Steve Lansdown……..

[Ian M]

3 minutes ago, Shauntaylor85 said:

They don’t understand what it takes to be successful on the pitch that is why. Time for change and I’ll keep saying that because seriously baffled with current events. Nige has done a good job, shame it’s not being reciprocated with backing. 

Could this be a situation where our manager is actually more popular with the supporters than with the hierarchy. Quite rare for that to happen, it could be argued that Cotts achieved this too, though his reaction to backing being withheld turned a few against him.

Edit: but can we learn from this history? Unpopular manager with the board, has backing withheld when he feels close to being competitive, reacts badly, gets replaced, new manager gets backed. We have built up a little "nest egg" to support a new appointment in the January window?

[Shauntaylor85]

4 minutes ago, Ian M said:

Could this be a situation where our manager is actually more popular with the supporters than with the hierarchy. Quite rare for that to happen, it could be argued that Cotts achieved this too, though his reaction to backing being withheld turned a few against him.

Edit: but can we learn from this history? Unpopular manager with the board, has backing withheld when he feels close to being competitive, reacts badly, gets replaced, new manager gets backed. We have built up a little "nest egg" to support a new appointment in the January window?

It certainly feels that way. Let’s be honest would you bet on Nige being manager this time next year? I wouldn’t. I do wonder if they feel they’ve backed him this summer with a few signings and they genuinely feel we have a squad capable of being top 6. The SL Luton comment keeps coming up, I understood we were keen on Carlton Morris but naturally didn’t have the cash to splash last summer. Cornick aside I do think Nige has got a lot right signings wise considering the tight budget restraints. 

[fisherrich]

1 hour ago, LondonBristolian said:

I think maybe the major problem with Steve Lansdown is that everyone who stays anywhere a long time eventually stays too long. You get thee sense that he's tired of it, he wants out and that his appetite and enthusiasm for it all has been worn down by the gambles that haven't paid off. For a long time, I was resistant to the idea that a change of ownership would be a definitively good thing, simply because - whilst the Tony Blooms of this world do exist - so do a lot of club owners who are far worse than Lansdown and you can easily end up with someone who does not have the clubs best interests in heart and it can be a disaster.

But, at the moment, there feels like a real inertia around the club. I don't really believe for a second Lansdown wants to bring Lee Johnson back for another tilt because I don't really believe he wants to do anything at all but find the right buyer who will preserve and build on his legacy. That's not easy but I think we need it sooner rather than later as a real drift could set in. 

Agreed, the SL legacy will be off the pitch - not on it, for me anyway.

[Nathandao]

15 hours ago, Red_Alligator said:

Well, this has rattled some cages!!

All I would say is that the most important (by far) element of the football club to me - is - the football team. That's who I cheer for, cry for and support through thick and thin. 

With that and only that in mind, the team look no closer to reaching the top flight than when SL took over.

Many players, a fair number of managers and many years on from the (single),  very clearly stated personal mission, to get Bristol City into the top flight of English football.I

I can sympathise with anyone who feels a bit let down.

 

Well, this has rattled some cages!!

All I would say is that the most important (by far) element of the football club to me - is - the football team. That's who I cheer for, cry for and support through thick and thin. 

With that and only that in mind, the team look no closer to reaching the top flight than when SL took over.

Many players, a fair number of managers and many years on from the (single),  very clearly stated personal mission, to get Bristol City into the top flight of English football.I

I can sympathise with anyone who feels a bit let down.

 

Well, this has rattled some cages!!

All I would say is that the most important (by far) element of the football club to me - is - the football team. That's who I cheer for, cry for and support through thick and thin. 

With that and only that in mind, the team look no closer to reaching the top flight than when SL took over.

Many players, a fair number of managers and many years on from the (single),  very clearly stated personal mission, to get Bristol City into the top flight of English football.I

I can sympathise with anyone who feels a bit let down.

 

Well, this has rattled some cages!!

All I would say is that the most important (by far) element of the football club to me - is - the football team. That's who I cheer for, cry for and support through thick and thin. 

With that and only that in mind, the team look no closer to reaching the top flight than when SL took over.

Many players, a fair number of managers and many years on from the (single),  very clearly stated personal mission, to get Bristol City into the top flight of English football.I

I can sympathise with anyone who feels a bit let down.

 

Well, this has rattled some cages!!

All I would say is that the most important (by far) element of the football club to me - is - the football team. That's who I cheer for, cry for and support through thick and thin. 

With that and only that in mind, the team look no closer to reaching the top flight than when SL took over.

Many players, a fair number of managers and many years on from the (single),  very clearly stated personal mission, to get Bristol City into the top flight of English football.I

I can sympathise with anyone who feels a bit let down.

 

Well, this has rattled some cages!!

All I would say is that the most important (by far) element of the football club to me - is - the football team. That's who I cheer for, cry for and support through thick and thin. 

With that and only that in mind, the team look no closer to reaching the top flight than when SL took over.

Many players, a fair number of managers and many years on from the (single),  very clearly stated personal mission, to get Bristol City into the top flight of English football.I

I can sympathise with anyone who feels a bit let down.

 

 

15 hours ago, Red_Alligator said:

Well, this has rattled some cages!!

All I would say is that the most important (by far) element of the football club to me - is - the football team. That's who I cheer for, cry for and support through thick and thin. 

With that and only that in mind, the team look no closer to reaching the top flight than when SL took over.

Many players, a fair number of managers and many years on from the (single),  very clearly stated personal mission, to get Bristol City into the top flight of English football.I

I can sympathise with anyone who feels a bit let down.

 

 

 

15 hours ago, Red_Alligator said:

Well, this has rattled some cages!!

All I would say is that the most important (by far) element of the football club to me - is - the football team. That's who I cheer for, cry for and support through thick and thin. 

With that and only that in mind, the team look no closer to reaching the top flight than when SL took over.

Many players, a fair number of managers and many years on from the (single),  very clearly stated personal mission, to get Bristol City into the top flight of English football.I

I can sympathise with anyone who feels a bit let down.

 

 

Well, this has rattled some cages!!

All I would say is that the most important (by far) element of the football club to me - is - the football team. That's who I cheer for, cry for and support through thick and thin. 

With that and only that in mind, the team look no closer to reaching the top flight than when SL took over.

