<this> the £6m upping of the price was Asslem say they wanted this for SMC, which was a curved ball at the 12th hour. Kemp's is correct in saying the Dai's lost their deposit, also £6m.
Just thinking again about this question of 'why (buy) us'. On the positive side: - we're (allegedly) for sale - no big legacy contracts - no 3rd party debts & complications (as far as we know) - could have added 'on an upward trajectory' from last season, but that's well and truly been pissed away now - FFP advantage (although I guess few of us understand what that really means?) On the negative side: - the only physical asset is a mediocre at best training ground, which needs further investment and/ or even moving to expand - MKM apparently needs a shed load spending on it - decimated fan base (might return, might not) - and here's the biggie that prompted the thinking ......... a WHOLE new squad and coaching team. Assuming the ambition for promotion to PL is for real, then new owners would have to bring in an entire new squad, bar maybe 1 or 2 at most. Compare our squad now with what we had last time we went up, and even then we 'only' went up via the playoffs. Realistically: - Docherty MIGHT make it. Big MIGHT. - I would have said the same for KLP, but based on this season, I really doubt it, but then he is allegedly being watched by a couple of lower PL clubs so maybe it is more to do with what he has round him, how he's being used and coached, etc? - Elder and Honeyman might be ok as squad players. - such as Jones and Greaves is just wishful thinking imo. That's hell of a big ask for a new owner. To buy us, to put right the SMC, to invest in our facilities, and to put in place virtually a whole new squad of players of the quality needed to ensure promotion. I would love for it to happen. I want 'my' club to be playing at the highest level, and to see local kids (and grown ups) once again proud to support their local team. But it's a massive ask.
In short I would say that if anyone is foolish enough to want to buy a football club there are better options out there.
I can't imagine the stadium wold be suffering from any major structural issues - its still relatively new. As far as the squad is concerned then there's some talent there but needs a handful of seasoned championship pro's through the spine. If the figures quoted by howden at the beginning of the summer are roughly correct then I can't imagine there'll be too many un-debt laden championship clubs available for that kind of price point. Obvs until any deal is done and the new owners speak, then it's all speculation really.
Maybe the potential buyer will ask Allam to knock 6 million off the asking price (at the last minute of course)
I think all this is true, however look around the Championship for better deals... Most clubs in our division are unsustainable in terms of players and wage bills etc and some still need a lot of investment to get them up challenging for the Premier League. I don’t think we’re the most attractive, but I don’t think there’s a lot of other attractive options either.
Probably true. But back to the main point, it's one hell of an ask taking us on to transform us into a promotion winning club, and with facilities to match. Pretty much everything needs addressing, not least near enough a full new squad?
It's not going to be done in one season. Survival is the aim this season, after that, I reckon we need to be finishing mid table as the squad gels, before making a push. It took three years of continuous improvement last time, I'd expect something similar with this lot.
The first time we were relegated from the PL, we spent three seasons in the Championship, during which we built up and gave experience to an exciting young side. By the time 2012/13 came round, they were ready for the push. We need to be doing the same thing over the next few transfer windows. That'll require a manager with the experience of building squads and recognising ability, which hopefully we will get. Not sure about LD either, I mean the League One recruitment was decent, but the jury is out on his ability to sign Championship players.
