Returning to the Dog & Duck

[rickthediamond]

There is also the issue of lost revenue with the small angry ginger man's friends and family bypassing the turnstiles by going into the ground through the clubhouse doors. I have witnessed this many times, on one occasion about a dozen of them.

I would point out that "the angry, ginger man" is actually the 7th highest goalscorer in RDFC history and also got his boots out to play in the Legends team that raised so much money for us less than a year ago.

Love that, Rob.

[Sevenofdiamonds]

I don't know anything about the D&D, i moved to this area about four years ago so all that is before my time. I can see the stand as I drive by sometimes but that's the closest I have ever been to it. It looks pretty well up together from a distance...
The general feeling seems to be a move back there wouldn't be a bad thing, well with respect to R&HU FC, Hayden Road does not inspire with all the green tarpaulin, a pitch like a pudding with a shocking slope and a stand no one ever goes in. (What is it with that stand? Bats? Asbestos? Aphids? Certain death to anyone who goes in there?) The D&D can't be worse, but at least HR is in Rushden, so I am undecided. See how the vote goes I guess.

[sussexdiamond]

The D&D is not immune to waterlogged pitch. I remember a New Years Day fixture which had to be abandoned due to horrendous downpour. Also it is very low lying close to the River which always floods in winter. Does anyone have stats on how many games they had postponed this season. Unless they have had improvements done the bar area is quite small. For the third time we will have to transport the Peter De Banke and Dale's Bar, so extra costs unless we can find a volunteer to move it all. Oh and the parking is no better than HR, although no local residents to annoy. On the plus side the ball doesn't get kicked out the ground so easily and it's much nearer my house.

[Bobdiddly]

The pitch was always a flood risk, there are sluce gates that can be opened to protect residential areas.
That's why the football pitches are there, it can't be built on.
I'm not saying it isn't better than hr but all things need to be considered.
In my opinion the parking is a lot lot worse than hr.

[AFCRD_Dan]

I don't know anything about the D&D, i moved to this area about four years ago so all that is before my time. I can see the stand as I drive by sometimes but that's the closest I have ever been to it. It looks pretty well up together from a distance...
The general feeling seems to be a move back there wouldn't be a bad thing, well with respect to R&HU FC, Hayden Road does not inspire with all the green tarpaulin, a pitch like a pudding with a shocking slope and a stand no one ever goes in. (What is it with that stand? Bats? Asbestos? Aphids? Certain death to anyone who goes in there?) The D&D can't be worse, but at least HR is in Rushden, so I am undecided. See how the vote goes I guess.

Asbestos. If I remember correctly a few years ago the club were looking for volunteers or anyone with expertise to help potentially reopen the stand, but I assume the cost was too much, or no offers were forthcoming.

[LincolnshireDiamond]

There is also the issue of lost revenue with the small angry ginger man's friends and family bypassing the turnstiles by going into the ground through the clubhouse doors. I have witnessed this many times, on one occasion about a dozen of them. Whether any of these people would go if they had to pay is debatable but if we do stay at Hayden road perhaps a simple ticket system such as different colour raffle tickets could be put in place, as proof of entry. This is done at many other clubs at our level.

I would point out that "the angry, ginger man" is actually the 7th highest goalscorer in RDFC history and also got his boots out to play in the Legends team that raised so much money for us less than a year ago.

The SGM and the business proposal that will be put forward to Part Owners is based on the business case of AFC Rushden & Diamonds, NOT the business case of, and / or relationship with, Rushden & Higham United.

Unfortunately I was never a R&D fan so being 7th highest goalscorer for a club I never supported doesn't mean anything to me but I'm sure be benefitted exceptionally well with takings from the bar for his efforts
Did we see any of that cash?

[Lawman]

An asbestos survey was carried out, along with a structural assessment. Minimal asbestos was found, which under the regulations could be removed without employing a specialist contractor. It was also established that minimal strengthening was required.
A design with costs was carried out to meet the ground grading requirements.
Unfortunately, unbeknown to the design team, whilst the design work was being undertaken, AFCRD agreed a 5 year lease with RHFC when a 10 year lease was required to secure the grant from the FA.
How do I know this. I was the volunteer who carried out the design (drawings/specification) whilst coordinating the design with the structural and fire engineer, along with the Local Authority, Green book stadium expert and the FA ground grading officials.
Fortunately for AFCRD abortive costs were kept to a minimum, that other than the structural engineers, who provided their services at a discounted rate, all expertise including myself provide their services for free.

[Sevenofdiamonds]

Asbestos. If I remember correctly a few years ago the club were looking for volunteers or anyone with expertise to help potentially reopen the stand, but I assume the cost was too much, or no offers were forthcoming.

An asbestos survey was carried out, along with a structural assessment. Minimal asbestos was found, which under the regulations could be removed without employing a specialist contractor. It was also established that minimal strengthening was required.
A design with costs was carried out to meet the ground grading requirements.
Unfortunately, unbeknown to the design team, whilst the design work was being undertaken, AFCRD agreed a 5 year lease with RHFC when a 10 year lease was required to secure the grant from the FA.
How do I know this. I was the volunteer who carried out the design (drawings/specification) whilst coordinating the design with the structural and fire engineer, along with the Local Authority, Green book stadium expert and the FA ground grading officials.
Fortunately for AFCRD abortive costs were kept to a minimum, that other than the structural engineers, who provided their services at a discounted rate, all expertise including myself provide their services for free.
[/quote]

Thanks to you (and others) for that explanation. It might be an idea for R&HUFC to put up a sign explaining the stand closure for those fans and visiting fans not in the know...

[Bobdiddly]

It is amazing what you find out when we are able to have a open debate, without sniping and anger. Many of the points made on this topic will enable people to have a informed opinion whether they are members or not.

It also shows the strength we have as a club with our diverse supporters who help our club in there own way. Be it lawman helping to try and improve the main stand, the board who have come up with a vision for our potential new ground, or of course all the volunteers.

Whatever happens I am sure we will build better for the future.

[rickthediamond]

It is amazing what you find out when we are able to have a open debate, without sniping and anger. Many of the points made on this topic will enable people to have a informed opinion whether they are members or not.

It also shows the strength we have as a club with our diverse supporters who help our club in there own way. Be it lawman helping to try and improve the main stand, the board who have come up with a vision for our potential new ground, or of course all the volunteers.

Whatever happens I am sure we will build better for the future.

The unofficial fans forum will always be home to more debate as it’s what the fans have traditionally used and know. But that’s not to say that opening debate to members first on the members forum is wrong, the club has to do that, it’s part of the constitution. The only way that will change is if we ever restructured the club in a way which saw a majority owner come in…but in that scenario, you might not get a say in anything at all!!! You’ve gotta decide what you want.