Planet Swans ArchivesFor some reason we have taken a step backwards into the ‘everything’s OK’ mentality at the moment. People are not turning up to see the side in as many numbers as at the start of the season and whilst it could be understandable the club could take a step backwards because of it.
Promotion is not guaranteed with or without a cup run and for every promotion run that was faltered because of cup distractions there is one that gathered pace because of it. I have read a comment about the games against West Ham and Derby in 99 costing us promotion and I laugh – we were cost promotion that year because our manager failed to strengthen a squad that needed it – something whick we don’t have too many problems on at the moment.
I also think of the money that a cup run could bring. Stevenage will come to the Vetch as no mugs but we have to face the reality that we should win this game and advance to the third round where we have the chance of facing a Premiership club. Dreams of Man Utd and Arsenal are all well and good or even the multi millionaires at Stamford Bridge but it’s a chance of not only a great pay day but live coverage as the minnows take on the big boys. All very valuable income to the club. And money that the club could do with at the moment. Only two weeks ago we saw Huw Jenkins in the local press bemoaning stewards letting in people for free and sponsors not paying up and let’s not forget Wayne Powell’s claim against the club for unfair dismissal. All of which could, and in some instances has, hit us in the pocket.
I know for a fact that this club is run on a tight budget. A very tight budget indeed. We are still paying off the debts of the CVA, we are still paying the wages of the likes of Andrew Mumford and we are starting to see less income into the club through reduced gates. A worrying trend in itself. I am sure the board are praying for promotion this season and, perversely perhaps, they would like it through the play offs and the money that they in themselves generate. It always seems backward to me that the side promoted through this scheme earns more than the champions but that is the way it is.
So next time you decide that maybe a cup run isn’t important maybe it is time to sit back and reflect on whether it’s important by considering the figures that will appear on the Swansea City balance sheet come the end of the year. I am sure that would look healthier with an injection of a hundred thousand pounds or more?
