Cherries: Gregory insists club 'must' gain promotion (From Bournemouth Echo)

The Echo Radio solent local BBC Tv and the NOW club supporters will never be forgiven for taking the Cherries into their last season in football
following a few months of complete MADNESS . You have ALL killed the club and how MANY chances did you NEED ..Greed greed and MORE GREED

The Football club was NOT yours to GAMBLE with

Time for the 'talking' to end now !
A job has to be done every game this season ! - We all know the expectation is high and all players now need to rise to the occasions - 'Time to Shine'
Up to all the squad now to be positive and deliver !

UTC

Murrzik i believe u have to GO and TAKE your MEDICATION....Off you go then you funny little person.

There's no doubt that a huge gamble is taking place - our wage bill is colossal, spending high - both completely out of balance with our income. If we are not successful and gates and with that income grow then we will be in an unsustanable position. But there's nothing we, the supporters can do about it, other than to urge our family and friends to come along to Dean Court, enjoy it whilst it lasts. We can see from Portsmouth and Rangers predicament , just how this can end - wonder whether they will be allowed to sign players in time for our visit to Fratton Park on Saturday or will we face a team of lads?.

I agree with SOC. It's automatic promotion or bust. This 'ambition' is funded on debt with increased TV revenue in the Championship seeming to me to be the only way of covering it.

Oii folks yes it is a gamble! WE all take them every day crossing the road driving cycling on the bus train flying and most of tue time we achiev what we set out to do! So why not AFCB?

A massive season ahead for the club, it's championship or bust!!! I don't though think anyone can say this is our last season in football, yes there is a gamble being made here but if you want success in football you have to take that gamble, if this doesn't work out within the 3 years as planned then I would expect big changes for the club, but why go down that route when the chances of getting into a promotion push are in the air!! exciting times ahead!!

Square Old Codger wrote:
There's no doubt that a huge gamble is taking place - our wage bill is colossal, spending high - both completely out of balance with our income. If we are not successful and gates and with that income grow then we will be in an unsustanable position. But there's nothing we, the supporters can do about it, other than to urge our family and friends to come along to Dean Court, enjoy it whilst it lasts. We can see from Portsmouth and Rangers predicament , just how this can end - wonder whether they will be allowed to sign players in time for our visit to Fratton Park on Saturday or will we face a team of lads?.

Whilst I agree with you, it's the way in which it's funded that is where I have such a big problem, I DON'T LIKE IT one bit. I've always said I'm not going to fund Mitchell's Cashcow and I critisise others for having their heads in the sand. The same could be said of me having a single minded view. There is no way I can't support the team and by doing so HOPE everything else falls into place. I don't see that there's any middle ground here, we will either sink or swim, so I see it's down to all of us to support the team and take what follows. We have a very talented squad, do we have the talented management team to get the best out of them?? We will see, let the fun begin and the VERY Best of Luck for the coming season!!

I'm gonna just strap myself in and enjoy the ride!!! It could get bumpy!

I think we all feel a mixture of nerves over the debt (loan), but real excitement over the possibilities of our club this season. It's so recently that the club was in a real mess due to mismanagement, but I hope that the loan being provided to give the club this chance to go up will be different. I would think a few players will leave after the first month or so of the season, so that will help the wage bill slightly.

I guess you have to ask yourself, would you rather we didn't take this gamble now? Would you rather we had no loan, but also weren't signing anyone as usual and had a realistic goal of staying up in league one? I'm not sure I would. As SOC (possibly the most sensible chap who posts on here) says, there is nothing we can do but try and get as many as possible to support the lads and enjoy the ride! UTC!

Afcbpete wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote: There's no doubt that a huge gamble is taking place - our wage bill is colossal, spending high - both completely out of balance with our income. If we are not successful and gates and with that income grow then we will be in an unsustanable position. But there's nothing we, the supporters can do about it, other than to urge our family and friends to come along to Dean Court, enjoy it whilst it lasts. We can see from Portsmouth and Rangers predicament , just how this can end - wonder whether they will be allowed to sign players in time for our visit to Fratton Park on Saturday or will we face a team of lads?.

Whilst I agree with you, it's the way in which it's funded that is where I have such a big problem, I DON'T LIKE IT one bit. I've always said I'm not going to fund Mitchell's Cashcow and I critisise others for having their heads in the sand. The same could be said of me having a single minded view. There is no way I can't support the team and by doing so HOPE everything else falls into place. I don't see that there's any middle ground here, we will either sink or swim, so I see it's down to all of us to support the team and take what follows. We have a very talented squad, do we have the talented management team to get the best out of them?? We will see, let the fun begin and the VERY Best of Luck for the coming season!!

Agree with you, borrowing at 6 % to pay running costs - is very risky. It's interesting that loans from various EM's Companies to the Club carry 6% interest - whilst loans from the Football Club to the same businsses are interest free, but are repayable on demand..

Square Old Codger wrote:
There's no doubt that a huge gamble is taking place - our wage bill is colossal, spending high - both completely out of balance with our income. If we are not successful and gates and with that income grow then we will be in an unsustanable position. But there's nothing we, the supporters can do about it, other than to urge our family and friends to come along to Dean Court, enjoy it whilst it lasts. We can see from Portsmouth and Rangers predicament , just how this can end - wonder whether they will be allowed to sign players in time for our visit to Fratton Park on Saturday or will we face a team of lads?.

still no reply from you about your claim of a few days ago so here it is again as a reminder. i await your answer with interest.

Square Old Codger wrote:
Paul Groves made the comment yesterday, when discussing the signing of Hughes and Meades -" we can't afford Robinson as well". As for the Accounts, as far as I am aware they haven't been published yet and don't expect them to be for a couple of weeks.Like many others I am concerned by the massive increase in spending and in borrowing and await the publication of the Accounts with interest. I haven't brought a Season Ticket this year either - it's always poor value for me - I can no longer go to midweek matches and with my children living abroad always miss a couple of games when visiting them, but in the past have regarded paying the extra as a donation to the Club - also have reservations re PG's ability to produce a team that entertains, plays with spirit and elan and wins!. and haven't really enjoyed a game since Eddie Howe left, got rather spoilt by the flair and spirit of his teams, they always gave their all..

re the salary cap & negativity comments etc, just wondered where you read or heard groves say this about anton robinson? a guy in the shop totally discounted it. i didn't hear it said or read it anywhere. i did however read about burnley losing, ings injury & poss austin £4m sale. such a shame we were not allowed to sign him.

All I'm going to say is you don't get anywhere in life, let alone football, without taking some kind of risk!

Enjoy the coming season and let's hope for promotion. Not sure why it HAS to be automatic promotion?? Nothing wrong with going up through the play-offs - in fact, it's probably even better!

