ALK Capital or Farnell/Elkashashy takeover

[ClaretTony]

Clive Holt look alikes?

With no disrespect to Clive but I hope not

[mill hill claret]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/20 ... 1609168699

But cant read all of article as I dont subscribe

[Chester Perry]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/20 ... 1609168699

But cant read all of article as I dont subscribe

Burnley takeover confident of completion by end of the week
JAMES DUCKER DECEMBER 28, 2020

ALK Capital are confident of completing a takeover of Burnley before the end of the week in a significant boost to Sean Dyche’s hopes of strengthening his squad in the transfer window next month.

Alan Pace, managing director of the American sports investment company, is in Lancashire thrashing out the final details of the buyout.

Although there is unlikely to be an announcement in the next 48 hours, both parties are optimistic a deal will be concluded before Burnley face Fulham at Turf Moor on Sunday in their first game of the new year.

With Burnley embroiled in a relegation battle, Dyche is desperate to bolster his squad when the winter window opens on Friday and ALK are expected to make funds available to the manager, whom they consider to be integral to their long-term plans.

Burnley, who face a crucial game against bottom club Sheffield United at Turf Moor on Tuesday night, are currently two points above the drop zone with a game in hand on their fellow strugglers.

Dyche endured a frustrating summer, when tensions with chairman Mike Garlick deepened and the manager was unable to bring in the reinforcements he wanted, despite losing senior players such as Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Lennon and Joe Hart.

Burnley have discovered some form of late, even if Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Leeds was a setback, but Dyche is hoping one or two strong additions will significantly enhance the club’s prospects of avoiding relegation.

Pace, a former president of Major League Soccer franchise Real Salt Lane who heads up ALK, has been busy working throughout the Christmas holidays with his team to conclude a takeover in time for Dyche to be active in the window.

The takeover will see ALK purchase Garlick’s majority 49.24 per cent shareholding and John Banaszkiewicz’s 28.2 per cent stake. Garlick has been instrumental alongside Dyche in turning Burnley into a stable, profitable Premier League club although it remains to be seen if the current chairman will have any role under the future owners, not least given how his relationship with Dyche had soured. Pace will have a hands-on role in the running of the club and plans to appoint his own people.

Egyptian entrepreneur Mohamed Sayed Zein Elkashashy and Chris Farnell, a Cheshire-based sports lawyer, had also been vying for ownership of Burnley but pulled out of the running this month.

Pace previously tried to buy Sheffield United and worked in various senior roles for Citigroup in addition to being managing director of now defunct US bank Lehman Brothers for 12 years until 2006.

[NewClaret]

In Lancashire, eh? Let’s hope that plane is bringing the cash then!!

[Steddyman]

Fingers crossed for the first proper transfer windows in the last 3 years.

[ClaretTony]

In Lancashire, eh? Let’s hope that plane is bringing the cash then!!

I think the suggestion that he’s in Lancashire is incorrect although I think he will be sometime soon. Ducker’s suggestion also is that they are just buying Garlick’s & John B’s shares. That would leave the other five directors with their current shareholding. I’m not sure about that either.

I do agree with suggestion that Pace will be running the club and will have his own people join him.

[NewClaret]

I think the suggestion that he’s in Lancashire is incorrect although I think he will be sometime soon. Ducker’s suggestion also is that they are just buying Garlick’s & John B’s shares. That would leave the other five directors with their current shareholding. I’m not sure about that either.

I do agree with suggestion that Pace will be running the club and will have his own people join him.

Maybe he will be on that plane then. Either way, I hope it is soon, less because of the January window and more because it’s dragging on and we as a club need to get it resolved and look forward.

[Zlatan]

I stand corrected

New shoes for Christmas CT...?

[yatesybase]

The Private Jet actually arrived with him onboard at Executive Ramp at Manchester and departed again within the half hour after we called of the deal.

quote=jedi_master post_id=1451301 time=1609166594 user_id=720]
I have heard that Kamil Grosicki is booked on too.
[/quote]

[aggi]

That’s how I would do it and I’d like to think that’s how I’d be treated if I was moving house. I know this is a lot bigger transaction involving far more people but you would like to think that one of the key members of staff would get the potential support he needs, particularly just ahead of a window.

The flip side could be that they believe ALK meeting Dyche may hinder the process.

[Grumps]

The Private Jet actually arrived with him onboard at Executive Ramp at Manchester and departed again within the half hour after we called of the deal.

quote=jedi_master post_id=1451301 time=1609166594 user_id=720]
I have heard that Kamil Grosicki is booked on too.

[/quote]

It was quite a bit longer than half an hour, but the jist of the story is correct

[boatshed bill]

The Private Jet actually arrived with him onboard at Executive Ramp at Manchester and departed again within the half hour after we called of the deal.

Is the "deal" off then?

