When Dan met Nicola...

[aintforever]

Did you not notice people staying away from a club lacking investment and Rupert Lowe back in charge. The game straight after Rupert Lowe left say over 27,000 turn up.

 

We never had the best average attendance once when we were in the championship, the best we got was 5th highest that was the first season down.

 

All I'm saying is that we will not be a big fish in the Championship living within our means, we will just be one of many clubs with a chance of promotion.

 

If cortese wants to be top half of Prem in 5 years the wise thing to do would be invest money otherwise it could be decades before we get out the Championship.

[benjii]

 

If cortese wants to be top half of Prem in 5 years the wise thing to do would be invest money otherwise it could be decades before we get out the Championship.

 

I don't think anyone disagrees with that. I hope we splash the cash.

[Matthew Le God]

We never had the best average attendance once when we were in the championship, the best we got was 5th highest that was the first season down.

 

All I'm saying is that we will not be a big fish in the Championship living within our means, we will just be one of many clubs with a chance of promotion.

 

If cortese wants to be top half of Prem in 5 years the wise thing to do would be invest money otherwise it could be decades before we get out the Championship.

 

What makes you think there won't be investment in the team should they be promoted to the Championship? Everything coming from Cortese at the moment "suggests" that there will be. You don't have a 5 year plan to be established in the Prem without investing in the team to get them there.

 

I would imagine close to £5 million has already been spent (bar wages) on Saints as a League One team (transfers, agent fees, signing on fees, loan payment fees for Papa Waigo and Do Prado etc etc). Not many teams in the Championship, let alone League One can match that. In fact Saints more than likely beat a lot of Championship sides to the signatures of a number of players despite being in a lower league.

Edited 8 November, 2010 by Matthew Le God

[aintforever]

What makes you think there won't be investment in the team should they be promoted to the Championship? Everything coming from Cortese at the moment "suggests" that there will be. You don't have a 5 year plan to be established in the Prem without investing in the team to get them there.

 

I would imagine close to £5 million has already been spent bar wages on Saints as a League One team (transfers, agent fees, signing on fees, loan payment fees for Papa Waigo and Do Prado etc etc). Not many teams in the Championship, let alone League One can match that. In fact Saints more than likely beat a lot of CHampionship sides to the signatures of a number of players despite being in a lower league.

 

That's exactly what I am saying, thank you.

[doubleonothing]

From Dan Roan Twitter

"@Zoggers87 Impressed - his emphasis on the academy, sports science, and trust in Adkins bodes well"

 

in response to

 

What did you think of him? He has a bad reputation but is a results kind of guy! Any interesting snippets?

Edited 8 November, 2010 by doubleonothing
more ***tering

[saintjay77]

I'm gutted he didn't respond to my tweet TBH. Would have been nice to know the answers.

 

"@danroan are u going to elaborate on the 5 year plan? Did it include world domination? Buying Pompey and sinking it? Cut price match photos?"

[doddisalegend]

The problem with football plans is surely that football isn't that easy to predict. For example one dodgy reffing blunder that costs us a game resulting in finishing in the playoffs rather than automatic promotion. Than we lose the playoff final after a freak own goal by Lallana off his backside. Hey presto the whole plan is Kaput. What if we get a rash of injuries to the first team?

 

I'm all for having a plan but surely the plan needs to be flexible becuase no one can predict football that well, there's no garuntee we will go up this season then what happens?

[benjii]

The problem with football plans is surely that football isn't that easy to predict. For example one dodgy reffing blunder that costs us a game resulting in finishing in the playoffs rather than automatic promotion. Than we lose the playoff final after a freak own goal by Lallana off his backside. Hey presto the whole plan is Kaput. What if we get a rash of injuries to the first team?

 

I'm all for having a plan but surely the plan needs to be flexible becuase no one can predict football that well, there's no garuntee we will go up this season then what happens?

 

Sure, that's why it's exciting!

[Smirking_Saint]

Nice to see NC addressing his Major flaw and doing some PR work and speaking to the media. Good idea if not a tad overdue.

 

Good to hear some confirmation that everything is still in place for the 5 year plan.

 

Hopefully some of the mongs will simmer down on the whole devil incarnate side of things.

[Smirking_Saint]

The problem with football plans is surely that football isn't that easy to predict. For example one dodgy reffing blunder that costs us a game resulting in finishing in the playoffs rather than automatic promotion. Than we lose the playoff final after a freak own goal by Lallana off his backside. Hey presto the whole plan is Kaput. What if we get a rash of injuries to the first team?

