The Gulf

[Tony Currie]

Can any championship team compete in the prem?

Arsenal brought on over £150 million pounds worth of subs. One single player in there team cost more than twice the value of our entire team (Rice).

I'm afraid until any championship team gets a billionaire owner they are doomed.

 

[SwitchBLADE Smiles]

As bad as the premier league season has been, I don’t think joining the Saudi league is the answer.

 

[Large Mendonca]

Can any championship team compete in

At water polo, maybe.

Coat...........

 

[Snowflake]

Can any championship team compete in the prem?

Arsenal brought on over £150 million pounds worth of subs. One single player in there team cost more than twice the value of our entire team (Rice).

I'm afraid until any championship team gets a billionaire owner they are doomed.

Comparing the promoted clubs to Arsenal is unfair. There will always be a group of 8/10 at the bottom against whom promoted clubs can compete.

 

[Berkshire Blade]

Yes. Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth wolves and Fulham all show it can be done.

 

[Hodgesleftpeg]

We did, the first season, but, typical of us, we went and ballsed it up

 

[Rodley]

Yes of course they can FFS. It’s just Burnley and us are historically absolutely abysmal. Our summer was about as badly managed as it gets.

Typically you go up, come down and second time around with the benefit of improvements to infrastructure, recruitment, squad etc. you give it a go again. But we’ve not done that because Sheffield United.

 

[SB_90]

i know Haaland & De bruyne annual collective wage is more than lutons, which shows the gulf

youve got 3 options, you need a great academy, great scouting to get gems at a affordable price. or a willing to literally stick everything on red & risk finalincal disaster by losing 50-70m a season if it doesn't work out. because you get 110m ish for 17th i think. hypothetically buy gheui for 50m, Gibbs white for 40m. wage bill is 30m. your already at a 10m+ loss. all youve done is buy 2 premier league quality players

 

[JackSUFC]

Yes. Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth wolves and Fulham all show it can be done.

Brentford - Fantastic recruitment model and long-term project.

Brighton - See above with the blessing of a rich fan owner.

Bournemouth - Rich owners.

Fulham - Rich owners.

Wolves - Rich owners.

Be interesting to see how much the last three of those clubs have spent just to tread water at this level every season.

 

[Revolution]

Brentford - Fantastic recruitment model and long-term project.

Brighton - See above with the blessing of a rich fan owner.

Bournemouth - Rich owners.

Fulham - Rich owners.

Wolves - Rich owners.

There’s your answer. Yes, if you have a very, very rich owner.

We have the only member of the Saudi royal family with no money.

 

[YES Blade]

Yes. Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth wolves and Fulham all show it can be done.

That’s not what I would define as competing, they’re just fighting to be the cream of the crap.

 

[Champagneblade]

Yes. Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth wolves and Fulham all show it can be done.

I agree with your sentiment.

But looking at those teams and their owners:

Brentford - a very unique model that leverages data in a way they could not ordinarily afford, were it not for their owner’s business.

Brighton - Philanthropic fan investor who has spent hundreds of millions creating the club from stadium, to owning a club in Belgium that actually works for them and an extensive scouting strategy of South America.

Bournemouth - heavily financed by Maxim Demin and then taken over by an American, Bill Foley with an estimated net worth of $1.6bn, and who also owns other sports clubs worldwide. Also, despite their shit tinpot ground, situated in a very nice part of UK where many would like to live.

Wolves - Easy to forget how they got us by being the first team to really spend unheard of sums in the Championship. Owned by Fosun, a Chinese conglomerate with around $126bn worth of assets. Now being forced to tighten their belts to remain within FFP, such has been the historical spending; something we could only dream of having to contend with. That said we were unfortunate not to get something from them.

Fulham - owned by Rashid Khan who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars and All Elite Wrestling. Worth about $12.1bn.

Sheffield United - owned by former Bog roll salesman Prince Abdullah, reluctantly thrust in as full owner as his former business partner tried to shove him aside completely. Also known for owning 2 European clubs, Beerschot and formerly Châteauroux who lead similar hand-to-mouth existences and 2 teams in India and UAE for which nobody quite sees the point of them. So far has tried to offload us twice, each time to someone perused by the US authorities.

