If you were a multimillionaire...

[peadar1987]

Would you buy a LOI club? And if yes, what would you do with your many millions?

I'm off to watch the second half of the derby now. I expect to see an intelligent and original debate when I get back! :D

[topia]

without doubt i would, with my many millions i would ensure that the club would have a slight chance of surviving for another season!
if i did buy a club though i would ensure there was a serious overhaul, not least with regard to promotion of the club and at least making some sort of attemp to generate interest so i suppose upgrading facilities and making the stadium an attractive place for people to spend the whole night not just 2 hours would be a big aim.

[Town Legend]

Naturally enough I'd buy the Town!!! I'd finish off the uncovered seating areas first. Then I'd knock the stand completely and build a full length covered stand with a bar that actually sells alcohol underneath with all the rest thats under the stand at the minute. At same time I'd renovate the astro turf pitches that are there and build small dressing rooms with showers beside them. Then after all that is done I'd start the rebuilding of the team by bringing home all the talented young Irish players from England on mega money and then within 5 years I'll prob have to sell up cos I'll be going bankrupt!!!!:D

[sligo23]

I'd move the showgrounds to England, then lots of Irish people would support us

[tiktok]

I'd have made an offer if I'd won the lotto tonight, nevermind if I was a multimillionaire.

[Dundalkjames]

I'd buy Dundalk Fc and i'd knock oriel park and re-build a new 10000 capacity stadium. I would also put plans in place both on the field and off-field to take the club forward in Europe

[peadar1987]

I know I would.

First thing I'd do is buy a new PA system for the Carlisle Grounds, buy the waste ground behind the DART stand and turn it into like an open plaza. Then extend the DART stand around behind the goals at both ends, and put a roof on it.

Then a few bribes to the town council to put in a pedestrian area between the ground and the bowling alley for people to mill around in before the game, and of course better toilets and shops.

Then put ads all along the DART line and bus routes from Blackrock to Greystones, and on local radio.

And finally hire full time scouting staff to dig up all the talent they could from schoolboy clubs around the country, and convince them to join the Bray Wanderers Academy of Excellence, with its state of the art facilities.

Obviously after a few seasons the trophy room would need expanding*, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here



*building

[sonofstan]

No matter how rich I was, I couldn't own anymore of Bohs than I already do, thanks to our articles of association....so i'd buy Rovers instead, and do an Arkaga on them :D

[JC_GUFC]

I expect to see an intelligent and original debate when I get back! :D

Is that because all the ethnics were watching the game?!

[JC_GUFC]

No matter how rich I was, I couldn't own anymore of Bohs than I already do, thanks to our articles of association....so i'd buy Rovers instead, and do an Arkaga on them :D

You've plenty of experience with the Arkaga job you've done on Bohs!

[the-blue-harp]

in a flash. thought about it many a time before!!

[sonofstan]

Is that because all the ethnics were watching the game?!
:mad:

WTF?!

[Sam_Heggy]

Most definite, I would buy Bohs, promise a brand spanking new stadium and walk away after a year and demand my money back.
Then Cork and do the same thing.

[El-Pietro]

id get in a sound engineer and fix the shed, take out at least half the seats put in a few crash barriers, probably put some glass on the sides to amplify the sound

then id tear the Donie Forde down and the horseshoe and build a super modern complex over there, buy the houses behind as well, one stand at a time, work on the training ground too, and not spend a penny on the first team more than is already being done, cut costs where possible and put a lot of work/money into putting a proper youth academy in place to keep the best of Corks footballing talent in cork

[Umberside]

I'd build a 20,000 seater stadium on the Ballincollig Bypass (across from the Greyhound Stadium, good place no?), do massive advertising, but best of all:

Buy new players and qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stages. Surely this is the goal of the big clubs at the moment. (Long-term no doubt but it's still high on the agenda at City anyway.)

I'd also fund massive resources for the Youth Academy and Reserves, plus community things to gain recognition and get good publicity.

[peadar1987]

id get in a sound engineer and fix the shed"

Would you not want a Civil Engineer for that? :rolleyes:

[Réiteoir]

I'd buy the Tallaght "Stadium" off the SDCC and donate it to the fine upstanding people of the GAA

[topia]

I'd buy the Tallaght "Stadium" off the SDCC and donate it to the fine upstanding people of the GAA


outstanding idea!

[Denis The Red]

Can you own two clubs??? (I'm not very good with money).

