SOTC Warnock.

[City Rocker]

24 minutes ago, glynriley said:

It was a joke to be fair.

All I'm reading as defence of Lansdown is the hypothetical situation that "things could be worse". They could also improve.

I think every fan on here is grateful for the bricks and mortar. Nice ground, decent training ground etc...

But the decision making, nepotism, backing managers who clearly aren't up to it and putting us in FFP difficulties is a recurring theme. I'd take my chances with a new owner in a heartbeat.

 

Agree with most up to your final sentence. Fair to say we should all be grateful for SL's huge investment, and equally critical of his baffling managerial appointments from Pulis onwards. 

But just 'take our chances' with a new owner, anyone will do? I'd be very careful what you wish for. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 minute ago, Bar BS3 said:

I think he's said that himself before hasn't he..? That he'd welcome investment/sale - but only if it was to someone with the right intentions. 

Is he asking for too much? Even for internal Investment?

Birmingham, WBA, Sheffield United..all Clubs with different contexts. Ipswich too. 

[Bar BS3]

24 minutes ago, BigTone said:

He said many years ago he would love to be part of the setup so nothing new and no shit stirring

Did he..? I know he has said he loves coming here & the abuse he gets & that he thinks we are a great club etc...

I'm not sure how many times he's actually applied for a managerial position here - which he'd obviously have done regularly, if he wanted to be part of it all so much...

[KegCity]

2 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I think he's said that himself before hasn't he..? That he'd welcome investment/sale - but only if it was to someone with the right intentions. 

Exactly, so that panic over hypothetical terrible owners isn't needed then?

[Bar BS3]

Just now, Mr Popodopolous said:

Is he asking for too much? Even for internal Investment?

Birmingham, WBA, Sheffield United..all Clubs with different contexts. Ipswich too. 

I do think the whole set up limits the appeal to investors.

Someone wanting to get involved with football may well not want to also take control of Rugby & Basketball aswell.

All makes sense as part of a bigger project & obviously makes sense for Ashton Gate to be unitised more by doing things the way they've been done - but I can certainly see that it could make it all less appealing to someone who just wants a Football interest - of course, on the other hand, it could make it even more appealing to some.

[Mr Popodopolous]

6 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

Did he..? I know he has said he loves coming here & the abuse he gets & that he thinks we are a great club etc...

I'm not sure how many times he's actually applied for a managerial position here - which he'd obviously have done regularly, if he wanted to be part of it all so much...

Warnock and a defensive unit of Kalas, Webster, Baker, Wright and even Kelly at CB who could play there would have been a bit of a dream?

             Maenpaa

 Wright Kalas Webster Kelly

Brownhill Pack Smith Eliasson

                 Paterson

                 Weimann

Then depth such as Fielding, Pisano, Hunt, Baker, DaSilva, Diedhiou, Taylor. Can switch between different shapes.

Edited December 24, 2024 by Mr Popodopolous

[glynriley]

1 minute ago, City Rocker said:

Agree with most up to your final sentence. Fair to say we should all be grateful for SL's huge investment, and equally critical of his baffling managerial appointments from Pulis onwards. 

But just 'take our chances' with a new owner, anyone will do? I'd be very careful what you wish for. 

You're always going to be taking a chance, there are no guarantees it will work out for the better. We could end up with Ipswich type owners or Rovers type owners, who knows? I would like to think though, that if SL has the club at heart as much as people think, he'd weed out the charlatans.

But after 22 years, I think it's fair to say SL has reached his ceiling. It happens to managers and players all the time, I don't see why owners are considered any different.

[Davefevs]

43 minutes ago, ashton_fan said:

Yes but the resources are being supplied by the Lansdown family, get rid of them and what resources do we have then? People go on about money being wasted as if it's their money but it's the Lansdown's who are losing out when money's not well spent.

SL is funding the losses.  SL is funding the day to day Cashflow.  He is getting a return every year in the form of interest on his loans (which I think he’s entitled to do so, even if other owners loan their own clubs interest free).

I don’t go on in any way like it’s my own money, I don’t think anyone does, it’s a weak argument.  It’s like me retorting to you “anyone would think the way you defend him it’s like he’s your boss”!

It’s the fans that are missing out too!

Imagine running a business with so much inefficiency.  Not his model for Hargreaves 
Lansdown was it?

44 minutes ago, KegCity said:

Fantastic! They'd run it as a business not a hobby? They'd hold staff to KPIs and demand more results than not getting relegated? Sign me up  

Exactly.

39 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

Those are valid points - but until someone else with the right intentions comes along to take over & invest, with a clear plan & the footballing & business nouse to improve on all of that - what is that you(and others) actually want...?

What if (God forbid, imo) Lansdown woke up tomorrow & said to himself "you know what, I've had enough - I'm not hanging around until someone wants to buy it all. I'm cutting my losses & pulling out now - someone else can just have it & take it all on for free & I'm going to go lay on a Caribbean beach for the rest of my days"

Where would that leave us..? You really think we'd suddenly get some unknown Arab Sheikh who's always had a fondness toward BCFC come out of the woodwork & propell us to the Prem & then Europa league..?

I'd suspect it's far more likely that we'd end up like Sheffield Wednesday than Brighton...! 

There has been interest, but at least one was put off my the ridiculous asking price (in their opinion) for what was on offer.

If Lansdown did wake up tomorrow and do as you say, I’d say fair play, I was totally wrong about his intentions and I’d go on social media and send him a message saying so.  You can screenshot this.  In fact it’s something I think ought to be one of his action plans in terms of exiting the club.

And if he did I suspect those prospective buyers who SL was working with would snap the club up immediately, and have more funds (seeing as buying price is now £0 and no debt) to invest in the overall, club.

I say roll tomorrow morning.  Don’t you?  You’ll at least see me eating humble pie by way of an apology to SL.

But until he does I’d like him and his senior team to run it like he’d have run HL.

35 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I agree in many ways - but it's his money that's he's wasted.

The intentions have always been genuine & he's still here bailing out the failed attempts.

Many others would have cut their losses & left us in all sorts of financial turmoil.

 

I’m sure his intentions are genuine, just misguided.

31 minutes ago, SODS_LAW said:

Exactly this. I was part of an organisation that was thriving until it was taken over by a large company. They made these exact changes, and the workplace went from being a fantastic environment to one where most people left. Margins dropped significantly, and the big company has now moved on, leaving the once successful business in ruins with dozens of jobs lost.

The big corporation didn’t care about anything or anyone beyond making money. They bled it, ruined it, and moved on to the next target like nothing ever happened.

People need to understand this isn’t a game of Football Manager, this is the real world.

Yep, shit can happen on a takeover / merger, but it can also be the saving of a business too.

Only one person is playing Football Manager, and that’s his son.  All I’m (and others) are asking is that I’ve doesn’t.

 

[Bar BS3]

4 minutes ago, KegCity said:

Exactly, so that panic over hypothetical terrible owners isn't needed then?

Let's hope so. But I've not seen reports of us turning down loads of unsuitable interest either.

And that is Lansdowns perogative to be that selective over potential suitors... the more he gets fed up or wants out, the less ridged he is bound to be on leaving us in good hands.

 

[Bar BS3]

3 minutes ago, glynriley said:

You're always going to be taking a chance, there are no guarantees it will work out for the better. We could end up with Ipswich type owners or Rovers type owners, who knows? I would like to think though, that if SL has the club at heart as much as people think, he'd weed out the charlatans.

But after 22 years, I think it's fair to say SL has reached his ceiling. It happens to managers and players all the time, I don't see why owners are considered any different.

Hasn't he effectively indicated this himself though, by saying years ago that he'd welcome outside investment..?

He knows that's the case - but without someone coming along with a plan & money to burn - I'd imagine he is frustrated & feeling rather trapped in it all himself - as I say, the danger is SL waking up one day & saying "enough is enough, cutting my losses now & you can sort yourselves out"

Could happen.... thankfully he does seem to be better than that, or at least not quite there yet..!

