The Clown Prince of E7.

As its the end of the year, I have decided to try to break with tradition and not look back on the past 12 months but rather look at immediate, short term and future issues for Clapton FC.

As a silver surfer I am always delighted to read a statement from Vince McBean's website (www.claptonfc.com), if only for its comic value, and his Christmas message 2015 lived up to its predecessors in being heavy on nonsense, with a staggering stench of male bovine excrement.  What is the fool on about?  Vince has demonstrated, once again, is that he has no actual grasp of non league football and to refer to a planned promotion to the Vauxhall Conference was worth a chorus of 'Ho Ho Ho's from even those who don't believe in Santa Claus.  Furthermore, I am also not sure who he considers are his 'Clapton family'. It's all a bit bizarre, even by his standards, and whilst I note that he no longer signs off his stupidity personally, it was reminiscent of Joe Maplin's proclamations to the Yellow Coat workers in the comedy series Hi de Hi. (Ho de Ho).  Comedy Gold Vince, keep them coming.

By contrast, I was delighted to listen to the 'Dogcast' which is a audio broadcast by members of the Clapton Ultras.  The most recent episode was the most enlightening so far particularly the discussions as to why our team has suffered the recent drop in form.  The opinions differed among the presenters but, this was an ample demonstration that Clapton has a committed, informed and knowledgeable following with whom it has every chance of pulling away from its present predicament.  That is, of course, provided we get rid of the Clown Prince Vince and install the likes of presenters Matt, Eva and Josh as the future of Clapton FC.  I was also very impressed with the interview by Geoff Ocran who has been an outstanding captain and, for me, has earned the right to be mentioned alongside other excellent Clapton leaders such as Colin Watson, Bryn Key, Keith Elley and Peter Mason.  Clapton FC cannot afford to lose people such as him.  So, a great Dogcast, more please. and for those who haven't heard it, this is the link.

Looking forward, the first team have a very busy January.  I think the talk of promotion, not least to the "Vauxhall Conference", can be shelved for now and we ought to start trying to accumulate a few points.  Saturday sees us up against London Bari and whilst I appreciate the obvious 'derby' connection, I, for one, feel no sense of rivalry towards them, save for the fact they have consistently lined Vince's pockets over the past four seasons in 'rent money'. For me, 'rivalry' status is reserved for the likes Mr Fenn's mob from IG1 and the club from 'up the creek' who moved to Mayesbrook Park, Dagenham in 1973. London Bari's arrival at the Dog was as 'big time charlies', the whole shebang being bankrolled by by a wealthy owner. Accordingly they beat us handsomely with their mercenary players who, and I shall stifle a guffaw, failed to gain promotion out of the Essex Senior League as which was contrary to their expectations.

Consequently, most of that group moved onto Redbridge FC and, therefore, I am looking forward to our meeting at Barkingside's ground on the 19th January in the London Senior Cup and very much hope we stuff 'em.

Saturday's match will again prove an interesting indication of how our team measure up. Last season, before the Redbridge exodus, I'd have probably had got a game for Bari as they finished just off bottom spot.  This season they have steadied the ship and have gradually improved.  As things stand, they are above us in the table with games in hand. Having flattered to deceive in the first 12 games of the season, our team need a boost and there is no better time than the beginning of the year.  I hope they can do it and reward the fantastic support to which we have become accustomed to witness at every home game.

The Clapton family? Not if Clown Price Vince is the Daddy.

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 !