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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House 08:04 - Jan 8 with 2982 viewsRAFCBLUE

With yesterday's very brief announcement from the club which noted that Morton House had filed court actions against the Supporters Trust and the Board of Directors, it looks inevitable the EFL are going to be dragged into the court process.

Over Summer 2021, the EFL were very involved and vocal. Here is the timeline:

INTERVENTION 1. END OF JULY - There was a meeting hosted by the EFL between Morton House and the club reported by the Daily Telegraph.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/08/05/efl-investigating-homophobic-slu

A self-confessed “hostile takeover” of Rochdale has sparked a homophobia row after one of those involved was accused of calling the current board “Nancy boys”.

Andy Curran, part of a takeover bid by Morton House MGT and First Form Construction Ltd, was also alleged to have called the people of the town “small minded” and to have “expressed a desire to settle any dispute with a physical fight in a boxing ring”.

The slurs were said to have been made during a Zoom call last Tuesday between the English Football League (EFL) and those trying to buy the League Two club.


The Football Association charged Andy Curran which was reported in the Manchester Evening News on 29th October 2021. The FA have yet to conclude their investigation and report.

INTERVENTION 2. 5TH AUGUST 2021 - FIRST FORMAL EFL STATEMENT

https://www.efl.com/news/2021/august/efl-statement-rochdale-afc/

The EFL continues to work with Rochdale AFC, Morton House Mgt and First Form Construction Limited alongside a number of other individuals in relation to applications under the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors‘ Test.

Based on discussions to date, the EFL has reserved its position in respect of any matters arising out of the ongoing situation at the Club and will take the most appropriate action available to it under its Regulations.

Any allegations in relation to discriminatory comments are matters for the Football Association which can investigate any individual who is subject to the FA Rules at the time the comments were allegedly made.

The EFL will continue to work with the Club and relevant stakeholders as they seek to ensure a successful and viable long-term future for the Club and all those associated with it, particularly its players, staff, and supporters.


INTERVENTION 3. 16 AUGUST 2021 - SECOND FORMAL EFL STATEMENT AND NOTICE ISSUED TO "MULTIPLE INDIVIDUALS" ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF EFL DISCIPLINARY INVESTIGATIONS

https://www.efl.com/news/2021/august/efl-statement-rochdale-afc2/

On 16 August 2021, in accordance with its Regulations, the EFL issued notice to multiple individuals of the commencement of disciplinary investigations in respect to the acquisition of shares in Rochdale Association Football Club.

It is alleged that Morton House MGT acquired Control of the Club, and a number of individuals became Relevant Persons without the prior consent of the EFL in accordance with the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT).

The EFL’s objective was to gather additional evidence as it continued to investigate whether the Club, any Official, any Relevant Person(s) and/or any Persons wishing to acquire Control of the Club complied with the requirements of the OADT and whether any Relevant Person(s) are subject to a Disqualifying Condition.

Having considered the request for information made of them, Morton House MGT, on behalf of its directors, and representatives, has now informed the League that it is formally withdrawing from the approval process and plans to divest the shares acquired in the Club at the earliest opportunity.

Furthermore, Morton House MGT, its directors, and representatives, have confirmed to the League they are refusing to co-operate with the League’s ongoing investigations. Despite these developments, the EFL will be continuing with its disciplinary investigations into this matter and will take the most appropriate action available to it under its Regulations.

More importantly, the EFL will continue to work with Rochdale AFC as we collectively seek to ensure a successful and sustainable long-term future for the Club and all those associated with it, particularly its players, staff, and supporters.


INTERVENTION 4? EFL ACTIVITY SINCE 16 AUGUST 2021

Sweet FA

The EFL now has a massive problem coming.

On 16th August they publicly said:

More importantly, the EFL will continue to work with Rochdale AFC as we collectively seek to ensure a successful and sustainable long-term future for the Club and all those associated with it, particularly its players, staff, and supporters.

