Ehab Allam interview

[Mckechnie Orange]

Thet want their owner gone because they think they should be a top four club and they want their manager sacked despite finishing 12th in the Premier League, they’re deluded.

Some of our lot would still want our manager sacked at the first opportunity even though hes just pulled of an escape from the quagmire of the lower leagues greater than houdini could have dreamed of - with what now transpires as a 6th placed wage budget.

Most of the same wanted Bruce gone too.

Yeah, after wigan and until february there were times i wanted McCann gone. But i think as long as we are achieving a level of success with the resources available then i can be at least content watching my team. In any division.

Perfect owners dont exist. some get lucky and can sell at the right time, others bail as the **** hits the fan. I no longer worry about winding up orders and crooks, just hope someone with deeper pockets will take us forward from here.

If that as a city fan is the biggest gripe i currently have, then its small change compared to where we have been.

 

[Mckechnie Orange]

That's fair enough, your entitled to believe or not believe. It's worth saying again though...the reason ours is mid table Is to do with others drastically reducing theirs and not us dramatically increasing ours. We don't have much ( if any ) money to spend on transfer fees, but we do have funds/room for wages.

Burke wanted to be back down south and Long was demanding assurances regards being No1 and wasn't getting them so decided to leave. Neither player was going to be automatically first choice so the wages for those 2 will be much better spent on 3/4/5 other players.

That's the point. If either were envisaged to be key starters ahead of others on lesser contracts, then the pre-negotiated extensions weren't just bad value for money, but in terms of squad dynamics potentially disruptive if players on less money are first choice ahead of them.

Its also worth noting - and there is debateable mitigation - that both were key players in a capitulating back line last time we were at this level. Why should they get significantly more financial reward than the likes of Greaves, Jones and ingram for sitting on the bench?

Half of the problem with football is money wasted on players on inflated contracts. The other half is clubs offering inflated contracts in the first place. .

 

[Shark Sports]

That's the point. If either were envisaged to be key starters ahead of others on lesser contracts, then the pre-negotiated extensions weren't just bad value for money, but in terms of squad dynamics potentially disruptive if players on less money are first choice ahead of them.

Its also worth noting - and there is debateable mitigation - that both were key players in a capitulating back line last time we were at this level. Why should they get significantly more financial reward than the likes of Greaves, Jones and ingram for sitting on the bench?

Half of the problem with football is money wasted on players on inflated contracts. The other half is clubs offering inflated contracts in the first place. .

I completely agree, it was the problem we had when we were relegated too. Some of the biggest earners weren't the best performers e.g. Stewart & Kingsley. It's also why Cannon is such a smart signing. He's a good L1 player, but I doubt he had any other championship offers (I know PNE were linked). Therefore, we can offer him good L1 wages but championship football. He gets the move back north he wanted & a step up in levels and we get a good squad player on very sensible wages. Everyone's a winner and the money we've saved on wages can be put elsewhere

 

[John Ex Aberdeen now E.R.]

That's the point. If either were envisaged to be key starters ahead of others on lesser contracts, then the pre-negotiated extensions weren't just bad value for money, but in terms of squad dynamics potentially disruptive if players on less money are first choice ahead of them.

Its also worth noting - and there is debateable mitigation - that both were key players in a capitulating back line last time we were at this level. Why should they get significantly more financial reward than the likes of Greaves, Jones and ingram for sitting on the bench?

Half of the problem with football is money wasted on players on inflated contracts. The other half is clubs offering inflated contracts in the first place. .

Both Long and Burke going makes perfect sense IMO for both sides. Neither Long nor Burke were likely to be starters, I think Jones is a better all-round player and likely to be first choice alongside Greaves. Long wasn't going to oust Ingram unless he had a big dip in form. So for the club, obviously the extension of contract cost was too high, so I'm sure it also suited the club them moving on.

 

[askewshair]

The contractual (extra year in the club's favour ) increases where more then we wanted to pay for 2 players that where not going to be No1 picks automatically in their positions. We offered both new contracts inline with the other players in the squad but neither signed because in longs case we wouldn't assure him the No1 spot and Burke's case he wanted to move back down south ( he didn't even look at the offer and that's his own words ) their 2 salaries combined will probably cover 3/4 or potentially 5 new signings wages and in my opinion that's money better spent then on 2 players that didn't want to be here. Others may see it different and that's their prerogative

It's interesting that you are suggesting a huge difference in salary between those who are seen as 1st team players vs those signed as squad players. I had guessed that must happen, but not more than double which is what you are suggesting. Confirms something I stated on here that both Jones AND Burke would not have been offered a 1st team salary.
Additional to this, do contracts include the bonus scheme for appearances/goals etc?

