The Future Of Non League Football

[Deleted]

PLEASE READ TO THE END OF THE POST.............THANK YOU
I rarely post on this forum but logon often to read and view opinions and comments. Having been a follower in more recent times than a supporter during the last 10 years, maybe my comments will be viewed in a more critical than constructive view point.
I will except this gracefully, but feel strongly that I post my feelings as it seems as yet, no one else has yet embraced the position Football in general, except the premier league which I consider an elitists entertainment rather than football, currently finds itself, along with all the other spectator sports.
I would like to first explain the first aspect of my post has very little to do with Football but rather with medical and science content but relative to its effects of football at this present time.
Im not going into great scientific detail or cast any personal opinions has im not medically qualified or employed within the industry, but my comments are purely based on facts gained from extensive research and input from highly qualified and respected people within the medical industry who's expertise and knowledge will not be seen on MSM.
Everyone is fully aware of the current situation throughout the world with this Pandemic. Sadly many people have died, and many more will. The numbers of which we will never truly be know or be told officially.
May all those who have passed, Rest Forever peacefully, and Love and sympathy to those of us who have lost loved one's and friends.
Having researched this virus and its devastating effects on the worlds populations, there seems to be two aspects that are coming to light thru scientific studies officially published.

The narrative we are told is the current restrictions will be enforced until they find a cure or vaccine?
Ok, without going to deep, vaccines are notoriously longwinded and expensive to create. On average the time scale is anything between 4-12 years from the creation to being safely(Not always) available for general medical use.
Lets say they can half that time because of the huge impact this Pandemic has had on the worlds economy, yes that word again,MONEY.
So lets say that these amazing scientists who do such marvellous and brilliant work create a vaccine in the shortest possible time on the scale ive suggested, 2 years.

Fantastic even if it takes two years, then everything will get back to NORMAL............Maybe?

So, going to the Lockdown and restriction of movement.

If the narrative is Social distancing and Banning of group gatherings, basically this means Football matches will have no spectators ?, yes of course, not allowed.
The new football season is due to start in August, we are now in May, we were told the Pandemic in the UK peaked end of April, beginning of May.
To have reached the peak form the first reported cases were at the beginning of March, lets say 10 weeks before peaking, So you would suspect confirmed cases should return to the same point in March, from todays date that would be around 16th of July, 2-3 weeks from the start of a new season.
Now the fact that the virus numbers maybe, just maybe get to be as low to what they were in March, but not gone, how many of you would be happy to gather amongst 2-300 other people, that's assuming you were allowed??
How many weeks into the season would it be before more new cases would appear and start to return to greater numbers???
In my opinion the restrictions will not be lifted on group gatherings, for how long, well take into account this virus will not go away, likely return during the autumn and winter months what chance will there be any football matches that will allow supporters to attend???
Do you see where im going?
I hate to have to say this people, but if you couple the fact that the restrictions of movement and gathering of people, how on God's earth can football clubs at City's level, or above and below survive without paying supporters to keep them Financially viable???
Without a vaccine or cure why would these restrictions ever be lifted?? The science I've spoken about suggests neither will be available for a very long time if ever, who knows??
Now im happy and open to any rebuttal of all that ive said with proof or facts, but I've researched this deeply and I honestly find it impossible to see how football outside of the elite Football league clubs with there vast amounts of TV money coming in, surviving beyond this year and certainly not much further if at all.
I, like all of you were looking forward to seeing City back playing in The great City Of Worcester, but I gain no delight or pleasure in taking the pragmatic view of how things currently stand in the world in believing and thinking this may well be a false dawn to Worcester City not only playing but actually existing beyond this year.
I very much hope I will be proven wrong, but seriously this is something that could and might be the very beginning of something that none of us can stop or change for the better.

