A number of years ago, public companies started presenting their cash flow statement in graph like presentations. One I remember seeing had two pie charts: A revenue one showing how they made money, An disbursements one showing how they spent it. This was an effort to be more transparent. If GFH chose to show their budgets this way, fans may be more accepting of our lot in life. Here is how much we think we will make from ticket sales (£), tv rights (£), pies and beer (£), merchandise (£), player sales (£), etc. Here is how we think we will have to spend it - wages - playing staff and coaches (£), management and support staff (£); travel and accomodations (£); merchandise (£) and food purchases (£); etc. Based on these numbers, it appears we may only have (£) to spend on bringing players in, including agent fees. Privately held company, no obligation to do it, they can do whatever they want but what kind of fan reaction might they get? Positive or negative?
The issue JLA is that right now GFH seem to be clueless about the books. Bates has spun such a web ... remember how long due diligence took! I think they can't wait to sell up and fcuk off.
How easy though will it be to find a buyer. Clearly much of the mess we had a year ago still exists. Would new owners still inherit Bates, Harvey and Williams, I hope not. Proper clear out required next time around. Unless we get a big hitter financially, our lot won't improve. If the past twelve months has taught us anything, it's be careful what we wish for
It doesn't look good for the new season but it isn't the fault of GFH-C, you're all criticising them for being potless when in reality they've bought a club with a plan to run it on the money it makes by itself. Unfortunately the situation the club is currently in means all the money it makes is going out the door straight away to cover the unnecessary debt that bates got us into with his building obsession. "Get these boxes in, no matter what the cost, so I can sit there in front of big shots and look like a big shot".
And gfh had teams of accountants and solicitors pouring over the accounts for six months and they couldnt spot there would be cashflow problems. Says a lot about their ability eh
Marko and Eire both make valid points. It will take at least two years for the club to extricate itself from the bates bust. GFH should have recognized this and cooled expectations immediately.
Ah, but that would have required decent communication to the fans, and that has been my main criticism of them - they prefer the mushroom management style!
