Time to Speak Up?

By now, I think that most Clapton supporters, and many football supporters of other other clubs, have concluded that Vince McBean is, at best, a slippery customer who has been consistently economic with the truth. The recent 'true supporter' rubbish on his website, in which he dismissed the problems over the Old Spotted Dog as rumour, were totally blown apart by the recent disclosure of emails between him, the FA and the ESL, prior to the League AGM last June (see the Old Spotted Dog blog).

The contents of emails are irreconcilable with the eventual announcement of a 'resolution' to the  Old Spotted Dog problem by the Essex Senior League at their AGM last June.  That decision now looks to make no sense whatsoever.

it is clear that some previous inquiry was made of the FA as to what was required in order that Clapton and London Bari could play in the Essex Senior League this season, 2017/18.  The FA spelt it out unequivocally in their email:-

1. That the Club (Clapton) presents an acceptable ground share agreement or;
2. That the Club produces written confirmation from the liquidator (or their solicitors) stating that tenure is in place for the 2017/18 season.

If Mrs Dorling, the ESL Secretary, was already aware of any existing agreement for Clapton at this time, otherwise, why ask the FA for guidance?

Equally, why did Mrs Dorling write to the Liquidator's solicitors asking for permission to play at the ground in May 2017?

Even more confusing is why Vince McBean write to his opponent's solicitors in the liquidation case, asking for that they consent to the lifting of the injunction just a week before the AGM when, if the documents is genuine, must have had the agreement in his possession all the time?

What we do know is that the injunction was not lifted and the Liquidator is prevented from granting any such permission.

It is therefore curious, and verging on ridiculous, that just before the AGM, that an acceptable agreement is put forward so as to allow McBean team to play at the ground, and is then accepted by the clubs. 

A further issue is whether the clubs, who are consistently being disciplined, and fined, for various misdemeanours by the League, have any real control, influence or say in the way the competition is being run.  I accept that there is a League Management Committee and that they are made up of representatives from some of those clubs, but what influence do they actually have?  For example, did any of the League Management Committee actually see the document prior to the announcement or did they just go along with what they were told by the Officers?

One also wonders if, any of the League Management Committee (or the clubs), had been aware of the correspondence prior the sudden emergence of the 'November 2016 agreement'.  If not, would they not have thought that the sequence of events the emails are somewhat inconsistent with the acceptance of the newly produced agreement?

As to whether the agreement of November 2016 is genuine or, in fact, complies with the requirements of the FA, as set out in their email to the League, is another matter that requires addressing but could have consequences for those who were active or passive in it being accepted.

If the OSD agreement is void, and has been submitted with the intention, or is calculated,  to deceive,  then all the insurance cover that relate to the Old Spotted Dog Ground during any event which is purported to have been covered by that agreement are also void.

Whilst we cannot expect the league or its officers to share everything with supporters, we can expect the League to share such information with members of its own League Management Committee who represent the member clubs.

When, and I think it is becoming a matter of time, the whole McBean and Old Spotted Dog affair, including the submission and acceptance of this agreement, is examined by the Lawyers, the Courts or whoever, this course of events will have to be explained.

Furthermore, experience tells me that if Vince McBean runs to form, he will make himself scarce when it all falls around his ears.  We know that did this in the Knights Charity case and, as we older Clapton supporters will recall, he took himself off to Ghana in the mid 2000s, when there were huge unpaid bills to pay at Clapton, leaving the mess for others to clear up.

The next Management Committee meeting of the Essex Senior League is on Thursday 18 January 2018, and, if any of the representatives were not made aware of any of the above, I wonder who, if anyone, has the courage to speak up.

I note from the aforementioned Old Spotted Dog blog that they say that there is apparently more to come.  Somehow, I don't doubt that.

Who's A Nettle?

A lot has been written recently about the proposed liquidation of Newham Community Leisure, the charity that holds the lease on the Old Spotted Dog.  I don't think I can add any more to it, other than to say that the whole affair appears to have a familiar odious stench of Clapton FC dishonesty behind it.  I hope those looking into it will save the ground from becoming McBean's money making asset by alternative means, which appears to be his intention. See http://www.claptonfc.info/vmcb/cfcnclt.htm

I have been encouraged to write on more light hearted matters following Vince McBean's latest article on his website http://claptonfc.com/recent-incident-at-sawbridgeworth-town-fc/. It is not my place to comment on the alleged incident.  There were others there, including a delegate from McBean's club, as per the League rules. (one assumes)

However, it was quite opportunistic that McBean has used this unsavoury incident to announce the club's apparent withdrawal of their application for promotion.  Despite apparently having no information as to who the supposed perpetrator was,or even if they were a Clapton supporter, he has used the incident to lay the blame for the promotion withdrawal on the fans.  If he thinks we will swallow that, he clear considers that the average intelligence of the Clapton supporter, or objective non-league supporter, is that of a nettle.