Good luck the Cherries!

Based on average wages of £2,500 a week, for 28 players is £3.65m a year. Providing we're in and around the top 6 and get off to a good star and can average crowds of 8,000 at an average of £16 per ticket is £2.9m. 10,000 at £16 would see a revenue of £3.68m. Yes there is a gamble, but player sales the last couple of seasons and gates covering the majority of wages if not all, I believe with the sale of Malone to Millwall, costs of his transfer has cover the £700k deficit between the estimated wage bill and gate revenue. It would only take one player to leave for £750k in January and the costs would be justified.

If we don't pay players what they are worth, if we don't give them enough to sign, then we end up bringing in non-league players and league two players and using them as a scapegoat if we're not pushing for promotion by saying "they needed time to adjust and get used to league 1 football...".

I can't see many players we have signed being worth less than we paid for them, and we got a couple for free/cheap, so our assets in terms of playing staff are worth more than the outgoing wage bill.

With Tubbs, Thomas, Grabban, Demouge and McQuoid, plus scoring midfielders like Pugh and McDermott and others chipping in, we could have 5-7 players he capable of scoring in 15 each, so a minimum of 75, and keeping our goals against to that of last season if not below (52) would give us a +23 goal difference and no doubt see us in the top 6. I still think Barrett was our downfall last season, not because he's useless, but we were bordering the play-offs and he got injured and it all went downhill from there. He is a natural leader, vastly experienced, reads the game brilliantly, he's strong and powerful and is more often than not first to the ball, even if his man is between him and the ball. He HAS to be captain and must be first choice centre back.

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote: There's no doubt that a huge gamble is taking place - our wage bill is colossal, spending high - both completely out of balance with our income. If we are not successful and gates and with that income grow then we will be in an unsustanable position. But there's nothing we, the supporters can do about it, other than to urge our family and friends to come along to Dean Court, enjoy it whilst it lasts. We can see from Portsmouth and Rangers predicament , just how this can end - wonder whether they will be allowed to sign players in time for our visit to Fratton Park on Saturday or will we face a team of lads?.

still no reply from you about your claim of a few days ago so here it is again as a reminder. i await your answer with interest. Square Old Codger wrote: Paul Groves made the comment yesterday, when discussing the signing of Hughes and Meades -" we can't afford Robinson as well". As for the Accounts, as far as I am aware they haven't been published yet and don't expect them to be for a couple of weeks.Like many others I am concerned by the massive increase in spending and in borrowing and await the publication of the Accounts with interest. I haven't brought a Season Ticket this year either - it's always poor value for me - I can no longer go to midweek matches and with my children living abroad always miss a couple of games when visiting them, but in the past have regarded paying the extra as a donation to the Club - also have reservations re PG's ability to produce a team that entertains, plays with spirit and elan and wins!. and haven't really enjoyed a game since Eddie Howe left, got rather spoilt by the flair and spirit of his teams, they always gave their all.. re the salary cap & negativity comments etc, just wondered where you read or heard groves say this about anton robinson? a guy in the shop totally discounted it. i didn't hear it said or read it anywhere. i did however read about burnley losing, ings injury & poss austin £4m sale. such a shame we were not allowed to sign him.

Echo Wednesday 8th - Groves commenting on the signings of Hughes and Meades

Square Old Codger wrote:

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote: There's no doubt that a huge gamble is taking place - our wage bill is colossal, spending high - both completely out of balance with our income. If we are not successful and gates and with that income grow then we will be in an unsustanable position. But there's nothing we, the supporters can do about it, other than to urge our family and friends to come along to Dean Court, enjoy it whilst it lasts. We can see from Portsmouth and Rangers predicament , just how this can end - wonder whether they will be allowed to sign players in time for our visit to Fratton Park on Saturday or will we face a team of lads?.

still no reply from you about your claim of a few days ago so here it is again as a reminder. i await your answer with interest. Square Old Codger wrote: Paul Groves made the comment yesterday, when discussing the signing of Hughes and Meades -" we can't afford Robinson as well". As for the Accounts, as far as I am aware they haven't been published yet and don't expect them to be for a couple of weeks.Like many others I am concerned by the massive increase in spending and in borrowing and await the publication of the Accounts with interest. I haven't brought a Season Ticket this year either - it's always poor value for me - I can no longer go to midweek matches and with my children living abroad always miss a couple of games when visiting them, but in the past have regarded paying the extra as a donation to the Club - also have reservations re PG's ability to produce a team that entertains, plays with spirit and elan and wins!. and haven't really enjoyed a game since Eddie Howe left, got rather spoilt by the flair and spirit of his teams, they always gave their all.. re the salary cap & negativity comments etc, just wondered where you read or heard groves say this about anton robinson? a guy in the shop totally discounted it. i didn't hear it said or read it anywhere. i did however read about burnley losing, ings injury & poss austin £4m sale. such a shame we were not allowed to sign him.

Echo Wednesday 8th - Groves commenting on the signings of Hughes and Meades

so, where exactly did he say afcb couldn't afford robinson then? as i suspected, you invented a comment to try & back up your own views!

"Groves said the addition of Hughes would rule out the possibility of Cherries making a move for former Dean Court favourite Anton Robinson – and laughed off Internet rumours claiming Southampton striker Lee Barnard was training with the club."

reggie87 wrote:
Based on average wages of £2,500 a week, for 28 players is £3.65m a year. Providing we're in and around the top 6 and get off to a good star and can average crowds of 8,000 at an average of £16 per ticket is £2.9m. 10,000 at £16 would see a revenue of £3.68m. Yes there is a gamble, but player sales the last couple of seasons and gates covering the majority of wages if not all, I believe with the sale of Malone to Millwall, costs of his transfer has cover the £700k deficit between the estimated wage bill and gate revenue. It would only take one player to leave for £750k in January and the costs would be justified. If we don't pay players what they are worth, if we don't give them enough to sign, then we end up bringing in non-league players and league two players and using them as a scapegoat if we're not pushing for promotion by saying "they needed time to adjust and get used to league 1 football...". I can't see many players we have signed being worth less than we paid for them, and we got a couple for free/cheap, so our assets in terms of playing staff are worth more than the outgoing wage bill. With Tubbs, Thomas, Grabban, Demouge and McQuoid, plus scoring midfielders like Pugh and McDermott and others chipping in, we could have 5-7 players he capable of scoring in 15 each, so a minimum of 75, and keeping our goals against to that of last season if not below (52) would give us a +23 goal difference and no doubt see us in the top 6. I still think Barrett was our downfall last season, not because he's useless, but we were bordering the play-offs and he got injured and it all went downhill from there. He is a natural leader, vastly experienced, reads the game brilliantly, he's strong and powerful and is more often than not first to the ball, even if his man is between him and the ball. He HAS to be captain and must be first choice centre back.

