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Post by bing on Jun 20, 2018 8:11:59 GMT
What brilliant news yesterday - a truly magnificent gesture from Stuart which will put the club on a strong footing for many years to come.
I realise that we've got people in place to discuss how the money could be spent - and Stuart himself sounds as though he's got plenty of ideas - but what infrastructure projects would you spend the money on?
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Post by dmcnally on Jun 20, 2018 8:14:57 GMT
First and foremost a 4G training/community facility. Jim Green mentioned last night we wouldn’t be able to fit one on our car park so it’ll either be a community asset transfer or changing our pitch to 4G.
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Post by Hannibal on Jun 20, 2018 8:17:38 GMT
A lift up to the Legend's Lounge, lol.
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Post by Poe1974 on Jun 20, 2018 8:19:04 GMT
First and foremost a 4G training/community facility. Jim Green mentioned last night we wouldn’t be able to fit one on our car park so it’ll either be a community asset transfer or changing our pitch to 4G. If the pitch was changed to 4G, would that not need to be ripped up and replaced with grass IF we ever get back to league 2 ?
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Post by dmcnally on Jun 20, 2018 8:23:49 GMT
First and foremost a 4G training/community facility. Jim Green mentioned last night we wouldn’t be able to fit one on our car park so it’ll either be a community asset transfer or changing our pitch to 4G. If the pitch was changed to 4G, would that not need to be ripped up and replaced with grass IF we ever get back to league 2 ? Sutton had measures in place for a “hybrid” where grass would literally go over the 4G, so it would still be there if they were relegated or the FL allowed 4G. Pricey, though.
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Post by g1 on Jun 20, 2018 8:24:12 GMT
Not so much off field but put some of the money towards our fab youth system
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Post by bing on Jun 20, 2018 8:40:17 GMT
A lift up to the Legend's Lounge, lol. Reading his Chronicle interview, I think this is one thing which will definitely happen. I'd like to see a disabled viewing platform at the back of one of the stands so that any disabled supporters could enjoy the BB / LL and then go straight to their places rather than having to be wheeled back outside, especially if the weather is dodgy.
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Post by Al on Jun 20, 2018 9:15:37 GMT
In no particular order I would like:
- a lift for disabled supporters - dedicated viewing area at the back of the stand - 4G pitch - An entire renovation and extension to our current facilities including (new purpose built bar, new shop, new ticket office, dedicated conference room/rooms and classrooms, also an extension and some proper corporate boxes).
If we're going to go for infrastructure improvements then go balls deep and do the lot.
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Post by alancfc on Jun 20, 2018 9:30:56 GMT
1. Sort the car park, re tarmac it and open up the second exit permanently to allow easier access. Ironically, the gypo's have gone now, they could have done this for us! 2. Email database and ticketing system. 3. Increase number of staff and resources of the community trust, to enable Jim to do even more great work with the kids etc. 4. Appoint a Commercial Manager on a low basic, high commission contract. 5. Add part-time youth coaches to the youth academy, to improve quality and reduce burden on Cal Mac 6. One or two local Part-time scouts to look at lower league talent 7. Disabled platform, with access to LL and Boardroom.
Some of the possibilities with the first 18 month or so.
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Post by superman on Jun 20, 2018 10:48:26 GMT
In no particular order I would like: - a lift for disabled supporters - dedicated viewing area at the back of the stand - 4G pitch - An entire renovation and extension to our current facilities including (new purpose built bar, new shop, new ticket office, dedicated conference room/rooms and classrooms, also an extension and some proper corporate boxes). If we're going to go for infrastructure improvements then go balls deep and do the lot. If money was no object then this would be a decent list, not sure we will have enough to do it all. Had the opportunity to visit Pirelli stadium at Burton a few times. A ground not hugely bigger than our own with a main stand that holds just over 2000, and which encompasses most of Al's wish list, excluding 4G of course. Could be a decent model to look at.
