Clapton Ultras, Come On Down !

Last night's match at the Old Spotted Dog was such an interesting spectacle that I felt compelled to write about it rather than wait until the weekend.

Let's get the game out of the way.  Clapton were beaten by a better side and the difference in confidence between the two teams was there for all to see.  That is not to say that the Clapton players, as usual, gave of their best but, unfortunately, it was not to be their night. Well done Basildon.

Following this defeat, I am sure that there will be references on social media to the successive run of losses and the fact that we are in freefall in the Essex Senior League table but those issues are not of primary relevance to me.

In the past couple of years, the supporters/ultras/scaffold brigada have breathed new life into Clapton FC.  Unfortunately, their support has not been appreciated by Vincent McBean, his only communications normally being the imposition of ground rules, gate searches and moaning about how he/the club are being fined by the League.  However, last night, Vince upped the ante to the point of idiocy when arranging for some camera crew to perform a stunt on the pitch, in front of the Ultras in the Scaffold.  

My understanding is that they were going to ask the Ultras to sing for them in order to record it for an ITV pilot show.  I have spoken with quite a few of the lads and lassies in the Scaffold for some time, and only a person with the IQ of a potted plant would think that such an idea would go down well.

The upshot was that, one of my favourite players, James Briggs, acquired himself Clapton cult status, by bowling over the orange cupboard that was perched on the halfway line and was the focal point of the 'event'.  How everyone laughed.

Whilst, to an extent, I did feel a little sorry for the blokes who were trying to do their job, I did think why on earth they decided to try their arm with this sort of prank at Clapton?  Clearly the publicity the Ultras have been getting through the media might have sparked someone to think that this was a perfect venue for them.  However, they must have arranged this with Vincent McBean who would have given them the go-ahead on behalf of the fans and, undoubtedly, the would have paid a fee for the privilege.

One would not normally imagine that any decent person would actually think that the Ultras would go along with this farce.  But this is Vincent McBean.  This is the chap who said, in a web post, that the crowd were 'Singing the Clapton Anthem'.  Forever the fantasist, so my money is that he was happy to facilitate this without anyone's knowledge or agreement.

The whole farce is indicative of his opportunism, in ripping these poor idiots off and, at the same time, demonstrating his disdain and lack of respect for Clapton supporters by thinking they would blindly take part in it.  Clapton supporters are not mugs, so don't treat us as such.

Roll on Saturday and the visit of Wadham Lodge.  That should be fun.

Peter Harrington Gone. For Who's Benefit?

I have been caught on the hop over this week's post.  I was going to write a few lines on the Essex Senior League rules on drinking alcohol at matches.  However this will have to wait because, yesterday afternoon, I read, on social media, that the Clapton assistant manager, Peter Harrington, has left the club.

Those who follow my meanderings on this blog will know that I have been impressed by Peter, and his colleagues, Dan Portsmouth and Mike Whittaker, who joined us from Sporting Hackney during the close season. Immediately upon their arrival it had become very noticeable that there was an air of increased competency in the way the players were being prepared and warmed up before games and that the players' fitness appeared to give us an advantage late on in matches, resulting in some winning goals in the final minutes. 

Despite this, I understand that Clapton manager Mike Walther had asked Peter to step down as Assistant Manager and become coach, making way for former Eton Manor manager, John Benstead, to replace him.  John Benstead first appeared in the Clapton dug out about three weeks ago.  He was manager of Eton Manor for just over a year before being was replaced last October. In those circumstances, I am not surprised that Peter has made the decision to leave.

In previous posts I also said that the team may have 'flattered to deceive' at the beginning of the season and that our results and league position has now levelled out. At no stage have I seen, or heard, even after five successive defeats, calls from supporters for immediate changes in the managerial set up.  Therefore the thinking behind the events that have led up to Peter's departure are worthy of closer examination.

The question is whether the departure of Peter Harrington could possibly be of any benefit to Clapton FC on or off the field.  I would argue that that it is not.

Since Mike Walther took charge of Clapton there has been an unprecedented list of comings and goings among team management and coaching staff.  Marc Nurse was in, then out, then in again and then out again.  Kevin Lucas and Stuart Purcell were brought in and, in just over a month, were said to have 'resigned'.  Neil Blackburn was in, then out and then Erico Tiritera stuck in a shift to help out temporarily.  Finally, at the start of this season, the recruitment of the three chaps from Sporting Hackney seemed like a superb appointment. (apologies to anyone who has sat on the Clapton bench in the last 15 months who I might have missed out)

So, do we really need a new assistant manager when we already have a guy who appears to have the respect of the players, many of whom had followed him to Clapton in the close season and now make up the majority of the first team? 

In my view, the unilateral imposition of John Benstead is, at best, very poor management and, it could be argued, serves Mike Walther's purpose, rather than that of the team, the club or the fans. It is no secret that many supporters believed that Peter Harrington, Dan Portsmouth and Mike Whittaker were the most effective and influential members of the management team, and that they commanded the most respect from the players. The dressing room 'fall outs' posted on Twitter, (eg the Shomari Barnwell substitution at Eton Manor) were said to have been instigated by Mike's poor judgment and consequently only served to undermine him as the 'Manager'.  Perhaps this is his way of re-establishing control, notwithstanding the negative effect it has on the team and the supporters.

Unsurprisingly, Dan Portsmouth and Mike Whittaker have left. No doubt we'll see an advert for a 'physio intern' in a few days on Vince's website as we start from ground zero again. On the playing front, Shomari Barnwell has announced on Twitter that tonight's match against Basildon United will be his last in a Clapton shirt and, I think we can expect more departures in the next few days.

This constructive dismissal was never about a solution to a poor run of results.  Its about the Manager attempting to protect his position.  Damn the supporters, damn the ultras, damn the players, damn the hard work put in by everyone in trying to build a unit.  Its about ego and posturing and, as yet, not a word from the Chief Executive.

