http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/readingfc/2009/2009867/howe_we_can_be_bigger_than_arsenal
Nigel Howe believes Reading can become regular competitors in the Champions League – and says the club has the potential to be bigger than Arsenal.
Royals have made a stunning impact in what is only their first-ever season in the top flight, while chairman John Madejski says he would be willing to sell the club, but only to a tycoon who can build on the recent success.
Reports in the national media suggested there was interest from Hong-Kong-based tycoon Carson Yeung, who was ready to table a £120m bid.
Madejski has had no contact with any interested party, but Howe, Royals’ chief executive, values the club at a far higher price because of its potential.
There are already plans afoot to expand the stadium to 38,000, which would make it the ninth biggest in the top flight.
Even then it would still be less than two thirds the size of the Gunners’ Emirates Stadium.
However, in an exclusive interview with the Evening Post, Howe insisted: “The thing with Reading is it is probably the club with the best potential for drawing big crowds because of its location.
“It has a lot of assets so it can’t be bought cheaply, but the downside is the brand is probably not as big as someone like Arsenal.
“But I would say it has the potential to be bigger than Arsenal because its catchment area is hugely beneficial.
“I remember watching Arsenal in 1971 when they won the double when my uncle Don was assistant manager there.
“Arsenal was fashionable and it was seen to be their recovery out of the doldrums with that squad.
“But if you look at the divisions in those days most of the fashionable clubs don’t exist now in the top division.
“I’m thinking of Burnley and Wolves. You can raise your brand fairly quickly.
“If this club started winning some serious stuff and got into the Champions League then that would hugely move the Reading brand along and move the crowd on.
“It’s a gradual progression and it would take a few years to do it, but that has to be anybody’s ambition running an organisation like this – to get into the Champions League. That might make a lot of people smile, but anything is achievable.
“We’re a long way off at the moment, but with a stadium capable of holding 38,000 people and consistently building the squad over the next few years doesn’t make it unachievable.â€
Howe - we can be bigger than Arsenal
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Alan Partridge
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RG30 For someone who speaks a lot of sense 99% of the time, Howe is way off the mark here and it's an embarrasing statement. Nothing wring with ambition, but Arsenal are a worldwide brand. We're just developing.
For oxf*rd sake, "we're just developing"
Arsenal were "just developing" once, his point is that the potential is there because of the size of our potential catchment area.
The club has to keep growing, we can't afford to go backwards.
RG30 For someone who speaks a lot of sense 99% of the time, Howe is way off the mark here and it's an embarrasing statement. Nothing wring with ambition, but Arsenal are a worldwide brand. We're just developing.
Why is it embarrassing ?
He's making a fair point, but he's not saying that we will be bigger than anyone next season....
It's a shame when people ignore 99% of what is said and pick up on one soundbite...
Unless we find a rich billionaire who will match Chelsea's spending in terms of players with wages, then the Top 4 will be the 4 getting CL football season in, season out (unless Platini gets his way and England gets 3 sides in the CL).
Financially, how will we cope with Man Utd 75,000 gate reciepts, Arsenal's 60,000, Liverpool's 60,000 (New Anfield), Chelsea's (60,000 Potential Stadium move).
As discussed on the thread on Club Policies, the club will have to be very shrewd and lucky to sell out 38,000 week in week out.
Financially, how will we cope with Man Utd 75,000 gate reciepts, Arsenal's 60,000, Liverpool's 60,000 (New Anfield), Chelsea's (60,000 Potential Stadium move).
As discussed on the thread on Club Policies, the club will have to be very shrewd and lucky to sell out 38,000 week in week out.
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zac naloen
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RG30 Unless we find a rich billionaire who will match Chelsea's spending in terms of players with wages, then the Top 4 will be the 4 getting CL football season in, season out (unless Platini gets his way and England gets 3 sides in the CL).
Financially, how will we cope with Man Utd 75,000 gate reciepts, Arsenal's 60,000, Liverpool's 60,000 (New Anfield), Chelsea's (60,000 Potential Stadium move).
As discussed on the thread on Club Policies, the club will have to be very shrewd and lucky to sell out 38,000 week in week out.
Do you understand the meaning of the word "potential"?
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