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Post by Matt on Jun 20, 2018 11:03:02 GMT
Surley they could do something with 4G/training pitch on the car park, they were thinking of fitting a bus depot on it.
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Post by bethnalblue on Jun 20, 2018 11:15:58 GMT
If the pitch was changed to 4G, would that not need to be ripped up and replaced with grass IF we ever get back to league 2 ? Sutton had measures in place for a “hybrid” where grass would literally go over the 4G, so it would still be there if they were relegated or the FL allowed 4G. Pricey, though. Sutton were talking about ripping it up and relaying it in the park next to there Ground. Do people actually realise how much a 3/4G pitch costs?
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Post by Al on Jun 20, 2018 11:20:24 GMT
Surley they could do something with 4G/training pitch on the car park, they were thinking of fitting a bus depot on it. Take up too much room
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Post by Hannibal on Jun 20, 2018 11:21:50 GMT
A lift up to the Legend's Lounge, lol. Reading his Chronicle interview, I think this is one thing which will definitely happen. I'd like to see a disabled viewing platform at the back of one of the stands so that any disabled supporters could enjoy the BB / LL and then go straight to their places rather than having to be wheeled back outside, especially if the weather is dodgy. My post was actually tongue in cheek, lol. Some of those LL people struggle to get up the stairs.
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Post by Hannibal on Jun 20, 2018 11:23:10 GMT
Not so much off field but put some of the money towards our fab youth system I think Ian Swettenham has that covered.
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Post by gezzer on Jun 20, 2018 11:47:43 GMT
Some good ideas here, however as SM has already said he is looking at a return of £2 for every £1 spent. We really need to think "out of the box" and not just write something off because it doesn't fit into the current structure ie 4g facility which is a proven income stream for clubs who have one. I, personally would like to see a Commercial/general manager and also a Marketing manager appointed in the first instance.
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Post by bethnalblue on Jun 20, 2018 12:08:18 GMT
Some good ideas here, however as SM has already said he is looking at a return of £2 for every £1 spent. We really need to think "out of the box" and not just write something off because it doesn't fit into the current structure ie 4g facility which is a proven income stream for clubs who have one. I, personally would like to see a Commercial/general manager and also a Marketing manager appointed in the first instance. How much money are you going to make out of a plastic pitch? And they have to be relayed every 6 years or so. And where do you put it? Plenty of things to use £££s for before thinking about a huge outlay like that.
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Post by South Wirral Blue on Jun 20, 2018 12:16:55 GMT
Some good ideas here, however as SM has already said he is looking at a return of £2 for every £1 spent. We really need to think "out of the box" and not just write something off because it doesn't fit into the current structure ie 4g facility which is a proven income stream for clubs who have one. I, personally would like to see a Commercial/general manager and also a Marketing manager appointed in the first instance. How much money are you going to make out of a plastic pitch? And they have to be relayed every 6 years or so. And where do you put it? Plenty of things to use £££s for before thinking about a huge outlay like that. I was beginning to think I was the only one who wasn't totally convinced by the value of such a facility. I'm open to being talked round but in the here and now, it seems like something that would eat up a huge chunk of the donation that we don't desperately need.
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Post by dmcnally on Jun 20, 2018 12:34:05 GMT
How much money are you going to make out of a plastic pitch? And they have to be relayed every 6 years or so. And where do you put it? Plenty of things to use £££s for before thinking about a huge outlay like that. I was beginning to think I was the only one who wasn't totally convinced by the value of such a facility. I'm open to being talked round but in the here and now, it seems like something that would eat up a huge chunk of the donation that we don't desperately need. Airbus spent 300k on there’s I think, you can get grants for it. Payback period for this investment would only be a few years. Saves training costs for all our teams, can make money 24/7 from teams around Chester when we aren’t using it, gives the academy/women a home instead of hiring pitches etc. Definitely worth it.
