Goggles & Flippers

You cite the decent players in our squad, but to be fair you should also mention that it could equally be used to pay for Clay or Lucas' wages and in its most tenuous and indirect, for Jacob Blyth to afford to get to Ibiza. Maybe I'm in the minority but I don't see what is a commercial entity as a charity at the same time. If any other business wants us to contribute more then we generally want something for it. I'd just rather the six figure sum was raised by the club by existing commercial means, wither it is increased sponsorship, advertising, hospitality or punters taking seats. By your argument the WS contribution makes us competitive, the fear of relegation hanging over us regularly is diminished but it would be a factor without this injection. My argument is this revenue stream is mitigated with the addition of 250-300 new adults to FP a season and a few extra bit of advertising here and there. That for me is truly sustainable but for some reason is something we seem unwilling to go for.

The 70k figure has been banded about with countless other over the years from the WS so I start to lose track. Sustained common message delivered concisely and all that. However I don't think this was the aim of your post but the fact it is 6 figure for me is even more worrying. All this says is that the club can bumble along not having work as hard to find an extra £100k+ per year to operate because the WS members will shore it up. I thought the club was meant to be sustainable, this isn't a unending moneytree as many will cease their DD's when they reach a membership threshold. At least under the old system, the WS actually had something tangible to show for the digging deep of its membership in terms of capital reserves. To repeat the point of the post I made before. The main issue I have with it and always have with our club is those who already are committed and contribute are pumped for more and more rather than attracting those who have lapsed, fallen by the wayside or never considered attending FP. It was sold as a .... we live in a area blighted by economic hardships, people here don't have a lot of spare cash kicking about. Therefore when a fans group take over the ownership of the club, have we seen anything to mitigate that burden, to try something truly revolutionary and innovative rather than the tired old status quo? I sincerely seen the WS and fan ownership as an opportunity to do things different from the stoic and tired way football clubs are managed in the past. I seen it as a way to get a fresh look at things, implement innovative ideas, engage with parts of the support who had lapsed and those who had yet to associate with the club. However I look and see a distinct lack of dynamism, lack of any innovative ideas and lack of focus on the priorities despite the valiant efforts of too few.

Sorry to say I'm going to be pretty critical on this. When I joined the WS I was unemployed and scraped the £300 together as there was a deadline given with a "if we don't make it over the threshold the dream is dead". I put money in I couldn't afford when I had little spare. I bought into the idea of the club being run by the support and sustainably (* I want to emphasise that word) going forward and a slush fund provided by the WS that would be dipped into when required and topped back up when the sun was shining. In the years since I've witness a degree of amateurism, missed opportunity and languid deadlines. I've seen the structure and direction of the WS change, the dynamic alter without one significant vote and a board who's re-election seems a fait accomplit. One thing is clear, it has not been transparent or representative of ALL those who have contributed. Despite recent efforts by some in particular who have done their best after recognising some glaring issues. We now have a subscription model where the funds collected don't contribute to a fund but are merely an extra revenue stream for the club no different to an advertising hoarding, programme advert, shirt sponsor or TV money. Consequently a season ticket holder who also contributes £10 a month via DD now is faces an outlay of £420 a year. OK in 2.5 years time they will attain steel membership and all that goes with that, but other than being altruistic what else do they get? The particular issue I have is what I mentioned above, that of sustainability. I want the club to live within it's means so therefore revenues are greater than outlays. The £70-120k from the WS per year now are bundled in with all the other revenues and I have an issue with that as it seems skewed. Going after the same people who attend week after week for more money when there are plenty of others who have drifted from attending or never considered Fir Park as an option. These people should be targeted and by avoiding doing so is lazy and does nothing to spread the burden or onus. Now in later September with 100 odd days of the year remaining, a share offer is made. I could already gain a share for £10 by attending the Chapman and parting with some cash but I get that it will be doubled if done via the WS. But is this too little, too late? It seems a pretty simple solution so why wasn't it launched soon after Les' announcement in March/April? Is it truly innovative? What distinguishes this/us from a traditionally owned club? Is this being done because it is late September and there is not much else on the table? What exactly are the WS as club owners doing differently from before? It was sold as supporter focused but now if I buy a season ticket and contribute a DD as they'd like it costs me significantly more to attend FP per season. If a rich benefactor came in and suggested that they would like 1,000 adults to increase their season ticket contribution by 40% they'd be mass boycotts. As we're under the illusion of buying in then its OK and palatable? Nah .... not for me. I was considering contributing £4,700 this year to top up to Amber as times are now good financially and it would be doubled to near enough nine and a half grand but not any longer. Sorry to say but #notapennymore

The place is infectious, that is until we get beat and itll be all doom and gloom again

Is that Tam Cowan on the left? Apologies if that has appeared on here in the past, surely it must have.

