Soccer: Talks over Kingz sale broken off

By TERRY MADDAFORD

A perplexed Sam Malcolmson has scrapped plans to buy the Football Kingz.

In a brief statement in Auckland yesterday, former international Malcolmson said "the whole exercise has been extremely frustrating."

Malcolmson, acting on behalf of a business consortium, lodged an "expression of interest" with Kingz chairman Chris Turner in late March.

"Since that time we have not seen any contracts or documentation relating to the Kingz," Malcolmson said. "Therefore, we have been unable to do any due diligence.

"Our consortium is bitterly disappointed that we could not help progress the Kingz to the next level."

Malcolmson said Turner had advised him this week that he no longer intended to sell the club's controlling interest.

Turner is the club's majority shareholder. Sky Television owns 10 per cent and one of the club's founding shareholders, John Batty, 5 per cent. The remaining shares are held by Turner's fellow director Ted Midlane.

Turner said Malcolmson's decision "did not disappoint us."

Malcolmson is confused by Turner's attitude.

"You speak to him and you don't know where you are," Malcolmson said. "He just says nothing. He does not tell lies, but at the same time you have the feeling he does not tell you the truth."

Asked whether he thought Turner's stalling tactics were deliberate, Malcolmson replied: "I don't know."

He added that he and his group were disappointed in not getting further.

"The Kingz are very necessary to New Zealand soccer. Probably more than ever. If the Kingz go, we are struggling."

Quizzed further on whether his group would be interested if things changed, Malcolmson said they could take up a part shareholding, but only if he [Malcolmson] was the chief executive.

Turner said: "We were happy to listen to what Sam and one or two others who had expressed an interest had to say.

"He wanted to make an offer, but it is fair to say nothing has changed.

"All discussions with Sam and his group were on the basis of him being chief executive. As we are about to advertise that role, there was no need for due diligence at that time.

"We can't go any further until the new chief executive is appointed.

"Sam is welcome to apply. If he is the best, he will get the job.

"At this moment, speaking as the majority shareholder, I don't see us selling the controlling interest."

Of other offers from overseas and local interests, Turner was evasive: "I will not comment on anything until there is something to say."

Of the much-publicised bid by Wellington businessman Dave Wilson, Turner said: "We have a relationship with the Ole Academy which involves Dave Wilson."

Turner is in no hurry to confirm any coaching or player negotiations, even though the next Australian National Soccer League season could start in August.

"The issue with Sam Malcolmson had no bearing on the signing of a coach," Turner said. "We have agreed in principle we want Ken Dugdale and Stu Jacobs to continue. There is no timeline on this, rather more of a process."

Turner said if an August start was confirmed, there would be a need "to bring our plans forward."

As ever, it seems nothing moves very quickly with the Kingz.

More than just Malcolmson have expressed their frustration at what is seen as a lack of action or direction. Turner, though, appears as unfazed as ever.