Seasons come and go but the battle remains the same for Dagenham & Redbridge FC, maintaining their hard-won Football League status while remaining a hub for the local community.
York City's victory over Stevenage on Saturday afternoon means the Daggers, whose scheduled home fixture against Carlise United was postponed with the Cumbrians in FA Cup action, are off the foot of League Two on goal difference only.
But, if any one can, John Still can with the man who took the club into league football now back at the helm for a third time.
Off the field, getting people through the gate remains a challenge, one that may get harder next season when West Ham United move into their new Olympic Stadium home.
But the community work goes on and the annual Daggers Against Racism Day will take place this year on Saturday 27 February for the visit of Yeovil Town in what is shaping up to be a crucial relegation battle.
That means terrace tickets are available for just £2.50 Adults and 50p for Concessions with Under-10's free with a paying adult.
Add in plenty of activities and entertainment and it once again is an occasion that, hopefully, lots of football fans in London can get behind.
Sunday, 31 January 2016
Saturday, 30 January 2016
'Pay What You Want' At Bath City
Changing times on the pitch at Bath City FC with the recent departure of long-serving manager Lee Howells and the impending exit of director of football Adie Britton.
But the task of making City a vibrant part of the local community is ongoing with the Supporters Society and the Big Bath City Bid team aiming to secure community ownership of the club.
Bath stage their annual Community Day on Saturday 20th February when St Albans City are the visitors to Twerton Park in the National League South.
The game will be 'Pay What You Want' at the turnstiles with 10% of the money taken being donated to Dorothy House Hospice Care, the club's chosen charity for the season.
There will be plenty more going on, including a half-time 'walking football' match and a pre-match New Orleans style brass band - Horning Glory.
But the task of making City a vibrant part of the local community is ongoing with the Supporters Society and the Big Bath City Bid team aiming to secure community ownership of the club.
Bath stage their annual Community Day on Saturday 20th February when St Albans City are the visitors to Twerton Park in the National League South.
The game will be 'Pay What You Want' at the turnstiles with 10% of the money taken being donated to Dorothy House Hospice Care, the club's chosen charity for the season.
There will be plenty more going on, including a half-time 'walking football' match and a pre-match New Orleans style brass band - Horning Glory.
Thursday, 28 January 2016
Well Done to New Mills AFC
A nice excuse to use the above photo, taken on a trip to New Mills AFC's Church Lane ground, as the Millers gained a 2-2 draw at Witton Albion on Tuesday evening in the Northern Premier League Division One North.
The significance of the point earned is that it was the first of the season for New Mills at the 23rd time of asking and after 26 consecutive defeats in total.
New Mills travel to Bamber Bridge on Saturday but are back at home next Tuesday, February 2nd, against Ossett Town with Under-16's admission, as always, just £1 (Adults £7, Concessions £4).
Wednesday, 27 January 2016
FA Vase: Nuneaton Griff FC
We looked at Cleethorpes Town's big day in the FA Vase this coming Saturday, earlier in the week, and it is an equally important afternoon in the history of Nuneaton Griff FC of the Midland Football League as the Heartlanders take on Steve Claridge's reformed Salisbury FC at the same last 16 stage of the competition.
Around 350 travelling supporters are expected at the Pingles Stadium and the Griff have issued a rallying cry to local fans to back them on Saturday, temporarily transferring their allegiances from Nuneaton Town or elsewhere to give the home side their voices.
Having made my first ever trip to Wembley to see my local club win the FA Vase, I know what a great competition this can be and how the memories of a famous run can last forever.
Admission on Saturday is priced at £5 Adults and £3 Concessions.
Around 350 travelling supporters are expected at the Pingles Stadium and the Griff have issued a rallying cry to local fans to back them on Saturday, temporarily transferring their allegiances from Nuneaton Town or elsewhere to give the home side their voices.
Having made my first ever trip to Wembley to see my local club win the FA Vase, I know what a great competition this can be and how the memories of a famous run can last forever.
Admission on Saturday is priced at £5 Adults and £3 Concessions.
Tuesday, 26 January 2016
FA WSL Fixtures Released On Wednesday
The fixtures for the 2016 FA WSL season will be announced on Wednesday at 12pm with the competition looking to build on last season's surge in popularity following the Women's World Cup in Canada.
And it is an increased competition this year with Sheffield FC Ladies moving up from the FA Women's Premier League into WSL2 to make a total of 19 teams altogether.