Many players, a fair number of managers and many years on from the (single),  very clearly stated personal mission, to get Bristol City into the top flight of English football.I

I can sympathise with anyone who feels a bit let down.

 

 

Well, this has rattled some cages!!

All I would say is that the most important (by far) element of the football club to me - is - the football team. That's who I cheer for, cry for and support through thick and thin. 

With that and only that in mind, the team look no closer to reaching the top flight than when SL took over.

Many players, a fair number of managers and many years on from the (single),  very clearly stated personal mission, to get Bristol City into the top flight of English football.I

I can sympathise with anyone who feels a bit let down.

 

 

Say it again for the people at the back!

[Bristol Rob]

28 minutes ago, Ian M said:

Could this be a situation where our manager is actually more popular with the supporters than with the hierarchy. Quite rare for that to happen, it could be argued that Cotts achieved this too, though his reaction to backing being withheld turned a few against him.

Edit: but can we learn from this history? Unpopular manager with the board, has backing withheld when he feels close to being competitive, reacts badly, gets replaced, new manager gets backed. We have built up a little "nest egg" to support a new appointment in the January window?

If that was the case, SL/the board could have removed NP from his role during the period of time we were doing poorly and this forum had a number of PESRSON OUT threads on it.

My take is probably a bit more simplistic, the club want/need to reduce costs, NP did fairly well against a landscape of losing big earners and embedding youth and now we are at a bit of a crossroads where I will speculate that NP would like to spend some money after having his most successful academy graduate sold and the club still echoing caution as AS wasn't likely to show a dramatic reduction in the salary spend.

[Silvio Dante]

3 hours ago, GrahamC said:

Basically & this has only just occurred to me, JL is a combination of Kendall Roy and Roman Roy from Succession (& if anyone hasn’t seen it, boy are you missing out), as Logan once said “you’re not serious people”.

Mark Ashton was clearly Bob Mortimer’s Train Guy, now it all makes sense.

I’m off for a lie down.

Meanwhile, here’s Steve Lansdown as Logan Roy giving his response to Nige asking for some of the Scott money:

 

 

 

[cheese]

3 hours ago, And Its Smith said:

Wilson didn’t work out as he was a bad trainer and couldn’t get himself fit enough. No good being an attacking full back if you can’t get up and down for 90 mins. 

My Mrs says something similar.

[The Dolman Pragmatist]

Steve Lansdown has put millions of pounds into this club over two decades, transforming our stadium in the process and stabilising us in the Championship.

Nigel Pearson has been with us for less than three years, and has repaired damage and built his own squad within financial limits that are the same at many clubs.  However that squad is presently underperforming and we have had a very disappointing start to the season.  I accept that Pearson had being doing a difficult job and has a high level of integrity, but I would expect us to be dong better than we are with the players we’ve got.

I like Pearson, but I genuinely can’t see why he would be more popular than Lansdown.

Edited August 31, 2023 by The Dolman Pragmatist

[frenchred]

1 minute ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Steve Lansdown has put millions of pounds into this club over two decades, transforming our stadium in the process and stabilising us in the Championship.

Nigel Pearson has been with us for less than three years, and has repaired damage and built his own squad within financial limits that are the same at many clubs.  However that squad is presently underperforming and we have had a very disappointing start to the season.  I accept that Pearson had being doing a difficult job and has a high level of integrity, but I would expect us to be dong better than we are with the players we’ve got.

I like Pearson, but I genuinely can’t see why he would be more popular than Lansdown.

Ask yourself why that damage was done initially and who was to blame for it

It's not the football cubs stadium we just rent it

[cidercity1987]

1 minute ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Steve Lansdown has put millions of pounds into this club over two decades, transforming our stadium in the process and stabilising us in the Championship.

Nigel Pearson has been with us for less than three years, and has repaired damage and built his own squad within financial limits that are the same at many clubs.  However that squad is presently underperforming and we have had a very disappointing start to the season.  I accept that Pearson had being doing a difficult job and has a high level of integrity, but I would expect us to be dong better than we are with the players we’ve got.

I like Pearson, but I genuinely can’t see why he would be more popular than Lansdown.

I don't think the squad is underperforming at all.

We have an average goalkeeper, a good defence, a collection of adequate defensive style midfielders without any attacking flair, workmanlike wide players and one fit 33 year old striker.

[Kid in the Riot]

25 minutes ago, Bristol Rob said:

If that was the case, SL/the board could have removed NP from his role during the period of time we were doing poorly and this forum had a number of PESRSON OUT threads on it.

Oh, they absolutely could have, and were very close to doing so. Twice.

[ChippenhamRed]

17 hours ago, Wedontplayinblue said:

You must be nuts if you don’t want owners like Newcastle or Man City,

No way this club, or any others will see success without money like that. 

It's not "nuts" to not want to see your club funded by sportwashing. I am desperate for this club to succeed, but not at any price.

[Dredd]

The line that came out in the summer was that the players we were buying were to play with Alex Scott. Well he's gone now so where's the replacement. I don't for a second believe that there wasn't a plan between Nige and Tinns for how do we replace Scott.
Have the goalposts been moved?

[ChippenhamRed]

8 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Steve Lansdown has put millions of pounds into this club over two decades, transforming our stadium in the process and stabilising us in the Championship.

Nigel Pearson has been with us for less than three years, and has repaired damage and built his own squad within financial limits that are the same at many clubs.  However that squad is presently underperforming and we have had a very disappointing start to the season.  I accept that Pearson had being doing a difficult job and has a high level of integrity, but I would expect us to be dong better than we are with the players we’ve got.

I like Pearson, but I genuinely can’t see why he would be more popular than Lansdown.

Because most people can see that Pearson has been working with a large number of constraints placed upon him, and has done a job within that context - we have been relatively stable within the Championship, made excellent and increasing use of the academy pathway, and generated much needed income by developing and selling some of those young players. And I don't think most people think the squad is underperforming; it's a limited mid-table squad getting mid-table results.