Reality Check

Over the past eleven days I have seen Clapton lose four matches in succession and, speaking to few people at yesterday's game, there appears to be some mild despondency and frustration as to the way things are going on the pitch.  That is in stark contrast to the near euphoria in the early weeks of the season, the amusing internet talk of promotion and getting the Dog ready for Isthmian League football.  That all seems a long time ago now. But, in my view, our recent results are not surprising, and our position in the League table accurately reflects our level.

We made a good start to the season, beating teams home and away which took us to second in the table at one stage.  However, if one looks at the teams we had beaten, not one of them are above us in the table this morning.  We are ninth.  Of the eight clubs above us, we have played them all, with the exception of Bowers and Pitsea.  We have not won any of those games, but drew 3 and lost four.  Also, when we were put up against decent standard opposition in the cup competitions, Ipswich Wanderers and Stanway Rovers, we came a predictable second best.

I have already discussed the recent losses to the playing squad and the apparent 'tinkering' of the line ups and substitutions.  The fact that we have now used at least five goalkeepers so far this season is also indicative of an unsteady ship. In my day, you could usually predict the team line up for the following week because the majority of players would be working nine til five, Monday to Friday.  In 2015, the weekend is now seen as part of the normal working week and, I am sure, this can frequently result in players being unavailable to play due to such commitments.  I believe stability is the key and the chopping and changing of recent weeks, in my view, has not helped.

Nonetheless, despite yesterday's result, I was delighted to see that the Scaffold was 'rocking' and most of a good sized crowd seemed to enjoy the match.  This, ladies and gents, is what it is all about.  During my time as a Tons follower, I have seen Clapton teams hammered, home and away,  but I have  always looked forward to the next game, as I am, for Saturday's trip to Stansted. Well done to you all, and up the Tons!

Another concern is the recent absence of the 'one sheet programme' that was being sold outside the ground up until a couple of games ago.  I used to find that a decent read and much superior to Vince's effort, (when he bothers to produce one).  However, on my walk around the ground, I was told that the reason might be that there are 'legal machinations' going on behind the scenes as regards Vince McBean's apparent ownership of the club.  If that's the case, then good on them, and lets get that issue resolved as soon as possible so we can enjoy the rest of the season with realistic expectations.

Finally, I have seen Vince's advert for a Club Match Secretary on his website. Anyone seriously thinking of applying for this needs to seek help.  The fact that they will be working with one of the most dubious characters in non league football and, with legal stuff apparently on its way, you might end up liable for any debts that he/the club has.

N.B.    Vince is not known to hang around once the legal stuff starts to bite.

Wenger, Cafu or Collina ? Not in the ESL

It's Pie and Mash for me at Kelly's on the Roman Road tonight and then I'm off to Mile End for Clapton's Essex Senior League game against Tower Hamlets.  Obviously I am hopeful of our lads getting the three points but, its a local derby, there will be the inevitable edge to it, and one can anticipate a hard fought encounter.

Despite the disappointing result, last Wednesday's match at Wadham Lodge was an interesting and entertaining evening.  The Neil Day connection was the initial focal point but I am pleased to say that, despite the personal issues, everyone contributed to a great atmosphere.

By everyone, I mean everyone.  Yes, even the referee, Mr Markwick.  Whilst I understand the frustrations of many of the Clapton players, management and supporters at having to suffer two dodgy penalty decisions that won the match for our hosts, the chap with the whistle gave no less than his best, as is the case with all the match officials that take the middle or run the line at our level of football.

As supporters of football at this level we should be used to lowering our expectations of what to reasonably expect on a Saturday afternoon.  For example, it is unreasonable to expect Mike Walther to have the tactical 'know how' of Arsene Wenger, or for Peter Moore to make Cafu look like a carthorse.  Likewise, Mr Markwick is no Pierluigi Collina and he cannot reasonably be expected to turn in an entirely faultless performance.  The common thread is that these folks are giving of their best and providing a lot of fun for us all.

Despite perceived daft substitutions, wayward clearances or dodgy penalty awards, the entertainment is no less enjoyable, and the atmosphere generated on an afternoon/evening by the Clapton Ultras, pyro or no pyro, far exceeds that served up at many grounds at higher levels of the game.

Finally, there were few better sights in football than what I saw on Wednesday night when, having seen their side defeated in frustrating circumstances, the Clapton Ultras saluted both teams with songs, flags and genuine appreciation for a good match.  Having read the interview with old Clapton fan Ian Simpson in Red Menace, I have no doubt that he, and Bert, his Dad, would have been very proud as to the fine sportsmanship shown by our supporters at the end.  It was real Clapton (sic)

It is therefore a shame that the Essex Senior League appear to be doing their best to dampen that enthusiasm by the implementation of new rules and fines over the 'pyro' issue but that subject is for another blog post.

Play up Clapton !

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 !

Weather to Play the Game or Not.

Not so long ago Clapton and Bowers and Pitsea were propping up the Essex Senior League and only a victory, in our final game of the season at the McMillan against Newham, finally condemned the Essex club to the basement spot in 2013/14.

Eighteen months later, and things have changed for both clubs.  Last season, with a much-changed squad, Bowers were very much in contention for the league title and won the League Cup Final in fine style against the Tons at Great Wakering..  At the same time, the Clapton revival continues to roll on, supported by unprecedented regular attendances for the Essex Senior League and they have lost only one of 12 league matches so far this season.

So, last Saturday's game promised to be a titanic match with the Tons undoubtedly looking to avenge their drubbing in the aforesaid League Cup final and Bowers hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Unfortunately, it came as no surprise when the game was called off on Saturday morning. Bowers had already tweeted about apparent pitch problems and there had been some rain. But being an club with ambitions of Isthmian League football, it would not be unrealistic to have expected a 'brigade of fork wielding Bowers volunteers' to get the game on.  It must have worked three miles away at Basildon United, their game went ahead.

So, call me cynical, but, hypothetically,  if the choice was:

1. To have my side, promotion favourites, full of good footballers, play an important match against a decent, in-form team who could possibly challenge for the title    -  on a pitch that was slippery and forked so as to be made just about playable.
   
