Barnsley

I caught the 19.38 train to Sheffield and it was full of Derby fans….those who I spoke to were complimentary of our team and Barnsley in general

 

Perception is an interesting thing isn’t it?
A lot when they heard about 10 years with maintenance heard not for 10 years, personally I would have thought the fact they know it’s only got 10 years if they throw money at it says they want to do it sooner than later.
Using your car scenario if I had to spend 5k on fixing my car knowing I was getting rid in a couple of years I’d do it sooner(if I could afford it).

 

I went out round town after the match last night as I was having a meet up with group of old mates. Must have been the first time I’ve been out in Barnsley for 10 years I reckon. Everywhere was absolutely rammed, it’s crazy how many pubs/bars/whatever there are in Barnsley and yet they all were full. I didn’t get back home until gone 3 am and I’m half asleep today!

 

Been over this b4. (Dont forget the council own the stadium. And not the board who in fact lease it. 30yrs as it stands. Would you buy a house and spend tens of thousands on such a lease. Most if not all wouldn't)

If you can't afford it. (The car) and (Bear in mind they are pouring millions into the club to get to a position of trying to ballance the books).You may have to borrow the money to finance it.

Interest charges may cost another £xk or millions. I'm pretty sure the board will have looked at/look at the options. I don't think for one minute a study hasn't been done.

I'm also pretty sure also they'll have people smarter than me or any of us in financing look at it. They would almost certainly want to see the investment give a return. And only 30yrs guaranteed to achieve it.

A new west stand with no new customers would be like burning money at this stage imo. I dont think they'll be knocking at the door. Cos if they wanted to see us play. There are other options already there.

As for the 10yrs. The main point of maintenance will be the upper tier. What is then to stop em developing the lower tier to accommodate fans. Rather than the expense of a brand new one. Take what plenty of clubs have done. By just putting seats on terracing in its entirety. The kop at the sty for example. Maybe work round the lower tier. Cover etc.

 

Footfall in town has already significantly increased since all the improvements were made.

 

It’s irrelevant who owns it the principal is the same that rather than keep throwing money at something, when it’s affordable you replace.
That standpoint doesn’t stop you paying out in the short term to maintain but there will be a tipping point. Where that tipping point will have many factors including affordability, practicality.
You get nothing back for short term maintenance costs and the sooner work is done the sooner(and longer) you can get a return on a long term investment.
In short I believe both the Club and the Council will want to develop as quick as possible(when the time is right).

 

And there goes your answer. Add finances and you are totally there.
As I say we are not dealing with people who have not taken expert advice imo. Certainly not random folk off the BBS.
I have not given my view on how I think they should approach it. But how i see their explanation.
I'm certainly not an expert, (thats why I have a financial advisor and he's served me well tbh) I'm sure they have ones in place to guide em. No point in having millions if you if you don't get advice. And I don't mean the type who spaff your money up the wall with poor investments.
Saying that I wouldnt go into football for all the tea in china unless I was a billionaire and wanting a plaything. To throw some money at. Itd be like going to a casino.

 

Agreed and didn't say it hasn't. But get promoted and our away end will be far busier most home games, as well as the away end. Crowds like yesterday would be more than a one off.

 

Disgraceful, I'm shuperb at grammahh me, and Id give you only 11 arrt of 10 for effutt!. Simples!!.
But hey yeah.. I think the same about the West stand, how long can we and should we, stick with that awful old part of the ground/stadium ?.

 

Which end are our lot in

 

Very kind of you.

 

That's very nice of you Hooky kid lol.
But seriously mate, what do you think we should do (and what we could maybe afford to do) about the West stand ?.

 

I think we have to go with the board on this one lol. And take it one step at a time.

Genuinely if it was my money. I'd pay more attention to the team. Within reason. Hopefully progress and get more income via success. And when the time allows and makes sense put money into redevelopment but not at the detriment to the team. I think that would have to be the premier or another John stones.
But would maintain facilities until that time arrives.
All pretty much like the present boards plans.

As much as I agree with improvements. Eg a fanzone. I'd give more attention to try giving fans what they want most Including myself. Success. But not at any cost. Chansiri makes my mind up on that one.
I go to watch a game and want us to win. Allus been thus since I started watching us.
Give me a successful team and the Oakwell of 1967, than a showcase stadium in league 1 any day. The rest is secondary.

Take a look at
Burnley
Palace
Bournemouth
Everton
Luton
All in ancient stadiums. Some using the goldmine of the premier they have attained through success to build new or improve. But one thing I can guarantee. Is the fans would not choose to be in state of the art stadiums at the expense of success. Ask spurs fans. Nice when you can have both.

 

Aww I can't match that kid, the 60's lol, I only started in the year of 1981.
But hey, I think ground development at Oakwell has always been a thing hasn't it.

 

Either that or let us use it all. I heard the only reason we can't use it is because they pulled down the toilets behind it, for a media office