This is part of an expansion to 20 teams which will be finalised after this season although it leaves WSL with an odd number of teams for 2016, never ideal for fixtures.
There is still plenty of good value to be had, especialy with season tickets and for families. On Twitter recently I've highlighted season ticket offers such as £24 for an Adult and £10 for Under-16's and Over-60's at Millwall Lionesses if purchased before 12 February.
Full details of the fixtures can be found at the FA WSL website which also has good links to each of the club websites.
And it is an increased competition this year with Sheffield FC Ladies moving up from the FA Women's Premier League into WSL2 to make a total of 19 teams altogether.
This is part of an expansion to 20 teams which will be finalised after this season although it leaves WSL with an odd number of teams for 2016, never ideal for fixtures.
There is still plenty of good value to be had, especialy with season tickets and for families. On Twitter recently I've highlighted season ticket offers such as £24 for an Adult and £10 for Under-16's and Over-60's at Millwall Lionesses if purchased before 12 February.
Full details of the fixtures can be found at the FA WSL website which also has good links to each of the club websites.
Monday, 25 January 2016
Football for a Fiver at Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic’s ‘Football for a Fiver’ returns for the Championship fixture against Reading on Saturday February 27th with seats in all areas of The Valley priced at £5.
Over 25,000 watched last season’s equivalent game against Huddersfield Town. However, I don’t write Affordable Football in a vacuum so I know that a significant number of Addicks supporters are deeply unhappy about the direction their club has taken under Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet and chief executive Katrien Meire.
That dissatisfaction that goes way beyond this season’s poor performances on the pitch with many people not attending matches and scenes of protest after games being widely circulated on social media.
In many ways, the feelings of disconnection will be worse for those of a Charlton persuasion because of the history of their time away from The Valley, the battle to get back there and the shared feeling that engendered in those within and without the club who all consider themselves supporters.
So much has gone on over the years to reach out to the local community and the wider catchment area of fans, such as the Valley Express coach service and the ‘Football for a Fiver’ offer which has been running since 2011.
As such, I’ve included it on these pages but understand why some might not be taking it up.
Over 25,000 watched last season’s equivalent game against Huddersfield Town. However, I don’t write Affordable Football in a vacuum so I know that a significant number of Addicks supporters are deeply unhappy about the direction their club has taken under Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet and chief executive Katrien Meire.
That dissatisfaction that goes way beyond this season’s poor performances on the pitch with many people not attending matches and scenes of protest after games being widely circulated on social media.
In many ways, the feelings of disconnection will be worse for those of a Charlton persuasion because of the history of their time away from The Valley, the battle to get back there and the shared feeling that engendered in those within and without the club who all consider themselves supporters.
So much has gone on over the years to reach out to the local community and the wider catchment area of fans, such as the Valley Express coach service and the ‘Football for a Fiver’ offer which has been running since 2011.
As such, I’ve included it on these pages but understand why some might not be taking it up.
Sunday, 24 January 2016
FA Vase: Cleethorpes Town FC
The FA Vase reaches the Fifth Round stage next Saturday (30 January) with eight ties scheduled (although the weather has disrupted the competition over the past month or so, the FA website has up to date details) and a date at Wembley becoming a reality for all those involved.
Two big names at this level of the game, albeit now in reformed guises, Hereford and Salisbury, will take big followings to their games at Hartley Wintney and Nuneaton Griff respectively.
Northern Counties East Premier Division side Cleethorpes Town FC, meanwhile, host Kidlington FC of the Hellenic Football League at the Bradley Stadium .
Having made rapid progress since their formation in 1998 as Lincolnshire Soccer School and a glimpse at the website shows that teams of all ages represent the club with pride.
This is a huge game for both clubs and Cleethorpes have confirmed that admission prices will be unchanged from the usual £5 Adults and £2 for Under-16's and Concessions.
Two big names at this level of the game, albeit now in reformed guises, Hereford and Salisbury, will take big followings to their games at Hartley Wintney and Nuneaton Griff respectively.
Northern Counties East Premier Division side Cleethorpes Town FC, meanwhile, host Kidlington FC of the Hellenic Football League at the Bradley Stadium .
Having made rapid progress since their formation in 1998 as Lincolnshire Soccer School and a glimpse at the website shows that teams of all ages represent the club with pride.
This is a huge game for both clubs and Cleethorpes have confirmed that admission prices will be unchanged from the usual £5 Adults and £2 for Under-16's and Concessions.
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