| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 06:06 - May 3 with 4803 views | Churchman |
That article is worth a read. It looks like they are trying to build the club from the ground up which seems sensible to me. Noticeably, they are not convinced they need more than the capacity they have going forward, so why spend millions on redeveloping an old stand? |  | |  |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 08:18 - May 3 with 4248 views | lurcher |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 06:06 - May 3 by Churchman |
That article is worth a read. It looks like they are trying to build the club from the ground up which seems sensible to me. Noticeably, they are not convinced they need more than the capacity they have going forward, so why spend millions on redeveloping an old stand? |
They don't have much money and the restoration of the stand and the terrace was the most cost effective solution at the time. They will likely go down so a bigger ground wont really be needed. |  | | |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 08:30 - May 3 with 4173 views | Swansea_Blue |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 06:06 - May 3 by Churchman |
That article is worth a read. It looks like they are trying to build the club from the ground up which seems sensible to me. Noticeably, they are not convinced they need more than the capacity they have going forward, so why spend millions on redeveloping an old stand? |
I bet it's a bit of a difficult call, as the higher you go the less important ticket sales become. Yet at the same time the greater the demand. That's a strange circle to square. I wouldn't have thought we need more capacity in all honesty. I know it seems to be taken as a given these days, but I'd have thought a mostly full FPR is better than a quarter empty larger FPR (think Sheff Wed this season or Middlesborough any season).
We probably only need to tweak slightly to meet peak demand (there is a very good argument for redeveloping the Cobbold though just because of its age and how cramped it is - if we can squeeze a few thousand extra fair enough, but we don't need to do anything too large). |  |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 08:53 - May 3 with 4028 views | Churchman |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 08:30 - May 3 by Swansea_Blue |
I bet it's a bit of a difficult call, as the higher you go the less important ticket sales become. Yet at the same time the greater the demand. That's a strange circle to square. I wouldn't have thought we need more capacity in all honesty. I know it seems to be taken as a given these days, but I'd have thought a mostly full FPR is better than a quarter empty larger FPR (think Sheff Wed this season or Middlesborough any season).
We probably only need to tweak slightly to meet peak demand (there is a very good argument for redeveloping the Cobbold though just because of its age and how cramped it is - if we can squeeze a few thousand extra fair enough, but we don't need to do anything too large). |
I know that capacity is currently an issue. Is it going forward? I’m not sure. If the ground was at 33-35000 I’d say not. But at 29k included restricted view, tight accesses and seats in the East Stand, it is. Also a problem is the lack of facilities for other revenue driving opportunities and the years of neglect the current regime are trying to correct.
Lots done, lots to do. It’s all heading the right way but I fully understand MAs comments about planning in conjunction with the LA, the town’s needs and the of course the football club. So it’s all in the planning and of course the financing along with what revenue that can bring in.
I find this stuff really interesting. The progress in two years has been phenomenal in so many ways. I hope the owners are pleased with what has been achieved. Momentum remains key. How they take the club forward will be fascinating. | | | |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 08:59 - May 3 with 3973 views | Vic |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 08:30 - May 3 by Swansea_Blue |
I bet it's a bit of a difficult call, as the higher you go the less important ticket sales become. Yet at the same time the greater the demand. That's a strange circle to square. I wouldn't have thought we need more capacity in all honesty. I know it seems to be taken as a given these days, but I'd have thought a mostly full FPR is better than a quarter empty larger FPR (think Sheff Wed this season or Middlesborough any season).
We probably only need to tweak slightly to meet peak demand (there is a very good argument for redeveloping the Cobbold though just because of its age and how cramped it is - if we can squeeze a few thousand extra fair enough, but we don't need to do anything too large). |
After our experiences with first the pioneer stand and then the North and south stand I get nervous about looking to improve capacity on the back of a promotion. Twice bitten 3 times shy I guess. |  |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 09:22 - May 3 with 3829 views | Churchman |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 08:59 - May 3 by Vic |
After our experiences with first the pioneer stand and then the North and south stand I get nervous about looking to improve capacity on the back of a promotion. Twice bitten 3 times shy I guess. |
I think it’s ok if it’s planned and executed properly. It wasn’t in 1981 or 2001. Easier said than done and it’s certainly no rush job. I share your caution. | | | |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 09:23 - May 3 with 3819 views | clive_baker |
Guess they'll have to spend a fair bit on loan signings as well... |  |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 09:28 - May 3 with 3790 views | clive_baker |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 08:30 - May 3 by Swansea_Blue |
I bet it's a bit of a difficult call, as the higher you go the less important ticket sales become. Yet at the same time the greater the demand. That's a strange circle to square. I wouldn't have thought we need more capacity in all honesty. I know it seems to be taken as a given these days, but I'd have thought a mostly full FPR is better than a quarter empty larger FPR (think Sheff Wed this season or Middlesborough any season).
