Boost the budget

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QuakerPete
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by QuakerPete » Wed May 06, 2020 6:26 pm

Old Git wrote:The more time goes on the more I begin to appreciate the benefits of fan ownership. It does limit the ambition moving forward but perhaps that is a good thing for us as it keeps us focused on the hear and now.
The major benefit it does have is to bind our loyal fans to the club in a way that is much more satisfying than if some wealthy owner was simply chucking money in. We are part of the fabric of the club and essential to its future and therefore the whole experience is more intense.
Of course many casual fans will never understand that but as long as we can maintain a solid core we can continue to enjoy our football. We need people willing to step forward to give their time and expertise and should always be grateful for what they do on our behalf.
At one time I would have said returning to the EFL was our ultimate goal but for the foreseeable future perhaps simply being where we are and enjoying our football is good enough.
Agreed, and on the other side of the coin is a manager, coaching staff and players who understand the concept and the thought of everyone buying into it. Added to that, having the right people in charge and a team of volunteers with the right qualities assisting them. I think we have a lot of those things in place at the moment.


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joejaques
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by joejaques » Thu May 07, 2020 4:11 pm

70k now passed. Under current circumstances that is beyond incredible. Onward and upward, as soon as the traps are opened. :roll:
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Darlofan97
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by Darlofan97 » Fri May 08, 2020 12:19 pm

£71,742 from 308 investors. Absolutely outstanding.

I think it took until 22nd of May last year to hit £70k, it absolutely snow-balled after Alun was appointed.

This got me thinking, I wonder if the club have planned a Netcafe with Alun before the end of May? That could really increase some momentum prior to the deadline, just like the Fans Forum did last year?

However, as far as I understand it, Alun shouldn’t be carrying out any duties for the football club as part of the Furlough Scheme. However, we have had a couple of players & Danny O’Connor do Netcafes recently, so maybe this could be an option?

QUAKERMAN2
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by QUAKERMAN2 » Fri May 08, 2020 12:43 pm

Darlofan97 wrote:£71,742 from 308 investors. Absolutely outstanding.

I think it took until 22nd of May last year to hit £70k, it absolutely snow-balled after Alun was appointed.

This got me thinking, I wonder if the club have planned a Netcafe with Alun before the end of May? That could really increase some momentum prior to the deadline, just like the Fans Forum did last year?

However, as far as I understand it, Alun shouldn’t be carrying out any duties for the football club as part of the Furlough Scheme. However, we have had a couple of players & Danny O’Connor do Netcafes recently, so maybe this could be an option?
That's a great idea, there won't be any problem with the furlough scheme as AA is not seen to me working and performing his normal day to day duties so will be ok.

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GrassrootsMatt
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by GrassrootsMatt » Fri May 08, 2020 1:14 pm

QUAKERMAN2 wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 12:43 pm
Darlofan97 wrote:£71,742 from 308 investors. Absolutely outstanding.

I think it took until 22nd of May last year to hit £70k, it absolutely snow-balled after Alun was appointed.

This got me thinking, I wonder if the club have planned a Netcafe with Alun before the end of May? That could really increase some momentum prior to the deadline, just like the Fans Forum did last year?

However, as far as I understand it, Alun shouldn’t be carrying out any duties for the football club as part of the Furlough Scheme. However, we have had a couple of players & Danny O’Connor do Netcafes recently, so maybe this could be an option?
That's a great idea, there won't be any problem with the furlough scheme as AA is not seen to me working and performing his normal day to day duties so will be ok.

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The Club would need to look into that, as the Furlough scheme really does prevent people from doing things you wouldn't even think were anywhere close to being classified as 'work'.
Come on Darlo!

QUAKERMAN2
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by QUAKERMAN2 » Fri May 08, 2020 2:57 pm

GrassrootsMatt wrote:
QUAKERMAN2 wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 12:43 pm
Darlofan97 wrote:£71,742 from 308 investors. Absolutely outstanding.

I think it took until 22nd of May last year to hit £70k, it absolutely snow-balled after Alun was appointed.

This got me thinking, I wonder if the club have planned a Netcafe with Alun before the end of May? That could really increase some momentum prior to the deadline, just like the Fans Forum did last year?

However, as far as I understand it, Alun shouldn’t be carrying out any duties for the football club as part of the Furlough Scheme. However, we have had a couple of players & Danny O’Connor do Netcafes recently, so maybe this could be an option?
That's a great idea, there won't be any problem with the furlough scheme as AA is not seen to me working and performing his normal day to day duties so will be ok.

