BRFC: Takeover Essential

Vin Jay by Contributor Written on June 11, 2009
7 MAY 1994:  JACK WALKER, THE CHAIRMAN OF BLACKBURN ROVERS SOCCER CLUB WATCHES HIS TEAM PLAY. Mandatory Credit: Shaun Botterill/ALLSPORT

A takeover is essential for Blackburn Rovers Football Club. There is no bigger issue than the key factor which could map out the next 10-20 years of the club's existence.

Jack Walker's takeover in January 1991 built the platform for the following nine years and to a lesser extent the last nine. The next takeover could well mean the same in terms of longevity.

Supporters are aware that the club is for sale. In 2007 the club appointed a corporate adviser (Rothschilds) to oversee the general aspects of a sale and to seek potential buyers for the club.

A move that should have transpired four years earlier following the brief link to billionaire Alexander Mamut. The advisor's appointment sparked interest from an organisation fronted by BRFC supporter Daniel Williams.

Other stories of note have taken place since then but unlike the Williams bid which recieved serious local coverage quickly fizzled out.
 
Although supporters are aware of takeover prospects many fans treat the subject as an unwanted afterthought. From a personal standpoint this has led to me being banned from the BRFCS supporters website (twice) due to my takeover obsession. 

Am I obsessed? Yes and why shouldn't I be?

Every BRFC supporter should be obsessed to the same extent. It appears that many fans don't realise just how important a takeover is. 
 
Last season Portsmouth were in a similar position to BRFC fighting against relegation. Ultimately both clubs survived.

Since securing their Premier League future Portsmouth has been the recipient of a takeover formalities permitting. Though it isn't clear what type of budget will be at their disposal it is likely to be greater than the financial scenario at Ewood.

Portsmouth insisted they were close to a deal in the weeks leading up to Fahim's announcement that he was set to purchase the club. In that case it bemuses me slightly that they decided to sign free agent Aaron Mokoena. Then again considering Brian Kidd's association with the club judging talent probably isn't their forte.
 
Newcastle United are also on the market and although they won't be competing in the same league as BRFC next season seem to realise the importance of the issue. Though going so far as to advertise the club on it's official website may be going a little overboard. Newcastle fans however seem to treat the takeover on a scale in accordance with it's importance. Massive.
 
Not that Newcastle fans are the example to follow. Acting like the English equivalent of Barcelona or Real Madrid isn't the right mentality for Newcastle but neither is acting within the confines of a mindset normally restricted to league one supporters.

Many BRFC fans are guilty of the latter mentality based on how the club used to be prior to Jack Walker's purchase. There is a reason Jack Walker used the phrase "new Blackburn Rovers" as it was to demonstrate that the club has changed since the 70's and 80's.

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Vote Now! - Author Poll

Is a takeover essential for Blackburn Rovers?

  • Yes
  • No
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Results - Author Poll

Is a takeover essential for Blackburn Rovers?

  • Yes

    72.7%
  • No

    25.5%
  • Unsure

    1.8%
  • Total votes: 55
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written on June 11, 2009 Opinion

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