[Tim Munslow]

I soon as I read the words "elites" I know this comes from an extreme left-winger, who usually have a distorted and deeply pessimistic view of the world. I'll read thro' it later, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[genghis]

May 7, 2020 13:01:52 GMT @northinmysoul said:

PLEASE READ TO THE END OF THE POST.............THANK YOU
I rarely post on this forum but logon often to read and view opinions and comments. Having been a follower in more recent times than a supporter during the last 10 years, maybe my comments will be viewed in a more critical than constructive view point.
I will except this gracefully, but feel strongly that I post my feelings as it seems as yet, no one else has yet embraced the position Football in general, except the premier league which I consider an elitists entertainment rather than football, currently finds itself, along with all the other spectator sports.
I would like to first explain the first aspect of my post has very little to do with Football but rather with medical and science content but relative to its effects of football at this present time.
Im not going into great scientific detail or cast any personal opinions has im not medically qualified or employed within the industry, but my comments are purely based on facts gained from extensive research and input from highly qualified and respected people within the medical industry who's expertise and knowledge will not be seen on MSM.
Everyone is fully aware of the current situation throughout the world with this Pandemic. Sadly many people have died, and many more will. The numbers of which we will never truly be know or be told officially.
May all those who have passed, Rest Forever peacefully, and Love and sympathy to those of us who have lost loved one's and friends.
Having researched this virus and its devastating effects on the worlds populations, there seems to be two aspects that are coming to light thru scientific studies officially published.

The narrative we are told is the current restrictions will be enforced until they find a cure or vaccine?
Ok, without going to deep, vaccines are notoriously longwinded and expensive to create. On average the time scale is anything between 4-12 years from the creation to being safely(Not always) available for general medical use.
Lets say they can half that time because of the huge impact this Pandemic has had on the worlds economy, yes that word again,MONEY.
So lets say that these amazing scientists who do such marvellous and brilliant work create a vaccine in the shortest possible time on the scale ive suggested, 2 years.

Fantastic even if it takes two years, then everything will get back to NORMAL............Maybe?

So, going to the Lockdown and restriction of movement.

If the narrative is Social distancing and Banning of group gatherings, basically this means Football matches will have no spectators ?, yes of course, not allowed.
The new football season is due to start in August, we are now in May, we were told the Pandemic in the UK peaked end of April, beginning of May.
To have reached the peak form the first reported cases were at the beginning of March, lets say 10 weeks before peaking, So you would suspect confirmed cases should return to the same point in March, from todays date that would be around 16th of July, 2-3 weeks from the start of a new season.
Now the fact that the virus numbers maybe, just maybe get to be as low to what they were in March, but not gone, how many of you would be happy to gather amongst 2-300 other people, that's assuming you were allowed??
How many weeks into the season would it be before more new cases would appear and start to return to greater numbers???
In my opinion the restrictions will not be lifted on group gatherings, for how long, well take into account this virus will not go away, likely return during the autumn and winter months what chance will there be any football matches that will allow supporters to attend???
Do you see where im going?
I hate to have to say this people, but if you couple the fact that the restrictions of movement and gathering of people, how on God's earth can football clubs at City's level, or above and below survive without paying supporters to keep them Financially viable???
Without a vaccine or cure why would these restrictions ever be lifted?? The science I've spoken about suggests neither will be available for a very long time if ever, who knows??
Now im happy and open to any rebuttal of all that ive said with proof or facts, but I've researched this deeply and I honestly find it impossible to see how football outside of the elite Football league clubs with there vast amounts of TV money coming in, surviving beyond this year and certainly not much further if at all.
I, like all of you were looking forward to seeing City back playing in The great City Of Worcester, but I gain no delight or pleasure in taking the pragmatic view of how things currently stand in the world in believing and thinking this may well be a false dawn to Worcester City not only playing but actually existing beyond this year.
I very much hope I will be proven wrong, but seriously this is something that could and might be the very beginning of something that none of us can stop or change for the better.