   Meanwhile, our opponents are backed by supporters who would create an atmosphere akin to an away match for us.
   
   
   or
2. have the match played on a Tuesday night later in the season when the visiting support will be considerably less and and visiting players may be unable to travel or the team form may have levelled out.

I know which I would opt for.  I would keep the forks in the work shed. 

I am not saying that this is the case. However, what is clear, is that Bowers and Pitsea are far from being the Cinderellas of the League. They are competing, seriously, and like any professional club, despite their protestations over their low playing budgets etc,  their recruitment of decent Isthmian League players (Dan Trenkel, Rob Whitnell, Lewis Manor, John Bricknell and most recently Aaron Waters etc) is certainly indication of their intention to bring Isthmian League football to the Len Salmon before too long.

If they achieve their objective, which would be an outstanding achievement, then they may need to continue a practice in such alchemy to keep them up there.

How would I know?  Clapton were an Isthmian League club for many, many years.

Is It Just About Tull?

Walter Tull is one of the most prominent and interesting people in the history 138 year history of Clapton Football Club.  His footballing rise, after just one season of amateur football, to be part of the Clapton team that won the FA Amateur Cup in 1909 and to sign as a professional with Tottenham Hotspur within a year, is like something out of Boys Own Annual.  Add that to his childhood in a Bethnal Green orphanage, his strength in dealing with racism on and off the football field, and his undoubted leadership and courage during one of the most horrific of Wars, it is not unfanciful to say that Tull is an important person from the 20th century and, I can proudly say, he was a member of my club.

Vince's club has announced their dedication of Armistice Day to Walter Tull this Wednesday and there will be an exhibition / talk to commemorate his life.  I would certainly like to have been able to go and to have contributed, as would many others, but the late announcement, just five days beforehand, has caught everyone on the wrong foot. This includes the two organisations listed as partners in the event who make unfortunately no reference to it on their websites.

Whilst I applaud the sentiment,, I am unsure whether a day, which is supposed to commemorate all those who died in the First World War (estimates are not definitive but it is said that over 6 million military personnel from the 'Allied' forces alone), amongst others, should be dedicated solely to one person, whatever his talents or achievements.

Maybe there were other dates more specific to Tull (birthday, anniversary of his death etc) that might have attracted greater attention to the cause.  It might also be an opportunity to liaise with his Regiment and Vince would have the contacts, as he was a serving soldier in the 1970s.

Whilst Tull remains an important part of the 'Clapton story' it is true to say that he left the Dog long before the outbreak of War in 1914. He had also left Tottenham and had signed for Northampton Town and had reportedly signed to play for Glasgow Rangers when the war was over. 

The 1928 Jubilee Brochure of the Clapton Football Club is says that "From 1915 and 1919, every member took part in the Great War and H. Cameron, N. Coaksley, L.S. Dumbell, B.F. Packer, B. Page, C. Snow, W.M. Timson made the supreme sacrifice for their country."

Whilst it is undoubtedly correct to remember Tull's contribution as a footballer and a soldier, I hope, on Wednesday, that Vince and his colleagues will also remember the members of the Clapton Football Club, of which he claims to be the present owner/custodian, who like Tull and millions of others, met a premature end to their lives.

A Tale of Three Coaches

A short blog this time, but its all positive, which makes a change.

Last Saturday, at Hullbridge Sports FC, I saw one of the most exceptional fightbacks from a Clapton team in many a year.  I was in good company, as the boys and girls from the Ultras had hired a coach (1) for the trip and were in splendid voice throughout, even when things were going a bit pair shaped. Well done to them, and how marvellous it must have been, for our team, to see that, out of an attendance of eighty-odd, at least half of them had made the trip into Essex from Forest Gate, in order to cheer them on.  There is absolutely no doubt that the voiciferous support for the team, home and away, is having a very influential effect on both our players and, certainly in the case of Hullbridge during the last 20 minutes, the opposition.

At the same time, the influence of the other coach(es) is proving to be just as important. There is no doubt, and I keep saying this, that the contribution of  Peter Harrington and Dan Portsmouth has made a remarkable difference to the team.  This is not only in respect of the new faces they have brought to the club, but also it is becoming evident with every game, that our lads have very high fitness levels for this level of football.

Putting aside last Saturday's comeback, there have already been a number of occasions this season when our team has recovered from a losing position or scored late to win matches.  For instance, the comeback at Sawbridgeworth, the recovery at home to Ilford or late winners against Newham, Greenhouse and Takeley all seem to prove that this Clapton team are going to be battling in each match for the entire 90 minutes.

We are also hitting a rich vein of form in front of goal.  In the past 12 matches we have scored 3 or more goals on 10 occasions, which is probably costing the pyro bods a few more shillings than they would have anticipated, but this is good stuff indeed, and is a joy to behold.

Onto this week and its off to Harlow to visit Enfield then, on Saturday, a trip to Broxbourne to be entertained by former 'local' rivals, Eton Manor.  That all sounds 'up the pictures' to me, but that's modern non-league football I suppose.

Lets hope our lads keep up the good work and we get something from both of these games.  In the meantime, "Well Done One and All"

In closing, I wish to claim money owed to me, in a bet, that I could not write a blog article without mentioning Vince...... ,    oh bugger.

Subsequent Thoughts on the Ilford Game

Last Saturday was a welcome day off for Clapton players and supporters after all the attention generated by the Ilford game and the incredible attendance.

I have been 'silver surfing' since then and the vast majority of the internet reaction has been extremely positive, not only towards the supporters (as usual) but also as to the quality of the entertainment served up by the players.  One hopes that those who enjoyed the day will come back to a non league game, if not to Clapton, but to their local team.

Negatives?  Well there was a complaint about the queues to get in and, to an extent, I understand that. However, in fairness to Vince McBean, I don't think even he could have imagined the size of the crowd.  It might have been an idea to ask the referre to delay the kick off for 15 minutes or so, but I doubt whether there has ever been any reason for the Essex Senior League to have considered such a possibility so as to include it in their rules. Hindsight is wonderful thing.