I doubt very much whether we pay players £25,000 a week eg £1.3 m a year each player - afraid that would be £36m and not £3.6m. The average pay in our Division is £80,000 a year and I imagine that most would be closer to that figure - though we know that several earn well above that and would guess that our wage bill would be in the region of £4.5m. The average spend by supporters visiting Dean Court (FL figures ) is given as £25 , this would include programmes, catering etc. Our average gate last Season was 5200 so - £130,000 each Home game, plus the money from the FL and TV etc. if we increased the average gate by 50% to that of the previous Season and that wont be easy , we might just cover the player's wage bill - but what about all the other costs.? the Stadium rental and interest on the £6m loan alone count for £710K Incidently, most of the proceeds of player sales had to be used to cover the huge loss generated last Season and the debt mountain. May I suggest that you google AFC Bournemouth Ltd Accounts for the year ending 29/07/2011, that will give you a better idea of where the money went. I admire your enthusiasm and agree that we have some players with talent, - but for me the key to a successful Season will be whether PG can build a team, get the tactics right and motivate the players, his past history in these areas isn't too encouraging though..

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote:

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote: There's no doubt that a huge gamble is taking place - our wage bill is colossal, spending high - both completely out of balance with our income. If we are not successful and gates and with that income grow then we will be in an unsustanable position. But there's nothing we, the supporters can do about it, other than to urge our family and friends to come along to Dean Court, enjoy it whilst it lasts. We can see from Portsmouth and Rangers predicament , just how this can end - wonder whether they will be allowed to sign players in time for our visit to Fratton Park on Saturday or will we face a team of lads?.

still no reply from you about your claim of a few days ago so here it is again as a reminder. i await your answer with interest. Square Old Codger wrote: Paul Groves made the comment yesterday, when discussing the signing of Hughes and Meades -" we can't afford Robinson as well". As for the Accounts, as far as I am aware they haven't been published yet and don't expect them to be for a couple of weeks.Like many others I am concerned by the massive increase in spending and in borrowing and await the publication of the Accounts with interest. I haven't brought a Season Ticket this year either - it's always poor value for me - I can no longer go to midweek matches and with my children living abroad always miss a couple of games when visiting them, but in the past have regarded paying the extra as a donation to the Club - also have reservations re PG's ability to produce a team that entertains, plays with spirit and elan and wins!. and haven't really enjoyed a game since Eddie Howe left, got rather spoilt by the flair and spirit of his teams, they always gave their all.. re the salary cap & negativity comments etc, just wondered where you read or heard groves say this about anton robinson? a guy in the shop totally discounted it. i didn't hear it said or read it anywhere. i did however read about burnley losing, ings injury & poss austin £4m sale. such a shame we were not allowed to sign him.

Echo Wednesday 8th - Groves commenting on the signings of Hughes and Meades

so, where exactly did he say afcb couldn't afford robinson then? as i suspected, you invented a comment to try & back up your own views! "Groves said the addition of Hughes would rule out the possibility of Cherries making a move for former Dean Court favourite Anton Robinson – and laughed off Internet rumours claiming Southampton striker Lee Barnard was training with the club."

Richard Huges a free signing against Anton Robinson - the implication is obvious - tell me which would you prefer to be here?

I have more questions than answers.
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Why does the club spend money like water on players, yet go for the cheap option on the manager ?
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How can we have such a huge squad and wage bill ? I thought there were rules about this that capped wages to gate receipts.
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Why did we sign Richard Hughs at all, but if we had to why on a 2 year deal ? Standard practice with any over 30 is one year limit for most clubs.
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Why did we not do our homework on Demouge before signing yet another injury prone player ?
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With such a big squad, why oh why did we do away with the reserve team or was this another misplaced economy ?
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Why did Groves not make it his priority to sign 2 ball winners for the midfield ?
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Why did he not make it a prioity to sign a goalkeeper ? Jalal is still an unknown quantity after his injury and Flahaven as we know is just not tall/good enough.
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The squad is still unbalanced and looks like it has been thrown together. I am not at all optimistic for the new season. All this hype about promotion is just that - hype. And the over optimism about the Pompey game is badly misplaced. We will be facing a team with nothing to lose who will go hell for leather at us.
.
Prediction for Saturday, draw at best. For the season ? At best mid table, but could be a disaster. A squad this size is very difficult to manage, even for a proven experienced manager, which Groves isn't.

jontee wrote:
I have more questions than answers. . Why does the club spend money like water on players, yet go for the cheap option on the manager ? . How can we have such a huge squad and wage bill ? I thought there were rules about this that capped wages to gate receipts. . Why did we sign Richard Hughs at all, but if we had to why on a 2 year deal ? Standard practice with any over 30 is one year limit for most clubs. . Why did we not do our homework on Demouge before signing yet another injury prone player ? . With such a big squad, why oh why did we do away with the reserve team or was this another misplaced economy ? . Why did Groves not make it his priority to sign 2 ball winners for the midfield ? . Why did he not make it a prioity to sign a goalkeeper ? Jalal is still an unknown quantity after his injury and Flahaven as we know is just not tall/good enough. . The squad is still unbalanced and looks like it has been thrown together. I am not at all optimistic for the new season. All this hype about promotion is just that - hype. And the over optimism about the Pompey game is badly misplaced. We will be facing a team with nothing to lose who will go hell for leather at us. . Prediction for Saturday, draw at best. For the season ? At best mid table, but could be a disaster. A squad this size is very difficult to manage, even for a proven experienced manager, which Groves isn't.

Spot on jontee, apart from Demouge. I think his lack of fitness, not his being injury prone, did for him. He can't be looking forward to the whole fitness process all over again!
Clearly, PG has aimed for at least 2 competitors in each position. IMO he should have spent bigger on just 3 or 4 players and relied on the squad to fill in, in case of injury or suspension. He could always have utilised the loan market if no cover was available.
The spending spree is a worry to anyone who has a basic grasp of income vs expenditure. Just refer to SOC for the details. As Steve Gregory says we MUST get promoted. There is no alternative. I just hope PG is big enough to handle the situation. The jury is out for me.

ifordcherry wrote:
Murrzik i believe u have to GO and TAKE your MEDICATION....Off you go then you funny little person.

Sometimes Iford Cherry, you can be such a ****.

