some supporters (not just Lynn) think that their Saturday afternoon entertainment should be subsidised by others.
I'd much rather any investor join us and be aware of everything, warts and all. I'd rather them do full due diligence and take notice of as much information they can find out there.
Maybe that's a lesson Jo has learned from his experience. :dontknow: My money's on that he'd never repeat anything such as this again. If he was going to, surely TSI would be far more involved with other projects already, and not have Lynn FC as their only customer.
"We never expected to end up owning a football Club".
Quote from: Blue_and_Gold on November 20, 2025, 03:25:03 PMQuote from: fenlander on November 20, 2025, 02:41:10 PMI just hope anyone considering investing £1million in this or any other football club, doesn't come for a look on this forum, beforehand. :glum:
Why?
Would you rather them fall into a trap and lose their hard earned money, so a few people get to watch 90 minutes of football on a Saturday afternoon at a level higher than the club can afford or at a price they are willing to pay? I've never understood why some supporters (not just Lynn) think that their Saturday afternoon entertainment should be subsidised by others.
I'd much rather any investor join us and be aware of everything, warts and all. I'd rather them do full due diligence and take notice of as much information they can find out there.
Maybe that's a lesson Jo has learned from his experience. :dontknow: My money's on that he'd never repeat anything such as this again. If he was going to, surely TSI would be far more involved with other projects already, and not have Lynn FC as their only customer.
"We never expected to end up owning a football Club".
Either I've hit a nerve and there has been an attempt to divert from my point, that there is an awful lot of negativity and general grumbling on this forum, or this was a genuine belief that I would like someone to invest "their hard earned money", in a football team without them doing the proper research into a club's finances and overall situation.
I would suggest, that there is little likelihood that someone who had the nous and ability to "earn" £millions would not do their homework. I would also suggest, the last place they would start, if wishing to do a deep dive into the financial status of said club is the fan's forum. Maybe the inherited super rich would simply take a punt on a whim.
On that note, let's hope we don't discourage any famous Hollywood actors. :thanks:
Fenlander have to admit there has been a lot to feel negative about of late. I guess a Crowd of 750 at the last home game might suggest I'm not alone.
Such a shame that neither Roger Taylor (Queen) or George Russell (F1) appear to be interested in football?!
Quote from: rod on November 20, 2025, 07:56:11 PMSuch a shame that neither Roger Taylor (Queen) or George Russell (F1) appear to be interested in football?!
Did I miss their films? :laughcry:
Quote from: fenlander on November 20, 2025, 10:34:33 PMQuote from: rod on November 20, 2025, 07:56:11 PMSuch a shame that neither Roger Taylor (Queen) or George Russell (F1) appear to be interested in football?!
Did I miss their films? :laughcry:
Stephen Fry is very local to Lynn and a big Norwich City supporters.
Come on Stephen, lets be having you!
If he was here, we'd almost certainly have to raise the bar higher! :laughcry:
Quote from: rod on November 20, 2025, 07:56:11 PMSuch a shame that neither Roger Taylor (Queen) or George Russell (F1) appear to be interested in football?!
Never mind Queen. The Court Jester's still knocking about apparently.
Roger Taylor didn't he make a few Wimbledon semi's ?
Quote from: Mallard on November 21, 2025, 04:45:51 PMRoger Taylor didn't he make a few Wimbledon semi's ?
He is getting on a bit now, so if a semi is all he can manage these days, it hardly unexpected!
:scarf: Perhaps he can drum up some more support and funds!
Quote from: Blue_and_Gold on November 21, 2025, 05:40:16 PMQuote from: Mallard on November 21, 2025, 04:45:51 PMRoger Taylor didn't he make a few Wimbledon semi's ?
He is getting on a bit now, so if a semi is all he can manage these days, it hardly unexpected!
:laughcry: :laughcry: :laughcry:
Quote from: Grissles Oleary on November 21, 2025, 09:33:48 PMQuote from: Blue_and_Gold on November 21, 2025, 05:40:16 PMQuote from: Mallard on November 21, 2025, 04:45:51 PMRoger Taylor didn't he make a few Wimbledon semi's ?
He is getting on a bit now, so if a semi is all he can manage these days, it hardly unexpected!
:laughcry: :laughcry: :laughcry:
I'm here all week! :laughcry:
Quote from: Blue_and_Gold on November 21, 2025, 05:40:16 PMQuote from: Mallard on November 21, 2025, 04:45:51 PMRoger Taylor didn't he make a few Wimbledon semi's ?
He is getting on a bit now, so if a semi is all he can manage these days, it hardly unexpected!
New balls please
Well, in the absence of a strong backhander, I guess at least you just served a few lazy lobs. Let's just see if we can all rally behind the boys tomorrow, and help them pick up three match points. :clap: :comeon:
Anyone at the club available to do the white lines these days? :oldman"
Did "Joe" actually put money in? Or was he a Ghost Investor?