For anyone who doesn’t want to read it all, here’s the tl:dr - Non-league football will struggle financially without ticket revenue.

[Deleted]

Extreme Left Winger here!!!!!!! Jesus, why do people always have to politicise everything, for your information Tim Munslow, im a very long way from a Left Winger, actually, you would probable call me a tory snob because i read the Daily Telegraph, whoops showing my age "The Telegraph" but i have no political allegiance, but carry on spouting your narrow minded opinionated claptrap describing someone you do not know or prepared to engage with in a simple discussion or debate on current affairs.
Just Bury your head in the sand, criticize anyone who's prepared to voice an opinion but label them without even giving an alternative view other than, ignore it its all doom and gloom,a very grown up and constructive stance to take.

[genghis]

May 8, 2020 12:26:54 GMT @northinmysoul said:

Extreme Left Winger here!!!!!!! Jesus, why do people always have to politicise everything, for your information Tim Munslow, im a very long way from a Left Winger, actually, you would probable call me a tory snob because i read the Daily Telegraph, whoops showing my age "The Telegraph" but i have no political allegiance, but carry on spouting your narrow minded opinionated claptrap describing someone you do not know or prepared to engage with in a simple discussion or debate on current affairs.
Just Bury your head in the sand, criticize anyone who's prepared to voice an opinion but label them without even giving an alternative view other than, ignore it its all doom and gloom,a very grown up and constructive stance to take.

Damn, this thread escalated quickly.

Tbh, the problem that I had with your post is that it was an exceptionally long-winded post just to point out what most would know already - that non-league football will suffer more than professional football with the lack of ticket revenue.

[simples]

Its quite a long post with a number of points. More for one of the 'heavy' broadsheets.

Personally I am a cynical grumpy old man. I do not trust anything a politician says. I believe that nobody has a clue what is going on regarding the virus. There are claims and counterclaims.

The ruling government is at best playing for time. Lockdown is just trying to keep people away from each other for as long as possible. Eventually someone is going to have to pop out and we will see if there is an escalation. If there is I would expect stricter lockdowns. If not we steadily increase our freedoms. But how long before each step? A month I would say, given that it may take 14 days for the virus to kick in.

At the moment I believe that while sport may have psychological benefit for the masses who consume it regularly to get their fix, me included, I cannot see mass uncontrolled gatherings taking place anytime soon. The question is what is the point of professional sport if no-one is there?

I believe there are far more important priorities. Peoples health and livelihoods for example.
There are people in the medical sector who have struggled to acquire PPE, testing for the virus and presumabley have to isolate from their families while risking their life. While that situation prevails the thought of 'sport' does not sit easily with me.

I would go so far as saying that this and next years UEFA club competitions should be called off. Until local activities are permitted why even contemplate international ones. Don't run before you can walk.

Of course there could be a miracle cure tomorrow and everything changes again.

When life resumes again will we have learnt anything? Will people live within their means? Will we appreciate what we have?
Again this post may be one for the broad sheets.

[Deleted]

Thank you Simples for your reasoned response, this is what I was hoping for when I made my original post. I agree Peoples welfare and wellbeing is far and beyond the needs and wants of sport, if it declines or even as to go into hibernation for a while then we have to accept and deal with that and take appropriate action.
For my own personal belief the 2020-21 Football season will encounter numerous and prolonged interruptions which will have many adverse affects on the finances of clubs, especially those other than premier league clubs This is what I was trying to say in my first post and that clubs like City should be at this time putting in place and planning for what is likely to happen. Like your suggestion for Uefa competitions, I think the best option would be to scrap the league for the forthcoming season and just have very local friendly matches so that clubs can maintain a squad without to much inconvenience to those involved and with no contractual obligations and just wait and see what happens,if things improve enough they should run Mini local leagues to maintain some competition amongst clubs in preparation for the following season, a little is better than nothing.
It's easy to run a club on a daily weekly basis at the present time rather then to put yourself into obligation that could cause issues later. For example if you maintain a membership of a league, you then receive sponsorship money, fixture and travel commitments, employ staff to run the day to day business of a club and then suddenly the government decides we need to go back a level in the restrictions, that's more money lost and needs to be refunded or paid for adding to further financial debt clubs can ill afford.
I believe a structured and thoughtful plan for the next 12 months should be carefully considered at this moment. Preparation is the most important plan of action.

