The Boro Walk - Statement

In light of the Club Statement issued, by "The Directors", some disheartened regulars from the San Cheerio terraces (aka "tinpot lifers") decided we would issue our own statement in response.

Firstly... We've been here before. Who signs off these 'Statements'?! Does nobody stop to analyse what it is you're writing and how it's going to be interpreted by many regular loyal supporters?  Are "the directors" that removed from the state of affairs that they cannot see why sections of fans no longer feel able to relate to the club and that these kind of releases just alienate them further?  

You've stated for a long time that we will live within our means. THAT'S GREAT, THAT'S WHAT WE WANTED, but this isn't news. You have reiterated that you're "not prepared to run the club at a loss". We agree, make the changes now... don't issue statements like that as some sort of threat. This to and fro about playing budgets must stop. How can we not be "close to the highest in the League"?! We may only get 200-300 attendances but that's up to 4x more than a lot of the other teams in the league. Yes, attendances are down and it's frustrating. If that means we lose players, then so be it! That's where the manager earns his crust... by getting the absolute best out of whoever he can put out on any given matchday. But you need to look deeper at why attendances are falling. If you cannot figure it out, call a fans forum. Get fans in. Open the lines of communication. We know you don't want to hear it, but our football managers approval rating, if such a thing existed, would not be particularly high.

All the work you've done behind the scenes hasn't gone unnoticed. The ground looks amazing. The sponsors are coming back. The clubhouse is top notch. The catering is better then it's been in years. Of course our volunteers are amazing. They should get more praise for what they do! (That goes for every volunteer at clubs up and down the country). 

In short, this statement is another opportunity missed to unite the fanbase. We are where we are, not because of the fans or players, but because of poor financial management and questionable tactical nous on the field (16 months without an away win still fresh)

You can't comment on a few fans use of the word tinpot in an official club statement! it's madness!! Sticks and stones chaps, sticks and stones! More importantly, the majority use that term with their tongues firmly in their cheeks!! The league IS tinpot, in terms of our history and we're there because of our finances. The team is not so drastically different to the team that did so well to stay up last season, but to be relegated anyway, and the one that was beating all comers earlier this season. To suggest that we have found our level in this league is a complete slap in the face to the players who put their bodies on the line week in week out. There are teams in this league who are clearly better than most. Royston being one. But the vast majority are small, hardworking clubs that attract the bare minimum of supporters. 

We have lost supporters because, to some, it might look like we're back in free fall again. The same we have been in ever since that piece of scum Westley fucked off with all the money and all the players, Uncle Vic went insane, Pinky & Perky ripped us a new one and Simon Hollis thought he was Roman Abramovich. It's been never ending.

The attendances may even have dropped purely because it's been FUCKING FREEZING.

To attack the lack of support of the Boost the Boro campaign is frankly disgusting. We didn't ask for it. It's like a tramp having a go at passers by because they haven't given him money when he's shat himself as a form of street entertainment. Do you seriously believe putting a statement like this into the public domain is going to encourage a disillusioned fan to return/come and watch? If you do, then you are deluded.

Nobody wants or expects us to work outside of ours means but to say there is disrespect towards this league is ignoring the fact that we aren't here because our team wasn't good enough. We all respect a transparent club but, when that becomes pointing the finger at fans and those staying away in an apparent attempt at encouraging people back, then there's something very very wrong.

We'd like to put on record our disappointment that some individuals at the club feel the need to openly support a statement that slags off the supporters and makes comments that fans will moan and criticise it. Players, coaches, managers, directors, chairman and owners come and go but the fans that show up regularly or are beginning to become fans, i.e the kids, will be there long after they've gone. Maybe it would do them well to remember that.

The management may not like the fans forums and they may go over the top with the criticism but it's because they care. Find a way to harness it! This isn't something that spills over into the terraces, to our knowledge, and there is nothing but support for the team and this won't stop.

Regardless of what is thrown at this statement and the board by social media & forums etc, what is essential is that we continue to get behind the team. Yes, we get disappointed and frustrated when we concede silly goals, when we lose... show me a fan that doesn't! But those who turn up in all weathers and travel away need to be shown more respect because if you piss them off enough then they won't turn up and then where will this club be? It's already started, and statements like this won't help. 

Well done for trying to engage and call to war. But don't go sympathy hunting and fan baiting. You can do better then that. You've got tons of feedback out there off the back of this. Please try and take onboard as much as possible, negative as well as positive, aside from just retweeting "great to see such an honest club" etc. These people are not your bread and butter, we are.

We at The Boro Walk will continue in our concerted effort to encourage folks to get down to Cherrywood. I know we're not alone in this.

We can't make the trip to Buckinghamshire this weekend but will be at Egham and back in the PRE on the 17th.

Congrats on winning "team of the month" for November, let's get December back on track and not let it go tinpot to pot.

As, always.....

COME ON YOU YELLOWS