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Post by dc2cfc on Jun 20, 2018 12:36:28 GMT
- Disabled Supporters lift and New viewing area - Fanzone created at the back of the Terrace (As seen in the picture) Salford created one not too long ago, wouldn’t cost that much. But creates a better atmophere pre kick off ... (could also invite local beer/ale companies) and even a small band area ? Definately want the Training Ground/4G facility to be started off. Even if we start off with one 4g pitch, couple of grass pitches and changing rooms. It would be a start, then could build on it year on year ... Attachments:
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Post by Hannibal on Jun 20, 2018 12:40:32 GMT
Some good ideas here, however as SM has already said he is looking at a return of £2 for every £1 spent. We really need to think "out of the box" and not just write something off because it doesn't fit into the current structure ie 4g facility which is a proven income stream for clubs who have one. I, personally would like to see a Commercial/general manager and also a Marketing manager appointed in the first instance. Are you serious after the Maguire catastrophe.
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Post by bluesince79 on Jun 20, 2018 12:42:17 GMT
Hard to know exactly what to do and in which order, but thinkin about it I’d put each suggestion in a category 1, 2 or 3 depending on its value towards generating income (one exception is the disabled facilities which need doing asap!). For example, the car park renovation would be nice, but it’l do as it is for now in my opinion. Feel free to add/subtract ...
Category 1. (No brainer - do it asap)
Disabled facilites - covered areas and general access to the ground/facilities. Playing budget - without a boost here, dross football will equal less income at the gate. Commercial Manager - we need someone to manage these projects properly ! Scouting network - so many talented local lads slipping through our fingers. Advertising - we still need more exposure !
Category 2. (Mid-term projects)
Email/Website ticketing - its 2018 folks, most people do everything on their iphones. Club/Online shop - when are we going to be able to order a home shirt with a name on the back ? Renovation to clubhouse - itl take time and cause chaos so lots of thought needed
Category 3. (Nice to have, but not quite yet)
3G/4G pitch/training pitch - will cost a fortune to buy land and install but long term will pay for itself Car Park - again, it needs sorting but a big outlay for not much return City Centre shop - we need a permanent presence in the ciry centre, not just at the end of an industrial estate
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Post by catfordbags on Jun 20, 2018 13:21:28 GMT
The one million should be split into four different £250,000 pots. Each pot should be linked to developing one of our floodlights. Then four working groups are tasked with raising the height, adding more bulbs and generally sexing up each of our 'ladies'. I'm thinking maybe disco lights, hooters, mirror balls, a massive inflatable middle finger which can be inflated at appropriate times and pointed in a south by south west direction. Front and centre of our strategy going forward and the number one priority, in my opinion, should be the aggrandisement of our pylons.
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Post by bethnalblue on Jun 20, 2018 14:48:49 GMT
I was beginning to think I was the only one who wasn't totally convinced by the value of such a facility. I'm open to being talked round but in the here and now, it seems like something that would eat up a huge chunk of the donation that we don't desperately need. Airbus spent 300k on there’s I think, you can get grants for it. Payback period for this investment would only be a few years. Saves training costs for all our teams, can make money 24/7 from teams around Chester when we aren’t using it, gives the academy/women a home instead of hiring pitches etc. Definitely worth it. So all these Chester teams are going to use it, Then when is it going to be free to be hired out? Raith Rovers and Livingston putting them in a present at cost of 700k. And where you going to put it? Someone just going to give the club the land??
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Post by Rio Doherty on Jun 20, 2018 14:51:11 GMT
I haven’t read any of the replies to this thread yet so apologies if some of these have already been suggested: (1.) Build a viewing area at the back of the Main Stand with a lift for our disabled supporters. I feel really sorry for them in the Winter especially when they have to put up with challenging conditions, but I hope their loyalty will be rewarded with a higher quality viewing platform. (2.) A 4G community facility in our city for the public to use. Imagine how much we will make from this. (3.) Our carpark could do with a refurbishment as some of the potholes are a nightmare. The second exit gate definitely needs opening to avoid congestion both pre and post-match. Our attendances should be much higher this season so this is essential. (4.) To employ a full-time club scout who can regularly watch matches in North Wales and the North West. (5.) A proper feature on our website where you can purchase season tickets and tickets for all-ticket matches. The majority of us all own phones nowadays and it would be much easier to buy a ticket online rather than going down to the ground all of the time.
