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Post by Pete Helsby on Apr 19, 2023 19:13:38 GMT 1
Im aware of the stories about possibly installing an all weather surface at the Lane. All l know is that one isnt any nearer now that it has ever been as far as Im aware
I only make make comment about this after watching our semi final at Lancing last night. Did anyone else notice the way the ball bounced last night. It seemed to be a real dull thud and there wasnt a lot of normal bounce either. Just in front of me was the incident where we conceeded their goal. The ball bounced right next to Cam Black and he appeared to mis judge it. But it didnt appear bounce properly and also spun towards him. This caused him to mis hit it. I also noted this happened a few more times during the game. Im also sure that people must have notice the sand bounce up the ball hit the surface.
I have never been keen on all weather pitches having refereed at QPR and Luton when they were first introduced. I accept they are different now than they were then but lm not convinced about them. I realise there is a monetary arguement for the and it and it would normally negate the the need for pitch inspections but that still wouldnt persuade me. I will always be in favour of grass over man made material. Perhaps its an age thing!!!
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dingle
Club Stalwart
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Post by dingle on Apr 20, 2023 20:36:07 GMT 1
Yeah, I'm with you on this one Pete.
Could be our age as you say but seriously I can't see it ever happening at the lane.
The pitch/playing surface is fantastic and the envy of many other clubs. It would be sacrilege to dig it up despite the advantages of having an all-weather surface as an extra form of income.
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BBB
Loyal Supporter
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Post by BBB on Apr 20, 2023 23:32:53 GMT 1
On the other thread it has been mentioned that the playing budget is being prudently set so the club is sustainable. Of course this is the right decision as living beyond your means requires a generous benefactor to bankroll the difference or ends in serious failure. If the playing budget is connected to income, what could change to increase the level of income to the club which could then improve the playing squad? I'm not sure there are many other options to increase income anything more than marginally outside of developing an all weather pitch. I have no idea what the difference in cost and income would be but seems like something that could make a positive difference and could be more achievable than substantially increasing gates, sponsorship, events and catering income.
I like grass as well but i would prefer to watch a decent team competing regularly around the top of the league on an artificial pitch rather than a not-great team in lower mid table mediocrity playing on grass.
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Post by Pete Helsby on Apr 21, 2023 10:14:47 GMT 1
Thyere is no doubt that the main reason for some clubs operating with artificial surfaces is to improve income. Not sure it would at our club because there are already one or two all weather training areas around the town.
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Post by moregeriatricfan on Apr 21, 2023 16:33:41 GMT 1
I am with Pete on this one, All weather surfaces do provide a plus with income, however that is probably the only reason to go for it. That of course is obvious, however there is the big issue of player welfare to consider. The surface has to be harder on the players joints, with this probably not showing itself for a number of years. Ironically the worst surface I have seen this year was the plastic pitch at Carshalton. where the ball didn't even roll properly and bounced like the surfaces at QPR and Luton used to. As Worthing found, if the pitch is not installed properly all sorts of problems can occur. Give me a decent grass pitch anytime.
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Post by cityboy on Apr 21, 2023 18:26:12 GMT 1
A lot of people commenting here about astro turf pitches. Were any of you at the club meeting last season when the future of the club was discussed and the pathway ahead and the future of the club?
People complain about loanees at the club and ask why can't we have our own players?
Players cost money which the pitch would bring in so therefore hopefully the playing budget maybe increased and quality of players increased.
Bringing in our own players we need to create an academy which needs to be coached the astro would allow this. A grass pitch would not be able to sustain a greater amount of use
The ladies section, which is thriving would also have regular access to a astro pitch again allowing grant applications for the club.
Youth football would have use of pitches regularly. All teams adults, ladies and youth teams are behind with fixtures due to the weather we have had this year.
On a weekend playing time could be as much as 12 hours a day !!!
With that bar and catering facilities would be in use making extra funds
An example of astro turf use is obvious at Worthing where their pitch is so busy they rent a council astto pitch to train on because it costs less than what they can make on their pitch.
Yes it is about money, but its also about the long term development of the club.