[Bigvince]

Is the "deal" off then?

Yes we’re not signing Grosicki

[Paul Waine]

I suppose it’s a bit like selling your house. You’ve agreed a price, it’s with the solicitors but do you let the buyers in to measure up for curtains?

Hmm, asking to speak with Sean Dyche about his transfer targets....? I don't see that is asking to measure up for curtains, more akin to asking can they take a bath to check the supply of hot water in the bathroom.

We know that Sean Dyche and the club like to keep transfer activity very close to the chest. Why should the current owners - who want to sell - complicate things with the prospective new owners by introducing them to Sean Dyche's transfer plans, or, for that matter, Mike Rigg's transfer plans. Better for all parties to wait until the deal is completed - and, it's not in Mike Garlick's interest to delay the deal - until the new owners speak with whoever they want to speak with about transfer window activities.

What if ALK have different thoughts to Sean Dyche? What if they think it's Mike Rigg's job to identify transfer targets? No point bringing these issues into the discussion until Alan Pace is the new boss, if that's how the takeover discussions pan out. Then the new boss can take advice from and make the decisions that he feels need taking.

Hope the takeover is concluded this week.

Exciting times.

UTC

[Vegas Claret]

I would imagine if they wanted to speak to Dyche they would have already done so

[FactualFrank]

I would imagine if they wanted to speak to Dyche they would have already done so

I don't think they would. They'd go about things in the right way, which it sounds like they've attempted to do.

[Vegas Claret]

I don't think they would. They'd go about things in the right way, which it sounds like they've attempted to do.

read what I put Frank - "if they wanted to"

[FactualFrank]

read what I put Frank - "if they wanted to"

I did read what you put.

What I'm saying is regardless of whether they wanted to or really wanted to - they'd do things via the correct channels.

[IWOODLOVETT]

If ALK consider that the manager is integral to their long-term plans surely they will have already quizzed the manager as to his own long-term plans and aspirations.

SD has said he has not spoken to them, so what if he now says that he wants a change of scenery??

A lot of spin being leaked to put the wider audience off the scent I think.

Exciting times.

[NewClaret]

I would imagine if they wanted to speak to Dyche they would have already done so

I’ll be amazed if they haven’t spoken to Dyche. Since he has such a key role, they are basically investing £200m in an asset of which he is a huge part. In any other acquisition activity where there are key people involved, the buyers secure their services well before parting with their cash. I think as a minimum they’ll want to understand whether he is committed to the club, particularly after such a fractious relationship with the current owner. And I can’t imagine the Kettering company being set up is a coincidence.

We’ll never know the truth but would not surprise me at all if Dyche has a direct line in to them & they’re talking regularly, not that you’d ever expect them/him to admit that, whether Garlick knows or not!

[NewClaret]

If ALK consider that the manager is integral to their long-term plans surely they will have already quizzed the manager as to his own long-term plans and aspirations.

SD has said he has not spoken to them, so what if he now says that he wants a change of scenery??

A lot of spin being leaked to put the wider audience off the scent I think.

Exciting times.

Totally agree.

[Venkys4eva]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/20 ... 1609168699

But cant read all of article as I dont subscribe

With the telegraph, some articles (this being one) shows you the whole page for about 3 seconds before it vanishes under the subscribe popup. If you're quick and put your mobile into aeroplane mode (disabling your internet connection) you can read the whole article. Better than paying for it

[Paul Waine]

If ALK consider that the manager is integral to their long-term plans surely they will have already quizzed the manager as to his own long-term plans and aspirations.

SD has said he has not spoken to them, so what if he now says that he wants a change of scenery??

A lot of spin being leaked to put the wider audience off the scent I think.

Exciting times.

Hi IWL, you've got to factor in the legal situations. Sean Dyche owes his duty to his current employer, not a prospective future employer. Yes, breaking these protocols is always possible. But, why create risks for yourself by doing something that might not be approved of by his existing employer - and, who knows, might then become the reason for his new employer to dismiss him for breaking his employment obligations. Much better to play by the rules - and show your (prospective) new employer that you are an employee that will always play by the rules and do right by your employer.

Exciting times.

UTC

[FeedTheArf]

CT, from what you know, do you think Garlick will still be involved after the takeover? I’ve seen conflicting reports but aware he and Dyche aren’t on the the best terms at the minute.

Do we think that more funds to give Dyche what he wants would help repair their relationship? Or would Garlick staying on be more of a hindrance than help?

[Rileybobs]

I’ll be amazed if they haven’t spoken to Dyche. Since he has such a key role, they are basically investing £200m in an asset of which he is a huge part. In any other acquisition activity where there are key people involved, the buyers secure their services well before parting with their cash. I think as a minimum they’ll want to understand whether he is committed to the club, particularly after such a fractious relationship with the current owner. And I can’t imagine the Kettering company being set up is a coincidence.

