Investment update

[Artemis]

"Build it and they will come"

after matchday Keep that money at the club for as long as possible, the racecourse cottoned onto the fact that as soon as the racing was over all that money was spent in town so they created an 'after party' to curb that flow of money outside of their tills. Nobody stays at WR after the game because its a dump with c!#p facilities. Make WR an attractive 'better' option than going into town.

One small pedantic point, build it and he will come

if he's Mr Creosote with a healthy thirst, he'll do.

[Robin]

Regarding a new ground I could see it if we want to one day reach the Championship but that level of investment we are looking at probably £30-40 million for a new 15,000 stadium and there are not many logical sites for it. A new main stand and home end we are probably spending less than half of that. So long as we can put in place the new revenue streams moving should not be on the agenda in the medium term (10-20 years).

[horlickfanclub]

As I understand it much or all of Cakebridge Place cannot be built on due to the proximity of Wymans Brook and drainage issues. Ditto Parklands site. If houses/ shops could be built on Cakebridge the Council would have done it by now.

My understanding was not that we could not build on it only that costs were increased as we would need to go deeper into the undersoil due to the brook. That was always the response why we never had a cantilever roof on the PRE.

Also Cakebridge place had houses before albeit cheaper flat pack style houses and only a small amount so it can definitely be built upon.

They were prefabs. No foundations or modern building regulations. But as you say " definitely" you must be a surveyor or planning expert so maybe you know why no buildings are currently planned.

[Shade]

It could definitely be built on/over - it will just cost a lot of extra money to do so, planning, building foundations, supports, etc.

[horlickfanclub]

It could definitely be built on/over - it will just cost a lot of extra money to do so, planning, building foundations, supports, etc.

My point was why has this not happened? ( leaving aside and Football Club interest). As far as I know that area of Wymans Brook is in a flood risk area .

[ctfc-fan]

see what CBC is doing
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4k5kv0v2go

As per my post above, they have to do this to meet their targets but they don’t have enough land currently. The football foundation will match that funding.

[Artemis]

It could definitely be built on/over - it will just cost a lot of extra money to do so, planning, building foundations, supports, etc.

My point was why has this not happened? ( leaving aside and Football Club interest). As far as I know that area of Wymans Brook is in a flood risk area .

Money and return on the necessary additional investment.

I ask again, why would commercial investors be interested in our club if there wasn't an opportunity to make money and a better return than they could get elsewhere, given the potential risk.
Lets be honest, the vast majority of football clubs in and of themselves don't make money, and few have benevolent owners long term . Somewhere in all this is an opportunity for significant return on the capital investment. The only thing I can see if a largely debt free club, which has likely zero cost to acquire and a lovely parcel of land near. That land is owned by the local authority that itself is cash strapped and has an obligation to find developers to build homes and other assets.

[Artemis]

see what CBC is doing
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4k5kv0v2go

As per my post above, they have to do this to meet their targets but they don’t have enough land currently. The football foundation will match that funding.

Redevelopment of of WR, Cakebridge and Parklands to include community / sporting asset coupled with homes and potentially commercial use is what CBC will want.

I'd be amazed if prospective owners haven't engaged in dialogue with CBC as part of the process, quite possibly facilitated by members or former members of the CTFC board.

[ctfc-fan]

see what CBC is doing
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4k5kv0v2go

As per my post above, they have to do this to meet their targets but they don’t have enough land currently. The football foundation will match that funding.

Redevelopment of of WR, Cakebridge and Parklands to include community / sporting asset coupled with homes and potentially commercial use is what CBC will want.

They’ve got to provide something like 4-5 more 4g pitches around town along with other facilities and floodlights.

[Artemis]

As per my post above, they have to do this to meet their targets but they don’t have enough land currently. The football foundation will match that funding.

Redevelopment of of WR, Cakebridge and Parklands to include community / sporting asset coupled with homes and potentially commercial use is what CBC will want.

