Gianni Paladini to Nottingham Forest?

[Macmoish]

This is a couple weeks old, but I just saw it

Daily Mail/Charles Sale

Paladini’s Forest talks

Gianni Paladini, former QPR chairman, has had talks with the executors of the estate of late Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty over a future role at the club. The link with Paladini is through Doughty’s son Michael being on QPR’s books. Pala-dini is hopeful of some Forest involvement although those trying to sell the Championship club don’t see Paladini as part of any takeover plans

www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-2143225/Olympic-delegates-dubious-flying-arrangements--Charles-Sale.html

[klr]

Wont happen, but I think he'd get rumbled pretty quickly up there & ejected a lot sooner / more forcefully than he was at QPR.

[klr]

Maybe a position would open for Free Seat Pete up at The City Ground ?

He was good at greasing poles ( forgive the sexual euphemism / analogy ), need some greasy poles greasing ? Give Free Seat Pete a call, greasy pole greaser par excellence.

[Lonegunmen]

West Ham fan leaves QPR for Forest life long fan

[Macmoish]

I think they're a couple of former QPR players at Forest...!

[Lonegunmen]

Will he move Blackstock on? Will Bernie be making a comeback?

[Macmoish]

Or maybe not?!

www.sport360.com/article/nottingham-forest-favourites-edge-leeds-kuwaiti-takeover

Nottingham Forest favourites to edge Leeds for Kuwaiti takeover

May 30, 2012

Going head-to-head: Nottm Forest and Leeds could be the beneficiaries of investment from the Gulf.

Are Leeds United the next target for Gulf investment?Getafe still waiting on money from Dubai investors
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The manager of Fawaz al-Hasawi's office has confirmed to Sport360° that the Kuwaiti businessman is closing in on the takeover of an unnamed English Championship club.

Fevered speculation this morning had initially suggested al-Hasawi, chairman of the Qadsia club, was close to finalising a deal to buy out Ken Bates at Leeds United.

However, conflicting reports then emerged that the Kuwaiti was in actual fact keen on taking over another 'fallen giant' steeped in rich history in the shape of Nottingham Forest.

Sattam al-Sahli, a respected football journalist in Kuwait, who writes for EurosportArabia among other publications, said that he is sure that al-Hasawi is buying Forest and not Leeds.

It's a view supported by influential blogger in the region Mishari Buyabis, who told his 140,000 twitter followers that he was sure it wasn't Leeds – while also suggesting Forest was the most likely club.

Indeed, the fact that the deal appears to be for total ownership also indicates it's more likely to be Forest as Leeds supremo Bates is understood to more receptive to investment rather than a complete sale of the club he took over in January 2005.

However, Jamal Mubarak, a close confidant of al-Hasawi, has added to the mystery by refusing to divulge the name of the club when contacted by Sport360°.

While confirming that there is an interest in a Championship club he insists the name of which won't be revealed for another fortnight. "The identity of the club is still a secret and will be for another two weeks," he said. "It is definitely in the English second tier [Championship]."

Al-Hasawi is a member of a prominent business family in Kuwait, who has made his fortune from companies in refrigeration and electro-mechanical contracting.

He hit the headlines on Tuesday when he revealed that a deal “for a second tier English club” was indeed imminent — a club that “has a big history in football”. However, he did also say that he won't reveal the name of the club until the end of June.

Several Kuwaiti papers this morning reported that al-Hasawi had submitted his resignation from his position as chairman of Qadsia, leading to intense speculation that a takeover of an English club was nearing conclusion.

Both Leeds and Forest fans will be optimistic al-Hasawi will choose their respective clubs as they seek the investment they hope will propel them back to the heady days of yesteryear.

Leeds United, the last winners of the English First Division before the inception of the Premier League in 1992, have fallen on hard times since experiencing crippling financial problems in their foolhardy pursuit of Champions League glory in 2001.

Having spent three years in League One, the Elland Road club are now firmly established in the Championship, and such an investment could help propel the club back to where its fans believe it belongs.

Forest, meanwhile, are in a similar position to Leeds having lost their top-flight status in 1999 and also having faced the ignominy of slipping down to the third tier of English football.