We probably only need to tweak slightly to meet peak demand (there is a very good argument for redeveloping the Cobbold though just because of its age and how cramped it is - if we can squeeze a few thousand extra fair enough, but we don't need to do anything too large). |
The other thing you see with clubs where their ground is too big is they end up selling tickets for peanuts.
If you were being opportunistic about it the thing that makes the most financial sense is to increase revenues through price. Zero investment into the ground required, but could add the 15% to the top line that 15% more seats would add at current pricing. If demand outstrips supply that's generally what you would do. There's always going to be an element of price sensitivity so it's a hard balance but probably one we'll see over time. | |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 09:40 - May 3 with 3698 views | Vic |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 09:22 - May 3 by Churchman |
I think it’s ok if it’s planned and executed properly. It wasn’t in 1981 or 2001. Easier said than done and it’s certainly no rush job. I share your caution. |
Not to discredit Sheepy or the Cobbold’s but I have to say I have greater confidence on the current owners to get it right. I do believe they are here for the long haul - or until they get us into the Prem for a couple of seasons. To pull out before then will be a big failure of investment on thier behalf and I just can’t see them doing it. Their track record is good. | |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 10:16 - May 3 with 3576 views | itfcjoe |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 09:28 - May 3 by clive_baker |
The other thing you see with clubs where their ground is too big is they end up selling tickets for peanuts.
If you were being opportunistic about it the thing that makes the most financial sense is to increase revenues through price. Zero investment into the ground required, but could add the 15% to the top line that 15% more seats would add at current pricing. If demand outstrips supply that's generally what you would do. There's always going to be an element of price sensitivity so it's a hard balance but probably one we'll see over time. |
I think the problem is the capacity is about ok, but you'd want to re-do Cobbold to take the corporate side and packages to the next level as that is where the money is - but without really the need to increase capacity
The problem now is that you can't do this work because the ground is stacked full, and PR wise it's hard to close a stand down for a season, to reduce capacity, to then at the other end just have a nicer stand and no more seats |  |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 10:19 - May 3 with 3549 views | clive_baker |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 10:16 - May 3 by itfcjoe |
I think the problem is the capacity is about ok, but you'd want to re-do Cobbold to take the corporate side and packages to the next level as that is where the money is - but without really the need to increase capacity
The problem now is that you can't do this work because the ground is stacked full, and PR wise it's hard to close a stand down for a season, to reduce capacity, to then at the other end just have a nicer stand and no more seats |
Quite. It's complicated too in that it's where the away fans are currently, so they would presumably have to be moved (I think that's the plan anyway) before any such work. Then if we go up to the top flight, to what extent would playing in front of 3 stands compromise our competitiveness on the pitch? Loads to consider.
Might happen but can't see it being any time soon. | |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 10:43 - May 3 with 3414 views | OldFart71 |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 08:30 - May 3 by Swansea_Blue |
I bet it's a bit of a difficult call, as the higher you go the less important ticket sales become. Yet at the same time the greater the demand. That's a strange circle to square. I wouldn't have thought we need more capacity in all honesty. I know it seems to be taken as a given these days, but I'd have thought a mostly full FPR is better than a quarter empty larger FPR (think Sheff Wed this season or Middlesborough any season).
We probably only need to tweak slightly to meet peak demand (there is a very good argument for redeveloping the Cobbold though just because of its age and how cramped it is - if we can squeeze a few thousand extra fair enough, but we don't need to do anything too large). |
Gamechanger's aim is obviously the Prem. The demand for tickets would be far greater than it is currently. Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, West Ham, Tottenham have all increased their capacity or moved over the last few years. Although I occasionaly reminisce back to times past as I am in my 70's I still have the attitude that you look forward and not backwards. Ashton and Co aren't people that see downsides of things. yes, they do their homework on both players and developement of PR. But they will move the club forward both on and off the field and their vision won't be blurred by what ifs. |  | | |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 10:45 - May 3 with 3404 views | cressi |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 10:19 - May 3 by clive_baker |
Quite. It's complicated too in that it's where the away fans are currently, so they would presumably have to be moved (I think that's the plan anyway) before any such work. Then if we go up to the top flight, to what extent would playing in front of 3 stands compromise our competitiveness on the pitch? Loads to consider.