 

I'm all for having a plan but surely the plan needs to be flexible becuase no one can predict football that well, there's no garuntee we will go up this season then what happens?

 

I think thats why he has given us 5 years to do it.

[Big John]

Nice to see NC addressing his Major flaw and doing some PR work

 

Maybe leftback has made him sit up and listen, imh he is learning and he is learning pretty quickly considering his background. This was a lot of people's problem with Rupert Lowe; he didn't appear to learn about the fans and what this club mans to us.

[PhilippineSaint]

Shouldn't it be a four year plan by now?

 

No Because year plans stay as 5 year plans every year when the goalposts are mooved the plan is updated for another year.

[Saints foreva]

Did you not notice people staying away from a club lacking investment and Rupert Lowe back in charge. The game straight after Rupert Lowe left saw over 27,000 turn up.

 

Cheap tickets.

 

Similar prices to the Nottm Forest game that season where 27,000 people also turned up.

[LostBoys]

My only concern is that I think they must be disappointed with the crowds this season after the JPT last year.

[LostBoys]

I also wanted to say that I rank the BBC only marginally ahead of the Echo in terms of reporting ability and accuracy

[Matthew Le God]

My only concern is that I think they must be disappointed with the crowds this season after the JPT last year.

 

Yeah, having roughly the 22nd highest average attendance in England this season, whilst in the 3rd tier and being ranked 50th (and for a long time a lot lower) in the English pyramid is terrible!

[saint_mears]

Unfortunately a lot of people will refuse to believe what Cortese says, preferring to lap up the media rumours and ramblings other people in the game with an axe to grind.

 

Well i have not seen any of these media rumours and ramblings from people with an axe to grind. That sort of line is normally trotted out by people that have been found out for what they are . According to Cortese he doesnt trust the media yet has been to wapping and now chinwagging with the bbc sports main man.

[jam]

Well i have not seen any of these media rumours and ramblings from people with an axe to grind. That sort of line is normally trotted out by people that have been found out for what they are . According to Cortese he doesnt trust the media yet has been to wapping and now chinwagging with the bbc sports main man.

 

So are you saying that Cortese is wrong to have any kind of relationship with the media?

[NickG]

Well i have not seen any of these media rumours and ramblings from people with an axe to grind. That sort of line is normally trotted out by people that have been found out for what they are . According to Cortese he doesnt trust the media yet has been to wapping and now chinwagging with the bbc sports main man.

 

so?

[moon monkey]

It is very sad that some people thrive on negativity and will always see things half empty rather than half full. The people who need reassurance every week that the club is safe and things are happening. These are the people who live very insecure lives, unable to hold down relationships because of their fear of insecurity.

[SparkySaint]

Cheap tickets.

 

Similar prices to the Nottm Forest game that season where 27,000 people also turned up.

 

Wasn't that so people could get a ticket for the Manchester United game?

[benjii]

It is very sad that some people thrive on negativity and will always see things half empty rather than half full. The people who need reassurance every week that the club is safe and things are happening. These are the people who live very insecure lives, unable to hold down relationships because of their fear of insecurity.

 

Aye.

 

I am bemused by the constant craving for positive PR that some posters seem to have. It's weird. Probably the sort of numpties who spew forth their unrelenting verbal bile over such idiot-banks as Facebook and Twitter.

 

"Just saw someone from Hollyoaks in a lift" "Excited about my upcoming amazing holiday" "I have the best life ever" etc.

[Bucks Saint]

I also wanted to say that I rank the BBC only marginally ahead of the Echo in terms of reporting ability and accuracy

 

I disagree. They are not so close to clubs that they will very often have the "inside track" or hot rumour. But they do get to meet owners, chairman, managers and produce decent in depth articles and interviews. So any comparison with the Echo is some way off, IMO

[benjii]

I disagree. They are not so close to clubs that they will very often have the "inside track" or hot rumour. But they do get to meet owners, chairman, managers and produce decent in depth articles and interviews. So any comparison with the Echo is some way off, IMO

 

Generally, I agree but some BBC articles are absolutely strewn with misunderstandings when they are covering something technical.

[landford.saint]

Generally, I agree but some BBC articles are absolutely strewn with misunderstandings when they are covering something technical.