 

[askewshair]

I think relegation from the Premier League probably wiped a third off attendances, the Allams were then responsible for halving what was left.

With regard to corporate ticket sales, I think the Allams are much more significantly responsible for the decimation of the support.

I believe (but feel free to correct with stats) the E1/E2 evictions had an impact (and how it was managed). It was only a small section of the ground, but significant as many were die hards (when we moved from Boothferry, this section was the one that filled up quickly). This was immediately after we had reached the final of the FA cup, which should have had a positive effect on attendances.

 

[originallambrettaman]

I believe (but feel free to correct with stats) the E1/E2 evictions had an impact (and how it was managed). It was only a small section of the ground, but significant as many were die hards (when we moved from Boothferry, this section was the one that filled up quickly). This was immediately after we had reached the final of the FA cup, which should have had a positive effect on attendances.

The name change, the evictions, the Airco debacle, the removal of concessions, the general lack of respect, they all had a negative impact on attendances to some degree. We can speculate all day long on how much of an impact each had, but there's obviously no way of knowing for sure which were the most damaging.

What is for sure, is that our attendances of around 9,000 for the last two season (when we could attend), were far more than just a drop off due to relegation, they're about half what you'd expect attendances to be after a Premier League relegation.

 

[Howdentiger2]

It's interesting that you are suggesting a huge difference in salary between those who are seen as 1st team players vs those signed as squad players. I had guessed that must happen, but not more than double which is what you are suggesting. Confirms something I stated on here that both Jones AND Burke would not have been offered a 1st team salary.
Additional to this, do contracts include the bonus scheme for appearances/goals etc?

There isn't a huge difference now between the players in the squad, but those 2 would have been well above any others in the squad if we had activated the extra years, as Ehab Said in his interview those contract where negotiated and signed when we where in a completely different financial position ( parachute payments etc ). In the current climate they just didn't make sense in anyway shape or form and neither are earning anything near at their new clubs as what they would with those extensions activated

In regards to bonuses etc. Each club/contract is different. Most sensible clubs will have wage reductions across the board like we do ( stop laughing at the back ) in all players contracts and wage rises for promotion or bonuses for winning cups etc.. some older players with poor Injury records may have a much smaller weekly wage but a very high appearance bonus for example. Then when you hit superstars status there will be clauses regards image rights, a % of shirt sales etc etc

 

[Gone For A Walk]

The name change, the evictions, the Airco debacle, the removal of concessions, the general lack of respect, they all had a negative impact on attendances to some degree. We can speculate all day long on how much of an impact each had, but there's obviously no way of knowing for sure which were the most damaging.

What is for sure, is that our attendances of around 9,000 for the last two season (when we could attend), were far more than just a drop off due to relegation, they're about half what you'd expect attendances to be after a Premier League relegation.

..... the continuous lies and contempt, their arrogance & smugness, the ridiculous spats with the council, the disrespectful childish antics of taking down pictures & signs, the treatment & bannings of local media, the treatment of fan representatives, closing the walk way, etc, and I'm sure loads more that can be added.

Some say City fans have always been fickle. That's of course true to a degree. But the comparison is completely flawed. This had been a totally new, different era and a totally new dynamic of support (meaning what had been built since the opening of the KC) that the Allams have pretty much managed to destroy, in spite of us getting promoted back to the PL again and getting to an FA Cup final. Not just us fans but also corporates (I know they are fans too) and sponsors. Some achievement.

No point endlessly debating about it. It is what it is. They now have a business model that fits to the current climate, and that's good. But they are despicable utter ****s as owners of 'our' football club. I just want them to **** off.

 

[Chazz Rheinhold]

..... the continuous lies and contempt, their arrogance & smugness, the ridiculous spats with the council, the disrespectful childish antics of taking down pictures & signs, the treatment & bannings of local media, the treatment of fan representatives, closing the walk way, etc, and I'm sure loads more that can be added.

Some say City fans have always been fickle. That's of course true to a degree. But the comparison is completely flawed. This had been a totally new, different era and a totally new dynamic of support (meaning what had been built since the opening of the KC) that the Allams have pretty much managed to destroy, in spite of us getting promoted back to the PL again and getting to an FA Cup final. Not just us fans but also corporates (I know they are fans too) and sponsors. Some achievement.

No point endlessly debating about it. It is what it is. They now have a business model that fits to the current climate, and that's good. But they are despicable utter ****s as owners of 'our' football club. I just want them to **** off.

