December 19th 2003
Greetings from Downunder and 31C
As many fans are interested in what is happening in relation to the club, I would like to answer some of the questions that are obviously on QPR fans minds, rather than leave matters to ill founded conjecture.
Firstly my interest in QPR remains, despite the length of time involved. The main reason for the delay has been due to another interested party wishing to take a significant investment in the club. This would mean my taking a lesser holding than originally planned. Clearly there are ramifications for me if this was to be the case. In the interests of the club, I was happy to entertain this as an option, as the proposed party claim to have significant funding and far greater resources than I, and if successful this would be of much greater benefit to the club, than what I can bring. I have held back to allow this group to finalise there arrangements with the club, prior to my verifying that this groups investment would not adversely affect my investment. Both the Club and I are still waiting for this to happen. I would point out to my detractors that the Club and I had previously agreed terms prior to this, and that funds had been confirmed. This is on record and in the public domain.
Secondly, and equally importantly, my resources are limited. What I put into the club is it. There is no secret bag of money behind me. The club require greater resources than I myself can offer, and to that end, I have been happy to talk with various parties including HK to see if a combined bid was possible. My main concern is not to lose my investment, not to make a fortune at the clubs expense.
Despite appearances to the contrary, while I support David Davis and Ross Jones and I am of the opinion that without them, QPR may not exist today, this does not mean that we agree on everything, nor that there is a mutual admiration society. Quite the contrary! Both deserve the support of the fans for the job they do for QPR, and this should not be confused by personality, which unfortunately appears to be the case. If, as a group, we suffer a fault, it is the belief in appropriate behaviour, propriety and good manners,
As recent press reports have stated, there is bewilderment that a suitable investor or group of investors cannot be found. I am equally bewildered as while there are financial complications associated with QPR, as there would be with any club, as a brand it is without a doubt far stronger than many of the clubs available to invest in today. With a solid financial base to work from, the future possibilities are endless.
While we have not concluded the investment in QPR, behind the scenes, we continue to work with the new Australian Soccer Association and New Zealand Soccer for some internationals to be played at Loftus Road in 2004. This will generate additional revenue to help replace that lost by Fulham returning to Craven Cottage. Additionally we are also working on taking the team to New Zealand and Australia as part of the pre season preparation. For those of you with long memories, these tours are not new and last took place in the early 1990’s. While we will not generate he revenues of Man U going to the US, substantial financial benefit should still accrue to the club.
As I write this, news is breaking on the Winton front. It is sad that matters between the Club and the Wintons have deteriorated to the extent they appear to have. There is no doubt of Harolds love of QPR, and his best intentions in trying to assist the club. I hope that matters can be resolved between the parties.
As some will be aware, I have recently been seriously ill and seeing this Christmas is now a bonus for me. As a result I have been unable to travel, but hope to be cleared to visit late January, to meet with the various groups I have promised to, and hopefully finally conclude matters with the club. Thank you for your support to those who were aware.
Finally may I take this opportunity to wish the club, the staff, players, fans, supporters and your families a Happy Christmas and Merry New Year, and maximum points over the break.