Unequivocal Support For A Con Artist

At the news that Clapton Community Football Club had been offered a lease on the Old Spotted Dog Ground there was a flurry of internet activity.  People sent their congratulations to the club and many members of CCFC were obviously delighted with the freeholders' decision.

Amid this activity was a tweet from Hackney Wick Football Club who have played at the Old Spotted Dog since 2012.  They first arrived in Forest Gate in 2012 as London Bari FC and, following a merger in 2017, continued their tenure under the name of Hackney Wick FC.

The tweet, which was posted at 3:43pm on the 17th September 2019 read : 
"So we paid £4k for half the season at the OSD where we've been for the last 3 years and since have had to switch our FA Cup ties, costing more money, pay up front for 2 other home matches elsewhere, and now have to pay for a full season at Coles Park.  It your face don't fit"

So Hackney Wick handed over £4k,  For what, and to whom?

Undoubtedly, HWFC would have been fully aware that the company that previous held the lease of the OSD were in liquidation and thus the ground should be under the control of the liquidator.  So why would they pay this money to anyone else?

Despite the liquidation, the recipient of rent from London Bari/Hackney Wick in previous years has been Vincent McBean and/or limited companies under his control. This, of itself, is theft and the dishonesty continues as HWFC have been conned or misled into paying £4,000 for the specific purpose of playing football at the OSD.

HWFC have not yet made it clear whether the payment was in cash or via a bank, or whether it was paid into a personal or company/business account.  What is clear is that HWFC have parted with a substantial amount of money and that they are extremely unlikely to get it back.  Their options are that they sue, or ask the football authorities to help them.

So, imagine my surprise when I saw that Essex Senior League Chair, Lee Dorling, was present at a meeting called by Vince McBean on Wednesday 18th September.  Mr Dorling addressed the meeting in his capacity as ESL chair, expressing unequivocal support for Vince McBean in the matter concerning the lease.

This support was given, not withstanding the con that has been perpetrated on HWFC, a club that until last season, was a member of his League.

Something is very wrong with the priorities and the moral compass of the Essex Senior League and I wonder how much longer the member clubs will continue to allow the 'Dorling charade' to continue in their name.

NB : It has been suggested that HWFC issue legal proceedings to recover the money.  Good luck with that.  Mr McBean uses false/accommodation addresses, purports to be impecunious and is adept at avoiding bailiffs.

Time to Speak Up?

By now, I think that most Clapton supporters, and many football supporters of other other clubs, have concluded that Vince McBean is, at best, a slippery customer who has been consistently economic with the truth. The recent 'true supporter' rubbish on his website, in which he dismissed the problems over the Old Spotted Dog as rumour, were totally blown apart by the recent disclosure of emails between him, the FA and the ESL, prior to the League AGM last June (see the Old Spotted Dog blog).

The contents of emails are irreconcilable with the eventual announcement of a 'resolution' to the  Old Spotted Dog problem by the Essex Senior League at their AGM last June.  That decision now looks to make no sense whatsoever.

it is clear that some previous inquiry was made of the FA as to what was required in order that Clapton and London Bari could play in the Essex Senior League this season, 2017/18.  The FA spelt it out unequivocally in their email:-

1. That the Club (Clapton) presents an acceptable ground share agreement or;
2. That the Club produces written confirmation from the liquidator (or their solicitors) stating that tenure is in place for the 2017/18 season.

If Mrs Dorling, the ESL Secretary, was already aware of any existing agreement for Clapton at this time, otherwise, why ask the FA for guidance?

Equally, why did Mrs Dorling write to the Liquidator's solicitors asking for permission to play at the ground in May 2017?

Even more confusing is why Vince McBean write to his opponent's solicitors in the liquidation case, asking for that they consent to the lifting of the injunction just a week before the AGM when, if the documents is genuine, must have had the agreement in his possession all the time?

What we do know is that the injunction was not lifted and the Liquidator is prevented from granting any such permission.

It is therefore curious, and verging on ridiculous, that just before the AGM, that an acceptable agreement is put forward so as to allow McBean team to play at the ground, and is then accepted by the clubs. 

A further issue is whether the clubs, who are consistently being disciplined, and fined, for various misdemeanours by the League, have any real control, influence or say in the way the competition is being run.  I accept that there is a League Management Committee and that they are made up of representatives from some of those clubs, but what influence do they actually have?  For example, did any of the League Management Committee actually see the document prior to the announcement or did they just go along with what they were told by the Officers?

One also wonders if, any of the League Management Committee (or the clubs), had been aware of the correspondence prior the sudden emergence of the 'November 2016 agreement'.  If not, would they not have thought that the sequence of events the emails are somewhat inconsistent with the acceptance of the newly produced agreement?

