17 May 2022 09:28:42
Just heard an interesting piece regarding clubs looking to break into the top 6.
In a nutshell, it said Wolves have got the model right as if you look to invest too much money into the playing side too quickly, you risk dividing the dressing room as new players will be on astronomical wages compared to others which will cause issues. Also, if the outlay if the club goes up, the only people going to suffer is the fans. The example they gave was Newcastle. The average wage of the 1st team squad is approx £50k per player per week. If they invest in new players as the fans want, that wage goes up to £150k per week which will mean the club fall foul of FFP. Solution increase ticket prices and merchandise prices.
17 May 2022 09:47:48
It's very true Jas. You also see it where clubs described as "family friendly" start getting accused of losing their soul for becoming more corporate to increase commercial revenues.
Remember under Martin O'Neil when Villa tried to break the top 6 and ultimately failed. The cost cutting afterwards when the money ran out cost them their Premier League status eventually.
17 May 2022 11:14:45
Alex Leeds as well under O Leary can't remember the season about 20 years ago, but the finance seemed to be based on making the Champions league, its taken them 20 years to get back from that. Without wishing to use foul language look at the Prem seasons WBA clocked up during that time, just taking the money and if they had to go back down then they came straight back.
17 May 2022 12:56:19
@Arddunby as I recall the whole Leeds situation was based on them winning the CL Final, they made it to the CL Semi-Final (knocked out by Valencia).
"Doing a Leeds" is a phrase that is synonymous with the potentially dire consequences for domestic clubs in financial mismanagement. Investing heavily to win the CL. However, in the process, the club built up large debts and suffered a financial meltdown after failing to continue to qualify for the competition.
17 May 2022 13:15:43
Other clubs have been stung too - Portsmouth not so long ago, you could even make a case for Derby in just trying to reach the PL.
17 May 2022 13:39:02
I think that's why Fosun from the 'get go' talked about a 10 year project. First priority is to get the club into the Prem, second, keep it there and third, push for Europe.
I think players will be more relaxed about joining the club now they'll feel we are an established Premier League with a business model that is secure going forward and an ambition for European competition.
I know Fosun starting talking more lately about a 20 year plan but that was due in part to Covid and probably the time it will take to fully redevelop the Mol.
17 May 2022 14:13:56
Debbie, 'Arry Redknapp coined the phrase 'Doing a Wolves' to describe a double dip. Mind you, he was famous for keeping the dressing 'fresh', meaning lots of fat brown envelopes. He was tried for fraud, due to a Swiss bank account in the name of his dog. I always wondered what his cat was worth!
17 May 2022 15:01:25
Debbbie I recall that now thanks.