I fear, at this time in the season, that many clubs will be too afraid to risk first teamers in a friendly game. What with the transfer window being closed and many clubs smack bang in the middle of a run of 7 games in less than a month.
I know that the club are in talks and I guess that they may be at a sensitive stage, as we heard about the talks with Tesco. But I do think that something needs to come from the Club about what is going on. Otherwise it does give an impression that they have their "head in the sand". If people think that we are no where near clearing our 55k then they aren't going to give that extra 50 or 100 quid to help. If they think that only 5-10k is required then there will be a real effort from the supporteres to raise that money and they will.
The Club's PR has not been good over this - sure if you talk to the Hobbins they are open and helpful, but not everyone feels that thay can go up to them and ask. I have noticed from talking to people a growing sense of frustration - we need to put a lid on this or it will become destructive.
That "growing sense of frustration" will get worse as the HMRC date draws nearer while the fans are still in the dark and without a clue as to how talks with potential investors/sponsors are going. We don't want them to blow the gaffe on sensitive talks, just a word of encouragement from time to time (if any can be given) to add a mite more impetus to supporters' fund-raising efforts.
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Oh, a mighty god is the god of gold, His empire never decays; In every age, in every clime, The hearts of men he sways.
I am very disappointed to say the least, they have been very,very hard work.
All they have suggested is for the club to apply for a "Tesco Community Grant" during December this year(along with many others), and have not offered any form of help in any other way.
They listened to all we had to offer, and seemed extremely cooperative during negotiations, until it reached the Head Office, and they have not even had the decency to reply, which I found amazing.
That is a real shame. I think thy have missed a great opportunity Advertising just a couple of 100 metres from the new store would be fantastic for them. Roof painted in their colours etc.
I was thinking that I would switch my shopping allegiance to Tesco if they supported the club - now I plan to boycott them!!
Come on Sainsburys. Mind you I wouldn't want the club painted in their disgusting orange and brown.
-- Edited by chelwing on Thursday 30th of September 2010 02:36:07 PM
I spoke to Morrisons a couple of months ago, but they have some commitment with a government scheme whereby they donate to a registered charity, so they politely told me they were in no position to sponsor or donate. I did report this back to Barrie at the time.
Totesport do similar, with a government scheme called "Raising a Smile"and this goes to Cancer Research(UK).
Ok, time to use our power. If you want a result from Tesco, go straight to Leahy who is a superb operator - he knows how to deal with things ( and tell him how unhelpful the local store was). If unsuccessful, it is every supporter's right not to use that supermarket and to tell others how unhelpful the store was. Walking to Margate on the St Peters footpath today, Jenny (my beloved wife) and I sadly discussed the plight of the Wings. And she mentioned someone at our first fundraising meeting who said that the Council would take exception to a fundraising banner on our PVR side. Her opinion went something like "b*****ks, by the time the council would have got round to objecting and asking us to take it down, we would have achieved our purpose." Besides, how small would the non-supporting council look if it did this?
Time to kick arse, because time is running out. And, heaven forfend, if we fail we shall always remember who let us down. And remember that also at the Council elections.
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Oh, a mighty god is the god of gold, His empire never decays; In every age, in every clime, The hearts of men he sways.
I love your passion Jeff and Jen is right, get a banner up there , paint the fence, If they own the effing ground let them start showing it and help us.
Power to the people.
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Alexander O'Neal 1987 "I'm fed up cos all you wanna do is criticize "
What makes this hard is until investors and sponsors see the money owed reduced they will be unsure of throwing money at us. Chicken and Egg. So the quicker we raise a share issue or fan loan system or have friendlies the more time we will have to nail some investment or sponsorship.
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Alexander O'Neal 1987 "I'm fed up cos all you wanna do is criticize "
seeing as getting League teams are possing a prob.
Tonight we have the best oppotunity to get something started. As its Stuart Whites Memorial match at Ashford, If there is somebody going that can speak to the players and get a match sorted Be it on a saturday or sunday. (I cant as im gigging in croydon). Whether its against the current team or vs a team made up of supporters who pay £xx to play 1 half and managed by Daisy.
Even if it does bring a few people its better than nothing. Time may be against us to get it done for what would have been the FA cup Saturday, hence doing this on a before December Sunday.
Legends match wont bring in the money a game would against a league team You would probably raise about a grand.
Better than nothing? Sure but dont put another game there for the players to play while you are trying to sort a big friendly that could bring in 10 to 20k or more if we strike it lucky with a premier team..
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Alexander O'Neal 1987 "I'm fed up cos all you wanna do is criticize "
a match against a premier league team sounds great... but what about the local lower league teams Charlton and Millwall both have large followings in the vicinity, or an all star's 11, couldnt Andy Townsend be persuaded to get together a team of his mates???? cant you do collections at other local clubs???
Charlton and Millwall could bring in massive gates if they pushed the game too for us. Its possible and we probably have contacts at both.
I think Charlton will be asked if they can help and if they can sell tickets for the game too as that may shift a lot more if people can by the tickets from Charlton.
We need to get 3000 in the ground. Or play it at the valley and beg charlton fans to turn up they have 10,000 season ticket holders.
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Alexander O'Neal 1987 "I'm fed up cos all you wanna do is criticize "
My worry about a local friendly is that many fans will use a Saturday off to do other things, save money etc. Bit different pre-season when fans are eager for football.
To me it has to be a premier league club or it won't be enough.
I don't want to be pessimistic but I think Gary is right. Unless it is a big Premership club - people won't turn up in their 1000s. In July/August, they have missed their football for a couple of months and are keen to see the new players etc. By now they are well into it and I doubt will turn out.
