League 1 General Chat Thread

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That figure is effectively based on a 'Greater Portsmouth'. It includes the borough's of Havant, Fareham and Gosport. Being an island and surrounded by water on three sides, the city cannot really grow (other than skywards).

I'm sure each of the towns and cities above would have a cause to cement on surrounding areas to increase their potential for support too. Greater Sheffield and Bristol must be well over a million population each.

 

[BarrieOwl]

On reflection, you would expect teams in Bristol to get much better attendances - roughly 26k between the two clubs. Although it does strike me as a city that you would find a lot of United, Arsenal and Liverpool fans.

The average of the two is closer to 30k than 26k

 

[BarrieOwl]

That figure is effectively based on a 'Greater Portsmouth'. It includes the borough's of Havant, Fareham and Gosport. Being an island and surrounded by water on three sides, the city cannot really grow (other than skywards).

I'm sure each of the towns and cities above would have a cause to cement on surrounding areas to increase their potential for support too. Greater Sheffield and Bristol must be well over a million population each.

Greater Sheffield would be Rotherham, Barnsley, Chesterfield etc

 

[Chris FGR]

Technically Greater Nailsworth includes all of the Stroud district/5 valleys, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon and Bristol. Our catchment area is HUGE.

 

[YEO YEO YEO]

Lincoln is around 103k which is correct, but that doesnt include North Hykeham and other areas within the ring road (directly next to Lincoln). With NH, and the then the immediate surrounding villages outside the ring road (Waddington, Washingborough, Branston, Heighington, Cherry, Nettleham etc), you are probably looking at nearer 180k in immediate area.

 

[Laker]

We may have 145k people living here (and a lot of new housing going up) but a lot of the people who live here moved from other places and/or have no interest in football. It’s a real struggle.

On the other hand, we have no football clubs less than 40 miles of us in any direction and the population of our “catchment area” is probably something in the region of 300k-500k (genuine guess). It’s bloody frustrating our attendances aren’t better.

Like I said, there’s a very transient population and, related to that, many of the people are middle class (scientists, doctors, researchers etc) who just aren’t interested in football. We have an appalling local transport system which doesn’t help anyone to get in to the city. Even from my house (4 miles from the ground) it takes over an hour by public transport.

But frankly we should be doing better. If someone would build us a 20,000 seater stadium in an easily accessible part of Cambridge and market the club properly then I’m sure we’d grow. But we’ve never had a pot to piss in during my lifetime.

 

[Pompeyblueboy]

We may have 145k people living here (and a lot of new housing going up) but a lot of the people who live here moved from other places and/or have no interest in football. It’s a real struggle.

On the other hand, we have no football clubs less than 40 miles of us in any direction and the population of our “catchment area” is probably something in the region of 300k-500k (genuine guess). It’s bloody frustrating our attendances aren’t better.

Like I said, there’s a very transient population and, related to that, many of the people are middle class (scientists, doctors, researchers etc) who just aren’t interested in football. We have an appalling local transport system which doesn’t help anyone to get in to the city. Even from my house (4 miles from the ground) it takes over an hour by public transport.

But frankly we should be doing better. If someone would build us a 20,000 seater stadium in an easily accessible part of Cambridge and marketed it properly then I’m sure we’d grow. But we’ve never had a pot to piss in during my lifetime.

Brighton have got to be the best example of a club growing. I remember when they played at the Goldstone and were always a lower league club. They almost went out the league when they played Hereford in a play off.

The goldstone got sold and Brighton had no ground to play in. They tried to ground share with Pompey but ended up having to go to Gillingham.

Then they moved back to Brighton and played at the withdean with a capacity of about 6or 7k.

They now have a lovely new ground and established in the Prem. Thats a perfect example of build it and they will come.

I admire Brighton but am so fcuking jealous.

 

[GEORGE]

The average of the two is closer to 30k than 26k

And hopefully ( when/if ) we move to the " Fruit Market " the combined crowd will be 40K minimum.

 

[codaplenty]

Notwithstanding the current turmoil at Fleetwood, when looking at the breakdown of the population of all the clubs, and Fleetwood being rock bottom.
It really does put into perspective the tremendous achievement of the club in maintaining league 1 status for so long. Unfortunately that could be changing dramatically going forward

 

[gainsparkshrew]

Your success is based on Piley pumping in his I'll gotten cash to keep you in L1.