[Umberside]

Can you own two clubs??? (I'm not very good with money).

I don't think there's any rule as to say they can't but never seen it happen.

[Gareth]

You'd need billions and resign yourself to losing most of the money you invest.

I'd buy every club in League of Ireland and start restructuring and changing the way they operate. I'd create under-age structures in all the clubs, and I have an agreement between the sides, where they would play each other regularly from the youngest age group to under 16 without any league tables or trophies. It would be purely a talent development league.

The senior league, I'd build 12 new 10,000 seater stadiums, which could be expanded. I'd force clubs in close proximity to share. I'd then create a League of Ireland TV Station running 24-7. I'd create a web presence that would be unrivalled in it's comprehensive coverage. I'd make sure the games where covered with multiple camera points and force the public to feel like by not going to a game was to be missing out.

In summary, I'd throw as much cash to ensure the standard of player was second to none and that the league was unmissable :

LOL

[TheBoss]

I am not sure buying a current League of Ireland would be my preference, I would prefer to setup a new club/or current junior club, build a decent stadium, constantly advertise to the locals. Another thing, I would would want local players to play for the team with the exception of two or three star players that played in the league. And build it up from there. I am sure a lot of problems would happen along the way :D

[peadar1987]

I am not sure buying a current League of Ireland would be my preference, I would prefer to setup a new club/or current junior club, build a decent stadium, constantly advertise to the locals. Another thing, I would would want local players to play for the team with the exception of two or three star players that played in the league. And build it up from there. I am sure a lot of problems would happen along the way :D

Your last sentence makes it sound like the pitch for a TV programme!

"This week on TheBoss F.C. ..."

[TheBoss]

Well, the league at the moment is a bit of a soap opera. :D

[micls]

Id donate enough money to FORAS to allow us to take over the club, one millionaire owner is just as bad as another, the club should be owned by the fans.

I'd then look to develop a proper training facility with astro etc to rent as a source of income.

Id buy the cross and do a bit more with it, including some safe terracing, decent club shop in the ground etc.

Id hope those in charge would start building from youth academies, improve relationships with local clubs, have a max wage of 1000euro(and limited amount on that).

Apart from capital expenditure and advertising money in would equal money out so that the club is in good shape for whoever runs it later.

[Umberside]

I am not sure buying a current League of Ireland would be my preference, I would prefer to setup a new club/or current junior club, build a decent stadium, constantly advertise to the locals. Another thing, I would would want local players to play for the team with the exception of two or three star players that played in the league. And build it up from there. I am sure a lot of problems would happen along the way :D

That is like Mick Wallace is doing with Wexford Youths on a smaller budget.

[thischarmingman]

I am not sure buying a current League of Ireland would be my preference, I would prefer to setup a new club/or current junior club, build a decent stadium, constantly advertise to the locals. Another thing, I would would want local players to play for the team with the exception of two or three star players that played in the league. And build it up from there. I am sure a lot of problems would happen along the way :D


Your last sentence makes it sound like the pitch for a TV programme!

"This week on TheBoss F.C. ..."

"...with sexy results..."

http://mooreslore.corante.com/archives/images/homer%20simpson.gif

[Karl Phillips]

Start a team called Dublin Rovers, you would have to play in one of the following Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow market the club saying,real Oirish connections, a little bit of religious bigotry, get one of your oirish players with dubious heritage playing on the Republic side. finally see if Roy is available sit back and watch it roll in until Roy throws a tantrum.Sell up quickly siting disillusionment with agents, write a book, spend the rest of your time after-dinner speaking telling jokes and your experiences of owning a football club Easy Peasy :cool:

[A N Mouse]

Depends on how much of multimillionaire I was.

If by some bizzare twist of events I came into ownership of Tolka or Dalymount and could sell up no questions asked ;) I redevelop the Brandy, if a purpose built facility at Fort George was a non-runner.

If I found myself with the only winning ticket for the biggest ever euromillions jackpot. I'd go to the fai with lots of money and lots of strings.

Prize funds for next 5 years (3-5 times bigger), matched by money for junior clubs grants.

They have to implement a proper pyramid structure.

A cash injection for all clubs, the 65% wage should thereafter be based on the previous season's financials [Past Performance May Not Be Indicative of Future Results ...] (+(in certain circumstances) any readily available assets)

Rest of the monies set aside for stadium and youth development, to be distributed by fai
Think they should give the job of distributing the grants to gareth :)

[oh no, i sound like celtictiger :( ]

[Hairy Bowsie]

Any chance we can bring back intelligent debate in place of ridiculous threads like this?