My challenge to you. Spot the odd one out!

 

[Rodley]

That’s not what I would define as competing, they’re just fighting to be the cream of the crap.

Wolves were in the Europa League quarters three years ago, expanded their ground and improved their facilities. Fulham got to the semis of the League Cup and are desperately trying to finish above Chelsea. They’ve increased their capacity with a new stand. Brighton been in Europe this year. Brentford had the pleasure of watching Erickson, built a new ground.

Even if you’re finishing mid-table, you can completely overhaul the club off the pitch.

 

[Rodley]

I agree with your sentiment.

But looking at those teams and their owners:

Brentford - a very unique model that leverages data in a way they could not ordinarily afford, were it not for their owner’s business.

Brighton - Philanthropic fan investor who has spent hundreds of millions creating the club from stadium, to owning a club in Belgium that actually works for them and an extensive scouting strategy of South America.

Bournemouth - heavily financed by Maxim Demin and then taken over by an American, Bill Foley with an estimated net worth of $1.6bn, and who also owns other sports clubs worldwide. Also, despite their shit tinpot ground, situated in a very nice part of UK where many would like to live.

Wolves - Easy to forget how they got us by being the first team to really spend unheard of sums in the Championship. Owned by Fosun, a Chinese conglomerate with around $126bn worth of assets. Now being forced to tighten their belts to remain within FFP, such has been the historical spending; something we could only dream of having to contend with. That said we were unfortunate not to get something from them.

Fulham - owned by Rashid Khan who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars and All Elite Wrestling. Worth about $12.1bn.

Sheffield United - owned by former Bog roll salesman Prince Abdullah, reluctantly thrust in as full owner as his former business partner tried to shove him aside completely. Also known for owning 2 European clubs, Beerschot and formerly Châteauroux who lead similar hand-to-mouth existences and 2 teams in India and UAE for which nobody quite sees the point of them. So far has tried to offload us twice, each time to someone perused by the US authorities.

My challenge to you. Spot the odd one out!

I think we all agree we need new ownership. The decide to hitch our wagon to Dozy is all the more infuriating - that was the time to attract serious wedge.

 

[Varkanoid]

The final nail in the coffin will be in 3 years time or so when Wrexham overtake us into the PL. That will be embarrasing and I can just imagine the payback toll.

 

[YES Blade]

Wolves were in the Europa League quarters three years ago, expanded their ground and improved their facilities. Fulham got to the semis of the League Cup and are desperately trying to finish above Chelsea. They’ve increased their capacity with a new stand. Brighton been in Europe this year. Brentford had the pleasure of watching Erickson, built a new ground.

Even if you’re finishing mid-table, you can completely overhaul the club off the pitch.

Exactly, the cream of the crap! Man City, Man U, Arsenal, Liverpool etc. aren’t shitting themselves about the progress made by those clubs.

They’re just in the rotation of clubs that are in the Premier League to make the numbers up. Give it 10 or 20 years and Brentford, Bournemouth etc will where the other former Premier Leagues clubs like Stoke, Portsmouth, Bolton are now.

One thing that won’t change is that Man U, Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool will still be at the top in 20 years.

 

[CPB]

The final nail in the coffin will be in 3 years time or so when Wrexham overtake us into the PL. That will be embarrasing and I can just imagine the payback toll.

It's quite likely. This is their goal isn't it to get to the PL.

As much as I don't like the media frenzy they've had. (It's backed off this season without the cup run). I do think that Reynolds and McElhenney have done and are doing there. They are building up the club a decent rate, engaging with the supporters constantly and have raised the profile of the club beyond any expectations.
Reynolds has alot of wealth especially for lower leagues.
And to think it all started quite randomly.

Be good if Flea from Chillis had a bigger wealth and wanted to buy us or Joe Elliot. Flea is apparently the wealthiest of the chillis at $160m.
But neither have the relevant wealth nor inclination to do so.
Where's Koo's Bekker when you need him!

 

[Hillsboro Blade]

I agree with your sentiment.

But looking at those teams and their owners:

Brentford - a very unique model that leverages data in a way they could not ordinarily afford, were it not for their owner’s business.

