Right or Wrong

Christmas Day is over and I am now looking forward to a quiet Boxing Day with Mrs Listz, (the grandchildren having returned to deepest Essex) and to look forward to Saturday’s game at the Old Spotted Dog against Takeley.

The holiday period has given me a bit of time for reflection on last Saturday’s events and I will not make specific comments, particularly as there are unresolved legal issues.  However, I do not think I should let it pass without some referral or the odd suggestion.

The game itself was a great spectacle.  No matter what slant you choose to put on this result, from a Clapton point of view, it was excellent.

The events off the field  were clearly predictable given and what I have seen on the internet, the group who turned up to disrupt proceedings were organised and arrived with no intention of watching a game of football. It so happened that their intent to cause trouble it was met by substantial resistance.  The conclusion I draw is, that had they not come to cause trouble, there would not have been any.

It is possible that the threats made to Clapton supporters over the internet may well have meant that others, who are not members of Clapton or indeed regular supporters, decided to come to the game to resist the threats. Vince McBean and the chairman of Southend Manor FC were aware of the internet threats, as were the local Police.

Admittedly, it is a difficult situation to manage but amazingly, despite their being on notice, there was no Police presence at the game before the outbreak of trouble.  I consider this to have been a mistake and, had it not been for the resistance that the trouble makers encountered, it was probable that a number of women and young supporters, who were with the Clapton contingent, may have been assaulted.

Thankfully, the supporters’ coach, that left with full occupancy from Forest Gate, returned later that evening with a full compliment, all unscathed and unsullied by the events.

The subsequent reporting of the incident in the Southend Echo was quite shocking, not only as to inaccuracies of  the incidents themselves, but also on basic information relating to the game itself.  The reporter(s) were clearly nowhere near the ground at any stage during the afternoon and certainly have no concept of what Clapton FC are, describing Clapton Ultras themselves as a ‘football club’.  The ‘local protesters’ they refer to are the group who, I am told, are co-ordinated from Bolton and the attendees on the day were from as far afield as Huddersfield, including some apparently well known leaders and activists of their particular political bent.

The Southend Echo reporters were Paul Nizinskyj and Luke Lambert. Poor show gentlemen.

I have seen no response or comment from Southend Manor FC but Vince McBean, has published a statement, (albeit in his ‘Mayor of Trumpton’ style) which condemns the incident.  Fair enough, but his condemnation is unclear as to whether he apportions the blame with the attackers or Clapton supporters.  Clearly he wasn’t there either as he was ringing the hypothetical cash till at the Old Spotted Dog during the Newham FC match.

It is difficult to know what to suggest here. There have been no incidents involving the Clapton Ultras that I can recall which involves anything but a group of people enjoying themselves as a football match.  Not everyone agrees with some of their political views or songs but so what?  Is it not the case that normal, balanced, individuals are able to ignore or reason with any view that is contrary to their own?

"We're not talking about Right or Left, we're talking about Right or Wrong".

Certainly further liaison with the Police is inevitable.

A further suggestion might be that all clubs must be represented at Essex Senior League matches by a responsible official so that an accurate assessment might be made by them. It is quite remarkable the number of games when the players and team management of clubs arrive at the Dog without anyone who is actually responsible for the club.

A ‘responsible official’ would depend on the constitution of the club.  It should be a director, owner or committee member.  Players and team management who are not directors, owners or committee members are not responsible officials for the mere fact that is a fine is levied against a club, they are not liable for its payment or recovery.

Its certainly a suggestion, and would take the Essex Senior League forward towards what is acceptable protocol in the Ryman League which, clubs are our level are supposed to aspire to.

I am now off to have a Boxing Day breakfast now and to place a bet on West Ham (9/1 at Chelsea).  Happy holidays everyone.

Peace and Goodwill in 2015. The future of Clapton FC ?

Well, it was good to get the game on last night and the boys responded with an excellent victory over Hullbridge who are very capable opponents.  Having fallen behind early on, I felt our equalising goal, just before half time, was the turning point and thereafter I didn't think we were going to lose.  As it was, Andy Mott's effort popped over the visitors goal line prompting celebrations in the scaffold, and the world was a better place once more.

However, this game was remarkable on a number of fronts.  The match had not been publicised by Vince McBean's website, his twitter or in the local press and I only heard of it through the www.claptonfc.info site and subsequent tweets.  It's hard to imagine that Vince would prefer the team to play in front of empty terraces once more (and I've been there) as he is taking a very good 'tap' from the gate receipts.  Perhaps the real reason is that he does not have the numbers, or back up, to actually run a senior football club at this level?

He has spoken before of teams of volunteers but I see no evidence of this.  He is very much a one-man band and I have come to the conclusion that the whole 'club' thing that he has has put forward in his statement are something of a sham.

Miss Doyle, the secretary is never seen at matches.  There is no treasurer and it will be interesting to see if Mr Syfox, the commercial manager (and promoter of various live music events at the club house), retains his interest since the opening hours for the club house were cut by Newham Council the other week following a review of the licence that were prompted by various misdemeanours.

So, is this therefore not a good time for the situation regarding the Clapton FC to be resolved in the interests of the club?  To do so will require give and take on both parts.

Perhaps those who are trying to return the club to a members entity should consider offering Vince help with running it?  They have shown, that by welcoming people to the ground and making them feel part of the event, Clapton FC has a future, even at this level of football.  They have also been successful in spreading the word by selling scarves and mementos etc. and are now organising travel to away matches.  These are positives, to which Vince has contributed nothing.  However, he should not ignore them and, in fact, should embrace them.

What do they want?  Well, according to correspondence I have seen, it was to join the club.  This was in January 2013 and they were told by the chairman that 'membership was suspended for re-structuring'.  One assumes that this re-structuring period must be over by now.  So why can't Vince contact them and say “Join the club”.

