Good Read......

A few things for me

1. Mr Rupp taking time out to meet a fan might suggest that he still retains interest in the club.

2. An acknowledgement that change is necessary at the club. Of course, there is an element of no sh1t sherlock, but I suspect that will be in a direction most of us are desperate for i.e. Mr Rahic having much less influence.

3. Assurance that the club will be supported financially. That can mean many things, but perhaps takes away administration concerns for now.

We are still a mess, let's hope the next few weeks brings some positivity from a football perspective and a chance of staying up.

 

I agree about fans being equal, but for me if Stefan Rupp was open to a meeting with a Bradford City fan then John Dewhirst would top my list.
I'm sure details of the meeting will come out if it is approprate to make it open knowledge.

 

See you at Barnsley tonight and i will tell you.

 

I think he's talking about the author of the article. It is a bit trumpet blowing in my opinion. "I understand business" is akin to "I know football", unless he's being ironic, which I don't think he is. Bragging about meeting up with Rupp and then not disclosing any information about the conversation, makes the whole article a little pointless really. A bit like frying up some nice juicy bratwurst, only to leave them in the pan and offer sauerkraut instead.

 

I think the tone of JD's missive is just about spot on. If he'd told all, then I doubt Rupp would have met or talked with another City supporter ever again. By writing that Stefan has said won't let the club fall into financial ruin, he's publicised that fact. If the club does go into administration, then it's proof that their word is worth nothing.

My mind flip flops between zero sympathy for Rupp, that he's an absent landlord letting his property fall to bits. Or he's someone else that's a victim of Rahic's hubris. He (Rupp) admittedly knows little about football, Rahic probably told him how easy this would all be given his superior football knowledge. He probably thought he could sit back and wait for his profit to roll in after selling the club in a few years time.

 

Well done John Dewhirst. Dialogue much better than money wasting tantrums

 

Not as good as a Flyover though!!!!

 

Only in their own minds.

 

There are very good reasons for the brevity in my blog. The easiest thing would have been to say nothing about the meeting but given that everyone has been stressed in terms of WTF is happening I reported what was possible. I appreciate that it might be frustrating but surely I have gone a long way to respond to concerns? Please accept that I have written it as a personal blog, not as a news report.

I didn't know what to expect when I met Stefan Rupp but I found him a decent guy, honourable and down to earth. I have put my reputation on the line with this but I believe what he has told me. As regards 'knowing business', with all due respect I am not talking crap and it's not an idle boast. For the last 16 years I have been self-employed undertaking due diligence and turnaround assignments on behalf of UK banks and private equity investors so have a pretty good idea about balance sheets in businesses far more substantial than BCAFC. For the record I have volunteered my time to help Julian if needed. In due course I am sure the bratwurst will be served.

 

Good.

The same message is clearly getting through across a number of platforms.

We all have the same concerns, so well done to John for airing them to Rupp personally. Well done also to everyone trying to get the word through, it's working. Progress has been made, and will be made.

 

Thanks for clearing up. Didn't mean it to come across as an attack, or a questioning of your standing, but I'm sure you understand that we get a lot of hot air blown across the internet - especially on this topic. Kudos for you reaching out to Julian and meeting up with Stefan. As you say, I hope that the bratwurst will soon be served, and I'd listen if you were the waiter. Cheers!

 

But are you a "true" fan John? Only kidding I know your credentials.
I don't expect you to answer this but I have been wondering if Rupp does see City purely as an investment. I know that football isn't his main passion but perhaps owning a football club is like an ultimate "boys toy". Something his mates haven't got. In either case I imagine (hope) he wouldn't want to see it fail.

 

He is a down to earth bloke from an ordinary background who has done well for himself. He struck me as a decent bloke and one who is honourable and decent in how he operates. He is very publicity shy but I have encouraged him to meet supporters and that contrary to what you might think from social media, he isn't going to get lynched. I believe he is a man of principle and I got no sense of the boys toy stuff. In due course I am hoping that there will be some sort of forum and the bratwurst served!

 

No problems. I can understand people are sceptical. What has really hacked me off is people questioning my motives - I am not looking for a place at top table or financial gain. I have done this because I want what is best for the club. As I said to Stefan, he has invested his money but we have invested a lot of emotional capital and we all want things to work out. He gets that.

 

You did it for the right reasons John, I doubt very much he would have accepted that invitation from any official club organisation be that supporters clubs or the fans representative group, I'm sure you made him aware of all fans concerns with regards where we are as a club at present.

 

Thanks for the insight regarding Stefan Rupp John. Never really had him down as the bad guy in all of this. I feel more reassured regarding his future support of the club following your posts.

 

Yes probably wrong choice of words from me. Really what I was trying to say is maybe he doesn't see it purely as an investment to make a return but enjoys the cudos of owning a football club. In any event thanks for the insight into the man and let's hope we start to move in the right direction.

 

Rupp has significantly underestimated what was required once he purchased the club. Why, other than simply accepting his word, should we believe on the strength of that alone, he really understands what is required to turn this mess round.

We are also being asked to faithfully back the club now simply on the basis that Julian has been appointed in a consultative role. Been there and seen it all.

We are asked to back a manager who has failed to pull up any trees on what has been seen to date , as the players and backroom staff are not of his choice. Give him a couple of transfer windows and a pre season is the response.

It's all in blind faith and on a wing and a prayer.

 

Rupp has significantly underestimated what was required once he purchased the club. Why, other than simply accepting his word, should we believe on the strength of that alone, he really understands what is required to turn this mess round.

We are also being asked to faithfully back the club now simply on the basis that Julian has been appointed in a consultative role. Been there and seen it all.

We are asked to back a manager who has failed to pull up any trees on what has been seen to date , as the players and backroom staff are not of his choice. Give him a couple of transfer windows and a pre season is the response.

It's all in blind faith and on a wing and a prayer.

 

Imagine ir Park, Ronnie, Keefly or SYB had met him?