The tragic death earlier this year of owner and lifelong fan Nigel Doughty, who is said to have poured in over £40million of his own fortune in his 13 years in charge, had left the club facing an uncertain future.

[RoryTheRanger]

Would much rather see Notts Forest bought by rich people than scummy Leeds.

[Macmoish]

Nott Forest Official Site

Statement From The Board

Posted on: Thu 31 May 2012

The board of NFFC confirm that they are unable to respond to media speculation regarding the club's future ownership.

The club sale process is being driven by the estate of Nigel Doughty and by Seymour Pierce as previously announced.

[Macmoish]

This is Nottingham

Nottingham Forest takeover talks continue - but are not thought to include Kuwaiti Fawaz Al-Hasawi

NOTTINGHAM Forest could take a step closer to finding new owners next week, with a preliminary meeting understood to be scheduled with a potential buyer.

But the group is not thought to include Kuwaiti business man Fawaz Al-Hasawi.

Several reports have linked Al Hasawi – said to be from one of the richest families in his home country – with a move for the Reds, after he revealed on Kuwaiti television that he was looking to buy an English second-tier club.

Club officials last night issued a statement insisting they 'could not comment' on media speculation, but that is largely because they are not actively involved in the negotiations, which are being handled by bank Seymour Pierce on behalf of the estate of Nigel Doughty.

But Post sources indicate that, while there has been contact from interested parties, there has been not been any from people connected to Al Hasawi.

Further meetings are understood to be taking place early next week, but any agreement is a long way from completion.

www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/story-16248226-detail/story.html?

[Macmoish]

I wonder if they know any more, or just based on the old story.
Warnock did say very nice things about Paladini when he left - as did Warnock's assistants.

Yorkshire Evening Post re Warnock & leeds and Nottingham Forest and Paladini and Warnock...

"...And with takeover talk seemingly about to come to fruition at divisional rivals Nottingham Forest, it is in United’s interests to get Warnock some money to spend and fast.

Desperate

The suggestion is that the City Ground outfit’s struggles last term have not dissuaded Gianni Paladini, one of the men responsible for recruiting Warnock at QPR, from completing a buyout.

www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-warnock-may-give-us-our-biggest-clue-1-4628394

[londonranger]

Could he be planning to take over the board while surviving another death threat?

[blueeyedcptcook]

Nottingham Forest, would be ideal for Gianni. What a better place for a "Robbing Hood."

[Deleted]

Jun 9, 2012 1:03:01 GMT blueeyedcptcook said:

Nottingham Forest, would be ideal for Gianni. What a better place for a "Robbing Hood."

you mean the prince of thieves

[Lonegunmen]

Did he ever pay back the loan (Interest free loan that is) and did he ever contribute towards the 850k fine which his incompetance cost the club?

[Macmoish]

And a year ago, I was shocked. Shocked to learn....!

"Shock: Gianni Paladini was Leaking About Graham"

qprreport.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=23234

[Macmoish]

Will it...Won't it be our man?

BBC

Nottingham Forest on the brink of a takeover

Nottingham Forest's new club sponsor says a takeover of the club is imminent and chief executive Mark Arthur admits interest from more than one party.

Adam Pye, who is the managing director of new sponsor John Pye & Sons, told BBC East Midlands Today: "It is imminent we are told and so exciting.

"Hopefully we will be talking to you in 10 days time with more exciting news."

The club's chief executive Mark Arthur added: "There is good interest in the club, not from just one party."

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18412335

[blueeyedcptcook]

A little bit smelly if Gianni has his finger in the Pye. ;D

[Macmoish]

Updated/Lengthier. But not with additional insight

BBC

Nottingham Forest on the brink of a takeover

Nottingham Forest's new club sponsor says a takeover of the club is imminent while the Reds chief executive Mark Arthur has admitted there is interest from more than one party.

Adam Pye, who is the managing director of new sponsor John Pye & Sons, told BBC East Midlands Today: "It is imminent we are told and so exciting.

"Hopefully we will be talking to you in 10 days time with more exciting news."

