West Ham have been linked with a takeover by Red Bull but their current owners say they're not looking for investment. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38435210 At all the other clubs they own (RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls), they've changed the identity of the club to add their own identity and branding. But, especially at Leipzig, have brought unprecented success. How would you feel if they were interested in SAFC?
Premier league rules stipulate a clubs identity can't promote a brand. Other than that I'd welcome it. They're an incredibly progressive well run company. Not sure how I'd feel if they did get a name change across the line.
Would be v happy if they got involved, perhaps a nae change for the ground would be a compromise that worked.
I can't see it happening, but I would welcome it. If we stay up (and that's a big IF) we will have Chinese owners next season.
Is that an opinion or do you know something? I think I'd feel safer if we were in the hands of someone like Red Bull but, as you say, its unlikely they'd be interested in us.
I`m thinking that ^ My concern is if chinese owners bring in a bunch of friends and relatives to run the club who haven`t the faintest idea what they`re doing then it`s hello Short mk II.
Red Bull won't bother with us. Their sole aim is to expand their brand, naming rights on a huge recognisable stadium like West Ham's in (fairly) central London is the only reason they are interested. Football is an expensive business and I'm sure they will expect to make a loss on the club, but most likely thinking it is balanced by the massive advertising potential they would gain - the overall brand may be in profit, even considering the millions they'd have to pump into the football side of things. Unfortunately, with us there is no such business advantage. The interest / revenue generated by renaming the SOL wouldn't even come close - noone really cares about us outside of Sunderland.
Firstly, a disclaimer- I agree that Red Bull are unlikely to be interested in us but as Short is open to offers and they seem to be interested in the Premiership, I thought it was something worth discussing. As for us not being high profile enough though, were SSV Markranstädt high profile? Because they are now after Red Bull got involved. I think with the right owners, the right publicity campaign, and even a small amount of success, interest in SAFC could expand well beyond Sunderland. I've mentioned before on here the clubs, like St Pauli, Dortmund, Athletic Bilbao, who have used their own unique identities to become 'cult clubs' and expand their reach beyond their own localities. I don't see any reason why that couldn't be done with SAFC if the owner/owners could strike the right balance.
Wouldn't welcome a name change but don't mind the Red Bull Stadium of light and them being shirt sponsor . They could pretty much write a cheque to whatever value they like to make us competetive financially
You're not the only ones worried about Chinese investment . Hope if our KL sells she will have GUARANTEED things in place .
Probably true , but we can only hope ! In this instance , she got the club after her Fathers death . I just have a feeling Nicola Cortese will be back IF the club is sold . Time will tell .