Many of the new supporters appeared to enjoy the day.  I have previously mentioned the buying of beer etc and will not repeat myself. However, there were a couple of other issues which have emerged that are worthy of comment.

The scaffold stand was clearly packed out, and it may have been the case that some of the 'originals' were pushed out or couldn't take up their usual places.  Thats unfortunate, but it happens when you get such a large influx of people. But, from what I understand, and have seen when I ventured over at previous games to witness the 'Ultras vibe' (very 60s!), is that there appears to be kind of unwritten code or ethic by which everyone enjoys the game along with the 'Clapton experience'.  The 'Scaffoldites' primarily watch the match, not themselves, or their neighbour, and they cheer, boo, heckle and sing along, dependant on and in response to, what is happening on the pitch.

On Saturday the vibe appeared to be more insular and the Scaffold seemed to be a prominent side show, on occasions, almost vying with the game itself.  A couple of people (regulars) mentioned to me afterwards that they moved out of the Scaffold because they could not see the game.  I know the Scaffold is a small space, and I am reminded of a quote from last season "we are going to need a bigger scaffold", but perhaps, in the short term, more consideration might be given to those unable to watch the game because they are obstructed by the melée or are smaller than the chaps at the front etc.   I am reminded of the packed terraces of Football League grounds in the 1970s when kids etc were normally allowed to get to the front so they could see the game.  Just a thought.

The word 'considerate' could be taken to mean "When a person actually gives a crap about you and/or other people".  So lets recognise that we are all Clapton fans, give due consideration to others, treat everyone with respect, whilst trying to ensure that everyone has a great time whilst supporting the Tons.

Also it was also a shame to see the number of cans that were littered about the place after the game as I recall that the Ultras traditionally cleared up after themselves, most famously at Wooton, Welwyn and after last season's cup finals.  I can only imagine that some of the new folks are not yet 'on message'.

An instance of someone clearly not 'on message' was the twerp who apparently offered to buy the Clapton shirt off a player's back after the game.  This, on Non League Day, when the Ultras were ensuring that others without such disposible funds, could come along and enjoy a game of football !  To that chap, I don't think Clapton is the place for you.  There are plenty of football clubs offering football with prawn sandwiches in London and elsewhere.

Despite this, I hope that many of the new supporters will continue to come to the Dog but, rather than view the Scaffold as some kind of circus act, they concentrate on the game, the state of the club, how it can be bettered, and what active contribution they can make.  I will try to engage with the new people and explain to them what has been happening, why such progress has been made at Clapton over the past two or three years.  It has been that progress that has brought these people to Clapton in the first place and, in order to be part of it, they should embrace it and the moral standards and values behind it, rather than flash the cash or, as was unfortunately overheard, view the outing as "a day out with the 'hoi polloi'."

Returning to the subject of food, although I cannot imagine prawn sandwiches were involved, I have seen an internet exchange over the post match events where our visitors, Ilford, complained that there were no showers, programmes or after match food.  I obviously know Allan Fenn, the Ilford manager, who is a past Clapton player and captain. I also know that Clapton FC are very dear to his heart and that he would not complain unless he considered it was justified.

Admittedly there was a break-in at the ground some weeks ago but Vince did say in this article on his website that that the ground was ready for the 'big day' and therefore one assumes that this was fixed.

Allan's complaint, as regards the sandwiches was responded to by Shelley Williams, who appears to be Vince's assistant, and she said that food was available and it must have all gone. Ok, perhaps there it was all gone by the time Allan arrived, but there still hasn't been any response, or apology, as regards the showers.  That is clearly inconsiderate, embarrassing and frankly not good enough.  If Vince McBean or club officials knew the showers hadn't been repaired in the first place, then that is even worse.  As for Vince's programme, its not missed as I picked up one of the real Clapton FC folded match sheets and it has all the information one could need.  You can get these programmes on the real Clapton website at www.claptonfc.info/progs/index.htm

Subsequent 'tweets' have included reference to a comment made by a Clapton official that the complaints made by Ilford were merely because they were jealous that Clapton had made so much money from the large attendance. That is disgraceful and certainly not representative of the traditions of the Clapton Football Club that I have supported for many years. Whoever made this comment should be ashamed.

I could not imagine, in the 60s and 70s when we used to visit the likes of Wycombe Wanderers, Hendon or Woking, that any official from those clubs would have made such a comment. The majority of clubs in the Isthmian League, had infinitely better attendances, resources and facilities than Clapton, and we were reguarly royally tonked by them. However, despite our apparent inadequacies, we (the players and supporters) were treated equally well as any visitor to their ground and, when they came to the Dog they treated our ground and club with the requisite respect.

Forty of so years later I can see that a lot of progress has been made by the supporters and Ultras over a very short period of time.  It would be a travesty to have it derailed.  It can be difficult when a large influx of people come in but I think that inclusion and tolerence should remain paramount.  Equally, those wishing to join the party, must be prepared to fit in with the ethic that has fulled that progress or find another club where cash is king.

FINAL NOTE : I thought the statement from Vince McBean was probably the biggest load of bull since his previous effort. What a liar he is. The fact he claims the credit for the day demonstrates his distain for the efforts of the Ultras and others in promoting the game so brilliantly.  My message to the Ultras is "learn from this" and to the real Clapton FC, "Come on, get him out for the good of our great old club."

Educating the Newbies

Clapton v Ilford. Essex Senior League. Attendance 761.  It doesn't seem possible does it?

This was the probably highest attendance at a league game at the Old Spotted Dog since the War and, from what I saw, there were a lot of very happy spectators lining the perimeter fence, in the stands and sat, 'hippyesque', on the grass banks behind the goals.  It was a marvellous day.

For my part, I got free admission to the match as a Senior and Vince McBean even smiled at me as I went through the turnstile.  It could have been something about the wad of banknotes he was holding in his hand.

