We are 'Ricay Town

[Ryan.c]

Still trying to size up what is happening to our club. On the one hand we have a brand spanking new ground to go to. On the other, it's not in OUR TOWN BUT SOMEBODY ELSE'S. Just a few months ago we were told that New Lodge would be getting a 6 million pound make-over. But now we are told that if we stay at New Lodge we will die. What has happened between now and last January? Would this have even been considered if we were still a members club? I'm not trying to imply things but it does make you think. There are many things I would like to say, but quite frankly I'm still numb. Drove to Gloucester Park this morning and everything felt fine until I passed under the A127. Came out the other side thinking this is not where we belong. It felt alien. Need more thinking time!

[Guest]

With all that has gone on in the last 24 hours I felt it right to join in the debate about the ground move. I'd also like to make absolutely clear that myself and the rest of the BTSA Committee had no idea whatsoever that such a move was planned. The first we heard of it was with everyone else last night.<p>There is still so much to take in that it is very difficult to consider it all with a level head. I have only been a regular at New Lodge since 1984 - a mere 18 years - yet many of our fans have followed the club for much, much longer. How they will feel about BTFC (football) leaving New Lodge is probably much worst than I feel now. That's my heart talking.<p>My head (just about) is telling me something different and I understand the stark situation and accept much of what has been stated about the only way the football club can progress is to move out. However, like many others, I have a personal grudge against the New Town as in my time living in Billericay it is always them that seemed to benefit at our expense. Now they are gaining a quality football club as well!!<p>So what next? Well the BTSA has got to go forward with our plans for the Summer and next season whatever the circumstances - and we will to the best of our collective ability. But as the full impact of this change slowly sinks in I feel it is all going to feel very strange until we see the first bricks in place at the new stadium and come to terms with the future.<p>The one thing above all else that I would dearly love to see when the new structure is in place is the name BILLERICAY TOWN and the ship crest displayed on the outside of the stadium in the biggest lettering possible (or better still illuminated). That will go some way to making transition better - but boy - it ain't gonna be easy!! <img src="graemlins/images/icons/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" /> <img src="graemlins/depressed.gif" border="0" alt="" /> <img src="graemlins/help.gif" border="0" alt="" />

[Simon BTFC]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by John Mapp BTSA:

<strong>The one thing above all else that I would dearly love to see when the new structure is in place is the name BILLERICAY TOWN and the ship crest displayed on the outside of the stadium in the biggest lettering possible (or better still illuminated). That will go some way to making transition better - but boy - it ain't gonna be easy!!</strong><hr></blockquote><p>Spoke to Rod today - he said that his vision for the stadium is that when we drive under the A127 and up towards the new stadium we'll see the corner of the stands with Billericay Town proudly displayed.

[GazzaBTFC]

I'm in agrrement with John.<p>Progress but at Billericay (the town)expense. This is a all to frequent story. Billericay wants, It's discussed at Council level, Basildon gets. But it is progress for the club and like John, I will not be happy until I see the Ship of Billericay displayed on the stadium.<p>So John, one question, do we promote the club in the Town or the Town Centre, Basildon or both?

[Simon BTFC]

I thinking with a number of Town centre properties vacant in Basildon we should open the first club superstore

[GazzaBTFC]

Yeah a Billericay Town FC store in the heart of Basildon - Chortle!!!

Hey perhaps Basildon should change it's name to Billericay. I mean come on, the Council fleece the people of Billericay to keep the majority of Basildon people in benefits (oooooo, can I be done for being a racist here?).