|
|
Post by chewbacca on May 22, 2024 9:14:16 GMT
Like curlywurly said, is that still the plan? There's talking of selling off land for housing, does that lend itself to further expansion? I think The Quarters is fine, absolutely fine. Could it be better? Absolutely! Would getting the Academy under one roof lead to more of a one club feel? Again, absolutely! I read an article recently talking about the positives seen at Liverpool by bringing the Academy and First Team into one set up. The Academy trained 5 miles away from Melwood which, Jurgen Klopp himself didn't like. Since opening in 2020, Liverpool have seen plenty more Academy players slot into the first team. It's not a perfect science and comparing us to Liverpool is just daft but it's an example. You can also point at St George's Park where you often get u21's promoted into the first team because there is a one team ethos. Will it happen straight away? No, of course not but I think we'd see a pay off both through players we can develop for ourselves and maybe, one day a profit. I think Hussein was clear on his intentions for the quarters in his last interview - which is good. My point is that since South Glos. approval of the plans in June 2022, there is a pause to the phasing of the developments outlined at that stage, i.e. turn the building into a full square, add a further pitch to the east. I don't think the reason for this is a reluctance to invest, but was caused because South Glos themselves asked for potential sites for new house building in an attempt to address the housing crisis. The logical part of the Quarters to build houses on would be the western part of site, with access from Hortham lane, i.e. where the pitches are currently. IF, part of the site is to be sold/leased for housing, it would need a rethink to the plans and new permissions. I'm mindful that the 2018 plan to convert buildings to 3 houses was refused on site, but also bear in mind the time it took from original purchase of the land until we actually started to train there.
That's part of the reason I'm intrigued as to how the whole thing develops. |
|
|
|
Post by curlywurly on May 22, 2024 10:18:08 GMT
I think Hussein was clear on his intentions for the quarters in his last interview - which is good. My point is that since South Glos. approval of the plans in June 2022, there is a pause to the phasing of the developments outlined at that stage, i.e. turn the building into a full square, add a further pitch to the east. I don't think the reason for this is a reluctance to invest, but was caused because South Glos themselves asked for potential sites for new house building in an attempt to address the housing crisis. The logical part of the Quarters to build houses on would be the western part of site, with access from Hortham lane, i.e. where the pitches are currently. IF, part of the site is to be sold/leased for housing, it would need a rethink to the plans and new permissions. I'm mindful that the 2018 plan to convert buildings to 3 houses was refused on site, but also bear in mind the time it took from original purchase of the land until we actually started to train there.
That's part of the reason I'm intrigued as to how the whole thing develops. Me too!
I get that everything is connected, but at the moment I think investment in the 1st team squad and surrounding staff has to be top priority, or we will get relegated. It looks a tough division next year.
|
|
|
|
Post by chewbacca on May 22, 2024 10:21:41 GMT
That's part of the reason I'm intrigued as to how the whole thing develops. Me too!
I get that everything is connected, but at the moment I think investment in the 1st team squad and surrounding staff has to be top priority, or we will get relegated. It looks a tough division next year.
The issue this year to me is there seems to be a lot of teams that should finish 8th-15th, it's a crap good league. |
|
stuart1974
Proper Gas
Posts: 12,553 
Member is Online
|
Post by stuart1974 on May 22, 2024 10:24:59 GMT
That's part of the reason I'm intrigued as to how the whole thing develops. Me too!
I get that everything is connected, but at the moment I think investment in the 1st team squad and surrounding staff has to be top priority, or we will get relegated. It looks a tough division next year.
I understand that and it's a difficult balancing act. However unless we get the infrastructure right, we'll never break this logjam and will always be losing money. That's why I hope we do get on with the new stand and training facilities and would accept a season or two treading water, although that in itself isn't a given without some investment and acceptance of short term losses. I just want us to have a realistic, costed 3-5 year plan and stick to it. We've flip flopped from one plan to another, procrastination is killing the club. |
|
|
|
Post by Topper Gas on May 22, 2024 11:02:29 GMT
So what would a 3-5 plan be?