There were lots and lots of other folk who clearly were attending their first Clapton match and, unsurprisingly, were delighting in in the experience.  As the match played out, the McBean's Bar was being frequently visited by these happy newbies and they were returning to their spot with plastic glasses filled with McBean's beer or cider, seemingly oblivious of what the true situation is as regards Clapton FC.  This, to a small extent, marred the day for me.  At first instance, I thought why would these people openly support McBean's regime?  I was told by one young chap, a first time visitor, that "I thought I was supporting the club" and this I think was the general thought process of those who didn't know the truth about Vincent Joseph McBean.

I can understand the motives of those in his entourage who support him, such as the Youth Team managers, who's self interest, is to maintain the franchised link of their team in being able to use the name Clapton. - "I am under 15s manager of Clapton FC sounds a lot more impressive than I am the manager of Prostar Rangers in Newham".  However perhaps the the supporters who are members of the real Clapton FC would have made more play of the state of McBean's so-called club and his antecedents, both as a football person and an individual on this important day.

This is, in no way, a criticism of the wonderful work being done by the real Clapton FC and when I spoke to Andrew Barr, their secretary during the game, he told me that 'matters were very much in hand'. I hope he is right and that they can move things forward as soon as possible.  Nonetheless, I was delighted to buy a new Tons' scarf, badge, and programme from the tressel table outside the gate, as were many others.  I just thought that this was a marvellous opportunity to drive home the points about McBean.

I wholly applaud and but sympathise with the efforts of the Clapton Ultras who, in response to McBean not reducing prices for regular supporters or for the unwaged etc on NonLeague Day, undertook to distribute Solidarity Tickets for newcomers so they would not be price barred from coming along and enjoying the experience.  Unfortunately, the some of the media and newspapers (including the BBC Sport website) portrayed it as if it was the 'club' (McBean) bestowing this offer to  fans.   Poor show.

I believe that the main reason why many people did support the bar etc was that they really have no idea of the Clapton situation.  So it is therefore imperative that the supporters and members of the real club take every opportunity to spread the word.  At the match I managed to engage at least two first timers in conversation, mentioned McBean, and the fact that he does not run his Clapton FC as a club, but as his personal place of business.  The reaction was genuine shock and in one case an apparent embarrassment that he was holding a pint of McBean lager in his hand.

I do not have to go over all the facts in this blog.  There is plenty of info out there on the net, none with more clarity than the real Clapton FC website which not only provides an account of how Vince McBean took control of Clapton, but also supporting documents which prove their case as to the fraud that took place. www.claptonfc.info/vmcb/home.htm

The entertainment was provided by players who play for the love of the game, ably supported by fans who are the best I have seen in many years of watching football at Clapton.  McBean scant effort, as to the experience, of letting me, the kids, and the other 20 or so seniors in for nothing pales into insignificance.  His motivation is not that of the players or supporters or the real Clapton FC, the furtherance of our great old club, it is money and greed.

It's is time to get McBean out of Clapton, and whilst one can forgive the unknowing support of McBean by the newbies, I would ask them, whilst still fuelled by the superb occasion that was yesterday, to read up on the situation.  Google 'the great leader'.  You may find that when they next visit the Old Spotted Dog, that the pull of tinned lager and cider, served in plastic glasses, does not hold the same attraction.

To the Clapton Ultras and the real Clapton FC, keep going and spread the word.  You are the future and true life blood of my great old club.

To the newbies, great to have you aboard, now keep supporting the team, do your research and join the real Clapton FC, its a fiver, less than one match entrance fee to McBean FC. http://www.claptonfc.info/1/join/2.html

Right, enough of my ramblings.  Dog walk and sunday lunch at my local.  Come on you Tons!

Why Some Clapton Fans Should Get Off The Fence

There's still life in this old dog, I can assure you.  My computer is now back up and running and, whilst I apologise for my absence, I hope to make more regular contributions to this blog.

My absence has allowed me to reflect on one of the best starts to the season that I have seen from a Clapton team for many years.  Our team appears more organised, and the attacking players give the impression that they might score every time they go forward. There could be a number of reasons for this.  The new coaching staff attracting new and better players, players wanting to play for Clapton because we have unique support at the level of football or, perhaps we have the best white swipe board in non league football..

Nonetheless, I continue to be impressed with the consistent level of support over in the scaffold pole stand. Many people would have written off the initial interest as a fad, however, regular attendances in excess of 250 tells me that our Ultra friends are here to stay and inevidentably they will want the club to move forward.

As a retiree, I spend a lot of time on the internet during the day (between Bargain Hunt and Loose Women) and I have been interested by some of the comments on various websites/forums over what would happen, or rather, what has to happen, if we were to get promoted to the Ryman League.

Without wishing to pour cold water on such aspirations, I think that those considering this possibility are probably putting the cart before the horse.  I remember, all too well, the rigours of the Isthmian/Ryman League ground grading system and the trials and tribulations undergone by Clapton over the years.

The difference between our present level, and that of the Ryman League, is vast and was no more clearly demonstrated last week at the Dog when, following the burglary and damage caused in the dressing rooms, the participating teams (London Bari and FC Romania) agreed to go ahead with their match on Tuesday night despite the conditions. This was, apparently, agreed to by the Essex Senior League.  In the Ryman League this would not happen.  The game would not have gone ahead, and the ground and the facilities would be closed for league games until they were back to the standard required.

I recall Clapton having to play a afternoon home match in August, away at Barton Rovers, because the lux value of the floodlights at the Dog were found to be lower than the requisite level.  Ridiculous as it was then, those were the rules, and, from what I read of the Ryman League, they have become no more concessionary to clubs whose faciltities do not meet their standard.

It was not only Clapton who fell foul of this rigorous, and arguably, unreasonable application of the rules. I also recall Chesham United having to play their home League game against the Tons at the Old Spotted Dog in the early 1980s. There were many others over the years.

