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Hornets in Crisis

Deal to solve Watford's financial problems and beat tomorrow's deadline close


Watford are very close to finding a successful resolution in their bid to pay off the £4.88m owed to Valley Grown Salads and solving their short-term cash flow problems, the Watford Observer understands.

The threat of administration has been looming over the club since former chairman Jimmy Russo resigned from last Tuesday’s AGM and called in the £4.88m owed to his company VGS.

The Hornets’ parent company Watford Leisure Plc also released a statement at the end of November confirming that a £1m loan from Russo would only cover its liabilities until tomorrow, December 22.

But the Watford Observer understands discussions between the club’s board and Lord Ashcroft’s company Fordwat have been ongoing today and the parties are finalising an agreement which will pay off the £4.88m VGS loan and provide the money needed by tomorrow.

It is also understood that the £5.5m hole in the club’s books, which needs to be filled by June 2010, will be filled by having a rights issue.

Lord Ashcroft looks set to underwrite the rights issue, as he offered to do last week but was rejected by Russo and VGS.

It is unclear, however, whether a statement will be made by either Watford or their parent company today.

Comments(37)

WFC4ever says...
3:56pm Mon 21 Dec 09

That has made me breather easier.

I know the Watford O like to keep up to date but why post one story about this deadline which may make people worry but then an hour later suggest that everyone is going to be rosey!

pete50 says...
4:18pm Mon 21 Dec 09

The WO didn't seem to understand this an hour ago!

hogweed says...
4:34pm Mon 21 Dec 09

More concerned about the form on the pitch

Hog out

WFC4ever says...
4:39pm Mon 21 Dec 09

Just heard Nathan Ellington has gone on loan to Xanthi in Greece!

Well a surprise but hopefully he's off our wage bill for a few months!

grahamwfc says...
7:16pm Mon 21 Dec 09

WFC4ever wrote:
Just heard Nathan Ellington has gone on loan to Xanthi in Greece! Well a surprise but hopefully he's off our wage bill for a few months!
Sky news interviewed him & while non-commital he is going to season end with a view to a perm deal. I think his contract ends end of season anyway so just remains to see if they are paying all his wages or part a la HH

password will-face ( I hope Will does face Forest) cos current crop cant hit cow's a*** with a banjo

WFC4ever says...
7:27pm Mon 21 Dec 09

I think its 2011 along with Sadler and Eustace though but good chance to get him off the wage bill early.

Rick Holden Forever says...
8:57pm Mon 21 Dec 09

The Salad Munchers were just a big of bunch of crooks as cashton and gimspon so why do people think the sun shines out of their fat backsides?

I'm glad they're gone and fully support GT's comments. They were asset strippers trying to make a big fat pile of cash.

Holly68 says...
9:13pm Mon 21 Dec 09

Rick Holden Forever : Dickhead !

Only 2 Ross Jenkins says...
10:19pm Mon 21 Dec 09

Rick Holden Forever wrote:
The Salad Munchers were just a big of bunch of crooks as cashton and gimspon so why do people think the sun shines out of their fat backsides? I'm glad they're gone and fully support GT's comments. They were asset strippers trying to make a big fat pile of cash.
We'd be in administration by now if it weren't for the Russos. I think they deserve a little more respect.

derry pigweed says...
10:49pm Mon 21 Dec 09

Rick Holden Forever wrote:
The Salad Munchers were just a big of bunch of crooks as cashton and gimspon so why do people think the sun shines out of their fat backsides? I'm glad they're gone and fully support GT's comments. They were asset strippers trying to make a big fat pile of cash.
Is that you Vor?

spidey says...
11:08pm Mon 21 Dec 09

Rick Holden you need to wipe the dribble from your chin before you comment! it is clouding your judgement as well as making a mess of your shirt ....
You would have said the same about them had they let the club go into administration rather then saving us on 3 seperate occasions .....

rogeruk says...
11:29pm Mon 21 Dec 09

Holly68 and her demented chav cronies – i am watching you! Be afraid Be very afraid!!!

derry pigweed says...
11:41pm Mon 21 Dec 09

Bye Bye Ellington
Greek football might suit you ?

why no bid from colchester's special one surely such" a gifted player" Aidrian's words,
would have been welcomed at colchester?

Oh sorry Aidrian is learning from his mistakes!

Elton Bog says...
12:32am Tue 22 Dec 09

I don't know how seriously to take all this 'Russo's saved us from administration 3 or 4 times' stuff. It was all done behind the scenes so we don't know if Ashcroft would have come to the rescue on these occasions, or whether the Russos stepped up too increase their influence and leverage over the club. Ashcroft has stepped in now, why is the situation now any different to what it was 6, 12 18 months ago. Maybe if the Russos hadn't been able / weren't willing to help out, Ashcroft would have come to the table. I've no axe to grind on either side but something doesn't ring true about he Russos. My guess is they had hopes of buying out the other parties at a knock down price; when it became clear this wasn't going to happen, they needed an exit route which is why they managed to consolidate their loan, get it repayable on demand and secure it against the ground. I'd be intrigued to know what the offer was the Russos put to Ashcroft before he AGM that was knocked back - whether it was an offer to buy them out or a proposal of a rights issue.

