https://c.tenor.com/Y6GgzkwbOP4AAAAC/iron-chef.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by 380
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https://c.tenor.com/Y6GgzkwbOP4AAAAC/iron-chef.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by 380
I'm sorry to hear that mate..Quote:
Originally Posted by R Ramjet
This is up there with the greatest thing you have posted on the foz, Gary..Quote:
Originally Posted by Couscous
https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers...0170202-gu4fg3
Alibaba billionaire founder Jack Ma gives $26m to University of Newcastle in memory of Australian mentor
Quote:
Originally Posted by 380
Herald's story:
Dave and Steve Morley were members of the Rowdies (not sure if they ever took young Jack to a match), and their dad Ken was a true local character, avid collector of eclectic stuff like handtools etc, I'm sure they would have shared their passion for football with Jack in the day. I'm still a bit reticent about having another Chinese owner though, President Xi has targeted Ma to make an example of him/'punish' him in recent years (ironic as he's a member of the Party and good citizen etc, but too wealthy and powerful for Xi's liking it seems), if Ma had issues funding us in the same way Martin Lee did we might not be as well off under his tutelage as we'd hope (could be wrong on that score though, but just a concern in my view at least).Quote:
Billionaire to give $26m to Newcastle uni
By Scott Bevan
Updated February 3 2017 - 8:32pm, first published 5:00pm
A close friendship between a Chinese billionaire and a Newcastle family has led to the largest ever donation to the University of Newcastle.
Jack Ma, the founder of the internet company Alibaba, will give US$20 million, or more than Australian $26 million, to fund a scholarship program.
Mr Ma has travelled to Newcastle to announce the scholarship program in a ceremony late Friday afternoon.
“That he views this as so significant, so important to him, that he would personally come to be here is a really strong symbol,” the University of Newcastle’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said.
The donation by the man estimated by Forbes to be worth US$28.4 billion, or more than Australian $37 billion, is to honour his friendship with Newcastle’s Morley family, who he met as a teenager in his home city of Hangzhou in 1980. He approached a boy about his age, David Morley, to practise his English, and from there a bond with the family grew.
The Morleys brought Jack Ma to Australia in 1985 for his first visit. Mr Ma has credited the father, Ken Morley, with being an influential figure in his life, and he has returned to Newcastle to see the family several times, including a visit to an ailing Mr Morley prior to his death in 2004.
“I am very thankful for Australia and the time I spent there in my youth,” Mr Ma said in a statement before the ceremony. “The culture, the landscape and most importantly its people had a profound positive impact on my view of the world at that time.”
“To honour the experience and the special relationship I formed with the Morley family, the Jack Ma Foundation is delighted to announce The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program that will inspire, educate and cultivate tomorrow’s leaders.”
Professor McMillen said the university had been working with the Jack Ma Foundation for about a year to shape a program “that really represents the quality of that friendship, that really unique friendship, between Jack Ma and Ken Morley”.
When The Ma and Morley Scholarship Program reached full capacity, it would support 90 students a year. The program would be advertised from the middle of this year, and Professor McMillen said the recipients would include students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and indigenous scholars.
“At the heart of this philanthropic commitment is the most remarkable story of friendship,” Professor McMillen said.
David Morley said his father “would be moved to tears” by Jack Ma’s donation, and the reasons behind it.
Should we start to worry?
been worried since kb unitedQuote:
Originally Posted by mic22
I dont want Jack taking over the Jets (hes not going to i was joking).Quote:
Originally Posted by turbojetfireV8
I DO want him to take over Cooks Hill and have them fill the gap once the Jets inevitably go under.
A $80m squad running out taking on Edgy and Jaffas would tbe awesome for the local game.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand.... still no word on new ownership?
Its all gone quiet AGAIN!
There's more to this than us just being sold to a new owner.
They are in no hurry to complete the deal !
It was a strategic move from the clubs that are currently keeping us afloat, when they decided to start paying our bills!
It should have never been allowed to happen.
We were told it was securing our short term future as a club but its actually affecting our long term future now !
i'm guessing we weren't really in a position at the time to be dictating too many termsQuote:
Originally Posted by R Ramjet
Valentine FC was more attractive........Quote:
Originally Posted by jandysardine
From the Mattiske email today:
Importantly, after two years of building stability and growth under our current ownership model, the Club is now in a phase where we look to a transition to new owners. We have had approaches from a number of parties, and we know there is interest in the Club. We now move into a period where we will be running a formal process to transition ownership. The target is to have this complete before the commencement of the next season, however it may be that further time is needed ? and ultimately, we must find an owner that will be right for this Club and this community. In all this, your support and the support of the broader football and business community is critical. The stronger the Club is, the more we can be confident that we will attract the right owner for this Club?s future.
Promising news Shane
Just more hot air n bullshitQuote:
Originally Posted by Alton
Remember when we were getting Terry Venables and Kanta was going to Bayern Munich
Just thought I would share what I managed to find out regarding the club being sold.