 

Politically the BBC is always suspect because they have to keep their paymasters, whoever is in power, happy. However they can do things well when they have the mindset to. Unfortunately they often do most things too fast, and on the cheap, often making basic errors.

[speed demon]

In my opinion FWIW I think that the comment is true. I wouldn't be supprised if Nicola has been given this season as his last to get us up. Not saying he will be sacked or removed but I think there may be a chance if we don't make it this season, the family will stop funding altogether or we may be sold as possibly work in progress. This contradicts the families comments about seeing the vision through but I would imagine the **** will hit the fan if we don't go up this time.

[saintjay77]

NC is planning to succeed rather than planning to fail. Up to the Championship within 2 years is part of the 5 year plan. Thats what he wants and that is what he is trying to achieve. Planning a possible 3rd or 4th year in League 1 is not planning to succeed.

 

Im sure if we dont make it then a new plan will be made but I doubt NC or anyone at the club has been given the go ahead to think about such things.

 

Up this year and build a team that can push for promotion next year. Championship for no more than 2 years and Prem for the 5th year. That would then open up the door for the longer term plan of building a world class club and is probably at the level that NC expects to be at in order to carry out what he told ML he would. Everything before that just has to happen and excuses will not be welcome.

[Matthew Le God]

In my opinion FWIW I think that the comment is true. I wouldn't be supprised if Nicola has been given this season as his last to get us up. Not saying he will be sacked or removed but I think there may be a chance if we don't make it this season, the family will stop funding altogether or we may be sold as possibly work in progress. This contradicts the families comments about seeing the vision through but I would imagine the **** will hit the fan if we don't go up this time.

 

Read the later comments by Dan Roan on his twitter and you will see that is simply not the case.

 

Someone asked him - Does that mean that Liebherr family will back out if promotion not achieved this season?

 

Dan replied - No - but better players will leave if promotion missed again

 

Which was obvious anyway, if Saints don't get promoted this season players like Lambert, Lallana, Schneiderlin and Fonte will leave. As Dan says, the funding will continue, however the team would need to be rebuilt. However if those four were sold, that would raise a lot of money and rebuilding shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully though it won't come to that and promotion happen this season. *fingers crossed*

 

In any case, whenever the Liebherr's do sell up, it won't be to no-one. The club is now an even more attractive investment than it was when Markus brought it. Someone new would pick up the reigns, and there would be a queue of people willing to do so considering the clubs assets of the stadium, training ground, Jackson's farm, the academy, good squad, healthy sized fanbase and no debt what so ever.

[St_Tel49]

I think the aim is to get us in the top half of the Prem, then sell.

 

But you don't go from League 1 to there in 5 years by living within your means, it's possible but very unlikely.

 

Blackpool have done it.

[Smirking_Saint]

Read the later comments by Dan Roan on his twitter and you will see that is simply not the case.

 

Someone asked him - Does that mean that Liebherr family will back out if promotion not achieved this season?

 

Dan replied - No - but better players will leave if promotion missed again

 

Which was obvious anyway, if Saints don't get promoted this season players like Lambert, Lallana, Schneiderlin and Fonte will leave. As Dan says, the funding will continue, however the team would need to be rebuilt. However if those four were sold, that would raise a lot of money and rebuilding shouldn't be a problem. Hopefully though it won't come to that and promotion happen this season. *fingers crossed*

 

In any case, whenever the Liebherr's do sell up, it won't be to no-one. The club is now an even more attractive investment than it was when Markus brought it. Someone new would pick up the reigns, and there would be a queue of people willing to do so considering the clubs assets of the stadium, training ground, Jackson's farm, the academy, good squad, healthy sized fanbase and no debt what so ever.

 

I agree with the sentiments however i don't really think billionaires are that easy to come across.

 

Would we be sold ? yes

 

Would we be secure ? yes

 

Would we likely be funded aswell as we are now ? Debatable

 

Not that i think it would come top that tbf. We are in a good position and should get promoted this season. Adkins seems a great appointment and the facilities are being upgraded. Noises of a stadium development if required.

 

We are in good hands for once.

[Matthew Le God]

I agree with the sentiments however i don't really think billionaires are that easy to come across.

 

They are easy to find if you are an attractive investment opportunity.

 

Lots of rich people are still looking for clubs. But most clubs either don't have the fanbase size required or infrastructure to make it attractive and/or are burdened by debt. Saints already have good infrastructure in place, have a large fanbase and are debt free. If they were sold tomorrow they would be extremely attractive for another billionaire.

