At last! Some real news! [No 171]

[AFF]

While queuing at the newsagents this morning for my copy of Forbes Magazine, I glanced at the back page of The St Albans Observer, attracted by the headline "Chaos reigns at City".

 

It would seem that both manager Steve Castle and the chap who used to drive the red tractor offered their resignations following the F.A. Protest Sub-Committee which they attended as the clubs' representatives. Chairman John Gibson refused to accept the resignations and gave the duo his backing over what he described as a "disgraceful decision by the F.A.".

 

Gibbo is quoted "Steve Castle's job is not under any threat."

 

The manager is quoted "It ((The F.A. decision) probably transferred to Friday's defeat against Thurrock where there was an element of feeling sorry for ourselves but that's over and now we have to show some real character".

 

There is more comment from the Chairman concerning the F.A's decision which is "based on an absurd technicality in a badly written rule".

 

The article continues:

 

'Gibson also expressed his anger at Hornchurch chairman Gary Calder who he alleges "deliberately went out of his way to cause trouble for City". Calder refused to comment on the situation although he did say "the matter is in the hands of my solicitors".

Calder has since been banned from Clarence Park while Gibson said he had no intention of travelling to Hornchurch next month for their league fixture.'

 

No details are given of any action alleged to have been taken or not taken by the chap from Hornchurch.

 

The article concludes with a couple of further quotes:

 

"I don't know exactly where to go from here", admitted Gibson.

"There are a lot of good things happening at the club, our link-up with community schemes and Steve Castle and Chris Zoricich's good work with different groups in the community". [it occured to me that perhaps the reporter stuttered over 'Zoricich's' hence the repetition of 'community'.]

 

 

That's it.

 

[Zagreus]

The more Gibson says, the less respect I have for the guy.

 

"Steve Castle's job is not under any threat."

 

... a depressing read.

[YB941 5thD EFM ~soul~]

Maybe EFM will go to Hornchurch as SACFC's representatives!!

[AFF]

It's all rather frustrating.

 

Despite the number of column inches devoted to these matters which we have all read avidly, no details of the actions taken in the few days prior to the match at Heybridge have been given. Only two people on here have called for the chap who used to drive the red tractor to resign and one of those acknowledged that such a view should wait for further details to emerge. Everyone else has remained silent and waited, too, presumably.

 

The Chairman must know what took place and he, clearly, does not see any fault at the door of the Secretary. Fair enough. Let's move on.

 

The lack of any detail whatsoever of the alleged wrongdoing [if any] of the Hornchurch Chairman is very frustrating. Mind you, that lack of detail may be explained as solicitors appear to be involved. Gibbo has dealt, and will deal, with that in his own way, via solicitors if necessary, no doubt.

 

In view of his declared strength of feeling and as Gibbo is not going to attend the game at Bridge Avenue, presumably the other Officials of SACFC will also decline the hospitality of the boardroom at the home of The Urchins.

 

I shall certainly attend the game and I look forward to a repeat of last season's result. Gary Calder moves in far higher and more exhalted circles than I do, of course, but my experience of the people at Hornchurch and their hospitality, both on the terraces and in the clubhouse is very good indeed.

[EFM The Firm, The Voice]

Kind of blows our little plan out the window though.

 

However, as we have friends in high places at Hornchurch maybe Gary Calders boardroom pass for the home game could go to good use <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Webbo MFI]

I understand that Mr Calder is banned form a couple of other non-league grounds (though can't remember which ones)

[EFM The Firm, The Voice]

He seems to get up quite a lot of people's noses ..... sounds like a EFM membership could be in the post <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[AFF]

For the game against Hornchurch at Bridge Avenue, I volunteer to take the team-sheet from the manager to the referee one hour before kick-off as someone has to do it.

 

As a mark of sympathy for the Officials of SACFC who will not be travelling to the game, firstly I will accept no remuneration from The Mighty Saints for carrying out this task in view of the tight fiscal policy, secondly I will pay to get into the Urchins ground as it would be hypocritical for anyone to accept a complimentary pass in the circumstances, and thirdly I will politely decline their boardroom hospitality and prawn sandwiches. [Prawns are 117.75% cholesterol in any event. And I prefer tuna.]

 

I will have a drink in the clubhouse with old friends, however.

[Uncle Urchin]

and most welcome you will all be of course.

 

pity that the 'much revered' gibbo still wishes to continue with this sorry saga by means of the St Albans Daily Clarion but then that's show business I suppose.

 

Calder meanwhile has banned himself from all league grounds under the 'three strikes and your out rule'.... <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/ban.gif" alt="" />