Dreamer wrote:There is no doubt that something needs to be done to improve the main stand and other spectator facilities, but this has to be done without selling our soul to the devil.
Some clubs have obtained money with strings, indeed steel cables attached. Anything that means we loose absolute control over gate takings, bar takings use of the facilities etc will just lead to long term ruin. A large debt around our necks would do the same.
My other half took some time out at one of our U20's fixtures against one of our close rivals in our division to engage in communication with one of the opposition directors .
He was rueing the fact that his team despite having a brand new stadium was suffering , not just through the loss of bar income , but the fact that opposition and more importantly home fans were staying away both prior and post match because of the facilities / service /bar prices /lack of consistency in staff offered by the Stadium Management Company ....that was impacting in the amount that the SMA was demanding ...
Compare that to another certain Championship Club who's ground and facilities have expanded considerably over the years but the Clubs ideal has not been to let go of the people who have done their jobs for years but upskill them and equip them with the knowledge and understanding to enable them to deal with the increased usage,...keep the same staff....work with the Club management flexibly ..
............. tell me which model really works ...