After people like myself put our hands in our pockets to help save AFCB before i NEVER thought in such a short time the club would be put in a 100 pc risk all situation !! A bankruft leads the troops and i wonder how many of you would give the man a 500 pounds loan .
The manager was put in place as a "Do as we say and you have a job " NO howe or bradbury dare speak about Afcb because of what can only be contract clauses ..The numbers are large and the players average at best ! And its not for the few 1000 to decide the fate of the club in the Year 2012 !! It should be for the local children of the future !

dc addict wrote:

ifordcherry wrote:
Murrzik i believe u have to GO and TAKE your MEDICATION....Off you go then you funny little person.

Sometimes Iford Cherry, you can be such a ****.

dc addict, you're also a funny little person. AFCB certainly have some odd 'fans'

Murzik wrote:
After people like myself put our hands in our pockets to help save AFCB before i NEVER thought in such a short time the club would be put in a 100 pc risk all situation !! A bankruft leads the troops and i wonder how many of you would give the man a 500 pounds loan .
The manager was put in place as a "Do as we say and you have a job " NO howe or bradbury dare speak about Afcb because of what can only be contract clauses ..The numbers are large and the players average at best ! And its not for the few 1000 to decide the fate of the club in the Year 2012 !! It should be for the local children of the future !

BOOORRRIINNNGGG.

Will you bugger off mate. Jesus, I pity your life. Loosen up pal and enjoy the bloody journey!

I guarentee, if we don't get promotion this season you'll still see AFCB in existence. End of.

Cheerio.

I share the misgivings expressed on here about the direction in which AFCB is currently heading. Previous mismanagement has been mentioned, but the potential for the current situation to go badly wrong greatly exceeds anything that we have previously witnessed at Dean Court, and this is due to another type of mismanagement which could be disastrous. Supporters have every right to be concerned.

Many aspects of the present situation make me feel uneasy.

Firstly, the large squad that has been amassed seems to me to be bad in a number of ways – the wage bill is obviously very high compared to the past, and there is no way that gate income can cover it. It is all very well for the manager to say that there is competition for places, but in the absence of regular competitive reserve team football, many of the players will be training daily for no real purpose, and this will lead to a great deal of discontent which can only be detrimental to team spirit. In our recent promotion season under Eddie Howe there was a tremendous team spirit because all members of the squad knew that they would be needed to help the cause at some stage, and everyone was pulling together in the same direction and supporting each other.

We already know that some of the players have personal problems which can only be exaggerated if they are unable to get into the team when they think they should be. Generating a good team spirit with such a large squad will be extremely difficult.

A lot of (borrowed) money has been spent on the new training facilities partly to enable the young players to be trained and coached at Dean Court with the stated intention of generating more players through the youth system. Unfortunately we can only develop our youngsters into Football League standard professionals if they can work their way into the first team. How can they be expected to do that when the club already has nearly 30 established professionals, the majority of whom won’t be able to play in the first team themselves? AFCB has been able to benefit from bringing good young players through in the past, and realise good transfer fees for them simply because they have been exposed to League football early in their careers. Young players who never manage to get in the first team will not realise any transfer income, yet AFCB is trying to develop more of them than we have in the past. There is a lack of clear thinking from the Board on this subject.

This is what happens when people who think they know about money, but have no idea what is required to create a healthy football club, take charge and start throwing money at it without really understanding the dynamics of the sport.

The way the Club is being run seems to me to be following a badly misjudged model for a third division football club, and is unsustainable.

Full houses at Dean Court for every home game are very unlikely, and even if they materialised would be unlikely to cover the outgoings being incurred. I don’t think that promotion to the Championship would cover the costs either, as in order to maintain our status there, the wage bill would have to increase again for us to become competitive at the higher level.

It is difficult to see revenues increasing so greatly that the current loans and debts could be repaid even if the club does win promotion this season. I fear that we are going in the wrong direction and that there will be some very bad consequences, even though on the face of it supporters should be pleased at all the “investment” in new players.

I will still be cheering them on when I go to games though, as usual!

I am concerned about the number of injuries we have i.e
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Meades, Fogden, Sheringham, Fletcher, Demouge, Purchase Flahaven, Moseley, Mcquoid.
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This along with Hughes and Elphick (not fit) and O'kane (not available).
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This just so AFCB is'nt it ?
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Admittedly, half of these would not be playing anyway. I just wonder how we incur all these knock and bangs.
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If anybody believes that will will get a result tonight at Oxford and Portsmouth with what's left are delusional.
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Oxford will be up for it after promotion and have signed quality players and have no injuries amazingly.
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Pomey are at home and will be bolstered by the togetherness and steel that administration always brings to a club.
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Prediction for tonight is 1-0 to Oxford, followed by a 2-0 defeat at Pompey on Saturday.
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That is unless are injury stays dramatically improves
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Incidentally, I have mentioned this before and now somebody else has picked up on it i.e Why have we invested in quality players and not a quality experienced manager. ???
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The mind just boggles. A decent manager could have come in for say 300.00k over 3 years yet we waste alledgedly 800k on Tubbs.!!!!

archerscherries wrote:

dc addict wrote:

ifordcherry wrote: Murrzik i believe u have to GO and TAKE your MEDICATION....Off you go then you funny little person.

Sometimes Iford Cherry, you can be such a ****.

dc addict, you're also a funny little person. AFCB certainly have some odd 'fans'

That was a light hearted bit of banter between me and Iford Cherry. It wasn't intended for your attention and I'm not interested in banal, inaccurate (I'm not little) baseless garbage from cretinous wildfowl like you.
Either you have a strange taste in alcoholic beverages or you live in Southampton - pretty dire on either account.
When you have something meaningful or even marginally amusing to say, feel free to tickle your keyboard. Otherwise, keep your comments to youself.

A lot of talk over the summer about the loan, but no talk over the sponsorship by EC. To me, it appears the wages may be being funded by the sponsorship deal signed with the loan funding the ground improvements/4th stand, this being re-paid when promotion has been achieved through extra revenue generated. It may also explain how we are able to have so many players on the books with the gates the club achieve without breaching football league rules. Don't rake this as the gospel truth, but it is something to consider. I for one am excited for this upcoming season and genuinely believe that some good times will finally happen for the club! Up the cherries!

