Turbulence (then calm sailing, then turbulence) thread.

[Bladesman]

As I pointed out way back when McCabe and the Sheffield United thing happened we were always going to end up in a mess like this financially. Again the current position is straight out of the SUFC play book in terms of an owner/chairman who won't put any money in but wants far too much or is offering far to little stake in the club for others to take over or invest.

Result is what we have now in terms of under investment in every area of the club not just on the pitch resulting in poor performances, incomes, crowds.

As Dibo has pointed out MC will let the club limp along with minimal expense even if it is at the cost of performances and crowds as he believes his payday will come with the next TV deal, although again he will probably want far more for it than it is worth.

 

[nearlyyellow]

payday will come with the next TV deal, although again he will probably want far more for it than it is worth.

What is the basis of the TV deal, anyone know? Is it a straight divvy up, 10% of the amount made available to the clubs by FFA? (ie. not including development funds etc.) Or is it TV ratings based? Or performance based, crowds etc.? Bearing in mind that the 10% figure could change with expansion.

 

[Bladesman]

What is the basis of the TV deal, anyone know? Is it a straight divvy up, 10% of the amount made available to the clubs by FFA? (ie. not including development funds etc.) Or is it TV ratings based? Or performance based, crowds etc.? Bearing in mind that the 10% figure could change with expansion.

Last I saw they were talking about $80m a season although the current deal still has 2 years to run but they were looking at trying to do an earlier deal but both Foxtel and SBS would need to agree. Not seen any breakdown numbers but I think the expectation was an increase for the A-League clubs as it would be providing the week in/week out football on TV.

 

[dibo]

As I pointed out way back when McCabe and the Sheffield United thing happened we were always going to end up in a mess like this financially. Again the current position is straight out of the SUFC play book in terms of an owner/chairman who won't put any money in but wants far too much or is offering far to little stake in the club for others to take over or invest.

Result is what we have now in terms of under investment in every area of the club not just on the pitch resulting in poor performances, incomes, crowds.

As Dibo has pointed out MC will let the club limp along with minimal expense even if it is at the cost of performances and crowds as he believes his payday will come with the next TV deal, although again he will probably want far more for it than it is worth.

Not everything can be described as a parallel of the SUFC experience, in large part because the experience is far from unique. I completely understand MC trying to hold spending back, and not dig into a big hole. Remember that he's the guy who filled the holes that were left by McCabe and Turnbull here. I think he's trying to prevent history repeating as much as any other thing.

That I think his tactics have been wrong on a number of fronts doesn't (to me) make his core ambition to rein in costs and build a sustainable club seem to be an awful idea.

What is the basis of the TV deal, anyone know? Is it a straight divvy up, 10% of the amount made available to the clubs by FFA? (ie. not including development funds etc.) Or is it TV ratings based? Or performance based, crowds etc.? Bearing in mind that the 10% figure could change with expansion.

Even breakdown between the clubs contingent on them meeting commitments to the FFA on a range of things.

Last I saw they were talking about $80m a season although the current deal still has 2 years to run but they were looking at trying to do an earlier deal but both Foxtel and SBS would need to agree. Not seen any breakdown numbers but I think the expectation was an increase for the A-League clubs as it would be providing the week in/week out football on TV.

That's the plan for the next deal, I had the chance to chat with a few FFA peeps today and I think it's likely we'll get the deal a year early with double the number at present.

Not all of that increase will go to A-League clubs, the fraction will be smaller as we expand and some will be eaten up by the PFA asking for extra money for players, but I think we'll still be significantly better off.

 

[nearlyyellow]

Last I saw they were talking about $80m a season although the current deal still has 2 years to run but they were looking at trying to do an earlier deal but both Foxtel and SBS would need to agree. Not seen any breakdown numbers but I think the expectation was an increase for the A-League clubs as it would be providing the week in/week out football on TV.

