Reading the question and answer session between SOS and LFC as below.
What is starting to come out for me is that LFC are really suffering through not being in the champion’s league. Unlike say Fulham or Everton we have the cost structure of a champion’s league club but not the revenues.
I see the club shops in Liverpool and the merchandising is being heavily discounted I would not be surprised if that operation is losing money. It stands to reason if the ticket prices are being hammered then people will spend less on discretionary expenditure such as a shirt or whatever.
Then there is the unexplained big loss in the accounts and the clubs desire to cut the wage bill.
And look at the explanation in the SOS Q&A Ian Ayre gives when SOS asks about the small amount of money the current ticket hike will give. Look at Ian Ayes answer which is basically saying it all adds up. It indicates Liverpool are desperate for any extra revenue they can get and if that means sacrificing long term revenue stability over short term cash flow then short term cash flow wins.
I think the club is facing a very uncertain future especially as we have not started on the new ground and if we are in financial trouble (or starting to get into) what chance the club investing in a new ground? I think we will see delay after delay on that front. And the fact the club is introducing tiered pricing might be because they are in no hurry to develop a new ground or even redevelop Anfield.
The problem we have is city and spurs have moved into that space and its going to be very difficult for us to break into 4th. That also puts pressure on ticket prices as it reduces demand and the vicious circle continues.
I honestly think this could be the start of an era for Liverpool that could see paying fans start to desert or further reduce expenditure on the club, the ground being delayed or not started at all and our rivals consolidating their position ahead of us.
We could be where we are now or mid table for a very long time now. And I have not even mentioned Suarez leaving and the abilities of Rodgers who seems to be a decent but not spectacular manager.
I know Vish will come on about FFP rules and that being the Holy Grail but for that to work as I understand it we need to have revenues ahead of our rivals all the indications are the means to achieve that are disappearing rapidly.
And in some ways I am glad because its LFCs fault for not developing the club 25 years ago and its FSG,s fault for trying to pull a fast one buying the club on the cheap and not connecting with the culture of the club. You can hide in Boston John Henry but you can’t hide from the harsh reality heading your way.
http://content.spiritofshankly.com/syste...e%20Tickets.pdf
