Off-Season Update: Ryan Sparks (26 June 2021)

Here we go!!

We have been PL, Champship, Div 1 and Div 2 and you still asking the question?

It’s just lazy ownership and management.

To answer your question Rupp and commercial partners etc. This is how clubs do it.

 

For me it’s about managing expectation. How many of our supporters can ever see us returning to the premier league? We’re so far off off the pace in terms of owner ambition, league position, funds etc, that it’s a pipe dream that not every fan wants. Where would owning the training ground actually get us? The likes of Leeds have a massive fan base and were a sleeping giant waiting for the right owners, so to compare us to them in terms of facilities is like comparing chalk and cheese. We’re closer to Halifax than Leeds or Huddersfield. We missed the boat in terms of improving the off field situation when we didn’t invest during the Richmond/Premier days.

 

Never mind the training ground at Leeds when Andrea Radrizzani took control I believe they didn't own Elland Road Stadium similar to Valley Parade.
To owners with vision they see passed that, the question is did Stefan want to own Valley Parade and build new traing facilities, I doubt very much at the time they had even spoken to Gordon Gibb or our partners at Rawdon Meadows.
I'm sure now Ryan has stepped up he is well aware of things he may not originally have been aware of.

 

He invested on the playing side, however bear with me , then I’ll ask a question .Lets say he purchased a huge plot of land for £1m. He then spent £1m doing it up providing a first class training facility with acres and acres of flat land with changing and gym facilities.
Come the clubs two subsequent financial crashes, here’s the question!

What do you think the administrator would have sold first to pay off some of those accumulated debts.?

Don’t prevaricate, be honest.

 

I can't claim to be an expert in training facilities or that I have the knowledge of other clubs to be able to compare, but the impression I get is that they are more than adequate for the level we are at. Seems to me that the issue of training facilities is a very easy target because its quite obvious that the current arrangement is very low on the agenda and won't change anytime soon.

On the actual update, firstly its a good step in the right direction to receive this kind of in-depth update during the close season in the first place. A lot to be positive about with regards to projected season ticket sales towards quite an ambitious target set by the club. Loyalty schemes, commercial deals, stadium renovations, investment in footballing staff are all more positive steps that as fans we've been wanting to see for a while. Hopefully more signings to come as well. A welcome update.

 

They are more than adequate for the people who use the facilities. But not enough for those sat on their fat arses tapping away at their smartphone.

 

You could guarantee if we purchased our ground back and own training facilities the first folk to moan at lack of investment on the playing side would be the very same...

 

@Fordy117 have you even seen the facilities at Rawdon Meadow or do you just base your opinion on the fact we don't own it ?

 

In 'The Jazz Singer' was a song called 'Hello again' - this was sung by Neil Diamond - a diamond is a jewel - Paul Jewell has just left Swindon - he must be coming back!

 

I mean, Queen's Park always benefitted from playing at the Scottish National Stadium, right? They must have won the champions league like umpteen times.

 

The last paragraph is a no brainer, . And in 1995 whatever, would we have put a plot of land in Granny’s name, fully expecting to get zillions from TV revenues ?

The question still stands in reply to Inspector . All hypothetical yep, is owning our own ground and training facility a valid debate today? No chance,I don’t see how anyone would think I would suggest otherwise.

 

Aaaaaargh!

 

That's about as tenuous as it's possible to get. Almost up there with Hiwulya because his name starts with Hi. How about Kenny Hibbit ? He played at BPA I think so would be familiar to those of an age.

 

No idea if this is anymore likely than my reading of the cryptic/pun clue, but loving your work!

 

It's a bit of fun whilst we wait for an official announcement, nobody is claiming any of the suggestions are on the money.

 

I am aware of this fact

 

Decent facilities but we don't own them. So if we owned Rawdon Meadows instead of renting would all our players train harder and be better footballers? Priority at this moment has to be the squad.