Hungerford A 12th November Match Thread

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

14 minutes ago, SloughFlyer said:

I think thats a really harsh and quite frankly unfair comment WR. The board that we have are all volunteers that give up more time for the club than anyone. During a recent game, I went to the toilet at half time and ran into 1 of the board members, who asked me how we were doing as he hadn't had a chance to watch the game.

I have the utmost respect for all of those prepared to give up their time for the club and any critisium towards the way the club functions that I give is tempered by the knowledge that they are all doing something way above and beyond.

Your dismissive attitude (as I have read it and feel free to correct me) I think is bang out of order, unless you are one of those board members who isn't getting the opportunity to contribute due to the others (which you may well be?).

I'm not of the opinion that those who are volunteering are beyond reproach, however, I am very much aware that I don't do that for the club and have to understand these people have other things in life (as we all do) and I am 100% certain they are doing their best and quite possibly we wouldn't havea club without them, as I can't remember the last new board member or "helper" that appeared to make a meaningful contribution.

There is clearly much more as a club we could be doing and I'msure given the money, opportunity, manpower and ability the current board would jump at the chance to do many of those things, but I'm sure they would welcome anyone would wishes to contribute time, money or resources in the attempt to improve the club and those that have the negatve opinions, to coin a phrase, "pick up a gun and stand to post".

If you, or anyone else, can't do that, then at the very least, try and give constructive comments and support where possible.

I am entitled to my opinion SF and my comment is not a personal attack on anybody but volunteer or no volunteer, if you are a board member you are not beyond reproach as you say.

I will save my constructive comments and support for when they are warranted and it is my opinion that the club has lacked direction since Steve Easterbrook left (and I am not in the minority with that view!).

[SloughFlyer]

13 minutes ago, Wycombe Rebel said:

I am entitled to my opinion SF and my comment is not a personal attack on anybody but volunteer or no volunteer, if you are a board member you are not beyond reproach as you say.

I will save my constructive comments and support for when they are warranted and it is my opinion that the club has lacked direction since Steve Easterbrook left (and I am not in the minority with that view!).

100% entitled to your view WR, just seemed harsh at this point as direction or otherwise, I'm not too sure what more the board could do? Crowds are down, no FA cup money, injuries, companies pulling out of sponsorship deals (which I said would happen with the crypto people but thats neither hear nor there), companies not wanting to spend unnecessary funds currently (cant see too many, tax break or otherwise) having non-league football team high up in their budgets and all of that is before the cost of living issues we are all facing currently is taken into account.

I would also wonder (out loud) how we as mear mortals (I have assumed you aren't part of the board or inner workings of the club like myself) would know that there is a lack of direction or what direction the board / managers are looking to take the team?

Now I am pretty sure this isn't the case, BUT - what if the board have sat with Neil and Jon and said the southern prem is where the club should be given the current situation and so we have shed all the contracts and high payments possible from the squad, have started a poor run of form and will end up putting the club at the level the board feels it should be currently. 

That would be a clear and consice direction? Would it be a popular one, would it lead to issues for players managers and supporters etc, would it be a good one? No to all of those (I would think), but it would be a direction.

I would also question to all of the majority you speak of, have they offered to step onto the board? Have they offered a genuine solution to the directional issues you and they feel are there? If no, why not? If yes, why wasn't this offer of help accepted?

 

NB - I'm also pretty sure that none of the current on field issues, and especially Saturday, was anything to do with board issues at all.

Edited November 14, 2022 by SloughFlyer

[rebelbrewer]

15 minutes ago, Wycombe Rebel said:

I am entitled to my opinion SF and my comment is not a personal attack on anybody but volunteer or no volunteer, if you are a board member you are not beyond reproach as you say.

I will save my constructive comments and support for when they are warranted and it is my opinion that the club has lacked direction since Steve Easterbrook left (and I am not in the minority with that view!).

Sorry WF - constructive criticism means that you are prepared to offer alternatives. Your comment "no direction, leadership of dynamism" is intensely personal. I am neither a board member, nor a volunteer, although a family member is. You are entitled to your opinion but we are entitled to disagree.

For what it's worth, I am not wearing rose (or amber tinted) glasses. Plainly something has to change on the pitch and it's plain the managers know that. With a cost of living crisis and no big benefactor, though, it's hard to see where the money is coming from. It was sad to see players who have done so well for us losing heart on Saturday.

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

8 minutes ago, rebelbrewer said:

Sorry WF - constructive criticism means that you are prepared to offer alternatives. Your comment "no direction, leadership of dynamism" is intensely personal. I am neither a board member, nor a volunteer, although a family member is. You are entitled to your opinion but we are entitled to disagree.

For what it's worth, I am not wearing rose (or amber tinted) glasses. Plainly something has to change on the pitch and it's plain the managers know that. With a cost of living crisis and no big benefactor, though, it's hard to see where the money is coming from. It was sad to see players who have done so well for us losing heart on Saturday.

