Can we be play-off challengers....

[Ian]

What works to the ground are required by March Ian?

Just some seating issues to resolve. Nothing to worry about but at every step up there's additional requirements in terms of ground grading.

[GlenSTFC]

I'm surprised more work wasn't required for this level. Can imagine it would cost big money to get HP upto Conference South standard though. So what would happen if we had a chance of promotion, would you accept it?

[GarySTFC]

Given the seating work, there's not actually too much required I don't think between Southern Prem and Conf South for the ground. Some of the key points for that next step would be: 

 

1.3 - The Stadium must have a minimum operational capacity of 3,000 calculated by a competent person in accordance with the guidance given in the Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide). There must also be potential to increase the capacity to 4,000 in the future.

I think we had a 1600/1700 capacity set for the Mansfield game, possibly 2000. Wouldn't be too difficult, or too expensive in the greater scheme of things, to put stepped terracing at the far end to boost up the capacity easily. 

 

1.10 - Each box must be able to accommodate 11 persons under cover on fixed seats or benches. Where bench seating is provided, a minimum 0.5m must be allowed for each person (i.e. 11 persons require a minimum of 5.5 metres.).  

Not sure how big the current dugouts are, but again, wouldn't necessarily see this as a major issue to overcome. 

 

1.12 Floodlighting

Floodlights must be provided to an average lux reading of 180. No single reading can be less than 100 lux nor less than one quarter of the highest reading so as to ensure an even spread of light. 

 

I don't think we'd be too far off on this, so perhaps two more bulbs in each mast - presuming there is suitable power in each to handle it. 

 

2.1 250 seats in a single stand, 500 covered in total

This is the one being addressed now with the number of seats. Once that is done, we'd be fine as I'm sure that covered terracing would hold 250. 

2.2 Press Seating

A minimum of 6 seats must be provided with lighting and writing facilities for use by the press and other media. The press seating must have a clear view of the field of play. 

Think we'd be lucky to seat four in what they have now. Don't think it would be too difficult. 

 

All that said, as a club, I don't think we're ready for that step up just yet. We are moving firmly in the right direction though on and off the pitch. Whilst the above works wouldn't be too difficult, in theory at least, there's still a significant investment required and we're not exactly cash rich. 

[GarySTFC]

Ground Grading documents, for all levels in the pyramid, can be found here: 

 

http://www.thefa.com/my-football/club-leagues/ground-grading

[Glover]

Rebel1965, on 10 Dec 2014 - 5:36 PM, said:

Mark the Slough fans who turn up to games have a far more realistic view on progression than those from MYFC, to MYFC STFC is just another computer game where you vote on things and pick options, a bit like the many league manager games on line where the consequences of failure are just electronic.  However to the Slough Town Fans who have experienced the black and dark days in the latter years of Deaner, are far more realistic and accept a slow and steady progression, where the risks are controlled, and boom and bust are avoided.

Im glad that the management and vast majority of fans don't support your view of MYFC. I know that they have had a very positive input in the club and have proved many times that they are not just 'keyboard warriors' and as you so derogatively put it 'computer gamers' 

[A Rebel and a Saint]

Just to clear this up before it kicks off...MyFC haven't voted on anything to do with the Club (with the exception of voting to increase a budget attached to promoting the Club through the Rebels Online facebook page that has nearly 600 members) in quite some time.  They do however keep promoting the Club on facebook, social media and through Rebels Radio, and contribute some money through a few sponsored things including the matches that are filmed.

 

That being said, they're losing members week on week and are down to just under 400 now, and of those probably only the same 50 to 100 are active members.  It remains to be seen if they will be in a position to continue with the Club beyond this season given that the majority of those members are due for renewal or not over the rest of the season, from what I have heard both parties seem to the waiting for the other to make a decision.

I don't know what will happen with them, but I still think they've made a positive contribution to the Club in general.

[Reading Rebel]

Some of the much needed cash I blame on those people who don't come and watch us because of "I don't like Beaconsfield" or "I don't like Windsor". If you support the club It doesn't matter what pitch we play on. With that extra money coming in that would sort a few things out that's needed.

 

 

I thought the main reason some old supporters stay away is because of where the ground is situated. 

[HEAVY TRUCKER]

hardly a good reason for staying away though is it, they can still make it to those games where they think there might be some prestige if you truly support a side then surely where they play is no reason for staying away.

[Chris]

It's far from easy to get to though if you don't have a car though.

[Reading Rebel]

A bus from Slough Station gets you straight to the ground.

 

Bit more difficult midweek as apparently the last bus leaves before the game finishes.

