This money

[blader]

Now, before I set out, I need to explain I have never been one for believing in this 'think Liverpool' talk had much credit, and I also don't believe the Saudi bloke is a con-man or whatever either. However, I am questioning what difference his involvement has actually made. It appears to me that the signings we have made are signings we would be capable of making 'pre-prince' anyway so where's the difference? I will ofcourse reserve judgement until the end of summer, but knowing Clough wants to work with a small squad, we really only have space for 2/3 more signings tops. So, unless these are of real genuine quality, I would think we will start the season with a weaker squad than we ended 2013/14. Never been bothered about my club getting a 'sugar daddy' or firing our way through the leagues, but being lied to by the club is a different thing I won't accept. Just hope there's slightly more inspiration to come from our signings....

 

[Ted Danson]

I think youve got to look at the outgoings or rather lack of to see what the investments done

 

[Donnybladerixy]

If we are signing good quality players on frees the investment is in wage deals I don't know full ins and outs but speaking to butler we offered a lot more finacially than several championship clubs.. This shows shroud business on the clubs and Nigel's point.. Ben Davies has said that good offers also came in for him from higher placed clubs.. I personally think that we will offer Harry a great package too and the investment is in this.. Along with the resurface of BDTBL and the planned man city style playing surface for 2015-2016. FFP wouldn't allow us in league one to spend millions on players given average attendance at the lane

 

[Highbury_Blade]

I can't say i'm blown away by any of the deals so far. The prince might be using up all his money to secure the services of a certain CE in november anyway....

 

[oaklandrdblade]

Baxter, Cuvelier, Scougall were more than likely as a result of the Prince's arrival, I also think that without him we would not have managed to get some of the later loans in and would have been looking at players of the quality of Lappin and White rather than Brayford, Freeman and Davies.

 

[judge]

I fully expected him to have built a liquid gold river between here and saudi arabia and just float yachts constructed of dabloons directly to the cherry st car park needless to say sheffield united once again have dampened my ridiculous expectations by carefully managing the business as a business havent bought a season ticket in years because I Prefer to just come on here and start arguments but I can see why many dont bother

 

[Derby_Blade]

Why don't we wait until the transfer window actually opens and we are actually able to spend money before we criticise the board for not spending any money...

 

[blader]

Why don't we wait until the transfer window actually opens and we are actually able to spend money before we criticise the board for not spending any money...

Because we have already made 6 permanent signings, and Clough repeats that he wants a small squad of around 18, so we won't be bringing many more in will we? As I say, I never got too excited about the 'investment' and took it with a pinch of salt, but I also think the signings we have made so far are exactly the sort of signings we would have made before the prince's arrival. However, our squad is currently much worse than the squad which lined up against Coventry. A lot more spending is required for us to be challenging at the top next season.

 

[Rossb123]

You don't need to spend millions to get out of this division, you need a mix of experience and youth which Clough is gathering together. Rotherham didn't spend millions no statement signings nor did Brentford they purchased good league one players for cheap/free.

If we are promoted I would rather see the agreed budget between the Prince and McCabe spent in the championship, that is a league which will prove extremely difficult to compete in.

 

[GrayBlade]

I suppose the same people that are underwhelmed by the signings we've made to date were just as underwhelmed with Scougle and Harris?

 

[Eskimo]

I think many if us don't realise what a bad place we were in pre-Prince. After many years of funding the club , making some good and bad decisions on the way Kev had said no more, the club has to self finance. The consequence if this became apparent when we were turned down by managers who hitherto would have loved to work here. What has happened so far since the Saudi support came in board is fine by me.

 

[alcoblade]

I'm happy with the game changing statement, yet still a bit disappointed which probably leads me to question the first statement.

It's easy to see that we've started building rather than breaking up a squad, so game changing fits. But it also gives rise to a subjective expectation in your head, and we'll all have a different level of that.

The signing of Porter is a real disappointment for me, the signing of the other players being a more positive sign that we're starting to build. But without a proven striker coming in, and there's still time, I'll be entering the new season slightly disappointed from what I'd hoped, and perplexed as to our out and out favourites rank by the bookies.

UTB

 

[Rodley]

How many more times will the same post be rehashed?

 

[Large Mendonca]

After the debacle of the Weir appointment on the previous budget, do you reckon we could have afforded Clough and his backroom staff without the Prince's backing ??

 

[Droppingwell]

The debt owed to Mcabe was written off, we are turning down million pound offers for players (when have we done that previously) and have recruited young hungry players. The team is far stronger than when he arrived, remember Rotherham away his first match? We have shot up the league and been to a Semi. Things have gone from strength to strength since he arrived. It is not a coincidence...would still like a new striker though!