Brighton - Philanthropic fan investor who has spent hundreds of millions creating the club from stadium, to owning a club in Belgium that actually works for them and an extensive scouting strategy of South America.

Bournemouth - heavily financed by Maxim Demin and then taken over by an American, Bill Foley with an estimated net worth of $1.6bn, and who also owns other sports clubs worldwide. Also, despite their shit tinpot ground, situated in a very nice part of UK where many would like to live.

Wolves - Easy to forget how they got us by being the first team to really spend unheard of sums in the Championship. Owned by Fosun, a Chinese conglomerate with around $126bn worth of assets. Now being forced to tighten their belts to remain within FFP, such has been the historical spending; something we could only dream of having to contend with. That said we were unfortunate not to get something from them.

Fulham - owned by Rashid Khan who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars and All Elite Wrestling. Worth about $12.1bn.

Sheffield United - owned by former Bog roll salesman Prince Abdullah, reluctantly thrust in as full owner as his former business partner tried to shove him aside completely. Also known for owning 2 European clubs, Beerschot and formerly Châteauroux who lead similar hand-to-mouth existences and 2 teams in India and UAE for which nobody quite sees the point of them. So far has tried to offload us twice, each time to someone perused by the US authorities.

My challenge to you. Spot the odd one out!

That’s us down to a tee isn’t it. Owned by a Chairman who used to sell Bumwad, Shit Tickets and Spunk roll.

 

[mattbianco1]

Yes. Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth wolves and Fulham all show it can be done.

Below is the Net spend of those clubs (Source: Transfermarkt).
If you go from bottom up (oldest first), you can see it's unsustainable for clubs of this size to continue spending.

Brighton and Wolves are the only teams to have been in PL throughout the last 5y. Wolves were forced to sell this season to avoid FFP. Brighton have raised funds through enormous player sales

Brentford and Bournemouth are surely unsustainable unless they can both keep unearthing hidden gems from abroad

23/24:
Bournemouth = £126m
Brentford = £62m
Brighton = -£86m (sold Caicedo £115m and Mac Allister £42m)
Fulham = £13m
Wolves = -£100m (sold players to avoid FFP)

22/23:
Bournemouth = £83m
Brentford = £46m
Brighton = -£82m (sold Cucurella £65m and Bissouma £30m))
Fulham = £50m
Wolves = £115m

21/22:
Bournemouth = -£14m (Championship season)
Brentford = £37m
Brighton = -£3m (sold White £50m)
Fulham = £16m (Championship Club)
Wolves = £6m

20/21:
Bournemouth = -£93m (1st season back in Championship)
Brentford = -£55m (Championship club)
Brighton = £30m
Fulham = £37m
Wolves = £9m

19/20:
Bournemouth = £20m
Brentford = -£0m (Championship club)
Brighton = £54m
Fulham = £9m (Championship club)
Wolves = £93m

Net spend in 5y:
Bournemouth = £122m
Brentford = £90m
Brighton = -£87m
Fulham = £125m
Wolves = £123m

 

[Berkshire Blade]

Below is the Net spend of those clubs (Source: Transfermarkt).
If you go from bottom up (oldest first), you can see it's unsustainable for clubs of this size to continue spending.

Brighton and Wolves are the only teams to have been in PL throughout the last 5y. Wolves were forced to sell this season to avoid FFP. Brighton have raised funds through enormous player sales

Brentford and Bournemouth are surely unsustainable unless they can both keep unearthing hidden gems from abroad

23/24:
Bournemouth = £126m
Brentford = £62m
Brighton = -£86m (sold Caicedo £115m and Mac Allister £42m)
Fulham = £13m
Wolves = -£100m (sold players to avoid FFP)

22/23:
Bournemouth = £83m
Brentford = £46m
Brighton = -£82m (sold Cucurella £65m and Bissouma £30m))
Fulham = £50m
Wolves = £115m

21/22:
Bournemouth = -£14m (Championship season)
Brentford = £37m
Brighton = -£3m (sold White £50m)
Fulham = £16m (Championship Club)
Wolves = £6m

20/21:
Bournemouth = -£93m (1st season back in Championship)
Brentford = -£55m (Championship club)
Brighton = £30m
Fulham = £37m
Wolves = £9m

19/20:
Bournemouth = £20m
Brentford = -£0m (Championship club)
Brighton = £54m
Fulham = £9m (Championship club)
Wolves = £93m

Net spend in 5y:
Bournemouth = £122m
Brentford = £90m
Brighton = -£87m
Fulham = £125m
Wolves = £123m

Net spend doesn't factor in TV money so although it's still mad it's not purely in v out. Granted it's expensive and madness but it's how it's done.