[Deleted]

The reason I wanted to make my original post was to begin debate as to where spectator sports can survivor and move forward with this pandemic, and how to prepare and deal with the consequences of what is happening.
Debate brings forward idea's and solutions and I think Worcester City FC will need to embrace this in the coming months from all quarters.

[The Verner]

I think The FA and Premier League must end this season now, use some common sense and stop trying to get it done, the further back it goes it impacts on next season, impacts on Cup competitions and then in turn will impact the Euros, World Cup and seasons to come.

Cut the season now, next season abandon the Nations League rubbish and fit more games into mid week where international breaks usually are.

They cannot scrap The FA Cup and for financial sake of Football League Clubs they shouldn't cut the Carabao Cup.

Non League will really get hit, I had a conversation with Ash and actually said to him that financially for us the stopping of the league actually helped us, no payment of players other than those few on contracts, we saved X amount of the rent of VG, costs of programmes and other associated costs were saved also.

Unfortunately other Clubs will still have to pay rent possibly. Theres no outlay over the summer (that I am aware of) in terms of pitch maintenance that other Clubs will have to be doing.

For us, I think we will be fine but I really worry for some other Clubs.

How we return to the game we all love is a huge question that I don't think anyone has the answer to

[Brooksiders Return!!]

It is however a fact that, there are WAY too many professional and semi-professional football clubs in this country, and the "new normal" will change that. I can't think of another sport where payments are made to players in the 9th or 10th tiers of the sport. It is simply not sustainable.

[genghis]

You’ve revealed yourself to be nothing more than a lackey of John Snape. This has his grubby fingerprints all over it.

It’s typical of how Snape and his boys operate - now, with non-league football at its weakest point, he sends his lackeys, such as yourself, out to foster doubt and fear amongst its fans. Once fear has reached its peak, when non-league football is on its knees, out will come Snape on his white horse to save the day. I have no doubt that this is Snape’s grand plan. I used to think that Snape only wanted control of WCFC, but I was thinking too small - Snape wants control of the entire of non-league football.

[The Verner]

May 13, 2020 11:44:57 GMT genghis said:

You’ve revealed yourself to be nothing more than a lackey of John Snape. This has his grubby fingerprints all over it.

It’s typical of how Snape and his boys operate - now, with non-league football at its weakest point, he sends his lackeys, such as yourself, out to foster doubt and fear amongst its fans. Once fear has reached its peak, when non-league football is on its knees, out will come Snape on his white horse to save the day. I have no doubt that this is Snape’s grand plan. I used to think that Snape only wanted control of WCFC, but I was thinking too small - Snape wants control of the entire of non-league football.

Great, this clown is back out of the circus with stupid comments

[genghis]

May 13, 2020 14:35:43 GMT The Verner said:

May 13, 2020 11:44:57 GMT genghis said:

You’ve revealed yourself to be nothing more than a lackey of John Snape. This has his grubby fingerprints all over it.

It’s typical of how Snape and his boys operate - now, with non-league football at its weakest point, he sends his lackeys, such as yourself, out to foster doubt and fear amongst its fans. Once fear has reached its peak, when non-league football is on its knees, out will come Snape on his white horse to save the day. I have no doubt that this is Snape’s grand plan. I used to think that Snape only wanted control of WCFC, but I was thinking too small - Snape wants control of the entire of non-league football.

Great, this clown is back out of the circus with stupid comments

With comments like yours, is it any wonder why people troll this forum? Every single damn comment is taken literally.

