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We are delighted that CLARETfication! is now into its fourth edition. We hope you enjoy this edition as much as you did the last three. A lot has changed at both the Football Club and the Supporters’ Club during the close season. Hopefully for the better. Both the Supporters’ Club and the Football Club have seen changes at their helm. Our last edition i.e. the 75th Anniversary edition was about the history of both clubs. This one is about change and transition. By the time you read this the Football Club may have its new Chairman in place, if not ‘The Committee’ have done an amazing job during the close season and it is thanks to them, members of their families and other volunteers for what we hope is an improved environment for you to experience the spectacle of non-League football at Melbourne Park watching the mighty Clarets. The team being led by Trevor Smith. Of course we were not on our own, and we would like to say a big thank you as usual to all of our friends who have helped with this publication; to all of the Supporters’ Club Committee; the guys from The Printing Place for printing the publication; all that have contributed; You the City supporters for taking the time to read this and for your continued support. Derek Murr and Simon Stancevic ‘The Editorial Team’
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(Outgoing) Supporters’ Club Chairman’s Notes By Paul Gorrie
Over
the last few season being your Supporters’ Club Chairperson has been an honour and a pleasure. I know Tom Vickers will do just fine, he has a strong Committee behind him and an amazing fan base that will support him and the rest of the Committee with the numerous Supporters’ Club initiatives some new and some old favourites. I really do not know how long I’ve held the position of Supporters’ Club Chair. To work this out I’d have to ask how old John Pitts really is as by coincidence we seem to hold our Annual General Meeting on his birthday. The boy keeps on telling me, at every AGM, that he can’t wait to qualify for his bus pass. What we have achieved as a Supporters’ Club since our return to Melbourne Park has been phenomenal and truly a combined effort of supporters and the Supporters’ Club Committee both current and past. Without this inclusive approach we would never have achieved the purchase of a player’s tunnel and a covered Cro-Ro. Let’s not forget the covered Ro-Ro is a one off piece of engineering. No other Club has embarked on such a project and we should be rightly proud of ourselves as supporters to have made it possible. I’d like to think that ‘trust’ has been the core of my tenure as the Supporters’ Club Chair. Trust that supporters have when signing up as members, take part in our various events and initiatives that we will work with the Football Club Board to enhance the lot of supporters and to support the Football Club both on and off the field. In a time when people are less likely to be involved in the workings of a Committee I think it’s encouraging that we have a Supporters’ Club Committee growing in numbers and increased representation of the City fan base with shared ideas and enthusiasm to make a positive difference both on and off the pitch. It’s great that Tom wants to take the lead as the Supporters’ Club Chair and early Committee meetings have been really encouraging with lots planned. Thank you to the Supporters’ Club Committee during my time as the Chair. As the new season begins we look forward to more highs than lows and remember those supporters who have been good friends and sadly no longer with us leaving us enriched with the many happy and fond memories of what it means to be part of such a special Football Club. Many minds one heart, Up the City – Wheel ‘Em In
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A Mixed Bag? (Review of Season 2013-14) By Adam May The season commenced with optimism and concluded with relief……. Optimism after Dean Holdsworth – who guided Newport County to Conference South Champions in record breaking fashion in 2010 – was the man tasked with building a side capable of gaining promotion to the ‘Promised Land’ of the Conference Premier. The man tasked with building on the previous campaign’s disappointing play-off defeat to Salisbury City. The man tasked with elevating the Clarets to become a Non-League powerhouse both on and off the pitch. The man chosen to replace Glenn Pennyfather. It all began so promisingly…..An opening day draw against newly-promoted Concord Rangers was perhaps a little disappointing but, nonetheless, a steady start indeed. A narrow 3-2 victory over Marcus Gayle’s Staines Town duly followed and thus settled the early season nerves. Pace, conviction and prolific finishing were all evident. Unfortunate that the season failed to continue in similar fashion. The Clarets then recorded four straight defeats, beginning with Tonbridge Angels on Bank Holiday Monday. Not the best way to enjoy some time off work is it? A last-minute penalty from Bertie Brayley was too little too late for City to overturn a 2-1 loss. Defeats by Weston-SuperMare, Hayes & Yeading and 2012-13 Ryman Champions Whitehawk passed, causing considerable concern from all. But things began to look rosy as City travelled away to eventual play-off finalists Ebbsfleet United. Goals from Rob Edmans and former Gillingham loanee Tom Derry capped off an outstanding performance, and suddenly optimism encompassed the City faithful once more after that victory.
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Perhaps we could do it. Perhaps we do have players of high quality. Perhaps we have turned a corner. Perhaps? The progress was momentarily put on hold after Dorchester Town – who finished the season bottom of the Conference South after picking up a mere 31 points – cruised to a 2-0 home win. Then disaster struck. For many, the tipping point. For many, the moment where things were clearly not right. Biggleswade Town. FA Cup Second Qualifying Round. September 28th, 2013. Lacklustre performance, tactical issues and simply outplayed. Take nothing away from Biggleswade Town of the Southern League Premier Division after all; they went on to star in the First Round Proper. But the Clarets had enjoyed previous FA Cup successes, having starred against Wycombe Wanderers, Macclesfield Town and beating the League One team from down the road (Colchester United, if you were unaware) 3-1 at home and losing out to Crawley in the Second Round Proper the season before. So to go out at the first available opportunity was a bitter pill to swallow. Someone gave the wrong prescription. The wrong dosage? Nevertheless, the City squad declined to feel sorry for themselves and instead recorded two back-to-back wins, a feat that only occurred twice more, by defeating ten-man Bath City 1-0 and then a comprehensive 3-0 win over Eastbourne thanks to goals from Leon Redwood, a Lewis Tallack own goal and Sam Long. The City squad failed to maintain that intermittent form and succumbed to six straight league defeats – although the side found success in the Essex Senior Cup in between – and were subsequently dumped out of the FA Trophy at the first attempt at the hands of St Albans City! But that doesn’t tell quite the whole story….Following the 3-1 Senior Cup victory over Tilbury the Clarets were left dumbstruck after Boreham Wood visited Melbourne and inflicted a damaging and horrific 6-0 defeat on Dean Holdsworth’s men. Cue bedlam….. Melbourne erupted into scenes of hostility that signalled the end of Holdsworth’s reign that begun with so much promise. He agreed to step-down the following day. But that wasn’t the end of the trauma. Dean’s assistant and West Ham United legend Kenny Brown took caretaker charge but he was unable to prevent the disastrous form as 5-0, 4-0 and 3-0 defeats duly followed. Enough was enough and a different approach was required. Local talent, Essex people, people who love the Club were needed. So what better people than Mark Hawkes and Steve Smith from Heybridge Swifts? A pairing who have plied their trade with the Swifts for years, a pairing who had something to prove.
