THAT EXTRA ONE PER CENT

 

Printed in the National League South game v Salisbury 14th December 2024 We drew 1-1 in front of 661 people. 

Photo by Scott McNeish

Before Sir Dave Brailsford became head of British Cycling the team had only ever won a single gold medal in its 76 year history. But under his leadership that all changed, with British Cycling dominating the 2008 Olympics winning an incredible 60% of the gold medals. They repeated this success at the 2012 Olympics. Brailsford then went on to manage Sir Bradley Wiggins who became the first ever British winner of the Tour de France following this up with Chris Froome's success.

So what the hell did he do? It was all about the “extra one per cent rule”—or rather, what Brailsford refers to as “marginal gains” in action.

Sir Dave believed that the road to success was through small—not giant—strides, having become influenced by the concept of “Kaizen”— a Japanese word meaning ‘continuous improvement.’

His team examined and improved upon everything from aerodynamics to mechanics in the truck they travelled in. He ensured that each team member made positive adjustments to their diet, sleep habits, and overall health. There was one catch: Every team member had to be committed, or the marginal gains approach would not work.

I was thinking about this story the day after the SL Classico victory and remembering a flustered Spreadsheet Stu. He burst into the bar telling us that our manager and kitman had dragged him into the dressing room to give a team talk to the players about just how important the game meant to the supporters. It was a genius move and gave the extra per cent that can make the difference.

Stu himself had been promoting the Wheatsheaf pub on the Slough Town socials. The Wheatsheaf opened early and by 12.30 was rammed, no doubt helped in part with a free bacon sarnie for anyone going to the game. If ever there was evidence of how new owners can inject new life into a place, here it was.

I lived with my dad in Alpha Street for quite a few years. Well, he mainly lived in the Alpha Arms. It was a lively, vibrant place (the area, not so much the postage stamp Alpha). We got together with neighbours and set up a residents group that focused on positive change rather than wasting our time moaning. In one fun rubbish run we picked up all the discarded McDonalds wrappers after they told us it was unhygienic to have proper plates and cutlery; oh and in any case people always put their rubbish in the bin. Oh yeah so how comes we’ve just collected bin bags full from the neighbouring streets. How they thanked us when we returned it all to them.

As I stared out the window enjoying my obligatory pre match breakfast curry I couldn’t help but think that some serious positive action was needed right now. The streets were a complete tip, despite the fact that wheelie bins were everywhere. On this showing, it’s not surprising that Slough had just been voted worst place to live in the country.

But scratch beneath the surface and there’s civic pride because people want to make the places they live better.

The annual #OneSlough Awards returned in November, attracting a record 134 nominations. Organised by the charity Slough Council for Voluntary Services the awards recognise the commitment of volunteers, charities, and supportive businesses.

Here’s just 3 examples

Slough West Indian Peoples Enterprise or SWIPE have been making a difference since 1997. Committed to helping those at risk of exclusion, particularly young people, develop their potential through music, arts, sport or community service, fostering unity among different races and faiths, promoting a shared sense of belonging and community cohesion.

Slough Art for All Adults is a community project aimed at adults who take part in arts and crafts activities at the accessible St

Mary’s Church and at Slough Town FC

Slough Hub has four programmes #DRIVE is the employability and skills development #ARTSCAPE an ambitious initiative that seeks to make Slough a beautiful, vibrant town that becomes a talking point for its unique attractions. #BOOST promotes physical and mental health #IGNITE focuses on the economic development of the area including helping people to start small businesses and create an environment where businesses and people can thrive.

Where does our football club sit amongst this?

Slough Town FC partnered with Slough Hub during the summer to host the extremely successful Slough Olympica which saw over 1600 residents attend and over 30 different sports organisations showcasing their activities.

On the pitch the best of Slough was also in evidence at Arbour Park come 5pm as Rebel supporters where left with smiles on their faces as wide as a giant MarsBar. Not even Storm WhatitsFace could spoil the day.

As we celebrated the win, the players serenaded us with their version of Twist and Shout. As one supporter put it so well ‘I was right in front of this celebration and it was awesome! They really include the fans after every game.’ Getting everyone involved, feeling part of Team Slough Town, squeezing that extra 1% out of all of us.

Ashley Smith CEO of the club told me “Slough Town FC is more than just a football team; it is a pillar of the local community, fostering pride, unity, and opportunity. Its contributions to social cohesion, youth engagement, and economic activity make it a vital part of Slough’s cultural and social fabric. As a club with a long history, Slough Town FC connects the present-day community with its past, creating a shared narrative that many residents take pride in. The club acts as a unifying force, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to support a common cause. This is particularly meaningful in a town as

culturally diverse as Slough. By actively engaging with Slough Town FC, the community not only supports a local institution but also builds a thriving, interconnected, and vibrant town.”

The human soul can’t survive on a diet of takeaways, Netflix and social media. People need to belong and our club are right in the mix trying to make a change.

But things will only change when people step up. Maybe I will bring a litterpick next time I’m in town and try and clear at least 1% of the rubbish on the way to the pub. I might be some time.

And if you think all this is hot air and impossible; well just ask the British Cycling Team.