1) Remain a L1 side at all costs, whilst occasionally out performing the budget during that period.
2) Develop the East Stand within 3 years
3) Develop the North Stand within 5 years
4) Develop the Quarters in order that the Academy can gain level 2 status and also introduce a Development Squad within 3-5 years
5) Push for a top 6 place/promotion 5+ years.
|
|
yattongas
Forum Legend
Posts: 15,483
Member is Online
|
Post by yattongas on May 22, 2024 11:15:33 GMT
So what would a 3-5 plan be? 1) Remain a L1 side at all costs, whilst occasionally out performing the budget during that period. 2) Develop the East Stand within 3 years 3) Develop the North Stand within 5 years 4) Develop the Quarters in order that the Academy can gain level 2 status and also introduce a Development Squad within 3-5 years 5) Push for a top 6 place/promotion 5+ years. Stadium must come first imo |
|
|
|
Post by curlywurly on May 22, 2024 11:33:59 GMT
So what would a 3-5 plan be? 1) Remain a L1 side at all costs, whilst occasionally out performing the budget during that period. 2) Develop the East Stand within 3 years 3) Develop the North Stand within 5 years 4) Develop the Quarters in order that the Academy can gain level 2 status and also introduce a Development Squad within 3-5 years 5) Push for a top 6 place/promotion 5+ years. I think that is realistic.
2-4 become increasingly difficult if 1 is not maintained and 5 would then be more unlikely.
|
|
|
|
Post by warehamgas on May 22, 2024 11:34:31 GMT
So what would a 3-5 plan be? 1) Remain a L1 side at all costs, whilst occasionally out performing the budget during that period. 2) Develop the East Stand within 3 years 3) Develop the North Stand within 5 years 4) Develop the Quarters in order that the Academy can gain level 2 status and also introduce a Development Squad within 3-5 years 5) Push for a top 6 place/promotion 5+ years. Stadium must come first imo It’s an interesting thought yatton. I suspect most managers, players and those involved closely with any club might disagree. Istr Eddie Howe at Bournemouth saying years ago his priority would always be a training ground so that he could train the players better and prepare for matches better. And in a sense that’s been repeated with us. Whatever the thoughts, good or bad, about the Quarters it has come first before any ground development. And even down here with the AFCB fans talking about what the legacy from the PL must be, any improvement to Dean Court has been minimal and although there’s talk of a new ground, that’s all it is, talk. Whereas they have a spanking new, state of the art training facility nearing completion. It looks amazing and is seen as more important than the ground. Players see the ground 19, 23 times a season if they don’t train there depending on your league. They see the training ground hundreds of time each year. So I’m not sure ground is more important. The fans may well have a different idea! 😉 UTG! |
|
|
|
Post by chewbacca on May 22, 2024 11:36:15 GMT
So what would a 3-5 plan be? 1) Remain a L1 side at all costs, whilst occasionally out performing the budget during that period. 2) Develop the East Stand within 3 years 3) Develop the North Stand within 5 years 4) Develop the Quarters in order that the Academy can gain level 2 status and also introduce a Development Squad within 3-5 years 5) Push for a top 6 place/promotion 5+ years. One would be a bonus. Our average league position this century is 68th in the Football League better known as 24th in League One. As long as we see the redevelop project through I think most would take a few years in League 2. |
|
yattongas
Forum Legend
Posts: 15,483
Member is Online
|
Post by yattongas on May 22, 2024 11:39:58 GMT
Stadium must come first imo It’s an interesting thought yatton. I suspect most managers, players and those involved closely with any club might disagree. Istr Eddie Howe at Bournemouth saying years ago his priority would always be a training ground so that he could train the players better and prepare for matches better. And in a sense that’s been repeated with us. Whatever the thoughts, good or bad, about the Quarters it has come first before any ground development. And even down here with the AFCB fans talking about what the legacy from the PL must be, any improvement to Dean Court has been minimal and although there’s talk of a new ground, that’s all it is, talk. Whereas they have a spanking new, state of the art training facility nearing completion. It looks amazing and is seen as more important than the ground. Players see the ground 19, 23 times a season if they don’t train there depending on your league. They see the training ground hundreds of time each year. So I’m not sure ground is more important. The fans may well have a different idea! 😉 UTG! That’s all good and dandy but we’ve been told there’s no point going up unless we’re ready ( I’m guessing stadium here ) . So what’s the point in having an amazing training ground that can attract great players etc …… if you’re not ready to go up ? Seems back to front to me . Bournemouth were bank rolled by a Russian billionaire if I remember rightly? So they could chuck money into the first team and training ground without having to worry too much about the stadium. |
