[dim view]

Spire-Heights, on 15 March 2017 - 09:34 PM, said:

AC.......

I have never passed the buck
The chief executive runs the business on a day to day basis.

And what do Directors do Ashley?
What are their statutory duties?

We can now add The Academy to the long list of those parts of the business that were ignored on a day to day basis. Which parts of the business were well managed?

[moondog]

dim view, on 15 March 2017 - 09:54 PM, said:

And what do Directors do Ashley?
What are their statutory duties?

We can now add The Academy to the long list of those parts of the business that were ignored on a day to day basis. Which parts of the business were well managed?

Not ignored, all well run...


http://mobile.cheste...ne-3521256.aspx

"The club is being well ran financially, tight, cash flow is good or bad whenever we have good or bad points in the season, that’s taken care of by a professional accountancy firm"

“The managers of each department will take on a little bit more responsibility in their departments but they are all being well ran. They all made a profit last year, so long may those departments continue to do well.”

[SpireiteFitzy]

I swear the results of rafflegate are meant to have been forthcoming for months now.

I look forward to the explanation as to how the meeting was good for the club, cause at the end of the day they employed KF and them failed to keep an eye on his dealings within the club.

Anyone reckon it's going to full on blame Fitzgerald and say the club had no chance of stopping what happened from happening?

[The Rec]

Old Pinocchio ducking and diving again eh?

[meowdmucker]

moondog, on 15 March 2017 - 09:58 PM, said:

Not ignored, all well run...


http://mobile.cheste...ne-3521256.aspx

"The club is being well ran financially, tight, cash flow is good or bad whenever we have good or bad points in the season, that’s taken care of by a professional accountancy firm"

“The managers of each department will take on a little bit more responsibility in their departments but they are all being well ran. They all made a profit last year, so long may those departments continue to do well.”

I'd forgotten how embarrassing that interview with CT was.

[meowdmucker]

Spire-Heights, on 15 March 2017 - 09:34 PM, said:

AC......

Hi Les. Richard Herrick dined with me last night togehter with Puma Directors. I have appointed him for 3 months initially on a small retainer but with a commission built in on the conclusion of some Sponsorships. He has been reviewing all the contracts, Stands, Lounges etc, obviously we have had Richard and previously Kevin and all signed off by CT. I am wanting to check everything. Debbie is extending her working days to 3 from 2 and Jim will be working 2 / 3 days a week next season. I beleive betweeen them they can cover all local advertising and commercial. Richard has been tasked to look outside these deals and concentrate on Stands, Shirt Sponsorship, Training Kit, Lounges etc..... I have also asked him to look at possibly trying to secure a concert for next summer. Sadly this years fell through with the uncertaintly of Admin back in November when I had almost got Jess Glynne signed off, which was a great pity. I don't beleive we need any more additions to the sales team. The end result is overall reduction on Commercial salaries of about £30,000 a year so far. If Richard brings in some good sponsors, then I will pay him an agreed %. If nothing after 3 months, then we shake hands and move on.

Les Ashmore....

I notice above mate that you state Quote "obviously we have had Richard and previously Kevin and all signed off by CT." I am sorry mate but to me this sounds a little like "Passing the Buck" and diverting attention, My concern and my post is in reference to Richard Herrick, It is because of what has happened in the past that I have undertaken to view things in a different light, If Due diligence had been carried out on Kevin Fitzgerald I suggest that None of "Rafflegate" would have happened and quite possibly the Club would not be in the situation it is in at the moment, Because if my memory serves me right it was the start of "Rafflegate" that started our demise, ie Bad Publicity, Bad Media Reports, in fact world wide media reports, a Dramatic fall in attendances Demonstrations, The situation across the way certainly hasn't helped either so IMHO we do not need in any way shape or form a repetition or even the slightest possibility of a repetition of the same, I have to say yet again mate that what I am reading is not making me feel safe

AC.......

I have never passed the buck
The chief executive runs the business on a day to day basis. Funny how Kevin worked for us for 12 months and he was actually very highly regarded. But we live and learn . Let's see how Richard fairs over the next 2 months having already been here for one.

Les Ashmore....

Ashley Ashley Ashley This is me you are talking to, You know as well as I know that our CEO never ran the club, But I am not going to go there.
I understand that Kevin came you say well regarded, and look what happened and he hadn't any where near as much history as this one

AC.....

Les. I am.not conducting long winded conversations on here. You have my number if you ever have a major issue.

Les Ashmore...

I think I had better ring you later mate, I just asked a simple question on here, If you had needed you could have rang me to answer, You have my number

Les Ashmore

Thanks Ashley But can I ask if due Diligence has been done, The last thing we need especially now is for something along the lines of what happened last year, Because in just a few minutes I have discovered some very worrying info, It might not cost the Club anything in monetary value but it is the reputation and publicity that can cost more in the long run.

