Post by alexmac on Jun 21, 2019 15:03:36 GMT
So today I spent an hour with Toby getting some answers and I came out of the meeting somewhat happier than I went in.
Club ownership has been passed on to the new team. Toby therefore won't be putting more money into the club but will remain working hard behind the scenes. Merv will still be an integral part of the club.
The new team of owners will therefore have to ensure the club is self-sustaining as they will obviously be liable for any costs. To be honest this is exactly what a club at this level should be achieving. They are all incredibly keen but this is obviously new territory for them so it is going to be a steep learning curve. This is NOT a University/College project and dissertation, there is not an educational body behind this accumulating grants.
It has been written into the contract that the club cannot be folded, nor can the name be changed.
George will be in charge as previously confirmed. In line with virtually all football at this level, players and mgmt will be on expenses only. He has already put together a talented squad, with a small handful of players re-joining from last season. Open trials were a great success with a couple of "gems" unearthed. There's going to have to be a good balance between youth and experience, it definitely won't be a case of relying on kids to get us out this league
Target for the season is most definitely promotion with I believe 4 teams going up.
The new team have already done lots behind the scene but I pointed out it was essential they introduce themselves asap as people are quite rightly wondering what is going on. We can expect them to be social media savvy and develop our online presence. There will also be an opportunity for an open meeting asap where supporters can meet them and questions. I assured Toby that it won't be a case of pitchforks raised - I think everyone is generally happy to give the new regime a chance, just that nobody knew exactly what was going on. They are aware that their attendance will be expected at most games, and it will be down to them to arrange everything from balls being collected to sandwiches being made, a presence in the boardroom before, during and after matches etc. They are going to need help from the loyal supporters who have done these tasks in the past and it will be down to the new team to reach out and forge relationships with these fans.
Pre-season friendlies have been arranged and will be announced soon. Ticket prices are in the process of being finalised, and the concept of a season ticket is under discussion.
So for me, I'm relatively happy. A lot of rumours and assumptions have been quashed.
It's not a case of the Smiths still running the club behind a front of students.
It's not a college project
There should be a great deal more communication
It won't be a team of kids playing each week
We will be in all the relevant cup competitions, and should be very competitive in the league.
I think we are all aware that there is a Casuals Juniors connection. I am satisfied for now that this is not something that will be to the detriment of Walton and Hersham. There is zero chance of a merger between the 2 clubs.
The new regime is an original idea, whether it will work or not I have no idea but I am happy to support them and let them give it a shot. The odds are that we will have a relatively successful season at this level and we should see wins and a strong league position which will hopefully breed some optimism amongst our rightly disenfranchised supporters. Hopefully lot of the more vociferous supporters who have stayed away in protest against the old ownership will be willing to return and support the club under new ownership.
I think I have covered it all. If there are any questions not answered, let me know and I will endeavour to get answers.
Club ownership has been passed on to the new team. Toby therefore won't be putting more money into the club but will remain working hard behind the scenes. Merv will still be an integral part of the club.
The new team of owners will therefore have to ensure the club is self-sustaining as they will obviously be liable for any costs. To be honest this is exactly what a club at this level should be achieving. They are all incredibly keen but this is obviously new territory for them so it is going to be a steep learning curve. This is NOT a University/College project and dissertation, there is not an educational body behind this accumulating grants.
It has been written into the contract that the club cannot be folded, nor can the name be changed.
George will be in charge as previously confirmed. In line with virtually all football at this level, players and mgmt will be on expenses only. He has already put together a talented squad, with a small handful of players re-joining from last season. Open trials were a great success with a couple of "gems" unearthed. There's going to have to be a good balance between youth and experience, it definitely won't be a case of relying on kids to get us out this league
Target for the season is most definitely promotion with I believe 4 teams going up.
The new team have already done lots behind the scene but I pointed out it was essential they introduce themselves asap as people are quite rightly wondering what is going on. We can expect them to be social media savvy and develop our online presence. There will also be an opportunity for an open meeting asap where supporters can meet them and questions. I assured Toby that it won't be a case of pitchforks raised - I think everyone is generally happy to give the new regime a chance, just that nobody knew exactly what was going on. They are aware that their attendance will be expected at most games, and it will be down to them to arrange everything from balls being collected to sandwiches being made, a presence in the boardroom before, during and after matches etc. They are going to need help from the loyal supporters who have done these tasks in the past and it will be down to the new team to reach out and forge relationships with these fans.
Pre-season friendlies have been arranged and will be announced soon. Ticket prices are in the process of being finalised, and the concept of a season ticket is under discussion.
So for me, I'm relatively happy. A lot of rumours and assumptions have been quashed.
It's not a case of the Smiths still running the club behind a front of students.
It's not a college project
There should be a great deal more communication
It won't be a team of kids playing each week
We will be in all the relevant cup competitions, and should be very competitive in the league.
I think we are all aware that there is a Casuals Juniors connection. I am satisfied for now that this is not something that will be to the detriment of Walton and Hersham. There is zero chance of a merger between the 2 clubs.
The new regime is an original idea, whether it will work or not I have no idea but I am happy to support them and let them give it a shot. The odds are that we will have a relatively successful season at this level and we should see wins and a strong league position which will hopefully breed some optimism amongst our rightly disenfranchised supporters. Hopefully lot of the more vociferous supporters who have stayed away in protest against the old ownership will be willing to return and support the club under new ownership.
I think I have covered it all. If there are any questions not answered, let me know and I will endeavour to get answers.