Lansdown on the other hand is much more of a mixed bag. Of course he has transformed the club off the pitch; the redevelopment of the stadium and the new training ground are undeniable and of course he deserves great credit for that lasting legacy. But the footballing side is much less impressive; a club of this size, in a city of this size, with the amount of money put in over the years...should reasonably be able to expect to at least match the achievements of Bournemouth, Luton, Huddersfield, Brentford and Swansea to name but five. Merely "stabilising us in the Championship" is simply not enough for Bristol City - particularly when Lansdown also oversaw the instable times that preceded it. We are without doubt the biggest club never to have played in the Premier League, and while that remains the case, Steve Lansdown's ownership can never be said to have been a total success.

[steviestevieneville]

2 hours ago, Ian M said:

....and one of the poster's criticisms of Pearson is that he has "signed a lot of players who are no better than he had before"

Where's the consideration for that being achieved whilst reducing the wage bill by circa £8m a year and knocking £10m a year off amortisation costs. That's before you even recognise he's over £25m in credit at player trading. From what he inherited to where we are today, we are potentially £79m+ better off over a three year FFP accounting period compared to carrying on as normal 3 years ago.

Pearson was sold a project that he would have it tough getting the club back on a sound financial footing but once he had we could make a proper go at getting promoted. He's done that, had his star player sold for £25m+ and yet this has had no effect on budgets set in March, even though it dwarfs any other income stream on which budgets are able to be set. He's definitely been done dirty.

I believe the nest egg is either SL planning a sale of the club ASAP or expecting to relieve Pearson of his duties and beginning the long process of shaping our squad in the new chosen one's favoured image. 

I do wonder if a takeover is fairly close & this is the reason he’s reluctant to spend more money. As another poster wrote. 
If it’s the case that he’s keeping his powder dry until NP goes , then that just highlights how inept he is football wise. If the club has a playing philosophy , then it shouldn’t matter who the manager is because you're signing players to that philosophy . But we all know he really hasn’t a clue about the game. He’s proved it numerous times. 

Edited August 31, 2023 by steviestevieneville

[steviestevieneville]

19 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Steve Lansdown has put millions of pounds into this club over two decades, transforming our stadium in the process and stabilising us in the Championship.

Nigel Pearson has been with us for less than three years, and has repaired damage and built his own squad within financial limits that are the same at many clubs.  However that squad is presently underperforming and we have had a very disappointing start to the season.  I accept that Pearson had being doing a difficult job and has a high level of integrity, but I would expect us to be dong better than we are with the players we’ve got.

I like Pearson, but I genuinely can’t see why he would be more popular than Lansdown.

We’re still being affected by the damage as you put it. Who created that damage ? Yes, Lansdown did. Now he’s expecting a silk purse from a sows ear . He’s made these mistakes time & time again 

[Fammyfan]

5 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Steve Lansdown has put millions of pounds into this club over two decades, transforming our stadium in the process and stabilising us in the Championship.

Nigel Pearson has been with us for less than three years, and has repaired damage and built his own squad within financial limits that are the same at many clubs.  However that squad is presently underperforming and we have had a very disappointing start to the season.  I accept that Pearson had being doing a difficult job and has a high level of integrity, but I would expect us to be dong better than we are with the players we’ve got.

I like Pearson, but I genuinely can’t see why he would be more popular than Lansdown.

I’ll be forever grateful to Lansdown for the progress we’ve made off the pitch.

However, the decision not to back Pearson at this time is incredibly disappointing.

Pearson has done incredibly well to filter out the overpaid and under achieving players we had when he came in, at a time where we were being dominated every single game.

Most of the signings we have made since have been cost effective and successful despite being largely forced to utilise the free agent market.

He beds in our academy graduates and we now have a handful of academy graduates that look promising and are being complemented by the system implemented.

Going into the season, we as fans are hopeful of a promotion push and rightly so.

We then sell our best academy graduate, the creativity of our midfield for a club record fee. Simultaneously, AW has been suffering with injuries.

We’re evidently lacking creativity in midfield now and despite having funds in place, our owner is opting to not bring in a replacement, to not back the manager when there is evident progress and to be content to continue with that glaring void in the squad.

I agree we shouldn’t splash the cash but we should at least be looking for a replacement of some sort. 

I appreciate what SL has done but this is an awful, awful decision.

[Silvio Dante]

4 minutes ago, Dredd said:

The line that came out in the summer was that the players we were buying were to play with Alex Scott. Well he's gone now so where's the replacement. I don't for a second believe that there wasn't a plan between Nige and Tinns for how do we replace Scott.
Have the goalposts been moved?

Yes.

And that is the reason for the malcontent both with Nige and the fans. We all accepted Alex being sold - we didnt like it but we understood it. Statements were given by the club (via Nige/Tins) that we expected to keep Scott or that we had a plan should he be sold. Clearly, that plan was not to sign nobody as far as the manager was concerned - and nor as far as the fans.

I like to think I’m generally optimistic about the club. But there is a definite feeling that we’ve not been told the truth to (note - I don’t expect full disclosure but not total bullshit) and it appears the same holds for Nige.

I’d reiterate that he’s done everything asked of him, and although this may be his last job (he’s got wider interests than football), if he left his stock would be undiminished if not enhanced.

I don’t think for one second - and I don’t think anybody does - that Nige expected the full £25m and then to go and sign players at £5m plus. He’s been vocal about not disproportionately impacting the wage bill and it’d have been contrary to how he’s operated. To give him practically nothing though having lost his best player is beyond the pale.

I’m definitely at a point where I think SL needs to sell up (I know he’s been “trying”) - but if he’s waiting to give the next manager cash, he then needs to bite the bullet and sack Nige now. Wrong decision if so, but the toxicity of this situation - caused by what appears to be the chairman’s dishonesty - is untenable.

[Sir Geoff]

29 minutes ago, Dredd said:

The line that came out in the summer was that the players we were buying were to play with Alex Scott. Well he's gone now so where's the replacement. I don't for a second believe that there wasn't a plan between Nige and Tinns for how do we replace Scott.
Have the goalposts been moved?

Tinns said there was a plan if Scott stays and a plan if he goes.

I guess the second part of that was 'do nothing.'

[GrahamC]

3 minutes ago, Sir Geoff said:

Tinns said there was a plan if Scott stays and a plan if he goes.

I guess the second part of that was 'do nothing.'

Nope, apparently it actually was borrow someone from West Brom for £700k who can also fill in if needed at right back.

