D.I.Y.

 

Printed in the National League South game v Enfield Town Saturday 22nd March 2025  We drew 1-1 in front of 1,336 on Non League Day

As I hurtle towards 60 years on this planet I can’t help but think about events that shaped me. Unsurprisingly, many of them are football related. I can still hear that roar when Yeovil scored a last minute winner to knock Slough out of the FA Cup and send them into the third round proper, while their supporters spent the day trying to knock us out. I have wished ill on that club and the Wurzels ever since.

I grew up listening to anarchist punk music – which had a DIY ethos running through it, which basically means - if you want to change the world, don’t wait for governments, Do It Yourself.

Another pivotal moment was the miners strike, with this month marking the 40th anniversary of the end of a bitter dispute that still shapes our country today. Like many from Slough, half my family originated from the Valleys. One of my first memories is the smell of Welsh cakes cooked by my granny, when she lived on the Wexham estate. And one of my abiding memories is visiting a small pit village during the strike in the middle of nowhere and being welcomed with open arms – despite our differences – because of our support. Seeing their self organisation against overwhelming odds was inspiring.

The Politics of Thatcher defeated Britain's strongest union; the pits closed, their communities were destroyed with no thought of what could replace them

What has followed has been a stripping and selling off of England. We have the most expensive energy in Europe, the most expensive rail fairs in Europe and the dirtiest rivers, while all the money that should have been invested in infrastructure has been siphoned off. We have a housing crisis and our football is run like a financial wild west. Our places to meet have been closed, instead we are stuck on our phones where self-styled social influencers tell us the best colour to paint our nails or what pants to wear. Even those who’ve done well out of it all don’t seem happy; going red in the face and pointing that it’s those people over there who are ruining it all – get rid of them and it will all be milk and honey. We’ve heard that before, and it didn’t end well.

Admist all this, there’s always been people doing amazing things, taking risks and breaking new ground. Enfield Town are one of these. After they lost their ground and couldn’t see a future with their former chairman in charge, a group got together and in 2001 formed the first supporters owned football club in the country. It was a pivotal moment that often goes under the radar, and I really don’t think the Towners get enough credit for this; paving the way for amongst others, Northampton Town, Exeter City, FC United of Manchester and AFC Wimbledon. In less than half a century, they’ve clambered up the leagues and got themselves a new home in the Borough of Enfield.

Being a football owned club has bought real success for Enfield Town. So I spoke to Barry who writes the Cold End blog

What are the challenges of being supporters run in the National League South?

“The obvious answer is money. As a fan owned club we haven't got the budget the bigger clubs in the division have but, like the majority of non-league clubs, we do have some truly amazing volunteers who give up lots of their free time to help run the club.”

How do you find the finance to compete against the bigger full time clubs in the league?

“To challenge in this league we will need more investment but one of the sticking points is if someone wants to put a large amount of money into a club they usually want to have full control which can't happen under our current constitution and membership. Saying that over the last fifteen games in the form

table we are above Torquay United, Boreham Wood, Maidstone United and Hornchurch to name a few teams so having a bigger budget doesn't always guarantee success.”

What do you see for the future of Enfield Town in the next few years?

“Hopefully we'll be an established Step Two side with a new stand set to be built and ground improvements in place by the end of the season. The players and management have put in an immense effort over the last few months to get us out of the drop zone which is an amazing achievement considering where we were in the league on New Years Day. Our Manager Gavin MacPherson is experienced enough to be taking one game at a time for now as we definitely aren't safe from relegation yet!

“The one thing many fans want is a FA Cup run to the First Round and a game on TV against a football league club - that would be brilliant. As you are similar to size and supporter numbers to us we need to look at clubs like Slough Town as an example of how to survive at this level and then push onwards and upwards from there. When you thrashed us at our place earlier in the season it was a real wake up call as to how competitive The National League South is - Scott Davies has done great job especially in picking up some impressive players from lower down the pyramid like David Ogbonna from Hertford Town.”

Football might not change the world, but it can give moments of great joy – just look at Newcastle fans after that Dan Burn goal and then winning the League Cup. Or Slough fans in Hornchurch last Saturday after we finally won away. But most importantly it can bring people together. In a world of isolation and extremism that’s got to worth something to cheer about.

