Lincoln City Mad would like to thank Michael Foley for his time and openness and Mobster one of the forum moderators who will be running our Q & A feature from now on.
To cut to the chase as we know you have all been waiting with baited breath...........
1. Michael, we understand you are Lincoln born and breed, not too far from City’s ground, would you like to tell us about your early years as a youngster in Lincoln?
I lived in Pennell Street not far from the ground. Bill Anderson, the Manager at the time, lived in Scorer Street (with dog) and the “trainer” (as they were called then) Billy McGlen (smashing chap) and his wife lived in Sewell’s Walk. I went to school at St. Peter-at-Gowts (as did a certain Chris Ashton) and then Lincoln School. My family always had a close relationship with LCFC. We used to have players lodging with us. One of them, Fred Eyre, has recounted his experiences in his book. He is still a friend but I categorically deny any accusation that I used to cheat at “Cluedo”.
2. Although now based in France was your further education and initial employment in Lincoln or further afield?
I went to the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne where I graduated with a degree in Politics and History. I then moved to London (in 1975) and was employed by the Joseph Rowntree Social Service Trust as PA to a former UK Government Minister. I was then offered a job at the world’s largest public relations and public affairs agency and moved to their international headquarters in Geneva in 1981 as Director of Public Affairs for Europe. I have spent most of my professional life in Switzerland and maintain business interests and a residence in Geneva.
3. How would you describe the nature of your current employment?
I am now an independent consultant. In 1988 I opened my own consultancy in Geneva specialising in strategic business counsel, investment advice and development programmes, and issues relating to Geneva-based international organizations such as the World Trade Organization and World Health Organization. My clients included multinational corporations, governments (including the State of Geneva itself), foundations and academic institutes. I was also for many years Chairman of the British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Geneva. I sold my business about 5 years ago but remain a consultant to it and some of my previous clients.
4. Do you feel the UK has missed out opting to keep Sterling rather than joining the Euro?
No; quite the contrary. The UK’s financial and economic situation would be even worse than it is already if it were a member of Euroland. I am not confident about the long-term survival of the Euro.
5. Can you remember your first Red Imps game?
Vaguely. I was taken by my Dad at a rather tender age. I seem to recall it was very cold, we were heavily beaten ( by QPR I think) and were struggling. So you see some things don’t change all that much.
6. Out of all the players past and present who would be your favourite 11, you can include subs if you like?
I would need a lot more time to come up with the ideal 11. Suffice it to say that most would probably come from either the Graham Taylor or Colin Murphy periods and that most of the current lot would be lucky even to make the subs bench.
7. How does football at grass roots level differ in France compared to the UK, as with very little competitive sport of any nature being played in schools and the current Play Station generation it does make you wonder where the players of the future will actually come from?
As an expatriate who has spent most of his life abroad, I’m not sure I know enough about the situation in the UK to be able to make any valid comparison. What I can tell you is that the junior / youth structure in France is excellent and it is no accident that they frequently do well in international tournaments at that level. I suspect the comparison would not be flattering towards the UK.
8. You have stated that you may be in favour of exploring the possibility of possibly moving away from Sincil Bank rather than redeveloping it, would you have a particular reason or area in mind?
I am definitely in favour of a proper strategic, cost-benefit evaluation of the possibility of moving to a new purpose-built stadium as opposed to redevelopment of Sincil Bank. At the moment, we appear to end up with the worst of all worlds and drone on year after year about “access issues”. Not good or ambitious enough. As a Club, we are stagnating. As a stadium, we have moved from being one of the best at lower league level to one of the worst. I want to see LCFC in a 21st Century stadium that is fit for purpose wherever that is. Time to brush the cobwebs away.
9. Championship 2010 never quite got off the ground, where would you realistically like to see the club in 10 years or so if you were to become an integral part of the club?
Realistically, I would like to think that we could become a well-established Championship Club with both the facilities and pro-foot finances that would make this a sustainable proposition. Championship 2010 delivered partly on the facilities but not at all on the results side of the business where we have gone backwards. This may in part be down to the departure of some of the visionaries behind Championship 2010. This may not sound terribly ambitious but we are light years away from being able to achieve this at the moment.
10. Steve Tilson has been somewhat more successful than some previous managers in attracting players to LCFC, despite our little city rural location as some have said. Would you have ideas for improving the incentive for players to consider moving to Lincolnshire?
I think this is one of those excuses that Managers like to trot out to explain their lack of success. Another one is “they ain’t fit” argument. It’s a red and white striped herring. If you can demonstrate that the Club is ambitious and has the necessary means to move forward, a Manager with the right kind of contacts shouldn’t have too much of a problem. If the location is considered to be a problem, then there’s always the option of franchising the Club, moving it to the Cote d’Azur and rebranding it Nice Imps PLC. I suspect that would be attractive to players. Perhaps also to some supporters.
