I thought I'd start a new chain to discuss this. Firstly, key news is we are not going to Tonbridge next year. We're staying at PVR with planning permission expected to be accepted in a couple months. When we do move it will a club more local.
One of the most positive parts of tonight was E&B's commitment to the development. Paul is genuinely a nice bloke who wants the best for his club.
A concerning point was that without the owners funding, we will be in serious trouble. It seems like this development is the only viable option.
I must say, I was frustrated with the answers from Lita to both technical questions asked on the night. Additionally at the end of the night, they were handing out letters to sign in support of the development. I highlighted how it was ironic that after months of confusion, they hold this night when they need support
Overall, a positive night.
-- Edited by Luke on Wednesday 28th of February 2024 11:13:17 PM
-- Edited by Luke on Thursday 29th of February 2024 07:36:42 AM
A very important and enlightening meeting. After an interesting exchange of views on Twitter with the E&B Chairman it struck me as sensible for him to be at the meeting so his side of views could be considered, as clearly the developers had no idea of them. So it was good he was there, so it was a much needed and finally joined up meeting with the interests of developers, Welling, E&B and Welling fans all sharing views.
As it was a public meeting no need for the caution of covering what was said at the previous WUSA meeting. I think most attending will have recognised the value of the case made that the club needs to generate more money than is currently generated by using the ground just a few times a month on matchdays. Football is a bloody expensive business, Dover have just announced a six figure loss, Ebbsfleet lost £3M over the last 2 seasons, and our figures from the impractical Warren time aren't good. So making money from the new flats, and 3G pitch installation, is not just nice to have, but essential for the future of the club.
A move is on hold for at least a year, and that is good news, as the decision to play at Tonbridge was one that was made without fan consultation, and the fans will have different priorities to the owners. So with more time, and the fans views now clear, hopefully a more local option will be reached.
The mutual benefits of Welling and E&B working closely together was put forward. Howard was there, and it was good to see and hear him, as I had no idea of what he looked or sounded like, or thought of all this, so great to hear his views on why this development is needed for the long term future of the club. A strange meeting, that changed lots of views, many going in could have seen E&B and Howard as villains working on their own agendas, and come out seeing them in a different, much more positive light.
The developers don't strike me as football people, as shown by the original plans not having standing at each end of the pitch, which football people would want. I'd noted the new plans cater for 400 standing fans at each end, but they didn't know that in the meeting. Also I have worked on public sector consultations, where you do a round of consultation, then give a written summary of responses to the consultation and show how you will act on the consultation feedback, and they have not published that.
Jerry Dolke was there, and shared his experience of the successful development at Bromley. A figure was mentioned of £26K a month coming in from renting out a 3G pitch, and one can imagine the improvement on the Welling finances having that sort of new money coming in. It wasn't mentioned in the meeting, but I know the 3G pitches containing rubber will be banned by the government in 2031, as they contain microplastics, so longer term there is the expense of installing a second artificial pitch, but that is a problem to deal with much later down the line.
Matt chaired the meeting excellently, tackling all the awkward questions head on and giving proper answers. I know Matt comes in for stick over potentially leaning more towards representing the board interests and less on the fans interests, but then he chairs a meeting like he did last night, showing all his knowledge of the football club and the stakeholders we have to deal with, and you see his great value to the fans.
E&B made a strong case of the benefits of cooperation helping both teams. They are clearly looking after their own best interests, but then again so are Welling.
A very reassuring meeting, showing what needs to be done, and how it is being done.
The meeting was excellent and highly informative. Matt facilitated and ran it commendably and I left with a significantly greater understanding than before. I'm relieved we're not considering Tonbridge, although that's just my personal perspective. However, if and when we relocate to accommodate development, I hope it will be closer to Welling. I understand there are many factors to consider. Ensuring the presence of a stadium and infrastructure that secure the long-term future of Welling Football Club is absolutely essential.
I wasnt at the meeting but from what Ive been told from friends who did attend it really is the development or die. This clubs off the field situation is dire. As Jimmie alluded to running a football club even at this level is very very expensive if you cannot generate enough income The playing budget is one thing. Paying the manager and his team of coaches. Physios. Travel expenses blah blah blah. Lets all hope this thing goes ahead. Once it is all completed (Please God) a full proactive board in place that run the club as a business. A senior management team that generates sponsorship deals. Really makes use of and generates revenue from the 4G surface. Also now weve seen and recognise that E&B FC do exist and do want the best for both clubs perhaps we will realise they arent our lodgers they have a 26 year joint lease still running and show them respect going forward. Then they might switch the bog light on more often.
2 other positive things worth mentioning is the mention Nigel may take on a wider comms side, that would be great, as last season we took a big step forward in our comms, but this season it feels as though the cloud of silence has fallen back over the club. Nigel isnt keen on being in the spotlight, or seeking recognition for all he does for us, but his away game broadcasts are so well prepared and knowledgeable, and great if the club can use that expertise even more widely.
Another positive is it sounds as if Paul Whitehead may play a bigger part in the development, sorting out contacts. I'm a million miles away from the politics, but guess he stood down as Chief Executive as he was frustrated at seeing us go down the wrong direction with Warren, and that problem wasnt recognised by others on the board at the time? Unlike the (presumably) departed CEO Sian, Paul really knows this community well. He has the best interests of the club at heart, so I really hope we can tap into his knowledge, as with Nigel. Now all the dust has settled about that previous manager, hopefully all involved will see it is best to work together, in the same way Welling and E&B have seen that cooperation is the best way forward, and if there is a way for bridges to be built and Paul to be CEO again that would be great for the club, as I always got confidence from him as a CEO I never got from his successor.