I was thinking about this too but you'd argue the most consistent and successful manager in Scotland over the past few years with a limited budget has been Tommy Wright (also N Irish). Haven't seen many come calling for him. Also, maybe if Robinson had been allowed a foray or two into the transfer market at Oldham we wouldn't have him here.

Id add the following monetary values: 4 Home OF games £250k each Ben Henegan £400k (reported) Marvin sell on fee £500k (conservative) League cup semi £300k (reported) Final? Scottish Cup? Hibs back in the top league all adds up to a decent return for the year financially and thats before we get out of September. Only thing is tricky, with his form and inflenice what would we do come January if someone comes in wanting Moult on an immediate transfer rather than a pre-contract? I imagine a team needing a shot in the arm to turn around a poor start to the season. Do we cash in or keep him for his influence and goals?

It was only a few months ago where I had abject apathy, sometimes I'd go internet surfing and find out there was a game on I wasn't aware we'd been in and thought "oh well". The change in our fortunes and atmosphere around the club is electric at the moment. Of course we will experience a plateau, that always happens, but I'm happy to ride on the crest of the wave for as long as I can. In a few short months we've gone from relegation fodder to truly exciting. Look at that team last night, Bigi on the bench and our best player from Jan to May in Frear still to return plus an unknown prospect in Deimantas Petravicius. Off the field we face the Old Firm 3 times each at FP. We're going to Hampden, Les' double your money offer, increased season ticket numbers and massive improvements on the commercial side. We have a manager who places a focus on work ethic and creating a harmonious atmosphere in the dressing room. His recruitment has been focused on sourcing guys based on footballing ability but also the right character. I genuinely feel there is a definite team spirit. We have exciting players who are home grown and also Well fans in Cadden and Campbell, which we can all identify with. While there has been talk to extend this or that players contract, can I be among one of the first to request that we also look at extending that of the manager. I am truly impressed with what I see and I think in time we may struggle to hold onto him.

Back on thread topic. I understood any revenues (under the original plans) were to be used to create an effective slush fund/war chest, that the club could dip into and repay when times were good. In the same way a rich benefactor has deep pockets. Am I right in assuming that the revenues from subscriptions to the WS are now channelled directly to the club as an additional revenue stream no different to a shirt sponsor or TV money? It must be worth 70k a season (obviously doubled this year). Is that the case?

Lottery numbers please buddy! Is it just me or was that a very non Motherwell performance? Up against a bigger team, early goal, controlled things, no squeeky bum stuff. It's what we watch other countless other teams with big resources and confidence do repeatedly. I can't think of how many times I've watched Motherwell and had a feeling of "What if?" That tonight was a delight to watch. Moult was fantastic and Bowman looks like we've got a above average player for free, not many who were wanting him out the door in the summer would countenance a move now. Again good performance from Campbell and Cadden got GMS hooked 35 minutes in, what does that tell you. Only sad thing is Robinson seemed truly resigned that Moult will be off in the summer and no offer can be made to encourage an extension. I love this club.

Here's hoping she gets her optimism from her mum

I'm in the air sadly. No WiFi on board till January

p2p4u then .... delish

On the telly? I'm out the country

Hibs were nothing to be feared despite the extra resources 17,000? season ticket holders bring over 4,000. Not to mention the advertising revenue being a capital city club. Yes a few players have been either kippered by streetwise players and dopey refs. But they are by and large young guys and will learn. As for how we deal with the slow start in the first half, I don't know, I think we have to address how the team can be lop sided at times with definite target channels for opposition players. The midfield conundrum is also a tough one, of course it was easier when we had slim pickings, we knew our best line up. Now we're almost spoiled for choice and have a multitude of options which changes what happens in the final third dramatically. I do think when Robinson gave McHugh the armband he is semi-teflon coated, however I have seen him so far buck the norm and make sweeping changes. I think unless there's an injury or distinctive loss of form he's safe. I sincerely he gets his form and touch back as I'm sure he's conscious of it as much as we are. Rose does an unglamorous job and rightly picked up on by other posters, he maintains his starting place so is either valued in his contribution that we are mere voyeurs don't notice or doing what he is told effectively. It's up to Bigi, Tanner and Frear (when fit) to really push for a start in training. Along with guys like Plummer they have to be champing at the bit and know they can maybe bring more. Ultimately I fear nobody in this league apart from the unwashed for obvious reasons. The rest we can take on our day. Only criticism our "day's" have constituted 45-55 minutes rather than a full 90.

http://youtube.com/vdnA-ESWcPs?t=1m58s I tried to embed with on either side, can a mod advise how we embed youtube clips?

