Phil Alexander Interview?

[W-S-M Seagull]

Why no interview so far? 

He's been in the building for a few weeks and has now taken over but nothing so far? 

Edited February 3, 2023 by W-S-M Seagull

[BCFC101]

Not sure about an interview but have just spotted this on his Wiki page 

[Major Isewater]

The media team are most likely preparing a video of epic proportions, bip tests, keepy uppies, his previous executive highlights…

 

[ExiledAjax]

Yeh I thought we might get something this week. I'm surprised there's not even been a formal recognition that it was Gould's last day on Tuesday and Alexander has now taken over. Surprised, but not particularly disappointed.

I think Alexander will continue Gould's "just quietly getting on with it" philosophy. If you search for interviews and stuff from his time at Palace there's really not very much at all. It's good. So long as he comes out at key moments - financial statement release, fan forum stuff, board reshuffles, investment or ownership changes etc, manager sacking/recruitment - then I think it's fine.

This is a much less momentous, disruptive or even interesting than the last change in CEO. That's partly due to the egos and personalities involved, but it's because I get the feeling that this is a continuation of culture rather than a shift. I feel like the club recognise that, and so there's less fanfare.

I guess there may well be something in the matchday programme for the Norwich home game.

Ps. They've not filed the AP01 change of director forms on companies house yet so there's clearly no rush (they have 14 days to do that).

Edited February 3, 2023 by ExiledAjax

[Taz]

Richard Gould is still here isn't he doing the handover? Maybe once he's officially in the seat, and has had a few weeks to settle in we might get one.

Then again, not everyone is like Mark Ashton (thankfully), he may prefer to stay away from the media side of things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bris Red]

9 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

Why no interview so far? 

He's been in the building for a few weeks and has now taken over but nothing so far? 

It is a bit strange but it’s a welcome change from having to listen to that jumped up bellend Ashton spinning us yarns at every opportunity. 

IMO a good CEO needs to do his work in the background and let the performance of the club on and off the pitch do the talking. We certainly had that in Gould and i think Alexander will be of the same ilk. 

[ExiledAjax]

2 minutes ago, Taz said:

Richard Gould is still here isn't he doing the handover? Maybe once he's officially in the seat, and has had a few weeks to settle in we might get one.

Gould's last day was Tuesday. Alexander took over on Wednesday. Handover has basically been going on for the last two weeks.

[Taz]

Just now, ExiledAjax said:

Gould's last day was Tuesday. Alexander took over on Wednesday. Handover has basically been going on for the last two weeks.

Knew he had already been here for a few weeks, but had missed when Goulds last day was.

[ExiledAjax]

3 minutes ago, Taz said:

Knew he had already been here for a few weeks, but had missed when Goulds last day was.

Ha. I refer you to the OP of this thread.

[archie andrews]

19 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

Why no interview so far? 

He's been in the building for a few weeks and has now taken over but nothing so far? 

What do you want him to say?... 

[W-S-M Seagull]

1 minute ago, archie andrews said:

What do you want him to say?... 

Gould gave an interview when he started. 

Don't really care about what it says but it's about the fans getting to know about the person who's now pretty much running the club. 

Even Pearson dodged the question about him in the press conference.

[DaveF]

6 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

Gould gave an interview when he started. 

Don't really care about what it says but it's about the fans getting to know about the person who's now pretty much running the club. 

Even Pearson dodged the question about him in the press conference.

Maybe he doesn't exist, its actually Jon Lansdown taking over.

Edited February 3, 2023 by DaveF

[eardun]

1 minute ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

Gould gave an interview when he started. 

Don't really care about what it says but it's about the fans getting to know about the person who's now pretty much running the club. 

Even Pearson dodged the question about him in the press conference.

I didn’t think Pearson dodged the Q - more a question of him focusing on Gould’s time here (he loved working with him). Also not convinced Pearson could really say much about his new boss less than two days in! 

[W-S-M Seagull]

1 minute ago, DaveF said:

Maybe he doesn't exist, its actually alone Lansdown taking over.

Pearson did say JL had been involved in all the recent meetings so maybe its him...

[2015]

Some fans are still too used to Mark Ashton coming out and waxing lyrical about the 'behind the scenes' goings on at Ashton Gate.

A quiet operator who does his job well is all that's needed.

[DaveF]

2 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

Pearson did say JL had been involved in all the recent meetings so maybe its him...

