Reply To: David Hilton Interview

[Interested Bystander]

First of all I will make it perfectly clear that I am not a Scunthorpe United supporter, although I am a football supporter and have a keen interest in the wider issue of mis-management in football and the reasons behind the demise of some clubs. Sadly the club that I support has suffered from gross incompetence, mis-management and I suspect, probably worse.

I listened to the recent interview with David Hilton and a few things raised questions.

1) To buy any football club you need deep pockets, Hilton acknowledges the point in his interview. Most people with substantial wealth, the sort required to own and finance a football club have a business background, a clear path of how their wealth has been accrued. Given that Hilton is 45 years of age, I would expect some trading history of at least 10-15 years and for the companies under his control to have a balance sheet with a positive net asset value of at least 7-figures.

2) Hilton’s previous name (David White). Again, Hilton acknowledges his previous name but fails to explain the reasons for it other than it was personal. From my experience, most people change their names for two reasons, they don’t want to be found (in Hilton’s case we can probably rule this out given his involvement at Ilkeston and at your club) or they don’t want to be associated with their past.

3) Hilton, in the closing part of the interview states that if there is any evidence about him to bring it to him so it can be discussed. For me, this was a peculiar thing to say.

4) Companies House, Google, thegazette.co.uk, social media and Credit Reference Agencies are usually a good starting point for any supporter wanting to conduct some basic due diligence on those involved with their club or those who are looking to get involved.

5) If you are unfortunate to hold a senior position at a club, say Director or Co. Secretary you can usually submit a background request with a Police Force and related agencies with varying degrees of success without too much trouble.

6) A simple Google search of David White and Andy Nally (name of current Chairman at Ilkeston) throws up an interesting thread (https://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/08456806308) dating back to 2011. There are 23 pages of this but they are worth persevering with.

7) Judging by Hilton’s comments, there is clearly an element of mistrust that exists between part of your fanbase and him. He would be better addressing those concerns by explaining the reasons for his name change, his business background and how he has accrued sufficient wealth to purchase and finance the day-to-day running of a loss making football club because it is far from obvious in my opinion). If he fails to do so, the concerns of the silent majority will grow to being the suspicions of the majority.

Keep your eyes peeled and I will wish you the very best of luck.