Here is a post from wee rab watt way back in May 2023
arfc.proboards.com/post/37052
"This guy Reilly has been promoting this theory of taking over the Rovers for more than ten years, rebranding it as a club that would appeal to the Irish diaspora of Coatbridge and the surrounding area. Is that what Coatbridge needs FFS.
Given that he talks of substantial investment waiting, it appears strange to me that he has not yet taken his ideas forward by making direct contact with any shareholders who have significant numbers of shares, with a view to buying their shares and taking control by that means.
He talks of the option of building another stadium with multiple facilities. Good luck to him with that, as in my time there was multiple options put to the local council, involving the redevelopment of Cliftonhill or relocating to other sites within Coatbridge. On each occasion various obstacles were put in the way of progress and the opportunities were lost.
The posts on this forum indicate that the BOD responded to his recent approach by what they thought would be the general attitude of the support. They should be commended for that.
People should be wary of buying into what "Johnny Come Lately" characters bring to the table. All that glitters is not gold, just ask Glenboig and Baillieston Juniors, neither of which is now in existence. Bellshill Juniors have been nomads since 1997, they had grand plans and moved out of Brandon Park in their centenary year, and after multiple relocations and ground shares, now play at what is essentially a public park surrounded by green wire fences, behind the housing estate that was once Bellshill Maternity."
Interesting that Peter is extremely disappointed that Messrs Watt n Meade are getting involved with Mr Reilly.
see above. At every point in time over the past 6 months or so, I have been open and totally transparent regarding my dealings with Paul Reilly.
on here ?
Members of the BOD and other shareholders have been made aware of anything that I have been able to ascertain. Unfortunately, very early on, certain important shareholders (due to the number of shares held), appear to have decided that I have broken ranks and they have ostracized me. I am no longer a member of that elite group, who see themselves as the great and the good of ARFC and believe their opinions and decisions are paramount as to the future of the club (you and they know who they are).
No idea who. From the outset, it was clear that they were antagonistic towards Reilly, and appeared unwilling to take the opportunity to at least investigate whether what he was intending was for the benefit of the club going forward.
Google
Despite taking that position, it is strange in my humble opinion that 6 months or so down the line, no counter proposals have come to light.
Not sure what that means > why counter proposal when the club have said no - 100% no.
I took it upon myself to contact him. As an individual shareholder, with a not insignificant block of shares, I had every right to do so, if only out of curiosity. Many others have done so too, but have been keeping their cards close to their chests.
My initial telephone contact with Paul Reilly started acrimoniously, probably 30 minutes or so of equally offensive comments and accusations levied at each other regarding our differing backgrounds and beliefs. By the end of that call, after a total of more than an hour of discussion, he was made absolutely aware that no matter what his plans for the club were, there was no way that changing the name to Shamrock Rovers would be acceptable to anybody with a historic interest in ARFC. Also by the end of that call, I believe that a reasonable business like relationship was taking shape.
= He offered you money for your shares, which is totally fine. Cash I hope. all the best.
After several more calls, he confirmed that he had passed on my views and had been outvoted by the others who made up the investment group behind the potential takeover, and the name change was no longer part of their plan.
see above
At or about that time, given that ARFC would retain its name, I asked him to let me have a copy of the offer that he had indicated that he was making to shareholders. I duly received the offer, and after taking legal advice, decided to accept an offer for my shares. I know of others who have also done so.
as above. His plans for the club in the short term involve upgrading Cliftonhill and funding significantly better players, with the intention of getting back into the SPFL as soon as possible.
How would upgrading Ciftonhill do anything to improve our current position ? pitch is perfect, see your post above.
we were one goal away from staying up - Annan 94th min. Rumours are East Kilbride are paying over £200,000 on wages.
It was his intention to do so earlier in the season to give the club a fighting chance of promotion this season, but it is now clearly too late to do so due to the gap to EKFC in the league.
as above East Kilbride etc etc etc are years ahead of us. The ultimate goal, in terms of football, is to get the club into the Championship, a place due to the population of Coatbridge and the surrounding area, ARFC should be capable of attaining and maintaining, if the structure of the club is stable and well funded.
You've seen us winning 2 leagues ! (maybe 1 - not sure if you were about for no.2 ) - it doesn't make much a difference to our crowds.
Regarding the reason for his interest in ARFC (he has made it clear that he is not, and never has been a Rovers a supporter)
Alarm bells - this alone is worrying.
he/his investors are involved in a proposed major multi-million Pounds development in the Coatbridge area.
See post from May. Having a multi sports and event facility at the heart of the project, with modern up to date facilities, ticks boxes required by the North Lanarkshire Planning Department
Email sent to them, hopefully get a positive reply.when consideration is being given to major projects. He is unwilling to give details of precisely where the development will be located,
See post from May.
essentially due to the sensitive nature of these things. Basically, he doesn't want to be gazumped, if it were to become public knowledge.
See post from May.
Safe to say that the land/ground at Cliftonhill will not be suitable for something as extensive as has been described,
Cliftonhill will be sold asap - without knowing where we will end up playing football ?
so when the new sporting facility is in place ARFC will move there.
planning to build = 5 to 8 years estimate.He is unwilling at this point in time to identify his backers.
Red Flag. I am aware that he has contacts in London's financial sector, as well as one of the top ten richest men in Dublin, who accrued his fortune in property development.
property development.....
He also has significant Irish American connections in New York and Boston.
Why would anyone in Boston or New York want anything to do with our wonderful club in Coatbridge?
I must point out the phrase Irish American, everyone at Albion Rovers FC has not and will not have anything to do with an 'Irish' agenda aimed at our club.
One of these individuals has access at the highest level of the US government, due to connections with President Biden.
What does that mean ? we are in the Scottish Lowland league.
We know of Biden's Irish sentiments.
What has that to do with Albion Rovers FC in Coatbridge ?
a club proudly born in 1882 in Scotland, Coatbridge - absolutely nothing do do with Ireland. WE HAVE ZERO CONNECTION WITH IRISH Sentiments !
Paul Reilly flies back and forth to the US regularly.
...
Nearer to home, he states that he has a well respected Scottish politician on board, with a history of 40 years government service,
to give credibility at local and Scottish government level. That individual will become President of the club.
An older gentleman, shall we say, with no connection to the club will be our president. why is that a positive ?
Needless to say, some of you will never accept anything positive said about PR or his proposals.
I'm pretty sure only those selling their shares will accept Paul R.
I can only say that those who I know have met him on a one to one basis, find him to be a complete gentleman,
Ever single person at the meeting last week might disagree with that !
albeit clearly a hard nosed businessman.
anyone can google his list of companies.
All the best - I always liked you when I met you 42 years ago. kick out the Jams
Good luck, enjoy the cash.