Might happen but can't see it being any time soon. |
Think you get away most games with 29000 But if the likes of Everton or Leeds come down you easily sell 35000 many more away fans.
If we get to premier league my guess would be 35 to 40 tops required. | | | |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 12:23 - May 3 with 3196 views | Illinoisblue |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 09:23 - May 3 by clive_baker |
Guess they'll have to spend a fair bit on loan signings as well... |
Arf! Also, how can they have issues with leg room and access in their current stand? Just how old is it and what were the safety regulations?! |  |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 12:38 - May 3 with 3146 views | Illinoisblue |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 06:06 - May 3 by Churchman |
That article is worth a read. It looks like they are trying to build the club from the ground up which seems sensible to me. Noticeably, they are not convinced they need more than the capacity they have going forward, so why spend millions on redeveloping an old stand? |
Population of Plymouth is 260k so surprised they don’t see room for growth. Or maybe they’re just being cautious and prudent investing in academy first. | |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 13:07 - May 3 with 3065 views | Plums |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 12:38 - May 3 by Illinoisblue |
Population of Plymouth is 260k so surprised they don’t see room for growth. Or maybe they’re just being cautious and prudent investing in academy first. |
I think history is important. With no track record, how deeply embedded in the psyche of Plymouth is football? We have multiple generations of fans who can talk to their offspring about past glories which helps build the fanbase.
Plymouth is better known for pulling field guns apart and running around with them and fighting on the quayside - before football comes into the picture. |  |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 13:34 - May 3 with 2983 views | Illinoisblue |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 13:07 - May 3 by Plums |
I think history is important. With no track record, how deeply embedded in the psyche of Plymouth is football? We have multiple generations of fans who can talk to their offspring about past glories which helps build the fanbase.
Plymouth is better known for pulling field guns apart and running around with them and fighting on the quayside - before football comes into the picture. |
True. They’re a bit like Bristol City in that they’ve never really achieved anything of note. | |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 13:49 - May 3 with 2933 views | itfcjoe |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 12:38 - May 3 by Illinoisblue |
Population of Plymouth is 260k so surprised they don’t see room for growth. Or maybe they’re just being cautious and prudent investing in academy first. |
I'm sure they do, but ultimately investing in facilities like training ground and academy will serve them better over the next few years than being able to get 3k fans extra through the gates. To sustain themselves in Champ, which should be easily achievable given their size, these are the areas that need to improve in first instance | |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 14:10 - May 3 with 2853 views | Sharkey |
The chairman seems to be such a gentleman. I saw another interview in which when asked how he would be able to fend off the inevitable interest in Schumacher he said (something like) 'by pointing out that he is a club where he'll have a license to fail sometimes, which is a fine thing for any young manager". |  | | |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 14:27 - May 3 with 2777 views | Pinewoodblue |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 13:49 - May 3 by itfcjoe |
I'm sure they do, but ultimately investing in facilities like training ground and academy will serve them better over the next few years than being able to get 3k fans extra through the gates. To sustain themselves in Champ, which should be easily achievable given their size, these are the areas that need to improve in first instance |
Plymouth are looking to upgrade their Academy to Cat 2 and need to spend a lot of dosh to achieve it.
Think they have their priorities right. Plymouth are a long way off the day they have a realistic chance of making the Premier League. You could put forward a good case to support the view that we are ready for a double promotion.
Ironically gain promotion and ticket sales become a much smaller part of total revenue.