In a business world, like I am commenting on, none of my comments are personal.

I am constructive and supportive towards the playing side of the club that has worked miracles for a few years on a shoe string.

Edited November 14, 2022 by Wycombe Rebel

[SloughFlyer]

6 minutes ago, Wycombe Rebel said:

In a business world, like I am commenting on, none of my comments are personal.

I am constructive and supportive towards the playing side of the club that has worked miracles for a few years on a shoe string.

I agree in a business world they aren't personal WR. Surely though, in a business world, if you made those 3 comments, they would surely be followed up with at the very least a question or 2 from those around you in your business, such as, if you believe that to be the case, how would you do things differently to correct the situation? What comments/suggestions do you have to improve the situation? etc.

Have those opinions is, I'm sure, no issue to anyone, BUT, having those opinions and offering no solutions or even anything other than those opinions, is a bit like moaning about the government when you didn't vote.

[GlenSTFC]

A few clubs have a players fund that fans contribute to which either is set aside to sign a player whether that’s permanent or on loan or it’s to top up the weekly budget. At Slough we have 500 regulars, would it be possible for every fan to contribute an average of £5 a month adding an extra £2500 a month to the playing budget? This could be enough to sign a quality player (circa £600 per week).

[Windsor Rebel]

5 minutes ago, GlenSTFC said:

A few clubs have a players fund that fans contribute to which either is set aside to sign a player whether that’s permanent or on loan or it’s to top up the weekly budget. At Slough we have 500 regulars, would it be possible for every fan to contribute an average of £5 a month adding an extra £2500 a month to the playing budget? This could be enough to sign a quality player (circa £600 per week).

Thats what you buy a season ticket for, to finance the club budget at the start of the campaign.

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

7 minutes ago, GlenSTFC said:

A few clubs have a players fund that fans contribute to which either is set aside to sign a player whether that’s permanent or on loan or it’s to top up the weekly budget. At Slough we have 500 regulars, would it be possible for every fan to contribute an average of £5 a month adding an extra £2500 a month to the playing budget? This could be enough to sign a quality player (circa £600 per week).

Cracking idea Glen!

[SloughFlyer]

1 minute ago, GlenSTFC said:

A few clubs have a players fund that fans contribute to which either is set aside to sign a player whether that’s permanent or on loan or it’s to top up the weekly budget. At Slough we have 500 regulars, would it be possible for every fan to contribute an average of £5 a month adding an extra £2500 a month to the playing budget? This could be enough to sign a quality player (circa £600 per week).

Would be worth exploring Glen.

Only issue (and its a biggy) at the moment, there are many supporters even struggling to attend games due to funding, and if they do attend I suspect (and don't know) that the average spend on things like progs, 50-50, golden goals, food and drink would be down as people look to save money where they can. I also think that EVERYONE contributing would be unrealistic, but perhaps a sliding scale and allowing for more from those that could afford it might be an option.

If we generated that type of money, I actually look to spread that over the side to improve the squad overal with 3/4 players on 300/400 per week and improve the depth rather than 1 individual player that may or may not improve things.

Not only the above (and I saw the limited offer for the multi-buy games) but why not advertise that anyone holding a prem season ticket can attend games for £5 whilst the world cup is on? might increase the attendances and give a little boost to the pot (especially as if people have only spent £5 to get in they might spend more on secondary items). Might account for nothing, but might not and wouldn't take much over and above a few social media posts.

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

14 minutes ago, SloughFlyer said:

I agree in a business world they aren't personal WR. Surely though, in a business world, if you made those 3 comments, they would surely be followed up with at the very least a question or 2 from those around you in your business, such as, if you believe that to be the case, how would you do things differently to correct the situation? What comments/suggestions do you have to improve the situation? etc.

Have those opinions is, I'm sure, no issue to anyone, BUT, having those opinions and offering no solutions or even anything other than those opinions, is a bit like moaning about the government when you didn't vote.

1 mind is not as good as 400/500… Have an opening evening for supporters and brainstorm!

[GlenSTFC]

3 minutes ago, Windsor Rebel said:

Thats what you buy a season ticket for, to finance the club budget at the start of the campaign.

Although I’ve asked the club they weren’t willing to say how many ST were sold. But let’s say we sold 200 at an average of £125 each. That gives £25,000 which I would guess would cover 5-6 weeks wages.

[SloughFlyer]

4 minutes ago, Windsor Rebel said:

Thats what you buy a season ticket for, to finance the club budget at the start of the campaign.

I 100% see that point of view Windsor (had to use that bit as Wycombe Rebel is here also). So perhaps the club gambles a season ticket for next year now. Make the "player fund" like a prize draw so anyone contributing every month from say December to the end of the season goes into a draw for next years season ticket. That way, I contribute say £30 at a £5 per month until May and have a chance to win my 23/24 season ticket? Might spark a bit more interest?

