Is This Why the Essex Senior League Are Supporting Vince McBean?

I have read, with some amusement and disbelief, the twitter exchanges between the Essex Senior League account @essexsenior and various others (mainly, but not exclusively, supporters of Clapton) concerning Vincent McBean’s club and I was particularly interested in the exchanges relating to it's actual constitution.

What is apparent that many supporters and indeed, even the Essex Senior League, have very little understanding of what the actual position is.

This is hardly surprising in the case of the former, as Mr McBean has run and collapsed a number of limited companies that purported to have been Clapton FC, since he arrived.

Some years ago, supporters wrote to the Essex Senior League asking for clarification on the legal entity that was playing in their competition as Clapton Football Club.  It was a league rule that clubs should disclose this either on their website or in the match day programme.  Needless to say, at the time, McBean’s club did neither.

The response from the ESL was less than helpful and, in essence, they refused to enforce their rule.   One wonders why this was such a guarded secret.

In the twitter thread, a supporter talks of fans not being able to influence the club because they were not shareholders.  This would be correct if McBean’s club was a Limited Company and, given the on-going confusion on who or what is Clapton FC, this error is perfectly understandable.

It should be said that McBean’s website now describes his entity as an unincorporated association.

But the response from the ESL was quite interesting. "This is one of the main issues - being a fan, paying an entrance fee - does not entitle you to a share in any decision making and/or profits unless you’re a shareholder.”

With respect to whoever is running the ESL twitter account, (said to be ‘the Committee’) ‘shares and shareholders’ are not an issue in the Clapton case.  An unincorporated association would normally have members but, as we know, Vince McBean closed the membership six years ago for “restructuring”.  One may speculate that his was clearly to protect his position within the entity as its been the same old same old, ever since.  (Note : he has posted a written on-line denial that he was the owner of Clapton FC)

But I can fully understand why the Essex Senior League Committee are so confused in thinking that shareholders are an issue as far as Clapton Football Club are concerned..

This is because not so long ago the Essex Senior League were accepting and banking cheques from the Santander bank account of Clapton Football Club Limited. At the time they should have been fully aware that this was not the legal entity of the ‘member club’.

Nonetheless, the Essex Senior League continued to bank cheques from the company after it had been struck off, dissolved and no longer legally existed.

The assets of any struck off/dissolved company immediately becomes ‘bona vacantia’ (property of the Crown) and therefore this money was not theirs to accept.

This use of shell companies, and fraudulent transactions such as this, clearly smacks of money laundering, and is most certainly, false accounting and tax evasion.  A casual inspection of the bank statements of McBean’s Clapton FC Limited, reveals that the company traded quite actively before and after dissolution, although it never actually filed accounts at any time.

Nonetheless the Santander bank account in the name of Clapton Football Club Limited remained active until 2014.

Given the amount of unbridled support for Mr McBean in the Essex Senior League twitter feed, is it just a co-incidence that their determination to keep him afloat, not enforce their own rules, and consistently bat away any criticism of him, is founded more on the concern that their financial transactions with Clapton Football Club Limited, if revealed, may implicate them in future investigations regarding Mr McBean?

One thing is for sure, such behaviour, whether it be naivety, or by assisting or failing to disclose/report such financial misconduct, is not that which should be expected, at the very least, of a Senior League.  (described at page of this season's ESL Handbook as a 'Senior Attitude'.)

One wonders what sanctions and financial penalties the Essex Senior League would have meted out to other member clubs if those clubs had been involved in such financial skullduggery?

The Clapton Petition. Why Would I Sign?

I think most of us with an interest in non league football in London and Essex are aware of the recent developments at the Spotted Dog ground. Simply put, the landlords, Heineken UK, have repossessed the ground because the rent has not been paid. For me, that's totally understandable and straight forward enough.

In response, an on-line petition has been launched, addressed to Heineken UK, asking people to sign in support of Keeping Clapton Football Club at the Old Spotted Dog Ground.

At the time of writing just over 400 people have signed the petition.  However, I wonder how many of those signatories are actually mis-informed or have signed due to sentiment.

The first fear to allay is that Heineken have clearly stated that they have no intention of the ground being used for any other purpose than leisure and sporting activities which benefit the local community.  So we can forget yuppie housing being built on the site. It should also be remembered that the football ground has been designated as an Asset Of Community Value, and as such, is safe from developers.

