What's going on then?

Sir A1ex

So how come FC are doing so badly in the league?

OK, the cup run and weather has given them loads of games in hand, but with their current win ratio these games would only put them in about 14th.

With such a massive support, I'd expect FC to make it up to BSP level pretty easily, much as AFCW have. Yes, AFC stumbled for a season at FCUM's current level, but they only just missed promotion and got it easily the next season iirc.

Is the fact that all the money is being saved for the stadium playing a major part? I would have thought that at this level player budget woudn't be a big issue, and the club's status would attract top players.

This isn't a slagging them off thread, just curious really.

Though it does raise a 2nd interesting point...

So far FC fans' focus has remained firmly on the "soul" of the club, as opposed to on-field results. But that is easy to maintain when you're doing well. How long before the first murmours of discontent in the club's history emerge... who will be the first FC fan to say "Sack Marginson, Sell Cottrell"?

mickthered

Money what money virtually all the money coming in at the moment is paying off the rent etc at Bury
the players are still getting paid what they were 4-5 seasons ago
some teams a few leagues bellow are paying players a lot more then FC and some teams in the same league paying 10x the wages FC are paying out

As long as FC cut their cloth according to what they have and when they move into the new ground I would then expect an improvement

Sir A1ex

Does this not all add up to Bury charging far too much rent?

All the other clubs who have their own grounds still have large running costs... how can they afford to pay 10x more than the club with by far the biggest gate?

Or is it a case of "they can't"... they are all spending beyond their means and gambling their club's future? I know there'sd been a fair bit of that at BSP level, sometimes with disastrous consequences - is it the same in the Northern Prem?

Speaking of disastrous consequences... I notice it was the new Halifax that beat FC the other day. What's the deal with them - did they keep a lot of players from Halifax Town? Did they get given the Shay*?

*Wow - just reread that last line and it has to go down as one of my all-time favourite accidental puns!

ladybarnred

Bury charge the same as what everyone else wants i.e. all FC's profits. So until FC get their own ground there's no money for players wages or anything else.

Several other clubs BPA for example have spent beyond their means in recent years to buy promotion. FC are trying to do the right thing.

As for decent in the ranks... not after the amazing cup run. Margy is safe for at least 2-3 seasons, even if we got relegated.