Five year plans yours/ours

[pauliewalnuts]

The worrying thing is the degree to which it looks like his strategy was "shit or bust".

I don't think 'shit or bust' is right, but rather 'invest until we get into the CL'.  We didn't and the worldwide financial climate means we can't keep trying as we were.

We haven't just stopped trying to get into the CL, though, John, it's much more severe than that.

We couldn't take James McFadden (free agent) on because of his wages. That's the kind of financial reality we are now operating under.

[Chris Smith]

The plan was based around growing revenue through improved attendances leading to ground expansion, greater commercial sponsorship and widening the  hospitality packages available There are myriad reasons why that didn't work out but that's why we are now in a period of restructure.

[Risso]

The plan was based around growing revenue through improved attendances leading to ground expansion, greater commercial sponsorship and widening the  hospitality packages available There are myriad reasons why that didn't work out but that's why we are now in a period of restructure.

That and the absolute ridiculous lack of control over outgoings.

[Chris Smith]

The plan was based around growing revenue through improved attendances leading to ground expansion, greater commercial sponsorship and widening the  hospitality packages available There are myriad reasons why that didn't work out but that's why we are now in a period of restructure.

That and the absolute ridiculous lack of control over outgoings.

Yes, in hindsight that is obviously true but if the first part had been achieved it would have been much less of an issue.

[willywombat]

I cant see it any other way. He is  in my opinion, actively looking for a buyer

[Concrete John]

The worrying thing is the degree to which it looks like his strategy was "shit or bust".

I don't think 'shit or bust' is right, but rather 'invest until we get into the CL'.  We didn't and the worldwide financial climate means we can't keep trying as we were.

We haven't just stopped trying to get into the CL, though, John, it's much more severe than that.

We couldn't take James McFadden (free agent) on because of his wages. That's the kind of financial reality we are now operating under.

Did we turn down McFadden due to his wages or due to them being too much for HIM?  Given what we've seen with the Sidwells and Beyes, and he's probably be asking a lot as he's on a free, I can see that being a part of our more stringent "Let's think about this first" approach.

Had he been asking for less or a better player, it may have happened.

[Chris Smith]

I know from a good source that McLeish treats the money as if it were his own. If he doesn't think a player is worth the money then he doesn't need the board to tell him.

[Fuse]

I cant see it any other way. He is  in my opinion, actively looking for a buyer

I agree totally. Our only hope is that he can find someone who has an endless supply of money, a vision for success and a team of people who cna make it happen. Should be a piece of piss!! ;-)

[brontebilly]

How much does AVFC owe RAL does anyone know?

I know we pay millions each year in interest payment to RAL but what is the principal?

Is it possible Lerner could do the same as the Pompey chairman and demand his money back.

Lerner has no one to blame but himself for the state of the books at AVFC. He signed the cheques for Heskey, Beye et al. The value of someone like Levy at Spurs makes some difference.

[Phil from the upper holte]

Not signing Mcfadden wasn't exactly a bad thing though

[PaulWinch again]

Not signing Mcfadden wasn't exactly a bad thing though

No but if the reason is that we couldn't afford him, it's a bad thing.

[ez]

Piece in the Daily Mail. Sorry if its already been posted.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2037446/Belts-tightened-Aston-Villa.html

[dave.woodhall]

Piece in the Daily Mail. Sorry if its already been posted.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2037446/Belts-tightened-Aston-Villa.html

Have a look at the comments underneath and see the name from the recent past which jumps out.

[Dave Cooper please]

Not signing Mcfadden wasn't exactly a bad thing though

No but if the reason is that we couldn't afford him, it's a bad thing.

But not wanting him because the wages he wanted made him not worth it is a good thing.

[UsualSuspect]

I cant see it any other way. He is  in my opinion, actively looking for a buyer

I have thought that for a while

get the club on a better financial footing and get rid


As much as it pains me to say it, I can see us being exactly like Everton. No money to invest, no-one want's to by so just the same old drudgery year in year out