Pro's Fewer seats around Fir Park help just that wee bit to help create a little more atmosphere and buzz, nothing worse than loads of free seats around you, unless you're a hermit/social retard. We have a bench were everyone on it, you'd be like, "yeah ... could do a job", only a few months ago it was slim pickings. I think that adds to the excitement when we arrive at FP, there can be a combination of 20 staring line ups and formations and you'd get an "aye OK, makes sense that" from most of the support for every combo. In Robinson we have (what it seems anyway) a manager willing to make immediate changes to improve things. Dunne being a prime example. However I may question why Hammell or Plummer didn't start if he was nursing an illness. Key for me is the dressing room and the cohesion where everyone seems to look out for one another and you get the impression there's a real Dunkirk spirit. Hopefully the Gannon chief scout wankfest can be put to bed as if he was some sort of Arthur Daley wheeling dealing genius. Dom Thomas returning to find those who replaced him are of higher quality and despite his best efforts, the decision made to allow him to leave was justified. Hope he turns good though and gets punted as we'd get a development fee. Big Lee will always have a place in my heart for "that" interview and for all we know he may have been our Moult replacement if he went earlier in the summer. I'm so glad he stayed as while Erwin is impressive physically he still seems like a big daft laddie needing told what to do and where to go. Ryan Bowman was excellent again ... let me stress the "again" part of that. Seems like a new quality signing maybe helped by the exit of a certain diminutive Australian. We have two strikers willing to put in 110% until the final whistle, no cute antics or "conserving energy" such as Ainsworth and McDonald. I'll jump on the Campbell gushing bus. If he was a striker the equivalent of his contribution to date would be about 4 goals. However he's a midfielder who's job is to harry, cajole, win and work tirelessly. Dundee Utd-esque contract extension please as a matter of urgency. New turnstile plan seemed to work. Con's First half was insipid and dire yesterday, not helped by Killie looking for a draw ahead of a few really tough games. Distribution and passing was chronic, granted primarily from one source and semi-justifiable. But as a whole there were too many basics overlooked that would be capitalised on by anyone other than relegation fodder such as Killie. If we were more ruthless then yesterday coulda and shoulda have been a 4 or 5 nil dribbing for Killie.

Flow still has a gig

Well if that happened, then so be it, at least we gave it a significant chance rather than left organising race nights or a raffle. Worst case scenario, there's what? An extra few hundred seats at Fir Park occupied. Surely that isn't a bad thing.

@Superward, I'd fully expect anyone coming into the Chapman to take advantage would immediately be given the hard sell. To not do it would be an oversight and negligent on the part of the club and WS. As for the values being wishful thinking, I know of at least 5 lapsed season ticket holders. I'm sure every one of us reading this can cite similar numbers. Tell them they can get it for up to £180 a year then I'm sure a few would return. It was only a few years ago we had 18,000 at Hampden and average home attendances over 8,000. We can easily get these lapsed back if we a) let them know about it, b) incentivise their return and c) incentives those doing the selling it to them. For the purposes of an illustration I used 300 quid as a datum. That is the rough adult price for the East/Hunter. Of course there are concessions and kids tickets, it would all be relative to what you pay. It would work such as this, lots of media and exposure. Fans are incentivised to get their mates and those who have fallen by the wayside over the years to return. If you know a bit of arm twisting in the pub or a few chase up emails get you a £120 back on £300 you were prepared to spend anyway, you will be proactive. How many hours at your work would you need to work to make £120? Would you spare one or two chasing up you mates to save 120 when you think of it on those terms? Upon taking out a season ticket you pay your advertised price ... in this case £300. Based on the uptake the maximum you can get back is 50% - £30 admin fee for the club to administer. So £120. A concession paying £180 would get back £60 if we hit target. The club would normally issue the rebates in two tranches, one just before Christmas as a welcome boon, issued from the back of the club shop (got to give Provan a wee boost) and the second after the tight cashflow months of Feb/March. That way the club has additional funds (albeit ring fenced for the rebate) to play with in the short term. For the purposes of Les' offer I'd recommend that it would be returned in October for one year only to get max WS uptake. The beauty of the scheme is this. The club agree to plateau season ticket revenues from the previous campaign. However the £30 admin free which is taken off any rebates at source per ticket immediately benefits the club and is in itself an increase in revenue. We all remember how having a full Fir Park for Nancy or Euro games, with no free seats around you gives an added buzz and excitement. This offers a chance to both increase attendances, revenues and embrace what is the core of being fan owned .... the possibility to take innovate ideas for the benefit of the fans rather than just pumping them for cash at every turn.