Therefore the question is, who will occupy the ground as tenants/lessees?  The petition asks you to sign to show support for Vincent McBean's Clapton FC.  However, his club are entwined with the recently evicted company, Newham Community Leisure Limited who Mr McBean also mismanaged and took into liquidation.

The script of the petition page is interesting for a number of reasons.  

• There is no mention of Vincent McBean the CEO of Clapton FC  who was a director of Newham Community Leisure Limited before he placed it into liquidation.  In addition, Clapton club secretary Shirley Doyle and team manager Wilfred Thomas signed documents as members of NCL to support this action.
• The Charity Commission launched a statutory inquiry into Newham Community Leisure Limited in 2013 and I cannot imagine this is undertaken lightly and it could only have been done in the face of serious allegations of misconduct by trustees/directors/ members, who include Mrs Doyle, Mr Thomas and Mr McBean.
• The petition blames the Charity Commission for not allowing the terms of the lease to be met (payment of rent).  This is also misconceived, as Vince McBean, Shirley Doyle and Wilf Thomas will know that the assets of the company are under the control of the liquidator who was appointed by Mr McBean to administer the liquidation.

As for terms of the lease, Mr McBean will need no reminding that he, and other trustees, have been fined by Newham Council for causing, and the continuance of, public nuisance to neighbours and local residents through loud music being played in the early hours of the morning.  This, of itself, is a breach of the terms of the lease and could result in forfeiture. 

Licensing is not a strong suit for the Vincent McBean's Clapton as, older supporters will know, there was no liquor licence at the ground until 2009.  So that's at least four years of Essex Senior League officials, players and supporters enjoying hospitality at Mr McBean's 'illegal drinker'.  This is a breach of the terms of the lease and could result in forfeiture.

Putting this aside, were McBean's club good tenants?  Judging by what I have seen of the clear up at the ground since the repossession, I don't think so.  Rubbish skips are bursting to the seams with refuse, some looking like it had been previously fly tipped.  I also recall the old urinals piled behind the scaffold stand and imagine that they have also found their way into the skip. Keeping the ground is such a lamentable state is breach of the tenant's covenants in the lease and could result in forfeiture.

I am also aware that Newham Council visited the ground in August 2017 and served notices on Mr McBean due to the dangerous state of the ground due to building spoil littering the public areas.  Once again, this is a breach of the lease and could result in forfeiture.

So, had the landlords been aware of the above, they could have reasonably removed the lease from Newham Community Leisure at any time.

But, fellow non league supporters, let's be honest, were it not for the location, (an oasis of old school football in the middle of a residential area) and the history connected with the name of Clapton Football Club, would we be as unforgiving of a ground in such a poor and potentially dangerous state of repair.  For example, imagine if there was a pile of old urinals stacked at the side of the stand at Cricklefields or Wadham Lodge or a pile of hardcore and glass in the spectator areas of Oakside or Catons Lane?  Would the ground grading gods sit back and ignore it as they clearly have for some time at the Spotted Dog..

I have purposely not referred to Vince McBean's personal antecedents in running charities and companies  That is all over the internet and on public record.

As for the demise of the 140 year old club, this is total folly as Vincent McBean suspended Clapton Football Club in 2000.  He formed a new entity, Clapton Members Club whose constitution is that which is lodged with the Football Association. The interest in Clapton FC, a members' club, has remained with the life members of that organsiation.

So, I hope those who propose to sign the petition understand why I will not do so.  I appreciate the sentiment behind wishng to sign the petition, but be assured, the ground is safe and is not longer being used for personal gain as opposed to being a community asset.  Its a case of the landlords finding a responsible, democratic, local community based entity to run it, for the good of Newham.

To reinstall Mr McBean and his friends as tenants would be like inviting guests to your home who, when they previously stayed with you, defecated and then wiped it up the walls.

I'm not sure that is what any responsible landlord would want to happen.  One can only imagine what the cost of the clear up and making secure has cost them on this occasion and I am sure they would not want to repeat the process.

