Jeremy Deeks & Brian Dahl Offer to Purchase Portsmouth, F.C.

Jan 05, 2010 15:01


If you follow professional association football (soccer)--which you probably don't--you know Portsmouth have had just about the worst year possible. They've repeatedly failed to pay the players' wages (in September, November, and December). They still owe top-flight clubs, both in and out of England, money from players they bought from other teams (at least Chelsea, Tottenham, and Watford in England, Lens FC in France). As a result of the moneys owed, they've been hit with a transfer embargo, meaning they can't acquire any new players during the winter transfer window. They've tried to get loans to help them meet their debts with varying success (£15m in September, £60m last month). In May, Alexandre Gaydamak sold the club to Sulaiman Al Fahim, who, in October, sold the club to Ali Al-Faraj when his money ran out.

At best, Portsmouth has had a year from hell. At worst, Portsmouth's been the crack-addicted whore of professional football, buying crack with money she doesn't have, and letting herself be used and abused by any John willing to pay a dime. And all this came less than a year and a half after the club won the world's oldest football knockout competition, The FA Cup.

It has been a tragedy. Which is why I want to turn it all around (or at least, cut out the crack abuse and street-whoring). I, and my co-investor, Brian Dahl, have capital in excess of $300 Canadian/£180.36 which we are willing to spend to purchase the club, or, if we are able to take control of the club for free, which we may invest into the club.

While we will be saviors to the club, this deal we offer does not come without strings. We will need the club to have its debt erased prior to purchase. I'm sorry, but we should not be held liable for the grotesque fuck up of the previous owners. It does not matter how this is achieved, whether it be by some sort of government bankruptcy scenario (I believe the word "administration" is used in the UK to refer to that), or just a piece by piece sell-off of club assets until the debts have been paid off. With the debts to other clubs paid off, I expect the transfer embargo will be lifted. Being able to transfer players is absolutely essential to our rebuilding (and de-whoring) plan.

After taking control of a debt riddled team and with very little funds, a major opening obstacle will be paying player wages (though, it would seem, failing to do so once or twice is not a major issue). This is why we will be selling off all our players. That, or they can agree to enter into our new pay system. The new pay system is incomplete until we have a complete review of Portsmouth's current finances, but we can say that it based on gate revenue. Each player will recieve a percentage of the gate receipts, likely players who do not play or start on the bench will recieve less, and there is a chance of a maximum pay, depending on finances and number of players, among other factors. The club will also be open to loan deals from other clubs, however the wages of the player loaned will have to either be paid by us under our system, or paid by the original club. Other club revenue, such as television rights and merchandising, will be used to pay for the non-playing staff and essentials, such as pitch maintenance and kits. Any surplus moneys (excluded funds forecast to be needed the following season, in the case of relegation) will be split among the players and official supports (assuming we sell fanclub memberships).

As for on-the-pitch and off-the-pitch changes, few things are likely to be the same. I will be taking charge as manager and club chairman. Co-investor Brian Dahl will be inserted as goalkeeper/assistant manager. Current director of football, Avram Grant is welcomed to remain with the club in an advisory/executive role, however the money is likely to be significantly, significantly, significantly less than he is used to.

In case of fears that our plans do not restore confidence, as it does not explain how we intend to remain in the Premier League--fear not! We have no real intention of remaining in the Premier League. As it stands now, with the players and form the club has had this season, fighting relegation would be a season-long battle which would likely end in defeat in May, and potentially club bankruptcy and dissolution soon after. Our plan is not intended to keep the club in the Premier League next season, but to keep the club alive next season, and the season after, and the season after, and the season after. We project that within five seasons Portsmouth could be a moderately successful Championship side, potentially a successful League One side. That is what we are aiming for and would be happy with.

So then, owners of Portsmouth, Barclay's Premier League, HM British Government, UEFA, and anyone else we'll be needing clearance from, what is your answer? Our offer is public, known, and on the table. However a deal would need to be completed at the latest 7 days prior to the close of the transfer window (though if you are willing to extend that for us, we are okay with that), in order for us to move forward with our plans.

There is £180 on the table and 20 days for an answer. We expect an answer will be forthcoming. You can contact me with your answer via Facebook or at my jw.deeks Gmail account.

Thank you for your time, and good day.
Jeremy Deeks & Brian Dahl, Portsmouth F.C. suitors

football, sports, facebook crosspost

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