DERWIN DEAN

 

Printed in the National League South game v Hampton & Richmond Borough Boxing Day 2023. We drew 3-3 in front of 1008

‘Mustn't grumble’’ Derwin messaged to a friend who asked how he was. Well apart from the fact that he’d been given two weeks to live and was now in a hospice in Windsor.

Some of you might know Derwin Dean, not that he went to Slough very much anymore, and if he did he took up the Wheatsheaf corner in the bar watching through the glass. But he was the surreal cartoonist for our 'Rebels Without A Clue' fanzine, that featured many celebrities that are now in disgrace, prison and dead. Innocent times or did we always in our heart of hearts know they were wrong ‘uns?

He was also a ballboy at the Greyhound stadium but was apparently sacked cos he didn’t want to collect the balls.

While the club welcomed our fanzine with open arms at first, one article attacking Sloughs then Tory MP appeared in a national newspaper, which escalated and no doubt put the club in an impossible position. Being young, care-free and angry, I was always ready to protest and produce a leaflet at the drop of a hat and didn’t have to worry about the earache the club were no doubt getting.

Which is how it should be really. As we get older we get burdened with more responsibilities and worry more – so we need youngsters to come in with fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Football clubs especially need to keep up with the times if they are to survive. Closed minds and a Meat Raffle Mentality will only lead to the slow death of any organisation.

But youngsters can also have stupid mob mentality as we witnessed at the end of the FA Trophy Farnborough game. This unfortunately led to our league game with them being segregated, a total ballache and more expense and not what this level of football is about. On the same day, Chippenham v Weymouth was also segregated. Is football stupidity coming back?

Our fanzine was there to celebrate our first ever season in what was then the Gola National League. I’d been supporting Slough since I was 12 but had had enough. Infact I wrote in our first fanzine editorial “I stopped going to football ages ago, tired of the bully-boys, the racists, the no humour crew. As we lost to Orient in the cup I wondered, was it all worth it. Surely there was more to life than this. But slowly things have changed. Football seems more positive and this has got a lot to do with the fanzines and the supporters in general making their voices heard. Supporters are the club and clubs should listen a lot more and tell them what’s going on. Footballs a game to be enjoyed. We all go up and down with the fortunes of our team, but one things for sure, I’ll enjoy the coming season, have a laugh and try not to take it too serious...try.”

I’m pretty sure that was Derwins outlook on life. Derwin was the one you would want at your pub table with his ridiculous stories; he was a top quizmaster and music maestro and one of those people who bought comics but never opened them in case they were worth money one day. Like sitting with my nan who used to shout at Antiques Roadshow saying she used to have that. Derwins problems was that there were thousands of people like him who thought the same about their precious unopened comics.

I like to arrive early at Arbour Park watching the buzz of the place as it starts to fill up while others rush around to make sure it all goes smoothly. Maybe I like it more, cos unlike work or our community pub, I’m not responsible. But there’s a real community feel as people greet each other, like they have done at Slough matches throughout the years, and welcome new supporters.

No matter what life throws at you, you have to have a laugh. That’s probably a bit flippant, when bombs are being dropped on your head or your country is being washed away by rising sea levels.

But despite all the terrible things going on in the world, there are lots of good people who live a good life and help each other out. Derwin was one of those people. Him and his double-act Mr.Icky were the first people round my dads house to help clear it with our family after he died.

I perhaps stupidly believe that individuals can make a difference. That a few good people can get together and change the world -or at least their small corners of it. I’m sure all Derwins nephews and nieces loved their Uncle Monster who changed their worlds for the better.

The world needs more people like Derwin Dean. Rest well my friend, you bought joy and laughter to everyone. Maybe we all mustn’t grumble as much.

* Derwins funeral takes place on January 5th 1pm at Slough Crematorium followed by a celebration of his life at the Irish Club

FLAGGING UP THE SUPPORTERS TRUST

 

Printed in the National League South game v Hemel Hempstead Town Tuesday 19th December 2023. We won 2-0 in front 607.

The announcement of a new chair of the Slough Town Supporters Trust probably went under most peoples radar. But with the new banners behind the goals, extra coach travel for FA Cup replays and Dean doing little dances to entice people to buy Christmas raffle tickets, its been a busy time for the Trust.

But who are they? What do they do – and whose the new man at the top?

