Clark Osborne/Jim Parker Interview

Gull in black · Post by **Gull in black** » 25 Jan 2024, 16:52

I think it would be a shame to leave Plainmoor but worth it, depending on new location, if it gave the club financial stability.

Does a new ground with income generating facilities provide an income stream to TUFC. OR

Does a new ground with income generating facilities provide an income stream to a property developer - with TUFC being part of that income stream.
????

We need to look to our civic leaders (Councillors) to protect the future of our club by not signing away the freeholder to Plainmoor unless there is a water tight legal protection for TUFC.

Councillors should remember that TUFC supporters have votes.

Admiral · Post by **Admiral** » 25 Jan 2024, 17:19

Financial stability for one man only

GULL 67 · Post by **GULL 67** » 25 Jan 2024, 17:21

Sadly showing their true colours. Far more interested in acquiring Plainmoor than they ever were with the football. Every time I attend a game I am proud of our stadium. There is nothing wrong with it. Many may be fooled by the promise of a gleaming new stadium but they may be sorry when Plainmoor Avenue sits where our old ground is and we are sharing with Buckland in teir 8. Bet Mr Osborne and Co won't be around then. Probably moved on to his next 'project'.

MellowYellow · Post by **MellowYellow** » 25 Jan 2024, 17:38

Football is not a normal business, our club is woven into the fabric of the community and so the council need to act earlier in any negotiations (i.e. 50% council ownership of any stadium built under a non-resale/non sub-let leasehold of 99 years) to prevent any future Bristol or Brighton or Coventry scenario and finding ourselves a club without a home. I have no issue with 'Uncle Clarke making profits from associated leisure facilities, that is his business right but the council must not play lip-service to any proposal. They must be prepared to make a long-term commitment and be prepared to risk the councils own capital. If the proposal is that good there should be no future issues for the council to worry about. If they get it wrong then they pay the price.

culmstockgull · Post by **culmstockgull** » 25 Jan 2024, 18:53

Regardless of our differing views on the subject our talk is very much a waste of our energy until we actually know what is to occur.
What I do know and I have been coming to plainmoor for 55 years the survival of the club and the chance to prosper through new revenue streams is far more inportant than where we play our games.
If there is to be a new stadium we will lose some supporters who on principle will not attend a new venue but we will gain a similar amount of new supporters.
As for the who gets what in the leasehold/freehold of plainmoor or a new stadium as fans I doubt we will be privy to the transactions, we have as they say no skin in the game.

RodneyJacksRightFoot · Post by **RodneyJacksRightFoot** » 25 Jan 2024, 18:55

Although there is likely motives outside of football for CO to pursue this move, the club does need to generate extra income.

That said, I think the following needs to be considered:

1: A pre-condition that a completed new stadium is in place prior to any change at Plainmoor. This protects the club, a significant local interest from scenarios that other clubs have experienced.

2: The size of stadium (15,000 proposed) = club will never be close to full capacity unless an FA cup draw against top 6 in the Premiership. 8000 would be more than sufficient and could always expand if we reach the promised land.

3: Using stadium for events - i've been in that industry at an international level and can say with certainty there won't be many events in the local area to come close to capacity. Plymouth & Exeter already have multiple alternatives (not to mention more attractive locations than a football stadium) and larger populations = event promoters will overlook the site.
Even if the club attracted 4 large events per year, the rent received would barely cover stadium running costs.

4: The stadium should be in the vicinity of Torquay. An extra 20-30 minute journey could see crowds dwindle particularly in the winter months unless the club plan for efficient transport links to the site.

Post by **Southampton Gull** » 25 Jan 2024, 20:34

Osborne has never built a stadium, what makes anyone think he will build one for us?

Smoke and mirrors.

Dazza · Post by **Dazza** » 25 Jan 2024, 20:36

Indeed.

Post by **SuperNickyWroe** » 26 Jan 2024, 00:10

culmstockgull wrote: ↑25 Jan 2024, 18:53 Regardless of our differing views on the subject our talk is very much a waste of our energy until we actually know what is to occur.
What I do know and I have been coming to plainmoor for 55 years the survival of the club and the chance to prosper through new revenue streams is far more inportant than where we play our games.
If there is to be a new stadium we will lose some supporters who on principle will not attend a new venue but we will gain a similar amount of new supporters.
As for the who gets what in the leasehold/freehold of plainmoor or a new stadium as fans I doubt we will be privy to the transactions, we have as they say no skin in the game.

Pity you don't listen to your own advice.

Post by **SuperNickyWroe** » 26 Jan 2024, 00:13

Southampton Gull wrote: ↑25 Jan 2024, 20:34 Osborne has never built a stadium, what makes anyone think he will build one for us?

Smoke and mirrors.

Because Uncle Clark only has the very best interests of TUFC at heart of course Dave.....

greb46 · Post by **greb46** » 26 Jan 2024, 06:27

The club brings in on loan players for free for a month ,hasn't had the money to buy a player or sell one for any value for a long time yet a discussion takes place about a new stadium costing a fortune.The owner must think the supporters were born yesterday!

gullsgullsgulls · Post by **gullsgullsgulls** » 26 Jan 2024, 07:14

Read these two articles in order and then watch it play out in Torquay:

https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local ... 194345.amp

https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news ... n-falters/

MellowYellow · Post by **MellowYellow** » 26 Jan 2024, 08:49

Not everything is as it always seems. If you look deeper into this story it appears as much to do with Reading Council's incompetence as to 'Uncle Clarke's' efforts.

https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local ... ce-4202306

I reiterate my previous post Torbay Council "must be prepared to make a long-term commitment and be prepared to risk the councils own capital" before granting permission on any proposal. If the proposal is that good the council should have nothing to worry about.

knightmaregull · Post by **knightmaregull** » 26 Jan 2024, 09:15

I'm a gambling man and my personal bet is that this ends in tears, with CO etc exiting with boosted bank accounts.

Only time will tell and hopefully I'm wrong but sadly we are now in the hands of a property developer and Torbay Council.

Post by **exilegull** » 26 Jan 2024, 10:30

knightmaregull wrote: ↑26 Jan 2024, 09:15 I'm a gambling man and my personal bet is that this ends in tears, with CO etc exiting with boosted bank accounts.

Only time will tell and hopefully I'm wrong but sadly we are now in the hands of a property developer and Torbay Council.

I doubt it to be honest - I think there is a good chance Osborne will pull the plug at the end of this season or next and the club will fold taking his investment with it. I think the future of the club relies on Osborne and the council reaching a deal and I don't think that is very likely, recent articles look like Osborne is starting to ratchet up pressure on the council with veiled threats to walk away.

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