Mrs Barista wrote:The merger has proven to be far far more divisive than either club expected, but IMO that says a lot about how close the clubs are to the fans. I don't agree with it at all but the consensus is that it's about cash or the lack thereof.
As regards "there always being a club, just not one challenging for top 4", well we're not challenging for top 4 now. Goalposts are being shifted in the user agreement and income is down. I fully agree I'd have prioritised outgoings differently and guess AP would too in hindsight. It would be nice to hear this. But the fact remains that books have to be balanced and as supporters we have an opportunity, but not an obligation, to contribute. Those believing their decisions either way don't impact the club aren't being honest IMO.
I don't think there's any way back for the academy in the short term. But regards U23s also don't see how this will take shape.
I think that 'There will always be a Club' is now not such a safe statement as it was at all. The sceptics will of course poo poo it but we are entering stormy waters I fear.
In fairness to Adam Pearson who was pretty down beat yesterday he did chat to a few folks and was as approachable as ever and he did at least at last concede that money was one of the main issues with the merger.
I guess my main issue with the merger stuff is the fact that we could have maybe done something if that had been explained, instead of having the whole idea foisted on us as the finished article. Badly handled all together at a sensitive time by our marketing people, if they thought everyone would just shrug their shoulders and accept it.
