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| Justin |
Having
witnessed the ‘Ultras effect’ at the Old Spotted Dog over recent
seasons, I can certainly understand why this young man is attracted
to this way of supporting a team. The incredible atmosphere that was
created by the Clapton Ultras was not only the envy of many other non
league clubs, even those at a higher level, but was also a
contributory factor as to why many good players stayed with the Tons
rather than move on to other teams where they could possibly earn a
few quid. It still amazes me that some players would, for the sake
of a few bob, rather play in front of one man and a dog than in front
of a real crowd with all the atmosphere. [but that’s for another
day]
There
is little doubt that, whilst the Ultras were at Clapton, attendances
increased, and with it came a lot more income and, consequently, many
other non league clubs in the area have been doing their best to
attract similarly vociferous supporters in order to form their own
version of the ‘Ultras’.
For
some time Non League football has presented itself as being the part
of game in which supporters can be come actively involved in their
club. Despite this, many clubs are still being run by a small group
of people or just one individual, and are lacking the requisite
numbers and expertise, whether that be in administration, matchday
organisation or even in marketing the club.
In
recent seasons we have seen the increased number of clubs who have
become fan owned, not least Clapton Community Football Club, where
supporters decided to change their allegiance from Vincent McBean’s
Clapton where they had been clearly and deliberately excluded, to
enjoy active participation in a club in which they have a say in how
it is run. This, despite they are now watching football that is a
number of levels lower in the football pyramid.
So,
this brings me back to the BBC3 documentary.
During the film, the young man visits the Dog and clips from various videos are shown in which the Clapton Ultras are seen in full voice, cheering on the lads in their inimitable style. Some of these clips are at least three years old and deliberately mislead the audience. The reality is that McBean FC's home matches have been sparsely attended since the home match boycott and the advent of CCFC. There is, however, a very short clip of a more recent match with McBean’s team playing in their new, non Clapton garb, with red shorts. It is devoid of any fan noise or chanting but is clearly designed to give the impression that the Ultras continue to support McBean FC.
During the film, the young man visits the Dog and clips from various videos are shown in which the Clapton Ultras are seen in full voice, cheering on the lads in their inimitable style. Some of these clips are at least three years old and deliberately mislead the audience. The reality is that McBean FC's home matches have been sparsely attended since the home match boycott and the advent of CCFC. There is, however, a very short clip of a more recent match with McBean’s team playing in their new, non Clapton garb, with red shorts. It is devoid of any fan noise or chanting but is clearly designed to give the impression that the Ultras continue to support McBean FC.
So,
imagine my surprise, given his consistent condemnation of the Ultras,
when Vincent McBean appeared on the film. Interviewed whilst
standing in front of the “famous scaffold stand” (his words), he
went on to say about the Ultras, “They’re the heart and soul of
the club, Those guys are the ones who make the club.”
As
far as I am aware, none of the Ultras have ever been members of
Vincent McBean’s club. In fact Mr McBean is on record as having
made allegations of racism against the Ultras (all of which were
mischievous, totally unsubstantiated and none reported to Kick It Out.)
I am no investigative journalist, but one doesn't have to be Hercule Poirot to assemble enough accurate information so as not to be hoodwinked by the McBean, the Walter Mitty of Forest Gate (and of London SW4 - thank you to my sources).
I am no investigative journalist, but one doesn't have to be Hercule Poirot to assemble enough accurate information so as not to be hoodwinked by the McBean, the Walter Mitty of Forest Gate (and of London SW4 - thank you to my sources).
Unsurprisingly, this film has been criticised by many Clapton
supporters including some of the old Ultras. They have a point, as
it is an appalling piece of journalism which gives a totally
misleading account of the present situation at McBean FC. Instead it
gave the false impression that Clapton Ultras were still attending
McBean FC matches, did not mention the boycott, the new fan owned
club or the ongoing court case that was sparked by McBean’s attempt
to liquidate the leaseholding Charity. Even more surprisingly,
Justin, or the filmmakers failed to contact the Ultras to obtain
their account. So what we were left is an unbalanced and misleading
report.
Had
they done so, they would have become aware that the legacy of Clapton
Ultras continues at the Stray Dog where Clapton CFC are setting an
example to McBean, and other 'exclusively run' entities that aree
passing off as 'clubs', in non league football. Matchdays are
exciting and atmospheric, the players and supporters come together as
a group in striving for victory (as they used to do before the
boycott at the Old Spotted Dog) Most importantly, membership of the
club is open to all, every member own a share in the club and can
propose and/or vote on any motions or proposals put forward.
Compare
this with McBean's set up. The loudest sounds at matches comes from
the dugouts and the players. He is flanked by other individuals who,
whilst possibly well meaning, are being totally duped by the false
persona he has developed in many years of his dodgy dealings. (Lets
not forget the south London Charity from which he took nearly £500k).
I
need not mention the litany of failed and struck off limited
companies using the name, and other variations, of Clapton Football
Club.
I
was also interested to read a recent tweet from one the McBean FC
team management who insisted the players were playing for them and
not McBean. That, is not a club. The fact is that McBean FC amounts
to a profit making entity from which only one person benefits (the
licensed bar, rents from London Bari FC/Hackney Wick, Filming Shoots,
The Tyre Warehouse etc). The players and team management are
supporting this regime as they are a cog in that wheel and seem
content to play their matches, amid the atmosphere of Sunday team on
the Marshes, despite the obvious problems. It is a matter for their
conscience alone.
It
is therefore very little wonder why Clapton Community Football Club
was established. Since its inception it has managed to recreate, and
even improve upon, the old, inclusive club that was Clapton Football
Club before the arrival of McBean. CCFC has the support of all the
Life Members of the old Clapton FC and, coupled with the enthusiasm
and vision of the members and owners, there is every reason to be
optimistic that they will return Clapton to its old standing in non
league football. That standing not only includes matters on the
field but, just as importantly, what happens off the field. I salute Clapton CFC
on the sterling work they have done to overcome a variety of obstacles
whilst remaining true to their principals. Sport should be for all
to enjoy.
The
future will be interesting. The High Court case appears to be coming
to a head and McBean is been known to bail out just before the axe
falls (as he did with the South London charity). This decision will
obvious impact upon the ground and its usage and ultimately McBean
FC. I have long since given up on the idea that any of the purported
governing bodies will intervene of their own volition. The Charity
Commission, HMRC, The Essex Senior League, the Football Association
etc. have all stood by and done very little.
Is it that their governance and adminstration is lamentable? Or do they all stand squarely' McBean? One certainly has a reason to be curious.....
The documentary can be viewed at
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/clip/f41124ba-6b55-401d-a976-be92114e6cdd
The credits for the film, on the website of producer Charles Copsey (www.charlescopsey.com) read as follows :
I
Turned My Back On English Football For Italian Ultras - BBC Three
Upset
with West Ham, Justin turned to Italian club Arezzo to find the
passion he believes his old club lost.
Director,
Producer, Editor: Charles Copsey
BBC
Producer and Development: Ally McCrae
Cinematography:
Lloyd Cook
Sound
Location and Post: Louis Lincoln
Commissioned
by BBC Three for digital channels. Released and distributed by BBC
Three, BBC Sport and Match of The Day social media channels.
