stewarty

Had we been managing our retail operation "in house", then all of the revenue and all of the costs would be coming through our accounts. Its hard to say how much that would amount to. I too heard some of the higher numbers bandied around by the Beahon brothers on podcasts, but we also heard from the club that the structure of the deal was unique compared to anything we have had in the past, with an ability to generate bonus payments depending on sales. But I think you could easily be talking that the total revenue via Castore could be 4-5 times that £4.3m. I think when it comes to Castore, the number appears a little underwhelming right now, but it may take a year or two for the full benefits to flush through and for the numbers to normalise. Only then can we properly judge whether its been a success.

I really hope you are correct, but this one looks like its going in one direction only.

Gerrard came with his team, and will likely leave with the majority of it. He personally doesn't need the EPL level money, but I fancy that the opportunity for him to facilitate his team getting EPL level money, and the security that might bring them, could be a big draw for Gerrard.

As far as I remember, the reason that he gave was due to restrictions the South African authorities put on moving capital out of the country. Whether that’s 100% true or not, I don’t know. He didn’t seem to have that problem when loaning the club funds prior to this.

I didn’t read it that way, more that player trading is a more sustainable model going forward. And that we are well positioned given the relative depth of the squad now. He wasn’t saying we needed to sell them all

I feel we are in a little bit of groundhog day with the accounts. Each time we accumulate losses which are in turn covered by a range of wealthy supporters. Whilst it is heartening to see how much 55 meant to those guys who again have stepped up and helped the club massively, its not a sustainable position in the long term. There is no doubt that Covid has massively impacted our ability to trade normally, you only need to look at the circa £17m reduction in income. That said, it has forced us to go after alternative income streams more aggressively such as our various commercial partnerships and RTV, as well as the modestly improved merchandising from Castore. On Castore, it might not be until next year's accounts until we see the full impact of the partnership, hence why I say modest improvement to c£4m. What it does show is the reality of our financial position and why we felt a little underwhelmed by the transfer activity in the summer. It also underlines why 56 this year is so massive with the guaranteed UCL income.

Dont disagree overall, but the market over the summer was delayed by the Euros and never really got going to the same extent as it would given the trend in years previously. Ultimately I don't think we received sensible bids for our key assets over the summer. On Kamara though, we have secured him on an extended deal earlier in the year so that at least preserves his value for a year or two more.

Or rather, anti-protestant bigotry, as we should all refer to it as.

Not sure about that. Suspect the manager will try and keep the majority of the team exactly the same. Thought we may have hooked Tav because of his first half booking.

Job done. That’s about all i can say in the end. onto another big game on Wednesday

Crocker just stole my line. Prick

A half of two halves.

Clear penalty. Poor from the VAR there

How many of those games has he started? Always think that’s a useful metric for a striker.

Satisfying to see us get the first goal and then build on the platform it gives us to the game. Big first 10-15 of the second half… can we build again and get Alfredo the goal he needs so we can see his happy face again.

There's rumours (and a pic doing the rounds) that Frank "the best in the business" McPartland has been hired to oversee their recruitment. Got a feeling this is going to be a car crash if this turns out to be true. In terms of new manager markets, they're so small that small bets can skew the odds a fair bit. At best they're knockabout fun, but are no indication of anything.

This appeal characterises the petty distractions that permeate our game constantly. Utterly pointless

Lundstram as well for me. He's starting to find a bit of form which has been much needed.

Ach I’m not really disagreeing. More a turn of phrase to be honest. Just hope we get through Sunday with a win and that gives Gerrard the international break to re-group.

I discount friendlies, but i say flatter because we have lots of possession, seemingly dominate for long spells, yet can’t get the ball in the net whilst showing ourselves prone to lapses at the back far more regularly.

Gerrard’s tetchy response to in the pre-match presser on Wednesday, when asked about this season’s form compared to last, I think was an indicator of his own frustration. Big game v Hibs on Sunday it has to be said. Games where we flatter to deceive in both boxes will catch up with us soon. Perhaps the international break comes at a good time on this occasion?

Pathetic card to be honest. Ref has bought their play acting all night

There’s a fragility to the core of the team without Goldson. And it’s showing the longer the game goes on

Kent for me also.

For me thats essentially the frustration we all have. Whilst it suits those with an agenda to jump on anything that fits their narrative, its a complex societal issue that is being boiled down to a few words and songs and it isn't doing anything other than continue to sow division and attract attention to something that is generally fading away from day-to-day life for the majority of people. Of course, it should not be played down either, but there is a real lack of honest discourse.