Patience is a virtue.............

[danbowen]

I guess the point is - as it stands we're likely not sustainable in NL, EFL nor NLS! The non matchday revenue is the key.

EFL would help hugely though. Its like the economy - you need to invest in order to grow it. Match day income will steadily decrease the longer we are in this awful league.

 

[overseas shrimper]

According to COSU the aim is to become sustainable by increasing non match day revenues - if they're correct then I guess at what level we're at is secondary.

Not really. Sustainability will depend on revenue from all channels. The massive issue at the moment is that we are not making income from potential channels and not optimising revenue from others.

The idea of a sustainable club is a medium to long-term plan. Some people (not saying you) seem to think this is something that should / could be happening sooner. That will lead to further impatience directed at COSU.

 

[Green Wizard]

It's not the league you are in, it's how successful the team is. Remember when crowds of 15,000 were achieved in the old Div 4? And at the other end of the scale under 2,000.

 

[Liam AAS]

Is sustainability even possible at this level if we are mid table?

It's extremely difficult because what little money DOES trickle down the pyramid almost stops at our level.

I would recommend watching the Spanish film The Platform for a good analogy about money in football.

 

[Holy Joe]

EFL would help hugely though. Its like the economy - you need to invest in order to grow it. Match day income will steadily decrease the longer we are in this awful league.

I don't know if it helps or not - how many L2 clubs are sustainable? Sure football related revenue increases but so do costs.

 

[Holy Joe]

Not really. Sustainability will depend on revenue from all channels. The massive issue at the moment is that we are not making income from potential channels and not optimising revenue from others.

The idea of a sustainable club is a medium to long-term plan. Some people (not saying you) seem to think this is something that should / could be happening sooner. That will lead to further impatience directed at COSU.

I'm defo not expecting sustainability in the short term. At the very least it will need a new East Stand - which is what 2 years+ away?

I don't think fans will get impatient with getting to sustainability - it's not their money funding the losses. But I do think fans may get frustrated with on the pitch activity. I'm not sure being sustainable and competitive on the pitch are even compatible ultimately

 

[blues exile]

This will no doubt seem like heresy to some, but football club supporters in general I would suggest are interested in seeing their team playing entertaining football and contending for promotion and trophies. While obviously this only happens to a select few sides it's the dream that keeps support alive. Sustainability is a laudable and necessary aim for a normal business but running a football club is not a normal business. While developing extra revenue streams from extra curricular activities is obviously sensible and necessary it is no substitute for success on the pitch, or at the very least to be in contention. Rightly or wrongly the National League is perceived as a graveyard for once long standing football league clubs and a longish period languishing there cannot possibly lead to sustainability. Support will drop off, the signings we need won't want to come here and the vicious circle will be ensured. I wish that COSU would change the emphasis from off the field events to ambition on it.

 

[Napster]

This will no doubt seem like heresy to some, but football club supporters in general I would suggest are interested in seeing their team playing entertaining football and contending for promotion and trophies. While obviously this only happens to a select few sides it's the dream that keeps support alive. Sustainability is a laudable and necessary aim for a normal business but running a football club is not a normal business. While developing extra revenue streams from extra curricular activities is obviously sensible and necessary it is no substitute for success on the pitch, or at the very least to be in contention. Rightly or wrongly the National League is perceived as a graveyard for once long standing football league clubs and a longish period languishing there cannot possibly lead to sustainability. Support will drop off, the signings we need won't want to come here and the vicious circle will be ensured. I wish that COSU would change the emphasis from off the field events to ambition on it.

Back to the Ron model eh?

 

[Sunnyshrimper]

It’s very difficult striking the right balance. COSU will invest, that’s covering losses and making improvements for sustainability. We need to return to League 2 asap, due to financial implications. Then rebuild from that level before ultimately establishing ourselves as a consistent and stable club at League 1 level. The occasional good cup run, player development and selling on for profit, better match day facilities for experience etc. Something similar to a Peterborough if you were to look at other clubs. That must be the 5 year plan, most fans would consider that “success”.

 

[blues exile]

Back to the Ron model eh?

I said no such thing as you well know. There has to be a clear priority to get back to L2. All the rest is just distraction.

 

[Napster]

I said no such thing as you well know. There has to be a clear priority to get back to L2. All the rest is just distraction.

