We are now officially the 7th richest club in English football if that article in the echo wasn’t such a headfuck I think Man City Man Utd Chelsea Stoke Liverpool Spurs Sunderland
Would I be right in thinking that any sponsorship money that would come in now would blow the "biggest budget in League 1" out of the water?
As things are slowing down and people chilling I'll post a quick story that might illuminate what this family means to SAFC. When I worked for the Russian Oligarch me and Mrs Smug were invited to the chateau of a champagne producing family. We were collected by helicopter, taken to the chateau for the weekend, wined & dined, entertained and given a wing of the house, a car and maid service. On the Saturday night we were flown to Paris, sat in the VIP area of the Moulin Rouge and given an after-hours tour of the Eiffel Tower. Sunday was a tour by the head of the family of the vineyards, museum, the press, the cellars and the tasting room. All this because I was in charge of provisioning the Russian's house on the Cap d'Antibes where they'd have massive parties for 100's of people. Our 'wine tasting weekend' must have cost them around £20,000 and they smiled all the way through. Mrs Smug is from a pit town and I'm the same so had to bluff our way through the whole thing. But the desire to supply our boss was obviously worth it, not only from immediate gain, but from the kudos of association. That's what will happen to our club and people across Europe will be plotting how they can involve themselves with SAFC and, by association, with the Louis-Dreyfus family. This is massive
We know we have at least 4billion behind the new owner and that money is literally liquid cash, not many football clubs could say that in the world
Can we keep this thread going? Be a shame to close it. It's ended up a quality hang out. It's up there with the Continental.
I've never been one for being patient, this climb up the leagues to kick the top clubs of their perches will hopefully be quick!
Looking back is better than it was at the time tbh mate. I don't have the clothes for occasions like that and was a bit embarrassed tbh. The best thing ever was when the Russians asked me to organise a private tour of Westminster Abbey which I did at enormous cost. They couldn't make it so me and Mrs Smug were taken around by a very knowledgeable guide, by candlelight, and spent two hours there. I was left alone by the tomb of Mary Queen of Scots, with whom our family have an affiliation, and that was a truly incredible experience.
Just catching up as been tied up most of the day. When you refer to the previous ownership, does that include Sartori? Or just the other two? I thought it was intially KLD and Sartori together, has that changed? Soz for loads of questions, been out the loop for a little while.
I was going to try and stay dry tonight after having a skinful last night, hells teeth to that idea, let's get the fizz opened. Many have said it already but thanks to yourself @Smug in Boots and @Prehab26 for keeping the hope going during the journey on this long old road. Here's to the future.
Off for a long weekend, so a beer in order. Completely confident about this after the solid info from those on here earlier, ( how much smoke does a man need!), and especially after the Christmas Eve statement. Who knows how this will pan out eh? But - and money aside here, though I see he is not short of access to the stuff! - the understated nature of this bloke, his serious approach and care in appointing people with a view to an actual plan, says to me that we have a chance now alright. We have a chance to be the Sunderland we can be, and that's enough. We may deserve to be where we are now, not us as supporters, but the club. We are coming back.