Edited 9 November, 2010 by Matthew Le God

[Chez]

My only concern is that I think they must be disappointed with the crowds this season after the JPT last year.

 

what are you concerned about? The owners selling up early?

[NickG]

Adkins had team safely in middle of championship, with crowds of 5,000 and no investment.

[Chez]

Would we likely be funded aswell as we are now ? Debatable

 

Funded in what way? Are wages and transfers being subsidised by the Liebherr family?

[Smirking_Saint]

Funded in what way? Are wages and transfers being subsidised by the Liebherr family?

 

Dunno, what i mean is that we are lucky to be owned my owners rated fourth on the list of owners finances. They seem keen fund a 5 year plan and have spent good money in this league, they also are funding the training ground etc.

 

Do you think if we were sold we would fall so lucky again ?

[Chez]

Dunno, what i mean is that we are lucky to be owned my owners rated fourth on the list of owners finances. They seem keen fund a 5 year plan and have spent good money in this league, they also are funding the training ground etc.

 

Do you think if we were sold we would fall so lucky again ?

 

Perhaps we are paying our own way without subsidies from our owners. All I have ever read is there is "no debt". That doesn't mean the owners are paying off any debts at the end of each year so we break even. Whether that is the case I don't know, but I'd love it if we got a double promotion and once up Cortese turned around and said that the owners had not bank rolled the club, it was totally self financing and will continue to be so for as long as the Liebherr owned the club and that will be for the next hundred years at least.

[Matthew Le God]

Dunno, what i mean is that we are lucky to be owned my owners rated fourth on the list of owners finances. They seem keen fund a 5 year plan and have spent good money in this league, they also are funding the training ground etc.

 

Do you think if we were sold we would fall so lucky again ?

 

As I said earlier in response to this...

 

I agree with the sentiments however i don't really think billionaires are that easy to come across.

 

They are easy to find if you are an attractive investment opportunity.

 

Lots of rich people are still looking for clubs. But most clubs either don't have the fanbase size required or infrastructure to make it attractive and/or are burdened by debt. Saints already have good infrastructure in place, have a large fanbase and are debt free. If they were sold tomorrow they would be extremely attractive for another billionaire.

[Smirking_Saint]

Perhaps we are paying our own way without subsidies from our owners. All I have ever read is there is "no debt". That doesn't mean the owners are paying off any debts at the end of each year so we break even. Whether that is the case I don't know, but I'd love it if we got a double promotion and once up Cortese turned around and said that the owners had not bank rolled the club, it was totally self financing and will continue to be so for as long as the Liebherr owned the club and that will be for the next hundred years at least.

 

That would be nice.

 

But an effective promotion march, especially within 5 years will need to be well funded, at least on the transfer fee side of things. I think we can have a sustained model as far as wage structure is concerned and tbf that seems to have started when Pardew and Nicola were talking about not signing players just for a payday etc.

 

I think the Liebherrs will fund the short term expenses, for instance paying a large sum towards the training ground, any facilities upgrades etc and any reinforcements needed above the yearly turnover of the club. But i would hope we don't go down the Skates route of throwing money at players that aren't really bothered.

[Matthew Le God]

But i would hope we don't go down the Skates route of throwing money at players that aren't really bothered.

 

The "Pompey way" was to not invest in infrastructure and rack up huge debts unsustainable for a club of their size. The Liebherr's since the late 1940's when Markus' father Hans Liebherr started his construction business, don't accrue debt. It is the family's business philosophy.

[doddisalegend]

Adkins had team safely in middle of championship, with crowds of 5,000 and no investment.

 

Teams can do well with small investment and small crowds but its usually a fleeting thing not a long term deal. I assume the idea is to get Saints into the top ten of the english football elite and keep us there in which case it requires investment and good size crowds. The only thing I wonder is will moving up leagues effect numbers, it's assumed that higher leagues bring higher crowds but I wonder if our crowds are bouyed up be resonably cheap ticket prices. From personal point of view I probably won't to be able to afford to go to so many games at PL prices as I do know.

Edited 9 November, 2010 by doddisalegend

[NickG]

I don't think there is team in CCC which can compare with both our support and rumoured financial backing.

 

A few have crowds around ours, most a lot lower, and of those think most are in debt.

 

QPR have money behind them but not well supported.