My Football Club - A failed project

My Football Club - A failed project

These views are my own and are not intended to cause offence to anyone, it is just something for everyone to think and talk about.

February 2008. The month My Football Club, a worldwide society, bought 75% shares in my Club - Ebbsfleet United. Some say the Club would have ceased to exist if they hadn't of come in and 'saved us', well now with them we could cease to exist.

With 30,000 members paying £35 a year, the Club were in good shape for a while but for those fans who paid their good money week in week out, it became clear that this was a bad move. My Football Club was attracting interest from all over the World but would these 30,000 'fans' really stick around? Of course they wouldn't. It's an adventure to these people, it started off as a real life "Football Manager". Members were told they could vote on the team, tactics, etc. Of course you'd love to pick your own team at the Club you support, but these weren't supporters of Ebbsfleet United Football Club. In fact, the majority of them probably hadn't even heard of the club before! They were messing with our Football Club.

May 2008. Lifelong 'Fleet fans were rewarded for their support with a trip to Wembley to see their team. The FA Trophy final against Torquay United. Despite a not so great game, the 'Fleet managed to win. Little old Ebbsfleet pulling off a victory at Wembley? It was one of the greatest days in Ebbsfleet's History. 26,000+ Ebbsfleet 'fans' turned up. Where are they now?

My Football Club take the plaudits for our win at Wembley. Of course it's nothing to do with Liam Daish assembling a fine team together is it? The internet fans take the credit for it all. It's wrong for them to take the credit, on so many levels.

April 2010. Despite a resiliant performance from the lads and a 3-4 win away at Tamworth, the 'Fleet were relegated to the Blue Square Bet South. A gutting day for the fans who had travelled up and the fans who have supported the club through everything.

Have My Football Club taken the blame for our relegation? Of course they haven't. It's all about ego's with them. Anything good that happens they're happy to take credit for, yet when something goes wrong - it's always somebody elses fault.

Despite this relegation and yet another low budget, Liam Daish produced miracles. He assembled a squad together and marched us back to the Premier at first attempt. I suppose My Football Club want to take the credit for that too?

This week some disturbing news was released by the Club. Due to lack of home games, crowds being low, and probably a whole host of other reasons, the Club needs the fans to dip into their pockets once again to save us. I've lost count how many times the fans are asked to give money because it's needed. It's evident, from this, that My Football Club cannot fund the Club on their ridiculously low numbers of just over 1,000. In fact, they've not been funding the Club for a while now but it's getting worse - a lot worse. An owner should be able to fund what they own. If you cannot fund something then why continue dragging it down? My Football Club are producing a ridiculous amount of money a few times a year. Recently over £3,000 was raised for the club. Straight to the point, it is not enough. My Football Club, as owners, should be producing money for the Club on a regular basis. It is becoming very tiring seeing how financially unstable the Club is, and as a Club, we are losing all credibility. We're a joke. We were a respected Club within the Non-League pyramid and we're now becoming a laughing stock. The Fleet Trust have made everyone aware of their concerns and although they cannot fund the Club themselves, due to lack of members, they have given My Football Club a gentle nudge in the OUT direction. Where does this leave Ebbsfleet United as a Club? Well quite frankly, sinking deeper and deeper. What I'd like is for any My Football Club members reading this to answer the following questions. Let all of the 'Fleet fans on the Forum know what your plan is as from where we are, it looks like you have no plan! Of course if you don't wish to speak to everyone, then my email account is always open to messages.

1 - What is the cut-off point in terms of My Football Club members controlling the club? I seem to remember the members taking a vote to reduce this number. Are they under this number yet?

2 - Is an owner/investor being actively looked for by the Ownership model?

3 - Are My Football Club going to keep a death grip on the Club until the bitter end just to keep ego's and pride intact?

4 - If My Football Club still believe they can run the Club efficiently at this level. how do they see them funding and securing the Club for the next five seasons?

5 - Would a membership price of somewhere in the region of £200 a year for every member (a figure that would no doubt enable My Football Club to efficiently run the club) be a course of action the model is willing to adopt?

6 - How can an 'Owner' loan money to themselves?

My Football Club can in no way fund the Club like a normal Chairman and Board, it's time to move aside. You are playing with a real Football Club here, our future is at stake and you're showing no signs of improving it. It's evidently clear that you cannot afford to run the club effectively in the Blue Square Bet Premier and South. Gate money and income streams should not be used to fund the Club - these should be used as a little extra 'pocket money' if you like. You should be funding the Club. As previously mentioned, it is the Owner's job to fund the Club. Pull your fingers out, stop letting your ego's grow and get out of our Club. You are slowly killing this fine Club, everyone can see it but you! It's been mentioned that the My Football Club society wants what is best for Ebbsfleet United. If that is the case then do the right thing! Step aside. You need Ebbsfleet United more than Ebbsfleet United needs you. You can help the Club by turning up to matches and donating when you feel like it, but please, do what's right. Do not let your pride get in the way of what is right, and what is wrong!

That is all for now, just something for you all to think about. Whatever happens I, and many others, will remain fans of this Club. Members of My Football Club may not.