2 minutes ago, Wycombe Rebel said:

1 mind is not as good as 400/500… Have an opening evening for supporters and brainstorm!

Brilliant idea and 1 that we have spoken about previously as well.

Now that is constructive  

[GlenSTFC]

4 minutes ago, SloughFlyer said:

Would be worth exploring Glen.

Only issue (and its a biggy) at the moment, there are many supporters even struggling to attend games due to funding, and if they do attend I suspect (and don't know) that the average spend on things like progs, 50-50, golden goals, food and drink would be down as people look to save money where they can. I also think that EVERYONE contributing would be unrealistic, but perhaps a sliding scale and allowing for more from those that could afford it might be an option.

If we generated that type of money, I actually look to spread that over the side to improve the squad overal with 3/4 players on 300/400 per week and improve the depth rather than 1 individual player that may or may not improve things.

Not only the above (and I saw the limited offer for the multi-buy games) but why not advertise that anyone holding a prem season ticket can attend games for £5 whilst the world cup is on? might increase the attendances and give a little boost to the pot (especially as if people have only spent £5 to get in they might spend more on secondary items). Might account for nothing, but might not and wouldn't take much over and above a few social media posts.

Yes it’s not ideal at all with the current cost of living crisis but even it brought in an extra £250 a week it all helps. I’m sure the club will have some ticket initiatives whilst the World Cup is on but with our current form and league position, is the casual fan or fans of PL going to attracted to come and watch even at a reduced price? 

[rebelbrewer]

34 minutes ago, Wycombe Rebel said:

In a business world, like I am commenting on, none of my comments are personal.

I am constructive and supportive towards the playing side of the club that has worked miracles for a few years on a shoe string.

 

23 minutes ago, SloughFlyer said:

I agree in a business world they aren't personal WR. Surely though, in a business world, if you made those 3 comments, they would surely be followed up with at the very least a question or 2 from those around you in your business, such as, if you believe that to be the case, how would you do things differently to correct the situation? What comments/suggestions do you have to improve the situation? etc.

Have those opinions is, I'm sure, no issue to anyone, BUT, having those opinions and offering no solutions or even anything other than those opinions, is a bit like moaning about the government when you didn't vote.

I've worked in several big global businesses and every CEO I know would have taken "no direction, leadership or vision" very personally, perhaps wrongly but they would. Given that our board is a group of volunteers I continue to think that statement is unfair if you are not prepared to offer suggestions or even volunteer to join them.

[SloughFlyer]

10 minutes ago, GlenSTFC said:

Yes it’s not ideal at all with the current cost of living crisis but even it brought in an extra £250 a week it all helps. I’m sure the club will have some ticket initiatives whilst the World Cup is on but with our current form and league position, is the casual fan or fans of PL going to attracted to come and watch even at a reduced price? 

No idea Glen, but got to be worth trying. Maybe it comes to nothing, but thats what we have currently so a gamble has to be worth it IMO.

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

5 minutes ago, rebelbrewer said:

 

I've worked in several big global businesses and every CEO I know would have taken "no direction, leadership or vision" very personally, perhaps wrongly but they would. Given that our board is a group of volunteers I continue to think that statement is unfair if you are not prepared to offer suggestions or even volunteer to join them.

Ok, I would agree it is unfair if the club was a charity but it’s not, it’s a business and I applaud the volunteers for their efforts, it’s just I feel we have gone backwards since Steve left, that’s all.

[GlenSTFC]

3 minutes ago, Wycombe Rebel said:

Ok, I would agree it is unfair if the club was a charity but it’s not, it’s a business and I applaud the volunteers for their efforts, it’s just I feel we have gone backwards since Steve left, that’s all.

You can’t compare Steve who’s an experienced businessman and who was putting in his own money against 4 fans/volunteers who don’t have the same background and probably aren’t putting any personal funds in. 

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

7 minutes ago, GlenSTFC said:

You can’t compare Steve who’s an experienced businessman and who was putting in his own money against 4 fans/volunteers who don’t have the same background and probably aren’t putting any personal funds in. 

You’ve hit the nail squarely on the head there Glen… You can compare and it’s clear why the club has gone backwards when you put it in those words.

[Irishadrian]

1 hour ago, GlenSTFC said:

You can’t compare Steve who’s an experienced businessman and who was putting in his own money against 4 fans/volunteers who don’t have the same background and probably aren’t putting any personal funds in. 

Im always a bit puzzled why Steve Easterbrook still retains a Slough Town  company both active and solvent  where he is the sole director and company secretary  any chance of a return?

Slough Town Football Community Club (Stfc) Ltd.

Edited November 14, 2022 by Irishadrian

[Sir Rebel1965]

Something that worked well was Steve's updates which explained what was happening at the club, especially when the ground was being developed.

Maybe something similar which explains the current position of the club, covering what the club knows about what the council's position is on the ground, and feedback on this season from the boards perspective.

I am sure that communications from the board to the fans would be welcomed, and stop speculation.