Arthur added: "There is good interest in the club, not from just one party."

The Reds chief executive continued: "We do not know who they are and where they come from.

Use accessible player and disable flyout menusTakeover 'exciting', says Reds sponsor
"We are hopeful the new owners will be in for the start the season, but we can't say that for certain.

"The process is not being handled by anyone at Nottingham Forest and all that John Pelling [finance director], Frank Clark [chairman] and myself do is answer questions that are put to us.

"It is a very difficult situation for everyone working at Nottingham Forest, it is a very difficult situation for all the fans. We are in it together.

"There is no timescale at the moment. We have told them the dates of when players report back and when they season starts.

"If the owners are to have an impact on next season they need to be in Nottingham the sooner the better."

Forest have been for sale since October 2011 when Nigel Doughty resigned as chairman but his death in February has made the sale more complicated.

The club's sale is being handled by merchant bank Seymour Pierce.

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18412335

[Macmoish]

Kuwaiti still in the running for Nottingham Forest takeover
www.sport360.com/article/kuwaiti-still-running-nottingham-forest-takeover

Jun 12, 20121

Takeover talk: Forest are the subject of interest from a number of groups.

es
Nottingham Forest favourites to edge Leeds for Kuwaiti takeoverAre Leeds United the next target for Gulf investment?

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Nottingham Forest chief executive Mark Arthur has confirmed there is interest from more than one party in taking over the English Championship club.

Forest have been the subject of intense speculation over a takeover for weeks with Sport360° reporting last month that a Kuwaiti consortium was one of the groups to have expressed an interest.

Indeed, sources close to Sport360° in Kuwait continue to insist that is the case, while it's our understanding there are two other parties also interested in taking over the City Ground outfit.

Reds chief executive Arthur admits he is in the dark as to the identity of those keen on the club with merchant bank Seymour Pierce handling the sale.

"There is good interest in the club, not from just one party. We do not know who they are and where they come from," confirmed Arthur. "We are hopeful the new owners will be in for the start the season, but we can't say that for certain.

"The process is not being handled by anyone at Nottingham Forest and all that John Pelling [finance director], Frank Clark [chairman] and myself do is answer questions that are put to us.

"It is a very difficult situation for everyone working at Nottingham Forest, it is a very difficult situation for all the fans. We are in it together.

"There is no timescale at the moment. We have told them the dates of when players report back and when they season starts. If the owners are to have an impact on next season they need to be in Nottingham the sooner the better."

Kuwaiti businessman Fawaz al-Hasawi has been credited with an interest in the club after his spokeman confirmed to Sport360° that he was indeed keen on a club in the "English second tier".

Sattam al-Sahli, a respected football journalist in Kuwait, who writes for EurosportArabia among other publications, has said he is sure that al-Hasawi is buying Forest and not Championship rivals Leeds United, as had initially been reported.

Jamal Mubarak, a close confidant of al-Hasawi, confirmed to Sport360°on May 30 that the businessman was interested in a Championship club, but refused to reveal whether it was Forest or not.

"The identity of the club is still a secret and will be for another two weeks," he said. "It is definitely in the English second tier [Championship]."

Sources in Kuwait maintain there is genuine interest from Al-Hasawi, a Liverpool fan who has been an admirer of Forest since he was young, according to one source.

The businessman is a member of a prominent family in Kuwait and made his fortune from companies in refrigeration and electro-mechanical contracting.

Meanwhile, Forest's new club sponsor has added to the growing speculation by claiming a takeover of the club is imminent lending support to the notion that the Kuwaitis are in the driving seat to buy the club.

Adam Pye, who is the managing director of new sponsor John Pye & Sons, told the BBC: "It is imminent we are told and so exciting. Hopefully we will be talking to you in 10 days time with more exciting news."

Al Hawasi's spokesmen was unavailable for comment when contacted by Sport360° on Tuesday night.

[Macmoish]

Paladini to Nott Forest stories are back....

This is from the Mail which doesn't mention Paladini, but given the relationship with Warnock...?

