You lucky sods!
That was my reaction on hearing the news that Geoffrey Richmond may well be on his way to Notts County. As far as I’m concerned you just became my second team.
This is not, it has to be said, a widespread view amongst Bradford City fans. Most seem to remember no further than the last 2 years or so since relegation from the Premiership and subsequent administration, and the popular scapegoat for that is Richmond. But that is grossly unfair.
Bradford have over the past couple of years suffered the fate that has been visited on most clubs relegated from the Premiership, a la Coventry, Leicester, Wimbledon etc. This, together with the loss of the ITV Digital money, was the main reason for our recent troubles.
Prior to that, we had 7 glorious years of excitement, passion and adventure that were unbelievable and beyond the wildest dreams of long term City supporters before Geoffrey Richmond came along. And the credit for those 7 years can be given totally and utterly to the big man.
Geoffrey is an expert in the art of maximizing potential in a business. I would be prepared to bet a goodly sum of money that the next 3 years for Notts County will hold a promotion and a doubling of your crowds, and I don’t care what your current position is.
One thing you can expect is a man who listens, perhaps too much, to the voices of the supporters. Geoffrey Richmond was a frequent anonymous visitor to our official Club website message board, and was extremely sensitive to the comments contained therein.
You can be assured that you are getting a man who cares, and who will live, sleep and breathe your Club whilst it is in his hands. Expect frequent fans forums with question and answer sessions and a lot of communication. Geoffrey delights in playing to a crowd and is a master at holding one in the palm of his hand.
I envy you the prospect of the next few years.
Geoffrey Richmond took control of this club (Bradford City FC) in February 1994.
At that time we were midtable in Division 2.
We were averaging gates of 6,000 or so and we were heavily in debt.
The ground had an approximate capacity of 10,000.
We had a small Club shop.
Our record signing to that point had been Peter Jackson for £290,000.
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We have had 2 seasons in the Premiership and are only 6 points away from a playoff place.
We are averaging gates of 14,000+ and have seen 20,000+ gates.
The ground has a capacity of 25,000.
We have the largest Club Shop in Europe.
Our record signing is £2.5 million and we have signed several in the million plus region.
We have played at Wembley and in European competition.
It is fashionable at the moment, on the back of a couple of admittedly disappointing seasons, to slate Geoffrey Richmond. Those who are doing that, OPEN YOUR EYES. The best thing that ever happened to this club was the arrival of Mr Richmond. He has had some dividends - so what? I would be more than happy for him to have plenty more if we could continue the same rate of progress we have seen for the past 8 years.
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RICHMOND SET FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE ROLE AT NOTTS - discuss this on the NCM Messageboard with other fans