I don't know, potentially, could it be an early release of inheritance to Jon that could be our next sizable investment..?

That could be great - but he'd certainly need to invest big time in a team of people to run departmental of the club in the best possible way.

[Mr Popodopolous]

It can vary of course but the thng is with some of these takeovers is that there can be a lowish Asking Price, entry Price but quite high investment in the Club thereafter.

Granted that won't help SL to recoup his £260ishm, but if we take Birmingham as an example it is a staged takeover but I think a Loan Facility of £50m in Year 1 over and above the Takeover costs. Possibly the same again Year 2..11% Interest mind you certainly for the first!

Could have X up front, a large post sale Payment or set of Payments triggered by success, perhaps staged by each objective.

Some though, how will they recoup? Shahid Khan at Fulham has put in £800m at least since 2013, maybe pushing towards £1bn given Purchase Price despite and including all that PL and Parachute Cash.

NSWE at Aston Villa..a lot.

Edited December 24, 2024 by Mr Popodopolous

[Davefevs]

21 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I think he's said that himself before hasn't he..? That he'd welcome investment/sale - but only if it was to someone with the right intentions. 

And you can only imagine that the prospective bidder (bidders???) who were working closely with SL and his team were of the right intentions.  Just the price being asked was the biggest issue.

13 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I do think the whole set up limits the appeal to investors.

Someone wanting to get involved with football may well not want to also take control of Rugby & Basketball aswell.

All makes sense as part of a bigger project & obviously makes sense for Ashton Gate to be unitised more by doing things the way they've been done - but I can certainly see that it could make it all less appealing to someone who just wants a Football interest - of course, on the other hand, it could make it even more appealing to some.

You can split the entities as easily as you like / deem appropriate / applicable.

There is no money to be made from the other sports under BS (although there is money to be made on the wider stuff at the SQ).  They are already top-flight and loss-making. The attraction is Bristol City FC and the opportunity from being in the PL if they can get the club there.

3 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

Could happen.... thankfully he does seem to be better than that, or at least not quite there yet..!

That’s partly because he has £100m of loans he’d forfeit……could that be a reason?

That’s the reality, not football manager / trainset manager.

Edited December 24, 2024 by Davefevs

[GrahamC]

2 hours ago, italian dave said:

We’re 12th in the Championship.

Maybe not where we’d like to be. But “shitfest”? Really?

Try telling that to Cardiff.

Plus, he was an absolute embarrassment in his last job at Aberdeen.

There probably was a time when he would have been a wise choice, but it certainly isn’t now at 76.

[Davefevs]

Anyway, I’ve had my view on this topic.

I don’t think SL is the wicked witch of the east / west, but I think he could’ve done better.

[BCFCGav]

2 hours ago, italian dave said:

We’re 12th in the Championship.

Maybe not where we’d like to be. But “shitfest”? Really?

Try telling that to Cardiff.

The team that have multiple promotions to the Prem? Poor bastards

[italian dave]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

I don’t agree with this.  I just think people think with the resources we have we should aspire to and deliver better.

Yes.

But “a shitfest”? In need of NW?

Thats the proposition of the thread.

[Bar BS3]

3 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

That’s partly because he has £100m of loans he’d forfeit……could that be a reason?

Where is the benefit of being owed £100million by someone/something that can't repay it..? Especially when it's costing you an extra £20million a season to hold onto that "IOU".

It's not like he is "all-in" & that £100million is critical to his survival. He has plenty enough in the bank that he could just say "bugger this for a game of soldiers... rip that IOU up but you aren't getting a penny more from me now - find some other mug..."

Then it all depends on whether that next "mug" is indeed a mug, or the beginning of a whole glorious era for us all....

We could become Brighton, or we could become Blackpool - it really would be the toss of a coin as to which we could end up with..!

[Davefevs]

Just now, italian dave said:

Yes.

But “a shitfest”? In need of NW?

Thats the proposition of the thread.

No, most definitely not.  Of course the discussion has deviated a bit.

[italian dave]

1 hour ago, The Dolman Pragmatist said:

Alternatively, I was watching City in the late 70s when we were in the top division with gates of more than 30,000.  How far have we come since then?

And in between times (the times you’re talking about and the times @SODS_LAW refers to) we were bottom of the football league and playing in front of 3,000.

And in truth it’s the few years in the top tier and the few years in the bottom tier that are very much the exception that proves the rule.

The rule being that City’s entire history has been  one in which we must be the most consistently average, middling, OK, unspectacular but safe clubs in the entire league!

And never more so than the past couple of decades.

In the time it’s taken us to move up 6 places in the Championship, Luton have been out of the league, into the Prem, and back again to where they started!

Its easy to point at Brighton or Bournemouth right now, but you also have to remember that a few years back we’d have been pointing at Wigan  or Reading!

So, in general terms, and forgetting exactly where they are at this moment in time, would you rather be a Bristol City or a Luton?? I’m genuinely not sure!

(Incidentally, what were our average gates back in Div 1 days? I know we had gates of 30,000 plus for big games - because we had the capacity - but my recollection is that generally our gates were quite disappointing. I honestly can’t remember the numbers though) 

[italian dave]

41 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Warnock and a defensive unit of Kalas, Webster, Baker, Wright and even Kelly at CB who could play there would have been a bit of a dream?

             Maenpaa

 Wright Kalas Webster Kelly

Brownhill Pack Smith Eliasson

                 Paterson

                 Weimann

Then depth such as Fielding, Pisano, Hunt, Baker, DaSilva, Diedhiou, Taylor. Can switch between different shapes.

Problem is, we’d do something stupid, like sell Webster and Brownhill with no plan B in place!!!

[marmite]

The overwhelming feeling reading this thread is that so many are content with our position and situation which in my mind is mediocrity.  Yeah yeah could be better, could be worse,  so happy with where we are. But why? What's wrong with trying to be better? Let's try positivity rather than negativity. 

It seems that even the playing style is now based on this feeling of us being at our level so all is well. Just because we are historically at our average level doesn't mean to say we can't strive for better. I know it works both ways but there are many teams above us with less facilities, finances, support, and other assets.  They weren't content to stand still so why should we? As I've said before, it's cosy bcfc.

Too late probably for Warnock now but at least it wouldn't have been  like it is now, dull and boring.

Go on Steve. Pick up the phone. Let's try Warnock till the end of the season. No? Oh well Merry Christmas anyway.

 

[Ian M]

The argument is often made on here by some that we should be content with where we are. Some claim that maintaining a steady position in the Championship is a reasonable achievement, but I’d argue this mindset undermines the potential and ambition that our club should embody.

If you look at the clubs that have overtaken us, most have one thing in common: they do something right off the field, which has eventually led to success on it. No one is arguing that Steve Lansdown isn't fronting up the cash, but we have put his inexperienced son in as chairman, dispensed with the CEO role, appointed a former player who failed as a manager both in signings and tactically, and promoted from within to head the recruitment department.

None of that screams "best in class."

When Hargreaves Lansdown was growing rapidly, they hired great people; they didn't just hand out jobs to their mates. Even at Bristol Rugby, Steve Lansdown went out and got one of the best coaches in the business, and success followed.

Let’s consider the trajectory of other clubs that were once on par with or behind us but have since surpassed us, both on and off the pitch. Take Brighton & Hove Albion, for instance. Just over a decade ago, they were navigating the lower tiers of English football and lacked a permanent home ground. Fast forward to today, and they’re an established Premier League side, competing in Europe and reaping the financial and reputational benefits of forward-thinking investment and clear strategy.

Then there’s Brentford. A club that, not too long ago, shared similar Championship struggles with us. Through a data-driven recruitment policy and a clear footballing philosophy, they’ve become a Premier League mainstay, proving that you don’t need the resources of a top-six club to succeed if you have vision and determination.