If it really wasn’t that clear, I was taking the piss. OP was spouting conspiracy theorist bullshit, I countered with some of my own. Of course I don’t believe that John Snape engineered coronavirus to take control of Steps 5 and below of the football pyramid.

JFC

[Deleted]

Yes you are absolutely correct, i wish to talk about the future of non-league football and its clubs after coronavirus becuase its going to affect every step on the ladder below the Premier league and in particular the Non League clubs, and has ive mentioned much earlier i would like to hear what contingency plans the club if any have in place and when likely will they begin to put them into action based on the current status of the virus.
I truly believe its going to take at least until 2022 for things to get anywhere near stable again.
The Government and Football leagues Representatives have already said its unlikely sporting events will not allow large gatherings, what large constitutes is still up for debate, for the rest of this year.
So surely we cannot be so optimistic that the coming season will not be severely interrupted or suspended during the 2020-21 season?
As there been any announcements from the Midland League to clubs what they may decide to do if restrictions are in place its roughly 11 weeks until the start of a new season.

[Brooksiders Return!!]

I can see a massive shake up in the number of non-league football teams, and hence a shake up in leagues too. Its going to be very difficult for any non-league team to stay in business if next season is curtailed, as it may well be. Hundreds of clubs will most likely have to fully amateur again, which may not be a bad thing. As I said before, there are way too many non-league football clubs in the semi-professional leagues, its not sustainable, it hasnt been for years.

[Deleted]

May 13, 2020 15:53:50 GMT Brooksiders Return!! said:

I can see a massive shake up in the number of non-league football teams, and hence a shake up in leagues too. Its going to be very difficult for any non-league team to stay in business if next season is curtailed, as it may well be. Hundreds of clubs will most likely have to fully amateur again, which may not be a bad thing. As I said before, there are way too many non-league football clubs in the semi-professional leagues, its not sustainable, it hasnt been for years.

I agree amateur status and even more local league structure would both offer a solution and keep costs manageable, at least we would have seemingly local derbies almost every week, possibly would get a little boring thou.

[Deleted]

Maybe this was the kick up the backside football needed, but i would have preferred a less invasive and threatening reason to do so.

[Croc]

I’m sure we can fit you in. All depends on if you can use Microsoft Word.

[genghis]

Again, it’s so easy for anyone to troll this forum. Northinmysoul is probably laughing his balls off.

I’m surprised that downthelane hasn’t made an appearance yet.

[Croc]

Did you know grapes explode when you put them in the microwave...

[Deleted]

Nice article about Barry Williams......................

englishfootballretrotv.blogspot.com/2016/11/worcester-city-1991.html?m=0

[Croc]

Greenland cannot join the FIFA because not enough grass grows for a football field.

[jupu]

May 14, 2020 13:13:03 GMT @northinmysoul said:

Nice article about Barry Williams......................

englishfootballretrotv.blogspot.com/2016/11/worcester-city-1991.html?m=0

This was written by the late Bill Cook, who was the Club Historian and co-author of the Official History book.
It's good to read again but deserves its own thread as it's lost here.

Incidentally I'm finding this all quite entertaining, nice to see some traffic here after so little activity in recent weeks.

[genghis]

May 14, 2020 10:11:58 GMT @northinmysoul said:

May 14, 2020 9:06:48 GMT genghis said:

Again, it’s so easy for anyone to troll this forum. Northinmysoul is probably laughing his balls off.

I’m surprised that downthelane hasn’t made an appearance yet.

Look on my profile, i have been a member for 9 years or so, oh and look i mentioned about Football and Scandinavian teams in the past, but im using football in Norway to stalk CROC why would i suddenly start trolling anyone, grow up will yer, we all remember all the bollocks you were spouting about Snape a few seasons ago, didnt make many friends on here did yer!!!!

So ive been on here many years but what would that count for.

