Flashback 11 Yrs - Fernandes' Interest in West Ham & Norwich

[Macmoish]

"Flashback 11 Years"

June 1, 2011

Guardian/Jamie Jackson

Team Lotus owner Tony Fernandes announces West Ham bid on Twitter

• Malaysian Formula One team owner says 'offer has gone in'
• Sam Allardyce 'bemused' by possibility of club's sale


Tony Fernandes, the Team Lotus Formula One owner, has claimed he has made an offer to buy West Ham United from David Gold and David Sullivan. The news took Sam Allardyce by surprise with the new manager, whose appointment was confirmed this morning, stating that he had been convinced to join West Ham after receiving assurances regarding the club's stability.

The Malaysian businessman wrote on Twitter: "For all you West Ham fans an offer has gone to the present owners of West Ham. Let's see if they accept. [There] won't be any more statements on West Ham [I'm just] keeping fans informed. Now we have to just respect the process. If something happens it happens. If it goes quiet it goes quiet."

When asked for his reaction Allardyce told Sky Sports News: "I'm bemused by the statement but my information, having spoken to David Sullivan, was that he was not wanting to sell West Ham because it's his club, it's the club he has always supported.

"That was one of the reasons why I took the job, because I didn't want any fractions in terms of change of ownerships because my reputation has already suffered, wrongly so, by new ownerships at Newcastle [United] and Blackburn [Rovers], disposing of my services when there was no real credibility in that other than the fact that they were new owners and they didn't want me. It wasn't down to results, it wasn't down to how I'd performed as a manager. If that's the case [that Fernandes has made an offer], and that materialised, then I'm surprised at that."

Fernandes came close to buying the club in January 2010 but was beaten to the purchase by the current owners, but Sullivan said: "We've had no offer from Tony. We just think any serious bidder would make an offer in private not through Twitter."

When Gold, speaking to Sky Sports News, was informed of Fernandes's claim, he said: "That's news to me – I certainly haven't heard any information regarding this, it's interesting. We're interested in finance coming into the football club, we welcome that. I'd be happy to sit down with Tony to [discuss him] joining the board. Let's hope it's serious – we'd welcome another investor."

Asked if he would be tempted to sell the club outright, Gold said: "I don't know. It's really bizarre that somebody should start negotiations by Twitter."

www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/01/tony-fernandes-west-ham-team-lotus


The Sun - Fernandes in ‘joke bid’ rant

By BEN HUNT

Published: 04 Jun 2011

TONY FERNANDES has blasted West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold after the duo laughed off his bid to buy the club.

Fernandes, who owns the Lotus Formula One team and airline AirAsia, submitted an offer to buy the Hammers on Thursday.

But Sullivan labelled the bid derisory and hit back saying that 'Fernandes wanted to buy 51 per cent of the club for two bob'.

And now West Ham fan Fernandes has launched a stinging attack on Gold and Sullivan by criticising their running of the club.

On Twitter he said: "Make up your mind Sullivan and Gold. One minute you say no offer, then you say it's a joke offer. It was a good offer with good money and brought in good people.

"Gold and Sullivan can say whatever they want.

"I have been a lifelong fan and would have brought good money, good ideas, new people and a new belief.

"As for PR stunts. Wow. They are always in the press making huge claims.

"Were we not supposed to be in Europe?

"Now we've been relegated. Two sacked managers. All the good players will be sold.

"No new training ground, which is the most important ingredient I feel. Look at how many injuries we have.

"And we need more investment into the academy."

Malaysian businessman Fernandes, 47, first launched a bid to buy the club back in 2009 but lost out to Sullivan and Gold

www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3617482/West-Ham-bidder-Tony-Fernandes-in-Twitter-rant.html

[Macmoish]

And January 2010

Telegraph

Tony Fernandes poised to launch takeover bid for West Ham
Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes appears poised to launch a takeover bid for West Ham United.
Fernandes poised to launch takeover bit for West Ham

By Jason Burt 04 Jan 2010

Fernandes, the founder and driving force behind the highly successful AirAsia airline, is a lifelong West Ham supporter and has been in sporadic talks about taking a stake in the Premier League club for several months.