BBC 3 on the Ultras. Epic Fail

Justin

Last week a short documentary was released on the BBC3 website that told the tale of a West Ham supporter, Justin, who has turned his back on English football to follow an Italian 3^rd division team which enjoys the support of a vociferous group of Ultras. In listing his reasons for this change of perspective, he mentioned that, prior to the decision, he had concluded that his support was no longer valued by the club and he felt like he was merely a ‘customer’.

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.

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).

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.

True Legends

I’d been off the scene for a while but tempted out of retirement by the lure of the clash between Clapton Legends and their Sporting Bengal counterparts  at Ilford FC's Cricklefields ground.

Glad to say what a fantastic evening I had, great to see so many old faces and the carnival atmosphere had to be seen and heard to be believed. I have heard a lot about this ‘pyro’ issue over the years and fair play to the fans who have not used it of late because of the fines which would apparently be credited to the home side. But here in a more relaxed setting, the pyro was in full flow and added to a visually fantastic occasion which the incredible photos of the game bear testimony to.

What a truly inclusive occasion it was as well both on and off the pitch and great to see so many old faces in the Clapton squad ranging from the full spectrum of the early days of Chris Wood’s team such to those who have graced the pitch and the dug out in more recent times. Whilst the players picked were certainly of mixed ability and fitness levels due to the passage of time, they all held a shared affinity with the Ultras through good times and bad and most importantly it was plain to see the respect and affection was a 2 way thing. Having gone to only a handful of games in recent years I found myself more drawn towards this mixed band of footballing ‘desperados’ than the teams I had seen of late which seemed to chop and change on a regular basis, I found myself really getting behind the players and appreciating their efforts whatever the outcome might be.

The game itself was probably more competitive than expected and had a moment of controversy and good humour when a Sporting goal was unceremoniously ruled offside, a giant Ultras flag mischievously cutting short the celebrations. The boys went on to win 3-1 but the night wasn’t about the result, it was all about the occasion and perhaps an insight of how enjoyable football could be with the right people at the helm and everyone unified.

Well done to everyone involved including our very good friends Sporting Bengal in making this a true Night to Remember. Credit and my respect to the Clapton fans, you have to admire the unity of purpose in carrying out an unflinching year long boycott , let’s hope the future bring resolution to the fantastic fight waged against the ‘owner’.

Regards Lew

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.

Who's A Nettle?

A lot has been written recently about the proposed liquidation of Newham Community Leisure, the charity that holds the lease on the Old Spotted Dog.  I don't think I can add any more to it, other than to say that the whole affair appears to have a familiar odious stench of Clapton FC dishonesty behind it.  I hope those looking into it will save the ground from becoming McBean's money making asset by alternative means, which appears to be his intention. See http://www.claptonfc.info/vmcb/cfcnclt.htm

I have been encouraged to write on more light hearted matters following Vince McBean's latest article on his website http://claptonfc.com/recent-incident-at-sawbridgeworth-town-fc/. It is not my place to comment on the alleged incident.  There were others there, including a delegate from McBean's club, as per the League rules. (one assumes)

However, it was quite opportunistic that McBean has used this unsavoury incident to announce the club's apparent withdrawal of their application for promotion.  Despite apparently having no information as to who the supposed perpetrator was,or even if they were a Clapton supporter, he has used the incident to lay the blame for the promotion withdrawal on the fans.  If he thinks we will swallow that, he clear considers that the average intelligence of the Clapton supporter, or objective non-league supporter, is that of a nettle.

I admit to having been somewhat surprised at Clapton's application for promotion which was announced earlier in the season.  Nonetheless, with an enthusiastic manager and an improving team, why not?

But as many club have found over the years, promotion to the Ryman League from the Essex Senior is not straight forward and the first, and most obvious problem we have is the state of the Old Spotted Dog Ground.

The club had to obtain a Ryman ground grading by 31st March.  Does anyone realistically think that Clapton stood any chance of achieving that?  I don't think I need to go into specifics on the condition of the ground other than to say, its a dump.  There are other requirements, such as accounts which, if McBean's management of the Newham Community Leisure scenario is anything to go by, will also probably be laughed out of the Ryman League's offices. Couple that with the general greater scrutiny of member clubs by the Ryman League (rather than the lip service to rules provided by the Essex Senior) and McBean would have even more reason to want to slip back under the radar.