Even Bournemouth—a club with a smaller stadium and historically fewer resources than us—are enjoying a pro-longed stay in the Premier League and continue to hold their place among football’s elite, securing some famous victories that will live long in their supporters' memories. They achieved this through astute management, bold decision-making, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Meanwhile, Bristol City, despite our passionate fanbase, excellent facilities, and significant potential, seem stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. Why is it so hard to take that top-half budget we have and spend it on a competent, experienced CEO who will put in place structures off the pitch that ensure excellence in all departments and increase turnover? Why not hire an experienced Director of Football/Technical Director with a track record elsewhere to ensure the footballing structure is correct and set up a top-notch recruitment department? Then, even a mediocre manager/head coach (for that’s what we have) might get some success. Without this in place, we will continue to waste Steve Lansdown's money unless we stumble across the next Klopp or Ferguson.

Many of the fanbase don’t think our owner, Steve Lansdown, should be criticised because he puts in so much money. But as the proverb says, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." It’s not enough to have good intentions; action is needed to achieve a positive outcome. The money should be spent more wisely, with clear strategies and strong leadership, to ensure meaningful progress.

Settling for mid-table Championship stability feels like an acceptance of mediocrity, especially when clubs with fewer resources have demonstrated what’s possible with the right mindset. The supporters, who invest time, money, and emotion into following the team, deserve more than just the occasional flirtation with the playoff spots once-a-decade. They deserve a club that matches their ambition and strives to reach its full potential.

If Brighton, Brentford, and Bournemouth can achieve success, why not us? Let’s not be content with where we are. Let’s demand more from our club and work towards building a brighter future for Bristol City.

[Mr Popodopolous]

19 minutes ago, italian dave said:

Problem is, we’d do something stupid, like sell Webster and Brownhill with no plan B in place!!!

Ha you never know..I think a more experienced manager let's say may have been able to utilise a more sustainable Plan B but anyway.

Off the top of my head. Post Webster.

         Bentley/Maenpaa

Pereira Kalas Baker DaSilva

            Smith Nagy

 Brownhill Paterson Eliasson

              Weimann

 Now I'll grant you, the ones in bold got injured pretty quickly after signing medium to long term as did poor Afobe for months! Korey had rolling injuries too. Pereira at narrower RB may help, left side can be more dynamic. Shoehorning in certain players perhaps proved detrimental.

Post Brownhill, I'll grant you a problem to solve another one.

         Bentley/Maenpaa

Pereira Kalas Baker DaSilva

            Smith Nagy 

Weimann Paterson Eliasson

                Wells

Benkovic can be a consideration for a higher line as younger, or a back 3, Massengo for energy in the right shape, Wells will offer much better movement than Diedhiou...Henriksen as a 3rd man, with Paterson, Eliasson and Weimann or Wells as a fluid front 3. Again Pereira right side a bit narrower.

Even some games O'Dowda-Paterson-Eliasson and Weimann or Wells in the middle.

A more experienced manager may also have signed less players and maybe spread the resources a bit better.

Edited December 24, 2024 by Mr Popodopolous

[spudski]

6 minutes ago, Ian M said:

The argument is often made on here by some that we should be content with where we are. Some claim that maintaining a steady position in the Championship is a reasonable achievement, but I’d argue this mindset undermines the potential and ambition that our club should embody.

If you look at the clubs that have overtaken us, most have one thing in common: they do something right off the field, which has eventually led to success on it. No one is arguing that Steve Lansdown isn't fronting up the cash, but we have put his inexperienced son in as chairman, dispensed with the CEO role, appointed a former player who failed as a manager both in signings and tactically, and promoted from within to head the recruitment department.

None of that screams "best in class."

When Hargreaves Lansdown was growing rapidly, they hired great people; they didn't just hand out jobs to their mates. Even at Bristol Rugby, Steve Lansdown went out and got one of the best coaches in the business, and success followed.

Let’s consider the trajectory of other clubs that were once on par with or behind us but have since surpassed us, both on and off the pitch. Take Brighton & Hove Albion, for instance. Just over a decade ago, they were navigating the lower tiers of English football and lacked a permanent home ground. Fast forward to today, and they’re an established Premier League side, competing in Europe and reaping the financial and reputational benefits of forward-thinking investment and clear strategy.

Then there’s Brentford. A club that, not too long ago, shared similar Championship struggles with us. Through a data-driven recruitment policy and a clear footballing philosophy, they’ve become a Premier League mainstay, proving that you don’t need the resources of a top-six club to succeed if you have vision and determination.

Even Bournemouth—a club with a smaller stadium and historically fewer resources than us—are enjoying a pro-longed stay in the Premier League and continue to hold their place among football’s elite, securing some famous victories that will live long in their supporters' memories. They achieved this through astute management, bold decision-making, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Meanwhile, Bristol City, despite our passionate fanbase, excellent facilities, and significant potential, seem stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. Why is it so hard to take that top-half budget we have and spend it on a competent, experienced CEO who will put in place structures off the pitch that ensure excellence in all departments and increase turnover? Why not hire an experienced Director of Football/Technical Director with a track record elsewhere to ensure the footballing structure is correct and set up a top-notch recruitment department? Then, even a mediocre manager/head coach (for that’s what we have) might get some success. Without this in place, we will continue to waste Steve Lansdown's money unless we stumble across the next Klopp or Ferguson.

Many of the fanbase don’t think our owner, Steve Lansdown, should be criticised because he puts in so much money. But as the proverb says, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." It’s not enough to have good intentions; action is needed to achieve a positive outcome. The money should be spent more wisely, with clear strategies and strong leadership, to ensure meaningful progress.

Settling for mid-table Championship stability feels like an acceptance of mediocrity, especially when clubs with fewer resources have demonstrated what’s possible with the right mindset. The supporters, who invest time, money, and emotion into following the team, deserve more than just the occasional flirtation with the playoff spots once-a-decade. They deserve a club that matches their ambition and strives to reach its full potential.

If Brighton, Brentford, and Bournemouth can achieve success, why not us? Let’s not be content with where we are. Let’s demand more from our club and work towards building a brighter future for Bristol City.

Great post. 

And as you rightly point out.

Experts in their field employed in Finance...but puts his son in charge of a multi million £££ organisation, with no experience and a sidekick who failed as a manager. Both who don't like speaking to the public. 

It's a recipe for disaster. 

[Bar BS3]

1 hour ago, KegCity said:

How can you say  "we will never know what else may have come our way as an alternative" and then speak with absolute certainty that without Lansdown we'd be no better than Rovers?

Where did I say it "with absolute certainly"..?

I said "I think & firmly believe"

That is my opinion & my appraisal of or situation compared to what it could have been.

I think you may have fallen into the common misconception on here that because someone thinks one one thing or another, that it's gospel.... it is not!

That is why you find the same few posters shouting the same things over & over, thread after thread.... trying to convince everyone that what they say is right... when usually, in most cases, it's just their opinion.

Most areas of football are all about opinion, rather than fact. I don't know where we'd have been now if we'd never had the Lansdowns involved in our club - could be better, could be worse.... what I struggle to see is where someone else could & would have invested what he has done & stuck with it, trying to build a structure for success at his own personal cost - of course, with the hope of greater success than he has received in return & yes, that has to be partly put down to some of the decisions that he himself has made - but some of the tripe you read on here & the absurd ridicule that someone has invested that amount of their own money trying to improve the thing that we all love, often comes across as boreish, ignorant & entitled.

I share the frustration that some (albeit very few) clubs like Brighton have executed what we have failed to do, almost faultlessly (seemingly) maybe Brentford also - although a very different plan behind the way they went about it. Maybe Burnley, going back a few years - there aren't too many examples of clubs that have achieved it without just spending stupid money & really not very many have maintained it.

For every club that has passed us on their way up, just as many have passed us on their way down.

If finding the winning formula was easy, everyone would do it.!

What we have had is a genuine guy investing his own money, trying to realise that dream - it hasn't always worked & decisions he has made have been a part of that - but anytime I read posts aimed at him with spite, vitriol & bitter agenda, because he's not got everything right & we are where we are - frustrated, but miles ahead of where we were the day he arrived, overall - it makes me cringe.

