FORENSIC FORUM

Printed in the National League South game v Havant and Waterlooville 2^nd v 3^rd Saturday 15^th February 2020 We drew 1-1 in front of 1,028

'Seeing as 90% of our songs contain the words Bakes and Unders, how obligated do you feel to stay at the club?' It was a brilliant ice breaker question to kick off the recent fans forum – helpfully recorded for prosperity for those of us who couldn't make it. Chaired by Rebels Radio superstar Ade Gomm, the first question calmed the nerves after worries that the club couldn't match our managers ambitions. "We are not going anywhere." replied joint manager Neil Baker "We like it at Slough Town and our aim is to win promotion to National League with Slough Town. The fans are brilliant, particularly away from home."

One supporter asked if we can afford to stay in the league we are in now, let alone get promoted and how prepared are we for the league above. Acting Chair John Porter replied "There is no specific five year plan but the club aims to become an established National League side aiming for the English Football League. From the experience gained from the Hereford, Rochdale and Gillingham matches, the club would be able to cope with the requirements of National League matches."

Others asked if we need new players to push on? The managers admitted they are loyal and like a small squad of players that work hard for the team. Neil Baker "We have a small squad but most players want to be playing. The area which needs improving is the final third so that we score more goals. We have had Premier League clubs offering us players on loan as well as every reasonably local League One, League Two and National League club. Loan players expect to play and unless we have an injury, we do not want to upset our squad by restricting their playing time by bringing in loan players."

Others asked how we can grow our crowds and more importantly increase the diversity, essential in a town like Slough. This was the chance for our community engagement manager Mark Bailey to chip in and Mark talked how he continues to make contact with local organisations, ethnic groups and schools to promote interest in the club. Batches of free match tickets have been delivered to pubs, Mosques, Temples, police stations, hospitals and schools in the hope of enticing more people to games.

Kay Lacey, general secretary, talked about the development of teams. The club only had a first team when it moved in to Arbour Park. Now it also has under 15, under 14 and under 10 boys teams, a ladies team, under 13 and under 11 girls teams and a Community team.

Commercial Manager Craig Edwards focused on how the club are trying to increase corporate revenue. In a question about how half the advertising boards are council ones, he talked about how not being our own ground makes it difficult to make homely but he is working on bringing in more finance. We can't name the stands after legendary supporters that have passed away. We would need people to put together a football memorabilia board to be wheeled in and out at match days.

It was lively, good natured and honest. Exactly what a fans forum should be.

It's also clear from the discussions that Slough Town are seriously punching above their weight. We don't own the ground, we haven't got any investors but are instead run by a small committee of supporters and volunteers. Our managers are working miracles and you can't help but look upwards. But Torquay lost nearly a million quid getting promoted out of the National South last season and top of the National League table Barrow are set to lose £850,000 this financial year despite a smaller playing budget than many. One National League striker is said to be picking up an eye watering £2,800 a week. Barrow, who are run by local businessmen, pay nothing like that much with their average weekly salary said to be about £750. Essential ground work and clearing old debt have resulted in this large loss but how would the Rebels ever compete against that?

If it was up to me I would publish matchday takings, sponsorship, fundraising and expenditure so everyone gets to realise where the club is and also be specific about what sort of investment is needed.

Todays crowds is expected to be a bumper one but really the position we are in, we should be expecting a thousand every game. But 15 years of homelessness means almost starting from scratch.

As the panel kept reiterating, they need everyone to pull together, to go out and promote the club and help it push on. Distribute match day posters, ask your company if they want an advertising hoarding, see Mark Bailey if you want to target a group with free tickets, join the 500 club.

So lets enjoy the ride, try and sieze our moment and see where it takes us. If that means to the far reaches of the country to watch games of football, then so be it.