|
|
Post by Steve T on Aug 3, 2023 23:34:42 GMT 1
Banbury's odds at the start of last season were typically 25/1 to 33/1. This time they're 40, 50, 66/1. Is that because of last season's poor finish or the comprehensive change of personnel? 'Second season syndrome' might be worrying some but is that more typical of clubs that don't have a change of manager or a big turnover of players between seasons?
A good start is essential, not least for finances. We saw last season how attendances tailed off after Christmas. Gate money might be only about one-fifth of income but spending in the ground is important while advertising and sponsorship are also affected by the level of attendance. The club effectively starts on -£15,000 because of the rent increase. Does anyone know if the permitted number of visiting supporters will be reduced by the new segregation arrangements?
Will this be a bigger test than last season?
|
|
|
|
Post by simon on Aug 4, 2023 5:40:19 GMT 1
Interesting, re second season. We're effectively a new team, so early on opponents won't have last season's matches as guidance. Of course at this level player turnover is high so the same may be true for them. It's all about who settled in quickest. It's never too early to start winning. I think it will be tough, but based on the Maidenhead game, I'm more optimistic than I was.
|
|
|
|
Post by blackbeltjones on Aug 4, 2023 9:21:09 GMT 1
I've heard away capacity is now limited to 300 which is fine for the majority but for Scunny/Chester etc we will lose out on a lot of money.
There could be a possibility that for the bigger away followings that the John Nichols stand is fully opened with segregation extended to the players tunnel.
The old tea bar will also sell cans to away teams.
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve T on Aug 4, 2023 14:31:26 GMT 1
Only three of last season's matches attracted more than 200 visitors: Hereford (280), Kidderminster (240) and Brackley (220). Chester (130), Darlington and Boston (100) were evening fixtures. This season, of the bigger clubs, only Boston and Scunthorpe are scheduled to visit in the evening.
Are the segregation barriers still in place at the cowfield end? Did the club give any thought to variable segregation? Brackley do this but it's always at the top end and around the far side, allowing them to go up to 700.
At least Banbury have a bit more cover now. It might be needed tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
Post by spiritof86 on Aug 4, 2023 18:30:15 GMT 1
I think on - paper we’ve got a decent small squad , if we can have luck and avoid injuries then I see a mid table finish , and a lucrative cup run ! Up the puritans
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve T on Aug 4, 2023 23:33:58 GMT 1
I don't know how many other clubs have had such a big turnover this summer but Gloucester is one. The duo who kept the club going in exile and funded the return to the city sold up towards the end of last season. Supporters feared budget cuts and player departures. It seems they were correct, with a big clear-out. It appears that King's Lynn have also had significant cutbacks since last season's play-off failure.
_________________________________________________________
There's an unwanted 'anniversary' coming up. It's 40 years since the start of what turned out to be Banbury's worst season, 83-84, in terms of points per game and one which almost saw the club fold. The consequences of that period are, of course, very much with us now, as the stadium saga has reminded us.
Banbury took just 29 points from 38 games in the SL Midland Division yet finished above Milton Keynes (18) and Tamworth (13). MK escaped because Bridgwater folded; Tamworth were relegated to the West Midland League but came back four years later, won the FA Vase and had two spells in the Conference's national division. Banbury were in debt to the tune of £220,000 at today's prices and considered resigning from the SL and playing in the Hellenic. As it was they carried on, effectively as amateurs.
Where, at Tamworth, a takeover by a consortium of local businessmen restored the club's fortunes (and more), at Banbury it resulted in the selling of the ground and...well, you know the rest.
|
|
|
|
Post by blackbeltjones on Aug 5, 2023 12:35:29 GMT 1
Only three of last season's matches attracted more than 200 visitors: Hereford (280), Kidderminster (240) and Brackley (220). Chester (130), Darlington and Boston (100) were evening fixtures. This season, of the bigger clubs, only Boston and Scunthorpe are scheduled to visit in the evening. Are the segregation barriers still in place at the cowfield end? Did the club give any thought to variable segregation? Brackley do this but it's always at the top end and around the far side, allowing them to go up to 700. At least Banbury have a bit more cover now. It might be needed tomorrow. I have thought about variable segregation so hope the club have but would need to ensure the new stand is home only - think the barriers have been removed at the Kings Sutton end? Will have a look today so long as its not too wet...
|
|
|
|
Post by Steve T on Aug 6, 2023 18:10:27 GMT 1
Elsewhere yesterday, Scunthorpe took 750 supporters to Tamworth, for whom Ben Acquaye gave them the lead. The visitors came back to win, after which the police apparently let everyone out of the ground at the same time, leading to some unpleasantness. There'd been a bit of nonsense in the town centre at lunchtime, some posturing between locals and visiting supporters with Plod running around trying to keep order. It's not as though Tamworth hadn't already had a warning after the Nuneaton business last season.
As already mentioned, with a very new side Gloucester fans have the same worries as Banbury. They weren't too surprised to lose at Blyth and are keeping their fingers crossed. Next week's match down there will be a good measure of progress for both clubs.
Southport fans are upset. They didn't have the big changes that they wanted after a poor season. Losing 0-4 at home to a promoted team of modest pedigree hasn't helped their mood. Darlington fans are also apparently resigned to mediocrity after one home defeat. Patience, folks...
Relegated Kettering went to promoted Stamford and lost, despite twice taking the lead. Their fans have for some years been worried that they'll never return to the top level without a ground of their own in the borough. At least they have somewhere reasonably secure to play. They should be grateful for that.
Also relegated last season were Hungerford, whose seven years at Step 2 was six more than I expected them to have. They beat Plymouth Parkway 7-0 on returning to the Southern League. Amongst the scorers were Conor McDonagh (3) and Luke Carnell...
|
|
