Stockwood Article

https://codalmighty.com/site/ca.php?article=9287

Nice read this to pass the off -season time .

Interesting stuff

It's a nice read and an interesting true tale.

And.. thank you to Mrs Stockwood, if she was the catalyst for his club purchase !!

Very down to earth in his growing up story !

Always worth a read !!

Quoted from acko338

And.. thank you to Mrs Stockwood, if she was the catalyst for his club purchase !!

Very down to earth in his growing up story !

Always worth a read !!

Some wives persuade their other half to take up a hobby to get them out from under their feet, but this really is taking things to extremes.

Yep love this tale - thanks Mrs Stockwood this I believe.
However I seem to recall  a Mrs Holloway who was allegedly a white witch - or some other nonsense - advising the wise Ian that having seen a black cat cross the road he should take the job at Grimsby.  

Sold his business for a very price but not sure what % he would have received personally but he’s probably a bit wealthier than I thought. Fair play to the guy certainly done well although that’s probably an understatement.

Excited by AI and wants to live to 120 ?? Not for me..but otherwise informative.

He wants to live to 120 so he might see Town move into a new stadium 🏟

Great read this one - gives me hope that if I've got until 120 then i don't have to have it all figured out right now   !!

I just got depressed reading that tbh, when he was younger than me he'd already just casually wandered into selling companies for multi-millions, and on the way to that interview alone he took more phone calls than I get in a year. Still, I thought, all these hyper-successful types have terrible home lives because they are obsessed with work.....nope, he's got that sorted too.

My new plan to sort my life out  is to time travel back 20 years and marry Jason Stockwood.  Anyone got a DeLorean for sale?

Quoted from OddShapedBalls

I just got depressed reading that tbh, when he was younger than me he'd already just casually wandered into selling companies for multi-millions, and on the way to that interview alone he took more phone calls than I get in a year. Still, I thought, all these hyper-successful types have terrible home lives because they are obsessed with work.....nope, he's got that sorted too.

My new plan to sort my life out  is to time travel back 20 years and marry Jason Stockwood.  Anyone got a DeLorean for sale?

That would mess with the timeline completely. We'd end up with Jason in therapy just around the time he'd be taking over GTFC. With noone to stop him, Fenty will have been taken for a ride by that crook, Alex Neil, and the club will have been torn to bits and any land sold for housing.

You'd have in your pocket a picture of Blundell Park that will slowly fade, being replaced with some Dog and Duck stadium in National League North and "GTFC welcomes Scunthorpe United".

Part 2

https://codalmighty.com/site/ca.php?article=9293

A lot more info in this article than anything going on , on here atm I suggest anyone with a bit of time takes a read .

Quoted from Mappers

Part 2

https://codalmighty.com/site/ca.php?article=9293

really interesting, far better than part 1 imho

Interesting that he's clearly a lot more sympathetic towards John Fenty than he is towards Tom Shutes.  

Part two is a long but interesting and positive read

Tony Butcher is a good interviewer, certainly helps to have someone who a) knows what they’re talking about and b) is interested in the answer.

Lots of bad feeling between him and Shutes. Interesting that Stockwood thinks he may have been the tyre kicker.

£2m hole to plug this season is frightening, though.

A very good read that shows what is happening behind the scenes. Given his comments about Tom Schutes, there will not be a new stadium on the docks if it involves TS.

It's certainly a worthwhile read.

Quoted from ska face

Tony Butcher is a good interviewer, certainly helps to have someone who a) knows what they’re talking about and b) is interested in the answer.

Absolutely.  With no disrespect to someone like Matt Dean, he's a football/sports man and when he asks questions about the business side of the club he's not asking the right questions.  I think the questions that Tony Butcher asks are clearly from someone clued into to the finer detail of it, to the point he challenges a fair bit which I liked to see/read.  

Really enjoyed the second part of that, far more than the first part which I did struggle a little bit with to be honest - was a bit "Oh you're from Grimsby, so am I...Remember this?".  

Again, Stockwood comes across incredibly well but the really sad thing is that as I read and listen to what he says, I can almost see the response from the usual negative crowd.  For example as soon as I read the bit about him helping Artell with the platforms and technicalities to use data and find player, you just know that some people will be straight on him as soon as a summer signing makes a mistake.  Like with the game-model/Buckley Ball stuff, when it doesn't work it's a case that he needs to concentrate on providing funds rather than trying to run the club...