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They had a challenge that’s for sure; players on contracts, on-the-floor morale and a League status to retain. But they made an impressive start and began as they meant to go on. A 3-1 win over Farnborough marked their first game in charge and it was an impressive performance. Perhaps a fresh start is what the players required to get them playing to their full potential again, and it certainly worked! A penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of local-rivals Concord Rangers followed in the Essex Senior Cup but that set-up a four match unbeaten run as the Clarets looked to make up some lost ground. That included victories against Basingstoke Town and Bishop’s Stortford; although Jamie Slabber’s Sutton United inflicted a damaging 2-0 defeat after the former City frontman scored an impressive diving header. But the Clarets dusted themselves down and chalked up two successive wins and a gutsy 2-2 draw with Dover Athletic after City trailed 2-0 at half-time. That match signalled a change in form however as City entered a sticky patch with a mixed-bag of results as the thin squad was tested to their limits. Consecutive defeats at the hands of playoff finalists Ebbsfleet United, Maidenhead and Sutton United followed, but the Clarets stunned then-League leaders Bromley 3-1 at Melbourne in what could be argued as City’s most impressive performance of the campaign. The Clarets still found themselves in a difficult position after frustrating weather postponements meant that City had games in hand although, unfortunately, the sides behind Chelmsford caught up and won the majority of their matches. March was a struggle, although the 2-1 victory over Dorchester was welcome and, come April, survival was a realistic objective. A comprehensive 7-1 win over relegation candidates Tonbridge Angels was followed by a stomach-wrenching 1-0 victory over Gosport Borough, which sealed City’s status, with just one game to spare. And who better to score it than Joe Ward, a product of the City Academy. He paid back Mark Hawkes’s faith in him in the best fashion and rewarded the City chief for his bravery in placing an importance on youth. So, all in all, it was a transition season. Not the one that was expected, okay, but there are positives nonetheless. Under Mark Hawkes and Steve Smith, City look in safe hands that’s for sure. Bring On 2014/2015!
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From Eastleigh to Halifax….We will Follow By Nathan Campbell
T
here have been ups & downs in the first 75 years of this Football Club, From losing New Writtle Street to having share grounds with the likes of Billericay and Maldon Town.
We finally got our own ground, yes I know it’s shared with the Athletics Centre but it feels more homely than the New Lodge. It’s nothing like the New Writtle Street ground but when you walk up Salerno Way then through the car park on match days you are greeted by a welcome smile from the man in the ticket gate. There’s a saying around the Football Club that ‘Many Minds One Heart’ this really proves that we all love the Club and the band of volunteers do some fantastic work. It’s not always about how the players have performed at this Football Club. These volunteers really are the most important part of the Club and the rest of the fan base is key as well. There are loads of people involved with in this quintessential Football Club. I have only been supporting Chelmsford City for the last five years and during that time this Football Club has had many down days. I’ve supported the Club back in 2009 and I’ve seen this club grow. The style of football in Non-League has changed in the last five years, It’s the more direct and the better organised sides that become Champions. I only got to see one game when we were a Ryman League club which was a four-nil win over Ramsgate, which was my first game, and even then the football wasn’t great but it still kept you interested. It’s fascinating to see a community club do well with good footballers. But the Pennyfather era changed that. It was great to see Holmes, Rainford, Cook etc. play for the Club and not for themselves. There have been many great away days in recent years; the best I can think of is the game against East Thurrock United. What an enthralling encounter that was. Perfection to the eye, heart-aching at times but that’s football for you. Where there could be doom and gloom there is the one thing that can change the mood of a game and that is our fan base. We may have faced play-off failures with Pennyfather in charge but it could be a lot worse. He was the man that brought us the Colchester days, Macclesfield days, Crawley days & Wycombe Wanderers. Some fantastic days as a Chelmsford City fan. 7|Page
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Colchester at home in the FA Cup will long live in my memory especially the two goals by Donovan Simmonds (that lob!) and the one from Jamie Slabber! In the last year we’ve seen Dean Holdsworth in charge. Many Chelmsford were optimistic of the future of the Football Club and the Club would do well but it didn’t work out. A Club legend left, a new signing was left out for unknown reasons and never played then came the six-nil thrashing from Boreham Wood and the ‘Tunnel of Hate ‘ followed…… Most fans were worried of the future of the Football Club during Holdsworth’s short reign; Players didn’t look like they could play under such an ego like Holdsworth. Surely there must be something on the horizon? And there was…the dynamic duo from Heybridge, Mark Hawkes & his assistant Steve Smith. They’ve been fantastic and they have been a massive breath of fresh air. Playing better football and players who were left out and never played under Dean Holdsworth came back into the squad. We really did have our Football Club back. Some games may have been bad under this duo but we stayed up due to them and I can’t thank them enough for keeping our Conference South status. Now we have ended up having the ‘tunnel of appreciation (or love? Ed)‘ as the current group of players are playing decent football again and there is more belief from the fan base. I believe there is a bright future with Mark, Steve, Matt and our new coach Kevin Maher in charge. Chelmsford City FC will have more glory days in the future and hopefully the fantastic former Heybridge duo will be the men to change this Football Club for an even better one. I believe in them and their plans too, they really have found some fantastic players and they have really made the difference at this Football Club. It feels more of a friendly Club with no pressure to get promoted; we will do it in our own way. We hope to see more youth come through like Ward, Gregory and Greene. I wish the players and staff the best for the season 2014/2015, Play for the badge on the front…… Many Minds One Heart
