The Hotel End

https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/2017/november/kelvin_thomas_facebookqa_nov17/

Chance to ask KT whatever you like from the comfort of your own keyboard & chair.

another one for random and beds to pretend they've already got prior engagements for

Would have thought that Exile & Man04 will ask a question or two?

Just before Peaky Blinders , which suits me fine .
The challenge is to get KT to tell you something you didn’t already know !
He is a master at not really answering questions that are more in depth .
You almost have to ask him a closed question to get anything out of him .
That’s no criticism by the way , I admire his style !

Let's hope something of substance comes out of it.

Be interesting to see if we get some new information out of this, or if KT is still playing the "better no news than bad news" card still.

When you ask him a closed question he answers it by creating another question. He's brilliant at it. You end up leaving the room initially believing you know lots more, only for it to sink in later that you know precisely what you did at the start of the day!  ;D ;D

Ive been blocked for several years now from the ntfc official FB site for asking questions during the Cardoza era, so if someone could be as kind to ask this question on my behalf,
Why does the beef bovril taste like chicken?

Pathetic. Do you have a serious question you’d like answering? Or do you just like to moan and stamp your feet?

Ha ha .... yes , I’m glad there is someone else out there that notices that  !
You have to be Jeremy Paxman to get any information at all out of KT publicly.
The other thing he is brilliant at is waffling on , stating the obvious but making it seem interesting .
Occasionally he gets drawn into uncomfortable ground like the last forum and the question about non disclosure of transfer fees .
Once again , I admire the way he evades subjects and have used his techniques myself !

I don't think that dodging questions or putting a spin on straight questions is an admirable trait. As many, in addition to myself, have said on this site it is time for some clarity from our Chairman on those issues which are going to determine our future.  Or do we all want to stay silent and look forward to returning to away days at Morecambe & Newport?

Maybe we should ask him is Scunny an easier game than Bury?

If there are some succinct and pointed questions. He won't look clever, he will look like a bit of a 'Cardoza' which is not meant in any other way, other than meaning avoiding the question at hand. Politicians do it on a daily basis, so hardly some masterful and highly intelligent tactic.
Having said that, unless he gives the answers that some wish to hear he'll get shot down regardless.
Fair play, he either wants to put a few mistruths right, has some good news to deliver or is going to throw the council under the bus for a presently unknown reason.
It'll just be great if we find out any short/mid term plans which are in motion.

Well that will be a first because no one has shot him down yet for not answering questions directly and there have been lots of instances of it .
He is within his rights to hold as much back as he wishes. The supporters have no divine right to information , even though it is good PR to reveal things to those that  are essentially customers .
I do think a good line of intelligent questioning though is required by people who refuse to get fobbed off

In tangible terms, was does the Chinese investment of £x millions mean? (Probably long term partnership to learn from UK market...yes exactly)

What is delaying and/or preventing the completion of the East stand and/or future ground development? (probably complex legal issues or council related issues or both, with the addition of plan changes with Chinese investment)

Can the club share any future development plans, aspirational or otherwise? (Probably doesn't want to over promise and under deliver and linked to legal issues)

It's a fine line to tread between being economical with the truth and telling downright porkies, so hopefully there are valid reasons for the lack of clarity so far. Maybe to avoid telling porkies?!

What may come out is that the majority of the fan base probably aren't too bothered about the ground and he might even pick up some grief over the (still) missing £10m from the Npton public. Personally, as a fan I have an interest but certainly not an obsession like some and don't lose sleep over it. I think if we click some season soon and find ourselves in the Championship it'll somewhat force the issue of expansion.
He's no Cardoza (in the other sense!) and may not hold the winning ticket but there are a lot worse chairmen out there.

That's straight from the 'Cardoza school of being a football chairman' and rarely leads to a happy relationship or ending. Thankfully he doesn't, from the testaments of the several who do communicate with him.

I hope the club or a 'hotelender' keep us neanderthal's in touch with information who are not on facebook!

I do not think KT would be shot down if he outlined his target plans for the stadium (even if he does not achieve it in the future).

Does he have any plans to try and sign up any of the loan players in January, plus have they approached any forward players to sign on January 1st?

In all seriousness, KT now needs to come out with the plans (whatever they are) on the assumption that HE/Chinese get what they require from the council to proceed.

'An idiots guide to their aspirations and what issues need to be overcome to achieve them' if you like.

It surely cannot be that difficult.

No body is comparing him with the chancer we had before. No body. But I do get the impression that he is using 'previous experiences from A Cobblers perspective' as a way of holding back information.

