Nick
Administrator
This is assuming SISU aren't going to budge and what should ideally be done.
1. If they are persistent on breaking even, they should get rid of Fisher and get somebody in who will be able to relate to the fans. They can still do break even and who knows, with all of the great communication, PR and relationships built it may increase sponsorship, season ticket sales etc and mean that revenues go up as well as breaking even. Surely a win / win for SISU.
2. Start planning for league 2, I'd pretty much clear out all of the first team backroom staff but not the u23 coaches etc. Fitness people, goalkeeper coaches, striker coaches etc get rid of them all and and have a clean slate. I'd pretty much let players go now who aren't going to get a look in and start to blood players like Harries, Stevenson, G Thomas, Jones etc who are on long term contracts and can improve still and play week in / week out in league 2. If people like Reid are on big wages like alluded to then I'd tell them they can start to look for other clubs if they want now.
3. Start some decent offers and incentives for season tickets. If pricing can't be lowered too much because of losing money then at least make some decent incentives for people to get one. Make people feel more part of the club would be a good start. Accept we will be in League 2 so work out pricing now, if for some reason we make a miracle escape then honour the pricing. Don't give it the big one about League 2 on tour, just be up front about pricing and say "look, we need it to be these prices to cover costs etc".
4. Venus isn't needed, he can do one as well. What's the point of him?
5. Academy, start speaking with people like Warwick University about facilities there. Offer them some sort of link so their students doing physio, sports science can get experience working with our youth team etc. The only sticking point for cat 2 is going to be the full size internal pitch, so not 100% what can be done with that
Everything needs to be cleared and a fresh start, even down to radio presenters and phone in shows with presenters. Of course they aren't to blame for us being shit but it's all stagnant isn't it? Get somebody young in there like somebody off the podcast to do phone ins.
Importantly they need to make fans feel involved with the club, yes I don't agree with people who have done pitch invasions and some extreme politics so I would try and explain about break even and break things down with a bit more transparency. If people think they need to run on the pitch and stop games I'd say "First off, I know you are pissed off but thats not on. Come down to Ryton one lunchtime, there will be some tea and biscuits and cards will be on the table, there is not much more I can do"
It's exactly how fans would run the club if we were fan owned, it's just they would have better communication.
If the takeover rumours and mumors are true then I'd guess that would be done anyway if they have any sense!
Just some random ramblings, much more though could be done (That's IF SISU decide they are staying, as the obvious one would be to just get new owners)
1. If they are persistent on breaking even, they should get rid of Fisher and get somebody in who will be able to relate to the fans. They can still do break even and who knows, with all of the great communication, PR and relationships built it may increase sponsorship, season ticket sales etc and mean that revenues go up as well as breaking even. Surely a win / win for SISU.
2. Start planning for league 2, I'd pretty much clear out all of the first team backroom staff but not the u23 coaches etc. Fitness people, goalkeeper coaches, striker coaches etc get rid of them all and and have a clean slate. I'd pretty much let players go now who aren't going to get a look in and start to blood players like Harries, Stevenson, G Thomas, Jones etc who are on long term contracts and can improve still and play week in / week out in league 2. If people like Reid are on big wages like alluded to then I'd tell them they can start to look for other clubs if they want now.
3. Start some decent offers and incentives for season tickets. If pricing can't be lowered too much because of losing money then at least make some decent incentives for people to get one. Make people feel more part of the club would be a good start. Accept we will be in League 2 so work out pricing now, if for some reason we make a miracle escape then honour the pricing. Don't give it the big one about League 2 on tour, just be up front about pricing and say "look, we need it to be these prices to cover costs etc".
4. Venus isn't needed, he can do one as well. What's the point of him?
5. Academy, start speaking with people like Warwick University about facilities there. Offer them some sort of link so their students doing physio, sports science can get experience working with our youth team etc. The only sticking point for cat 2 is going to be the full size internal pitch, so not 100% what can be done with that
Everything needs to be cleared and a fresh start, even down to radio presenters and phone in shows with presenters. Of course they aren't to blame for us being shit but it's all stagnant isn't it? Get somebody young in there like somebody off the podcast to do phone ins.
Importantly they need to make fans feel involved with the club, yes I don't agree with people who have done pitch invasions and some extreme politics so I would try and explain about break even and break things down with a bit more transparency. If people think they need to run on the pitch and stop games I'd say "First off, I know you are pissed off but thats not on. Come down to Ryton one lunchtime, there will be some tea and biscuits and cards will be on the table, there is not much more I can do"
It's exactly how fans would run the club if we were fan owned, it's just they would have better communication.
If the takeover rumours and mumors are true then I'd guess that would be done anyway if they have any sense!
Just some random ramblings, much more though could be done (That's IF SISU decide they are staying, as the obvious one would be to just get new owners)