I think we'll still manage to sell 7,500 passes. We were crap last year too and still managed to break our record. People forget that crapness through the off season, and become more optimistic the longer they dont see a game. I wouldnt worry too much.

Agreed its not inconcivable and its not the way a forward thinking club should be targeting things. I just wonder if Cath n Co have a ploy to just before season ticket time feed Agar and Co to the baying public. this would then offset alot of those that have sad they wont go next season

on the other side they have again made a profit and the debt has reduced considerably.This would surely increase the value of the club if they where looking to sell

I'm not so sure this time, last year people thought it was just an injury blip, and we got a wembley final to keep us happy/occupied. This year will see the highest unemployment figures for decades also. We will still sell thousands, but I can see a 1000 not bothering, particularly as its not hard to get a ticket for the KC anyway.

Correct. Despite the fine, we will have undoubtedly made a good profit on the Challenge Cup with the uplift in merchandise sales, although we were maxed out on the cap with all the loan signings. This season we will see at best the same crowds as last year, and I reckon we'll use the savings from Michael Crocker on paying for Tansey's release and paying off a contracted player or two - I'd be surprised if we made a signficant profit this year with our early cup exit.

Nonetheless, looking at the bigger picture there are a couple of things to note:
1) The board should be applauded for getting the financial shape of the business back on track. It was out of control 5 years ago and we have returned a profit in each year since 2004.
2) Success on the field = profit. Might sound straightforward, but looks like we've basically managed our costs assuming a prudent level of income. Then, once we've reached major finals, we've consistently converted that off the field into additional sales and profit. The appetite and market is there, along with a superb merchandise department.
3) This is yet more evidence that we need a world class coach. The salary cap means playing squads are more even than ever, and the coach is the key differentiator. Given the evidence that success on the field for FC brings profit off it, why go with a sub-optimal coaching set-up - it doesn't make sense.

This is what baffles me.

They are very astute business people, they should know that poor on the field performances will have an effect on the balance sheet at some point. They have been quite good at [icutting out problems [/iand re- inventing themselves in the last nine years

I do think with the credit crunch, recession and impending power hike that next years season pass sales will be down by a large amount. All of this years passes where all bought prior to everything going wrong in the Banks etc. An increase in season passes may put some off but if it was pitched correctly would more then ofset the losses due to recesssion and retain more money under the 8,100ish cut off point with SMC.

Mo

People should now lay off the Board regarding off field activities. This profit combined with the measures recently announced to improve comms and accessibility to the club are a long way ahead of most if not all clubs in the comp. We are more or less no.1 in this regard.

On the field recruitment for next year has improved. We have got some proven quality on its way in. There is a very strong case for replacing the coaching staff now however I believe this wont happen. IMO Agar and Sharp have the rest of this season and 10 games next to either demonstrate they can do the job or ship out. Not much can be done this season to save ourselves HOWEVER they can start giving players a chance to shine in alternative positions to where they have previously been. Change the structures and the selection policies. This would have a very positive effect on the terraces. Sticking the 21's in sounds romantic but, especially in the forwards, they would be killed at this level without being nurtured in. Instead give those players with a future at the club a chance to show what they can do. Let the fans know soon who is being released. Next year, with the added quality, we must see from game 1 defensive and attacking structures that are compatible with a 'real' Hull FC team. Below par performances should see an early exit for the coaches. In the meantime as Standee has said earlier it's vital the fans get behind the club. We will be better next year and the fans need to be a part of that.

our current forwards are being 'killed' at this level!

and why should we get behind players who clearly don't give a damn about this club? without us they don't get a pay cheque at the end of the day.

Where did I say get behind players who don't give a damn about the club ? And if you think sticking kids in against men in a SL pack is a good way forward I hope we don't replace Agar with you.

Excellent post. Let's not forget also that we have IMO the best range of merchandise of any SL club, plus we get Hull FC.TV for free (even if you don't want to relive the horror shows of this season, at least you have the choice). Small things, but more evidence that off the pitch we're very good.

I do disagree about the coaching side though. The problem for me is that, whilst we do have some very good players coming in, for Long and Fitzgibbon we need to be getting the very best out of them straight away as they're hardly spring chickens. Let's say we lose the first 6 games of the season and sack Agar. We then mess around getting a replacement for a couple of months, or worse promote Sharp. Another season over before it's begun with Long and Fitz turning 35. We'd be better tapping up a top class Aussie coach now IMO and getting them in in November.

Just a quick question on your last point. If we was to get rid of agar, would the signed players have any legal case for pulling out of there contracts? if they say that they were mislead into the contracts by fc stating agar would be the coach!

I wouldn't be disappointed to see your wish come true but I don't think it will happen in the timescale you mention. The players coming in wont need to be coached in the basics of catch/pass/tackle which is a major challenge for many of our current squad. Instead it will be down to structures and tactics for Agar to demonstrate he can produce. Early failure should mean P45. Like I say if we appointed a top coach before next season I wouldn't be disappointed but I doubt very much it will happen - I think the Board have decided to show loyalty to the Club coach this year and not so much loyalty to the overrated local lads and heads who have previously enjoyed that facility.

Good point - I've heard of it before at other clubs. Don't know what the situation is TBH, but would doubt there's a get-out clause if Agar is no longer in role.