Tonight from the Park

[Charlie Farnsbarnes]

St. Albans Schools' Teachers 2 (Ex) Watford F.C. 3

 

Those turning out for Watford tonight included Luther Blissett, Nigel Gibbs, Steve Terry, Kevin Hitchcock and Malcolm Allen. Superb goal from Luther, just a pity the match wasn't better advertised.

[AFF]

What was the match in aid of CF?

[The Caretaker]

AFF .... the game was a celebration of 100 years of district schools football in St Albans and a fund raiser to provide kits for 2 district and 1 primary school teams.

 

The money raised will also cover the cost incured for the hire of Clarence Park to stage school finals ..... this after the club used school facilities for all its pre season training without even a letter of thanks let alone an offer of old kit, free tickets etc. as promised !!

 

Great PR <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

 

 

[ESG]

how who when why

 

 

[The Caretaker]

ESG ..., very simple

 

How ... the main club ask us for help in using our facilities for pre season training in return for some small gesture of payment in kind, free tickets an old kit etc. We say yes, the club uses our facilities. No contact is then forthcoming. This has now happened at two schools that I have been involved with over the past 3 years. I can't imagine it will happen again.

 

Who ... St Albans City FC. It shouldnt matter who conducts negotiations on their behalf. They should stick to their word.

 

When ....see first point.

 

Why ... icompetence / arrogance !!

[ESG]

 

 

a shame that this game wasnt advertised better

[AFF]

Hi Caretaker.

 

The facts, as you present them Caretaker, are not good at all.

 

The Club should, most certainly stick to it's word. If any 'Official' conducts negotiations on behalf of The Club, and then does not honour its side of the bargain, John Gibson should be approached and the matter presented to him. I consider The Chairman to be an entirely honourable man and I can't believe that he would, knowingly, allow the situation that you have outlined to pass without remedy.

 

I cannot believe that your reference to incompetence/arrogance applies to Gibbo?

 

I am also intrigued at your refence to the cost of the hire of Clarence Park for schools cup finals. Quite apart from the question of P.R., which can be an emotive issue, I'm sure you will find that the lease at Clarence Park obliges The Club is to permit The Council use of the property 15 times per year, on 8 occasions free of charge, and the remainder at a fee to be set by The Council's Leisure Committee.

 

That chap that does the tannoy thing who is/was the Club's Schools Liason Officer is aware of all this.

 

If there is some bad feeling here, and your posting suggests to me that there is, "have a word with Gibbo".

 

 

 

 

[The Caretaker]

AFF

 

You are right, the facts do not make good reading and that this has gone on over the last 3 years certainly absolves those not involved in earlier times.

 

With this in mind I certainly do not mean Mr. Gibson. I agree with your sentiments entirely but I have to say this matter was brought to the clubs attention when Mr. Gibson came in to take control. I appreciate he has had a lot to deal with over the past year and other people should be capable of dealing with such matters but ..."nuff said"

 

I will speak to the chap with the tannoy thingy and find out who get the use of these free opportunities.

 

Thanks for the advice as ever <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

Dear Mr Caretaker

Thank you for your interesting observations which could be construed as a little mischievous. A set of strips was sent to Verulam School via an intermediary. Are you suggesting that they did not arrive ? In any event, I am happy to discuss this and any other issues at a time of mutual convenience.

Regards - John Gibson

[ESG]

Verulam School

 

bloody hell, dont they have any money all of a sudden

 

one of the richest schools in the district?

[The Caretaker]

Dear mr. Gibson

 

Sorry for the delay in a response to your message but I have been away for a few days.

 

Firstly let me assure you that there is no intended malice / mischief in any of my messages just complete frustration.

 

I am afraid to say that I have no knowledge of any kit(s) arriving at the school by whatever means. If you could find out who delivered to who and when that would be most helpful in chasing their whereabouts.

 

As for a meeting that would be great, I know you are a busy man so please come back with a selection of dates / times and I will fit in as required. Can you also think of other parties who would be useful at such a meeting.

 

Regards

The Caretaker

 

 

[AFF]

It would be good to know that these exchanges are continuing in private.

 

Walls have ears!

[Rob_the_Saint]

Just what I was thinking, AFF.

 

Also, I don't know how often the Great Gibbo comes on here but an email to john.gibson@sacfc.co.uk might merit a more speedy response.

[Claire!]

I don't think his email is working RTS.

[The Caretaker]

AFF

 

Private talks underway.

 

All note - kit / school situation has been cleared up. Thanks for the info Steve.

[AFF]

Quote:

Just what I was thinking, AFF.

Easily said, Rob. Easily said. The suggestion has, clearly been taken up and, as usual, I'll waive my consultancy fee. Doin' it for the City, etc.

Now that the niceties are out of the way, what's the story on the shirt thing? Any heads to roll? Blood in the streets? Falling on swords? Any chance that we can get the shirts back and send that awful Baldock strip instead?

Steve. Steve who? Cook? Castle? Clark? The Legend is at a school in Bishops Stortford isn't he? Can he find a use for the Baldock strip?

Anyway, Caretaker. I never say "I told you so", but I told you so. Don't keep us in suspenders for too long.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

How did t'lads get on last night?

[The Caretaker]

Lads were unfortunately beaten 2 - 1. General opinion was that we were the better side but we missed too many chances. Still 3 trophies in 3 seasons aint bad !!

 

The shirt thing is now a closed subject and all sorted but the Baldock kit remains, HKS loves it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[AFF]

I've had an idea!

 

Let HKS have it.

[The Caretaker]

I think thats the idea. The reserves will use it next season (unless they can find a sponsor for a new kit).

 

See you later.

[AFF]

You're getting to be as bad as Rob and that other chap who used to run the web-site.

 

I come up with a brilliant idea and you say "Just what I was thinking" or "yes, that's what's going to happen".

 

Credit? Forget it. Acknowledgement? No chance. I do my best, carefully consider the range of options, weigh up the pros and cons, add value so far as my limited intellect will permit, suggest a solution as a working hypothesis, and then, what do I get?

 

"Just what I was thinking" and "that's what's going to happen".

 

You have to have thick skin to come on here. Me? I bruise too easily.