[peadar1987]

Nobody's forcing you to read this. If it was really a pointless and ridiculous thread, nobody would have engaged with it. If you really have a problem with it, talk to the mods and see if they delete it

[Hairy Bowsie]

I didn't read it, i just read the title and that was enough. This should be consigned to the "fantasy rubbish with no relevance to actual football" section, some people would say thats Off Topic but i say it's rubbish.

[Schumi]

This should be consigned to the "fantasy rubbish with no relevance to actual football" section.

The Bohs section?

[eamo1]

Thought about it many a time with Galway Utd.Obviously id have EVERY check accounted for(especially dealing with Nick Leeson:D).
I'd be torn between building a brand new stadium on the outskirts of the city or putting up a new stand at the end opposite the clubhouse where the car park is.Also a new terraced section where The Shed use to be and re-develop the "old stand".That would take the capacity to near or above 10,000.I'd also either buy Salthill Devon's "Drom" training complex or else build a totally new one.
You have to face the facts though,MOST(or just some if done right) of the money you put into your club you will never see again,shame.

[John83]

Can you own two clubs??? (I'm not very good with money).
I think UEFA has restrictions on that in european competitions, but I'm not certain.

Multimillionare is a pretty broad term. If I had three or four million total, definitely not: it'd make no impact at all. If I had a personal fortune sufficient to throw 20+ million away with no chance of a return, then maybe. It's not like there aren't better causes though.

[Magicme]

I wouldnt buy Mons coz you cant as it is community owned, but I would pay all the first team bills and develop the ground so that all money from gate and fundraising/sponsorship could go into the development of juveniles.

[pineapple stu]

I think UEFA has restrictions on that in european competitions, but I'm not certain.
They do, yeah, although it may be limited to having to dispose of your ownership in one or other club before they meet.

You can't buy UCD, but if you could, I'd put the money on deposit and pass the deposit interest onto the club, less an amount to increase the amount on deposit in accordance with inflation. The club would want it that way.

[amjl]

Buying a LOI club would be the best way to blow millions & see nothing for it, but thats the problem when your blinded by the love of your club.

If I did win €125 miilion on the Euromillions, I would (against all common sense) buy Kilkenny City & bring them back into the league. Obvivously, (just like everyone else seems to agree on) improve all fascilities, youth development structures and improving the involvment of the club in the community, advertising, etc, etc...

& then bring them to Champions league within 5 years!! Only joking, I be more than happy just to be competing in the top 5 in the Premier Division each year & the odd trip to europe would be good.

[eamo1]

Wow,talk about throwing money away.Buying Kilkenny and turning them into a top 5 club:eek:.Although as you rightly said you ARE blinded by the love of your club,most ppl would do the same if they loved them that much,or would they??:confused::rolleyes:

[shefellover93]

I would buy a part of the club for myself and a part for FORAS. I don't think a sugardaddy is a problem once the fans have a big say in the way the club was run. I'd take Bishopstown off ur man McCarthy and finish the job that was started in the early 90's. Spend a bit on good parking facilities, as well as public transport links. I'd keep most of the squad the way it is now (Good chemistry between the players) and buy two top class strikers. I'd turn Bishopstown into a 15k all covered area with a safe terraced area that could hold around 4-5k. I'd get planning permission for the surronding wasteland with the ambition to extend the stadium. I'd buy the Farm pitches off the UCD and develop a youth centre of excellence there. Hold summer camps and open training sessions with the manager/players for some cash.

Up to FORAS then what to do with the money. Invest some of the money, give some to charity and keep the rest :D

[Umberside]

I would buy a part of the club for myself and a part for FORAS. I don't think a sugardaddy is a problem once the fans have a big say in the way the club was run. I'd take Bishopstown off ur man McCarthy and finish the job that was started in the early 90's. Spend a bit on good parking facilities, as well as public transport links. I'd keep most of the squad the way it is now (Good chemistry between the players) and buy two top class strikers. I'd turn Bishopstown into a 15k all covered area with a safe terraced area that could hold around 4-5k. I'd get planning permission for the surronding wasteland with the ambition to extend the stadium. I'd buy the Farm pitches off the UCD and develop a youth centre of excellence there. Hold summer camps and open training sessions with the manager/players for some cash.