Truth be told, I'm amazed anyone still gives interviews because the near guarantee of negativity and stuff getting brought back up months down the line.  I don't think Stockwood or Pettit are perfect, but bloody hell we're lucky to have them.  

Quoted from diehardmariner

Absolutely.  With no disrespect to someone like Matt Dean, he's a football/sports man and when he asks questions about the business side of the club he's not asking the right questions.  I think the questions that Tony Butcher asks are clearly from someone clued into to the finer detail of it, to the point he challenges a fair bit which I liked to see/read.  

Really enjoyed the second part of that, far more than the first part which I did struggle a little bit with to be honest - was a bit "Oh you're from Grimsby, so am I...Remember this?".  

Again, Stockwood comes across incredibly well but the really sad thing is that as I read and listen to what he says, I can almost see the response from the usual negative crowd.  For example as soon as I read the bit about him helping Artell with the platforms and technicalities to use data and find player, you just know that some people will be straight on him as soon as a summer signing makes a mistake.  Like with the game-model/Buckley Ball stuff, when it doesn't work it's a case that he needs to concentrate on providing funds rather than trying to run the club...

Truth be told, I'm amazed anyone still gives interviews because the near guarantee of negativity and stuff getting brought back up months down the line. I don't think Stockwood or Pettit are perfect, but bloody hell we're lucky to have them.  

Totally agree.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Lots of bad feeling between him and Shutes. Interesting that Stockwood thinks he may have been the tyre kicker.

£2m hole to plug this season is frightening, though.

Think this demonstrates how ignorant most of us fans are when it comes to how much money is required to operate a football club even at L2 level. I, and I suspect many more of us town supporters, saw that we had made best part of a million from the cup run and sold 5500 season tickets so what possibly could happen to prevent us getting a real quality side together.

It’s pretty deflating in a way to learn that despite all the money that flowed in the club still has a shortfall of £2M! Also, given Lincoln’s deficit was £4M that even steady progression comes at great cost. Does make you wonder how the hell you get a new stadium or much improved BP at any time in the future and as I’m now nearing 70 the disappointment of realising that neither is likely to happen in my lifetime unless JS’s prediction from interview one, that we may live to 120, has any merit!!

Liked the bit about people who have been in the Main Stand for years now needing to bring a stick to partially obscure their view…big pressure on Artell, that’s another 2k fans who will now be able to fully see any tactical ineptitude for the first time…

Buckleyball - pass and move, no boring 1-0 wins, entertain me, I'm as much a fan as all others attending !!

Up a Division when we can - stay solvent, find a list of potentially better players for Artell to choose from !

Enhance the fan experience and attract more to come and watch !!

All positives to read and enjoy !

Now to put it into action over the next few weeks to help the fans forget last year's playing debacle !!

More excitement, better results = more fans going and wanting to return !!

Will next season be better for all?

We wait with bated breath !!

https://codalmighty.com/site/ca.php?article=9301

Part 3

Never tired of talking about himself that is for sure.  

Bore off I enjoyed part 2 but part 3 whoosh

Quoted from male private Nale

Never tired of talking about himself that is for sure.  

You appear to dislike Stockwood. If so why? Did you prefer Fenty and if so why? Genuine questions.

Yep, not really related to football and with the election campaign in full swing I don’t need anymore political discussion to consider and being retired I’ve no interest in how to run a successful business so it’s not for me but others may well enjoy it.

Quoted from male private Nale

Never tired of talking about himself that is for sure.  

That's kind of...the point of....an interview..?

The third part is a fascinating read, there's loads to go at, if you have the inclination for that type of thing.

I have my own views and values in life, and they're pretty much aligned with what Stockwood says. I'm absolutely behind him. It's important stuff and worth a read...

But it's not an easy read for those whose minds TB and JS want to reach. It's quite heavy, pretty philosophical and deep, and hard to break down because there's so much in there that's ultimately relevant to the football club and our town.

You almost need someone to write a precis of it because it's great content, some really interesting views and thoughts. There's so much to dig into.

The main take-out for me from part 3 is that 'doing the right thing' and integrity is the thing that ultimately increases chances of success — not just personally but more widely. But that's not always enough. JS talks about enjoying some luck along the way, but a positive mindset can often frame fortune. It's about having positive intent, understanding why you're doing what you're doing, and never losing sight of that.

Quoted from RichMariner

The third part is a fascinating read, there's loads to go at, if you have the inclination for that type of thing.

I have my own views and values in life, and they're pretty much aligned with what Stockwood says. I'm absolutely behind him. It's important stuff and worth a read...