PRAYING FOR POINTS

 

Pinted in the National League South game v Farnborough Saturday 8th March 2025  We drew 1-1 in front of 1,017

Slough Town away is always an adventure and last Saturdays trip to Welling was as hectic as Piccadilly Circus – which was just one stop away from my hotel room in Leicester Square. Now Leicester Square isn’t exactly on my go-to list. The Tourist destination as busy at 3 in the morning as 3 in the afternoon. But we were going to a Bar Mitzvah. This entailed Friday night dinner, Saturday morning synagogue finishing off with a party in the evening at a posh hotel in Leicester Square – with the Welling game jammed inbetween.

Having a Jewish partner for many years, I’ve come to respect the support there is for their community and I wish there was a coming of age for all children. A Bar Mitzvah is a big thing, takes a lot of work to prepare, learning Hebrew, interpreting text, writing a speech and singing songs. It must be daunting for the person undertaking it but marking it is really important to the Jewish community. And they always seem to end up with a massive party and a free bar.

In one of the prayers, mingled in with the Hebrew, they talked about peace ‘May it be Your will, that war and bloodshed be abolished from the world, that a great and wondrous peace rule forever, that never again shall nation lift up sword against nation, and never again shall they train for war. But may all who dwell on the earth recognise and understand the basic truth : that we have not come into this world for strife and division, nor for hate and jealousy, contrariness and bloodshed.’

Everyone talks the peace talk but that doesn’t seem to be working out so well. Still, I was as shocked as most of the sane world, to see the Ukrainian president being berated for the cheek of being invaded by Russia. How dare he not kneel on the floor and be externally grateful to America. Not sign over all his countries minerals. And, and this is really the most important thing when your country is at war – not wear a suit. This is a new America, and its run like the mafia now.

So where does this apparent siding of America with Russia leave us all? I dread to think and I dread to think of my boys having to fight in wars that politicians children – and of course Trump himself – will always find a way to avoid.

In the bars at Welling, it was points not peace on the minds of Slough supporters, nervously looking over their shoulders at that bottom four back door.

I think its fair to say Welling's ground is falling down, a muddy grassless pitch with talk of redevelopment that seems to have dragged on for years. As we crammed into one of the stands, being careful not to get speared by those anti-pigeon spikes, the good supporters of Slough didn’t stop singing despite not having won away since the parting of the Red Sea.

Maybe the earlier points failure at Slough the station was a bad omen; and at half time 2-0 down it looked like it would be another points failure for Slough the football team. In the end we fought back and got a credible draw – another point towards staying in this brutal unforgiving league, while Welling perch precariously close to the drop. I hope they stay up; they’ve still got a proper high street jammed full of pubs. But until they get that ground sorted its hard to see much of a future apart from endless relegation battles.

So a weekend of football, music, food, prayer and the odd pint. When you boil it all down, its all about being part of something, about belonging. Which is exactly what supporting a football team should also be about. Luckily we’ve got the Slough Town community part in bucketfuls. Let’s pray for a few more points and a relaxing end to the season. And of course, some peace.

DER, DER, DER FOOTBALL ON A TIN MINE

 

Printed in the National League South game v Chippenham Town Tuesday 25th February 2025  We lost  2-1 in front of 449

Picture by Scott McNeish

Everyone loves a trip to Cornwall, but maybe not in a day. The last time I went to Truro it involved a military style operation that started at 4am and lasted 22 hours and included a broken down train, a broken down coach and a 1-0 loss in the freezing cold with a bunch of Neanderthals telling us what they thought of Slough the town.

So this was my first time back to watch the Rebels in Cornwall with the offer of a lift too good to turn down, especially as only Harland now on half a million a week wages could afford the train to Truro. I love getting the train but the cheapest ticket from Brighton was £130, but you had to hop on one leg and go via Camberwick Green to get that.

This was a lot more refined. Andy the driver regaled us with his plumbing song as we hurtled down the motorway, while Big Flag Rich, Deano and Rick talked about mushrooms cleaning up waste, evolution and being trapped in a submarine; time flew past. Before we knew it we were in a local pub near their out of town, half built new ground – it would just be nice if there were signs pointing us in the right direction.

These past years have certainty been eventful for Truro; like some Cornish tin mine soap opera. Propelled up the leagues by a property developer, they won the FA Vase and became the highest ranked Cornish team in the country. The owner then went bust and they teetered on administration and clung onto their old ground while vainly hunting for a new one; playing home games at Torquay, Plymouth Parkway, then finally Gloucester – a mere four hours from home – as the west county sunk under the endless rain and pitches became only fit for water polo.