Telegraph Sport disclosed in November that Fernandes had met West Ham chairman Andrew Bernhardt in Kuala Lumpur but the pair could not agree a deal. Talks have continued with, it is believed, Fernandes finally deciding that he wants to invest in the club.

Indeed it is possible that a resolution to West Ham's ownership may be found this week even though the club's owner, CB Holding, maintains it is in no hurry to sell.

Two other bidders have submitted offers. Last week David Sullivan, the former Birmingham City co-owner, underwent the second stage of the due diligence process. On Monday night the Intermarket Group claimed it had met Rothschild, the bank that has been engaged by Bernhardt to sift through the offers, and will formally submit a bid in writing on Tuesday.

Even so, it is Fernandes's bid that has caused the greatest excitement given his track-record for innovative ideas, flair and growing businesses as well as his passion for sport. He is also team principal of the Lotus Formula One team. The businessman is also firmly committed to supporting manager Gianfranco Zola and met the Italian after the Boxing Day victory over Portsmouth.

Fernandes, 45, is expected to attend Sunday's league match at home to Wolves and there is a sense of anticipation around West Ham that the club may be able to make a positive announcement prior to the fixture which could provide a launchpad for the rest of their season.

www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/6933401/Tony-Fernandes-poised-to-launch-takeover-bid-for-West-Ham.html

[Macmoish]

And not relevant to this but came across, interesting re Supporters Trust:

Why West Ham Supporters Trust Failed
wham2009.blogspot.com/2010/04/why-did-west-ham-united-supporters.html

Thursday, 15 April 2010
Why did West Ham United Supporters Trust fail?
West Ham United Supporters Trust (referred to as WHUST) is the trading name of West Ham Supporters' Society Limited, IP29300R, first registered on 24 October 2001 and now dormant.

These notes are based on the only documents (no longer available) which could be found on the web. The information provides an insight into the likely reasons why WHUST has not survived. This is of obvious importance to WHAM! who would not wish to repeat any mistakes made by WHUST.

At the WHUST AGM in September 2003, it was made clear that the Trust "could not veer from its pro-fan agenda and therefore could never join the anti-Brown campaign".

It is likely that the fate of WHUST was sealed from that date as the West Ham Board, and the fans, realised that the 'revolutionary' forces did not have enough votes and the support of major shareholders to bring about change.

Weaknesses of WHUST revealed in the documents available

1. A shortage of active members
Amanda Matthews (who re-appears later in connection with the "Stand up, sit down" campaign) says that, of the original members, only two remain. On 15 January 2004, she appeals for more help for the 8 active members.

2. A lack of focus
It can't make up its mind if its main purpose is to raise funds to buy shares so that it can influence the football club or to act as a forum for the whole range of opinions you can expect from football fans.

3. Poor use of the resources it does have
Much effort is spent in replying to every point raised by fans on the website.

4. Some dotty ideas
These probably appear as a consequence of other weaknesses. For example 'we do have a healthy amount in the bank at our disposal, which we have earmarked to use to double our membership, in doing so will then be able to invest in more shares'.
But supposing this does not produce any new members? Or very few? What then, with no funds, is the future of the trust?

5. A lack of financial control
There is no indication that priorities have been properly assessed and finances directed accordingly, in other words having a plan with a realistic budget.

6. A lack of influence
As someone pointed out (18 September 2003), with just over 300 members at £20 each for each of the two years the Trust has been running, the total raised equals £12 000. Spending just half of that could have bought (21 May 2003), at £3 a share (including dealing costs), 2 000 shares. The Trust had 200!

Every effort has been made to ensure that the facts in this analysis are accurate and that the comment is fair. If you would like to discuss the matters raised, please respond, either on this site or by direct communication.

[Macmoish]

February 13 2010

Lotus chief Fernandes rules out football investment

zeenews.india.com/news/sports/lotus-chief-fernandes-rules-out-football-investment_603717.html

Lotus chief Fernandes rules out football investment London: Lotus Formula One chief Tony Fernandes has ruled out investing in an English football club in the near future following his failed attempt to buy West Ham United last month.

