Can we please stop making claims about SISU funding this or that, what a great job they have done. They have kept a handle on the finances steadied the ship for now, I accept that, but that should be basics not cause for congratulation.
The only thing they have funded over the last few years has been the shortage on cashflow caused by the drop in attendances as we dropped through the divisions. They had to make the loans to do otherwise would have meant the club not paying its bills. It is not in SISU's interest to see CCFC fail at the moment and they act as bank of last resort to cover the shortage. That shortage being caused by the planned budgets (that were reduced year on year) not actually matching the revenue the club brought in. Indeed the emergency funding that was put in during 2016 and 2017 has in part been repaid at a time where the club is desperate for funds.
What they did was let MR do his thing within the revenue that the club could generate. That revenue, derived in large part from the fans, paid for the Academy, paid for the day to day running of the club along with some player sales, sponsorship and league monies. The Academy spend is over 600k per year and it forms part of the operating costs which are basically covered by the club revenue. What budget did SISU provide ? All they said was they wouldn't draw the interest or loans down. As there was a shortage you could argue the financial planning failed. They have consistently said as has Fisher that the club must stand on its own two feet, the logic of that is there is no desire on SISU's part to fund anything unless they really are forced to
I would think that in L2 our wage bill actually went down. Think about it, where were the big earners, there was a large part based on academy and youngsters. Even then until the run in it was touch and go as to whether the club broke even. Promotion was vital to the budget this year. No we didn't sell many players in the season but I would think there were a few add ons received. In L2 they didn't need to spend big to make a difference, to have a chance - it is a poor division both in quality and finance
Their biggest contribution has been to stay in the background and quiet. They have over a couple of years steadied the finances, but we still make losses and still struggle with cash flow...... otherwise there would be no emergency loans in January 2016 & 2017. For once we got a slice of luck capitalised on it and gained some momentum, that was largely due to the hard work of MR and his team, the players buying in to it and a hard core of fans keeping faith.
It is possible to get out of L1 & L2 on a shoestring budget ................ the real test comes in the Championship, hopefully SISU will be long gone before that and CCFC will have ownerswho can really take us forward
Yes put the history behind us, I totally agree. Focus on the future, support the team in which ever way you can. BUT never stop holding our owners to account, even or perhaps especially when CCFC generates a bit of success for itself and the fans. CCFC achieved this year ....... the owners have a long way to go before they can make that claim. We are where we are because in large part it is due to them. Don't hold on to the past but please look at the reality nothing has changed for SISU or in how they operate