I understood that initially, but as time keeps passing and nothings happening (seemingly) he should show his cards now. Thats my stance on it. Of course the detail is probably not possible, I get that. But he could surely outline the general plans that they have?

Would be interested to know the possibility of keeping McGugan beyond Christmas and the loans beyond the season.

I'm right behind Kelvin Thomas in what he's trying to do and believe he has the best interests of the club at heart. Yes, this is probably in line with his own interests too, but I've no problem with that; if it wasn't for him we wouldn't still have a club. Whether other people take issue with that or not, it's true. So I'm not in the foot-stamping, paddy throwing mode of certain other posters on here with regards the lack of progress. However...

He does have a tendency to avoid giving a straight answer to a straightforward question. I seem to remember the last time he was asked about the nature of the legal issues holding things up he shrugged it off with something along the lines of "I'm not going to pretend to understand it, smarter people than me are dealing with it". I don't buy that for a second. He might not know the precise intricacies of it (but he's a smart man and I suspect he does), but he certainly has enough knowledge that he could give a precis of the situation, yet he chooses not to. He's treating the supporters a bit like children, and I think it's about time he showed a bit more faith in us, or at least explain why he doesn't want to give an honest answer about what's going on.

Wouldn't the lessons from the previous chairman (kind description) teach you the opposite, i.e. be as open and transparent as possible?! If there are any whiffs of complicated legal issues, no one could be accused if they voiced a few concerns, regardless of the actual circumstances.

As all good poker players know, you look for the 'tell'
From the many previous kt facebook appearances his was very much in evidence.
Did anyone else spot it?

Like you could work out a "tell" Beds!

Especially when KT’s going to be at the other end of a keyboard - it’s not like we’re going to be able see him twitching or avoiding eye contact when he answers a question. More likely is that Gareth Wilshere will be sitting next to him advising him on what to disclose. I must admit that I am much more interested in on the pitch questions regarding if we have anyone lined up for the window than I am with the saga of the ground. Just a question for alistair slowe - I’m assuming that this Facebook W& a is going to make your planned face to face meeting unnecessary?

Ah ha?

Didn’t Gareth advise DC back in the day?
I remember he was part of the set up that’s currently embroiled in controversy,from memory I think he was communications officer for the club/spokesman for the DC regime.
If I was Gareth my advising days would be over and I’d be content to go with the flow and take my wage each month!!
What you don’t know won’t hurt you as the saying goes...

I wasn’t casting any aspersions about Gareth - I think he’s genuinely a loyal, hardworking clubman who was taken in by cardoza as much as the rest of us were.

I'd imagine so mate.

See what happens tonight I guess...

Still no sensible questions I see!!

I have no reason to doubt him and it’s fair to say he wasn’t complicit in any of the shenanigans,if he was he would have been one of those charged by the police in relation to the ongoing investigation.
I imagine he was interviewed regards the situation as when all said and done it would be a pretty poor police investigation if the clubs communications officer and DCs right hand man(when I met DC Gareth was present jotting down notes and putting his two penneth in) wasn’t interviewed.
I’d imagine he’d have plenty of jotted notes from the DC period and his information of what he did or didn’t know and when he did or didn’t know it would be vital to any investigation.
The fact he is still in a job suggests that he was just a spokesman for the club and just did as he was told.
I can say that when I met DC Gareth acted more like a right hand man than a communications officer and revelled in threats of legal action etc.
I thought he went above and beyond his job of media officer that day....

Now call me an old cynic, but I can’t get past the somewhat obvious belief that this is a mere public relations excercise. As such I am afraid I am a bit bored by the prospect of it. The only possible occurrence of any interest would be if one of the contributors thinks up a question of significant gravity that the press has failed to ask and crucially KT feels inclined to actually answer it frankly. As both, especially the latter, are unlikely I can’t get motivated to be involved. This is not a criticism you understand, engaging with supporters is absolutely the right thing to do and KT seems a thoroughly decent chap. It just seems a bit pointless as at the end of the day, KT will have almost certainly already revealed everything that he wants or is able to disclose.

Q - what's your favourite colour?

Q - would you rather fight a horse size duck or a hundred duck sized horses?
 
Q - would you rather have finger sized legs or leg sized fingers?

Q - When will the East Stand be finished?

Q - How much profit have you made from the sale of shares to 5USport?

Q - Pot noodles forever Chicken and Mushroom or Bombay Bad Boy?

I’ll have a go.