Not sure that was exactly how it was portrayed when all the talk pre season was of trying to push to get in to the playoffs..

[Wade Wilson]

1 hour ago, Silvio Dante said:

Meanwhile, here’s Steve Lansdown as Logan Roy giving his response to Nige asking for some of the Scott money:

 

 

 

“Steve, we’ve just made £25m from Scott. Can I have, at least, half of that to reinvest in the squad and adequately replace him?”

 

Lansdown: 

 

[Kid in the Riot]

8 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Nope, apparently it actually was borrow someone from West Brom for £700k who can also fill in if needed at right back.

Not sure that was exactly how it was portrayed when all the talk pre season was of trying to push to get in to the playoffs..

And sign Adam Murphy...?

[marmite]

55 minutes ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Steve Lansdown has put millions of pounds into this club over two decades, transforming our stadium in the process and stabilising us in the Championship.

Nigel Pearson has been with us for less than three years, and has repaired damage and built his own squad within financial limits that are the same at many clubs.  However that squad is presently underperforming and we have had a very disappointing start to the season.  I accept that Pearson had being doing a difficult job and has a high level of integrity, but I would expect us to be dong better than we are with the players we’ve got.

I like Pearson, but I genuinely can’t see why he would be more popular than Lansdown.

I think you may have inadvertently stumbled across the reason for the current situation when you stated that Lansdown had established us in the Championship.  

Is that perhaps as far as he's willing to back us?  Is the Premierships costs perhaps a step too far for him?

[GrahamC]

1 minute ago, Kid in the Riot said:

And sign Adam Murphy...?

Guess so, but an 18 year old with a checkered injury history wasn’t really for this season, was it?

[Mr Popodopolous]

3 minutes ago, marmite said:

I think you may have inadvertently stumbled across the reason for the current situation when you stated that Lansdown had established us in the Championship.  

Is that perhaps as far as he's willing to back us?  Is the Premierships costs perhaps a step too far for him?

More revenue more cost?

If run sensibly it need not be, see Brentford albeit a small sample size. Brighton less clear cut. Burnley room.Otoh see countless other examples where owner contribution kicks in big.

[marmite]

1 minute ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

More revenue more cost?

If run sensibly it need not be, see Brentford albeit a small sample size. Brighton less clear cut. Burnley room.Otoh see countless other examples where owner contribution kicks in big.

If we want to go up and stay up the costs are enormous . Yes the rewards are large too but someone has to dig deep.

100 million won't go far when you factor in huge transfer fees and obscene wages. We haven't got 2 or 3 Scotts to sell to help finance us.

If we're carrying 30 mil dept in the Championship,  God help us in the Prem.

[Rob k]

13 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

And sign Adam Murphy...?

Gone back to Ireland hasn’t he?

[Kid in the Riot]

5 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Guess so, but an 18 year old with a checkered injury history wasn’t really for this season, was it?

Probably not, though Nige has shown with Yeboah that age is just a number, and Murphy has at least played mens football.

I agree the whole Thomason/Gardner-Hickman/Murphy plan is hardly inspiring.

In fact, isn't Gardner-Hickman more cover for McCrorie? 

[Mr Popodopolous]

5 minutes ago, marmite said:

If we want to go up and stay up the costs are enormous . Yes the rewards are large too but someone has to dig deep.

100 million won't go far when you factor in huge transfer fees and obscene wages. We haven't got 2 or 3 Scotts to sell to help finance us.

If we're carrying 30 mil dept in the Championship,  God help us in the Prem.

Debt is only a problem so long as the lender in this case mostly SL, wants it repaid.

The cash losses are the key, could we run on a cash break even basis in the PL without owner input. Again Brentford are an example albeit we only have Year 1.

[Redandproud]

18 hours ago, Cidre Monita said:

Finally the blinkers are coming off of people! We all know we can’t carry on like this 4fs. Thanks for everything Steve, but you can’t hold the club back any longer. 

If he won't do anything,then the fans will have to ,like a protest, enter the ground but stay in the concourse untill after the kickoff whistle, with a banner demanding "LANSDOWN OUT", in the South Stand,just an idea, 

[Rob k]

2 minutes ago, Redandproud said:

If he won't do anything,then the fans will have to ,like a protest, enter the ground but stay in the concourse untill after the kickoff whistle, with a banner demanding "LANSDOWN OUT", in the South Stand,just an idea, 

You will Still need a buyer with very deep pockets!! 

[Guest]

13 minutes ago, marmite said:

I think you may have inadvertently stumbled across the reason for the current situation when you stated that Lansdown had established us in the Championship.  

Is that perhaps as far as he's willing to back us?  Is the Premierships costs perhaps a step too far for him?

Bottom line; he is happy just where we are, lets just say; very wary of taking the next step up, strangely that doesnt say much for his own belief in the managers he brings in.........or does it......can see it relating to all dog owners who put their hand/finger out and say STAY!

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 minute ago, wtf said:

Bottom line; he is happy just where we are, lets just say; very wary of taking the next step up, strangely that doesnt say much for his own belief in the managers he brings in.........or does it......can see it relating to all dog owners who put their hand/finger out and say STAY!

Ironically he has just the right manager to continue building IMO if only he would back him a bit.

[Ian M]

"It is my belief that..." the reason it's taking so long for a sale/investment to come forward is that SL wants a buyer for Bristol Sport, lock stock and barrel. Whilst there may be buyers out there who see the potential at the right place for buying Bristol City, backing themselves through processes to get us promoted and seeing the value of that investment increase*, the added surcharge that comes from the rugby and basketball teams being included in any sale pushes would-be-investors towards other clubs in the Championship with similar potential.

*Football clubs largely remain unprofitable account wise but the profit seems to be in holding for a few years then selling at a higher price, much like housing. For City, that would require a promotion first.

[Numero Uno]

1 hour ago, cidercity1987 said:

I don't think the squad is underperforming at all.

We have an average goalkeeper, a good defence, a collection of adequate defensive style midfielders without any attacking flair, workmanlike wide players and one fit 33 year old striker.

And about half a dozen injured.

[marmite]

8 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Debt is only a problem so long as the lender in this case mostly SL, wants it repaid.

The cash losses are the key, could we run on a cash break even basis in the PL without owner input. Again Brentford are an example albeit we only have Year 1.

