Rafa leaving official confirmation

[Cal]

Yeah, matchday income is only a small % now and most clubs don't need fans (financially speaking). I'm also not renewing my membership, waste of money.

It's a small percentage but empty stadiums don't make good tv.

More room for advertising though, he'll start sticking them across the seats.

[beatski]

Matchday income in 17/18 was £24 million.
"A small percentage"

[PTAO?]

Matchday income in 17/18 was £24 million.
"A small percentage"

Additionally, low attendances signal low interest, making us less attractive for sponsors and TV match picks, lowering income elsewhere.

[bodacious benny]

Matchday income in 17/18 was £24 million.
"A small percentage"

TV Money = £126m
Commercial Income = £28m
Matchday Income = £24m

Whilst not 'small' it's still dwarfed by TV money (and even commercial income is more valuable).

So in order of financial importance, fans in the stadium are last.

[Tsi]

just been looking at the NUFC website.. stadium totally blanked off to the public on 28th, 29th, and 30th..

Putting the new SD signs up

[Valentino's fast feet]

just been looking at the NUFC website.. stadium totally blanked off to the public on 28th, 29th, and 30th..

Putting the new SD signs up

Probably, which isn't my being negative. That was always going to happen wasn't it? As fun as it was to see a skip full of stuff, we all knew it was just end of season housekeeping.

[Tsi]

Putting the new SD signs up

Probably, which isn't my being negative. That was always going to happen wasn't it? As fun as it was to see a skip full of stuff, we all knew it was just end of season housekeeping.

Yeah i thought that but you never know it could of been changing the Newcastle Utd sign for Stevie Gerrards Newcastle Utd

[Valentino's fast feet]

Probably, which isn't my being negative. That was always going to happen wasn't it? As fun as it was to see a skip full of stuff, we all knew it was just end of season housekeeping.

Yeah i thought that but you never know it could of been changing the Newcastle Utd sign for Stevie Gerrards Newcastle Utd

I know tongue firmly in cheek there, but don't see Gerrard as remotely likely. He seems to be quite happy at Rangers, building experience etc. With the current regime the best we can hope for is taking a gamble on someone like Arteta or van Bronkhurst.

[Tsi]

I can't see it being announced till after the 30th anyway i'd expect Rafa to comment on it then as well.

[beatski]

Matchday income in 17/18 was £24 million.
"A small percentage"

TV Money = £126m
Commercial Income = £28m
Matchday Income = £24m

Whilst not 'small' it's still dwarfed by TV money (and even commercial income is more valuable).

So in order of financial importance, fans in the stadium are last.

yeah, but it was being talked about like it was small enough not to matter

[Chappy]

Rafa has made an official statement on his social media accounts, basically confirming what we all know. He didn't sign because the club has no ambition.

[Don Sholeone]

[Toondes]

Nothing he said has came as a shock.
A total lack of ambition is basically the reason.

[Bruuuuuuuuce ()]

[bodacious benny]

[Tsi]

Rafa Benitez is set to be appointed as the new Dalian Yifang manager according to Monday reports from Chinese media.
They claim that this could be announced as early as Tuesday.
Rafa officially became a free man at midnight and early this morning released a statement (see below) explaining why he could no longer work for Mike Ashley at Newcastle United.
The Dalian Yifang billionaire owner, Wang Jianlin, has hinted that Rafa Benitez is set to become manager of the club.
This followed Dalian Yifang officially announcing that current head coach Choi Kang-hee has ‘resigned’ today due to ‘personal reasons’.

If true you can't blame him for the money he'd get but what a waste

[Bruuuuuuuuce ()]

Rafa Benitez is set to be appointed as the new Dalian Yifang manager according to Monday reports from Chinese media.
They claim that this could be announced as early as Tuesday.
Rafa officially became a free man at midnight and early this morning released a statement (see below) explaining why he could no longer work for Mike Ashley at Newcastle United.
The Dalian Yifang billionaire owner, Wang Jianlin, has hinted that Rafa Benitez is set to become manager of the club.
This followed Dalian Yifang officially announcing that current head coach Choi Kang-hee has ‘resigned’ today due to ‘personal reasons’.

If true you can't blame him for the money he'd get but what a waste

How is it a waste?
How footballing eurocentric of you.

Imagine being the guy to go over there and help lead the charge for making the state of the Chinese game a world force? It's a challenge on a domestic and international stage. Unlike what he'd get at a European club where it's all about trying to be the best club. Imagine trying to be the best club but also trying to develop Chinese players so their national team can reach the heights they should? There is no greater challenge, in my opinion than that.

[Colly]

Confirmed. $$$

[ColbacksFlamingBarnet]

f***ing hell.

Rafa's comments make me sad, because the bloke wants us to do well, but wasn't given anything to work with. Also, what self respecting manager is going to want to come here now?

[bodacious benny]

Oscar is a personal hero of mine for leaving Chelsea to go and show other footballers that they can leave the shores of Europe to shine a beacon of light on football in SE Asia.