LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Feb 10, 2019 0:00:10 GMT
But how to fund a rebuild? Do it over an extended period, like Preston as an example. Preston did it over a 15 year period, so had the previous board invested in the stadium post-purchase we could have a fantastic little ground completed in 2013 but, oh, well, they mothballed it. Certainly Geoff Dunford, and Higgs only considered the Mem as a step to another ground on the outskirts. GD told me that the mem could only accomodate 18,000 and that it wasn't large enough and the infrastructure around the ground wasn't good enough either
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Feb 9, 2019 23:53:12 GMT
There is a matter that appears to have gone completely under the radar with regards to the apparent failure of the UWE Stadium project. I am not aware of it being reported upon, or any explanations requested by Rovers, UWE or any part of the media, and it troubles me greatly. Perhaps someone out there can help me out. However, before I get to it, I wish to give a short preamble to clarify the context and why I think it is so important. I am one of those Rovers supporters who see Rovers as potentially a very big club. This is quite feasible given that Bristol is not only a prosperous city, but also the largest city in the southern half of Britain, excluding London. I believe that the fundamental reason why this has not been achieved is ultimately down to stadium issues which have dogged the club since the sale of Eastville some 70 years ago. The solution to this is not redevelopment of the Memorial Stadium simply because it is in the wrong place. You simply can not get large crowds in and out of that area. This fact has been publicly acknowledged by Nick Higgs and the Al-Qadis in the past, although I am aware that strange statements contradicting this were made following the official withdrawal from the UWE stadium project in August 2017. The solution and game changer always has been the development of the UWE stadium, and I'm sure this was the intention of the Al-Qadis when they bought into the club. The UWE stadium project made logistical sense from every perspective, and really was a game changer as it would have removed the infrastructure limits on Rovers progressing as a club. So much so, I feel that the publicly made statements as striving to establish Rovers as a championship club were actually unambitious, although there may have been sensible reasons for this. I believe that Premiership status could ultimately been achieved. Thereby opening all sorts of additional commercial possibilities, and dare I say it, actually challenging the near monopoly of west country professional sport being achieved by Bristol Sport Ltd. So why didn't the UWE Stadium happen? We have all heard the public statements made in August 2017. I have to be honest and admit that I didn't find them very illuminating, but this could be due to my lack of comprehension of the English language. I do recall Steve Hamer making it clear that it was not down to money. So why didn't it happen? Us members of the public are left to speculate. Well, I'm not speculating or indulging in libelous tittle tattle, in accordance with the rules of this forum. So this brings me to my question of fact that I think needs a very public explanation. It is simple. Why was a Director of Bristol Sport Ltd sitting on the UWE Board of Governors and participating in the confidential meetings involving the UWE stadium project? This situation ran from the inception of the stadium project at least until late 2016. This may have continued longer but UWE Board of Governor meeting minutes were not made public from approx November 2016 onwards. This is a clear conflict of interests, yet this matter has never been brought to public notice. Surely I am not the only person aware of this, or unhappy with this state of affairs? Why have the media (or Rovers) never called out UWE or Bristol Sport for an explanation. Without this the implications are quite worrying. For the record, the Director Of Bristol Sport in question is Chris Booy, Chairman of Bristol Rugby (or Bears). History, just 2 years ago
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Feb 5, 2019 12:30:57 GMT
Shame we ddn't sack him a month before. Interestingly we don't hear the "DC wold have kept us up" very much
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Feb 5, 2019 12:25:55 GMT
Civil Service Sports Club site in Filton Avenue is it now being sold for housing reputed to worth £25m is this correct ? Where are our fans going to park now on matchdays ? in the houses drives
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Feb 5, 2019 12:24:12 GMT
Anyone who has tattoos up to his chin must be a bit hard
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Feb 5, 2019 12:22:48 GMT
'I always scream "Sinclair" at my son on a Sunday when he doesn't work as hard as he should.' is there a greater compliment? We complain about not having any money but you want us to take on a gardener?
