What makes the difference? Pt 2

What makes the difference? Pt 2

Following on from What makes the difference Pt1

Lets use Newcrapstle as an example of what a club has to offer when trying to tempt a player. Both clubs have under achieved in recent years although we have lifted a couple of trophies in the SKY era. Villa have a better history and tradition of success. Both are owned by billionaires and are trying to break into the top four. Both have managers who many feel should be England manager, although I am happier with M'ON than I be would be with Big Sam. Location wise I think many would agree that being in Birmingham has more advantages than being in the North East, although I except this would be disagreed with by some.

The best indication of this is that not many players, other than local ones, having played for Newcastle, have decided to move there. Unlike the likes of Andy Townsend, Dennis Mortimer, Des Bremner, Andy Gray and many more, who having in lived in Birmingham decided to make this their home. Newcrapstle have been shown though, to push the boat out on salaries with Michael Owen being a perfect example. Fans wise Newcrapstle sell out nearly every home game and St James Park is perceived as being a great arena in which to play football. Villa Park is a great venue but nowhere near as big and
nowhere near as full, as often. So taking this scenario one step further and using Shaun Wright Phillips as an example, who would he choose if both Villa and the barcodes were attempting to sign him. History and tradition is edged by Villa, would this be a determining factor in making him sign. I think not!

Location? Villa could edge this because it would still give him easy access to family in London. But would this be enough to secure a signature? Again probably not! Future success? Both clubs could probably state a case of them potentially breaking into the top four in the near future!

Salary? It is reported (damn press) that he would be looking to match the £60K a week he is on at Chelski. This would exceed what Villa are currently paying the top earner (apparently GB on £50K per week) but is well below what the Barcodes have paid!

Fan experience and audience reception? I would suggest that the Geordies have been more appreciative and supporting of their team in recent seasons than we have? The deciding factor I would suggest could be the fans and on that we would miss out on the player. In this day and age of many clubs having similar finances we have to look at our strengths.

Location isn't one, the chance of honours is no better than many clubs and much worse than some. We are not the biggest payers. M'ON is vital in the future for convincing players to come to VP. However I think that as fans we have to step up to the plate and make VP a place where players want to play. If we do not make it a place that strikes fear into the opposition then the only difference between us and the rest is M'ON. And he will not be around for ever. And maybe if he can't convince great players to come to VP then he might not stick around as long as we would like.

If we can not fill VP every week and make it one of the great venues in world football, then we really can have no one to blame if we miss out on the best transfer targets ....... except ourselves.

Article by voiceoftheholte