But it's not an easy read for those whose minds TB and JS want to reach. It's quite heavy, pretty philosophical and deep, and hard to break down because there's so much in there that's ultimately relevant to the football club and our town.

You almost need someone to write a precis of it because it's great content, some really interesting views and thoughts. There's so much to dig into.

The main take-out for me from part 3 is that 'doing the right thing' and integrity is the thing that ultimately increases chances of success — not just personally but more widely. But that's not always enough. JS talks about enjoying some luck along the way, but a positive mindset can often frame fortune. It's about having positive intent, understanding why you're doing what you're doing, and never losing sight of that.

I too have strong ethical  moral and philosophical beliefs, but sit at the opposite end of the political spectrum to Stockwood. The important thing is we want what is best, in this instance, for GTFC.

I don't agree with all of Stockwoods proposals,  for one I think B Corp is an unnecessary ambition but the important thing is he has a vision and how to achieve it.

We all hope he is successful for the club and the town but of course, as ever, league success will be what he is judged on.

The language used, the references made to works of various thinkers and scholars may not be readily recognisable to all, myself included, but the underlying messages of social value, opportunity, giving back and moral values are clear ..... and I don't think anyone can really argue with those sentiments.

It also made me giggle when he said about what's the point of having wealth if all you are going to do is buy a flash car and have a young wife as that ultimately won't make you happy....for some reason an Aston Martin and silicon implants sprang to mind.

The fact that he was asked to become an MP by BOTH main parties tells you all you need to know about your “choice” in a fortnight.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

I too have strong ethical  moral and philosophical beliefs, but sit at the opposite end of the political spectrum to Stockwood. The important thing is we want what is best, in this instance, for GTFC.

I don't agree with all of Stockwoods proposals,  for one I think B Corp is an unnecessary ambition but the important thing is he has a vision and how to achieve it.

We all hope he is successful for the club and the town but of course, as ever, league success will be what he is judged on.

I agree with you here Lew in that ultimately JS and AP will be judged on the results. I do see potential in the Bcorp stuff though...I think this could possibly unlock investment from other Bcorp organisations who would be more comfortable aligning with a Bcorp football club...More likely to want to be involved in organisations that do the right thing and Bcorp is a good way of certifying this.

Quoted from ska face

The fact that he was asked to become an MP by BOTH main parties tells you all you need to know about your “choice” in a fortnight.

That was a really bizarre comment. I'd imagine the Tories thought a successful businessman would be a Tory, but none of his values match the current iteration of that party. (Yeah, I know that Starmer and Reeves aren't much better).

I had a quick glance at the article earlier but I'll perhaps take a closer look when I want some light reading...

Quoted from Gilbertswand

I agree with you here Lew in that ultimately JS and AP will be judged on the results. I do see potential in the Bcorp stuff though...I think this could possibly unlock investment from other Bcorp organisations who would be more comfortable aligning with a Bcorp football club...More likely to want to be involved in organisations that do the right thing and Bcorp is a good way of certifying this.

I see your point and you may be right.

However the vast majority of well run, ethical and moral companies have never heard of B Corp let alone members of it.

It's a very niche market but nearly all companies with values similar to Stockwood get along just fine without it and don't need a certificate to tell people how good they are. To me it seems an unnecessary burden having to see most, if not everything the club does through the prism of B Corp. It is further expense as well and Stockwood himself said its not cheap, and then there is the extra work to make the application and keep it on track as it not just getting the certificate - you have to continually show adherence to it.

I did read somewhere B Corp puts some perfectly respectable companies off, fearing they would not meet the exacting standards required to do business with the B Corp holder.

Stockwood said their application had been sent in months ago and was frustrated how long it is taking and we have not heard anything recently so I wonder if it has stalled?

If it is something the owners are dead keen on then good luck to them as I don't think it will affect the average fan either way.

I’m a big fan of Stockwood and the thoughts he outlined in the article so maybe I’m biased on the below, but on B-Corp status:

I always think that while I don’t know the detail, being the first club in the world to achieve this statue would give us a huge opportunity.  Look at Village Green and how they get huge focus and media attention with their green credentials.  b-Corp would give us a new selling point and looking at how Stockwood (more that Petit in this space) can get media exposure without this it would be a new focus onto Town.

The hope would be it would attract more of the investment that were after to move forward as people who may not otherwise look to invest into football get their heads turned.

