It obviously makes sense to get the first team squad and academy players together in one complex but I wonder if the benefits will be as big as some people think. The coaches will still be the same, does moving to one complex suddenly mean the youngsters will become better players?
It is something that Klopp himself has always wanted and it will ultilmately benefit the whole of the club and make the transition from U23 to 1st team smoother, we have already seen that Klopp is willing to promote from within (even if his hands were tied due to 1st team injuries etc)
I can't see how it isn't going to benefit the youngsters by seeing their senior players on a daily basis, by being able to move up to 1st training as and when needed, a decision could even be made on the day that a player has performed well enough that he can attend a one off session or week with the 1st team. Klopp and his staff are also on hand to see all aspects of the training and liaise with coaches at all levels.
Attracting new players will also be a bonus, to visit the new facility and see that they are with (if not training with) the 1st team and Klopp would be impressive to any potential youth signing, their families, agents etc
I realise I might be in the minority on this but I would prefer to spend the money on the ARE. 6,000 extra fans getting the chance to see the team every game, target locals and Under 25's which would improve the atmosphere significantly and could push us onto turning that draw into a late win. That might be crucial in winning cups, Top 4 or even the difference between winning or coming 2nd/3rd in the league.
As far as I am aware no decision has been made on the ARE and it is a seperate issue to the move to Kirby. According to FFP the sale of Melwood can be used as revenue and will probably go towards the cost of development of the Kirkby site (along with a sponsorship package) We should wait for an annoucement on the ARE and just enjoy the fact that FSG are doing something that our manager wants, bodes well for the transfer window.
But if we really need to compare them, maybe Klopp thinks the new Kirkby site is more important than 6,000 23 year old scouser at Anfield?
As far as sponsorship goes I hope the whole academy/ training gear gets a massive deal, however if we are so good at securing this sort of thing then how come the new Main Stand doesn't have a high profile sponsor?
The new stand isn't complete yet, maybe they are waiting for it to be fully complete so potential sponsors can see what they are getting for their money? I would also think that it is harder to 'sell' a stand than a whole ground and as I have said before on other threads I think it is the kind of deal that you have to get right in the long term as it is harder to then re-sell it once it has already had a name to it. I am reasonably confident (which on here is way more confident than the norm) that a deal will be made before the start of the next season.
I did some bolding, get me.
Good post mate. I am old school and firmly believe the board should back the manager, particularly when he is Jurgen Klopp! If that is what he wants, then fine no problem. Ideally I want that ARE extended to increase the capacity, improve the atmosphere, make it easier to get tickets etc.
Hopefully the sponsorship deals come in and we can do both!!!