A rare foray into Fleet MAD

[Hempstead Gaz]

Revealed the following article, penned by our old "chum" Paul Harrison, which, coming from him I surprisingly found to be both interesting and perceptive.

It seems to have been inspired by the poor attendance at the Margate match.

 

"Gravesend have seen home attendances fall this season despite the club turning full time. Now club officials have made mention of how poor support will affect the clubs future.

 

Sometimes they have peaked at around 1300, other times they have mustered just over 300. Followers of Gravesend football club have now been told in no uncertain terms that bums on seats and feet on the terracing counts towards their clubs future prospects and success. Gravesend to their credit have tried all ways to increase and attract fans to Stonebridge Road, Friday night football, kids for a pound, in fact all kind of offers have been on the go to followers over the last few years. Still though, Gravesend find it hard to secure consistent gates of 1500 or over, the latter figure, one would assume, would be a reasonable break even figure for the full time club.

 

Last nights crowd of just over 300 epitomised the problem facing those who subsidise the running of the club. Playing costs, electricity and staffing costs, stewards etc all add up. One doesnt need to be any kind of mathematician to work out that the club is not making hand over fist profits from such paltry home attendances.

 

Now it has been reported that revenue raised through the turnstiles will be ploughed back into strengthening the playing side of things. Play offs next season will be feasibly if the crowds consistently flock back to Stonebridge Road to back The Fleet. Whether such a plea can enthuse followers to come back in their droves is open to debate. However, perhaps the team and the board deserve some support in recognition of the work they have committed to the club in recent years.

 

Can one anticipate or see a return to regular 1300 plus gates, not at present, but one can regularly read or hear of followers pleas for a new stadium. With attendnace sof just over 300 as was the case last night, albeit for a minor cup semi final, how do supporters think such an amitious project as a new stadium will be subsidised? Or is their a belief that a half baked local authority such as Gravesham will subsidise it? Or will a multi millionaire business entrepreneur see the potential of low attendances and build a new stadium?

 

The answer s simple. The supporters and followers of Gravesend football club need to get behind the team and the club, fill the stands and terracing week in week out, whether the football is stylish or glamorous or not. A half full but vociferous Stonebridge Road can be intimidating territory for the opposition. It can raise confidence levels and more importantly it provides positive sustainable income for future development. With good home support the club can be geared for success."

 

I did note that Mr H's spelling has not improved. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[jc]

Quote:

Paul Harrison said:The supporters and followers of Gravesend football club need to get behind the team and the club, fill the stands and terracing week in week out, whether the football is stylish or glamorous or not.

Unfortunately, it's entertaining football that's probably the primary concern for floating fans.

A better performance than usual from Mr. Harrison. He places a bit too much importance on what was, after all, a low attendance for a KSC match, which are ten a penny, and his claim that attendances have 'peaked' at 1300 is factually incorrect. Still, the essential point remains.

[behindthegoal]

I have tried to restrain myself from commenting but this thread has finally beaten my resolve so here goes:

 

Attendances will not improve whist Mr Daish is in charge. The football we have played under him in the main, has been and remains, fairly dire.

 

Watching us of late has been a chore not a pleasure. Knowing that any excitment is going to be contained in a few snatches of play with nil to little scoring opportinities is not the stuff to encourage folks to watch, especially at £12 a go.

 

I think that Daish will keep us in the Conference possibly for a good few years because he will make reasonable signings of experienced players who have enough about them to grind out a 1 - 0 win or scrape a draw enough times to see us safe.

 

However with his lack of proactive tactical ability and basic mistrust of flair to date I cannot see him taking us forward with the required quality of football.

 

Therfore a simple equation - very average football equals very average crowds.

 

Folks just want to see exciting and even more importantly winning football. Don't get me wrong personally I would rather be mid-table in the Conference than top 4 in a lower league but I am a season ticket holder so I will be there whatever, but someone who is a floating or irregular supporter will weigh up what is on offer and decide accordingly. That is our potential market for bigger crowds and to put it simply - the aint gunna come to see dross.

