OK, I have been absent in recent times, partly due to illness, but I have been following the exploits of the Clapton Community Football Club at their Old Spotted Dog Ground and the other 'Clapton' team who, since my last missive, have re-emerged at the 'Terry Mac' in Plaistow.
My reason for taking to the keyboard is a recent announcement by some CCFC supporters that they intend to boycott next Saturday's match when both Clapton teams meet in E13. ("El Claptico") I should stress, immediately that, as far as I am aware, Members or the Committees of Clapton Community FC have not organised, endorsed or otherwise commented or involved itself in this announcement that was made on Twitter (X) last week.
The reason for the boycott is clear, in that they contend that Mr Vincent McBean is still very much involved at Clapton FC, despite the announcement, at the beginning of the season, of a new management team taking control. The CCFC supporters have no intention of putting money in Mr McBean's pocket and, as such, it is very much a replay of the season-long boycott a few years ago, when Mr McBean's club were playing at the Dog.
But do boycotts work, and given that the Clapton CFC team are challenging for a play off place this season, is this really in the best interests of their club?
Mr McBean's previous conduct suggests that he would be very unlikely to walk away from Clapton FC without a payoff. It remains unsure as whether he claims ownership of the 'club' but I do recall the public meeting at Durning Hall, called by Mr McBean after the eviction, in which he stated that he had contributed half a million pounds to the club in order to keep it going.
Meanwhile, the new management, quite rightly, have put on their website that they are a unincorporated association and there is no mention of Mr McBean being the CEO or holding any position of responsibility. But he could still claim to 'own' the club and, if he was being truthful at the Durning Hall meeting, he is likely to have retained a financial interest, not least as a creditor. (assuming the new management haven't stumped up the cash).
Should, therefore, the new management declare that McBean is no longer part of the club and retains no interest, financially or otherwise? My view is, that his continuing presence does, or the possibility of his continuing involvement, will continue to cast a dark shadow over Clapton FC , which the new management may find difficult to shrug off.
I was therefore unsurprised and sad to read in the programme of Clapton FC's away match at Hutton FC that clearly confirmed that McBean remains "at the helm".
A decent crowd, and a good competitive match next Saturday, would be excellent for all concerned. But what is to stop the new management making a statement to the effect that McBean no longer has any involvement whatsoever? It might bring about the possibility of the emergence of a normal, healthy and sporting relationship between the Clapton clubs and the mutual benefit that would bring.
Perhaps, I am being naïve but, regretfully, in the absence of such a statement, I find myself supporting the boycott and would remind those who are wavering as to whether they should go or not, of some examples of McBean's conduct whilst at Clapton FC,
- His part in 'purchasing the club' by using a corporate veil to disguise his eventual acquisition.
- His management of the Lease-holding Charity which culminated in the eviction of two football clubs.
- His running several limited companies in the club's name and not filing accounts.
- His failed attempt to liquidate the charity under a Members Voluntary Arrangement
- The disgusting state of the football ground, the toilets, the facilities, and the work required of CCFC volunteers in making it suitable for football matches once again.
- His distain for Clapton supporters and his attempts to have Clapton supporters banned from away grounds.
If you are a neutral or a groundhopper, there are plenty of non-leagues clubs who would very much value your support and attendance at their match next Saturday.
If you are a CCFC supporter, then I am sure you are aware of the event taking place at the Dog and I need not remind you that this is your club and I'll see you there.
