ladylover said:
Well I have to admit that the Glazers have kept their promises (atm.) The only negative thing about it all is the big debt, but they must have some sort of plan to deal with it, I remember the drama in this thread right after tke takeover and as I mentioned let's wait and see what the Glazers are up to, they are doing well for the club atm and the teams performances has been fantastic, plus they were able to get a major sponsor deal
That's all my opinion - feel free to disagree
POSITIVE
no PLC anymore and that stupid "stock annoucements"
(of corse Utd creamed of the benefits before, I’m not denying that, and I think a Club owned by somebody or multiple without being on the stockexchange is better, yet not with such dangerous high debts)
There was a "clearout" in the team & reserve teams, which in one way was good - finally getting rid of some of Fergie's transfer mistakes & players who are not good enough (expect at least Bellion to follow this summer) + getting players expirience playing in other leagues.
NEGATIVE
Astronomic Debts & Debts Interests that needs to be repaid sooner or later (by Whom...of corse either the Fans (see Ticketprices soar) or/& by selling players)
Staff getting layed of big time (despite what Gill said just after the takeover) + Carling Cup freetickets scrapped etc.
Gill and those F-wits still in charge, granted they’re not as bad as Kenyon and Edwards but still tw@ts.
Buys under Glazer have been relativley cheap (good value for the money Evra appart) but they could only be financed by further adding debts & ship out players (Keane belongs there too, since he had a high wage, which can be saved in order to refinance other salaries etc)
The Major Question for me remains unanswered
What happens if they can't pay the debts or interests back in time ?
The companies/guys who lend him the money for the takeover will get more and more control of everthing (getting the power to sell the assets of the club (the best Players, Infrastructure that brings most money -> Stadium or Stadiumname)
that's what I'm afraid of the most.
About the whole marketing & merchandising thing
Personally I stopped getting the Official stuff (mainly the shirt & season review dvd and attending games)
I still follow the team tough in the Pub and cheer when they score and moan if the f*ck up.
I buy the RedNews/Tshirtsunited or FCUM Shirts instead and sometimes go to see a FCUM game (football is average, but the singing and atmosphere top class – I can only recommend it)