LET'S BE REALISTIC SHALL WE

[Guest]

There has been a fair bit of talk in the past from Andy and the supporters about the club building on last season's conference survival and going on to gain a mid table place (or higher) position during the 2003/04 season.

 

The way I see things without a serious increase in attendance's or some financial backing then unfortunately we are probably at the highest point this club will reach. We do not have the money to be a threat in the transfer market, or even to hang onto some of the better players that we have had. We do not have a fan base large enough to generate sufficient income, through gate receipts or merchandise. We do not have a club that is appreciated by it's local catchement area or a team that is an integral part of the community and unless some of these aspects are addressed then we will soon no longer have a conference football team.

 

[Andrewc]

Who are you anonymous? From your post you appear to be a Fleet 'supporter' and yet you choose to post anonymously.

 

Where have you been during the summer months? During the close season a great deal of work has been carried out by the Club and the fans to give the Club a bigger profile and increased cash flow and your comments are not warranted.

 

<img src="/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

[John@TheFleet]

Will Mr. Anonymous be going to the Millwall game? If so, can you please stand in the middle of the Millwall end waving a Fleet flag and singing " I hate the Lions". With the level of negativity you have shown it would be best if you just donate your tenner entrance fee to the Trust and stay at home. <img src="/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

[Matt (GNFC)]

We're still bigger than Leigh RMI, Margate, Farnborough, Northwich, Forest Green, Telford in terms of fanbase. Mr.Anonymous in my opinion may be loosely linked to the club. Its like a game of cluedo.

[mikef]

Quote:

Anonymous said:
We do not have a club that is appreciated by it's local catchement area or a team that is an integral part of the community and unless some of these aspects are addressed then we will soon no longer have a conference football team.

Talking of the community, I have just been in contact with the club inquiring as to wether they will be running the FITC Summer courses this year. I have been told that they will not be running them this year & hope to re launch the scheme later. So where will the youngsters go? why Charlton & Gillingham of course, not a great advert or incentive for the youngsters to come to the club is it.

Mike F

[Guest]

Quote:

Matt (GNFC) said:
Mr. Anonymous in my opinion may be loosely linked to the club. It’s like a game of cluedo.

You may be very close indeed Matthew. No doubt some within the club and a certain group of supporters may remember me a few years ago. I have spent a few years or so perusing some business interests abroad, and returned to witness the later half of last season. Does anyone remember who they said hello to last season?

Gravesend & Northfleet Football Club in my honest opinion certainly has an attraction. For many years I felt that the location of GNFC worked against the club due to it’s close proximity to the London clubs and Gillingham. Gravesend has literally thousands of football supporters within it’s catchments area who choose for various reasons to watch their football elsewhere. Why is this? I feel that this is because people want to be associated with success these days more than ever – and footballs certainly no different.

However all that is about to change. North West Kent is changing beyond recognition now. Most people are aware of the modernization and regeneration which is talking place in the borough and beyond so I won’t go into these in detail except to say that the finished product will be very different from the one we knew five or ten years ago. A successful area is five years away, and where will this leave GNFC? At a crossroads. There are two choices 1) to remain a small town club, with a small but very passionate and loyal fanbase playing out it’s seasons in the lower leagues or 2) to capitalize upon the area’s success and change the face of football in the area forever.

Let’s not be over ambitious, but let’s realize that with effort from everyone involved, the right investment may be closer than people think.

[Matt (GNFC)]

Yeah, not far short of the mark there Mr.Anon but i think we all realise the club is coming to a crossroads. The problem is in my view as has been outlined before by others:

 

1) Brian is not cash rich.

2) To compensate this we have a full time chief exec. to try and bring cash in.

3) How do we spend the money in your opinion. What if we chuck cash at the playing staff and end up 150k in debt and bankrupt. Are u the same Mr.Anon as on the other thread?

 

What do u think are the solutions and the way forward.. Are u willing to make an investment in the right circumstances?