The club was very close to admininstration

[hornetboy]

Scott Duxbury

Just how close was we ? how much longer could we have gone on with Baz at the helm ?

[hollywood]

About 16 hours

[Malteser]

3 days I'd heard but only a rumour

[Oscar calling]

We would have been ok if someone hadn't pinched the key to Bazza's safe.

[miserableoldgit]

I just don't believe it - we had one very large creditor (Bondholders) and the others were normal ish - players were paid and we were not more than a month behind with HMRC / VAT - the only creditor we were in default with were the bondholders and they would have born the cost of administration in effect because of the large proportion of the total debt that they were due. We were probably technically days or hours away - but someone has to pull the trigger and the bondholders in my view would not have done so and they would almost certainly have had to make sure no one else did either.

But it is all in the past - just forget Bas - he like Petchey and Bonsor are just bad dreams!

[Malteser]

Exactly! Watching the Press Conference yesterday, it's funny how the Bas era already seems like a lifetime ago.

[matimbers]

I just don't believe it - we had one very large creditor (Bondholders) and the others were normal ish - players were paid and we were not more than a month behind with HMRC / VAT - the only creditor we were in default with were the bondholders and they would have born the cost of administration in effect because of the large proportion of the total debt that they were due. We were probably technically days or hours away - but someone has to pull the trigger and the bondholders in my view would not have done so and they would almost certainly have had to make sure no one else did either.

But it is all in the past - just forget Bas - he like Petchey and Bonsor are just bad dreams!

Staff were not paid on time as such as it was delayed. You have to think what was financing the club when Baz was running it. Player sales seem to have been the only really income along with the match receipts. How were we going to cope over the close season with do deals or games taking place?

I would say Hollywood's estimate was spot on.

[With A Smile]

We were close, ish

Lord Ashcroft and the bond holders had put some securitites in place for this not to happen. Ashcroft has never ever had one of his companies go into administration and made sure it wouldn't have happened.

As it is the bond holders stepped in, took over the club and forced the sale

[HelsinkiHorn]

As it is the bond holders stepped in, took over the club and forced the sale

But I thought it was Bas's daughter that forced the sale....her not getting enough attention at weekends was behind the whole thing

maybe she should get a medal but I hope for his sake Laurence never has to make a public statement or appearance again.

[Layton]

Well its hard to remember a time when the new season promised this much (not necessarily good things but interesting nonetheless)

[berkshirehorn]

I just don't believe it - we had one very large creditor (Bondholders) and the others were normal ish - players were paid and we were not more than a month behind with HMRC / VAT - the only creditor we were in default with were the bondholders and they would have born the cost of administration in effect because of the large proportion of the total debt that they were due. We were probably technically days or hours away - but someone has to pull the trigger and the bondholders in my view would not have done so and they would almost certainly have had to make sure no one else did either.

But it is all in the past - just forget Bas - he like Petchey and Bonsor are just bad dreams!

Without Jim Bonsor this club would never be where it is now, he did as much in his dictatorial way to keep this club in existence as anyone has. He's an easy target, he was the one who approached SEJ to become a director in the first place.

[wfcmoog]

Without Jim Bonsor this club would never be where it is now, he did as much in his dictatorial way to keep this club in existence as anyone has. He's an easy target, he was the one who approached SEJ to become a director in the first place.

Even the bad chairmen have left a legacy. Bonser with the stability for EJ to push on, Petchey left a stable club with secure infrastructure, if an underinvested playing staff, Simpson left a Premiership season and some nurses flats, the Russos got the hot water in the toilets. Bas, well, Bas, erm, bas did, erm, he left. And that was a good thing.

[kokomo]

Even the bad chairmen have left a legacy. Bonser with the stability for EJ to push on, Petchey left a stable club with secure infrastructure, if an underinvested playing staff, Simpson left a Premiership season and some nurses flats, the Russos got the hot water in the toilets. Bas, well, Bas, erm, bas did, erm, he left. And that was a good thing.

Also wfcmoog, the Rookery Stand was built during Petchey's time. Mind you, weren't there questions as to where the money came from?

[Layton]

bruce dyer

[With A Smile]

that was kind of Bruce !!!

The fact that one of Petchys companys built the stand always helps, i think we may have got some mates rates there

[hornetgags]

bruce dyer

Wasn't it Paul Furlong to Chelsea as well?

[SE16ORN]

I personally know the person that refused to hand over the keys. I'll buy her a few drinks when I see her next. I do know exactly what happened but I'm wary of stating too much on here without causing trouble for her. Let's just say that HMRC were very interested in certain aspects of the club and contact from them might have triggered the refusal to hand over the key.

[cthulhu]

I personally know the person that refused to hand over the keys. I'll buy her a few drinks when I see her next. I do know exactly what happened but I'm wary of stating too much on here without causing trouble for her. Let's just say that HMRC were very interested in certain aspects of the club and contact from them might have triggered the refusal to hand over the key.

Id love to know the story if you want to PM SE16ORN.

Also does the forum have any money? We should offer to buy her something I think an Italian meal or a silver bracelet with a key perhaps?

[Rontaylor]

Id love to know the story if you want to PM SE16ORN.

Also does the forum have any money? We should offer to buy her something I think an Italian meal or a silver bracelet with a key perhaps?

Aaah - a real sentimental guy!!!! I hope the Pozzos hire her back because I believe Baz sacked her?

[Elk Boy]

Id love to know the story if you want to PM SE16ORN.

Also does the forum have any money? We should offer to buy her something I think an Italian meal or a silver bracelet with a key perhaps?

I would also like to know the story as well... hearing whispers means you never get to know the actuall truth.