To bring the Old Spotted Dog Ground back up to Isthmian standard would take a lot of investment of both time and money.  Notwithstanding the situation as to 'who is the real club?', those supporters who dream of promotion might wish to consider how, and with whom, this is more likely to be achieved.

Vince McBean has always talked the talk.  But, in the years whilst he has been 'at the helm' (as he says), Clapton, on and off the field, has lumbered along between poor and farcical.  It has only been the emergence of the Friends of Clapton group, the Ultras and the growing supporter base that has given our club a new lease of life.  Even then, Vince has tried to claim credit for it, through his 'Tons Members Club'. (of which I have never been aware in all the time I have followed Clapton).

Vince's record in football also does not inspire confidence in that he will achieve what Clapton supporters wish for their club.  He oversaw the demise of Woodford Town FC and I would imagine he would have considerable difficulty in persuading the Isthmian League to take back any club under his control. One issue relates to a debt he owed to Kenneth Harris, the former chairman. I know that the Isthmian League were asked to arbitrate and despite their best efforts, Vince McBean failed to honour his commitment  I understand the debt remains unpaid and is now subject of an outstanding county court judgment.  The debt, the subsequent course of dealings with the League, along with all the other stuff, might have a bearing on his fit and proper person requirement, which will undoubtedly enforced by the Ryman League.

Some people have questioned where the gate money actually goes.  No one can be sure, because there is no openess or transparency from Vince.  Also, I don't think there has been a 'club treasurer' for a number of years. Having said that, there has been evidence of some improvements at the ground.  The portable toilet block for instance. There was also some work done by a charitable sponsor until they pulled out having done some subsequent research into who they were dealing with, viz a vis Vince McBean.  Wherever the gate money is going, it is not being ploughed back into faciltiies. The pitch? Well that speaks for itself.

On the other hand, there are the Friends of Clapton / Real Clapton FC group and I immediately declare an interest in that I know to two of the Life Members from years back and a number of the other members of the club.  The question is, what is their antecedents and what can they offer that Vince cannot?

Mike Fogg and Martin McShea were at Clapton in the late 70s when Harry Manning and Austin Williams were Chairmen and it was difficult times.  The lease on the ground had run out and a multi national corporation were looking to develop the site for housing.  This group rallied around and got received unified support from the unlikeliest of sources that ranged from Tony Benn MP to a member of the House of Lords. This campaign ended in 1992 with landlords Grand Metropolitain plc agreeing to grant a 99 year lease to a Trust. Messrs Fogg and McShea were the signatories on that lease on behalf of the Clapton Trust, which secured the ground, and, as they thought at the time, the future of the club..

I have read that the real Clapton has a committee and a membership of over 150 people. For all intents and purposes they are a proper club (subs, meetings Agms etc) which is in contrast to the supposed 'club' that Vince is presiding over. I also have no doubt that, among the membership of real Clapton is a vast array of talents in very many areas, all of which will be of benefit.

That aside, in order to bring Clapton forward into a position whereby it can regain its Isthmian status, money will have to come from somewhere and the figure required is unlikely to come from the membership.  An alternative would be to attract a financial benefactor, but such people will always want control of their investment and thus, the ideal of a supporters run club, as put forward by the real Clapton FC would be compromised.  It would be like swapping one Vince for another, except I have seen no evidence of any personal investment by Vince.

For a dynamic club, which real Clapton could be, there are vast opportunities for sponsorship and grants from the various bodies that oversee sport and community development.  There is no reason why real Clapton should not be a beneficiary of such help. In Messrs McShea and Fogg, they also have experience in this field.  The tyre warehouse, just by the Upton Lane entrance to the ground actually does not belong to Vince McBean, as previous believed by his tenants, but to the Trust, as the freehold was purchased with a grant from the Sports Aid Foundation a couple of years before his arrival on the scene.  Some of the club members who, are also among the Ultras, have taken action and instigated projects which have a social and community connotations and, I hope, is indicative of the direction in which real Clapton will want to go. 

In comparison, you may have read, as I have, on the www.clapton.info website of what Vince did with a £2million grant from the Millennium Commission that was intended to help a homeless project of which he was Chief Executive.  A reasonable conclusion might be that the chances of him getting any funding from such sources again, or help from any 'reputable source' that does research into the beneficiary, are practically nil.

For Clapton to return to being run a members organaisation once again and not by one chap, would be a great achievement for all the supporters and it is achievable.  But its up to the supporters.

If you are still undecided about what is best for the club your support, do your research. If we are serious, as Clapton supporters, about taking the club forward, there is no other choice than to back the real club. Sitting on the fence whilst buying Vince's beer, burgers and programme etc is not neutrality. That is obliquely supporting him and makes the task of securing the club for the fans even harder.

Go on the website at www.claptonfc.info and sign up.  Alternatively, I know you can join on matchdays in the scaffold.  You will have the opportunity to have a say in how your club is going to be run, something that many football fans can only dream of.

Its time to get off the fence.

As the bard of Barking, Billy Bragg, would say "Which Side Are You On?    (Those under 30 years of age should Google that)

Does Silence Mean Assent?

Here I am again!  Since my last post the team played in two cup finals at which, despite the results, they and the supporters acquitted themselves admirably and were a credit to the Clapton name.   I was very pleased to see that both finals went off well and, speaking to a few people unconnected with Clapton after the game, it was clear that a lot of friends were made and, in some cases, a lot of wounds healed.

We then had Vince McBean’s statement on his website “Setting The Record Straight”.  As someone who has been around the club for longer than most, I found this statement to be devoid of fact and laughably inaccurate.

Whilst Vince complains about Andy Barr (who I know personally from his previous involvement at Clapton) allegedly spreading falsehoods about him, he doesn’t actually respond to any of the matters that have been raised.

Are the documents on www.claptonfc.info/vmcb/index.htm false or forgeries?  If so, then Vince should say so.

Is it true that he was attempting to sell the lease of the ground whilst the charity/company holding the lease had been struck off?  If not, Vince should have unequivocally denied it.

