When I made the decision to leave working in football and set up on my own, it was always at the back of my mind that I would somehow still be involved.
But the season came and went and pre-season is now at its business end and I’ve been fortunate enough, to be full of non-football work – so at present it’s a clean break.
Ok, my radio is still sport related, and I coach my lad’s football team, but 95% of my time is football free.
The perfect time to look on as an outsider.
At this time of year, fans are optimistic. Club’s talk about building a good infrastructure with scouting and player recruitment – and a renewed emphasis on the academies and youth.
But off the field is always interesting and this is the time of the year when it can be a bit of a mess.
Clubs are fighting tooth and nail to have a huge presence in the region and to use an old cliche are still the heartbeat of a community.
Having a fully stocked, and fully operational commercial department both in person and on-line, almost acts as a test for the perceived health of the club.
They have got to show some commercial nous and savviness – they’ve got to be there so that when the kids of the area and beyond want a shirt it’s easy and simple for them to get one.
They have to be there, in the community, face-to-face, at schools, at junior clubs, holding events to bring people in.
They almost have to flood the market to stand a chance of being a relatively attractive option for youngsters.
They have to make it easy for people to purchase what they want and when they want it.
Attract new fans, grow their numbers, don’t just focus on the existing ones.
How is the team marketed? To follow on from last season’s momentum, or to look at what lies ahead?
It’s an easy option to be amateur off the field. Spend all the money on a manager and players.
But why not invest off the field too and start promoting the club and generate some excitement.
In my opinion, teams need to be bold with this.
Because, if they’re not, they are losing a generation of supporters that may never come back.
All the above is speaking from a Riche Business perspective.
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