Wilde about the Saints
Last updated : 04 March 2006 By Chris C
The increase in his holding is significant as it now means that he can call an EGM (Extraodinary General Meeting) where he could call for a vote to oust Chairman Rupert Lowe.
He is keeping his cards close to his chest, but showed his desire to communicate directly with the fans that he feels have been neglected under the existing senior management structure, telling Keith Legg of
Saintsforever:
"I believe that there are many improvements that urgently need to be made in respect to the Club's senior management structure and decision making process - this is the area that I am most concerned with at the present time."
"These structural improvements are not neccessarily about personnel, but are issues of corporate governance; transparency; and accountability. They also concern, as I have said before, communication and responsibility to the local community at large."
He has already expressed his support for Burley and Sir Clive Woodward, a welcome committment to continuity in an area in which we have seen genuine progress in recent weeks.
So does this mean that Rupert Lowe is on his way out? The changes he is talking about are at board level and, while his words are carefully chosen, 'not necessarily about personnel' is a clear warning shot that you are either with him or against him.
In wishing to make changes to the board, it is highly likely that he will want to be part of it, whether as Chairman or not, time will tell. He has significant other business interests, including Merlion and Infinity Homes, and is based in Jersey, so an executive role would seem unlikely at this stage.
The moves have made it necessary for Lowe to go public on the rumours that have been surrounding the club since the turn of the year. Wilde is a guest of the board today and met Lowe after the Sheffield Wednesday game last week.
In typical Lowe-speak he hinted that a place on the board is probable, but neatly sidestepped the issue of what Wilde's involvement may mean for Lowe himself:
"We will be talking to him about his long-term intentions and plans and how he feels he can contribute to the club."
"A change in the ownership of shares does not in itself give the club any more resources but as long as his intentions and ours are in alignment, then I do not see there being a problem.
"It was interesting to read his comments on Saintsforever stating that he sees his involvement with us evolutionary rather than revolutionary. He has said he does not want to de-stabilise the Club and any contribution would be with the support of the board."
We can only hope that Wilde is as good as his welcome words and that also the coming weeks will reveal some of the answers that the neglected fans are looking for:
- Will Rupert Lowe step down as Chairman, and if so, leave the club?
- Will there be additional transfer funds available?
- What will be the ticket pricing policy for next season?
- What is the true state of the finances?