I had a mixed reaction when I revealed I was trolling all along. I think I’ve got on with most people since. Apparently, Preece still holds a grudge.

If you’re really not a troll, then let me ask you a question - what shape is the Earth?

[Deleted]

May 14, 2020 13:29:34 GMT jupu said:

May 14, 2020 13:13:03 GMT @northinmysoul said:

Nice article about Barry Williams......................

englishfootballretrotv.blogspot.com/2016/11/worcester-city-1991.html?m=0

This was written by the late Bill Cook, who was the Club Historian and co-author of the Official History book.
It's good to read again but deserves its own thread as it's lost here.

Incidentally I'm finding this all quite entertaining, nice to see some traffic here after so little activity in recent weeks.

I admit i didn't know that Bill Cook was club historian.
Is the Official History Book still available jupu?

Is there anyone on the forum who could work on it to make it clearer and more visible?

My IT skills are sadly lacking.

[The Verner]

May 14, 2020 13:29:48 GMT genghis said:

I had a mixed reaction when I revealed I was trolling all along. I think I’ve got on with most people since. Apparently, Preece still holds a grudge.

If you’re really not a troll, then let me ask you a question - what shape is the Earth?

When did you reveal that?

I think you will find staff and some players became annoyed with the comments over "lackys" as it could have been aimed at us

Most of your posts since then on other matters have been spot on.

[genghis]

May 14, 2020 13:43:33 GMT The Verner said:

May 14, 2020 13:29:48 GMT genghis said:

I had a mixed reaction when I revealed I was trolling all along. I think I’ve got on with most people since. Apparently, Preece still holds a grudge.

If you’re really not a troll, then let me ask you a question - what shape is the Earth?

When did you reveal that?

I think you will find staff and some players became annoyed with the comments over "lackys" as it could have been aimed at us

Most of your posts since then on other matters have been spot on.

I had to look back, it was apparently 17th September 2017 in the below
thread.

citybanterboard.proboards.com/thread/4877/quorn

And yep, you’re quite correct. Once it started to snowball past being just a laugh that I would have after having a few drinks at the pub, when players and staff members started to pay attention, I thought it best to put the joke to bed.

[genghis]

May 14, 2020 14:18:02 GMT genghis said:

May 14, 2020 13:43:33 GMT The Verner said:

When did you reveal that?

I think you will find staff and some players became annoyed with the comments over "lackys" as it could have been aimed at us

Most of your posts since then on other matters have been spot on.

I had to look back, it was apparently 17th September 2017 in the below
thread.

citybanterboard.proboards.com/thread/4877/quorn

And yep, you’re quite correct. Once it started to snowball past being just a laugh that I would have after having a few drinks at the pub, when players and staff members started to pay attention, I thought it best to put the joke to bed.

Btw, who was it who created the ‘lackey’ user account?

[Deleted]

I'd like to start a new Thread, but its not easy finding how.

Just came across this on Youtube, An interview with Roger Davies the former city striker, he mentions his time there around 9.10 of the interview if anyone is interested, didnt realize Cloughie actually came down to the club to watch him and discuss a transfer with club officals, sadly he calls St Georges Lane, Park.

[jupu]

May 14, 2020 13:39:26 GMT @northinmysoul said:

May 14, 2020 13:29:34 GMT jupu said:

This was written by the late Bill Cook, who was the Club Historian and co-author of the Official History book.
It's good to read again but deserves its own thread as it's lost here.

Incidentally I'm finding this all quite entertaining, nice to see some traffic here after so little activity in recent weeks.

I admit i didn't know that Bill Cook was club historian.
Is the Official History Book still available jupu?

Is there anyone on the forum who could work on it to make it clearer and more visible?

My IT skills are sadly lacking.

Yes, via the club website:

www.worcestercityfc.org/payments/official-history-of-worcester-city-47313.html

Alternatively send me a personal message via this forum or contact me in Messenger.