Tony Lynam writes to Southampton fans

Dear All,

I have been contacted by a large number of people given our entering into an exclusivity period for the purchase of Southampton Leisure Holdings (which to the man on the street and pretty much all supporters relates the Club itself).

In the meantime offer you a few words of comfort. You will no doubt have seen various articles in news papers, news clips etc. I was originally asked by a group of four very wealthy business people to become involved with their proposed takeover of SFC. I politely declined their offer of 'employment' since I just knew that because this was such a public matter, my own life for a short period of time would enter into the media circus. As many of you who know me personally will know, I am far from a shy retiring character, but equally I don't enjoy people phoning me up asking my business, or shoving cameras outside of my office, or even home. The more harsh of you could perhaps joke that I "have a face for radio"!

In the end, the group/consortium changed my mind, and to be honest I am now quite glad that they did. Part of what changed my mind was a chat over a coffee with Matt (Le Tissier), where I could see the pure passion and belief that we could make this a success, with the right backing. What followed was a crazy few weeks of working 24/7, by myself and numerous others. That work was geared at arriving to the point that my client was willing to make an offer - not just to buy the club (that's the easy part), but to buy into the concept of sustained investment over the medium-long term to make this great club a success.

When I projected the sheer cost of this, a couple of the guys were a little less willing to throw cheques at me. Ultimately I have in fact now entered into this "exclusivity agreement" on behalf of ONE client only. And myself, Matt and others involved are very pleased with that. Gone are the days of petty squabbles. Our one client has SUBSTANTIAL wealth - several hundred million. Irrespective of this however, I am looking at this as a business which can stand on its two feet. But we have the comfort of knowing that if myself/Matt/colleagues make a recommendation for investment (be this for players/staff whatever), it will be catered for.

Matt will have a pivotal role at the club - and I would urge you all to never under estimate this man's ability. You all know of his amazing skills as a footballer. As a friend of his for a number of years, I also know the other side of Matt, and believe me, he has a very wise head on those shoulders.

We now have 20 days (the clock started ticking yesterday) to get down to the serious business. We'll let the legal people do what they have to for the delisting process of the PLC, transferring of assets to the new holding company, repayment of debt to creditors, and handing over of title to me (on behalf of my client). Meanwhile, Matt and myself and colleagues will be formalising football matters. I'll rely more on their knowledge of the beautiful game, and they'll rely on me to get our client to fund their plans. Its quite simple. This is now a time for unity, and I really do hope that I get all of your support, and the support of the wider community to make this club great again. I will stop at nothing to make this happen guys - but I need bums on seats AND support to achieve this. Together, we can have a club to be proud of once more (and there's me a boyhood Liverpool fan saying that!).

I wish you all the best. Its a nice day out there, so take your kids out to play, or the missus down to the beach......... or of course make some excuse to have a pint at 3pm and enjoy the FA Cup Final. Whatever takes your fancy, have a nice weekend.

Best wishes,

Tony Lynam