The team principal of Lotus Racing has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including cash-stricken Portsmouth, and League One (third division) Norwich City.

The Malaysian businessman and founder of the AirAsia airline was involved in negotiations to buy West Ham before the London club was sold to former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan.

Lotus chief Fernandes rules out football investment
Asked on Friday if he was ruling out investing in English football in the near future, Fernandes said: "Yes, I think so.”

Lotus chief Fernandes rules out football investment
"Everything happens for the best and maybe the best was not for West Ham but to focus on motor racing for the moment."

Speaking at the launch of Lotus's car in London, Fernandes recognised the danger in over-extending his commitments beyond motorsport.

"There is always a danger (in spreading your resources too thinly)," he said. "You have to pick the right time to do the right things. I think there are huge opportunities in sport.”

"It is going through a little state of flux and the easy money is gone so sensible businessmen will come in and give their money to the right places and monetise those assets."

Fernandes said there were still opportunities for investors to profit from sport.

"People aren't getting tired of watching sport, it is just the financial way it's been run that has caused the problems," he said.

"There is no lack of appetite for going to watch sport, in fact I think it is probably the best time."

NEW TEAMS

Lotus are one of four new teams joining Formula One for the 2010 season that gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14.

The Lotus brand is returning to the grid for the first time since 1994 with drivers Jarno Trulli of Italy and Finn Heikki Kovalainen behind the wheel.

The team are without a principal sponsor after Malaysian oil company Petronas opted to back Mercedes.

Fernandes, though, is confident they can secure sufficient finance and said the relationship between sponsors and Formula One was changing.

"Today sponsors will see a real car," he said. "They will see the enormous expenditure that we put out there.”

"People have said to me today that ours was the biggest launch of any car this season. That shows the power we have and I am sure we will attract the right sort of people to come in and support us.”

"It is not just about putting stickers on the cars, there are many other ways of getting revenue. We don't want to say too much at the moment but we have other sponsors in the pipeline," added Fernandes.

Bureau Report

[Macmoish]

Sky - 3rd February 2010

Canaries seek Fernandes talks
Asian entrepreneur linked with League One outfit

Last updated: 3rd February 2010 Subscribe to RSS Feed
Canaries seek Fernandes talks

Norwich expect to talk to multi-millionaire Asian businessman and Lotus F1 team boss Tony Fernandes about possible investment at Carrow Road.

The Malaysian is a regular visitor at the Lotus factory at Hingham and recently admitted he had been approached by seven clubs after seeing his bid to take over at West Ham fall through.

Canaries chief executive David McNally has revealed the club are interested in speaking with the Air Asia supremo and remain optimistic that Fernandes would like to buy into the League One promotion hopefuls.

McNally told the Eastern Daily Press: "Given the connection between Lotus and Norwich City and Norfolk and Tony's love of sport, I'm sure that over the next few months there will be some conversations with Tony about how we can work together."

www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11719_5916809,00.html

[Macmoish]

Flashback 11 Years


May 27, 2011

Air Asia's Tony Fernandes eyes Norwich, West Ham

www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_673319.html

NORWICH - MALAYSIAN aviation tycoon Tony Fernandes revealed on Friday he could be interested in investing in promoted English Premier League side Norwich after considering doing so last year.

Team Lotus principal Fernandes decided against putting money into the Canaries while they were in League One, preferring to focus on his Norfolk-based Formula One outfit.

The 47-year-old Air Asia founder told the Norwich Advertiser: 'We talked, we talked definitely and there was a whole emotional appeal of everything Norfolk and green and yellow, and it made sense.'

'And there's no reason why we can't work together in the future and do things together.' Norwich, who recorded debts of 23 million pounds (S$46.7 million) last year, will return to the Premier League next season after a six year absence.

'I'm thrilled at what's happened at Norwich - and I've also got to know my own capabilities in life and you don't want to give yourself indigestion,' added Fernandes, who failed in an attempt to buy West Ham at the start of 2010.

