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Oct 20

2011 Minithon

Minithon 2011

I am delighted to report of the success of Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative in the 5.8km ‘Minithon’. We raced (actually you could run, walk or crawl) against participants from Ace Centre North West (Charity) and FC United of Manchester.  Ashley Simpson, Graham Privett, Ian Brown and I did proud raising £650 from the endeavours.

We were admirably supported along the route by Pauline Lawson and Ian Watts. The Event was opportune as two football clubs and their fans co-operated together towards a greater goal of fundraising. Completed, nicely with a trip to Chorlton Irish Club for beverages.

It’s not too late to sponsor me: www.justgiving.com/AdrianStores2011

The Charity said “Thank you for supporting the FC Minithon 2011 and raising funds for Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative and ACE Centre North.  We were delighted at the turnout on Sunday, and hope that you enjoyed the day as much as we did.  A photograph of you celebrating mission accomplished is attached”.

Oct 12

Stockport County Supporters' Co-operative

Co-op Times

Sitting here reflecting on the 3-4 defeat at home to Darlington, with our lowest attendance – means more time to ponder.  My own take on life at E.P is that the 2015 ‘consortium’ has acted somewhat like a ‘life support machine’ but the Club remains in intensive care.  I cannot do much or maybe anything, but having just been elected to a Director at Stockport County Supporters’ Co-operative there might be a role to play.

“Stockport County Supporters Co-operative is part of a wider movement of organisations established by supporters of football clubs now stretching not just across England, or the UK, but also across Europe.”

The Board is considering the adoption of new Society Rules drawn up by Supporters Direct to strengthen its position as a Community Benefit Society. Tomorrow night is the 2011 Annual General Meeting at The Railway Club in Edgeley.  An opportunity to listen to fans, report on progress and ensure a coherent Plan A and Plan B.

Sep 23

Spanish football

Reign in Spain

Over in continental Europe, Spain’s Government has taken a significant step to outlaw a previous, controversial law which allowed clubs that were strapped for cash to avoid relegation by going into administration.  I’m sure Barry Hearn wouldn’t have liked this law much! 

Racing Santander was the last club to seek protection from creditors under the former law, in the summer.  Others that have taken this unfair advantage have included big brands such as two of the ‘Reals’: Mallorca and Zaragoza (a member of my family is on the management team there).   I can’t help but smile here, thinking of the Turks use of ‘Real’ in an attempt to avoid passing-off and copyright (aka ‘Real’ Koç).  Players and the indigenous Trade Union have applauded this move, said to be a key reason for the stand-off and strike pre-season at La Liga.  The dispute between Spanish footballers and the Professional League has just been rectified with players finally agreeing to call off strike action.   The players apparently account for a liability of some 50 Million Euros from clubs using the Law to not fulfil financial obligations, amongst other reasons.  “This reform will prevent the undesirable use and abuse of certain instruments of the bankruptcy law and ensure stability and equality in sports competitions” – the Government has commented, according to Reuters News Agency.

 Twenty-one clubs in Spain were either in administration, recently exited or in the process of applying. So it’s officially an epidemic?  A tightening up of laws can only help create that ‘level playing field’!

Sep 21

Feminine touch
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A feminine touch

Turkey was in the news today for less than appeasing reasons.  Last night at Elland Road, a minority of Manchester United fans taunted the Leeds supporters with a rendition of “always look for the Turk carrying a knife”  (edited from original lyrics as fans often do!).  This verbal attack, also visual by an odd flag pronouncing ‘Galatasaray’ or ‘Istanbul’.  Naturally, both sides played a part, with a reminder of Munich in the Leeds’ repertoire.

Just up the road in Istanbul another footballing spectacle was catching worldwide attention.  You’ve no doubt read earlier about the problems in the Turkish game.  After the allegations facing Fenerbache and other instances of fans’ violence, it was expected that empty stadiums would be one form of punishment.  The Turks however, brought us a novel approach, courtesy of our friends at the TFF including Cem ülkeroglu (Turkish Football Federation).

They opened the gates to last night’s game against Manisaspor, but only to — women and children under the age of 12. That’s right no men, the traditional dominant punter were not allowed into the Ground.  It doesn’t stop there.  All tickets were free of charge.  A whopping 40,000 crowd attended the fixture!  The singing and hospitality was more ‘lady like’ in tone and activity also.

Now that’s a turn up for the books.  How can this impact on that Country’s sport which mirrors many of the problems that were former ‘evils’ of the British counterpart in former years?

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