Ownership group to meet management in Chicago

[Stuartsays]

With Steve McClaren, Chris Evans and Sam Rush flying out to Chicago this weekend to meet with the ownership group, what do we make of this?

Surely this season will have made GSE realise (if they didn't before) the full potential of Derby County if owners, board, manager, backroom staff, players, staff and supporters all pull in the same direction.

Last season was an opportunity missed, but an opportunity nobody expected at the beginning of the season.

Surely GSE must realise that this coming season is the BIG chance for promotion to the Premier League and I hope they back McClaren accordingly. I don't think sweeping changes are required but we need to add genuine quality in key areas and that won't be cheap in either transfer fees or wages.

Now is the time for GSE to step up and show us they mean business!

I hope that's what this planning mission in Chicago is all about.

[Ramondo]

With Steve McClaren, Chris Evans and Sam Rush flying out to Chicago this weekend to meet with the ownership group, what do we make of this?

Surely this season will have made GSE realise (if they didn't before) the full potential of Derby County if owners, board, manager, backroom staff, players, staff and supporters all pull in the same direction.

Last season was an opportunity missed, but an opportunity nobody expected at the beginning of the season.

Surely GSE must realise that this coming season is the BIG chance for promotion to the Premier League and I hope they back McClaren accordingly. I don't think sweeping changes are required but we need to add genuine quality in key areas and that won't be cheap in either transfer fees or wages.

Now is the time for GSE to step up and show us they mean business!

I hope that's what this planning mission in Chicago is all about.

The ownership group have been putting in millions each

[sheeeeeeeeeep]

Well the ownership group have said in the past that if the management and the squad can show that they can compete for a play off place then they would invest to push us on to the next level. Clough never looked like getting a play off place to be fair other than in small spells that haven't been able to be sustained. McClaren and co have shown that they can get the team performing consistently well enough to compete for a promotion place next season so now really is the time to complete the jigsaw.

[Ramondo]

Yes, but again you have to remember FFP.

The owners can be willing to splash as much dosh as they like but the wages that inevitably go with that mean it wouldn't take too much to compromise the amount of overspend we are allowed. That would result in a fine if promoted and a transfer embargo if not.

It's not about how much owners are willing to pump in any more, it's swinging to how much they are allowed to under the rules. Which is the whole point of FFP.

[swaledale]

Yes, but again you have to remember FFP.

The owners can be willing to splash as much dosh as they like but the wages that inevitably go with that mean it wouldn't take too much to compromise the amount of overspend we are allowed. That would result in a fine if promoted and a transfer embargo if not.

It's not about how much owners are willing to pump in any more, it's swinging to how much they are allowed to under the rules. Which is the whole point of FFP.

Thats is absolutely right, though Owners can put in money as equity rather than a loan.


However, given what the team has achieved under the curent budget, it does not call for major chnages lets face if we spend A£3 million on Thorne, thats likely to be the main signing of the summer but just replaces one loan player.

Think there will be more free transfers and some key loan players for next season, dont expect major dosh spent on players, as its not required and we still ah

[Fletch_11]

I don't see there being any FFP issue this season - the ownership group turning their loans into shares will have helped that. However, as Swales says, we don't need to do a QPR and overspend by ?78 million. These have been the financial benefits as I see them this season

1. Owners loans become share equity
2. Mel Morris becomes a significant minority shareholder
3. Stadium naming rights sold to iPro in the biggest ever deal of its kind
4. Three playoff games raising over ?3 million
5. Almost 20,000 season tickets (and no half price refunds to worry about)

These things mean that we can afford George Thorne, who based on. Age and current club is unlikely to ruin our wage structure if we sign him. He would almost be a freebie based on the extra money raised this year - and he won't lose value.
This would not represent Derby being reckless it would maintain the progress were making and help make sure that Derby are one of the best supported teams in this league

[SlimyLimey]

We would all love to know what went off behind closed doors in Chicago, but we can only surmise. I don't expect any great announcements, particularly about spending, as the price for players of interest would just sky rocket. I also don't expect us to sign any big money players, as this would not help the team spirit by having players making twice as much as they are. The one thing I do expect is our scouting department to come up with one or two hidden gems.