Interesting to see opposing fans views on it all.
I suppose, in terms of the Championship not one team lives withing its means techincally - all require significant extra investment on top of gates. There are clubs in that league with much smaller fans bases then Pompey doing well - but they need investment to stay there.
In league 1 it is much the same, we bring in 18,000 fans each home game - which will be by far the biggest crowds in that league next year. But on pure revenue from that it only allows us to pay below average wages for league 1. All/most the other clubs in league 1 are propped up at least to some degree by private investment. so the "all clubs must love to their means" argument is debatable to say the least. If you categorise some afforbale private investment into clubs as "l;iving to means" then yes U agree with you - but 90% of clubs need it these days.
From our perspective well, we already have turned down several offers of interest from parties who were not credible. But Eisner's credibility is pretty first rate, you can track every year of his career and investments, and he comes with a slow and sustained investment plan to move us forward. no fireworks, living to our means as much as possible and growing slowly. NO big transfer fees, more investment in youth and our academy. No over the top wages, more investment in our stadium and facilities. Fans couldn't really choose a more credible invester or a better plan for sensible long term growth.
The alternative? well we need to find an immidiate £5million to make the stadium safe for starters. we could probably do it by putting our hands in our pockets once again. But long term it isn't really viable is it.
There will be no "buying the league" next season. We will stick to an average budget and focus on off the field improvements. I'm more than happy with 2 or 3 seasons in league 1 to get into a better place before we hit the championship, which we will of course eventually. Championship clubs spend tens of millions on wages alone, and we are not ready for that just yet (alebit you never turn down a promotion)
I note all the aggressive messages, "hope it all goes wrong" etc, and I understand your anger to some degree. But ultimately football is about hope and dreams. yes we could trundle along in league 1 for the next 15 years just one fan income, we could even possible jump up another league just on fan income.. but heck you only live once. Are you honestly saying Plymouth would turn down a credible billionaire investing in your club in a sustainable way with long term plans?
We have taken a rigorous and thorough vetting of what seems to be one of the most respected business men I have ever come across. If there was a hint of concern the bid wouldn't have seen the light of day. It is a educated risk, but yes I take your point, ultimately still a risk.
For what it is worth I can see you guys doing well next season, maybe better than us if you keep Carey. Midtable and stabilising in the league is fine for me first year. good luck
