Mercury speak

[Thracian]

From the Blue Army website:

==================

Milan saved us from disaster!

In the final part of our series on Milan Mandaric's first year at City, we look at the impact he has made at the club in those 12 months, and hear from the men who know him

by Andy Mann

Supporters chief Cliff Ginnetta believes Milan Mandaric's takeover saved Leicester City from “meltdown”.

Ginnetta feared City were sliding back into administration before Mandaric completed his buy-out a year ago.

However, the Leicester City Supporters Club chairman believes Mandaric's millions financially “saved” the club.

Ginnetta said: “He saved the club money-wise, there's no doubt about that.

“We now don't have to sell the Richard Stearmans and Joe Mattocks, which is brilliant.

“I would think, if he had not come, that there would have been a good chance of going back into administration. It would have gone into meltdown.

“We would have had to sell Mattock, Stearman and Gareth McAuley - anyone we could have got money for would have gone through the door.

“Milan has made it a club that can reject some of the offers and laugh at some of the offers.

“I think some of the recent signings have been excellent. They can fill seats and help get us promoted.”

Lance Tomlyn, chairman of the Independent Supporters' Association, echoed Ginnetta's sentiments about holding on to the club's assets.

And he feels City are now attracting a better calibre of player in the light of the transfer-window signings.

Tomlyn said: “It's been a roller-coaster, but if you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, where were we before he came in with any money?

“Although it's not gone entirely to plan, where would we be now? We would be selling McAuley for half his value. Stearman would be gone. We would possibly have £4million but that wouldn't have made a dent in the mortgage.

“I know some people have some strong feelings, but no-one was prepared to put their money in. Milan was the one who put his head above the parapet.

“We are not selling our young or best players, and we are buying better players that want to play for us. Hopefully, as we go up the table, we can attract bigger and better players.”

However, it has not been all plain sailing since Mandaric's takeover. Ian Holloway is the club's fifth manager, while the team was only mathematically safe from relegation last season on the penultimate day.

But despite that, Ginnetta feels City can still achieve Mandaric's aim of promotion within three years of his takeover.

“Football-wise we have not come on much,” said Ginnetta. “We have only put a team together in the last three or four games. A lot has changed but we have not moved up.

“It took him a while to get to grips with the job. It's been tougher than he thought. He brought in people he thought would be good and, to his credit, he has not hung around if they are not up to it.

“Now he has his man in and is backing him. That's what he wanted to do from the start.

“One year has gone from his three-year plan, but I feel Mandaric is on track for what he wants to do. The players are coming in, getting together as a squad and playing together. When we get the team together, anything can happen.”

Tomlyn added: “He has stabilised the club. He has found a manager he believes in. He has backed him and I think we are going in the right direction.”

[Simi]

I should have known Cliff Ginnetta would come and lay his word down sooner or later.

[alanf0x]

I should have known Cliff Ginnetta would come and lay his word down sooner or later.

I hate this guy, walks round the stadium like he owns it!

[Len Finsbury]

Cliff Ginetta has always been an ass kisser and always sides with the club.

So much for being the 'Supporters' Club Chairman.

What a tool.

[Raj]

I think David and Victoria Beckham are fcuking tools and ego maniacs.

However i have never met them.

I have met Cliff G and he seems a decent enough bloke who just happens to be sad enough to love this great club of ours.

[Simi]

I think David and Victoria Beckham are fcuking tools and ego maniacs.

However i have never met them.

I have met Cliff G and he seems a decent enough bloke who just happens to be sad enough to love this great club of ours.

Is there anyone at the club that you don't defend?

[Raj]

Is there anyone at the club that you don't defend?

Groundsman!

Actually it isnt his fault.

Its the river water you see.....