 

So in my view we will not get bigger gates because we will not play the type of football that more people want to see (or even keep all the fans we have). So if we dont get the gates we cant financially progress as a club and therefore improve on the pitch to get the bigger gates. It is a circular arguement and I hope that I am proven wrong but I can't see it under Liam Daish.

 

There that feels better...

 

 

WILL BE THERE WHATEVER not someone who is debating if theye are going wet

[jc]

Hard to disagree with much of that post.

[John Pearce]

Quote:

behindthegoal said:
I have tried to restrain myself from commenting but this thread has finally beaten my resolve so here goes:

Attendances will not improve whist Mr Daish is in charge. The football we have played under him in the main, has been and remains, fairly dire.

Watching us of late has been a chore not a pleasure. Knowing that any excitment is going to be contained in a few snatches of play with nil to little scoring opportinities is not the stuff to encourage folks to watch, especially at £12 a go.

I think that Daish will keep us in the Conference possibly for a good few years because he will make reasonable signings of experienced players who have enough about them to grind out a 1 - 0 win or scrape a draw enough times to see us safe.

However with his lack of proactive tactical ability and basic mistrust of flair to date I cannot see him taking us forward with the required quality of football.

Therfore a simple equation - very average football equals very average crowds.

Folks just want to see exciting and even more importantly winning football. Don't get me wrong personally I would rather be mid-table in the Conference than top 4 in a lower league but I am a season ticket holder so I will be there whatever, but someone who is a floating or irregular supporter will weigh up what is on offer and decide accordingly. That is our potential market for bigger crowds and to put it simply - the aint gunna come to see dross.

So in my view we will not get bigger gates because we will not play the type of football that more people want to see (or even keep all the fans we have). So if we dont get the gates we cant financially progress as a club and therefore improve on the pitch to get the bigger gates. It is a circular arguement and I hope that I am proven wrong but I can't see it under Liam Daish.

There that feels better...


WILL BE THERE WHATEVER not someone who is debating if theye are going wet

Could not agree more!

[FleetFanatic]

A few weeks ago, Dave was asked to post comments on behalf of Brian Kilcullen.

 

I haven't an axe to grind with Brian - in fact, I like Brian.

 

However, his comments ended with:

 

"I don’t mind criticism but when I see our management and players getting what is in my opinion unfair reviews then I feel I have to say something.

 

Let’s get behind our team and the management. Football is about results. Overall, this club has delivered results for some time now. When we stop getting results then I will accept any criticism you have."

 

Since then we've had the Borehamwood 'non-performance' and the following league results:

 

20/01/06 Canvey Island H 2-0 1,560 McCarthy, MacDonald

28/01/06 Cambridge United A 1-1 2,459 Jackson

11/02/06 Kidderminster Harriers A 2-0 1,575 Sodje, Drury

17/02/06 Accrington Stanley H 1-3 1,616 R. Smith

21/02/06 Forest Green Rovers A 0-0 582

25/02/06 Scarborough H 0-0 930

28/02/06 Crawley Town H 1-1 698 Rawle

07/03/06 Hereford United H 1-2 618 Jackson

11/03/06 York City A 0-1 2,902

18/03/06 Tamworth H 2-0 841 J. Smith, Jackson

25/03/06 Stevenage Borough A 0-2 1,873

 

13 points from a possible 33 & just 6 from the last 24 - anybody impressed?

[Slartibartfast]

Four goals in seven games isn't going to impress anyone.

To be honest I think all of the losses on that list were to be expected but the three draws in February were very dissapointing. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[EUFC superb]

Quote:

FleetFanatic said:

25/02/06 Scarborough H 0-0 930

Please don't get me started on how dreadful the lack of quality in that game was! This was the match that started our poor run in my view. If wed've won this game, we may be much higher up the table. I hope to bannish all memory of the sub-zero temperatures and the match completely soon! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

[Riverview Supporter]

"I don’t mind criticism but when I see our management and players getting what is in my opinion unfair reviews then I feel I have to say something.