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Feb 5, 2019 12:20:45 GMT
My comment was tongue in cheek obviously. But endless rumours of takeovers are just a waste of time. If it happens then it will but there is no sign of it. But lets look at some of the facts. Apart from the pitch, the bar the shop they gave Clarke the biggest budget he has ever had and he assembled a squad of 27, most of which were average at best. Apart from the big clubs in this division most teams have a squad of 21 or so. Clarke had 27, and the development squad. He went for numbers rather than quality. So if the squad gets cut down to 21 or 22 then it is not a "cut back" its being sensible and having a squad that is manageable and hopefully contains better quality players.
Some 30 years ago when I was working for Wincanton transport as transport manager one of my drivers used to do a night trunk to Bristol, and he said all the time. Those buggers down there, always moaning and always complaining that it was better years ago. Somethings haven't changed
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Feb 5, 2019 12:08:40 GMT
Apparently all seats are sold out for Saturday AND the game against Sunderland
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Feb 5, 2019 12:07:06 GMT
This is not just our club. It is happening all over the league due to the FA's latest rules whereby you can bring a kid up from 8 years old to 16 and then a Prem club can take them for free. As a result most smaller clubs like ours will start developing kids from 16. Up until that point the younger ones will play for appropriate local clubs, then if they look promising they will get picked up at 16. Nothing to do about money; or the board, it is what is happening in football league generally. Thanks to all you Sky watchers
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Feb 4, 2019 18:01:48 GMT
Of course everything was so much better when Higgs was in charge
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Sercs
Jan 28, 2019 12:29:58 GMT
Post by LPGas on Jan 28, 2019 12:29:58 GMT
£400K to Fratton how can they afford that ? Portsmouth expect to sign at least 5 players in the coming few days so they obviously have the wherewithal .watch rovers accept a much reduced offer on thursday 18,000 at every game, and that's why
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Sercs
Jan 28, 2019 12:26:14 GMT
Post by LPGas on Jan 28, 2019 12:26:14 GMT
Wael won't allow this to happen. He's been perfectly clear in stating that he's ambitious. He's allowed all of our strikers to leave and replaced them with dross, if he lets Sercombe go as well he'll have zero credibility left, at that point he would be forced to resign as President or whatever made up title he's awarded himself. Ah yes of course- after reading that I feel so much more assured. You cannot stop players from leaving. Bodin and Harrison both had 6 months left on their contract sand could have walked for free. They probably trebled, or at least doubled their salaries, how can you stop people from doing that? It was Clarke that brought in the dross we now watch.
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Jan 28, 2019 12:19:48 GMT
Very interesting and if you read between the lines it obviates itself why he left. Still feeling gutted for him as I think that if he could have maybe added one or two of his first choice players, we would not be where we are. Great that he understands and shares our frustrations. He doesn’t come across as even angry let alone bitter. Good luck DC. I hope he gets a job where he gets the resources and infrastructure that is needed, to push onto the next level. So a squad of 27 plus development squad plus a squad of Under 23's not enough players for him? He is history, and will appear in books. Here endeth the lesson
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Jan 28, 2019 12:17:22 GMT
I don't know why we even keep Sinclair, every season he misses half through injury, his best days have gone, and I expect him and Leadbitter who has also got injury problems not to be here next season. The squad is too big and has too many average players
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Jan 28, 2019 12:11:09 GMT
The deal as brokered by Higgs gave away more than the present owners thought appropriate. Firstly our present owners wanted to buy the land, and another strip of land on which to build a hotel and some retail outlets. Uwe said no. Higgs had a greed the following all of which the present board disagreed with. Rovers to lay a car park. UWE to have 50% of the takings from the car park including match days and 25% of all food and drink outlets. Rovers to build jogging track, creche and gym that could be used by students. The stadium was to be named the UWE Community Stadium, and so Rovers would not get any income from naming rights. We wanted to buy the land and have a football ground, they looked upon it as part of the university. That is the basic reasons it fell through. As we know Universities are more than rich ( money making machines) and they saw an opportunity to obtain something at a cut price
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Jan 23, 2019 16:01:06 GMT