Between today, Pileys judgement day,and the start of the season you will probably have a fire sale and no doubt as the season progresses you will no doubt fail to pay players.
Will you still exist this time next year?...we will have to wait and see

 

[codaplenty]

Your success is based on Piley pumping in his I'll gotten cash to keep you in L1.

Between today, Pileys judgement day,and the start of the season you will probably have a fire sale and no doubt as the season progresses you will no doubt fail to pay players.
Will you still exist this time next year?...we will have to wait and see

Indeed we will have to wait and see, plenty of people would like to see Fleetwood fold. I'm quite philosophical about what might happen, Watched Fleetwood in the old Lancashire Combination in the late 50's and seen plenty of ups and downs - this is just another....

 

[kieran_vale]

Indeed we will have to wait and see, plenty of people would like to see Fleetwood fold. I'm quite philosophical about what might happen, Watched Fleetwood in the old Lancashire Combination in the late 50's and seen plenty of ups and downs - this is just another....

It’s the people behind the scenes in the office etc you worry for most, they’ve done nothing wrong but may end up suffering as a knock on effect. The players and coaches will always be ok as there’ll no doubt be somewhere for them to go. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that. Did read an article about the case and it might be a while before Pilley sees the outside world again.

 

[gainsparkshrew]

Indeed we will have to wait and see, plenty of people would like to see Fleetwood fold. I'm quite philosophical about what might happen, Watched Fleetwood in the old Lancashire Combination in the late 50's and seen plenty of ups and downs - this is just another....

Credit to you for being philosophical about the situation,plus very impressive about your long term support.
I do remember your team when you where known as Fleetwood Freeport. Just one question,thinking back to reading about the goings on at Bury via the Up the Shakers forum.Their fans knew that everything would come crashing down as the owner was dodgy.Question is,did you guys at Fleetwood have your doubts about Pilley?

 

[The Terminator]

If anyone gives a shit we've sold 3k season tickets. Which is quite good for us at this point in the close season.

 

[Laker]

If anyone gives a shit we've sold 3k season tickets. Which is quite good for us at this point in the close season.

That’s very good. We’ve sold a thousand so far. Oh yes….

 

[codaplenty]

Credit to you for being philosophical about the situation,plus very impressive about your long term support.
I do remember your team when you where known as Fleetwood Freeport. Just one question,thinking back to reading about the goings on at Bury via the Up the Shakers forum.Their fans knew that everything would come crashing down as the owner was dodgy.Question is,did you guys at Fleetwood have your doubts about Pilley?

Everyone knew Pilley had form having been a guest of HM Prison previous for cashing DHSS cheques. Apart from Pilley, sister and the other 2 directors, I don't believe anybody knew how bad and disgusting the way the business was being run. Restitution is called for, and I hope the 'authorities' come after Pilley and family for the monies which have been stolen. I cannot begin to say how sickened and upset I am, you can throw in ashamed. I hope some good comes out of this for the football club
Exeter City found themselves in a difficult situation back in 2007. They are now a well run club, supporters owning over 53% and a credit to their community, I hope Fleetwood can aspire to this

 

[codaplenty]

It’s the people behind the scenes in the office etc you worry for most, they’ve done nothing wrong but may end up suffering as a knock on effect. The players and coaches will always be ok as there’ll no doubt be somewhere for them to go. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that. Did read an article about the case and it might be a while before Pilley sees the outside world again.

I quite agree mate, for what he has done I trust they will throw the book at him

 

[denzel ecfc]

Everyone knew Pilley had form having been a guest of HM Prison previous for cashing DHSS cheques. Apart from Pilley, sister and the other 2 directors, I don't believe anybody knew how bad and disgusting the way the business was being run. Restitution is called for, and I hope the 'authorities' come after Pilley and family for the monies which have been stolen. I cannot begin to say how sickened and upset I am, you can throw in ashamed. I hope some good comes out of this for the football club
Exeter City found themselves in a difficult situation back in 2007. They are now a well run club, supporters owning over 53% and a credit to their community, I hope Fleetwood can aspire to this

2003, actually.
Yes there are parallels with Russell and Lewis during that time. You would have thought that things were stricter these days, but the authorities seem to have turned a blind eye, as usual.
Best of luck and I'm sure our ST could help you out, though it hasn't always been easy.