The plot thickens!

[petehinton]

I’d say the fact he only officially started 2 days ago, and sounds like deadline day was absolute carnage, on top of the fact they probably travelled to Preston fairly early today - he probably has had absolutely no time. Next week maybe. 

Edited February 3, 2023 by petehinton

[Phileas Fogg]

I suspect it's partly down to the timings of this month. We had a busy transfer deadline day, spent the following day getting content/interviews with the new players and then Thursday for focus on the weekend's game.

They wouldn't want to put too much content out at once, especially in areas which are likely very popular uploads.

I suspect we might get something early next week once the game is out of the way and people have the "bandwidth" for new content. 

[Davefevs]

58 minutes ago, Bris Red said:

It is a bit strange but it’s a welcome change from having to listen to that jumped up bellend Ashton spinning us yarns at every opportunity. 

IMO a good CEO needs to do his work in the background and let the performance of the club on and off the pitch do the talking. We certainly had that in Gould and i think Alexander will be of the same ilk. 

My thoughts are that we have a structure that means the CEO doesn’t need to be that vocal re the football side of things.

Ashton made it all about him.

Gould changed that, and then with appointment of Tinnion, needs to be less “out there”.  The three of them at the Fans Forum was just before Tins promotion, and sewed the seeds of Nige / Tins being the football face.

As @ExiledAjaxsays PA will communicate when it’s appropriate.

[Silvio Dante]

20 minutes ago, Phileas Fogg said:

I suspect it's partly down to the timings of this month. We had a busy transfer deadline day, spent the following day getting content/interviews with the new players and then Thursday for focus on the weekend's game.

They wouldn't want to put too much content out at once, especially in areas which are likely very popular uploads.

I suspect we might get something early next week once the game is out of the way and people have the "bandwidth" for new content. 

Add to that the cup draw. Games like that don’t just “happen”. Even after the TV companies confirm they want the game there will be loads of logistics stuff Alexander is involved in on top of the deadline day etc. He’s probably working ridiculous hours this week.

The interview requirement is firmly at the bottom of the in tray. Even the OP, who asked where it was, said later he didn’t care about what it said so it’s being treated with the priority deserved.

45 minutes ago, 2015 said:

Some fans are still too used to Mark Ashton coming out and waxing lyrical about the 'behind the scenes' goings on at Ashton Gate.

A quiet operator who does his job well is all that's needed.

So, you’re saying there’s no need to ask, he’s a smooth operator?

[steviestevieneville]

1 hour ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

Why no interview so far? 

He's been in the building for a few weeks and has now taken over but nothing so far? 

Good . I don’t want to hear from the CEO. He’s the money man . Only interviews I want to see are from our newly appointed technical director when needed & the manager 

[Coppello]

I know Phil professionally and his role at Palace was very different to position he is taking on here. At Palace, he wasn't a traditional CEO as Steve Parish as Chairmen and Dougie Freedman as Sporting Director were more responsible for the football operations and dealing with transfers etc. In the earlier years of his long spell at the club he had more of an impact whilst towards the end of his tenure it was primarily commercial and almost an ambassadorial position. He was a member of the FA Council and sat on the FA's Professional Game Board.

He is (perhaps thankfully) very different from Ashton and, like Richard Gould, won't want the spotlight. He is more old school in the way he works and how he wants the team around him to function. He has excellent connections within the game and is very well respected by others who are high up in the game. Phil is good with the fans, very amiable and will have no problem in stopping for a chat. It will be interesting to see how he operates here having full control of the footballing side of things, something he hasn't done for quite a while but I do feel he is well placed to run a club which is trying to live within its means. 

Edited February 3, 2023 by Coppello

[Davefevs]

5 minutes ago, Coppello said:

I know Phil professionally and his role at Palace was very different to position he is taking on here. At Palace, he wasn't a traditional CEO as Steve Parish as Chairmen and Dougie Freedman as Sporting Director were more responsible for the football operations and dealing with transfers etc. In the earlier years of his long spell at the club he had more of an impact whilst towards the end of his tenure it was primarily commercial and almost an ambassadorial position. He was a member of the FA Council and sat on the FA's Professional Game Board.

