fulbourn game Options

[clive hillier]

Anyone with any knowledge/interest in this afternoon's match? How did it go and are we any nearer to knowing which of the trialists will be staying? etc etc.
Surprised no one's posted.
3 Hours later.......
Amazing. not one reply despite all the members and others who have viewed this. Didn't anyone go? Probably not. Only 309 bothered to watch Luton so what chance Fulbourn!! I do hope that a miracle happens before the Club disappears into Suffolk!!

[foffmate]

City 1 Fulbourn 1. City trained for an hour before playing 3 x 30 minute sessions. Fulbourn took the lead after 20 mins and Nightingale hit a fantastic equaliser from Krauses cross a minute later. The team changed frequently , the wind was bad and the pitch rockhard so dont read anything into it. Certain players were resting knocks like Sands and we only had one striker (Hammond) who missed a late penalty. The players did more running after the game and fitness levels are increasing ready for the real thing. As for the triallists who knows but I think 2 or 3 will be gone before the game on thursday v. United .

[Warney]

I agree Clive, took ages for anyone to even give a scoreline on here. I know its summer and friendlies aren't everyone's cup of tea but still.

We have the basis of a superb team this year. We have a Manager whom we trust and is approachable and yet still there is so much apathy.

I posted a simple easy and cheap fundraising idea on here months ago and 1 person replied with their support. We still have no main sponsor. Where is the desire and passion? Come on City 'fans' it's great those that go to home games but we need some serious drive from everyone to support the team and the board financially and its the same few that do give. We have some of the best fans in terms of vocal support home and away but it must be more in terms of revenue. We need more as this could be the most exciting year on the pitch for some time. Please support Gary and the board. Have your say with ideas

[foffmate]

The reason the club struggles in my opinion is that everyone thinks someone else should do the fundraising etc ,and the Board are going to save the situation so we dont have to do anything . Well as Warney and Clive have stated where is the interest?. Almost the same 12 fans did the Shelford and Fulbourn games .YES 12 fans . 25 fans maybe at Newmarket and only 300 for Luton on a beautiful evening on a beautiful pitch . It is pretty shocking . The apathy is going to take this club down if people cant even be bothered to even watch the football . There are a few people trying to keep the club afloat and the majority dont lift a finger or even bother to really support our club. By the way amongst the TWELVE fans at those friendlies there were 4 Board members which says it all . Its a good job they care .

[keef]

One simple way fans can help out is to advertise the games in their local pubs and shops when the season get going, but a easy way to raise funds is to ask your local shops if they want to advertise in the programme or on the website or around the ground ?

The Commercial rates will be on the website and in the programme soon but if you need them now ask Bob Brownlie.

I don't think not watching pre-season games is a true reflection on fans loyality or commitment. Don't forget many of us still enjoy the summer activities and may even be away on holidays. Football in the summer months isn't always on the top of peoples priority lists of thiongs to do.

I do hope though that we can get a good turn out on Thursday

[Cambsdon]

In fairness, could the Fulbourn/Shelford games be classed as proper football matches? I did consider going along to the Fulbourn one but found out it was 3x30 minutes and therfore didn't bother. As for the 'poor' turnout v Luton, I know at least 3 neutrals who were put off by the £10 entry fee for a pre-season match involving trialists. Poorly attended pre-season games are not a reflection of loyalty, just as you shouldn't read too much into the scorelines in them, either.

[Lilywhite]

In fairness, could the Fulbourn/Shelford games be classed as proper football matches? ....... As for the 'poor' turnout v Luton, I know at least 3 neutrals who were put off by the £10 entry fee for a pre-season match involving trialists.

I agree Cambsdon. The Fulbourn and Shelford games were no more than training sessions who on here normally attends training sessions during the season? Frankly I have to commit to other things during the summer months and couldn't justify attending.

On the Luton game attendance we have to start living in the real world and accept what we are. We don't have thousands supporting us anymore. Lets face it 300 odd is our usual attendance for a league game so why the shock horror because we get that for a friendly. No disrespect to Luton but "who are they" hardly a major draw and when you charge £10 to get in then what do you expect?? Personally I thought 309 was pretty good.

Next we play Cam Utd. Last season we had 650 for this fixture. If we suggest 200 were City fans then Utd who average 3000 brought only 450. Does this mean they don't care about their side? no, of course it doesn't.

[neilh]

City's team: Barrett, Nicell, Chaffey, Theobald, Krause, Nightingale, Burke, Cambridge, Hammond, Kennedy, Abbs. Subs Elenge, O'Brien, Ashie, Rogers, McGowan. All subs came on.