AC....

Les, I have read the same as you. I was happy with his CV. He is not directly emplyed by the club. He does not have the authority to sign any deals off either. He will be closely monitored. Let's hope he can deliver as he has promised.

Les Ashmore...

Ashley thanks, But wouldn't I be correct in stating that the one and only Kevin Fitzgerald's CV was good and the club was happy with it, But it later turned out that all wasn't as it seemed and we are still feeling the repercussions of that, As you are fully aware I have never questioned any of the decisions of the club or it's board's decisions before, in fact just the opposite I have fully supported them, But something about this is alarming me very seriously, The more I am searching the more I am finding.

AC...

Les he is working with Bristol City and their whole complex, Birmingham NEC, Swindon and several others. He came with references and I took them up too. Jim and Debbie are really enjoying working withhim and he is already talking to two potential Stand Sponsors. So I am happy. He has no Prison Record and has been CRB Checked.

Les Ashmore...

By the way Ashley what did the council have to say yesterday? you stated that they were informing you yesterday of result of investigation

AC....

They want to make the Press Release. Expected by the end of the week. It has been drafted and agreed, they were just waiting for some final documents to be signed off, expected completion today. It was a good meeting from CFC point of view, but they have asked that they reveal the outcome of their findings.

God give me strength. Do you take us all for mugs Ashley? Still, it made me chuckle.

[Forever a Spireite]

Spire-Heights, on 15 March 2017 - 09:34 PM, said:

AC......

Hi Les. Richard Herrick dined with me last night togehter with Puma Directors. I have appointed him for 3 months initially on a small retainer but with a commission built in on the conclusion of some Sponsorships. He has been reviewing all the contracts, Stands, Lounges etc, obviously we have had Richard and previously Kevin and all signed off by CT. I am wanting to check everything. Debbie is extending her working days to 3 from 2 and Jim will be working 2 / 3 days a week next season. I beleive betweeen them they can cover all local advertising and commercial. Richard has been tasked to look outside these deals and concentrate on Stands, Shirt Sponsorship, Training Kit, Lounges etc..... I have also asked him to look at possibly trying to secure a concert for next summer. Sadly this years fell through with the uncertaintly of Admin back in November when I had almost got Jess Glynne signed off, which was a great pity. I don't beleive we need any more additions to the sales team. The end result is overall reduction on Commercial salaries of about £30,000 a year so far. If Richard brings in some good sponsors, then I will pay him an agreed %. If nothing after 3 months, then we shake hands and move on.

Les Ashmore....

I notice above mate that you state Quote "obviously we have had Richard and previously Kevin and all signed off by CT." I am sorry mate but to me this sounds a little like "Passing the Buck" and diverting attention, My concern and my post is in reference to Richard Herrick, It is because of what has happened in the past that I have undertaken to view things in a different light, If Due diligence had been carried out on Kevin Fitzgerald I suggest that None of "Rafflegate" would have happened and quite possibly the Club would not be in the situation it is in at the moment, Because if my memory serves me right it was the start of "Rafflegate" that started our demise, ie Bad Publicity, Bad Media Reports, in fact world wide media reports, a Dramatic fall in attendances Demonstrations, The situation across the way certainly hasn't helped either so IMHO we do not need in any way shape or form a repetition or even the slightest possibility of a repetition of the same, I have to say yet again mate that what I am reading is not making me feel safe

AC.......

I have never passed the buck
The chief executive runs the business on a day to day basis. Funny how Kevin worked for us for 12 months and he was actually very highly regarded. But we live and learn . Let's see how Richard fairs over the next 2 months having already been here for one.

Les Ashmore....

Ashley Ashley Ashley This is me you are talking to, You know as well as I know that our CEO never ran the club, But I am not going to go there.
I understand that Kevin came you say well regarded, and look what happened and he hadn't any where near as much history as this one

AC.....

Les. I am.not conducting long winded conversations on here. You have my number if you ever have a major issue.

Les Ashmore...

I think I had better ring you later mate, I just asked a simple question on here, If you had needed you could have rang me to answer, You have my number

Les Ashmore

Thanks Ashley But can I ask if due Diligence has been done, The last thing we need especially now is for something along the lines of what happened last year, Because in just a few minutes I have discovered some very worrying info, It might not cost the Club anything in monetary value but it is the reputation and publicity that can cost more in the long run.

AC....

Les, I have read the same as you. I was happy with his CV. He is not directly emplyed by the club. He does not have the authority to sign any deals off either. He will be closely monitored. Let's hope he can deliver as he has promised.

Les Ashmore...