The reason, I fear, is that matters have significantly progressed since that initial application to join and this is where both 'sides' must consider their position in the interests of our famous old club.

The first step is for the parties to liaise.

In order to progress issue it requires both parties to be absolutely open and frank about the situation.   I am a person who would wish to join a members club and it is not unreasonable for me to want to know the structure of the club, the rules and any debts for which I might be liable as a member.  Thus it would require Vince to be open and honest as to the true situation at his Clapton FC as, at the moment, it is as opaque as the shard of perspex that was kicked out of the dugout wall by the subbed Hullbridge player last night.

This might prove difficult as the other 'club' have been pro-active in uncovering, and continuing to uncover, various side issues (limited companies, side rents, county court judgements etc.), all of which are an understandable concern.  However, if they were to be told the truth by Vince as to the situation, would it be possible for them to put these matters aside in helping to establish a real club club in which we can all pull together?

So, in order for this resolution to come about, both sides will have to act both equitably and professionally.  I have no doubt, in order for it to have any real meaning or gravitas, that both sides will need legal advisors to come up with a solid foundation upon which a club can be re-built.

The stand off is not helping the club that I love and I recognise that some could argue that were it not for Vince 'holding the baby', any organisation known as Clapton FC might not exist today.  Equally, I am not foolish enough to think that his tenure at the club has been solely philanthropic. 

So, come on Mr McBean and the committee of Clapton FC ('the real club'), you have an opportunity of putting Clapton Football Club on its best footing since the signing of the lease on the ground in the early 1990s.

With the incredible support and interest that has been generated over the past two seasons, the opportunity for Clapton is without comparison at our level of football.

In the spirit of the season, goodwill, forgiveness and a fresh start, let's make 2015 a year when Clapton FC, with a clean slate, can move forward as a real club and to which everyone can be a part.

The Meat In the Sandwich

So much to write about this week.

Firstly, it was a very good result for the team last Saturday, some decent football played and, as ever, a storming performance by the lads and lassies in the Scaffold.  What could be better? I have liked the look of Warren Mfutu ever since he came into the team and congratulate him on his hat trick.  A good player indeed.

After the game I did tweet that I was pleased that people had decided to give Vince's Bar a wide berth.  This again shows solidarity by the fans, which is something I may return to in my next missive.

However, first things first.

I have just seen that our away game with Newham FC next Saturday is to be played at Broxbourne Borough FC in Goffs Oak, Cheshunt.  This will cause a lot of inconvenience for both sets of players, a considerable extra expense and one wonders why this is happening. Couldn't more help not be given to Newham FC who must be finding themselves under a lot of financial, and other pressures, due to the apparent disqualification of the Terence McMillan Stadium from being an acceptable venue for Essex Senior League matches.

I have no doubt that the Newham officials made every effort to find an acceptable ground as near as possible to the locality of the teams.  The Old Spotted Dog would have been first choice and the best possible alternative venue.  The problem might have been that Vince McBean's sub-tenants, London Bari, have a match to play on Saturday afternoon, but what about an earlier kick off for the Newham match?  As recently as 27th September a double header was played at the Old Spotted Dog when Newham kicked off at 1pm  against Waltham Forest and the Tons followed them with the match against Bowers and Pitsea at 3pm.  If a similar arrangement was made for this Saturday it would ensure a bumper crowd, which can only help Newham FC in their difficult position.  It would also save supporters a lot of money and expense in their being able to follow their team.  

So why wasn't the game allowed to take place at the Dog before the Bari match?  I cannot imagine Vince objecting.  I assume that he pays petrol money to players to get to away games and a match at the Dog would save him that expense* (see below).  There is also an opportunity to sell stuff in the bar and a ground rental fee from Newham FC.  One reason might be that due to the wet weather, the pitch might not be up to two games being played on it.  A look at the forecast will show that, save for a possibility of rain on Thursday afternoon, there is no rain forecast for East London until Sunday.  Coupled with Vince's 'drainage' and the roller there is a very good chance that the double header could have easily taken place.

But this idiocy has precedent.  I remember Clapton having to play an Isthmian League match in August at Barton Rovers FC (Bedfordshire) because their floodlights had fallen below the required lux value.  Unless there was to be an eclipse of the sun in Forest Gate that afternoon, there was no possibility of the ground falling into darkness and bringing about an abandonment.  As ever, the administrators (who can usually count on free tea and sandwiches) made a decisions that adversely effect the clubs and their supporters.
I cannot imagine Bari objecting.  Let's face it, if they wanted to play on a decent pitch they would not have ground shared at the Old Spotted Dog in the first place.

However, if Saturday was not possible, why not re-schedule it for the following Thursday at the Dog?  There is a better chance of getting a decent crowd, which would soften the blow to Newham's finances, and there would be less expenditure and inconvenience for everyone.

One of the issues that spring to mind here is as that very little is known about the objections to the McMillan and very little is being done to help Newham FC who I know to be a group of decent football loving people.  If there are problems with the McMillan then the league or the FA should be open about it.  Rumours are, that the 'failings' of the stadium include

•  non paying spectators can view the game from positions on the premises.
• Has anyone been to Southend Manor recently or even Tower Hamlets? Perhaps it depends on your vision. Incidentally, the free tea and sandwiches brigade certainly don't pay to get in, they watch the match and they are the arbiters of this?
• no signs around the seating. No lines delineating standing areas.  No ticket booth.
• The average attendance at Newham /London Apsa's home matches last season was 29.  The highest attendance was 50 and the lowest 8 (eight).  Is this really a serious concern?

