THE SLOUGH TOWN MANIFESTO

Printed in the National League South game v Oxford City New Years Day 2023. We drew 2-2 in front of 675.

It’s that time of the year when we reflect and come up with plans for the future. Forget New Year resolutions, I’m going for the Slough Town Manifesto.

If Slough get relegated we should invoke the ‘Maidenhead clause’ – where a team is endlessly relegated then reprieved in the National League South.

Every team that is losing millions but is bankrolled by some rich investor should only be allowed to play walking football rules against us.

Supporters Trust take over running of the club with secret investors in the background. They’ve persuaded the council that the club should be in charge of Arbour Park, can paint it amber and blue, move the bar to the directors room and build decent new terraces behind both goals so you can actually see the game. Two new community development officers appointed charged with increasing crowds and activities at Arbour Park.

Family friendly cost-of-living busting free entry to games every three months.

Zip wire from The Curve to the ground. Infact getting into the ground should be more fun. How about an obstacle course – with bouncy castle, balancing on a beam, bubble machine and ballons – with a trap door where you find yourself back at the Curve.

Massive musical box for people to help themselves to create the Slough Town Are Massive Ensemble

Jim the stuffed dog should be moved from the train station to Arbour Park to act as a tourist attraction to boost crowds – and occasionally wheeled out on a skateboard when we haven’t got a mascot.

David Brent to perform ‘Slough’ before every home game on the pitch – because everyone needs to know Slough is ‘equidistant ‘tween London and Reading.’ This is followed by players coming on to pitch to the sound of a Sikh drumming band – with all the kids on the pitch waving flags.

Once a month one of our teams have to play a game at Arbour Park before the first team. Women's team, development, Under 18s – and also invite clubs like Singh Sabha and Langley Old Boys.

Programmes in the clubshop just to annoy Sue.

Slough drawn away in early rounds of FA Cup against clubs we have never played. Regional rules waived so we can play Trafford then Stuart can go and measure their trading estate to see if its bigger.

Street vendors on every corner. Ian Matthews Bespoke Slough T-shirt Design next to the the Brown Boys Fried Mars Bar And Cider Tap Room. Shiels Boutique will offer players haircuts, amber and blue make up and pedicures. After-All-Kieran-Wall-Fashions on hand to advise people of the latest trends. Phil the Flag and Richard Big Flag measuring you up so you have something to wave during the game. Dutton’s When I’m Cleaning Windows unusual instruments store. Dean Becketts Are You Feeling Lucky 50-50 newsagent stand (dirty magazines otherwise known as Windsor and Eton programmes available under the counter). You can also order Deano cabs which will pick you up even when you get lost coming home from Chippenham.

One of those funny bottle shops on the Elizabeth Line at Farringdon so I can grab a quick coffee or can of chocolate stout to help with my journey as I whizz to Arbour Park. Has to also stock the Slough newspapers. Actually, while we're at it, free travel on the trains to anyone who supports Slough (paid for out of the Ebbsfleet budget).

Part of the school curriculum to study the football pyramid to show children that there are clubs outside the Premier League. All pupils must have to come and support their local team at least once. This will count as a pass in Lower League Football Studies and get you automatically into Oxford (Oxford City football club not the University).

I’ve been banging on to a mate for years about lower league football therapy. He watches Manchester City but has recently been going to watch West Didsbury and Chorlton. Paddy Wagon told me : "Going into the ground is like going into a 4th cousin's twice removed wedding. You kinda wander about a bit enjoying the anonymity and then BAM! People from the whole life spectrum, all the more interesting ones, appear from everywhere. The football is happening closer than ever, the language (!) and droplets of sweat from colliding players splash ye, an people from your past, present and future are just there in your face chatting away reminding you of everything. It's bonkers. And. You . Are. Right." 

So there you go, I am right. Lower League Football Rules. 

Vote for me and I will make this manifesto a reality.

INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT DAVIES

Printed in the FA Trophy 3rd round  Tuesday 20th December 2022 v Taunton Town. We lost 1-0 in front of 299

I asked various Rebel fans to wrack their brains and come up with some questions for our new manager, Scott Davies. 

What has changed the most in football in the years since you started playing?

‘Most definitely changing rooms. I think these days, working in football clubs as well for Slough, I’ve seen a real change in people. When I was playing first team football at 19, I was still playing with a few old school players at the time and if they spoke to you in a certain way, you knew not to speak back! But that’s something you can’t do as much anymore.’

Who’s the most professional person (player) you’ve worked with during that time?

‘Probably James Harper at Reading. I’ve never known a player to eat, breathe and sleep football like he did. He was the first player I heard of to get astroturf in his garden so he could practice whilst at home!’

How has your match day routine changed as a manager compared to as a player?