[Brighton on holiday]

I must admit i had my reservations but i think myfc have been brilliant for the club. Large cash injection, top radio commentary, videoing games, helping fundraise for bits n bobs and a few extra fans. Also think promotion this season wouldnt help the club - i saw what happened to Lewes when they got promoted to the Conference.

[GlenSTFC]

MYFC have been good for the club, especially Rebels Radio which is a real asset. But i do fear for their future as the number of members are falling all the time and it seems no one is joining. I was a member for 1 year mainly because i thought i should support them as they've supported my club. But apart from reading the forums (which got pretty dull) it wasn't really worth being a member especially now as an ex member i can view match highlights and read the programme for nothing! With that in mind not sure how MYFC are going to attract new members?

[Reading Rebel]

I must admit i had my reservations but i think myfc have been brilliant for the club. Large cash injection, top radio commentary, videoing games, helping fundraise for bits n bobs and a few extra fans. Also think promotion this season wouldnt help the club - i saw what happened to Lewes when they got promoted to the Conference.

 

 

Lewes have their own ground and fairly good support, so what happened?

 

Did they get carried away and over spend, like a lot of clubs do, to their detriment?

[3spirit]

I don't think we should take the foot off the pedal,in regards to trying to make the play-offs, as to me that's wasting the talents of Bakes and Unders as managers, and the players they wish to employ.

That said,there is no rush to be promoted.

 

We need the club to make steady progress both on and off the field,as the club has done so far, under the leadership of Steve Easterbrook.

 

No ground doesn't mean no club. I think we should all be proud of the strides the club has made,as it seems to me that the club and fans are more together now, than it's ever been,in the 30 years I've supported the club [although far worthier club stalwarts may view it different?].

MyFC has been a great help so far and with Rebels Radio,the filming of matches,our excellent club website and this well supported forum,in media/focus terms are going from strength to strength.

 

We may be less in number but the buzz is as good now as it's ever been but we do need young supporters desperately, to help address the club's future.

Holloway's Park may not be anyone's choice as an ideal ground to ground-share but at this time,we have to make it work there,as we have little alternative.    

 

The grey skies have turned to blue or shall we say Amber and Blue!

[Reading Rebel]

I don't think we should take the foot off the pedal,in regards to trying to make the play-offs, as to me that's wasting the talents of Bakes and Unders as managers, and the players they wish to employ.

That said,there is no rush to be promoted.

 

We need the club to make steady progress both on and off the field,as the club has done so far, under the leadership of Steve Easterbrook.

 

No ground doesn't mean no club. I think we should all be proud of the strides the club has made,as it seems to me that the club and fans are more together now, than it's ever been,in the 30 years I've supported the club [although far worthier club stalwarts may view it different?].

MyFC has been a great help so far and with Rebels Radio,the filming of matches,our excellent club website and this well supported forum,in media/focus terms are going from strength to strength.

 

We may be less in number but the buzz is as good now as it's ever been but we do need young supporters desperately, to help address the club's future.

Holloway's Park may not be anyone's choice as an ideal ground to ground-share but at this time,we have to make it work there,as we have little alternative.    

 

The grey skies have turned to blue or shall we say Amber and Blue!

 

 

No alternative ground for this season but maybe look into an alternative ground for next season.

[Chris]

A bus from Slough Station gets you straight to the ground.

 

Bit more difficult midweek as apparently the last bus leaves before the game finishes.

Yes, but after numerous stops and nearly a 50 min journey.

 

It's not like Maidenhead where you can jump on the train and when you arrive at the station you can walk to the ground in 2 mins.

 

Anyhow, ideally we need to be back in Slough. Our last game in the town was 2003 I think:

 

http://www.sloughtownfc.net/reports/4280/

Edited December 11, 2014 by Chris

[3spirit]

No alternative ground for this season but maybe look into an alternative ground for next season.

 

Where would you like it to be,RR?

[GlenSTFC]

The only alternatives to SYCOB are Burnham and Windsor. I would think Stag Meadow is upto Premier Division standards, mot sure about The Gore though (do they have 250 seats and 500 total under cover?). I think Burnham would be the preferred option being as it's actually part of Slough 'borough' and has modern facilities and good sized car park. Obvious downsides is the lack of cover behind either goals (same with Windsor). On the subject of our ongoing stadium issue, when is someone going to announce what's going on even if it's not good news?

[Martin]

If central government are involved on the decision for the new ground we will not hear anything from them until after the election in May. If the result of that is uncertain with the possibility of a further snap election we will be well into next season before we get anything like a decision. Best we can hope for is a decisive election result and a quick decision but I wouldn't hold my breath

[3spirit]

Currently we seem to be clutching at straws but maybe a Labour government would change things for the better but who knows?

It may just be more of the same!