So where is this "collectively"?

The EFL by now must have had all they are going to have in terms of evidence. The club say they are complying; the EFL say Morton House are "refusing to co-operate with the League's ongoing investigations"

So:
(a) The EFL can conclude if their share transfer process was correctly followed or not

If the EFL's share transfer process was followed and there is no issue then the EFL need to come out and publicly confirm that.

If the EFL's share transfer process was NOT followed, then there is a breach of the rules and that means disciplinary charges either:

(b) The EFL have gathered or have had provided the relevant information so they can make a disciplinary charge or they can't.

I could see a situation where shareholders prior to the AGM sue the EFL for a failure to to properly regulate.

Either the EFL's rules have been followed or they have not.

It is no more difficult than that.

And if Morton House are so sure of their position then I am certain that in a court of law in the UK they will have no issue at all of sharing all the information that the EFL wanted in the first place in the High Court.

Let's be honest, most supporters know more about Morton House, Andrew Curran, Darrell Rose, Faical Safouane, Denise Valarie Courtnell and Matthew Southall from supporter led research between Summer 2021 and now.

The good news for all of us is that the court processes in the UK move really slowly, especially after Covid.

The High Court has a massive backlog of work going back two years. Inevitably, this will be stuck in a queue of other cases until it reaches the judge.

It might be Christmas 2022 (at the very earliest) before anything actually happens as the way lawyers have to work involves filing paperwork, reading paperwork, responding and there is a lot of back and forth.

You only have to look at other public examples of civil claims and their lawyers tactics to realise how a legal process that someone is defending can be challenged.

Plenty of time for the EFL to update us all on how they see Morton House engaging with fans "collectively" when Morton House don't want to talk to the EFL.

And particularly when Morton House are trying to divest "at the earliest opportunity"

Perhaps all they really want is Dale Trust to buy their shares because no one else will pay the ridiculous "in excess of £1 million to date in consideration for shares, due diligence and legal costs" as Alexander Jarvis described to the Manchester Evening News on 12th August 2021.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/businessman

George Bernard Shaw had it right: "He who can does; he who cannot, teaches." https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/
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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 09:32 - Jan 8 with 2878 viewsmikehunt

The trouble with this vindictiive and malicious challenge (as I certainly see it) RAFCB, is the uncertainty that will continue to hang over the club. Notwithstanding the ultimate costs that will necessarilly ensue in a court battle.
This could be so unsettling for our staff and detrimental to the recruitment of future staff.
With that in mind,f we can prove we are 100% legal in all our actions, perhaps we can counter sue them for damages?
These tvvats have ramped up their noxiousness to another level. No way should the club, the board, the Trust and its directors and all who care about Rochdale Football Club be put through this torture just because we stood up to a hostile take over, trying to do what is right for our club.

The worm of time turns not for the cuckoo of circumstance.

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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 09:49 - Jan 8 with 2831 viewswozzrafc

The series of events at Rochdale should have acted as an example of just how people can take control and pillage a football club.

With the focus on fan led reviews this should have been a bigger story in the press than it has been, instead we’ve had a Ill researched half arsed article on the bbc. Only an handful of articles have tried to cast light on what has happened.

It’s frightening that under the nose of the EFL these people can try and rip a club from its community and desecrate it for the own ends!!

I don’t believe this action has legs. If Morton House thought it could get control through the courts why not go earlier. My guess is they knew their attempt had failed when their actions were made public and Kelly refused to sell.

I wonder if this relates to the recent sale of shares which diluted their ‘supposed’ share holding. This reduced the likelihood of getting their money back further and practically made their shares worthless.

Until the EFL/FA grow some bollocks and the government pass legislation to stop these people its us fans who suffer. It’s going to be very embarrassing for the EFL if this goes to court when the club/trust win. Questions will be asked after all their investigations why they didn’t take action.

I’m sure the club and the trust can see this off, but it’s about time the EFL and the FA got off its arse and did it’s job!!
[Post edited 8 Jan 2022 10:02]
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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 10:02 - Jan 8 with 2796 viewsboromat

MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 09:49 - Jan 8 by wozzrafc

The series of events at Rochdale should have acted as an example of just how people can take control and pillage a football club.

With the focus on fan led reviews this should have been a bigger story in the press than it has been, instead we’ve had a Ill researched half arsed article on the bbc. Only an handful of articles have tried to cast light on what has happened.

It’s frightening that under the nose of the EFL these people can try and rip a club from its community and desecrate it for the own ends!!

I don’t believe this action has legs. If Morton House thought it could get control through the courts why not go earlier. My guess is they knew their attempt had failed when their actions were made public and Kelly refused to sell.

I wonder if this relates to the recent sale of shares which diluted their ‘supposed’ share holding. This reduced the likelihood of getting their money back further and practically made their shares worthless.

Until the EFL/FA grow some bollocks and the government pass legislation to stop these people its us fans who suffer. It’s going to be very embarrassing for the EFL if this goes to court when the club/trust win. Questions will be asked after all their investigations why they didn’t take action.

I’m sure the club and the trust can see this off, but it’s about time the EFL and the FA got off its arse and did it’s job!!
[Post edited 8 Jan 2022 10:02]


Correction: 'even more worthless'

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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 10:12 - Jan 8 with 2735 viewsRAFCBLUE

It's really obvious the EFL have been played here.

You only have to look at the Companies House filings for Morton House to prove that:

https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03779852/fili

16th August 2021 - EFL statement announcing disciplinary proceedings

20th August 2021 - Darrell Rose (Andrew Curran family member) resigns as a statutory director

20th August 2021 - Faical Safouane named as "person with significant control"

24th August 2021 - Morton House file a confirmation statement which shows:

(1) Denise Courtnell transferred her shares to Safouane on 1 May 2021 (but only chose to notify Companies House AFTER the meetings with the EFL)
(2) Darrell Rose transferred his shares to Safouane on 20 August 2021 AFTER the EFL charges were live against Morton House and "multiple individuals"

On 6th September - Morton House move their registered office from

68 Lombard Street London EC3V 9LJ
https://www.gryphonpropertypartners.com/Property-Details/68-Lombard-Street-EC3V-

to

New London House 6 London Street London EC3R 7LP
https://www.gryphonpropertypartners.com/Property-Details/New-London-House-6-Lond

They move 800 metres from one virtual head office to another.

Two Directors remain:
(1) Denise Valarie Courtnell
(2) Faical Safouane

If you wanted to speculate who the EFL's "multiple individuals" were on 16th August 2021 I suspect the list included:

* Andrew Curran - identified by the 5th August Telegraph article

* Darrell Rose - statutory director of Morton House during July

* Denise Courtnell — statutory director of Morton House during July

* Faical Safouane - statutory director of Morton House during July

* Any selling shareholder

* Current or former club directors

* Current or former club employees

I’m not sure why, if any selling shareholder has complied with the EFL’s requests, any current or former club directors have completed with the EFL’s requests and any current and former club employees have complied with the EFL’s request, the why the EFL can’t just look at Companies House and work out what has gone on?

Maybe Rick Parry, Nick Craig and others at the EFL are frightened to act but after the Bury FC review by Bird and Bird, which ended up with Parliamentary testimony to the Department of Culture Media and Sport, all of this is recorded evidence and will see light of day — either if the EFL want to use or it if a lawyer wants to use it in the courts.

If there is to be a High Court action this year then I am looking foward to seeing Denise Courtnell take the stand

She has been a CONSTANT through all of this - 78 years young and clearly capable to have her whole testimony put through as a Director under what you'd think would be the severest of cross examinations.

She won't though - she's part of Curran's family so he won't want to put her through that.

George Bernard Shaw had it right: "He who can does; he who cannot, teaches." https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/
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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 11:44 - Jan 8 with 2538 viewsJames1980

MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 10:12 - Jan 8 by RAFCBLUE

It's really obvious the EFL have been played here.

You only have to look at the Companies House filings for Morton House to prove that:

https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03779852/fili

16th August 2021 - EFL statement announcing disciplinary proceedings

20th August 2021 - Darrell Rose (Andrew Curran family member) resigns as a statutory director

20th August 2021 - Faical Safouane named as "person with significant control"

24th August 2021 - Morton House file a confirmation statement which shows:

(1) Denise Courtnell transferred her shares to Safouane on 1 May 2021 (but only chose to notify Companies House AFTER the meetings with the EFL)
(2) Darrell Rose transferred his shares to Safouane on 20 August 2021 AFTER the EFL charges were live against Morton House and "multiple individuals"

On 6th September - Morton House move their registered office from

68 Lombard Street London EC3V 9LJ
https://www.gryphonpropertypartners.com/Property-Details/68-Lombard-Street-EC3V-

to

New London House 6 London Street London EC3R 7LP
https://www.gryphonpropertypartners.com/Property-Details/New-London-House-6-Lond

They move 800 metres from one virtual head office to another.

Two Directors remain:
(1) Denise Valarie Courtnell
(2) Faical Safouane

If you wanted to speculate who the EFL's "multiple individuals" were on 16th August 2021 I suspect the list included:

* Andrew Curran - identified by the 5th August Telegraph article

* Darrell Rose - statutory director of Morton House during July

* Denise Courtnell — statutory director of Morton House during July

* Faical Safouane - statutory director of Morton House during July

* Any selling shareholder

* Current or former club directors

* Current or former club employees

I’m not sure why, if any selling shareholder has complied with the EFL’s requests, any current or former club directors have completed with the EFL’s requests and any current and former club employees have complied with the EFL’s request, the why the EFL can’t just look at Companies House and work out what has gone on?

Maybe Rick Parry, Nick Craig and others at the EFL are frightened to act but after the Bury FC review by Bird and Bird, which ended up with Parliamentary testimony to the Department of Culture Media and Sport, all of this is recorded evidence and will see light of day — either if the EFL want to use or it if a lawyer wants to use it in the courts.

If there is to be a High Court action this year then I am looking foward to seeing Denise Courtnell take the stand

She has been a CONSTANT through all of this - 78 years young and clearly capable to have her whole testimony put through as a Director under what you'd think would be the severest of cross examinations.

She won't though - she's part of Curran's family so he won't want to put her through that.


Do we have the equivalent of RICO predicates in the UK?

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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 12:01 - Jan 8 with 2487 viewsDaleiLama

MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 10:12 - Jan 8 by RAFCBLUE

It's really obvious the EFL have been played here.

You only have to look at the Companies House filings for Morton House to prove that:

https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03779852/fili

16th August 2021 - EFL statement announcing disciplinary proceedings

20th August 2021 - Darrell Rose (Andrew Curran family member) resigns as a statutory director

20th August 2021 - Faical Safouane named as "person with significant control"

24th August 2021 - Morton House file a confirmation statement which shows:

(1) Denise Courtnell transferred her shares to Safouane on 1 May 2021 (but only chose to notify Companies House AFTER the meetings with the EFL)
(2) Darrell Rose transferred his shares to Safouane on 20 August 2021 AFTER the EFL charges were live against Morton House and "multiple individuals"

On 6th September - Morton House move their registered office from

68 Lombard Street London EC3V 9LJ
https://www.gryphonpropertypartners.com/Property-Details/68-Lombard-Street-EC3V-

to

New London House 6 London Street London EC3R 7LP
https://www.gryphonpropertypartners.com/Property-Details/New-London-House-6-Lond

They move 800 metres from one virtual head office to another.

Two Directors remain:
(1) Denise Valarie Courtnell
(2) Faical Safouane

If you wanted to speculate who the EFL's "multiple individuals" were on 16th August 2021 I suspect the list included:

* Andrew Curran - identified by the 5th August Telegraph article

* Darrell Rose - statutory director of Morton House during July

* Denise Courtnell — statutory director of Morton House during July

* Faical Safouane - statutory director of Morton House during July

* Any selling shareholder

* Current or former club directors

* Current or former club employees

I’m not sure why, if any selling shareholder has complied with the EFL’s requests, any current or former club directors have completed with the EFL’s requests and any current and former club employees have complied with the EFL’s request, the why the EFL can’t just look at Companies House and work out what has gone on?

Maybe Rick Parry, Nick Craig and others at the EFL are frightened to act but after the Bury FC review by Bird and Bird, which ended up with Parliamentary testimony to the Department of Culture Media and Sport, all of this is recorded evidence and will see light of day — either if the EFL want to use or it if a lawyer wants to use it in the courts.

If there is to be a High Court action this year then I am looking foward to seeing Denise Courtnell take the stand

She has been a CONSTANT through all of this - 78 years young and clearly capable to have her whole testimony put through as a Director under what you'd think would be the severest of cross examinations.

She won't though - she's part of Curran's family so he won't want to put her through that.


She could travel up for nowt with her bus pass. Fitting cos that's what she'll leave with too.

Up the Dale - NOT for sale!
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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 14:47 - Jan 8 with 2282 viewsD_Alien

MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 09:49 - Jan 8 by wozzrafc

The series of events at Rochdale should have acted as an example of just how people can take control and pillage a football club.

With the focus on fan led reviews this should have been a bigger story in the press than it has been, instead we’ve had a Ill researched half arsed article on the bbc. Only an handful of articles have tried to cast light on what has happened.

It’s frightening that under the nose of the EFL these people can try and rip a club from its community and desecrate it for the own ends!!

I don’t believe this action has legs. If Morton House thought it could get control through the courts why not go earlier. My guess is they knew their attempt had failed when their actions were made public and Kelly refused to sell.

I wonder if this relates to the recent sale of shares which diluted their ‘supposed’ share holding. This reduced the likelihood of getting their money back further and practically made their shares worthless.

Until the EFL/FA grow some bollocks and the government pass legislation to stop these people its us fans who suffer. It’s going to be very embarrassing for the EFL if this goes to court when the club/trust win. Questions will be asked after all their investigations why they didn’t take action.

I’m sure the club and the trust can see this off, but it’s about time the EFL and the FA got off its arse and did it’s job!!
[Post edited 8 Jan 2022 10:02]


"I wonder if this relates to the recent sale of shares which diluted their ‘supposed’ share holding. This reduced the likelihood of getting their money back further and practically made their shares worthless."

If it does, perhaps the claims made by one of the hostiles (can't remember who now) that Dale would fold by the end of 2021 unless they found additional income should be quoted if the case ever actually reaches the High Court. This, apparently, was following information provided to them by Bottomley.

It completely undermines their case, since it's simply evidence of the club taking the requisite action to ensure our survival!

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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 13:12 - Jan 9 with 2041 viewsRAFCBLUE

MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 14:47 - Jan 8 by D_Alien

"I wonder if this relates to the recent sale of shares which diluted their ‘supposed’ share holding. This reduced the likelihood of getting their money back further and practically made their shares worthless."

If it does, perhaps the claims made by one of the hostiles (can't remember who now) that Dale would fold by the end of 2021 unless they found additional income should be quoted if the case ever actually reaches the High Court. This, apparently, was following information provided to them by Bottomley.

It completely undermines their case, since it's simply evidence of the club taking the requisite action to ensure our survival!


https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/businessman

The Manchester Evening News attributed the statement, in an article on 12 August 2021, to a statement provided by Andrew Curran who now released a statement in response to comments made by Tony Lloyd MP, received via Alexander Jarvis.

Responding, Mr Curran's statement said the MP had either been 'misinformed' or 'not made aware' of the current financial position of Rochdale AFC.

He went on: "The club is certainly not a 'cash cow, far from it. It's got no money and without significant investment, the club will run out of money before the end of the year.

Mr Curran added: "We wish to conclude the process in the professional manner that we have conducted ourselves in throughout. The EFL has been provided with information on the ultimate beneficial owner, along with proof, source and sufficiency of funds.

"They will come to their own conclusion as to whether this is acceptable in line with their requirements from their own findings, in their own time; from conversations, we have had so far they have been positive and they are certainly not drawn on speculation.


4 days later, on 16th August 2021, the EFL released a statement charging "multiple individuals" with breaches of EFL rules.

https://www.efl.com/news/2021/august/efl-statement-rochdale-afc2/

Having considered the request for information made of them, Morton House MGT, on behalf of its directors, and representatives, has now informed the League that it is formally withdrawing from the approval process and plans to divest the shares acquired in the Club at the earliest opportunity.

Furthermore, Morton House MGT, its directors, and representatives, have confirmed to the League they are refusing to co-operate with the League’s ongoing investigations. Despite these developments, the EFL will be continuing with its disciplinary investigations into this matter and will take the most appropriate action available to it under its Regulations.
[Post edited 9 Jan 2022 13:13]

George Bernard Shaw had it right: "He who can does; he who cannot, teaches." https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/
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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 13:30 - Jan 9 with 1952 viewsTyroneShoelaces

Their statement that they are looking to ‘divest their shares’ is a massive own goal in this.
Not quite up there with the one that went in off Chris Brass’s nose but not far off
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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 14:43 - Jan 9 with 1811 viewsRAFCBLUE

MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 13:30 - Jan 9 by TyroneShoelaces

Their statement that they are looking to ‘divest their shares’ is a massive own goal in this.
Not quite up there with the one that went in off Chris Brass’s nose but not far off


For me, the line which undermines them is where Andrew Curran said via Alexander Jarvis:

Mr Curran added: "We wish to conclude the process in the professional manner that we have conducted ourselves in throughout.

Subsequent to that statement:

(1) Morton House was charged by the EFL
(2) It withdrew its bit
(3) It has so far refused to comply with the EFL's disciplinary investigations
(4) Sent a non-sharholder to threaten to attempt to cancel an EGM:

Non shareholder tries to cancel EGM by ColDale 3 Oct 2021 11:53
Matt Southall has written to the club to ask them to cancel Wednesday's EGM:

Dear Sirs

We are happy to enter positive discussions with the Board. We suggest a meeting next week.

Unfortunately, the Board has initiated an EGM with the sole intention of seeking to dilute our shareholding. We have taken legal advice upon that process and the Board will receive correspondence from our Solicitors within the next 24 hours.

The correspondence will insist that the Board sends notice to all shareholders of the cancellation of the EGM on Monday 4 October.

If the Board try to proceed with the EGM, we are advised by the lawyers to start legal proceedings in The High Court to obtain an Injunction on Tuesday to ensure that the meeting does not proceed. We do not want to do that, but if the Board do not cancel the meeting, we will, and will also seek an order that the Directors who initiated the EGM pay the costs.

I stress that this is not a route that we want to take, but if the Board refuse to act in a co-operative manner, we will be left with no choice. The decision to call an EGM was a poorly conceived and unhelpful tactic which individual Directors will be held to account for, if they chose to proceed.

The best starting point for a constructive discussion is for the Board to immediately — this weekend — cancel the EGM. We will see this as a very positive and sensible move; and we can sit down and talk next week to explore all options with the Board. A pre-condition of commercial discussions with the Board, is confidentiality. You will understand that placing commercial discussions into the public domain is very unhelpful.

We are keen to reach a solution as soon as possible. We are sure that positive discussions can take place in the next week or shortly thereafter, so long as we can undertake the discussions without the need to tell the lawyers to commence action on Tuesday and on the basis that we are not going to read what we have discussed in confidence with the Board, half an hour later on the internet.

We look forward to your urgent response.

Regards

Matt Southall



(5) Morton House has lodged a High Court claim naming the Board of Directors and the Dale Trust as respondents

https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2022/january/statement_07.01.22/

That does not strike me as a "professional manner" moreso Curran realising that a bad deal was done with a small number of private shareholders where the amount paid was well over the odds.

If Morton House wanted to be professional, they'd comply fully with the EFL's investigation immediately and tell the EFL and us all what really went on.

George Bernard Shaw had it right: "He who can does; he who cannot, teaches." https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/
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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 15:08 - Jan 9 with 1735 viewsTomRAFC

MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 13:30 - Jan 9 by TyroneShoelaces

Their statement that they are looking to ‘divest their shares’ is a massive own goal in this.
Not quite up there with the one that went in off Chris Brass’s nose but not far off


Divest the shares they never received? No share transfers have gone through.

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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 15:10 - Jan 9 with 1726 viewsjudd

MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 14:43 - Jan 9 by RAFCBLUE

For me, the line which undermines them is where Andrew Curran said via Alexander Jarvis:

Mr Curran added: "We wish to conclude the process in the professional manner that we have conducted ourselves in throughout.

Subsequent to that statement:

(1) Morton House was charged by the EFL
(2) It withdrew its bit
(3) It has so far refused to comply with the EFL's disciplinary investigations
(4) Sent a non-sharholder to threaten to attempt to cancel an EGM:

Non shareholder tries to cancel EGM by ColDale 3 Oct 2021 11:53
Matt Southall has written to the club to ask them to cancel Wednesday's EGM:

Dear Sirs

We are happy to enter positive discussions with the Board. We suggest a meeting next week.

Unfortunately, the Board has initiated an EGM with the sole intention of seeking to dilute our shareholding. We have taken legal advice upon that process and the Board will receive correspondence from our Solicitors within the next 24 hours.

The correspondence will insist that the Board sends notice to all shareholders of the cancellation of the EGM on Monday 4 October.

If the Board try to proceed with the EGM, we are advised by the lawyers to start legal proceedings in The High Court to obtain an Injunction on Tuesday to ensure that the meeting does not proceed. We do not want to do that, but if the Board do not cancel the meeting, we will, and will also seek an order that the Directors who initiated the EGM pay the costs.

I stress that this is not a route that we want to take, but if the Board refuse to act in a co-operative manner, we will be left with no choice. The decision to call an EGM was a poorly conceived and unhelpful tactic which individual Directors will be held to account for, if they chose to proceed.

The best starting point for a constructive discussion is for the Board to immediately — this weekend — cancel the EGM. We will see this as a very positive and sensible move; and we can sit down and talk next week to explore all options with the Board. A pre-condition of commercial discussions with the Board, is confidentiality. You will understand that placing commercial discussions into the public domain is very unhelpful.

We are keen to reach a solution as soon as possible. We are sure that positive discussions can take place in the next week or shortly thereafter, so long as we can undertake the discussions without the need to tell the lawyers to commence action on Tuesday and on the basis that we are not going to read what we have discussed in confidence with the Board, half an hour later on the internet.

We look forward to your urgent response.

Regards

Matt Southall



(5) Morton House has lodged a High Court claim naming the Board of Directors and the Dale Trust as respondents

https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2022/january/statement_07.01.22/

That does not strike me as a "professional manner" moreso Curran realising that a bad deal was done with a small number of private shareholders where the amount paid was well over the odds.

If Morton House wanted to be professional, they'd comply fully with the EFL's investigation immediately and tell the EFL and us all what really went on.


Professionals don’t allege other professionals to be Nancy boys and small minded

Poll: What is it to be then?

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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 15:31 - Jan 9 with 1660 viewsRAFCBLUE

MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 15:08 - Jan 9 by TomRAFC

Divest the shares they never received? No share transfers have gone through.


Or the other way:

If Morton House are certain that share transfers have happened then can they explain why they haven't pleaded guilty to the EFL disciplinary charges from August 2021?

George Bernard Shaw had it right: "He who can does; he who cannot, teaches." https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/
Poll: EGM - which way are you voting?

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MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 16:28 - Jan 9 with 1506 viewsSuddenLad

We've been subjected to a threat of court action previously when the virtually bankrupt bully-boy threatened to get an injunction preventing the EGM/AGM. Nothing happened.

The club, Directors and Trust now face another potential trip to the High Court on the whim of shysters.

This is probably nothing more than an abuse of the system and needs treating as vexatious by the Courts.

It is now time for the EFL to bare its' teeth. They've been using their usual 'soft gloves' approach for several months, paying lip service to various events as they each unfolded, but apart from threatening to act against the (then) perpetrators, what have they ACTUALLY done and what specific action have they taken to prevent these bandits from continuing to wreak havoc?

Still, we are being badgered and bullied by someone we all KNOW is/are entirely unfit to even be shouting from the sidelines, let alone be involved in this (or any) club. They might well be over £1m out of pocket, but they need to concentrate on looking elsewhere to recoup that.

In response to this latest development, we now need the EFL to publicly state EXACTLY what action they have taken to disqualify all 'relevant persons' from involvement in any or all future footballing matters, as they promised to do and they need to be reminded that they have a DUTY to protect us at all times.

We've all been exposed to these vultures for long enough. It's time to clip their wings once and for all.

Finally, just WHAT is happening about the apparent unlawful disclosure of private and personal information that allowed these bandits the opportunity to get their hands on shares in the first place?

Without that unlawful intervention by (insert name here) this whole sh!t-show might never have happened.

“It is easier to fool people, than to convince them that they have been fooled”

1
MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 17:00 - Jan 9 with 1428 viewsD_Alien

MORTON HOUSE / Continued EFL Disciplinary investigations into Morton House on 16:28 - Jan 9 by SuddenLad

We've been subjected to a threat of court action previously when the virtually bankrupt bully-boy threatened to get an injunction preventing the EGM/AGM. Nothing happened.

The club, Directors and Trust now face another potential trip to the High Court on the whim of shysters.

This is probably nothing more than an abuse of the system and needs treating as vexatious by the Courts.

It is now time for the EFL to bare its' teeth. They've been using their usual 'soft gloves' approach for several months, paying lip service to various events as they each unfolded, but apart from threatening to act against the (then) perpetrators, what have they ACTUALLY done and what specific action have they taken to prevent these bandits from continuing to wreak havoc?

Still, we are being badgered and bullied by someone we all KNOW is/are entirely unfit to even be shouting from the sidelines, let alone be involved in this (or any) club. They might well be over £1m out of pocket, but they need to concentrate on looking elsewhere to recoup that.

In response to this latest development, we now need the EFL to publicly state EXACTLY what action they have taken to disqualify all 'relevant persons' from involvement in any or all future footballing matters, as they promised to do and they need to be reminded that they have a DUTY to protect us at all times.

We've all been exposed to these vultures for long enough. It's time to clip their wings once and for all.

Finally, just WHAT is happening about the apparent unlawful disclosure of private and personal information that allowed these bandits the opportunity to get their hands on shares in the first place?

Without that unlawful intervention by (insert name here) this whole sh!t-show might never have happened.


If it were up to me (which is probably as well it isn't!) i'd be asking our solicitors to look into a potential claim of negligence against the EFL

Of course, it'd put their backs up, and all things considered we need them on our side, but they ARE negligent in any meaningful sense of the word in failing to follow through with the requirements of their own articles, well-aired on here during the summer, regarding grounds for disqualifying individuals/groups from significant participation in the ownership of EFL clubs

[Post edited 9 Jan 2022 17:03]

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