Phil SumblerFriday’s article about what does good look like in a season of transition generated some discussion and debate on a Friday especially where the raw feelings following that dreadful defeat at Stoke on Tuesday night.
In response to that article, Jack Carreg took the time to post a well worded response on the article itself that, with his permission, we have produced below for a wider audience.
Jack writes: “Thank you for a well – balanced appraisal, Phil. You have shown the negatives and the positives and have presented them in a coherent form that is ideal for debate.
“I have noticed, recently, that any positive comments in defence of Russel Martin’s long-term plan/project is more often met with derision, and more worrying, abuse. I have noticed, however, that the abusers never offer a cogent argument, they simply pour abuse onto those that are looking for positives.
“My first and obvious point is that the project is still in the very early stages and I expected a poor league position – I hoped for better but was prepared for reality. If the league position is similar this time next season, then something will clearly be not right. But for now we have to accept that this will be a season of some highs with a number of lows until personnel and fitness levels reach and acceptable level.
“Another point, the Swansea Way, or whatever RM wants to call it, is far more than what we see on the pitch – it includes the team and club spirit, financial sustainability, a clear and good pedagogy, an ethos, a vision and a set of time-related targets.
“Roberto Martinez, a young, inexperienced, assistant coach at Chester City started a project an ethos and a pedagogy that led to Premier League football in five years. We are still only seven months into this project. I’ve mentioned Roberto’s credentials as many critics are pointing to Martin’s ‘inexperience’.
“The next point – I am truly amazed that the club is just about sustainable. I am no fan of the owners, nor am I their enemy. Any business venture will aim, firstly, to make the business sustainable. When that is achieved, the aim is to build the business and make it competitive and robust. Then, at that point, the aim is to turn a profit.
“Our owners are not multi-billionaire hobbyists, they are business people, like it or not. It would be utter stupidity to keep throwing money at an unsustainable business. Even the Hobbyists, like Tan at Cardiff now realised that throwing money at the club is in itself unsustainable.
“I don’t know the finances of our club, but if the average weekly wage of first team squad players is £7,000 per week, then project that over the squad and we have a bill of about 170K per week. Add the salaries of the coaches, the age-grade players, the academy costs, travel costs, utilities etc, then we must be looking at a conservative figure of a quarter of a million per week – a million pounds per month, £12 million per year.
“What is our income? Gate receipts, season tickets, sponsorship and instalment payments for sales. It must be touch and go.I really don’t think some fans stop to think about that and expect the owners to keep dipping their hands in their pockets. These critics need to come into the real world – a post Brexit and post pandemic struggling economy.
“Could I ask that if people disagree with me, or with Phil’s balanced appraisal, then try to do it with a cogent argument, clearly setting out points and refraining from hurling abuse at those with a different opinion to yourselves.
“And, have patience, the project is young. Have faith and SUPPORT your club.”
Do you agree/disagree with Jack’s comments above and the original article? Why not do what Jack did and leave your comments on the article below or visit the forum to leave the comments there on the topic relating to the original article.
You can also follow Jack on Twitter @CarregJack
