Fold this programme in half twice
Join Clapton FC Just £5 per season www.claptonfc.info/clu b/join/1.htm
CLAPTON ULTRAS
WWW.CLAPTONFC.INFO
An Alternate Approach to Modern Football http://claptonultras.tumblr.com/
FACEBOOK - facebook.com/claptonfc TWITTER - @Real_Clapton FC
MATCHDAY PROGRAMME - Donation 25p
138th Season 2015-16 Ground : Old Spotted ‘Dog’, Upton Lane, Forest Gate
President : Mr M.J. McShea Chairman - Mr P. Maybin Life Members : Mr M.J. McShea, Mr M.E. Fogg, Mr I. Hollowell Hon Secretary – Mr A. B. Barr, Les Chauvières, 53250 Javron les Chapelles, France Tel 0751 4518440 - email : secretary@claptonfc.info Club Office – Markham House, 35 Station Road, Chingford, London E4 7BJ WINNERS OF FA AMATEUR CUP -1906-07, 1908-09, 1914-15, 1923-24, 1924-25 LONDON AMATEUR SENIOR CUP – 1889-90, 1908-09, 1910-11 ISTHMIAN LEAGUE – 1910-11, 1922-23 LONDON CHARITY CUP -1898-9, 1899-1900, 1901-2, 1902-3, - Joint Holders 1923-34 ESSEX SENIOR CUP – 1890-1, 1924-25, 1925-26, 1954-55, 1982-83 MIDDLESEX SENIOR CUP 1888-89 ESSEX SENIOR TROPHY 1988-9 AFA INVITATION CUP 1965-66
The First English Club to play on the Continent (1890)
CLAPTON v ENFIELD 1893 ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE – Saturday 22nd August 2015, K.O. 3pm th
Next Home Matches
Sat 12 Sep Essex Sen Lge th Sat 26 Sep Essex Sen Lge
CLAPTON v GREENHOUSE LONDON 3.00pm CLAPTON v BURNHAM RAMBLERS 3.00pm
WELCOME TO
THE OLD SPOTTED DOG GROUND No place for
TODAY’S VISITORS - ENFIELD 1893 F.C. The history of Enfield FC is long and proud although, in recent years, quite complicated and sad. To try to set it all out in this small programme would not be doing it justice. Suffice to say, Enfield FC were one of the giants of Amateur / Non League Football from the mid sixties to the Millennium. They won the FA Amateur Cup, the FA Trophy, the Isthmian League and Conference (now National League) and were conquerors of numerous Football League teams during their FA Cup exploits. Indeed, at the height of their success, they were unfortunate not to be promoted to the Football League itself. Unsurprisingly, during the years in which Enfield and Clapton were in the Isthmian League together, the E’s fared the better. However, a famous Clapton victory came in 1973/4 when a Stan Spicer hat trick contributed to a fine 4-1 win. This match, played on th 13 November 1973, was notable on two further fronts. It was the first £40 bonus paid to Clapton by the League sponsors, Rothmans (imagine that now!) for a victory by 3 goals or more and it was the last floodlit match played at the Dog before the power cuts and the three day week, which lasted until the following March. The following season it was ‘business as usual’ as Enfield ran out 3-0 winners in both League matches. Having endured a disappointing campaign the year before, Enfield had drafted in some big names. For starters, Tony Jennings, Phil Fry and Derek Baker were signed from Hendon and then Walthamstow Avenue captain Brian Wilson, Barnet class act Les Eason, and seasoned pro, Fred Callaghan. The Clapton team that October night featured two players who were to later sign for Enfield, John Ford, and John Tone Tone went on to play over 300 games Enfield and become their club captain. The Tons had been enjoying a comparatively good start to the season and, in their line up, they featured ex Enfield keeper, Tony Wiseman; the terror of Dagenham, Vince Scarfe, as well as regular Claptonites George Dudley (who scored an own goal at Enfield) at full back and the omnipresent Stan Spicer in attack. The referee of the match at the Dog was Ray Lewis (Great Bookham) who was the in charge of the tragic FA Cup semi final match at Hillsborough in 1989 between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.. Tragically, the Enfield Football Club of those days was liquidated in 2006 after some questionable dealings relating to the sale of their ground, money being siphoned away from the club and other financial issues involving the taxman. (Is this sounding familiar?) Consequently, the Enfield officials left and formed a new club, Enfield 1893, who joined the Essex Senior League for the 2006/7 season. Enfield now play at Harlow Town FC having endured a mostly nomadic existence since their inception. Perhaps today’s match may not feature players of the calibre of those who played in past encounters. But, there will be no shortage of desire to win the three points. We especially welcome former Clapton player Liam Clifton back to the Dog this afternoon along with the other players, officials and supporters of Enfield 1893 FC and we look forward to good game, played in the right spirit, with football as the ultimate winner. L.L.
