• From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,423

Re: Sussex Profit

shark64,

What chance do Sussex have when our club admirably achieve their highest turnover ever of £5.8m in 2009 and Surrey come along with £25.5m - primarily due to hosting a variety of international matches at 'The Oval'.

The gulf is ludicrous!

kim,

I agree with you about Kent. Not sure about Edgbaston; there's an increasing line-up of potential casualties ahead. I note building sumptuous 4 star hotels is now all the rage.  Completely bonkers, in my view. wink

http://www.rosebowlplc.com/pages/new-developments/

Last edited by softandfluffy (22-03-2010 22:16:08)

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • From: United Kingdom
  • Registered: 27-08-2004
  • Posts: 3,445

Re: Sussex Profit

A lot of gloom saying if the Ashes goes to BBc  Sky will cancel their  cricket and the sport will collapse. Even Fraser was not as gloomy as that !!!

I  see in the Mail today an article saying the folly of the ECB in encouraging counties to undertake expensive ground redevelopments . If the Ashes is forced back to free for air it predicts 4 clubs will fold , 2 being Test grounds . Kent would top the list of teams to go under.

There are already too many Test grounds to share the fixtures .

It moans that each club gets 1.5m from the ECB but waste it on mercenary players.

The ECB might be well meaning but  imo they are going to kill county cricket .

We should be very greatful for Spen Cama and his money .

  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,423

Re: Sussex Profit

Good to know others agree with me.  wink

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricke … iness.html

"It is understood that two Test-staging counties would be among those at risk.."

Perhaps, Yorkshire is one of them?

Meanwhile, the England players get greedy.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricke … alued.html

Last edited by softandfluffy (22-03-2010 20:07:26)

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • From: United Kingdom
  • Registered: 27-08-2004
  • Posts: 3,445

Re: Sussex Profit

When the ECB kill off 4 day cricket what will become of Tests ???? Surely they will die as well .

Year 2020  there will 10 franchises playing 2020 . Keep going ECB you are doing a great job .

  • From: South Australia
  • Registered: 11-11-2004
  • Posts: 2,577

Re: Sussex Profit

"....the players are unhappy that Australia’s cricketers earn more than they do "

....errrrr.....should I be the one that tells them why???  lol

  • Registered: 18-09-2008
  • Posts: 338

Re: Sussex Profit

I think the obvious does not need to be stated wink

Murray Goodwin is my God.
  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,423

Re: Sussex Profit

Wise words, but still smarting after the Grizz attack, no doubt.

It seems to me, ballooning player salaries can be attributed to Surrey and Hampshire; and the Test grounds' debt bonanza - guilty as charged - the ECB.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket … 582620.stm

My god! Pakistan cricket is spiralling into total self-destruction. At this rate, there won't be a team or a cricket board... Already, they're unable to play home matches and need other countries to play host.

What a sad situation.

http://www.cricinfo.com/pakistan/conten … 53191.html

http://www.cricinfo.com/talk/content/mu … 53077.html

Finally, could this herald day/night championship games?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/8583066.stm

Last edited by softandfluffy (23-03-2010 19:09:51)

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,423

Re: Sussex Profit

I note our CEO is flying against the wind of change presently blowing around our noble game.

http://www.testmatchextra.com/Blogs.asp … c0f94edf21

Moderation is a fine eastern philosophy, in my view; for while I accept cricket needs to change, a balance is required. The present obsession with T20 is threatening to unbalance the sport; and this could prove detrimental in the future.

This new split OD innings idea being muted by the ECB is typical of change for change's sake. What's the point? While, day/night Test matches is an excellent notion and hopefully may filter through to English championship games. As for the gay ball... umm.  wink

http://www.cricinfo.com/countycricket20 … 53479.html

Last edited by softandfluffy (26-03-2010 13:32:30)

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • Registered: 17-08-2009
  • Posts: 1,242

Re: Sussex Profit

The obvious answer to all of this is to get the ICC to fix s time period of 2 weeks in october for the Champions League.

The only reason that we are starting so early in the season was to accomodate the Chmpions League starting in late Spetmber.

Why can't the ECM stand up for themselves more?

  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,423

Re: Sussex Profit

asdf,

Controversy and uncertainty surrounds this year's Champions league T20. My understanding is nothing will be decided until after the present IPL tournament.