'It's fun - I tried to buy West Ham and failed, and it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me.' -- AFP

www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_673319.html


PFA's Give Me Football

Fernandes considering Canaries investment
Norwich - Tony Fernandes says he would is still interested in putting money into the club

By GMF Editor May 27, 2011

Team Lotus principal Tony Fernandes has revealed he would once again consider investing in Norwich after admitting he pondered doing so last year.

The Malaysian entrepreneur decided against putting money into the Canaries while they were in League One, preferring to focus on his Norfolk-based Formula One outfit.

The 47-year-old Air Asia founder - said to be worth more than £185million - said in the Norwich Evening News: "We talked, we talked definitely and there was a whole emotional appeal of everything Norfolk and green and yellow and it made sense. There's no reason why we can't work together in the future and do things together."

Norwich this month secured historic back-to-back promotions to return to the Barclays Premier League.

"I'm thrilled at what's happened at Norwich - and I've also got to know my own capabilities in life and you don't want to give yourself indigestion," added Fernandes, who failed in an attempt to buy West Ham at the start of 2010.

"It's fun - I tried to buy West Ham and failed and it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me."

A Hammers fan, Fernandes also revealed following the club's relegation that he was in discussions to invest in them.

www.givemefootball.com/championship/fernandes-considering-canaries-investment



AFP Football: M'sian tycoon eyes Norwich, West Ham

Tony Fernandes revealed Friday he could be interesed in investing in promoted EPL side Norwich. -AFP

Fri, May 27, 2011
AFP

NORWICH, England - Malaysian aviation tycoon Tony Fernandes revealed Friday he could be interesed in investing in promoted English Premier League side Norwich after considering doing so last year.

Team Lotus principal Fernandes decided against putting money into the Canaries while they were in League One, preferring to focus on his Norfolk-based Formula One outfit.

The 47-year-old Air Asia founder told the Norwich Advertiser: "We talked, we talked definitely and there was a whole emotional appeal of everything Norfolk and green and yellow, and it made sense.

"And there's no reason why we can't work together in the future and do things together."

Norwich, who recorded debts of £23 milion (S$46.6 million) last year, will return to the Premier League next season after a six year absence.

"I'm thrilled at what's happened at Norwich - and I've also got to know my own capabilities in life and you don't want to give yourself indigestion," added Fernandes, who failed in an attempt to buy West Ham at the start of 2010.

"It's fun - I tried to buy West Ham and failed, and it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me."

A Hammers fan, Fernandes also revealed following the club's relegation that he was in discussions to invest in them.

Fernandes lost out to David Sullivan and David Gold at the start of 2010 but with estimated debts of £80 million the Malaysian may step in to replace the current owners.

"If the fans want me to get involved I will," Fernandes said on his Twitter account recently. "It's a great club and we fans have suffered too long. Discussions have taken place. Long way to go but a good frank start."

He added: "Have to go on radio silence now out of respect to the owners. I know what I need. Let's see if we can do it. From dark days come lots of positive. Has happened to many (people) many times. Love to all Hammers."


business.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20110527-281104.html


A few days later...

June 1, 2011 Guardian/Jamie Jackson

Team Lotus owner Tony Fernandes announces West Ham bid on Twitter

• Malaysian Formula One team owner says 'offer has gone in'
• Sam Allardyce 'bemused' by possibility of club's sale

Tony Fernandes, the Team Lotus Formula One owner, has claimed he has made an offer to buy West Ham United from David Gold and David Sullivan. The news took Sam Allardyce by surprise with the new manager, whose appointment was confirmed this morning, stating that he had been convinced to join West Ham after receiving assurances regarding the club's stability.

The Malaysian businessman wrote on Twitter: "For all you West Ham fans an offer has gone to the present owners of West Ham. Let's see if they accept. [There] won't be any more statements on West Ham [I'm just] keeping fans informed. Now we have to just respect the process. If something happens it happens. If it goes quiet it goes quiet."