He is (perhaps thankfully) very different from Ashton and, like Richard Gould, won't want the spotlight. He is more old school in the way he works and how he wants the team around him to function. He has excellent connections within the game and is very well respected by others who are high up in the game. Phil is good with the fans, very amicable and will have no problem in stopping for a chat. It will be interesting to see how he operates here having full control of the footballing side of things, something he hasn't done for quite a while but I do feel he is well placed to run a club which is trying to live within its means. 

Was wondering whether you’d post anything!!!

I looked back, and it’s a year since your last post.

[Davefevs]

[Coppello]

2 hours ago, Davefevs said:

Was wondering whether you’d post anything!!!

I looked back, and it’s a year since your last post.

Haha, thanks for noticing! Over the last year or so, I've found myself getting a bit 'footballed out' so have taken a bit of time out from the forum. 

[Major Isewater]

3 hours ago, Coppello said:

Haha, thanks for noticing! Over the last year or so, I've found myself getting a bit 'footballed out' so have taken a bit of time out from the forum. 

Typical Coppello. 

[ExiledAjax]

6 hours ago, Coppello said:

I know Phil professionally and his role at Palace was very different to position he is taking on here. At Palace, he wasn't a traditional CEO as Steve Parish as Chairmen and Dougie Freedman as Sporting Director were more responsible for the football operations and dealing with transfers etc. In the earlier years of his long spell at the club he had more of an impact whilst towards the end of his tenure it was primarily commercial and almost an ambassadorial position. He was a member of the FA Council and sat on the FA's Professional Game Board.

He is (perhaps thankfully) very different from Ashton and, like Richard Gould, won't want the spotlight. He is more old school in the way he works and how he wants the team around him to function. He has excellent connections within the game and is very well respected by others who are high up in the game. Phil is good with the fans, very amiable and will have no problem in stopping for a chat. It will be interesting to see how he operates here having full control of the footballing side of things, something he hasn't done for quite a while but I do feel he is well placed to run a club which is trying to live within its means. 

Completely corroborates my first impression of him from the short chat we had. He came across as old school but sensible, open, and in the mould of Gould. Thanks for sharing (and welcome back).

[Vidal]

Mark bloody Ashton just came into my head thanks for this. 

[petehinton]

6 hours ago, Coppello said:

I know Phil professionally and his role at Palace was very different to position he is taking on here. At Palace, he wasn't a traditional CEO as Steve Parish as Chairmen and Dougie Freedman as Sporting Director were more responsible for the football operations and dealing with transfers etc. In the earlier years of his long spell at the club he had more of an impact whilst towards the end of his tenure it was primarily commercial and almost an ambassadorial position. He was a member of the FA Council and sat on the FA's Professional Game Board.

He is (perhaps thankfully) very different from Ashton and, like Richard Gould, won't want the spotlight. He is more old school in the way he works and how he wants the team around him to function. He has excellent connections within the game and is very well respected by others who are high up in the game. Phil is good with the fans, very amiable and will have no problem in stopping for a chat. It will be interesting to see how he operates here having full control of the footballing side of things, something he hasn't done for quite a while but I do feel he is well placed to run a club which is trying to live within its means. 

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully not too probing….do you think he applied for the job or was approached?

[joe jordans teeth]

3 hours ago, Coppello said:

Haha, thanks for noticing! Over the last year or so, I've found myself getting a bit 'footballed out' so have taken a bit of time out from the forum. 

When things are looking slightly rosy he comes back in,bloody glory hunter

[Mr X]

Let's hope he doesn't do this after the match tomorrow...

 

[downendcity]

11 hours ago, archie andrews said:

What do you want him to say?... 

" Hello. Is it me you're looking for?"

[Coppello]

2 hours ago, petehinton said:

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully not too probing….do you think he applied for the job or was approached?

No problem. In all honesty I have no idea. When he took the consultancy role at Wycombe I assumed it was part of semi-retirement so I was quite surprised to see him appointed at City. Football is quite a close community so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was approached following a recommendation. 

[ExiledAjax]

Companies House forms removing Gould on 31 Jan and appointing Alexander from 1 Feb were filed today. Officially confirms that the change was at the end of January.

[Dolman_Stand]

On 03/02/2023 at 19:18, Vidal said:

Mark bloody Ashton just came into my head thanks for this. 

Hope he cleaned up after himself

[Jerseybean]

https://e.bristolpost.co.uk/interface/external_view_email.php?RC6140594633650414zzzzz649d1ca4197464d3bd9108e21ddaab476f88fa2f868757622c5d35bc685e8a0fef&varId=
 

[downendcity]

In the job just 2 weeks and already we've got a penalty!

