Cooling Off Period

Between 99-03, most of the names on that list were West Ham players.

West Ham sold them.

West Ham got relegated from the Premier League in 2003.

That doesn't exactly suggest that selling is a good policy.

Perhaps clubs should avoid being intentional feeder clubs (not a commentary on West Ham).

 

The fact that there was a deadline for ST renewals originally was to put people under pressure to commit. As a significant number didn't commit the club extended the deadline to allow as many of those people to change their minds and renew. I think it only right and proper, therefore, that the club allows those that were pressured into renewing early to also change their minds during the extended period. In fact it would be downright hypocritical if they didn't.

 

I'd love us not to sell players Jon, but unfortunately that's a fact of life, those that can afford the best players, buy the best players. The only slight comfort I take is that they went to bigger clubs at the time.

 

Sure. It's slightly disappointing that our policy is set up to sell, but then we're not an established Premier League side like West Ham, so we're bound to sell our best players whether it's our intention or not.

If anything, I'd say there is a lot of evidence that selling great players for big money doesn't actually bring success.

Southampton have had some phenomenal talent in recent years, sold them for a lot of money, but may only stay up on goal difference.

At a certain point, you have no choice but to let your best players go to bigger clubs, whatever level you're at; but to become renowned for it doesn't seem productive.

Everyone's favourite example club, Crewe, could easily be relegated to non-league in the next two-three years.

 

Slight issue with this statement is that carrick cole and defoe were all with west ham when they got relegated and sold after relegation. Yes lampard and ferdinand were sold beforehand (one for an astronomical fee and one to the subsequent league champions) but it wasnt the sale of the kids that sent them down.

 

Well said. The over reaction is getting ridiculous. Since they fired McCall it seems no matter what they say or do they are wrong. We need to get over the McCall saga and look at their two years 'in office'.

A playoff final. A top half finish and a plan for the future (whether you like it or not is irrelevant). So exactly what is it that is wrong?

What about the past year? Here's what I see over the past 12 months and who has ownership.

The players recruited last summer didn't pan out as they hoped (McCall/Abbott/Owners), transfer window did not work out as planned (McCall//Abbott/Owners), results did not go as hoped (McCall/Black/Grayson).

So, I would suggest, their is collective responsibility but for some on here it seems there is singular responsibility. All the above are the fault of the owners.

We need to move on. If you don't want to buy a ST dont. If you don't want to attend games don't. It's your choice.

I will be there.

 

What did you think of the previous regime, the minute after Jackson resigned in August 2011?

 

Take the £5 kids out of that and £50 flexis and see if you can still get it to add up to a million ??

 

I appreciate you honesty, but wonder what you expected and ask if maybe yours and other expectations are a tad unrealistic

To me they seem no more incompetent and in some ways communicate better than some of other footie clubs

I'm not saying they're perfect, but wonder if it's a bit naive to think we would get owners from another country, who have a different outlook on life, to relate to us

For instance, when you say they're not sincere what do you mean? It's actually hard to factually list what they've said they'd do and haven't at least tried to do. For instance would be wrong to cite this accusation at them for the failed January window, they along with Peterborough (among others) simply were put out by the ridiculous prices quoted etc. Why should they just give in to Grayson's demands if they think it will jeopardise the club

Aren't they just typical of any foreign company, who take over a business and want some of their personal DNA adding to the mission statement?

Wasn't F1 a bit more phone and warmer with Ecclestone in charge, instead of these new faceless business people - who have no feel for the sport and so propose disastrous circuits like the proposed Miami one

It's our club, anyone who is a fan should simply rise above the bureaucrats and remember we've had worse

Yesterday, Wenger held one of his very intelligent press conferences and alluded to the same. I'd have a listen as he's 'old school' and obviously misses the intimacy that globalisation has lost - but also accepts that this is the only way to go forward

I think someone said they don't connect with these players as much as say Rory. Fair point, as soon as you realise he abandoned far more than the owners are doing, the minute he could get a few quid more, i.e. the idea of a community club that can survive just with the help of the local community is fanciful.

Finally, if we sneaked in the play-offs and got promoted, would you feel the same. If not, then it's clearly the frustration of the season and blaming the owners for everything, is simply wrong

 

That list is so far away from anything any BCAFC fan has ever experienced my imagination fails me mate.

I hope you've not posted this expecting sympathy from the rest of us IB

 

I'm not sure about a refund. But such is the way that we're being managed ad a club, I'm tempted to donate my 2 tickets for next season to a family who're perhaps on the breadline and unable to otherwise pay to watch games down at City.

But then, such a family would probably miserable enough already. It would feel like an act of cruelty.

 

Last year City achieved the highest ever season ticket total in the club's history. To be within 30% of that total on the back of a disappointing season is still a decent achievement IMO.

They're asking £169 for a season of League 1 football. Thats what it boils down to.

If you're willing to pay that then great. If you're not then fine.
You pay your money, you take your chances as the saying goes.

Just don't come on here trying to act like a bleeding heart Martyr berating those who have renewed.
Or labelling them 'thoroughly nice chaps' or 'happy clappers' because they don't buy into the mob narrative

 

Winner

 

thoroughly nice chaps and happy clappers are just as much a pain in the arse as the uber negative brigade. Both groups get right on my tits, they stop conversation dead with their diatribe.

 

Well well well, if it isn't Gomp Bantam the Happy Clapper.

Just kidding

 

And those that swing both ways are even worse. Are you a swinger

 

Well I am happy and I clap Occasionally so I am

 

Some of the vitriol is bordering on the insane yet for all that there are justifiable concerns as to where we are heading from a large minority of supporters who are hoping we have actually learned lesson from what was a shocking second half of the season. Even with a good start to the season fans will be apprehensive that what happened the season just gone could easily happen again if we do not come to the table with squad that has strength in numbers. Asking development players to fill the boots of experienced professionals is a massive risk, it's why hardly anyone does it.