They’ve got to provide something like 4-5 more 4g pitches around town along with other facilities and floodlights.

Well, how about some cash income from the sale of nearby land to put one or two of those on Whaddon Rec?

[ctfc-fan]

They need to be managed by a club. They don’t run them themselves.

[Robin]

It could definitely be built on/over - it will just cost a lot of extra money to do so, planning, building foundations, supports, etc.

My point was why has this not happened? ( leaving aside and Football Club interest). As far as I know that area of Wymans Brook is in a flood risk area .

I always understood it was down to costs, basically is it worth that extra cost to improve the home end.

[Robin]

As per my post above, they have to do this to meet their targets but they don’t have enough land currently. The football foundation will match that funding.

Redevelopment of of WR, Cakebridge and Parklands to include community / sporting asset coupled with homes and potentially commercial use is what CBC will want.

They’ve got to provide something like 4-5 more 4g pitches around town along with other facilities and floodlights.

Why can't they do that at Seasons? Or the land by the racecourse?

[Wellwisher]

As for Wymans Brook - the river Chelt runs culverted through the town centre, so I don't think doing similar to the Brook would be a barrier to development if the pie is big enough to warrant it, and those three sites together probably make a big enough pie.

The Chelt will have been culverted when such schemes were seen as "progress", esp if it allowed central areas to be further developed.
While these days, mucking about with rivers is seen as much less attractive (environmental reasons), as well as potentially interfering with flood plains and drainage etc.

And it might be that new owners decide that to realise the potential of their investment, the club does move to a new ground. We don't know. Its hugely ambitious, but isn't that what we've been asking for?

The Racecourse aside(?), where is there anywhere near Cheltenham, never mind in the town itself, which is available, and wouldn't cost a King's Ransom to acquire/rent?

Remember, with modern planning rules, it's not enough just to have a site physically big enough within which to squeeze a stadium, you also need surrounding space to accommodate access and crowd control, road links and public transport, and emergency services etc. And all that's before you consider the neighbours' inevitable objections.

Remember, a lot of traditional grounds were crammed in near, even within, town centres, when most people lived or worked nearby, and so could walk or cycle to the ground. These days things are so different you could never get permission for anything similar - think eg Shrewsbury Town, moving from the old Gay Meadow to, well, somewhere which is kinda Shewsbury, but isn't really. Imo, such a move would as likely see CTFC decline as prosper.

And in any case, even if those barriers could be overcome, is there any indication that Ms. Seppala, or any other investor, has any notion of building and moving to a new stadium, even if she/they had the money (which I seriously doubt)?

My (entirely speculative) guess is that for whatever reason, she wants to stay involved in Football, and CTFC is one of a bare handful of League clubs which may be available and affordable. And when I say "affordable", I mean within her budget. Or to put it another way, cheap.

[Robin]

As for Wymans Brook - the river Chelt runs culverted through the town centre, so I don't think doing similar to the Brook would be a barrier to development if the pie is big enough to warrant it, and those three sites together probably make a big enough pie.

The Chelt will have been culverted when such schemes were seen as "progress", esp if it allowed central areas to be further developed.
While these days, mucking about with rivers is seen as much less attractive (environmental reasons), as well as potentially interfering with flood plains and drainage etc.

And it might be that new owners decide that to realise the potential of their investment, the club does move to a new ground. We don't know. Its hugely ambitious, but isn't that what we've been asking for?

The Racecourse aside(?), where is there anywhere near Cheltenham, never mind in the town itself, which is available, and wouldn't cost a King's Ransom to acquire/rent?

Remember, with modern planning rules, it's not enough just to have a site physically big enough within which to squeeze a stadium, you also need surrounding space to accommodate access and crowd control, road links and public transport, and emergency services etc. And all that's before you consider the neighbours' inevitable objections.

