Carshalton 2 Hx 2

[cup of tea]

1 hour ago, Robh 1962 said:

It’s not naive at all, it’s simple economic facts. The teams with bigger crowds will be able to pay higher wages and therefore attract better players. Unless they have a mega rich benefactor which I don’t believe is the case here.
What I was trying to say in the original post was that we have no divine right to be winning this league and indeed only got promoted into it 3 years ago. We are currently 2nd yet if you listen to some of the crowd in the last few home games you would think we’re fighting against relegation 

If you're going to the next/last home game this season Rob then I suggest you talk to one of the board members at Hornchurch. Bigger attendances obviously does help but attendances alone doesn't support a football club at this level, certainly not one that's ambitious - there's a number of other factors involved. I'm sure that the club would love a 4G pitch for example but that's not going to happen because of outside factors - that's a money maker.

By your reckoning Hastings should be challenging for the league. We're fortunate to have a very good board at Hornchurch that really know their way around running a football club and an excellent chairman.

[JRinBelfast]

Interesting points here...

Personally I have never equated large match day crowds boosting a Club's profitability and bringing in more funds and enhancing spending and salary resources etc.

Gate money isn't always the biggest actual money spinner. Have been to grounds at all levels all over the country, some are jam packed to the rafters on the terraces but with very few in the bar or additional spending on matchday refreshments or merchandise etc. As soon as the final whistle sounds...it's a mass exodus and you're left standing in a souless shell.

Others have had far less foot fall, but fans spend a good few hours pre and post match...to soak up the full atmosphere. I definitely would put Hornchurch in this bracket, far more than just a game of football.  The fans live and breathe the Urchins, the players are so engaging  hence you can understand the recent levels of disappointment.

Right, put the last few weeks behind us, I say...Two more games await...onwards👌

[Ruth Cork]

National League South - Dulwich Hamlet average home attendance 2,392 fighting relegation!

[cup of tea]

West Ham - 2nd highest attendance in the Premier League!!!

 

[Wivenhoe Urchin]

Boreham Wood have low home crowds for national league Premier and have gone far in FA cup beating some top football league sides. I believe they are helped considerably by Arsenal. 

[The Crowing Cockerel]

On 12/04/2023 at 23:39, Robh 1962 said:

Like everyone else I’m disappointed with the last few results. We should remember though that we are not the best supported team in this league (probably 7th or 8th) so are already punching a bit above our weight anyway by being top for so long. Here’s hoping that we pick up some form in the next 2 games to take into the play offs

Forgive me for intruding, but thought I'd add the following:

By my (very unscientific) reckoning you guys have to be one of the wealthier sides in the league. The FA Trophy win a couple of years back would've no doubt helped on that front. I'm not aware of any other sides in the league who have actually bought a player from another club as you apparently did with Yusuff - I make absolutely no criticism of that. I would also expect that the likes of Micky, Remi and Joe Wright are getting a little more £ at Hornchurch than they did at ETFC. You have a squad of players who will not look out of place in the National League South.

In my opinion the best sides in the league this season have been Bishops Stortford and Hornchurch. I would expect you both to go up this season.

That being said, I'm sure ETFC will try to piss on Stortford's parade tomorrow - fingers crossed!

[cup of tea]

Looking at your forum CC it looks like you’ve suffered from the same thing we have - an inability to see out some games, that’s where Stortford (apart from that wobble) and Canvey have been very good. Good luck today