My train was particularly slow to London today and had plenty of time so thought id try to put down on paper the main points from last night for the benefit of anyone who wasnt there.
Strictly from my memory so dont have a go if ive missed something or got a nuance of it slightly wrong! :)
SC Meeting - attendance approx 35
Kev Towner stood down as SC Chairman, Steve Thorpe voted in as Chairman, Dave Rimmer as Vice Chairman, Simon Rudkins as Treasurer and Dennis Smith as Secretary, several other committee members are voted in as well.
First committee meeting will be next Thursday
Membership for next season - £5 all ages
Dave Walters Q & A
1. First question was regarding the Payaplaya scheme and the budget for next season, Dave explained that the clubs budget for last season was the highest ever ( although still nowhere near the highest in last seasons Ryman South League with even Hythe mentioned as having a significantly higher budget at the beginning of the season amongst others. ) Dave explained that the budget had left the club with a loss of around £25k which although high when put into context of other clubs losses in the league shows the general ridiculous situation with finances and players wages in the league. He explained that after failing to get promotion on a good budget last year the club had three options for this season.
To reduce the budget and try to get closer to break even - considered to be unacceptable to board & fans who consider promotion a priority.
To keep the same budget - considered that if it couldn't get us promotion last year then the chances where it wouldn't be enough this year.
Or finally to increase the budget to a level comparable to the higher paying clubs in the league and to put together a squad capable of winning the league and also as a priority to the club of playing good entertaining football and with the expectation of building momentum, increasing crowds and possible cup money to help offset the potential bigger loss - this is the option that the club have chosen.
Obviously it is the won FA Cup money that is being used as this policy could not have been implemented previously to that.
The Payaplaya scheme is to be considered more of a 'budget boost' allowing us to maybe stretch get an extra player where it may have been too tight before. However it is not to be considered 'ringfenced' for a individual so if the player stops playing or leaves the budget is used elsewhere along with the existing budget.
2. Dave reiterated his dislike to having to change managers so often throughout his period in charge but reiterated his conviction that when something is obviously wrong to act on it quickly and remedy it. For instance the previous manager had not delivered on one of the major promises of being able to bring in high profile quality players this was a defining reason why he had been hired at great cost.
Overly negative football ( defensive 451, 541 formations ) at home under some previous managers was mentioned as particular disappointment in the past.
3. Tom Vickers is likely to be out for up to 6 months despite a quick and successful operation.
4. Club is working extremely hard to retain the remaining key players from last year such as Josh Pelling & Frankie Sawyer and have made good offers to both.
5. Club is retaining the U21 going free policy and the average 600% increase in that age group is presented as evidence it is working and creating a future fan base that may not be there otherwise with the exposure to football at a young age. He appreciated that not everyone agrees with it but it is their philosophy and they will continue it.
6. Club is looking to retain and bring in experienced players particularly who are in the late 20's - early 30's age group who are strong characters who want to succeed and who will help 'self police' the squad in regards to code of conduct and training attendance matters. Explained that last year a precedent had unfortunately been set with some senior players based in London etc that they could train away from the club in order to retain or attract them in the first place. However this policy will not occur this season and all players will train together at least once a week. There was a discussion between Dave and some of the attendees regarding player power etc and the difference between normal jobs and employing footballers in which there is some stark differences.
7. There was a discussion regarding the relatively low numbers in the bar after games and the suggestion of having man of the match awards returned to the club house was brought up but Dave explained the issues regarding this with the sponsors and time players take to get ready etc. the solution of having a supporters club man of the match presented in the bar was raised and will be looked at.
8. Supporters ideas through the SC are vital in terms of promoting the club in the community due to low 'staff' levels at the club and lack of time etc. Stewards are also vitally needed as a bit low on numbers at the mo.
9. The club shop made more money this year than during the FA cup season! Well done to those involved!
Great post Dan, If I may pick up on your very last post re stewards although we have low numbers we will be looking at recruiting more volunteers and we always have 5 trained stewards at games.