Anyone thinking that mid-table Championship is a disaster needs to give their head a wobble - that shouldn't stop us striving for better, of course - but at least appreciate that the guy has been trying to do that!

[Ska Junkie]

35 minutes ago, Ian M said:

The argument is often made on here by some that we should be content with where we are. Some claim that maintaining a steady position in the Championship is a reasonable achievement, but I’d argue this mindset undermines the potential and ambition that our club should embody.

If you look at the clubs that have overtaken us, most have one thing in common: they do something right off the field, which has eventually led to success on it. No one is arguing that Steve Lansdown isn't fronting up the cash, but we have put his inexperienced son in as chairman, dispensed with the CEO role, appointed a former player who failed as a manager both in signings and tactically, and promoted from within to head the recruitment department.

None of that screams "best in class."

When Hargreaves Lansdown was growing rapidly, they hired great people; they didn't just hand out jobs to their mates. Even at Bristol Rugby, Steve Lansdown went out and got one of the best coaches in the business, and success followed.

Let’s consider the trajectory of other clubs that were once on par with or behind us but have since surpassed us, both on and off the pitch. Take Brighton & Hove Albion, for instance. Just over a decade ago, they were navigating the lower tiers of English football and lacked a permanent home ground. Fast forward to today, and they’re an established Premier League side, competing in Europe and reaping the financial and reputational benefits of forward-thinking investment and clear strategy.

Then there’s Brentford. A club that, not too long ago, shared similar Championship struggles with us. Through a data-driven recruitment policy and a clear footballing philosophy, they’ve become a Premier League mainstay, proving that you don’t need the resources of a top-six club to succeed if you have vision and determination.

Even Bournemouth—a club with a smaller stadium and historically fewer resources than us—are enjoying a pro-longed stay in the Premier League and continue to hold their place among football’s elite, securing some famous victories that will live long in their supporters' memories. They achieved this through astute management, bold decision-making, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Meanwhile, Bristol City, despite our passionate fanbase, excellent facilities, and significant potential, seem stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. Why is it so hard to take that top-half budget we have and spend it on a competent, experienced CEO who will put in place structures off the pitch that ensure excellence in all departments and increase turnover? Why not hire an experienced Director of Football/Technical Director with a track record elsewhere to ensure the footballing structure is correct and set up a top-notch recruitment department? Then, even a mediocre manager/head coach (for that’s what we have) might get some success. Without this in place, we will continue to waste Steve Lansdown's money unless we stumble across the next Klopp or Ferguson.

Many of the fanbase don’t think our owner, Steve Lansdown, should be criticised because he puts in so much money. But as the proverb says, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." It’s not enough to have good intentions; action is needed to achieve a positive outcome. The money should be spent more wisely, with clear strategies and strong leadership, to ensure meaningful progress.

Settling for mid-table Championship stability feels like an acceptance of mediocrity, especially when clubs with fewer resources have demonstrated what’s possible with the right mindset. The supporters, who invest time, money, and emotion into following the team, deserve more than just the occasional flirtation with the playoff spots once-a-decade. They deserve a club that matches their ambition and strives to reach its full potential.

If Brighton, Brentford, and Bournemouth can achieve success, why not us? Let’s not be content with where we are. Let’s demand more from our club and work towards building a brighter future for Bristol City.

Superb post Ian.

Maybe it's time we didn't settle for mediocrity and actually learnt from the actions of other clubs rather than the 'cosy' club we have become. It's not all about ££.

Once again, bravo Sir.

[Phantom]

2 hours ago, Bar BS3 said:

Sound Of The City - radio Bristol.

Not heard it, but sounds like they have given NW the platform to shit stir & come across as someone who actually loves us & wants/wanted to be part of giving us success.

Easy to say at this stage in his life & convenient when he's trying to sell tickets to his "evening with" type event.

Although, fair play, it is pretty funny that he has included Ashton Gate as one of his tour venues.! He's certainly good at winding up & milking it..!  

I had assumed that was what it was, am I missing something when was he on?

[Capman]

2 hours ago, SODS_LAW said:

I understand the points being made, but how many teams have really progressed further than us, aside from the ones I mentioned? Yes, there’s been wasted money, but it’s Lansdown’s money. I saw people today calling for Lansdown to leave, but do they honestly think there’s someone else out there willing to invest in the club like he has? It feels like this place is full of teenagers with no understanding of how the real world works. There isn’t another person out there who would spend the kind of money Lansdown has to keep the club stable. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a wealthy owner who’s also a fan of the club!

Actually I would suggest that most recently it is Gould and Pearson’s money. It was the previous manager who picked a striker who many said could not hit a barn door from 3 feet and turned him into someone a premier team was prepared to pay £10 million to buy. Solving our FPP problems. The same can be said for Scott and the money available to buy new players. 
 

I find the argument that we must forgive stupid decisions made by the Lansdown’s because they have a big cheque book baffling. You are right we have no right to expect promotion, but we do have the right to expect the club that supporters spend their hard earned cash supporting to be run professionally. And if it is run by fools who think they have the right to lie to supporters then those supporters have the right to complain. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

7 minutes ago, Phantom said:

I had assumed that was what it was, am I missing something when was he on?

Last night, the usual timeslot 6pm and I think Warnock was on 40 mins in, 45 mins in- on Catchup now.

Was mentioned early on the show that there would be a special surprise Guest.

[Phantom]

1 minute ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Last night, the usual timeslot 6pm and I think Warnock was on 40 mins in, 45 mins in- on Catchup now.

Was mentioned early on the show that there would be a special surprise Guest.

Thank you for confirming, I had completely missed this

Assume the intention was to plug his show next year, rather than a pre-live interview for the club

[Cityboy1954]

4 hours ago, Gakoe said:

Yeh, said he wanted the job but LJ got appointed so he ended up at Cardiff and got them promoted instead!!  

What a choice a football man or a bullshitter 

[fisherrich]

3 hours ago, Davefevs said:

I’d argue some of his “investment” is more waste than investment.  And I think investment is the key word…he hasn’t given it to us / donated it…he wants as much of it back as he can get….and he currently wants more than it’s worth.

Precisely, his “get out” clauses will ensure he gets most of it back.

[italian dave]

1 hour ago, Ian M said:

The argument is often made on here by some that we should be content with where we are. Some claim that maintaining a steady position in the Championship is a reasonable achievement, but I’d argue this mindset undermines the potential and ambition that our club should embody.

If you look at the clubs that have overtaken us, most have one thing in common: they do something right off the field, which has eventually led to success on it. No one is arguing that Steve Lansdown isn't fronting up the cash, but we have put his inexperienced son in as chairman, dispensed with the CEO role, appointed a former player who failed as a manager both in signings and tactically, and promoted from within to head the recruitment department.

None of that screams "best in class."

When Hargreaves Lansdown was growing rapidly, they hired great people; they didn't just hand out jobs to their mates. Even at Bristol Rugby, Steve Lansdown went out and got one of the best coaches in the business, and success followed.

Let’s consider the trajectory of other clubs that were once on par with or behind us but have since surpassed us, both on and off the pitch. Take Brighton & Hove Albion, for instance. Just over a decade ago, they were navigating the lower tiers of English football and lacked a permanent home ground. Fast forward to today, and they’re an established Premier League side, competing in Europe and reaping the financial and reputational benefits of forward-thinking investment and clear strategy.

Then there’s Brentford. A club that, not too long ago, shared similar Championship struggles with us. Through a data-driven recruitment policy and a clear footballing philosophy, they’ve become a Premier League mainstay, proving that you don’t need the resources of a top-six club to succeed if you have vision and determination.

Even Bournemouth—a club with a smaller stadium and historically fewer resources than us—are enjoying a pro-longed stay in the Premier League and continue to hold their place among football’s elite, securing some famous victories that will live long in their supporters' memories. They achieved this through astute management, bold decision-making, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Meanwhile, Bristol City, despite our passionate fanbase, excellent facilities, and significant potential, seem stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. Why is it so hard to take that top-half budget we have and spend it on a competent, experienced CEO who will put in place structures off the pitch that ensure excellence in all departments and increase turnover? Why not hire an experienced Director of Football/Technical Director with a track record elsewhere to ensure the footballing structure is correct and set up a top-notch recruitment department? Then, even a mediocre manager/head coach (for that’s what we have) might get some success. Without this in place, we will continue to waste Steve Lansdown's money unless we stumble across the next Klopp or Ferguson.