So I don't buy McBean's rubbish about his ever being serious about promotion.  He will continue to lose the support, even from those once prepared to give him the 'benefit of the doubt', and any credibility he may have thought he had, even among the newbies, has gone.

Meanwhile the most surprising event emerged on Twitter.  Clapton team manager, Jonny Fowell, tweeted on Tuesday night that he remained hopeful that if Clapton were to finish as the second placed team in the ESL, they would be considered for promotion.  Quite clearly, Vince had clearly not shared the news about the club's 'withdrawal from promotion' with his manager. 

Whether or not McBean thinks Jonny Fowell has similar 'nettle intellect' to that of the supporters, it was particularly nasty sting for any manager to take, and consequently, it was a debacle.  But then again, one would hope that Jonny will have realised by now who he's dealing with, and should grasp the nettle himself.  Either that, or he really is 'Urtica dioica'.

McBean Reprieved, or Is He?

As you may know, Vince McBean filed the requisite Company House documents for his Clapton Football Club 1878 Limited and, for now, they limp on.

Despite this, there are still a lot of unanswered questions that arise from his negotiations with the Ultras (a board? a trustee? etc) and who exactly are this Company and what purpose do they serve?

But most importantly, McBean has lost any credibility he may have had, even with those not fully in the know at the Old Spotted Dog.  He is flapping around, being attacked from all angles, merely because his is now under such scrutiny that his failings and scams are now being regularly picked up, and not only by the usual suspects (real Clapton FC, Andy Barr etc)

For my part, it is apparent is despite McBean's claim to be a businessman, over the years I have seen no evidence of any commercial or business like acumen from him, other than the sharp suits.  I am sure that I am not alone in wondering how he funds his lifestyle and what business he is actually in.  On the other hand, perhaps it is right under our nose and Clapton FC is his business, despite his denial that he is the owner.  What is clear, is that nothing is clear, when it comes to Vincent McBean.

So, for the moment, crisis over for Vince?  I'm afraid not.

The charity Newham Community Leisure Limited, which holds the lease on the Old Spotted Dog ground and, of which, Vince McBean is a director and trustee, failed to file its own Confirmation Statement at Companies House last week.  The consequence is likely to be another proposal to strike off the company, risk to the lease and to Clapton FC.

Vince McBean's credibility is shot.  He needs to leave Clapton FC to those who care about it, the supporters.

Join real Clapton FC

See : Two Months to Save Clapton FC

Two Months to Save Clapton FC

In the past week or so there have been two prominent pieces of news from the Old Spotted Dog, and neither of them was surprising.

I initially welcomed the end of the Clapton Ultras’ boycott of home games as it signalled a ‘first’ at Clapton FC since the McBean regime took hold of the club; McBean couldn't have things all his own way.

The Ultras had managed to reach a compromise over the price rise, whilst achieving a number of small victories in getting McBean to reduce prices for student, refugees, jobless, youngsters and old chaps like me!  Couple this with spectators’ possessions not being unnecessarily rifled through by McBean's bouncers, and it's a good result.  Thank you lads and lassies of the Ultras!

But how did they manage this, after so many people have tried, and failed before?  One word, Money.

Since the arrival of the Ultras, McBean has become accustomed to pocketing huge amounts of cash though gate money.  Add to this the bar takings from those spectators who remain unaware, or possibly disinterested, in the ‘Clapton situation’ and he was doing very nicely indeed.  However, the boycott has seen those windfalls disintegrate and, doubtless, he was desperate to fill his pockets once again.  No one is quite aware of what other business interest he currently has.

It was therefore strange that, in those negotiations, he chose to position himself as a go-between for the supporters and the ‘Board’.  Now, when a ‘businessman’, who McBean purports to be, speaks of a Board, it can only mean one thing - a board of directors, and Directors indicate the existence of a Limited Company.

Whilst McBean operating his club as a limited company is a possibility, as far as I am aware, Clapton FC, in whatever guise, has never been registered as such with the football authorities.  If there has been a change of entity from the original club, then the FA, County FA and the Essex Senior League would have to have been made aware and would have to have given their approval.  The problem is that none of these ‘governing’ bodies is willing to disclose any information.