When Charlton expanded didn’t they take the roof off and build up, from behind the stand which remained in use. |  |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 14:29 - May 3 with 2773 views | bournemouthblue |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 13:34 - May 3 by Illinoisblue |
True. They’re a bit like Bristol City in that they’ve never really achieved anything of note. |
And yet on paper should be bigger than they are, it's just never happened
Bristol suffers from having two clubs though, it would be better served with one but there's historical reasons for the two |  |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 14:43 - May 3 with 2721 views | ipswichtillidie |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 10:43 - May 3 by OldFart71 |
Gamechanger's aim is obviously the Prem. The demand for tickets would be far greater than it is currently. Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, West Ham, Tottenham have all increased their capacity or moved over the last few years. Although I occasionaly reminisce back to times past as I am in my 70's I still have the attitude that you look forward and not backwards. Ashton and Co aren't people that see downsides of things. yes, they do their homework on both players and developement of PR. But they will move the club forward both on and off the field and their vision won't be blurred by what ifs. |
This. ^ |  |
| |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 15:25 - May 3 with 2605 views | Cornishman |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 13:49 - May 3 by itfcjoe |
I'm sure they do, but ultimately investing in facilities like training ground and academy will serve them better over the next few years than being able to get 3k fans extra through the gates. To sustain themselves in Champ, which should be easily achievable given their size, these are the areas that need to improve in first instance |
Absolutely correct and the chairman has it right in getting the infrastructure in place first to progress on the field and grow as a club. The new Brickfields site is going to cost 20 million to upgrade our academy to level 2 and provide a base also for the Women's team. The club has to fund 11 million of this. The recent acquisition of the former Goals site adjoining the first team training pitches next to the stadium will cost several million also with more pitches being constructed, a gymnasium, club offices, which will free up space in the grandstand concourse and also provide extra corporate facilities.
The upper Grandstand issue was that old wooden seats were replaced by new plastic seats which were bigger and caused leg room to be tight and by putting offices at the back of the concourse the concourse wasn't really spacious or safe enough for a full grandstand either. We will have to wait for next summer to resolve this which will then see a small increase in capacity from the current 16,700 to 17,000 or so.
It is frustrating as we could have averaged 17,500 this season and nearer 20,000 next season but we have to live with it for now. A full stadium has certainly seen a great atmosphere at home games this season and increased season ticket and entry prices next season will help a little too.
The whole set up from the chairman, chief executive and coaching staff etc is the best I have known in nearly 60 years and the future looks bright as an Argyle fan. The chairman's 20 American based investors who dipped their toes in the water with a 4.5 million injection this year will I think contribute more this season and will I think eventually take the club forward when the chairman feels his finances have taken us as far as they can.
I also forsee the club being marketed to an Americam audience as well through our own tv station with the link to the Mayflower and the Pilgrim Fathers. The Americans are always up for a good story as we have seen with the involvement of Ryan Reynolds and his mate at Wrexham.
For capacity to be increased anytime soon the fans will need to show their continued support and regularly sell out for several years as we try to become an established Championship club. Should the Americans then feel they want to go for bigger things then a proper expansion to 23,000 to 25,000 could then be looked at. Filling in the two corners at huge cost just to add 2,000 or so seats is just not cost effective at present.
For what it's worth I don't think we will go back down next season. The club and our shrewd chairman have looked at the step up in detail and feel they can finish around the top of the bottom third next season, so about 17th? I trust their judgement as they have got very little wrong so far. The play offs were the aim this season and they out performed that so with a fair wind we can do the same next season.
They will be well on top of things with player recruitment as they were in January when four new faces came through the door in the first few days of the transfer window.
I'm sure Ipswich will have no such concerns and I fully expect them to be a top 6 team next season with very few additions to their squad.
We will never be a Liverpool or Arsenal but we should be aiming to emulate the likes of Ipswich, Norwich, Brentford, Brighton and Bournemouth in the coming years. | | | |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 11:25 - May 7 with 1892 views | bournemouthblue |
| Interesting read on Plymouth not improving their ground on 08:30 - May 3 by Swansea_Blue |
I bet it's a bit of a difficult call, as the higher you go the less important ticket sales become. Yet at the same time the greater the demand. That's a strange circle to square. I wouldn't have thought we need more capacity in all honesty. I know it seems to be taken as a given these days, but I'd have thought a mostly full FPR is better than a quarter empty larger FPR (think Sheff Wed this season or Middlesborough any season).
We probably only need to tweak slightly to meet peak demand (there is a very good argument for redeveloping the Cobbold though just because of its age and how cramped it is - if we can squeeze a few thousand extra fair enough, but we don't need to do anything too large). |
The main benefit for the club from a new stand is facilities really, so you would have modern media options, corporate options, maybe a club bar and hospitality options for the club to moving towards the 24/7 venue, that Mark Ashton wants.
It would add security and modern ticketing options
The added capacity is a bonus and would bring in extra cash too but it wouldn't be your primary reason for expansion. | |
| |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