1 - A difficult question that whilst the answer to which remains very much subjective, needs to be throughly evaluated before a final decision could be made.

2 - I’m afraid we would need to show due diligence paying particular attention to the preset failure standards of each option before reaching any conclusions.

3 - Whilst on face value this is a simple question the consequences for getting this wrong could be catastrophic. We will be engaging the services of external bodies and consultants to ensure full and proper consideration is given to this matter.

4 - We are working tirelessly behind the scenes to move forward with this as quickly as possible. Whilst there are a number of confidential and sensitive contractual matters to resolve we should be in a position to make an announcement very soon.

5 - The investments made in the club have been made with a number of long term objectives in mind. It is also anticipated that further investments will be needed as progress is made. Therefore any profits if any will only be known once those objectives have come to fruition.

6 - A difficult one that has been at the forefront of our minds for sometime. We intend to engage someone with the relevant experience to conduct an internal review into the options available. Any conclusions will be made public following which we will give everyone an opportunity to voice opinions before any final decision is made.

Simple, I’m surprised you asked?

What I thought too. Thanks for confirming

You didn’t mention “educational partnership” anywhere in your answers so it’s not completely accurate.

May I refer the gentleman to the answer I gave in point 4. Whilst I fully understand the desire to have answers to the questions raised, there are a number of confidential and sensitive matters to address first. As such the nature of any “partnership” can only be revealed once negotiations have been concluded. To do otherwise would be both unethical and unprofessional and could jeopardise the whole process.

Indubitably

I would say more irrefragable, but your comment is noted.

There's gonna be a LOT of questions!

He's definitely cleared some bits up so far.

Any chance of more information? For those (like me) not on Facebook.

Will try and copy some of it over when it's finished.

KT has actually admitted to being BedsCobb....revealed at last  :o

Thanks.

 ;D

Personally I think it was a successful initiative to host a public forum (subject to FB access) and give anyone to ask questions, as opposed to face to face forums when the 'atmosphere' in the room and sheer opportunity make it difficult to do so.
I think there will be information published from the script that not everyone was aware of.

Whichever side of the fence (or on the fence) you sit on, KT is clearly a lot more accessible and willing to meet face to face with the common fan than the previous guy. He also is clearly a lot more personable and comes across well with a decent sense of humour.

Agreed. I also think he talks a lot of sense.

Council - Made some progress in recent weeks and have received paperwork from them which is being reviewed. Nearly there.

Structure - Sure Phil.  NTVL is the holding Company that David and I set up when we purchased the shares in NTFC.  Holding companies are normal business especially in Football Club.  5USport purchased there shares in NTVL from David and I.  I remain on both boards.  David has stepped down from NTVL but remains on NTFC  board.  Just because of his time.  Tom and Oliver from 5U Sport have joined both boards.  Hope that helps.

The land that the East Stand is built on is owned by NBC and there is a lease to NTFC.  When the NBC loan was made before our time part of that land was then also leased to CDNL.  This created a double lease and therefore there would always be a claim on that land by another party.  Thats why we had to get control of CDNL and what we are trying to do is surrender the land back to NTFC to enable the East Stand to be completed without any complication or claim.  We are not trying to get additional land at all just give the land back.  In the council defence they are having to make sure they do everything correctly.

Is finance in place for East - Finance yes - land just needs a little legal work as I explained earlier in this thread but yes we have overall control of the land required.

Precise update on East etc - I have answered this above in the thread.  I don't think the Developer would be either NTFC or NTVL as neither has the expertise to complete a large scale project like that.,  We would talk to a large scale National developer once we get to that stage, however it would be for the benefit of NTFC.  NTVL is just a holding company.

I did a presentation on this at one of the fans forum.  The top level will be 18 boxes, the second floor will have a Directors Box, hospitality bars and restaurant plus the disabled platform returning and the ground floor with have concourses with bar and food provisions also.  Hopefully with a fanzone type area out the front too.  I think a hotel would be stand alone.

I can't be bothered to copy and paste anymore as it's awkward.

Finances available in January to strengthen.
Don't need to release players to strengthen.
Some clarification around the education part of the 5USport deal.
Confirmed he is David Cadden.
Also answered a question that Glenn asked on Caddens behalf and answered it fairly, won't satisfy that nutter though.

Thanks very much for giving the details of the Q&A - much appreciated mate.

