The lack of re-development and the limited capacity we have for fans and corporate guests is being exposed again for the FA Cup clash with Derby. What do people think we could have sold for this game had we had a bigger ground? I reckon another 1,500 Derby fans and another 2,000 home fans so up to 11,000. I've always felt we need a capacity of between 10-12,000 to maximise income on games like this and give ourselves a chance of realising our potential of sustained League One and a push for the Championship. If the floating fan enjoys a game like this some will become regulars.
Of course, it's how do you fund it and get a return on your investment in a reasonable timescale. And that is why it doesn't happen. I know this argument has been done to death on here but this game highlights our shortcomings.
There is no real value in more seats at virtually every ground in the country. If we spent a couple of million quid solely on capacity at the moment, it would probably take about 20 odd years to recoup it through gate receipts. I would defy any person to show me any club model that could survive past ten minutes on a high capacity ground alone. Realistically speaking the object at this time remains the same. Get the East Stand built to as best standard we can, then pack it full of stuff that that generates revenue 365 days a year. Then as things progress look at options for other stands.
Whilst gate receipts are important, for most clubs at a higher level they wouldn't hardly need to fill a single seat.
