TSI - The Promises, Policies & Progress Thread

[Once were Biscuitmen]

AZ is basically a slightly richer version of SJM, willing to subsidise the business in a limited fashion but not a sugar daddy that is going to throw away his Father’s cash so we can all watch Premiership football every year.

Thems the breaks folks.

If anybody on here wants to buy the club and spend their own money subsiding a loss making business fantastic, if not why not just pipe down a touch?

Oh brilliant! That old chestnut raised again! And about as convincing as 'if we spend more money we will end up like Portsmouth. Fans may not be able to afford to buy the club but I wager there are a good number who have ploughed higher percentages of their disposable income into supporting the club than either Madejski or AZ and without the perks.

I suppose I should have expected Madejski to have found a successor in his own likeness and it is now looking like AZ is very similar. Only saving graces are that AZ doesn't seek to always be the centre of attention like and his other half is far more attractive!

But in absolute terms the disposal income committed by fans is depressingly irrelevant to the financial and on-pitch performance of the club, driven as it is by TV revenue and the largess of owners.

Championship football has to put it's house in order, fans always ask for 'some' more investment and taking on a 'little' more debt if required to reach the promised land of, 'the prem'. If anybody points out the risk of this slippery slope then they are immediately accused of scare mongering; but before leveling that charge consider just how bad the financial situation in the 2nd tier actually is:

From the Deloitte 2013 football survey:

•The aggregate operating losses of Championship clubs worsened to £147m in 2011/12; a long slide from an aggregate operating loss of £35m back in
2003/04. Only three Championship clubs made an operating profit.

• Championship clubs’ net losses(after player trading and finance costs) for 2011/12 improved to £158m(2010/11: £189m), an average of £6.6m per club.
Only five Championship clubs made a net profit.

•The average wages/revenue ratio for Championship clubs was 89% and has been between 87% and 90%for five seasons. 17 Championship clubs reported a wages/revenue ratio above 70%, including nine clubs for which the ratio exceeded 100%. So, these nine clubs spent more on wages than they earned in revenue in the season, and in addition had to fund their other operating costs.

• This loss-making behaviour is, in part, due to the lure of the Premier League promotion prize of at least £120m. Each of the promoted clubs can expect a revenue increase of more than £60m in 2013/14 and,even if a club is relegated after one season, it will be entitled to parachute payments over the following four seasons of around £60m.

The level of financial rewards available in the Premiership are still persuading too many owners (and most fans) to indulge in a self destructive, debt fueled arms race to reach the top tier.

However, the consequence of this behavior is to make the 2nd tier of English football unsustainable in the long run. Thankfully both SJM and AZ were and are both unwilling to fully commit to this madness and try to run the club as sanely as possible given most of our competitors are not.

We are trying to do the prudent financial thing in an insane world. It will harm our chances of short term success on the pitch but will hopefully ensure that our club is around as part of the Reading community when many of those sides we have played against are not.

[Man Friday]

New Training ground being planned, heavy academy investment over the last year to get it up to scratch, Drenthe, Danny Williams, Wayne Bridge, New contracts for Pearce and Hal, Pog still on the wage bill, Guthrie still on the wage bill, Karacan also recently signed a new contract and this is on top of what was already a large wage bill for the championship before promotion.

Sure we got rid of Kebe and Mariappa, but that's ALL we got rid of.

And you lot continue to wonder where the money is?

Fucking hell.

Finally someone talking some sense. This team is a lot better than the team that won the league 2 seasons ago so promotion is a realistic goal.

Yes but this time we haven't got a manager who can produce minor miracles from the limited talent at his disposal.

[One8Seven1]

New Training ground being planned, heavy academy investment over the last year to get it up to scratch, Drenthe, Danny Williams, Wayne Bridge, New contracts for Pearce and Hal, Pog still on the wage bill, Guthrie still on the wage bill, Karacan also recently signed a new contract and this is on top of what was already a large wage bill for the championship before promotion.

Sure we got rid of Kebe and Mariappa, but that's ALL we got rid of.

And you lot continue to wonder where the money is?

Fucking hell.

Finally someone talking some sense. This team is a lot better than the team that won the league 2 seasons ago so promotion is a realistic goal.

Yes but this time we haven't got a manager who can produce minor miracles from the limited talent at his disposal.

Haven't we? He achieved just that at Scunny, and in his time at Saints (in the the football league) what did he spend? I think we have the perfect man for the job, but his biggest problem is trying to develop a bunch of players with limited technical ability and who have been taught to kick and rush, and that will take time to coach out of them. He's been good in the loan market before and will be again, I'm sure. That doesn't gloss over the fact that he's as disappointed as we are at a lack of spending in the transfer market though.

[Ian Royal]

AZ is basically a slightly richer version of SJM, willing to subsidise the business in a limited fashion but not a sugar daddy that is going to throw away his Father’s cash so we can all watch Premiership football every year.

Thems the breaks folks.