 

[Swedes]

Everyone knew Pilley had form having been a guest of HM Prison previous for cashing DHSS cheques. Apart from Pilley, sister and the other 2 directors, I don't believe anybody knew how bad and disgusting the way the business was being run. Restitution is called for, and I hope the 'authorities' come after Pilley and family for the monies which have been stolen. I cannot begin to say how sickened and upset I am, you can throw in ashamed. I hope some good comes out of this for the football club
Exeter City found themselves in a difficult situation back in 2007. They are now a well run club, supporters owning over 53% and a credit to their community, I hope Fleetwood can aspire to this

Part of the problem is that a lot of people suspected the money was dodgy for a very long time. I think it's been easier for your fans to turn a blind eye to it when he's guided your club to unprecedented success, but these things have not been forgotten in non-league circles.

We might be seeing you again in the near future!

 

[codaplenty]

2003, actually.
Yes there are parallels with Russell and Lewis during that time. You would have thought that things were stricter these days, but the authorities seem to have turned a blind eye, as usual.
Best of luck and I'm sure our ST could help you out, though it hasn't always been easy.

Thank you

 

[codaplenty]

Part of the problem is that a lot of people suspected the money was dodgy for a very long time. I think it's been easier for your fans to turn a blind eye to it when he's guided your club to unprecedented success, but these things have not been forgotten in non-league circles.

We might be seeing you again in the near future!

You know what they say, what goes round comes round !

 

[gainsparkshrew]

You know what they say, what goes round comes round !

So many similarities already between Fleetwood and Bury,Chester, Hereford. In all cases people with a dodgy/criminal record got involved.
Does not look good moving forwards from here.

As previously stated it's the office and backroom staff etc that you feel sorry for as they will be left with nothing. The players will be financially supported to a degree by the PFA.

 

[GEORGE]

Indeed we will have to wait and see, plenty of people would like to see Fleetwood fold. I'm quite philosophical about what might happen, Watched Fleetwood in the old Lancashire Combination in the late 50's and seen plenty of ups and downs - this is just another....

Reading your messages I guest you were of a certain age in the way you have always been sensible and grown up with your responses to other people regarding yours and other peoples football clubs. I always thought your views regarding Joey were well thought out and not at all going with the trend. Regarding your owner and the money he puts into your club I think there will be consequences and you will probably have to cut back. With regards to people wanting your club to fold . I think that is horrible and unjust. Very similar to the people who hate MK Dons. It is not the fault of the supporter who always suffer. It is the fault of certain people connected to these clubs. Anyway hopefully as a club you will come through this and have a decent season.

 

[Luke Imp]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1661615180453761025

 

[Luke Imp]

3rd July is sentencing day for Pilley. Bit more detail on the case here:

Pilley sentencing date set for 3rd of July as scale of fraud by Fleetwood Town owner emerges | TheBusinessDesk.com

Trading standards: this is not a victimless crime many small business owners have gone under

www.thebusinessdesk.com

 

[Imp in Branston]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1661615180453761025

So the financial situation is complicated, I have a very easy solution. How about not cheating your way through every season by sticking to what you can afford to diligently pay back rather than taking the p*ss out of clubs that are run properly?

 

[valefan16]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1661615180453761025

Cant see the EFL letting them have the time as they've set the time scale in the initial hearing so expect they will lose the further 4 points.

 

[SVH]

That’s very good. We’ve sold a thousand so far. Oh yes….

A little context on this one. Season ticket sales only open to renewals at this stage. 1,000 of the 3,000 sold last year have renewed. I expect us to sell around 3,500 this season.

 

[Bar Carousel]

So the financial situation is complicated, I have a very easy solution. How about not cheating your way through every season by sticking to what you can afford to diligently pay back rather than taking the p*ss out of clubs that are run properly?

As harsh as it is for Wigan fans I can't help but concur here.

Over the past few years we've been mocked and ridiculed by their fans as they took our management team, and then a couple of players from us on far greater wages than we could afford.

The usual friction on MB's and SM played out as a result and the Wigan fans couldn't care less how it was being financed. Only that it gave them an opportunity to laud it over us.

The chickens are finally coming home to roost. For too long Wigan's position in the football pyramid has been falsified thanks to Dave Whealan's involvement, but the town can't subsidise wages and fees to support a championship club on its own. I wonder what the owners who have lined up to buy them since can see that I can't.

I think they are going to really struggle for a few seasons now until they can fully stabilise themselves. I hope for the sake of their fans they can sort themselves out.

 

[SF_]

I've been reading that Pilley could be looking at 8-10 years. No idea how these guys think they can get away with it.