Having tried to calm everyone down the other day, I see this today and just wanna smack Ashley and Penfold in the head with a 2x4. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/spor...ews/how-brexit-effect-sterling-means-13262707 Long and short of the article, because the £'s deflated we have to pay more to meet the release clause (£1.2m to be exact) and are looking to haggle over the duration of the payments... £1.2m??? I mean that would get you a 16y/o kid from league two with potential for that kind of money and there are players taking home more than that a month in wages! It's a lot of money granted but in football terms its peanuts. Pay the money get a deal over this mythical line and calm everyone (inc. me) down... *Holds breath*....
How big are we? Comparison of a rival: Bournemouth are NOT a football town. Their industries are nursing homes and summer tourism. I've lived there. I know this. Yet they can completely outgun us for attracting top players. Compared to that footballing backwater, we are barely in the same league. Ashley looks like he's putting minimal effort into preparations for the new season. This is what I'm sensing. The silence is disturbing.
Or maybe Bournemouth taking a gamble? Either way... .. TV money has changed everything. It would be interesting to see a money league of teams ranked by non TV revenue only.
Incredibly, Bournemouth are the MOST reliant team on TV money; some 86% of their revenue is derived from TV. We're a lowly 14th with 58% from TV. Man U predictably bottom (top) of the pile with just 27% from TV. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/fo...ey-revenue-money-cash-earnings-sportgalleries
I think Sky are realising that if small clubs are bankrolled by them, then they'll get tiny stadia in front of their cameras and fans who will buy their sports packages in very small numbers. Bournemouth, without sky payouts would have to sell most of their squad tomorrow, and revert to their natural place in football. But with huge sky income, they're being extremely ambitious - which will probably keep them in the big league. For the last 10 years we've just not been prepared to match that level of ambition. And sadly, unless we back Rafa with significant team strengthening in the next few weeks, will make them a better bet than us to achieve something next season. Money has given very small clubs a big hand if they get a break.
I live in Bournemouth and get to the games occasionally. Ake was absolutely brilliant for them last year when he was on loan but 20m for a club like Bournemouth is eye watering stuff. There are big issues with them expanding to bigger Stadium also. They don't want to move sites, it's nice and central, mostly people walk there. There is plenty of room but local council causing issues of course. It would be a big shame if they move further out which is what has been discussed but they can't keep spending that sort of money unless they can build the club up.
I do a bit of business up on Richmond Hill from time to time so know Bournemouth well also. A lovely place and fab for a run on the front along to Poole and back.
I lived in Boscombe and Poole for a few years in the late 80's and loved the place. I went to a few games. I think they were in div 3 back then. Its reported that they get 86% of their income from TV. But credit to their running of their club - they're punching well above their weight
That's what a cracking manager who is happy at the club can do for you! We need to keep hold of Rafa also for an extended period of time.
I wonder where we went wrong as he has now opted to stay at Barca instead of coming to the Toon.....tax dodging money grabbing little bastard !!!