Steve Lansdown……..

[Mr Popodopolous]

31 minutes ago, Superjack said:

Oh dear.

You think he's off?

Unsure who we'll entice under these conditions who is as good, never mind better this season.

Edited August 31, 2023 by Mr Popodopolous

[Baldyman]

7 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

I don't see us going down so long as we keep NP.

Injuries and lack of depth are a concern though.

Sadly NP will take us down in my opinion . His contract is up at the end and there’s been no mention of any extension. It would appear all parties might be happy to part ways come May with no funds being given to a departing coach . That has relegation written all over it sadly and that’s no reflection on Pearson . 

[Supersonic Robin]

3 hours ago, Fred89 said:

It’s simple Luton have been to the conference and back and beat us to promotion (making 2 play offs), Brentford League 2 and then 3 championship play off seasons (2 finals) Cardiff have been promoted twice QPR twice, Blackpool have been to the Prem another play off final I could go on and on the continuous sale of our top talents is insane year on year and we just accept it as if it’s the normal So glad Pearson has acknowledged what I have said in my previous posts ! The sale of Scott was totally unnecessary and destroyed our chances this season 

Genuine question - do we think we sell our best players faster/more frequently than other Championship clubs do? If so, is there evidence to support this?

Is it possible that we retain our best players for time periods similar to that of other Championship clubs, but they are: 
A) More effective than us in making progress in the league whilst those players are at the club, and;
B) More effective than us in spending the money gained from player sales 

[Superjack]

14 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

You think he's off?

Unsure who we'll entice under these conditions who is better this season.

Yes. I do. 

As for the rest, 'nobody' is the answer.

[RedRock]

52 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

I wonder if his interest is on the wane a bit.

The move to Guernsey, the age. Other projects...sometimes leaders run their course.

I think his interest waned during the latter years of LJ. Sure the idea was to pass responsibility for the running of the Club to Jon, assisted by MA with (relatively) small cash injections as necessary. He was planning to going off to enjoy a leisurely retirement watching City from afar.

Jon though went awol and MA seemed to just take control for his own benefit.

Steve has been lumbered with the overseeing the running of the Club, which over the last few Seasons has cost him £10 millions annually. I suspect he derives little enjoyment from his involvement. Frankly, probably views it as a right pain in the ar$e. Think he has had more than enough. Think most of us in his position would be of a similar mind.

Clearly bad judgements were made on appointments, when to invest and when not, the lack of building a decent scouting network and a plan to build a cohesive team. However, on the upside we now have a decent stadium, training facility and an Academy the envy of many. I think the Bristol Sport concept is sound too and IF the sporting quarter is delivered, a unique sporting complex and one to be proud of. 

The Holy Grail has not been delivered though and, ultimately, he will be judged on that by many. However, solid foundations are in place to push on to the next stage. Vital now he passes the baton on to someone who has the means and ability to realise our dream. Fear is if it’s a Glazer-type enterprise then everything he’s invested in the Club is likely to be rendered worthless. I’ll judge Steve’s involvement in our Club based on who takes over. 

 

 

[Spike]

I'm surprised by how many people think we should have kept Scott, like would I rather keep or sell... obviously I'd have kept but when it comes to FFP and the fact a club offered what we said we wanted for him it was one of those deals we couldn't turn down. On the one hand if he'd of stayed we may have had a run at promotion, but on the other, more realistic hand we could have ended mid-table with a £25m player walking out for nothing.
I fully understand wanting to progress and hold onto players like Scott but imagine if we'd have kept him and he'd left on a free, we'd still be the same player down and with £25m less in the bank meaning if a new manager does come in we'd have to employ him with the knowledge that he'd not be able to spend anything.

I honestly think Pearson leaves the end of the season as his contract is up right? I'm sure it was a 3 year contract in 2021 that he signed. I can't see him wanting to continue on this project if he's not going to be able to spend, he's already spent his time here cutting down a huge wage bill and still managing to keep us with a Championship team. People may say we're not a Championship team but we really are, we're just not a top half one with the current injuries. I can see some of our fans having a very big shock if Pearson goes as we'll bring someone in, they'll have very little to work with and won't have the reputation that Pearson has within the footballing world which I think helps him sign good players for low prices. 

[Superjack]

18 minutes ago, Baldyman said:

Sadly NP will take us down in my opinion . His contract is up at the end and there’s been no mention of any extension. It would appear all parties might be happy to part ways come May with no funds being given to a departing coach . That has relegation written all over it sadly and that’s no reflection on Pearson . 

I don't think he will. Because he will be gone. 

His successor might though.