Thanks AS

Apparently the rules about not taking your own food in are related to new anti-terror guidelines - I'm not sure quite how much c4 you could hide in the half a Big Mac I saw them take off a bloke at the turnstile the other week....  ::)

I don't know if it's a browser issue on my part, but on Facebook I'm not seeing any of these bits you are posting here? I can see the thread, just not any of the content you are quoting on this Page? Can you supply a link?

Yeah, I nearly spat coffee at that one!  ;D

Not sure mate? It's definitely there. I had to refresh Facebook a few times to get the updated responses.

Could be worse. Anyone see the video of the Coventry stewards enforcing fans to sit in the correct seats? They had a little over 1000 fans in a 30,000+ stadium  ;D ;D

This is the link I used: https://www.facebook.com/pg/northamptontownfc/posts/?ref=page_internal

Its a bit mixed to follow but if you are familiar with Facebook you should find a way to follow. Some of the questions are from simpletons like does "JFH drink tea or coffee". Glen Coustener ? asked a question on behalf of D Cadden but for some strange reason could not locate KT's direct responce.

Yes he did, claiming Sixfields has upped capacity from 7700 to 8k, perhaps since last home game?

Bournemouth got to the premiership and the secret is because they have a 7700 seater stadium like the Cobblers.
Also claimed we are not going through a period of zero growth as we now have a 'game zone'

Also did I read major building works will not now take place this year but from Jan 2018?
Thats nice.

You may well have some valid points, but you’re continued failure to address KT directly means you’re not taken seriously by fans or the club. Shame really.

My life is all the better for not using any social media facebollocks thank you Evers, and the 7 hour time difference meant I was asleep.

Beds are you a Journo for the Daily Mail? What you have quoted is just lies! ... this is what he actually said....
Q: On behalf of David Cadden ...... He got the wrong Facebook page.Could we as a club do better if we had a ground that wasnt so small inadequate and quite frankly an embarrassment?
Would it attract more fans, new and old and have them wanting to return more regularly to a bigger more professional looking stadium?
Would it attract better players and more corporate sponsorship /investment?
Does any of our fans really advocate a zero growth policy, be it because the don't like change or to avoid upsetting new best friend Thomas?
Questions being asked tonight is imo a waste of time as all of the above are needed he knows it we know it and he has to show his hand as to his ambitions for our club our find another club that has no aspirations to be the best it can with what it's got.
A: "Is this a question? What is a zero growth policy? If I recall when we took over the club we had 6000 seats, we now have 8000. Crowds have also risen since we took over based on improved marketing and promotion. I don't think Sixfields is an embarrassment. Of course it could have development and improvements but we continue to work on small improvements like the Carrs Bar, the Game Zone etc and this shouldn't be brushed aside. But lets not diminish what we do have."

Q: David Cadden I don't have a question just a demand that Thomas and Co either start building up our clubs pathetic infrastructure or sell up to others more capable.
A: "Chris - Not sure why David isn't asking the questions but I can't answer everything on Facebook due to my typing skills and time etc but have him email me and happy to make him a tea and coffee at the ground and sit and chat so I can understand his concerns more and I can explain our thoughts openly. email is kelvin.thomas@ntfc.co.uk"

Q: There has been clear investment on the pitch. In the event that our fortunes change and we were to get promoted this season (unlikely but ever hopeful!) or next, do you have any immediate plans to fast track some development to increase capacity close season?
A: "I think you would always look at the situation as it evolves yes. More capacity would always be great when the timing is right but it isn't always required. Look at the Bournemouth example. There success has been winning games and not necessarily people in the stands. But we all want a bigger stadium and more fans in there but that investment has to make commercial sense at the same time."

In the past you have said the club need to do more to attract the younger fans and the future generations, something which I agree with. The addition of a game zone is a significant step forward for the yoof as is all of the work they are doing on the digital front. If the kids want to come to the ground earlier to play games, meet players etc then it is likely they will want a burger and coke and the parents will need a beverage as well. This is all extra revenue to the club which helps the team, club stadium etc. It sounds insignificant but for me it a sign they are looking long term and not just how to make a quick £ today

The small stuff is very important especially when introducing the future young fan, 100% agree.
Just think how much better it would be if they saw a more atmospheric professional ground? They and their friends may come back a lot more regular.

Is it true you can now get through from the West stand into the North to buy the burgers from John as opposed to the overpriced Franks ?
You never used to be able to .

I can't for the life of my understand why people can't just ignore or disregard what BedsCobb / David Cadden says.

Don't know who John is, do you mean Marvo? Thought he was a train driver.

You can walk through to the fans village in the North from the West though. Us smokers do it for a half time puff.