This whole issue is ridiculous and the FA, and the rest of the free tea and sandwich brigade, who chirp on about how they are promoting 'grassroots' football ought to devote their efforts in helping Newham FC rather than plunging them further into further logistical and financial problems.

The application of bit of common sense would be a good place to start.

In the meantime, we supporters all have to troop off to Cheshunt for Saturday's match and whilst I am sure that all the die-hards will be there, it feels as if the interests of the supporter are not being given any consideration whatsoever.  In effect, due to the lack of openness and common sense, we are the meat in the sandwich.

When the Isthmian League was formed, the officers of the League were members of the participating clubs.  Sadly, control of football has now been handed over to administrators who, on the evidence of this situation, are clearly not acting in the interest of the clubs or the supporters.  Its up to the clubs to wrest back control but I doubt whether any of the clubs have the bottle to stand up against them.

In the meantime, my best wishes and sympathies go to Newham FC and I look forward to a good game on Saturday.  What a shame it's not at the Dog.  What an opportunity missed.

Tea and sandwiches anyone?

*ADDENDUM
My assumption was incorrect.  Vince McBean does not pay expenses or petrol for away matches.

A Forking Shame

Another postponement of a Clapton match at the Old Spotted Dog was very disappointing, particularly as the visitors were to be our old friends, and traditional rivals, Ilford FC. 

The lateness of the postponement was all the more frustrating for those supporters who have to make the journey to Forest Gate.  Fortunately, I live close to the ground but it was a shame to see that some fans had had wasted journeys.

Even though Ilford are relatively close to the Dog, a postponement at half past one was cutting it a bit fine, even for them, and it was no surprise and indicative of the frustration for all when they posted "Clapton Are A Joke" on their Twitter feed.

I didn't enjoy reading that, particularly when most of the stuff connected with the supporters and the real club has been unfailingly positive.  It would have been more accurate had the tweet read "Vince's McBean's Clapton FC, you're a joke".

The supporters who did their best yesterday morning are not members of Vince's club because, of course, there are no members.  There has been no acknowledgement or message of thanks to them on Vince's twitter or website. The 'forking squad' are Clapton supporters who's interest Vince takes for granted. Their efforts were fulled solely with the intention of getting the game played so that they, and other fans like me, could have an enjoyable afternoon.  

It would have been better had a local referee been called in to inspect the pitch at least three hours before kick off.  He would have assessed the state of the pitch and the likelihood of success of the 'forking squad' and come up with a reasoned decision.  To leave it so late was an error and showed total lack of consideration of the opponents and the supporters.

This is one of the new problems being faced by Vince in that the club has a following of fans, and in normal circumstances, a person in his position would be mindful of them. Perhaps it is his intention to cheese them off sufficiently so that they all disperse, I don't know.

However, the pitch will not get better and it is becoming harder to believe Vince's contention that a drainage system was ever installed. We will lose more games to the weather and it is not unreasonable to expect Vince, or the team manager, to make some attempt to inform the supporters of the situation in good time.

What Saturday's events did show was that Vince, or his 'Clapton Members Club', do not have any members willing to 'pitch in' when necessary.  But we know this, as do the League and the Football Association.  Perhaps it's time that the chap on the Ilford Twitter feed had a word with his chairman, and then he speak to his counterparts throughout the Essex Senior League, and say "What's going on at Clapton?". I have no doubt that Saturday's events came at a monetary cost to Ilford FC and surely its now time for the clubs to demand that the League, at the very least take an interest.  It will be interesting to see which Chairmen actually have the courage to do it.

Earlier in the week, @essexfootie posted on Twitter a reference to #postponementbingo due to the weather. Some wag later responded "On His Own... Vince McBean". 

You, Sir/Madam, are more right than you probably know.

So, I took myself off to Wadham Lodge FC in E17. Incognito as ever, I noticed a few of the Spotted Dog regulars having a good time, Tyskie in hand.  It was obviously good to see Neil Day enjoying his football once more, it was nice.  Nice ground, nice game, nice people and nice afternoon.

But it's not the Old Spotted Dog !

Bring Back the Home Internationals

This post is a small departure from my usual subject, but this week I watched a football match on the TV and, for the first time in a long while, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Although officially billed as a 'friendly', the game between Scotland and England provided a decent spectacle not only for the near capacity crowd at Celtic Park but also the millions of armchair fans such as me.  Not even the banal tripe that one has come to expect from Adrian Chiles could spoil it.

The fixture itself is the classic international football match.  No quarter given or expected by either team, honest endeavour and no little skill shown by both sets of players.  The result was about right on the night, but there was no doubting the passion shown by the teams in their attempts to win the game.  As an Englishman, I am very happy to see a renaissance in the Scottish national team. The present team may be some way off from the talents of past teams that included Law, Baxter, Dalgliesh, Bremner etc but they appear to have inherited the same drive and passion from their predecessors which. I believe, will have been instilled in them by manager Gordon Strachan.

During the course of the 90 minutes there were some decent tackles, physical contact, goalmouth incidents and, probably to the horror of many modern coaches, less 'possession football' played out between the back four.  It was cut and thrust and, get this, only one player received a yellow card and that, at least, was for a tasty coming together. Players who were fouled didn't roll around and many just got up and got on with the game.  It was an old school British football match, and a pleasant change from the sterile masterclass in cheating and gamesmanship that is peddled by so many professional players in the Premier League every week.

On the evidence of what I saw I think there is now a good case for the restoration of the home international championships.  Maybe not every year as was previously, but perhaps every four years?  The games can be played in the International windows as was this match.  For me, an England match against any of the home nations is far more interesting than a Wembley date with the likes of  Denmark, Norway or Peru and if it were to be hosted by Mr Chiles' I might be tempted to say to Mrs Listz, "OK, you can turn over for Don't Tell The Bride"

The current crop of English and Scottish players may, in many cases, be technically adrift from the raft of foreign players that play their trade in the English Premier League every week. Last Tuesday's match demonstrated that when a match is played by teams showing passion and commitment, an excellent and entertaining match can result.

