Growing a 'Business'

In the 1980's I used to play football for a few local clubs in the Bramhall area. We would drive in about 4 cars to away games, get changed in a damp concrete cell with one grated window above head height. Amble out onto a very muddy pitch, and play a game of football which must have been of the lowest quality to any passing dog-walker. The only shouts you could hear would be the players: 'Quick! Stop the ball before it runs into the river' or 'Come on lads, 8-0 down, we can do better in the second half''. At the end of the game, some poor soul would collect our sodden kits for washing, and we'd retire to the Ladybrook for a swift half or two.
Fast forward 30 years or so. I went to the home of the English, European and World champions last week. The biggest league stadium in the UK, and now proud owners (at least until the summer) of Ronaldo, the World Player of the Year. Old Trafford, home of Manchester United FC could not be further from Woodford Rec, and yet it's only 15 miles away!
I was not at the Chelsea game. I was in fact invited to view the hospitality packages at the ground earlier that same week. There are 800 employees at United, one of whom showed me what the club had to offer, and took me to the features in the stadium I really wanted to see - the players' tunnel, changing rooms, Manager's office etc.
The whole set up at Manchester United explains why they are still the team to beat around the world. They are professional in every aspect. Alright, they can't retain the small, family club feel at which clubs like Stockport County do so well. But, they exhibit a fantastic example of how a growing business has accepted change, and challenges from elsewhere.
The people who work there appeared to be personable. The club has recognised that the UK doesn't offer opportunities to greatly expand customer income, so they 'export' the product by touring (and winning) in far-flung soccer hot-beds like Japan.
They've also encountered a new phenomenon, and taken it on. The Billionaire clubs like Chelsea and now Manchester City, have what appears to be the main requirement for instant success. Sir Alex Ferguson, with the backing of the most sound Directors and owners, has chosen to spend big only on key players. In addition, he has developed a youth development process which still produces players capable of combating the best elsewhere. Whilst Arsenal look to France for this, United seem to mix local recruits with foreign imports to great effect.
A few years ago I gave up my season ticket at United. I didn't like the way the club distanced itself from the supporter. It will always have a problem in this area due to its size. But, having re-visited the stadium recently, seen how the club has used great business acumen to take on the world, I can't help but admire how they appear to overcome so many challenges, even in today's economic climate.
Roger Souter