Why Are Many Lower Non-League Clubs Missing a Trick?

 In recent years one cannot not have missed the ‘support grassroots football’ tag, plastered on social media and elsewhere, extolling the virtues of the beautiful game, played, organised and administered by the supposed good and virtuous, far removed from the apparent greed of the high rollers of the Premier League.

Interestingly, the opening games of this season at the, so-called, ‘grassroots’ level, have seen some clubs have reporting vastly improved attendances, possibly caused by the ‘no fans’ policy at higher levels due to the Covid restrictions, and the desire from some football fans to watch a game, any game

However, it remains to be seen whether this increase is a genuine renewal of interest in lower level non-league football and whether it can be maintained.   This situation presents an incredible opportunity for clubs, particularly those who normally play their matches in front of a sprinkling of die-hards, dim-wits, girlfriends, dads, the curious and confused.

So, “Get involved with your local team” is the rallying call.  Another mantra is “Football is all about of opinions”.  But how much will your view or opinion have in the running of your local club should you decide that you wish to get involved?  Perhaps the contribution you are really being encouraged to make is limited to making tea, cleaning, fund raising, editing a programme, selling raffle tickets, making sandwiches, taking the gate money, rolling and cutting the pitch as, all too often, many of these tasks are left to just a few individuals as it is difficult to recruit new people on a regular and committed basis.

But as these tasks are necessary in the running of a football club, the question is “Who is getting the true benefit?”

Certainly, the players will benefit but their contribution is normally confined to playing a game of football.  With respect to them, many are hardly the hottest ticket in town.  In fact, if they had been actors in a West End production, playing to near empty theatres as many do, Cameron Mackintosh would have closed the show long ago.

Clubs that lose money are commonplace and, unless one can find a benefactor or soccer ‘Sugar Daddy’, the inevitable result can be merger, the sale of a ground and ultimately extinction. 

Football, at all domestic levels, has seen its share of Sugar Daddies, from double glazing salesmen to Qatari Sheiks.  But can they possibly care about the club as much as the man or woman who makes the players’ after match tea and sandwiches?  Investment, whether in cash, or in time and effort, is always welcome, but the former rarely has the longevity and unconditional commitment of the latter.

One should distinguish between these Sugar Daddies and many of the genuine ‘benefactors’ at lower leagues who have, or continue to, contribute financially, and have worked hard behind the scenes in efforts to keep a club going for little or no personal gain.

Some benefactors put money into the club, maybe clearing debts, or contributing to a player’s budget.  Unfortunately, in many cases, there are those who do not part with their money without having strings attached and the inevitable situation is that the club ‘owes’ him/her £xxx,000 and a new position of club ‘owner’ is said to have been created.

Once a person assumes ownership of a club, the legal entity changes from being a members’ club to that of a proprietary club.  This means that all the assets of the club belong to the owner, which is then run for the purpose of making a profit and then owner can make whatever rules he or she thinks fit.  Think of your club as a night club of which you are member.  There are no meetings, it is run by the ‘owner’ and members are just customers.  The pay their subscriptions and enjoy the facilities/entertainment.

Some benefactors have become purported ‘owners’ of a club that was previously run and governed by members, because a real membership no longer existed, sometimes by the new owner excluding/cancelling/suspending membership, or by the remaining members handing over control of the club because of a promise to clear a debt or more funding in the future.  Such significant constitutional changes should certainly involve the Football Association who, unfortunately, have been asleep at the wheel for years, as far as lower league non-league football is concerned.

These situations may be the hurdle by which many clubs are losing out on generating much needed revenue during the present crisis.

Should a club decide to open itself up to customers/clients/fans etc through an annual membership scheme, it could benefit from a sure-fire way to raise funds, not just once, but every year.  For example, if a club had 200 paid up members (which is not beyond a step 5 club with serious intentions of reaching out to its community) at an annual subscription of £20, it would raise £4,000 immediately and continue to do so each year. This income could prove to be a life saver financially, not least with the additional revenue through merchandise, matchday refreshments etc. and would also have the added benefit of inviting new ideas and initiatives into the club.

So why isn’t this happening?

Could it be because that a new influx of membership may, at a properly convened meeting, vote against the wishes of the ‘benefactor/owner’ and thus take control?  Ultimately, they may vote the benefactor out of office.  But isn’t this the way a community club is run, for the benefit of the community?

In some cases, ‘benefactor/owners’ have even tried to protect their position by including in the club rules that anyone owed money by the club cannot be voted off a committee.  Once again, such a rule, if constitutional in the first place, can be easily removed by a members’ vote, but would certainly deter any sensible person from wishing to join that entity.