Many of the fanbase don’t think our owner, Steve Lansdown, should be criticised because he puts in so much money. But as the proverb says, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." It’s not enough to have good intentions; action is needed to achieve a positive outcome. The money should be spent more wisely, with clear strategies and strong leadership, to ensure meaningful progress.

Settling for mid-table Championship stability feels like an acceptance of mediocrity, especially when clubs with fewer resources have demonstrated what’s possible with the right mindset. The supporters, who invest time, money, and emotion into following the team, deserve more than just the occasional flirtation with the playoff spots once-a-decade. They deserve a club that matches their ambition and strives to reach its full potential.

If Brighton, Brentford, and Bournemouth can achieve success, why not us? Let’s not be content with where we are. Let’s demand more from our club and work towards building a brighter future for Bristol City.

I don’t disagree with any of that Ian, and the comments about appointments particularly ring true - we’ve been unlucky on a couple of occasions too though.

But just two comments: the road to hell etc. True, but whilst it’s a fair point, and the action certainly warrants scrutiny and criticism, but the good intent is also relevant and doesn’t warrant the vitriol that is sometimes there too.

Secondly - as I’ve alluded to above - of course you can point to Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton right now. But what about Reading, Wigan, Luton? They’ve also passed us by….only both ways now!  

[Mr Popodopolous]

7 minutes ago, Phantom said:

Thank you for confirming, I had completely missed this

Assume the intention was to plug his show next year, rather than a pre-live interview for the club

The show was mentioned, I'd have to listen back to be sure but a bit about City, apparent aforementioned job offer, minutes booing quip etc.

[Mr Popodopolous]

5 minutes ago, Cityboy1954 said:

What a choice a football man or a bullshitter 

No guarantees of course but I think he would've likely made better use of the resources we had but would the likes of to varying degrees, Webster, Kelly, Bryan Brownhill, Reid have developed well under him.

Still have we may have got to the PL with some of them still on our books..or it could've gone wrong.

[fly in the air]

warnock would not put up with Tinnion. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 minute ago, fly in the air said:

warnock would not put up with Tinnion. 

He's a bit past his best now Warnock perhaps but yeah.

Amazed NP did really for so long.

Edited December 24, 2024 by Mr Popodopolous

[Ian M]

Just now, italian dave said:

I don’t disagree with any of that Ian, and the comments about appointments particularly ring true - we’ve been unlucky on a couple of occasions too though.

But just two comments: the road to hell etc. True, but whilst it’s a fair point, and the action certainly warrants scrutiny and criticism, but the good intent is also relevant and doesn’t warrant the vitriol that is sometimes there too.

Secondly - as I’ve alluded to above - of course you can point to Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton right now. But what about Reading, Wigan, Luton? They’ve also passed us by….only both ways now!  

 

Firstly, I agree with you that the vitriol sometimes directed at Steve Lansdown is unwarranted. His investment in the club, particularly in the stadium and training facilities, has been invaluable and is something for which all fans should be grateful. However, I don’t think that should render him immune from constructive criticism. It’s entirely possible to recognise and appreciate his contributions while also wishing for a more effective use of the funds. These two views are not mutually exclusive.

The key point of my argument is that the off-the-pitch structures and appointments need to be improved to maximize the return on his investment. A well-defined hierarchy with experienced professionals in key positions would provide the foundation for long-term success. Without this, we risk continuing the current cycle of underachievement.

As for your second point about clubs like Reading, Wigan, and Luton, I see it slightly differently:

• Reading and Wigan: Their success was largely built on unsustainable financial practices, throwing money at the issue without establishing the structures to maintain it. Inevitably, this approach led to their downfall. What I’m advocating for at Bristol City is very different: using our budget to create as sustainable model as football allows with robust structures that ensure excellence in recruitment, footballing philosophy, and financial management.
• Luton Town: It could be argued that they are overachieving by being at this level, their recent promotion to the Premier League has given them access to resources that can set them up for future years. Their plans for a new stadium, funded by Premier League revenue, reflect a forward-thinking approach. Despite their current struggles, they are investing in infrastructure that will likely benefit them in the long term.

Additionally, all three clubs you mentioned—Reading, Wigan, and Luton—have traditionally smaller fan bases compared to many of their Championship peers. This makes it even more challenging to maintain success without excellent off-the-field structures. Bournemouth and Brentford have demonstrated that it’s not impossible, but their achievements highlight the importance of strong leadership and sustainable planning.

In contrast, clubs like Brighton, Brentford, and Bournemouth have shown what’s possible when a club combines investment with smart decision-making and coherent strategy. These are the examples I believe we should aspire to emulate. The lessons from Reading and Wigan are equally important but serve as cautionary tales of what happens when financial backing isn’t matched by strong leadership and long-term planning.

Ultimately, I think most fans, myself included, just want to see Bristol City fulfil its potential. This doesn’t mean instant success but rather a clear, ambitious plan that gives us the best chance to compete and progress. By addressing the weaknesses in our current structure, I believe we could move closer to achieving that.

[Cityboy1954]

2 hours ago, Midred said:

So what else did Warnock say?

Google sound if the city you can listen to it

[Cityboy1954]

37 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

No guarantees of course but I think he would've likely made better use of the resources we had but would the likes of to varying degrees, Webster, Kelly, Bryan Brownhill, Reid have developed well under him.

Still have we may have got to the PL with some of them still on our books..or it could've gone wrong.

Agreed but what about the other xixty odd signings he wasted lansdowns money on.

[Davefevs]

25 minutes ago, Ian M said:

Firstly, I agree with you that the vitriol sometimes directed at Steve Lansdown is unwarranted. His investment in the club, particularly in the stadium and training facilities, has been invaluable and is something for which all fans should be grateful. However, I don’t think that should render him immune from constructive criticism. It’s entirely possible to recognise and appreciate his contributions while also wishing for a more effective use of the funds. These two views are not mutually exclusive.

 

Perfect summation of my view.

26 minutes ago, Ian M said:

Ultimately, I think most fans, myself included, just want to see Bristol City fulfil its potential. This doesn’t mean instant success but rather a clear, ambitious plan that gives us the best chance to compete and progress. By addressing the weaknesses in our current structure, I believe we could move closer to achieving that.

And this too.

[Bar BS3]

1 hour ago, Phantom said:

I had assumed that was what it was, am I missing something when was he on?

No idea. I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to listen to him.!

[BCFC31]

4 hours ago, SODS_LAW said:

I understand the points being made, but how many teams have really progressed further than us, aside from the ones I mentioned? Yes, there’s been wasted money, but it’s Lansdown’s money. I saw people today calling for Lansdown to leave, but do they honestly think there’s someone else out there willing to invest in the club like he has? It feels like this place is full of teenagers with no understanding of how the real world works. There isn’t another person out there who would spend the kind of money Lansdown has to keep the club stable. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a wealthy owner who’s also a fan of the club!

Utter nonsense.

[Mr Popodopolous]

22 minutes ago, Cityboy1954 said:

Agreed but what about the other xixty odd signings he wasted lansdowns money on.

I think some were good, some were average, some were injury hit and some were awful.

Then we have to question whether he was the correct man to get the best of a range of them technically and man management wise- not.the terrible ones but the good to average.

Edited December 24, 2024 by Mr Popodopolous

[REDOXO]

Naivety I’ve seen a lot on this thread. I think there is naivety around this club. But certainly not from the supporters 

They want one thing, top flight football! That’s not naivety it’s a very obtainable desire. 
 

However no matter what any one says Bristol City ARE THE BIGGEST CLUB IN ENGLAND NOT TO PLAY IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE!