If anybody on here wants to buy the club and spend their own money subsiding a loss making business fantastic, if not why not just pipe down a touch?

Oh brilliant! That old chestnut raised again! And about as convincing as 'if we spend more money we will end up like Portsmouth. Fans may not be able to afford to buy the club but I wager there are a good number who have ploughed higher percentages of their disposable income into supporting the club than either Madejski or AZ and without the perks.

I suppose I should have expected Madejski to have found a successor in his own likeness and it is now looking like AZ is very similar. Only saving graces are that AZ doesn't seek to always be the centre of attention like and his other half is far more attractive!

For fans the club is a hobby. You spend money on a hobby with no expectation of a return. And you are receiving a service for that money.

For the owner the club is usually business. The owner spends money to achieve something that will bring financial gain, whether it's direct from the club or indirect. The owners that aren't like that are either dodgy and trying to launder money, out to asset strip, looking for a toy or lifelong passionate fans. And most of those result in some sort of serious financial difficulties. Pompey are the extreme tip of the iceberg.

Get realistic expectations and a sense of perspective.

[Pepe the Horseman]

The Daily Mail were all over Anton when he bought the club. Seems they're looking into his finances again..

Anton Zingarevich is being investigated By the Daily Mail 's Sporting Inteligence team who suspect that the Russian owner does not have enough of his own money, and is using the clubs parachute payments to fund the remaining 49% buyout from Sir John Madejski, which is due to be concluded by the close of October 2013.
The clubs reaction to the supporters dismay over the lack of investment in the summer, and indeed the previous three transfer windows, has lead to the club releasing a statement declaring there isn't much money left in the pot due to the 'competitive' wage bill. With record parachute payments over four years, that must be quite some wage bill.

Doesn't seem like that at all. It seems that someone who can't spell 'intelligence' has posted a bullshit rumour on a bullshit football rumours site.

[Judge Drenthe]

The Daily Mail were all over Anton when he bought the club. Seems they're looking into his finances again..

Anton Zingarevich is being investigated By the Daily Mail 's Sporting Inteligence team who suspect that the Russian owner does not have enough of his own money, and is using the clubs parachute payments to fund the remaining 49% buyout from Sir John Madejski, which is due to be concluded by the close of October 2013.
The clubs reaction to the supporters dismay over the lack of investment in the summer, and indeed the previous three transfer windows, has lead to the club releasing a statement declaring there isn't much money left in the pot due to the 'competitive' wage bill. With record parachute payments over four years, that must be quite some wage bill.

Doesn't seem like that at all. It seems that someone who can't spell 'intelligence' has posted a bullshit rumour on a bullshit football rumours site.

three pillocks on twitter were tweeting the guy that was digging around TSI when they took over asking him to look at them again and tell us where the money has gone. then it went onto several forums and rumour boards. people just love to scaremonger.

[melonhead]

The Daily Mail were all over Anton when he bought the club. Seems they're looking into his finances again..

Anton Zingarevich is being investigated By the Daily Mail 's Sporting Inteligence team who suspect that the Russian owner does not have enough of his own money, and is using the clubs parachute payments to fund the remaining 49% buyout from Sir John Madejski, which is due to be concluded by the close of October 2013.
The clubs reaction to the supporters dismay over the lack of investment in the summer, and indeed the previous three transfer windows, has lead to the club releasing a statement declaring there isn't much money left in the pot due to the 'competitive' wage bill. With record parachute payments over four years, that must be quite some wage bill.

Wigan's wage bill must be higher than ours, yet they were able to spend as well, and they're a prudently ran football club!

Wigan sold more players for higher fee's.

Wigan made over £20M on player sales, and spent a grand total of £6M.....wonder if their fans are asking "where's the money gone"?

who the hell do you think you are coming on here with your relevant argument, and use of fact to try and make these other posters look like idiots
youre bang out of order

[melonhead]

AZ is basically a slightly richer version of SJM, willing to subsidise the business in a limited fashion but not a sugar daddy that is going to throw away his Father’s cash so we can all watch Premiership football every year.

Thems the breaks folks.

If anybody on here wants to buy the club and spend their own money subsiding a loss making business fantastic, if not why not just pipe down a touch?

Oh brilliant! That old chestnut raised again! And about as convincing as 'if we spend more money we will end up like Portsmouth. Fans may not be able to afford to buy the club but I wager there are a good number who have ploughed higher percentages of their disposable income into supporting the club than either Madejski or AZ and without the perks.

I suppose I should have expected Madejski to have found a successor in his own likeness and it is now looking like AZ is very similar. Only saving graces are that AZ doesn't seek to always be the centre of attention like and his other half is far more attractive!

congratulations royal blue
you have won the Coveted Melonhead award for the worst poster of the year.
im thinking about backdating it to include all previous years as well.

[Man Friday]

Just what is the point of having an owner who won't put his money into the club?

May as well be one of us who owns the club: Same net result - no money spent on players etc.