Following the departure of Darrell Clarke, the Board and the owners are conscious that there has been considerable speculation regarding our future plans for the Club. In order to provide clarity to supporters, the Board and the owners would like to confirm that our aspirations and intentions for a positive future for the Club remain unchanged. Hard work continues behind the scenes. Whilst it is not possible to share all details due to confidentiality arrangements, we wish to put on record our extreme disappointment that another development site that the Club have been pursuing is no longer under consideration. Many months of effort, and not inconsiderable cost, have been put into this possibility of a new stadium and training ground development but we have now been left with no option but to explore and identify alternative solutions. The Board and the owners want the very best for Bristol Rovers FC. Supporters will of course be informed as soon there are important developments to share. In the meantime, we send our very best wishes to you for a happy and peaceful holiday season. ”Yeah I’ve got a girlfriend, she just goes to another school”. Is your name Gary? By any chance
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Jan 23, 2019 15:58:10 GMT
Can't blame Sercs for wanting to leave. If we keep him, will he single handedly keep us up? He's hardly hit last season's form. Also, he'll leave on a free in May anyway, even if we don't make the play offs... 😁 May as well just accept it, these owners are not going to spend any money on decent players, they've given up, the players here know that and will just hang around for the £ unless a better offer comes along. The pathetic scoreboard is broken and they won't even find a few bob to fix that. For me, that's symbolic of these owners. I have no idea what their objective is, but they've choked the life out of one of the brightest young managers in football and replaced him with a guy who, whilst enthusiastic, is obviously miles out of his depth. They've thrown away the UWE project that they were handed on a plate. We have a training ground that looks like a jungle. Daft stories about stadium plans, but of course, we can't be told what they were. Can you imagine what would have been said about Higgs if he had come out with that rubbish? Unless something changes, a lot, history won't be kind to Wael and his family. Think it was DC who spent the money. For example our second highest fee on a striker who does not score. Is it he owners fault DC spent his budget on dross? You haven't noticed the new scoreboard on the West Stand. The UWE project as left by mastermind Higgs contained the following. Rovers would build the ground including a creche for the UWE. The ground had to contain a gym, which UWE students were free to use. It had to have a jogging track for students to use. 50% of the income from the car park would do to the UWE (matchdays) . 25% of proceeds from food and drink outlets to UWE. UWE retained naming rights of the stadium (ie UWE) Student games to take place in the stadium after the season had finished. UWE to retain ownership of the land. Rovers (new board ) wanted to buy land so that they could borrow from it. Rovers wanted all matchday income to go to the club. Rovers wanted to buy another strip of land to build retail outlets and a hotel on. Rovers would build a creche and gym but students would have to pay for it. Rovers to sell naming rights. UWE "its a community ground" Rovers "it's a football ground."
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Jan 23, 2019 15:37:54 GMT
We are violently agreeing - the issue is the board. Not GC. We have GC because we have no money. [/quote] This is a genuine question, not sarcasm, but why don't we have any money? Why can Accrington & Wycombe do OK on 2 & 3 thousand crowds & we can't on 8/9,even 10? Where does our money go? I'm no accountant unfortunately but my ex-boss has a daughter who is a "forensic accountant". Do I ask her to take a look at our accounts? Or is it just sheer financial incompetence? I can grudgingly accept the AQ's don't want to throw their own money at the club but surely we can manage a mid L1 team? [/quote] God like Clarke spent it on a lot of worthless players. Then of course there is matchdays which costs thousands to put on, but no one thinks about that do they? Wycombe and Accrington have clubs that are open 7 days a week. Accrington has a club with bar and sports club. Wycombe have money topped up by the board. Just like ours do (£1.7 million) last season. Crowds bear little towards funding. If you wanted us to become self sufficient we would need crowds of 12k to 14k every game
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Jan 11, 2019 13:19:50 GMT
Maybe by doing this it frees up enough cash to get a player in
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LPGas
Stuart Taylor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,240
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Post by LPGas on Dec 30, 2018 17:02:50 GMT
As opposed to the manager they have just let go, who has a L2 record of; Pl 46 W26 D7 L13 Win % 56.5. DC was sacked by this shower of a board, he wasn’t going to walk out on us. DC was this seasons best hope for turning our form around this season and keeping us up, or getting us up next year. You should be on the stage Well you made larf!!
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