Remember, a lot of traditional grounds were crammed in near, even within, town centres, when most people lived or worked nearby, and so could walk or cycle to the ground. These days things are so different you could never get permission for anything similar - think eg Shrewsbury Town, moving from the old Gay Meadow to, well, somewhere which is kinda Shewsbury, but isn't really. Imo, such a move would as likely see CTFC decline as prosper.

And in any case, even if those barriers could be overcome, is there any indication that Ms. Seppala, or any other investor, has any notion of building and moving to a new stadium, even if she/they had the money (which I seriously doubt)?

My (entirely speculative) guess is that for whatever reason, she wants to stay involved in Football, and CTFC is one of a bare handful of League clubs which may be available and affordable. And when I say "affordable", I mean within her budget. Or to put it another way, cheap.

She has money and did acquire Coventry, we are probably appealing because of the growth potential if an owner gets it right and the face we have no debt.

In terms of a new ground not many options other than near the racecourse of down by Golden Valley where there is a new Tech park planned. Both are pretty poor options for traffic and fan convience.

[ctfc-fan]

Redevelopment of of WR, Cakebridge and Parklands to include community / sporting asset coupled with homes and potentially commercial use is what CBC will want.

They’ve got to provide something like 4-5 more 4g pitches around town along with other facilities and floodlights.

Why can't they do that at Seasons? Or the land by the racecourse?

Has to be open to everyone and the council must own the land or they don’t get FF matched funding.

[Wellwisher]

[Seppala] has money and did acquire Coventry, we are probably appealing because of the growth potential if an owner gets it right and the face we have no debt.

Just read this interview she gave in 2017, only the second one she gave in the decade SISU had owned the club (to that date):
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/ ... y-13732486

The whole thing screams "Total Sh1t Show" from start to finish.

And the fact that she's now going from Coventry City to little 'ol Cheltenham Town (no offence) suggests she may even have lost money from her involvement with Coventry, meaning CTFC are all she can now afford.

Can you get an extension for a 40 foot Barge Pole?

[Robin]

I do not believe it's her taking over regardless but another party.

[Fuller]

I do not believe it's her taking over regardless but another party.

Possibly a local consortium, but that might mean any grand plans would be scaled back?

[Ihearye]

I do not believe it's her taking over regardless but another party.

Possibly a local consortium, but that might mean any grand plans would be scaled back?

What is the point of selecting people who don't have or are not prepared to spend the money we need? It is meant to be a bright new future surely not the same oliver twist scenario

[Robin]

I do not believe it's her taking over regardless but another party.

Possibly a local consortium, but that might mean any grand plans would be scaled back?

That's the fear the whole point of the sale was to raise millions for the club, the local consortium was put on the back burner earlier because they supposedly didn't have the same level of funds as others. But maybe it's not the same group who are taking over or it is and they are doing the home end/purchasing Parklands before tackling the main stand.

[Fuller]

I do not believe it's her taking over regardless but another party.

Possibly a local consortium, but that might mean any grand plans would be scaled back?

What is the point of selecting people who don't have or are not prepared to spend the money we need? It is meant to be a bright new future surely not the same oliver twist scenario

Maybe because there is no one else?

[Ihearye]

Possibly a local consortium, but that might mean any grand plans would be scaled back?

What is the point of selecting people who don't have or are not prepared to spend the money we need? It is meant to be a bright new future surely not the same oliver twist scenario

Maybe because there is no one else?

Sad but even more sadly true

[Robin]

Possibly a local consortium, but that might mean any grand plans would be scaled back?

What is the point of selecting people who don't have or are not prepared to spend the money we need? It is meant to be a bright new future surely not the same oliver twist scenario

Maybe because there is no one else?

That's just not true, I will criticise the board but there are 5-6 serious groups with the money we are looking for which is 8 figures.

[ctfc-fan]

What is the point of selecting people who don't have or are not prepared to spend the money we need? It is meant to be a bright new future surely not the same oliver twist scenario

Maybe because there is no one else?

