Ryan Sparks

I think it boils down to 2 things

1. Whilst we the engagement and dialogue is healthy, its way too early to be judging his performance as CEO. Actions and performance matters far more than words.

2. He doesn't really say anything that actually constitutes a plan.

 

Well actually it's pretty easy to find clubs who have at least SOME plans for the long term future.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/football/peterborough-united/new-peterborough-united-stadium-could-be-test-bed-advanced-technology-2953619%3Famp&ved=2ahUKEwjukfmmwOfuAhVIZxUIHWoDBHQQFjAJegQIFhAC&usg=AOvVaw08sOdVPomXnc-IHpU7DXic&ampcf=1

These plans aren't just about the new stadium in 2023, as you can see.

Look at FGR. long, long term plans around sustainability and an eco ground.

You won't typically find a club talking about a decade's worth of plans, granted, but it's clear to see they are there at certain clubs.

It's not even about money and huge, huge ambitions, to be frank. It's about having a long term goal that everyone buys into and part of that should include a clear identity - if not in terms of on pitch tactics, at least in terms of how the club can be expected to be run.

Honestly, if that's pie in the sky that's shameful - but I suppose it makes sense in a sport like this, badly run in general and very much seat-of-the-pants at most non-Premier League clubs.

I just would like more. Realistic plans, but real commitments. If Rupp can't deliver them, give someone else a go at running this club right.

I'm not interested in stalling long term plans based on Stefan's investment vanity.

 

He's only saying what some of us dared to mention while being shot down by the 'happy to have a team to support' brigade. Not a lot to discuss in the interview in my opinion, until we actually see a long term period of success then most of it is just management waffle. Talk is cheap, lets talk the talk after we've seen some sustained success.

 

Agree really positive and plans for the next 2-4 years sounds about right. Keep focussed on the here and now with an eye on the medium term. I will certainly be buying a ST next season regardless of the cost. Unless you are on the rock and roll then there seems to be no reason not to buy a ST next season seeing as payment plans are being made available.

 

If theres payment plans available then get the prices put up.

 

With respect I disagree about the plan bit.

Clearly said the aim is to have a team that doesn't need major rebuilding every summer and this team to be of sufficient quality to go for promotion next season. Sounds like a plan to me.

Then once in League 1 the obvious aim is the Championship-what else would there be? Build on the squad that has been together a few seasons with a few quality additions that could be achieved within 2 seasons in League 1. That would take us to years 3+4

Off the pitch we have made huge strides since Ryan took over-so there are actions to be measured against just there. Of course you cannot determine the future but as far as I can see we are better placed now on and off the pitch than we were 6 months ago.

 

Whatever the pricing structure will be, most people will have options to be able to get a ST-that's really good news for all.

 

Huge strides? What are they?

 

Big pants?

 

I think what he's done, generally, is talk about targets. A return to the top half of L1 and financial sustainability. And from there, can we get to the championship? Nothing wrong with that. All sensible and good stuff. But where's the plan to deliver that? Its not a dig at him; I enjoyed reading the interview, it helps to build on communication between club and supporter and shines a further light on the mess of the last few years. I just don't see the actual plan, in respect of the detail that underpins how we get there. Things we can debate. How do we grow a bottom half L2 club to become one that can knock on the door of the championship, on a self sustainable basis? How do we approach transfers on the basis of generating saleable assets? Is Rupp willing to invest in consistently targeting players of the age and potential to develop, or are deals like Vernham and Crankshaw a mere flash in the pan because we were hanging by a thread as a professional club? Whats the plan for the ground? Whats the thinking on ticket prices and the improvements needed for supporter facilities? Those are the sort of things that constitute an actual plan to my mind.

 

Clearly you have not being paying attention.

 

That looks like a good email to Ryan in all honesty. I was just giving my perspective on the matter.

 

I actually met with Sparks a few weeks ago for a chat and we touched on a couple of those points. The content of the WOAP article is consistent with much of what he spoke to me about.

Hes clearly an approachable bloke and I think he's keen to engage with supporters.

 

Answer the question.

 

So why the shit stirring responses? Do not understand.

 

You know what I am referring to but for some strange reason want to argue about it

 

What shit stirring responses?

 

Since when has a question been an argument. Call it a friendly discussion if it upsets you.

 

Changing the manager and results changing 6 defeats on the trot to 8 undefeated was a good start followed by a good transfer window in most people’s eyes. Strengthening the youth set up by bringing back a very respected figure to help us recruit young potential.all in all a start which could be described as big strides forward