Dorking v Cobham, Div 1 Cup, Tue 26 Nov

[lazarus]

Please note that this match is postponed due to the lack of a suitable ground upon which to play it.

[Smudge]

Such a shame that another ground could not be found for this match to take place.

[danielpjn]

Is there a deadline for when Dorking have to either have their ground sorted,or to sort a ground sharing agreement?

 

Think this again highlights the flawed ground grading process implemented by the league. If Dorking had been advised of the issues at the end of last season,it would have been better for them and caused less disruption to the league fixtures.

[Smudge]

Looking at the CCL1 fixtures for 30th Nov,7th Dec,14th Dec,21st Dec,they are all away games,so that means that their is no disruption to the League Fixtures at all Daniel.This gives Dorking 1 month to remedy the needed repairs,to play home fixtures again.Whether they have the money or  the will to do this,only time will tell.I for one hope they survive,but I have my doubts.Not knowing the original fixture list,I would like to think that the League have altered the upcoming games to help Dorking out,a nice gesture if so.

[danielpjn]

I hope they can complete the required improvements as well. I just feel that if all clubs were inspected at a set time each season,it would give them time to raise funds for any work required.

 

The way it is currently done,the club has to try and raise funds/complete required work and also potentially have to pay to hire other grounds and have reduced match day income (no bar,gate receipts etc).

 

Not a dig at Dorking,just a point that if it can happen to one club,it is likely it may happen to another club in the future.

Edited November 24, 2013 by danielpjn

[Smudge]

It has and it will,take your own Club last year,poorly treated in my opinion as regards getting a Grading for promotion.Like the postponement of Dorkings Cup game,would not of been a problem if Mole Valley did not have a home league game,could of been swapped to Cobham.

[danielpjn]

I would inspect all clubs in Match and set a grading deadline of the 1st June. This would allow clubs a few months to complete any work required. The weather in April/May should also make it easier to complete any upgrades.

 

Personally I think football administration (including the ground grading process) is over complicated by those in positions of authority.

 

A flatter management structure would be a good start.

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

Just to clarify , this isnt a ground grading issue.

 

Its a health and safety issue regarding part of the changing rooms.

 

Anyone who has played or officiated there will be aware of what they are like,.

 

The recent storm, winds and rain took their toll on them, and as water and electricity is a dangerous mix, they cant be used til they are fixed.

 

As far as Im aware, the club will do what it did with the goal height issue, and fix it properly.

 

I know effort was put in to get a ground for Tuesdays game, but it looks like time ran out.

[E&E Rich]

That's very harsh on Dorking.

 

I mean, those changing rooms received a thorough overhaul in 1956. Who'd have thought they would need any more work on them so soon.......

[Jeff Hamnett TSF]

Well, indeed Rich, Perhaps we could hire Epsom's ground for a few games?

[E&E Rich]

Does that count as a bite? 

 

Regardless of who I support, it doesn't change the fact that Meadowbank has been run into the ground for some considerable time. Bearing in mind Mole Valley D.C. (who I pay my Council tax to, hence the comment) spent a lot of money on a legal case that they lost, then they must be fairly clear on something if they are daring to take on Dorking again by closing the ground down. 

 

Bottom line here. Dorking's ground is in a superb location in a fairly large town, yet their football team has struggled consistently for many years AND little has been spent on the ground that is visibly noticeable to the visiting supporter's eye. Something is wrong there and you can't blame Dorking Wanderers for that.

 

They have a long tradition and history, but like Epsom, their future must be very much up in the air.

[danielpjn]

I believe changing room issues, such as those Dorking are experiencing, are covered by 3.1 of the ground grading requirements.

 

My understanding may be incorrect though. Again,just to reiterate,this is not a dig at Dorking as I understand how difficult it is to run football clubs these days. The Dorking changing rooms would look like the ritz compared to our old Eversley ones. We had no door,windows or even water!

[Big J R]

I believe changing room issues, such as those Dorking are experiencing, are covered by 3.1 of the ground grading requirements.

 

My understanding may be incorrect though. Again,just to reiterate,this is not a dig at Dorking as I understand how difficult it is to run football clubs these days. The Dorking changing rooms would look like the ritz compared to our old Eversley ones. We had no door,windows or even water!

 

 

As Jeff, (TSF), hs already pointed out this is  NOT  a ground grading issue, but a health and safety issue which is going to cost shed loads of money !!

 

Dorking might well be an affluent town, but it appears all the large (rich) firms would far sooner support that strange sport played with odd shaped balls

 

I could go on to list several local companies, mostly national, that have been approached in the not too distant past.  Recession is a bummer !!

 

TIME IS RUNNING OUT !!!!

 

There but for the grace of God.................

 

There  -  I'vb vented my spleen for the day.

[danielpjn]

The attached is why I think this type of issue falls under ground grading, as well as health and safety.

 

http://www.thefa.com/my-football/football-volunteers/runningaclub/basicfinance/~/media/b571ee0d58474befa1dacd958dea88e4.ashx/groundgradinggroundimprovement_jan11.pdf

 

Completely agree that sponsorship/donations are obviously very difficult to obtain in this financial climate. We were very fortunate to have some members of the boys football club,who had the time and energy to apply for grants/funding. Without them we would have stood no chance of building/improving the facilities.

Edited November 25, 2013 by danielpjn

[Chris Clapham]

I have now been given more background into the situation at Meadowbank.

I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to comment on here but it IS time that the club, officially, via the owners, let everyone know what the state of play (or not as in this case) is.

Then, perhaps, the league could do the same?

In the meantime - a song for Smudge (me old mucker) -

[Stan The Man]

I agree Chris, but history would say that's NOT going to happen!

[Big J R]

I have nothing to say on the matter, the reason being, I don't know !!

[Chubby Brown]

Now there's a surprise Big JR! Rumour I heard yesterday was that the league would be removing Dorking from the league in the next 7 days? Suppose you no nothing about this either despite it being your club?

Edited December 1, 2013 by Chubby Brown

[Big J R]

Now there's a surprise Big JR! Rumour I heard yesterday was that the league would be removing Dorking from the league in the next 7 days? Suppose you no nothing about this either despite it being your club?

 

 

What part of the sentence, 'I don't know !!'  puzzled you Chubbly ??

 

[E&E Rich]

This sums up the problem JR.

 

You have often released official statements on behalf of the club, but if you don't know what is going on either, then it's clear that communication is at fault again at a time that the club desperately needs some.

 

Too many clubs treat their supporters like fodder and feed them limited information almost on a "need to know" basis. The opposite should be happening to try and raise interest. Instead, silence.