I admit to having been somewhat surprised at Clapton's application for promotion which was announced earlier in the season.  Nonetheless, with an enthusiastic manager and an improving team, why not?

But as many club have found over the years, promotion to the Ryman League from the Essex Senior is not straight forward and the first, and most obvious problem we have is the state of the Old Spotted Dog Ground.

The club had to obtain a Ryman ground grading by 31st March.  Does anyone realistically think that Clapton stood any chance of achieving that?  I don't think I need to go into specifics on the condition of the ground other than to say, its a dump.  There are other requirements, such as accounts which, if McBean's management of the Newham Community Leisure scenario is anything to go by, will also probably be laughed out of the Ryman League's offices. Couple that with the general greater scrutiny of member clubs by the Ryman League (rather than the lip service to rules provided by the Essex Senior) and McBean would have even more reason to want to slip back under the radar.

So I don't buy McBean's rubbish about his ever being serious about promotion.  He will continue to lose the support, even from those once prepared to give him the 'benefit of the doubt', and any credibility he may have thought he had, even among the newbies, has gone.

Meanwhile the most surprising event emerged on Twitter.  Clapton team manager, Jonny Fowell, tweeted on Tuesday night that he remained hopeful that if Clapton were to finish as the second placed team in the ESL, they would be considered for promotion.  Quite clearly, Vince had clearly not shared the news about the club's 'withdrawal from promotion' with his manager. 

Whether or not McBean thinks Jonny Fowell has similar 'nettle intellect' to that of the supporters, it was particularly nasty sting for any manager to take, and consequently, it was a debacle.  But then again, one would hope that Jonny will have realised by now who he's dealing with, and should grasp the nettle himself.  Either that, or he really is 'Urtica dioica'.

McBean Reprieved, or Is He?

As you may know, Vince McBean filed the requisite Company House documents for his Clapton Football Club 1878 Limited and, for now, they limp on.

Despite this, there are still a lot of unanswered questions that arise from his negotiations with the Ultras (a board? a trustee? etc) and who exactly are this Company and what purpose do they serve?

But most importantly, McBean has lost any credibility he may have had, even with those not fully in the know at the Old Spotted Dog.  He is flapping around, being attacked from all angles, merely because his is now under such scrutiny that his failings and scams are now being regularly picked up, and not only by the usual suspects (real Clapton FC, Andy Barr etc)

For my part, it is apparent is despite McBean's claim to be a businessman, over the years I have seen no evidence of any commercial or business like acumen from him, other than the sharp suits.  I am sure that I am not alone in wondering how he funds his lifestyle and what business he is actually in.  On the other hand, perhaps it is right under our nose and Clapton FC is his business, despite his denial that he is the owner.  What is clear, is that nothing is clear, when it comes to Vincent McBean.

So, for the moment, crisis over for Vince?  I'm afraid not.

The charity Newham Community Leisure Limited, which holds the lease on the Old Spotted Dog ground and, of which, Vince McBean is a director and trustee, failed to file its own Confirmation Statement at Companies House last week.  The consequence is likely to be another proposal to strike off the company, risk to the lease and to Clapton FC.

Vince McBean's credibility is shot.  He needs to leave Clapton FC to those who care about it, the supporters.

Join real Clapton FC

See : Two Months to Save Clapton FC

Two Months to Save Clapton FC

In the past week or so there have been two prominent pieces of news from the Old Spotted Dog, and neither of them was surprising.

I initially welcomed the end of the Clapton Ultras’ boycott of home games as it signalled a ‘first’ at Clapton FC since the McBean regime took hold of the club; McBean couldn't have things all his own way.

The Ultras had managed to reach a compromise over the price rise, whilst achieving a number of small victories in getting McBean to reduce prices for student, refugees, jobless, youngsters and old chaps like me!  Couple this with spectators’ possessions not being unnecessarily rifled through by McBean's bouncers, and it's a good result.  Thank you lads and lassies of the Ultras!

But how did they manage this, after so many people have tried, and failed before?  One word, Money.

Since the arrival of the Ultras, McBean has become accustomed to pocketing huge amounts of cash though gate money.  Add to this the bar takings from those spectators who remain unaware, or possibly disinterested, in the ‘Clapton situation’ and he was doing very nicely indeed.  However, the boycott has seen those windfalls disintegrate and, doubtless, he was desperate to fill his pockets once again.  No one is quite aware of what other business interest he currently has.