This is the million dollar question. Would Steve be happy to continue backing us with little or no chance of seeing a financial return?

He knows the risks and the odds are stacked against him. He said at last years Senior Reds that the best way to become a millionaire was to start as a billionaire and buy a football club!

He knows he won't make money but how much is he prepared to lose?

[Red-Robbo]

12 minutes ago, Redandproud said:

If he won't do anything,then the fans will have to ,like a protest, enter the ground but stay in the concourse untill after the kickoff whistle, with a banner demanding "LANSDOWN OUT", in the South Stand,just an idea, 

 

8 minutes ago, Rob k said:

You will Still need a buyer with very deep pockets!! 

 

Reckon we can fit "Lansdown out but new owner who isn't a crook but is just an extremely nice bloke with loads of dosh who'll just let Pearson get on with his job in" onto a banner. 

[cidercity1987]

2 minutes ago, marmite said:

This is the million dollar question. Would Steve be happy to continue backing us with little or no chance of seeing a financial return?

He knows the risks and the odds are stacked against him. He said at last years Senior Reds that the best way to become a millionaire was to start as a billionaire and buy a football club!

He knows he won't make money but how much is he prepared to lose?

Well if he had managed what every single club of similar standing and many lower have achieved in the last 25 years (except perhaps Sheff Wed) and get promoted to the PL, then there's his profit right there

[Mr Popodopolous]

7 minutes ago, marmite said:

This is the million dollar question. Would Steve be happy to continue backing us with little or no chance of seeing a financial return?

He knows the risks and the odds are stacked against him. He said at last years Senior Reds that the best way to become a millionaire was to start as a billionaire and buy a football club!

He knows he won't make money but how much is he prepared to lose?

Let's see what Brentford and their admittedly Year 1 Cash Flow was. They repaid certain loans at least in part.

[fisherrich]

1 hour ago, ChippenhamRed said:

Because most people can see that Pearson has been working with a large number of constraints placed upon him, and has done a job within that context - we have been relatively stable within the Championship, made excellent and increasing use of the academy pathway, and generated much needed income by developing and selling some of those young players. And I don't think most people think the squad is underperforming; it's a limited mid-table squad getting mid-table results.

Lansdown on the other hand is much more of a mixed bag. Of course he has transformed the club off the pitch; the redevelopment of the stadium and the new training ground are undeniable and of course he deserves great credit for that lasting legacy. But the footballing side is much less impressive; a club of this size, in a city of this size, with the amount of money put in over the years...should reasonably be able to expect to at least match the achievements of Bournemouth, Luton, Huddersfield, Brentford and Swansea to name but five. Merely "stabilising us in the Championship" is simply not enough for Bristol City - particularly when Lansdown also oversaw the instable times that preceded it. We are without doubt the biggest club never to have played in the Premier League, and while that remains the case, Steve Lansdown's ownership can never be said to have been a total success.

Well said.
You do have split in half the Lansdown legacy off the pitch which is good, then realise the Lansdown legacy on the pitch, which is bloody awful. He really does not have a clue.

[Numero Uno]

8 minutes ago, Ian M said:

"It is my belief that..." the reason it's taking so long for a sale/investment to come forward is that SL wants a buyer for Bristol Sport, lock stock and barrel. Whilst there may be buyers out there who see the potential at the right place for buying Bristol City, backing themselves through processes to get us promoted and seeing the value of that investment increase*, the added surcharge that comes from the rugby and basketball teams being included in any sale pushes would-be-investors towards other clubs in the Championship with similar potential.

*Football clubs largely remain unprofitable account wise but the profit seems to be in holding for a few years then selling at a higher price, much like housing. For City, that would require a promotion first.

There is only one person responsible for putting the club in a position where it seems unattractive to buyers in comparison to other clubs. If we take our fan blinkers off we are relatively high cost, achieve very little and are treading water in a period of austerity caused by basket case spending from a few seasons ago that directly affects our competitiveness. Then you have to add in a structure where it is very difficult to purchase the football club only if that’s all that interests you and probably restricted even if you can broker that deal. Who wants to buy a business with those “credentials”?

[Davefevs]

2 hours ago, Ian M said:

Could this be a situation where our manager is actually more popular with the supporters than with the hierarchy. Quite rare for that to happen, it could be argued that Cotts achieved this too, though his reaction to backing being withheld turned a few against him.

Edit: but can we learn from this history? Unpopular manager with the board, has backing withheld when he feels close to being competitive, reacts badly, gets replaced, new manager gets backed. We have built up a little "nest egg" to support a new appointment in the January window?

…and what happens next.  The manager is the one that goes.

FWIW I think Nige is toeing the line…for now.  He feels this squad isn’t far off (others may disagree, that’s cool) and if we can muddle our way through the period without Andi and Tommy, get some more info re McCrorie, we can still be in a reasonable position.  If he does that, then he is gonna make it difficult for SL to give him the heave-ho, and strengthen his own position to get an extension.  That may culminate with a re-think of budget in January.  Tgat will be a helluva an achievement if he can keep / get us mid-table / top-half.

So I think he hides his true feelings for now.

Losing Alex (ok his injury has in some respects cushioned the blow) was far from ideal for the early season aspirations, but it’s hardly like we are sat in the bottom three is it.

However should things start to get messy, then I think we will hear some home truths because I think he knows he’ll be on his way.

40 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

And sign Adam Murphy...?

which in the grand scheme of things on a 4 year contract with wages would’ve been peanuts.

Shame his injury history has played out, because he looks a talented kid.

[Ian M]

4 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

There is only one person responsible for putting the club in a position where it seems unattractive to buyers in comparison to other clubs. If we take our fan blinkers off we are relatively high cost, achieve very little and are treading water in a period of austerity caused by basket case spending from a few seasons ago that directly affects our competitiveness. Then you have to add in a structure where it is very difficult to purchase the football club only if that’s all that interests you and probably restricted even if you can broker that deal. Who wants to buy a business with those “credentials”?

Oh I thought of another factor. He could also be wanting the Village Green land included in any deal with the planning permission for housing on part of it being justification for another bump in asking price.

Not good if you're just interested in buying a football club and trying to make it succeed.

