Article in The Athletic

Wonder if their plan for Nigel ever came off ? Bet he's not still at British Steel.

 

To be honest Andy I've not noticed, but he does sponsor "Flamingo Land" at Bellend Road.

 

I think we can only really judge Stuart as a manager after his fourth spell here, it was his shirt number and it's the least he deserves.

 

Cracking listen Sparkie covers most of what us fans have been asking, saying nothing fazes him you have to have thick skin and quotes there are more staff at Valley Parade than there were at Old Trafford when he started his career.

 

He's a breath of fresh air. Such easy listening when you're hearing from someone who's so experienced at the top level.

"If they're going to get in another manager, they won't find anyone as successful as I am"
Derek Adams, Feb 2022.

 

My god, he is more desperate than i thought. I would not want those neanderthals turning up and worrying my animals.
The add was at the Bradford end if i remember correctly. Although not taken much notice lately as i have either been reading a book or sleeping during most home games.

 

Behind the Bradford End goal. Pretty insignificant hoarding.

 

Such a pleasure to listen to Mark, calm assured and enjoying his life here at VP. Not worried about lack of resources the opposite in fact he is enjoying being chief cook and bottle washer. He comes across as a quiet and thoughtful man and must have overcome his reluctance to being in the limelight, quite a feat. Every time I hear from him, as a fan he just fills you with confidence he knows what he is doing.

 

Very underrated band

 

I'm happy and I clap

 

Good post Andy

 

Coming back round to the suggestion that there may have been talks with regards the rent at VP. If Sparks can present a sound business and football plan then I think the pension fund would be open to an agreement to markedly reduce it while in L2 (say 50% of current rent) to "fund" a promotion charge. Then keep it low (75%) in L1 with an eye on increasing it to 125% and then 150% (or more even) in the championship and premier league respectively. Will potentially show much greater returns under a new lease if we're successful (and the reduced outgoings should definitely aid that). Pretty much the deal IIRC that Rhodes turned his nose up at resulting in us paying so much while in L2

 

Can't see that happening. Why would you forgo guaranteed income for something that might, but in all honesty probably won't happen? Gibb played a blinder buying the ground and fair play to him. It's why successful businessmen are actually successful.

 

Agreed. The only way I see us having any chance to reducing the annual rent is to extend the lease. And even then, Gibb holds all the aces.

 

I don't disagree and would indeed be somewhat of a gamble (that I imagine goes against the trust's best interests). I suspect they've made good returns on the ground purchase already and if it's the difference between us signing up to a new 25yr lease now or risk being left with a ground at the end of this one then I'd suggest they'd be better off. Rests on a sound plan from Sparks, mind.

 

As Faithful says we don't hold any cards. Gibb took a calculated risk on a business who were desperate and it paid off. There's no harm in trying to negotiate but you need something to negotiate with. A promise of magic beans ain't really gonna cut the mustard.

 

Agree I would think any shortfall with regards the pension fund would have to be made up elsewhere.
Now if Gordon Gibb wanted to buy Rupp out I'd take that option.