Ground Grading (again...)

[Cerebus]

Only recently got back from holiday and don't really want to reopen "dead" debates or appear mischievous, but I couldn't help noticing that while I was away, Cockfosters drew a crowd of 120 for their F.A. Cup replay against Potters Bar.

Last season, the club averaged 60 for League matches, with a top crowd (I think) of 89.

They were relegated because their ground was not up to the standard demanded by The F.A. for South Midlands Premier Division football.

So, it wasn't good enough for the crowds they were getting, but The F.A. accept the ground for it's own competition, in which it is almost inevitable that they will draw a better attendance than the norm!

I've not read of any deaths or injuries, so I presume that the club coped with the influx satisfactorily.

Hate to say it, but it smacks of hypocrisy to me.

If it's good enough for The Cup, it must be good enough for The League.

Or am I missing something here?

[digby]

Well said, they coped brilliantly, great crowd, great atmosphere, thanked afterwards by Potters Bar, does make you think though.

[christianTroy]

I also heard Kentish Town are using Kingsbury Tigers ground for a fixture in the next couple of weeks, i might be wrong but if true i think thats very very poor considering Cockfosters relegation last year.

[Wader]

Have they got a working turnstile or an enclosed entry pay-box at Cockfosters?

 

The FA Cup is seen more as one off matches, unlike the week in, week out of the league. No-one really expects many Step 6 clubs to reach the first round proper or beyond, hence the realism of that situation with regard to facilities required.

 

In any event the local Police and their requirements would override any grading issues should Cockfosters draw a big club at home in the FA Cup. A suitable neutral venue would be the outcome of that, at a large cost to the club no doubt. So head in the sand stuff and accusations of hypocrisy works both ways here.

[Really]

Have they got a working turnstile or an enclosed entry pay-box at Cockfosters?

 

WGC do not have a working turnstile nor do they have a enclosed entry pay-box!!!!!!!!!!! But yet they are still in the prem..As they just seemed to have spun of few lines to the league that they will get it all done!!!!!!!! But have not done it and carry on in the league, its a joke. One rule for one and another for clubs that kiss the leagues butts.

[Cerebus]

Sorry. Wader, I totally fail to see your point.

Of course F.A Cup matches are "one offs"

The week in, week out stuff draws about 50 people or less, so what is the need for enclosed entry pay boxes etc?

The point I was trying to make was the fact that facility requirements are well above those needed for the crowds which watch SSML football. The only time such facilities would realistically be needed is for F.A Cup games.

Cockfosters have been deemed by the F.A not to have the ability to safely cope with Prem requirements but can happily deal with twice last season's average attendance in The F.A Cup...even as a "one off." Surely you can see the hypocrisy???

[ref off ref]

Big wigs who know naff all about football spoiling for the majority.

[HTFCew]

Originally Posted By: Really

Have they got a working turnstile or an enclosed entry pay-box at Cockfosters?

WGC do not have a working turnstile nor do they have a enclosed entry pay-box!!!!!!!!!!! But yet they are still in the prem..As they just seemed to have spun of few lines to the league that they will get it all done!!!!!!!! But have not done it and carry on in the league, its a joke. One rule for one and another for clubs that kiss the leagues butts.

WGC will be next in line for the drop if they don't get things sorted by the end of March 2010. Only 2 clubs are relegated each season, which is why they escaped this year.

[ref off ref]

Hope they get it sorted then, I hate WGC's ground

[Wader]

Originally Posted By: Really

WGC do not have a working turnstile nor do they have a enclosed entry pay-box!!!!!!!!!!! But yet they are still in the prem..As they just seemed to have spun of few lines to the league that they will get it all done!!!!!!!! But have not done it and carry on in the league, its a joke. One rule for one and another for clubs that kiss the leagues butts.

You need to know the rules Really. As HTFCew has said, only 2 clubs relegated and Cockfosters finished below WGC so they went last time. WGC will go this time if they haven't got it sorted out by April 1st deadline.

[Rhodes]

Wader - So does that mean Hatfield Town are in the same boat as Welwyn Garden City and would also be relegated.