Thanks. I can't see why the broadcasters would change the rights deal with 2 years to go though. Unless there are clauses relating to an increase to take into account projected better ratings than initially agreed on. Or a clause allowing for club expansion ( 2 more ? ) and a subsequent upfront rights increase to fund the new clubs in expectation of greater TV audiences. A complex question when we don't even know the details of the existing rights agreement.

 

[Capt. Awesome]

Woah!!! Big changes. Lets hope it all improves on field.

Highlights. Story now the big boss - demoting Stalder to Marketing and Walmsley now TD.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/footbal...ve-vice-chairman/story-e6frf4gl-1227225738871

CENTRAL Coast Mariners owner Mike Charlesworth has reacted to the club’s poor season with a shake-up across the board, bringing in former West Ham football director Peter Storrie as executive vice-chairman.

Previously a consultant to the club, Storrie will now in effect run it, with CEO Bruce Stalder understood to be concentrating on the club’s marketing activities.

Meanwhile former youth coach Tony Walmsley is returning as technical director, to work alongside head coach Phil Moss.

EXCLUSIVE Q/A: Simon Hill chats with Storrie

The Daily Telegraph understands the Mariners staff will be formally advised of the changes at a meeting in Terrigal later on Thursday, ahead of the team’s trip to face Sydney FC on Saturday.

Storrie had already presaged a major change of direction at the club, forging an agreement with Everton and pledging to consult with the club’s stakeholders and fans to address declining crowds and performance.

However it’s believed he will only be in Australia until March, returning to the UK until August, despite his new official role at the club.

Storrie has had something of a chequered past as a football administrator, running West Ham for years – and signing former Socceroo Robbie Slater – but coming under fierce criticism from Portsmouth fans for his role as CEO while the club slid into administration.

Walmsley meanwhile was previously youth coach but moved to England to work at Sheffield United, before relocating back to Australia recently.

It’s understood he will work with Moss and Storrie on player recruitment and support the football operations section of the club.

 

[dibo]

However it’s believed he will only be in Australia until March, returning to the UK until August, despite his new official role at the club.

What could possibly go wrong?

 

[Capt. Awesome]

He can be CEO via Skype can't he???

 

[scoober]

He can be CEO via Skype can't he???

He'd still do a better job than Bruce……

 

[Roy Law]

What could possibly go wrong?

I doubt Mr Storrie (who comes with a glowing cv) will want to spend the six months of the A League off season in sunny Terrigal. For the first time in a long time our season will be over in March and there will be nothing happening until August when the boys start the FFA cup. Mossy, and now Walmsley, can run their eye over NSWPL players and Charlesworth can watch YouTube clips for visa players...

 

[rbakersmith]

Just received this email:

Central Coast Mariners enter stage one of restructure

The Central Coast Mariners can today announce that stage one of the club’s restructure is set to commence as a result of Peter Storrie’s financial and football review.

As a part of the restructure, Storrie has been appointed as the club’s Executive Vice Chairman who has a brief to turn the Mariners into a break-even club and a mantra that is central to “Mariners in the community, giving youth a chance”.

The Central Coast Mariners have been renowned as a club synonymous for developing the best young talent whilst being embedded in the local community – these two aspects will drive the re-brand of the club both on and off the field.

The key organisational changes to be implemented at the helm of the Mariners include: Tony Walmsley (Technical Director), Bruce Stalder (CEO/Sales Director) and Kathryn Duncan (Financial Director).

Walmsley will return to the Mariners having previously worked with the yellow and navy under the tenure of both Lawrie McKinna and Graham Arnold as the Foxtel National Youth League Head Coach & Hyundai A-League Assistant coach.

Under his new portfolio the former head of recruitment at Sheffield United will be responsible for recruitment and development with a key focus on delivering a vibrant and proactive playing style.

“The Football department has a huge responsibility to the overall financial position of the club that can act in two ways: a vibrant playing style that excites the fans and the identification & development of young players with embedded talent who can add value both on the pitch and in the global transfer market,” Walmsley said.