That's just not true, I will criticise the board but there are 5-6 serious groups with the money we are looking for which is 8 figures.

And your magical source is?!

[Robin]

Maybe because there is no one else?

That's just not true, I will criticise the board but there are 5-6 serious groups with the money we are looking for which is 8 figures.

And your magical source is?!

It's well publicised for goodness sake. David Bloxham for all his faults even said only a couple of weeks ago that it's progressing and they are happy with how many interested parties with the funds required have come forward.

[horlickfanclub]

Redevelopment of of WR, Cakebridge and Parklands to include community / sporting asset coupled with homes and potentially commercial use is what CBC will want.

They’ve got to provide something like 4-5 more 4g pitches around town along with other facilities and floodlights.

Why can't they do that at Seasons? Or the land by the racecourse?

[horlickfanclub]

They’ve got to provide something like 4-5 more 4g pitches around town along with other facilities and floodlights.

Why can't they do that at Seasons? Or the land by the racecourse?

I think the land by the racecourse is Tewkesbury Borough

[Jerry St Clair]

I accept that I am really boring going on about Exeter all the time. While we wait for investment what else are we doing to create revenue? Exeter have announced two things this week:

A "Party at the Park" - There will be a full day of activities for the whole family starting from 11am, gates open at 10:30am. Expect fun and games, player experiences, live music, food and drink and more! The event will see the launch of the NEW Exeter City 25/26 home shirt with appearances by Exeter City Men’s and Women’s players (you can even train with the Women’s team on the inflatable pitch at 1pm!) and Grecian and Lexi Exeter City’s Mascots will be appearing during the day. Activities include street soccer and inflatable challenges, the Junior Grecians Family Zone will be open featuring games consoles, table football, large screen TV, ice creams, tea and coffee. There will also be face painting, stalls, games and competitions.

Corporate golf day - Are you a keen golfer and want the opportunity to advertise your brand and network, all while taking in a round with members of the Exeter City first team staff and players? Then our corporate golf day has loads to offer! The golf day starts at 10:30am with breakfast on arrival.Team of 4: £350 + VAT, Team of 4 to include first team player or coach: £500 + VAT, Hole Sponsor including branding and two tickets to the evening event.: £200 + VAT

Exeter are absolutely a club we should aspire to be. A little bit bigger than us, but not hugely (Average gate 6500, ground capacity 8700). How is it they can do this stuff and we can't? I don't even expect a 'Party At the Park'. I'd settle for a couple of hours at Seasons.

[Ihearye]

I accept that I am really boring going on about Exeter all the time. While we wait for investment what else are we doing to create revenue? Exeter have announced two things this week:

A "Party at the Park" - There will be a full day of activities for the whole family starting from 11am, gates open at 10:30am. Expect fun and games, player experiences, live music, food and drink and more! The event will see the launch of the NEW Exeter City 25/26 home shirt with appearances by Exeter City Men’s and Women’s players (you can even train with the Women’s team on the inflatable pitch at 1pm!) and Grecian and Lexi Exeter City’s Mascots will be appearing during the day. Activities include street soccer and inflatable challenges, the Junior Grecians Family Zone will be open featuring games consoles, table football, large screen TV, ice creams, tea and coffee. There will also be face painting, stalls, games and competitions.

Corporate golf day - Are you a keen golfer and want the opportunity to advertise your brand and network, all while taking in a round with members of the Exeter City first team staff and players? Then our corporate golf day has loads to offer! The golf day starts at 10:30am with breakfast on arrival.Team of 4: £350 + VAT, Team of 4 to include first team player or coach: £500 + VAT, Hole Sponsor including branding and two tickets to the evening event.: £200 + VAT

Exeter are absolutely a club we should aspire to be. A little bit bigger than us, but not hugely (Average gate 6500, ground capacity 8700). How is it they can do this stuff and we can't? I don't even expect a 'Party At the Park'. I'd settle for a couple of hours at Seasons.

