The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Worth reading the latest on thaty Non League maters site

Well it happened before that the champions have imploded over money and ownership issues, we will have to wait and see if someone spits his dummy out and flounces off with the money.

Its never over in Non League football until the AGM's have been done and dusted.

The link for those that are interested:-

http://www.nonleaguematters.co.uk/forum ... st=9502292

So if these rumours are true we could end up either not accepting promotion or being promoted with no team ,manager or money just like last time

Alright, its pure speculation, but again, another reason why it is essential we keep on our toes in these final 5 games an fight to finish 2nd cause you never know. And the most recent poster sums it all up nicely, it will be the 2nd time in 3 years (but 3rd time in a few years counting Long Buckby?) that a club has spent bags of cash to win the league and do nothing else beyond it, what's the point, why not have long term ambitions :roll:

Olly wrote:And the most recent poster sums it all up nicely, it will be the 2nd time in 3 years (but 3rd time in a few years counting Long Buckby?) that a club has spent bags of cash to win the league and do nothing else beyond it, what's the point, why not have long term ambitions :roll:

Agreed. I don't think anyone minds sugar daddy clubs as long as they're for more than a season. Look at Daventry, Brackley and K*ttering. They all seem to have long-term plans, if not to improve their facilities, then to at least get to a certain level and stay there. I see the point in those kind of projects, but this Spalding thing, like Holbeach, Sileby and Long Buckby are just stupid.

BTW I'm not sure when Spalding would have to accept promotion, but I'd guess that if they don't then it would be so late on that it would be easier for the FA to just reprieve another club at Step 4.

I think the philosophy at this level of football is very different. Players are often playing for glory rather than money and a desire to play at the highest level - which is why many clubs seem to take the minor cups so seriously. I'm sure the players at Long Buckby and Sileby knew that their clubs were unlikely to be sustainable at higher levels given they did not attract crowds above 50, but were still ready to put in the effort and commitment to win the league.

That may also have been the case with Holbeach.

You've then got the examples of clubs that have suffered by trying to get higher without the fanbase - Woodford is an obvious example, and Spalding had a bad experience when they went up before.

I think that's why some teams turn down the chance to go up - Holbeach and Wisbech last season, Godmanchester this season, as they also know they will lose players who don't want long trips in midweek for a standard of football that isn't too significantly higher.

Formic wrote:I think that's why some teams turn down the chance to go up - Holbeach and Wisbech last season, Godmanchester this season, as they also know they will lose players who don't want long trips in midweek for a standard of football that isn't too significantly higher.

With Step 4 leagues increasing to 24 teams soon enough I'm sure that will mean even fewer teams willing to accept promotion with the increase in traveling costs and wages at that level. I can't understand why the FA think increasing the amount of football played for cash-strapped clubs will do them any good. :?

Is it true that the UCL will present $palding with the trophy at the D&D on 5th April, if so that's a crazy decision.

If you believe what Mr UCL has posted on the FB page then yes, the UCL have scored a massive OG by presenting Spalding with the trophy at our game on 5 April!!! Someone in UCL HQ clearly hates us and wants to rub our noses in it!!!

Mat.H wrote:Is it true that the UCL will present $palding with the trophy at the D&D on 5th April, if so that's a crazy decision.

Stupid of the UCL if true, Spalding were certainly hoping it would be presented at their final home game on April 19th. What sort of morons would think it better to do so at the D & D?