Up to FORAS then what to do with the money. Invest some of the money, give some to charity and keep the rest :D

Don't know if you've noticed but the site at Bishopstown is small, couldn't be made bigger than the Cross because the Greyhound Stadium is right next to it, but if a stadium was built on the other side of the Bypass then the training ground & stadium would be right next to each other, and it would get good publicity if the stadium looked good.

I thought the Bishopstown training centre had been sold to Atlantic Homecare because there was a big sign for the company at the back of the stand for well over a year.

[First]

I would look into setting up a Clare team based in Newmarket-on-Fergus , add a stand , knock the school next door and set-up an academy and hotel. As knocking the school way cause a few raised eyebrows and some indignation, I would give The GAA a few bob and take over Cusack Park in Ennis , develop the grounds , and sit back and look forward to the local derbies with a team stacked with brazilians from Gort , Poles from Ireland and Nigerians from Ennis with a few mates thrown in for the laugh.

My other choice would be to take over an exsisting english team like Millwall and move them to Clare and do a deal with Ryanair. The weekends in Ennis would be lively.

[RonnieB]

I would keep my money and run for my own sanity.

[rerun]

Sadly no. I'd say it would be the quickest way to wave goodbye to your money. Most clubs seem to be unable to manage the off-pitch side of things ( and some on pitch:) but that's beside the point) and the Irish public have no interest in domestic football, they'd much rather puff their chest out at how well "we" did winning the EPL/SPL this season.
If I had the cash, I'd much rather put it towards building some decent infrastructure for my club but not owning it, say for instance a modest size well provisioned stand or two with changing facilities, and some conference facilities, club shop, office and social club (not necessarily just a bar). The same heads would be in charge, but at least they'd not be getting blank cheque to blow in wages (not looking at anyone in particular), but give the club the possibility of developing it themselves. Teach a man to fish and all that.

[stamullendrog]

Sadly no. I'd say it would be the quickest way to wave goodbye to your money. Most clubs seem to be unable to manage the off-pitch side of things ( and some on pitch:) but that's beside the point) and the Irish public have no interest in domestic football, they'd much rather puff their chest out at how well "we" did winning the EPL/SPL this season.
If I had the cash, I'd much rather put it towards building some decent infrastructure for my club but not owning it, say for instance a modest size well provisioned stand or two with changing facilities, and some conference facilities, club shop, office and social club (not necessarily just a bar). The same heads would be in charge, but at least they'd not be getting blank cheque to blow in wages (not looking at anyone in particular), but give the club the possibility of developing it themselves. Teach a man to fish and all that.

pretty much my thinking i wouldnt get totally involved but as you say something long term and worthwhile other than wages

[Hitman]

I'd hand all of it over to Roddy Collins, I'm sure he'd know how to spend it wisely.

[El-Pietro]

Would you not want a Civil Engineer for that? :rolleyes:
i have no idea, id get in someone anyway who knew a thing or two about acoustics

obvioulsy id need to buy Turners Cross first

[corkboy360]

I would buy the club and ban drums from the 30,000 half seated half terraced stadium I would build.Also no prawn sandwiches would get in for free.Also I would hire a good security firm rather than power trip express.

[mastershake]

Would finance a 20,000 stadium in miltown next to the luas viaduct and return shamrock rovers to there spirtual home.Keep tallaght stadium and develope a youth acedmy there.

Before all this i would take over ownership of Limerick F.C buy markets field in Limerick and develope it into a 10,000 capacity stadium.Return the club to premier divison before returning it as a fan's owned club.

If only I had dolores mcnamara's millions

[shefellover93]

Don't know if you've noticed but the site at Bishopstown is small, couldn't be made bigger than the Cross because the Greyhound Stadium is right next to it, but if a stadium was built on the other side of the Bypass then the training ground & stadium would be right next to each other, and it would get good publicity if the stadium looked good.

I thought the Bishopstown training centre had been sold to Atlantic Homecare because there was a big sign for the company at the back of the stand for well over a year.

To be fair, there isn't much space on the greyhound Stadium site. But behind the goal at the Ovens end is a huge space, there's a good bit of space on the Bishopstown side and there's space where the car park is now. If I was multi-millionare then what would stop me from buying land? Possibly put the stadium where to the fields are now at the farm (Big space there) and use the Bishopstown space for a Car Park, possibly mingle it with the greyhound one and create a hige park that could be used for both and the costs shared