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Post by adycrean on Apr 6, 2017 13:18:39 GMT
5 games to go, looks like odds even on whether we will end the season in the bottom 3. Credit goes to Snapper and Danny Jackman for working tirelessly to try to stave off relegation.
But the reality is:
• We are losing money hand over fist: pretty much zero commercial activity to drive revenue, and paying wages way beyond our means
• We would appear to be playing at Bromsgrove next season
• And even if there were some miraculous developments on a new ground - we will not be playing back in Worcester for 4 years minimum
Seems like there are 3 choices on the playing front:
1. Stay in the National North (if we do not get relegated) – drastically reduce the budget, focus on local younger players, and hope we are in some way competitive.
2. Voluntarily drop down x leagues
3. Wind the club up
I don’t have enough information to know which of these 3 is best. I worry #2 then drives a downward spiral – I reckon we benefit to the tune of £25-30k currently from gate receipts from playing the big sides in the current league; that would all but disappear.
I hope the Board has a strategy and a plan for all of this, that will be shared with shareholders and supporters when the time is right.
History suggests I am being laughably optimistic.
What do we think?
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Post by Croc on Apr 6, 2017 15:29:05 GMT
On the plus side - if we did go down (to what most likely would be the Doc Martens Premier) - it'd mean a nice lot of fairly local games at Redditch, Stratford, Leamington (if they don't go up in the playoffs), Banbury, Evesham (if they come up from the Playoffs in Division 1), Cirencester (if they stay up) and of course - Hereford.
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Post by thesecondjack on Apr 6, 2017 18:51:29 GMT
Curzon are often named as being the team with the lowest playing budget in our league, spending an awful lot less than us... should we stay up, trying to do what they do budget wise would be my preferred choice.
Remind me, who do we play on Saturday?
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Post by Brooksiders Return!! on Apr 6, 2017 20:07:33 GMT
Curzon Ashton are a community club, already registered as an IPC, rumours about them being the lowest playing budget are just that, rumours. They operate within their means, but their means are far bigger than City's. Their non-football revenue streams, corporate engagement and community representation allow them to operate on a very reasonable wage bill.
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Post by B*ue dragonstander on Apr 8, 2017 14:13:05 GMT
I have always thought that it is better to be up near the top of a lower division and winning matches rather than struggling in a higher one. Difficult call but I don't believe relegation would put our finances in a much worse position and might even help. I agree with jp that it is 50/50 on stating up. Probably come down to a single result or goal.
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Post by zeke on Apr 8, 2017 17:49:15 GMT
I have always thought that it is better to be up near the top of a lower division and winning matches rather than struggling in a higher one. Difficult call but I don't believe relegation would put our finances in a much worse position and might even help. I agree with jp that it is 50/50 on stating up. Probably come down to a single result or goal. Warriors are a prime example. In the Premiership their only goal seems to be finishing 2nd from bottom. Whereas in the Championship they are pretty much going to win most games. A bit predictable and not really exciting for the fans either way. |
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Post by jupu on Apr 9, 2017 19:43:10 GMT
How would we feel about playing in the Midland Football League next season? Boxing Day and NYD games v Bromsgrove Sporting, drastically reduced travelling, a chance to put local players in the team on minimal wages? Would this achieve the break even budget that the Board are looking for?
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Post by zeke on Apr 9, 2017 20:09:43 GMT
The other plus is that the admission prices dramatically drops. Possibly keeping attendances up? After paying 6 quid to watch Bromsgrove's excellent performances I felt short changed paying 13 quid for some of City's.
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Post by Brooksiders Return!! on Apr 9, 2017 21:05:10 GMT
Which means that the income from gate receipts reduces by 50% , and considering that this is the only decent income stream the club is getting, it'll hurt.
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Post by zeke on Apr 9, 2017 22:18:47 GMT
Personally I'd rather stay in this league. But, realistically we've proved this season that we're out of our depth. 400 attended Saturday and only away support will give us a decent crowd. People aren't willing to pay so much for so little. I have no answer but if we get relegated I think the attendance/price revenue would be similar to that if we stay near the relegation zone in the North ?
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Post by Noboddy aka Lord Ealing on Apr 10, 2017 8:16:39 GMT
So was relegation Hampson's plan B?
