Paul B
Well-known member
- Joined
- 14 Dec 2017
- Messages
- 1,262
Funny you should say that. In my first draft I had referenced Nick H but removed it.Getting names wrong was not all radio derby…
Don’t think I miss heard on Saturday when Nathan (?) announced our team for the first time? I had to ask my neighbour who on earth was that “Mark Hughes” ? A new striker perhaps? Well if he was, and he took the 9 shirt for the game …
….and good old Nick H often struggles with anything more complicated than Mills.
Yes the financial bit was so interesting, we were wondering at the game how they managed to compete on their tiny gates.Particularly enjoyed @Colin B's contribution here - and if you're the sort of poster who (with all respect to this feature) glosses over these posts I would suggest you take this one in.
The Boardroom anecdotes are great, the finances that allow Burton to punch above their weight are worth understanding too. And like Colin I have an element of respect for them as a club. Aside from the fact that Burton has historically been a very decent away day, they've done what they've done fairly and sustainably - which definitely can't be said for many of their equivalents.
As an aside @Paul B - I do read your (away) reports, though almost exclusively for future pub recommendations!
It's not all at my fingertips Paul, and I do have to do a bit of research sometimes. And when I can't find the information I need, I just make it up!!!Couldn’t agree more about Colin’s financial insight and boardroom anecdotes. I’ve never ventured into the boardroom – that’s whole new world. And on the financial side CB has it at his fingertips. I had to do research each time and try and remember what Kieran Maguire had said.
Interesting - I often can't hear the PA, but I also heard 'Mark Hughes' announced on Saturday!Getting names wrong was not all radio derby…
Don’t think I miss heard on Saturday when Nathan (?) announced our team for the first time? I had to ask my neighbour who on earth was that “Mark Hughes” ? A new striker perhaps? Well if he was, and he took the 9 shirt for the game …
….and good old Nick H often struggles with anything more complicated than Mills.
Well you fooled me. Probably better at spreadsheets than me.It's not all at my fingertips Paul, and I do have to do a bit of research sometimes. And when I can't find the information I need, I just make it up!!!
Yes, the food, wine, and hospitality is top drawer. I had the best red wine I've ever had there a few years ago (I'm normally a white wine drinker, but it was a beautiful shin of beef main course, so it had to be red) and it turns out that it was from the vineyard of a business associate of Ben's. He'd been gifted some, and liked it so much that he bought a few cases for the Boardroom. It's that level of attention to detail that makes all the difference, and is something we can only dream of until we leave The Kassam Stadium.Thanks Paul, Colin.
So Burton's turnover is £6.81M (less £100k for player trading profits)
Oxford's turnover was £6.88M
So effectively, despite the huge difference in attendances, financially we are the same size club, apart from our owners spend approximately £2M ish more on salaries which creates our loss compared to Burton aiming to break even.
Looking at Burton's website, they are advertising/have the following:-
During whole of December - Christmas Party nights every Friday & Saturday and New Year Eve's Gala night
Conferencing - Play hosts to business meetings, exhibitions, conferences, seminars, breakfast meetings. The Albion Suite is for 300 delegates; Bradbury Lounge, up to 100 delegates. The nine executive boxes ideal for smaller business meetings and/or break out rooms.
Banqueting - Offer bespoke events like proms, birthday parties, christenings, wakes, retirement celebrations, presentation evenings, charity fundraisers.
The main stand is used 7 days a week, up to 14 hours a day, they have everything covered.
I suppose really the football is a side event!!
As regards Ben Robinson, I can confirm what Colin has said, he seems a really decent genuine guy, good business acumen, likes his football and actively involved in the local community. I've been lucky to be invited into exec box by a client for Oxford games and every time Ben pops in to say hello, very quick comment on the football and check all is OK. Also the food served is excellent, 3 decent courses + cheese & biscuits, plenty of tea & coffee, good choice of beers (for that type of establishment, though not quite up to Paul's real ales!) & wines.