 

[petehinton]

On 03/02/2023 at 21:03, Mr X said:

Let's hope he doesn't do this after the match tomorrow...

 

The comments hahahahahaha

[Rossi the Robin]

He’s up and running 

 

[Davefevs]

Good time to take over!

[1960maaan]

Good introduction, didn't say anything ground breaking but good to see we have those plans in place for the summer.

[Johnny Musicworks]

Interesting that he said Richard Scudamore is very involved here and I wondered in what capacity or if I had missed something previously about his involvement. It certainly helps the profile of the club I would imagine and maybe he is involved with attracting investors. That would make sense. 

[ExiledAjax]

2 minutes ago, Johnny Musicworks said:

Interesting that he said Richard Scudamore is very involved here and I wondered in what capacity or if I had missed something previously about his involvement. It certainly helps the profile of the club I would imagine and maybe he is involved with attracting investors. That would make sense. 

It's unofficial. Scudamore isn't a director or employee. He's a fan with a profile who knows Lansdown and he talks to the directors and gives them advice when they ask for it. 

[maxjak]

On 03/02/2023 at 21:03, Mr X said:

Let's hope he doesn't do this after the match tomorrow...

 

Surely   the Ipswich yokels are all wondering who this beardy c u next tuesday glory hunter is? ..........and why he is Dad dancing round the pitch?

[Vidal]

Sounds like a businessman more than a football man with his money talk. No issue with that .

[W-S-M Seagull]

34 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

It's unofficial. Scudamore isn't a director or employee. He's a fan with a profile who knows Lansdown and he talks to the directors and gives them advice when they ask for it. 

That doesn't sound like he's "very much heavily involved" like Alexander says.

[Lrrr]

Think all the talk of money and costs was just a continued early indicator for fan expectations as to what markets we'll be shopping in for a while, wouldn't be shocked if Ashton Gate's naming rights get sold though, came across as that sort of any chance for a buck as long as it makes sense sort of approach

1 minute ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

That doesn't sound like he's "very much heavily involved" like Alexander says.

Probably a case he's available for a phone call whenever City want to reach out and wouldn't be surprised if he helped City in the search for both Gould and Alexander

[ExiledAjax]

13 minutes ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

That doesn't sound like he's "very much heavily involved" like Alexander says.

It's how Richard Gould described Scudamore's involvement to me. Alexander will have his own relationship with Scudamore, but the description fits with what we know.

[Mendip City]

39 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

It's how Richard Gould described Scudamore's involvement to me. Alexander will have his own relationship with Scudamore, but the description fits with what we know.

Unless Scudamore is heavily involved with SLs plans to source investment/find a buyer… who better to explain the potential of the club to a foreign invested than a man who used to run the Prem League. All speculation on my part…. I haven’t the foggiest!! 

[steviestevieneville]

Decent interview that . 

[Oizys]

1 hour ago, Lrrr said:

Think all the talk of money and costs was just a continued early indicator for fan expectations as to what markets we'll be shopping in for a while, wouldn't be shocked if Ashton Gate's naming rights get sold though, came across as that sort of any chance for a buck as long as it makes sense sort of approach

Probably a case he's available for a phone call whenever City want to reach out and wouldn't be surprised if he helped City in the search for both Gould and Alexander

Well if we continue to shop in the sort of markets that sell Anis Mehmetis then you won't hear many complaints from me!

[Lrrr]

45 minutes ago, Steve Watts said:

Well if we continue to shop in the sort of markets that sell Anis Mehmetis then you won't hear many complaints from me!

That was probably helped by the release clause, won't be many of those knocking around for players like him, however you may find some £300,000 ones for multi million pound players....

[Johnr1986]

On 03/02/2023 at 21:03, Mr X said:

Let's hope he doesn't do this after the match tomorrow...

 

All for showing passion. but o find this this really embarrassing so much for cool calm and collective. It’s not about you Mark.

[lenred]

4 minutes ago, Johnr1986 said:

All for showing passion. but o find this this really embarrassing so much for cool calm and collective. It’s not about you Mark.

He’s the biggest narcissistic **nt ever.   In his world it is only about him! 

[W-S-M Seagull]

2 hours ago, ExiledAjax said:

It's how Richard Gould described Scudamore's involvement to me. Alexander will have his own relationship with Scudamore, but the description fits with what we know.