Scotland v England is all about passion and commitment.  Love it !  Welcome back!

Leeks, Water and More Leaks

After I learned, via a telephone call from a friend, that Clapton’s match against Hullbridge Sports was postponed, I was condemned, by Mrs Listz, to watch the Wales v Fiji match. Although English by birth, she likes lava bread and since our holiday in Tenby in 1975, has favoured the the red shirted dragons when it comes to egg chasing.

So, with my own penchant for Fiji, which I choose not to discuss, not a lot was said as the two teams conjured up a pretty mediocre spectacle.

However, I could not help thinking about how Clapton's game at the Dog against Hullbridge Sports was called off despite the water lying on the pitch, and the fact that no further rain was forecast for the day.  A photo had been posted on Twitter by one of the Ultras and, as has always been the case at the ground, there was a larger puddle at the pub end, which is always the most likely to carry rain water.

In years gone by when faced with patches of water, the club would mobilise members and supporters to fork away the water lying on top of the ground before the referee arrived for the pitch inspection and, even when he arrives, assure him that the work party will carry on to do their best for the game to go ahead.

I am aware that, even as recently as last season when faced with similar problems, the team management arranged for a group of Ultras to work on the pitch and they succeeded getting the go-ahead for the match to played.

So there are three issues 

• Did the club want the game to go ahead?
  I have little doubt that the club (Vince) would normally have wanted the game to go ahead.  A good crowd could have been expected to attend and there would have been substantial gate monies, not to mention other sales etc.  However, there is talk on social media that Clapton did not want the game to go ahead because of injuries to players.  With respect, I don't buy this.  This game was not a top of the table clash, the League title is pretty much rapped up and if we are are unable to field a team, then there are serious questions to be asked of the team management as we have a reserve team who were not playing that afternoon.

• Why was no work party organised?
  
  I have no doubt that had the club made any kind of appeal for help in clearing the water on the pitch then the supporters would have responded.  This happened last season and the game went ahead.  The problem this season is that the club (Vince and the team manager) have adopted a siege mentality where nothing is forthcoming from the club to the supporters.  Basically, because there is no club membership Vince and the manager are on their own. There is not even a committee, save for Vince's family and 'business buddies' who, like Vince, live in South London.
  
• Is there an underlying motive?
  
  I am sure that Vince would love to see the end of the supporters as his activities, past and present, are now well under the microscope. But Clapton matches are now being attended by many knowledgeable football supporters who may not all come from the local area and they have to travel. By cancelling a game it might discourage them from coming again and joining the real Clapton FC fold, so its possible.

But what was not only disappointing, and unacceptable, was that neither the 'official' club website or twitter or that of the team manager announced the postponement to the supporters.  This shows a total disrespect for those who come along and pay their money to support the team.  It was a member of the team, merely expressing his disappointment at the postponement, that alerted the supporters that the match was off.  Fortunately, from there the information mushroomed and, hopefully, not too many people made a wasted journey.  Incidentally, the 'official' club website and twitter feed has been dead since the departure of Kevin Lucas and Stuart Purcell at the beginning of October.

I should not be surprised about Vince, but am disappointed by Mike Walther in not considering the supporters.  I keep seeing him as the guy who wants to be part of the Ultra's post match celebrations, but looks like a bloke standing in the corner of a 'disco' waiting to be asked to dance.  

With games at Barking, Waltham Forest, and Tower Hamlets all going ahead, one has to question the effectiveness of the  'apparent' installation of a new drainage system at the Old Spotted Dog that Vince referred to in his letter to the Newham Recorder in April 2013.  Can I suggest that he recalls the contractors because it obviously does not work.

It can be argued that the ground is being over played by the ground shares etc.  Well, Haringey Borough also ground share and their game went ahead, but then again, I know for a fact that they installed a drainage system

So, the rugby was poor (but at least I escaped a shopping trip).  The Welsh won, but the most interesting 'leaks/leeks' that came out today were not those at the Millennium Stadium.

 

More and more information on the situation and goings on at Clapton FC are forthcoming from the unlikeliest of sources. It's a job keeping up with it all and probably time Inspector Knacker took an interest.

A Riverside Ramble

Sad to see the team succumb to another defeat but a thoroughly enjoyable day out was enjoyed by yours truly.  A peruse around the wonderful Olympic Park in all it's glory before enjoying the sights and sounds of Roman Road Market. Not many 'surprise' Xmas presents on the stalls these days, so thank heavens for the issue of Real Clapton scarves at £7 a throw. I will certainly be making a purchase or two at that price, what a bargain. 

Also spotted some bargains on E-Bay as ex Manager Chris Wood clears the deck of surplus team wear to recuperate some of the monies owed to him during his time at the club. Find that whole scenario hard to stomach but some artifacts to be had all the same, not sure I'd still fit into one of those lycra looking warm up tops but the insulated sub suits could be very handy this time of year.

Anyway transgressing rather alarmingly but this rather rambling missive is sort of in keeping with the nonsense (or indeed lack of it coming out of the club at the moment).  It seems rather more than the siege mentality as previously referred to, it's as if all those concerned with communicating with the fans have given up the ghost.   Like it or not, the rudderless approach from the top has begun to be reflected on the pitch, not so much in the effort shown by the players but by the whole shebang around it. Preparation looks disorganised and lacking in professionalism, certainly in comparison to those efforts to turn things around over the last couple of seasons.