When asked for his reaction Allardyce told Sky Sports News: "I'm bemused by the statement but my information, having spoken to David Sullivan, was that he was not wanting to sell West Ham because it's his club, it's the club he has always supported.

"That was one of the reasons why I took the job, because I didn't want any fractions in terms of change of ownerships because my reputation has already suffered, wrongly so, by new ownerships at Newcastle [United] and Blackburn [Rovers], disposing of my services when there was no real credibility in that other than the fact that they were new owners and they didn't want me. It wasn't down to results, it wasn't down to how I'd performed as a manager. If that's the case [that Fernandes has made an offer], and that materialised, then I'm surprised at that."

Fernandes came close to buying the club in January 2010 but was beaten to the purchase by the current owners, but Sullivan said: "We've had no offer from Tony. We just think any serious bidder would make an offer in private not through Twitter."

When Gold, speaking to Sky Sports News, was informed of Fernandes's claim, he said: "That's news to me – I certainly haven't heard any information regarding this, it's interesting. We're interested in finance coming into the football club, we welcome that. I'd be happy to sit down with Tony to [discuss him] joining the board. Let's hope it's serious – we'd welcome another investor."

Asked if he would be tempted to sell the club outright, Gold said: "I don't know. It's really bizarre that somebody should start negotiations by Twitter."

www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/01/tony-fernandes-west-ham-team-lotus

The Sun - Fernandes in ‘joke bid’ rant
By BEN HUNT
Published: 04 Jun 2011

TONY FERNANDES has blasted West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold after the duo laughed off his bid to buy the club.

Fernandes, who owns the Lotus Formula One team and airline AirAsia, submitted an offer to buy the Hammers on Thursday.

But Sullivan labelled the bid derisory and hit back saying that 'Fernandes wanted to buy 51 per cent of the club for two bob'.

And now West Ham fan Fernandes has launched a stinging attack on Gold and Sullivan by criticising their running of the club.

On Twitter he said: "Make up your mind Sullivan and Gold. One minute you say no offer, then you say it's a joke offer. It was a good offer with good money and brought in good people.

"Gold and Sullivan can say whatever they want.

"I have been a lifelong fan and would have brought good money, good ideas, new people and a new belief.

"As for PR stunts. Wow. They are always in the press making huge claims.

"Were we not supposed to be in Europe?

"Now we've been relegated. Two sacked managers. All the good players will be sold.

"No new training ground, which is the most important ingredient I feel. Look at how many injuries we have.

"And we need more investment into the academy."

Malaysian businessman Fernandes, 47, first launched a bid to buy the club back in 2009 but lost out to Sullivan and Gold

www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3617482/West-Ham-bidder-Tony-Fernandes-in-Twitter-rant.html

___________


The Previous year (2010)


January 2010 Telegraph

Tony Fernandes poised to launch takeover bid for West Ham
Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes appears poised to launch a takeover bid for West Ham United.
Fernandes poised to launch takeover bit for West Ham

By Jason Burt 04 Jan 2010

Fernandes, the founder and driving force behind the highly successful AirAsia airline, is a lifelong West Ham supporter and has been in sporadic talks about taking a stake in the Premier League club for several months.

Telegraph Sport disclosed in November that Fernandes had met West Ham chairman Andrew Bernhardt in Kuala Lumpur but the pair could not agree a deal. Talks have continued with, it is believed, Fernandes finally deciding that he wants to invest in the club.

Indeed it is possible that a resolution to West Ham's ownership may be found this week even though the club's owner, CB Holding, maintains it is in no hurry to sell.

Two other bidders have submitted offers. Last week David Sullivan, the former Birmingham City co-owner, underwent the second stage of the due diligence process. On Monday night the Intermarket Group claimed it had met Rothschild, the bank that has been engaged by Bernhardt to sift through the offers, and will formally submit a bid in writing on Tuesday.

Even so, it is Fernandes's bid that has caused the greatest excitement given his track-record for innovative ideas, flair and growing businesses as well as his passion for sport. He is also team principal of the Lotus Formula One team. The businessman is also firmly committed to supporting manager Gianfranco Zola and met the Italian after the Boxing Day victory over Portsmouth.