I did have some knowledge that we were "close" to being sold which was on track to be completed in January/February this year.
The amount for was between $10m to $15m with the buyer willing to do the deal if the amount was closer to $10m rather than $15m.
The selling party were well aware of this and the talks were positive and progressive.
When the talks were at an advanced stage there was talk of some other interested parties/buyers and the selling price suddenly increased.
The buyer that I have knowledge of was not happy and couldn't see any justification for the price increase so the talks came to a sudden stop.
We have seen in the media recently that the jets are for sale for $15m to $25m.
Surely an amount of this size is unrealistic and driven by greed from the owners !
It's hard to see any buyers interested at those reported amounts !
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, in hindsightQuote:
Originally Posted by R Ramjet
Thanks for sharing, Ramjet
That's the issue we aren't even worth 10mil but the APL wants 25mil because our three a league owners want to make some money back on their "investment" Speaking of said A-League owners ive seen rumours that they are all looking to stop funding us or look at scaling it back. Not long left fellas until we no longer existQuote:
Originally Posted by R Ramjet
Pointing to a wider-spread malaise, the fortunes of fellow NSW outfit Newcastle Jets continue to flounder with their main benefactors - Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers and Western United - looking at ways to curtail their investment after two years of propping up the club.
I'm pretty sure the other clubs that have been keeping us financial thought that the whole "unbundling of the aleague" would bring in new investment and bigger $$$ with it.
They thought they would make easy money by keeping us afloat and then cash in when a buyer came forward.
This has clearly backfired with the Newcastle Jets future soon at risk !
The first buyer was that close that staff were measuring up for new carpet, furniture etc.
The 25 million came from Townsend's desire to make that standard for new licenses and this flowed onto clubs for sale like us and Perth.
We are not valued by the APL. Everyone at the club has done what they can and cannot be criticised and that includes Shane, who has to make a silk purse out if a sow's ear.
Personally, I have pulled a minor sponsorship for this reason. Not looking good.
This is a waiting game.
Remember when Ledman swooped in to buy us right at the death. The peril creates opportunities for buyers to get us at a reduced cost. While there's no immediate threat, the pressure is rising and soon our time will come.
Maybe we will get a buyer...maybe we will slip through the cracks. APL just need someone ready to replace us or risk their own broadcasting contracts
Apologies if posted previously but is the West group an option
Not according to West's CEO Phil Gardiner who said something likeQuote:
Originally Posted by Alton
West's are obviously a Leagues Club so their association with the Knights makes sense
The Jets are a soccer club so it's of no interest to them
That is why i reckon this is our final season. If you were previously part of a failed bid but still had the ability to have things in place to commence for the season after next you would be working the phones to all and sundry to get a start.
The quality of our squad is reflective of the other three club owners commitment and if the rumors Reno wants out are true then not only are we the proverbial cluster^&8$ off the pitch but there is real potential for some ugly results on the pitch which will only compound things.
Casting an honest eye over the squad and you would be lucky to find a couple who would make the first 11 at any other club, The remaining lucky to make a match day squad and most playing NPL somewhere. That is not trying to be funny or disrespectful but it is the reality of the situation.
APL wont reduce the asking price, That's the issueQuote:
Originally Posted by Jeterpool
Not yet.Quote:
Originally Posted by StannyCFCJET
When those who pay them money for the product they're dishing up start to force their hand let's see how long they hold that line.
Give it time... they might hold the cards, but only for now.
Hell if we punters on a forum know the price is overs, people doing their due diligence will too
Problem is DT is a ****ing idiot so who knows what he will doQuote:
Originally Posted by Jeterpool
I had the chance to have coffee with Tony Sage in Perth this time last year and he told me then he had a gutful of Townsend and the Sydney/Melbourne bias of the league. It was so refreshing to hear that we are not alone. He didn't say he would sell then but obviously since has had enough.
Not just us, the whole league is in trouble. Propping up the girls tbh is not the best idea either as it is losing a fortune. Hence our owners are short of cash and looking to cut costs.
Now THAT is someone we can't account for!!Quote:
Originally Posted by StannyCFCJET
After seeing how Pirate Danny Townsend capitalized on the 2022 Mens World Cup, I'll be super keen to see what lessons he's learnt heading into this Womens World Cup and what decisions he makes and broadcasts based off the buzz around the cup :rof:Quote:
Originally Posted by Jetmaster
This post bothers me enough to ask the question as to just how involved Townsend is in the sale process. Was his value of the club just his opinion or was he somehow directly involved in pricing the club to prospective buyers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jetmaster
The reason i ask this is supporters of the club have the right to know if he did have any involvement. He has no direct involvement in any club anymore particularly the three club owners carrying the can for the Jets at present. Any potential sale and negotiating should be strictly between the sellers and prospects and at NO stage should Townsend be getting involved and even worse to the point where his interference potentially shit canned any potential deal to sell the club.