As to whether the agreement of November 2016 is genuine or, in fact, complies with the requirements of the FA, as set out in their email to the League, is another matter that requires addressing but could have consequences for those who were active or passive in it being accepted.

If the OSD agreement is void, and has been submitted with the intention, or is calculated,  to deceive,  then all the insurance cover that relate to the Old Spotted Dog Ground during any event which is purported to have been covered by that agreement are also void.

Whilst we cannot expect the league or its officers to share everything with supporters, we can expect the League to share such information with members of its own League Management Committee who represent the member clubs.

When, and I think it is becoming a matter of time, the whole McBean and Old Spotted Dog affair, including the submission and acceptance of this agreement, is examined by the Lawyers, the Courts or whoever, this course of events will have to be explained.

Furthermore, experience tells me that if Vince McBean runs to form, he will make himself scarce when it all falls around his ears.  We know that did this in the Knights Charity case and, as we older Clapton supporters will recall, he took himself off to Ghana in the mid 2000s, when there were huge unpaid bills to pay at Clapton, leaving the mess for others to clear up.

The next Management Committee meeting of the Essex Senior League is on Thursday 18 January 2018, and, if any of the representatives were not made aware of any of the above, I wonder who, if anyone, has the courage to speak up.

I note from the aforementioned Old Spotted Dog blog that they say that there is apparently more to come.  Somehow, I don't doubt that.

ESL Rules and The Lack of Consistency

Some time ago I mentioned a blog post I had in mind concerning the rules of the Essex Senior League and how they have been implemented and applied their rules.  Shortly afterwards, an article appeared in the Non League Paper, penned by our own Colin Yates, which complained about the overbearing attitude of the league, not least in their levying fines upon clubs  for 'allowing' the supporters to let off pyro and drink beer within sight of the game.

Fortunately the Essex Senior League publish their rules in full on their website in section Who We Are and I have managed to have a good look through these in recent weeks.

The relevant section that relates to these offences and fines are listed under the heading 'Procedural Arrangements to be followed For Essex Senior League Matches' (page 73) and, under paragraph 6(a)

My recollection is that this change in rule is founded by events that happened a couple of years ago when the League Chairman, Mr Errington, wrote to Vince McBean with regard to the Ultras, who were then significantly smaller in numbers, letting off pyro at Clapton matches.  Vince reproduced an extract from the letter on his website which quoted the Safety at Sports Grounds Act and emphasised the fact that a criminal conviction under this Act can carry a term of imprisonment.

To me this approach seemed, at the very least, a bit heavy handed and it was later revealed that the legislation referred to by the League Chairman does not apply to Clapton FC or any other club in the League.  A partial retraction was published by Vince, undoubtedly under instructions, that said 'No one is accusing anyone of anything'.  At best, it was embarrassing.  

In what appears to be a bid to deal with the Clapton Ultras issue, the League have, this season, amended the Procedural Arrangements so as to include references to pyro and bringing alcohol into the ground.

It also amended, from the previous season, a requirement that a spectator is forbidden to consume alcohol (even if he were to have bought it in the clubhouse) anywhere from where he/she is able to view the match.

The fine for any breach of these procedural arrangements is £250, the highest financial penalty on that tariff.

Putting pyro aside for the moment, one wonders how these procedural arrangements adopted by the club's when, as is abundantly clear at the majority of away games I have been to this season, spectators are enjoying a beer whilst watching the game.

It certainly appears that the club's did vote or acquiesce to their implementation as I have seen tweets from ESL Registration Secretary and Secretary of AFC Hornchurch, Peter Butcher confirming this.

If the club's did consciously vote for this, to then subject themselves to a £250 fine for every pint of beer consumed pitch side (and I have seen plenty of folk enjoying a beer whilst watching the match this season at a number of ESL grounds) is craziness.  To me it smacks of a renewed attempt by the League to implement the Safety at Sports Ground Act following the threats and embarrassing failure mentioned above.  Had Parliament intended to implement the Safety at Sports Grounds Act at grounds such as Clapton FC, then they would have legislated to do so and not left it to Mr Errington and Co.

I am unaware of any similar  procedural arrangement at any other league at our level and, dare I say it, one of the attractions of non league football at this level is the fact that you can watch the game whilst sipping a Tyskie or two.  But rather than following Clapton's lead in encouraging people to watch Essex Senior League matches, the League seem intent to drive them away.

Interestingly, the rules of Carshalton Athletic FC state that whilst alcohol is not allowed to be brought into the ground, alcohol bought in the bar can be consumed outside in plastic glasses.  It goes on to say that no alcohol can be consumed outside for cup matches. This would indicate that there is no such 'blanket ban' on alcohol being consumed whilst viewing the game in the Ryman League, where attendances and facilities are expected to be generally superior to those in the ESL.  Mr Butcher, as secretary of Hornchurch FC, would undoubtedly be aware of this as his club is not constrained by the same 'procedural arrangement' implemented by their League. The question is why would he want to be part of the implementation and enforcement of such a draconian and unnecessary measure?

Another aspect of this, is the vigor in which the League appear to clamp down on Clapton and Vince McBean on the pyro issue.  "Spectator safety" is the obvious retort, but recent events have shown that the League are very 'flaky' in implementing or retaining that.

The collapse of the pitch barrier in front of the scaffold last Saturday fortunately did not result in any injuries. There is no question of fault by any party, the only rider being, that the barrier has been there for decades and therefore, at some stage or another, it will have had to have given up the ghost.

It is a League Rule (not a 'procedural arrangement'), that all grounds must have a permanent pitch barrier of a certain type.  (ESL Handbook page 96) One would assume the requirement of a perimeter barrier of this type within the ground gradings is for player/spectator safety, which is apparently the League's primary concern as to the occasional pyro, be that undertaken by fans of Burnham Ramblers, Waltham Forest or Clapton.  Thus, the remedial work (traffic cones and tape) which replaced the fallen barrier for London Bari's home match with Barking last Wednesday was not clearly compliant with the League rule, and clearly not conducive to the safety of players and spectators.  A Referee, who's additional duties would appear to now include the reporting of pyro at Clapton games, would certainly have seen this before the game started and, under League rules, (assuming "rules is rules") should have called it off.

Whilst I have an extremely qualified sympathy for Vince McBean, I can understand his frustration in having to pay fines to a League whose committee seem to interpret their rules as and how they see fit.

A further RULE, seemingly ignored by the ESL, is their failure to ensure that the legal identity of each club is made public (ESL Handbook p47 - para 2.13).  In absence of Vince actually giving anyone a straight answer as to whether he considers himself the club's owner or otherwise, this would provide information, as is intended by the inclusion of the rule, to which all supporters should be privy.

The perennial financial struggle for income effects all clubs at our level and it is understandable for them to aim to maximising their income on match days and this would include the sale of alcohol. Thus, it would interesting to know the reason why the clubs who did vote through the 'Procedural Arrangements', particularly when the many of them continue to allow alcohol to be consumed in the ground in contravention of it.  Or perhaps its the case that the procedural arrangement went through at the AGM without discussion, debate or disclosure and it is only now that some clubs are reaping the wrath of letting it go through unchallenged.

The crux of the matter is that the officers and committee of the Essex Senior League appear to be running the league in such an arbitrary fashion that it is hard to see what they do actually benefits the clubs.  OK, so they run a competition but there has been no sponsorship of the league for many a season, the official league website is basically defunct and their internet presence owes much to the 'unofficial' website, fortunately run and administered by an enthusiastic and competent fan.  (here's an idea - hand the running of the official site to Pete Dudley)  It is not difficult to argue that the ESL are one of the weaker leagues at step 5. One would have therefore thought that the Clapton revival would have been embraced and encouraged by the League rather than their imposition of rules/'procedural arrangements', by stealth or otherwise, that appear designed to stifle the upturn in attendances and interest.  Clapton, or more correctly, the Clapton Ultras, have helped bring more people through the gates of Essex Senior League clubs, they have generated more positive publicity for the League than one can remember and are a shot in the arm for football at this level.  Its time the League appreciated this and applied their rules, provided that they are genuinely approved by and for the benefit of member clubs, consistently and fairly.

The Clown Prince of E7.

As its the end of the year, I have decided to try to break with tradition and not look back on the past 12 months but rather look at immediate, short term and future issues for Clapton FC.

As a silver surfer I am always delighted to read a statement from Vince McBean's website (www.claptonfc.com), if only for its comic value, and his Christmas message 2015 lived up to its predecessors in being heavy on nonsense, with a staggering stench of male bovine excrement.  What is the fool on about?  Vince has demonstrated, once again, is that he has no actual grasp of non league football and to refer to a planned promotion to the Vauxhall Conference was worth a chorus of 'Ho Ho Ho's from even those who don't believe in Santa Claus.  Furthermore, I am also not sure who he considers are his 'Clapton family'. It's all a bit bizarre, even by his standards, and whilst I note that he no longer signs off his stupidity personally, it was reminiscent of Joe Maplin's proclamations to the Yellow Coat workers in the comedy series Hi de Hi. (Ho de Ho).  Comedy Gold Vince, keep them coming.

By contrast, I was delighted to listen to the 'Dogcast' which is a audio broadcast by members of the Clapton Ultras.  The most recent episode was the most enlightening so far particularly the discussions as to why our team has suffered the recent drop in form.  The opinions differed among the presenters but, this was an ample demonstration that Clapton has a committed, informed and knowledgeable following with whom it has every chance of pulling away from its present predicament.  That is, of course, provided we get rid of the Clown Prince Vince and install the likes of presenters Matt, Eva and Josh as the future of Clapton FC.  I was also very impressed with the interview by Geoff Ocran who has been an outstanding captain and, for me, has earned the right to be mentioned alongside other excellent Clapton leaders such as Colin Watson, Bryn Key, Keith Elley and Peter Mason.  Clapton FC cannot afford to lose people such as him.  So, a great Dogcast, more please. and for those who haven't heard it, this is the link.