It was therefore strange that, in those negotiations, he chose to position himself as a go-between for the supporters and the ‘Board’.  Now, when a ‘businessman’, who McBean purports to be, speaks of a Board, it can only mean one thing - a board of directors, and Directors indicate the existence of a Limited Company.

Whilst McBean operating his club as a limited company is a possibility, as far as I am aware, Clapton FC, in whatever guise, has never been registered as such with the football authorities.  If there has been a change of entity from the original club, then the FA, County FA and the Essex Senior League would have to have been made aware and would have to have given their approval.  The problem is that none of these ‘governing’ bodies is willing to disclose any information.

During the negotiations, McBean also produced John Jackson as a ‘trustee’ at one of the meetings with the Ultras delegation.  I have referred to Mr Jackson in my blog previously, and still have no idea what he claims to be a Trustee of, but I have seen emails in which he claims to have been made chair of Clapton FC by McBean in 2008, apparently without his actually realising it.  He also claimed that McBean once told him that Clapton FC does not exist. I therefore see very little reason to place any trust (sic) in Mr Jackson, who may be as much a fantasist as McBean himself.  I also wonder if McBean knows what his mate Jackson has claimed to have happened.  What is clear is that when the meeting with Ultras, Jackson was dishonestly passed off as something he is not.

So whilst I am delighted to be watching the team again, the way in which McBean has behaved only underlines what a manipulative and dishonest man he is.

The second piece of news involves an actual limited company, Clapton Football Club 1878 Limited, to which Clapton CF News, a supporters run news page, have referred in their web post of today (14.02.2017).  This company has now been notified that the Registrar of Companies proposes to strike them off because they have failed to file documents as required by law.

Therefore, if Clapton Football Club 1878 Ltd is ‘McBean’s Clapton FC’ then one of the most famous names in amateur football is likely to disappear because if McBean follows his usual modus operandi in managing companies, he will do nothing and the company will be struck off in a couple of months.

Interestingly, I have a copy of a recent Clapton FC letterhead and, there is no reference to a company number or the registered office, as is also required by law.

What is remarkable is that McBean, refers to this dubious and possibly non-existent board, on his own www.claptonfc.com website.

The fact is that Vince McBean has behaved dishonestly and disrespectfully to the Ultras, the supporters who fill his pockets by coming to matches.  This is not only in respect of the Company issue, but also by misrepresenting the club itself and the state of the negotiations which ended up extending the boycott.

Whilst I am delighted to get back and watch this very impressive tam complete the season, Clapton supporters must now decide whether McBean is a person who can be trusted to run our club.

It is clearly apparent is that McBean operates all of his ‘visible’ business autonomously. He consistently puts up family, old friends and associates as his ‘colleagues’.  Have any of the supporters ever met, or seen, the supposed Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer of McBean’s club?

Despite the Ultras’ achievement in bringing McBean to the table, even then, the ‘self styled CEO’ couldn’t help by acting dishonestly during the boycott, even though it was very much in his interest to arrive at a settlement.  In the words of the Ultras themselves, “We’ve just been given a hard lesson in messing about, delaying and rearranging the furniture over what had already been agreed.” 

Couple that with the news that the Charity that holds the lease on the Old Spotted Dog, which he took over from the former regime, is now under investigation by the Commissioner for Charities, their bank account frozen, and under pressure to file documents with Companies House and its ridiculous that McBean continues to operate.  McBean cannot be trusted with the ground, the club. It’s about time something was done.

The real Clapton FC which was founded by supporters and life members of the club.  I have heard many people asking what this group are doing to oust McBean.  But dealing with a specious fabricator of the truth, like McBean, is always difficult, as the Ultras have discovered.  However, I am aware that they have played no small part in unsettling McBean and exposing his activities, not least with regard to the ground, breaches of the lease and, what would appear to be, a very dodgy ground share and rental agreements with London Bari and the Tyre Warehouse next door.

FELLOW CLAPTON SUPPORTERS  -  Time is now very much of the essence, because if Clapton Football Club 1878 Limited is the legal entity of Clapton FC, then we have two months in which to save it.  If it’s not the ‘club’, then its purpose is/has clearly been to defraud some poor sod, as it is £20k in debt according to the last accounts.

I ask you to help remove McBean and save Clapton FC.  Join the real Clapton FC.  Their website is www.claptonfc.info and there is a link to the membership application form.