 

[bs3]

I posted last week about a delay in starting the new arena . After reading 9 pages of this am I putting 2 and 2 together and deducing that Lansdown is about to cash in his chips with Bristol Sport?

[fisherrich]

Just now, bs3 said:

I posted last week about a delay in starting the new arena . After reading 9 pages of this am I putting 2 and 2 together and deducing that Lansdown is about to cash in his chips with Bristol Sport?

This was mentioned at the Norwich game the other night.
It feels like something is happening soon one way or the other. The club is treading water at best, and IMO (said it on here for a while), Bristol Sport is now cutting across the the football club. Can only assume something is going to happen soon, but only Lansdown knows probably.

[Ian M]

8 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

…and what happens next.  The manager is the one that goes.

FWIW I think Nige is toeing the line…for now.  He feels this squad isn’t far off (others may disagree, that’s cool) and if we can muddle our way through the period without Andi and Tommy, get some more info re McCrorie, we can still be in a reasonable position.  If he does that, then he is gonna make it difficult for SL to give him the heave-ho, and strengthen his own position to get an extension.  That may culminate with a re-think of budget in January.  Tgat will be a helluva an achievement if he can keep / get us mid-table / top-half.

So I think he hides his true feelings for now.

Losing Alex (ok his injury has in some respects cushioned the blow) was far from ideal for the early season aspirations, but it’s hardly like we are sat in the bottom three is it.

However should things start to get messy, then I think we will hear some home truths because I think he knows he’ll be on his way.

which in the grand scheme of things on a 4 year contract with wages would’ve been peanuts.

Shame his injury history has played out, because he looks a talented kid.

I agree. Other than posts on a message board, there won't be any real pressure on the board unless results dip and we fall down the table and if that happens a lot of fans would likely turn on NP, making it an easy win to fire him and relieve that pressure.

The depressing part for me is that I have zero confidence that the club will appoint from a club playing philosophy POV and his replacement will start the long process of re-shaping the squad in his desired image.

[Numero Uno]

7 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

…and what happens next.  The manager is the one that goes.

FWIW I think Nige is toeing the line…for now.  He feels this squad isn’t far off (others may disagree, that’s cool) and if we can muddle our way through the period without Andi and Tommy, get some more info re McCrorie, we can still be in a reasonable position.  If he does that, then he is gonna make it difficult for SL to give him the heave-ho, and strengthen his own position to get an extension.  That may culminate with a re-think of budget in January.  Tgat will be a helluva an achievement if he can keep / get us mid-table / top-half.

So I think he hides his true feelings for now.

Losing Alex (ok his injury has in some respects cushioned the blow) was far from ideal for the early season aspirations, but it’s hardly like we are sat in the bottom three is it.

However should things start to get messy, then I think we will hear some home truths because I think he knows he’ll be on his way.

which in the grand scheme of things on a 4 year contract with wages would’ve been peanuts.

Shame his injury history has played out, because he looks a talented kid.

I think Nige will be professional to the end in terms of the football side of it. However I also see him as a Manager that won’t bullshit the fans to keep the Upstairs Mob happy and if things are playing out as many people are concerned about them we will be hearing a few interesting interviews before the season ends and/or he is relieved of his duties.

4 minutes ago, Ian M said:

I agree. Other than posts on a message board, there won't be any real pressure on the board unless results dip and we fall down the table and if that happens a lot of fans would likely turn on NP, making it an easy win to fire him and relieve that pressure.

The depressing part for me is that I have zero confidence that the club will appoint from a club playing philosophy POV and his replacement will start the long process of re-shaping the squad in his desired image.

Aka Groundhog Day…….

[mozo]

44 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

Probably not, though Nige has shown with Yeboah that age is just a number, and Murphy has at least played mens football.

I agree the whole Thomason/Gardner-Hickman/Murphy plan is hardly inspiring.

In fact, isn't Gardner-Hickman more cover for McCrorie? 

Yeah it was my interpretation that Gardner-Hickman came into focus after the McCrorie injury, but you could still argue that he's the Thomason alternative too. Even if we'd have got Murphy it's a little underwhelming, if even plausible that this was the plan that Tinnion referred to.

[GrahamC]

47 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

 

In fact, isn't Gardner-Hickman more cover for McCrorie? 

Time will tell, as with the low numbers we have as long as he stays fit then he’s going to get plenty of opportunities somewhere in the team.

My hunch at present is he’s more us hedging our bets, we are short of RB cover until McCrorie returns & he’s another possible option in midfield too, so we brought him in because we are low on numbers & he can fill several different roles.

WBA supporting mate of mine thinks that he’s best utilised in midfield.

[glynriley]

34 minutes ago, Red-Robbo said:

 

 

Reckon we can fit "Lansdown out but new owner who isn't a crook but is just an extremely nice bloke with loads of dosh who'll just let Pearson get on with his job in" onto a banner. 

"And is not an Arab" on it as well, just to please a few on here...

[GrahamC]

38 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

And about half a dozen injured.

Unless we are going to include Benarous, which as he’s only ever started 7 games for us is a bit of a stretch, we have 4 out, one of whom McCrorie is technically ill rather than out injured.

I saw Leeds had 11 players missing at the start of this season, I really do think we obsess over this thinking we are some outlier when we’re certainly not.

[Mr Popodopolous]

2 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Unless we are going to include Benarous, which as he’s only ever started 7 games for us is a bit of a stretch, we have 4 out, one of whom McCrorie is technically ill rather than out injured.

I saw Leeds had 11 players missing at the start of this season, I really do think we obsess over this thinking we are some outlier when we’re certainly not.

Much bigger and deeper squad than us. 5 out of a thin squad is really dangerously thin.

[Red-Robbo]

3 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Unless we are going to include Benarous, which as he’s only ever started 7 games for us is a bit of a stretch, we have 4 out, one of whom McCrorie is technically ill rather than out injured.

I saw Leeds had 11 players missing at the start of this season, I really do think we obsess over this thinking we are some outlier when we’re certainly not.

 

I think it's because folks remember the days of yore, when there were fewer (and more primitive) medical checks and players often played on with injuries, with the result that their careers ended earlier. 

[GrahamC]

Just now, Red-Robbo said:

 

I think it's because folks remember the days of yore, when there were fewer (and more primitive) medical checks and players often played on with injuries, with the result that their careers ended earlier. 