Good players and Staff have come and gone at regular intervals this season.  My experience has shown that football at this level seems to be quite insular and, of course, news of exactly how individuals have been treated has began to filter through one way or another, even to my mailbox!  Not going to go through it here, but I'm sure many regular 'Lew' readers can picture some of the likely scenario's without things going in print. It's indicative by the multiple departures of disillusioned players and staff, that they are apportioning the blame in one specific direction. At the moment there seems to be too many 'not so well kept secrets’ about the club and it’s actions and those leaks do not reflect well on the ‘Puppet’ or the ‘ Puppetmaster’.

Back to Saturday; it's my blog and I'll ramble if I want to (in keeping with today's theme).  I must confess to deliberately not going to the Wentworth Arms before the game. I have nothing but admiration for the band of fans to whom I have already apologised for referring to as 'Oiks' back in the day. 'Oiks' they might not be, but noisy they most certainly are! I remember their antics in the Welwyn clubhouse and another 'assault on the eardrums' before the game was most certainly not on my agenda.

I also recall Neil Day being hoisted into the air and ceremoniously dropped and I certainly didn't want that happening to me with my lumbago problems. So I took lunch in the far more cordial surroundings of what local Estate agents like to describe as 'The Village', a conservation area around Victoria Park. Not an Ultra in sight here, so a chance to sit back and sample the local hostelries amidst a gentrified area of outstanding tranquility.

A short walk across the park and I was back on track towards Mile End navigating along the Canal. A riverside walk, fine pubs and the hustle and bustle of a popular London Market, all the ingredients of a great day out with or without the impact the Ultras were bound to make in the afternoon ahead.

An hour later, and after a certain amount of 'hardcore yomping' which belied my years, I came upon a scene, not as tranquil (or gentrified) for that matter. For old times sake and in an affectionate tone, I'm going to refer to the magnificent band of Clapton supporters as 'Oiks' once again,, but what a fantastic group of Oiks they are. They seemed to be joined by a number of external groups for this game but it all made for another carnival atmosphere as there often is at Mile End. Bengal seem to a 'bogey team' of the highest order, but I do have a sneaking admiration for their 'expressive' style of football and I, for one, did not begrudge them a deserved victory on the day.

As the crowd eventually drifted away to their evening pursuits I was left to reflect on what had been a most agreeable day. Once again my spirits had been lifted by a set of fans fast becoming the talk and envy of Non League Football  They continue to give unreserved support despite the shambles surrounding 'their' club. The fans deserve a 'regime' they can give their backing to and I understand that things are nicely 'in place' once the inevitable happens.  That day can't come soon enough for me.

Big Respect to all 'Real Clapton' fans

Lew Listz
11th November 2014
email me

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Quick Quick Slow

Last Saturday’s hammering at the hands of FC Romania was a disappointing result, for sure.  Our lads did their best, but were beaten by the better side on the day. The atmosphere in the ground was, as ever, superb and there was no reason for me to go home, sulk, kick the cat or even insist on watching a Dad's Army repeat in place of Mrs Listz's favourite, "Strictly". I remain optimistic but I am not dancing.

In a previous blog I said that results are not important to Clapton FC at this time.  That blog was written when the team were doing well and some thought it was designed to undermine the results achieved by the team management.  So, after a couple of poor results, I re-iterate what I said.  We lost a couple of games of football and, in the greater scheme of things, it means nothing at all.

That is not to say that there no signs on the field that worry me as a supporter of the team.  As well as the departure of some good players and the return of Godfrey Obobe etc, which I covered previously, I am disappointed at hearing calls to sack Mike Walther. Despite Mike aligning himself with Vince's regime rather than the fans and placing his personal ambition above his loyalty to Chris Wood, his sacking is not the immediate answer just because we might have to suffer a few bad results.  The bigger picture is the future of the club, and we must remain focused on that.

It could be that Vince will eventually sack the Mike despite the loyalty that has been shown to him as it is evident that Vince has made every attempt to unsettle the relationship between the fans and the team since the sacking of Neil Day last season.  This could be his next move and, if I was Mike, the installation of Godfrey (inevitably by Vince) would not rest easy with me if I was thinking about my security of tenure in the manager's seat.

The one constant is the loyalty of many of the players. But do you think their loyalty is to Vince or Mike?  Or is it to the fans who cheer them for 95 minutes every match?  As they say "it's a no-brainer".  Therefore, as followers of Clapton FC we must continue to support the team, despite the results, good and bad, and judging by the incessant support for the throughout last Saturday's heavy defeat, I am in no doubt that the fans will deliver.

The 'bigger picture' is certainly worth waiting for.  I have seen the documents recently released via the real Clapton FC website and whilst I am not totally surprised, I am disappointed, no, angry, that the Football Association, Essex Senior League and London FA have stood by and let this happen to our great old club and then fortify it's continuance. Read the documents, its quite a tale!

I imagine that very soon some people might have to explain themselves and, on the basis of the treachery that those documents expose, I am even more confident that one day, very soon, we will have our club back.

When that happens, I'll be dancing.

Lew Listz
4th November 2014
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The Return of Amateur Hour ?

For those of you who listen to the Non League Show on Radio 5Live, you may have heard and an article in which people said that they felt offended by the term ‘non-league’.  It was suggested that this term should be replaced by the phrase ‘semi-professional’.

Back in 1974 the FA decided to make everyone ‘players’. Since then, the ‘non-league’ community appear to adopt whatever label suits their purpose best eg.part-timers, minnows (for FA Cup purposes) or even occasionally re-vamping the term ‘amateurs’.

But it is no longer an FA Cup surprise when a non league team eliminates another from the lower divisions of the Football League, because, increasingly, the non league outfit are as almost, if not, as well paid as their supposed ‘betters’.

One solution might be to return to the distinction between full time professional, semi-pro and amateur players.

