Pure DFC Archive

This is something which has concerned me for a while. It has been discussed on more than one club forum, but as far as I am aware not on here, so I was pleased to see my concerns are similar to those expressed by Steve King in the "Messenger."

The financial support package provided to clubs was said to be to compensate for the loss of gate money, but the way it has been distributed has led to some being better off than they would have been with their normal attendances. The arguments about this are still going on in the background.

Now we have the added complications caused by the tier system. It has not yet been made clear whether the clubs who are allowed to admit spectators will lose some or all of the compensation to which they were previously entitled. If they do not they will have a big financial advantage over the others.

In addition some clubs are now going to have the massive advantage of being cheered on by their fans, whereas others will continue to play a mixture of away games and what are, in effect, games at neutral grounds.

My own opinion, which seems to be shared by the manager, is that this makes a fair competition impossible.

These are strange times, just get on with it. With the Billericay game postponed we may even be out of tier 3 by the time of of our next home game.
The way the money was distributed was poorly done, but surely with the latest grant any anomalies, including the fact some clubs are not receiving gate money, can be corrected. The amount of home games clubs have already played without crowds should also be factored in when the allocations are made. I notice that the grant from the Premier League to the EFL just announced does stipulate that a clubs average gate will be reflected in how much they receive.

At least the Darts are not a part of the complaining group and in their half time streaming interviews, neither Steve Irving nor Dave Skinner have said anything in favour or against the handouts, but saying the club is in a satisfactory state for the time being.
As supporters, we are not really in possession of all the facts and agreements which had been reached.
As many others, I don't think the situation has been handled well. To me, it can't just be managed on average gates, because even average gates are a variable figure and don't hold good for last season. For instance, I am sure with last season having been shortened, and the Darts having a poor start to the season and hence lower crowds, we would have also been getting far higher gates towards the end of the season with our promotion push, and also Easter fixtures. Our potential final average gate would surely been somewhat higher than the actual average we achieved.
Additionally, it doesn't matter what sized crowds clubs were getting, the smaller supported clubs incur the same basic match fees and expenses, travelling expenses, still have a ground to maintain, as the better supported clubs, and which arguably represent a bigger proportion of their income than better supported clubs.
Those are just a couple of my thoughts.
And don't those clubs being relegated from the EFL get a very generous parachute payment, which in any event, already gives them an added advantage over other clubs, which should perhaps also be taken in account.

Can crowds be predicted? Who knows the Darts may have gone on a terrible run after the Chelmsford game in March. Unlikely we would have fallen away so badly, but that is the beauty of football the most unlikeliest things do happen. A team may miss 3 consecutive penalties in a play-off final, what are the chances off that? i certainly wouldn't want supporters of other clubs to miss out on their live football fix just because we are. The figures are going down let hope that sees us back in tier 2. Though the surge back into shopping centres and the upcoming relaxation of the rules for Christmas may change things. Does seem a bit odd though that we can all cram into the enclosed Bluewater Centre for as long as we like, but a couple of hours socially distance in the open air at P. P. is not allowed.
The EFL share out although looking very good at first glance ,the detail has caused a few ructions. Part of the money is average gate related, but a lot is to pay off tax and national insurance debts. This means clubs who who have paid their dues get nothing, whilst those who haven't will get an extra handout. Seems football have a problem in organising these pay outs, still perhaps the way many clubs are run financially it is not really a surprise.

Q. Can the League now be completed fairly?

A. Not fairly, no, but there's sod all anyone can do about it so best to just suck it up and get on with it. A negative mindset is a precursor to failure.

I trust Kingy will get the forwards firing, after which I think we're good enough to win it anyway. Plus the in-depth strength and quality in our squad will start to pay dividends as injuries and suspensions start to play a part with many other clubs.

Keep the faith ... the gaffer knows what he's doing.

Very valid points made and I agree wholeheartedly with Spike. The Club appears to be in good shape financially and we have a good enough squad of players to get us up into the National League.

Difficult times indeed. I’m just missing the fantastic atmosphere at PP and roaring the lads on. I just want my normal Saturdays and occasional midweek evenings back to be honest!