Key Points from the Lecture/Presentation

Women's Team Chairman's Perspective

• Reflection on the Season:

  • Lost the league on goal difference; tied points but lost on goal difference
  • Painful loss but highlighted the team's quality
  • Excellent season; great coach and talented squad
  • Sets up for a promising next season

• Player Highlights:

  • Bunny Shaw: Phenomenal goal-scorer, parallels with Erling Haaland
  • Contributions in goals and assists, integral to the team
  • Great impact on women's game and club

• Progress of Women's Game:

  • Game evolving rapidly, getting recognition from fans of all genders
  • Significant players like Steph Horton pivotal in the team turning fully professional
  • Club's appreciation for Steph Horton and her contributions
  • A new training facility with a special mosaic for Steph Horton

Youth and Infrastructure

• Youth Development:

  • Importance of housing men's, women's, and youth teams in the same campus
  • Creation of a conducive environment for success and excellence
  • Achievements like FA Youth Cup with significant fan attendance

• Preseason Tours:

  • Excitement for the preseason tour to the USA
  • Opportunity for youth players to showcase their talent
  • High viewership in the US, indicating strong fan engagement

CFG (City Football Group) Achievements

• Girona FC:
  • Notable rise and performance; 16th highest wage bill yet qualified for Champions League
• Global Successes:
  • Melbourne, Mumbai, Montevideo, Yokohama, and Shenzhen achieving various titles and progresses
• Model Success:
  • Proven successful system, sought after for partnerships globally
• Challenges:
  • Not all clubs achieving promotion but focus remains on fixing issues and improvement

Financial Growth

• Record Financial Period:

  • Record revenue of £712 million and £80 million in profit
  • Continued reinvestment in infrastructure, facilities, and teams
  • Strategy of investing profits back into the group for growth

• Local Investments:

  • Expansion of Etihad Stadium and entertainment district
  • Co-op Live partnership enhancing live entertainment in Manchester

Fan Engagement and Pricing

• Ticket Pricing Balance:
  • Balancing investment, sustainability, and affordable tickets
  • Maintaining growth while managing fan satisfaction

Staff and Leadership Transitions

• High-Profile Departures:
  • Testament to the club’s success at producing talented staff
  • Natural evolution and pride in contributing to career advancements

Honoring the Past

• Statue and Legacy:
  • Unveiling of statues for significant past players
  • Emphasis on the rich history of the club and honoring key figures like Francis Lee