I would agree they will need to honour ML's Legacy for Saints to be very successful, also I do agree about the statement of intent to make the club self funding. That can only happen if the club is properly funded in the beginning which it seems to be.
Nigel has already said that we need to add a few players of quality without disrupting the team. NA seems to be able to get the best out of players and make them confident in the system. We don't need big stars but people that suit our style. The team were so happy at the weekend..lose a few and some of that spirit will go. They've earnt a shot at the Championship. Nicola said he had money to spend but other teams kept raising the price. Prudent man, obviously. Also means that money not spent last season could be spent next if needed (not just because you want to). Players wages have to be taken into account as well..the whole package can be a lot higher than at first appears. I would reckon we might spend anywhere between 1-4 million next year on new signings, final figure dependent on if you can get some good loans instead. Hope Nicola didn't spray his coffee out if he read that Some teams already clearing out spare players and resigning players as we go into the close season..presumably we'll hear soon about Dale as he will want paying during the summer.
Markus bought the club and settled the debts, so at that moment we were debt free. It appears from the accounts that he then put in some money as a directors loan to get us going (as you can't function with a bank account of zero). This debt presumably has to be repaid at some time, but probably doesn't accrue interest as he owned the club anyway. Often such debts get written off at some stage. So, over the next few years, NC has to balance the books carefully, but says he expects to break even in the Championship and go into profit in the Premiership. He has already said that this was never about making money, but that doesn't mean that we will be bankrolled forever now that Markus is gone. I think NC fancied running a football club and had ideas about how to do it after looking at how clubs get mismanaged (with Saints as a shining example). I think Markus signed on because Nicola sold it to him and, being already unwell, he fancied a new interest..a hobby if you like. He certainly got a lot of happiness from it as well as making us happy. I'm sure, out of respect, his family will carry on for the 5 year plan, but I can't see a long-term involvement unless we are financially viable. Sadly, I also can't see Nicola wanting to do this job for ever as he is a young and ambitious man. He will probably seek other challenges, but not until the dream has been achieved. Whatever happens we will end up in a much stronger position than before, with a chance for Saints to really launch into the big time.
Seem to remember it was in NC's first interview he said about looking at all aspects, when pressed, he said that either extending the cuurent stadium or if need be, build a new stadium. Remember looking at my nipper and saying wow is this guy for real? we are certainly in good hands. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, as I understand it, the current stadium can be extended on three sides, Northam, Kingsland & Chapel, a bit like Old Trafford!(Theatre of Dreams). well I can dream can't I. Off topic, would have been realy nice to have seen that famous little camera in action again last Saturday, oh how he would have loved that. As said before, I'll never forget the great man at Wembley taking his pictures beaming from ear to ear (I know thats why our Fran has got her name).
You failed to mention did you not tuckshop.......forgetting to wave to me.......not bringing my favorite crisps on the day, promising to buy me a pint and then going to a different pub just so you wouldn't have to! Apart from all that.......that little camera sort of epitomises the bloke (is that the right word) he liked simple things without making a big fuss......A wonderful man
BBeddy to be honest, whilst on the pitch I got as far as the centre circle, before a steward stopped me & said that they don't allow reprobates in the Chapel so blame the heavy handed steward. seriously though, what a day... what a day...more importantly, what a season!! Back on topic, unlike other clubs who say they've got X amount of pounds in the war chest, NC, as said before, will do his business in private & not in the press. Hopefully we'll get some good players that we never dreamed we'd get. The signing I'll always remember, is Keegan, Lawry Mac told the press to be at the Potters Heron as they had a really big signing to announce, and when they opened that door and Keegan walked through, that was one that nobody but nobody knew about.
What I have noticed is that mostly NC is interested in developing the players instead of hiring mercenaries like some fishy clubs have done. This means that value is added and if a player decides he is not wanting to be on the bus, then we get a good price for them. I think that there is adequate money in the kitty if needed, but it will only be spent on the right things, those which add to the future of the club, not paying inflated wages to young men with all the loyalty of an alley cat. I just love being a Saint at the moment, and I could not be more confident in the ownership or management of my club.