I would love us to have a grass pitch, however I am a realist, and long term I want what's best for the club.
Talking to people the pitch the club is hoping to get is one similiar to Sutton United's old pitch which was one of the best artificial pitches I have ever seen.
These are just my views and I am sure many will disagree, but for the long term future of the club it is a route we have to go down.
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Post by Pete Helsby on Apr 21, 2023 19:31:31 GMT 1
A lot of people commenting here about astro turf pitches. Were any of you at the club meeting last season when the future of the club was discussed and the pathway ahead and the future of the club? People complain about loanees at the club and ask why can't we have our own players? Players cost money which the pitch would bring in so therefore hopefully the playing budget maybe increased and quality of players increased. Bringing in our own players we need to create an academy which needs to be coached the astro woild allow this. A grass pitch would not be able to sustain a greater amount of use The ladies section, which is thriving would also have regular access to a astro pitch again allowing grant applications for the club. Youth football would have use of pitches regularly. All teams adults, ladies and youth teams are behind with fixtures due to the weather we have had this year. On a weekend playing time could be as much as 12 hours a day !!! With that bar and catering facilities would be in use making extra funds An example of astro turf use is obvious at Worthing where yheir pitch is so busy they rent a council astto pitch to train on because it costs less than what they can make on their pitch. Yes it is about money, but its also about the long term development of the club. I would love us to have a grass pitch, however I am a realist, and longvterm I want what's best for the club. Talking to people the pitch the club is hoping to get is one similiar to Sutton United's old pitch which was one of the best artificial pitvhes I have ever seen. These are just my views and I am sure many will disagree, but for the long term future of the club it is a route we have to go down. |
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Post by Pete Helsby on Apr 21, 2023 19:32:21 GMT 1
You are right, l totally disagree with most of what you say.
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fyfe1
Loyal Supporter
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Post by fyfe1 on Apr 21, 2023 19:49:20 GMT 1
You are right, l totally disagree with most of what you say. You're not alone Pete, pretty much all of Bognor Regis Town FC fan base thinks he talks a load of b0li4cks |
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Post by Irish Rock on Apr 21, 2023 22:13:56 GMT 1
Certainly do!
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Post by cityboy on Apr 21, 2023 23:05:59 GMT 1
You are right, l totally disagree with most of what you say. You're not alone Pete, pretty much all of Bognor Regis Town FC fan base thinks he talks a load of b0li4cks Like I said Pete we all have opinions which we are entitled to. Mine are based on a realistic monetary basis not a sentimental basis. Like I also said I would love to keep the grass pitch, however the pitch would not allow us to facilitate all the things that the pathway ahead wants to achieve 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️ |
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Post by statto on Apr 22, 2023 9:04:33 GMT 1
Thyere is no doubt that the main reason for some clubs operating with artificial surfaces is to improve income. Not sure it would at our club because there are already one or two all weather training areas around the town. But other clubs with 3G have other all weather surfaces in their town too. There are four alternatives within the Worthing area to Woodside Road, for example. But I think a large majority of us are holding the same hymn sheet. We would all much prefer the Nye Camp with grass. But there are numerous benefits of 3G as stated elsewhere. If it happens I can only hope we can end up not only with a decent surface but also with decent posts and nets, like at Havant and at Herne Bay for example. Not one of those utter monstrosities with wheels on the sides. |
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Post by Pete Helsby on Apr 22, 2023 9:27:37 GMT 1
Thyere is no doubt that the main reason for some clubs operating with artificial surfaces is to improve income. Not sure it would at our club because there are already one or two all weather training areas around the town. But other clubs with 3G have other all weather surfaces in their town too. There are four alternatives within the Worthing area to Woodside Road, for example. But I think a large majority of us are holding the same hymn sheet. We would all much prefer the Nye Camp with grass. But there are numerous benefits of 3G as stated elsewhere. If it happens I can only hope we can end up not only with a decent surface but also with decent posts and nets, like at Havant and at Herne Bay for example. Not one of those utter monstrosities with wheels on the sides. I dinnt question your right to have an opinion so why have you brought that up. This board is all about opinions. Everyone has a right to make them. Please dont accuse me of something that I did not state. |
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Post by statto on Apr 22, 2023 9:35:06 GMT 1
And I’m not questioning your right either Pete.
You said you weren’t sure that the club would make money because of similar alternatives in the town. I was stating that other clubs with 3G have the same problem.
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paul
Club Stalwart
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Post by paul on Apr 22, 2023 9:37:22 GMT 1
And I’m not questioning your right either Pete. You said you weren’t sure that the club would make money because of similar alternatives in the town. I was stating that other clubs with 3G have the same problem. Statto, I think Pete quoted the wrong post… |
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Post by cityboy on Apr 22, 2023 9:38:38 GMT 1
You are right, l totally disagree with most of what you say. So I have an opinion and you totally disagree with it🤔🤔🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️ Am I not allowed this opinion? |
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Post by Pete Helsby on Apr 22, 2023 9:43:15 GMT 1
I disagreed with it but I didnt question your right to state it. Big difference. Are you out to create a full blown argument as you usually do on here if that is the case I will make no more comments on this thread.
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Post by Pete Helsby on Apr 22, 2023 9:44:53 GMT 1
Sorry Statto, I made a mistake mate, I quoited yours and it should have been another post.
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Post by cityboy on Apr 22, 2023 10:00:03 GMT 1
I disagreed with it but I didnt question your right to state it. Big difference. Are you out to create a full blown argument as you usually do on here if that is the case I will make no more comments on this thread. Not at all Pete. Just stating my views and as you correctly said we are all entitled to opinions. Sometimes we might not agree but my points were based on what was said at the open meeting which I don't believe you attended. The points raised on that day were well delivered, and thought out before being put before those that attended and were a blue print of what the club hoped to achieve to take the club forward. Therefore please don't accuse me of trying to start something which I have not done !!!! |
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Post by Pete Helsby on Apr 22, 2023 10:35:00 GMT 1
I disagreed with it but I didnt question your right to state it. Big difference. Are you out to create a full blown argument as you usually do on here if that is the case I will make no more comments on this thread. Not at all Pete. Just stating my views and as you correctly said we are all entitled to opinions. Sometimes we might not agree but my points were based on what was said at the open meeting which I don't believe you attended. The points raised on that day were well delivered, and thought out before being put before those that attended and were a blue print of what the club hoped to achieve to take the club forward. Therefore please don't accuse me of trying to start something which I have not done !!!! |
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Post by jackswoolyhat on Apr 22, 2023 10:37:53 GMT 1
In a nutshell....
All of us would prefer to play on grass.
In order to increase our income we need more people using our facilities.
The club now have 30+ teams under their umbrella.
The proven method in non-league football to increasing your income and becoming sustainable is to install a 3G pitch, receive daily income from it and have the bar open 7 days a week (see Havant, Worthing, Horsham).
We have to decide what ambition we have and at what level we think we can realistically aim for and sustain.
My personal view is that I believe we have the potential to establish ourselves in National League South.
However, with out current overheads and budget that is unlikely.
If we accept the fact that our constitution as a members clubs makes it unlikely for us to attract a major benefactor, we then need to decide if we want to try and compete equally with say Worthing and Havant & Waterlooville or choose to decide as a club we remain closer to the standard of clubs like Chichester and Littlehampton.
We are at a crossroads, unfortunately the time is very near when we need to decide which route we wish to take.
I agree with Pete that I prefer to watch football played on grass.
I agree with Dave that to be competitive at level 3 or above whilst being sustainable we need to change our current financial model.
At Lancing on Tuesday we had 6 loan players starting which is horrible.
But currently it seems that's the best we can attract or afford in order to put out a competitive side in level 3.
