I read the following article tonight about Norwich City which appeared referenced in NewsNow:
http://norwichcity.myfootballwriter.com/full_article.asp?i=3980&w=8&a=0&part=1I think (and have had a drop of wine) that the article is reffering at a high level that as a club moves in the financial side of things, then the sense of community that it has developed could be lossed. Couple this with the fact that Andrew Cullen is leaving (presumably better paid job) who is the Marketing guy at Norwich City, then both arguments compel to this point.
However - not being a "lowwwcul" but from Newcastle, I have witnessed first hand the sense of community that is present with regards to the club, and even though Newcastle run around with Mike Ashley can see the community in there. At the very basic level, supporting a football team whether at the game or not does promote community. It promotes a support, togetherness that is quite frankly missing generally in society nowadays. When I go to see City I sit beside a bunch of guys I would never speak to normally. They are from Hunstanton and they travel to and from there for every game - which is incredibly commendable....
Community is more than mere money, roadshows or local people running the club, it is and always has to be, the core support of the community around the area. Take for example if Newcastle (Lord forbid) they get demoted all the way down to League 2. I still think that there would be hard nosed supporters, locals, community, attending games.
Its a shame Mr Cullen is leaving, I think he will be missed. But as I have learned in my work, people you respect move on, and its how you react and move forward from that is the key to continuous success...
