Dave K. wrote:Again we agree
Nice to have a intelligent discussion about RL on here for a change.
How do you think Rovers can improve off the field?
Its a balancing act, we need to cut our cloth accordingly, but if we take too much off the wage bill ( and I'm talking 2011 here after many expiring contracts) then the on-pitch quality could affect gates and so its a downward spiral.
I think the East Stand extension is the 1st priority. I don't buy into the "8500 is as good as Rovers ever got" argument. IIRC Hull have recorded there 3 highest ever averages in the last 3 years without getting near the success acheived in the 1980's. The game (at club level) is more popular than it was back then, and if facilities are improved, gates will follow. I work with a long standing fellow Rovers fan who went more in NL1 than he does now purely because there is no opportunity to "walk up" and pay on the gate, unless you want a view from Belgium.
There is massive scope for improving the merchandise side of things, Rovers are not up to SL standard in this area for me. That could increase revenue streams with little investment other than employing some people with proper retail experience rather than a few p/t lasses from college and the odd players wife.
Finally, stick a roof on the North Stand. I'm sure Quins have just dismantled one, so offer them a few quid for it.