 

Let’s get behind our team and the management. Football is about results. Overall, this club has delivered results for some time now. When we stop getting results then I will accept any criticism you have."

 

This somes up how longsighted they are at times. The fans are the customers. If the customers are getting bad value , then they wont return. Good value they will tell friends.

 

So when are we actually going to get some decent football. people trying , ideas .

 

If I want to look at the sky , I would of bought a bedchair and laid in the garden.

 

If i wanted to watch a bal travel form end to end , I would have gone tennis

 

Seriousley think wheter to renew season ticket or just buy slect games

[BustaGut]

We can all sit here and moan, myself included,but does anyone really know the answer??? Without throwing money at the problem!!!!

I have been attending games at the Fleet for 40 years plus.and to be honest not much has changed,same moans and complaints,virtually the same ground, just less of it now,Unless we can get a reliable sponsor with deep pockets, I cannot see things improving that much sadly to say.

The Management of G&N F.C have done better than most to keep the club running,as well as they have in todays climate.

When you see some of the supposedly superior Leauge clubs having the financial difficulties they are suffering.

My Fears though would be going down the same road Crawley have, and placing all our eggs in one basket. That may well end up as Scrambbled Egg.

Anyone have the Answer ????? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/alert.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/alert.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/alert.gif" alt="" />

[Hempstead Gaz]

Sadly things will probably be no better next season. No Skins & Provs and on present form Liam will ease out McKimm & Jay. Expect crap defensive soccer & abysmal crowds.

We all know the solution but are too scared of the flack from the Fleet clique to say it on here.

[jc]

Quote:

Chatham Gary said:on present form Liam will ease out McKimm & Jay.

OK, so McKimm's been on the bench quite a bit recently, but, as for Jay, based on his regular starting appearances since his return, I'd hardly say 'present form' suggests he'll be discouraged from staying.

[Hempstead Gaz]

My reference to present form was in relation to Liam's attitude towards part timers, as evidenced by his easing out of the likes of Skins & Provs, being replaced by young full timers who in the opinion of many, are no better.

[jc]

No doubt you'll be delighted to see these comments from Liam. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

 

Unsurprisingly he was reluctant to touch upon the issue of attacking flair.

[Hempstead Gaz]

Whilst our drubbing by Grays may be Liam's low point of the season, for me the dour, negative, route one football of late takes some beating

[EUFC FAN]

Quote:

jc said:
No doubt you'll be delighted to see these comments from Liam. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Unsurprisingly he was reluctant to touch upon the issue of attacking flair.

From that piece:

"Lee's at an age now when he needs to be playing first-team football so I've gone with Scott Gooding, who has been playing very well lately. I've made my decision and I wish Lee all the best."

Yea. Gooding scored a peach of a goal today and was generally piss poor! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

[StuThompson]

I think Provs would have made more of a difference on the pitch today than the waste of space that is Gooding.

[Gordon T]

Im not convinced, especially after their second goal that Protheroe here would have made a huge difference. Hence I did not sing out for lee protheroe back in protest. But to be fair i have missed a fair few games, so my judgement is not really that good

[KShep]

First goal i didnt see, but a Gooding own-goal is hardly reassuring on his performance, second goal, he backed off until the striker had enough space to shoot, third goal i cant remember too well His crossing and passing was very poor, and what's more, he seemed indifferent to it! Whether or not this was in defiance to 'Protheroe, Protheroe, Protheroe' or just out of his own lack of passion I don't know, but Proths would have had a totally different response to being at fault for a goal or two.

[Harry J Allstars]

At the time I sang Protheroes name. I am not a fan of Gooding and don't think he has done enough to warrant a starting place.

 

But the guy is playing for our club and is trying his best, a lot of the anger you guys have for Daish is misguided and affects others. I think Proths is the best right back at this club and see Gooding as just an understudy.

 

Come on people show a bit of compassion.