Throwing some ideas into the arena

[Guest]

I was thinking about the current situation with regard to the Council's reluctance to help STFC in any way and I had a few ideas:

 

Last night, it was mentioned that the Council were not prepared to spend ANY public money on helping the Club as it was such a minority interest - Spending money on 300 people wasn't seen as a viable option.

 

How much money need we be talking about? Are we looking at a modest annual amount to pay for the rent at Stag Meadow or are we talking about many tens of thousands of pounds towards a new ground?

 

If the former, then perhaps some investigations should be made into the other expenditure made from tax payers money by the Council. I presume they have invested large sums of money in minority groups? If STFC are looking for, say £15,000 per year, that's only £50 per supporter (taking the 300 people figure). If SBC are funding other minority groups, then take a look and see how much they are spending on these schemes per head - If it's more than £50, you have a valid complaint about discrimination.

 

Also, if we are only talking about £50 per person per season to fund the lease at Stag Meadow, could this not be raised through a membership scheme? Perhaps along the lines of AFC Wimbledon where home supporters pay more than visiting spectators.

 

The other thought I had was with regard to alternative grounds - Could you not approach the Council with a suggestion that the Rugby Club in Upton Court Park would be a possible solution in the long-term. The ground may not be up to Ryman League Standards, but, with a modest investment, the town could gain an improved community stadium. With some all weather pitches etc, it's a moneymaker for the Council. STFC would pay SBC a modest rent as the Rugby Club undoubtedly already do.

 

With regard to a merger, whilst it may not be the ideal option at the moment, don't dismiss it totally - It worked well for my Club.

 

A merger with Windsor, for example, would benefit Slough in that they would have their own ground. Windsor would gain a lot of support. You could even look at selling Stag Meadow for a tidy sum and using that money to buy a ground in Slough.

 

Not the best alternative, I know, but it's better than the Club folding.

[Woody SUFC]

A Merger will not happen. Just look at when Dennis Greene said he'd like one!! Stag Meadow is owned by the Queen and Windsor rent it from her for a quid so we cannot just sell it!

[Matt]

We've had this discussion before and the vast majority of people, on both sides, do not want a merger. I think most Slough fans would rather see the club reform.

[Guest]

Quote:

MattSTFC said:
We've had this discussion before and the vast majority of people, on both sides, do not want a merger. I think most Slough fans would rather see the club reform.

I know it's not something you want - God knows I spent enought time protesting against the Dagenham/Redbridge Forest merger. However, it COULD prove beneficial in the long run.

However, if W&E don't own their ground, nothing is really to be gained.

[PJ-STFC]

Wouldn't a merger be effectively the same as a re-form? I mean, which division would the merged club start in?

 

If a merger would mean a drop of several divisions, then I suspect that, having exhausted all other possibilities, most fans would prefer the club to restart from scratch and maintain some form of unique identity than merge into oblivion...

 

As Matt said, a merger is not a realistic option.

 

However, Nelson, some of your other ideas are interesting and might have some mileage, particularly if the current situation deteriorates any further.

 

PJ <img src="/images/graemlins/chat.gif" alt="" />

[BFR]

Speaking from the Trust point of view, a merger is out of the question because of the two primary aims of the Supporters Trust. These are, firstly, to ensure the long term future of Slough Town Football Club and, secondly, to work towards obtaining and securing a permanent home in Slough.

[Tom]

Using the Rugby Clubs ground may even cause more problems, for starters the council would have to agree along with the club already there. Although it seems like a possible idea and something to think about if all else fails.

[Matt]

Rugby club is a possibility, I wonder how much it would cost to get it up to Ryman standards? Or, again, would the council be prepared to just let us slip out of the Ryman league and start again in a feeder league?

[Barry Scott]

Matt, all that's there is a pitch so you'd be starting from scratch. I say tear down the dirtbike track and build the ground there

[BFR]

From what I have read about the dirt bike track and the surrounding area of the park, it is not inside Slough and belongs to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

[Guest]

Totally agree...the council made it clear that they are not intrested despite all the woffle and non starters about the 4 options in such a short space of time...

 

We need to also wait and see what MD does.....

 

As BFR said the Trust will do all it possibly can under the circumstances...and boy we will need you to help.....

 

chris <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

[Tom]

Quote:

rebelboy45 said:
Matt, all that's there is a pitch so you'd be starting from scratch.

We would be starting from scratch in Britwell. At least if we had the chance to go there we would have some grounding to start off with.

I wouldnt say its a total solution to our problems but its an idea to think about.

[Guest]

Guys,

 

I think you need to take a harsh reality check here:

 

A merger would mean that you maintained your status as a Ryman Premier League club. Reforming would mean dropping to a lower league.

 

If no permanent home can be found (and it doesn't exactly look like the Council are interested in finding one), then moving to an existing ground is the only viable option. In the immediate area, what grounds are available?

 

Only Stag Meadow is up to scratch. Moving to any other ground would involve dropping a league or three anyway.

[Guest]

Thanks for your support....plus woof....

 

cheers chris

 

The dog for leader of the council !!!

 

<img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

having been catching up with news on the forum today it seems no one is asking the question as to who will be paying the wages of staff and players at the beginning of the season. We have been through situations before where players were apparently not being paid and we saw the demotivating effect that had on some of them for logical reasons.While all the problems are being discussed it would help all arguments if the team were looking good, potentially achieving success and able to look to progress--not something that is likely if the lads are not being paid.

 

Options overall seem limited and I am sure the trust are well placed to represent all us fans in ongoing discussions---but are we relying on the wrong third parties to try and assist in some avenues.Surely a direct approach to the Thornes from the trust/fans must be worth a try---we are not sure what "the Thornes " means at present but if Alan is well enough to be contacted then this must be worth a try.If the dealings had to be with Byron then maybe any outcome is less likely.I realise that this depends on how Martin decides to finally react but the trust has the right people supported by us the fans to try and find some resolution----the council have made empty promises for yesrs regardless of political colour and

seem to be able to do it with impunity and on a whim.Other councils around the country have been very supportive of local clubs both financially and morally--there are even quite local examples. There is a kind of association of councils and one would think that in this situation our council may decide to talk to other councils to get views and history.

 

Thanks to all for their efforts so far.

[Barry Scott]

okay, so the club costs £150,000 a year to run. If this is inclusive of the £25,000 a year groundsharing money, that leaves the wage bill at £125,000.

 

At that rate, based on an entry fee of £7, with a guaranteed 21 home games, we need to be attracting somewhere in the region of 850 paying customers through the gate.

[BFR]

before considering match fees, league fees, kit requirements etc

[Matt]

Quote:

Anonymous said:
Guys,

I think you need to take a harsh reality check here:

A merger would mean that you maintained your status as a Ryman Premier League club. Reforming would mean dropping to a lower league.

If no permanent home can be found (and it doesn't exactly look like the Council are interested in finding one), then moving to an existing ground is the only viable option. In the immediate area, what grounds are available?

Only Stag Meadow is up to scratch. Moving to any other ground would involve dropping a league or three anyway.

I see your point, but aside from what Slough fans think, would Windsor actually want a merger? I don't know any of them to ask, but probably not. Same might be true of Maidenhead Utd, Burnham, Beaconsfield perhaps.

[Guest]

But that still begs the initial question----who will be paying the wages as the season starts

[BFR]

If I had an answer to that I'd give you it.