And shortly after seasons end the team folds again as they didnt get the crowds or sponsorship to sustain the salaries that the players and coaching staff demanded.

Stop, you're scaring the fans!

Anything's possible, but I think the 36ERS probably have the upper hand in negotiations with Smyth and will get him eventually. Still, I can't imagine he'd enjoy the job that much if he had to talk to the boss via anything bar radio interviews.

Statman, such a scenario could potentially kill both clubs I guess. Melbourne are barely supporting their current team and Adelaide's hardly going to have ticket sales go through the roof with news like that to start the season.

I agree Isaac - I just find it unfortunate that there is a franchise in trouble again - I certainly hope that we dont go the same way that soccer did over the last 10 or so years where basically the league and clubs shot themselves in the foot.
As for Smyth - I agree that the 36ers hold the upper hand - I just hope that noone does anything stupid to prove a point.

If the 36'ers pay above the amount they are capable of paying the 36'ers will also go the way of the Pirates. The harsh reality is this. Pirates will not have a team in the NBL, West Sydney are in trouble, Brisbane have lost money for the last who knows how long and at some stage Groves will not want to keep shelling out like Longley. Vlahof has threatened at least twice to give the license away, this is the last go, Sydney can not take their medical people away with them to save money, Melbourne have never made money, Adelaide are broke can not pay their loans.
So considering all that, who is going to want to sign coaches to long term contracts? So Phil isnt in a strong bargaining position. Sign him for one year with options the same as the players, make him the highest paid if you want to $140,000. Phil isnt going anywhere and the only reason some of the players would leave Adelaide is if they were not wanted by Adelaide.

Well said, Jay.

yea i reckon if phil dont coach adelaide there wont really be a spot for him as most clubs have coaches signed other than hunter and i guess you cant really guarantee them lastin, so it looks like its adelaide or nothing for phil

you only get what you pay for...

do good business or pay the price....

Jay, it is definitely a sad state of affairs, but Perth did make a profit this year and, from the sounds of things, are on the right track.

I think Adelaide can get back up financially, but there are serious issues beyond Smyth's salary. In my opinion, there's a lot of focus of cost cutting on that team itself within the club -- reduced salaries for players, no player insurance, post-game meals being changed to sandwiches for a while there, an assistant coach gone (tough call, but I don't necessarily disagree with the decision itself), coaches salaries being pulled down, player's complimentary tickets for family being rescinded, etc. Yet for the most part, every player on the roster performed well. I think that looking for economical options within these areas is sensible (coaches salaries, or dropping an assistant coach [should've got him involved elsewhere -- look at the great work Ninnis is doing with Talking Hoops!], finding a more efficient caterer), but too many things would surely reduce the positivity of the players (remember Rees' reaction after the club wouldn't give his parents complimentary tickets for his 350th or whatever it was, or Willie's promised quilt saga!?)).

I'd look at the areas within the club that failed to perform, and look to trim the fat there.

Whats the deal with no free tickets to the players?When was the dome last sold out anyway?

I think you will find that the Melbourne (Tigers) had their second year in a row of making a profit - ok nothing huge, but profit is profit. From all reports they are on the right track, with a venue that supports their attendance figures and doesnt cost them a fortune.

IMO, being cheap. In their opinion, not giving tickets away to people who might otherwise buy them.

Without revealing my true identity (heck, half the world knows who I am anyway!), I've never had any trouble getting tickets from the guys in the team. That said, the team is tight as anything with this.

For crying out loud, Yogee, tell Phil and Bongohead to start thinking people first.

Still waiting for Vidmar's reply re us hooking up in a few years and saving this dying franchise with a little business savvy. ;-)

Jay,

Perth and Brisbane are both making profits.

Moses...I'm having a meeting with the 36ers management team next week. (And I wish I could work out who you are...I know I would know you)

Are yous ure Brisvegas is making money....have heard that Fast Eddie is thinking of cutting them loose as he is tired of getting the cheque book out.

Oops, that was me