It would be marvellous if there was greater interest in lower league and local football, but to adhere to their grassroots ‘motif’, the clubs, leagues and the FA should get their house in order.

Would-be supporters may wish to ensure that the club in which they intend to invest their time, goodwill and not least their money, is transparent and open, and that they have a say in its management and decisions made.

The rules of some leagues compel their clubs to publish details of the legal entity by which they trade.  However, this is not as vigorously enforced as one would expect.  Even at level 9/ step 5, some clubs are Limited Companies and, as such, unless a supporter is a shareholder, he/she has no say in the running of the ‘club’.

Surely such exclusion of supporters gives the lie to the statement that grassroots football offers inclusion and the opportunity to be part of the club you choose to support.  

Unfortunately, in such cases, the non-league supporter is really no different to the customers who shop for their entertainment at more upmarket businesses such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal Football 'Clubs'.

 

 

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.

Peace and Goodwill in 2015. The future of Clapton FC ?

Well, it was good to get the game on last night and the boys responded with an excellent victory over Hullbridge who are very capable opponents.  Having fallen behind early on, I felt our equalising goal, just before half time, was the turning point and thereafter I didn't think we were going to lose.  As it was, Andy Mott's effort popped over the visitors goal line prompting celebrations in the scaffold, and the world was a better place once more.

However, this game was remarkable on a number of fronts.  The match had not been publicised by Vince McBean's website, his twitter or in the local press and I only heard of it through the www.claptonfc.info site and subsequent tweets.  It's hard to imagine that Vince would prefer the team to play in front of empty terraces once more (and I've been there) as he is taking a very good 'tap' from the gate receipts.  Perhaps the real reason is that he does not have the numbers, or back up, to actually run a senior football club at this level?

He has spoken before of teams of volunteers but I see no evidence of this.  He is very much a one-man band and I have come to the conclusion that the whole 'club' thing that he has has put forward in his statement are something of a sham.

Miss Doyle, the secretary is never seen at matches.  There is no treasurer and it will be interesting to see if Mr Syfox, the commercial manager (and promoter of various live music events at the club house), retains his interest since the opening hours for the club house were cut by Newham Council the other week following a review of the licence that were prompted by various misdemeanours.

So, is this therefore not a good time for the situation regarding the Clapton FC to be resolved in the interests of the club?  To do so will require give and take on both parts.

Perhaps those who are trying to return the club to a members entity should consider offering Vince help with running it?  They have shown, that by welcoming people to the ground and making them feel part of the event, Clapton FC has a future, even at this level of football.  They have also been successful in spreading the word by selling scarves and mementos etc. and are now organising travel to away matches.  These are positives, to which Vince has contributed nothing.  However, he should not ignore them and, in fact, should embrace them.

What do they want?  Well, according to correspondence I have seen, it was to join the club.  This was in January 2013 and they were told by the chairman that 'membership was suspended for re-structuring'.  One assumes that this re-structuring period must be over by now.  So why can't Vince contact them and say “Join the club”.

The reason, I fear, is that matters have significantly progressed since that initial application to join and this is where both 'sides' must consider their position in the interests of our famous old club.

The first step is for the parties to liaise.

In order to progress issue it requires both parties to be absolutely open and frank about the situation.   I am a person who would wish to join a members club and it is not unreasonable for me to want to know the structure of the club, the rules and any debts for which I might be liable as a member.  Thus it would require Vince to be open and honest as to the true situation at his Clapton FC as, at the moment, it is as opaque as the shard of perspex that was kicked out of the dugout wall by the subbed Hullbridge player last night.

This might prove difficult as the other 'club' have been pro-active in uncovering, and continuing to uncover, various side issues (limited companies, side rents, county court judgements etc.), all of which are an understandable concern.  However, if they were to be told the truth by Vince as to the situation, would it be possible for them to put these matters aside in helping to establish a real club club in which we can all pull together?

So, in order for this resolution to come about, both sides will have to act both equitably and professionally.  I have no doubt, in order for it to have any real meaning or gravitas, that both sides will need legal advisors to come up with a solid foundation upon which a club can be re-built.

The stand off is not helping the club that I love and I recognise that some could argue that were it not for Vince 'holding the baby', any organisation known as Clapton FC might not exist today.  Equally, I am not foolish enough to think that his tenure at the club has been solely philanthropic. 

