Steve Parkin

Quote: Bulliac "I don't like being negative, especially now, and obviously the club will have to speak to any and every potential investor, however I do feel a bit jumpy about Mr Parkin.

Let's be honest; no-one puts money into rugby league or lower division soccer clubs expecting to get a profit from the sporting activity. The truth is that directors in these clubs generally pay through the nose for the 'privilege' and maybe the kudos, of being directors of their local team, but not the cash return.

I wonder at the motives of people who have tried to invest in a few different clubs because you normally can't be a 'fan' of more than one - go on then, I'll allow one soccer and one rugby, so let's say two. Mr Parkin seems determined to be involved with a team - and any team would seem do, it appears. It all suggests motives which are not altruistic to me.

There's nothing illegal in all this of course, people generally have the right to buy and sell shares to and from whoever is willing to trade, but that is not necessarily in the interests of the supporters of sports clubs, since if there is a determination to gain a profit it has to come from the assets; maybe players or buildings or income of various types, which may not then be ploughed back into the playing side of the business.

They have to speak to everyone, of course, and it may be there is no choice; the devil and the deep blue sea, as it were. I may be totally wrong about Mr Parkin, I hope I am, but I'm not filled with the same hope as you, I have to say.'"

Why don't you let him know that no one likes him more clearly? Why not ring him up and tell him you don't want him to invest in the club? Then we can all pack in and go watch Halifax. If he wants to invest then he should be welcomed with open arms. I don't think some people realise just what a mess the club is in. Come on board Mr Parkin; please