[Mr Popodopolous]

10 minutes ago, Fred89 said:

What about Murray , Peacock, Lita if you want to go back to historical previous Sales by the Lansdown regime ! He doesn’t gamble period ! You have to gamble, be that by telling a player no and seeing how you go or pushing the boat out financially (at the right times not just to boost season ticket sales like with David James)

I think cashing in on players in the last year of a deal inspite of their feelings is negatively presumptuous, lacks ambition and leaves a manager who has built a side around said players being shown the exit with an impossible challenge to compete !

Are you telling me when Bournemouth,Swansea,Luton, Brentford finished in Playoff positions or near to before their promotions they did not turn down bids for players and build? I’d say you are a liar if you do ! 

We spent £26m in gross fees and spent more than 100 pct of wages in 2019-20. How big a gamble do you want. The wage bill ticked up again in 2020-21. In fact our wage bill was 100 pct or above of turnover for 5 successive years.

Bryan and Reid, we needed to raise a few million that summer as new FFP measures were coming in. I advise checking the loss before transfer activity to try and work backwards that year.

Think we needed to raise £5-7m in wage and amortisation savings or transfer profits based on that. EFL could have restricted us had we decided to ignore..financial rules can dictate activity at times sadly, we saw that for 18 months to 2 years post 2021. We had to demonstrate how we would comply in offer to trade to some degree back in 2018.

I'm happy to look back at those clubs as I honestly don't know on the last paragraph. The £39m has to be adhetrf to at all times I know that much. Albeit Bournemouth cheated when it was easier to do so and have been reaping rewards ever since.

[Davefevs]

52 minutes ago, Baldyman said:

Sadly NP will take us down in my opinion . His contract is up at the end and there’s been no mention of any extension. It would appear all parties might be happy to part ways come May with no funds being given to a departing coach . That has relegation written all over it sadly and that’s no reflection on Pearson . 

I don’t think Nige is happy to part ways at the end of the season.  I think he feels he is in the cusp of doing well here.  That’s why he isn’t going mental in pressers imho.

[Shauntaylor85]

1 hour ago, Superjack said:

I don't think he will. Because he will be gone. 

His successor might though.

I agree. Staying up is important this year as I cannot see us bettering 14th with the injuries we have and lack of depth. Nigel will keep us up but any stupid  decision from the board could see relegation. 

[Guest]

4 hours ago, Shauntaylor85 said:

I agree. Staying up is important this year as I cannot see us bettering 14th with the injuries we have and lack of depth. Nigel will keep us up but any stupid  decision from the board could see relegation. 

There cant be many that expect NP to still be here at the end of this season, could even be to-morrow if the players cant be arsed v Swansea, the graveyard by the way for his righthand man/talent spotter Tinnion.

Despite whats been said last day of hope to sign at least a backup, even temp loan striker to boost our depleted force, wont be holding my breathe though, still hope for the best but expect the worse.

[fisherrich]

8 hours ago, sugarwray said:

SL is passionate about the club, be careful what you wish for. I trust him to act in the best interests of the club. Like so many others on this forum, when he wakes up tomorrow the City result is the first thing on his mind. Compare with other owners.

He is passionate about the stadium, not the team. Sod the rugby and basketball, we want Bristol City to progress. I would rather have a shitty stadium like Luton Town but a successful team on the pitch. It is what happens on the pitch which is important - not in corporate hospitality.

[formerly known as ivan]

Sorry if this has been mentioned, but if SL was the sell up, what would be on offer? Would it be just the football club or the whole package? I would like to think just the club so he can carry on with his other play things, but would imagine this would open up a whole level complexities around the stadium, the land around Ashton Gate and other things. Or is my understanding of this wrong?

[GrahamC]

1 hour ago, wtf said:

There cant be many that expect NP to still be here at the end of this season, could even be to-morrow if the players cant be arsed v Swansea, the graveyard by the way for his righthand man/talent spotter Tinnion.

Despite whats been said last day of hope to sign at least a backup, even temp loan striker to boost our depleted force, wont be holding my breathe though, still hope for the best but expect the worse.

What a right load of nonsense.

I struggle to remember a game in a long time when the players “can’t be arsed” you appear to be confusing poor performance (like v Birmingham) with lack of effort, which hasn’t been the case for a long time.

In every game, even Birmingham when we were poor but Nakhi missed a sitter, we have been in it & we should go to Swansea expecting to get something.

Pearson is frustrated but I fully expect him to be in charge all season, beyond that depends on too many unknown factors to say.

I wouldn’t hold your breath on any arrival though, because unless we accept an offer for Vyner & scramble around bringing in a replacement I’m sure we’re done.