Ashley thanks, But wouldn't I be correct in stating that the one and only Kevin Fitzgerald's CV was good and the club was happy with it, But it later turned out that all wasn't as it seemed and we are still feeling the repercussions of that, As you are fully aware I have never questioned any of the decisions of the club or it's board's decisions before, in fact just the opposite I have fully supported them, But something about this is alarming me very seriously, The more I am searching the more I am finding.

AC...

Les he is working with Bristol City and their whole complex, Birmingham NEC, Swindon and several others. He came with references and I took them up too. Jim and Debbie are really enjoying working withhim and he is already talking to two potential Stand Sponsors. So I am happy. He has no Prison Record and has been CRB Checked.

Les Ashmore...

By the way Ashley what did the council have to say yesterday? you stated that they were informing you yesterday of result of investigation

AC....

They want to make the Press Release. Expected by the end of the week. It has been drafted and agreed, they were just waiting for some final documents to be signed off, expected completion today. It was a good meeting from CFC point of view, but they have asked that they reveal the outcome of their findings.

Wow! What a shame Les ashmore banned me from the Facebook page! I miss all the fun!

[Forever a Spireite]

SpireiteFitzy, on 15 March 2017 - 10:02 PM, said:

I swear the results of rafflegate are meant to have been forthcoming for months now.

I look forward to the explanation as to how the meeting was good for the club, cause at the end of the day they employed KF and them failed to keep an eye on his dealings within the club.

Anyone reckon it's going to full on blame Fitzgerald and say the club had no chance of stopping what happened from happening?

Isn't the guy on the pa a borough councillor?? Not suggesting anything untoward. We are a professional club and don't make mistakes!!

[CFC91]

What is the dirt that Les has apparently found out on this new commercial guy? Must be interesting if it's even got his back up

[moondog]

meowdmucker, on 15 March 2017 - 10:38 PM, said:

I'd forgotten how embarrassing that interview with CT was.

You can see why they didn't want him speaking at the AGM

[Westbars Spireite]

Forever a Spireite, on 15 March 2017 - 11:37 PM, said:

Isn't the guy on the pa a borough councillor?? Not suggesting anything untoward. We are a professional club and don't make mistakes!!

I don't see the relevance. Howard is one of the good guys.

[Goku]

CFC91, on 16 March 2017 - 12:28 AM, said:

What is the dirt that Les has apparently found out on this new commercial guy? Must be interesting if it's even got his back up

Was gonna say, I thought he was a club sycophant so this must be some serious sheeeeeit

[Brookie]

Herrick's information on LinkedIn, a networking site for business people Owner Company NameHerrick Associates Sports Consultancy Sep 2004 – Present Employment Duration12 yrs 7 mos LocationLeeds, United Kingdom Herrick Associates is a sports commercial consultancy business which has over the years successfully achieved outstanding results within the market place. From the development and start up of some the leading Sports Publishing Businesses in UK Sport to closely working with a large number of clubs in delivering new business and commercial revenue streams, The consultancy focuses primarily on providing structure, systems and support to Club CEO's and Owners in ensuring the maximum output is gained from motivated staff and stakeholders. <br style="box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', Meiryo, 'Hiragino Sans GB W3', 'Noto Naskh Arabic', 'Droid Arabic Naskh', 'Geeza Pro', 'Simplified Arabic', 'Noto Sans Thai', Thonburi, Dokchampa, 'Droid Sans Thai', 'Droid Sans Fallback', -apple-system, '.SFNSDisplay-Regular', 'Heiti SC', 'Microsoft Yahei', 'Segoe UI';"><br style="box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', Meiryo, 'Hiragino Sans GB W3', 'Noto Naskh Arabic', 'Droid Arabic Naskh', 'Geeza Pro', 'Simplified Arabic', 'Noto Sans Thai', Thonburi, Dokchampa, 'Droid Sans Thai', 'Droid Sans Fallback', -apple-system, '.SFNSDisplay-Regular', 'Heiti SC', 'Microsoft Yahei', 'Segoe UI';">Clients in recent years have included Plymouth Argyle, Millwall, Swindon Town, Crawley Town with highlights including Shirt Sponsorship with Bond Timber (PAFC), Racing Plus (Millwall) and Imagine Cruising ( Swindon Town).<br style="box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', Meiryo, 'Hiragino Sans GB W3', 'Noto Naskh Arabic', 'Droid Arabic Naskh', 'Geeza Pro', 'Simplified Arabic', 'Noto Sans Thai', Thonburi, Dokchampa, 'Droid Sans Thai', 'Droid Sans Fallback', -apple-system, '.SFNSDisplay-Regular', 'Heiti SC', 'Microsoft Yahei', 'Segoe UI';">

This post has been edited by Brookie: 16 March 2017 - 07:43 AM

[dim view]

CFC91, on 16 March 2017 - 12:28 AM, said:

What is the dirt that Les has apparently found out on this new commercial guy? Must be interesting if it's even got his back up

So, we had Alan Stevenson doing a good job on a good whack.
Some idiot decides that his job can be done more effectively and cheaper because Turner can head up a commission based junior team.
Rafflegate.
Losses on Electronic scoreboard.
Pitchside digital advertising farce.
Sponsors lost.
Programme debacle.
Pies.
Shirts.
Sondico.
any more?