We’ll never know the truth but would not surprise me at all if Dyche has a direct line in to them & they’re talking regularly, not that you’d ever expect them/him to admit that, whether Garlick knows or not!

It would be extremely unprofessional for both parties to be communicating sensitive, and confidential information, behind the backs of the current owners and for that reason I doubt very much that will be the case.

I also think it's quite unlikely that the company set up with the name Kettering in has anything to do with Dyche's birthplace.

[randomclaret2]

It would be extremely unprofessional for both parties to be communicating sensitive, and confidential information, behind the backs of the current owners and for that reason I doubt very much that will be the case.

I also think it's quite unlikely that the company set up with the name Kettering in has anything to do with Dyche's birthplace.

Why do you think they have chosen that name ?

[Grumps]

Hi IWL, you've got to factor in the legal situations. Sean Dyche owes his duty to his current employer, not a prospective future employer. Yes, breaking these protocols is always possible. But, why create risks for yourself by doing something that might not be approved of by his existing employer - and, who knows, might then become the reason for his new employer to dismiss him for breaking his employment obligations. Much better to play by the rules - and show your (prospective) new employer that you are an employee that will always play by the rules and do right by your employer.

Exciting times.

UTC

What rules would he be breaking by just talking to them? It's not like they are trying to poach him for another club

[Somethingfishy]

It would be extremely unprofessional for both parties to be communicating sensitive, and confidential information, behind the backs of the current owners and for that reason I doubt very much that will be the case.

I also think it's quite unlikely that the company set up with the name Kettering in has anything to do with Dyche's birthplace.

If they aren't then together with the Calder Vale company it is more than an incredible coincidence. It is a random name for a US business to think up.

[ClaretTony]

CT, from what you know, do you think Garlick will still be involved after the takeover? I’ve seen conflicting reports but aware he and Dyche aren’t on the the best terms at the minute.

Do we think that more funds to give Dyche what he wants would help repair their relationship? Or would Garlick staying on be more of a hindrance than help?

Suggestion is that Garlick will remain involved although clearly no longer running the show. From what I’ve been told I don’t think there is much chance of the Garlick/Dyche relationship being repaired.

Alan Pace I believe will be the man in charge so the Pace/Dyche relationship will be key.

[Burnley Ace]

Not Biggles then?

He’s had it that long it could be!!

[Caballo]

Just sort it!! Even the superfans are getting fed up hypothesising.

[Rileybobs]

Why do you think they have chosen that name ?

How would I know? There is a city in Ohio called Kettering, it's also a surname. Even if it is related to the UK town I don't understand why this would have anything to do with our current manager being born there.

[IWOODLOVETT]

Hi IWL, you've got to factor in the legal situations. Sean Dyche owes his duty to his current employer, not a prospective future employer. Yes, breaking these protocols is always possible. But, why create risks for yourself by doing something that might not be approved of by his existing employer - and, who knows, might then become the reason for his new employer to dismiss him for breaking his employment obligations. Much better to play by the rules - and show your (prospective) new employer that you are an employee that will always play by the rules and do right by your employer.

Exciting times.

UTC

Hi Paul, as mentioned above the Kettering company is the strongest indication yet that SD is part of the deal. He has an agent, just as the players have agents, and this allows each individual to honestly deny having any personal conversations with prospective buyers.
We are told that the situation with manager and chairman had deteriorated so much that I don’t think that the manager feared the loss of his job or even any legal challenge, but we know him to be a man of principle and he is therefore playing with a straight bat.

Exciting times.

[Rileybobs]

If they aren't then together with the Calder Vale company it is more than an incredible coincidence. It is a random name for a US business to think up.

The name Calder Vale has a direct relationship with Burnley though. The name Kettering, to my knowledge, doesn't. It would be a coincidence, but not exactly an incredible coincidence, that the company name is the same as Dyche's birthplace.

Edit - in fact there's also a Kettering in Maryland USA.

[Zlatan]

It is my belief that ALK have possibly had some communications with SD based on the tenuous link that they’ve set up a company called Kettering Capital Limited and also that SD is absolutely insistent that he knows absolutely nothing about anything to do with the ownership or the sale of the club. Of course he has to deny any knowledge if he’s been spoken to, and the company created is tenuous I agree but still a link.

Mike Garlick would not want anything to impede the sale as he is getting a windfall.

For Mike,

Exiting times

UTC

[Rileybobs]

Hi Paul, as mentioned above the Kettering company is the strongest indication yet that SD is part of the deal. He has an agent, just as the players have agents, and this allows each individual to honestly deny having any personal conversations with prospective buyers.
We are told that the situation with manager and chairman had deteriorated so much that I don’t think that the manager feared the loss of his job or even any legal challenge, but we know him to be a man of principle and he is therefore playing with a straight bat.