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The Club would need to look into that, as the Furlough scheme really does prevent people from doing things you wouldn't even think were anywhere close to being classified as 'work'.
You cannot provide services or generate revenue if you are furloughed, so does AA answering questions on a Netcafe fall into this requirement?.


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bigdavethemaddog
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by bigdavethemaddog » Fri May 08, 2020 3:21 pm


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GrassrootsMatt
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by GrassrootsMatt » Fri May 08, 2020 3:56 pm

QUAKERMAN2 wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 2:57 pm
GrassrootsMatt wrote:
QUAKERMAN2 wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 12:43 pm
Darlofan97 wrote:£71,742 from 308 investors. Absolutely outstanding.

I think it took until 22nd of May last year to hit £70k, it absolutely snow-balled after Alun was appointed.

This got me thinking, I wonder if the club have planned a Netcafe with Alun before the end of May? That could really increase some momentum prior to the deadline, just like the Fans Forum did last year?

However, as far as I understand it, Alun shouldn’t be carrying out any duties for the football club as part of the Furlough Scheme. However, we have had a couple of players & Danny O’Connor do Netcafes recently, so maybe this could be an option?
That's a great idea, there won't be any problem with the furlough scheme as AA is not seen to me working and performing his normal day to day duties so will be ok.

Sent from my moto g(6) play using Tapatalk
The Club would need to look into that, as the Furlough scheme really does prevent people from doing things you wouldn't even think were anywhere close to being classified as 'work'.
You cannot provide services or generate revenue if you are furloughed, so does AA answering questions on a Netcafe fall into this requirement?.


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No idea but I'd much rather they (and I'm sure they would) check it out before going ahead with it. We don't want anything coming back at us down the line.
Come on Darlo!

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loan_star
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by loan_star » Fri May 08, 2020 5:31 pm

Answering questions on a net cafe is not going to compromise the furlough.

bga
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by bga » Fri May 08, 2020 6:41 pm

loan_star wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 5:31 pm
Answering questions on a net cafe is not going to compromise the furlough.
WRONG My daughter has been furloughed. Her letter clearly states you "cannot engage in any activity associated with your employment other than self development (i.e. training and development)" A Netcafe is something a Manager would be expected to participate in as part of their employment. Over to you Spen!

lo36789
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by lo36789 » Fri May 08, 2020 7:21 pm

The netcafe isn't a regular activity as part of his employment though. He hasnt done one before has he?

If he volunteers to chat to people online that is kinda his prerogative - people could ask him how he's going to decide which kids to see when restrictions start easing as much as they ask him about Darlington Football Club.

Pretty sure most employers even on furlough are checking in with staff otherwise they aren't really meeting obligations around staff welfare - is that "associated" with their employment?

Does a player following a training plan constitute training or is it activity associated with their employment by furlough definition?
Last edited by lo36789 on Fri May 08, 2020 7:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.

bga
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by bga » Fri May 08, 2020 7:29 pm

lo36789 wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 7:21 pm
The netcafe isn't a regular activity as part of his employment though. He hasnt done one before has he?

If he volunteers to chat to people online that is kinda his prerogative - people could ask him how he's going to decide which kids to see when restrictions start easing as much as they ask him about Darlington Football Club.

Pretty sure most employers even on furlough are checking in with staff otherwise they aren't really meeting obligations around staff welfare - is that "associated" with their employment?
They are clearly Givernment rules regarding furloughing of staff each employer probably interprets these slightly differently. It is down to our Board of Directors at the end of the day, but a Netcafe has been part of our football club for a number of years therefore I'd say is closely associated with any employee?

Darlogramps
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Boost the budget

Post by Darlogramps » Fri May 08, 2020 8:21 pm

bga wrote:
lo36789 wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 7:21 pm
The netcafe isn't a regular activity as part of his employment though. He hasnt done one before has he?

If he volunteers to chat to people online that is kinda his prerogative - people could ask him how he's going to decide which kids to see when restrictions start easing as much as they ask him about Darlington Football Club.

Pretty sure most employers even on furlough are checking in with staff otherwise they aren't really meeting obligations around staff welfare - is that "associated" with their employment?
They are clearly Givernment rules regarding furloughing of staff each employer probably interprets these slightly differently. It is down to our Board of Directors at the end of the day, but a Netcafe has been part of our football club for a number of years therefore I'd say is closely associated with any employee?
Unless it’s written into AA’s contract in some way shape or form, he doesn’t have to do them.

Going off previous experience, I’d guess it’ll say something along the lines of AA is expected to do all reasonable media and club engagement activities. Whether netcafes fall under that will be down to the club.

