Kerala Football

Proper Management:Long Term VISION

The FIFA and AFC is trying hard to take I-league and Indian football to the next level.In this process of development Kerala should not be left behind.There has been a lot of Politics involved and lobbying around and kerala has always lost out to others not only in football but also in other fields. "VivaKerala" now you are the flag-bearer for this state and all the malayalees around the world.You should now take the onus upon you to thrive and deliver and to be the best to be the trendsetter for others to follow. All I want to say to the Management of the team is to learn from others' mistakes and make a strong base and foundation for yourself (The club) before going all out for a big rise. In EPL "Portsmouth" went into bankruptcy,some others to follow.... no need to go any far...Remember our FC Kochin?! So plan your finances well. Financial prudence and passion may drive you on. Always fix a right salary cap for players (say for example Maximum 50% of year running budget) manage the loans and also if can have a co-operative society operation. Something in the model of FC Barcelona were fans invest on regular bases and they provided with season tickets and they have the right to elect/reject President of the Club every four years. Now you don't have a sponsorship deal but I believe you have one next season.Try for a long term deal if you win. Priorities with that money my suggestion are as follows 1)Long-term contract to good players and try to Keep the current squad.Don't loose the good ones that form the core.Provide incentive bonus based on performance in the games. 2)Don't go for any big signings.This squad with proper training and incentives can survive the I-league for next 2-3 seasons.I thing that should be only thing in the mind.In that process if you can make your home ground your fortress where it is hard to beat you then still better.Have a vision. Talk to your players , motivate them to be part of this long vision they will agree as they are all young. This will help the fans spirits and its base going high. 3)Invest for land purchase/lease (MAXIMUM 50% LOAN) to start a good academy and training ground facility for players.You can also provide training to locals with proper charges.You can also sell the naming rights of the academy and ground to a sponsor for a period of 10-20 years. 4)TIE-UP WITH A LOCAL TV CHANNEL TO RECORD THE HOME MATCHES AND TELECAST DEFERRED LIVE.THE ZEESPORTS DOESN'T SHOW YOUR GAME SO IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE.If this works out then find a good sponsor at least One Crore per year for four years deal. 4.1) Don't fall in for small deals.Always remember Slow and steady wins the race. This I-league is a long race...run slow....run long....India will be a force to reckon with in world football in next 5-10 years then you should be alive to live the DREAM. 4.2) Sponsorship deal with club naming rights should be minimum of 5 years deal of 20 crores rupees. It is worth noting  that Vijay Mallia's KEB and McMB "The UB Group has announced a budget of Rs 7 crore each for both clubs this season." came in TOI 20/2/2010 "Indian football discovers paradox below poverty line"I am saying only Rupees 20 Crores for 5 years deal.It is about dreaming big! 4.3) For Academy naming rights for 10 years with one time payment of 10 crores minimum. The visibility and publicity for the sponsors will be a big plus with the successful media deal. This target is financially feasible. 4.4) At least you will find Shirt sponsors for Rs. 1 Crore / year. Lowest level of compromise is also provided-  One Crore Rupees / year for T-shirt rights only. 5)Have 80-20 principle of Jose Mourihno -Keep the best 80% percent of the Squad,20% new faces,If possible 10% of that from your U-19 squad.Over a period of 5 years.But have some core group whom fans can identify as club. 6) Encourage and Reward club loyalty-for the staff,players and fans. 7) Select the U-15,U-19 teams in open system (if by some TV reality show still better) ENCOURAGE LOCALS. All the best FOR ALL THE FUTURE ENDEAVOURS