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Mallard

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Tonight’s meeting
« on: May 15, 2025, 08:20:10 PM »
https://x.com/GregTheLynnNews/status/1923092103426347347?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet


The potential new owners of King's Lynn Town Football Club have issued a statement ahead of a proposed takeover with a supporters' group.

Singaporean investor Joseph Phua’s Turn Sports Investments is looking to safeguard the future of the Linnets, who are still burdened by a Sport England Covid loan, by linking up with The Blue and Gold Supporters Trust.

TSI has been quietly supporting the club financially since January 2024 and is now working on a proposal to inject further capital to help the club stabilise and prepare for the next campaign.

The statement from TSI read: "Over the past year, we’ve been proud to support King’s Lynn Town FC as quiet financial stakeholders, stepping in when the situation was at its most difficult.

"We are not owners. Instead, we’re working alongside the current ownership to help secure the club’s future and move toward a more sustainable, community-focused model.

"Since our involvement began a year ago, we’ve invested more than £700,000 in the club. Based on prior projections, we expected to contribute a further £500,000+ over the next 12 months just to keep the club stable.

"Our continued support reflects our belief in the club’s value to the local community and our conviction that responsible investment, paired with sound planning, can create a lasting impact.

"But we must be clear: a reset is urgently needed.

"The club has historically operated with a playing budget that exceeds many of its league peers. Yet given the club’s scale and revenue base, this model has proven unsustainable.
The two parties are currently revealing their plans to Trust members at a special general meeting at The Walks.

Football at this level should be grounded in community, not driven by the ambitions of a few.

"Unfortunately, past approaches have been marked by poor financial planning and short-term thinking, including over £500,000 in unpaid DCMS loans, with interest accruing and repayment deadlines looming as early as next quarter.

"Let’s be candid:

"A club that spends without planning, continually loses money, and carries unresolved debts is not on solid ground. We’ve seen where that road leads — and it’s not a route we are prepared to take.

"That’s why we’re committed to a new direction: one built on financial discipline, transparency, and shared purpose.

"We are in active negotiations with DCMS, particularly regarding the legacy loan. Until those discussions are concluded, we cannot finalise the club’s financial restructuring.

"Likewise, the future shareholding and governance structures remain under discussion. But our intent is clear: the community must be at the heart of the club’s future.

"We’re working closely with the Supporters’ Trust to support this transition and view the Trust as a key vehicle for fan representation.

"Under the current proposal, the Trust would take the lead in governance, including the nomination of an honorary chairman, rotated every six months, to ensure formal representation of supporter voices.

"In the meantime, we continue to assist the current ownership across several key initiatives:

• Finalising contracts for new football management ahead of the upcoming season

• Supporting player retention, negotiations, and new talent recruitment

• Developing facilities and hospitality offerings at The Walks for year-round use

• Deepening community and business engagement to expand local support

• Working with financial planners and accountants to ensure long-term sustainability

"We’ve also listened — in the stands, online, and in direct conversations. Strong opinions reflect deep passion, and that passion is vital.

"But to turn it into progress, we invite supporters to join the club’s mission as volunteers, contributors, and champions of a shared future."

According to a statement issued by the Trust to its members last month, TSI had already provided funding well beyond its original commitment after Lynn allegedly overspent the season’s agreed budget.

TSI ended by revealing its three-year vision for the club.

They said: "We aim to help establish a sustainable, well-governed club that:

• Lives within its means while remaining competitive in its league — and hopefully beyond

• Provides a clear development pathway for players, staff, and volunteers

• Operates with transparency and accountability to supporters

• Can stand independently, financially and structurally, for the long term

"Despite the challenges, we remain committed to growing this club correctly. We will not shy away from pushing the club to make the right decisions, however difficult they may be.

"With the right support from all stakeholders, we’ve earmarked funding for the upcoming season, prioritising sustainability and community impact over short-term headlines.

"We want to work with everyone who shares this vision — the Trust members, the fans, the club’s leadership, and the wider community — to build a stable, competitive club that is a source of local pride."

The statement comes a day after manager Adam Lakeland was relieved of his duties in the dugout.


What if the Hokey Cokey really is what it’s all about ?

happymondays

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #1 on: May 15, 2025, 08:26:08 PM »
Such big hearts  :laughcry:

MARCUS ROSE

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #2 on: May 15, 2025, 09:50:44 PM »
Looks like the "Enjoy the ride boys" massaging of the Chairman's ego is coming to an end.  Good job TSI have things sorted with HMRC though.  The walks these days is like a Disneyland Fantasy. With  the Team Manager being sacked by email from the afore mentioned.  :laughcry:

little John

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2025, 10:23:04 PM »
He should stay in Disneyland.

happymondays

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2025, 10:04:29 AM »
A really simple question ...what is in all of this for T.S.I ?
Already 700K down plus another 500k to follow.
They are prepared to leave Cleeve as owner!
What's the end game ?