Quote from: peter on November 22, 2025, 08:50:58 AMDid "Joe" actually put money in? Or was he a Ghost Investor?
With all due respect...does it even matter?
Quote from: Quinn Upstone on November 22, 2025, 11:13:09 AMQuote from: peter on November 22, 2025, 08:50:58 AMDid "Joe" actually put money in? Or was he a Ghost Investor?
With all due respect...does it even matter?
Again with respect, but of course it does. A very important point.
The Club is legally required to know who the investor is and where they obtained the money from. ie to ensure it came from a legitimate source (Money laundering regulations). There's plenty of reports out there (which have been posted previously) about where lower league clubs have been used for money laundering, especially by criminal gangs operation in the cryptocurrency game (some people refer to it as Bitcoin, but that's just one provider of Crypto).
It should also be declared how the money is "invested" in the club. e.g. Sponsorship later claimed to be a loan could be a source of illegal activity, as could money given to an individual but a company that's owned by the business is paying it back. Another one is where goods are given in lieu of being charged for sponsorship but the goods not finding their way to the business. These are probably the first thing any investigation would look at.
There's loads more that has to be considered by any business when investing or sponsorship is involved. These are just three examples but I guess football clubs have to more vigilant than most other business's because they are in the public eye all the time.
It must be a nightmare when people are trying to give you money but you don't know if you are legally allowed to take it.
So yes, it is important and does matter.
Quote from: Blue_and_Gold on November 22, 2025, 02:55:55 PMQuote from: Quinn Upstone on November 22, 2025, 11:13:09 AMQuote from: peter on November 22, 2025, 08:50:58 AMDid "Joe" actually put money in? Or was he a Ghost Investor?
With all due respect...does it even matter?
Again with respect, but of course it does. A very important point.
The Club is legally required to know who the investor is and where they obtained the money from. ie to ensure it came from a legitimate source (Money laundering regulations). There's plenty of reports out there (which have been posted previously) about where lower league clubs have been used for money laundering, especially by criminal gangs operation in the cryptocurrency game (some people refer to it as Bitcoin, but that's just one provider of Crypto).
It should also be declared how the money is "invested" in the club. e.g. Sponsorship later claimed to be a loan could be a source of illegal activity, as could money given to an individual but a company that's owned by the business is paying it back. Another one is where goods are given in lieu of being charged for sponsorship but the goods not finding their way to the business. These are probably the first thing any investigation would look at.
There's loads more that has to be considered by any business when investing or sponsorship is involved. These are just three examples but I guess football clubs have to more vigilant than most other business's because they are in the public eye all the time.
It must be a nightmare when people are trying to give you money but you don't know if you are legally allowed to take it.
So yes, it is important and does matter.
You're wasting your time here B&G. Lynn public ain't bothered as long as someone's throwing their money away.
Quote from: Blue_and_Gold on November 22, 2025, 02:55:55 PMQuote from: Quinn Upstone on November 22, 2025, 11:13:09 AMQuote from: peter on November 22, 2025, 08:50:58 AMDid "Joe" actually put money in? Or was he a Ghost Investor?
With all due respect...does it even matter?
Again with respect, but of course it does. A very important point.
The Club is legally required to know who the investor is and where they obtained the money from. ie to ensure it came from a legitimate source (Money laundering regulations). There's plenty of reports out there (which have been posted previously) about where lower league clubs have been used for money laundering, especially by criminal gangs operation in the cryptocurrency game (some people refer to it as Bitcoin, but that's just one provider of Crypto).
It should also be declared how the money is "invested" in the club. e.g. Sponsorship later claimed to be a loan could be a source of illegal activity, as could money given to an individual but a company that's owned by the business is paying it back. Another one is where goods are given in lieu of being charged for sponsorship but the goods not finding their way to the business. These are probably the first thing any investigation would look at.
There's loads more that has to be considered by any business when investing or sponsorship is involved. These are just three examples but I guess football clubs have to more vigilant than most other business's because they are in the public eye all the time.
It must be a nightmare when people are trying to give you money but you don't know if you are legally allowed to take it.
So yes, it is important and does matter.
I accept all that you say and, in hindsight, I worded it poorly. A better way to express my thoughts would be that whether ghost or not, it doesn't make any difference to where the club is right now at this minute in time.
We have the owner we have, the manager and staff we have and the players we have and we must make the best of what we currently have because we have little influence over any of it.
But we may just have to agree to differ.
As for whether I "would want him back ?" I would agree that he never left in the first place, but just learned how to keep quiet. Which is quite some achievement for him. No offence.
Quote from: Quinn Upstone on November 22, 2025, 04:04:37 PMQuote from: Blue_and_Gold on November 22, 2025, 02:55:55 PMQuote from: Quinn Upstone on November 22, 2025, 11:13:09 AMQuote from: peter on November 22, 2025, 08:50:58 AMDid "Joe" actually put money in? Or was he a Ghost Investor?
With all due respect...does it even matter?