WELCOME TO THE OLD SPOTTED DOG Last Saturday’s FA Cup exit was abjectly disappointing, but even the most fervent Claptonite would have to accept that the better team won on the day. In fact, Stanway have continued their excellent form and will undoubtedly prove a difficult task for our friends at Ilford FC when the team meet in the next round. Ilford pulled off one of the results of the round, returning from ‘hot shots’ Bowers and Pitsea having won 1-0. So who knows, the magic of the Cup might tip form on its head once more at Cricklefields next Saturday. At the moment we have no game so, this might be worth a visit, if only to sing the ‘shi**y yellow strip’ song. Incidentally, Ilford are to be our opponents on Non-League Day which this season falls th on Saturday 10 October. On this day there are no fixtures in the Premier League or Championship so it’s a chance for those supporters who gorge themselves on such finery to get down to grass roots and visit their local non league club. What better fare for them than a derby between two of the most famous and traditional football clubs in East London football. Bring along a friend if you can, they might even thank you for it! Last Wednesday, the Clapton first team played a Billericay Town XI here at the Dog and ran out winners by three goals to one. Jo Jo Degraft scored two. However, the game was probably most notable for the appearance of Billy Wise playing for the visitors. Billy, who is a favourite of many here at the Dog, was said to have been ‘very lively’ and rattled the Tons in the first half. Our best wishes to Billy. You may have noticed a few changes around the place. A company called UK Power Networks gave a team of their employees a paid day off to come down to the ground and undertake a clean up before the new season kicked off, including a new lick of paint for the dressing rooms and tidying up of the bank behind the goal. On behalf of all those who love this football ground, thanks UK Power Networks. Next Saturday we are, once again, on the Wembley trail, this time in the FA Vase. When we are scheduled to visit Codicote, who play in Welwyn Garden City. Our hosts, who play in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One, have not made the best of starts to the season, losing all three league games and bowing out of the FA Cup at Southend Manor. However, it would be foolhardy to underestimate any opposition in this competition. Previous Clapton defeats at the hands of Mount Grace Old Boys, Newport Pagnell Town and Thrapston Town in the FA Vase are proof of this. There is some uncertainty as to the actual venue at the moment. Codicote pay their home matches at the Gosling Stadium however, the FA have indicated on their web site that our game will take place at ‘The Recreation Ground’. Watch our website www.claptonfc.info for updates on this. Back to this afternoon and there is no reason why the Tons cannot take the points this afternoon. As ever, the Clapton team start with an advantage, you. Lets behind the Clapton team, keep it fun and keep it sporting.
FORZA CLAPTON !
“DOGGONE” In the past week three players have had their Essex Senior League registrations cancelled by the club, they are James Briggs, Andy Mott and Jamie Lyndon. Briggsy has become a firm favourite with Claptonites, particularly his pin point, Beckhamesque, free kicks which were no better showcased than at last season’s Gordon Brasted Cup Final at Great Wakering Rovers. Andy figured prominently in the Tons line up at the end of last season and scored a memorable winner (a drive from 15 inches) against Hullbridge to send us into raptures. Jamie has see-sawed in an out of the Clapton side in past couple of seasons. He came back to the Dog at the start of the season from Tower Hamlets and has always performed whole heartedly and resolutely in the Clapton defence when pulling on the shirt. We thank them for all their efforts on behalf of our club and wish them all the very best.