 

[Patrick Suffaux]

In response to the OP, we're turning down bids for Harry for one thing. Given our recent history doesn't that seem a little unusual to you?

We also paid money for the likes of Jose Baxter, Stefan Scougall and Marc McNulty. Lets not forget being able to loan Brayford and Coady whom in all likelihood are on five figures per week. That all had to be paid for.

It seems we are somewhat restricted by FFP anyway.

 

[Woodwardfan]

I don't think the prince has put a penny in yet. That worries me. I actually think McCabe probably financed the loan signings last season and have heard nothing to contradict that thought.

On the other hand I do sense, like some above, that the DNA of the club has changed. When did we last have a MD who said "we do not have to sell our best players"? When did we last attract a manager like Clough. When did we last have a manager talk of long term opportunity and display such a sense of purpose mixed with realism?

12 months ago we were talking of "breaking even", KM had injected his last penny. The future was through youth in the long term. We would expect all the higher paid players to leave as soon as possible. Let's hope it would be before their contracts expired.

Believe me, Nigel Clough would not have taken another job so soon after his Derby experience if he had not been inspired by the opportunity. Massive club, great support, build it from low base, sensible funding to be introduced at all the right stages of success and development, total control - brother Chief Scout, pal as M.D., all own coaching staff plus Chris Morgan for a while - big salary, an opportunity to become Mr. SUFC. Without the prince he would not have joined us. He is a family man who would have taken the opportunity to spend some quality time with them.

The opportunity which KM presented to him inspired him. Not just because of KM, though he will have been important, but because of the prince. It was too good to refuse, a very rare opportunity.

The prince would be a fool to throw his millions at a League 1 situation. He will be more of a presence when we get to stage 2, that is, in the Championship. But why throw the big money at a League 1 situation when we have a club which should be waltzing through it anyway. Give Clough the tools, test him out, gain confidence in him and after that back him with whatever is necessary to get to the Premiership. After that, back him and his cronies to the hilt. Build a working relationship, make sure the lad has the hunger for the long haul. Never was Rome or the odd oil well built in a day!

 

[Rodley]

I don't think the prince has put a penny in yet. That worries me. I actually think McCabe probably financed the loan signings last season and have heard nothing to contradict that thought.

On the other hand I do sense, like some above, that the DNA of the club has changed. When did we last have a MD who said "we do not have to sell our best players"? When did we last attract a manager like Clough. When did we last have a manager talk of long term opportunity and display such a sense of purpose mixed with realism?

12 months ago we were talking of "breaking even", KM had injected his last penny. The future was through youth in the long term. We would expect all the higher paid players to leave as soon as possible. Let's hope it would be before their contracts expired.

Believe me, Nigel Clough would not have taken another job so soon after his Derby experience if he had not been inspired by the opportunity. Massive club, great support, build it from low base, sensible funding to be introduced at all the right stages of success and development, total control - brother Chief Scout, pal as M.D., all own coaching staff plus Chris Morgan for a while - big salary, an opportunity to become Mr. SUFC. Without the prince he would not have joined us. He is a family man who would have taken the opportunity to spend some quality time with them.

The opportunity which KM presented to him inspired him. Not just because of KM, though he will have been important, but because of the prince. It was too good to refuse, a very rare opportunity.

The prince would be a fool to throw his millions at a League 1 situation. He will be more of a presence when we get to stage 2, that is, in the Championship. But why throw the big money at a League 1 situation when we have a club which should be waltzing through it anyway. Give Clough the tools, test him out, gain confidence in him and after that back him with whatever is necessary to get to the Premiership. After that, back him and his cronies to the hilt. Build a working relationship, make sure the lad has the hunger for the long haul. Never was Rome or the odd oil well built in a day!

Agreed - paying Brayford's wages must have come from a surge in sales in Balti Pies.

 

[CarlingBlade]

I despair with some Blades I really do. We've got some bloody cracking players, we finished the season strongly and have no reason to believe we can't continue this form into the new season, we've got some great prospects coming through yet some just like to moan at every given opportunity.

 

[Droppingwell]

and remember he has only been here around 8 months!. Proper business people look at the medium to long term. Sensible investment is what is required not a quick splurge and then regret it for years.

 

[Bladesman]

Agreed - paying Brayford's wages must have come from a surge in sales in Balti Pies.

Well you are going to need some bog roll after eating one of those.

 

[FulwoodBlade]

The prince openly said big money wouldn't be spent in LG1 the bulk of the 'marquee' signings would be made in the championship with an aim of premier league. No point over- paying for average players that's what's got us here. It's about signing young hungry players which we are doing.