So you’ve got to wiggle your bobble hat to them for staying up last season. There new ground was finally opened and it has helped them build a formidable side with very decent crowds and owners who want to do a Wrexham and get in the football league.

Slough have always had good away support with a big chunk of our home support up for travelling along with Slough exiles who have scattered across the country but often appear at away games. Our manager Scott posted ‘I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m shocked at how many people on this thread are heading down! Unbelievable commitment once again. Safe trip everyone! Thank you for the support.’ What is even more impressive, is the fact that we’ve hardly won away this season. Still football supporters are always optimistic especially after the Rebels from Slough dismantled the high flying Rebels from Sussex in arguably our best game of the season – just a few days after possibly our worst away at St. Albans. Football eh!

In the end, after an impressive first half where the Truro keeper pulled off three unbelievable saves we left empty handed. Not even a soggy pasty. As we hurtled back on the McNeish mobile disco it felt right that I finished the day with a drink in the Wheatsheaf and an impromptu drum and triangle session, raising a glass to Joss Jackman reaching 300 games for the Rebels. Let’s hope his next 300 hundred are a bit nearer to home.

So could Truro City became the first ever Cornish team in the football league? Maybe. It’s a big enough catchment area but I’ve heard over the years from Torquay and even Weymouth supporters how it’s hard to attract certain players because of their geography. Still who knows, next season it might be Truro v Gateshead – that’s certainly not one for those who suffer from travel sickness.

3 UP AND 3 POINTS

 

Printed in the National League South game v Worthing Saturday 15th February 2025  We won 4-0 in front of 783

Well, that felt good. After two months without a win (but two credible draws against Torquay and Eastbourne) we finally tasted victory against a Maidstone side who must hate coming to Arbour Park. ‘Get your Ed-on that’ as someone witty put it. After the whistle, we serenaded the players and our manager Scott Davies admitted it had been consuming him and he could actually sleep tonight – well that’s if his newborn would let him. Maidstone were probably the best supported club we’ve had here all season and at one point outnumbered Slough supporters in the Wheatsheaf about 10 to 1. Amazing what the offer of free food can do!

In other news every club in the National League has got behind the 3UP to the English Football League campaign. It’s a no brainer. Just two promotion spots has created a bottle neck that has filtered down to the north and south divisions – pushing finances to the limit just to try and compete.

Today's opponents manager has said that if Worthing want to reach their full potential they will have to go full time and he reckons in a few years most clubs at our level will be. Where the money will come from to pay for that is another matter but the National League are already going to introduce financial rules that align with the English Football League.

No club that's ever been promoted from the National League has come straight back down while the majority that have been relegated have struggled to escape their lower league purgatory and failed to bounce back straight away. Those current league clubs might be Turkeys voting for Christmas, but they will appreciate that extra place if they ever grace themselves in what Sutton supporters dubbed the Bastard League.

The English Football pyramid is the envy of the world we are often told, which is why of course they stopped financial lifelines like FA Cup replays.

The Rebels from Worthing have been Sloughs opponents for many a season and visiting them, it always felt like the club had so much potential, but was run like some meat raffle mentality dusty old working men's club. In January 2015 the playing budget was cut with huge debts and their future looked in serious doubt. Then along came George Dowell. After his football career was cut short from a car accident that left him paralysed, at just 21 he became the UK’s youngest football chairman.

He set about transforming the club; ground improvements, 4G pitch, refurbished clubhouses – oh and better players and some even better managers. There’s a fantastic feel to the place, the footballs flowing and crowds have rocketed, the food is edible and quite a few Brighton supporters I know have swapped the Amex for Woodside Road. The only downside is that some of their stewards could do with lessons in not creating the situations they are employed to diffuse. They would do well, to look at how the ones at Slough deal with issues.

Tuesday night it was off to a park to watch some football. There can’t be many grounds that are based in a park, but then St. Albans is quite an unusual, unique place with every other pub claiming to the oldest in England. Their ground is a cross between the antiques roadshow and the trendy Laines of Brighton with micropubs at each corner. Lenchy's dad said it was the best football club pub crawl he’s done in ages! The West Ham boys had their very own tour guide, who managed to get us lost trying to find a pub and said she only went to the football for the chicken. In the end Slough served up a dollop of tripe.

Our club is seriously punching above its weight, the fact that Dartford went down last season, and St Albans struggling this season just shows the strength of the league. But in terms of the size of the town, there is so much potential for growth and every week there’s new initiatives happening – the latest being a new football development officer starting their post with a brand-new schools programme.