[JAWS]

https://youtu.be/vZY_DGGrN0g?si=GZSLT8SQgIeqeOUE

Interview post holden appointment. Listen from around 9 mins. Feels sorry for the fans!  Pack your bags Steve

[mozo]

5 minutes ago, JAWS said:

https://youtu.be/vZY_DGGrN0g?si=GZSLT8SQgIeqeOUE

Interview post holden appointment. Listen from around 9 mins. Feels sorry for the fans!  Pack your bags Steve

One quote, "perhaps, in hindsight, we could have let fans know a little earlier on [what was happening with the manager search]"

Yes! Learn your lesson and communicate to the fans!

[daored]

13 hours ago, Bristol Rob said:

Maybe Steve has looked at OTIB and thought....

Hmm, people flying VPN Airways instead of buying season tickets and there are people importing a fake shirt (that everyone hates) and not putting in their cash, I'll do the same.

*Runs away before someone gets on their high-horse and pretends to take offence*

I’ll join you in wearing the tin hat, believed for a while the club should charge more than £10 for Robins TV and should be linked more to the POTD prices. Secondly for away games should be the cost of the away match ticket. Would be one way to increase revenue 

[exAtyeoMax]

6 minutes ago, daored said:

I’ll join you in wearing the tin hat, believed for a while the club should charge more than £10 for Robins TV and should be linked more to the POTD prices. Secondly for away games should be the cost of the away match ticket. Would be one way to increase revenue 

Surely increasing robins tv prices would make more people watch on vpn streams?

[Red Exile]

7 minutes ago, daored said:

I’ll join you in wearing the tin hat, believed for a while the club should charge more than £10 for Robins TV and should be linked more to the POTD prices. Secondly for away games should be the cost of the away match ticket. Would be one way to increase revenue 

On that basis to watch the club stream across the season - currently £170? - would cost 46 x what? £30? I'm not sure there would be many takers for a Robins TV subscription at that price.

I'm not sure that increasing the revenue is the club's challenge at the moment. It's the investment of the revenue we have.

[exAtyeoMax]

13 hours ago, Bristol Rob said:

Maybe Steve has looked at OTIB and thought....

Hmm, people flying VPN Airways instead of buying season tickets and there are people importing a fake shirt (that everyone hates) and not putting in their cash, I'll do the same.

*Runs away before someone gets on their high-horse and pretends to take offence*

Perhaps he should take a look at his business model first? 

it’s my ball and you can’t play with it.

[CodeRed]

6 minutes ago, daored said:

I’ll join you in wearing the tin hat, believed for a while the club should charge more than £10 for Robins TV and should be linked more to the POTD prices. Secondly for away games should be the cost of the away match ticket. Would be one way to increase revenue 

Decrease revenue more likely.

Charge POTD/£35-40  for a stream? All that will do is drive even more people towards IPTV or the unofficial streams. Don't forget for many people it's not a choice between strolling down to AG or watching on RTV, people live away, live abroad, can't make the journey etc. Lots of reasons.

[daored]

10 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

Surely increasing robins tv prices would make more people watch on vpn streams?

 

7 minutes ago, Red Exile said:

On that basis to watch the club stream across the season - currently £170? - would cost 46 x what? £30? I'm not sure there would be many takers for a Robins TV subscription at that price.

I'm not sure that increasing the revenue is the club's challenge at the moment. It's the investment of the revenue we have.

 

5 minutes ago, CodeRed said:

Decrease revenue more likely.

Charge POTD/£35-40  for a stream? All that will do is drive even more people towards IPTV or the unofficial streams. Don't forget for many people it's not a choice between strolling down to AG or watching on RTV, people live away, live abroad, can't make the journey etc. Lots of reasons.

Acknowledge all of the above points , my thoughts are if the cost of watching via Robins TV or at the ground is similar you may see people choosing to attend rather than stream? I accept it’s not easily accessible for everyone to attend games be that health, costs or location.

@exAtyeoMaxcompletely agree about the business model , an easy option is to increase range / quality of merchandise 

[Nogbad the Bad]

8 hours ago, RedRock said:

I think the Bristol Sport concept is sound too and IF the sporting quarter is delivered, a unique sporting complex and one to be proud of. 

 

Really not interested in all that peripheral stuff, why should I be?

My interest is confined to Bristol City F.C., the club I've supported for 50+ years.

[Baldyman]

8 hours ago, Davefevs said:

I don’t think Nige is happy to part ways at the end of the season.  I think he feels he is in the cusp of doing well here.  That’s why he isn’t going mental in pressers imho.

I genuinely hope you’re right but after nearly 50 years of watching City I’m feeling a very familiar and unpleasant vibe right now . If Pearson feels he’s on the cusp of something good , why are we not falling over ourselves to tie him to a longer contract and if we have tried , why has he not signed it ? 

[Supersonic Robin]

8 hours ago, Fred89 said:

I think we sell up as soon as players show any signs of consistency at this level which resets the sitting managers game plan and playing style completely! The selling of Scott was IMO a slap in the face to Pearsons plans this season and he is venting publicly while biting his tongue at the same time ! 

