One time Addicks striker and so-called 'transfer misfit' and 'bit part player' Darren Bent is to join Brighton and Hove Albion on loan, initially for 28 days: Darren Bent
Whether or not one thinks Bent is a shadow of his former self or can still weave some magic, it is doubtful whether we could have afforded his wages. This raises a bigger question.
Roland's strategy has been built around the arrival and enforcement of financial fair play (FFP), enabling a prudent club to compete on a reasonably level playing field. I always had my doubts about it because it seemed to me that FFP was susceptible to a legal challenge on competition law grounds, as a recent case in Spain has emphasised: Court decision .
In any case, FFP has now been substantially diluted. The club that changed their minds at the last minute to provide the required 75 per cent majority? Brighton and Hove Albion.
While I think that Roland has edged away from a formal break even strategy, it is difficult to see how the club can be run at a small loss and still compete. There are dangers in going down a 'player farm' route and in any case it has been our declared intention to hold on to our Academy talent. We don't have the sophistication or resources of Southampton as far as such a strategy is concerned.
Last season we made £1.7m on player sales and got a £900k bonus out of our cup 'run', but still made a loss of £5.7m. One implication is that we badly need a cup run, or at least a match against a top club, which would be good news for fans as well as financially.
9 comments:
JA is going to be very upset about this news but I think that it shows just about how good/bad Bent is at the moment. I hope for him that he gets games, gets fitter and it all works out well.
I hope he bangs them in for fun in the Championship but has an off day on January 10th
brian im not uposet speaking to villa fans the fire in his belly has gone out hes not wanted at villa and has put on weight in the meantime clearly not the same player we had several seasons back im glad we cashed on him when we did 16m was much needed cash.Hes available on a free this summer so i think i pass on the option we should get in Doyle at chesterfield or afobe at arsenal whos on loan at mk dons.
Sentiment -particularly in football - gets in the way of good decision making. Good luck to Darren but I am not sure he is the person for us.
Need a Forward?
Good point JA. I can't remember how much CAFC paid for Darren Bent, but it was quite a lot and when he was sold a big profit was made.
My point is running a club prudently, is not just about not spending money or never selling players, that's foolish, but buying and selling well. Peeters seems quite canny (likes a free and Igor must piling on the £'s) give him some dosh RD.
I here noel hunt been linked any good?
RIP Frankie fraser
I think if he gets regular starts he will start scoring.
Hunt going to Ipswich = Thur, Daily Mail
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