During the negotiations, McBean also produced John Jackson as a ‘trustee’ at one of the meetings with the Ultras delegation.  I have referred to Mr Jackson in my blog previously, and still have no idea what he claims to be a Trustee of, but I have seen emails in which he claims to have been made chair of Clapton FC by McBean in 2008, apparently without his actually realising it.  He also claimed that McBean once told him that Clapton FC does not exist. I therefore see very little reason to place any trust (sic) in Mr Jackson, who may be as much a fantasist as McBean himself.  I also wonder if McBean knows what his mate Jackson has claimed to have happened.  What is clear is that when the meeting with Ultras, Jackson was dishonestly passed off as something he is not.

So whilst I am delighted to be watching the team again, the way in which McBean has behaved only underlines what a manipulative and dishonest man he is.

The second piece of news involves an actual limited company, Clapton Football Club 1878 Limited, to which Clapton CF News, a supporters run news page, have referred in their web post of today (14.02.2017).  This company has now been notified that the Registrar of Companies proposes to strike them off because they have failed to file documents as required by law.

Therefore, if Clapton Football Club 1878 Ltd is ‘McBean’s Clapton FC’ then one of the most famous names in amateur football is likely to disappear because if McBean follows his usual modus operandi in managing companies, he will do nothing and the company will be struck off in a couple of months.

Interestingly, I have a copy of a recent Clapton FC letterhead and, there is no reference to a company number or the registered office, as is also required by law.

What is remarkable is that McBean, refers to this dubious and possibly non-existent board, on his own www.claptonfc.com website.

The fact is that Vince McBean has behaved dishonestly and disrespectfully to the Ultras, the supporters who fill his pockets by coming to matches.  This is not only in respect of the Company issue, but also by misrepresenting the club itself and the state of the negotiations which ended up extending the boycott.

Whilst I am delighted to get back and watch this very impressive tam complete the season, Clapton supporters must now decide whether McBean is a person who can be trusted to run our club.

It is clearly apparent is that McBean operates all of his ‘visible’ business autonomously. He consistently puts up family, old friends and associates as his ‘colleagues’.  Have any of the supporters ever met, or seen, the supposed Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer of McBean’s club?

Despite the Ultras’ achievement in bringing McBean to the table, even then, the ‘self styled CEO’ couldn’t help by acting dishonestly during the boycott, even though it was very much in his interest to arrive at a settlement.  In the words of the Ultras themselves, “We’ve just been given a hard lesson in messing about, delaying and rearranging the furniture over what had already been agreed.” 

Couple that with the news that the Charity that holds the lease on the Old Spotted Dog, which he took over from the former regime, is now under investigation by the Commissioner for Charities, their bank account frozen, and under pressure to file documents with Companies House and its ridiculous that McBean continues to operate.  McBean cannot be trusted with the ground, the club. It’s about time something was done.

The real Clapton FC which was founded by supporters and life members of the club.  I have heard many people asking what this group are doing to oust McBean.  But dealing with a specious fabricator of the truth, like McBean, is always difficult, as the Ultras have discovered.  However, I am aware that they have played no small part in unsettling McBean and exposing his activities, not least with regard to the ground, breaches of the lease and, what would appear to be, a very dodgy ground share and rental agreements with London Bari and the Tyre Warehouse next door.

FELLOW CLAPTON SUPPORTERS  -  Time is now very much of the essence, because if Clapton Football Club 1878 Limited is the legal entity of Clapton FC, then we have two months in which to save it.  If it’s not the ‘club’, then its purpose is/has clearly been to defraud some poor sod, as it is £20k in debt according to the last accounts.

I ask you to help remove McBean and save Clapton FC.  Join the real Clapton FC.  Their website is www.claptonfc.info and there is a link to the membership application form.

UPDATE - It appears that Clapton Football Club 1878 Limited has filed its Confirmation Statement today, 15th February 2017, thus the strike-off action has been discontinued. 

According to the GOV.UK guidance on Confirmation Statements, it is a criminal offence to file this document more than 14 days after the review period (in this case 11th November 2016), so the company and its officers could be prosecuted.

The Progress of Old Friends.

Whilst we Clapton supporters were celebrating a fine victory over old rivals (and friends) Barking at the Dog, some of our other former adversaries were taking place in some high profile matches elsewhere. 

Old Isthmian League rivals Sutton United were adding to their giant-killing pedigree by knocking Leeds United out of the FA Cup.  It was a marvellous achievement for the ‘U’s and I I am delighted for them to have drawn Arsenal in the next round.

