Medals not money
There were some interesting comments from Mark Hughes yesterday which largely went unreported by the media as a whole:
"We would like to think we have something different, something players can understand. Once we get the opportunity to speak to them, they very quickly get as excited as we are about what could happen at this club in the future." "It is about sitting down in front of these top players and telling them what we know will happen. Thee guys are all wealthy individuals. It's not about money at this level but about ambition, stimulation and giving them something to be really excited about, and we offer that at the moment."It is a very good point that Hughes make. Whilst our transfers have been by and large dismissed by the media as nothing more than seducing players with the chance to join a 'mid-table club' by doubling (or more) their wages.
Whilst it could be easy for players to join an incumbent top four side, one who has a recent history of winning trophies, there they would be slotting into an already winning side. One that likely continues winning.
Would there not be a greater satisfaction to be part of something that takes a side somewhere rather than arriving at one already at the top? To be involved in the building of something great?
Take Gareth Barry as an example. By the time he retires from the game he could feasibly have around 6-8 seasons or so with us.
When he sits back at the end of his career, wouldn't it be something if he could sit back and say:
'Look at what we've achieved since I arrived. I took stick for arriving at a perceived mid-table club just for the money but I've been really part of something. I had the ambition and desire to succeed and knew what the potential was when I arrived.'
'The journey that I've been on has been phenomenal and the progress made unparalleled at the club. No-one thought we could do it, but we have. Achieving things never before achieved. We have proved them all wrong. What fantastic seasons we have had, and I have been part of this journey where we have risen from where we were to where we now stand, medals in hand. I have been part of the team that has taken the club to the very top.'
'And that achievement is far more satisfying than anything'.
This, make no mistake, is what Hughes and the club are trying to sell.
2 comments:
I'm not against what city are doing, there looking at their own interests so whatever other people say shouldn't really bother the club. But players need to look at the fact that if city arn't succesfull next season then new players will sign and they will be on the bench. Someone like Gareth Barry might be a bench player after January because city are trying to do thing fast so they can't wait for someone to be a good player for 5 or 6 years when they want all the top world class players. So Mark Hugh Ass and the fans can take about the project all they like but at the end of the day it's about the money so please don't delude yourselves. but good look.
@Anon,
Dig about on the City website, and you will find an interview with Sheik Mansour. In it, he scotches absolutely that instant success is a necessity.
We've been shite for 30 years and more, so another couple of years wait for some success is no big deal. If it happens more quickly, then that's great.
You need to remember our owners are not burdened by the huge debts of the Glazers, & Hick & Gillett. Or even Arsenal. They are very astute businessmen, not in this for the quick buck (unlike the above), and have big plans for the area around the stadium.
You also ignore the fact that the new owners have poured money into our already successful academy; four players in many games last season from the academy, and more on the way.
Indeed, were I to be unkind, I would say you don't really know what you are on about.
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