‘It’s changed a lot! I've always got to the ground about an hour before any player arrives, I like to have my own time before a game but now that extra hour isn’t long enough. Writing on whiteboards, drawing up set pieces, pre match interviews, speaking to players who are starting and the ones that aren’t. It’s stressful enough but I’m loving it.’

Which is the best ground in terms of welcome, facilities etc you have visited as away player or manager?

‘I’m unsure if you’re asking about the best ground in this league or not…

In this league I always like playing at Dulwich, really nice people too.

Outside of this league it would have to be Newcastle away at St James Park in the Championship for Reading. Just an incredible atmosphere.’

You’re allowed to pick two players from Reading FC that you met last week for the next Slough game. Which ones?

‘The two players I would pick are, Andy Carroll and Scott Dann. Having conceded from two set pieces last week, it would be nice to add some height in both boxes with them two!’

Who is the best manager that you have played for?

‘I would have to say Gary Waddock. He got the best out of me at 19 for a couple of seasons. Brendan Rodgers was the best coach, not manager. In non league, Bakes and Unders!’

Who is the best player you have played against?

‘Tough one.. as an academy player, Mark Noble was incredible, head and shoulders above anyone. In senior football I would say Deco. Just a step ahead of everyone.’

How is it from going from being a senior player to being the boss

‘It’s been really enjoyable. My only frustration is that I would love to pick what I believe is our strongest starting 11 and be judged on that. I think if we are able to do that then people will see the real us.’

Are you enjoying being in charge? Is his missus enjoying you being in charge?

‘I’m enjoying myself being in charge, but unsure about the wife! To be honest, when it was announced she did say to me ‘I’m so proud of you but just don’t forget me’. Football already took over a lot of my time but even more so now. She understands that it’s a huge part of my life but I’m always wary that it can become obsessive for me.’

How is Togs finding his new role and still playing

‘Togs said to me that his role hasn’t changed too much. He obviously gets involved in picking the team and talks us through tactically what he expects on a match day. Togs is brilliant, extremely important to how we function at Slough, along with Yella who has been a great addition.’

Is it usual for new managers to ask ex managers for advice!?

‘Probably not usual no! But it’s not around tactical advice etc, it’s more about players being sent off, how would they have disciplined them? Or speaking to the board, am I okay to ask this question or that question of the board, etc. I’m just figuring out what I can and can’t do really, and what’s down to me and what isn’t if that makes sense.’

With Ebbsfleet having their £2.5 million debts covered last season by their owner and even Eastbourne posting loses of £800,00 how the hell can Slough compete in the National League South?

‘Heart, desire and hard work. They’re the only things that can sometimes combat ability. These other teams will be paying fortunes but we’ve sprung a few surprises on these teams in the past. You can be as good a player as you like, but when someone works harder than you, it is possible to ruin their day.’

If we had more money and you had to choose, would you prioritise a centre back or striker?

‘I don’t want it to come across that we have a striker crisis, but a striker. The reason I say that is because the hardest thing to do is to put the ball in the back of the net and we haven’t done it anywhere near as much as we need to this season. I really believe in this squad though. All I want is to be able to add maybe one or two more but they have to be right for us and the club. I won’t panic buy!’

On grass pitches we often seem to struggle at the start and we see players misjudging the bounce and pace of the pitch. I believe this is because we have to adapt to something we are not used to, as we train on astroturf and play more than half our games on astroturf. Would you consider moving the training session(s) before a grass fixture to take place on grass, so the players are better adapted from the start?

‘I can see where you’re coming from with this but it’s probably something that we wouldn’t do. Even finding a grass pitch to train on in December would be a nightmare with it being dark at 4pm. I do agree at times though with your comments, it’s a totally different game and does take a bit of getting used to. That’s what’s the warm up is for!’

Where do you see Slough in 5 years.

‘I think for me, it’s important that Slough are competing at the top end of the NLS. Let’s be honest, this season hasn’t gone to plan. Two months ago we were riding the crest of a wave and nothing could go wrong, but a bad run of form has completely changed our end goal. From play off challengers to a relegation battle, it’s not what any of us wanted.’

Your ideal plans for club short and medium term. How will you interact with fans on a regular basis to help with the future

‘Short term is most definitely to keep the club up. Medium term would be to build a team with experience and youth and be competitive in the NLS. I’m all for giving good youngsters an opportunity which you’ve most probably already seen so far. I want a high tempo team that the Slough fans will be proud of. I want teams to hate coming to Arbour Park. That’s what we need to get back to. A place where the support is bouncing again behind the goal, but I do realise that’s down to us to get the results in order to get the attendances back up.’