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An Interview with Mansell Wallace By Adam May Mansell Wallace has paid tribute to the work the Supporters’ Club has undertaken for the benefit of the Club during his five-year spell as City chairman, after he stepped down in June. And Wallace, 64, was quick to thank the volunteers who work tirelessly behind-thescenes in order to allow the Football Club to operate fully and efficiently, giving himself and his board of directors the foundations to move the Club forward. “When I joined the Football Club,” Wallace said, “it’s fair to say that the Supporters’ Club – as I was told – is there but doesn’t do much. Since I’ve been at the Football Club I’ve witnessed the Supporters’ Club grow and grow. It originally wasn’t attached to the Club even though it had ‘Chelmsford City’ in its name. It wasn’t answerable to the Football Club as it was a totally independent organisation like the rest of the youth and ladies’ teams. “Anyone using the name of ‘Chelmsford City’ has to be answerable to the Football Club through their conduct and various things. I think the discussions we had in the early days with the Supporters’ Club enabled me to see just how important they could be and how many dedicated people there are there. The Supporters’ Club Committee bleed claret, they really do. “Some of their ideas were absolutely fantastic and, over the course of time, people came to accept that there was a lot for the Supporters’ Club had to offer in the running of the Football Club. “So I brought two members from the Supporters’ Club, Derek Murr and Simon Stancevic onto the Football Club board before the start of last season so that they could have a say in how they feel on how the Football Club should be run. Even though there was some initial opposition it has worked really well and we are now truly running the Football Club how it should be run. “It’s a credit to all the supporters and all volunteers, who are all the unsung heroes really. Behind-the-scenes you have people tirelessly working through the days to enable the Football Club to carry on. “You’ve got a tremendous amount of administration to do which Alan Brown and his team do. At the end of the day we are where we are, Chelmsford City is still one of the biggest Non-League Clubs and I’m hoping that we can improve on what was a disaster last season.”
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Season 2013-14, for numerous and well documented reasons, was an unexpected turn in events in Chelmsford City’s history and was the most ‘challenging’ season that Mansell has had to endure as the Football Club’s Chairman. “Last season was very challenging as things didn’t pan out as we wanted,” he said. “We believed that we started the season well and it didn’t happen so we had to settle for survival which is what we did.” A particular highlight during Mansell’s time at the Clarets was the numerous FA Cup runs which saw the side contest high-profile matches against the likes of Wycombe Wanderers, Macclesfield Town, Crawley Town and, not forgetting, the emphatic 3-1 victory over Colchester United of League One in-front of a capacity crowd at Melbourne Stadium. Unfortunately, last season that FA Cup run was non-existent after the Clarets’ were dumped out of the prestigious competition at the first hurdle thanks to Biggleswade Town. And, if there was one thing that it highlighted, it was just how important the 143-year-old competition is to Non-League clubs, due to the financial benefit and opportunity to expand the fan base. “The FA Cup increases the gates, although it is admittedly shared, but if you win then the revenue is absolutely fantastic,” Wallace commented. “Over the last few years it’s enabled us to field a competitive team. Last season was the situation where we didn’t have that money coming in. We had to look at the team and what we could afford to buy for the rest of the season because the team wasn’t performing and gates were going down. “Luckily, behind-the-scenes with the volunteers and through conferencing, we managed to balance the books. We had to take stock of where we were and keep on top of our overheads and stay up in this League, which is what Mark Hawkes and Steve Smith came in to do and they succeeded.” A positive from last season came in the shape of Heybridge Swifts duo Mark Hawkes and Steve Smith who were tasked with the challenge of guiding the Clarets to Conference South safety, a feat they achieved impressively and competently since they took charge in November 2013. With their hands tied due to numerous players on contracts, and with a limited budget, their achievements didn’t go unrecognised by the City faithful and Mansell Wallace. “I’m very impressed with the team that they’ve put together so far. Mark and Steve were excellent to work with,” he said. “Paul Hopkins was their main interface what with him being Director of Football but I found their approach wholly professional and they seem to have a lot more experience than their years in the game if you like. “They knew exactly what they wanted and how they were going to achieve it. I take my hat off to them. They came in and saved us when we looked doomed to relegation and they’ve built a good team on a not too big a budget without having too many players on contracts.” Both off and on the pitch the Clarets enter a new era and, after the building blocks have been laid by Mr Wallace and the other directors, the future certainly looks brighter and it’s a testament to the work and endeavour put in by the former Chairman and his team.