“My first task is to understand exactly where we are and then to align the players and staff on the way forward. This is about talent and how we go from identification to maximum potential. This is a great challenge and I am looking forward to it,” Walmsley said.

Storrie will work hard with both the football and administrative side of the club to ensure that the Mariners are the best community club in the country as well as the number one club for young Australian talent to develop their game.

Youth development, community and football will be the three key benefactors of the club's restructure and Storrie is calling on the members' and fans' support to ensure the future of the Central Coast Mariners.

Storrie also alluded that there would be further announcements in regards to the club's future.

"In the short time that I have been on the Central Coast I have spoken with a lot of people and next week that will further with talks to the supporter groups.

"I am looking for a fresh start with everyone behind the Mariners moving forward and today is just the first step with further changes and agreements with partners to be announced soon.

"The new executive team operating under detailed budget control will stabilise the club going forward and the further expansion of our work in the community is essential along with the club recruiting the best young football players," Storrie said.

 

[Bladesman]

Just received this email:

At face value it sounds very good. I like what Tony is saying on the football side of things and the community engagement piece sounds promising.

 

[Capt. Awesome]

He is talking the right talk:

“Mariners in the community, giving youth a chance”.

I'm reasonably positive about these changes. Actually starting to look like we have a plan. I realise the proof is in the pudding but on the surface it looks like Storie is making some good moves. Also shows MC is in it for the long term and isn't just going to cut and run. Lets hope Storie opens his eyes and sees that NSO is a no go.

Will be interesting to see how the community part plays out.

One thing that doesn't really make sense is giving two youth spots to Everton. This means two Australia Youth don't get a go and we won't benefit from transfer fees when they leave. Seems to go against the overall plan. The Everton boys would have to be amazing players for them to be worth it for us.

 

[midfielder]

Sounds good

 

[nearlyyellow]

" .. members' and fans' support .. " I wasn't going anywhere, even though things aren't too good atm. I'm a former Bears supporter. We know how to stick in there.

" .. the re-brand of the club .. "
" .. I am looking for a fresh start with everyone behind the Mariners moving forward .. "
" .. stabilise the club going forward .. "

Spiffy Corporate talk.

Been there, done that.

Hope it works out, for all our sakes.

 

[VicMariner]

"further with talks to the supporter groups"
Hope this isn't lip service and they actually take feedback on board. Look forward to hearing how this goes.

"further expansion of our work in the community is essential"
Hope they are serious about doing that properly.

All in all quite positive, let's see how they go.

 

[Forum Phoenix]

All sounds good. Unless it's management speak for: "community targeted" no marketing budget. "Youth focused" no serious $ investment in established players. "Stabilising the club financially" more moved games.

But I won't assume anything. Let's hope it's a genuine, committed vision. If it is. Sounds great. There's a lot to like about being the Australian club most focused on developing young talent.

 

[Yoda]

As they say "Words are wind". We need to see action. I've heard MC flapping his gums about community engagement, and raising corporate revenues etc etc, then Bruce beating the same drum, but no action. Let's hope Storrie actually makes things happen, but I fear that it'll just be another breeze.

 

[adz]

As they say "Words are wind". We need to see action. I've heard MC flapping his gums about community engagement, and raising corporate revenues etc etc, then Bruce beating the same drum, but no action. Let's hope Storrie actually makes things happen, but I fear that it'll just be another breeze.

We've already seen some action with getting a sponsor for the ACL whereas in other years there has been none. Whether that has anything to do with Storrie coming in or not is anyone's guess.

 

[VicMariner]

"Phil Moss is facing the imminent prospect of the axe."

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/article/2015/02/20/moss-brink-mariners-bosses-pile-pressure

"Moss has a handful of matches to save himself"

"Moss’s position is so precarious that it’s thought a potential successor may already have been sounded out."