Like David Frost, he rose without trace.

He comes across as someone who's in a real hurry to become, and show, he's a pillar of the British establishment. And in slightly cringeworthy ways - buying a Scottish title, acquiring a PhD in a subject that sounds incomprehensible. Maybe these are accoutrements that will help him further his business career in other parts of the world. Maybe they reinforce his idea of who he is and wants to be. But definitely odd. And an odder match for us than for other clubs, perhaps. If neither of my hypotheses were correct, I suspect this deal wouldn't be on the table. Doesn't mean he's a wrong'un, however.

Jason Arday?

That blog post is hardly digging into the detail. I posted about 'UAE money' whilst the presentation was ongoing, it's very easy to find those connections within a few minutes. It's a lot more difficult to prove that the money or influence is coming from a Sheikh or anyone else other than Omar Mir. Using different middle names at different times on companies house (which isnt a crime by the way - the form even allows you to state if its a preferred name, legally changed name etc), using a property management company's address as your correspondence address, these aren't material concerns.

I have been thinking that we are in danger of being taken over by our very own Jason Arday. Nicander's link doesn't reassure.

One question in my mind... the EFL and/or Regulator may not approve SSC very quickly and they could possibly even turn the deal down. Do we have a Plan B to tide us over during the delay and/or if we have to go back to the drawing board?

OI - I mean, I don't want to get back into why DT membership being a free gift with a season ticket was a bad idea, but I do think any member should have a basic responsibility to care about this stuff and try to make informed decisions. But not their fault if they were roped in by default.

I think you're able to change your vote, if you have already voted. Not comfortable reading, I must say, albeit perhaps amber flags rather than red.

nicander - I wouldn't argue with any of that except to say it is human nature to make many decisions on gut feel or the easy choice and that is how this will be made. The average DT member now is not interested in Dr. Mir's complicated background or exactly what we lose. I don't think disaster would be immediate but I do think it would be inevitable. All the ideas that have been put forward as alternatives have such major flaws for me that I would hate to risk them.

As this was the most encouraged package goodness knows how poor all the others were.

I'm conflicted in being in the position of wanting the deal to be right (but feeling more and more that it's not) and the asserted claims that future is bleak in the event of a no vote (whilst not believing the scorched earth scenario being presented)

OI - I think minds can change as facts emerge and questions are raised. I'm not saying they should in this case, I'm just saying it is possible. I think it's the height of arrogance (not you, I hasten to add) when people say "I've made up my mind and nothing anyone can say will change it". Journalists and experts are beginning to dig in the deal - it may or may not change people's views of the substance of it as they do so.

OI, my theory is that you need three weeks to get the "unique voting link" to actually work

The more I read the more I am tempted to vote no.

There are probably three or four hundred who will look at these articles seriously. The rest will either vote yes because 87million and a DTB recommendation, no because we should be 100% fan owned or not bother to vote at all. They would not change their mind if presented with large amounts of information. This is not a criticism of them, football club ownership is just far from the top of their priorities. Others, like me, will read all the links and still think this is not a wonderful deal but way better than any other and so still vote yes.

I do have to say that i am puzzled by the opening of voting so soon after the presentation with no real 'digestion' of the facts.

They have allowed every one time until the middle of November to establish facts. I haven't voted yes yet but have plenty of time to do so. I am unconvinced that it is a great deal but way better than the three alternatives I suggested the other day. Even if we only get 16 million we are out of imminent danger.

We have probably already in effect sold the club to this individual.

Important read: [Link]

Of course not Airsey we had wally Downes in charge

I took my son to Fleetwood for the semi-final. Laurence stopped the coaches at a pub up there before the match - excellent. We wangled our way into the home end to see the TV screens in the Gents. Went to our end where we lent Salad a scarf because he was cold. Then he bear-hugged my son when we scored. Got told off by the headmistress on the Monday for "taking Archie to a football match". Good memories.

Just got an email about Great Western Railways being nationalised next month. That had completely passed me by. Feels like a good move.

Young Pilley was the subject of a suspended 3-month EFL ban for standing as a director when he took over from his dad.

Spit - we didn't fold in that FA Cup game with Wet Spam did we?

Was such a good night (I did some decent speed on the M6 Toll on the way home got back in record time) and then the second started off with a goal virtually straight from kick off which effectively ended the tie and they fell apart from there.