In my view the FA Trophy should be the prize for semi-pro teams, whether they pay £10 a game or have players on contract.  There is no difference, the players are all copping money out of the game and are ‘professional footballers’, though in many non-league cases, on a part time basis. (semi-pro)

The Vase should be the competition for the small clubs, the amateur clubs, of which there are many in and around the country.  Clubs for whom players play without sticking their hand out for money.  It’s been a long time since a team without a ‘wage structure’ has won the FA Vase and, unfortunately has become the competition for the semi-pro clubs who wish to continue to pay players but can’t pay enough to do well in the Trophy.

If the FA cannot spare the Vase for amateur clubs, then they should consider resurrecting the FA Amateur Cup. "A return to shamateursim" I hear you say. It doesn't have to be that way. All it needs is proper governance from the powers that be, but that might be asking too much.

Sadly, ‘Amateur’ is sometimes seen as an old fashioned, even derogatory term but not in my book.  To my mind, a return and recognition of this code within ‘non-league football’ would not only be refreshing in a sporting sense but would also recognise those who are the ‘real minnows’. 

By the same example, those who are happy to ‘imitate’ the professional ranks and are earning money from their talent or otherwise, in addition to their daily work, are welcome to the term, ‘semi-pro’.

Finally, there is regular reference on the programme that if a club comes into money they can ‘extend the budget and get better players in’.  Since 1974 one can make a list of clubs and grounds that have been lost through financial mismanagement which has included paying ridiculous wages to players in the pursuit of silverware.  For example, trophies may have been won at Leytonstone Ilford / Redbridge Forest but that’s all now forgotten, and the football grounds at Lynn Road, Granleigh Road and Green Pond Road, which were all sold and financed these teams, are all now housing estates.  At the same time, East London lost three senior football clubs.

The boom and bust scenario for clubs chasing success on the field  is a regular occurrence in non league football and whilst one eventually reform and call your club AFC “this or that”, I am sure it can never be the same.

This is the reason why I fully support the efforts of the Clapton supporters in wresting control of the club from Mr Vince McBean and returning it to the members.  But they need act before it’s too late.  So come on real Clapton FC, jump to it before he sells the club and the lease ! (He’s tried to do that already, even though he doesn’t own either).

The non league show is on at some unearthly hour on Sunday mornings so, those of us with a tender disposition, tend to listen to it or download it from the BBC website as a podcast during the week. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01m5gsx.  It’s a great show and the contributors do a great job, so thanks to them.

LEW LISTZ
30th October 2014

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Back to Clapton stuff in my next missive. Just had to get this off my chest.

We're Out Of Control !

Can’t quite make out what’s going on at my beloved Clapton at the moment. The fans continue to get great reviews for their unbelievable support, even in defeat, and their profile seems to be going from strength to strength. The team have played their part, and are deservedly handily placed at the top end despite a few patchy performances of late.

 

My worry is off the pitch where the only word to describe the farce is ‘shambles’.  The ‘Official’ website seems to have stopped working in keeping with past years, and statements on the current situation seem to be few and far between.  Surely we require some meat to the bones for those asking “what the hell is going on?” The current Management, whoever they are at the moment (it is, genuinely, that confusing) do not seem to use any vehicle of communication beyond the odd ‘Official Tweet’ to convey things to a very interested public which is the Clapton fan base, and beyond.

 

I have seen no articles, or interviews regarding their views, despite Clapton having press coverage nationally that Conference Clubs would envy. A little naivety here I think.  At times the ’Regime’ have spoken, but it didn’t make palatable reading and certainly was not well thought out. Twice a plethora of ill-conceived tweets have been on public view and then hastily deleted. To me it’s not that hard to state clearly what you want to convey and have the courage of your convictions against any counter views.  Don’t be afraid to have an opinion even if it’s not the most popular. Even ‘Official’ comments regarding the fans have not been thought through with any depth.  They have been out of touch with general opinion and failed to paint ‘The Club’ in a positive light.

 

To be fair to the previous season’s management they always followed this mantra. I remember them explaining why they started the season with one up front and the rest being ‘defenders’ (i.e. 10 men behind the ball).  It wasn’t pretty and it wasn’t a style of football that particularly appealed to me, but (and it’s a big but ) they were willing to communicate the reasons to the fans both in written articles and in verbal interaction.  They were also approachable and human and that went a long way towards building up the close bond that exists to this day. It’s no secret who the fans want as their Managerial Duo.  Only yesterday I saw that an image of 'their flag' was tweeted yet again indicating that current Management will always struggle in any popularity contest.

 

Even so, the current ‘regime’ can help themselves but refuse to do so. They can talk for themselves, they can defend their actions and opinions, they are doing well in the league so they do have a good starting point. Where they clearly haven’t helped themselves is the 'revolving door' leading to the dug out which now seems to be spinning crazily, and at such an alarming rate, it must be another Health and Safety concern for Newham Community Leisure.

However, credit is due to the players because it can’t be easy without any continuity whatsoever.  The Lads have done well, but I sense in the body language that deep down it’s a far from happy ship. The first team manager seems to be the only common denominator of the season so far but it would appear, due to his relative inexperience a this level, that he has little in the way of contacts or friends within the game to bring stability behind the scenes.  I’ve heard it described as the ‘Johnny no mates’ scenario (harsh), but  judging by the unbelievable turnaround of Joint managers/assistants we have had this season, it might be an unfortunate truth.

I am also reminded of Woodsy's comments about how his leaving the club transpired.  It's clear that a number of good ‘football people’ have been allowed to go, even this season.

I am sure that relationships in football are seldom easy but by no means impossible to get right with compromise, which can often be at the expense of one's ego.  As a supporter, and wanting the best for my club, is it totally impossible for last season's managerial team to be invited back to steady the ship for Mike?  It would prove a very popular move with the fans and, dare I say it, lift the morale of the players.