Mind you, what Ashcroft's ultimate plans are for Watford and the Vic is anyones guess. I would be happy if the club went forward with tight financial controls and no wild salaries and transfer fees - the closer the club is to being solvent and self financing, the less vulnerable it becomes for being held to ransom.

Holly68 says...
10:05am Tue 22 Dec 09

rogeruk = erectile dysfuntion !

Wags it all about? says...
12:17pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Oh dear, I see the Z list no hopers are out in force for panto season, p.rick (u-turn) holden, patronising dumbwit roger uk and co.

Long standing posters will know Roger went in to hibernation after he was rumbled for getting things spectacularly wrong - another simpson/ashton admirer that couldn't see further than the end of his nose.

Oh Roger, didn't you just delight in telling us how important you are and boast about your misplaced vast commercial experience. Naturally, this can only tell us only one thing... doughnuts like you, retard p.rick and others fool no one but yourselves.

If I was watching you lot in panto I would ask for a refund!!

N Joydegame says...
12:29pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Rick Holden, and others like you, just beware and be worried about what you don't know.

We have absolutely no idea WHY Cashcroft has invested into our club. Certainly not for his health nor for the supporters either. No statement of intent, no statement of his medium and long term strategy. Nothing at all from a non-football investor.

Beware that we haven't accepted Satan's Shilling. Today's solution is tomorrow's problem.

Atleast we knew what we were getting with the Russo's, who were willing to put £9m of their own money into the club and be very open and honest about it.

Like many on this site, I'm a long term fan (36 years), a season ticket holder, and a shareholder; and I have a very vey uneasy feeling about Cashcroft's motives for investment.

He has a track record of investing into marginal seats for the Tories, and once the election is done next March or May, where are we going then? Nobody knows, do we? The whole mysterious way he has conducted his investments leave me with a very nervous feeling for the longer term future. He and Homer will eventually want to sell their shares but to whom? There will be more to follow in the New Year that's for sure.

Hans says...
1:11pm Tue 22 Dec 09

On a separate note, am outraged to see on official website that the club is asking season ticket holders who away for Xmas to allow it to resell their tickets at no benefit to the fans. This is scandalous - even Man U fans get compensated for such a measure. I doubt the Russos would have behaved in such a disgraceful way.

ralphinator says...
2:38pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Wags it all about? wrote:
Oh dear, I see the Z list no hopers are out in force for panto season, p.rick (u-turn) holden, patronising dumbwit roger uk and co. Long standing posters will know Roger went in to hibernation after he was rumbled for getting things spectacularly wrong - another simpson/ashton admirer that couldn't see further than the end of his nose. Oh Roger, didn't you just delight in telling us how important you are and boast about your misplaced vast commercial experience. Naturally, this can only tell us only one thing... doughnuts like you, retard p.rick and others fool no one but yourselves. If I was watching you lot in panto I would ask for a refund!!
Wags - On a point of order, you ticked me off the other day for complimenting the thoughts of Roger68 and said about him exactly what you've just said here about Rogeruk, who must have been the one you had in mind.

Apology in order to Roger68, I think!

WFC4ever says...
2:45pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Only 2 Ross Jenkins wrote:
Rick Holden Forever wrote: The Salad Munchers were just a big of bunch of crooks as cashton and gimspon so why do people think the sun shines out of their fat backsides? I'm glad they're gone and fully support GT's comments. They were asset strippers trying to make a big fat pile of cash.
We'd be in administration by now if it weren't for the Russos. I think they deserve a little more respect.
From the general comments of "Rick Holden" I get the impression he thinks we actually have load of cash to spend on players but just don't bother...

Might be wrong though and ready to accept that without the need to abuse others which sadly some seem unable to do.

TBH I am not sure if there is anything some WFC fans would agree with..they argue over simple things like Black/Red shorts.

Anyway time to move on..I am sure the Russos have for one and enjoy Christmas!

Wags it all about? says...
3:09pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Ralph

I did indeed give you a 'ticking off' cos I thought you were referring to RogerUK so please accept my apologies.

However, I didn't realise there is a Roger68, I know and like Holly68 who talks a lot of sense but as I say am not familiar with a Roger68.

If he does exist than sorry old bean.

Richard - Come On You Golden Boys! says...
3:13pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Hans, Thank you for advising me of this option for season ticket holders to donate their seats for reselling to help generate cash for the club. As a season ticket holder who will not be going on Boxing Day, I will now contact them and advise them to resell my seat.
It is an excellent idea and I'll be pleased to help the club in this way.

Wags it all about? says...
3:15pm Tue 22 Dec 09

WFC4ever

You seem like a nice chap and I respect your comments and opinions.

Please don't read too much in to the abuse you believe we give each other - I don't think it is overly offensive, if it was the obbo would pull the content.

Sometimes passions take over and it just feels better when you tell it as it is!

ps New year resolution lighten up wee tad and be a little more tolerant?

