I don't think we can compare the 1950's and today, the football World has changed so much with the riches on offer so much more. Its the same for property prices hence why people under 40 are struggling to get on the property ladder.
Besides building roots hall wasn't free, some investment was needed even if its small beer by todays standards.
Fan owned football clubs are a great idea but all clubs would need to be fan owned otherwise fan owned clubs will always be at a disadvantage
Yes, the fans-owned model will only take a club so far . I think it could work just fine for us in the National League and EFL Div. 1 & 2 but not beyond . A lot of folk get the jitters at the very idea of a club being run by its fans but this model would allow us to determine what happens at the club and best of all we can shape our own destiny. The truth is we have become very Ron-dependant over the last 20 years and are now frightened of facing up to a future without him. But there is nothing to worry about . Lets consider the case of Wycombe Wanderers , They were 100% owned by their Supporters Trust for many years. Everything was going well on the pitch . But they got themselves into debt -about £2.2m -and all the doomsters believed they were headed for the graveyard . Not a bit of it . They advertised for a private owner . Several interested parties came forward . They used their controlling interest to determine who their new owner would be . American, Rob Couhig ,was chosen and he cleared the outstanding debt and put in a further £1m to refinance the club. At the end of the 2021/22 season they reached the EFL play-off final and only narrowly lost out to Sunderland. All the fans are delighted with how their team are performing. The ability to shape your own future is a prize well worth having .Plus now in the modern world we have health and safety.
Fans can only take a club so far.
I don't think even that's true anymore, last seasons VNL and L2 champions had very wealthy single owners who have spent a lot of money, in both leagues there is far more investment than even 5 years ago. L1 has become a bit like the championship with teams spending a lot of money to try and get out of itYes, the fans-owned model will only take a club so far . I think it could work just fine for us in the National League and EFL Div. 1 & 2 but not beyond . A lot of folk get the jitters at the very idea of a club being run by its fans but this model would allow us to determine what happens at the club and best of all we can shape our own destiny. The truth is we have become very Ron-dependant over the last 20 years and are now frightened of facing up to a future without him. But there is nothing to worry about . Lets consider the case of Wycombe Wanderers , They were 100% owned by their Supporters Trust for many years. Everything was going well on the pitch . But they got themselves into debt -about £2.2m -and all the doomsters believed they were headed for the graveyard . Not a bit of it . They advertised for a private owner . Several interested parties came forward . They used their controlling interest to determine who their new owner would be . American, Rob Couhig ,was chosen and he cleared the outstanding debt and put in a further £1m to refinance the club. At the end of the 2021/22 season they reached the EFL play-off final and only narrowly lost out to Sunderland. All the fans are delighted with how their team are performing. The ability to shape your own future is a prize well worth having .
There is certainly a lot of money going into some of the clubs in the lower divisions and so it can be a situation where the playing field is not very level at all . I think variety is the spice of life so don't really object to rich owners coming in and giving it a go . As I see it the problem isn't when they come in - its more about the problems that can occur when they leave and the level of funding available suddenly falls off a cliff . If those film stars left Wrexham the club could find itself in big trouble .I don't think even that's true anymore, last seasons VNL and L2 champions had very wealthy single owners who have spent a lot of money, in both leagues there is far more investment than even 5 years ago. L1 has become a bit like the championship with teams spending a lot of money to try and get out of it
You seem to be interested in the process that would need to take place for us to adopt a fans-owned or charity-owned model for the club .Ghost of C.F.
I take your very valid points on board.
How can you see that taking place at RH?
Has it even been suggested as yet?
One huge problem at the moment is the cost of living crisis.
Bury F C have reformed but who knows if it is a five minute wonder.
AFC Bury started up and the club has been a success so far.
I am not sure of SUFC's debts (like many people at a guess).
The thing is that reformed clubs want to be debt free...But NOT history free!