THE MARCH – 23rd DECEMBER 2009

..

Nothing appeared to be happening – the Administrator’s second Progress Report had shown that pretty starkly, despite some supposedly warm words about pressing on to a sale. Despite Melrose’s bid having failed, with funding not available; the unwillingness to pay the non-refundable deposit; and the FL seemingly unwilling to entertain him, (and his consortium), as new owners, the former City player was still hanging around in the background.

..

..

Dave Schofield had pulled things together, and a short video “Stockport County March” included an interview with him as the march started. In Dark Days Part 1 he describes in more detail the events of the day, (and the whole of the Dark Days series is well worth a listen, check the “Other Listens Watches and Reads” page for all the links). But in summary here’s what happened:

A call at Stockport Town Hall to attempt to speak to Council leader, Dave Goddard, allowed the marchers to voice their views to the passing public about the need for the Council to play some kind of supportive role. Sadly, at that point Councillor Goddard, more than likely not fancying the debate, was found to ‘have taken the day off'”.

The marchers then headed for the PFA Offices in Manchester and long serving, (and still to this day in July 2020 clinging like a limpet to his well in excess £2m annual salary), PFA chief honcho, Gordon Taylor, came out and addressed the assembled throng. He said:

‘I can understand your concerns and fears for the future of your football club, and anger towards the administrators.

“I can say here and now that the PFA is totally behind you, and your protests, and we are happy to join you in your fight to preserve your football club and its future.

“As we have done with so many clubs in similar situations in the past, we will continue to use our money to help you and your club at this difficult time.

“We wish you all the best in that fight and I can assure you that we will work in partnership to keep Stockport County Football Club alive.”

Warm words indeed on a cold day, but forgive my cynicism, that’s the usual modus operandi of the PFA, witnessed for years. Plenty of words but not too much action. Nevertheless, the point had been made.

It was then on to Leonard Curtis’ offices, where Dave Schofield went in to talk to them. The outcome was hardly encouraging. Nothing had changed, but an announcement was promised for the following day, Christmas Eve. Maybe the season of goodwill, and the exchanging of gifts might bring a surprise?

..

THE OUTCOME …. WARM WORDS (AND NO PROGRESS)

..

The statement duly came. It promised that the Melrose deal would be concluded by mid-January, (only three weeks off), and interestingly, given the increasing public knowledge about the level of the fees, an acknowledgement that these would be ‘negotiable’.

Mid-January came and went, and no progress, and frankly no communication. Titley and Reeves seemingly wanted a deal, (and who blames them – they had taken on a job for which they had no previous experience to draw on). The stumbling block was the FL. They considered the proposed deal on a number of occasions, but were unwilling to sanction it. Over the years, given their flamboyant and cavalier approach to the ‘fit and proper person’ test, this takeover must be getting on for unique.

Fan unease was growing again, and Kennedy had come into the crosshairs. I was far from a fan of his, recognising from day one that the original deal with Elwood was purely about getting a ground for Sale. I despised him for the way he had separated the ground from the Club, and then stitched up the Trust ‘good and proper’, by knowingly allowing what was a band of ‘well meaning amateurs’ to commit to a totally unsustainable business model. So no love lost as far as I was concerned. But under the Company Voluntary Agreement, from the previous July, he had agreed to take a hit of 99% of what was owed to him. He would pick up £38k from the £3.8m owed to him, (as identified by Titley and Reeves’ original report). He was also crucial to any deal, as use of the ground by any new Board would require his approval. Consequently attacks on him on social media, and the daubing of slogans on the outside of the ground served little purpose other than to provide the disgruntled fans with a chance to let off steam.

The season meandered on and a grand total of 10 points from the 22 games after the turn of the year, led to the inevitable relegation. It was confirmed as we went down to a home defeat to Yeovil on 10th April, (the 13th reverse of the season at EP, and there were 2 more yet to come).

What was happening on the field was of supreme irrelevance. We had known for months that relegation was nailed on. But the real question was not which division we would be in come the following August, but whether there would be a club at all. It must have crossed Titley and Reeves’ mind that this was a problem that could not be resolved, and that maybe liquidation was the most practical way forward.

..

ADMINISTRATORS PROGRESS REPORT (PUBLISHED 26TH MAY 2010)

..

A further report was required under law, This was produced for the period to 29th April, and published 4 weeks later. It was a truly desultory affair. Previous reports had given some information about the bids, and progress with regards to them. The Administration had been extended in early May, (that required a legal decision), but beyond that there was nothing other than a couple of financial summaries and the brief statement that “The Administrators are seeking to sell the Company as a going concern”.

Which at that point was code for “we’re desperately hoping that something turns up”.

..

Previously: In Administration – Part 2 Next: In Administration – Part 4