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Jun 9

Plan B

Why do we need an EPL ‘B League’?  An argument that I found rational suggested reinstatement of a more coherent ‘Reserves League’.  This debate appears on-going after FA chairman Greg Dyke announced the publication of his controversial report on the future of the England national team, which has angered Football League clubs

If I read it right, inserting a new league below/combined with the Conference would create another level that County would need to overcome in a desire to return to Football League status.  The pyramid has served us so well for years, why this need for a sudden change, that only Brendan Rogers at Liverpool have I heard support the initiative.  If a combined solution, surely the ‘playing field would not be level’ with the differential between revenues of EPL and lower league/non-league enterprises.

The 72 English Football League clubs have rejected a proposal by the Football Association for the B teams of Premier League sides to play in the lower divisions.  It might be a structure that has been incorporated in other countries – but again I have to say why change here?  Does it really afford an opportunity for reserve players to be better prepared resulting in a more competitive National squad?

A more favoured section of the report appears the indication that it is time to revisit the synthetic surface in certain stadia as a playing surface.

The Football Association has now sanctioned the use of 3G artificial pitches in the FA Cup from next season.  Prior,  such surfaces couldn’t be used after the First Round Proper under the FA’s current rules. The decision to allow third generation surfaces from 2014-15 will be welcomed by clubs who rely on their more sustainable running costs.  They have been favoured to get more usage, community engagement and thus more monies in.

An additional, somewhat humorous anecdote (at least if it’s not your club!) is that maybe the centre circle and penalty spots  may be more durable and prevent the sort of theft experienced at Blyth Spartans.

 

May 31

Stockport County Supporters' Co-operative

It’s good to share

Latest news release issued from Stockport County Supporters Co-operative:

“Each shareholder was asked to clarify their intentions prior to the end of last season. Former Chairman Peter Snape, Mike Clark, David Dyson, Ken Graham and Stewart Vann have each decided to write off their outstanding loans and gift their shares back to the club.

A Club spokesperson said: “The Club is indebted to Peter, Mike, David, Ken and Stewart for this extremely generous gesture. Each of the aforementioned individuals was there for the club in its hour of need, investing their personal finances into Stockport County to ensure that the club survived. We thank them wholeheartedly for their support then and also for their support now which allows the club to advance its search for further investment.”

Former Shareholder Mike Clark said: “Stockport County is an integral part of our town and I had no hesitation in supporting the club in its hour of need. The club is in safe hands and I wish the remaining shareholders and the board of directors well in their search for new investment to secure its future. I have also informed the board that if I am able to help in any way in the future then I am more than happy to do so.”

Six other shareholders have decided to retain their shareholding and to continue to support the Hatters financially. Simon Bellamy, Sharon Brammall, Malcolm Cooke, Richard Park, Spencer Fearn and Stockport Sports Trust are working together with the board of directors and the current management team at Edgeley Park to continue the rebuilding of the club. The clarification of the shareholding situation also allows the club to progress its search for new investment.

The club is currently awaiting the decision of two other shareholders and expects this to be clarified in the very near future.”

Apr 9

Help a School

Have an interest in football memorabilia (and more besides)?

Please do visit the ‘Silent Auction’ and make a bid on anything that you think you want or that could be an ideal present.  All for Bowker Vale School and help it in its dream to secure a safer, new key stage 1 playground for its’ youngest pupils.

Take a look now…..

Signed Manchester City Shirt Signed Manchester United ShirtSigned Brendan Rogers Picture Liverpool

 

Mar 29

Stockport Metro Wolfpack

Back the Wolf

As the concept of brand ‘Wolfpack’ takes a further foothold in swimming domination, it is no surprise that the future looks bright for Stockport’s very own Metro Swimming Club.  The Wolf analogy has been adopted through Head Coach Sean Kelly’s training methodology putting emphasis on teamwork towards common goals.  Sean is well known to ACROBAT Consulting & Marketing after generously lecturing at our Event in 2012.

ACROBAT Consulting & Marketing through Sister-Company FC Sports Marketing Limited, in conjunction with local agency David Trott Consultancy, will be working on a Project to generate additional revenue into the Club through sponsorship packages suited to a range of budgets.  The pedigree of Metro Swimming Club is renoun with medalists at major events such as Olympic Games, European Championships and Commonwealth with high profile athletes such as: Steve Parry and Graeme Smith (both won bronze medals in Athens and Atlanta respectively); Adrian Turner (semi-finalist in Atlanta); James Goddard (Commonwealth gold medallist). Five Metro swimmers competed in Beijing: Keri-anne Payne took the silver in the inaugural 10K Marathon Open Water event, Cassie Patten took the bronze in the same event, Michael Rock, James Goddard and David Carry.  A further five Metro swimmer competed in the London 2012 games, Keri-Anne Payne, Michael Rock, David Carry, James Goddard and Sophie Allen.

Anyone interested in sponsorship in association with this ‘Wolfpack’ of elite athletes, the Club brand (most successful in Great Britain) and/or the massive developmental school with participants throughout the North West can email sponsorship@fcsportsmarketing.com. 

Established in 1974, Stockport Metro currently has a membership of approximately 230 swimmers and operates learning lessons and schools programmes across a wide area. Need any more inspiration watch the video below.

 

 

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