The jump up to the National League is as brutal as the Championship to the Premier League. Let’s see if the new Independent Football Regulator knocks some sense into its wild west finances, and that its the football on the pitch not just how much you have in your pocket that occasionally wins you games.

CAMBERWICK GREEN

Printed in the National League South game v Maidstone United Saturday 8th February 2025  We finally won a game of football. 1-0 in front of 937

Remember Camberwick Green? I’ll forgive you if you don’t cos it was on TV in the early 70’s; but I reckon Dorking is a version of the old children's programme 50 years on. It’s high street snakes up the hill, with enough independent butchers and bakers to shake a scented candle stick maker at. It’s got a pleasing amount of hostelries – which would make Windy Miller raise his flagon of ale. Neither Wetherspoons or McDonalds have managed to stink up the place. It’s no real surprise that it’s a Liberal Democrat constituency with the buses stopping at 8pm to make sure everyone is tucked up in bed ready for tomorrows episode.

Last Saturdays programme featured Slough, who had given the Dorks a bloody nose one fabulous Arbour Park Tuesday night in November. The owner Marc White has made a name for himself and can pull in a crowd. And he likes the Slough lot, well what’s not too like?

A hero to some, but if you stay long enough in any town, there will be old school companions who are less than complimentary. Stick your head above the parapet and someone will want to shoot it off and its fair to say that Mr.White likes to wave his baseball covered head in the air a lot. And why not when the team you founded has come from nothing to rocket up the leagues, built a new stadium, become the main Dorking team and pull in decent crowds for a sleepy market town. Infact their ground is complete revamp of where Dorking used to play but the man in the pub said the old ground was falling down and that the original Dorking were playing miles away in front of 50 people before they decided to call it a day. It was time for him to switch to Wanderers.

It’s been a hokey-cokey in-out in-out player reshuffle at Slough for this episode, with the biggest news Leon Parillion going to Southend United to play full time football. We got some cash and I hear a sell on clause. This isn’t really surprising as he has been brilliant. As Chris Ashby put it so well. ‘Our very own Rolls-Royce has left the garage. I look forward to seeing you in the League. Thanks for the memories, we’ll always have Torquay.’

As we congregated in the local Inns I don’t think even the most optimistic of Rebels expected much; maybe chips in the away end and a decent bin to hit? In the end it was a 3-1 defeat, no chips and a really poor bin effort that stunk the place out. Young acrobatic Alfie managed to hang onto terraces while bashing drumsticks in rhythm on the metal roof. Some feat. The stewards were decent and so were most of their supporters. Well they do shop in Waitrose as we reminded the young cous-cous crew who wanted to goad us or maybe just ask us for our MarsBar recipe. Sue told someone off on twitter for being rude and their parents stepped in to tell him off. Well, maybe.

It was a welcome return of Edon Pruti my man of the match alongside our goalkeeper Charlie Horlock. Despite not having lots of cash to flash, one of the reasons we can attract players is they can see that Slough can be a stepping stone to greater things and Edon spoke about this in his post match interview. I think that was after he was grabbed by Clubshop Sue and put in an after match strangle hold like some new workplace initiation ceremony.

The short term aim is now avoiding relegation. I know our owners are trying to build a sustainable football club so we can compete and Scott Davies is already talking about signings and planning for next season. A few more wins would help with any jitters we are feeling.

As me and Postie Gaz had an aftermatch aperitif and we chatted to the friendly locals, I was informed that the trains had gone to pot as is obligatory on a Saturday night. So what are the chances of bumping into a Slough supporter living in Brighton who got his wife to drive up to Dorking and bring us back home.

Are Dorking going up? I hope not, cos its more fun to visit than other places. Their ground is a bit soulless with just two proper ends but I’ve heard of ambitions to expand to 10,000 stadium which surely is the whole population of Camberwick? But its tight at the top with five teams level on points. It’s good the National League feeder leagues are competitive but the majority of top teams are full time or have hybrid training whatever that means.

Next up is another team challenging for promotion. Maidstone United. I know it can be frustrating and no one likes losing , but our support really is something else – as acknowledged by the management team after the game. Let’s keep doing what we are doing. Maybe they will make a children's TV show about us all.

