NUTS, can't see the Mittal's contributing more than their share of 30% state. After all they are business men and football is a business nowadays not a charity. I've read, think it was during our January shopping spree, that most of the money come from the various backers of the Fernandes bid when he bought the club. It's big Tony and two other front men, but there is apparantly several behind the scenes helping fund this madness We as fans definitely shouldn't go around being naive thinking it's all rosy, but so far I've not seen anything that points to us being another Pompey (a dusin of shady owners with no cash) or Leeds (Ridsdale, nuff said). Right now I just want to catch the wave and ride it, life's to short to worry.
I guess many will be asking how we can finance all this on 18,000 gates. I note that Malaga, who allegedly had billionaire backers who financed a spending spree enabling them to qualify for this season's Champion's League are now in financial difficulties and may be forced to sell their star player Rondon. The worry is always whether these 'benefactors' really do have the means to sustain a loss-making situation...
That's my point. It's obvious as hell that we can't afford what's happening on our current income. A blind man can see that. Therefore money is being pumped into the club from somewhere. Let's be honest here, we don't know exactly from who or where. Considering the valid point made above that football is business and not a charity, then we have to be building up a substantial debt already. I am not a pessimist. I am not pouring cold water on this wave of euphoria that we are all riding on at the moment; I am just being a realist and asking a genuine question. It's fantastic to see all this great news, new players, management additions, background staff, new training facilities, new stadium etc. But I ask again, where is the money coming from ? I have not heard PB, TF or Amit mention once how we are paying for all of this. That is the worrying part. The fact that we are even linked to 10-12 million pound players frightens me a little. This is starting to move a little too fast for me. Look at the last ten years and you can see how clubs like Sunderland, Fulham etc have slowly established themselves as Prem teams. As a QPR fan all I have seen is false dawn after false dawn. I know it's hard for most of us to trust that this could be real. But, I would really like to see a business plan or have TF actually tell us where all this is coming from and how are we going to pay for it for the next 2-3 years on crowds of 18,000. I really don't want to hear the "ride the wave" attitude, I would like answers. Just look at Rangers guys, times they are a changing.
That's a fair point NUTSY. What I do to get a balanced look at things is pretend that this was happening to another Club of similar size to us say Fulham or Norwich. Would I be saying "they're going places that lot" or " they're playing a dangerous game". The honest answer I come up with is kind of a bit of both. Whilst I'm as excited as the next man/Beth, I don't like to see some of the posts knocking around which looks like people are losing their heads a little bit. The truth is, this could be great or it could all go tits up - we just don't know. But lets hope, eh?
Tony Fernandes has said both that we are not funding this on our 18.000 gates and that they are not doing it by adding debt to our club, which as Amit has assured is debt free. I gave you an answer NUTS and that was not "ride the wave", that's just me trying to be cheerful at the end there. Fact is (at least I believe so as TF has stated it), we have more backers than the Mittal's, TF and his two compratriots. These backers prefer to stay anonymous while backing up their investment. But I agree, more clarity would be much appreciated. And I hope TF and PB come out with more info as they hopefully bring us some news on our protracted new stadium in two months time. Including a business plan to the degree that they can go public with.
Who is funding this madness is a comment I just read on here, question is what Madness? few free transfers and Park, all these massive signings people are worrying about haven't even happened and probably won't, we also have the 90 million from the TV. Enjoy the ride FFs and stop worrying. I remember everyone ****ing furiously when we signed No Pulse and Campbell, do you want them days again
There is a big difference between worrying and being concerned about something. I am not a worrier. Barton's wages alone are 11-14 million. Park, SWP, Zamora etc will all be on pretty decent contratcs. Why are other clubs our size Swansea, Norwich etc not buying these players. Simple answer is they can't afford it.
Correct me if i am wrong but we got 43 million in TV money last year. That only goes so far. Don't get me wrong, i'm like a small kid at christmas at the moment. I can't believe our luck, that after all those years of sh**e, we are finally in solid hands. I know that if we want to compete at the top table then we have to raise the bar. Just a bit concerned that i have not seen any figures from the club to back this all up.
I'm sure that Fernandes, Mittal and the rest are touched by our concern for their finances, but - despite some bragging about their cars on here - the club's backers are in a different financial universe than the fans. For all we know Mittal is using us as some tax deductable charity fund, or as pocket money for his nephew. He is that rich. Threads like this and the stadium ones highlight the huge gulf between owners and fans in the premiership. For all our blathering, we have absolutely no control over the big decisions - stadium, players etc. Though I'm not being ungrateful or unappreciative of Fernandes PR skills in saying this. Long may they continue bankrolling us.
I am certain that we're not self sufficient at the moment but that's the goal. We're starting to see a bit of marketing genius from our Tone but ultimately a lot will rest on the new stadium and the globalisation of the brand. If I was rich and a backer, I'd definitely be getting into TF's vision and plans for world domination. I'm genuinely surprised at how far we've come in the Asia market in just under 12 months.
Nuts. Why should a private company publish a business plan for all to see. arent the agents leeching enough out of the beautiful game without providing amunition. "You can afford it, I have seen the figures". I doubt if Park was bought on the never never. MU need the money now as they have desperate debts whereas we are debt free. I would rather believe what the Mittals say than the dodgy people like Bates, Risdale and arabs that come out of the woodwork promising clubs the earth. Clubs have been brought to their knees by dodgy people. anyone remember the 'schoolboy' that took over Aldershot. at least TF and the Mittals have a proven track record. Chill out and trust them. enjoy the ride. i have been lucky enough to see the good times as well as the bad. it's now time for you young ones to enjoy the ride.
Let's just say that Mr Mittal is bankrolling this project? Even without the TV income, the gate receipts, the sponsorship and sales of players and anything else... With his wealth he has only forked out the equivalent of an average working mans wage of four season tickets. He earns that in interest by the hour. Mittal is at least 3x richer than Abramovich.
If it's Mittal doing an Abramovich then i will be a happy bunny and hope he continues to spend spend spend. The sky is the limit. However, TF can't afford to be throwing money away. Just my thoughts guys. I'm enjoying the good times too.
I often read a thread like this and find myself agreeing with alternate points of view. Bad journalism? Maybe? Overspent and debt laden? Could be since we don't know about the funding. Destabilise the club with too many new players? It's been done before. The point is that it is about results. If we do finish 17th (or, God forbid even worse), then the questioners will come to the fore. If, however, we finish 13th ish then we'll all be happy and aiming for top 10 in the 13/14 season. Given the methodical approach, the unity between board and manager and the quality of the new acquisitions, I can't help but be optimistic but tinged with a little caution after last season's nail biter. Just 31 days to go, COYRs!!!!!!!!!!!
