SUFC: The Future The regeneration of Roots Hall

[Medway Blue]

That's not exactly true. Yes wages will go up along with promotion.

You fail to factor in an increase in gates, particularly away fans. Whats the average away support in the national league? 100 odd. It will likely increase to 500 in the EFL. Let's say its £22 and adult and £10 concessions at an average of about £15. £15x400 = 120k. Its not a lot but it could be a higher away support than that.

I'm not suggesting that roots Hall should remain neglected. Getting the north/west corner sorted will increase revenue in home tickets.

The fan zone will help match day income as will a revamped west bar etc.

Saving on electric bulbs in the flood lights will also save 1000s.

The main money Spinner will be the east stand which Cosu have admitted could be several years away.

Advertising pays higher in the EFL. TV money is higher (if chosen)

The chances of a decent cup run increase with inclusion to the league Cup, later FA cup rounds and league trophy etc.

It's probably far closer to 2 million+

A lot of people seem keen to tell COSU that they should spend more money to get promoted sooner, but there's clearly a reason they're not doing it, and it's probably because calculations like yours are inaccurate.

There'a an awful lot of people disregarding risk, too.....something that our previous owner did, and which contributed to our current predicament.

It's easy to say "spunk another £500k or £750k on the playing budget and get us into L2 ASAP!". But what if that money is spent and it doesn't happen in the first season? Or in subsequent seasons?

£500k extra just for a one-season promotion tilt turns into a million, and then £1.5m, and then £2m.

Neither the club nor its owners are in a financial position to absorb losses like that. The new owners are looking to spend money on the club's infrastructure to reduce the losses, and get it into a position where it can increase the playing budget without quite so much risk attached.

Football is fickle, and attendances will "taper off" to a similar level whether we're midtable in the NL, or midtable in L2. The club must begin to generate non-matchday revenue, and to do so, millions will need to be spent on infrastructure.

SUFC might not get to breakeven in the National League, but it can certainly cut the losses considerably, so that it is in a much better position when it does make it back to the EFL. The days of building success on a house of cards like Ron Martin did are over.