THEY'VE EVEN GOT A TAMBOURINE

 

Printed in the National League South game v Weston-super-mare Tuesday 27th January 2025  We lost 3-1 in front of 533

I know i'm very, very late to the party but I’ve finally joined Facebook – prompted by Twitter becoming a place where you feel like you’ve been swimming in sewage – well unless of course its the sweet smelling discourse with Slough supporters. Its to easy to end up going down a raging twittering rabbit hole, angry at the world and shaking fists at imaginary foes while the richest people in the world laugh in our faces. We’ve been played by the algorithms so im just hanging on for the lower league chat while muting words and accounts that harm my delicate sensibilities.

Mind you, my new Facebook account is only about Slough Town. And who knew there were delights like Non League Bins! Revelling in rubbish depositories where as you would expect our famous wheelies feature heavily. Infact surely its time for a national bin off tournament? I’ve got more chance with that, than becoming part of the walking wounded of any proposed Slough Town supporters games.

Then I stumbled across a Rebel love fest thread on Non League Football Chat. A Hemel fan starts ‘Brilliant away following for Slough Town in a game they lost 4-1 …never stopped encouraging their team! Best support I’ve seen at Vauxhall Road in ages’… Another chips in ‘They did exactly the same at Kidderminster in the Trophy even when they were 4 -0 down’ while another Hempsteady added ‘Credit to them, they always travel well to us and in general. As a Hemel fan I wish we had away support like they do. Brilliant little club they are, always enjoyed talking to Slough fans.’

Which is always nice to hear. Our Firm used to be more infirm but we’ve grown and grown and youngsters now outnumber us oldies but we all try and have a laugh and well- I’ve had a hard week at work, I want to have some fun! We are gonna lose some games of football and I’d rather leave my moaning in the clubhouse after the game than towards our players on the pitch and our any sort of forum because i'm polite like that. Or maybe have had one to many to actually type after a game.

I love visiting new places but don’t really like holidays – unless its a Slough Town away ole ole one. Rebels on Tour is not just good for the soul but also for your brain, with historical tours and cultural exchanges with the locals to compliment the 90 minutes of football. But I’m not into groundhopping – if im going to watch some football I need some skin in the game, unless its a winner takes all cup match. I can’t just enjoy it for the beauty of the surroundings or the beauty of the football being played on the pitch. So give me a mini Slough Town holiday break any day.

Football Saturdays are also the only time you can go up to strangers and chat and not be seen as an axe murderer. All because you have a football top or Slough Town bobble hat on. Mind you I had to move train seats on my trip to Tonbridge. I used to love hitching because you got to hear snapshots of peoples lives – but these three talking about stationary and office politics and whose nicking the post it notes. Lord, give me strength. Thought I was a Wernham Hogg Office sketch. And not a funny one.

I wandered round the tidy town of Tonbridge with its train station proudly announcing the next Angels game, its crumbly castle and river, with children wearing their towns colours in the bright January sunshine. I dipped my chips in my runny egg breakfast while an old lady in a Christmas top, informed me she doesn’t like her brother who she has to live with. And that she bought so many tissues from the local shop they wrote a letter to thank her!

As I sipped my pint and scrolled my phone a thread featuring the Wallace and Gromit Trumpet song and Biggest Trading Estate in Europe tune – while poking fun at some of our musical instruments – ‘they’ve even got a tambourine’ had half a million views. With people chipping in ‘That's good quality support! Funny too….This is what the games about.’

Even my mum messaged me – ‘Great atmosphere. More like a party.’ And well, you know what a few of our newer supporters have said it is this type of atmosphere that has got them coming back for more. Right, I’m off to buy a xylophone.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND ALL THAT

 

Printed in the National League South game v Torquay United Tuesday 21st January 2025 We drew 2-2 in front of 791

Surely there’s no better way to usher in the New Year than a trip to Borehamwood after half a seconds sleep. As I disembarked from the train the rain lashed down but thankfully a pub landlord rescued me and invited me into his humble abode.

Now I haven’t been to Borehamwood's ground for a number of years, and the transformation is impressive, in part helped by hosting Arsenal Ladies with serious investment from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund. Oh and a wealthy chairman who definitely isn’t on the Christmas card list for the pub regulars I chatted too. Borehamwood have always struggled to attract crowds, and at one point the chairman threatened to pull the plug until a very decent FA Cup run attracted new supporters. Slough battled well to go in 1-1 at the break but then the full time, well resourced team proved clinical in front of goal and that as they say, was that.

Next up was Kidderminster Harriers. Years ago we’d shared a few seasons together in the Conference but like so many former opponents they went up while we plummeted down. The thick frost that carpeted the outskirts of London didn’t bode well but I was warmed by the obligatory matchday Slough curry-for-breakfast before hoping on the packed supporters coach for a just £20 - a bit cheaper than the £86 the rail companies wanted.

