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Maybe they hope that with consistent results in Europe, there would not only be prize money, but increased revenue from advertising, merchandise and TV as well as the possibility to actually sell players for higher fees every now and then. However, I also struggle to see the big money in that.
Could it actually be that the real profit would not be made in Dundalk, but in Bournemouth, with Dundalk just being a piece in their overall player development and progression setup?
This makes more sense than most of the speculation on the takeover.Quote:
Originally Posted by sidewayspasser
Don't agree....... if the profit is to be made it will be in dundalk red bulls they own 100 % of that and only 25 % of Bournemouth ;)
Long awaited confirmation of the new owners due to be announced tomorrow or Friday i believe.
Malachy Brannigan due to be announced as COO
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soc...-36474246.html
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soc...-36470685.html
100% of nothing is still nothing.Quote:
Originally Posted by sbgawa
Just read that there is another LOI club up for sale.
Can't mention which though. Site rules.
I'd say 90% of League for Ireland clubs are up for sale at all times.
It's finding a buyer is the hassle!
It looks like an announcement on takover by Peak6 may be imminent (although that has been said continually)
Finn Harps are building a new stadium too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ezeikial
Bray Wanderers' players are all paid up to date too.
Good, but I don't expect any new stadium in Dundalk.Quote:
Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954
All the new stadium energy belongs to you guys
It's all about momentum, my good man.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ezeikial
None of that post makes any sense to meQuote:
Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954
For starters, that Momentum programme is limited to 12 months
Quote:
MOMENTUM is a Government initiative under Pathways to Work which provides free education and training projects for up to 6,500 for individuals who are unemployed for 12 months or longer.
https://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/momentum.aspx
6,500 eh...one for each seat.
At least in the original plans anyway..
So it seems the takeover will be announced today. Dundalk already listed on the investors website.
http://peak6sports.com
I wish them all the best. This is exciting times for Dundalk. I will continue to be a little worried about it for their sake but it's the sort of now or never moment of status elevation, potentially sizeable cash injections and stability, stadium improvements and progress in Europe that would / should have been the dream of every LOI club. Yes, a lot has to be said for the likes of Sligo and Cork, doing great things with their loyal fanbases, but even then, it seems to me, that genuine outside investment is desperately needed in this League as an addition to the great work many clubs do, largely voluntarily. That's why I'm happy for them. Almost extinct not a decade ago, from ashes to the Europa League, and now, American investment. It will be great to see Dundalk as EL regulars with a modern stadium, a couple years down the line, all things going well.
I think it's a strange investment personally, and that it must be motivated by expectations of a relatively quick win via Euro money.
If you look at the clubs in the League of Ireland dispassionately, there are others with much more potential in terms of fanbase etc. Some of those (e.g. Cork) can't be bought - although supporter-owned clubs can, and occasionally do, vote to convert back into private ownership in return for investment (e.g. Brentford). But in terms of population and catchment area, in the league Dundalk would objectively be behind the 4 main Dublin clubs, Cork, Derry, Limerick, Galway and perhaps even Waterford. The only return I can see these guys getting for their investment is via Euro participation funds and TV rights for Euro fixtures. So they doubtless aim to spend enough to dominate Irish football every year and build on progression in Europe from there ie. the Rosenborg model. But Dundalk will always be hampered by the fact that it doesn't have a very big catchment area.
I don't think you could say that Dundalk are behind Shels for example. Shels have never shown any ability to get support, even at their peak. Dundalk have a limited but passionate local support base, similar to Sligo.
I'd agree that the regional sides (ourselves, Galway, Derry, Waterford and Limerick) could have more potential due to larger catchment areas.
You guys should alert peak6 immediately
Dundalk and Enviorns is about 70,000 people, add in the likes of Mid Louth eg Ardee, Dunleer, East Monaghan like Carrickmacross, South Down and Armagh and it would push immediate catchment to about 100k. So not that small by Irish standards and there is growth potential within the catchment. People from areas further afield have taken to supporting Dundalk due to a number of reasons but not sure how significant that would be to overall support. There are the benefits of being on the M1 half way between the 2 major urban centres on the island. That may not have too much bearing on support of Dundalk FC directly but could be seen as growth potential especially for people that are not particularly familiar with the lie of the land on how 'tribal' football supporters are here. Its just a potential market base.
A one club town of significant size could have its appeal over the less distinguishable areas of support in Dublin say. Try explaining the historical supporting hotbeds of Rovers and Shels for example, outside their current locations. 5 club in Dublin, Bray and even Drogheda are within the city's enviorns! Its nearly as quick from the airport to Dundalk these days at busy times as Dalymount to the airport for jetsetting executives doing their transfer dealings ;P
There is development potential at Oriel Park too near the centre of town, supposedly with LCC planning approval due to be granted (of course objections could yet happen). But most importantly Dundalk FC probably have a reasonable cash reserve that other clubs dont currently and no major outstanding debts/loans, which would catch the eye of investors, maybe not in a good way either.
It doesnt make it any clearer on the 'where is the quick return on investment' question. But I dont think population or demographics would be a big part of why Dundalk FC and not another club.