Exciting times.

In what capacity do you think that Dyche is part of the deal? Seems like a ridiculous suggestion.

[Goddy]

In what capacity do you think that Dyche is part of the deal? Seems like a ridiculous suggestion.

Really? Could be share options (or some other similar equity arrangement) for SD to keep him at the club........

[Rileybobs]

Really? Could be share options (or some other similar equity arrangement) for SD to keep him at the club........

Is it common for football managers to own shares in the club that they are managing? And if so, why would this form any part of the purchase of the club?

[IWOODLOVETT]

Not such a ridiculous suggestion - I would think that SD would be a vital part of an investment like this. He has kept Burnley in the top flight for a long time with his hands tied behind his back.

[Somethingfishy]

The name Calder Vale has a direct relationship with Burnley though. The name Kettering, to my knowledge, doesn't. It would be a coincidence, but not exactly an incredible coincidence, that the company name is the same as Dyche's birthplace.

Edit - in fact there's also a Kettering in Maryland USA.

I think it would be very sycophantic for them to do that but if you accept they have already done it by using Calder Vale as a company name then it's more than possible for them to do it with Kettering. Admittedly i think it as more tenuous and as i say sycophantic but there is a link there with Dyche and is i think it is more likely that is where it comes from rather than it being a coincidence with a US placename.

We are both guessing of course and i guess we will find out soon.

[Paul Waine]

What rules would he be breaking by just talking to them? It's not like they are trying to poach him for another club

Could be lots of rules. I'd start with speaking to a third party about the club's confidential business for starters, without the club's permission. Maybe all the club's staff have been reminded of their duty not to speak with any third parties without the club's permission. Maybe breaking these rules are club discipline issues. Maybe the sanctions could go as far as being terminated.

Exciting times.

UTC

[ClaretTony]

In what capacity do you think that Dyche is part of the deal? Seems like a ridiculous suggestion.

It is a ridiculous suggestion

[randomclaret2]

Id love to see the reaction if Garlick were to " terminate " SD

[IWOODLOVETT]

If you say so Tony.

[Rileybobs]

Not such a ridiculous suggestion - I would think that SD would be a vital part of an investment like this. He has kept Burnley in the top flight for a long time with his hands tied behind his back.

Dyche is an employee. He's an important part of the club but if he's offered the Man Utd job next week then he's packing his bags. The suggestion that he's got any involvement in this deal sounds very far fetched.

[IWOODLOVETT]

I prefer far-fetched.

[Rileybobs]

I think it would be very sycophantic for them to do that but if you accept they have already done it by using Calder Vale as a company name then it's more than possible for them to do it with Kettering. Admittedly i think it as more tenuous and as i say sycophantic but there is a link there with Dyche and is i think it is more likely that is where it comes from rather than it being a coincidence with a US placename.

We are both guessing of course and i guess we will find out soon.

Calder Vale is totally different though as that name has a relevance to the club.

The company may well have got its name because of where Dyche was born but I just can't imagine this being the case. If it's named after a place then it seems more likely that the towns of Kettering in Ohio or Maryland, USA, have some relevance to one of the directors.

[Rileybobs]

I prefer far-fetched.

How about ridiculously far fetched?

[Paul Waine]

Hi Paul, as mentioned above the Kettering company is the strongest indication yet that SD is part of the deal. He has an agent, just as the players have agents, and this allows each individual to honestly deny having any personal conversations with prospective buyers.
We are told that the situation with manager and chairman had deteriorated so much that I don’t think that the manager feared the loss of his job or even any legal challenge, but we know him to be a man of principle and he is therefore playing with a straight bat.

Exciting times.

And, Mike Garlick will know about both Calder Vale and Kettering Capital. He will also know all about the status of his relationship with Sean Dyche.

What do you think contracts say about conversations with agents? I doubt they say you can tell your agent everything you like about the club's business - and when your agent then shares that information with a third party, everyone will understand that it wasn't you that breached your contract.

In another context, we've seen exactly this with Kieran Trippier being banned for bets being placed on his move to Madrid.

I'm sure Sean Dyche is part of ALK's plans. "Kettering Capital" is a smart move - and maybe the name has been chosen to indicate that Sean Dyche is part of their plans. Maybe it was Sean Dyche that they've been trying to persuade that that is the case. Remember, the first thing Watford's new owners did in 2012 was let Sean Dyche go...so, re-assurance will be important.

However, I'm also sure that ALK will not have based their plans on Sean Dyche deciding to stick around forever. They will also be smart enough to know that if Sean Dyche moves elsewhere they still need to make their investment work. It can't and won't be reliant on one manager/head coach. No one risks £200 million on that basis.

Exciting times.

UTC

[joey13]

Doesn’t Dyche get his bonus next month ? Could well be off if Garlick stays