UPDATE - It appears that Clapton Football Club 1878 Limited has filed its Confirmation Statement today, 15th February 2017, thus the strike-off action has been discontinued. 

According to the GOV.UK guidance on Confirmation Statements, it is a criminal offence to file this document more than 14 days after the review period (in this case 11th November 2016), so the company and its officers could be prosecuted.

The Progress of Old Friends.

Whilst we Clapton supporters were celebrating a fine victory over old rivals (and friends) Barking at the Dog, some of our other former adversaries were taking place in some high profile matches elsewhere. 

Old Isthmian League rivals Sutton United were adding to their giant-killing pedigree by knocking Leeds United out of the FA Cup.  It was a marvellous achievement for the ‘U’s and I I am delighted for them to have drawn Arsenal in the next round.

I remember watching the Tons at their Gander Green Lane ground for many years.  Invariably we were on the end of a hammering, not least an 11-1 defeat in the sixties but this was not surprising as Sutton were always one of the top teams in the League with quality players such as Larry Pritchard, Steve Bangs and, of course, Dario Gradi.  Our last ‘contact’ with them that I can recall was in the 80s when, their Manager, Barrie Williams agreed to loan us classy midfielder Glenn Swain for a few weeks whilst we're in the midst of an injury crisis.  They were always a decent club and its marvellous to see them doing so well and, as importantly, at their traditional ground.

Up the road in north London, Tottenham Hotspur were hosts to other old friends from our Isthmian days, Wycombe Wanderers, who gave a fantastic performance, only to be pipped at the post, courtesy of a last minute goal.  The last time we played Wycombe, their home ground was Loakes Park, a traditional old stadium in High Wycombe town centre.  Loakes Park was most famous for its sloping pitch and, although Imight like to venture this as being a factor for some of the hidings we took at the hands of the Chairboys, it's not the case.  They team was always populated with some of the best amateur players of the day.  From perennial goalkeeper John Maskell, to ace goalscorer Keith Searle, they were a marvellous outfit and their progress to the Football League is a testament to their excellent administration over the years. 

Last Sunday another match took place with which Clapton have connections.  The FA Vase tie between Southall and Exmouth Town may not have grabbed as many headlines as the matches above but was eagerly contested with the winners being just three matches from Wembley.  Southall were Clapton’s opponents in the 1925 FA Amateur Cup final and boasted a fine tradition.  They became an Isthmian League club in the expansion of 1973.

In 1986, Southall also enjoyed a great run in the Vase and, having beaten Stevenage Borough at their own ground in Western Road with les Ferdinand playing at centre forward, actually reached the twin towers, only to lose in the final to Halesowen Town.  Exmouth Town also enjoyed similar success.  They were regularly Champions of the Western League and reached the semi finals of the Vase in 1985 when beaten on aggregate by Fleetwood Town.

Exmouth Town was Clapton's destination for a pre season friendly in 1988.  A good time was had by all, very much in the traditions of the Easter Tours upon which Clapton parties often embarked in years gone by.  Yes, beer was involved.

However, both these clubs have undergone some hard times since these heady days.

Southall ‘lost’ their home ground and started ground sharing.  They were relegated to the Combined Counties League and, in 2006 suffered the ignominy of being expelled from the League and their record expunged due to ‘financial irregularities’.  However, despite having to re-group and play two levels lower in the Middlesex County Football League, the club cleared its debts and have re-emerged as a fine club to which their Vase run is testament.  They presently play in the South Midlands League in Division One and continue to ground share at Hanwell Town.

As well as the Championship winning seasons and the FA vase run, Exmouth Town also reached the 4^th qualifying round of the FA Cup, only to fall at the hands of the excellent Woking team of that era.  Their team was punctuated with some of the best ex-pros and non league players from the region.

Unfortunately, whilst such players give a lot of enjoyment to supporters and raise the profile of the club, this comes at a price and, unfortunately the club’s ability to continue to pay the cost of such an operation, heralded the departure of most of the players.  This left the club with problems and they were soon relegated form the top tier of Western League and rattled around in the lower division for ten years before eventually gaining promotion.  However, the success was short lived and they subsequently resigned from the League in 2006 due to financial problems.  The club was then re-formed as Exmouth Town (2006) AFC and the first team took over the old reserve teams place in the Exeter and East Devon League.  The next season the club became founder members of the South West Peninsula League.

Last Saturday’s match at Southall is, once again, marks a fine achievement by those at Exmouth Town who stood by their club and those who have come in to help sort out the problems left by their predecessors.

Last Sunday’s match was won 4-2 by Southall who’s reward is a home match against Cleethorpes Town.  We wish them the best of luck.