Wingwizzard

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2025, 10:32:48 AM »
Good questions  happy mondays . if i was going to put in 1.2 million  i would want control 

pcater

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2025, 10:52:55 AM »
Mr Cleeve made some X (Twitter) comments last night for the first time in ages. Obviously it was counter replies to some incorrect facts (TSI statement) and accusing individuals.
I dont understand why he sacked "The Best Manager in the League???" even if they were miles apart on the budget cuts. Why not talk about how it might work (although I appreciate Adam might not have wanted to work within those constraints).
The KL Official Statements on Adam's departure obviously came as a directive from him now (messy in that statement has 3/4 re-writes - probably blames unstable internet???).
But I dont see an end point to this as he again mentions counter offer to work with the trust if they dont come to an agreement with TSI.

I just see difficulty moving onto the future with if intended we try the TSI/Trust approach talked about last night.
Bal might be good - he has AFC Wimbledon and Fulham exposure - might be the coming of him if he was to be CEO.
The one thing that seems odd is the revolving Chairman idea - 6 month tenures at a time - whilst that is good for ideas but surely a little unstable to be practical.

Lots of work ahead... but very little time as pre-season starts in 8/9 weeks

Mallard

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2025, 11:11:42 AM »
I agree with a lot of that Cater.   There looks be no working relationship between Cleeve and Bal.  so why unearth would someone with no connection to the area want to stick a further 500k into this mess. 

Cleeve looks like he is going nowhere.  Has he the money to fund it, going forward or has he found another ‘investor’ prepared to bankroll his Saturday afternoon entertainment  ? 

I so liked Cleeve’s comment about some lady overcharging for a job she was given.  Cleeve would know all about how that game works  :laughcry:
What if the Hokey Cokey really is what it’s all about ?

MARCUS ROSE

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #8 on: May 16, 2025, 12:45:44 PM »
Cleeve work with the Trust? :laughcry:

kenny r

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2025, 12:48:15 PM »
That lady is my daughter who is a highly trained and experienced Chartered Physiotherapist.
 The Club faced a situation of not having a suitably qualified medical professional in the dugout for the game at Hereford which a requirement under league rules.
Lynsey has been the sponsor and unpaid physio for the ladies team for the last 2 and a half seasons so Cleeve asked her if she would provide cover for £50. She declined his generous offer but, knowing the problems the Club would face if she didn't go, reluctantly agreed to do at a fair price.
She did a full days work seeing patients locally and then drove to the team hotel near Hereford arriving just before midnight.
Matchday duties took 3 hours in total and then she drove home.
She charged him £150 plus mileage which was a total of £240. She lost money at that because she was unable to see her normal client base back here.
Cleeve reluctantly paid.....eventually.



happymondays

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2025, 01:12:40 PM »
And still the obvious remains unanswered...what's in it for TSI
Jo has been to one game in my understanding and resides in Singapore.The money they have already invested is long gone and more is needed They have stated the club has been run badly but are happy for Cleeve to own it .The council owns the ground...I'm struggling here a tad.

Mallard

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2025, 01:23:05 PM »
Cleeve should be charging for  this entertainment.  He’s never normally shy about charging.  Popcorn anyone ?

What id really like to hear from Mr Cleeve is What is the big plan going forward ?  Surely there must another scheme that’s going to put the Club/Town on the map or another idea that will make the club self sufficient in the future. 

I wonder if he believes himself at times. Or does he see  what a laughing stock he has become.  Better entertainment off the pitch than there was on it. Pure Box office.
What if the Hokey Cokey really is what it’s all about ?

Tony Bridge

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #12 on: May 16, 2025, 01:38:26 PM »
Looks like the "Enjoy the ride boys" massaging of the Chairman's ego is coming to an end.  Good job TSI have things sorted with HMRC though.  The walks these days is like a Disneyland Fantasy. With  the Team Manager being sacked by email from the afore mentioned.  :laughcry:

AL was sacked by email from Bal, TSI not SC  :dontknow:

MARCUS ROSE

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #13 on: May 16, 2025, 02:07:00 PM »
So who was so upset at last night's meeting, with what was said, that they felt compelled to contact the Club owner?.

Mallard

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Re: Tonight’s meeting
« Reply #14 on: May 16, 2025, 03:37:36 PM »
Tweet from our leader

"Have had several people contact me upset about how the trust (Ellis and Rout) in particular treated me.  It is clear that the meeting should have been open to every fan as there was nothing to vote on and it would have given the trust the chance to be open to non members instead"


I guess he will want to arrange a meeting to let all his loyal followers know about his plans.
Now that would be entertaining.
What if the Hokey Cokey really is what it’s all about ?

 

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