So, come on Mr McBean and the committee of Clapton FC ('the real club'), you have an opportunity of putting Clapton Football Club on its best footing since the signing of the lease on the ground in the early 1990s.

With the incredible support and interest that has been generated over the past two seasons, the opportunity for Clapton is without comparison at our level of football.

In the spirit of the season, goodwill, forgiveness and a fresh start, let's make 2015 a year when Clapton FC, with a clean slate, can move forward as a real club and to which everyone can be a part.

Leeks, Water and More Leaks

After I learned, via a telephone call from a friend, that Clapton’s match against Hullbridge Sports was postponed, I was condemned, by Mrs Listz, to watch the Wales v Fiji match. Although English by birth, she likes lava bread and since our holiday in Tenby in 1975, has favoured the the red shirted dragons when it comes to egg chasing.

So, with my own penchant for Fiji, which I choose not to discuss, not a lot was said as the two teams conjured up a pretty mediocre spectacle.

However, I could not help thinking about how Clapton's game at the Dog against Hullbridge Sports was called off despite the water lying on the pitch, and the fact that no further rain was forecast for the day.  A photo had been posted on Twitter by one of the Ultras and, as has always been the case at the ground, there was a larger puddle at the pub end, which is always the most likely to carry rain water.

In years gone by when faced with patches of water, the club would mobilise members and supporters to fork away the water lying on top of the ground before the referee arrived for the pitch inspection and, even when he arrives, assure him that the work party will carry on to do their best for the game to go ahead.

I am aware that, even as recently as last season when faced with similar problems, the team management arranged for a group of Ultras to work on the pitch and they succeeded getting the go-ahead for the match to played.

So there are three issues 

• Did the club want the game to go ahead?
  I have little doubt that the club (Vince) would normally have wanted the game to go ahead.  A good crowd could have been expected to attend and there would have been substantial gate monies, not to mention other sales etc.  However, there is talk on social media that Clapton did not want the game to go ahead because of injuries to players.  With respect, I don't buy this.  This game was not a top of the table clash, the League title is pretty much rapped up and if we are are unable to field a team, then there are serious questions to be asked of the team management as we have a reserve team who were not playing that afternoon.

• Why was no work party organised?
  
  I have no doubt that had the club made any kind of appeal for help in clearing the water on the pitch then the supporters would have responded.  This happened last season and the game went ahead.  The problem this season is that the club (Vince and the team manager) have adopted a siege mentality where nothing is forthcoming from the club to the supporters.  Basically, because there is no club membership Vince and the manager are on their own. There is not even a committee, save for Vince's family and 'business buddies' who, like Vince, live in South London.
  
• Is there an underlying motive?
  
  I am sure that Vince would love to see the end of the supporters as his activities, past and present, are now well under the microscope. But Clapton matches are now being attended by many knowledgeable football supporters who may not all come from the local area and they have to travel. By cancelling a game it might discourage them from coming again and joining the real Clapton FC fold, so its possible.

But what was not only disappointing, and unacceptable, was that neither the 'official' club website or twitter or that of the team manager announced the postponement to the supporters.  This shows a total disrespect for those who come along and pay their money to support the team.  It was a member of the team, merely expressing his disappointment at the postponement, that alerted the supporters that the match was off.  Fortunately, from there the information mushroomed and, hopefully, not too many people made a wasted journey.  Incidentally, the 'official' club website and twitter feed has been dead since the departure of Kevin Lucas and Stuart Purcell at the beginning of October.

I should not be surprised about Vince, but am disappointed by Mike Walther in not considering the supporters.  I keep seeing him as the guy who wants to be part of the Ultra's post match celebrations, but looks like a bloke standing in the corner of a 'disco' waiting to be asked to dance.  

With games at Barking, Waltham Forest, and Tower Hamlets all going ahead, one has to question the effectiveness of the  'apparent' installation of a new drainage system at the Old Spotted Dog that Vince referred to in his letter to the Newham Recorder in April 2013.  Can I suggest that he recalls the contractors because it obviously does not work.

It can be argued that the ground is being over played by the ground shares etc.  Well, Haringey Borough also ground share and their game went ahead, but then again, I know for a fact that they installed a drainage system

So, the rugby was poor (but at least I escaped a shopping trip).  The Welsh won, but the most interesting 'leaks/leeks' that came out today were not those at the Millennium Stadium.

 

More and more information on the situation and goings on at Clapton FC are forthcoming from the unlikeliest of sources. It's a job keeping up with it all and probably time Inspector Knacker took an interest.