[ref off ref]

Be no clubs left in the Prem at this rate

[Wader]

Originally Posted By: Cerebus

Sorry. Wader, I totally fail to see your point.

I don't think we need to bore everyone with this again. I just hope that all clubs have everything in place to not get relegated.
The rules are there for everyone to see and know. If you don't know what they are every Grade from Step 1 to 7 can be downloaded from here in Word. Go to Downloads Page and the relevant one for Step 6 is Grade G

That we disagree on them isn't going to change that and the arguments for and against could go to and fro for a long time. In the meantime physical compliance is the only thing that matters though. Seemingly fair or not that is the reality.

[Wader]

Originally Posted By: ref off ref

Be no clubs left in the Prem at this rate

Because it was all enforced strictly this time around it highlighted some problems, those should be cleared in a season or two and so relegation because of lack of grading compliance should then only be a question for newly promoted clubs. They generally have time (until April 1st) to comply after promotion to their new division/league. Grade E though is required before entry to Step 4.

[ref off ref]

Had a look at the rules on the download, makes interesting reading, thanks for your help, a few Division 1 clubs may not be up to promotion reading that let alone clubs being relegated from the Prem

[Rhodes]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't been more popular as Cerebus's first post provoked some good responses, I was just wondering if Kentish Town finish rock bottom again this season, as is looking likely, whether they will get out of jail for a second season

[Horace]

I'm surprised this thread hasn't been more popular as Cerebus's first post provoked some good responses, I was just wondering if Kentish Town finish rock bottom again this season, as is looking likely, whether they will get out of jail for a second season

 

well, my money is on WGC to finish bottom. As they are due to be relegated on ground grading anyway, no-one will quibble when they go down. Ther are a number of clubs in danger of finishing 21st, including my own former club, Hertford Town. However, I reckon it will be between you two former clubs Haringey and Kentish Town.

 

What is really interesting is the number of relegation threatened clubs from Step 4 who might be looking to the SSML next season. Ware, Cheshunt and Harlow in Ryman 1N might go to Essex Senior if they go down, but AFC Hayes (Brook House that was) look certs to be knocking on the door.

 

Barton Rovers and Aylesbury United in Zamaretto 1M look certs too.

[Wader]

 

 

well, my money is on WGC to finish bottom. As they are due to be relegated on ground grading anyway, no-one will quibble when they go down. Ther are a number of clubs in danger of finishing 21st, including my own former club, Hertford Town. However, I reckon it will be between you two former clubs Haringey and Kentish Town.

 

What is really interesting is the number of relegation threatened clubs from Step 4 who might be looking to the SSML next season. Ware, Cheshunt and Harlow in Ryman 1N might go to Essex Senior if they go down, but AFC Hayes (Brook House that was) look certs to be knocking on the door.

 

Barton Rovers and Aylesbury United in Zamaretto 1M look certs too.

The passing of Aylesburys in the night would be interesting. My God how that club (utd) have tumbled from their once lofty position.

[Horace]

 

 

well, my money is on WGC to finish bottom. As they are due to be relegated on ground grading anyway, no-one will quibble when they go down. Ther are a number of clubs in danger of finishing 21st, including my own former club, Hertford Town. However, I reckon it will be between you two former clubs Haringey and Kentish Town.

 

What is really interesting is the number of relegation threatened clubs from Step 4 who might be looking to the SSML next season. Ware, Cheshunt and Harlow in Ryman 1N might go to Essex Senior if they go down, but AFC Hayes (Brook House that was) look certs to be knocking on the door.

 

Barton Rovers and Aylesbury United in Zamaretto 1M look certs too.

The passing of Aylesburys in the night would be interesting. My God how that club (utd) have tumbled from their once lofty position.

 

I find it incredible. When they got that new ground and played England no less in a friendly, the sky looked like the limit.

[Rhodes]

Wader - Yes and I can still see them waddling on the hallowed Loftus Road turf in the FA Cup Third Round in 1994/1995 I think it was