Is it true that Vince personally wrote to the freeholders to buy the ground from under the club and the charity?  If not, Vince should have unequivocally denied it.

There is a list of allegations which I won’t go through and you can look them up on the aforementioned site.  But, by not addressing any of the specific issues in which supporters are interested, Vince should be made aware that he does not ’Set The Record Straight’ at all.

In fact, by not addressing these issues, he gives further credence to the matters raised.

One glaring piece of misinformation from Vince was that he said Andy Barr had been secretary at the time he took control of the club.  This is factually incorrect as I remember Andy leaving Clapton as Secretary about 1992, about 8 years before the arrival of McBean.  I have no doubt that Andy will have noticed this and he may have asked Vince to amend this inaccuracy.  On the other hand, he might be saving this up for another day and another setting.

There are plenty of other things in Vince’s statement which I am sure could be challenged but I’ll leave that to others, for now.

What is a shame, is that Vince is complaining that supporters are selling scarves and badges etc that are bearing the Clapton badge.  He should be very grateful to those supporters for raising interest in the club and boosting his gate receipts beyond all expectations.  I am no expert in Intellectual Property but Vince has been invited to sue Andy Barr on this and other issues.  By not doing so, it’s not difficult to conclude that he daren’t.  As was said during a recent meeting at which I attended, “Silence is assent”, and by keeping silent and failing to address the real issues that have been raised, Vince credibility falls flat on its face.

So, we are now looking forward to pre-season friendlies and I am particularly keen to meet up again with an ex-Clapton keeper, Ronnie Syrett, who played for the Tons under, team manager, Danny Murphy.  Ronnie, who also lined up against the Tons for the likes of Collier Row and Haringey Borough, is now the Chairman at Cockfosters FC.

At the end of the day, we need to resolve the Clapton / McBean question and Vince needs to be honest.  If the issues cannot be resolved by negotiation, then both sides need to get before a Judge as soon as possible to sort this out and, if it does go to Court, I suspect that Vince will need to do an infinitely better job of "Setting the Record Straight" than he did on his website.

Why I Will Not be A Mug

Once again, apologies to my regular readers for my not uploading recently.  A combination of dodgy health and a preference to reflect on recent events at Clapton are responsible for my absence.  Not surprisingly, it was Vincent McBean and his Clapton website that has induced me back to my keyboard, however this time my missive refers to sponsorship of Clapton FC.

Mr McBeans's message of the 9th April entitled 'Thank You' referred to proposed ground improvements that are scheduled to take place during the close season.  All very laudable you may think.

These improvements were said to be dependant on donations, funding and support and, if Vince's Clapton were to be a normal club one could that expect assistance might be forthcoming under each of these headings, particularly with the ground swell of interest that has been generated over the past couple of seasons.

However, the shroud of secrecy in which Vince's club is operated does not persuade me to dig into my pocket, or bring my tools to the ground (were I to be younger and fitter)

If there was more clarity as to who Vince's club are, under what guise (or disguise) they do business, then I might be prepared to re-consider

Donations : So to who I am I being asked to donate?

• Clapton Football Club?  As we know, Vince's 'Clapton' are not a members club.  We also don't know if it is running under the guise of one of his Limited Companies. This Clapton FC are purported to be the sub lessees of the ground share agreements with London Bari.  They have no right to enter into such an agreement or to sub let the ground for their benefit.
• Clapton Members Club? Formed in 2000, this 'club' is said to be one and the same as Clapton FC although is unrecognised by the London FA.
• Vince McBean?  On the basis that there is no evidence of there being a members club being run by Vince, is it the case that he believes that he is the owner of the Club?  He is the personal licence holder of the clubhouse and runs his 'club' without a committee.  However, he is listed on various planning documents as the owner of the site (even though this is definitely not the case).
• Newham Community Leisure Limited ?  This is the non-profit making Trust/Charity/Limited Company by Guarantee that was set up in the 1990s and who holds the lease.  Vince is one of only three remaining trustees.  This company has been under investigation by the Charity Commission for over a year.  A donation to this charity would be more palatable had it not been the case that Vince has previously attempted to sell the lease to a third party after the company had been struck off and de-registered as a charity. He re-instated the company, after a court order but, unsurprisingly, the potential buyers decided against it.  This company is forbidden from trading and thus are not the best recipient of any fiduciary help / donation / funding.

Funding : Who is likely to fund the project?

It is difficult to imagine any responsible organisation who, having done due diligence, would fund any scheme or proposal emanating from Clapton FC whilst Mr McBean is 'at the helm' (his words).  

However, Vince's plausibility has reaped previous successes, most notably his successful application for £2 million grant in 2000 from the Millennium Commission (take a bow MC), much of which was syphoned out of the recipient charity, Knights Millennium Foyer Limited to one of his Limited Companies.

Support : Do I really wish to support Vince McBean's business interests when he is unprepared to come clean about what they are in relation to the club?  The answer to that is an emphatic "No" and, as tempting as the BBQ sounds, along with the "player of the year awards" etc, I shall continue to steer clear of his bar and supporting his other business interests, save for paying at the gate to watch my team.

Vince has previously criticised people for scuppering his attempts to attract sponsorship etc. He does not help himself..  I am sure that there are many people who would help Clapton, myself included, (in a pensionerly sort of way) but I will not contribute as things stand.

Indeed, I am in good company, as Vince himself has confirmed that his plans are dependant of donations,funding and support etc.  This would indicate that he will not use the money generated this season through... 

• gate money
• phone mast rental
• London Bari ground share
• Rental of the Tyre warehouse
• Auto trader advert filming venue
• Ground letting to Newham FC
• Ad-hoc ground lettings
• and the income generated from the parents of youth team players for kit and equipment etc.

... all of which may have been received by one or other of the four entities above, or possibly other Limited Companies such as Clapton Football Club 1878 Limited. Who knows?

However, dear reader and Clapton supporter, its your choice.  For me, Walter Mitty is alive and well and living in South London.