Carson employs a man who even Les Ashmore has major doubts about. Out come weasel words about huge savings - £30k in 3 months - whilst he works for commission, and then.....

....we have our Alan Stevenson replacement.

Ashley, there are those like Barrie Hubbard with integrity who can get the people and the processes right and there are those that can't or won't. You even struggle with the kit man.

This post has been edited by dim view: 16 March 2017 - 08:27 AM

[60s 70s Spireite]

dim view, on 16 March 2017 - 08:26 AM, said:

So, we had Alan Stevenson doing a good job on a good whack.
Some idiot decides that his job can be done more effectively and cheaper because Turner can head up a commission based junior team.
Rafflegate.
Losses on Electronic scoreboard.
Pitchside digital advertising farce.
Sponsors lost.
Programme debacle.
Pies.
Shirts.
Sondico.
any more?

Carson employs a man who even Les Ashmore has major doubts about. Out come weasel words about huge savings - £30k in 3 months - whilst he works for commission, and then.....

....we have our Alan Stevenson replacement.

Ashley, there are those like Barrie Hubbard with integrity who can get the people and the processes right and there are those that can't or won't. You even struggle with the kit man.

Not happened yet, but: Savings can be made on the Academy spend. Yeah, just perhaps someone is allocating other department's expenditure to the Academy.

[Mr Mercury]

60s 70s Spireite, on 16 March 2017 - 08:43 AM, said:

Not happened yet, but: Savings can be made on the Academy spend. Yeah, just perhaps someone is allocating other department's expenditure to the Academy.

It's similar to the bonus pensioners get re their winter fuel allowance, it should be paid in the form of a voucher or directly taken off their bill, not allocated in cash for some to spend how they wish, likewise money for academies should be directly accounted for by the academy, not those in charge of the clubs purse strings..let's see how cost effective it is then!

[Wooden Spoon]

dim view said:

1489652810[/url]' post='1289285']
So, we had Alan Stevenson doing a good job on a good whack.
Some idiot decides that his job can be done more effectively and cheaper because Turner can head up a commission based junior team.
Rafflegate.
Losses on Electronic scoreboard.
Pitchside digital advertising farce.
Sponsors lost.
Programme debacle.
Pies.
Shirts.
Sondico.
any more?

Carson employs a man who even Les Ashmore has major doubts about. Out come weasel words about huge savings - £30k in 3 months - whilst he works for commission, and then.....

....we have our Alan Stevenson replacement.

Ashley, there are those like Barrie Hubbard with integrity who can get the people and the processes right and there are those that can't or won't. You even struggle with the kit man.

I also much preferred the previous Chester the field mouse.

[Heart of a Niven]

In light of recent National media reports that the Assay office (Ashley's day job) was being investigated in regards to possible money laundering (which I'm sure Ashley had no knowledge of or involvement in), it does appear that his business associates aren't always what you'd perhaps describe as 'legitimate'.
Incidents like the many we've read about, over the last 18 months or so, leave me concerned about Ashley and DA's ability to find a responsible new owner for the club. I would be much more comfortable if the search (if indeed there truly is one) was handed over to a firm with a proven track record in this area.

[moondog]

60s 70s Spireite, on 16 March 2017 - 08:43 AM, said:

Not happened yet, but: Savings can be made on the Academy spend. Yeah, just perhaps someone is allocating other department's expenditure to the Academy.

That would be my guess, which may lead to us failing the audit and risking the funding.

It was only a couple of years ago that Gerry Carr was crediting himself with securing CAT3 status

I would expect the EFL would know from other clubs how much it costs to run their academies and therefore would question those with higher than normal costs.

[RikShaw]

Heart of a Niven, on 16 March 2017 - 09:36 AM, said:

In light of recent National media reports that the Assay office (Ashley's day job) was being investigated in regards to possible money laundering (which I'm sure Ashley had no knowledge of or involvement in), it does appear that his business associates aren't always what you'd perhaps describe as 'legitimate'.
Incidents like the many we've read about, over the last 18 months or so, leave me concerned about Ashley and DA's ability to find a responsible new owner for the club. I would be much more comfortable if the search (if indeed there truly is one) was handed over to a firm with a proven track record in this area.

I didn't know anything about this, so as you do I "googled it" and this popped up at the top of the list:

http://www.thisismon...ring-probe.html

Make of it as you will....