Migration

[peter foster]

As a Chelmsford City supporter I don't think it is my place to proffer an opinion as to the advisibility of BTFB upping sticks and moving to Basildon. As you know, we have shared your ground in Billericay for a number of years and therefore have considerable experience of that which you will be experiencimg - viz - of playing home games 10 miles from our home town. Certainly there were many supporters who used to regularly attend our matches in Chelmsford who decided not to make the journey to Billericay (and before that, to Maldon Town's ground) to see "home games". So initially, at least, if our experience is anything to go by, you will see a falling off in your "Billericay based" support once you have moved to Basildon. From a selfish point of view, I'm pleased that Chelmsford City look pretty certain to have their own ground back in Chelmsford, at Melbourne Park, next year otherwise we would be homeless! (The director's of CCFC feel that our average home gates are likely to increase from their current "Billericay" level of around 600 to around the 1000 mark. i.e. we'll "get back" the people who haven't seen us play regularly since we left the town 5 years ago). I think you've just got to trust the judgemment of your board.

[Cressing Toad]

Peter

 

I'm pleased for you, moving back to the county town and not before time. Melbourne Park is familiar territory to me having been involved with mid Essex schools sports meets there representing St John Payne school just around the corner. I think its actually a great location for you, quite built up around there with established Chelmsford people on that big council estate. I agree totally with your views on the "riccay" move. I think its a case of Scots business people hoping to replicate Livingstons success down south. I fear it'll fall on its face. Gates of 600 for a mid table Ryman side are very good. Indeed if we at Braintree can achieve that level of support (and i think we can if we keep our current run of success going) we'd be more than happy (but u can never be satisfied eh). Good luck to both City and 'Riccay in their new ventures.

 

<small>[ 26 May 2002, 10:25 AM: This message was edited by: Iron knob ]</small>

[Ryan.c]

Big difference in travelling 10 miles as opposed to 2! The new ground is only a 5 minute drive away. I think you'll find the people who don't go to Basildon, sorry South Billericay, are the ones opposed to it.

[CANV EFM]

billericay play in billericay end of.. otherwise they are not the billericay we all know and love/hate.. sure im all for getting on but moving the club to basildon!!?? bollox to progression if you have to watch your 'local' footy er .. unlocally.. if you want to get on into the conf then football league that much go n watch southend, thats just down the 127 after all...

[Ryan.c]

Thats the simple answer I guess! Go and watch Saafend. No way. I'd luv it, really luv it, if one day Billericay actually <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> got to play Southend in a Nationwide League game. If we have to go to Baso to do that, then that's the price we'll all have to pay. As a matter of fact, if that nice Mr King of yours moved Canvey into say Benfleet or god forbide, Basildon (It aint that far away), What would your reaction be?

[Ryan.c]

Oops! Still haven't quite mastered this computer malarky. Where that yellow face come from I don't know.

[CANV EFM]

canvey is a good case in point as its boundarys can be so clearly defined, the club couldnt move to basildon and still really be cifc in my opinion, canveys size as a club is limited to canvey really , it wont attract many fans with no connection to the island wheras southend attract fans from all over the area with no connection to southend itself as a town.. if canvey moved to south benfleet in an attempt to widen its supporter base then to attract benfleet fans a new name of canvey and benfleet would in my opinion be requried to make people from benfleet feel it was their club as well, that is what billericay will need to do to keep the riccay fans and encourage basildon residents to feel its their team as well, pootentially the scope for creating a big club is there but some compromise will be required

[GazzaBTFC]

Canv, for a BIllericay problem (?) you mentioned C****y an awful lot!!!

 

And Billericay only once.

 

And Basildon a couple of times.

[Ryan.c]

Any change in "Billericay Town Football Club", will spell the end of our club. I personally don't think that'll ever happen. There is no point in compromising the name of the Football Club. If the name was to change to Billericay & Basildon it would be pointless. No Billericay supporter would support such a club and there's nothing to suggest that Basildonians will turn-up en-masse, when thier own club, Basildon United, only manages an average crowd of 40.

[CANV EFM]

hehe good point gazza, but you know its hard for me to type billericay (ouch) unless it is immediatly followed by the number 0 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

[Cressing Toad]

My guess is your gates will be smaller in Basildon, not as low as Basildons, I did once go to their pokey ground (many years ago and assuming they still play same place near the factories there) it is a long way from the population and no public transport etc.

 

Its a bad bad move. 600+ attendances for a season like u just had, sounds like the club are blowing it to me.

[Willow Street Ender]

Hi Iron,

 

Just spotted your posting. Basildon still play in Gardiners Close as per your graphic description, we'll be there next season to visit our ex manager and a couple of ex players. Agree with you 100% regarding Billericay. How's things at Braintree, I heard Grays have lured Rob Reinelt away?

[Guest]

I don't think a single Billericay fan wants to move to Basildon but we all realise it's the only way forward. It's better to move than to languish in the same place. Billericay is not a huge town like Chelmsford. Chelmsford City could move in any direction two miles from their old New Writtle Street site and still be in the town whereas Billericay would be out of the town two miles from New Lodge.

Basildon is a good move for Billericay. Basildon is the biggest town in Essex without a Ryman Prem/Doc Martens/Nationwide side. The only reason Bas Utd get such low crowds is because they are so lowly (no disrespect to Bas. Utd.) If the people of Basildon see a fantastic new stadium near the centre of town and a team pushing for the Conference then they will turn up in droves.

I think Billericay people will still support the the club: For those of you who know the Basildon area will realise that Billericay and Basildon have a very close bond. The area of green belt between the towns is not large and most people in Billericay use all the shopping and recreational facilities in Basildon, like the Festival Leisure Park on a regular basis.

If special buses are run from Billericay it will attract even more supporters.

No, Basildon won't ruin Billericay Town. It will help us become one of the best supprted teams in the Ryman and a fantastic asset for south Essex.

[CANV EFM]

is there going to be a special bus for gazza? leaving at 10 pm when they eventually crowbar him out of the clubhouse?

[Cressing Toad]

hoarse whisperer

 

You ask how things are at Braintree? Hmmm worrying is the word I think. Craig Davidson to Canvey, Robbie Reinelt to Grays, One of our more reliable and experienced performers - Nicky Smith released. All players i reckon i'd be looking to sign if they were playing elsewhere. Apparently Manager Emburey has a plan to re-build with younger players and to that end is in negotiation with a number of exciting prospects. Until we see them we are nervous, particularly as Nicky Simpson still isnt confirmed re-signed. Sorry Riccay fans, i realise this is your messageboard.

[GazzaBTFC]

CANV, I'll be driving mate and leaving the club soon after the game. If Mr. Rod Moore and I get together for any length of time, there could be trouble - Only joking Rod!!!