Plus the Holden COVID season when they were dropping like flies, think it was double figures out then.

[Red-Robbo]

1 minute ago, GrahamC said:

Plus the Holden COVID season when they were dropping like flies, think it was double figures out then.

That really was a 'Doctor Death' scenario.

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 hour ago, Redandproud said:

If he won't do anything,then the fans will have to ,like a protest, enter the ground but stay in the concourse untill after the kickoff whistle, with a banner demanding "LANSDOWN OUT", in the South Stand,just an idea, 

Let's pull out of the football bubble a minute, and look at it rationally and from a business perspective.

We protest against a guy not using his money to bankroll us. If he is running us cash breakeven he is totally well within his rights. The apparent moving of the goal posts is something else entirely but if an entity in this case us, are not cash breakeven or better than we are reliant on the owner topping that up...we had about £158,641 in Cash in Bank and Cash Equivalents at the end of 2021-22, how long would that last.

Unless there is a binding contract there is no legal obligation.

Edited August 31, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Numero Uno]

20 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

Unless we are going to include Benarous, which as he’s only ever started 7 games for us is a bit of a stretch, we have 4 out, one of whom McCrorie is technically ill rather than out injured.

I saw Leeds had 11 players missing at the start of this season, I really do think we obsess over this thinking we are some outlier when we’re certainly not.

I never mentioned the word outlier. I said we have half a dozen out, ok I was wrong it's five. You only have to look at our bench to see that we have a problem. We have a thin squad (and before anyone says that's Nige's choice we are either at or very close to agreed maximum wage bill aren't we?). So thin that when the U23's have a game we can't even fill the bench with players close to the standard at the moment. The injured players, even Benarous in my view, would all add something to the squad.

If we are going to exclude players with limited appearances then we have a squad that doesn't contain a competitive number 2 goalkeeper...................and can't afford to add one by the sound of it. We also have Yeboah, Aroaye, Knight-Lebell and Leeson filling the bench. If they only count as players "at a stretch" too due to limited appearances then that leaves us with around 15 available players at the moment!!

[BLRed]

Isn’t the remit to be self sustainable? That term essentially means sell to fund future purchases. The semenyo sale funded the signings that have come through the door already so the Scott sale should offer some decent funding to further strengthen. Lansdown is essentially going against his own remit to restrict the budget despite the sake of Scott. They need to be pulled up on this because if we can use money generated from sales, and Lansdown won’t spend any other money how the hell are we ever supposed to progress?

[Mr Popodopolous]

@BLRed

Self sustainable can mean two things.

Do we mean a balancing cash in cash out or as close to a breakeven in Profit and Loss as we can- perhaps both.

I do agree with your overarching point of course but if SL is tired of putting the same amount of money in...

Then there isn't much scope for expensive spending until we find a new funder, fresh investment or SL changes his mind again.

Edited August 31, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Numero Uno]

20 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Let's pull out of the football bubble a minute, and look at it rationally and from a business perspective.

We protest against a guy not using his money to bankroll us. If he is running us cash breakeven he is totally well within his rights. The apparent moving of the goal posts is something else entirely but if an entity in this case us, are not cash breakeven or better than we are reliant on the owner topping that up...we had about £158,641 in Cash in Bank and Cash Equivalents at the end of 2021-22, how long would that last.

Unless there is a binding contract there is no legal obligation.

Totally understand what you are saying and totally grateful for the AMOUNT OF MONEY that Steve has invested from his own personal wealth that he certainly didn't have to. In that regard the bloke is generous to a fault and has to be applauded for that.

On the flip said of that I would say that once Steve CHOSE to take that course of action and, furthermore, informed the fanbase that due to this course of action "it's his money, his club and he's not funding people to watch football in Bristol", his prerogative obviously, then he does put himself in a position that is ripe for scrutiny on his decision making in my view. The fact we are an entity that seems to be virtually unbuyable unless you are prepared to also buy tens of millions of pounds of assets related to other sporting organsations is the way that STEVE decided to set the operation up, nobody else.

The fact that he allowed Lee Johnson to fill our squad at huge expense (didn't we have over 30 pro's at one time?) and the result of that was to remain in the division and end up with a significant FFP problem after COVID hit is not of anyone's making but Steve's. He sanctioned it, granted he PAID for it, but that's on him. What sticks in my throat is that Johnson gets a free ride (and the CEO at the time) and we now have a Manager who has agreed to work under severe restrictions (we all know that's true whether some like to admit it for their own agenda or not), has comfortably kept us in the division twice under those restrictions but who apparently hasn't "achieved anything" and ought to be able to "do a Luton" with the fantastic squad he has at his disposal. You don't need to be a genius to work out the dynamic of spiky Manager who has enough confidence in his standing in the game and record to say it as it is and Owner who doesn't appreciate being told how it is..............

It's comments of crass stupidity which make people quickly forget the purely business perspective of it all.

[Mr Popodopolous]

2 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

Totally understand what you are saying and totally grateful for the AMOUNT OF MONEY that Steve has invested from his own personal wealth that he certainly didn't have to. In that regard the bloke is generous to a fault and has to be applauded for that.

On the flip said of that I would say that once Steve CHOSE to take that course of action and, furthermore, informed the fanbase that due to this course of action "it's his money, his club and he's not funding people to watch football in Bristol", his prerogative obviously, then he does put himself in a position that is ripe for scrutiny on his decision making in my view. The fact we are an entity that seems to be virtually unbuyable unless you are prepared to also buy tens of millions of pounds of assets related to other sporting organsations is the way that STEVE decided to set the operation up, nobody else.

The fact that he allowed Lee Johnson to fill our squad at huge expense (didn't we have over 30 pro's at one time?) and the result of that was to remain in the division and end up with a significant FFP problem after COVID hit is not of anyone's making but Steve's. He sanctioned it, granted he PAID for it, but that's on him. What sticks in my throat is that Johnson gets a free ride (and the CEO at the time) and we now have a Manager who has agreed to work under severe restrictions (we all know that's true whether some like to admit it for their own agenda or not), has comfortably kept us in the division twice under those restrictions but who apparently hasn't "achieved anything" and ought to be able to "do a Luton" with the fantastic squad he has at his disposal. You don't need to be a genius to work out the dynamic of spiky Manager who has enough confidence in his standing in the game and record to say it as it is and Owner who doesn't appreciate being told how it is..............

