Scotchegg
Well-known member
- Joined
- 14 Dec 2017
- Messages
- 13,868
I wasn't suggesting a change of landlord would happen at the Kassam Stadium (don't you start behaving in a churlish way using the term Grenoble Road - like it or not Colin, it's called The Kassam Stadium) but used examples to highlight what change can do. I used the most recent examples of Newcastle and Swindon. The thread had started to talk about lack of footfall and failing Ozone businesses (inc Swimming). My point.............would be if someone different to FK ran the place, it would thrive.
I am well aware of the initial one-man crusade from within the football club to do everything possible to leave the Kassam Stadium. To be honest, I couldn't give a s**t really if we move or not but I remain interested in the multiple agendas at play.
And I still wait for anyone, including the vast number of people who have been confided in about our move away, how much Firoka have charged our football club in rent over the last 18 months.
Regarding you last point, I think you know the answer so why not post it?
The issue regarding the moving away from the Grenoble Road Kassam Stadium (I'm not triggered by either!) is very simple and works for both the club and the board of investors.
Football costs money. Very very few clubs turn over regular profit. We have done our best with the recruitment and sales model that we have, but that only reduces losses. The only way that you can cover the cost of owning a football club is through supplementary venue sources outside of the 30 odd home games a season. So using the stadium for additional sports or concerts helps, having conference facilities etc. But they only go so far. The big winners are hotel and leisure facilities, retail units, bars, restaurants and entertainment like escape rooms, crazy golf etc. Put all of that together on a purpose built and modern site and there's a lot of money to be made. Could that happen at the GRKS? Yes, but at a far greater cost than purchasing elsewhere.
So, what are the benefits to the club? Firstly, the club get a state if the art, purpose built stadium that doesn't resemble derelict Eastern European grounds from the 70's. It could include innovative and modern improvements, such as 4 sides, heating and toilet facilities!! And best of all, the club will likely have a long term (50 year?) lease agreement with a nominal peppercorn rent allowing them to maximise all match day revenue to be reinvested into the club which will significantly reduces losses or could help us become one of the few sustainably run clubs.
The board get the property deal they want. The club get control over their future for generations to come. And the fans get something new that benefits the wider community too.
One club. One community. One agenda.