Takeover Talk (Again!!)

With the EGM drawing ever nearer, stories are once again emerging that Saints are on the verge of being taken over. Jonathan Fulthorpe is the name this time. A local barrister and loyal Saints fan. It’s not the first time he’s been linked to the club. But is there any substance to it this time?

It’s obviously impossible for the club to comment directly whilst they are in a bidding situation so we can’t expect any help there. So really all we can do is speculate. There are always stories being thrown around by ‘sources close to the club’, speaking with an authority that nearly always proves to be unfounded. The Paul Allen story for example was so overblown it became embarrassing. I believe he may have considered taking on the club at one point, but so much of the reporting regarding his interest was ridiculous sensationalism. According to one website he pulled out of negotiations because we sold Chris Baird!?!?!?!? Hm…. I can’t see retaining the services of Baird as being a ‘deal-breaker’, especially to someone who seemingly has no real knowledge of football.

That’s not really the point though. I’d love to be able to offer some insight here, but my knowledge of the man is limited. And because of all the disappointments regarding takeovers in recent times I’m going to do some research on the latest name linked with taking control of Saints and will report back shortly with some facts. I can’t promise anything sensational but what I write will be researched properly. I’m keen to find out as much about the man as possible, because like many others I rather stupidly believed that Michael Wilde was going to frogmarch us back to the promised land. How foolish was that? He delivered less than nothing. People were just so glad to see the back of Lowe that Wilde’s integrity and skill wasn’t properly scrutinised. I certainly don’t want to misplace my faith again.

Something has to happen though. The alternative is the ‘dream’ triumvirate of Lowe, Wilde and very probably Glenda. Not a pleasant thought from my point of view, though I know not everyone thinks it would be a bad thing. That’s for another article though. Although if Mr Fulthorpe delivers I may be spared from writing it!