I agree, but was told that was the reason why stock had to be ordered direct from the manufacturer last season. I assume the Directors were reluctant to hold stock, but for the record I agree with you, this should not be an issue.

To be fair it probably comes back to the old issue and the clubs marketing being poor.

For me the main thing that the club needs to really improve is kids merchandise. I used to work in the club shop in Cavendish court and these things used to sell. Kids grow, kids sizes change and if the club sells replica shirts, but made of t-shirt material, to keep the costs down, they would sell loads. Adults do buy themselves a replica shirt, some buy both strips but people with children know that the kids want to wear lots of their favourite teams things, not just shirts but scarves, hats, training tops, drill tops, tracksuit pants etc and this must be accessed by the club. I do believe that this stuff should be sold in all sizes though, from young children right up to adult xxxl. I know its about spending first but if the club really sourced things well, companies are desperate for trade, especially local ones, so if we keep the designs simple, the logos attractive and attention seeking without being too over the top then it should make everything easier. I think its important that these things are ready for the middle of November at the latest, at least having 5 of each size by this stage with more due by the beginning of December. The two groups (Keighley Cougars and Pride in the red and green) could sell the stock between them, in the shop, then people are free to choose what they buy without feeling like they have to pick a side. Every sale is stock recorded in a book, like I used to do in the shop and then profits raised go to the correct group - club sales directly to the club and pride in the red and green sales go to them, then into squadbuilder.

Sounds like you've got yourself a job! - if the directors will Finance it up front initially and then get their money back when things are up and running

Is it not worth looking at a small retail unit in the Royal Arcade in Keighley, The rents aren't a patch on units in the Arndale and rates are very low. Merchandising has been a problem for years at the club and the last 2 years have been a particular farce ( I had 2 crappy experiences purchasing leisurewear from the club this year). Fans can't buy what the club won't stock. If the club is as forward thinking as certain individuals would like you to think then now is the time to have a shop to create a buzz in the town ... but then again

There's a lot more to it than cheap rent though isn't there? Back in the good old days of Cougarmania there were 5 times as many as fans. It could sustain a little shop in Cavendish Court.

Could a shop today shift enough stock to cover rent, utility bills, a £30-50k a year wage bill and turn enough profit to make it worth while for the club? I reckon it'd need to take about 3 grand a week to do it which is a big ask.