The only club that gets close is PNE but not on crowd size or any value metric it is because THEY ACTUALLY WON SOMETHING ONCE!

Every-time we get a good manager like Cotterill or Pearson they are undermined by people or groups in the club (usually by strangling the money) to the point that they are terminated for us to bring in a **** in a track suit from that place the good humans come from. 
 

For example Tommy Conway and his agent would not sign for a football club that referred to the Scot money as a nest egg and not reinvest it. Of course that money was eventually pissed up the wall by Mr Manning who had no concept or expertise thus spending a load of money on bit part players. I’m pretty sure who wasn’t naive in that circumstance 

I’ve also seen he (SL) can spend his money how he likes. Errrrr actually he can’t , money our club makes is spent under the rules of FFP so on the football side he can’t do much more than revenue dictates

Other parts of the club like solid infrastructures Failand and AG yes he has control and of course we are grateful to be top of the failed club facilities league. 
 

Since AD we really have been crap with some rubbish managers and probably four that I can put my finger on as being any good. For the sake of my sanity I won’t go through them all but point out we have mirrored the LJ situation with LM both struggle/struggled to manage the dressing room Wilbo told us that in one of his pod interviews and this guy can’t get players up consistently, I think because the other players can see what rubbish was brought in and in one obvious case not brought in

I’ll give you patience  the 2500 who were served up what can only be discerned as schoolboy football based on the fact they all new one goal is enough to beat us  

 Naivety is carrying on with this manager and Brian Tinnion! Jon is here to stay until SL decides to part ways but if I were Jon I would be chatting to Mr Scudamore even more than he is right now! Perhaps we can all become less naive. 

Edited December 24, 2024 by REDOXO

[Mike Hunt-Hertz]

4 minutes ago, REDOXO said:

Naivety I’ve seen a lot on this thread. I think there is naivety around this club. But certainly not from the supporters 

They want one thing, top flight football! That’s not naivety it’s a very obtainable desire. 
 

However no matter what any one says Bristol City ARE THE BIGGEST CLUB IN ENGLAND NOT TO PLAY IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE!

The only club that gets close is PNE but not on crowd size or any value metric it is because THEY ACTUALLY WON SOMETHING ONCE!

Every-time we get a good manager like Cotterill or Pearson they are undermined by people or groups in the club (usually by strangling the money) to the point that they are terminated for us to bring in a **** in a track suit from that place the good humans come from. 
 

For example Tommy Conway and his agent would not sign for a football club that referred to the Scot money as a nest egg and not reinvest it. Of course that money was eventually pissed up the wall by Mr Manning who had no concept or expertise thus spending a load of money on bit part players. I’m pretty sure who wasn’t naive in that circumstance 

I’ve also seen he (SL) can spend his money how he likes. Errrrr actually he can’t , money our club makes is spent under the rules of FFP so on the football side he can’t do much more than revenue dictates

Other parts of the club like solid infrastructures Failand and AG yes he has control and of course we are grateful to be top of the failed club facilities league. 
 

Since AD we really have been crap with some rubbish managers and probably four that I can put my finger on as being any good. For the sake of my sanity I won’t go through them all but point out we have mirrored the LJ situation with LM both struggle/struggled to manage the dressing room Wilbo told us that in one of his pod interviews and this guy can’t get players up consistently, I think because the other players can see what rubbish was brought in and in one obvious case not brought in

I’ll give you patience  the 2500 who were served up what can only be discerned as schoolboy football based on the fact they all new one goal is enough to beat us  

 Naivety is carrying on with this manager and Brian Tinnion! Jon is here to stay until SL decides to part ways but if I were Jon I would be chatting to Mr Scudamore even more than he is right now! Perhaps we can all become less naive. 

Too right, brother!

[Oh Louie louie]

How he kept Rotherham up that year was as good as job as he did at Cardiff 

[BrizzleRed]

5 hours ago, SODS_LAW said:

 

But you do realize it’s his millions being spent? Yes, some of it has been wasted, but do you really think anyone else would come in and invest this kind of money? Even if someone else took over, even a billionaire, their main interest would be making money, they wouldn’t care about the club the way he does.

But you do realise he’s only putting in 15 to £20m per year because he hasn’t got a ******* clue how to run a successful football club, so he’s the actual creator of these losses, not the victim of them, or our saviour?

He’s had well over two decades to get it right, but all he’s done is completely stagnate us and increased our debts by 10’s of £millions in the process.  Where’s the evidence that he’s actually learning from his repeated mistakes and actually turning things around?  

There’s little evidence he even cares about this club any more.  More likely he’s just got himself stuck with us, as he’s now rendered us unsaleable at the price he asking to recoup his investment.

Totally sick to the back teeth of the situation at this club now!

[Mr Popodopolous]

24 minutes ago, BrizzleRed said:

But you do realise he’s only putting in 15 to £20m per year because he hasn’t got a ******* clue how to run a successful football club, so he’s the actual creator of these losses, not the victim of them, or our saviour?

He’s had well over two decades to get it right, but all he’s done is completely stagnate us and increased our debts by 10’s of £millions in the process.  Where’s the evidence that he’s actually learning from his repeated mistakes and actually turning things around?  

There’s little evidence he even cares about this club any more.  More likely he’s just got himself stuck with us, as he’s now rendered us unsaleable at the price he asking to recoup his investment.

Totally sick to the back teeth of the situation at this club now!

£10-15m more like it now I reckon but that's by the by.

Partly Covid added losses for all to help full, but yeah his management, letting Johnson sign so many players, the Wage Bill exceeding 100%, too.

The Championship is a bit like that too though when you're there for years..Stoke being owned by Bet365 that's a bottomless pit. Pakistan's richest man albeit within FFP just seems happy to burn money at Fukahm, £800mish since 2013 plus takeover costs.

Mel Morris can raise Steve Lansdown for incompetence from a great base and cash down the drain..£200m in 6 years I think to nearly bankrupt Derby, ruin them FFP and take them from top end Championship to relegated from it. Already had Stadium and Training Ground, Cat 1 Academy in play.

Edited December 24, 2024 by Mr Popodopolous

[BrizzleRed]

6 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

£10-15m more like it now I reckon but that's by the by.

Partly Covid added losses for all to help full, but yeah his management, b is lerrint Johnson sign so many players, the Wage Bill exerting 100%, too.

The Championship is a bit like that too though when you're there for years..Stoke being owned by Bet365 that's a bottomless pit. Pakistan's richest man albeit within FFP just seems happy to burn money at Fukahm, £800mish since 2013 plus takeover costs.

Mel Morris can raise Steve Lansdown for incompetence from a great base and cash down the drain..£200m in 6 years I think to nearly bankrupt Derby, ruin them FFP and take them from top end Championship to relegated from it. Already had Stadium and Training Ground, Cat 1 Academy in play.

Point taken on the £10-£15m now, but I wonder how long it’ll be before that starts creeping up again.  That pathway for the Scott and Semenyo types seems to have been abandoned now, so those mega transfer fees can’t be relied on any more.

Granted SL isn’t a nutter like Mel Morris, but **** me, is he ever dull and uninspiring ….. a sort of Liam Manning of club owners, so we appear to have a theme going here!

I just can’t see any discernable plan in place that gives you any hope that this club can improve and move forward.  You can only tread water for so long, before you tire and start sinking!

[Mr Popodopolous]

3 minutes ago, BrizzleRed said:

Point taken on the £10-£15m now, but I wonder how long it’ll be before that starts creeping up again.  That pathway for the Scott and Semenyo types seems to have been abandoned now, so those mega transfer fees can’t be relied on any more.

Granted SL isn’t a nutter like Mel Morris, but **** me, is he ever dull and uninspiring ….. a sort of Liam Manning of club owners, so we appear to have a theme going here!

I just can’t see any discernable plan in place that gives you any hope that this club can improve and move forward.  You can only tread water for so long, before you tire and start sinking!

Thankfully he isn't a Mel Morris, Chansiri or Dai Yongge however it is a low bar. The new impending Cost Control Wage Rules may stabilise owners burning cash but anyway.