But do we think other teams at this level are much different?

Do we think there are other clubs who wouldn't have sold Alex Scott this summer? (especially outside of the parachute payment clubs)

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, JAWS said:

https://youtu.be/vZY_DGGrN0g?si=GZSLT8SQgIeqeOUE

Interview post holden appointment. Listen from around 9 mins. Feels sorry for the fans!  Pack your bags Steve

The bit that got me was the “we haven’t taken the cheap option”.

There’s a huge difference between spending loads and not cheap - where does value come into it?

54 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

Perhaps he should take a look at his business model first? 

it’s my ball and you can’t play with it.

Max for CEO….again!

[Red-Robbo]

10 hours ago, RedRock said:

 I suspect he derives little enjoyment from his involvement. Frankly, probably views it as a right pain in the ar$e. 

Although my investment of time and money in watching City over the years is a minute fraction of Steve's, it's still considerable to me. And I feel the same. 

[RedRock]

10 minutes ago, Red-Robbo said:

Although my investment of time and money in watching City over the years is a minute fraction of Steve's, it's still considerable to me. And I feel the same. 

Don’t disagree. Some fatigue setting in for a few of us who been here before, got the t-shirt, as we prepare for yet another spin of the wheel. Near sixty years of hurt (aside from our brief foray in the top league) is beginning to take its toll …..  it is indeed the hope that kills you! 

Shirley though, the law of averages dictate it must be our turn soon.

Keep the faith and just think you could have been born a Rovers Supporter. 
 

[JAWS]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

The bit that got me was the “we haven’t taken the cheap option”.

There’s a huge difference between spending loads and not cheap - where does value come into it?

Max for CEO….again!

Spot on Dave & we can see through it & we're not stupid! What really irks me is that he continually treats us with disdain and is not afraid to let us know so god knows what is inner thoughts are. Hence why I'm happy to return such feelings 

As Max says above, it's his ball & always has been & he can take it home whenever he likes & has done on several occasions! It's his way or the highway & god help anyone who challenges him. The power has gone to his head I'm afraid. As others have said on many occasions, our club (& rugby, basketball etc) are vanity projects to massage his ego. Without those he would just be a sad bean counter with lot's of money.

 

[exAtyeoMax]

if he was going to sell the club, would there be a preferable date to do so, or at least announce it? 

[JAWS]

17 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

if he was going to sell the club, would there be a preferable date to do so, or at least announce it? 

I suspect he's over complicated any invite for expressions of interest so much that no one is interested 

[Bedred31]

I don’t think NP will walk, or fail to sign any half- reasonable new contract offer. He’s sounded in recent press interviews like a man who’s planning to retire sooner rather then later. He probably wants/ needs another 2 / 3 years max, and I would think that longer at City under any tolerable circumstances would be better than 6 months out of work, followed by a new start at a new club. If he goes, it will be SL’s decision. And in that respect, I think that SL has learnt enough over the years to have a fan acceptable replacement lined up in advance, which he can do legitimately as NP’s contract runs down.

[glynriley]

2 minutes ago, Fred89 said:

Rovers will get there before us I really believe that

******* hell. I thought those that expect LJ to come back we’re unhinged. 
Stay away from sharp objects mate. 

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, exAtyeoMax said:

if he was going to sell the club, would there be a preferable date to do so, or at least announce it? 

Any time before yesterday!

Cmon CEO Max, let’s hear your comms!

[fisherrich]

6 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

Any time before yesterday!

Cmon CEO Max, let’s hear your comms!

Fair point.
With the recent planning decision, AS sale, future direction of the club, this CEO whoever he is should be making a statement. Otherwise the rumour mill will build and a lot of City fans will turn.

A few more bad results and AG will become very toxic quickly. If there is an interested buyer, someone should be making a statement as some of the recent decisions on players/transfers etc are bewildering. Does Lansdown want the team to progress?

[fisherrich]

3 minutes ago, Fred89 said:

Yes clubs looking to be competitive in their league, we sold to Bournemouth not Man City, if Scott actually believed we were going to be at the top end of this league or they sold it that way to him I doubt he would of wanted to leave! We packed his bags and took less than £25m I bet

In part payments also most probably.

 

[ScottishRed]

5 minutes ago, Fred89 said:

Yes clubs looking to be competitive in their league, we sold to Bournemouth not Man City, if Scott actually believed we were going to be at the top end of this league or they sold it that way to him I doubt he would of wanted to leave! We packed his bags and took less than £25m I bet

I suspect a signing on fee in the £m and wages of £50k+ per week may have colored his decision.

[ExiledAjax]

1 hour ago, exAtyeoMax said:

if he was going to sell the club, would there be a preferable date to do so, or at least announce it? 