|
stuart1974
Proper Gas
Posts: 12,553
Member is Online
|
Post by stuart1974 on May 22, 2024 11:52:06 GMT
So what would a 3-5 plan be? 1) Remain a L1 side at all costs, whilst occasionally out performing the budget during that period. 2) Develop the East Stand within 3 years 3) Develop the North Stand within 5 years 4) Develop the Quarters in order that the Academy can gain level 2 status and also introduce a Development Squad within 3-5 years 5) Push for a top 6 place/promotion 5+ years. Stadium must come first imo Same for me. We've a 'decent' training ground which needs further investment but would be okay for another couple of years. If funds are tight (and £35m has been quoted iirc) then concentrate on the East stand even if the North takes longer. East stand Quarters phase 2 North Stand Throughout this, we should maintain L1. We can't prioritise one over the other and if we are honest about a timeline and show progress then I would like to think most fans would understand. |
|
|
|
Post by chewbacca on May 22, 2024 11:56:43 GMT
Stadium must come first imo Same for me. We've a 'decent' training ground which needs further investment but would be okay for another couple of years. If funds are tight (and £35m has been quoted iirc) then concentrate on the East stand even if the North takes longer. East stand Quarters phase 2 North Stand Throughout this, we should maintain L1. We can't prioritise one over the other and if we are honest about a timeline and show progress then I would like to think most fans would understand. East Stand redevelopment needs to contain everything needed to increase revenue; bars, shop, boxes, non-matchday facilities (Gym etc), changing rooms etc. |
|
stuart1974
Proper Gas
Posts: 12,553
Member is Online
|
Post by stuart1974 on May 22, 2024 11:58:32 GMT
Same for me. We've a 'decent' training ground which needs further investment but would be okay for another couple of years. If funds are tight (and £35m has been quoted iirc) then concentrate on the East stand even if the North takes longer. East stand Quarters phase 2 North Stand Throughout this, we should maintain L1. We can't prioritise one over the other and if we are honest about a timeline and show progress then I would like to think most fans would understand. East Stand redevelopment needs to contain everything needed to increase revenue; bars, shop, boxes, non-matchday facilities (Gym etc), changing rooms etc. Agreed. It would also free up the West stand development much later. |
|
|
|
Post by chewbacca on May 22, 2024 12:01:00 GMT
East Stand redevelopment needs to contain everything needed to increase revenue; bars, shop, boxes, non-matchday facilities (Gym etc), changing rooms etc. Agreed. It would also free up the West stand development much later. I was of the understanding the boxes in the West are one of our biggest earners on matchdays, they simply can't go until they've already been replaced. |
|
|
|
Post by curlywurly on May 22, 2024 12:16:21 GMT
Agreed. It would also free up the West stand development much later. I was of the understanding the boxes in the West are one of our biggest earners on matchdays, they simply can't go until they've already been replaced. Increase in the corporate hospitality provision stood out from Hussain's recent interview. Whilst this doesn't really affect most of us common-or-garden fans, it clearly is a good source of income and suggests that there is a demand. I'm afraid a pasty meal-deal is the extent of my 'hospitality' spending at the Mem. |
|
stuart1974
Proper Gas
Posts: 12,553
Member is Online
|
Post by stuart1974 on May 22, 2024 12:27:25 GMT
Agreed. It would also free up the West stand development much later. I was of the understanding the boxes in the West are one of our biggest earners on matchdays, they simply can't go until they've already been replaced. Hence boxes would go into the East stand and could be included in a new West stand. Either way, that would be a long way off. |
|
|
|
Post by oldmarket65 on May 22, 2024 12:34:24 GMT