Kuwaiti businessman Al-Hasawi keen to appoint Warnock once Forest takeover is complete
By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 16:00 EST, 27 June 2012 | UPDATED: 16:01 EST, 27 June 2012


Wanted man: Warnock joined Leeds in February
Leeds manager Neil Warnock will become a managerial target for Nottingham Forest once mega-rich Fawaz Al-Hasawi completes his proposed takeover.
The Kuwaiti businessman is continuing with his attempts to take control at the City Ground and sees Warnock as the man he wants to lead them out of the Championship.
Warnock’s future at Elland Road is unclear as talks regarding a big-money takeover of their own continue.
The manager has been forced to put his transfer plans on hold while discussions over new investment are completed.
And Al-Hasawi is keen to take advantage of any uncertainty over Warnock’s future by moving to make the ex-QPR boss their new manager.
Existing manager Steve Cotterill is unlikely to keep his job at the City Ground should Al-Hasawi complete his takeover.

www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2165648/Fawaz-Al-Hasawi-wants-Neil-Warnock-Nottingham-Forest-manager.html#ixzz1z4IB7idx

[Macmoish]

The only question is whether Gianni is involved with this

Nottingham F

Statement From The Board
Posted on: Fri 29 Jun 2012

The Board of Directors of Nottingham Forest can confirm that the estate of Nigel Doughty has granted an exclusive period of negotiation to Messrs. Fawaz, Abdulaziz & Omar Al-Hasawi over the potential purchase of the club.

Advisors on behalf of the Al-Hasawi family are conducting the usual buyer's due diligence, assisted by the estate and senior management at the football club.

At this time we ask fans to ignore all media speculation and we will update supporters as soon as there is anything material to report.

In the meantime, the renewal period for season tickets remains extended until such time as there is certainty with regard to the ownership of the club.

The Board of Nottingham Forest would like to thank supporters for their patience and understanding at this difficult time.

The Board will not be making any further comment at this time.

www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10308~2827396,00.html

[Macmoish]

Statement

alfresco.nffc.co.uk/images/FB/Images/Press_Statement_Al_Hasawi_Family_29th_June_2012.pdf

[Macmoish]

Football 360

AL-HASAWI EXPECTED TO SPEND HEAVILY AT NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Jun 29, 2012 213

"Al-Hasawi is one of the richest men in Kuwait" and he is close to buying Nottingham Forest.

Fawaz Al-Hasawi is expected to invest heavily on Nottingham Forest once his takeover of the club is finalised, a source close to the Kuwaiti businessman has suggested.

As Sport360 reported back in May, Al-Hasawi is set to buy the Championship club, and the Forest website today confirmed that the current board are in “exclusive negotiations” with him with regards to a buyout.

Al-Hasawi is also the current president of Kuwaiti Premier League giants Qadsia. He took over as president of Qadsiya in 2010 having been on the board since 200, taking over from Talal AL-Sabah, who had been chair for 13 years.

And our source explained the financial impact he has made since taking over the club.

"He has a big Real Estate business and he is one of the richest men in Kuwait along with his brothers. His brother in law is from the ruling family in Kuwait,” the source told Sport360.

"He is crazy about football and he pays for everything at Qadsia including the purchase of players, bringing in coaches, paying salaries, and even for the stadium, and prize money.”

And the investment from Al-Hasawi is certainly paying off. Qadsiya have won back-to-back championships under his reign as well as two Kuwat Emir Cups, and the Kuwait Federations Cup.

"Qadsiya is the best club in Kuwait and it used to be one of the best in Asia,” the source added.

Al-Hasawi’s love for football and previous experience of spending heavily to breed results is potentially great news for Forest fans, who are surely desperate to see their club attempt to return to the glory days.
www.sport360.com/article/al-hasawi-expected-spend-heavily-nottingham-forest?

[RoryTheRanger]

I have to say I hope Notts Forest get promoted as my dad comes from the area. Always had a soft spot for them.

[Macmoish]

Ha!