TRUST THE FANS

Printed in the National League South game v Havant and Waterlooville Saturday 10^th December 2022  We lost 3-1 in front of 466

When our community pub was looking for finance, we were asked to calculate how many volunteer hours people did a week. When we added it all up from the committee, to people helping out fixing broken light sockets, to keeping the garden looking smart, sorting the hanging baskets, running seniors’ clubs, driving our bus…. Well, it was eye watering and the pub couldn’t exist without them. But it’s also what’s sets us part as different and a makes us a community pub. Like you wouldn’t exactly help change a broken door for nothing at a Wetherspoons.

The same is true of football clubs up and down the country and Slough Town is no different. From the minute you turn up at the entrance, enter the ground, buy a programme or golden goal ticket, get a beer from the bar, listen to the matchday commentary; they are all volunteers and the list goes on. I remember arriving early at a game when we were still playing at Beaconsfield and was blown away by the military operation just to get a game of football on.

The main body that organises the volunteers is a mix of the Football Club and the Supporters Trust. But who are the Trust and what do they do?

The Slough Town Supporters Trust in its current form was set up in 2003 and over £50,000 has been passed to the Club in sponsorship, while over £30,000 has been donated to local charities, schools and youth football through fundraisers such as the end of season walk.

There are nine people on the board and one of them is Richard Kendall who has been on the board for three years. Born in Slough, now living in the suburbs and married to Liz.

“I have three kids who many years ago were our mascots when we played Cardiff in the FA Cup. When the club took the boys into the Cardiff changing room to have his programme signed, my son asked is that how you write in Welsh. Between us Liz and I have six grown up children. I worked at Heathrow for 40 years since leaving school in import and export, logistics, healthcare and finally compliance until retiring early this August.”

“I have supported Slough Town and Tottenham since childhood. Yes, I was at Wembley ‘73 as an 8-year-old, but no real memories from the day. With the ‘Rebels’ I travelled home and away with Slough Town for years during our pre and conference years. However, when we were relegated due to not making ground improvements it came as a real ‘hammer blow’ and I gave up watching Slough for a few years, but I eventually returned”

Why should people join the Trust.

“The membership cost is currently £10 per season and has been for many years. It is worth mentioning that all these membership fees are added to our revenues and ultimately are passed to the football club. A good number also make an additional donation when joining. Membership gives £5 discount on every away game coach travel which saves you over £100 per season. The coaches we arrange provide a great service to our supporters who may not drive, or not able to use public transport for various reasons. Others use the coach simply for its comfort and ease of use. Everyone is welcome and the more who use it the cheaper we can make it.

“We are active on social media, mostly Twitter, and this has seen a growth of more than 15% of ‘followers’ in the last 2 years. We are mindful there are several types of social media available. Taking this into account, at our next meeting we will discuss our communication and how this can be expanded to reach more supporters. Any thoughts or ideas please let us know. It is worth mentioning that maintaining social media takes time, so we try to balance our focus with how many will actively use those available.

“Volunteering is also a big part of Slough Town, whether through the Trust, club or both. The Trust arranges the membership, coach travel, newsletters, raffles, charity selection and liaison, sponsored walks and we work closely with the club on 50/50, Golden Goal and the 500 Club.”

“As mentioned, there are nine of us on the Trust board in total. Some are more active in the background for the Trust, such as social media and finance, but on match day many are volunteering for the Club/Trust. It’s easier to tell you who based on matchday activities and where to find us.

Mark Hunter does various club activities on match day such as the kits and will be seen walking around with his clipboard and stopwatch noting information from the game.

Jean Lightfoot looks after the main entrance reception, welcoming players, staff, sponsors, guests and officials as well as guidance to fans.

Sue Shiel (club shop Sue) will be in the shop selling you all sorts of Slough Town FC clothing and memorabilia.

Barry Hiron: usually managing the main car park, but will keep busy on anything that needs taking care of. Probably a lot more than I know to be fair.

Keith Bryant: will be providing assistance and guidance to anyone who needs it. Also, taking care of trust membership applications at supporters’ corner.

Dean Beckett will be selling 50/50 tickets at supporters’ corner and posting on Twitter and Facebook during the game. 

Geoff Hill will be at supporters’ corner taking coach bookings and helping with match programme sales

Alan Greenaway, Mr finance for the Trust, will be available at supporters’ corner and for 500 club enquiries and assisting as needed.

Me, I will be watching the game, posting on twitter and sometimes carrying the big flag. Happy to discuss anything Trust related.”

How could the Trust collaborate more with the Club.

“At the moment there are changes within the Club so that’s a very good question. Like everyone I am nervous as to the outcome and hope for a positive way forward. The Trust are seeking a closer working relationship with the Club, which has been acknowledged, and for development of any ideas that will benefit all; the Club, community and supporters. We have also confirmed with the Club for a fan’s forum to be held as soon as there is an update on plans. If successful we will ask for this forum to become a more regular feature. We sincerely hope that any changes will provide us with a solid foundation to define and execute collaboration and not just talk about it.”

