Reflection on this years support

8 April 2013

The day after a game is always one of reflection for me. I spend the day contemplating the impact of my decisions, the way the game played out, the goals we conceded, what could of been done to prevent them, how much better we could of been in terms of creating chances, the impact of the changes I made, the timing of the changes. All these things are relevant of course and I spend much time before and after games being particularly critical of myself in order to build on each experience every game presents and how I can improve and make better decisions for the benefit of the team...But there is something bigger happening at Faversham that I felt compelled to write to you about, a brilliant club is growing, an identity is forming, there is a cohesion in terms of our short and longer term vision on and off the pitch, and then there is the support...!

The reason for this message is to you the supporter at this critical juncture in the season, you have to know what a breath of fresh air you are in terms of your positivity and ever increasing support for the team. I have just read the forum it is not something I do all the time, mainly because you can easily get carried away with opinions when they are expressed in either a positive or negative extreme. However it was a real inspiration to me, as was the crowd on Saturday and recent weeks. I recall down at Hythe just over a week ago, do you know it has only really been this season we have had any significant away support since I started at the club in 2005 (seems a long time ago.!). We were 2-0 down against a side that had not conceded a goal for over 700 minutes but right beside me in the small stand under the clubhouse was a whole band of Lilywhite supporters, cheering and driving the team on with not one bit of negativity or criticism. The team grew visibly and responded. I am not naive enough to think that either myself or the team are exempt from criticism but negativity spreads a whole lot quicker and when you can see the boys putting in the effort they need you right behind them. This brings me to the Dulwich game, the boys gave absolutely everything and were exhausted at the end of the game, I nor you can ask for anymore. The support you gave the team was magnificent again and visitors from other clubs are commenting on what a positive environment Salters Lane is, this is not something I take for granted that's partly why I have taken the time to thank you. You have created this environment and it is to your credit. I only wish we could of given you more wins to celebrate at home, I am only too aware of our home record and it is only natural you want and come and see your team winning at home, we have not done that enough. We have certainly under performed at times at home, sometimes circumstances have gone against us (3 sending's off and divots come to mind.!), sometimes you have to be honest enough to except you have not been good enough on the day. Rarely though has it been a lack of effort or application from the players, you clearly recognise this.

We now have supporters decked out in shirts, scarves and caps (not that you can avoid our commercial match day team.!). I can hear the shouts of support, the cheers and even the singing! I would love to hear some Faversham Town chants drowning out the Maidstone fans on Saturday by the way. We had the best local media coverage for many a Year last week courtesy of one particular fan writing in. We have had increased coverage on radio Kent this season, all the press people I speak to are incredibly supportive about the way the club is moving forward and how we are all raising the profile. We have got longer term visions being actively sort currently regarding new builds around the club, the commercial department is being driven forward in the most enthusiastic manner consistently attracting new business and new people to the club, the clubhouse functions are being well supported. There are too many people to mention individually giving up their time for nothing, all I would say is just like you the fans it is the people that make this club special and unique. The people at the club are selfless and motivated not by self interest but by improving the club in any way they can, the banter behind the scenes whether it be on a match day or during an infamous Monday club meeting makes it a great place to be. We must never take this for granted.

I will leave you with this, I will not promise you we can make the play-offs but what I can say is myself, Clive and all the players will give it a real go. If it happens I think it will be just reward for the players efforts, if it doesn't happen then it will be another building block in our development. Some clubs are in a rush to get out of leagues to the detriment of the longevity of the club as a whole, we know we need your help to build attendances up ( we obviously have to play our part to play in a way that entertains), we have to build our financial strength up off the field, we need to finance new builds around the ground to make it a more attractive venue. All of this takes time of course but I hope you can all play your part. If you can't get to Maidstone or Crawley Down then please get as many people up the ground as possible for our last home league game of the season, we are definitely going to need a result in this one. I hope the boys can give you a performance to be proud off, you are welcome to join us in the clubhouse for the end of season awards too (I'm sure many of you would of struggled to pick a player of the season as I will).

Thanks once again from myself and the players, keep making this club a special place to play.

See you at Maidstone,
Ray.