Fernandes, 45, is expected to attend Sunday's league match at home to Wolves and there is a sense of anticipation around West Ham that the club may be able to make a positive announcement prior to the fixture which could provide a launchpad for the rest of their season.

www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/6933401/Tony-Fernandes-poised-to-launch-takeover-bid-for-West-Ham.html



-

February 13 2010

Lotus chief Fernandes rules out football investment

zeenews.india.com/news/sports/lotus-chief-fernandes-rules-out-football-investment_603717.html

Lotus chief Fernandes rules out football investment London: Lotus Formula One chief Tony Fernandes has ruled out investing in an English football club in the near future following his failed attempt to buy West Ham United last month.

The team principal of Lotus Racing has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs, including cash-stricken Portsmouth, and League One (third division) Norwich City.

The Malaysian businessman and founder of the AirAsia airline was involved in negotiations to buy West Ham before the London club was sold to former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan.

Lotus chief Fernandes rules out football investment
Asked on Friday if he was ruling out investing in English football in the near future, Fernandes said: "Yes, I think so.”

Lotus chief Fernandes rules out football investment
"Everything happens for the best and maybe the best was not for West Ham but to focus on motor racing for the moment."

Speaking at the launch of Lotus's car in London, Fernandes recognised the danger in over-extending his commitments beyond motorsport.

"There is always a danger (in spreading your resources too thinly)," he said. "You have to pick the right time to do the right things. I think there are huge opportunities in sport.”

"It is going through a little state of flux and the easy money is gone so sensible businessmen will come in and give their money to the right places and monetise those assets."

Fernandes said there were still opportunities for investors to profit from sport.

"People aren't getting tired of watching sport, it is just the financial way it's been run that has caused the problems," he said.

"There is no lack of appetite for going to watch sport, in fact I think it is probably the best time."

NEW TEAMS

Lotus are one of four new teams joining Formula One for the 2010 season that gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 14.

The Lotus brand is returning to the grid for the first time since 1994 with drivers Jarno Trulli of Italy and Finn Heikki Kovalainen behind the wheel.

The team are without a principal sponsor after Malaysian oil company Petronas opted to back Mercedes.

Fernandes, though, is confident they can secure sufficient finance and said the relationship between sponsors and Formula One was changing.

"Today sponsors will see a real car," he said. "They will see the enormous expenditure that we put out there.”

"People have said to me today that ours was the biggest launch of any car this season. That shows the power we have and I am sure we will attract the right sort of people to come in and support us.”

"It is not just about putting stickers on the cars, there are many other ways of getting revenue. We don't want to say too much at the moment but we have other sponsors in the pipeline," added Fernandes.

Bureau Report

[Macmoish]

I'm hoping that Fernandes buys out Britore-Ecclestone (and Mittal stays and increases holding) doesn't mean we should lie on our backs and put our paws in the air and just accept the new owner without scepticism or questioning.

I'll leave the kowtowing to those who skit from fawning over whoever is in charge!

As President Ronald Reagan used to quote the Russian Proverb: "Trust but Verify" - Äîâåðÿé, íî ïðîâåðÿé. Davehr'yay, noh praver'yay

[Macmoish]

9 Years ago today...

Aug 16, 2011 8:58:25 GMT Macmoish said:

May 27, 2011

Air Asia's Tony Fernandes eyes Norwich, West Ham

www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_673319.html

NORWICH - MALAYSIAN aviation tycoon Tony Fernandes revealed on Friday he could be interested in investing in promoted English Premier League side Norwich after considering doing so last year.

Team Lotus principal Fernandes decided against putting money into the Canaries while they were in League One, preferring to focus on his Norfolk-based Formula One outfit.

The 47-year-old Air Asia founder told the Norwich Advertiser: 'We talked, we talked definitely and there was a whole emotional appeal of everything Norfolk and green and yellow, and it made sense.'

'And there's no reason why we can't work together in the future and do things together.' Norwich, who recorded debts of 23 million pounds (S$46.7 million) last year, will return to the Premier League next season after a six year absence.