My guess is it’s very informal.
“Alun, will you do a Netcafe on Thursday?”
“Yeah no problem”
If ever you're bored or miserable:

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loan_star
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by loan_star » Fri May 08, 2020 9:04 pm

Darlogramps wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 8:21 pm
bga wrote:
lo36789 wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 7:21 pm
The netcafe isn't a regular activity as part of his employment though. He hasnt done one before has he?

If he volunteers to chat to people online that is kinda his prerogative - people could ask him how he's going to decide which kids to see when restrictions start easing as much as they ask him about Darlington Football Club.

Pretty sure most employers even on furlough are checking in with staff otherwise they aren't really meeting obligations around staff welfare - is that "associated" with their employment?
They are clearly Givernment rules regarding furloughing of staff each employer probably interprets these slightly differently. It is down to our Board of Directors at the end of the day, but a Netcafe has been part of our football club for a number of years therefore I'd say is closely associated with any employee?
Unless it’s written into AA’s contract in some way shape or form, he doesn’t have to do them.

Going off previous experience, I’d guess it’ll say something along the lines of AA is expected to do all reasonable media and club engagement activities. Whether netcafes fall under that will be down to the club.

My guess is it’s very informal.
“Alun, will you do a Netcafe on Thursday?”
“Yeah no problem”
Considering he's already done an interview on the podcast then doing a net cafe is no different.
Technically anything he says to any media is still part of his job and working as such if someone wanted to be pedantic about it.

Old Git
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by Old Git » Sat May 09, 2020 9:16 am

Naturally the momentum of BTB has stalled after a fabulous start. Hoping the showing of FA Trophy victory will give it a bit of boost today.

JE93
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by JE93 » Sat May 09, 2020 9:27 am

Finally got round to putting mine in. Really proud of us as a fan base £73k in times like these is nothing short of sensational, the amount keeps on ticking up too. Alongside other initiatives like the virtual 50/50 that Andy Clarke (apologies if that’s the wrong name) has been runnning we Should get pretty close. If the amount keeps ticking up by a £1-2k per day as it has been more recently we’ll get there with a late push.

Think some of the ideas above like a netcafe with Alun Armstrong or some contract renewal announcements (Hatfield and Campbell) would be great at keeping momentum going (so long as they complied with the furlough scheme etc).

Darlofan97
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by Darlofan97 » Sat May 09, 2020 9:34 am

I could be wrong, but I don’t think the 50/50 income is being counted towards B2B.

I think that is the correct call. Keep these initiatives separate so we don’t get complacent.

bigdavethemaddog
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by bigdavethemaddog » Sat May 09, 2020 9:34 am

Old Git wrote:
Sat May 09, 2020 9:16 am
Naturally the momentum of BTB has stalled after a fabulous start. Hoping the showing of FA Trophy victory will give it a bit of boost today.
with the current situation anything extra is an added bonus especially once the recession kicks in

Darlofan97
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by Darlofan97 » Sat May 09, 2020 9:44 am

Old Git wrote:
Sat May 09, 2020 9:16 am
Naturally the momentum of BTB has stalled after a fabulous start. Hoping the showing of FA Trophy victory will give it a bit of boost today.
We’ve still had steady amounts invested over the recent couple of days, £1.4k, £1.3k......it’s still ticking over.

banktopp
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by banktopp » Sat May 09, 2020 9:45 am

Old Git wrote:
Sat May 09, 2020 9:16 am
Naturally the momentum of BTB has stalled after a fabulous start. Hoping the showing of FA Trophy victory will give it a bit of boost today.
There are still many who will get paid at end of month.
Expect a late surge.

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divas
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by divas » Sat May 09, 2020 10:07 am

banktopp wrote:
Sat May 09, 2020 9:45 am
Old Git wrote:
Sat May 09, 2020 9:16 am
Naturally the momentum of BTB has stalled after a fabulous start. Hoping the showing of FA Trophy victory will give it a bit of boost today.
There are still many who will get paid at end of month.
Expect a late surge.
The beauty of the scheme is that it’s paid monthly and you can choose your DD start date within a 30 day period so you can sign up today and make your first payment at any point up until 8th June.

There’s always a natural spike at the end which usually accounts for 15-20% of the overall total. £1K+ per day during the middle part is excellent and if the trend is anything like previous years should see us hit the target

spen666
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by spen666 » Sat May 09, 2020 1:14 pm

bga wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 6:41 pm
loan_star wrote:
Fri May 08, 2020 5:31 pm
Answering questions on a net cafe is not going to compromise the furlough.
WRONG My daughter has been furloughed. Her letter clearly states you "cannot engage in any activity associated with your employment other than self development (i.e. training and development)" A Netcafe is something a Manager would be expected to participate in as part of their employment. Over to you Spen!
Employment law is not my specialism.