Square Old Codger wrote:

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote:

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote: There's no doubt that a huge gamble is taking place - our wage bill is colossal, spending high - both completely out of balance with our income. If we are not successful and gates and with that income grow then we will be in an unsustanable position. But there's nothing we, the supporters can do about it, other than to urge our family and friends to come along to Dean Court, enjoy it whilst it lasts. We can see from Portsmouth and Rangers predicament , just how this can end - wonder whether they will be allowed to sign players in time for our visit to Fratton Park on Saturday or will we face a team of lads?.

still no reply from you about your claim of a few days ago so here it is again as a reminder. i await your answer with interest. Square Old Codger wrote: Paul Groves made the comment yesterday, when discussing the signing of Hughes and Meades -" we can't afford Robinson as well". As for the Accounts, as far as I am aware they haven't been published yet and don't expect them to be for a couple of weeks.Like many others I am concerned by the massive increase in spending and in borrowing and await the publication of the Accounts with interest. I haven't brought a Season Ticket this year either - it's always poor value for me - I can no longer go to midweek matches and with my children living abroad always miss a couple of games when visiting them, but in the past have regarded paying the extra as a donation to the Club - also have reservations re PG's ability to produce a team that entertains, plays with spirit and elan and wins!. and haven't really enjoyed a game since Eddie Howe left, got rather spoilt by the flair and spirit of his teams, they always gave their all.. re the salary cap & negativity comments etc, just wondered where you read or heard groves say this about anton robinson? a guy in the shop totally discounted it. i didn't hear it said or read it anywhere. i did however read about burnley losing, ings injury & poss austin £4m sale. such a shame we were not allowed to sign him.

Echo Wednesday 8th - Groves commenting on the signings of Hughes and Meades

so, where exactly did he say afcb couldn't afford robinson then? as i suspected, you invented a comment to try & back up your own views! "Groves said the addition of Hughes would rule out the possibility of Cherries making a move for former Dean Court favourite Anton Robinson – and laughed off Internet rumours claiming Southampton striker Lee Barnard was training with the club."

Richard Huges a free signing against Anton Robinson - the implication is obvious - tell me which would you prefer to be here?

the only things actually obvious are your lies. you can try & make a smokescreen all you like but it's pretty clear you have some underlying reason to make things up like this. i recall you saying some months ago how seven developments were being wound up, i recall how you said josh would be playing in the european championships, i recall how you made snide comments about not many fans being at the reading game but didn't go yourself. always a downer & never a positive about anything & all to back up your constant negativity. i'm sorry but i could never take anything you say seriously now.

dc addict wrote:

archerscherries wrote:

dc addict wrote:

ifordcherry wrote: Murrzik i believe u have to GO and TAKE your MEDICATION....Off you go then you funny little person.

Sometimes Iford Cherry, you can be such a ****.

dc addict, you're also a funny little person. AFCB certainly have some odd 'fans'

That was a light hearted bit of banter between me and Iford Cherry. It wasn't intended for your attention and I'm not interested in banal, inaccurate (I'm not little) baseless garbage from cretinous wildfowl like you.
Either you have a strange taste in alcoholic beverages or you live in Southampton - pretty dire on either account.
When you have something meaningful or even marginally amusing to say, feel free to tickle your keyboard. Otherwise, keep your comments to youself.

Well if we're being accurate by taking out 'little', I guess we should take out 'funny' too.

'Cretinous wildfowl' - what era are you from by the way?

Anyway, if it's just light hearted banter then fair enough, my bad. In future, if you want to send these lovely personal messages, why don't you just text him, then I can't get involved.

It's just frustrating that after all the hard times and disappointment from previous seasons, fans can't just enjoy this moment in time - the new talented players, the ambition - they're no where near as bad as Crawley Town or Fleetwood, we've barely spent more than what we've got in for Malone, plus the sponsorshiip money. If EM and co were looking to destroy our Club, they would have paid over the odds for Ritchie, Harewood, etc. But we didn't, with good reason, to keep within our budget.

Here's to the new season.

archerscherries wrote:

dc addict wrote:

archerscherries wrote:

dc addict wrote:

ifordcherry wrote: Murrzik i believe u have to GO and TAKE your MEDICATION....Off you go then you funny little person.

Sometimes Iford Cherry, you can be such a ****.

dc addict, you're also a funny little person. AFCB certainly have some odd 'fans'

That was a light hearted bit of banter between me and Iford Cherry. It wasn't intended for your attention and I'm not interested in banal, inaccurate (I'm not little) baseless garbage from cretinous wildfowl like you.
Either you have a strange taste in alcoholic beverages or you live in Southampton - pretty dire on either account.
When you have something meaningful or even marginally amusing to say, feel free to tickle your keyboard. Otherwise, keep your comments to youself.

Well if we're being accurate by taking out 'little', I guess we should take out 'funny' too.

'Cretinous wildfowl' - what era are you from by the way?

Anyway, if it's just light hearted banter then fair enough, my bad. In future, if you want to send these lovely personal messages, why don't you just text him, then I can't get involved.

It's just frustrating that after all the hard times and disappointment from previous seasons, fans can't just enjoy this moment in time - the new talented players, the ambition - they're no where near as bad as Crawley Town or Fleetwood, we've barely spent more than what we've got in for Malone, plus the sponsorshiip money. If EM and co were looking to destroy our Club, they would have paid over the odds for Ritchie, Harewood, etc. But we didn't, with good reason, to keep within our budget.

Here's to the new season.

Get a room, you two......

smhinto says...
1:24pm Tue 14 Aug 12
Oxford will be up for it after promotion and have signed quality players and have no injuries amazingly.

Obviously you didn't do you homework.
Oxford will be without Michel Duberry, Andy Whing and Harry Worley, all 1st team squad players that are injured.
.

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote:

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote:

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote: There's no doubt that a huge gamble is taking place - our wage bill is colossal, spending high - both completely out of balance with our income. If we are not successful and gates and with that income grow then we will be in an unsustanable position. But there's nothing we, the supporters can do about it, other than to urge our family and friends to come along to Dean Court, enjoy it whilst it lasts. We can see from Portsmouth and Rangers predicament , just how this can end - wonder whether they will be allowed to sign players in time for our visit to Fratton Park on Saturday or will we face a team of lads?.

still no reply from you about your claim of a few days ago so here it is again as a reminder. i await your answer with interest. Square Old Codger wrote: Paul Groves made the comment yesterday, when discussing the signing of Hughes and Meades -" we can't afford Robinson as well". As for the Accounts, as far as I am aware they haven't been published yet and don't expect them to be for a couple of weeks.Like many others I am concerned by the massive increase in spending and in borrowing and await the publication of the Accounts with interest. I haven't brought a Season Ticket this year either - it's always poor value for me - I can no longer go to midweek matches and with my children living abroad always miss a couple of games when visiting them, but in the past have regarded paying the extra as a donation to the Club - also have reservations re PG's ability to produce a team that entertains, plays with spirit and elan and wins!. and haven't really enjoyed a game since Eddie Howe left, got rather spoilt by the flair and spirit of his teams, they always gave their all.. re the salary cap & negativity comments etc, just wondered where you read or heard groves say this about anton robinson? a guy in the shop totally discounted it. i didn't hear it said or read it anywhere. i did however read about burnley losing, ings injury & poss austin £4m sale. such a shame we were not allowed to sign him.

