Elastic strapping effect....

[Red Dragon]

There's been a bit of speculation about being promoted this season, and some talk about the quality of the league above us, and even the league above that.

It seems that re-founded, or re-formed, teams seem to go down to such a level that the first few seasons seem to be almost formalities - mere nuisances inconveniently placed in their way on their triumphant march of progress: but I noticed with AFC Wimbledon, Chester FC, and even AFC Telford Utd, a sort of elastic strapping effect - you know that competition when guys have what amounts to a huge elastic band attached to their belt at the back, and then have to try and get as far forward as they can before it stops them or even pulls them back? It's all very easy at first, but then gets progressively harder until they slow, struggle, and then possibly stall, or even stagger backwards...

I was wondering where people think our tipping point might be? AFCW seem to have reached it in League 2, Yeovil in League 1, and Chestr are yet to reach theirs as they go into the Conference National next season.

Where's ours?

[rushdenman]

I think maybe Conference North/South could be attainable in time. We certainly have a hard core support which is at that level at least. Ground issues could become a problem if we move up the Leagues though. Either a serious upgrade to the Dog 'n Duck, or a new ground, would be required to go to that level I would think.
As you move up the League pyramid, wages (in particular players wages) could become prohibitive if we want to remain as a financially stable, supporter owned and run club. Most clubs at those higher levels are externally funded to various degrees by Owners/Directors. Given our past experience, and that of other Clubs, I suspect we would be reluctant to venture down the "Sugar Daddy" route again.

Personally I have enjoyed the UCL experience this year, more than I expected in fact, and I think we should be grateful that we have a Club to support again, thanks to the terrific efforts of our Committee, volunteers, etc.

[corby diamond]

The premier league when we play at the Etihad Stadium...

I know people have got to be realistic about this, but at the moment in the first season its just amazing to go on as many games as possible and go for promotion. It will be nice to experience promotion, rather than thinking about where the journey will come to an end. Hopefully in the next 5 years I would like the team to be somewhere near the conference north, but then again it all depends on the financial side of the club and player quality as to how far we go...

But talking as if wimbledon has hit this elastic effect then maybe, but what they have done in the last few years is noting short of miraculous...If we should be looking at any team on how it should be done its them...

[ron manager]

Honestly, with the right ground, right support (sponsors, councils) etc, and sensible financing then I would hope that in time to club could reach the bottom of the league again, ie Div 2, I would be disappointed if this isn't a long term plan. I think the area the club is in can support this, and with past attendances that shows......but, all of this has to be done sensibly and slowly, ie build a decent youth team, finance stream and just take it in easy.

I feel the first few levels UCL and above will come quickly and then things will slow down (in terms of promotions), and more concentrating on getting a ground in Rushden, once that's sorted, then another push up the leagues.

All of this is very realistic with the right people and right support, which I feel the area can offer this.

[SouthRushdenJFC]

With our own Community-centric facility then, in time, I would hope that Conf N/S is possible.

Without it then the league above the UCL.

[BartonRaz]

I agree with Ron Manager actually. I think our natural level is the BSP but we're capable of getting back in the league again one day with the right ground. Success will bring new fans and momentum just as it did during the rise of the original R&D. If we as fans continue to make the right decisions and everybody is pulling in the same direction it's definitely doable.

[sandringhamdiamond]

I think conf north/south is a very realistic, conference yes maybe, but I think getting in the league is the dream, not many teams get promoted without investment, as we know its not easy to get promotion to the league and looking at luton its getting harder.

IF we go up this season I think it might take two seasons to get win ucl prem, I don't think we are getting carried away thou we are all just enjoying having a team to watch every week.

the future looks good for us and who knows in in the next few seasons we might have one of them magic fa cup runs, getting to the first round and drawing a big league 1 side away.

[Everyweeker]

If we as fans continue to make the right decisions and everybody is pulling in the same direction it's definitely doable.

LOW PRICES! Alienate no-one. Community mantra.

If all goes well, perhaps Step 2. However, it may take a lot longer than other Phoenix teams. Hopefully we all stick around whatever...

[dazSRJFC]

SUSTAINABILITY ladies and gentlemen, SUSTAINABILITY.

[Bob's Bitch]

I'd take Southern Premier for a few seasons, hopefully by that time we might be close to a new ground and we can kick on from there.