I say this because people do return to clubs, and only this week, assisting Mike in the dugout was Godfrey Obobe, who was coaching at Clapton for the first few weeks of last season.  Godfrey's coaching contribution last season was reputedly legend (in a laughable, rather than laudable sense) and his return, if considered purely on a football issue, is certainly more implausible than that of Woodsy and Neil.

However, it might be that Mike is not yet his own man as first team manager and Godfrey has been parachuted in by Vince once again. If that's the case, then expect more uncertainty, as it was Vince who imposed Godfrey on the previous management.  Godfrey may eventually prove to be the 'man in the wings'.

Despite all this, optimism remains for a better future once the wheel of fortune finally turns in a direction which will benefit the whole club, it's supporters and members.  Whether any of the current or subsequent team management will be there to witness it is probably up for continued debate.

 

For now I'm countin’ on the miracle to come through and I'm confident it will.

Yours in ‘Real’ Football

LEW LISTZ
24th October 2014
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The Be All And End All ?

I thought I’d look through a few old Clapton programmes of mine and I found two home matches from the 1968/69 season in which the visitors to the Dog were Enfield FC and Hendon FC.

The Enfield match was one of the first games of the season, taking place on Saturday 24th August.  Hopes were clearly high in the Clapton camp and here is talk in the programme notes of the Clapton’s intention to prove that they should force to be reckoned with at the Dog.  The Clapton side were not a bad side at all and included Bill McConnell in goal, the loyal Colin Watson at number six and the omnipresent Ken Pope at ‘right half’. (look that up if you are under 50)

However, looking across the page, the Enfield side were a virtual who’s who of amateur football of the day.  From Ian Wolstenholme between the sticks, to Roger Day, Joe Adams, Jimmy Quail, Phil Fry and the late John Payne.  All were all of the highest calibre of player in the Isthmian League.  In centre half, Alf D’Arcy, Enfield had probably the best Isthmian League player I have ever seen.  The E’s were then managed by former England Amateur International forward Tommy Lawrence.  They were, to use a modern London phrase ‘the Dogs’.

It is therefore little surprise therefore that the Tons were beaten 6-0 and I can recall leaving the ground thinking that I had seen a very good team in Enfield who were too strong for my favourites, but I had been royally entertained nonetheless.  For the record, this Enfield side repeated a 6-0 score line on their travels at Woking and then rattled in eight without replay at Dulwich Hamlet.  Unsurprisingly, Enfield finished the season as Champions.

Three months later on Saturday 2^nd November the visitors to the Spotted Dog were Hendon FC.  The Tons were represented by a largely similar line up. Tommy Mahon had been drafted in and John Chivers continued to lead the line, supported by Alan Harris who was an opportunist goal scorer.

The Hendon team was, again, a formidable group.  England Amateur International goalkeeper John Swannell was arguably the best guardian of the day, David Hogwood, at full back, was another fine player, and at wing half, Rod Haider was only in his second season with the club.  Haider went on to play nearly 700 times for the Greens and remains the most capped England Amateur International, a record that can never be broken.  He further became synonymous with Hendon when he memorably scored their goal in an FA Cup 3^rd round tie tie at Newcastle in the 1970s.

The game at the Dog proved to a lot less one-sided as was the Enfield affair and despite Haider opening the scoring in the first half, the Tons fought back through to lead 2-1 through two goals from Chris Ballard.  Haider then popped up again to level the scores at two each.  However, this Clapton team, under the management of Eddie Lewis, were a battling brood and the Jimmy Dormer’s winner sent the Clapton contingent home with a smile on their faces.  Once again they had been royally entertained, only, on this occasion, the result had been more pleasurable.

Finally, a quick look at the front of the programme lists the names of the Clapton club officers of the day.  Mr Jack Haynes, a former Clapton player of many years was now Hon Secretary and Bill Tingle the Chairman.  These were real, honourable, Clapton men.

So, what’s the significance of the above, save for a wander down memory lane?

In a recent ‘twitter exchange’ initiated by my Night of the Long Knives article, I was reminded by a chap of the results this season and the apparent success of the team on the pitch.  ‘What is more important is that Clapton are 2nd in the table, their best achievement on 15 seasons".  That is one way of looking at a club's success or achievement, but in my view, results are secondary.

I agree that so far this season the results have been good and I have invariably left the ground smiling, but not solely because of a Clapton victory on the pitch.  The recent match at Welwyn Garden City has shown that, despite a negative result or performance, real football people have give best when beaten and enjoy the game for the sport.

In the media, professional managers repeat a diatribe now mimicked by managers and coaches even at non league / amateur level; “The result is everything” and “it’s all about getting the points”.  Is it really?  Supporters of dissolved clubs such as Leyton, Rushden and Diamonds, Maidstone United might argue otherwise and let's face it, most players and managers move on, supporters tend to stay.

If results are to be the barometer of success, it is a little like extolling the virtues of a shack that has a front door that bought from Voysey and Jones.  The front door looks good, but if you open it and look inside, the place is a shambles and unfit for habitation.

In 1968/69 Clapton finished 15^th in the Isthmian League and were playing at a standard vastly superior to that of the Essex Senior League today.  There were good and bad results during the season which included a 5-0 win at Ilford and a 5-1 drubbing by the aforesaid Maidstone United (RIP) at the Dog.

The 'front door' at Clapton FC in 1968 may not have been bespoke, but the quality of the structure was of the finest quality, and the calibre of those maintaining it, Messrs Tingle, Haynes and Co, unblemished.  Results are certainly not everything.

