Trojan Horse wrote:Regarding the discussion of 500 people donating £1000 it’s a good idea but only if there’s some credible and tangible outcome.
For example, if there was a scope to renovate the west stand with a 2000-2500 stand then you’d probably have some success. £500000 probably wouldn’t be enough so the club would likely have to match the donation to achieve something credible.
If there was scope to re- surface the west stand with new barriers with a roof and replace those awful boxes with some sort of club room that services away fans refreshments and a bar it would be be highly likely most people would donate who were able imo.
Not sure how much these things cost but a renovation for 1 million would be a fairly significant change looking at the state of it now.
That all needs doing and will be but I don't think the club would use it for that or sell it on that.
A share issue IMO would be sold as a way to refinance the club to allow it to expand it's core business, on field success. So the bulk would be used to fund junior recruitment and retain talent. A small amount would possibly used for off field appointments and general infrastructure.
Back to the west stand. Even to upgrade the terrace to be tidied up and put at pitch level would cost a minimum of 5 -800k, I know because I''ve costed it. To upgrade it to a level where it increases revenue in a noticeable way is more like 1 -2 million. Even then it would still be a terrace but at least one with full cover, but with only a marginal capacity increase.
The latter would be the better option in the longer term but in the short term even the basic reprofile would be beyond the clubs capabilities, even if that share scheme took off, as it would offer no return.
However I'd say watch this space. Once the community side of BV takes off I guarantee you even more councillors will get on board, they all love a good photo op. So imho council funding in the way of grants and cheap loans will be what drives the redevelopment of the rest of the stadium. However that is probably 5 - 10 years away depending on how we do.
Despite what the Pimp thinks I have no insider knowledge this is just how I see it.