11. Do your friends and colleagues in France find it amusing that you support LCFC rather than the more high profile Man Utd, Arsenal or Liverpool’s of this world?
Yes. But my local Chinese dry cleaner now has an LCFC pennant hanging next to his Liverpool one.
12. Are there possible overseas investors that would like to be part of a smaller team like Lincoln City and see them grow rather than investing immediately into a higher profile more successful team?
I do not know. As part of my offer of investment into the Club, I have offered to find out!
13. If you met a potential investor what do you feel are the clubs most valued selling points to attract possible investment?
Until I get more closely involved and have had the possibility to examine the set up from A to Z I cannot answer that. I just hope that there are some as the current efforts do not appear to be making much headway.
14. Do you ever crave for Fish and Chips and a decent pint living in France?
Yes.
15. What are your fondest and worst memories as a Red Imps supporter?
My fondest memory is without doubt the Graham Taylor promotion-winning season and that wonderful feeling of pride that at last we were not only achieving something but beating all kinds of records along the way. The worst is the “near-death” experiences (there has been more than one) and the thought that the Club would simply cease to exist. I never, ever want to go through that again.
16. It is unusual for a board member to go on fans forums but Ray and Mrs Trew have both been known to frequent the Notts County forums and chat with fans. Do you have any particular views on this policy in general and should other Chairmen be more honest and approachable to fans via a similar route?
I think there’s a lot of nonsense written about this. Football Clubs can be very stuffy environments and Boardrooms especially so. I don’t see why it is somehow considered “undignified” for a Chairman or Director to communicate with fans directly. We are living in the 21st century for heaven’s sake and social networks are here to stay. If they can be instrumental in formenting revolutions they can certainly be instrumental in revolutionising how Clubs communicate with their fans. If I’m elected to the Board of LCFC I shall certainly argue for more open communications and transparency. At the moment, the Club can hold a “Fans’ Forum” at Sincil Bank but that is not much use if you don’t live in Lincoln or even in the UK. Make it virtual; take it on the net. The Club needs to decide whether it is forward or backward looking.
17. The club is currently a community club and the Trust was founded to save the club from Administration but there are now divided opinions as to whether this situation is actually encouraging or discouraging outside investment. Do you have any particular thoughts either way?
Yes, I have very strong views on this. But first let me say that I don’t agree that LCFC is a “community club” strictly speaking. It is a hybrid with a strong community focus or element. This may indeed be one of its problems in that it is neither fish nor foul. I speak as someone who has been in favour of supporters’ involvement and supporters trusts and is still so in principle. Sadly, and I think this is the case with LCFC, in some cases those that were once motors for change have become inert and obstacles to progress obsessed with protecting their own procedures and positions. The revolutionaries have become the establishment. Rob Bradley’s decision to step down from his positions speaks volumes. Do I think this presents an obstacle to potential investors? Most definitely. And it is one of the reasons why I am arguing for term limits on Trust representation on the Board of LCFC.
18. If you were not involved in the financial sector is there any other employment you would like to have been involved with?
I’m not really involved in the financial sector as such. My other great passions are the theatre, opera and politics. I sometimes regret not having had a career in politics. Maybe it’s not too late?
19. You post on forums as Scarlet Pimpernel and Nice Imp, would you consider changing to Michael Foley or are you happy as you are?
I’m very happy as I am! Again, too much is made of this. There is no particular virtue in posting under one’s own name or vice in not doing so. 90% of posters use a pseudo and it is part of the fun. In any case, I have never hidden my real identity. They seek him here…
20. Have you ever seen a player on your travels who you have thought of recommending to the Red Imps or have possibly seen an opportunity to put in place a feeder type club?
Yes. And I have offered to do some scouting in France. And I have offered to develop contacts with OGC Nice (red and black stripes). No one at LCFC seemed the slightest bit interested.
21. If you had to invite the 2 or 3 most interesting or influential people you have met out for an evening, who would be on your list and why?
A difficult question to answer as I shall immediately be accused of name-dropping. The most interesting are not necessarily the most influential but here goes:
Roy Hodgson because he is one of the most clever coaches and motivators I have ever met. I once invited him to address a group of Swiss bankers and you could hear a pin drop. Standing applause. Pity it didn’t work out at Liverpool..
Max Mosely…..because I’d like to know more about those parties
Petula Clark…..because she’s delightful.
22. To help us gain a little more insight into Michael Foley the man and fan, how would you sum yourself up in a few words?
Passionate, committed, loyal. Not easily deterred. Can be abrasive. Doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Success-oriented. Dry sense of humour.
(C) DSG, Footy Mad Lincoln City Mad & Michael Foley, 2011
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