Love him or hate him, don't knock Bates. he may be a divisive figure, but one thing he will do is get the club on a realistic financial footing that will enable it to be sold or taken to the next development stage (by someone else)
Im a chelsea fan, and though bates was equally divisive for us, the one thing no-one can argue with is that he saved the club, and that was/is enough for me
Personally, i think he is an egotistical ****, but if you are up against it, he is a good man to have in your corner.
I hope you guys do get sold and get some investment and start going places, but I won't look forward to meeting you twice a season for the usual kickfest, it was too painful to watch