It might be a completely wrong assessment but it would be worth it just for that in my eyes and comes with the huge plus of Town doing the right thing by people too.

I would be mightily amused (& heartened) if 1 of the new investors mentioned B Corps as a reason for investing in Town!

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

I see your point and you may be right.

However the vast majority of well run, ethical and moral companies have never heard of B Corp let alone members of it.

It's a very niche market but nearly all companies with values similar to Stockwood get along just fine without it and don't need a certificate to tell people how good they are. To me it seems an unnecessary burden having to see most, if not everything the club does through the prism of B Corp. It is further expense as well and Stockwood himself said its not cheap, and then there is the extra work to make the application and keep it on track as it not just getting the certificate - you have to continually show adherence to it.

I did read somewhere B Corp puts some perfectly respectable companies off, fearing they would not meet the exacting standards required to do business with the B Corp holder.

Stockwood said their application had been sent in months ago and was frustrated how long it is taking and we have not heard anything recently so I wonder if it has stalled?

If it is something the owners are dead keen on then good luck to them as I don't think it will affect the average fan either way.

How can you make this statement?

“However the vast majority of well run, ethical and moral companies have never heard of B Corp let alone members of it.”.

If you consider the dictatorship of the previous regime maybe the “extra work” is worthwhile in terms of GTFC being a great place to work and taking seriously the role it can play in people’s lives & the community.

Quoted from Brummie Codfather

I’m a big fan of Stockwood and the thoughts he outlined in the article so maybe I’m biased on the below, but on B-Corp status:

I always think that while I don’t know the detail, being the first club in the world to achieve this statue would give us a huge opportunity. Look at Village Green and how they get huge focus and media attention with their green credentials.  b-Corp would give us a new selling point and looking at how Stockwood (more that Petit in this space) can get media exposure without this it would be a new focus onto Town.

The hope would be it would attract more of the investment that were after to move forward as people who may not otherwise look to invest into football get their heads turned.

It might be a completely wrong assessment but it would be worth it just for that in my eyes and comes with the huge plus of Town doing the right thing by people too.

That opportunity has passed us by: [url]https://rusg.brussels/en/news/union-b-corp[/url].

Union Saint-Gilloise became the first sports organisation to achieve B Corp status in January 2024.

Shows the importance of research, that had completely passed me by!

Union Saint-Gilloise are owned by Tony Bloom, aren’t they? He’s one smart cookie, so it would seem to good credence that there’s some value to the accreditation.

The benefits with something like this are always going to be indirect, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t real or meaningful.

I largely enjoyed it, a few parts irked me but the underlying vision is laudable.  After all he could just be sat at home counting his millions and investing in 30 year old wives but chooses to try and do better.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

How can you make this statement?

“However the vast majority of well run, ethical and moral companies have never heard of B Corp let alone members of it.”.

If you consider the dictatorship of the previous regime maybe the “extra work” is worthwhile in terms of GTFC being a great place to work and taking seriously the role it can play in people’s lives & the community.

Obviously I said it because I believe it to be true.

There are 5.6 million businesses in the UK and there are about 2000 B Corp businesses. That is 0.03% of business.

If the owners believe in it then great, I was just pointing out that it is a niche market.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Obviously I said it because I believe it to be true.

There are 5.6 million businesses in the UK and there are about 2000 B Corp businesses. That is 0.03% of business.

If the owners believe in it then great, I was just pointing out that it is a niche market.

That’s the amount of limited companies registered at companies house, the government say c500,000 new companies are being incorporated every year so many of those 6+ million I suspect aren’t actively operating & trading.

I do agree with you though that B Corps could be described as niche due to the extensive criteria. As of February 2024, there are 8,254 certified B Corporations across 162 industries in 96 countries, according to a google search.

Accreditation for “doing the right thing” is not unusual, my employer has just won accreditation from Great Place to Work, this was not easily won and has resulted in better benefits for the lowest paid, improve L&D opportunities, more transparency on internal promotion opportunity, brining sustainability forward, meaningful engagement events and up-weighted activity and work with Shelter & other local good causes.

I work for a software company and we are just going through the accreditation process at the moment. Most of our customers / potential customers are Local Authorities, Utility Companies and Civil Engineering Contractors. A high proportion of tenders and contract renewals now require us to have B-Corp status, as well as a number of ISO Accreditations, so its definitely a growing and respected thing to be B-Corp certified.

Well regards b Corp I think he said we were a long way off anyway in the article so I wouldn't bother getting too ate up about it now.