Financially I'd say no not really, maybe just after the accounts are published but to be honest that's a thin argument. Tax might come into it, maybe, but if it's Pula Sport selling BCFC Holdings then my understanding is that would be taxed in Guernsey so tax isn't much of an issue as there is no capital gains tax or stamp duty on shares in Guernsey, so who cares about the tax year?

Football-wise I'd argue that you'd want a transfer window soon after the sale concluded. Would allow the new owners to appoint the manager they wanted (could of course include sticking with the incumbent), and then gives him an instant opportunity to alter the squad under whatever parameters the new regime set.

So I'd say early December, or towards the end of the season would be your ideal times.

[Kodjias Wrist]

38 minutes ago, Fred89 said:

Rovers will get there before us I really believe that

Remember there was a top flight before the prem? But I do agree after so many making it to the prem, it wouldn't surprise me to see teams like Preston, Millwall, Rovers to did it before us. Could add in Wrexham in all fairness with their backing.

[glynriley]

8 minutes ago, Fred89 said:

Well they look like they are going to be competitive this season and looking at the other clubs beating us to the punch over the last 30 years once they come up what’s stopping them doing what Luton , Bournemouth, Brentford , Blackpool,Wigan have all done before us ? 

Are they looking competitive? They’ve got 5 points from 5 games. You sound like my gAss mates, getting carried away by a few over the hill signings and some premier league kids. 
 

I get everyone is pissed off with our malaise at the moment, but let’s not get carried away. 

[Ska Junkie]

22 minutes ago, fisherrich said:

Fair point.
With the recent planning decision, AS sale, future direction of the club, this CEO whoever he is should be making a statement. Otherwise the rumour mill will build and a lot of City fans will turn.

I asked yesterday whether this frugality comes from SL or, as I believe, the new CEO? 'Look what I've saved Steve. Yes, we've been Relegated but I've saved money'.

Maybe it isn't SL who's the bearer of bad news here?

[Mr Popodopolous]

30 minutes ago, fisherrich said:

Fair point.
With the recent planning decision, AS sale, future direction of the club, this CEO whoever he is should be making a statement. Otherwise the rumour mill will build and a lot of City fans will turn.

A few more bad results and AG will become very toxic quickly. If there is an interested buyer, someone should be making a statement as some of the recent decisions on players/transfers etc are bewildering. Does Lansdown want the team to progress?

This new CEO, pretty underwhelmed to date.

Perhaps he is doing loads of good behind the scenes who knows but fairly underwhelming from what we can see.

[Banjo Red]

Whatever Lansdowns legacy is with BCFC it is starting to be tarnished. The financial reality is there for all to see, we as fans would like clarification as to where we are heading.

[Davefevs]

49 minutes ago, fisherrich said:

Fair point.
With the recent planning decision, AS sale, future direction of the club, this CEO whoever he is should be making a statement. Otherwise the rumour mill will build and a lot of City fans will turn.

A few more bad results and AG will become very toxic quickly. If there is an interested buyer, someone should be making a statement as some of the recent decisions on players/transfers etc are bewildering. Does Lansdown want the team to progress?

17 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

This new CEO, pretty underwhelmed to date.

Perhaps he is doing loads of good behind the scenes who knows but fairly underwhelming from what we can see.

FWIW - firstly I expected Phil Alexander to make some comment during this window, especially after the Scott sale.  Although maybe (big maybe) SL grabbing the glory negated the need.  I don’t buy that personally, and I’d expect a rough calendar of when we can expect updates from the Football Club CEO.

Secondly re planning permission, that really isn’t Alexander’s job.  This should be coming from someone like Mark Kelly or Martin Griffiths (assume he is still around…can’t get on BS website).

[Riaz]

23 minutes ago, Banjo Red said:

Whatever Lansdowns legacy is with BCFC it is starting to be tarnished. The financial reality is there for all to see, we as fans would like clarification as to where we are heading.

You'd think we were relegation candidates going by some of the comments on this thread

[ExiledAjax]

@exAtyeoMax on timing of a sale.

I don't know if this is what you were getting at but I'd say also that I don't buy the line/argument that SL might be holding back transfer profit in order to boost the accounts and make the club look more attractive. Every football club loses money, it's a loss-making industry and by any sane and ordinary valuation assessment all clubs are essentially worthless (bar any land they may own).

To any new owner/investor making an investment the value of this football club doesn't lie in its accounts, it's EBITDA, it's turnover. The value lies in potential. 

Buy this club in the Championship for £80m, get it promoted, and sell it for £400m. That's the primary ROI that any new owner will look at. If they don't, then they don't understand the industry and we don't want them as owners.