What would be your ideal scenario for Slough Town?

“This is a very relevant question for us. Ideally a wealthy benefactor with the Club’s stability and future development being their number one priority. Having this in place would be a positive through all levels of football the Club is involved with and promote participation for all. Other than that, securing larger commercial sponsorships as well as increasing local sponsorships.

“Of course, a strong team performance on the pitch helps and generates more revenues. We all love a cup run, the dreams it gives us and the financial rewards it delivers. This has a knock-on effect on attendances and we do need more supporter’s week in week out. I admire the loyalty of our fans who are passionate about the Club and the valued contribution of time given up by so many of our volunteers.”

To find out more about the Trust go to https://www.sloughtownsupporterstrust.com

500 CLUB

One simple way to support Slough Town is to sign up to the 500 Club. Forget the Lottery you might actually win this with 4 cash prizes every month with income split equally between the football club and the winners.

Alan Harding, who has done every job at the club apart from play for the first team, told me “At present there are 184 shares in the 500 Club but there are a few members that have more than one share. If the Club had 500 members that would generate £15,000 a year rather than £5,000 as we do at the moment. If supporters want to help financially that would be a good place to start.”

You can pick up forms at the bar, chat to anyone at supporters’ corner on matchday or go to here https://www.sloughtownfc.net/500-club

BEHIND THE AMBER AND BLUE

Printed in the National League South game v Concord Rangers Tuesday 6^th December 2022  We drew 0-0 in front of just 307

We haven’t had this feeling for over a decade. Not since Steve Easterbrook was introduced after a game in the clubhouse at Beaconsfield as the new chairman. From that moment the Rebels fortunes finally began to change.

Before that we had been a basket case. We lost our Wexham Park stadium and moved to Windsor then Beaconsfield sliding down the leagues and shedding supporters while neighbouring village teams enjoyed putting one over us. One Slough councillor in a show of civic pride said we should merge with Windsor. With their current problems, maybe Slough Council should have done that instead.

Steve Easterbrook is a quiet, unassuming man who preferred mopping the floor rather being in the director's room, but he is also a smart businessman who saw the potential in two men. Jon Underwood and Neil Baker would become our joint managers and spend nearly 10 years at the club, where after fantastic FA Cup runs and two promotion games at Kettering and Kings Lynn we settled as a decent, established National League South side.

But in football, as in life, all good things must come to an end and reflecting on the end of season awards bash you could sense our former joint managers questioning whether their time at the club was over. With our current financial limitations, we could never match their ambition of managing in the National League.

Just like thousands of other lower league football clubs up and down the country, Slough Town isn’t a viable business – it relies on the goodwill and hundreds of free hours supporters put in over a season to make the club tick. They do it because they support their team, and watching live football in an age of isolation, brings a sense of belonging and an emotional roller-coaster you won’t get from shopping or logging onto Facebook (well you might get the rush if your shoplifting). This is something our former managers tapped into, always having time for fans, reaching out to those when they needed support. As Jon Underwood put it “The fans always had our backs so it’s only right we were there for you guys too.”

Slough is blessed with a lot of volunteers and although it could always do with more, it always seems to have new ones that are welcomed aboard rather than shunned by cliques that have seen the death of so many Workingmens Clubs and Village halls as they fail to embrace new ways of working and peoples changing habits. The fatal ‘we’ve always done it like that’ meat-raffle mentality.

But football clubs need leaders, people who cut through the day-to-day noise and have a strategic vision. Steve Easterbrook had that in bucketfuls.

I’m not here to criticise, as someone who is chair of a community pub, I know how much work people put in behind the scenes for little thanks and a lot of earache when things go wrong. But the recent statement from the club didn’t say very much we didn’t already know. Keeping stum means instead we get leaks and whispers which undermine any organisation over time and destroy goodwill.

I also get that statement said we need to get more people through the turnstiles on matchdays to increase income but doing the same things that has seen our crowds fall dramatically, isn’t going to do that. Losing every week won’t improve matters much either!

On the pitch I think we’ve once again landed on our feet with Scott Davies and Lee Togwell who understand the club and have the footballing contacts to hopefully help us with, what we all know, is a second half of the season relegation battle.

That 5-1 home demolition by Eastbourne was a rude awakening, but supporters are still onside and carrying on banging the drum for the team. At Ebbsfleet we fought hard despite our already threadbare squad being hit with suspensions, departures and illness. With one Fleet supporter telling us that their owner wrote off the clubs £2.5 million debt last season. Just how are we meant to compete against those financial odds?

So are there new people to help the club? Ones with deep pockets or ones with the passion to embrace and tap into the wealth of Slough? That can see the towns melting pot of different creeds and colours as potential supporters and find a way to get them to unite behind the amber and blue.