What we now know is that Phil Alexander has said he is heavily involved which is clearly more than the odd chat and phone call here and there. 

[Bris Red]

3 hours ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

What we now know is that Phil Alexander has said he is heavily involved which is clearly more than the odd chat and phone call here and there. 

Would be interesting to know if Scudamore is on the payroll at the club. For Alexander to say he is ‘heavily’ involved would suggest so.
 

My understanding was that Scudamore was an unofficial consultant so to speak, this interview would more a less confirm that.

[exAtyeoMax]

14 hours ago, Rossi the Robin said:

He’s up and running 

 

A good interview, interesting. 
my first thought cutting costs, will they put the hand dryers on an even slower setting?

[glynriley]

Had a Mark Ashton flashback when he said “every pounds a prisoner “

[One Team]

12 minutes ago, glynriley said:

Had a Mark Ashton flashback when he said “every pounds a prisoner “

I thought the same, he was doing OK until that point but that just sounded like MA nonsense. 

[Robbored]

Let’s hope that Alexander is a approachable as RG was.

[exAtyeoMax]

43 minutes ago, One Team said:

I thought the same, he was doing OK until that point but that just sounded like MA nonsense. 

Yes but he’s got the prestige to get away with it. 

[ExiledAjax]

12 hours ago, W-S-M Seagull said:

What we now know is that Phil Alexander has said he is heavily involved which is clearly more than the odd chat and phone call here and there. 

I've had an opportunity to watch the interview. I agree that the way Alexander describes Scudamore's involvement makes it sound quite involved. In particular he refers to meeting him prior to starting work here. That makes it sound like Scudamore's an important person for a new CEO to meet.

That is unusual.

Scudamore isn't a listed director of any Bristol City company.

He's not listed on the OS.

He's not listed in the "Who's Who" section of the matchday programme. That lists everyone down to the Club Chaplain and the Head of Marketing so if he's not there then I'm fairly confident he's not a strict employee.

I haven't got our annual return to hand so can't check if Scudamore's a shareholder either. If he is then it's a minority non-voting shareholding as Pula Sport owns all the voting shares.

Scudamore could be employed as a consultant and if he's got a formal consultant position then I think it's fine. It's a bit weird the Club aren't open about it, but generally I'd not be concerned by it.

However if he's just a mate of the owner who informally vets new CEOs and is heavily involved in decision making then from a governance perspective it's potentially a bit concerning as it would mean we've got someone influencing the Club who is not in anyway legally accountable. It would sound like he could be acting as a shadow director - although I'd expect someone of his experience to know how to avoid that trap. I was happy with Gould's explanation that it was a few chats and that Scudamore was a bit of a sounding board, but Alexander's description makes it sound like Scudamore has a little more control than the official records suggest he might.

[East Londoner]

Reading between the lines it sounds like Scudamore may have recommended Alexander to us

Strangely what impressed me most about that interview was at no point did he call us Bristol 

[bcfc01]

6 minutes ago, East Londoner said:

Reading between the lines it sounds like Scudamore may have recommended Alexander to us

 

I think that is probably the case.

 

[spudski]

29 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

I've had an opportunity to watch the interview. I agree that the way Alexander describes Scudamore's involvement makes it sound quite involved. In particular he refers to meeting him prior to starting work here. That makes it sound like Scudamore's an important person for a new CEO to meet.

That is unusual.

Scudamore isn't a listed director of any Bristol City company.

He's not listed on the OS.

He's not listed in the "Who's Who" section of the matchday programme. That lists everyone down to the Club Chaplain and the Head of Marketing so if he's not there then I'm fairly confident he's not a strict employee.

I haven't got our annual return to hand so can't check if Scudamore's a shareholder either. If he is then it's a minority non-voting shareholding as Pula Sport owns all the voting shares.

Scudamore could be employed as a consultant and if he's got a formal consultant position then I think it's fine. It's a bit weird the Club aren't open about it, but generally I'd not be concerned by it.

However if he's just a mate of the owner who informally vets new CEOs and is heavily involved in decision making then from a governance perspective it's potentially a bit concerning as it would mean we've got someone influencing the Club who is not in anyway legally accountable. It would sound like he could be acting as a shadow director - although I'd expect someone of his experience to know how to avoid that trap. I was happy with Gould's explanation that it was a few chats and that Scudamore was a bit of a sounding board, but Alexander's description makes it sound like Scudamore has a little more control than the official records suggest he might.

