Fortnightly Jay on a Tuesday: Could a change in ownership be beneficial?
With news of recent talks brewing between Thai business men at BEC-Tero and Phil Gartside, the question remains whether, in this case, a change in the club’s ownership would show benefits or strengthen the grip that the relegation zone holds us in.
BEC-Tero are already in possession of a football club called BEC-Tero Sasana FC which has become quite a successful club in the Thai Premier League. However it is unlikely that BEC-Tero could echo the success in an English League, especially considering some of the remarks they recently made on the topic. Brian Marcar, managing director of BEC-Tero, while speaking to Thailand’s ‘The Nation’ Newspaper said:
‘In terms of financial status they made profits between 2004 and 2006, but suffered losses since then, with their debt now standing at 150 million pounds. However, the club is willing to address the situation. They’re quite ready in almost every aspect. That will help us benefit in many ways, especially when it comes to Thai players playing in England.’
Marcar only seems to have an interest in matters beneficial to himself and BEC-Tero. He mentions profits and mainly concerns himself with the business side of taking over Bolton rather than what could be beneficial to the club’s success.
Even more disconcerting is his mention of Thai players playing in England. Marcar clearly doesn’t adhere to the best interests of the club and this provides the suggestion that a takeover could prove to be detrimental to The Wanderer’s success in the future.
Moving away from Marcar’s words there would also be a probability of a transfer embargo as a result of the takeover due to the uncertainty of BEC-Tero’s financial position towards Bolton.
As for the advantages of the possible takeover, We would be relieved of much of the club’s debt as such a large amount of it is tied to Eddie Davies.
Personally I don’t think that the financial gain is worth the risk of allowing BEC-Tero to take control of the club. I believe that they have negligible intentions to help the club but rather use it to help themselves. The introduction of Thai players into Bolton is very displeasing and makes BEC-Tero appear even less considerate of success in the league for Bolton but rather makes them seem as if they solely care about the profit they can make from purchasing the club. Marcar failed to even mention once any possible ideals of his to bring Bolton out of the relegation zone and in future years return them to the Premier League. Marcar also mentions Bolton’s facilities while talking to ‘The Nation’ which again worries me about the company’s intentions. It is too early to form any conclusions about BEC-Tero’s potential position in Bolton’s future but we can only hope that Eddie Davies makes the right decision when it comes down to it and doesn’t leave the club in the hands of an untrustworthy organisation.
And so, there’s your second fortnightly Jay on a Tuesday.