All as I have been hearing about lately are Bristol City's ' 5 Key Pillars ' I have no idea what they are, well here they are listed, straight from the horses mouth, it might have been put up before but I hope all is explained and understood this time... ' Lansdown on City's long-term vision. ' please log in to view this image Jon Lansdown has revealed an insight into the club’s long-term vision and strategy. In the wake of the latest developments in City’s search for improved stadium facilities, the club’s managing director says there are five key pillars with which he wants to build future success for the club. Lansdown cited: Community Engagement, Academy and Youth Development, Player Recruitment and Talent Identification, Financial Prudence and Control, and Facilities. Community Engagement The Bristol City Community Trust has already made its mark, reaching out to more than 50,000 young people in the region each year. With its own website, www.bristolcitycommunitytrust.org.uk, the club’s charity arm promotes social inclusion, health, participation and education. They aim to improve lives through the power of football and the Bristol City name is behind everything they do. Academy and Youth Development At the same time the club has committed funds into achieving Category 2 status in the forthcoming FA audit into the Academy, which now has its brand new base at Filton. Competing in the new Under-21 development league has also helped close the gap between the Academy side and the first team squad, while several of the club’s younger players have been rewarded with contracts. Player Recruitment and Talent Identification Revealed by the club’s majority shareholder Steve Lansdown in January, the club has taken a major change in direction with regards to its policy on recruitment. The club aims to sign players aged 24 and under more often than not, with older recruits becoming an exception, rather than the norm. The club is also building up a database of young players in all positions to aid in talent identification. Financial Prudence and Control Financial Fair Play will take hold in the years to come and Bristol City wants to be ready, so already the club is taking steps towards meeting the stipulated regulations. A lot of that is tied in with a much more focused recruitment policy, but also in trying to increase revenue streams where possible – including at a new or redeveloped stadium. Facilities The players and coaching staff are now based at the Failand training ground full time, whilst the Academy has moved into its Filton home at SGS (South Gloucestershire & Stroud). A new stadium at Ashton Vale or a newly-redeveloped Ashton Gate, the club’s spiritual home, remains the club’s long-term aspiration. Supporters will have a key part to play should Ashton Gate redevelopment be the chosen option, including full consultation – starting tonight at the Fans Parliament. http://www.bcfc.co.uk/news/article/20130206-lansdownfivepillars-641677.aspx?pageView=full#anchored
I am often called a purveyor of negativity by some but I really do have the best interests of City at heart but yet again here's a thread to test my mettle. A mission statement is considered to be a "must have" these days and although I agree in principle with the concept of that philosophy it is only valid IMO if you back it up with the actions necessary to achieve your goals. If Bristol City are truly behind their mission statement and back it up with clear, concise and visible actions based on that credo then we have the cornerstone that will allow us to rebuild the club in a way that will satisfy most everyone. But as I have pointed out the only valid way of evaluating the success or failure of the new credo will come from the eyes of the supporters, and that's us! My message to the instigators of the mission statement is quite simple and that is to get it right this time please and you will earn the undying respect and admiration of Bristol City supporters. Over to you EH.
There are already changes taking place and money being spent on the Academy plus money either for a new stadium or redeveloping AG, also the Academy has now been recomended for Cat 2 status which will mean a better standard of matches for the youngsters to play in plus greater funding and the ability to get to youngsters at an earlier age. In addition to which the club has said it intends to carry on putting money into the academy in order to get Cat 1 Status which will protect the club from raids to get the best youngsters from Cat 1 clubs such as Wolves for instance who could grab the best prospects we have at any time and pay peanuts whilst they are in L1 like us.
