BBC Radio Leeds Fans 'Forum' 7th Feb 6-7pm

Thanks David , yes I was at both events . Oh the blanket as it passed the Bradford End . Only those that were there know what I mean

 

Rupp isn't interested in promotion because he isn't a football fan let alone a Bradford City fan.
I've no doubt that RS and everyone else connected to Bradford City wants us to get promoted, but it has to be done sustainably. I've no problem with that because we've been through too many occasions where this football club has nearly disappeared.
But as you've highlighted, the higher you go, getting promotion is outside the sustainability model. Especially for a club of our size.
We would either need to borrow money, which will be nigh on impossible because we have no assets to use as security, or we have a benefactor willing to shell out. Again, not happening because Rupp is not at the club for that reason.
Our ambitions as fans need a reset; stay afloat and in the EFL and pray somehow we either find a buyer willing to invest or we go up sustainably. And even if we do go up sustainably, limit your expectations to being a low to mid-table league one side.

 

I was talking to Ade the other night and recalled I once gave a whole weeks wage as a donation . I think I was saving up to get married . The girlfriend and now wife went mental . I’m sure we got some sort of certificate ?

 

Agree with you there . It certainly wasn’t an event where 352, 433, 541 was going to be thrashed out .. Not fair on him really RT?

 

I'm far from happy mate, but like it or not Rupp maybe is after what Ryan said was his task as CEO at Valley Parade, that's the worrying thing.
I'm with you with regards what the independent group are putting forward although I think most will know what Rupps reply will be, I'm right behind Ryan and his team with regards making the club sustainably and with regards selling the club no party has come forward with a realistic offer.

 

Yes one or two season of real, targeted financial investment in a smaller top quality squad should start the momentum. History says it CAN happen . Look at the few short years of investment that got us out of div 3 then 2 . The money we paid for players Rankin, Mills etc!!

 

In terms of practical and realistic steps to improve the club (e.g. not a billionaire buying us and funding everything), I think raising season ticket prices should be massively considered.

We have an owner who has given the CEO a mandate to be sustainable as the #1 priority. Sustainable = not losing money and making the club self-sufficient requiring no ongoing investment from the owner.

I have no faith in the club getting out of League Two with the current budget and CEO/Scouting/etc setup. So either there is a complete re-org of management or we solve the problems with a bigger budget. The bigger budget isn't coming from Rupp investment so the club needs to find it somewhere.

Raising season ticket prices by 50% would generate more money imo. I can't see attendance dropping 50%. I think the club should do seriously consider this.

If our idea of success is just treading water in League 2 but being completely self-sufficient then I don't want that. I'd prefer to pay £100 or £200 more a year and have a club that can have some ambition.

 

I'm not sure I would have been happy with a Karl Robinsons appointment.

 

Never liked him , but ……He hasn’t got the baggage of Evans so I’d put up with him

 

WUM surely??

 

Nope. I enjoy the cheap season tickets/big crowds as much as the next man, but I think they might be holding back the club at this point.

Explain why you don't agree.

 

I would have been, unbeaten in 5 games since he took over, including beating Wrexham last time out. Their fans said it would be impossible for anyone to get a tune out of their squad (boy that sounds familiar) and look at them now

But its all hypothetical anyway. We will never know because Sparks didn't sell the clubs to him. Or the Cowleys. Or Neil Harris. Maybe it is because he was asked what our 5 year plan with and Sparks retorted with "eerrrmm, sustainability..."

 

Can't disagree I'm far from happy with our current situation, I'm sure Graham Alexander is aware of what is expected of him in the second half of the season, there will be no rabbits being pulled out of a hat come the end of the season, he has got to show us fans that with the players he has we can finish the season by playing good football and a decent run in to give the fans anything positive to offer in the hope we fans will renew, I don't envy either Alexander or Sparks with regards what they have to do..

 

You are serious??

It really doesn't take a brain surgeon Brent. I have already parted with enough money going home and away for the past few seasons with absolutely feck all to show for it, and very few good memories of wins at away grounds - with this season been the worst in my living memory with Barrow and Wrexham still to come. And you suggest we should be forking out even MORE money for the privilege of being depressed?? You might well be a sadomasochist pal but I certainly aren't!!

Contribute what you want, it is your money. But myself and at least 50% of the current season ticket holders won't be there next season if they pushed up the prices....

 

Signed by a doctor at Lynfield Mount ?.

 

Chill out mate. I was just making suggestions.

And half of what you say is my exact point. The current setup isn't working, this has been demonstrated. We've churned through multiple 'proven' managers with this leadership model and find ourselves 18th in League 2. There is no sign that this will change without some significant changes to the club.

Money talks and budget solves problems. A club can be run poorly, but still do well if they can simply spend more on players.

In a dream world, a new owner appears who sees the potential in the club and is willing to invest their own money to move us up the leagues, but we can't bank on that ever happening.

At least trying an increase in season ticket prices might give the club more budget to play with.

 

He's doing O/K at Salford I posted as much in a previous post saying I believe they could get a play off place, and IMO they will finish above us in the league,
I couldnt comment with regards who Ryan p1ssed off as I'm not sure who applied apart from the Cowleys.

 

The three I mentioned above Dave. GA was 4th choice

 

As I say I was not aware apart from the Cowleys coming out and making their reasons for not taking the job.

 

Thanks Bronco.

By default no investment outside of keeping us sustainable is going to naturally stagnate us initially then drop us into a decline. Clubs will bypass us from
The league below and around us - I’d define that as running into the ground. We will be worthless in the non league.

I called out months ago the similarities between us and Oldham and there stagnation that went to a decline.. it’s happening again here at our club.