Re: Our future

By Rebel Yeller2/9/2021 16:13Thu Sep 2 16:13:41 2021In response to Re: Our future

Views: 814

I am sure that Wakes is right - I would be very surprised if more than 2 or 3 players at Staines are receiving any money at all. Staines are not alone in this. Although most clubs have bar income which Staines do not, I suspect that the majority clubs at Step 4 are not spending much on players. There are exceptions of course - Bracknell are spending a lot - and those that have the most money usually win. That's just life.

Staines not owning their own ground is their biggest problem imo. I understand how the situation has arisen - Alan Boon acted with the good of the club at heart. But selling your primary asset is never good. Many clubs have got in trouble after problems with private landlords - Abingdon Town, Whyteleafe, Slough Town, Dulwich Hamlet, the list is long, and likely to get longer.

Arthur is pessimistic saying that Staines Town could be at the same level as Staines Lammas (Step 7). Step 4 to Step 7 is a big drop, and as someone who watches Step 7 and below, I can confirm that entry prices are almost always zero, hardly any teams have any supporters and that even the Monday Staines team would wipe the floor with most at Step 7.

Free fall is possible though...look at Molesey, Godalming Town or AFC Hayes...all clubs who not so long ago were at Step 4, now all struggling. Staines are a long way from that, and let's all hope that it stays that way.