Much like you I'm struggling to sense an energy, dynamism- a strategic vision. We seem to be stuck, waiting for something to turn up. Plodding along at this juncture, I think he has run his course and more than just him the leadership above Manning yeah concerns.

If you stand still for long enough you can go backwards..As a Club I'd like us to go for a Cat 1 Academy and I'd like us to try and expand or improve the Safe Standing area- signs of intent, of fan experience. As well as the obvious additions or alterations to the hierarchy.

 Not yet fully Manning out but some signs are trending badly.

[BrizzleRed]

14 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Thankfully he isn't a Mel Morris, Chansiri or Dai Yongge however it is a low bar. The new impending Cost Control Wage Rules may stabilise owners burning cash but anyway.

Much like you I'm struggling to sense an energy, dynamism- a strategic vision. We seem to be stuck, waiting for something to turn up. Plodding along at this juncture, I think he has run his course and more than just him the leadership above Manning yeah concerns.

If you stand still for long enough you can go backwards..As a Club I'd like us to go for a Cat 1 Academy and I'd like us to try and expand or improve the Safe Standing area- signs of intent, of fan experience. As well as the obvious additions or alterations to the hierarchy.

 Not yet fully Manning out but some signs are trending badly.

This paragraph is the biggest issue for me.  

I can’t decide whether SL is satisfied that our current position is where he wants us to be, or he’s completely lost interest and can’t be arsed to get involved, or commit any more.  

I’m leaning towards the latter personally and sadly, I can only see this increasing the apathy around the club.

[SODS_LAW]

1 hour ago, BrizzleRed said:

But you do realise he’s only putting in 15 to £20m per year because he hasn’t got a ******* clue how to run a successful football club, so he’s the actual creator of these losses, not the victim of them, or our saviour?

He’s had well over two decades to get it right, but all he’s done is completely stagnate us and increased our debts by 10’s of £millions in the process.  Where’s the evidence that he’s actually learning from his repeated mistakes and actually turning things around?  

There’s little evidence he even cares about this club any more.  More likely he’s just got himself stuck with us, as he’s now rendered us unsaleable at the price he asking to recoup his investment.

Totally sick to the back teeth of the situation at this club now!

That’s fine go and support rovers mate see how that is

[BrizzleRed]

40 minutes ago, SODS_LAW said:

That’s fine go and support rovers mate see how that is

What have the Sags got to do with it, as we’re talking about City?  Just because the Gas are a shitshow doesn’t mean we have to join them.

Enjoy your happy clapping mate!

[Mr Popodopolous]

13 minutes ago, BrizzleRed said:

What have the Sags got to do with it, as we’re talking about City?  Just because the Gas are a shitshow doesn’t mean we have to join them.

Enjoy your happy clapping mate!

Nailed it.

Yes they and e.g. Swindon and varied local rivals are failing..to which I would say, it's pleasant and it's funny but we need to be better for ourselves.

[Swede]

9 hours ago, SODS_LAW said:

 

It’s crazy to think about how far we’ve come. I’ve been a season ticket holder for 23 years, and in the early days, we were a League One team struggling to get out of the play-offs, with 9-11,000 fans a week in a run-down stadium.

Now, we’re a solid Championship side with over 20,000 fans each week, and the Lansdowns have transformed the club massively. Yet, so many people seem to think we have a divine right to be a top Championship or Premier League team just because clubs like Brentford and Brighton have managed it.

The progress we’ve made isn’t bad at all, and some need to appreciate just how far we’ve come.

Mind you most on here can’t see that and there is not point in even trying to explain it, like banging your head against a brick wall!

I respectfully disagree!

I haven't come across any City fan who believes we have a right to be in the Premier League!

Furthermore, I also think that opinions have been polarised by events over the last two seasons.

For too long we've gone down the road of trying this coach one minute and that manager the next, pouring vast sums of money into it with little tangeable return. Then we had the vast experience of Richard Gould at the club and then the expert knowledge of Nigel Pearson with all of his Premier League experience on board. With those two, we had the experience and knowhow on the footballing side which kept us informed & was starting to reap benefits, leaving the owner to concentrate fully on the stadium & surrounding development and the Bristol Sport brand. Everybody could see what we were doing and what we were aiming for. We were building something and gearing up for the next level.

Fast forward to the present time and all that experience at the top is gone, the manager has been replaced by a head coach with less influence who is less inclined to rock the boat and the commucation is almost non existent. And where are we? Well, in exactly the same position or even worse than before these "changes" only now, we don't have the experience or knowhow at the club should we get embroiled into a relegation fight.

Its not that fans have become entitled, its fans who care, who are questioning the frankly, bizarre decision making of the club surrounding those events and that's because there hasn't been any proper explanation.

[BrizzleRed]

33 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Nailed it.

Yes they and e.g. Swindon and varied local rivals are failing..to which I would say, it's pleasant and it's funny but we need to be better for ourselves.

Completely agree Pops and ironically, we probably get more entertainment from the failures of our local rivals than our players provide on the pitch.

The amazing thing is, for all our so-called superiority over the Gas, even with their shit ground, poor crowds and lack of investment, they’re still only one division below us!  

That says a lot about our lack of real progress and it baffles me how some people can still think Lansdown is a great owner.

[REDOXO]

On 23/12/2024 at 16:31, REDOXO said:

Nice touch. Despite his daughters wedding I reckon he would be here straight away if asked to sort this shitfest out. 
 

Apparently spoke with SL before!

 

13 hours ago, italian dave said:

We’re 12th in the Championship.

Maybe not where we’d like to be. But “shitfest”? Really?

Try telling that to Cardiff.

 

12 hours ago, Phantom said:

Excuse my ignorance, but what does SOTC in the title stand for?

 

11 hours ago, italian dave said:

Yes.

But “a shitfest”? In need of NW?

Thats the proposition of the thread.

Ok for the benefit of everyone 

Neil Warnock was the surprise guest on SOTC….SOUND OF THE CITY On BBC Radio Bristol and he was interviewed at length by the anchor and two/ three city fans. 
 

He stated he wouldn’t do another job until his daughter’s wedding later this year. His daughter was at Bristol University and knows the area a little bit and loves the banter with City supporters AND YET AGAIN STATED he always wanted to manage us….

Now I guess I’m a bit sad with too much time on my hands but I do listen most weeks. (Another reason I get so pissed off with local sports journos, like the chap named Dave who called in post match on Saturday, as they really are not that good…and I do listen) 

I can’t be arsed to post the link but if anyone wants to listen to what was a fun interview you’ll find it on bbc radio Bristol listen again sound of the city. I would also suggest that the producers of SOTC note that there is quite a bit of target market unreached here! 
 

I think that puts context to it and I recommend anyone who hasn’t listened to go ahead and listen particularly @italian davewho will then understand the thread and the proposition of **** all. 

Edited December 24, 2024 by REDOXO

[fgrsimon]

4 hours ago, REDOXO said:

 

4 hours ago, REDOXO said:

 

 

Ok for the benefit of everyone 

Neil Warnock was the surprise guest on SOTC….SOUND OF THE CITY On BBC Radio Bristol and he was interviewed at length by the anchor and two/ three city fans. 
 

He stated he wouldn’t do another job until his daughter’s wedding later this year. His daughter was at Bristol University and knows the area a little bit and loves the banter with City supporters AND YET AGAIN STATED he always wanted to manage us….

Now I guess I’m a bit sad with too much time on my hands but I do listen most weeks. (Another reason I get so pissed off with local sports journos, like the chap named Dave who called in post match on Saturday, as they really are not that good…and I do listen) 

I can’t be arsed to post the link but if anyone wants to listen to what was a fun interview you’ll find it on bbc radio Bristol listen again sound of the city. I would also suggest that the producers of SOTC note that there is quite a bit of target market unreached here! 
 

I think that puts context to it and I recommend anyone who hasn’t listened to go ahead and listen particularly @italian davewho will then understand the thread and the proposition of **** all. 

An interesting listen.