What ever happened to our golf day?

[asl]

Wtf is an 'inflatable pitch'...?

[Robin]

I accept that I am really boring going on about Exeter all the time. While we wait for investment what else are we doing to create revenue? Exeter have announced two things this week:

A "Party at the Park" - There will be a full day of activities for the whole family starting from 11am, gates open at 10:30am. Expect fun and games, player experiences, live music, food and drink and more! The event will see the launch of the NEW Exeter City 25/26 home shirt with appearances by Exeter City Men’s and Women’s players (you can even train with the Women’s team on the inflatable pitch at 1pm!) and Grecian and Lexi Exeter City’s Mascots will be appearing during the day. Activities include street soccer and inflatable challenges, the Junior Grecians Family Zone will be open featuring games consoles, table football, large screen TV, ice creams, tea and coffee. There will also be face painting, stalls, games and competitions.

Corporate golf day - Are you a keen golfer and want the opportunity to advertise your brand and network, all while taking in a round with members of the Exeter City first team staff and players? Then our corporate golf day has loads to offer! The golf day starts at 10:30am with breakfast on arrival.Team of 4: £350 + VAT, Team of 4 to include first team player or coach: £500 + VAT, Hole Sponsor including branding and two tickets to the evening event.: £200 + VAT

Exeter are absolutely a club we should aspire to be. A little bit bigger than us, but not hugely (Average gate 6500, ground capacity 8700). How is it they can do this stuff and we can't? I don't even expect a 'Party At the Park'. I'd settle for a couple of hours at Seasons.

Fully agree and it's this sort of thing we've slept on and where we've fallen behind so many other clubs. Again if we took ownership of Parklands we would have the space to do this sort of thing regularly.

[Ihearye]

Wtf is an 'inflatable pitch'...?

I am led to believe it is an item from Pulse&Cocktails in Cheltenham. But couldn't confirm that

[Si Robin]

I accept that I am really boring going on about Exeter all the time. While we wait for investment what else are we doing to create revenue? Exeter have announced two things this week:

A "Party at the Park" - There will be a full day of activities for the whole family starting from 11am, gates open at 10:30am. Expect fun and games, player experiences, live music, food and drink and more! The event will see the launch of the NEW Exeter City 25/26 home shirt with appearances by Exeter City Men’s and Women’s players (you can even train with the Women’s team on the inflatable pitch at 1pm!) and Grecian and Lexi Exeter City’s Mascots will be appearing during the day. Activities include street soccer and inflatable challenges, the Junior Grecians Family Zone will be open featuring games consoles, table football, large screen TV, ice creams, tea and coffee. There will also be face painting, stalls, games and competitions.

Corporate golf day - Are you a keen golfer and want the opportunity to advertise your brand and network, all while taking in a round with members of the Exeter City first team staff and players? Then our corporate golf day has loads to offer! The golf day starts at 10:30am with breakfast on arrival.Team of 4: £350 + VAT, Team of 4 to include first team player or coach: £500 + VAT, Hole Sponsor including branding and two tickets to the evening event.: £200 + VAT

Exeter are absolutely a club we should aspire to be. A little bit bigger than us, but not hugely (Average gate 6500, ground capacity 8700). How is it they can do this stuff and we can't? I don't even expect a 'Party At the Park'. I'd settle for a couple of hours at Seasons.

Fully agree and it's this sort of thing we've slept on and where we've fallen behind so many other clubs. Again if we took ownership of Parklands we would have the space to do this sort of thing regularly.

There's plenty of space at Seasons to do something like this - without even reaching the training pitches.

The Open Day a few years ago was brilliant - there is absolutely no reason the club can't bring this back. They even said about doing one last summer but it somehow got forgotten about.

[Garby74]

Not boring Jerry ....refreshing.
Nothing = boring

Creativity is free


Bulit it they (might) come....
Don't...they won't!