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Notes From The Boardroom #1 (‘Work In Progress’) By Simon Stancevic
Hello
everybody and welcome back to Melbourne Park for another year supporting the mighty Clarets! Fingers crossed that we have a great entertaining season filled with high drama and some scintillating football on the pitch while maintaining the strong position that the Football Club (‘FC’) club is building towards off the pitch. This all paves the way for an exciting future! We all know that last season was not what we wanted and in truth what we expected to be this time last year, and everyone associated with Chelmsford City FC had a responsibility over the season to ensure that our great club avoided the potential ignominy of relegation. This includes the Supporters’ Club (‘SC’) and our supporters in general who have been absolutely fantastic getting behind not only the team but the whole Club. One of our greatest strengths has and always will be the power of our supporters particularly in the bad times and I would also like to express my sincere thanks to you all. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but I genuinely feel it has been the case of taking one step backwards in order to take two steps forward and I feel although the FC is in a period of transition the future is very much a Claret one! In my role as a SC Representative (‘Rep’) to the FC board I have learnt a great deal over this past season and it really has been an eye opener for me. With the season not going to plan it was very much the case of being thrown in at the deep end. Life is all about learning though and I am a strong believer that dealing with difficult situations it only makes you stronger and more competent going forward. Last season was very much a learning curve, understanding how the FC and the members of the Board operate. However I feel that I not only represented the SC professionally but have helped become the catalyst between both clubs to work together. Some of the achievements and actions taken this past season include:
Putting forward a proposed pricing structure for match day tickets and season ticket incentives. NB: The SC Rep has an allocated slot on the agenda of each monthly FC board meetings to go over any issues that need to be brought up the SC. Producing a monthly report to FC board members on latest updates from the SC. Working with the FC Board to draw up additional SC Membership benefits for this season. Ensuring that any major fundraising the SC does for the FC is in agreement with both the FC Board and members of the SC. Producing a monthly report to the SC Committee which covers an update from the FC and from FC Board meetings.
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Offering our time and skills in other areas of the FC such as: Credit Control, Sales and Marketing, Match Day Operations, Media, Communications and Event Planning. Derek has been promoted from being a SC Rep to the new position of Media Director. Being involved in the FC Review document. Improving communications with the Management Team, Staff, Club Captain and players.
There have certainly been a lot of changes this past season at the FC, and now I feel we have and need a period of stability. This includes the FC board and I am delighted to continue in my role as the SC Rep for this coming season and helping to ensure that the communication between both the FC and SC further improves as we build on the foundations we have made already. Thank you for your continued support, I hope you enjoy this publication and fingers crossed for a very productive season both on and off the pitch! Up The City!
Supporting the Clarets – Ways You Can Support Chelmsford City FC 1. 2. 3.
Come and watch a game. One price, stand or terrace. Buy a drink/s in the Club House. Buy the ‘award winning’ match-day programme and/or Golden Goal and Half Time Draw Tickets. 4. Join the Supporters’ Club and contribute to any one of their fundraisers. 5. Join the ‘Top Draw’ Lottery, only £4 a month. 6. Join the ‘49 Club’ based on the National Lottery ‘Bonus’ ball draw. 7. Visit the Club Shop and buy official Football Club products and merchandise 8. Buy a brick for £50, a perfect gift! 9. Join the 12th Man Fund. £10 minimum per month or donate what you can. 10. Become a Member of the Football Club, a one off payment of £100 and get to attend the Football Club’s AGM and quarterly Members meetings. 11. For the ultimate match day experience, join the Claret Club Hospitality or experience one of the Club’s other match day packages. 12. Attend any of the Football Club or Supporters’ Club events. For the Football Club latest news go to: www.chelmsfordcityfc.com or call 01245 290959 for bookings etc.
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When Dinosaurs Roamed the Earth By Jon Read
How
many times do you look around you when taking in a match at Melbourne Park to see fans staring intently at their mobile phones? The cry will come up, “Maidenhead are two down….”, “John Terry’s scored an own goal’” mates will reach for their back pocket to follow the latest action. Kids will be spotted in the stands with a tablet, wI-fI hotspots will be sought to tune in digitally to BBC Essex and David Selby will pass amongst us like a bespectacled Greek oracle immediately after the final whistle in the bar, offering up-todate League results and the table. Things weren’t always so easy to hand. Since the birth of the World Wide Web, data can be found on almost anything – and the full resume of that new signing from Leyton Orient reserves can be brought up in seconds. Watching City in the 80’s, the idyll of being blissfully unaware of how anyone else in our League was doing was omnipresent. At least this way, the pain of dropping four places into the relegation zone could be offset by huge full English on a Sunday morning, when you’d go round the corner shop and pick up your Sunday paper. Honestly, the first thing you’d know of all the scores was the next day, when you could spend hours studying every attendance, goal scorer and position in the League. If you were lucky, you might’ve been on a trip to the Midlands, where at the service station you could pick up a copy of ‘The Pink ‘Un’. This regionalized paper would be 40p of pure football analysis gold, and feature chosen matches around the Birmingham area. The spelling mistakes were legendary, and because of the hit-and-miss nature of the reports and reporters, could often see a report just end at half time. Quite often I’d find myself tossing and turning all night with the question of whether Boldmere St Michaels had managed to hold on to their precarious 2-1 half time lead against Smethwick Rangers. If you were travelling by train, you could also pick up ‘The Green ‘Un’, which covered our own East Anglia games – this was a nugget of gold in amidst the oppressive diet of Football League only press, and serviced many a Claret up until the turn of the millennium.
