"I have been following the various postings on the message board with considerable interest. Could I make a general observation. It seems to me that it does no good for the name of the club nor encourages anybody to even consider any (further) involvement if the debate descends to the level of merely trading personal insults. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, however way out it is (subject to the laws of the land). If someone disagrees, let them put forward a reasoned counter opinion NOT a stream of personal invective.

With regard to the various ‘facts’ that are floated here, I must say that when I know that some of them referring to myself are untrue, I am obliged to take other points with a pinch of salt. I am also aware that sometimes the media is used as a sounding board and/or a negotiating tactic.

With regard to the present situation, it would seem that the there are a number of factors that cannot be ignored.

1. Football is one of the few business areas where the customers (fans) consider that they have the right to a greater say in the business than those who have invested sums of money(often quite large).

2. Were it not for a number of individuals and their devotion and huge financial support in recent years, it would be unlikely that there would be any club to argue about. That alone means that their views are entitled to be given the appropriate weight.

3. There are many legal obligations and constraints imposed on directors by the various Companies’ Acts and insider trading regulations.

4. Business negotiations cannot be conducted in public (or through a message-board)

The directors also have an obligation to ensure that any deal eventually done maximises benefits and contains long-term safeguards in respect of all parties and the club itself. There can be various problems and differences in approach to the relative importance of different factors. Any agreement must attempt to cover likely possibilities.

These situations are never as simple as might appear. However, it is not practical to explain every point on this Board. I, personally, have a great respect for Steve Borley and his fellow directors who have kept the club afloat. Those fans that bought shares in the club are equally deserving of praise. Ultimately the shareholders decide – although as I am aware, not necessarily by a simple majority.

That does not mean that criticism cannot be made by those who feel it is appropriate. What I do ask is that those that post messages on this board, ask themselves what purpose is met by hurling personal insults and in what way that their cause is advanced by such activities.

There is scope for legitimate reasoned debate – please let us all take it.