Im not quite sure what the objective of this article is, but one thing for sure, is it comes straight from the heart of a board member, but more importantly a fan.
This season was our first back in the North West Counties following our relegation last season.
Last season was tough both on and off the field with changes not anticipated, nor wanted. This season, which started in July, was always going to be a challenge for players, staff and volunteers, especially knowing how tough the North West Counties is, it's a league that is known as a bottleneck in terms of quality in
getting promoted to step 4.
This season has been tough, especially given the insane amount of rain that this country has had, with 8 named storms hitting us, battering pitches nationwide.
Its seen 23 weather related postponements for us and one abandoned (to date, I think!), 9 of those away, all with financial impact on both home and away clubs.
Its not just been a financial challenge for clubs, but a mental one too, with many days and evening's cancelled at the last minute, causing stress and adding a further date to the diary where volunteers are required on different dates, spending more time away from their families.
Whilst tough, we knew what we were getting into at the start of the year when the FA agreed to increase the amount of teams in the league leading to an additional 8 games in a season that is already difficult to complete.
To add insult to injury on a season that has been hampered by an extremely wet winter (30% increase on average), we have been told that failure to complete our fixtures, dictated by the FA deadline, could result in relegation.
Yes, thats correct.
Whilst "dead rubber" games are potentially extended, the fact of the matter is, whilst its mathmatically possible for playoffs/relegation, games must be completed by 20th April. Else we could face the prospect of relegation.
Why? Because those at the FA are so out of touch with this level of football, its laughable. They have never cared, they never will. (Cue a fine from the powers that be).
As a club we are expected to play Sat, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat. Assuming perfect weather, which having looked at the forecast, I expect a 7 day playing week at some point.
If Coventry City reach the FA Cup final and Play Off final, (25th and 26th May) what will happen? Will the FA Schedule be adhered to? Will Coventry be faced with the prospect of forfeiting the cup?
Lets get it straight, judging by the above dates, the FA care about one league, and one league only. They havent even considered the fact a non premier league side could reach the final.
Enough said.
Their have been clubs in situations worse than ours, but more needs to be done to protect clubs and players from unnecessary stress. Can additional players be added? Yes, at a cost, can additional volunteers be added?
Not likely.
Looking through social media, we arent alone, however whilst we arent alone, it doesnt help. I have been involved in this club for over a decade, for over a decade the club has stuggled with the pitch, coupled with the aforementioned facts, additional home games down to an unnecessary ampunt of clubs in the league due to the FA's ability to restructure leagues adequateley and an incredible amount of rain. When will something be done by those at the top??
I love this club, but like many others, due to out of touch members of the FA, im rapidly falling out of love with the game.
Finally, I'd like to add a massive thanks to all volunteers in this sport, from the bottom to the top.