Richard Kendall was born in Taplow, grew up on the Britwell Estate and has spent his whole life in and around Slough and its suburbs. He worked at Heathrow from leaving school back in 1980 until 2022 where he’s now enjoying retirement and quite a few holidays!

“The family tradition was to support Tottenham and Slough, which I did.

It’s all Slough Town for me now. Non-league football has so many more attractions to it. Just one more visit to Wembley for Slough and I’d be happy. I was there in 73’ at Wembley, albeit we somehow undeservedly lost 1-0. Amongst my memorabilia I do have a player’s shirt, full tracksuit and runners up medal from the day."

It’s safe to say that Richard does like his memorabilia – and big flags.

“My most active period of watching Slough was The Conference years, following us both home and away, with regular trips up north to the likes of Halifax and Gateshead. So close to making the Wembley dream a reality again but missed out to Southport in the semi-final.”

Like many supporters, being kicked out of the Conference and spending years being homeless, meant Richard didn’t get to see the Rebels.

“Two major events for me started me watching Slough again. The return to a new stadium after being nomads for many years and then the Kings Lynn playoff final. Such a fantastic day out, and afterwards back at the club. Brilliant atmosphere, belting out ‘Sweet Caroline’ when it was not even the football anthem it is today. I decided then I’d like to be more involved with the club, one way or another. The first conversation I had led to me joining the Trust.”

What does the Trust do?

“The Trust was formed back in 2003 to provide support to the club during very challenging times. Efforts made were outstanding and I’m very happy that the club are still here so personally can play a part in the future.

“We have a set of rules to follow and from these we have several key objectives:

• Supporting the Slough Town Football Club to promote further development of football at all levels within the community, to encourage participation and inclusion for all.

• Strengthen the bond between the football club and the community with our efforts.

• To represent our supporters and encourage the club to take proper account of the interests of the supporters and the community it serves in its decisions.

• Provide services to our supporters to allow them to travel to games which may otherwise be difficult.

• Give support to youth development and local charities.

“To translate this into what this really means breaks down into two key areas of volunteering and financial support.

“Almost all the Trust board work on matchdays, for the Trust and / or the club. A lot also happens behind the scenes as well. Things like coach planning, social media, meeting charities, fundraising events, stationery, 500 Club and financial as examples.

“Our Key fundraising events such as Trust membership, Christmas raffle, sponsored walk and donations are very important to us and allow us to work closely with the club. Every penny we raise benefits the club and the local community.

“As for coach travel, we do our utmost to run a coach to away games. This element is not to make profit and provides a service that allows fans to watch the ‘Rebels on Tour’. We would like more supporters to use the coaches as this helps to ensure we can run a coach, and secondly to reduce costs to all supporters. We may well consider family rates as a way forward to help spread the costs.

“As a Trust board we are all equal members and therefore all have a say in our decisions, to help achieve the best outcome for our members and the club.”

Why did you decided to become Chair and what do you think the Trust can do better. It seems to have a great relationship with the new owners – tell us about some of the initiatives and others in the pipeline

“From the concerns off the pitch last season, there is new Club management in place with a dynamic approach towards future growth and success on the pitch. We are 100% not forgetting the great efforts of those before them who were and still are actively involved. The Trust wanted to be a part of these plans and to represent the supporters whilst developing our future relationship with the club.

“It has been important to add new Trust board members, who are readily accessible to fans, able to join in with Trust efforts, and to present ourselves to the Club as an asset. We have this in place, and have developed several key focus points: Communication, understanding, collaboration and making plans happen. We will have a future legacy plan for the club from the supporters, when the time is right. Becoming a Trust member will play your part in this as well as several other benefits such as a draw for boardroom access, limited edition badge, extra raffle tickets, tea/coffee for a night game, coach discount.

“Our supporters are fabulous, and I include the many who volunteer in this. Everyone is different, (bin basher just came to mind) but it does not matter who you are. Everyone is welcome, everyone is friendly and so many get to know each other very quickly as friends. We all share the passion that is Slough Town FC.”

Cheer Richard. Final word goes to our joint owner Ashley Smith “The Club's relationship with the Trust has excellent foundations. I've been in frequent dialogue with Richard about our plans and how we can collaborate. In 2024 we hope to deliver a legacy project to aid both the Football Club and Trust."  