Echo Wednesday 8th - Groves commenting on the signings of Hughes and Meades

so, where exactly did he say afcb couldn't afford robinson then? as i suspected, you invented a comment to try & back up your own views! "Groves said the addition of Hughes would rule out the possibility of Cherries making a move for former Dean Court favourite Anton Robinson – and laughed off Internet rumours claiming Southampton striker Lee Barnard was training with the club."

Richard Huges a free signing against Anton Robinson - the implication is obvious - tell me which would you prefer to be here?

the only things actually obvious are your lies. you can try & make a smokescreen all you like but it's pretty clear you have some underlying reason to make things up like this. i recall you saying some months ago how seven developments were being wound up, i recall how you said josh would be playing in the european championships, i recall how you made snide comments about not many fans being at the reading game but didn't go yourself. always a downer & never a positive about anything & all to back up your constant negativity. i'm sorry but i could never take anything you say seriously now.

I suggest that you look at what I actually said, Seven Developments have had an Administrator appointed to parts of it by their Banks- I did not say they were in liquidation. I made no comment on the gate for the Reading game , I said that I was passing the ground on the way to a Family Gathering and asked what the gate was , because there were so few fans about and was interested to see what sort of gate there was - I never go to pre Season friendlies., as for Josh McQuoid the only comments that I have made were that he is a good signing who I believe will be our top scorer.. If you are going to be personal - you might at least get your facts right. I have not criticised any player either - my doubts are whether Groves is up to it , or not and the huge gamble that is taking place. Quite frankly it's "boom or bust", spending borrowed money on high wages and an expensive infrastructure isn't the sensible way to run any business. It may work out, we win every game and the fans flock back, revenue goes up and we get promoted - you believe that and that the Club is well managed - I think that it will not be easy either to get out of this Division, or to bring back the missing 4000 supporters, to break even and avoid running up massive losses, nor do I have your confidence in the Club's Management. . But I do hope that your optimism is rewarded and all goes well - but I don't expect it to be that easy! Nothing would make me happier than to see the Club have a great Season and win the Division, for Demin to make his loans a gift to the Club and all to go well. Just enjoy the Season, there's nothing that we, the supporters can do anyhow, we aren't running the Club.

smhinto wrote:
I am concerned about the number of injuries we have i.e
.
Meades, Fogden, Sheringham, Fletcher, Demouge, Purchase Flahaven, Moseley, Mcquoid.
.
This along with Hughes and Elphick (not fit) and O'kane (not available).
.
This just so AFCB is'nt it ?
.
Admittedly, half of these would not be playing anyway. I just wonder how we incur all these knock and bangs.
.
If anybody believes that will will get a result tonight at Oxford and Portsmouth with what's left are delusional.
.
Oxford will be up for it after promotion and have signed quality players and have no injuries amazingly.
.
Pomey are at home and will be bolstered by the togetherness and steel that administration always brings to a club.
.
Prediction for tonight is 1-0 to Oxford, followed by a 2-0 defeat at Pompey on Saturday.
.
That is unless are injury stays dramatically improves
.
Incidentally, I have mentioned this before and now somebody else has picked up on it i.e Why have we invested in quality players and not a quality experienced manager. ???
.
The mind just boggles. A decent manager could have come in for say 300.00k over 3 years yet we waste alledgedly 800k on Tubbs.!!!!

Blimey! Even for you that was a gloomy post!
Let's all hope you're proved wrong and this turns out to be a memorable season for all the right reasons and that it starts tonight with a convincing victory over Oxford United (who didn't get promoted as you said!)
UTCIAD!

I think denim has come in and obviously
wants to realise expectation.Him and del boy eddie are going for **** or bust but the underlying factor is the revenue re crowd figures and knock on pay back on success. I think regardless the bigger picture is the figures will never tie in .Ok Eddie is looking at other sidelines related to the club ie a hotel thats fine. I would like to see denim and his money if this season is not a success. I wish Bournemouth all the best in the mean time. Business is about risks but they have to be calculated and on a balnce sheet good luck !!!

Lets get knocked out of thissilly cup.Have decent run in the FA cup to bring in a bit of mney.Ultimately we eed promotion.Id take promotion over wnning the FA cup & the League cup.Prooton is amust now.f we dont I fear for the clubs survival unless I win £150 millon on Lottery.Id appily bankroll AFCto the tune of £20 millon & as a gift!I can only dream of theLttery win.Promotion is realstic though!

To go broke for a nothing team of players ! Average joes and lots of them .Someone seemed to think this team will be like charlton last year hhahahahhaha .. What a job the admin will have trying to ship these players out

With such a huge squad how come we have people such as chiedozie (john!) and wakefield on the bench, and collins?
Strange line up....Please enlighten me people at home!

I was optimistic about our promotion chances... until today. Looking at our line-up, and the amount of injuries we have, it's simply not a Promotion winning side. I'm not convinced either 'keeper is perfect, I can't see Thomas, Tubbs scoring more than 6-7 goals. And as for our midfield.... Pugh-Yes, MacDonald- Yes (but injured) O'Kane-Yes(on first impressions). Apart from that, I see nothing in our midfield. McDermott was dropped by promotion-chasing Huddersfield, and hasn't impressed since re-joining. Fogden, Gregory are decent players, but not exceptional. Hughes (probably), Arter, Partington, Molesley.- simply not L1 quality, IMO. If McQuoid, Demouge, stay injured for a while (which is quite possible) or we get a serious injury to Francis, Daniels, MacDonald, Grabban - we're screwed!. The only position I'm 100% confident in is our CB's, (although I wish we'd get rid of Barrett). Just yesterday, I was putting a tenner on us getting promotion

AFCB promotion this season?
Not a chance on tonight's pathetic performance. Same crap different season. Groves OUT!

For many years we looked at the drop zone every season. We now have a high quality squad and fingers crossed Groves is the man to motivate this team of guys into a winning machine. Happy times! Tubbs good for twenty this season. Up the cherries!!

The Renegade Master wrote:

smhinto wrote:
I am concerned about the number of injuries we have i.e
.
Meades, Fogden, Sheringham, Fletcher, Demouge, Purchase Flahaven, Moseley, Mcquoid.
.
This along with Hughes and Elphick (not fit) and O'kane (not available).
.
This just so AFCB is'nt it ?
.
Admittedly, half of these would not be playing anyway. I just wonder how we incur all these knock and bangs.
.
If anybody believes that will will get a result tonight at Oxford and Portsmouth with what's left are delusional.
.
Oxford will be up for it after promotion and have signed quality players and have no injuries amazingly.
.
Pomey are at home and will be bolstered by the togetherness and steel that administration always brings to a club.
.
Prediction for tonight is 1-0 to Oxford, followed by a 2-0 defeat at Pompey on Saturday.
.
That is unless are injury stays dramatically improves
.
Incidentally, I have mentioned this before and now somebody else has picked up on it i.e Why have we invested in quality players and not a quality experienced manager. ???
.
The mind just boggles. A decent manager could have come in for say 300.00k over 3 years yet we waste alledgedly 800k on Tubbs.!!!!

