Owners have to shoulder the vast bulk of the blame, but fans also have to look at themselves. Many of us are guilty of wanting our clubs to ‘go for it’ and live beyond our means. We chastise (I’m talking about me here) our owners for their lack of ambition and grumble when the big money signings fail to materialise. Some even withhold our ST money because the owner isn’t providing enough proof of ambition.
Bolton and Bury fans were delirious to see recent promotions delivered and cheered every goal and victory on the way. Fans seldom stop to think if it’s sustainable or whether or not the owner will pull the plug. We only do that when it’s too late.
Wycombe, Exeter, Accrington are all examples of clubs that live within their means, yet they’re derided for being ‘tinpot’. Strange.
Of course, football is about glory and ambition to play at the highest level possible. An owner who is not prepared to fund a club to a sensible amount has no business being in the business of football. We should, however, stop and think occasionally about where it leads to when we scream for players we can’t afford.
Now, FFS, Tiger, splash the cash!