Good post. I’m fully behind the current model and their execution of the plan thus far has been absolutely excellent. I’d be very interested to see the total valuation of our squad come the end of the season.
This! Brentford built gradually came close to going up a few times and look at them now, we will get there but for once we will do things right we are in good hands, let’s enjoy the ride!
Sustainable approach. Too many championship sides throw stupid money looking to get promoted now and again and then end up getting stung later down the line. Look at Stoke, they can’t spend any money and are forced to bring in loans and frees. I think they’ve brought in 5 on loan already (which is the maximum you can have in a match day squad I believe).
dont get me wrong - if we get to the playoff final I want to win it. of course. I'm not saying I dont want us to be promoted I just think if we are rational about it, then getting promoted too soon could be worse than building slowly equally we could "fluke" an early promotion this year, sign loads of players who turn out to be absolute gods and qualify for Europe within a year or two. That also could happen. I just think all recent history lessons tell us that "the Brentford way" is the right way.
Just a thought - looks like Blackburn are about to get a big fee from Everton for Brereton Diaz... which might suddenly make them able / willing to pay a permanent fee for Van Hecke
I wonder if the club have an eye on a free agent or two, but arent prioritising it right now. Danny Drinkwater was rumoured, but that sounds like a wind up. But I wonder if the club might look to bolster what is a very young looking squad in this way, whilst investing in fees for youger players. Would make sense wouldnt it? Someone like Fabian Delph maybe - would he be welcomed by us? I have always rated him but arguably made a couple of moves where his playing time would be limited.
It’s the only way we should be doing it, we must have been very close to administration at one point so I’m all for the slow sensible approach. We have a great starting point really looking at the current first 11 and the way we have performed. No reason why we can’t push for a top half of the table finish with a moderate spend on new players.
Everton last 3 years mate. 32 now but I thought he was a lot older. I saw him a couple of times last year and thought he was still capable at that level.
They’ve been trying for a permanent for ages apparently, don’t think it matters about fee, just don’t think Brighton want to sell
I dont believe any club would turn down promotion to the premier league simply because of the riches it brings, stagnation is not progress.
Who said it did ? Surely the aim for any club is to play at the highest level. Being happy to exist in the championship is simply not good enough for a club of our size. We are a premier league club in waiting and should aim to get there as quickly as possible.
The problem i have is i doubt any sort of successful team (not just top 6 Premier) are sustainable as such. The Premier top 6 will normally over a period of years will bear losses. Similar for other teams trying to join them. I reckon sustainability is a bit of a 'holy grail' never quite within reach, but always close. Not that a football shouldn't be prudent, and certainly buy young or oversees and sell for a profit is doable. If I was an owner they should probably budget for a loss over a period of years that is within their ability to pay.
Absolutely agree however don’t think going up would be a problem as long as we stick to the recruitment model We would likely come straight back down but the experience and the financial boost of a year in the prem an parachute payments would give us a great platform. A number of clubs have done this over the years. Biggest problem would be the fans expectations
I am very chilled about the whole thing, I simply asked who said it should alter the sustainable model. Your words not mine. I will be going for a walk in about 3 hours though but I must finish work 1st.
I remeber in early 1990's when Rebok held a National boys and girls outdoor football tournament, called The Rebok 5's. Every Area throughout the UK was invited to host a variety of under 13's to under 9's 5-a-side tournaments. All area age group catagory winners played in the finals in Bolton Town Cantre in the market square on a outdoor concrete flagstones. It was the time I was working for the FA local Shcools of Excellence. Gates'y nephew played in one of the teams, so did Stockdale. I met the amazing Dennis Law and the miserable Ian StJohn, who wouldn't talk to anyone. Street football needs to be back for the kids...