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Post by cityboy on Apr 22, 2023 11:43:12 GMT 1
In a nutshell.... All of us would prefer to play on grass. In order to increase our income we need more people using our facilities. The club now have 30+ teams under their umbrella. The proven method in non-league football to increasing your income and becoming sustainable is to install a 3G pitch, receive daily income from it and have the bar open 7 days a week (see Havant, Worthing, Horsham). We have to decide what ambition we have and at what level we think we can realistically aim for and sustain. My personal view is that I believe we have the potential to establish ourselves in National League South. However, with out current overheads and budget that is unlikely. If we accept the fact that our constitution as a members clubs makes it unlikely for us to attract a major benefactor, we then need to decide if we want to try and compete equally with say Worthing and Havant & Waterlooville or choose to decide as a club we remain closer to the standard of clubs like Chichester and Littlehampton. We are at a crossroads, unfortunately the time is very near when we need to decide which route we wish to take. I agree with Pete that I prefer to watch football played on grass. I agree with Dave that to be competitive at level 3 or above whilst being sustainable we need to change our current financial model. At Lancing on Tuesday we had 6 loan players starting which is horrible. But currently it seems that's the best we can attract or afford in order to put out a competitive side in level 3. 100% the situation described perfectly !!! |
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Post by Simon Cook (Honorary Secretary on Apr 22, 2023 12:48:24 GMT 1
In response to the comment about six loan players - we are only allowed to play a maximum of five loan players in any match, and we played five on Tuesday. For the avoidance of any doubt, Joe Rabbetts was a loan player earlier in the season, but is no longer on loan.
Simon Cook
Club Secretary
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Post by moregeriatricfan on Apr 22, 2023 18:43:56 GMT 1
In response to the comment about six loan players - we are only allowed to play a maximum of five loan players in any match, and we played five on Tuesday. For the avoidance of any doubt, Joe Rabbetts was a loan player earlier in the season, but is no longer on loan.
And lets hope we can sign him permanently.
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dingle
Club Stalwart
Posts: 215
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Post by dingle on Apr 22, 2023 22:13:42 GMT 1
Jackswoolyhat has summed up the situation perfectly with regard to the future ambition of the club and striking the right balance financially.
He more or less confirms my thoughts on this made on another thread on 17th and 20th April.
As it stands we more likely to compete with the likes of Chichester and Littlehampton than, say, Eastbourne Borough or Worthing. Nothing wrong in that-it is just reality.
Striking the right balance financially is not easy and as Pete Helsby has rightly pointed out we don't want to go back to the bad old days when the club was in a financial mess.
Its just a shame we cant remain financially stable and have a better team to seriously challenge for promotion.
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Post by stevebone on Apr 24, 2023 11:12:19 GMT 1
Artificial pitches great for training / six a side / what have you. Proper football should be played on grass. That's a (grass) hill I am prepared to die on!
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Post by Pete Helsby on Apr 24, 2023 12:21:11 GMT 1
Artificial pitches great for training / six a side / what have you. Proper football should be played on grass. That's a (grass) hill I am prepared to die on! Yes Steve. |
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Post by rebellious on Apr 24, 2023 13:33:10 GMT 1
Artificial pitches great for training / six a side / what have you. Proper football should be played on grass. That's a (grass) hill I am prepared to die on! What is proper football? |
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Post by Irish Rock on Apr 24, 2023 14:04:23 GMT 1
The sort that Worthing play....................
Ha Ha only joking, couldn't resist.
Seriously though, proper football is football as it was meant to be, football as it's been played for the last how many centuries.
Variety, grass pitches in January do not play the same way as they do in July for example, a sliding tackle (ask Jack Pearce to show you, he was very good at them) on a wet muddy pitch results in a lot of mud on your shorts and on a 'plastic' pitch leaves a very painful 'burn' on your leg.
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Post by rebellious on Apr 24, 2023 14:58:00 GMT 1
There's many a true word spoken in jest!
I've had many grass burns on grass pitches.
If you are old enough to have seen a Jack Pearce slide tackle then you will have noticed Havant, Eastbourne, Dorking, Worthing and Horsham overtake and leave Bognor behind. The progress made by Hastings, Chichester, Littlehampton, Lancing, Horndean and Portchester could easily leave Bognor playing football as it was meant to be with teams it's not meant to be playing against.
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