[Man Friday]

AZ is basically a slightly richer version of SJM, willing to subsidise the business in a limited fashion but not a sugar daddy that is going to throw away his Father’s cash so we can all watch Premiership football every year.

Thems the breaks folks.

If anybody on here wants to buy the club and spend their own money subsiding a loss making business fantastic, if not why not just pipe down a touch?

That's exactly what we do in a relative way. There's people on here spend 10-20% of their income following Reading. If Anton and his dad spent just 5% of their wealth on us we'd have the players we need.

If Anton won't spend his money on us then make way for someone who will.

[Ian Royal]

Just what is the point of having an owner who won't put his money into the club?

May as well be one of us who owns the club: Same net result - no money spent on players etc.

This may be a bit beyond you, but there are more ways to put money into the club than transfer fees. Here are a few for your consideration.

Higher wages - tick
Category 1 Academy - tick
New training ground - tick

[Nameless]

[quote="Man Friday']

If Anton won't spend his money on us then make way for someone who will.[/quote]

There isn't anyone. What's your plan B ?

[Once were Biscuitmen]

AZ is basically a slightly richer version of SJM, willing to subsidise the business in a limited fashion but not a sugar daddy that is going to throw away his Father’s cash so we can all watch Premiership football every year.

Thems the breaks folks.

If anybody on here wants to buy the club and spend their own money subsiding a loss making business fantastic, if not why not just pipe down a touch?

That's exactly what we do in a relative way. There's people on here spend 10-20% of their income following Reading. If Anton and his dad spent just 5% of their wealth on us we'd have the players we need.

If Anton won't spend his money on us then make way for someone who will.

People prepared to throw their money away on terrible investments in the manner you suggest generally aren't as rich as Anton's Dad.

And again, there is not an unending supply of Billionaires who want to massage their egos or promote their oil based dictatorships.

[Uke]

AZ is basically a slightly richer version of SJM, willing to subsidise the business in a limited fashion but not a sugar daddy that is going to throw away his Father’s cash so we can all watch Premiership football every year.

Thems the breaks folks.

If anybody on here wants to buy the club and spend their own money subsiding a loss making business fantastic, if not why not just pipe down a touch?

That's exactly what we do in a relative way. There's people on here spend 10-20% of their income following Reading. If Anton and his dad spent just 5% of their wealth on us we'd have the players we need.

If Anton won't spend his money on us then make way for someone who will.

Do you realise why wealthy people remain wealthy?

[TheLawnMowerMan]

Do you realise why wealthy people remain wealthy?

But this thread is about "Promises" and SJM said he sold to people with deeper pockets who would invest more.
Now I think they probably have, but maybe not as much as most people thought they would.
One thing that was said was that we wouldn't have to be a selling club - but we sold 2 at the end of the window in Palace without bringing anyone in.

I think the questions and doubts are understandable at the very least.

[Uke]

Do you realise why wealthy people remain wealthy?

But this thread is about "Promises" and SJM said he sold to people with deeper pockets who would invest more.
Now I think they probably have, but maybe not as much as most people thought they would.
One thing that was said was that we wouldn't have to be a selling club - but we sold 2 at the end of the window in Palace without bringing anyone in.

I think the questions and doubts are understandable at the very least.

I was challenging the expectation that 5% of daddy dosh should be spent

[Green]

AZ is basically a slightly richer version of SJM, willing to subsidise the business in a limited fashion but not a sugar daddy that is going to throw away his Father’s cash so we can all watch Premiership football every year.

Thems the breaks folks.

If anybody on here wants to buy the club and spend their own money subsiding a loss making business fantastic, if not why not just pipe down a touch?

That's exactly what we do in a relative way. There's people on here spend 10-20% of their income following Reading. If Anton and his dad spent just 5% of their wealth on us we'd have the players we need.

If Anton won't spend his money on us then make way for someone who will.

Do you realise why wealthy people remain wealthy?

If he bought RFC to make money then LOL, basically.

[melonhead]

Do you realise why wealthy people remain wealthy?

But this thread is about "Promises" and SJM said he sold to people with deeper pockets who would invest more.
Now I think they probably have, but maybe not as much as most people thought they would.
One thing that was said was that we wouldn't have to be a selling club - but we sold 2 at the end of the window in Palace without bringing anyone in.

I think the questions and doubts are understandable at the very least.

difference between selling someone cos you are skint and cant refuse
and selling someone cos they didnt want to stay here and you couldnt refuse

[melonhead]

If Anton won't spend his money on us then make way for someone who will.

yeah,
investors itching to pump their money into the bottomless pit that is reading FC, with no real interest in ever seeing it again, form an orderly queue please
stop jostling at the back there!

[melonhead]

Just what is the point of having an owner who won't put his money into the club?

May as well be one of us who owns the club: Same net result - no money spent on players etc.

if you have 5 million+ a year to cover the basic losses we make at this level,even when run on the most frugal of basis
then step right up