Edited September 1, 2023 by ExiledAjax

[Banjo Red]

12 minutes ago, Riaz said:

You'd think we were relegation candidates going by some of the comments on this thread

Transparency would be nice not so much cloak and dagger. To quote Nige we are all feeling Frustrated.

[Merrick's Marvels]

On 31/08/2023 at 09:07, mozo said:

Meanwhile Brighton (Brighton!) have signed Ansu Fati on loan from Barcelona...

And now drawn to play Ajax, Marseille and AEK in European competition. 

Read it and weep. 

[exAtyeoMax]

11 minutes ago, ExiledAjax said:

@exAtyeoMax on timing of a sale.

I don't know if this is what you were getting at but I'd say also that I don't buy the line/argument that SL might be holding back transfer profit in order to boost the accounts and make the club look more attractive. Every football club loses money, it's a loss-making industry and by any sane and ordinary valuation assessment all clubs are essentially worthless (bar any land they may own).

To any new owner/investor making an investment the value of this football club doesn't lie in its accounts, it's EBITDA, it's turnover. The value lies in potential. 

Buy this club in the Championship for £80m, get it promoted, and sell it for £400m. That's the primary ROI that any new owner will look at. If they don't, then they don't understand the industry and we don't want them as owners.

I just wondered if there was any specific time during the financial year/football season that would be better to announce a sale…

 

[PFree]

17 minutes ago, Riaz said:

You'd think we were relegation candidates going by some of the comments on this thread

I always try my best to be positive arias, but the sad reflection is I now fully expect us to be in a relegation fight this season, but I sincerely hope I am wrong..

Just now, PFree said:

I always try my best to be positive arias, but the sad reflection is I now fully expect us to be in a relegation fight this season, but I sincerely hope I am wrong..

Riaz...

[Supersonic Robin]

1 hour ago, Fred89 said:

Yes clubs looking to be competitive in their league, we sold to Bournemouth not Man City, if Scott actually believed we were going to be at the top end of this league or they sold it that way to him I doubt he would of wanted to leave! We packed his bags and took less than £25m I bet

Hmm, not so sure on this. Coventry, for example, sold both Hamer and Gyokeres, but still seem as though they're "looking to be competitive".

Equally, I think we'd have really struggled to convince Scott to stay. I don't think he would've kicked up a fuss, but I gather his preference was to move to a Premier League team, and quite understandably. Would any of us decline a salary potentially 5-10 times greater than our current one purely out of confidence in the future of our current employer?

I'm not sure any team at this level can realistically expect to keep their best (Prem standard) players for more than a couple of years.

[Riaz]

2 minutes ago, PFree said:

I always try my best to be positive arias, but the sad reflection is I now fully expect us to be in a relegation fight this season, but I sincerely hope I am wrong..

Riaz...

Cant see it.

Another season of mid table boringness? Probably. But not a relegation battle IMO

[MarcusX]

57 minutes ago, Fred89 said:

Great but still was under contract with us and our choice! “You can wait until next summer boy, we want to win promotion “ simple as that! Have you heard Pearson talk recently? He’s clearly annoyed by the Sale! Our team was built around him this season is effectively a rebuild finding a new way to play if you can’t see that you are blind!

And yeah I’m aware he is injured right now

I thought it was bizarre playing him so much in pre-season if we genuinely thought he was going. That suggests Nige hoped to keep him, or didn't expect him to leave. Otherwise we should have left him out and worked around not having him.

[38MC]

7 minutes ago, Riaz said:

Cant see it.

Another season of mid table boringness? Probably. But not a relegation battle IMO

Toothless up front, scared of playing at home, a real lack of any squad depth, going in to winter with a truly wafer-thin squad. Can't see any reason to write off a relegation battle at this point. 

[Bristol Oil Services]

14 hours ago, sugarwray said:

SL is passionate about the club, be careful what you wish for. I trust him to act in the best interests of the club. Like so many others on this forum, when he wakes up tomorrow the City result is the first thing on his mind. Compare with other owners.

Ok.

Vincent Tan, wakes up in the morning, first thing on his mind: wish we'd got Bale.

Bloke at Plymouth, wakes up, first thought: cheese and onion, or proper Cornish

Bloke at Stoke, wakes up, first thought: summat to do with betting, horses, odds.

Tony Bloom,  up, first: that Benham's a ****

Matthew Benham, up, first: that Bloom's a ****

Blokes at Man Utd, up, first: baseball, hot dogs, candy, Trump, Harry McGuire

Bloke at Spurs: Lloyd Kelly? 

Bloke at Chelsea: must buy someone today

Bloke at FGR: is it windy today?

Bloke at QPR: frug me, Chris Martin is slow

Bloke at Burnley: is Vince ok?