THE OLD SPOTTED DOG GROUND Clapton FC first played at the Old Spotted Dog at the end of the 1887/88 season when they beat Edmonton here to win the London Junior Cup. That day, it came to the notice of the Clapton officials that the current tenants were about to quit their lease and, for £35pa, Clapton moved in the next season as the new tenants. The Landlords changed but were normally linked to the Spotted Dog pub. Eventually, the freehold was held by Grand Metropolitan plc who decided to maximise their asset and to apply for planning to build housing. Faced with probable eviction, the club’s officers held over as statutory tenants and eventually, with the unlikely assistance of former Charlton Athletic Chairman Mr Michael Gliksten, they negotiated a lease on the ground in 1992. The 99 year lease was granted to the Clapton Trust, a company founded by two of the life members of Clapton FC. That company, which was then registered as a charity, still hold the lease in 2015 and, now known as Newham Community Leisure Ltd (NCLL) is now run by Vincent McBean. As well as the ground itself, NCLL also owns the freehold to the Tyre Warehouse outside the entrance to the ground. This was purchased with a grant from the Sports Aid Foundation by Clapton Trust Ltd. FACTS Mr McBean is not the owner, lease holder or licensee of any part of the ground. The proceeds of any lettings or rentals of the ground are not payable to him. Despite running his personal business from the club house on the ground, his role as a Trustee/Director of NCLL forbids any member or director of the Trust from receiving benefit in money or moneys worth from the assets of the Trust. Mr McBean attempted to personally purchase the freehold in 2003. In 2007, Mr McBean attempted to sell the Lease when the Lease Holding Charity had been struck off at Companies House. NCLL is currently under investigation by the Charity Commission. Planning applications were made to LB of Newham last year naming Mr McBean as the owner. They were unsuccessful.
THE AMATEUR QUESTION In French, the word ‘amateur’ refers to one who likes or loves the activity in which they are engaged. However, for some years in English it has become a term of derision, which is unfair. In the 1970s the Football Association did away with the distinction between amateur and professionals and deemed them all to be ‘players’. One of the arguments was that ‘shamateurism’ was rife and this new initiative created a level playing field for all. The FA Amateur Cup was discontinued to be replaced by the Vase and the Trophy, and a new era had begun. Since then, the term ‘semi-professional’ is frequently used to indicate those playing below Football League level. Some non-league clubs are full time pros. But there are many others who do not pay at all and I never fail to be amused at the twitter accounts of some players who describe themselves as ‘semi-professional’ when, its clearly apparent by who they play for that they are amateurs. Recently it has been said that players have left Clapton because they could be paid at other clubs. It’s a shame but understandable if the player was taking a upward step on the football ladder to play at a better standard from which he could, possibly, carve out a professional career. However, when a player takes a sideways move for a paltry amount, it is not only sad for the club, but also makes one asks as to why Clapton are not competing financially to keep such players. Let us forget, for the moment, the Corinthian ethos and look at the issues. Clapton have the best attendances of any other club at this level and it is tempting to say, “Pay them from the gate money” or “Pay them a win bonus”. But no one knows anything about the financial situation, or actual legal identity, of Mr McBean’s ‘club’. One expects rent is being paid to the leaseholders, but there would be other expenses, such as kit washing and football equipment etc. Without that information, or any transparency through membership or accounts, Clapton supporters are unable to realistically expect anything. In some respects, let us be grateful that Clapton are not throwing money at players, as there have been innumerable clubs who did this, went to the wall, and left their supporters without a team to support. The paying of players can have other effects. It can create jealousy in the dressing room as well as fiduciary obligations on the club itself, not least to the Revenue. The term ‘expenses’ is often used as an alternative conduit for remunerating players. But expenses are expenses and are compensation for losses. They are not a few bank notes stuffed into a brown envelope. The ‘win bonus’ idea also makes no sense. Why pay out win bonuses for an end of season victory whilst in mid table? Unless a club is prepared to ‘go pro’, in the true sense, with all its obligations and implications for the membership, then this are throwing money down the drain. There is no shortage of players at our level, and above. Abilities vary, but these players love the game and want to play, primarily because they enjoy doing so. One of the common reasons for a player leaving a club is that he is not getting enough ‘pitch time’