Why would someone need to be legally accountable to give a recommendation and advice to the owners, or speak to the employee with the owners permission?

It happens all the time in business, where you ask for advice from people you trust or have built up a rapport with, who don't work for you in any capacity.

It's up to the owner to make the final decision on whether he agrees with the advice or not. 

Not being funny...I just can't see the problem.

[ExiledAjax]

4 minutes ago, spudski said:

Why would someone need to be legally accountable to give a recommendation and advice to the owners, or speak to the employee with the owners permission?

It happens all the time in business, where you ask for advice from people you trust or have built up a rapport with, who don't work for you in any capacity.

It's up to the owner to make the final decision on whether he agrees with the advice or not. 

Not being funny...I just can't see the problem.

I agree that so long as the final decisions are truly made by the directors and shareholders then it's fine to have conversations and use networks behind the scenes.

Accord should also be given to the EFL Regs and Owners and Directors test. I'm sure the club are confident that Scudamore isn't a "Relevant Person" under this Regs, but some of the definition there is quite broad and includes "a person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the persons constituting the management of the Club are accustomed to act". I just hope that "heavily involved" doesn't mean this. 

We see with the current Birmingham case that this is something the EFL are starting to look at seriously.

I'm sure it's all just networking and chats as you say - and as I said earlier that was always the impression I got from Gould - but if it's more than that then his involvement should be properly recorded and structured.

Edited February 22, 2023 by ExiledAjax

[spudski]

46 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

I agree that so long as the final decisions are truly made by the directors and shareholders then it's fine to have conversations and use networks behind the scenes.

Accord should also be given to the EFL Regs and Owners and Directors test. I'm sure the club are confident that Scudamore isn't a "Relevant Person" under this Regs, but some of the definition there is quite broad and includes "a person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the persons constituting the management of the Club are accustomed to act". I just hope that "heavily involved" doesn't mean this. 

We see with the current Birmingham case that this is something the EFL are starting to look at seriously.

I'm sure it's all just networking and chats as you say - and as I said earlier that was always the impression I got from Gould - but if it's more than that then his involvement should be properly recorded and structured.

I guess that if there were any grey areas, Gould wouldn't have name checked him.

[Red_Alligator]

Welcome Phil and best of luck to you.

Clearly a man with great experience in the game which hopefully will benefit BCFC going forward. Let's see. 

[Johnny Musicworks]

It certainly wouldn’t surprise me if Scudamore with his experience wasn’t either overseeing plans to encourage potential investment or even actively searching for it. Few would have better contacts around the world or be more respected for his knowledge and experience. His role may even evolve or become more apparent after investment or a takeover. He could be the perfect front man for a consortium. After the ‘Massengo to Chelsea Affair’ I would like to stress that this is purely speculation on my part  and nothing more. 

[CyderInACan]

3 hours ago, ExiledAjax said:

I've had an opportunity to watch the interview. I agree that the way Alexander describes Scudamore's involvement makes it sound quite involved. In particular he refers to meeting him prior to starting work here. That makes it sound like Scudamore's an important person for a new CEO to meet.

That is unusual.

Scudamore isn't a listed director of any Bristol City company.

He's not listed on the OS.

He's not listed in the "Who's Who" section of the matchday programme. That lists everyone down to the Club Chaplain and the Head of Marketing so if he's not there then I'm fairly confident he's not a strict employee.

I haven't got our annual return to hand so can't check if Scudamore's a shareholder either. If he is then it's a minority non-voting shareholding as Pula Sport owns all the voting shares.

Scudamore could be employed as a consultant and if he's got a formal consultant position then I think it's fine. It's a bit weird the Club aren't open about it, but generally I'd not be concerned by it.

However if he's just a mate of the owner who informally vets new CEOs and is heavily involved in decision making then from a governance perspective it's potentially a bit concerning as it would mean we've got someone influencing the Club who is not in anyway legally accountable. It would sound like he could be acting as a shadow director - although I'd expect someone of his experience to know how to avoid that trap. I was happy with Gould's explanation that it was a few chats and that Scudamore was a bit of a sounding board, but Alexander's description makes it sound like Scudamore has a little more control than the official records suggest he might.

Let's have it right - the less hands-on either Steve or Jon Lansdown are, the better, yeah?