If Borehamwood's facilities had improved in our absence Kidderminster’s were off the scale. Football League worthy infact – where they were for five seasons In the end a decent showing of 222 Rebels made the trip to see us outclassed in the first half by a very good National League North side who must be banking on promotion. Still 90 minutes of football couldn’t spoil a good day out. Curry for breakfast, seeing Arbour Park buzzing with football on the pitch, when we left and when we returned. Lincoln giving me his cold, snot covered chips, Lucy the Nurses big knitted scarf, the friendly social club. My only regret was not visiting the Museum of Carpet.

But the highlight of the day was seeing Arbour Park buzzing outside of the seniors mens matchdays. Two games with young boys and girls in the morning, with parents packing the main stand and grabbing a hot drink. A lot more civilised than when I used to watch my boys on a muddy field in the pouring rain with no facilities. As the snow began to fall, it was Slough v Gosport man v fat. I spoke to community manager Ade about all this activity and the fact that the opening of the downstairs bar has made a massive difference.

“All the kids in our junior teams were offered free Season Tickets with a discount for parents too as well. The take up was good. The best part is that visiting teams, whether it’s junior teams or Virginia Water opponents or even Man v Fat opponents, absolutely love this venue, not just for the facilities but also the chance to play on a fantastic pitch.

“Man v Fat play a 7 aside league at Arbour Park on a Monday evening and the whole idea is about weight loss for men with a BMI over 27.5 .The good thing is that if your team loses more weight then it gives you an advantage in the league game. Each member receives dietary tips and recipes, they have an online workout available and a mental health programme as this can be a huge part of losing weight. Our partnership has seen some of their participants form an 11 aside team which plays under the Slough Town FC banner and play their games at AP. One of the main benefits we have seen form this partnership is that they guys from MvF are contributing to the local community as 7 players took part in the BIG SLEEPOUT for the homeless which was held at AP plus they also did a food bank collection just before Xmas.

“I know some our fans always say its wrong to hand out free tickets, but they have to remember its purpose is a community stadium and the number of repeat bookings is amazing.”

Kevin Brooker told me about his involvement “I joined Man Vs Fat in 2019. I was at my heaviest then and knew I had to do something. I love football and found MvF. It is basically 6 a side football meets weight watchers! It has been brilliant for me both physically and mentally. I have lost almost 4 stone since starting and in general that weight has stayed off. I am now the Assistant Coach for the Slough MvF League.

“Our bond with Slough increased when we started the MvF Slough XI's Team in 2023. We play in Slough kit and are really representing the club in a specialist league. I started coming along to the odd Slough Town game where I received a warm welcome and now very much consider myself a Slough supporter. Up the Rebels!”

Next up Hemel Hempstead who had ended our year long unbeaten run then paid the price with a Rebel curse that saw them go on a long losing streak that also saw their manager lose his job. Hemel Hempstead is not just a mish mash of a place name but a mish mash of a place. You step outside the train station and its like being in the countryside. The roundabouts must have been designed by someone on acid; the old town is a delight next to the carbuncle of a seventies shopping centre. As for the football, well we were blinded by the light in the first half, had a brief reprieve then once again shipped a load of goals.

What has been the common thread of all these games is our support – travelling in large numbers and - despite seeing our team losing, just hasn’t let up. There’s been plenty of praise from opposition supporters and sometimes you wouldn’t realise that it was us who were losing.

While we welcomed a well earned point at home to Eastbourne we also remembered our legendary physio SuperKev McGoldrick who passed away six years ago after working for the club for over 30 years. His words before an FA Cup game about what a welcoming, friendly club Slough is still holds true and I think he would be proud of what’s happening.

Of course we should dream of play offs, cup runs and a trip to Wembley stadium. And the 90 minutes on the pitch really do matter to everyone's general well being. But as I get older I can look at the bigger picture of what's happening at our club, be proud of that and know that’s also worth shouting about.

A FISH AND CHIP FOOTBALL FEAST

 

Printed in the National League South game v Eastbourne Borough Saturday 18th January 2025  We drew 0-0 in front of 986

It finally happened. I could tick off United along with Borough and Town to complete that unlikely Eastbourne accolade of three senior football clubs. And there used to be four (Shinewater Association since you asked). Eastbourne certainty is a bit greedy when it comes to football. And all three are on the up.