and this has been the case, even in the days of the great Clapton teams of the 1920s when Viv Gibbins, having been left out of the West Ham team, would turn out for the Tons. Whether at the Boleyn or the Old Spotted Dog, he remained a true amateur, and he loved to play the game. It is cleat that, at League and non-league level, money does not buy loyalty from any player. Those who might leave Clapton for £20 will more than likely leave their new club if offered an extra fiver. It’s their choice, and its part of the ‘modern game’. So, what if, all of step 5 clubs decided not to pay players? How many of the players, currently signed with the ESL clubs, would get ‘pitch time’ in the Ryman League, sign a contract and pick up the wages? Would the standard of play in the ESL fall below that of today? Would crowds dwindle? Would these players refuse to play the game they love because they are not pocketing £20? If it was the case that all they wanted to do was play, are they not really ‘amateurs’ in keeping with the French definition? However, such a moratorium on payments is unlikely to happen in ‘Modern Football’ as there also many people, off the field, in the board/committee rooms, with ambitions of their own. These ambitions are expensive to run and maintain. Unfortunately, a lot of them don’t hang around when it becomes apparent that those ambitions might fail and that they are costing real money. It has not been unknown for such ‘benefactors’ to depart, leaving the club in disarray and, invariably, in freefall. If it’s the case that Clapton supporters are ‘against modern football’, then there has never been a better opportunity, given the growing fan base, community involvement and media interest, to consider how a club, like the Tons, can retain players in the face of ‘professional clubs’ offering inducements? Putting aside the current state of affairs as regards finances and transparency, the first aim should be to establish a club in which the players are as much a part of it as the supporters. The post match celebrations between the team and the fans at the Dog are legendary but would anyone in the Scaffold consider switching their allegiance to London Bari if their chairman was to throw in a half price season ticket? It should be for the club to nurture the same allegiance from those players who may have one eye on ‘trousering’ a score a match. There are many ways in which a club can show a player he is valued and appreciated, rather than in just hard cash. This starts with membership and identity with Clapton FC. You might think that our players should not be ferried to away games in cars like a Sunday football outfit or even embarrassed that the facilities at the Old Spotted Dog are regularly slaughtered on Twitter. However, there is a growing alumni of ex-Clapton players who retain an interest in the club and its fortunes, particularly at the moment. “Once Clapton Always Clapton” There is a solution, and Claptonites have to be brave enough to make it happen. N.B. The suggestion is not a return to handle bar moustaches with all the jolly good fellows having a ‘top-hole time’. (although some of the hipster beards and the ‘wizard prang’ in the scaffold would be in-keeping)
HOW DID VINCE MCBEAN TAKE CONTROL OF CLAPTONFC See http://www.claptonfc.info/vmcb/home.htm JOIN CLAPTON FC. http://www.claptonfc.info/club/join.htm
CLAPTON FC - Results and fixtures 2015/16 Date 08 Aug 15 11 Aug 15 15 Aug 15 22 Aug 15 05 Sep 15 12 Sep 15 19 Sep 15 26 Sep 15 03 Oct 15 10 Oct 15 24 Oct 15 31 Oct 15 07 Nov 15 14 Nov 15 28 Nov 15 05 Dec 15 12 Dec 15
Comp ESL ESL FAC ESL FAV ESL ESL ESL ESL ESL ESL ESL ESL ESL ESL ESL ESL
Opponents Basildon United Eton Manor Stanway Rovers Enfield 1893 Codicote Greenhouse Sports Sawbridgeworth Town Burnham Ramblers Wadham Lodge Ilford Hullbridge Sports Barking Bowers & Pitsea Newham FC Romania Stansted London Bari
ESL = Essex Senior League
FAC = FA Cup
Ven A H H H A H A H A H A H A H H A A
Result Lost 1-2 Won 3-2 Lost 1-2
FAV = FA Vase
An up to date League Table for the Essex Senior League can be found at http://full-time.thefa.com/Index.do?leagueid=2829940 The contents of this programme, save for the fixtures or where otherwise stated, are the copyright of Clapton Football Club
TODAY’S TEAMS CLAPTON F.C.
Enfield 1893 F.C.
Red and White
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
from Papé Diagne Quentin Monville Kevin Plange-Tabil Kristian Haighton Tobias Lancaster Geoff Ocran (Capt.) Tom Webb Mendez Gomez Nathan Cook Jerry Jairette Shomari Barnwell Freddie Morris Pete O’Connor Jake Stevens JoJo Degraft Idu Bogdan Troy Ricketts Peter Moore Colin Justin Youcef Mziou Jon Green Alex Biddle Paul Barry Cory Alleyne Khadean Campbell Kingsley Davidson Nick Hristov Warren Mfula Ahmed Sirbu
White and Blue
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
From Tarik Aciyan Solomon Appiah Kadeem Brightly-Barnes Ronnie Carroll Adam Clarke Liam Clifton Ashley Crichton Luke Crichton Dylan Ebengo Quincy Egbejale Ezra Folan Kane Fullen Leon Green Sam Holloway Terrell Hunter Stephen Hutchinson Billy Jones Alexander Leslie Lewis Lorford-Page Bradley Marsh Garry Matthew Ryan Melaugh Junior Mustapha Sam Newman Samson Ogunwole Lewis Perkins Harry Prince Lewis Roberts Olakunmi Sosanya Timi Sosanya Ashley Thomas Joshua Thompson Lewis Watson Sam West Dylan Wicker
TODAY’S MATCH OFFICIALS Paul Waller, Martin Quinn and Leo Del Rosso