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Teletext and Ceefax were staple modes of information, and who amongst us of a certain age hasn’t sat in front of the portable waiting for 23 pages of non-League scores to update on a Saturday afternoon? Even this method rarely drilled down deep enough for us plebs at Southern League level to get excited, so often the fall back mechanism was ‘Clubcall’. ‘Clubcall’ was an idea to screw additional funds out of hardpressed fans by offering them a teaser of some ‘breaking news’ and then taking two or three minutes to get to it by the smooth voiced reporter speaking as slow as he possibly could, and accentuating certain words like the announcer bloke off ‘The X Factor’. I can honestly say, as a callow and naïve youth of fifteen, I fell into this trap many times, only to find at the end of the message that the Social Club was offering 20p off a pint that weekend, or that the Reserves had grabbed a cheeky 1-0 win at Bowers United. That would cost me £3.68, or my parents to be precise, and was the sole reason I was barred from the house ‘phone until 18. There was no radio offering anything resembling sport, and you needed to be in Chelmsford & Essex Hospital to have the remotest chance of picking up any live radio coverage of a City home game – God only knows what the quality of this was like, and I’ve yet to meet anyone alive that heard any which possibly tells its own story. Offerings such as ‘Pyramid’ magazine, produced by a QPR fan and Talksport host Tony Incenzo were an oasis of detail, and until fanzines came along, the world outside the top table was a barren gloomy wasteland on non-information. How things have changed since the early nineties when we first glimpsed the worldwide web. It was like a window to another planet, one that would tell you how Boldmere St Michael’s season was going, and even how much a pint was in the City Social Club….the world was your lobster. The Unofficial City Soapbox has evolved to take on an ever increasing mantle within our Football Club, being first port of call for many a weary fan from any club and the club’s Twitter and Facebook accounts are testament to our insatiable desire to immerse ourselves in all things Claret. For those of us that have experienced it all, I wonder what is next up on the list, and I’m sure our Media team at City have the next stage ready for us soon. Live streaming of Johnny White’s Bingo Night’s perhaps? (Watch this space – Ed)
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Team
Adult Fare <16 Fare Dpts MP Dpts County
Eastbourne Bath City Bishops Stortford Bromley Boreham Wood St. Albans Havant Basingstoke Whitehawk Concord Rangers Hayes & Yeading Staines Town Ebbsfleet Weston-S-M Wealdstone Maidenhead Hemel Hempstead Gosport Borough Sutton Farnborough
£13.00 £20.00 £7.00 £10.00 £10.00 £13.00 £15.00 £15.00 £13.00 £7.00 £13.00 £13.00 £10.00 £20.00 £13.00 £13.00 £13.00 £15:00 £13.00 £13.00
£8.00 £10.00 £4.00 £6.00 £6.00 £8.00 £10.00 £10.00 £8.00 £4.00 £8.00 £8.00 £6.00 £10.00 £8.00 £8.00 £8.00 £10.00 £8.00 £8.00
15:30pm 09:15am 12:45pm 12:00pm 12:30pm 12:15pm 10:45am 11:00am 11:15am 17:30pm 11:30am 11:45am 12:30pm 09:00am 12:15pm 11:30am 12:15pm 10:30am 11:30am 11:30am
15:45pm 09:30am 13:00pm 12:15pm 12:45pm 12:30pm 11:00am 11:15am 11:30am 17:45pm 11:45am 12:00pm 12:45pm 09:15am 12:30pm 11:45am 12:30pm 10:45am 11:45am 11:45am
Date 12th Aug 2014 16th Aug 2014 25th Aug 2014 6th Sep 2014 13th Sep 2014 4th Oct 2014 18th Oct 2014 1st Nov 2014 15th Nov 2014 2nd Dec 2014 20th Dec 2014 28th Dec 2014 1st Jan 2015 10th Jan 2015 17th Jan 2015 14th Feb 2015 21st Feb 2015 14 Mar 2015 4th Apr 2015 11th Apr 2015
To book a seat on an away coach speak to Mark Fleming at the Supporters' Club HQ on matchdays or phone Mark on Daytime = 0794 1489861 Evening = 0750 6873741
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Notes From The Boardroom #2 (‘The Club Review’) By Derek Murr
You
may have heard about this and are wondering what the fuss has been about? The answer might be in how much interest you take in the running of your Football Club. The overall purpose of the review is to produce a working document that provides the drivers to enable us to become a more professional outfit that is respected as a business and one that is sustainable as a Football Club at Conference level at the very least. The Review Team is being led by Trevor Smith and the other members of the team are Alan Brown, Derek Murr and David Selby. The review is still ongoing but initially it was done over a period of six months and involved the team looking into all areas of the Football Club i.e. how it is run. We wanted to establish where we are now; where we want to be and how we are going to get there. It sounds so simple doesn’t it? Our aim is to recommend areas that need improvement so that we are capable of moving forward and becoming a successful and community driven Club. Whilst we do not expect all areas to be taken on board in their entirety we would expect the majority of them to be encompassed, perhaps with a little tweaking here and there. But it is essential to the future of this Football Club that everyone involved in this process takes this all on board. All sounds a bit dramatic doesn’t it? It’s not meant to be. What areas did we cover? They included:
Club House Infrastructure and Club Structure. Conferencing and Functions. Fundraising and the Supporters’ Club. Football inc. FITC and SOCA Academy and Match day Operations. Public Relations, Marketing, Communications and Branding. Finance and Accounting. Five Year Planning.
So what happens next? By the time you read this you will have already seen some of the recommended changes have already taken place, this includes the changes in the Club structure, an improved match day experience, an expanded Media Department and more dynamic Commercial and Finance departments. A copy of the report will be made available to the Football Club members at their meeting with the Football Club board on the 23rd September 2014. After which, the report will be made available to all supporters. Come along with us on our journey…………..………….Be part of Chelmsford City FC’s future!