There are lessons to be learned here for supporters of many non league clubs, not least Clapton FC.  Losing your home ground, financial irregularities, the cost of ‘professional’ players and the legacy of short term success has a cost and it can take years to bring the club back.

As a Clapton supporter, I am far from convinced that the Old Spotted Dog is in safe hands.  As there is no transparency, I also have no confidence in the administration of the club, particularly as far as financial issues are concerned and the obscure use of Limited Companies that don’t file records with Companies House and are regularly struck off.

As for the expenditure on players, in my experience, money doesn't buy loyalty from players, whether that is a Premier League or Essex Senior League level.  We must hope that the excellent squad we have will be content to play for, what should be, one of the most prestigious amateur/nonleague clubs in the country with unrivalled support rather than to move on (frequently sideways) for money.

Despite the excellent result at the Dog last Saturday, it would take a brave man to back against Barking to be promoted in April and whilst it would be a shame to lose that fixture, should it happen, I will be pleased for them in their achievement in returning the 'Blues' to the Isthmian League.

So then, why shouldn't Clapton look to return to their traditional home in the Isthmian League.

What we must hope is, like Sutton United, Wycombe Wanderers we can progress, but on a realistic level and before than can happen, like Southall and Exmouth Town, we have to get our club back on an even keel.

Unfortunately, before this can be achieved we need to rid ourselves of the Vincent Mcbean's current regime whose secrecy and dishonesty is slowly being exposed and unravelled.  This current debacle will undoubtedly cost Clapton FC dearly in the future.  It will be then that we will need the loyalty of players and supporters to stand to shoulder to shoulder with those who may be left to carry the can.

Time will tell.

Smoke and Mirrors and the Peeling Veneer.

Once again, I am tempted to return to my blog to discuss recent events at the Old Spotted Dog.  There's plenty to discuss but, for this tome, I shall look specifically at the supporter's boycott and their decision to return for today's match against Barking.

Let me firstly say that I am not one of those who has broken the boycott which I consider to have been an adequate and effective response to the profiteering of those running the club.

I have also been told by one of the playing staff that the 'pay what you can offer' came about at their suggestion and not from Mr McBean or 'the club'.  However, I did smile when I saw that the original offer was amended to state to 'minimum £1', probably through fear of a torrent of copper coins being passed across the turnstile.

So, why am I going to the game on Saturday?

• I want to support the players who I think have performed very well this season and I miss going to the game.
• I am going because I am assured that Vince McBean is not going to profit to his accustomed extent.  I shall not buy any of his beer or food or a programme (if he actually produces one).
• I also think that attending this game will rejuvenate the Clapton support which I hope has not waned as a result of the boycott.  Going to the match can be a habit which is easily broken through absence.  Its important that those who were coming to the games before are there in force on Saturday, if only to protest against McBean.
• I am also going on the understanding that the Ultras' meetings with McBean relating to the boycott will continue until the demands are met.
• Entrance fees put back to how they were at the beginning of the season
• That I am not subjected to unnecessary searches by 'bouncers' at the turnstile.

Vince McBean need not think that he has scored a victory by the relaxation of the boycott as the point behind it remains in force.

Interestingly, the report of the meeting by the Ultras on their website invokes a lot more questions as to who, or what, they are actually dealing with.

As we know, Mr McBean has recently denied to the members of the Ultras that he is the owner of Clapton FC.  This is a welcome admission and long overdue.  However, he is yet to do this publicly and it something that needs clarification.

Furthermore there is mention of a 'Board' at Clapton FC.  This term is usually associated with a Limited Company whereas a 'club' would normally have a committee.  Its bizarre terminology for someone who holds himself out as a businessman.

It all ends up with a 'smoke and mirrors' scenario which would be easily remedied if Vince McBean would care to be straight about things.  Unfortunately, he can't and he won't.

Equally baffling is the re-emergence of John Jackson, in the role of a Trustee.  I am not sure as to actually what body he is a Trustee, but I am aware that he was Clapton FC Chairman at some stage, although I understand that he has since denied this.  He is not presently listed on Vince's website as being an 'Executive Member'.

However, John Jackson was certainly listed as Club Chairman in the club programme for the 2006/7 season. (left)

So, good luck to those negotiating with the 'club' over the price increase and in their attempt to get some kind of truth out of Vince McBean.

My only hope is that Vince McBean will not proclaim that the return of the supporters, even on what I understand to be a temporary basis, is some kind of personal victory.  Its far from that, as the veneer which has previously masked his past wheelings and dealings is now starting to peel away.