Fans lose confidence in MyFC as chairman steps down at Fleet

Thursday 09th July 2009

EBBSFLEET UNITED plunged deeper into crisis today when chairman John Moules stated that he will be unable to continue at Stonebridge Road, writes Stephen McCartney.

Mr Moules has informed the MyFC Society Board and members that he will be unable to continue with the position of club chairman and acting CEO after his three-month interim period.

The former Conference CEO joined the Fleet in June 2008 as chairman and in April 2009 also took on the role of interim CEO following David Davies' resignation.

A club statement, issued on www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk , said: "The Board would like to thank John for carrying out these unpaid roles, especially for his efforts in improving the communication between the club and MyFC membbers and fans, as well as the hard work undertaken to ensure Stonebridge Road will be ready for the Conference campaign in August.

"The club would like to wish him every success in the future."

But it has been a summer to forget for the Blue Square Premier club.

Assistant manager Alan Kimble, all of the club’s players whose contracts had expired, were released at the end of last season.

Only senior players, Lance Cronin, Darius Charles and Michael Gash remain as they’re halfway through their contracts - and veteran defender Paul McCarthy has been appointed player-assistant manager.

Defender Charles and striker Gash have been subject of transfer bids from rival clubs, and a £80,000 joint-bid from York City for the pair was going through, before west London based Charles decided to stay put.

Off-the-pitch, earlier in the closed-season, long-serving secretary Roly Edwards has stepped down from his role - and regular supporters to Stonebridge Road are pleading for his return.

But his replacement, Peter Danzey, has ruled that option out.

“Perhaps a complete outsider with experience of running a football club from the top would be a good idea,” he posted on the club’s official fans’ forum.

“I have known Roly for many years and he is good at what he does, but remember he had reasons to resign from being club secretary, so I really don’t think him coming back as chairman is an option.

“No doubt the Society board will come up with somebody. Let’s face it, they have to!”

With the loss of Setanta television money due to the Irish Broadcasters collapse last month, which will cost the club at least £60,000 in much-needed revenue, it has been a summer to forget for the Fleet.

But Mr Danzey is keeping upbeat, despite the summer of discontent.

“Richard Hills (the new match day secretary) and I were just beginning to form a team to take Ebbsfleet forward,” he said.

“John (Moules) was instrumental in me coming to the club and one of the reasons I accepted the post.

"I am very disappointed John came to this decision. I have been at the club for a month and in all that time John has worked tirelessly in the best interests of Ebbsfleet United. He will be missed.

Mr Danzey also confirmed that the club have this month switched training grounds from Fleet Leisure to AEI in Dunkirk Close, the club’s former training base.

He said: “AEI offered a very good deal and Fleet Leisure are disappointed. What this means is that we’re not paying for training at both facilities.”

Under MyFC, winning the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium only fourteen months ago was a highlight, but regular local supporters are getting fed up of being neglected as fans from all over the world have a say in how their club is run.

“I for one had reservations when this MyFC thing occurred in the first place and now I think it’s starting to get out of hand,” said one disgruntled Fleet regular.

“From what I can see the true fans are beginning to be left by the wayside and I fear it may not be long before the best interests of the club start to become neglected also.

“I feel that it would not be unreasonable for the club to create a board, a group of interested parties, fans in order to preside over what decisions are in the best interests of the club (from the fans point of view). Giving a voice to the voiceless if you like.”

Remember, people like "Gsendbornnbred" will follow the Fleet's fortunes long after those people with computers around the world move on to their next fix.

Supporting non-league football here in Kent is about having pride in your local town.

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website and fans’ forum: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk & www.eufcforum.com/forum