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The Melbourne Park Years By David Selby
C
ity’s arrangement to ground share at New Lodge, home of Billericay Town FC, ended in the summer of 2005 and for a while there was a small chance that the Football Club would have nowhere to play. Whilst discussions continued with Billericay Town an offer was received from Braintree Town to share their facilities until such time as Melbourne Park was ready to host football matches. In the end agreement was reached with Steve Kent, Billericay Town’s Chairman, and City started the 2005-2006 playing their Ryman League Premier Division games back at New Lodge. With the appropriate ground grading confirmed by the Ryman League just days beforehand City played their first game at Melbourne Park on Monday 2nd January 2006 when, ironically enough, they entertained Billericay Town in a Ryman League game. An official crowd of 2,998 saw two goals from Jamie Richards earn City a 2-1 win. Since moving into Melbourne Park City have now played a total of 225 games, 179 of them in the league. These games have encompassed six Managers, Craig Edwards, Jeff King, Glenn Pennyfather, Dean Holdsworth, Kenny Brown and Mark Hawkes, and been played in two league competitions, the Ryman League Premier Division and the Football Conference South. City’s complete record in those 225 games is w. 131 d. 49 l. 45 f. 469 a. 252. The forthcoming season, therefore, should see City score their 500th goal at Melbourne Park. So goals have certainly not been in short supply with City averaging over 2 goals a game. In fact City have hit 7 goals an incredible 6 times, the Managers in charge at the time being Jeff King, 4, Glenn Pannyfather, 1, and Mark Hawkes, 1. The biggest winning margin is also 7 goals, with three 7-0 wins being recorded. The highest aggregate goals in a game are 10, which came in the 7-3 win over Staines Town on Saturday 24th March 2007. The biggest home defeat was the 6-0 trouncing administered by Boreham Wood on Saturday 2nd November 2013 during Dean Holdworth’s reign. Having won 131 of those 225 games City have a winning percentage of 58.22%. Of the six City managers during this time Jeff King has the best winning percentage with 67.95%, whilst the worst is Kenny Brown who failed to win either of the two home games played during his time in charge. The others are Craig Edwards, 58.33%, Glenn Pennyfather, 53.98%, Mark Hawkes, 53.85% and Dean Holdsworth, 42.86%. The 225 home games have seen a total of 223,262 people pass through the turnstiles, at an average of 992 per game, the record being created on Saturday 15th March 2008 when 3,201 packed into the ground to see City beat AFC Wimbledon 3-2 on their way to winning the Ryman
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League Premier Division championship. The FA Cup tie with Colchester United on Saturday 3rd November 2012 also saw the 3,000 barrier broken with 3,106 in attendance. The 179 home league games have seen crowds totalling 179,474, at an average of 1,002. Just 406 watched the game with Eastbourne Borough on Monday 25th March 2013, the lowest crowd to watch a league game at Melbourne Park. The individual goal scoring record is 4 goals in a game. This has happened on 3 occasions. Firstly, Bertie Brayley achieved it in the 5-1 win over Margate on Saturday 22nd December 2007. Sam Higgins repeated the feat in the 7-0 F.A. Cup win over Chertsey Town on Saturday 25th December 2010 whilst the record was equalled most recently when Michael Cheek got 4 in the 7-1 win against Tonbridge Angels on Monday 21st April 2014. Jamie Southon remains the only player to have played for City at both New Writtle Street and Melbourne Park. He played 16 games at NWS under Gary Bellamy and Colin Norman, 4 games at Melbourne Park under Craig Edwards, also making an appearance for City in their final game at New Lodge. When City lost 3-0 at home to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday 20th January 2007 the Dons became the first team from outside Essex to win a league match at Melbourne Park, over a year after the move into the Sport and Athletics Centre. City had previously lost home league games to Maldon Town, East Thurrock United and Braintree Town, although Maidstone United did win an F.A. Trophy game 2-1 in October 2006. Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has seen Melbourne Park become something of a fortress for City. They have lost just 6 of the 71 games played on a Monday and after losing the third Monday game, 2-0 to Braintree Town on 17th April 2006 they did not lose again on a Monday until 25th January 2010 when Staines Town triumphed 1-0. That run, which lasted for nearly four years, ran for 31 games of which City won 22 and drew 9. City then went on another run of 17 Monday home games without defeat. You could say that the bubble has burst now as they have lost 4 of the last 19 Monday home games! December is also lucky for City as they are unbeaten in league matches at Melbourne Park in that month. 14 games have been played during the last month of the year with City winning 11 and drawing 3. Only 8 goals have been conceded in December with Tonbridge Angels the only visiting team to score twice doing so in a 2-2 draw on Saturday 8th December 2007. Bath City are the only team to have won at Melbourne Park in December, in the 20 competitive games played so far, having won 3-2 on Saturday 10th December 2011 in an F.A. Trophy tie. There have been many moments to savour in the seven and a half years that City have now been back in the city including a Ryman League Championship and the first FA Cup win over Football League opposition at home since 1939. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope that the years ahead will provide many similar achievements.
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What’s The Score? (‘A Short History of a Scoreboard’) By Derek Murr The following represents a timeline of events taken from the Supporters’ Club website page http://www.chelmsfordcitysupportersclub.co.uk/what-s-the-score-.html. Its contents have been amended sufficiently enough to make sense of historical information. November 2012 The Supporters’ Club (‘SC’) Committee, which included Paul Gorrie, Derek Murr Simon Stancevic, Jon Read, Mark Fleming, Will O’Donnell and Kevin Ling decided that the scoreboard style was to be similar to the one, which can be found at Eastleigh FC’s ground, Silverlake Stadium. After a week of flying emails between the SC Committee members a proposal was put forward to the Football Club (‘FC’) Board on the 15th November 2012, and this was accepted. The SC Committee also decided during the week that followed that the alternative, which was in the style of the one at Havant and Waterlooville FC, wasn’t suitable. The scoreboard was to have a single digit 2 line display, for the latest score, a 2 digit timer and a 16 character message display, where the team line-ups, substitutions and goal scorers appearing as and when they happen during the match. The scoreboard was to be manufactured by LEDsynergy of Andover and it could take anything from four to six weeks to complete. Over the years they have installed many scoreboards into Football grounds, for both small clubs and Premiership clubs, from simple 2 line signs through to more complex displays. So we were in good hands. Perhaps the biggest dilemma that the SC Committee were facing was the wording underneath. After some lengthy deliberating, the wording was chosen, and it would appear at the bottom of the scoreboard. It would read “In memory of Ian Hart’ as the scoreboard had been partly-funded from a bequest of Ian Hart and a donation from the SC. It was also decided by the SC that they had no objections to advertisements being placed around or on the scoreboard itself as long as it did not distract from Ian's donation or the main message on the scoreboard. At the time it was more likely to be placed at the half-way line on the upper canopy of the Athletics side, although these plans were not final at the time and were always subject to change. December 2012 The FC had now paid for the scoreboard with the SC passing their funds that it had collected for the project. The scoreboard went into production after Mansell Wallace had a meeting with the manufacturers on Thursday 13th December 2012. It was anticipated that we could expect delivery by late January 2013 or early February 2013. The scoreboard would now be in claret with white lettering with a fully compatible LED display along with the Chelmsford City's crest. A brief message 'In Memory of Ian Hart' would be on the scoreboard with a full 'in memory of' plaque to display the full message once the scoreboard was placed in its permanent position. The scoreboard being a heavy industrial item required a risk assessment and a Health and Safety review before it could be installed in its preferred location, which was to be located under the new proposed stand on the Athletics side of the ground with a power supply and a built in framework structure to be included in the designs and planning.
