A BIT OF FINANCIAL BOTHER

To be printed in the National League South game v Farnham Town Tuesday 18^th August 2026

Well that was disapointing. I'd polished my sticks, even eyed up a new xylophone. Then a message arrived on my phone from Clubshop Sue.

Our game was off. Ebbsfleet were on the naughty step and not allowed to kick a ball for 3 games. I'm no expert, but maybe twelve seconds before the season was about to start wasn't the best timing.

Apparently Ebbsfleet being subject to a winding-up petition by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs over unpaid debts was the final straw. The National League has also informed the Independent Football Regulator it's very, very cross and the club are now under a transfer embargo.

If Ebbsfleet were in a bit of financial bother - they have been in debt for a decade with cumulative losses of a staggering £22.8 million - which in most peoples books would count as a bit of bother, Slough were now going to take a significant financial hit. Saturdays first home game of the season would have been a big deal with a big crowd, food and refreshment sales - all now lost because of lets face it, a team who have been flying close to the wind ever since they ditched the glorious name of Gravesend and Northfleet.

To rub salt into the wound, plans for their new 8,000 seater stadium had been rejected. They are now waiting for new owners to come on board and sort out the mess.

I do feel sorry for their supporters; although supporters can also be their clubs worst enemies, demanding they overspend to keep up with the Joneses. But this also felt like Slough were being penalised. Our clubs owners have worked tirelessly to make us financially sustainable, while others in our league throw ridiculous amounts of cash at promotion. Maybe, just maybe the new football regulator will sort this out.

So twiddling my drum sticks I thumbed through the Non League Paper but none of the local FA Cup games caught my eye.

So a short bus trip to Shoreham Football Club instead who were playing Selsey. Last season Shoreham had a nightmare. Top of the Southern Combination Premier League briefly at the beginning, Saltdean United from the division below, poached their manager and some of their best players. Fast forward to April and they were relegated with just 18 points, conceding 136 goals. This relegation meant Shoreham are now too low down the pecking order to compete in the FA Cup, so this was the opening day in Division One.

Just before kick off, I asked the chairman how he thought the season would go and he replied that he didn't have a clue. Seven minutes after kick off and neither apparently did his defenders as they conceded 3 quick goals. Blimey this could be a long season. Shoreham found their feet in the second half but it finished 4-1. But I will say this. Shoreham have worked so hard off the pitch to get things right, it was a decent crowd for of 153 who didn't get on their backs and they even had a young drummer behind the goal with his mate. Very impressive for what is effectively Division 10

Players being poached is the bane of the football fan. We know money talks and we know people will move if they are offered more. I don't really blame them; if another company offered you more cash for doing the same job, wouldn't you leave? And let's be clear, there's no loyalty to players from clubs when they want to get rid.

So let's get ready to finally rumble at Arbour Park. Against a team who have been transformed by the chairman's deep pockets but also his impressive business and marketing nous. I love his honesty on football money matters. His breakdown financially and forensically how the club made £100,000 during the two play off games to get to the National League South is fascinating. Not just the revenue streams but how it was done, the thoughts and processes to make sure those who came had a brilliant time, stayed longer, spent more money – and wanted to come back again. I love the fact he asks questions on social media, talks about income and expenditure and ideas on how to help improve it. He's worked hard to get punters through the turnstiles, although obviously winning a lot helps.

I wish more clubs took a leaf out of his book. Then maybe, just maybe if football fans knew the true cost of running a football club they would be a little more understanding. Too many want to win at any cost. Unfortunately for Ebbsfleet fans that grim overspending reality is now staring them down the barrel of a financial gun.