The very idea that another Championship model is remotely comparable beyond that of Bristol City is built on little more than hope and whimsy, the thought that a PL club could be compared is just daft.
Bristol City spent nine seasons in the top flight - the first 5 came during a period where the word 'almost' became synonymous with the club in an era where the financial playing field was pretty level, the final 4 were all seasons of struggle as the financial divide between the SW and the rest of the country had become established to the point of reflection in professional sport.
They have, since Jimmy Hill sent his protege to Ashton Gate, mostly been attractive only to the level of manager Argyle appeal to now.
Their ownership structure is highlighted by a successful individual who, while a name in his field, doesn't carry the transferable status to draw in the vast sums of investment required in the modern game to reach the top level.
Bristol City, like Argyle, will very likely never see Premier League football because money follows interest and nothing in the SW interests the right people.
This is as far as the comparison goes, beyond that there's nothing.
I know some people think that Bournemouth represents a worthy counterpoint, but these people simply overlook the wealth belt of the South Coast which rather conveniently stops at Dorset.
Our club model, like that of every other club in the SW, simply cannot be compared to any other club in the country because the unavoidable organic factors that influence the prospects of clubs down here are very different to those relevant to other clubs.
Let's have it clear - Bristol, Exeter and Swindon all have the advantages of being served by a motorway, so their respective factors differ from ours and Torquay's. However, it's clear that there's more to it than simply logistics.
The Brighton model, like that of Brentford or any other club served better by geographical awareness and financial spread, is never going to be seen at HP.
The Championship is our top flight.
Unless one of these Hollywood investments arrive, it's ridiculously unlikely that we'll ever reach the Premier League.
Our club model is uncompromisingly unique and cannot realistically be compared to anyone else, we just need to accept this reality.