So what would a 3-5 plan be? 1) Remain a L1 side at all costs, whilst occasionally out performing the budget during that period. 2) Develop the East Stand within 3 years 3) Develop the North Stand within 5 years 4) Develop the Quarters in order that the Academy can gain level 2 status and also introduce a Development Squad within 3-5 years 5) Push for a top 6 place/promotion 5+ years. Stadium must come first imo I must be one of the few people who would question this. We need a ' balance ' between a club competing for top 6 and massive costly stadium plans. And I will tell you why . Last season we sold around 5k STs which are included in attendances. Additionally Cat A teams sold around 1500 tickets. From the new year we barely sold 2k plus gate tickets against ex Premiership teams. Reading 8k Bolton 9k Derby 9k. The south stand charging reasonable prices like £15 v Reading was half empty still didn't attract fans. Next season STs sales will drop. Prices will increase and overall attandances could continue to drop if the team isnt performing. I think 12500 is adequate for a mid division three side . We need investment in the team too. |
|
stuart1974
Proper Gas
Posts: 12,553
Member is Online
|
Post by stuart1974 on May 22, 2024 12:52:48 GMT
Stadium must come first imo I must be one of the few people who would question this. We need a ' balance ' between a club competing for top 6 and massive costly stadium plans. And I will tell you why . Last season we sold around 5k STs which are included in attendances. Additionally Cat A teams sold around 1500 tickets. From the new year we barely sold 2k plus gate tickets against ex Premiership teams. Reading 8k Bolton 9k Derby 9k. The south stand charging reasonable prices like £15 v Reading was half empty still didn't attract fans. Next season STs sales will drop. Prices will increase and overall attandances could continue to drop if the team isnt performing. I think 12500 is adequate for a mid division three side . We need investment in the team too. It's not just about 'bums on seats' though. We need improved facilities for existing fans, better hospitality to cater for match day and crucially non match day revenue. A stadium cannot be left unused for 13 days out of 14. |
|
|
|
Post by chewbacca on May 22, 2024 13:05:10 GMT
I must be one of the few people who would question this. We need a ' balance ' between a club competing for top 6 and massive costly stadium plans. And I will tell you why . Last season we sold around 5k STs which are included in attendances. Additionally Cat A teams sold around 1500 tickets. From the new year we barely sold 2k plus gate tickets against ex Premiership teams. Reading 8k Bolton 9k Derby 9k. The south stand charging reasonable prices like £15 v Reading was half empty still didn't attract fans. Next season STs sales will drop. Prices will increase and overall attandances could continue to drop if the team isnt performing. I think 12500 is adequate for a mid division three side . We need investment in the team too. It's not just about 'bums on seats' though. We need improved facilities for existing fans, better hospitality to cater for match day and crucially non match day revenue. A stadium cannot be left unused for 13 days out of 14.One of the most frustrating and shambolic things since we bought the ground has been the wasted days of revenue. |
|
|
|
Post by Topper Gas on May 22, 2024 13:05:41 GMT
I must be one of the few people who would question this. We need a ' balance ' between a club competing for top 6 and massive costly stadium plans. And I will tell you why . Last season we sold around 5k STs which are included in attendances. Additionally Cat A teams sold around 1500 tickets. From the new year we barely sold 2k plus gate tickets against ex Premiership teams. Reading 8k Bolton 9k Derby 9k. The south stand charging reasonable prices like £15 v Reading was half empty still didn't attract fans. Next season STs sales will drop. Prices will increase and overall attandances could continue to drop if the team isnt performing. I think 12500 is adequate for a mid division three side . We need investment in the team too. It's not just about 'bums on seats' though. We need improved facilities for existing fans, better hospitality to cater for match day and crucially non match day revenue. A stadium cannot be left unused for 13 days out of 14. Not sure there's any evidence the new owners intend making the East Stand any better as far as non match day income is concerned, particularly if they just intend building new ends on the existing stand? The club had the perfect chance to improve catering etc for the new S/SW stands but it seems really no better than it was with the tents. |
|