WFC4ever says...
3:41pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Wags it all about? wrote:
WFC4ever You seem like a nice chap and I respect your comments and opinions. Please don't read too much in to the abuse you believe we give each other - I don't think it is overly offensive, if it was the obbo would pull the content. Sometimes passions take over and it just feels better when you tell it as it is! ps New year resolution lighten up wee tad and be a little more tolerant?
Don't worry..

I didn't mean just you.

Generally sometimes people can react badly to each other but I guess that is just part of disagreements and it would be boring if we all did think the same!

ralphinator says...
4:06pm Tue 22 Dec 09

WFC4ever wrote:
Wags it all about? wrote: WFC4ever You seem like a nice chap and I respect your comments and opinions. Please don't read too much in to the abuse you believe we give each other - I don't think it is overly offensive, if it was the obbo would pull the content. Sometimes passions take over and it just feels better when you tell it as it is! ps New year resolution lighten up wee tad and be a little more tolerant?
Don't worry.. I didn't mean just you. Generally sometimes people can react badly to each other but I guess that is just part of disagreements and it would be boring if we all did think the same!
Goodness, the season of goodwill is breaking out all over the place! Next thing, we'll be seeing VoR and Billie entwined under the misletoe...

Merry Christmas to all our readers and here's to 3 points on Boxing Day

Wags it all about? says...
4:30pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Thank you Ralph

'It's the most wonderful time of the year...la la la' and I'll spare you the audio version as it is indeed the season of goodwill.

Now that I have composed myself from the though of billie and vor 'coming together' - I too wish all you hornets a very yellow xmas!

Best of luck too Malky, the boys and staff

Billie says...
6:05pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Wags, vOr and me? Entwined? Sorry, I'm already tied up that day. I more imagine vOr sitting on top of the Christmas Tree. Star or fairy? I know which seems to be more appropriate. Happy Christmas to all genuine Watford fans. A very good man, sincere supporter and still substantial shareholder reminded me that we need to be in the hands of owners who care about the club. There are a lot of people who have cared and lost serious money through the last few years, investing in our club. Let us hope for peace of mind and good health for all such people in the New Year. No not you vOr.

swedish_hornet says...
6:17pm Tue 22 Dec 09

It`s getting late. Where is the agreement?

(believe in) V.o.R says...
6:41pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Wags it all about? wrote:
WFC4ever

You seem like a nice chap and I respect your comments and opinions.

Please don't read too much in to the abuse you believe we give each other - I don't think it is overly offensive, if it was the obbo would pull the content.

Sometimes passions take over and it just feels better when you tell it as it is!

ps New year resolution lighten up wee tad and be a little more tolerant?
You ain't arf a noob

WFC4ever says...
6:42pm Tue 22 Dec 09

swedish_hornet wrote:
It`s getting late. Where is the agreement?
Was thinking that..presuem its the share right issue that was being talk about when Ashcroft put his money in?

(believe in) V.o.R says...
6:53pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Billie wrote:
Wags, vOr and me? Entwined? Sorry, I'm already tied up that day. I more imagine vOr sitting on top of the Christmas Tree. Star or fairy? I know which seems to be more appropriate. Happy Christmas to all genuine Watford fans. A very good man, sincere supporter and still substantial shareholder reminded me that we need to be in the hands of owners who care about the club. There are a lot of people who have cared and lost serious money through the last few years, investing in our club. Let us hope for peace of mind and good health for all such people in the New Year. No not you vOr.
I think I know where you live......
I followed the yellow dribble drips in the snow, straight to your door!!
Remind who the sincere supporter is again? Coz it sure ain't R'sole.....
Got his comeuppance good and proper, how very dare he and for those condoning his actions have to be questioned whether they're true supporters.
Why weren't you at Cally's Disco, you and wags in bed playing bridge or something?

Billie says...
7:28pm Tue 22 Dec 09

vOr, As you probably know J&V avoided the stitch up intended, a discussion at the AGM about a refinancing deal as proposed by the major shareholders to which they were expected to participate...before being voted off the Board. Whyever do you think they got their comeuppance? They saw it coming and, to quote GT, 'shocked' the plotters. I am sure the major shareholders love the predicament they find themselves in. They now have to keep the club afloat...and it will take plenty...or lose face. Expect the stadium to be used to rebalance the situation. I will just describe the sincere supporter as a former Director, from several years ago, but have no intention of telling you who they are. You know where I live do you?

Wags it all about? says...
8:09pm Tue 22 Dec 09

Oh retard you are funny, I see you didn't quite manage to get a last minute panto gig as the z-list nobody.

So what do you do? try to 'entertain' the rest of us poor souls and morph in to the 'new you', yes the highly dramatic (believe in retard).

Believe my a***!!!

Billie I know the good people you are talking about and like you hope they see the day when the club is back in trusting and capable hands.

(believe in) V.o.R says...
8:45pm Tue 22 Dec 09

At least heading in the right direction now Wag, shame we wasted a year


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