Don't delay, join today. Either online at https://www.sloughtownsupporterstrust.com or chat to Trust members under one of the Gazebos as you enter the ground. 

DIRTY OLD TOWN

 

Printed in the National League South game v Farnborough Town Saturday 16^th December 2023  We drew 2-2 in front of 720

There’s always those FA Cup stories that will catch peoples imagination and that will catapult a club and thrust them into the limelight. This season it was Ramsgate who thanks to family connections I always keep an eye out for. I used to pop along when visiting their pleasant but tired looking ground – Slough supporters even piled down en-masse one sunny October in 2006 to watch us lose in the league.

James Lawson became Chairman 4 years ago and has community turbo charged the place. “It is tough here now. It’s an airport town that doesn’t fly any planes, a harbour town that doesn’t sail any boats. 37% of children in our schools qualify for free school meals...we are now working in schools, we have community projects. We have 900 youth members, regularly wearing our kit, we are embedded in the community.” In 2019 they were averaging 150 with 17 season ticket holders, now they are averaging 750 + with 350 season ticket holders and are continually hosting activities and events.

Bromley also recently had their moment on TV. I’d visited Hayes Lane countless times during our Isthmian League days, It was also the scene of one of the great Slough Town footballing stories – a last gasp goal to seal our place in the Conference for the first time ever - which gave birth of our fanzine ‘Rebels without a clue’ and countless miles on the road.

What they’ve have done since is really impressive, and their stadium has been transformed – wooden seats behind the goal have become an new all seater stand. The place is now a 24 hour operation with gym, bar, restaurants. On National TV their chairman waxed lyrical about all the community stuff they are doing and that they are ready for the step up into the Football League. They’ve got all the equality and diversity and safeguarding policies on display. A football club for everyone!

There’s just one small problem with all this grandiose talk and that was the away end. This must have been designed by Steptoe and Son with a bin graveyard, pieces of metal and other assorted rubbish piles, a disgusting mould covered portacabin loo with women's toilet facilities not fit for purpose. There’s little cover in the ‘bar’ area with just six seats that were full of water and none on the away terracing. As for the table top where the condiments sat; well even Steptoe would have thrown that out. And all this could be yours for the price of £20 and a good old feel up on the gate. It’s not beyond the wit of man why a section of empty covered terracing couldn’t be given to away fans. And surely with all your all singing safeguarding words, shouldn’t the ladies loos actually be fit to use? People with disabilities or mobility issues have somewhere to sit?

In the end it was a game that won’t live long in the memory, Bromley's one bit of footballing brilliance saw them score in the opening minute and I feared the worse; but after that the Rebels more than matched them, getting stuck in, winning second balls, hitting the post, but it wasn’t to be and it ended 1-0 to the inhospitable hosts.

Earlier on I popped into the Cork n Cask one of the best micropubs I’ve come across. Real ale without the snobbery, a range of pub drinks and a cosy place where me and the landlord chewed the fat and agreed that despite all our complaints, we're lucky compared to what others are having to face across the world.

As we stood frozen on the windswept terrace, there was a real sense of injustice that we treated like second class citizens for the crime of being away fans. After my conversation with the Cork n Cask landlord, I know it doesn’t matter in the scheme of things, but if your club are going to talk about inclusivity and being a welcoming place then you seriously need to make more of an effort for your temporary guests.

The reason many of us support lower league football is because of its friendliness, a chance to mingle, have a beer, change ends at half time...i understand as crowds get bigger that becomes more difficult but whoever you are, there’s no need to treat away fans like mugs. I know our clubs ambition would be to be in the National League, but if that’s what to expect then its not for me.

As for the FA Cup as it reaches the 3^rd round, the romance for the TV companies vanishes. We know they will televise every Man United game but surely Maidstone could have been picked as well. The last club before Bury to be expelled from the Football League. They had to start right at the bottom of the pyramid pile and over the last 27 years have fought their way back up and created a ground to be proud of back in Maidstone. I know Stevenage at home isn’t that glamorous but surely its a bit more exciting that Crystal Palace v Everton or Spurs v Burnley. Games that don’t exactly get the blood racing, and whose extra TV pennies won’t make any difference to their bloated budgets.

As for Slough Town, its back to concentrating as they say, on the league. I just hope I haven’t caught cholera.