Also, as this furlough situation is something new, any answer is speculative.

I doubt a general netcafe would be classified as "working" under the furlough scheme as long as participant was a genuine volunteer and not told they had to do it.

If the netcafe was specifically a "boost the budget" netcafe, then that may be seen by HMRC as working

The problem here is that HMRC hold the purse strings and if they decided AA doing a net café was work then they would withold furlough payments. SFC would have to challenge this through the courts, which would be expensive and may take many months to resolve

A football club is part of the community and is only natural it's manager and players want to remain in contact with the fans.

Also, I am sure AA and many furloughed managers are speaking to players about contracts / transfers. That also would be seen by many as working

The rate that money has been pledged to BtB, a netcafe and the potential risk, is probably not needed. SFC are almost certainly going to meet/ exceed their target.

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don'tbuythesun
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by don'tbuythesun » Sun May 10, 2020 10:20 am

So what's the target Spen? You can donate £2 to £100 but no apparent totaliser unless you've put a link on the Spennymoor fans forum. Mind you the safety net of Uncle Brad's deep pockets must be reassuring. Your groundsman seems to have much time on his hands.

JasonDeVos
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by JasonDeVos » Sun May 10, 2020 11:07 am

don'tbuythesun wrote:
Sun May 10, 2020 10:20 am
So what's the target Spen? You can donate £2 to £100 but no apparent totaliser unless you've put a link on the Spennymoor fans forum. Mind you the safety net of Uncle Brad's deep pockets must be reassuring. Your groundsman seems to have much time on his hands.
No point in it really. Just a token gesture scheme.

Darlofan97
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by Darlofan97 » Sun May 10, 2020 12:01 pm

I don’t know how I missed this:

Spennymoor Town FC asks fans to support the club by referring businesses to Great Annual Savings Group: https://spennymoortownfc.co.uk/2020/04/ ... -covid-19/

I find that quite shocking.

So you can indirectly support the club by directly supporting Brad Groves’ company which finances the club.

That would be like Raj asking fans to put their elderly relatives in to his care-homes in 2012. Or asking some to buy his properties.
The Latest GAS Accounts read:

During the year, the company entered transactions with Spennymoor Town FC Limited of £636,064. Spennymoor Town FC Limited is a related party of the company due to common directorship.
Not that you will ever hear a level acknowledgement that the above is actually correct from Spen, or any of their fans publicly.

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Re: Boost the budget

Post by Ghost_Of_1883 » Sun May 10, 2020 8:36 pm

Darlofan97 wrote:
Sun May 10, 2020 12:01 pm
I don’t know how I missed this:

Spennymoor Town FC asks fans to support the club by referring businesses to Great Annual Savings Group: https://spennymoortownfc.co.uk/2020/04/ ... -covid-19/

I find that quite shocking.

So you can indirectly support the club by directly supporting Brad Groves’ company which finances the club.

That would be like Raj asking fans to put their elderly relatives in to his care-homes in 2012. Or asking some to buy his properties.
The Latest GAS Accounts read:

During the year, the company entered transactions with Spennymoor Town FC Limited of £636,064. Spennymoor Town FC Limited is a related party of the company due to common directorship.
Not that you will ever hear a level acknowledgement that the above is actually correct from Spen, or any of their fans publicly.
636 grand just in the last year. Fucks sake this is what we are up against. Though to be fair, half of it might have been spent on ground improvements.

Imagine if we had that amount of extra cash each year, you could stick half of it into the ground development each season, and have treble the BTB total to shore up the budget. We'd also be able to compete with Spendy!

Darlofan97
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by Darlofan97 » Sun May 10, 2020 10:39 pm

It’s a significant investment for them and fair play to Groves who doesn’t appear to be investing his money as loans.

Old Git
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by Old Git » Mon May 11, 2020 8:32 am

75k reached a magnificent effort in 10 days. Can we do another 25k in the next 20 days?

poppyfield
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by poppyfield » Mon May 11, 2020 9:17 am

Old Git wrote:
Mon May 11, 2020 8:32 am
75k reached a magnificent effort in 10 days. Can we do another 25k in the next 20 days?
I hope so, maybe a bit more :thumbup:
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Re: Boost the budget

Post by joejaques » Tue May 12, 2020 4:42 pm

In the last half hour, someone has donated £1000 to BTB. Over £2500 so far today. Brilliant. :D :roll:
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