Had a look at the "Sheffield City Airport" thread today. I have little knowledge of this airport, but the thread suggests a few interesting similarities to MSE.
Sheffield appears to have a declared close-by urban catchment of around 1.5 million people. MSE similar figure, although not so geographically close.
Sheffield reckoned to suffer from being too close to an established international facility - MSE likewise.
Both airports doggedly supported by the local authority.
Both on approx 10 - year deadline.
Also, Sheffield reckoned to be eventually destroyed by the arrival of a relative newcomer (Robin Hood)... MSE may well suffer the same fate at the hands of Lydd.