I'd hardly say our crowds are pitiful given the league we're in and the way we've performed the last 12 months or so. We get better crowds than almost everyone else in our league so it's difficult to criticise especially when the club aren't in a position to offer any discounts due to the LSV.

Even if they could go back to HP it would cost thousands to put the ground anywhere near usable again. Making the pitch playable, building of a stand, terraces, floodlights, changing rooms etc.

The crowds are way below the pound signs that the LSV are looking for, though. Lower than Hilton Park, in fact.

It is a council owned 'community facility' (or that is what it was marketed as originally!!) no different from swimming baths or libraries......and both of those are 'free' to use!!
I don't deny that the council should be trying to recoup their financial outlay on the building costs, and that the facilities need maintaining - but this should be a long term goal. It should be about 'realistic' running costs, and all the community sharing the financial burden for the benefit of all......not 'profit at all cost'!!!

Unlike the `community facilities` mentioned, the Leigh Sports Village is i believe managed by a private company (LSV co) with a board of directors. from the CEO downwards their wage bill alone will be in the region of approx 300k per annum. Assuming they charge centurions 10% of ticket sales on a 2k crowd x 13 = 31k.. a mere drop in the ocean towards the Village upkeep and more than likely doesn`t even cover the cost of fuel for the grounds maintenance vehicles.

"Community Facility" has been used a lot on this forum. But is it ? Or was it offered to the town in such a way? Sure the college and sports centre would be, and is a benefit to all - but unless you enjoy watching football or rugby (Leigh based teams - lots of folk support other clubs) then the stadium was never a "community facility". The stadium needs to pay for itself - simple as because the council tax payers shouldn't really be subsidising it.

As it is currently when Genesis play a match there.

But in that case, why should a "private company" get any sort of council tax income? The cloth should be cut accordingly if they are going to be viable, but personally I don't see much sign of that.

Not sure how the private company works, as the council themselves are a big partner aren't they. Also public transport companies are privately owned but get money from tax.
Agree about cutting cloth accordingly. I was really making point about the stadium isn't a community facility as such.
I went to some under 21 games at HP, and remember not many staff (if any) was on with a crowd comparable to the Genesis game against Chorley. Why do we need so much staff for a game with 187 people in attendance?

Because the ex safety officer risked his neck by doing both RMI and Centurions a favour, all the LSV do is to impose the law as directed by the various requirements imposed because some football fans cant/couldnt behave themselves and act like decent human beings.

Fred, ive seen ferrel rabid animals with more control than some of the football fans.
Absolute disgrace some of them.

But isn't the LSV Co staffed with council employees or is it (ex) council employees. Also I don't ever remember it being touted as a 'council' facility from its inception to when it opened, unless of course I wasn't listening (always possible)

Usually Fred I'm in total agreement with you but on this point your talking total rubbish...................Non- league football is as civilised as going to County Cricket, don't mix it up with the rabble that you get at Football Lge. / Premiership level.

I had the pleasure of working with him at Hilton Park he managed the fixture and staffing levels with compliance with the safety certificate but risk managed with a common sense approach.Understanding that over egging cost the clubs real money, albeit he didn't have the hi tech control facilities to look after ie 60+ cameras. fire detection systems to monitor and 20+ car park stewards coming on shift 5 hrs before K.O. To his credit in the 5yrs he was there, managing larger crowds than the LSV to date.

And to my Knowledge averaging 45 fixtures per season Never have a delayed kick off or the turnstile queues of the LSV. And other than starbugs infamous hosepipe incident never had a postponed or abandoned fixture, Still the past is the past they say. i,ll be at the Lsv on the 25th no doubt queuing at one of the 2 turnstiles for the north stand, The cost of progress.