Bloke at Everton: Oh no

 

 

 

[Merrick's Marvels]

20 minutes ago, Supersonic Robin said:

Hmm, not so sure on this. Coventry, for example, sold both Hamer and Gyokeres, but still seem as though they're "looking to be competitive".

But what was their FFP position, compared to ours? They might be better placed this summer than we are. Or they might not have a self-imposed wage ceiling (collective or individual) like we have - like our owner has decided on, as Pearson made clear yesterday. Maybe they're happy to re-invest the transfer fees received for Hamer and Gyokeres - whereas our owner has decided not to do that (just for this summer or permanently it would be nice to know, wouldn't it?) and to build himself a Nest Egg instead. 

No two clubs start from the same place in a transfer window, so it's pointless comparing what we do to anyone else. Think of it like the start of an F1 race - every transfer window, each club has a slightly different position on the starting grid.

This summer, we're somewhere near the back - and the owner has put the handbrake on as well! Meanwhile the likes of Birmingham and Coventry have sped off into the distance. 

But as the race is only 4 games old, we just have to hope we can catch up with them. Slow and steady wins the race, as they say.

Come to think of it, that sounds like something the owner might say - to which the reply would be - you've had 20 years to win this race, mate, how about someone else has a go behind the wheel?   

 

Edited September 1, 2023 by Merrick's Marvels

[Davefevs]

2 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

But what was their FFP position, compared to ours? They might be better placed this summer than we are. Or they might not have a self-imposed wage ceiling (collective and individual) like we have - like our owner has decided on, to be clear. Maybe they're happy to re-invest the transfer fees received for Hamer and Gyokeres - whereas our owner has decided (this sumemr or permanently - it would be nice to know, wouldn't it?) not to do that and to build a nice Nest Egg instead. 

No 2 clubs start from the same place in a transfer window, so it's pointless comparing what we do to anyone else. Think of it like the start of an F1 race - every transfer window, each club has a slightly different position on the starting grid.

This summer, we're somewhere near the back - and with the handbrake on! Meanwhile the likes of Birmingham and Coventry have sped off into the distance. But as the race is only 4 games old, we just have to hope we can catch up with them. 

Slow and steady wins the race, as they say. Come to think of it, that sounds like something the owner might say - to which the reply would be - you've had 20 years to win this race, mate, how about someone else has a go?   

 

Healthy in the grand scheme of things:

[Eddie Hitler]

13 minutes ago, MarcusX said:

I thought it was bizarre playing him so much in pre-season if we genuinely thought he was going. That suggests Nige hoped to keep him, or didn't expect him to leave. Otherwise we should have left him out and worked around not having him.

 

Conversely if Scott wasn't actively involved in pre-season then potential buyers would have known that we were definitely selling him and then bid lower accordingly.

It makes sense to work to inflate the price of your big asset at the expense of season preparation as long as the inflated fee is then used to make good the team.

Which it hasn't been.

So you are right.

Per another thread: What is going on?

[Riaz]

8 minutes ago, 38MC said:

Toothless up front, scared of playing at home, a real lack of any squad depth, going in to winter with a truly wafer-thin squad. Can't see any reason to write off a relegation battle at this point. 

But we look decent away from home.

[Supersonic Robin]

4 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

But what was their FFP position, compared to ours? They might be better placed this summer than we are. Or they might not have a self-imposed wage ceiling (collective or individual) like we have - like our owner has decided on, as Pearson made clear yesterday. Maybe they're happy to re-invest the transfer fees received for Hamer and Gyokeres - whereas our owner has decided not to do that (just for this summer or permanently it would be nice to know, wouldn't it?) and to build a nice Nest Egg instead. 

No 2 clubs start from the same place in a transfer window, so it's pointless comparing what we do to anyone else. Think of it like the start of an F1 race - every transfer window, each club has a slightly different position on the starting grid.

This summer, we're somewhere near the back - and with the handbrake on! Meanwhile the likes of Birmingham and Coventry have sped off into the distance. But as the race is only 4 games old, we just have to hope we can catch up with them. 

Slow and steady wins the race, as they say. Come to think of it, that sounds like something the owner might say - to which the reply would be - you've had 20 years to win this race, mate, how about someone else has a go?   

 

Think you've come in half way through a conversation here where the initial discussion might not be clear.

The original point of discussion was simply "Do other clubs hold onto their best players? Would other clubs have not sold Alex Scott this summer". Hence the reference to Coventry with Hamer & Gyokeres.

Agree that there are lots of other differences between the position of the clubs.

[Merrick's Marvels]

1 minute ago, Supersonic Robin said:

Think you've come in half way through a conversation here where the initial discussion might not be clear.

The original point of discussion was simply "Do other clubs hold onto their best players? Would other clubs have not sold Alex Scott this summer". Hence the reference to Coventry with Hamer & Gyokeres.

Agree that there are lots of other differences between the position of the clubs.