I remember watching the Tons at their Gander Green Lane ground for many years.  Invariably we were on the end of a hammering, not least an 11-1 defeat in the sixties but this was not surprising as Sutton were always one of the top teams in the League with quality players such as Larry Pritchard, Steve Bangs and, of course, Dario Gradi.  Our last ‘contact’ with them that I can recall was in the 80s when, their Manager, Barrie Williams agreed to loan us classy midfielder Glenn Swain for a few weeks whilst we're in the midst of an injury crisis.  They were always a decent club and its marvellous to see them doing so well and, as importantly, at their traditional ground.

Up the road in north London, Tottenham Hotspur were hosts to other old friends from our Isthmian days, Wycombe Wanderers, who gave a fantastic performance, only to be pipped at the post, courtesy of a last minute goal.  The last time we played Wycombe, their home ground was Loakes Park, a traditional old stadium in High Wycombe town centre.  Loakes Park was most famous for its sloping pitch and, although Imight like to venture this as being a factor for some of the hidings we took at the hands of the Chairboys, it's not the case.  They team was always populated with some of the best amateur players of the day.  From perennial goalkeeper John Maskell, to ace goalscorer Keith Searle, they were a marvellous outfit and their progress to the Football League is a testament to their excellent administration over the years. 

Last Sunday another match took place with which Clapton have connections.  The FA Vase tie between Southall and Exmouth Town may not have grabbed as many headlines as the matches above but was eagerly contested with the winners being just three matches from Wembley.  Southall were Clapton’s opponents in the 1925 FA Amateur Cup final and boasted a fine tradition.  They became an Isthmian League club in the expansion of 1973.

In 1986, Southall also enjoyed a great run in the Vase and, having beaten Stevenage Borough at their own ground in Western Road with les Ferdinand playing at centre forward, actually reached the twin towers, only to lose in the final to Halesowen Town.  Exmouth Town also enjoyed similar success.  They were regularly Champions of the Western League and reached the semi finals of the Vase in 1985 when beaten on aggregate by Fleetwood Town.

Exmouth Town was Clapton's destination for a pre season friendly in 1988.  A good time was had by all, very much in the traditions of the Easter Tours upon which Clapton parties often embarked in years gone by.  Yes, beer was involved.

However, both these clubs have undergone some hard times since these heady days.

Southall ‘lost’ their home ground and started ground sharing.  They were relegated to the Combined Counties League and, in 2006 suffered the ignominy of being expelled from the League and their record expunged due to ‘financial irregularities’.  However, despite having to re-group and play two levels lower in the Middlesex County Football League, the club cleared its debts and have re-emerged as a fine club to which their Vase run is testament.  They presently play in the South Midlands League in Division One and continue to ground share at Hanwell Town.

As well as the Championship winning seasons and the FA vase run, Exmouth Town also reached the 4^th qualifying round of the FA Cup, only to fall at the hands of the excellent Woking team of that era.  Their team was punctuated with some of the best ex-pros and non league players from the region.

Unfortunately, whilst such players give a lot of enjoyment to supporters and raise the profile of the club, this comes at a price and, unfortunately the club’s ability to continue to pay the cost of such an operation, heralded the departure of most of the players.  This left the club with problems and they were soon relegated form the top tier of Western League and rattled around in the lower division for ten years before eventually gaining promotion.  However, the success was short lived and they subsequently resigned from the League in 2006 due to financial problems.  The club was then re-formed as Exmouth Town (2006) AFC and the first team took over the old reserve teams place in the Exeter and East Devon League.  The next season the club became founder members of the South West Peninsula League.

Last Saturday’s match at Southall is, once again, marks a fine achievement by those at Exmouth Town who stood by their club and those who have come in to help sort out the problems left by their predecessors.

Last Sunday’s match was won 4-2 by Southall who’s reward is a home match against Cleethorpes Town.  We wish them the best of luck.

There are lessons to be learned here for supporters of many non league clubs, not least Clapton FC.  Losing your home ground, financial irregularities, the cost of ‘professional’ players and the legacy of short term success has a cost and it can take years to bring the club back.