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Post by Charfield Blue on Jun 20, 2018 15:12:25 GMT
The one million should be split into four different £250,000 pots. Each pot should be linked to developing one of our floodlights. Then four working groups are tasked with raising the height, adding more bulbs and generally sexing up each of our 'ladies'. I'm thinking maybe disco lights, hooters, mirror balls, a massive inflatable middle finger which can be inflated at appropriate times and pointed in a south by south west direction. Front and centre of our strategy going forward and the number one priority, in my opinion, should be the aggrandisement of our pylons. This. Absolutely this, but with one slight modification. They should be integrated with a new PA system so that can have flashy lights when MC Cleggy Cleg is laying down his fat beats.
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Post by gezzer on Jun 20, 2018 15:25:46 GMT
Some good ideas here, however as SM has already said he is looking at a return of £2 for every £1 spent. We really need to think "out of the box" and not just write something off because it doesn't fit into the current structure ie 4g facility which is a proven income stream for clubs who have one. I, personally would like to see a Commercial/general manager and also a Marketing manager appointed in the first instance. Are you serious after the Maguire catastrophe. Deadly serious. We cannot and have not moved forward under our current structure where (well meaning) volunteers giving a few hours here and there are expected to run £1m turnover business plus potentially manage infrastructure projects. For every Maguire there are many who have and continue to run football clubs professionally. We appear, on paper at least, to have a very strong business minded ops board but still lack the all important Football club experience. We are a very strong brand at 5th/6th tier football but we have been poor on the Commercial/Marketing side for too many seasons now and regardless of whatever we build unless we market it to fans/businesses/sponsors it will not bring in a penny.
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Post by billyw on Jun 20, 2018 15:29:23 GMT
First and foremost a 4G training/community facility. Jim Green mentioned last night we wouldn’t be able to fit one on our car park so it’ll either be a community asset transfer or changing our pitch to 4G. If the pitch was changed to 4G, would that not need to be ripped up and replaced with grass IF we ever get back to league 2 ? It would have worn out anyway by then.😀
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Post by gezzer on Jun 20, 2018 15:40:24 GMT
Some good ideas here, however as SM has already said he is looking at a return of £2 for every £1 spent. We really need to think "out of the box" and not just write something off because it doesn't fit into the current structure ie 4g facility which is a proven income stream for clubs who have one. I, personally would like to see a Commercial/general manager and also a Marketing manager appointed in the first instance. How much money are you going to make out of a plastic pitch? And they have to be relayed every 6 years or so. And where do you put it? Plenty of things to use £££s for before thinking about a huge outlay like that. A lot more than 20% of the profits of an extended Blues Bar. I believe Sutton generate £300k per year from theirs, however the point was not specifically about 4g, a couple of posts were that we do not have the room to fit one so its a no go. The Racecourse generate money from off course activities such as Catering, recruitment agency, pubs etc. just an example of thinking out of the box. BTW what would you like to use £££s on?
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Post by Churton Blue on Jun 20, 2018 16:37:01 GMT
First and foremost a 4G training/community facility. Jim Green mentioned last night we wouldn’t be able to fit one on our car park so it’ll either be a community asset transfer or changing our pitch to 4G. Mr Murphy has said he would like to generate £2 for every £1 spent. Probably the only way to achieve this would be a 3G pitch on the Deva.
Cost would be around 500k but would generate a comfortable 75k to 100k per year so £1.5 million to £2 million overs 20 years.
We have to look to the long term and make some fundamental changes to our business model rather than just tinker around the edges.
Some people may not like the idea of a 3G pitch but in business terms it makes 100% sense.
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