Our financial and sustainable future.

Had a good discussion on the Notts County forum and it appears that they are perhaps a similar club, on a very similar journey to us, but are 3 years ahead: "Our owners also took over in our first season in the NL. They own a football data analytics company and use its database to find signings for Notts, with largely good results (minus a few). This has brought us in more money from transfer sales than in the 25 years prior combined. The money is not always invested directly into transfer fees paid, but more into a sustainable wage budget, and off-pitch investments like padel courts and a new fan zone- both of which have made their fixed costs back in a short period. They instilled have a clear culture at the club and it is the most stable and confident ownership I have witnessed in my lifetime, every season improving on the last. We are in very safe hands, but some feel like we are moving too slowly after witnessing teams like Wrexham, Luton, Stockport in recent years (which I can understand). However, I am confident that in 10-15 years time we will likely be in the second tier. In terms of wage budget, it’s largely guesswork for most teams at this level, but I would imagine Notts are somewhere around 3 million annually. There has been a real focus on financial sustainability at the club and we are projected to break even in running costs in the next few seasons for the first time in decades thanks to very smart financial investment." There ownership took over in 19/20, they got out of the NL in 3 seasons, and they are on track for a 3rd season of improved league finishes in the EFL - and might well go up this year. The pod has covered financial losses and wage bills a little over the last few weeks (some eye watering wage bills and losses). Our last published results showed £3.5m losses - the next ones that are due will not be better - and it will be a few years before we see what the EFL brings for our financial sustainability. As a fan based are we comfortable with a slower sustainable progress? If we need to develop and sell players regularly for a profit to fund a competitive wage bill then that will take a few more years to have an impact?