The Sun from May 2012

Fawaz linked with Forest

THE 'WAIT IS OVER ... Kuwait businessman Fawaz Al-Hasawi is set for Forest
By ANDREW HAIGH
Published: 31st May 2012
MEGA-RICH Kuwaiti businessman Fawaz Al-Hasawi is closing on a takeover of a Championship club — believed to be Nottingham Forest.

Football nut Al-Hasawi, who is a member of one of the Kuwait’s wealthiest families, will today fly into London to complete the formalities of the deal.

Writing on Twitter last night he revealed he would be out of the country on business and told his followers “...in the coming days you will hear news.”

He resigned as president of Kuwait’s biggest football club Qadsia SC earlier this week and told national TV he was buying an English second-tier side.

He said: “It’s an English club. We have signed an agreement and hopefully within two weeks things will become very clear.”

Al-Hasawi would not reveal the name of the club but when pressed, he added: “Not in the Premier League but in the first (division).

“This club is better than any of what you have mentioned like Watford or Brighton. The club has rich history.”

Al-Hasawi’s comments sparked rumours he could be set to bid for Leeds United who revealed this week they are in talks over long-term investment.

But SunSport understands it is Nottingham Forest who he is hoping to land in a multi-million pound deal.

Forest have been on the market since the sudden death of owner Nigel Doughty in February.

Doughty had pumped £75million of his own fortune into his beloved team, who under-performed and narrowly avoided relegation to League One last season.

Forest were yesterday unable to confirm Al-Hasawi’s offer as the sale of the club is being dealt with by London-based investment bank Seymour Pierce.

Seymour Pierce have a history of working with Middle East-based businessmen and advised Kuwaiti Rafed Al Khorafi’s ill-fated attempt to buy Liverpool in 2008.

SunSport was last night unable to confirm if Seymour Pierce were in fact in negotiations with Al-Hasawi on behalf of Doughty’s estate.

Al-Hasawi’s close friend Jamal Mubarak said: “We can’t reveal the name of the British club, as Fawaz Al-Hasawi signed an agreement to keep this information secret.

“But he will announce the name by next week. Of course anything may happen or come in the way of completing the deal.

“However, most probably it’s definitive.”

During his TV interview on Tuesday night, Al-Hasawi claimed he previously attempted to buy a majority stake in QPR but pulled out when the terms of the deal changed.

He said: “About QPR, we went there saw the stadium, we went in. We couldn’t reach an agreement on the percentage of ownership.

“I was expecting that they would sell me 52 per cent, so I could take control of the club.

“However, when we were about to sign they said no it will be 30 per cent.”

Controversially, Al-Hawasi was quoted as saying he wanted current Leeds boss Neil Warnock to be the manager of his new club after being impressed by him during QPR’s promotion season.

Warnock only arrived at Elland Road in February and had revealed ambitious plans to try win promotion next term — a record-breaking eighth in his career.

The former Sheffield United manager last week claimed he was frustrated with attempts to bolster his squad with just Portsmouth defender Jason Pearce signed so far this summer.

Al-Hawasi was reported to have said: “The same coach that coached QPR and propelled them to the Premier League... we are now negotiating with him to coach the English team I’m buying.”

Al-Hasawi’s family made their fortune in the refrigeration business, although his exact wealth is unclear.

www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4347883/Nottingham-Forest-set-to-be-taken-over-by-Fawaz-Al-Hasawi.html

[Macmoish]

Remember about 15-18 months ago, talk of a Sheik buying QPR. Wonder if this was him?

EDIT: Here this story - Was two years ago

The SUn

EXCLUSIVE
Hoops set for a sheikh up
By PAUL JIGGINS
Published: 14 May 2010

QPR could become the next English team taken over by a rich sheikh.
An Arab businessman is in talks to buy 51 per cent of the club.

Most of that stake is believed to be owned by former Hoops chairman Flavio Briatore. He quit in February but retained his shareholding.

It is understood the unnamed bidder approached the west London club last month.

Talks have reached an advanced stage and a senior club source said: “A deal could be announced as early as next week.”

www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2973850/Hoops-set-for-a-sheikh-up.html

[Macmoish]

[Macmoish]

As I was saying...

[Lonegunmen]

I wonder if his friends will leave us to become life long Forest fans?