Over on THF, during the discussion about our recently announced signings, the long standing myth that we are a moneybags club reared its head once more. And, as usual, any attempt to pour scorn on this myth (for that is precisely what it is) was met with ‘put up or shut up’ type postings.
Now, those of us with any degree of knowledge about the Phoenixs finances will tell you quite honestly that any discussion of this with people outside the club will incur the wrath of Mr Morris (and believe me, that ain’t a pretty sight!), and probably break the various NDAs we have all signed with him. Suffice to say, none of us will be found disclosing sensitive information publicly without first having sought the boss’ permission.
Now, part of the discussion related to ice time costs. One thing I can confidently state is the Phoenix pay more for ice time than any other EPL club, despite the persistent beleif that Bracknell top this particular chart. I have spoken to folks from Bracknell, and discussed this with them, and our figures indeed top theirs. However, that does not suit the agenda of some ‘fans’ of the sport. Allied to this was a bit of a rant about our ticket prices and how we also are always asking fans to put their hands in their pockets. Here is the post:
You know I’m Phoenix through and through like you are, but I get so sick of hearing from the club “woe is us, we’ve got such little money, we’ve got such high competition from other sports, put your hand in your pocket to help us pay for Fone’s surgery, help pay Campbell’s wages etc.”. At the same time as having the highest ticket costs in the league (higher than some EIHL clubs) and announcing big name import signings. You can’t do all that and still play the world’s smallest violin.
Oh and championing “look, aren’t we nice, we froze the prices!!” is hard to swallow as well given we’ve already got the highest prices.
Guess what, we don’t try to fleece fans! Yes, it isn’t nice to have the highest priced tickets in the league. And yes, it isn’t nice to have to ask for fans to dig deep every now and then. But sadly, that’s the reality of the situation. The rink has an input into ticket prices, as they need to ensure that they are going to get their fee paid every week. If the club could cut prices, it bloody well would. And yes, we have asked for fans to assist with expenses before. That is because the club runs on very tight margins, much like almost every other minority sports club in the country. Unlike some, we don’t have an owner with deep, deep pockets (not that i’m implying Neil Morris is poor, but he isn’t exactly Zoran Kosic or John Hepburn), so we have to earn every penny that the club wants to spend. And after the EIHL years, unlike many other clubs who have run up debts trying to play with the ‘big boys’, we have chosen to pay those debts off.
So, despite looking like the club should be rolling in money, the truth of the matter is, we are not. Some folks won’t like this, but thats just how it is. One day, the club will be debt free, and things will likely change at that point. Until then we just have to accept our situation and make the best of it.
Rant over!