Town are not just the oldest in Eastbourne but the oldest in Sussex founded in 1881, with their listed turnstile in the more well-to-do part of town hemmed in by bowls and cricket. United have just had a million pound revamp, and well we all know about Borough. Infact the only person I knew at the Eastbourne Untied game was Andy the friendly Borough steward who seemed to be a minor celebratory and bought me a beer as he told tales of the worst behaved supporters. It certainty isn’t the Rebel Rabble. Both United and Town have an old potted footballing history against Slough when Borough was still just marsh land.

New committee, new owners, new ideas – all organisations need it from time to time or become trapped in a meat raffle mentality or just exhausted by the relentlessness of it all.

Eastbourne United's Oval ground – which apparently had been on its last legs for quite a while – has been totally rebuilt. This includes not just a new 3G pitch but also a huge revamp of the facilities inside and out, including the changing rooms, car parks and bar, entrance and clubhouse areas. They helped sort out drainage and flooding in the nearby park, and have managed to build something quirky and distinctive – they’ve even got sponsored urinals – and the clubhouse is now open to all rather than members only.

Their Chairman Matt Thompson added: “We are part of the Princes Park area that includes the Perch restaurant, Princes mini-golf, sailing and also the Park itself. Our site has been run down for too long – now we are proud of our contribution to the town & Princes Park itself.”

Teams using the new facility include: Eastbourne Rangers, Willingdon Youth , Allstar Soccer, Men Utd (Mental Health Team), Sussex Girls Teams and of course Eastbourne United.

Still its heartening to see some people, rather than celebrating what a great investment this is, have a moan up. And you can always find a Lib Dem councillor to have a moan about a football club. Local councillor Angry Fist-Waver frothed; "There's is anti social behaviour even now with just three teams playing a week. We don't think it is Eastbourne United, we think it is more likely to be the opposing teams.

“They sit on garden walls, they smoke cigarettes and flick them into the gardens. They’ve been peeing in the gardens. They even, on one occasion redistributed the dog poo from one of our dog poo containers. There has been damage to cars and sometimes loud karaoke music coming from the club. This is happening now, so what is going to happen when there are 18 teams using the club, possibly six teams at once, from nine in the morning to nine at night.

“This is going to increase parking, it is going to increase noise, it is going to increase antisocial behaviour, it is definitely going to increase pollution in terms of traffic, plastic and light pollution.”

Well quite, infact the best way to curb anti social behaviour is by having everyone locked up in their houses 24-7 rather than new community facilities where they can meet their neighbours; and anyone whose gone to County League football knows that baying hoards of away fans are always an er, problem...

Once person whose no doubt very happy is Daniel Ford who spent last season gorging himself on Eastbourne football – and I mean seriously, one-more-wafer-thin-mint gorging, with a book that's fit to burst. ‘Fish, Chips and football – a season by the seaside’ details all 103 games he went too, from park football to National League South, with an easy style full of football history and quirks. Infact I got my copy from a quirky sports memorabilia shop in Eastbourne.

As for the game, well after listening to two old blokes at the bar having the obligatory moan that Christmas goes on too long, and there’s nothing on TV (unlike when they were growing up and there was two channels).

I pop out in the cold to see a decent festive crowd of 446 snaking around the block before kick off, throwing dog poo bags around and sticking cigarette butts through peoples letterboxes. Or just standing politely in a queue. United's managers programme notes bemoans his lot ‘Work, injury, suspension, weddings, cats birthday, there’s always a forest to navigate through to try and get your best 16.” He seems to have managed it today.

I’m sure Newhaven had high hopes this season after losing in the play off final to Eastbourne Town. But a 4-1 defeat here saw their joint managers resign after 10 years and 500 games where they have transformed Newhaven into a Sussex County League (Southern Combination now) force. And it was good to hear people shout ‘come on United’ – especially as Manchester supporters think they own the copyright on that.

So if you want to feast on fish and chips and football while taking a stroll down the prom you know where to head.

TRUST IN OUR CLUB

 

Printed in the Boxing Day National League South game v Chesham United.  1-1 draw in front of 1,185 with one of the best long range goals you will ever see 

After all the excitement of the Christmas raffle I decided to interview two of the more familiar faces of the Supporters Trust. The Two Ronnies. Morecambe and Wise. Bill and Ben. The Chuckle Brothers.

