Next season

[Shepperton Supporter]

I understand that Chelmsford are going full time next season and one can presume that the relegated clubs coming into our league will also be that or hybrid versions. Not sure about those promoted, but it is becoming more apparent that this form of training is becoming the normal, thus putting pressure on clubs like ours to remain competitive , Slough have announced that their budget will now be more competitive and Farnborough have indicated they are looking for more investment. We have also indicated a more competitive budget, so it might mean we and clubs with a similar training structure might be fishing in the same pool for players?
Football at our level is becoming different from what it was just a few years ago.

[JimS]

It seems incredible that there are full time clubs at our level although I suppose it depends on the definition of "full time". It doesn't seem sustainable and things are likely to collapse when the money men decide to go elsewhere. If I was a player with a decent job I would think twice about giving it up for a season or two as a full time player.

[EastTerracer]

It seems incredible that there are full time clubs at our level although I suppose it depends on the definition of "full time". It doesn't seem sustainable and things are likely to collapse when the money men decide to go elsewhere. If I was a player with a decent job I would think twice about giving it up for a season or two as a full time player.

It probably depends on the revenue you are creating. Some NLS clubs have more than 3 times our average attendance.

[Shepperton Supporter]

It’s not just their gate receipts but also their commercial income and sponsors, Dorking is a good example of this. We seem to have let this slip in the last couple of season. For example, ground advertising, player kit sponsorship etc. if we can get these aspects of income generating going well then not only will gate revenue increase but we can plough some of this additional income into the team and capital projects.

[JimS]

It seems incredible that there are full time clubs at our level although I suppose it depends on the definition of "full time". It doesn't seem sustainable and things are likely to collapse when the money men decide to go elsewhere. If I was a player with a decent job I would think twice about giving it up for a season or two as a full time player.

It probably depends on the revenue you are creating. Some NLS clubs have more than 3 times our average attendance.

That's true. If you had the gates and revenues of a Football League club (and could reasonably be expected to maintain these) then going full-time in our league might just be sustainable - although there are a few FL clubs where this clearly isn't the case.

It also depends what quality of full-time player you want of course.

[Shepperton Supporter]

Picking up on the full time players and their standard.
An experienced one will require a wage that we could not afford and at least a two year contract. You might get an older player who is looking to start a career in coaching and/or management
A released young player might be cheaper but would look for again a two year contact and possibly accommodation.
You can be lucky to get a young released player who is local and sees it as a chance to restart their career.

[Shepperton Supporter]

I read that Scott Harris has resigned at Ks no doubt he will take a lot of players with him as he did when he left Walton.. Not sure many of them are at step 2 standard.

[Shepperton Supporter]

I note that several clubs in our league are publishing their season ticket prices with early bird offers. Any idea when we will do likewise?

[BeaverWatcher]

Chairmans update today
New Floodlights
New Irrigation System
5 players confirmed but working hard for more, no need to panic, no announcements yet
Friendlies locked in and will be announced when able
Reduced admission and season ticket prices and simpler pricing as well.
Volunteers needed but have people already stepping forward
Working closely with Trust

Overall exceptionally positive.

[geedub]

Excellent update from Ben as usual. (Link for those without Twitter accounts now.)
Sounds like Ben is dealing with a lot himself now. Not sure if Will King has completely left the club yet or that is at the end of the month. In any event, hope Ben has enough support around him to stay on top of everything.

The possibility that the floodlight work could spill into the start of the season was a little worrying but fingers crossed that is not the case (or perhaps we will be OK to play afternoon matches at the Bev before the work is finally completed anyway.)

[Tony]

Chairmans update today
New Floodlights
New Irrigation System
5 players confirmed but working hard for more, no need to panic, no announcements yet
Friendlies locked in and will be announced when able
Reduced admission and season ticket prices and simpler pricing as well.
Volunteers needed but have people already stepping forward
Working closely with Trust

Overall exceptionally positive.

I think some of the regular season ticket prices will in fact increase for some who have enjoyed no increase in the last couple of seasons. Overall good message on headline match day prices. £19 was getting beyond a joke.

[Adam]

Wouldn’t surprise me if the team from a higher level friendly is AFC Wimbledon. As they are still in the playoffs.

Good news re ticket pricing, a simpler approach sounds better. £19 on the gate was ridiculous for the level.
£285 adult season ticket might be less than the peak from last season but as a renewal I think I only paid £220 so could be a 29% increase.

Pitch and floodlight work all sounds positive, sounds like later home friendlies so the pitch is ready.