Chairman Lalit Modi first gave dates of September 10th-26th. This upset the ECB because the period clashes with the climax of the English LV championship. Modi dismissed their complaints stating they either had to reschedule the matches or the England T20 finalists would not be included. Meanwhile, South Africa claimed they would be holding the tournament only for Modi to retort nothing had been decided.

A case of wait and see.

The big surprise is, last year's club winners, New South Wales, haven't qualified for the 2010 competition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Champ … e_Twenty20

http://www.cricket20.com/db/champions_league/news.asp

Last edited by softandfluffy (26-03-2010 15:05:00)

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • Registered: 30-06-2008
  • Posts: 2,365

Re: Sussex Profit

Im sure we discussed the effect of Div 2 on players international chances somewhere. Not sure where so will plonk this, from the Independent, here:

To be an English cricketer is always to be in the selectors' hearts and minds. In 20 international matches since the end of last summer (six Tests, 10 one-dayers and four Twenty20s) England have used 27 players, 10 of whom have appeared in all three formats. But that barely scratches the supposed depth. Apart from this elite, another 38 players have been included in various performance programme squads. The A category of five is for those on the verge of international recognition. The B list of 11 is for those up to three years away, although since it was named last November, Steve Finn, Craig Kieswetter and Ajmal Shahzad have shown that the selectors were too conservative in estimating their progress. Finally, there is the C list of 22 players, none of whom has been fast-tracked. Or actually not finally, because there is a fast-bowling programme for five more players. The cricketers come from 17 of 18 counties. Only Derbyshire have not provided a single player. Glamorgan, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Worcestershire have provided one each (though the latter may claim Stephen Moore, who has transferred to Lancashire). All five are in Division Two of the County Championship. Perhaps this is a way to start culling counties.

The Kookaburra Man
  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,423

Re: Sussex Profit

kim,

I believe county cricket is on the precipice, staring into oblivion, unless dramatic changes occur within the next five years. Do I want this to happen? Of course not, I enjoy watching the 4 day game and am already bored of the T20 blight that has diseased world cricket.

I agree with you, the present two divisions are now the financial 'haves' and 'have nots'; for the agents of talented, up-an-coming cricketers are more likely to seek out the best financial deals which the Division 2 teams can't afford. Only Middlesex, with Finn and Morgan, have notably come to the ECB plate. While, Surrey financially tower over every other which only makes their Div 2 status even more of a disgrace.

The worst scenario:

If the Ashes go terrestrial and the double-dip recession bites, I can see at least 4 county clubs going into administration. Ironically, a healthy culling, as there are too many at present. In my view, 12 counties are sufficient creating two divisions of 6. Perhaps, there will be amalgamations, ground sharing... who knows.

Meanwhile, the ECB/MCC have a stark decision. Do they join in with the T20 Asian whirlwind or hope it blows itself out? Recently, they turned down a franchise opportunity. For me, Lalit Modi is causing cricket to self-destruct via a crippling power struggle that makes Kerry Packer seem like an ice-cream salesman.

I have no idea where it will all end; but I don't like what I see.

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • Registered: 30-06-2008
  • Posts: 2,365

Re: Sussex Profit

Yep its a dangerous time.

Looks as if three divisions are likely so the domestic calendar will be dominated by and pandering to the one day/T20 game.

In a UK cricket economy dependent on revenues from the longer test game, I think that's a dangerous way to go.

I like Bruce Talbots idea. Cc as it is and pro 40 replaced by a one day knock out (40 or 50 overs I dont mind).

Last edited by KimJones (29-03-2010 10:17:12)

The Kookaburra Man
  • Registered: 15-04-2007
  • Posts: 1,260

Re: Sussex Profit

softandfluffy wrote:

kim,
I agree with you, the present two divisions are now the financial 'haves' and 'have nots'; for the agents of talented, up-an-coming cricketers are more likely to seek out the best financial deals which the Division 2 teams can't afford. Only Middlesex, with Finn and Morgan, have notably come to the ECB plate. While, Surrey financially tower over every other which only makes their Div 2 status even more of a disgrace.

A disgrace ??  I presume you mean from their perspective.  A good laugh for everyone else.

  • Registered: 05-01-2008
  • Posts: 707

Re: Sussex Profit

KimJones wrote:

Yep its a dangerous time.

Looks as if three divisions are likely so the domestic calendar will be dominated by and pandering to the one day/T20 game.

In a UK cricket economy dependent on revenues from the longer test game, I think that's a dangerous way to go.