'I'm thrilled at what's happened at Norwich - and I've also got to know my own capabilities in life and you don't want to give yourself indigestion,' added Fernandes, who failed in an attempt to buy West Ham at the start of 2010.

'It's fun - I tried to buy West Ham and failed, and it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me.' -- AFP

www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_673319.html


PFA's Give Me Football

Fernandes considering Canaries investment
Norwich - Tony Fernandes says he would is still interested in putting money into the club

By GMF Editor May 27, 2011

Team Lotus principal Tony Fernandes has revealed he would once again consider investing in Norwich after admitting he pondered doing so last year.

The Malaysian entrepreneur decided against putting money into the Canaries while they were in League One, preferring to focus on his Norfolk-based Formula One outfit.

The 47-year-old Air Asia founder - said to be worth more than £185million - said in the Norwich Evening News: "We talked, we talked definitely and there was a whole emotional appeal of everything Norfolk and green and yellow and it made sense. There's no reason why we can't work together in the future and do things together."

Norwich this month secured historic back-to-back promotions to return to the Barclays Premier League.

"I'm thrilled at what's happened at Norwich - and I've also got to know my own capabilities in life and you don't want to give yourself indigestion," added Fernandes, who failed in an attempt to buy West Ham at the start of 2010.

"It's fun - I tried to buy West Ham and failed and it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me."

A Hammers fan, Fernandes also revealed following the club's relegation that he was in discussions to invest in them.

www.givemefootball.com/championship/fernandes-considering-canaries-investment

[Macmoish]

And once Fernandes was all set to take over at QPR (which I welcomed)...

Aug 16, 2011 12:21:18 GMT Macmoish said:

I'm hoping that Fernandes buys out Britore-Ecclestone (and Mittal stays and increases holding) doesn't mean we should lie on our backs and put our paws in the air and just accept the new owner without scepticism or questioning.

I'll leave the kowtowing to those who skit from fawning over whoever is in charge!

As President Ronald Reagan used to quote the Russian Proverb: "Trust but Verify" - Äîâåðÿé, íî ïðîâåðÿé. Davehr'yay, noh praver'yay

[Macmoish]

6 years

[Macmoish]

Flashback 7 Years today...

Football: M'sian tycoon eyes Norwich, West Ham

Tony Fernandes revealed Friday he could be interesed in investing in promoted EPL side Norwich. -AFP

Fri, May 27, 2011
AFP

NORWICH, England - Malaysian aviation tycoon Tony Fernandes revealed Friday he could be interesed in investing in promoted English Premier League side Norwich after considering doing so last year.

Team Lotus principal Fernandes decided against putting money into the Canaries while they were in League One, preferring to focus on his Norfolk-based Formula One outfit.

The 47-year-old Air Asia founder told the Norwich Advertiser: "We talked, we talked definitely and there was a whole emotional appeal of everything Norfolk and green and yellow, and it made sense.

"And there's no reason why we can't work together in the future and do things together."

Norwich, who recorded debts of £23 milion (S$46.6 million) last year, will return to the Premier League next season after a six year absence.

"I'm thrilled at what's happened at Norwich - and I've also got to know my own capabilities in life and you don't want to give yourself indigestion," added Fernandes, who failed in an attempt to buy West Ham at the start of 2010.

"It's fun - I tried to buy West Ham and failed, and it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me."

A Hammers fan, Fernandes also revealed following the club's relegation that he was in discussions to invest in them.

Fernandes lost out to David Sullivan and David Gold at the start of 2010 but with estimated debts of £80 million the Malaysian may step in to replace the current owners.

"If the fans want me to get involved I will," Fernandes said on his Twitter account recently. "It's a great club and we fans have suffered too long. Discussions have taken place. Long way to go but a good frank start."

He added: "Have to go on radio silence now out of respect to the owners. I know what I need. Let's see if we can do it. From dark days come lots of positive. Has happened to many (people) many times. Love to all Hammers."


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[Macmoish]

Flashback 10 Years