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Post by creaner on Apr 10, 2017 9:14:09 GMT
Personally I'd rather stay in this league. But, realistically we've proved this season that we're out of our depth. 400 attended Saturday and only away support will give us a decent crowd. People aren't willing to pay so much for so little. I have no answer but if we get relegated I think the attendance/price revenue would be similar to that if we stay near the relegation zone in the North ? But revenue shouldn't just be about attendance. Where is the advertising and sponsorship the club should be going for? Apart from Pinches none as far as I can see. Unfortunately there is no one on the board willing or able to do this just now. Probably too late anyway. |
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Post by richwidd on Apr 10, 2017 18:01:00 GMT
The other plus is that the admission prices dramatically drops. Possibly keeping attendances up? After paying 6 quid to watch Bromsgrove's excellent performances I felt short changed paying 13 quid for some of City's. But Bromsgrove are playing in their Home town! Many years ago the Board proposed a new ground at Nunnery Way stating it couldn't survive on match day income alone so they gave up trying to reduce the club debt which was less than a couple hundred grand. Match Day income is now all we have got as we have a Board who aren't interested in doing anything other than turning up on a Match Day. There is Zero Commercial activity at this Club and that isn't going to change anytime soon. Dropping down 1/2/3 Leagues will have exactly the same problems, if we last that long that is. |
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stamoo
First Teamer
Posts: 349
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Post by stamoo on Apr 11, 2017 10:52:19 GMT
Sorry everyone but while I agree the future could not be more uncertain I find this whole thread inappropatiate at a time when Snapper and the staff are busting a gut to try to stave off relegation. I saw bags of effort on the field last Saturday and nothing is more likely to undermine that if we are all discussing which level we are likely to drop down to. Why should the players bother if we are all resigned to going down anyway? This discussion could at least wait for the next three weeks and whatever happens after the end of the season I for one will be hoping we avoid being relegated.
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Post by thatloudbloke on Apr 11, 2017 17:46:43 GMT
Sorry everyone but while I agree the future could not be more uncertain I find this whole thread inappropatiate at a time when Snapper and the staff are busting a gut to try to stave off relegation. I saw bags of effort on the field last Saturday and nothing is more likely to undermine that if we are all discussing which level we are likely to drop down to. Why should the players bother if we are all resigned to going down anyway? This discussion could at least wait for the next three weeks and whatever happens after the end of the season I for one will be hoping we avoid being relegated. well said, we should keep on cheering for the lads & wait untill the final whistle has blown before thinking where we might play next year, we are 3 points above religation & have a better goal diffrence, so that is four points the team below need as a minimum, but every point we gain makes their task even bigger, & when we stay in this league, the whole of this thead will have been a waste... stay behind the team & keep the faith... |
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Post by adycrean on Apr 11, 2017 19:14:58 GMT
My reason for starting this conversation wasn't about any lack of faith or support in the management and players. Frankly the opposite, and I personally would love us to remain in this league.
This thread is in the 'off the pitch' section. My point is - there surely has to be a plan, given the dire financial position we are in and all the rhetoric about the consequences.
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Post by downthelane on Apr 11, 2017 20:08:52 GMT
We know exactly why you started this conversation.
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Post by adycrean on Apr 11, 2017 20:23:24 GMT
We know exactly why you started this conversation. Who is 'we'? And I am not sure what you mean ... |
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Post by zeke on Apr 11, 2017 20:36:29 GMT
It's a valid topic. As for "when we stay in this league, the whole of this thead will have been a waste" Why? Even if we stay above Gainsborough, no-one can guarantee which league we'll be in next season. Therefore it's a valid topic.
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jonnyred
Reserve Teamer
c'mon u bluuuues!
Posts: 112
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Post by jonnyred on Apr 11, 2017 20:46:18 GMT
And Stalybridge just beat Kiddy 1-0  |
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Post by jupu on Apr 11, 2017 20:54:18 GMT
So now a three horse race!
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Post by jupu on Apr 12, 2017 7:26:15 GMT
I agree this is a valid topic. To suggest that the conversation is undermining what happens on the pitch is a giant leap and not something that I would subscribe to. I shall continue to cheer on the lads and I've heard very little criticism of the efforts of the players or management, whether at matches, in conversation or on the Banter Board.
The Club stated back in February that they would not be drawn into speculation and that more information on the way forward would be announced at the appropriate time, which I assume means after the season ends. So having this conversation will not achieve an outcome, but it does demonstrate what some of us are thinking and feeling. Some want to focus solely on this season, others are thinking ahead.
