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Post by desboroboy on Jan 16, 2012 19:28:38 GMT 1
TommyC - that has a great ring about it. The FA would need to come up with a compromise about the D E & F grading though to make it workable. Then again these gradings are way way above what is needed anyway so I wouldn't see much argument from step 4 & 5 clubs.
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Post by tommyc on Jan 16, 2012 21:30:09 GMT 1
There are currently 287 clubs at Step 5. If for 1 season there was no relegation and 34 promotions from the 17 Step 6 Leagues there would be 321 teams that could be split into 16 Step 5 Leagues of 20 clubs with 1 over. If you reduced the Step 6 leagues by 1 you would then have 16 Step 5 and Step 6 Leagues.
Conference North would be fed by Step 3 Midland & Northern League and the Conference South by a London & Home Counties and South & West League. Newly created Midland League would have an East & West Step 4 feeder system to minimilise travelling across poorer cross-country links
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Post by railwatcher on Jan 18, 2012 7:58:16 GMT 1
Make sure all clubs, including Division 1 sides, get to the UCL meeting of clubs at Raunds on Thursday, to get all the facts and figures relating to the proposed changes, they are extremely worrying. Learn also of the dirty tactics and un-democratic representations being employed against our hard working clubs. I urge everyone associated with all member clubs to get along, a united voice from The United Counties League is so so important believe me! We have to make a strong case for ourselves because wevdon't have any help from other Leagues around us as they are protecting themselves in the knowledge that our clubs are at risk, hardly a warm welcome to our potential new homes!
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pborolad
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Post by pborolad on Jan 18, 2012 8:57:52 GMT 1
Railwatcher - has the penny only just dropped? Of course every league is out for themselves and will do what ever it takes to protect them and their clubs, surely at a time like this it goes without saying. Your post is typical of the people within and associated to the UCL. If you thought you'd be able to sit round a table with other leagues and associations and thrash this one out - quite frankly, don't attend Thursday because their is a risk your outlook will spread amongst others.
Being forceful, bullish, bold and brave is the only way to proceed. Sadly, non of the words I have ever associated to the UCL.
Do I think the UCL should survive - no Do I think a shake up has been a long time coming - yes Will travel costs increase - probably yes, but it is swings and roundabouts How will I fund the extra travel costs - stop playing players over the top money, perhaps clubs can get together and negotiate deals with bus companies etc Is it good for the fans - absolutely, no question. I am sick of seeing my team play and visit the same clubs season in, season out. It breeds apathy amongst alot of clubs and fans
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Post by jeffl on Jan 18, 2012 9:31:56 GMT 1
Pborolad, I am a reasonable and rational person and consider from your post that you lack any meaningful facts to form your opinion. You appear to be someone who cares and deserves to have the opportunity to be properly informed. Please call me (078877 22105) and I will happily set up a meeting and I'll take you through the facts and the impact on the majority of UCL and neighbouring league clubs who are also affected through their increased travel costs and also the travel time - (Ridgeons clubs like Wroxham, Kirkley and Gt Yarmouth are only just realising that they are going to have to make 6 hour midweek round trips to places like Wellingborough, Irchester). 2 years ago we played Kirkley midweek in a cup replay and we had to leave at 3:30pm and got back at 1:30am next morning - on a coach that cost us £450.
At least take the time to listen and understand the facts and the impact - then you will be taken seriously :-)
Jeff
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Post by kevinb on Jan 18, 2012 10:22:16 GMT 1
Pborolad,
I bet you are a good bloke to have on your side down a dark alley on a Saturday night! Gutless or what. Swings and roundabouts on travel costs, must have some strange rides in Peterborough! Have you actually taken the time to look at the figures or is it just a stab in the dark, as Jeff says, I'm sure there will be many Chairmen, Treasurers, who would willingly discuss the FACTS with you, as opposed to your guesswork. One thing I do agree with you on is that it may, just may, finally put an end to overpaid expenses to average players. However, the rest of your post is ...................not allowed to say on here. Perhaps you should visit the meeting tomorrow night, make yourself known and explain your reasoning, I'm sure you would be very welcome.
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pborolad
Turned Up For Training
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Post by pborolad on Jan 18, 2012 15:21:11 GMT 1
Thanks Jeff - I might just do that.
Kevin - to be accused of posting without knowing the true facts, from you of all people, is possibly the most hypocritical post in the history of forums and blogs.
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Post by kevinb on Jan 18, 2012 15:47:00 GMT 1
But then I do not hide behind a psuedonym, I am who it says I am. Please explain the hypocritical part of the post and then we can discuss properly. Good casting though, you got a little nibble.
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bpwchair
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Post by bpwchair on Jan 18, 2012 18:50:35 GMT 1
As a UCL chairman, this whole situation needs to be approached rationally and thoughtfully into how we tackle it. Lets be clear and talk facts rather than gossip and hearsay (must of which is absolute garbage). We need to sit down as a group with clear minds and come up with a constructive argument as to why this is opposed by clubs, and I would hasten to add that it affects Step 6 as much as Step 5 clubs.
Knee jerk reactions are never the way forward but unity as a group is. If we as a body approach the FA just say no with no constructive arguments then they will simply say thank you very much your points have been noted and we will carry on and do exactly what we want. If however we can be rational and laydown the foundations of our disapproval to the "suggestion" then we might have a case and an argument to work with.
We must listen to each other as clubs and work together. Social media is an important weapon these days but it can also at times back fire on you magnificently when you least expect it.
The fact of the matter is until the meeting of UCL clubs tomorrow and the Step 5 clubs in Leicester there is alot of hot air being branded about by some people on the outside as opposed to those on the inside.
Listen, reflect and then act would be my policy but definitely not react.
Level heads is what is required not hot ones.
Just a thought thats all.
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Post by robt on Jan 19, 2012 12:42:19 GMT 1
So pborolad you are sick of seeing your team play the same teams season in and season out. How can a regional Step 5 league avoid that? The ridgeons teams may be sick of playing each other too and if your team does move to another league you will probably be sick of playing those teams after 3 or 4 seasons! Perhaps they could restructure Step 5 every other year so you can get a regular dose of variety.
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Post by Grissles Oleary on Jan 19, 2012 20:44:31 GMT 1
So pborolad you are sick of seeing your team play the same teams season in and season out. How can a regional Step 5 league avoid that? The ridgeons teams may be sick of playing each other too and if your team does move to another league you will probably be sick of playing those teams after 3 or 4 seasons! Perhaps they could restructure Step 5 every other year so you can get a regular dose of variety. A lot of teams in the Premier are saying the same,getting fed up with going to Old Trafford,the Emirates etc. ;D
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Post by judgedread on Jan 20, 2012 13:01:31 GMT 1
Any news on Thursday nights meeting anyone??
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Post by railwatcher on Jan 20, 2012 19:09:15 GMT 1
The meeting was informative, well attended and clubs were asked to feed back information, the proposals and the workings left the assembly in a positive but reflective mood. A united front by clubs, just one prem club failed to show, rather embarrassing for them eh! What did other club reps think? Looking like a 100% turnout expected for FA meeting next week. Lots of support from the County FA officials present.
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Post by Grissles Oleary on Jan 21, 2012 10:34:45 GMT 1
Just out of curiosity,which club wasn't represented?
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Post by kevinb on Jan 21, 2012 10:46:18 GMT 1
Does it matter who it was. Their loss in the end, well at some time they will!
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