[foffmate]

With the greatest respect Lilywhite when you say Luton Town " who are they" the answer is probably the best side you will see at Milton Road all season. As for the £10 "what do you expect " it was probably our most attractive friendly and the club were hoping for a moneyspinner. The club is expensive to run so lets all pay our tenner to watch United on thursday AND go in the bar and have a drink . That is the support that we need after all its a tenner to watch Swindon Supermarine in the middle of winter .I do concede it is the middle of summer and people have other commitments but it's the club that need the fans to get there if they can and support our best friendlies.

[clive hillier]

The Shelford and Fulbourn games, I agree, were indeed of little interest or consequence , rather like the old ' behind closed doors ' matches, a means of testing trialists, and a further step towards match fitness for the probable League starting squad.
My point was that no one could be bothered to report anything on the Forum or Website as to the result, but more importantly, the progress of the team and trialists. Warney and foffmate appeared to understand my point, the main issue being APATHY, which is spreading around Milton Road like the plague.
I am an optimist at heart but I really cannot feel anything but pessimism with the way support for CITY is currently.
Regarding the Luton game, I must disagree with the earlier post. Luton Town are a huge Club at this level, and have been a major force in previous decades in the Football League. I really feel we missed the boat a bit with this match. Little or no promotion of the game was the main reason for only 309 attending. More could have been made of the Club's connections over the years and maybe one of those who have performed for both Clubs over the years might have been invited as a Guest. Reg Pearce, Brendan McNally, Bernard Streten, George Cummins etc etc (yes I know, the latter 2 are no longer with us) The Club is in desperate need of someone to rally the troops, stir up some interest and fervour etc. To remind everyone what a great Club Cambridge City F.C. is. From a supporters view that is.
Some may think that I have been over critical of the Board in some respects. They have weaknesses, as we all have, but if there is any doubt let me say that I have the greatest respect for Kevin Satchell as Chairman of this Football Club. If anyone can point us towards, and take us to the next level it is Kevin. His Board and loyal helpers will do their utmost to do what's best for the Club.
My concerns are that there are far too many fans who do nothing and say nothing. Many can't even be bothered to speak to each other, despite that they all have one common denominator, their love of the Club. Little has been forthcoming during the summer as regards helping out at the Ground re decorating etc etc. Too many other committments in the summer, holidays etc etc!! Do me a favour.
Even this Forum, though it does attract a lot of interest, is generally patronised only by the same dozen or so fans. Yet one so-called fan posted a reply to a topic describing some as " bollocks threads " !! I know who it was, though he hastily removed that particular offensive part by editing it within a few minutes, hoping that no one would have had time to read it. It's people like this that make me sick, criticising others who are joining in good mannered debate, and having a good time doing so.
So will City still be around in 5 years time, after our sojourn into Suffolk??
Or will that move sound the death knell for our City??
Every fan MUST support Andrew in his idea of a 300 Club(see that topic) for starters. That will provide some good revenue, but what is even more important is better attendances. Even 500 average would be good.
There are many top people involved at Milton Road, both behind the scenes and on the terraces. But there are a few knobs as well. More than a few, actually. Everyone has a part to play, and that's not to just come along, pay their entrance fee, kick buggery out of the back of the shed, watch the match and go home. I bet none of them have been to the Ground in the summer with a paintbrush!!
I felt compelled to post this after feeling quite depressed at the poor turn-out for the Luton match. This season's squad shows promise, with Barrett, Krause, Chaffrey, Theobold, Cambridge, Kennedy a very strong backbone ( I don't go as far as some have, though). All these players stand in comparison with the greats of the Club over the last 50 years. Can you believe I was cheered up by spending the majority of the match in the company of the Histon F.C. President :?!!! (Peter Betson - old classmates at the Manor School - Maths teacher and Football team manager was the old Cambridge Town forward Jack Chapman). It made a change from people I've seen at the Ground for donkey's years walking straight past me without a glance. Is it just Cambridge people who are like this because I've never really come across it in Peterborough or elsewhere ?
Anyway, let's all hope for a good season, with a new attitude from some and increased support. We then might have a chance.

[Cambsdon]

Going back to the subject of the 'poor' Luton attendance, and possible 'poor' attendances/lack of interest at Milton Road next season. It's worth pointing out that if you look at other East Anglian non-league clubs, below BS Premier Level, their attendances are far worse than City. Most of the Essex Ryman clubs struggle to get 100 through the gate.

For years this debate of 'how do we get more people interested in CCFC?' has been running and for years no-one has been able to answer it. On-field success will no doubt bring in extra fans, but as Histon have shown, they will vanish as quickly as they came.