The Enfield club that achieved that excellent 6-0 result against Clapton in August 1968 went into liquidation in 2007.  Hendon FC, whilst still in the Isthmian League, are no longer playing at their famous old ground at Claremont Road and have been ground sharing since 2008.

LEW LISTZ
17th October 2014
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The Night Of The Long Knives !

What a week !

I fortunately managed to shrug off the flu virus and take the Ultras Express to Welwyn last Saturday.  Although I was on the same locomotive as much of that merry band, I stayed incognito as befits my ‘Clapton man of mystery’ tag. The train journey was followed by a long schlep to the ground but what a nice place to watch a game of football.  It was nice to get back to Hertfordshire where we used to play in our Isthmian days.

Well the game was something of an anti-climax for the Clapton following.  A mysterious team selection left Ninja (who has goals in them-there speedy boots) and James Briggs on the bench. Didn’t understand that at all.  Fahid has certainly living up to the lyrics of that old 90s classic ‘Street Tough’ by Rebel MC. “Rough like a Ninja, Stinging Like a Bee” Unfortunately he was not given the chance to ‘shake his stuff’ at Welwyn and we paid for it.  Likewise, the regular omissions of Briggsy from the first XI team sheet has been a mystery to me for much of the season.  OK, James is not Twiggy but he is one of the best players at the club at holding the ball and spraying decent passes around..  As for those free kicks, I haven’t seen anyone do that at the Dog since Mark Stone in the 80s.  He is Clapton’s Jan Molby, minus the Danish scouse accent.  Jan had a song too. “He’s fat, he’s round, he owes me thirty pound.”  However, I digress.

So, after a pretty disappointing display by the team I was delighted to see the Clapton Ultras / Scaffold Brigade etc behave in such a credible fashion. Real sportsmen and women act honourably, even in defeat, and the conduct of our following would have made any of the Clapton greats of the past - Messrs Hornsey, Parkinson and Huband, extremely proud.  Well done everyone.

Fast forward to Tuesday and I was surprised to read that one of the co-managers Kevin Lucas had left the club along with the little grey haired fellow, Stuart Purcell the physio.   I was beginning to like Stuart, despite his tendency to dance around, during the post match celebrations, like a Dad at a disco.

However, I admit to having seen this coming.  When Marc Nurse went to Southend, we were left with Michael Walther who is obviously an inexperienced manager and who was destined to manage a senior team for the first time on his own.  I suspect this is why Vincent brought in Kevin Lucas as co-manager.  Kevin was an experienced manager and he has certainly not been my favourite opposing boss over the years, not least because he invariably did well against us.  But it became quickly apparent that these two were not going to be ‘Clough and Taylor’ or ‘Mercer and Allison’.

It has to be said that our tactics have been, let’s say, unadventurous for much of the season, (even before Kevin’ appointment).  The ‘departure’ of Kevin following Saturday’s defeat smacks of the co-managers blaming each other, and one, or other, running to Vince to moan about it.  That’s not co-managership in any shape or form.

It’s a bit reminiscent of what happened to Woodsy, but on that occasion, Marc Nurse appeared to get most of the blame for the Chris'. Perhaps Michael Walther is learning fast?

The problem for me is that Michael is beginning to emerge as Vince’s poodle as much as Marc ever was.  I think Kevin may have been a little too old school and unlikely to be taken in by the usual bull that comes out of the ‘club’ whereas, Michael is ambitious.  So, is Michael a McBean-ite? For me, certainly until I see any evidence to the contrary, he can celebrate in front of the fans with the team (most of whom are Woodsy’s players), as much as he likes because, last night at Ilford, it crossed my mind that his credentials as a real Clapton man who, when things are going wrong goes ‘running off to teacher’, are certainly up for debate, no matter what the results.

Et tu Brute?

LEW LISTZ
9th October 2014
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Influenza Clapton !

There can be no better tonic for illness than to learn of a Clapton victory and last night's success over Southend Manor was particularly sweet, not least for the fact that the game saw the return of Marc Nurse as coach of the visitors. I have no doubt he was given the appropriate welcome by the Ultras and even I, mild mannered Lew, would have undoubtedly joined in with a chorus of boos and hisses during the evening had I been well enough to attend.  I actually thought assumed that there had been a grammatical error on the CFC website after he had left and he had taken the post of Coach Driver.  He certainly has the go-karting credentials.

Last night also saw the last match for Andy Croft before his knee operation. I wish him all the best and a speedy, successful recovery. He will certainly be missed in the Scaffold. Not everyone may know but Andy lives in Kent and is one of an increasing number of people that are coming from outside the Borough to sample the unique atmosphere that the Clapton supporters have generated at the ground. Andy, once a ground hopper, is now a fully fledged Claptonite.  Our task, if we are to be a real community club, is to try to get more people involved and feel part of the place.  We should also look increasingly towards our local community.

Next Saturday it's the FA Vase tie at Welwyn Garden City and, by looking at their 100% record in the league so far this season, I expect that a very hard and competitive match will ensue. I am determined to get to the game and am also delighted to see that Ian Simpson, son of Bert Simpson, a member of the original Clapton Supporters Club in the 1930s, will be in attendance as well. If you don't know Ian, he will probably be wearing his trademark floppy hat. He was brought up a Clapton supporter as a kid and now, even as a grandad, is still committed to the Tons and comes to games whenever he can from his home in Norfolk. The lesson here is to attract and maintain young support so as to guarantee a continuance of interest in our club for future years.

So all my efforts are to 'get well soon' and get to Saturday's game. However, during my period of incapacity I have been doing some research and I have found a very interesting reference to the Clapton nickname which I will share with you, probably in my next missive.

Well done everyone. (team and supporters) You are making one snot-ridden old man very happy.


LEW LISTZ
1st October 2014
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