What would you do if you ran the club?

[SteveB]

Last week on Soccer AM Emmanuel Petit was asked what he would do if he owned a club. His answer was 'SELL IT!'.

Now, imagine that tonight you win the lottery, tomorrow you phone Piper and Lever and they agree to sell you all shares connected to them. You install yourself as chairman immediately and work on what you are going to do (obviously if you are like me you would have thrown your money at the club without a firm strategy in place) to improve the club.

What are the first things that you would do?

IMPORTANT! THIS IS A BIT OF FUN. THOSE OF YOU WHO DELIGHT IN MOCKING AND PILLORYING POSTS ON HERE JUST DON'T BOTHER. THIS IS JUST A LIGHT-HEARTED THING SO THERE IS NO NEED TO TELL ME THAT PLANNING WOULD NOT PASS QUICKLY ENOUGH, OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT - IT IS JUST FOR FUN!

For me I would ask Malcolm to stay on as Vice Chairman as I feel that he is very respected in the area and that could only be good for the club. I would also ask Terry to remain on the board for the same reasons as Malcolm and ask him to drive in the sponsorship direction as what he has done in that area has already been good. I would also ask Colin to returned as, quite simply, I like the bloke! Other than that the board would open for additions/removals.

I would see if Dave Canham fancied coming back as Commercial manager to work very closely with Terry as I think that combination would reclaim the lost sponsorship.

I would look into placing one or two temporary terraces (like our seated ones but standing obviously) down the Coffin End and maybe even one in front of the bar to increase cover and maybe even put another seated stand with the other 2 and reduce admission to

[michael]

Agree with most of that.

I would just add that i would get as many players signed on contracts until Jan 2009.

That gives you a team to take the field at start of season,but equally time to get a good manager in place-without tieng his/her hands too much to the current players-so /she can gradually transfer list and move on the players not quite right;and build his/her own squad;and extend the contracts of the players he/she does want to work with.

it avoids panic and last minute hasty incorrect decisions.

It also gives the players a bit of security, knowing that at least they have a contract until Jan 2009,whilst they see how they get on with a new manager.

I do not know, but i believe non league contracts usually run from 1 July.As quid pro quo for providing players with a bit of security, i would insist pre-season training starts mid Juneand nor early July.

A quarter of the season is over by end of september-it is vital to make a good and fast start.

[P.W.]

I'm sitting here, going Yes, Yes, Yes etc. A couple of refinements though, would try to ensure the new Manager was Full Time & committed to building Margate football in the community (I think that would rule out CK though). I'd want him making his face known regularly at all levels from U8's (or wherever we start) to First team. Would like to also commit to having regular 'fan days' whereby they (we) can meet the players and officials and have a meaningful dialogue. Like rather than clumsily telling the choir to tone down or shut up, creating an area where they can make as much noise as the eardrums will allow (but subtlety suggesting how the cutting out the extreme swearing - after all I'd want a family club) Of course I'd also want the fourth side of the ground to be re-opened - better make that a win on Euro-Millions then.

[Coffin Ender]

Just a point regarding the website, has anyone from here volunteered to become 'webmaster'? Judging from this forum there seem to be lots of people who spend plenty of time on the Internet, would they not have the time (and, importantly, IT know-how) to take it on and ensure more regular updates?

 

 

 

[I am Spartacus]

What would be the first thing I did if I OWNED MFC.

 

Simple stop all the complimentary tickets. Make everyone pay to watch including directors.

[seasidesteve]

i would give 50 free tickets to a different school every week

[Rob_Butler]

Don't see why things like that are not done Steve. The kids have to bring a dad etc.

 

[margateshot]

The complimentary ticket idea is a great idea. Other clubs do it. If just 10 kids turned up to a match, and half of those bought a parent that would be

[mfc: webmaster]

Originally Posted By: Coffin Ender

Just a point regarding the website, has anyone from here volunteered to become 'webmaster'? Judging from this forum there seem to be lots of people who spend plenty of time on the Internet, would they not have the time (and, importantly, IT know-how) to take it on and ensure more regular updates?

Some parts of www.margate-fc.com are based on a content management system, but I do try to keep the bits that need a lot of editing up to date. Unfortunately it can be quite time consuming though!

[michael]

In Language i can understand-is that saying that anyone with an access code /password can post on the official site and thus if the Board memebers are capable of writing an email, they are capable of putting a message out to the supporters.

 

Is the subtext-i'm as pi...d off as everyone else and i need a bit of help here please chaps

[differentgame]

1/Make match day more interesting. (local schools doing something pre match) 2/Reduce the gate charge. 3/ Provide refreshments at all home games. 4/ Do something to make sure that we are not outnumbered by away support on res/youth games. 6/ get a propper pitch for the younger youth sides to play on. 7/ Insist that there is closer ties between youth/res and the first team and, 8/ MAKE SURE THAT MFC IS HONEST WITH EVERYONE AT ALL LEVELS, maybe pushing my luck with that one.

What make you think my interest is in the res/youth set-up.

[SteveB]

I agree with all differentgame but the minimum admission charges are set by the league so it may already be as cheap as it could be. The prices to sit could definately be reduced though.

Steve

[Frankie100]

I would offer a donation to the local Conservative party on the understanding that Ezekiel resign immediately and does not stand or represent the Conservatives in any shape or form and if he does the donation is returned with interest.

 

One major hurdle removed to the club

[Number6]

Originally Posted By: Steve B 2

I agree with all differentgame but the minimum admission charges are set by the league so it may already be as cheap as it could be. The prices to sit could definately be reduced though.
Steve

There not set that high and its a recommended minimum not likely to be enforced by anyone. But

[MargateFan]

I would try dealing decently with everyone I came into contact with.

[P.W.]

Remember at Boreham Wood you got a free seat in stand and a free programme.

Free Programme would be a good idea,

1) it gives the impression that the Club is not trying to rip off the supporters (and leave more cash for them to spend in the bar or tea-bar).

2) you can quote to potential advertisers that you get an average home gate of xxx (say 500) so their advert will be in xxx(say 500) copies for every game of the season - which should be a selling point for the Commercial Office.

[Boney Crisp]

I think the programme at Boreham Wood is inclusive with the entrance fee.

[P.W.]

YES - as I wrote free seat in stand and a free programme.

[Boney Crisp]

I think the club should do what you are suggesting for next season, as i think we won't lose as many supporters this way and we should be meeting our break even point, which probably won't be hard next season