Don’t you get bored of it ? Same post over and over again over how many years? And Enob! Really? How old are you?
It is what it is
Our club is owned by people who aren’t very nice like most clubs
Our next owners won’t be either but if they tell you they care while putting up the prices you’ll be happy it seems.

 

[Howdentiger2]

..... the continuous lies and contempt, their arrogance & smugness, the ridiculous spats with the council, the disrespectful childish antics of taking down pictures & signs, the treatment & bannings of local media, the treatment of fan representatives, closing the walk way, etc, and I'm sure loads more that can be added.

Some say City fans have always been fickle. That's of course true to a degree. But the comparison is completely flawed. This had been a totally new, different era and a totally new dynamic of support (meaning what had been built since the opening of the KC) that the Allams have pretty much managed to destroy, in spite of us getting promoted back to the PL again and getting to an FA Cup final. Not just us fans but also corporates (I know they are fans too) and sponsors. Some achievement.

No point endlessly debating about it. It is what it is. They now have a business model that fits to the current climate, and that's good. But they are despicable utter ****s as owners of 'our' football club. I just want them to **** off.

When they are gone the bad things they have done will be either reversed or forgotten in time. But the main thing they have got right and should rightly be praised for.... The academy investment and significant improvement, will benefit us and help us for years to come.

It is best for all parties that they sell up, but most of what you mention happened years ago, let's just move on from it and look forward ( I'm not saying forgive and forget, just move on )

I will probably be called the usual things by the usual people, but if they sell up this summer for example, they will leave the club In a much better position then they purchased it in my opinion

 

[Gone For A Walk]

Don’t you get bored of it ? Same post over and over again over how many years? And Enob! Really? How old are you?
It is what it is
Our club is owned by people who aren’t very nice like most clubs
Our next owners won’t be either but if they tell you they care while putting up the prices you’ll be happy it seems.

From the person who spends so much time on here calling others the same school-yard names over and over again. Incredible.

 

[Kempton]

..... the continuous lies and contempt, their arrogance & smugness, the ridiculous spats with the council, the disrespectful childish antics of taking down pictures & signs, the treatment & bannings of local media, the treatment of fan representatives, closing the walk way, etc, and I'm sure loads more that can be added.

Some say City fans have always been fickle. That's of course true to a degree. But the comparison is completely flawed. This had been a totally new, different era and a totally new dynamic of support (meaning what had been built since the opening of the KC) that the Allams have pretty much managed to destroy, in spite of us getting promoted back to the PL again and getting to an FA Cup final. Not just us fans but also corporates (I know they are fans too) and sponsors. Some achievement.

No point endlessly debating about it. It is what it is. They now have a business model that fits to the current climate, and that's good. But they are despicable utter ****s as owners of 'our' football club. I just want them to **** off.

Good post. If I may attempt to put it very simply, in a nutshell, I and lots of us, simply don't trust them and never will.

 

[Chazz Rheinhold]

Good post. If I may attempt to put it very simply, in a nutshell, I and lots of us, simply don't trust them and never will.

Who does? why would anyone trust any owner?

 

[highpeak tiger]

When they are gone the bad things they have done will be either reversed or forgotten in time.

"The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones"

 

[balkan tiger]

Who does? why would anyone trust any owner?

Leicester fans seem quite happy

 

[Howdentiger2]

Leicester fans seem quite happy

1 out of How many....they are the exception. 99.999% of clubs would kill for owners like them

 

[Trumpton Tiger.]

Leicester fans seem quite happy

Was it only four season ago after we'd drawn there 0-0, and should have beaten them and sent them down to the Championship, that Leicester fans wanted everyone at the club sacked ? Nigel Pearson, the board, the lot. Fickle bastards were celebrating the Premier League title twelve months later.

 

[Chazz Rheinhold]

Leicester fans seem quite happy

How do they feel about fiddling ffp ? Even with all the money their owners have they still needed to swindle their way round it.
You think some of our fans would be happy with that? Nah theyd be giving up their season passes in a flash

 

[Kalman]

Thet want their owner gone because they think they should be a top four club and they want their manager sacked despite finishing 12th in the Premier League, they’re deluded.

They want their owner gone because Mike Ashley is arguably a bigger **** than Ehab and they want Bruce gone because they think his style of football is dross.

Most City fans want to see the back of the Allams and many on here (myself included) wanted McCann gone after relegation and during our bad patches in League One. I think too many people on here are quick to call Newcastle fans deluded because they think the sun shines out of Bruce's arse. They have good reasons to hate their owner just as much as we hate ours, if not more.