Blimey! Even for you that was a gloomy post!
Let's all hope you're proved wrong and this turns out to be a memorable season for all the right reasons and that it starts tonight with a convincing victory over Oxford United (who didn't get promoted as you said!)
UTCIAD!

great start....!!!! time to concentrate on league then ............typical afcb !!!

West moors 1 wrote:
For many years we looked at the drop zone every season. We now have a high quality squad and fingers crossed Groves is the man to motivate this team of guys into a winning machine. Happy times! Tubbs good for twenty this season. Up the cherries!!

Tubbs isn't good enough at this level and tonight proved it. He had a purple patch with Crawley and now he's back where he started as a reserve in League One.

Seen enough already. Taxi for Groves!!!!. Expect to be humbled by Pompey youth on saturday.!!!!

The Renegade Master wrote:

West moors 1 wrote:
For many years we looked at the drop zone every season. We now have a high quality squad and fingers crossed Groves is the man to motivate this team of guys into a winning machine. Happy times! Tubbs good for twenty this season. Up the cherries!!

Tubbs isn't good enough at this level and tonight proved it. He had a purple patch with Crawley and now he's back where he started as a reserve in League One.

Tubbs is more interested in getting **** and pulling birds than scoring on the pitch

Just got back from the Kassam. Dreadful performance. Would have been 2 down by half time if it wasn't for an excellent couple of saves from Jalal. Nothing to look forward to. Exactly the same as the tail end of last season. God help us......

Mike Oxbig wrote:
Just got back from the Kassam. Dreadful performance. Would have been 2 down by half time if it wasn't for an excellent couple of saves from Jalal. Nothing to look forward to. Exactly the same as the tail end of last season. God help us......

Get used to it ox coz this is what its going to be like under this management, complete waste of space. Like letting a learner driver take control of your new ferrari.

smhinto wrote:
I am concerned about the number of injuries we have i.e
.
Meades, Fogden, Sheringham, Fletcher, Demouge, Purchase Flahaven, Moseley, Mcquoid.
.
This along with Hughes and Elphick (not fit) and O'kane (not available).
.
This just so AFCB is'nt it ?
.
Admittedly, half of these would not be playing anyway. I just wonder how we incur all these knock and bangs.
.
If anybody believes that will will get a result tonight at Oxford and Portsmouth with what's left are delusional.
.
Oxford will be up for it after promotion and have signed quality players and have no injuries amazingly.
.
Pomey are at home and will be bolstered by the togetherness and steel that administration always brings to a club.
.
Prediction for tonight is 1-0 to Oxford, followed by a 2-0 defeat at Pompey on Saturday.
.
That is unless are injury stays dramatically improves
.
Incidentally, I have mentioned this before and now somebody else has picked up on it i.e Why have we invested in quality players and not a quality experienced manager. ???
.
The mind just boggles. A decent manager could have come in for say 300.00k over 3 years yet we waste alledgedly 800k on Tubbs.!!!!

Oxford up for it after promotion? what promotion, they were league two last season and missed out on the play offs, you are a season out mate!!! Last night was always going to be just one of those games, hardly going to judge the season on a 0-0 and going out on penalties, add to that the team which was pretty much the one that ended last season, sometimes the players have to take their share of the blame!! the injuries are a concern but they have always been a concern, at least now the team that was our first team last season is pretty much our reserve team this!! Pompey is a must win, that will be the first real test, we are so nailed down for the win that the bookies won't take bets, lose that one and then we'll see the reaction from the fans and a hint at what the owners are thinking!! Groves must be on borrowed time because of the expectations, it's up to the players now, do they want to play for him?

Square Old Codger wrote:

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote:

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote:

BMW.Dellboy wrote:

Square Old Codger wrote: There's no doubt that a huge gamble is taking place - our wage bill is colossal, spending high - both completely out of balance with our income. If we are not successful and gates and with that income grow then we will be in an unsustanable position. But there's nothing we, the supporters can do about it, other than to urge our family and friends to come along to Dean Court, enjoy it whilst it lasts. We can see from Portsmouth and Rangers predicament , just how this can end - wonder whether they will be allowed to sign players in time for our visit to Fratton Park on Saturday or will we face a team of lads?.

still no reply from you about your claim of a few days ago so here it is again as a reminder. i await your answer with interest. Square Old Codger wrote: Paul Groves made the comment yesterday, when discussing the signing of Hughes and Meades -" we can't afford Robinson as well". As for the Accounts, as far as I am aware they haven't been published yet and don't expect them to be for a couple of weeks.Like many others I am concerned by the massive increase in spending and in borrowing and await the publication of the Accounts with interest. I haven't brought a Season Ticket this year either - it's always poor value for me - I can no longer go to midweek matches and with my children living abroad always miss a couple of games when visiting them, but in the past have regarded paying the extra as a donation to the Club - also have reservations re PG's ability to produce a team that entertains, plays with spirit and elan and wins!. and haven't really enjoyed a game since Eddie Howe left, got rather spoilt by the flair and spirit of his teams, they always gave their all.. re the salary cap & negativity comments etc, just wondered where you read or heard groves say this about anton robinson? a guy in the shop totally discounted it. i didn't hear it said or read it anywhere. i did however read about burnley losing, ings injury & poss austin £4m sale. such a shame we were not allowed to sign him.

Echo Wednesday 8th - Groves commenting on the signings of Hughes and Meades

so, where exactly did he say afcb couldn't afford robinson then? as i suspected, you invented a comment to try & back up your own views! "Groves said the addition of Hughes would rule out the possibility of Cherries making a move for former Dean Court favourite Anton Robinson – and laughed off Internet rumours claiming Southampton striker Lee Barnard was training with the club."

Richard Huges a free signing against Anton Robinson - the implication is obvious - tell me which would you prefer to be here?

the only things actually obvious are your lies. you can try & make a smokescreen all you like but it's pretty clear you have some underlying reason to make things up like this. i recall you saying some months ago how seven developments were being wound up, i recall how you said josh would be playing in the european championships, i recall how you made snide comments about not many fans being at the reading game but didn't go yourself. always a downer & never a positive about anything & all to back up your constant negativity. i'm sorry but i could never take anything you say seriously now.