Everything in this modern world is about money, publicity, fame, quick fixes and entertainment. I'm not sure City or 99% of the other clubs below BSP level can offer that, hence there's no interest or desire to attend matches, especially as there are endless games on TV. I really don't know what the answer is to solve the apathy around City or Thurrock or Harrow Borough or Leyton or Chipstead or X, Y, Z?

[SamT]

Clive, you really have to stop being so abusive about our supporters. You seem to have a problem with shed-goers. Why you do have I have no idea.

[CAMBRIDGEJON]

Also Clive some of us have job which involves long hours etc ..i would like to do more but i just don't have the time !

[clive hillier]

Clive, you really have to stop being so abusive about our supporters. You seem to have a problem with shed-goers. Why you do have I have no idea.

Abusive? Abuse is rude or offensive criticism, which it is not. It is fact. Criminal Damage to property owned by the Football Club they're supposed to support.!!! Did any of them turn up to help Len Satchell repair the damage? Were you one of them Sam T? Shame on you for condoning such wanton damage. You obviously think that all is fine and no one must criticise the supporters who never lift a finger when help is required.
Who's next to avoid the issue and have a go at me then?

[Jim The Tyreman]

I'm sick to the back teeth of being told I'm not attending the matches and helping the club or posting on the chat site!

Bloody hell man, I made my own brother redundant this summer! I've just got in after starting work at 7:30am!

What more is a supporter to bloody do?

I turn up WHEN I can, I sing with the shed (Out of tune), I buy my 50/50 ticket, my girls spend loads of my change on all sorts of City stuff!

Back off Clive!! I'm doing my best! If it's not to your standard then maybe you've lost City another supporter?

[SamT]

Seriously Clive.

I don't condone criminal damage.
I am confident that I caused no damage at City.
Everyone knows Len is a godsend to the club - including his amazing handyman skills. Credit where credit is due.
I'd like there to be less apathy at the club, with more volunteers.
However, in terms of volunteers per fan I think that we actually do pretty well compared with other clubs and organisations.
You are abusive and negative about people you don't know and have not met.

[clive hillier]

Calm down Jim. Never have my criticisms been aimed at you. What makes you think they were?
As Warney and foffmate commented earlier, apathy reigns at the Club and my comments were aimed at those who never contribute anything apart from paying their entrance fee, watching the match, and going home.
The vandalism of the Shed is just another irritant, where only some of the regulars were responsible. Totally unnecessary, wouldn't you say?
Sam T, you should get rid of those rose-tinted glasses. Or is that abusive too ? Your opinions are not the same as those held by Club officials who work closely with you. That's a fact. So maybe it's because you consider it an honour to be held in some sort of esteem by those prone to damaging other people's property!
Maybe we should cease this particular thread now

[Cambsdon]

Well I think none of you are real fans unless you saw Alf McTaggert bundle the ball in off his todger, away at Workington in 1937. Ahh, memories.

[SamT]

It's not so much that we should cease the thread now, its that you shouldn't have hijacked it to go on about how terrible City fans are.

I only wish that we had more people who came, paid their money and went home. About 400 more. I'm all for encouraging people to volunteer - indeed its a regular feature of the trust newsletter Kate and I produce. But if you barrack people agressively all the time then they won't necessarily do more work. They might just stop coming. If there is one thing worse than an apathetic City fan, its an apathetic ex-City fan.

So lets all come together, help out as much as we can - but let's not get too down on ourselves either, nor blame people who don't want to get involved past being an ordinary football fan.

Clive, I admire your passion and your committment, but some of the negative stuff needs to be toned down a bit I think.

Cheers,

Sam

Oh, and P.S. You seem to think that "turn up, go home" is a synonym for shed-goers. It isn't. Just about every shed regular has donated (*very* generously in some instances) to the Summer Fund or Trust Share Fund, or supported a trust or club event in the last year.

[clive hillier]

It's not a case of having the last word - feel free, anyone, to have another go, but this will be my last post.
Why is it though, that,although I have never aimed my criticisms at any one person, but in general, unpleasant remarks about me are perfectly acceptable?
Why can I not be critical of those who have caused wanton vandalism to the Shed? I have made no other criticism of those who frequent the Shed.
My points have been the same as others, but it's probably easier to have a go at me because many of you don't know me personally.
And yes, I do tend to live in the past Camsdon. I make no apologies for that. It'll come to you all as you get older, lamenting the sportsmanship, good behaviour, and friendliness of days gone by, when celebrating a goal was carried out by jumping up & down with joy and applauding loudly, rather than bating opposing supporters etc etc.
I will be interested to see how much of this fervour is still around next season.