As a Clapton supporter, I am far from convinced that the Old Spotted Dog is in safe hands.  As there is no transparency, I also have no confidence in the administration of the club, particularly as far as financial issues are concerned and the obscure use of Limited Companies that don’t file records with Companies House and are regularly struck off.

As for the expenditure on players, in my experience, money doesn't buy loyalty from players, whether that is a Premier League or Essex Senior League level.  We must hope that the excellent squad we have will be content to play for, what should be, one of the most prestigious amateur/nonleague clubs in the country with unrivalled support rather than to move on (frequently sideways) for money.

Despite the excellent result at the Dog last Saturday, it would take a brave man to back against Barking to be promoted in April and whilst it would be a shame to lose that fixture, should it happen, I will be pleased for them in their achievement in returning the 'Blues' to the Isthmian League.

So then, why shouldn't Clapton look to return to their traditional home in the Isthmian League.

What we must hope is, like Sutton United, Wycombe Wanderers we can progress, but on a realistic level and before than can happen, like Southall and Exmouth Town, we have to get our club back on an even keel.

Unfortunately, before this can be achieved we need to rid ourselves of the Vincent Mcbean's current regime whose secrecy and dishonesty is slowly being exposed and unravelled.  This current debacle will undoubtedly cost Clapton FC dearly in the future.  It will be then that we will need the loyalty of players and supporters to stand to shoulder to shoulder with those who may be left to carry the can.

Time will tell.

Smoke and Mirrors and the Peeling Veneer.

Once again, I am tempted to return to my blog to discuss recent events at the Old Spotted Dog.  There's plenty to discuss but, for this tome, I shall look specifically at the supporter's boycott and their decision to return for today's match against Barking.

Let me firstly say that I am not one of those who has broken the boycott which I consider to have been an adequate and effective response to the profiteering of those running the club.

I have also been told by one of the playing staff that the 'pay what you can offer' came about at their suggestion and not from Mr McBean or 'the club'.  However, I did smile when I saw that the original offer was amended to state to 'minimum £1', probably through fear of a torrent of copper coins being passed across the turnstile.

So, why am I going to the game on Saturday?

• I want to support the players who I think have performed very well this season and I miss going to the game.
• I am going because I am assured that Vince McBean is not going to profit to his accustomed extent.  I shall not buy any of his beer or food or a programme (if he actually produces one).
• I also think that attending this game will rejuvenate the Clapton support which I hope has not waned as a result of the boycott.  Going to the match can be a habit which is easily broken through absence.  Its important that those who were coming to the games before are there in force on Saturday, if only to protest against McBean.
• I am also going on the understanding that the Ultras' meetings with McBean relating to the boycott will continue until the demands are met.
• Entrance fees put back to how they were at the beginning of the season
• That I am not subjected to unnecessary searches by 'bouncers' at the turnstile.

Vince McBean need not think that he has scored a victory by the relaxation of the boycott as the point behind it remains in force.

Interestingly, the report of the meeting by the Ultras on their website invokes a lot more questions as to who, or what, they are actually dealing with.

As we know, Mr McBean has recently denied to the members of the Ultras that he is the owner of Clapton FC.  This is a welcome admission and long overdue.  However, he is yet to do this publicly and it something that needs clarification.

Furthermore there is mention of a 'Board' at Clapton FC.  This term is usually associated with a Limited Company whereas a 'club' would normally have a committee.  Its bizarre terminology for someone who holds himself out as a businessman.

It all ends up with a 'smoke and mirrors' scenario which would be easily remedied if Vince McBean would care to be straight about things.  Unfortunately, he can't and he won't.

Equally baffling is the re-emergence of John Jackson, in the role of a Trustee.  I am not sure as to actually what body he is a Trustee, but I am aware that he was Clapton FC Chairman at some stage, although I understand that he has since denied this.  He is not presently listed on Vince's website as being an 'Executive Member'.

However, John Jackson was certainly listed as Club Chairman in the club programme for the 2006/7 season. (left)

So, good luck to those negotiating with the 'club' over the price increase and in their attempt to get some kind of truth out of Vince McBean.

My only hope is that Vince McBean will not proclaim that the return of the supporters, even on what I understand to be a temporary basis, is some kind of personal victory.  Its far from that, as the veneer which has previously masked his past wheelings and dealings is now starting to peel away.