To counter the criticism, the club would implement at Bradford scheme season ticket drive, simple as that. Total season ticket revenues would be maintained from the previous season but the hope is it would result in increased attendances. What people do with their rebate is up to them however there would be a strong drive and emphasis to put it towards the WS and help sustain the club, especially in the light of Les' offer. If a fan chooses to put their rebate into the club then it is neither automatic or cute, its what the WS want us to do. Using a recent transfer fee as an alternative example is a tad disingenuous. As for why I dragged it up, I believe that if you are going to be critical which I am of where we find ourselves in September, then at least make sure your voice is not 100% negative. If I play devils advocate then I should at least have tired to be the angel on the shoulder with an alternative idea in advance of sharpening my knife. Which I did.

OK, so assuming all criticism is good criticism and I only do this because I also forwarded a tangible plan for the WS to consider to help crank things up when Les' announcement was made (so no naysaying from the sidelines without offering an alternative before anyone chirps up): When Les made his announcement, that should have been a game changer. All current plans put on hold with the focus on how to fully exploit the double your money scheme over the following 8 months, set a countdown clock because this is now a major income stream for the club and for that reason the club should have aligned fully with any initiative. Jesus, if done right it could have netted £250k matched is half a million and think how much we'd all doff our caps for a player sale like that. Remember selling Arnier? Any plans that would help further things get progressed, anything nice for PR purposes or tie up too much manpower, ditch till January 2018. Sorry Jay but to cite a 7s tournament, whisky day, auctions, MFC Podcast book are one off's by dedicated and motived WS members, ancillary to the organisation. These are neither "concerted" or maximising income in a relatively small time window. Negotiating large one off donations from certain members, well now we're talking, I'll give you that one. Revamped benefits package & recruitment campaign ..... to be honest, the fact the benefits package sat in limbo for what? .... 4 months? Is an oversight and dropped ball by the WS. This should not be listed in among all the other stuff that has been done off the back of Les' offer as it is intrinsic to the WS's being. Anyway, here's what I submitted, it is a tad back of a fag packet but it fulfils the tangible and concerted opposed to picking low hanging fruit: So if the Bradford scheme was adopted in season 2017/18, with the East stand representative of the whole stadium (all figures based on 1,000 adults signing up): Currently East Stand has 1,000 Adults. Revenue is approx. £300,000 per annum from season ticket sales. Keep revenue neutral but aim to double attendance to 2,000 adults. Bradford scheme where club agrees to keep revenues neutral from previous season. The club retains £30 of every rebate for admin purposes (£60k extra on top of £300k if 1,000 sign up). The amount of the potential rebate differs with the number of people who sign up, same way a Blue Peter appeal totaliser does (beauty is club always gets £300k and ALL admin fees). That results in a £150 season ticket and a £150 rebate (if 1,000 sign up) of which the club retains £30 and fan gets back £120 rebate if max number sign up. That £120 rebate can be directed towards a WS membership (setting up a £30 per month DD for 4 months - purely to maximse revenue generated in 2017). Every £120 is matched by Les. Resulting in 1,000 new adult members of WS, £120,000 generated via subs, £120k matched by Les, shy of £250k added to the fund. Each of the 1,000 would be expected to add a further £180 over time to get to the £300 Claret threshold (£180k). Added to that, some may pay more in before Dec 21st, generating more double revenue. Existing season ticket holders may also put some of their £120 into the WS (which would be matched). Not to mention POD and Cooper stands if they follow the precedent. Above is for adults, but kids and youths could add substantially to this too. Combine with the offers for season ticket holders it can be sold as effective free football for a year. This could be a real money spinner, total revenues from £500k to £700k for club and WS combined with Les' contribution: 120k from new ST holders +120k matched gift +60k admin from all 2,000 adults +180k future WS sub revenue from new ST holders +75k existing season ticket holders contributions +75k if replicated via other stands +75k matched gift It would get a lot of press coverage, show that the fans are being listened to and reducing the cost of attending for your average fan. However for us, it could max out Les' gift and also put even more direct funds into the WS. It needs swift action and buy in from all associated with the club. A vigorous and sustained advertising campaign and knocking on doors. Flow, Murrant, Craig, WS and club board, with an acknowledgment from the players they will need to get out into the community to sell it to the lapsed fans and those who have never considered it.

Only criticism I have is Les announced this in what March? We're now in September and I've yet to see some concerted and tangible effort to capitalise on this offer. You'll appreciate Jay, I've brought this up with you directly too.

All that highlights is Sinclair definitely needs a new agent.

You don't think there is skill involved in drumming up a bidding war to get him leaving for something in Jan opposed to nothing in the summer?