 

[Blackheath Blade]

Has anyone thought that the Prince's money has been used to keep the club going since he arrived last year? By this I mean supporting the day to day running expenses of the club, monthly staff salaries, admin stuff etc.

A lot of people seem to be focusing on the playing side of things which is understandable but let's not forget the club has been losing money hand over fist in recent years and had to shed a number of jobs when we lost in the play offs to Huddersfield.

I still can't understand the negativity of some folk, despite the impact Cloughie has made and the players he's signed and released to trim the squad, all while keeping an eye on the FFP rules. It's the same on Bladesmad, if some folk won a million on the lottery, they'd still want two fuckin million because it wouldn't be enough.

 

[pblades]

Has anyone thought that the Prince's money has been used to keep the club going since he arrived last year? By this I mean supporting the day to day running expenses of the club, monthly staff salaries, admin stuff etc.

A lot of people seem to be focusing on the playing side of things which is understandable but let's not forget the club has been losing money hand over fist in recent years and had to shed a number of jobs when we lost in the play offs to Huddersfield.

I still can't understand the negativity of some folk, despite the impact Cloughie has made and the players he's signed and released to trim the squad, all while keeping an eye on the FFP rules. It's the same on Bladesmad, if some folk won a million on the lottery, they'd still want two fuckin million because it wouldn't be enough.

Well said.. Time is virtue

 

[blader]

I despair with some Blades I really do. We've got some bloody cracking players, we finished the season strongly and have no reason to believe we can't continue this form into the new season, we've got some great prospects coming through yet some just like to moan at every given opportunity.

"We've got some cracking players" hmmm.... Past Maguire I'm not so sure. How many of our current squad would have got into Wolves' squad last season? 1 would be my suggestion!

 

[mattbianco1]

Baxter, Cuvelier, Scougall were more than likely as a result of the Prince's arrival, I also think that without him we would not have managed to get some of the later loans in and would have been looking at players of the quality of Lappin and White rather than Brayford, Freeman and Davies.

Agree.. Without him, we wouldn't have signed owt last season.. Look at the season before. Danny Wilson had signings lined up but it was on a 1 in, 1 out basis. There's non of that now.

Wilson had it tough in his 2nd season. Did fantastic to get us into play offs with his hands tied like that. Lost Williamson. Evans. Lowton & Quinn too

 

[blader]

I think it's important to note that I was careful not to 'slag off' the club in the OP, rather than simply question the contribution of the Prince. This is mainly due to the quality of signings we have made, which really haven't exactly been 'think liverpool' type signings. I don't expect too much from my club at all (years of disappointment have taught me that) but what I would like is honesty and no false promises. The 6 signings made so far indicate to me that we aren't exactly 'going for it' like Wolves and Brentford did last season. I understand it's a building process, but really are any of these signings players we couldn't have made pre-prince?

Many people have mentioned the point of non-playing staff and the day-to-day running of the club, which is exactly why I asked the question. If it is so, then brilliant, we have a financially stable club.... but to promise so much and seemingly deliver so little leaves me a little underwhelmed. As I have said, I don't expect too much, but I have failed to see the Prince's so promising contribution where it counts - on the pitch. Was just wondering where this money went and if we would see any injected into the playing staff, little evidence of it so far. Can anyone honestly say a club with 'money' in League 1 would sign Chris Porter?

 

[bigbirdblade]

and your saying you wouldn't sign a player who banged in 10 odd goals since Christmas. As a player who is likely to be on the bench more than the pitch and for an assumed pay cut i know i would.

 

[CarlingBlade]

"We've got some cracking players" hmmm.... Past Maguire I'm not so sure. How many of our current squad would have got into Wolves' squad last season? 1 would be my suggestion!

Not sure ive said any would get in the wolves side but the likes of Harris, Scougall, Baxter, Flynn and Murphy would more than likely b great additions to nearly all L1 sides and most lower Champ side, i.e. cracking players.

 

[alcoblade]

Has anyone thought that the Prince's money has been used to keep the club going since he arrived last year? By this I mean supporting the day to day running expenses of the club, monthly staff salaries, admin stuff etc.
.

You could well be right, but that being the case we should seriously look at the clubs cost base. McCabe wrote off the debt so if 18000 gates can't more than sustain a debt free 3rd division club then there's some serious waste to tackle.

I don't detect the level of angst that you do, other than those getting upset at any questioning. It sesems a few, including me, are slightly disappointed at the quality of signings, whilst accepting there's plenty of promise and plenty to look forward to. Let's not invent straw men to escalate what seems like a perfectly reasonable debate .

UTB