Dean Beckett and Richard Kendall have been called all these and a lot more that aren’t printable, but have helped bring fresh ideas and fun into the Supporters Trust – acting as a link from supporters to the club. Unfortunately Dean was too busy having a massage and folding raffle tickets to answer my questions but Richard took time out from his busy retirement schedule and rang me from the Maldives to show me the scenery. I was just passing Hayes and Harlington on the train and both places looked very similar, so not sure why he didn’t save his money when he could have enjoyed a B&B by the Grand Union Canal.

What does the trust do for the club – why should people join?

Richard; “The Supporters Trust has been, and continues to be, a support to the football club and the wider community, both financially through our fundraising, and volunteering. Our membership package offers a range of benefits, including several agreed with the football club. Membership revenues are a key part of what we are able to donate to the football club.

“A lot more supporters come directly to us for any enquiries and we are pleased to assist. It’s a really good friendly group and everyone is welcome. One of our best and ongoing achievement is to offer coaches to away games. This is cost effective to supporters, appreciated by the club and players and ensures anyone who needs transport can attend. Our next plan is to run coaches to every single game, so in future we want to include mini bus travel to the Tuesday nighters where for some of these games the uptake can be challenging.”

What's your relationships like with the owners? Do you meet regularly? Do they listen to your ideas? Concerns?

“Our relationship with the club is excellent with agreed lines of communication to avoid ‘everyone talking to everyone’. Since day one, the new owners have been very appreciative of our efforts and have embraced our ideas, thoughts and initiatives for supporters. We were able to discuss a recent concern over seats and that will be a benefit for future planning. It’s important to note that the owners are not ‘hands off’ and work tirelessly behind the scenes. We considered regular meetings but found it quicker to talk to each other and discuss items as needed which works fine for us all.”

Since you two got more involved the Trust seems more fun! Has a much bigger social media presence, fully coaches etc. The Facebook page especially is busy and a laugh. Is that on purpose ?

“We purposely set out to make our Facebook page one for the supporters, giving information, and all round being more of a fun place. Anyone approved can post and we have a good number who regularly start posts and hundreds who comment all the time, or on the odd occasion. It’s a really good page, we have good and appropriate banter, and Scott often responds to posts. Of course it’s fun with Dean and myself having such a great sense of humour, well we think we do.”

Where do you see Slough Town in 5 years

“In 5 years time. I’d like to see our management team move the club forward. No doubt they will have exciting plans once sustainability is in place. Some ground improvements for our supporters experience would be excellent. We know some would love promotion, why not it’s something to aspire to. However, some still want Slough to do well, but not be promoted due fears of running costs for the club, full time or hybrid part time, distances, time and cost for supporters to travel etc. For me, like many, I crave success for Slough. Firstly, avoiding relegation is a success. I’d like a promotion, I’d like the 3rd round of the F A Cup, and I’d like Wembley, not being too greedy.

I feel the Trust could also explore ways for our supporters to become a part of the club through investment, yes I did just say that.”

Cheers Richard and hope you enjoyed your massage Dean.

So how important is the Trust for the football club? I asked CEO Ashley Smith

“ Financial stability and support

Supporters’ trusts can bring significant benefits to clubs, particularly at the non-league level helping to supplement the club’s budget and allow funding towards new projects.

Advocacy and Representation

Voice for Fans: The trust ensures that fans’ interests are represented in club decision-making.

Volunteer Support

Access to Volunteers: Supporters involved in the trust are more likely to volunteer their time and expertise, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.

Enhanced Club Culture

The supporters’ trust fosters a culture of inclusivity and

pride, aligning the club’s values with those of its supporters.

Preserving Heritage

Trust involvement ensures that the club’s history and traditions

are respected and preserved.

For Slough Town FC, which has a rich fanbase, the backing of a supporters’ trust can help cement its position as a central hub for local football and ensure its growth and sustainability for future generations.”

So don’t delay, join today

Membership forms are available from the Trust stall situated by the programmes or go to http://www.sloughtownsupporterstrust.com 

And why not join the 500 Club. Cash prizes every month for as little as £5 a month

THE WHEATSHEAF PUB

The club has more partners than a gigolo but across the town pubs and clubs are starting to throw their support behind the Rebels.

To be fair the Wheatsheaf has always been the unofficial Slough Town pub, taking coaches in the past to big away games. It’s been a leading music venue and a hub of activity that has recently sprung back to life with Ollie and Lianne taking over. Trust members get 10% discount on pints on matchdays and they’ve started serving up free food for people going to the game. A shuttle bus to home matches is planned for the future.