Looking forward, the first team have a very busy January.  I think the talk of promotion, not least to the "Vauxhall Conference", can be shelved for now and we ought to start trying to accumulate a few points.  Saturday sees us up against London Bari and whilst I appreciate the obvious 'derby' connection, I, for one, feel no sense of rivalry towards them, save for the fact they have consistently lined Vince's pockets over the past four seasons in 'rent money'. For me, 'rivalry' status is reserved for the likes Mr Fenn's mob from IG1 and the club from 'up the creek' who moved to Mayesbrook Park, Dagenham in 1973. London Bari's arrival at the Dog was as 'big time charlies', the whole shebang being bankrolled by by a wealthy owner. Accordingly they beat us handsomely with their mercenary players who, and I shall stifle a guffaw, failed to gain promotion out of the Essex Senior League as which was contrary to their expectations.

Consequently, most of that group moved onto Redbridge FC and, therefore, I am looking forward to our meeting at Barkingside's ground on the 19th January in the London Senior Cup and very much hope we stuff 'em.

Saturday's match will again prove an interesting indication of how our team measure up. Last season, before the Redbridge exodus, I'd have probably had got a game for Bari as they finished just off bottom spot.  This season they have steadied the ship and have gradually improved.  As things stand, they are above us in the table with games in hand. Having flattered to deceive in the first 12 games of the season, our team need a boost and there is no better time than the beginning of the year.  I hope they can do it and reward the fantastic support to which we have become accustomed to witness at every home game.

The Clapton family? Not if Clown Price Vince is the Daddy.

Quentin and Quitting

After a short lull, through a postponement and a 'free week', the fixtures should now come thick and fast, (weather permitting) and the elements certainly played its part in yesterday's game against Newham.  I enjoyed a decent game of football played by two honest sides and a fair result.  However, I felt that our lads were not firing on all cylinders, possibly because of the wet conditions, or the fact that during the past few days there had been some Clapton team issues that might have put things out of kilter.  Nonetheless, well played one and all, and well done to the visitors for their part in derby game where they also had to overcome the fantastic home support from the scaffold stand.

Quentin Monville's departure to Billericay is a shame for the team and the fans, but one has to be pleased for the player and I was delighted to read various 'good luck' messages to him from supporters. I am particularly delighted for him as, a move to the Ryman League Premier is a genuine step up in level, as opposed to players leaving the club to play, at the same level as us, for the sake of a few bob in a brown envelope. "Well done Topsy", as I used to call him due to his 'Bun' hairstyle.

I was disappointed to learn that our London Senior Cup tie with VCD had been postponed due to their withdrawal from the competition.  It was not so much for our missing a trip south of the river, but more about in what light this leaves a competition that used to be regarded as the second most important, next to the Amateur Cup.  There has been no official reason given and one of the theories is that relates to the cost of staging the fixture (engaging security etc).

One would assume that a Ryman Premier League club, such as VCD, would have had sufficient experience and the ability to organise any such fixture.  Their ground would undoubtedly be of a standard to do so.  Yet they chose to withdraw.  So what would have happened if they had been fortunate enough to progress and get a home draw against Football League club in the first round proper of the FA Cup?  Despite the expense of extra security, I am sure they would have made every effort to ensure the fixture went ahead. They could, alternatively, have played the game at a neutral venue or at the home of the visitors, as Clapton have done over the years. However, it appears that they are not prepared to do so for the London Senior Cup which is not only a slap in the face for the competition but also for Clapton.  A senior club should not be allowed to cherry pick their fixtures so as to only play those which are financially profitable.

If the reason for the postponement is merely financial, and this is accepted by the London FA as a valid reason, it sets a very interesting precedent.  For example, would it be considered as acceptable for an away team from south west London to pull out of a midweek London Senior Cup tie at London Bari because of the prospect of playing in front of 15 paying spectators, the hassle of crossing London in rush hour and having to suffer the inevitable financial loss over travel, players wages/expenses etc?  I think not.

During this time I have seen some smashing games in the London Senior Cup and is a shame to see the competition brushed aside, almost as an inconvenience. Clapton enjoyed very limited success in the competition for some time before our appearance in the 1989 final, which was our first for over 60 years.  Perhaps this is to be our year again?  We now move onto a tie against Redbridge, not such a 'big fish' as VCD, but I imagine they will be able to cope with such a fixture at Oakside.  Its winnable, some come on lads !

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.