It's comments of crass stupidity which make people quickly forget the purely business perspective of it all.

Yeah I agree. This is not fair on the fans and it isn't fair on NP. Certainly there is a huge disconnect in the backing granted to Johnson and Ashton vs that of NP.

Yeah Luton feels a bit of a one-off really.  Can't see that of all models as being particularly easy to replicate her and in addition they had a bigger squad than we have which would assist with competition, depth, rotation. The comparison is a poor one by SL.

Yes the amount he poured in is on him somewhat but not entirely, Millwall, Prsston, a host of clubs require funding to some degree from owners and in increasing amounts. It also reflects a division where 100 pct of turnover has been known to go on wages as a divisional average.

Yeah he let those two run amok and now we seem to be wildly over correcting at just the wrong time. Or should I say SL seems to be wildly overcorrecting at just the wrong time. 

[Ivorguy]

17 hours ago, One Team said:

I’ve said a number of times that when people declare sweeping statements about our fans opinions that OTIB represents a very, very small monitory of views. 

Of all the City fans I know, whether they go or not, local or not, only two of them even know this forum exists. 

That said, in OTIB universe, making the statements about SL (myself included) we’ve seen this week would never have occurred a few years ago. 

Nonsense.  I, amongst others, have warned about SL’s stewardship for a number of years now, and taken abuse for it.  It is good to note that others are now coming round to this critique of SL, especially the nonsense that is Bristol Sport.  Thank goodness he never got his hands on Glos cricket!

[Greedo]

Show us the money, Steve, or sell the club. 

[Davefevs]

@Numero Uno great post

@Ivorguy yes you did.  I know I always say it, but as a noob to OTIB I asked you why you had the view you held, and your reply made a lot of sense.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Required reading for some of the critics..from the 2021-22 Accounts. Other Borrowings 1 and 4.

Well not just the critics but everyone tbh.

In theory never mind cash break even he could run us in a way that very slowly begins to pay off some of his loans. 

Edited August 31, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[lenred]

1 hour ago, Numero Uno said:

However I also see him as a Manager that won’t bullshit the fans to keep the Upstairs Mob happy and if things are playing out as many people are concerned about them we will be hearing a few interesting interviews before the season ends and/or he is relieved of his duties.

A nice big fat NDA may put paid to that! I say in jest but wouldn’t put it past them.  

[Clutton Caveman]

19 hours ago, Superjack said:

Indeed. 

 

Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Would be interesting if SL sold the club to the fans. Clearly a few would have to buy big chunks of shares but the rest would be held by the 20,000 regulars. I wonder:

How many would put their hand in their pocket to buy the shares

How many would accept zero % return on their investment each year

How many would be happy to be continually asked to put their hand in their pocket to top up the coffers to cover our yearly loss.

How we could ever agree on anything such as a new manager

If we would still hear call for big spending

[richwwtk]

1 hour ago, glynriley said:

"And is not an Arab" on it as well, just to please a few on here...

I presume that is a dig at my comment about not wanting owners like Man City, the fewers or Newcastle?

Funnily enough the Arab thing hadn't even crossed my mind until you remarked on it.

I would just prefer someone with a connection to the club and not an owner that is effectively a nation state looking to boost their profile, or anyone else that only sees us as an investment.

[Lord Northski]

I can completely understand Steve Lansdown repeatedly pumping in cash to the club with no obvious evident improvement on the pitch.  His seeming refusal to do so again with the Scott money, despite there being obvious holes on in our playing squad is clearly an indication to us all that the tap has been turned off, and that the club cannot repeatedly make duff signings, wasting money on players that aren't good enough and simply expect to buy more. Cornick and Mehmeti aren't good enough, and although they may show promise, they both shouldn't be anywhere near the starting eleven on current form.

Is it that our scouting isn't good enough, or that there's a disconnect between what Steve Lansdown's been told about these players when the money request goes in, and what he sees in return.

Whatever it is, Steve Lansdown has seemingly fallen out of love with something: Pearson? Ungrateful fans? Owning a football club? or the removal of smoke blowers? We must clearly get accustomed to the new reality, until Pearson conjures something out of nothing, which is his job after all. Or Steve falls back in love with football again. Unlike many, I don't believe a new messiah will be able to provide any more funds than we've had already, and almost definitely won't support the other Bristol teams in the same way.  

[GrahamC]

55 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

I never mentioned the word outlier. I said we have half a dozen out, ok I was wrong it's five. You only have to look at our bench to see that we have a problem. We have a thin squad (and before anyone says that's Nige's choice we are either at or very close to agreed maximum wage bill aren't we?). So thin that when the U23's have a game we can't even fill the bench with players close to the standard at the moment. The injured players, even Benarous in my view, would all add something to the squad.

If we are going to exclude players with limited appearances then we have a squad that doesn't contain a competitive number 2 goalkeeper...................and can't afford to add one by the sound of it. We also have Yeboah, Aroaye, Knight-Lebell and Leeson filling the bench. If they only count as players "at a stretch" too due to limited appearances then that leaves us with around 15 available players at the moment!!

I just think in 2 specific cases we went into the season already knowing this.

Atkinson did his ACL in February, so he’s not likely to play this calendar year.

Benarous has done his ACL twice, he’s currently out with a hamstring injury, the prospect of us relying on him as a significant part of the squad in the near future seems improbable.

Therefore we currently have 3 others missing, one of whom is ill, this strikes me as about average (possibly even below) in terms of absentees.

The goalkeeper situation is what it is, we are relying on O’Leary staying fit & 2 inexperienced deputies (though Bajic has played 9 times in the French top flight), not ideal but unlikely to change.

Most on here think it odd we are trying to run on such low numbers & that we need a couple in, but now doubt it will happen.

Just to finish on the U21s, Leeson hasn’t been involved this season & those who were early on have dropped out not because of playing games but because their performances at level have been so poor.

@Davefevs said on another thread that the 9 subs business was a bit ridiculous anyway & I agree, provided we have a sub goalie then maybe we make a policy decision to just have 7 anyway, cover most positions with that & don’t include youngsters for the sake of it.