Presumably the league has a seat at the table regarding ownership of clubs and approving who can own a club / be involved in the league they operate.Quote:
Originally Posted by 380
If the league wants to set a minimum valuation on clubs and won't let any be sold under that, I suppose that is their decision - but they may have overplayed their hand, we'll just have to wait and see.
I disagree, Have no problem with the league having a say when it comes to qualifying a prospect for suitability but to actually get involved in what the actual amount paid should be IMO is way out of line. Bit like service NSW telling you what you should sell your vehicle for, Sure form a basis of market value but ultimately your sell price is between you and your potential buyer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
I guess we will never know, The mixed messaging that floats around and comes from people at the club is bewildering. One of the main factors i am tipping behind the complete lack of interest i get from people who no longer wish to become members.
AP was very clear that no party in his time expressed interest in acquiring the club yet the seldom seen or heard Executive Chairman was for one of his fleeting moments quite public that at one point a deal was imminent late last year early this one.
Did anyone hear anything more about the fan representation group where applications closed back in May ?
Does anyone know the figures Martin Lee and Tinker purchased our licence for ?
Is it time to put our thinking caps on ?
Can fan passion and rallying unearth a new owner/owners ?
Probably not but here goes anyway.
In my opinion the best ownership option for the Jets is someone that is from Newcastle or knows the area well.
How do you find someone from this area who is passionate about football, has some wealth and business connections and is willing to put their money where their mouth is ?
Does anyone know anyone who fits this description ?
Our best option might be trying to find 4 or 5 of these type of people who can come together and form a consortium to make it financially feasible.
They don't all have to be "local" people but I really feel it would need some local drive for this to even be a chance of happening.
Does anyone have any ideas for possible candidates ?
There is no way the Jets will be purchased for $25 million!
For arguments sake lets say a deal can be done for $15 million. So 5 owners would need to put in $3m each.
Let's say it would require a further $1.5m each season for the owners to fund the team. So 5 owners would need $300,000 each for a season.
To be one of the 5 owners for a 10 year period would cost the person $6m which includes the purchase.
I guess the main problem with being an owner is that you will always have to dip into your pockets every season !
Transfer fees are rare in this league but it's something that needs more work putting into it so owners can recoup some money.
If a consortium of owners purchased us could they then offer fans a 10% share in the day to day running costs of the club ? (150,000 each season)
Its just an idea as I know fan ownership has been discussed in the past.
Any thoughts or ideas on who could be out there that's suitable ?
I wonder if former newcastle player Andy Roberts could be a candidate ?
Its hard to know what people's wealth status is.
Let's be positive and see what we can come up with !
I don't think your Service NSW analogy is a good one at all, but I also can't really come up with a good one.Quote:
Originally Posted by 380
The league is a product. The APL sell their product to consumers through TV rights deals, and look for sponsorship revenue.
They have franchise agreements or licenses with club owners who participate in their product, and receive a handout from APL each year to do so.
The club itself should be free to be sold for whatever the owners want as you say, but the club isn't worth much without the license to participate in the league, which the APL has to agree to any ownership transfers of that licence (presumably, I have no knowledge of the licence agreements).
If the APL for whatever reason - establishing valuation for potential new/future licences, not wanting to "devalue" existing licences, or in some cases (I would argue not the case for the A-League, at present anyway) they just want to place an arbitrary restriction on who can afford one as a screening process - want a minimum price on the licences, they can choose to do that.
But if they won't let clubs sell the licence, and the clubs don't want to be involved for whatever reason, sooner or later the clubs just walk away, and then their posturing over what their nominal licence value is collapses around them.
I think when you have seemingly a growing number of club owners losing interest in being in the league, you need to look closer at the finances.
The league revenue took a big hit with the end of the Fox broadcast deal. If the league isn't bringing in enough money to sustain costs, then arguably the salary cap needs to be reduced to match.
Some American sports adjust the salary cap based on league revenue and usually end up around 50% of the league revenue going to players - I have no idea how the A-League cap is determined or where it sits in relation to this.
Transfer fees need to be a thing, as the current player contract system is a joke, with "mutual" terminations occurring all the time.
Some changes need to be made to make owning a club a more attractive proposition.
Losing money running a club is OK, as often people will do this with the view that in future, their licence agreement and thus the club's value, will increase over time.
If this isn't happening, AND you are set up to have to lose money to run a club, then why would anyone want to be involved?
A further survey was sent out around 3 weeks ago to better understand the demographics of each applicant so the club could select a diverse representation.Quote:
Originally Posted by R Ramjet
No word on success or not.
Let's hope they get it right this time, the facebook survey lost half the members, the "fans" survey might lose the rest. Members only voting you knobs
Is BlackMac still around? Was BlackMac the one that did a fair bit of work on a community ownership model? I'd go back and check, but i think it was probably about 5 forum crashes ago.Quote:
Originally Posted by R Ramjet
Yep that?s him. Haven?t seen him on the Foz for years but see him around on Reddit.Quote:
Originally Posted by belchardo