I like Bruce Talbots idea. Cc as it is and pro 40 replaced by a one day knock out (40 or 50 overs I dont mind).

It's not going to provide many quality one day cricketers for England if some teams get knocked out in the first round is it?  16 first class games is too many, 12 would be a better amount and they can be evenly spread throughout the summer, even if they give a large chunk of July to 20:20.  They can even start at regular times of the week so the average punter doesn't have to take a guess as to when the next match starts, with fresher players on show and thus better quality cricket. 

As to twenty20 killing off cricket, I don't hear the Australians or South Africans making too many noises.  The reason?  They were more responsive to the IPL rather than chasing Stanford's 'money'.  As it is, that went tits up and so individual counties are having to join up individually with the IPL teams, creating a bigger gap between the haves and have-nots.

  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,423

Re: Sussex Profit

BP,

Surrey's turnover was £25.5m last year and Sussex's was £5.8m. Given that Sussex won 2 trophies and reached the final of another, whereas Surrey achieved "zilch" and languish in the bowels of LV2.  A disgrace given their financial clout. A roar? More like a meowing whimper! big_smile

daveshark,

"As to twenty20 killing off cricket"

It's about finding the balance between T20 and the other cricket formats. That's what the ECB are grappling with. T20 has brought much needed extra revenues into the county game but it mustn't dominate.

Unfortunately, decreasing the number of championship games is almost inevitable and creating 3 divisions of 6 counties in each is probably the easiest way. This would mean 10 LV matches per county a season.

If the ECB don't embrace T20, then the danger is the top English players may simply break away and become mercenaries for those Asian and other world clubs which do. It's about balance. Never an easy thing.

Simon Hughes sums up my present view.

http://www.testmatchextra.com/blogs.asp … d496512a48

Last edited by softandfluffy (29-03-2010 16:27:04)

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • From: United Kingdom
  • Registered: 27-08-2004
  • Posts: 3,445

Re: Sussex Profit

would agree sums up my thoughts.

Money is killing off our game and it is going the same way as soccer. The players etc want Test cricket but none of them wants 4 dayers . If you kill off 4 day cricket ( and what a wonderful job the ECB are doing on that score)then Test cricket will go the same way .

  • Registered: 26-04-2006
  • Posts: 601

Re: Sussex Profit

When you think about it, the central contract players play very little four day cricket. They do not play for their counties very often these days, so they can keep fit for the test matches. So, in that case how is it that so many of them are often unable to play because of injury etc.? Are they being 'over coached'? If they are being kept away from their counties, they all should be super fit.

  • Registered: 18-09-2008
  • Posts: 338

Re: Sussex Profit

By them not playing county cricket, it lowers the quality of the teams on the circuit. That in turn cannot help attendance figures, as I am sure a lot more people would turn up to watch their county if they had their England internationals back.

Murray Goodwin is my God.
  • Registered: 26-04-2006
  • Posts: 601

Re: Sussex Profit

I think I may have asked this before....

Does being in the first division put any more bums on the seats than being in the second division?

  • Registered: 30-06-2008
  • Posts: 2,365

Re: Sussex Profit

From Warwickshire's experience, not really.

The Kookaburra Man
  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,423

Re: Sussex Profit

Oh dear! Forget the concerns over the 'Ashes' moving to terrestrial TV and the major loss of 'Sky' revenue to the ECB; this recent Ofcom ruling "may" affect not only county cricket revenues but all UK sports - especially football.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cric … 32025.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/ma … cket-bskyb

Last edited by softandfluffy (31-03-2010 18:06:04)

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)
  • Registered: 26-04-2006
  • Posts: 601

Re: Sussex Profit

I see Warwickshire have just launched their brilliant new web site.

http://www.edgbaston.com/

Also I notice it is just a tenner a day to watch the four day game. That has got to be good value, even if they are renovating the ground

  • From: Hove
  • Registered: 04-12-2009
  • Posts: 2,423

Re: Sussex Profit

It seems that government are seeing sense at last and 'The Ashes' may not be going terrestrial after all. The article below offers a good insight.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpres … BJYtELa3jw

Meanwhile, the world's biggest trifle-eater and 'Honest John', carefully avoids mentioning cricket or 'The Ashes' at Aintree today!  wink

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/ … 613111.stm

"Now the stumps have asked for pads!"
(Aussie radio commentator Kerry O'Keeffe as Rahul Dravid, bowled six times in seven innings during the present series, walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval)