DSJ1983 wrote:
How much do people think it’s going to be? In his Humberside interview AP clearly said that we’d always spend to cap anyway and aim to be self sufficient, mentioned us and Leeds I think as the two who could do that. Whenever he mentioned investment he said he’s offered equity FOC for someone to invest and hopes that investment might allow a little bit extra to allow us to use the marquee exemption more then we do, and that looks to be the case with Asiata and possibly JA, didn’t seem like he was describing a sugar daddy scenario like Moran at Wire, Davy at Hudds or McNeil at Rovers. He said it’s a decent investment opportunity for someone but he’s struggled to sell it.
It’s only people on Twitter and the usual rumour mill that have decided someone’s going to pump in millions for no return. Those type of benefactors tend to be local people with a lifelong affinity for the club and AP ruled this out. We now know that any investment is likely to come from a bloke with a lifelong affinity to another club. It’s still welcome for me and don’t think we are in a situation to be picky, but people are just making up the figures in their own heads at the minute.
It feels like a long time ago that AP did that interview but what I do recall from it was that he really didn't want to be drawn on specifics and came across as quite vague on a lot of things, particularly surrounding the investment. Which I think in fairness is understandable because there will need to be a great deal of confidentiality about such things.
But of course that leads to speculation but there's no actual facts beyond knowing that Pearson is seeking investment and confident it will be done by the end of the season. For all we know, AP could be selling up altogether, could be giving up a major stake but still retaining part ownership, or could be just offering a minor stake and remaining owner. The appointment of Myler as DOR came out of the blue and seemed a really left field choice which drew a lot of people to Thirkill but of course that could just be people putting two and tow together and coming up with five. The club has also seemingly gotten it's hands on capital from somewhere recently due to the changes such as the sacking of Smith and Gene, paying off Hoy, Pearson's promise of marquee players next season (a far cry from previously saying we can't operate with marquee players) etc. Again, a lot of people are presuming (myself included) that it's a sign of investment but I suppose it's also possible that Pearson has just put his hands in his pockets knowing that changes needed to be made, particularly to attract investors.
Like many, I have my own theories on what's happening but I have no facts backing these up. Just a lot of supposition and guesswork. I would be curious to hear if anyone has anything more concrete they can share. Or even rumours!