I did. Thanks.

[GrahamC]

1 hour ago, glynriley said:

Are they looking competitive? They’ve got 5 points from 5 games. You sound like my gAss mates, getting carried away by a few over the hill signings and some premier league kids. 
 

I get everyone is pissed off with our malaise at the moment, but let’s not get carried away. 

Come off it mate, if our last 2 results in League One had been a defeat at Cambridge followed by defeat at home to Wycombe, with the winner scored by someone that Rovers had let go this summer, then this forum would be full of people saying that we’d be in the Prem soon. No?

Along with the “Lansdown is going to sell AG for flats” theory we are currently at Roy De Alien levels of utter horseshit on here today.

[Red-Robbo]

10 minutes ago, Merrick's Marvels said:

 Slow and steady wins the race, as they say.

That was never Usain Bolt's motto.  

[Cidre Monita]

1 hour ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

Remember there was a top flight before the prem? But I do agree after so many making it to the prem, it wouldn't surprise me to see teams like Preston, Millwall, Rovers to did it before us. Could add in Wrexham in all fairness with their backing.

One subtle difference with the aforementioned clubs, they actually want to get to the premier league, we don’t. I would add Bolton, Derby and Portsmouth to the list. How many more false dawns can us fans put up with? It would be interesting to see how many would get their season card money back now if they could (especially after the non-reinvestment of the Scott cash). It must be obvious to even the must optimistic of those amongst us that we will never make the PL under Lansdown. 

[Guest]

41 minutes ago, Riaz said:

You'd think we were relegation candidates going by some of the comments on this thread

new flash; we could well be

1. We have cashed in on our best player
2. Our already light weight attack has sufferred from long term injuries
3. A rare commodity, a signing is also injured for months
4. We have one of the smallest in number available, squads in this div
5. We have an owner and chairman who have gone into hiding and closed their wallets to any more signings
6. Wage structure is maxed out, despite Kalas leaving
7. Have you seen who our next 5 opponents are.
8. Rumours abound of our owner who wants out and is more interested in Arenas/Bricks and Mortar than Bristol City F.C and is balancing the books to make us a better proposition.
9. If SL continues on this track and no buyer is found we indeed will be relegation candidates, if not a strong favourite.
10. NP will need all his will power to see out this season even this month imo.

[Riaz]

Just now, wtf said:

new flash; we could well be

1. We have cashed in on our best player
2. Our already light weight attack has sufferred from long term injuries
3. A rare commodity, a signing is also injured for months
4. We have one of the smallest in number available, squads in this div
5. We have an owner and chairman who have gone into hiding and closed their wallets to any more signings
6. Wage structure is maxed out, despite Kalas leaving
7. Have you seen who our next 5 opponents are.
8. Rumours abound of our owner who wants out and is more interested in Arenas/Bricks and Mortar than Bristol City F.C and is balancing the books to make us a better proposition.
9. If SL continues on this track and no buyer is found we indeed will be relegation candidates, if not a strong favourite.
10. NP will need all his will power to see out this season even this month imo.

[Guest]

3 minutes ago, Riaz said:

[Supersonic Robin]

12 minutes ago, wtf said:

new flash; we could well be

7. Have you seen who our next 5 opponents are.

Does the season end in 5 gameweeks time? Will we not play the other teams too?

Edited September 1, 2023 by Supersonic Robin

[Guest]

4 minutes ago, Supersonic Robin said:

Does the season end in 5 gameweeks time? Will we not play the other teams too?

Those questions are too difficult to answer, give me a clue please? are the answers yes or no by any chance.

[ExiledAjax]

23 minutes ago, wtf said:

new flash; we could well be

1. We have cashed in on our best player
2. Our already light weight attack has sufferred from long term injuries
3. A rare commodity, a signing is also injured for months
4. We have one of the smallest in number available, squads in this div
5. We have an owner and chairman who have gone into hiding and closed their wallets to any more signings
6. Wage structure is maxed out, despite Kalas leaving
7. Have you seen who our next 5 opponents are.
8. Rumours abound of our owner who wants out and is more interested in Arenas/Bricks and Mortar than Bristol City F.C and is balancing the books to make us a better proposition.
9. If SL continues on this track and no buyer is found we indeed will be relegation candidates, if not a strong favourite.
10. NP will need all his will power to see out this season even this month imo.

Nah, it's early days but we are quite far from looking like relegation candidates. Our attacking numbers are ok other than goals scored, not many in the top third of the various rankings, but we're far off being bottom for anything. Nothing I see makes me worry about relegation.

Flip side is that there's also no way we're going up this season imo. But it should be another season of bouncing between 8th and 16th for most of the time, before settling into proper mid table in the spring.

That's what the early games project anyway, plenty of time for the turns to table.