I suggest that you look at what I actually said, Seven Developments have had an Administrator appointed to parts of it by their Banks- I did not say they were in liquidation. I made no comment on the gate for the Reading game , I said that I was passing the ground on the way to a Family Gathering and asked what the gate was , because there were so few fans about and was interested to see what sort of gate there was - I never go to pre Season friendlies., as for Josh McQuoid the only comments that I have made were that he is a good signing who I believe will be our top scorer.. If you are going to be personal - you might at least get your facts right. I have not criticised any player either - my doubts are whether Groves is up to it , or not and the huge gamble that is taking place. Quite frankly it's "boom or bust", spending borrowed money on high wages and an expensive infrastructure isn't the sensible way to run any business. It may work out, we win every game and the fans flock back, revenue goes up and we get promoted - you believe that and that the Club is well managed - I think that it will not be easy either to get out of this Division, or to bring back the missing 4000 supporters, to break even and avoid running up massive losses, nor do I have your confidence in the Club's Management. . But I do hope that your optimism is rewarded and all goes well - but I don't expect it to be that easy! Nothing would make me happier than to see the Club have a great Season and win the Division, for Demin to make his loans a gift to the Club and all to go well. Just enjoy the Season, there's nothing that we, the supporters can do anyhow, we aren't running the Club.

i HAVE been looking at EXACTLY what you post & it's still all online. you can twist & wriggle all you like but if you continue to make things up & get your facts wrong then at least we are all able to refer to your previous posts. you could be a 19 year old female saints fan for all we know or even Sminto's twin. whoever you are, just remember that if you can't take criticism then don't dish it out.

On expected form we should have a win at Pompey however Chainrai has just released a statement to Sky Sports News which reads: "Portpin Ltd regrets to announce that it is withdrawing its bid for Portsmouth Football Club...grim news I fear - hope the match is still on :-(

Maybe brinkmanship but Pompey in a really bad way and some troubling press comment about its ability to continue.

As a AFC Bournemouth group of fans we all hope that things turn out well for you, having been in this position it is the fans that suffer, but we came out of it and got new investment, we wish you all good luck today and hope to be at Fratton Park on Sat, Pompey is a good club and it is important for the football family to stick together, the Pompey fans for me are some of the best in the country, good luck and see you on Sat, regards, the Jacobs clan.

reggie87 wrote:
Based on average wages of £2,500 a week, for 28 players is £3.65m a year. Providing we're in and around the top 6 and get off to a good star and can average crowds of 8,000 at an average of £16 per ticket is £2.9m. 10,000 at £16 would see a revenue of £3.68m. Yes there is a gamble, but player sales the last couple of seasons and gates covering the majority of wages if not all, I believe with the sale of Malone to Millwall, costs of his transfer has cover the £700k deficit between the estimated wage bill and gate revenue. It would only take one player to leave for £750k in January and the costs would be justified.

If we don't pay players what they are worth, if we don't give them enough to sign, then we end up bringing in non-league players and league two players and using them as a scapegoat if we're not pushing for promotion by saying "they needed time to adjust and get used to league 1 football...".

I can't see many players we have signed being worth less than we paid for them, and we got a couple for free/cheap, so our assets in terms of playing staff are worth more than the outgoing wage bill.

With Tubbs, Thomas, Grabban, Demouge and McQuoid, plus scoring midfielders like Pugh and McDermott and others chipping in, we could have 5-7 players he capable of scoring in 15 each, so a minimum of 75, and keeping our goals against to that of last season if not below (52) would give us a +23 goal difference and no doubt see us in the top 6. I still think Barrett was our downfall last season, not because he's useless, but we were bordering the play-offs and he got injured and it all went downhill from there. He is a natural leader, vastly experienced, reads the game brilliantly, he's strong and powerful and is more often than not first to the ball, even if his man is between him and the ball. He HAS to be captain and must be first choice centre back.

At least there is someone with a more positive mindset

Although i draw the line at saying that Barrett isn't useless.....he is

Square Old Codger wrote:

reggie87 wrote:
Based on average wages of £2,500 a week, for 28 players is £3.65m a year. Providing we're in and around the top 6 and get off to a good star and can average crowds of 8,000 at an average of £16 per ticket is £2.9m. 10,000 at £16 would see a revenue of £3.68m. Yes there is a gamble, but player sales the last couple of seasons and gates covering the majority of wages if not all, I believe with the sale of Malone to Millwall, costs of his transfer has cover the £700k deficit between the estimated wage bill and gate revenue. It would only take one player to leave for £750k in January and the costs would be justified. If we don't pay players what they are worth, if we don't give them enough to sign, then we end up bringing in non-league players and league two players and using them as a scapegoat if we're not pushing for promotion by saying "they needed time to adjust and get used to league 1 football...". I can't see many players we have signed being worth less than we paid for them, and we got a couple for free/cheap, so our assets in terms of playing staff are worth more than the outgoing wage bill. With Tubbs, Thomas, Grabban, Demouge and McQuoid, plus scoring midfielders like Pugh and McDermott and others chipping in, we could have 5-7 players he capable of scoring in 15 each, so a minimum of 75, and keeping our goals against to that of last season if not below (52) would give us a +23 goal difference and no doubt see us in the top 6. I still think Barrett was our downfall last season, not because he's useless, but we were bordering the play-offs and he got injured and it all went downhill from there. He is a natural leader, vastly experienced, reads the game brilliantly, he's strong and powerful and is more often than not first to the ball, even if his man is between him and the ball. He HAS to be captain and must be first choice centre back.

I doubt very much whether we pay players £25,000 a week eg £1.3 m a year each player - afraid that would be £36m and not £3.6m. The average pay in our Division is £80,000 a year and I imagine that most would be closer to that figure - though we know that several earn well above that and would guess that our wage bill would be in the region of £4.5m. The average spend by supporters visiting Dean Court (FL figures ) is given as £25 , this would include programmes, catering etc. Our average gate last Season was 5200 so - £130,000 each Home game, plus the money from the FL and TV etc. if we increased the average gate by 50% to that of the previous Season and that wont be easy , we might just cover the player's wage bill - but what about all the other costs.? the Stadium rental and interest on the £6m loan alone count for £710K Incidently, most of the proceeds of player sales had to be used to cover the huge loss generated last Season and the debt mountain. May I suggest that you google AFC Bournemouth Ltd Accounts for the year ending 29/07/2011, that will give you a better idea of where the money went. I admire your enthusiasm and agree that we have some players with talent, - but for me the key to a successful Season will be whether PG can build a team, get the tactics right and motivate the players, his past history in these areas isn't too encouraging though..

Goes to show SOC doesn't read what the person put but the negative mindset fixes on what he THINKS has been said rather than what is clear in front of him.