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The timeframe of the new stand was in the second process of the Melbourne Park redevelopment plan which would occur in conjunction with City achieving promotion and needing the required ground improvements. Whilst it would take an additional period of consultation to find a suitable temporary position for the scoreboard it was anticipated that it would be temporarily located near ground level on the Athletics side of the ground near the Centre's Main HQ offices. This was to be only a temporary location which would allow the FC to begin to use the scoreboard and supporters could see what had been brought. The FC and the SC would have invited Ian Hart’s family and friends to officially unveil the scoreboard at an upcoming home game in the New Year. The expected final cost was expected to be circa £5,300..00 exc. VAT. May 2013 Yes....it finally arrived ready for installation. A scoreboard, a LED display (that was to be fitted underneath the scoreboard), three remote aerials, a software disc for a Wi-Fi connected PC and a software manual. All would be ready for the next season! (or so we thought!) June 2013 - The Athletics Centre was being now being upgraded, which would see a general upgrade and new gyms and running machines built on the first floor. This work would not impact on the access to this side of the stadium for our matches. The ‘Ian Hart Memorial Scoreboard’ would now be located on that side once all building work had been finished (completion was expected to be done by the end in November 2013). The electrical work for the scoreboard had already been completed. January 2014 After dialogue with FC chairman; Mansell Wallace, the FC now needed a metal steel structure for the scoreboard to be positioned and was estimated to cost in the region of a further £1,800. The SC had committed to supporting this cost but did not have the funds available at the time and as well as focusing on general fundraising for the FC in light of the difficulties that season, a strategy of ideas was needed. This was to be decided at the next SC meeting. But this fundraiser was conditional on confirmation of: 1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
When will it be installed? Where will it be installed i.e. exact location based upon current building works going on at Athletics side? Are there any financial issues or problems that need to be addressed before it can be installed? If so what are they? That included any further approval needed from the Melbourne Athletics Stadium Manager and/or Chelmsford City Council. What further infrastructure is needed before it can be installed? Cost etc? Labour costs to erect it etc? What is the time frame for its completion of installation? What is the proposed training of the use of scoreboard for match days?
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May 2014 At the monthly SC Committee Alistair Whipps and Simon Stancevic updated the SC Committee on their recent chat with Mansell Wallace regarding the scoreboard. Due to additional constraints the new position will be on the wall under new gym balcony on Athletics side. Some concerns were expressed by other SC Committee members if this could be seen by supporters during match days. Prior to stepping down, FC Director Martin Bissett confirmed that he was happy to add to SC funds to ensure that scoreboard goes up ASAP, ready for start of season 2014/2015. June 2014 The FC instructed Structural Engineers, Heard Associates were instructed to inspect where the scoreboard and the LED display would be located. They would recommend the type of fixings needed to mount them and be able to support their weight i.e. frames or brackets. It was hoped that once they had inspected the site and provided the necessary drawings they would then ask Pleshey Forge to make them. Members of the FCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club's new Media team were able to boot up the units on Friday 27th June 2014 but were unable to test them fully as hardware instructions had not been provided. The FC asked that the advertising board and the electrical socket be moved so it could accommodate the two separate power cables needed to run the scoreboard and the LED display under the balcony of the new gym. The SC were then asked for help to provide a heavy duty PVC cover to protect the units from any wilful damage. It was still the FC intention to have the scoreboard and the LED display up and running by the first home game of the season 2014/2015. July 2014 (Part One) First came the bad news...... The scoreboard had got to go back to the manufacturer for testing as we had it too long without use. Unfortunately we had to make these arrangements ourselves. So a van and three kind volunteers were needed for a trip down to Andover. This had to be done before it could be mounted anywhere. Heard Associates, the Structural Engineers had advised us that the scoreboard and the LED display could not be mounted directly on to the wall under the canopy of the new gym area due to their size and weight. They would therefore need extra support via two metal pillars, which would need embedding into the ground. This now meant groundwork would be necessary but just the one frame would only be needed to be manufactured to accommodate both units. We were assured that this was the cheapest option. The electrical supply to the two units will have to be resited etc. Then came the good news...... The scoreboard could still be located beneath the canopy but would have to be brought forward to accommodate the two metal pillars and this meant it would be more visible to most supporters in the ground by virtue it would be no longer sited against a brick wall.
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With the scoreboard now being moved forward meant a sponsorship board could be accommodated beneath the LED display and therefore visible. The Supporters' Club then agreed to cover the cost for a cover to protect the unit from any wilful damage rather than any water ingress. July 2014 (Part Two) The quotation was received from Heard Associates and they were instructed to proceed. Thanks to Alan Jones, Matt Jennings, Derek Murr and Paul Roberts the scoreboard was taken down to Andover and returned to Melbourne Park. After testing the scoreboard was working correctly and in the words of Paul "over-joyed" to see it working for the first time. Now on to the next stage. This will include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Heard Associates supplying the drawings for the frame and their recommendations for loadings etc. Pleshey Forge are to make the frames. NB: frames are to be same colour as scoreboard so that it gives the appearance of an integrated unit. The Athletics Stadium/City Council need to approve the installation and the ground works. Metal posts are to be purchased and ground works needed to install posts, frame and scoreboard/LED display. Necessary lifting kit needed lift it all into position. SC are to purchase a heavy duty PVC cover for the frame/scoreboard/display. Installing the upgraded software and testing of the scoreboard.