Quite surprised that he really rates Scott Twine and almost signed him at Middlesbrough. Doesn't strike me as a Warnock player at all. 

Not surprised though that he also really likes Weimann.

 

 

Edited December 25, 2024 by fgrsimon

[Simon bristol]

15 hours ago, Bar BS3 said:

Where did I say it "with absolute certainly"..?

I said "I think & firmly believe"

That is my opinion & my appraisal of or situation compared to what it could have been.

I think you may have fallen into the common misconception on here that because someone thinks one one thing or another, that it's gospel.... it is not!

That is why you find the same few posters shouting the same things over & over, thread after thread.... trying to convince everyone that what they say is right... when usually, in most cases, it's just their opinion.

Most areas of football are all about opinion, rather than fact. I don't know where we'd have been now if we'd never had the Lansdowns involved in our club - could be better, could be worse.... what I struggle to see is where someone else could & would have invested what he has done & stuck with it, trying to build a structure for success at his own personal cost - of course, with the hope of greater success than he has received in return & yes, that has to be partly put down to some of the decisions that he himself has made - but some of the tripe you read on here & the absurd ridicule that someone has invested that amount of their own money trying to improve the thing that we all love, often comes across as boreish, ignorant & entitled.

I share the frustration that some (albeit very few) clubs like Brighton have executed what we have failed to do, almost faultlessly (seemingly) maybe Brentford also - although a very different plan behind the way they went about it. Maybe Burnley, going back a few years - there aren't too many examples of clubs that have achieved it without just spending stupid money & really not very many have maintained it.

For every club that has passed us on their way up, just as many have passed us on their way down.

If finding the winning formula was easy, everyone would do it.!

What we have had is a genuine guy investing his own money, trying to realise that dream - it hasn't always worked & decisions he has made have been a part of that - but anytime I read posts aimed at him with spite, vitriol & bitter agenda, because he's not got everything right & we are where we are - frustrated, but miles ahead of where we were the day he arrived, overall - it makes me cringe.

Anyone thinking that mid-table Championship is a disaster needs to give their head a wobble - that shouldn't stop us striving for better, of course - but at least appreciate that the guy has been trying to do that!

No one can argue the money spent, but the decisions on the best people to bring in have continually been poor for the last 20 years, we just cant get it right! Its not very few clubs unfortunately, a big chunk of the football league has played in the prem including many clubs that we would consider a similar size to us, including the 2 welsh clubs, reading, btentford, luton, blackpool, Huddersfield, and others like forest ipswich and derby who have been below us over the years and also got back up. No matter what we do,, we just cant do it.

[054123]

21 hours ago, SODS_LAW said:

 

It’s crazy to think about how far we’ve come. I’ve been a season ticket holder for 23 years, and in the early days, we were a League One team struggling to get out of the play-offs, with 9-11,000 fans a week in a run-down stadium.

Now, we’re a solid Championship side with over 20,000 fans each week, and the Lansdowns have transformed the club massively. Yet, so many people seem to think we have a divine right to be a top Championship or Premier League team just because clubs like Brentford and Brighton have managed it.

The progress we’ve made isn’t bad at all, and some need to appreciate just how far we’ve come.

Mind you most on here can’t see that and there is not point in even trying to explain it, like banging your head against a brick wall!

Absolutely, when I started watching city we were just promoted to ‘league 1’. 

Over the next 19/20 years we secured promotion from ‘league 1’ twice, enjoyed a spell in the ‘Championship’, reached 3 FLT finals, winning 1 and enjoyed league cup semi final against top flight opposition. 

Then you started supporting city.

Lovely stadium though. I’ll give you that

[italian dave]

9 hours ago, REDOXO said:

 

 

 

Ok for the benefit of everyone 

Neil Warnock was the surprise guest on SOTC….SOUND OF THE CITY On BBC Radio Bristol and he was interviewed at length by the anchor and two/ three city fans. 
 

He stated he wouldn’t do another job until his daughter’s wedding later this year. His daughter was at Bristol University and knows the area a little bit and loves the banter with City supporters AND YET AGAIN STATED he always wanted to manage us….

Now I guess I’m a bit sad with too much time on my hands but I do listen most weeks. (Another reason I get so pissed off with local sports journos, like the chap named Dave who called in post match on Saturday, as they really are not that good…and I do listen) 

I can’t be arsed to post the link but if anyone wants to listen to what was a fun interview you’ll find it on bbc radio Bristol listen again sound of the city. I would also suggest that the producers of SOTC note that there is quite a bit of target market unreached here! 
 

I think that puts context to it and I recommend anyone who hasn’t listened to go ahead and listen particularly @italian davewho will then understand the thread and the proposition of **** all. 

The only proposition that I questioned was in the use of the word “shitfest”.

I took that to refer to the current situation at the club, particularly at managerial level. And I took that to come from you, not from NW.

You can correct me if I’m wrong about either assumption. 

Happy Christmas!!

[Shauntaylor85]

On 24/12/2024 at 09:52, Gakoe said:

Yeh, said he wanted the job but LJ got appointed so he ended up at Cardiff and got them promoted instead!!  

I’ve just listened to it and what a missed opportunity by us. He said he would have taken us up and I agree with him. Lansdown constantly gets it wrong with managerial appointments and Neil alluded to that when asked why we haven’t made it to the PL. 

[Mr Popodopolous]

54 minutes ago, Shauntaylor85 said:

I’ve just listened to it and what a missed opportunity by us. He said he would have taken us up and I agree with him. Lansdown constantly gets it wrong with managerial appointments and Neil alluded to that when asked why we haven’t made it to the PL. 

Over which period and would he have been on board with the Player Trading approach.

Rather NP as the natural successor to Cotts 9 years ago when we had options, we weren't hamstrung and Revenue streams were set to rise.

Edited Thursday at 21:53 by Mr Popodopolous

[Solent Robin]

Never understood the love in with Warnock. Whilst he has promotions on his CV and gets the best out of average players, imo he is the epitome of anti-football with the antics of his teams. He takes being street wise to another level and somehow got away with it. Also his success tends to be short term and built on straw. Never been a good fit for our club like Pulis. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kodjias Wrist]

28 minutes ago, Solent Robin said:

Never understood the love in with Warnock. Whilst he has promotions on his CV and gets the best out of average players, imo he is the epitome of anti-football with the antics of his teams. He takes being street wise to another level and somehow got away with it. Also his success tends to be short term and built on straw. Never been a good fit for our club like Pulis. 

 

From memory he only did that with teams fighting to stay up like Huddersfield, Rotherham. His Cardiff team he got promoted played decent stuff as did the QPR and Palace teams he had. Not sure he’s anywhere near the likes of Pulis or Allardyce.

[Davefevs]

1 minute ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

From memory he only did that with teams fighting to stay up like Huddersfield, Rotherham. His Cardiff team he got promoted played decent stuff as did the QPR and Palace teams he had. Not sure he’s anywhere near the likes of Pulis or Allardyce.

And Allardyce had some real flair at Bolton too.

[Kodjias Wrist]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

And Allardyce had some real flair at Bolton too.

I only remember Okocha being flairy in that team I’d have to take a look.

[Mr Popodopolous]

6 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

And Allardyce had some real flair at Bolton too.

 

4 minutes ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

I only remember Okocha being flairy in that team I’d have to take a look.

Djorkaeff was rather skilful, Stelios was an exciting winger, would argue early days Nolan was dynamic..Campo and Hierro were technically sound, vs middling and lower sides at Home they could dominate Ball and Shots. (Saw some stats sites).

I suppose flair and technically sound do differ but Campo was capable of the spectacular good and bad..

Pedersen too in some ways arguably- even got some good football out of Diouf!

Edited Friday at 00:11 by Mr Popodopolous

[Davefevs]

3 minutes ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

I only remember Okocha being flairy in that team I’d have to take a look.

Djorkaef, Anelko, Hierro, Gudjohnson, etc

 

(you’re too quick Mr P)

They were a good save on Football Manager.

Edited Friday at 00:11 by Davefevs