 

[Tony Currie]

I agree with your sentiment.

But looking at those teams and their owners:

Brentford - a very unique model that leverages data in a way they could not ordinarily afford, were it not for their owner’s business.

Brighton - Philanthropic fan investor who has spent hundreds of millions creating the club from stadium, to owning a club in Belgium that actually works for them and an extensive scouting strategy of South America.

Bournemouth - heavily financed by Maxim Demin and then taken over by an American, Bill Foley with an estimated net worth of $1.6bn, and who also owns other sports clubs worldwide. Also, despite their shit tinpot ground, situated in a very nice part of UK where many would like to live.

Wolves - Easy to forget how they got us by being the first team to really spend unheard of sums in the Championship. Owned by Fosun, a Chinese conglomerate with around $126bn worth of assets. Now being forced to tighten their belts to remain within FFP, such has been the historical spending; something we could only dream of having to contend with. That said we were unfortunate not to get something from them.

Fulham - owned by Rashid Khan who also owns the Jacksonville Jaguars and All Elite Wrestling. Worth about $12.1bn.

Sheffield United - owned by former Bog roll salesman Prince Abdullah, reluctantly thrust in as full owner as his former business partner tried to shove him aside completely. Also known for owning 2 European clubs, Beerschot and formerly Châteauroux who lead similar hand-to-mouth existences and 2 teams in India and UAE for which nobody quite sees the point of them. So far has tried to offload us twice, each time to someone perused by the US authorities.

My challenge to you. Spot the odd one out!

Even teams like these are just cannon fodder for the big guns.

The only teams that stand a chance of breaking the deadlock are ones with a big fan base like Newcastle, Leeds or *Villa. Even then they need very rich owners and to stay within FFP.

*Villa just announced £120 million loss, one year after selling grealish for £100million!

 

[Champagneblade]

Even teams like these are just cannon fodder for the big guns.

The only teams that stand a chance of breaking the deadlock are ones with a big fan base like Newcastle, Leeds or *Villa. Even then they need very rich owners and to stay within FFP.

*Villa just announced £120 million loss, one year after selling grealish for £100million!

I’m not even sure a big fan base does much these days. Gate money brings in such a small Percentage. You need a sugar Daddy with more money than sense.

 

[Stanthemanfan]

Like villas ownership.....

I’m not even sure a big fan base does much these days. Gate money brings in such a small Percentage. You need a sugar Daddy with more money than sense.

 

[The Bear]

Yes of course they can FFS. It’s just Burnley and us are historically absolutely abysmal. Our summer was about as badly managed as it gets.

Typically you go up, come down and second time around with the benefit of improvements to infrastructure, recruitment, squad etc. you give it a go again. But we’ve not done that because Sheffield United.

We haven't done it not because we are Sheffield United but because our owner doesn't have the dosh or brains that the owners of Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford have.

 

[jt64]

I’m not even sure a big fan base does much these days. Gate money brings in such a small Percentage. You need a sugar Daddy with more money than sense.

A fan base can generate money for the club beyond just gate receipts. Do you think Adidas are paying Man Utd £90m a year over the next ten years based off just the fans that turn up at Old Trafford?

 

[Jon Bon II]

Where's Koo's Bekker when you need him!

Gone to buy Villa.

 

[Nick Jansky]

We have the only member of the Saudi royal family with no money.

No we don’t. There are several hundred others with similar or less money than ours.

 

[YOUBOYZ]

Yes. Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth wolves and Fulham all show it can be done.

Yes, can be done with billionaire owners,as all those clubs possess.