Post by procswrongfoot on Dec 4, 2023 23:00:31 GMT
Sorry everybody. Rather forced out of self imposed exile, frustrated by my good cricketing mate excitedly banging on about the prospects of Rose Bowl mark 2.
So to provide a modicum of balance, thought I would undertake some brief research:
Initial construction of the 6,500 Rose Bowl commenced in 1997. No great surprise, but spiralling costs almost bankrupted them.
Once again, in 2011, Hampshire found themselves in huge £12 million debt. Only saved jointly by a huge cash injection by Chairman Rod Bransgrove together with the local council buying up the lease on the ground. Benefactor Bransgrove has pumped at least £15 million of his personal wealth into financing/rescuing Hampshire from potential oblivion.
Hard to envisage how would we actually fund a realistic move. Who is our major benefactor? How do you control escalating costs? Potential opportunities yes, but many dangers lie ahead.
Is staying put an option?
Changes obviously needed, but current financial mismanagement is a major concern.
Have reviewed the latest financial accounts (ending 31 Jan 2023) compared to a previous account (ending 31 Jan 2019). Club employees have increased from 73 to 101. Of this figure the most alarming is the increases of coaching, physio and other support staff which seemingly has increased from 10 to an amazing figure of 25.
Let’s start controlling the controllables and live within our means.
Additionally, catering opportunities seem a considerable missed opportunity.
Finally, a gradual 5 year programme of improving the member and casual fan experience at the County Ground. Would personally start by binning the Premiership membership - sometimes you need to take a strategic step backwards in order to move positively forwards.
Sorry for the diatribe, but somehow I feel rather better for that!
So to provide a modicum of balance, thought I would undertake some brief research:
Initial construction of the 6,500 Rose Bowl commenced in 1997. No great surprise, but spiralling costs almost bankrupted them.
Once again, in 2011, Hampshire found themselves in huge £12 million debt. Only saved jointly by a huge cash injection by Chairman Rod Bransgrove together with the local council buying up the lease on the ground. Benefactor Bransgrove has pumped at least £15 million of his personal wealth into financing/rescuing Hampshire from potential oblivion.
Hard to envisage how would we actually fund a realistic move. Who is our major benefactor? How do you control escalating costs? Potential opportunities yes, but many dangers lie ahead.
Is staying put an option?
Changes obviously needed, but current financial mismanagement is a major concern.
Have reviewed the latest financial accounts (ending 31 Jan 2023) compared to a previous account (ending 31 Jan 2019). Club employees have increased from 73 to 101. Of this figure the most alarming is the increases of coaching, physio and other support staff which seemingly has increased from 10 to an amazing figure of 25.
Let’s start controlling the controllables and live within our means.
Additionally, catering opportunities seem a considerable missed opportunity.
Finally, a gradual 5 year programme of improving the member and casual fan experience at the County Ground. Would personally start by binning the Premiership membership - sometimes you need to take a strategic step backwards in order to move positively forwards.
Sorry for the diatribe, but somehow I feel rather better for that!