Again with respect, but of course it does. A very important point.
The Club is legally required to know who the investor is and where they obtained the money from. ie to ensure it came from a legitimate source (Money laundering regulations). There's plenty of reports out there (which have been posted previously) about where lower league clubs have been used for money laundering, especially by criminal gangs operation in the cryptocurrency game (some people refer to it as Bitcoin, but that's just one provider of Crypto).
It should also be declared how the money is "invested" in the club. e.g. Sponsorship later claimed to be a loan could be a source of illegal activity, as could money given to an individual but a company that's owned by the business is paying it back. Another one is where goods are given in lieu of being charged for sponsorship but the goods not finding their way to the business. These are probably the first thing any investigation would look at.
There's loads more that has to be considered by any business when investing or sponsorship is involved. These are just three examples but I guess football clubs have to more vigilant than most other business's because they are in the public eye all the time.
It must be a nightmare when people are trying to give you money but you don't know if you are legally allowed to take it.
So yes, it is important and does matter.
I accept all that you say and, in hindsight, I worded it poorly. A better way to express my thoughts would be that whether ghost or not, it doesn't make any difference to where the club is right now at this minute in time.
We have the owner we have, the manager and staff we have and the players we have and we must make the best of what we currently have because we have little influence over any of it.
But we may just have to agree to differ.
As for whether I "would want him back ?" I would agree that he never left in the first place, but just learned how to keep quiet. Which is quite some achievement for him. No offence.
I don't believe that just because we "have what we have" etc and have no influence over it can really be regarded as correct. Question everything. And of course with the Trust due to be involved, they should be able to influence things. They are there to ask questions and to get answers from the club. If not, what's the point of it all.
If pushed and if they want to, supporters can influence a lot.
And of course, people have been questioning why Cleeve is still here. He still appears to know quite a bit about the running of the club for someone who's not supposed to be there or involved in anyway.
I'm not sure how that works or if it should be questioned or not.
Quote from: MARCUS ROSE on November 22, 2025, 03:00:50 PMQuote from: Blue_and_Gold on November 22, 2025, 02:55:55 PMQuote from: Quinn Upstone on November 22, 2025, 11:13:09 AMQuote from: peter on November 22, 2025, 08:50:58 AMDid "Joe" actually put money in? Or was he a Ghost Investor?
With all due respect...does it even matter?
Again with respect, but of course it does. A very important point.
The Club is legally required to know who the investor is and where they obtained the money from. ie to ensure it came from a legitimate source (Money laundering regulations). There's plenty of reports out there (which have been posted previously) about where lower league clubs have been used for money laundering, especially by criminal gangs operation in the cryptocurrency game (some people refer to it as Bitcoin, but that's just one provider of Crypto).
It should also be declared how the money is "invested" in the club. e.g. Sponsorship later claimed to be a loan could be a source of illegal activity, as could money given to an individual but a company that's owned by the business is paying it back. Another one is where goods are given in lieu of being charged for sponsorship but the goods not finding their way to the business. These are probably the first thing any investigation would look at.
There's loads more that has to be considered by any business when investing or sponsorship is involved. These are just three examples but I guess football clubs have to more vigilant than most other business's because they are in the public eye all the time.
It must be a nightmare when people are trying to give you money but you don't know if you are legally allowed to take it.
So yes, it is important and does matter.
You're wasting your time here B&G. Lynn public ain't bothered as long as someone's throwing their money away.
Sadly, I think you are 100% correct there. That's until things go udder up!
Quote from: peter on November 22, 2025, 08:50:58 AMDid "Joe" actually put money in? Or was he a Ghost Investor?
Quote from: Blue and Gold Trust on October 31, 2025, 05:21:45 PMThe Trust will not discuss its business on any open forum and will keep its members updated on all developments as and when appropriate.
Peter. This may seem a bit like the tail wagging the dog but I guess the only way you will find out anything you need to know is be emailing the Trust.
My understanding is that Trust members receive information first with regard to Trust business before its made public. If Peter is a Trust member he will be kept upto date automatically.
I am sure the Trust would not want to engage in any conversation with me or anyone outside the Trust why should they?
As far as our former chairman or owner is concerned it does make me wonder who is actually running the club at the moment.
Quote from: peter on November 24, 2025, 03:09:11 PMI am sure the Trust would not want to engage in any conversation with me or anyone outside the Trust why should they?
As far as our former chairman or owner is concerned it does make me wonder who is actually running the club at the moment.
I have no doubt that Bal is running the Club at the moment, but the ownership is a different matter. As far as I can see Stephen Cleeve still owns the Club via his Blue and Gold Holdings Ltd.
I presume his intention is to get it back under his control as sometime, or I doubt he would still be hanging around (it would be good to hear how the efforts in reducing the Legacy debt is going).
He also appears to still be in the loop as far as the running of the Club is concerned. To me it looks as if he is aware of too many of the day to day inner workings of the Club not to be.
:dontknow: