The Investors Who Never Were: Sven-Goran Eriksson, Sol Campbell and the missing millions of Notts County

[Joe Jones]

Football quarterly "The Blizzard" has published a comprehensive account of the Notts County Munto Era - it's a long read but a worthwhile one definitely.

Meadow Lane is a happy place to be at the moment. Notts County are in the running for promotion back to League One and everyone is pulling in the same direction. Under Kevin Nolan their progress on the pitch has been relatively serene and, with the backing of the local businessman Alan Hardy, the club’s future seems secure. Hardy completed his takeover last January, saving Notts from potential liquidation, and has been a visible presence throughout his year in charge.

Things were rather different in 2009-10, the last time they had hopes of promotion. In the space of seven turbulent months, Notts went from believing they were one of the richest clubs in England to teetering on the brink of bankruptcy when the unpalatable truth about their shadowy billionaire owners was finally revealed. They stared out over the precipice but were pulled back at the last.

Victims of an elaborate and fantastical ruse, Notts nevertheless had an unforgettable season, which culminated in them winning the League Two title. It was a constantly evolving story of contradictions and extreme contrasts, from a fake Bahraini prince with apparently limitless wealth and a trip to North Korea to discuss trillions of dollars of mineral assets to unpaid milk bills and £1 takeovers. The Football League’s oldest club has flirted with disaster on several occasions and lived to tell the tale. This one was the most remarkable of all.

To read the full article click here, and share your thoughts on what you think about it!

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

It's nothing we don't know and, I tend to find it depressing to read about the era.

unfortunately it's now a cemented part of our history, yet it wasn't all that bad. I just tend to get tired of all the BS involved and how clubs (some) and their fans act like we deserve the trouble.

[Fan of Big Tone 𝕏 @mainstandpie]

For me it was a really exciting time, everything I had ever wished for was going to come true, Notts in the Premier League eventually playing in Europe. I remember I worked in Chesterfield at the time and loved bragging about how we were a multi millionaire club to the Spireites fans, I was completely taken in and of course ended up with egg on my face.

My ex colleagues still like to remind me even to this day but thankfully they’ve gone a bit quiet of late because of their teams position.

When it all came crashing down I really feared for our club but thankfully we were saved and we can look back on that period of our history and think what might have been.

[Piethagoram 𝕏 @piethagoram]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/sep/25/notts-county-qadbak-takeover

I remember writing some searching questions on the Trust's web forum at the time (under my Rivals board username) and getting a fair share of abuse from other supporters who just wanted the ballot papers to be sent immediately. (One in particular, shares the same username with someone on this forum). Out of the blue, I think it was Glenn Rolley(?) asked to speak with me and I provided my mobile number. I was working down in Sussex and received his phone call. It was bizarre, as he gushed about the bank guarantee. I told him on the basis of what information he had relayed, the bank guarantee was worthless as the issuer and beneficiary were to be one of the same! I asked why the bank guarantee was not to be given in favour of the Trust, at which point he got annoyed and broke off the telephone call.

Even now, there are a number of supporters who are in denial as to the real risk that the club could have been liquidated. @poundpie (now seems a lapsed member of this forum), Notts needed Raymundo's deep pockets to get us out of the mess. It was also fortunate at the time that Leeds Utd had even a more opaque ownership structure...I did get the sense at the time, the thought of a League club folding mid season was a real risk ..and would act as a warning to other EFL clubs, Fortunately, we were able to ride out the financial storms.