Rules, Fools and a Load of Balls

Over the years one has often heard the phrase “rules are meant to be broken” and, as attractive or maverick a mantra as this might seem, recent events have brought me to the conclusion that, if one is intent of having rules, surely one has to adhere to them so as to achieve good and fair practice in any society, group, club or even a football league.

So before my anarchic friends start spitting at their monitors, let me explain my thinking.

As most people now, the actual status of the ‘club’ that Vincent McBean runs is something of a mystery, and purposely so.  One is aware of the various Limited Companies that he has opened, allowed to be struck off through failing to file accounts, and then started again with a new one with the same name.

Couple that with two more McBean creations, the ‘Clapton Members Club’, and a mysterious supporters group, the ‘Tons Members Club’ who no one has ever encountered, and it adds up to a very complicated situation indeed.

THE ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE RULES.

So thank the footballing gods for rule 2.13 of the Essex Senior League that requires all clubs to publish on website and programmes etc its legal name and form. That is to say that they are obliged to declare, as a minimum requirement, to publish whether it is a member’s or a proprietary club, a limited company etc. This rule also requires that if a part of a club is privately owned, they should declare it.

I was one of a number of people who wrote to the secretary of the League asking that he enforces this rule and was firstly disappointed that he chose not to respond personally but send a generic email to Andy Barr, complaining of an ‘email bombardment’.  I was also surprised by his refusal to accede to enforce a rule that is said to be a minimum requirement.  This refusal was all the more surprising as, in the mail, he referred to possible legal proceedings which, as he will know, are unlikely to be started without actual clarification of what kind of operation, and under what guise, Mr McBean’s 'club' is officially being run.

As Dworkin once said. the correct interpretation of a rule is “the one that puts practices in their best light, or makes of them the best that they can be.” In my opinion, an epic fail here.

It is circumstances such as this, where football is unable to be consistent in its application of its rules and where transparency is clearly in question.  To address this, the Football Governance Bill is being put through Parliament.  I wish Damian Collins MP every success with his efforts to enact the Bill.  The only people who have anything to fear from its enactment are those using football for questionable motives and others who support and protect them, tacitly or otherwise.

THE SAWBRIDGEWORTH RULES.

Last weekend, we came across more rules, this time, apparently, by order of the Football Association.  Here is the sign that greeted spectators at our away match with Sawbridgeworth Town FC.

This sign was probably a product of the Essex Senior League meeting recently referred to by Vince McBean on his website. However, there have been no fireworks let off at Clapton matches that I have been to, and, in fact, the last ones that lit up the Spotted Dog were from neighbour’s gardens at Dwali a couple of years ago. Flares? Pyro? or whatever, I believe qualified undertakings were given to Mr McBean on that front and the issue has been closed.

However, the banning of food and drink was quite a surprise, so the idea of having to dispense with my Greggs pasty and bottle of Dr Pepper at the gate was not the ‘Welcome to Sawbridgeworth Town FC’ I was hoping for.

But, on a serious point, what was the purpose behind the obviously newly commissioned sign?  It was clearly aimed specifically at Clapton supporters, 'purported' or otherwise (see below)  But, there have been no incidents involving drunkenness at any of the Clapton games that I have seen over the past couple of years (if one excludes the infamous Clapton groundsman) and neither sandwich, chomp bar or other tasty comestible has been jettisoned pitchwards.  I don’t recall any kids becoming disruptive whilst having OD’d on sunset orange or other E numbers, so why have the FA, who, according to the sign, expressly ordered this ban, taken such a heavy handed approach?  Someone should ask them, but don’t hold your breath for an answer.

It might be no coincidence that Sawbridgeworth chairman, Mr Steve Day, is a member of the Essex Senior League Management Committee and he may have thought this a way of flexing his muscles in response to the embarrassment they must feel over their failure to apply their own rules in response to our initial request for information.

So I admit to breaking an FA order (if that was what it really was).  I did not dispense with my snacks and drinks outside or declare them at the gate.  I ate and drank my contraband pitch side, alongside a band of locals who were happily imbibing of alcoholic beverages whilst watching the game.

REF STOPS THE GAME

There was another mysterious incident when the referee stopped the game, after his linesman indicated that one of the Clapton followers, who was getting in position to lead the singing, had held onto a pole behind the goal to support himself.  Play was a long way away from the incident and this was hardly a pitch invasion.  But the reaction of the officials to this incident smacked of them being briefed or under some kind of orders, instructions or a campaign, by whoever is instructing referees, to ‘clamp down on Clapton supporters’.  The referee even went to have words with the Clapton dug out. That was ill-advised, no Clapton officials in there mate, as our ‘owner’ was scheduled to be trousering the bar take at the London Bari home match at the Dog.  However, if the referee wanted to be even handed in his pedanticism, he could have equally instructed the home supporters to remove their drinking vessels containing alcohol from the pitch side barrier.  He didn’t. 

THE FANS WIN THE DAY

But this is non–league / amateur football for pity’s sake and, in contrast to the idiocy of the welcome sign and the fussy referee, the highlight of the day was the superb post match exchange between the Sawbridgeworth and Clapton supporters in which everyone joined in to celebrate their day.  It was an excellent victory for the home team and the visitors had enjoyed another day of vociferously supporting one of the most popular non-league teams in the south of England.

So the overbearing and ridiculous sign was booted into the long grass by those who actually matter, the supporters.  It might be interesting to see if that sign becomes a permanent fixture at Sawbridgeworth games or even if the FA actually did make the specific order or why it only applies to Sawbridgeworth.

As Albert Camus once said “Integrity has no need of rules”.

Finally, I have read in another email that was sent to an ex Clapton Chairman from the ESL Secretary in which he refers to ‘purported Clapton supporters’.  He should be assured that I was a Clapton supporter long before he was ever involved with Ilford FC and, more recently, his tenure at the Essex Senior League.  It is also quite possible that the new breed of Clapton supporters, purported or otherwise, might well outlast him.

Right, I'm up for the cup and I'm off to the Dog for our match against Waltham Forest. Come on you Tons.