[Derek Duckworth]

Sale of the Club
Is the club for sale?

DC: No current intention to sell, but open to right buyer with proof of funds and sustainable plans.

Has the club been prepared for sale?

DC: No preparations like valuations; if selling, it’s about finding the right custodian, not the price.

Any recent buyer interest?

DC: No formal offers. In the past (e.g., 2016), offers were rejected to pursue promotion.

Would he sign an NDA if approached?

DC: Yes, if the offer is serious with proof of funds.

Future Plans and Club Direction
Is there a strategy for sustainability (recruitment, sponsorship, facilities)?

DC: Football clubs typically operate at a loss; costs rise faster than income. Academy investments are ongoing. Open to panel suggestions.

Will young players be developed and sold to improve finances?

DC: Yes, academy improvements are happening (new manager Jon Pepper, facilities upgrades).

Will a strategic and financial plan be published?

DC: Not committed to publishing, but open to ideas. Fans wanting influence should invest financially.

Financial Concerns
Recent wage delays: cause and future risks?

DC: Cashflow issues due to delayed payments owed to him personally. Injects cash when needed. Situation now resolved.

Was club money used for other businesses?

DC: No, because SWFC operates at a loss, so there’s no money to take out.

£2.5m stadium rent payment instead of staff wages?

DC: No actual cash movement; rent offsets against loans.

Can financial documents submitted to the EFL be shared?

DC: Club is compliant, but these documents are confidential and won’t be published.

Governance and Structure
Why no formal board of directors?

DC: Believes in current structure; has advisors and senior management with football/business experience. In Asia, it’s normal for the owner to act as CEO.

Future governance reforms with the Independent Football Regulator?

AW: Club will comply. Panel ideas already helped improve Fan Zone, third kit pre-orders, EBar trials, etc.

Fan on the board?

DC: Would require meeting same director standards as others.

Other Key Issues Raised
Danny Röhl’s future?

DC: Under contract for two more years; cannot leave without permission.

Safe standing at Hillsborough?

AW: Ongoing discussions. May start small, expand over time.

Academy upgrades?

AW: New top-grade artificial pitch, four new dressing rooms, new reception and social areas.

North Stand safety and roof renovations?

DC: No current safety risk. Will act if issues arise, but no immediate need for closure.

Season ticket refunds?

AW: Non-refundable unless under special circumstances like illness.

Communication and Trust
Club disappointed panel issued a statement before meeting.

DC: Wants better mutual trust moving forward.

Panel disbanding?

DC: No, still committed to working with the panel.

Final Message:

DC and AW thanked everyone and encouraged ongoing open dialogue, with next meeting scheduled for June.

[Author]

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