Oh ok , I didn’t know you could do that.
I miss the burgers that used to be out the front and ate now behind the North .

So reading between the lines a completed East Stand done to the best of what Cardoza's naff structure allows. North and South probably done as and when depending on what League we're in. He's keeping a close eye on the safe standing pilot at Shrewsbury so we may have standing provision going forwards. All seems pretty ok so far. A Hotel.

I guess the further questions are regarding value for money for the club as regards any larger enabling deal as huge questions should have been asked of Cardoza whether the East Stand carbuncle was enough of a payoff for a huge land development behind. Also transparency questions regarding who exactly 5USPORTS are. The latter two issues would be something that Beds Cobbler would be better putting his energies in to.

I read through all the q's&a's and to be fair to KT he answered them well. We don't have any dates, but what we do have from the horses keyboard is that funds are in place for the East Stand, and that their is budget to spend in January on more players.

However, there wasn't one tough question on their. By tough I mean some proper digging. But Facebook isn't the place to do that to be fair, otherwise I would have taken part. So no criticism as far as those who did.

It comes back to whether or not we trust him. I do but time is wearing thin. I guess Im somewhere in the middle of BedsCobbler and 95% of the fan base! That may be because I'm very cynical, it may be because of how I found it VERY frustrating that almost our entire fan base didn't want to take DC to task 6 months before they eventually joined the party! Lets face it, most of you's lot will take any old spin thrown your way!  ;D ;D

In all seriousness though, I don't buy into this education lark one bit. That is purely and simply because 'I don't get it'. In spite of KT's many attempts to explain it. If I understood how a small Chinese firm can benefit educationally and therefore FINANCIALLY from a small football club 12 hours away on an aeroplane (which no body there has heard of) then I may change my tune on that!!

On the flip side. And this is a point that Bedscobbler continues to miss. Our owners have spent a fortune on players recently as well as managers (!) with hopefully more to come. Our budget is easily the most competitive its been at this level of football since I guess the 1960's. We may be struggling as far as the league table shows BUT that isn't because of money. Hopefully the investment will pay off on the field sooner rather than later, we've certainly been given some hope in recent weeks! This surely shows they are in it for real and are in it to win it!

I'm not sure how much more "proper digging" there is to do, apart from maybe around the East stand with a shovel  :P
The issue I think people have is that Thomas doesn't speculate too much and is cautious with his words, which is probably the best tactic.
He has clarified the issue with finishing the East around the dual lease, which will now only take the timescale so far. He made it pretty clear that he airs towards success on the pitch before any real further development. Some people won't agree with that stance but if nothing it is sensible. He alludes there may be a 'masterplan' with the Chinese investment but no promises as such.
He made it clear that there will be further investment in the squad, which supports the stance of success on the pitch.
He also reminds the fans of the progress around the club in areas such as the fans village and kids zone.

I think we need to see the East completed with corporate facilities and a promotion to see anything else of significance, other than a possible hotel nearby.

Compared to the broom cupboard diaries, I really can't see what the guy could be telling any porkies about. He isn't playing with council monies. He isn't pocketing vast sums of money from this venture so far, unless anyone is suggesting he is planning to run away with the Chinese injection?!
The Chinese education bit has now been explained, even though most of us still don't get it. I am beginning to think that maybe it is just us Brits who doesn't understand the motivation and landscape of the Chinese market.

The big difference is that he is clearly prepared to set aside time to meet anyone, answer any challenges and obviously enjoys making tea and coffee. The guy before him had the warmth of a fish finger and had little interest in what the common fan had to say, even if he'd meet the odd one. KT genuinely seems to be enjoying the journey, albeit with challenges he maybe didn't plan for to complete the East stand horror show.

Maybe the biggest let downs have been his choice of managers to replace Sir CW and the jury is still out on the current one but hopefully he comes up trumps. Well that and the fact that he probably hasn't got £100m sitting in the bank as a sugar daddy!

If work on the East doesn't materialise close season for opening 2018/19, then I can see some pressing questions coming his way again and #wewantanswers 2.0.

Surely the education stuff is quite simple? They want learn and use our models and implement them in China and therefore earn money that way?

They don't earn us much but I guess over there there is more need for it and bigger catchment etc etc.

Maybe I'm being too naivè.

I think the Chinese education thing is a smokescreen.
I would say they want the kudos of being involved in English football to enhance their brand and we are the level they could afford .
In the meantime, Venture get paid off and it secures the club in the short term .
£7 mill doesn’t go far with the wages we are paying though .