The law of diminishing returns, and why I think we will compete in this league.

For anyone who hasn't studied any business or economics, this is a theory which (very roughly) postulates that in any activity or business, there is a critical point, after which increased investment or other input brings a lower and lower relative return, until it becomes senseless to invest the extra time, money, effort or whatever. I'm seriously wondering if some Championship clubs have already reached this point. While I'm well aware that (with a few notable exceptions) there is a direct correlation between amount spent on transfer fees and wages, and success, I can't help feeling that some clubs in our league are investing insane amounts in players that don't seem to be particularly outstanding. Brighton, surely one of the next financial basket cases if they don't go up, have just signed Shane Duffy for £4 million. Marc Roberts is a much better defender on current form. Alfie Mawson certainly is. His replacement is likely to cost six to ten times less than Brighton paid for Duffy, and I am sure that we will sign a player potentially as good. In fact, I'd be quite disturbed if we were splashing the cash like Brighton are. Derby are reportedly about to spend £8 million on Vydra, and Aston Villa £20 million on a bloke who Hull clearly no longer need. Give Hecky £8 million, and he'd build a side to challenge for the play-offs. Maybe not immediately, but over 2 or 3 seasons. However, the current side may yet do that, but we'd need a lot of luck and to stay injury free, as we don't have the strength in depth yet. However, I am confident that we get better value per pound spent on players than any other side in our league.

 

Funny you should post this. Had the exact same thought as I was out walking earlier on. Think there's likely to be something in it.

 

Were you walking towards oblivion by any chance. If so you would probably be accompanied by some Championship chairmen.

 

The x factor is recognising talent and bringing it on.
I believe if players such as Roberts etc without systems similar to ours would have been left undiscovered .
Connor Alfie have had time invested in them with good coaches and have flourished .
It seems clubs are looking for instant success and hoping that reaching the holy grail bails them out .
That's where talent will end up wasted imo as the only ones to end up coming through will be top clubs apprentices and the likes .
If clubs like us go bust there'll be repercussions to the quality and diversity of the game and nowhere to blood the likes of Ashley,Drinkwater,etc. greed will eat the prem and it will move on to new pastures eg Germany and as usual the supporters (cash cows ) will pick up the pieces.

 

Amen.

I often reference the law of diminishing returns. It's great when debating the quality of red wine, I find.

 

With regards to what aspect? Quality to cost ratio, or enjoyment relative to quantity quaffed?!

 

I agree with the concept of diminishing returns in respect of red wine. When having an evening in with a nice bottle of wine, we always buy 1 decent bottle and several cheap bottles. After consuming and enjoying the expensive bottle, there's no point in waishting a good buddle of whine wenn the firsht boddle hash had itsh effect.