When? We are now dependent on factors beyond our immediate control.
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The Supporters’ Club at a Glance By Simon Stancevic
A
lthough last season was not what we wanted or expected it to be for the Football Club (‘FC’), the Supporters’ Club (‘SC’) still achieved a great deal in what was a difficult season. Below is what we have done this past season:
Two SC Representatives attending FC Board meetings and engaging with the directors to improve communication and help to contribute to the running of the FC. Maintain and administrate the SC Membership database. Send out weekly eNewsletters to SC members who have requested to receive emails. Operate and maintain the SC website and update the exclusive members’ area. Improved Monthly Thursday Night Q&A’s (third Thursday every month). Hosted three SC match day meals. Hosted our Annual SC Race Night and worked with the FC to host the End of Season Awards Evening. Organised a charity walk to Concord Rangers. Continued to run the 12th Man Initiative fundraiser, bringing in £2,000 of additional funds for the FC playing budget. Our match day operations team providing voluntary help ensuring that it is possible for Melbourne Park to host Football matches. Provide commercial assistance for the FC on match days. Organise and maintain the running of away supporters coaches. Work with Ben Parks to provide financial support to ensure that Radio Clarets is able to stream online. Organised a very successful Christmas Raffle on behalf of the FC. Helped sell raffle tickets for the FC’s End of Season raffle. Instrumental in the planning and running of the Pay What You Want – Christmas Festival Match. Administrated the Players Sponsorship fundraiser. Paid towards: stadium perimeter boards, Club Shop equipment, Bricks and two SC VP’S packages.
New for the upcoming season - In addition to the above new ideas and proposals for this season are to include:
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Continue to work with the FC board through the SC Representative and the SC Committee. Categorise what the SC does into 5 main areas: SC Membership; SC Events & Fundraising; 12th Man Initiative; Match Day Operations; Commercial Assistance. Purchase or hire a pool table for the club house bar. Assist the FC’s Media team to ensure the electronic scoreboard is up and running on Match days. Launch the Pitch Sponsorship fundraiser to help create funds to go towards the SC main fundraisers. Explore the potential possibility of putting a covered end on the uncovered Ro-Ro. Help improve the Club House with audio and visual improvements. Improve on the Monthly Thursday Night Q&A’s to include a buffet for SC members and for the SC Committee to guage supporters views that can be passed onto the FC board by the SC Rep. Host and support additional events through the season either by the SC or in conjunction with the FC. Changed the format of the 12th Man fund, with it going towards specific players. Introduced new benefits for joining the SC and produce new membership cards. Organise a SC Christmas Party. Organise a ‘Boot Camp 3 Weight Loss’ fundraiser. Organise a second Cannonball Run. Launch and promote Jon Reads new book.
Chelmsford City Supporters’ Club Committee 2014/2015 Hon. Chairman – Tom Vickers Hon. Secretary & SC Rep – Simon Stancevic Hon. Treasurer – Alistair Whipps Supporters’ Club Committee Members - Jon Read, Mark Fleming, Paul Gorrie, Alan Jones, Will O’Donnell and Ken Carr Supporters’ Club Volunteers - Adam May, Dan Godridge, Bobby Brewster and Kevin Ling For the Supporters’ Club latest news go to: http://www.chelmsfordcitysupportersclub.co.uk/news.html or Twitter page @OfficialCCFC
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(Incoming) Supporters’ Club Chairman’s Notes Tom Vickers
Welcome
back for what is certain to be another exciting season following the Clarets. However, before I go into more details on what are plans are for the forthcoming season, I would like to say thank you to a number of people. Firstly, to Paul Gorrie for his hard work and dedication in leading the Supporters’ Club over the last eight seasons. My job now is to take on the baton and lead the Supporters’ Club forward following on from his incredible work. Secondly, to Mansell Wallace. I'm sure you will all join me in thanking Mansell for his commitment and hard work leading the Football Club and hope that he now can join us on the terraces to enjoy watching the football. Lastly, I would like to thank all our members new and old. What we do wouldn't be possible without your help. As soon as the final whistle had gone at Weston Super Mare, the Supporters’ Club has been working hard ensuring that our members get the best possible deal and experience following their team. As I'm sure you have already seen some of our ideas come to fruition, and I hope that the new list of benefits will entice even more members this year. We have also been working with the Football Club on ways in which, we can improve your match day experience and we are delighted that we have managed to get Sky Sports and BT Sports back in the Club House. Along with the pool table and beer promotions we hope that we can attract as many fans as possible into the bar both before and after the games. Our main fundraiser is due to be discussed and decided at the AGM however, we already have a number of schemes to help the raise funds. These include the 'Whole Nine Yards' where you can sponsor a part of the pitch. One of our main initiatives this season is the '12th Man' Fund. We are delighted that through this fund we have helped the Football Club secure the signing of Glenn Southam. I'm sure you will agree that Glenn is a great signing for City and I would like to thank all the participants who have joined the scheme and would like to invite anyone who would like to participate to speak to a member of the Supporters’ Club Committee who can help you get signed up. As always, we will be running our monthly Q&A’s and have already spoken to the Football Club to set dates for Supporters’ Club match day meals. We will also be working with the Football Club on events they are holding and details of these will be revealed in due course. 2015/16 season is set to be another busy year for both the Supporters’ Club and the Football Club and I would like to thank you again for your continued support. It's an honour for me to be taking on the role as the new Supporters’ Club Chairman and I am looking forward to all the challenges the role will bring me. Bring them on!
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