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Aug 29

Stockport County Minithon 2011

ACV not AVB

The concept is gaining momentum not least through Supporters Direct’s motivation.  In my tenure as director of Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative we authorised such an approach to Edgeley Park.  It’s fair to say Stockport MBC had no idea what this meant having never faced such a request before.  At least there are precedents now including: Oxford United to Liverpool.

The main attraction, in theory, is that “under recent legislation if a stadium gets an ACV designation, and its owners later decide to sell up, they must first offer fan bodies or other community groups first chance to make an offer for the ground.”.

A current collective of County fans has sought to reignite this proposition. Will they beat Manchester United to it? What I require to fully appreciate is what this will ‘fans’ or ‘financiers’ do after any such notification, to fund any alternative holding?  It will however, hamper asset stripping.

Feb 19

Blade runner

Not ‘football’, not ‘finance’ (maybe?) but certainly adored by ‘fans’ worldwide.  An athlete’s story brings a change in my outlook. 

Oscar Pistorious’ arrest for an alleged murder of his girlfriend remains a haunting prospect for all concerned. The depression and mental health issues witnessed in football, recently with Collymore and Speed, has increased an awareness in symptoms and side-effects.  Many cannot appreciate the pressures associated with expectation and the constant focus in the public eye.  Could this have broken the Legend on blades?  There were signs of it getting too much when losing to a rival in London 2012.

M-Net, a South African TV Station has withdrawn all its brand association with Pistorious. Not that his wallet will be hit or needed in the place he may be destined to train in.  Not surprisingly, his agent proclaims business as usual: “All sponsors are still on board, and they have given us their commitment towards Oscar, based on the relationships that they have formed with him over the past years,” said Peet van Zyl, who represents the double-amputee. “They are quite happy to allow the legal process to take its course before they make any other further and formal announcements on it.”  This unlike the parallel disdain of sponsors of cyclist, Lance Armstrong, that are now suing for damages and return of their investments. 

Pistorious’ sponsors include Nike and Oakley, neither of which were available for comment when contacted by the Associated Press, though are reportedly distancing themselves from any association.  Of course, these events are exceptional but it does bring fresh debate to the pros and cons of sportsperson’s endorsement.

 

Jun 28

BIG Stockport Event

Big Stockport events

In this post I wanted to share the latest events programme launched by Stockport Sports Trust, where I am a Director and Trustee.

Inspired by London 2012? Want to become more physically active? Want to raise money for a charity that is close to you? Want to challenge yourself? More details including how to register at: www.lifeleisure.net

In summary, options are:

The Big Stockport Walk – 9th September 2012
Distance: 10 Miles
Start Time: From 10.00am until 12.00 noon
Entry Cost: £5.00

The Big Stockport Cycle – 16th September 2012
Distance: 20 Miles
Start Time: From 10.00am until 11:30am
Entry Cost: £10.00

The Big Stockport Run – 23rd September 2012
Distance: 10km
Start Time: 10.00am
Entry Cost: £12 reduced to £10 for runners registered with England Athletics.

Already, there seems a possibility of a reunion of some of the County Charity Cycle participants. At the timing of writing I think I might just consider all three!

Register and pay before 31st July to be in with a chance of gaining £500 for your chosen charity. I’m going to do them for a new social enterprise in Stockport that I’ve agreed to be Director to.

Aug 26

Darius Vassell

Miller leaves Turkey

So Kenny Miller couldn’t settle in Turkey and has returned to Cardiff.  Apparently, having only moved there from Rangers in January of this year, he sought a premature return and joined Cardiff City FC.  Personally, I can’t understand that with Bursa, the City that Bursaspor his former team represents, being the founder of Iskender Kebab – one of my favourite dishes.  That alone would have kept me in the City.

On the pitch he had not shown any dissatisfaction, netting five times and helping the Club to finish in third position. 

Locations and cultures are subject to personal whims.  Some players turn to Turkey and are amazed by the rapturous reception.  Apparently, Darius Vassell was overwhelmed by 3,000 fans of Ankaragucu turning out to greet him as he flew in to discuss a transfer.  Supposedly he had never expected to sign but was taken aback by the enthusiasm.  See the video. Mind you that situation soon changed as financial turmoil at that same club resulted in his eviction from the hotel that he was staying at.  He had scored twice in eight games in the Super Lig.

Football in Turkey is currently in turmoil – the stability and migration of players to and from will remain an interesting spectacle in the coming months.

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