|
|
Post by rustynail on Sept 28, 2013 12:12:27 GMT
I'm surprised that no one else picked up on this momentous proposition as reported in the Braintree and Witham Times. www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/sport/10684562.Iron_s_board_ponder_taking_a_huge_leap_forward/ Reading into the article its clear the board is not going to rush immediately into making a decision but as Lee makes clear it has to be made in the next few weeks. If we find the club in the promotion places at the end of the season without having made the necessary application and changes we would be severely embarrassed and many fans very angry. Realistically I think another mid season finish or slightly higher would again be viewed as a great success for the club but putting my faith in the Chairman if we do find ourselves up there at the end of the season I know he has the leadership qualities to take us forward. There hasn't been a follow up report in the so perhaps we can have an update. |
|
|
|
Post by Iron Webbo on Sept 28, 2013 16:19:13 GMT
Latest news in today's programme. I'll try and post it later.
|
|
|
|
Post by Iron Webbo on Sept 30, 2013 17:12:42 GMT
This is what was in Saturday's programme, I hope it answers your questions:
Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to the Amlin Stadium for today’s Skrill Premier Division match against Alfreton. I trust all from Derbyshire enjoy their day as our guests.
A few of you have spoken with me about the (some would say) momentous decision to apply for promotion to the Football League.
Those of you who have been part of the journey for the past ten years will have witnessed the remarkable progress we have all made together and this decision is the latest in a series of landmarks that we have all dreamed of and then moved on from.
In the Board Room my colleagues and I have discussed the pros and cons of the Football League in depth and our past two matches have further emphasised that Alan Devonshire’s team have made a steady start to this season.
Each season any club contemplating promotion to the Football League from our level must notify the League of their intention to apply for promotion by the end of the preceding November.
So we need to make a decision now as to whether we go for it this time around. The team are playing well and the good performances we’ve seen so far this season are a clear indication.
As ever, we remain cautious in our decision making. History tells us there are far too many clubs that have caused themselves serious damage in the search for unsustainable football dreams.
However, we are mindful that our past ten years have always seen those of us off the pitch ensure that our Club can progress on the pitch.
I, for one, will never forget how hard we all worked to secure, first, our Conference South status in 2007 and, more recently in 2012, our Premier Division status. We are also aware of the impact that a club that cannot progress has upon its players and their motivation and ambition.
We have made initial contact with Braintree Council about the procedures necessary for further improvements and we will also need to involve both Essex Police and Essex County Council.
While our Amlin Stadium meets the minimum entry criteria for the Football League, the application for promotion requires a detailed submission on how our Club would further improve the ground to meet the Football League’s membership requirements - and that requires an extra 1,000 capacity, another 500 seats, brighter lights, more turnstiles, etc. It really is a daunting shopping list!
We will need to show the League that we are working with our local planning authority, safety authority and local police and have their support for the further ground improvements and we will be talking to them all in the coming weeks.
Some of you that I have spoken with have said that it might be prudent to wait until our new stadium is ready, but this could still be three-five years away and Alan Devonshire has assembled a squad that just might challenge this season.
Getting the Amlin Stadium ready for the Football League would be a major challenge, the biggest we’ve faced over the past ten years, but we’ve met challenges like this before.
In the Board Room we’re all keen to maintain our momentum if we can, so we have decided that we will submit our application and I’ll do my best to keep you all up to date with our progress over the coming weeks.
Last Saturday here saw us dominate for lengthy periods but have to rely on just the one goal, as that second ‘killer’ goal would not go in - but the three points were well deserved.
We saw a great start to our game at Wrexham on Tuesday, but then endured a real test of character when they recovered to get back on level terms. We maintained our composure and I felt were good value for the winner - although the circumstances were somewhat bizarre.
So, to finish off, it’s feet on the ground time. We’re all still concentrating on those 50 points - the same as in previous seasons. But we’re also starting to plan for our long term future.
There are plenty who laugh about and deride our dreams of further progression - just as they did before we won both the Ryman League and Conference South championships. But sometimes in life you have to ask yourself the question: “Why not?”.
Enjoy the game today - Lee Harding
|
|
|
|
Post by rustynail on Sept 30, 2013 18:22:03 GMT
Thank you for that, sorry I didn't buy a programme last Saturday!
It's very reassuring that you are as expected taking a very pragmatic approach to the clubs current position and future progress.
As I indicated in my original post it just could be that we are in a historic position at or near the end of the season, these opportunities will be achieved on the pitch.
It would be unworthy if they were thwarted by lack of ambition, bureaucracy or ill preparedness elsewhere.
Can I add that we get a decent PA system to the shopping list too!
|
|
|
|
Post by braintreeboy on Sept 30, 2013 20:26:48 GMT
Definitely reassuring to read that, especially as I'm sure there's a fair few supporters like myself who just have that quietly confident feeling that this club will go from strength to strength under the current solid n superb board n management team
|
|
|
|
Post by ozbrit on Oct 1, 2013 3:58:27 GMT
Someone did draw my attention to the Braintree & witless article, I should have posted it up on here.
I agree with the Chairman. If promotion should come our way, we have little option but to grab it. I personally feel that a promotion might be a bridge too far for our current squad, but can see reaching play-offs as being a real possibility for this superb squad that Devs has put together.
It's not possible for a club to turn on a promotion challenge as if like a tap - just ask FGR and Luton.
Congratulations to the board, management and players for proving that we can cut it at this level through honest endeavour and tight book-keeping.
|
|
|
|
Post by ashonthepa on Oct 1, 2013 12:06:16 GMT
IMHO the PA at the last two home games is the best it has sounded for a while after a bit of rewiring - yes the speakers could do with an upgrade as they hate base - but i am sure you all heard my loud and clear when announcing.......particularly when we scored !!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Iron Webbo on Oct 1, 2013 12:20:22 GMT
An upgraded system has been included on the shopping list for the new stadium, but what we've had for the last two matches will be fine.
|
|
|
|
Post by ashonthepa on Oct 1, 2013 12:24:15 GMT
hopefully as well as a nice warm behind glass pa area as well......for those tropical December evenings .I can only but hope !!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by castIRONgooner on Oct 1, 2013 12:28:33 GMT
Can I suggest understand heating?!?
|
|
|
|
Post by Iron Webbo on Oct 1, 2013 13:29:02 GMT
Ash - The new PA area will have its own bar, lounge and jacuzzi!
|
|
|
|
Post by baswaldsmate on Oct 1, 2013 15:22:51 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by ashonthepa on Oct 1, 2013 23:15:49 GMT
Yes indeed it was a great impression the other week for sure the best bit was I actually said I sound like Norman collier and of course the younger generation all said who!!! We live and learn and thanks to a decent mike we finally got there - not that dodgy pound land one though eh bazza !!! Rock and role onto Hyde and hopefully three points be tough they are desperate fir a win |
|
