Yep, with the benefit of hindsight, the "most successful transfer window in the history" was also the biggest gamble. Had more of the signings at that time been successful and appreciated in value then things may have been different now. Unfortunately they weren't. An assessment of that window now might be "we rolled the dice but lost".
I don't think that transfer window was the problem. We would've made a profit that season, if it wasn't for the 750k issue. Of course there'll be a loss on players, but Chaplin went for apparently a break even figure (which may have shown as a profit on the balance sheet), Andersen will likely be sold for a profit, possibly Collins as well. But the real issue was Conway's second summer window, with big fees and wages (by our standards) dished out for Iseka, Oulare, Benson as well as the complete dismantling of the backroom staff and ridiculous decision to move away from the high press data when appointing a coach. We also probably priced players out of moves. In hindsight, we could've probably got 3m for Helik, and used some of that to bring in an experienced midfielder on loan. We'd be a lot better off now.
Reading this makes me wonder what’s the point? The sad thing is this is correct, & it’s not the clubs fault really, it’s just the state Football has become over the years. We talk about ambition, but how can we have any when we are limited what we can actually do. Unless someone wins the Euromillions or comes into lots of cash & is daft enough to spend spend then we need to accept League 1 & League 2 will be our level going forward. In fact I would argue the National League could be more our level in the next decade, just look at Wrexham down there, & im willing to bet that they will end up in Championship before us if we don’t get promoted this season or next.
It's the reason I don't bother anymore. I'd rather watch occasional sky match when we're on or watch Premier League Clubs with genuine aspirations. I come on here for craic but it isn't end of my world like it used to be when we get beat. It's sad really that there was a time not so long ago when I'd av' been devastated at losing back to back league games but now I just take it with a shrug and a sye. I don't even have banter with fans of other clubs because we are a joke and I haven't a leg to stand on.
Kinda get you. I got an ST last year but it was not a great experience. On the pitch was well documented, but off the pitch was dire. Seriously contemplated non-league this year, but after the JAQ takeover I bought into the hype (hope?) but instead of an ST I am picking games this year and paying matchday prices. Only missed a couple, but next season will be a big decision. It's a big day out, I'm getting older and I just don't feel the love like I used to do. Not a proper fan, obvs.
If ever the gulf in finances was in doubt just take a look at the Deloitte Money League (released today) The turnover of BFC this year will be around 1% of Man City. Even looking at a club like Southampton we are around 4% of their turnover. https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pag.../articles/deloitte-football-money-league.html
I was more commenting on @Archerfield's point that "their chance of making money was at the very start when they had cash to gamble on young talent" and that the gamble didn't pay off. Even allowing for a profit on Andersen and Collins, I don't see that the investment on others including Bahre, Radlinger, Sibbick, Wilks, Diaby, Halme and Oduor and arguably Thomas too, has produced the return the owners wanted / expected. And in terms of roi for the investment group I think it was the beginning of the issue because they'd spent the reserves available and as we know weren't prepared to invest further. I get it wasn't when the problem materialised. But I believe it was the start of it because the of the poor investment of the money available at that time. Conway's leadership in the second window then exacerbated it. When they arrived I seem to remember Conway saying they wouldn't do anything silly - that second window was crazy knowing what we now know.
The money wasted on Oulare, Benson and Iseka would have been better spent on Whiteman and keeping hold of Conor Chaplin. Also they should have found a proper replacement for Val. When I think of money spunked away on crap .
Probably against the grain on this board but love that, Uefa darlings Barca and Madrid knocked off their perch.
Uefa darlings? Aren't they two of the clubs that are still trying to do the Superleague against Uefa's wishes?
I don't class Newcastle, Man City or Chelsea as super powers. It's only the money they've got through takeovers that's propelled them. To me Leeds are much more of a world wide name than Man City. If they got it right they could be a super power. The same as Notts Forest. In London it's Arsenal and Tottenham that are the big clubs. It's only Abramovich's billions that has moved Chelsea above them. Money has changed the natural landscape of football. I never thought I'd see an Everton side struggle like this after what they achieved in the eighties. Even the lean years they were a top 8 First Division side.
We were in a good position at the time, the Play off loss meant we had the potential to follow on from the Val season. But then the loathsome Conway got involved more than he should have been allowed to, and here we are still trying to pick up the pieces now. How much did Mr Cryne leave us with in reserve, nearly 5 mill was it, and now look. We're in debt with nothing to show for it.
Man City are just getting started. Brilliant what's happening to Leeds and Forest - 70s "Giants" we deserve to be there attitude, sleeping giant etc etc - they're up there, they're **** and now they realise footballs changed.