It would be great to fight off relegation, but as has been said before, if staying in this league is unaffordable is it the best outcome for our long term survival?
That is not a decision for us as supporters but I do hope that, once the season has ended, fans will be given a clear and swift indication as to what will be happening for the 17/18 season.
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Post by Noboddy aka Lord Ealing on Apr 12, 2017 7:42:34 GMT
"A clear and swift indication......." from this board? Are you being ironic?
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Post by The Verner on Apr 12, 2017 8:45:03 GMT
I agree this is a valid topic. To suggest that the conversation is undermining what happens on the pitch is a giant leap and not something that I would subscribe to. I shall continue to cheer on the lads and I've heard very little criticism of the efforts of the players or management, whether at matches, in conversation or on the Banter Board. The Club stated back in February that they would not be drawn into speculation and that more information on the way forward would be announced at the appropriate time, which I assume means after the season ends. So having this conversation will not achieve an outcome, but it does demonstrate what some of us are thinking and feeling. Some want to focus solely on this season, others are thinking ahead. It would be great to fight off relegation, but as has been said before, if staying in this league is unaffordable is it the best outcome for our long term survival? That is not a decision for us as supporters but I do hope that, once the season has ended, fans will be given a clear and swift indication as to what will be happening for the 17/18 season. Well said, be careful though, I have an opinion on it and people have moaned about my opinion.....maybe its because I am looking to the future and I can actually put 2 and 2 together ! |
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Post by Noboddy aka Lord Ealing on Apr 12, 2017 13:55:30 GMT
Are some supporters seriously worried that postings on this board could undermine the players' confidence? If the squad are unaware of the dire state WCFC is in, then they must be too stupid to tie their own laces. If I was a player I'd be concerned if the issues surrounding the club's future weren't being discussed. I'd assume the supporters didn't care about the situation and weren't worth fighting for. It's no good pointing the finger at a few fans expressing their worries on a two-bit blog site like this, vent your anger at the board. They are the ones who are failing to reassure players; supporters and management as to what the future holds.
Worrying about players' attitudes; which league we are/will be playing in; who is playing at left back etc etc is a total irrelevance. With Hampson and co in power the club will cease to exist.
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Post by Brooksiders Return!! on Apr 13, 2017 15:43:44 GMT
Cheering the lads on to fight off relegation, and what league we are playing in next season, are two separate subjects altogether.
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Post by B*ue dragonstander on Apr 14, 2017 14:49:55 GMT
Are some supporters seriously worried that postings on this board could undermine the players' confidence? If the squad are unaware of the dire state WCFC is in, then they must be too stupid to tie their own laces. If I was a player I'd be concerned if the issues surrounding the club's future weren't being discussed. I'd assume the supporters didn't care about the situation and weren't worth fighting for. It's no good pointing the finger at a few fans expressing their worries on a two-bit blog site like this, vent your anger at the board. They are the ones who are failing to reassure players; supporters and management as to what the future holds. Worrying about players' attitudes; which league we are/will be playing in; who is playing at left back etc etc is a total irrelevance. With Hampson and co in power the club will cease to exist. Spot on Archie. The final para is the real issue that overshadows the question of which league we are playing in. What supporters (including us stay away ones) want and deserve to know is how we get from where we are to a degree of stability. The club needs to be run and managed by people who love it and where there is absolutely no question of either competence or commitment or the potential for the suggestion of conflicted interests. That is the first step to finding a realistic and achievable route to survival whatever that may entail. The management process needs to transparent and in that way carry the supporters with it. You can't please everyone all the time but at least we would be able to understand what is going on and why. From what I have observed recently nothing has really changed since the 2008 AGM and with the current board it is not going to. It really isn't. |
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leon
Squad Member
Posts: 253
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Post by leon on Apr 14, 2017 19:37:50 GMT
Wherever City are playing next season the playing budget will be nil because that is the only way to claw back the losses? After all that was the plan for this season IF all the players had left to be replaced by the youth players and why Carl packed in and why no-one is interested in taking over as Manager.
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Post by Dodger on Apr 17, 2017 7:06:41 GMT
Hopefully we stave of relegation and retain our NN status (if only to support the Perdiswell planning application).
Dodger.
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Post by zeke on Apr 30, 2017 15:42:50 GMT
So, does anyone know the deadline we have to tell the FA what we're doing?
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