But it needs to be both - even if we're successful on the pitch, we won't reap the rewards if the stadium is crap and the fan experience is awful.

 

[blues exile]

But it needs to be both - even if we're successful on the pitch, we won't reap the rewards if the stadium is crap and the fan experience is awful.

Agree but results come first. Roots Hall was never a palace compared to some other grounds way back in the 60s but the football was always the most important thing. Maybe supporters are more demanding nowadays and want all the add ons but when I first started watching the Blues along with my friends we usually had a couple of pints in the Spread and then headed for the South Bank, bought a programme and that would be it. No food or drink at halt time just a walk round to the North end if we were attacking that goal in the second half!

 

[Napster]

Agree but results come first. Roots Hall was never a palace compared to some other grounds way back in the 60s but the football was always the most important thing. Maybe supporters are more demanding nowadays and want all the add ons but when I first started watching the Blues along with my friends we usually had a couple of pints in the Spread and then headed for the South Bank, bought a programme and that would be it. No food or drink at halt time just a walk round to the North end if we were attacking that goal in the second half!

It's not just supporters' demands. It's basic health and safety, accessibility, security, toilets and all that. It's expensive to watch a game, so you make sure what you can control (like food and drink, etc), is worth the price. You don't attract and retain new fans by the smell of urine and burgers made of cardboard.

 

[Thundersley Blue]

I said no such thing as you well know. There has to be a clear priority to get back to L2. All the rest is just distraction.

Of course it is, but Ron's problem was spending money he didn't have. I can safely say COSU won't do that, but are prepared to fund losses for the next few years. Their plan will work, but not overnight.

 

[blues exile]

It's not just supporters' demands. It's basic health and safety, accessibility, security, toilets and all that. It's expensive to watch a game, so you make sure what you can control (like food and drink, etc), is worth the price. You don't attract and retain new fans by the smell of urine and burgers made of cardboard.

Yes, all those basics are of course a given, or should be but fell away during Martin's tenure and I understand what a huge task it has become to restore normality. Nevertheless, it is still true that what happens on the grass is of paramount importance.

 

[londonblue]

This will no doubt seem like heresy to some, but football club supporters in general I would suggest are interested in seeing their team playing entertaining football and contending for promotion and trophies. While obviously this only happens to a select few sides it's the dream that keeps support alive. Sustainability is a laudable and necessary aim for a normal business but running a football club is not a normal business. While developing extra revenue streams from extra curricular activities is obviously sensible and necessary it is no substitute for success on the pitch, or at the very least to be in contention. Rightly or wrongly the National League is perceived as a graveyard for once long standing football league clubs and a longish period languishing there cannot possibly lead to sustainability. Support will drop off, the signings we need won't want to come here and the vicious circle will be ensured. I wish that COSU would change the emphasis from off the field events to ambition on it.

I see it the other way around, but it will take patience. Growing the revenue streams will allow us to increase the playing budget, but only do it when we have the revenue to sustain it. That is how a business should be run, and football is no different. Any other way is a gamble.

 

[Napster]

Yes, all those basics are of course a given, or should be but fell away during Martin's tenure and I understand what a huge task it has become to restore normality. Nevertheless, it is still true that what happens on the grass is of paramount importance.

Paramount, but not at the detriment of the other, basic stuff.

 

[blues exile]

Paramount, but not at the detriment of the other, basic stuff.

No reason for the two to be incompatible.

 

[Thundersley Blue]

No reason for the two to be incompatible.

They are not, BUT do you realise just how close we were to not having a Safety Certificate in time for the Opening Match of the season. It was far too close for comfort. The ground is not really fit for purpose, but improvements are slowly being made.
Very hard to rebuild a side once a season has started, because all that can realistically be signed are free agents and loanees. Some work, some don't. Would imagine we will see some comings and possibly goings in January.
COSU made it quite clear at the Cliffs back in January what the plans were. Progress is being made in line with what was said. I am particularly keen to see the Fan's Advisory Board up and running. Would imagine there will be some good people involved and can only be a big step forward for fans to have a voice.
In conclusion, I want to see the Club back in the EFL, but accept that is unlikely to happen this season. Possibly next season, only time will tell.

 

[Crowstone Crevette]

Argentina won the world cup playing 4-4-2 but that's a bit tinpot

So did England?