Ground Expansion....why?

[alcoblade]

Originally Posted by oldblade

Having a ground that compares favourably with other grounds should not be underetimated in the effect it can have in attracting players.

When he signed for us in 1988 Brian Deane was reported to have said as he walked around the stadium something along the lines of Bramall Lane feeling like the big time. Now, 21 years ago Bramall lane was not the stadium it is now, but at the time it still compared favourably with most other stadia.

fair point, but BDTBL is now far superior to the level of signings that United will be looking for in the forseable future.

I think a case could be made for the Kop because it's the one sub standard stand and will need replacing some time "soon". I think the South stand (or more to the point the huge debt it would carry) is just a step too far.

UTB

[lenners]

Originally Posted by Bramley

Get the Planning Permission in place for nominal cost then if we're in the position in a few years we have that option. People are using this as a stick to beat SUFC with. The last time I heard Plymouth wanted to be a World Cup city, Milton Keynes as well. There's no downside in having some future plans in place as it also adds value to any would be investor.

Unfortunately there's a major downside as every time McCabe opens his mouth on ground improvements at the same time as we head towards League One, we look utterly ridiculous and fans, rightly, question what on earth our priorities are.

[Micalijo]

Originally Posted by Bramley

I'd imagine the Copthorne has been an absolute disaster and will be about as profitable as a Chocolate Teapot Shop. I just hoping we're not covering what I envisage are huge losses.

Agreed. No way for me will Copthorne be making on it. Not that I have a clue about occupancy rates etc.

I know Copthorne will be tied in but if they say 'no more' what is our comeback? We sue them I assume and a la WHU end up with some negotiated settlement.

No other hotel operator is interested at a price where we can anywhere near cover the interest costs and suddenly you have a situation where a proportion of what little income we do have is earmarked for paying off the bank for an empty hotel.

[oldblade]

Originally Posted by Micalijo

Agreed. No way for me will Copthorne be making on it. Not that I have a clue about occupancy rates etc.

I know Copthorne will be tied in but if they say 'no more' what is our comeback? We sue them I assume and a la WHU end up with some negotiated settlement.

No other hotel operator is interested at a price where we can anywhere near cover the interest costs and suddenly you have a situation where a proportion of what little income we do have is earmarked for paying off the bank for an empty hotel.

I have booked into that hotel several times and can assure you it is far from empty.

[Large Mendonca]

Originally Posted by DuncDisorderly

Also consider if KMcC is planning to sell up as there seems to be growing rumours. One of the attractions for a potential buyer is the property. Dont kid yourselves that there are a stream of people desperate to buy a second division provincial football club, because there aren't. Wednesday have other problems in share ownership, but they are getting less success in attracting a potential partner than an ugly kid in a disco. A profitable international property business with a strong football team 'brand'? Now thats a different proposition altogether.

Nail on head.

[lenners]

Why would McCabe (or anyone else) sell off 'a profitable international property business with a strong football team brand'?

[Wapping Blade]

Why won't Copthorme be making money?

[Large Mendonca]

Originally Posted by lenners

Why would McCabe (or anyone else) sell off 'a profitable international property business with a strong football team brand'?

Well, he's not getting any younger

[Micalijo]

Originally Posted by Wapping Blade

Why won't Copthorme be making money?

Because they are paying X to us and suffering Y in running costs. I think Y is greater than X - but have no way of substantiating this other than by referring in general to the current deep recession affecting most areas of the economy.

[DuncDisorderly]

Originally Posted by Micalijo

Because they are paying X to us and suffering Y in running costs. I think Y is greater than X - but have no way of substantiating this other than by referring in general to the current deep recession affecting most areas of the economy.

Its un-necessary to substantiate anything, just pull some 'facts' out of your arse, and then the mere act of declaring them on this forum makes them real.

Copthorne are not idiots. KMcCabe isn't an idiot. The numbers will stack up.