REPORT FOR SEASON 2021/22
This report consists of a breakdown of various admin categories and includes statistical comparisons with the previous two seasons. At the end will be a conclusion covering the 2021/22 season.
Membership: We had 40 Full Members in total (2020/21: 27*; 2019/20: 27*). Of these, 11 were from the First Team, 17 were from the Second Team and 12 from the Old Boys Team (2020/21: First Team 14, Old Boys Team 13; 2019/20: First Team 17, Old Boys Team 10). Casual Membership numbered 7 (2020/21: 2; 2019/20: 5). Regarding 200 Club Members, we had 8 in total, all from the Old Boys Team (2020/21: 7; 2019/20: 11). *Two teams
Overall the club had a total of 55 members (2020/21: 36*; 2019/20: 43*). The total amount of membership fees collected was £3,913.00 (2020/21: £2,625.00*; 2019/20: £2,775.00*). *Two teams
The average membership fees paid were: Full £79.50 (normal fee £80) (2020/21: £77.77; 2019/20: £71.11), Casual £34.00 (normal fee £45) (2020/21: £35.00; 2019/20: 42.00), and 200 Club £65.00 (normal fee £65) (2020/21: £65.00; 2019/20: £58.63), giving an overall average of £71.14 per member (2020/21: £72.91; 2019/20: £64.53). This allowed for reduced fees by agreement depending on an individual’s circumstances. There was no membership fees refunded, (2020/21: 1; 2019/20: 0).
Registrations: There were 70 MGBSFL registrations (2020/21: 37**; 2019/20: 30**). The Old Boys Team had 25 players registered for the Masters League (2020/21: 25; 2019/20: 25). The Old Boys Team had to use 18 outside guests (covering 11 players) as allowed in the Masters League (2020/21: 10; 2019/20: 9). **One team
Pitches: We encountered problems at Metropolitan Police Bushey after they changed kick-off times in November and stopped playing there, needing to find alternative home venues for the First Team. The First Team played 5 matches at Metropolitan Police Bushey, 5 matches at Harefield Academy and 1 match at Silver Jubilee Park, giving a total of 11 home games (2020/21: 14; 2019/20: 14). The Second Team played 8 matches at Silver Jubilee Park and 1 match at Harefield Academy. Figures exclude pre-season friendlies. The Old Boys Team continued to play at venues arranged by the Masters League, mainly at Hertfordshire Sports Village, Thomas Parmiter Sports Centre and Silver Jubilee Park.
Unplayed matches: Due to player availability issues we faced during the season, we were forced to forfeit a total of 6 MGBSFL fixtures – 3 each by the First Team and Second Team – which was immensely disappointing for the second season running. (2020/21: 4; 2019/20: 0). A further 2 league games were unplayed through no fault of the Club (see next paragraph).
The knock-on effect of the forfeitures was 1 unused pitch (£190 at SJP), league fines (£210), 1 opposition pitch reimbursement (£92.96) and lost income from uncollected match subs (estimated to be approximately £818 in total). Included in that were the 2 additional fixtures unplayed – the MGBSFL Division 1 game against North West London Azzurri – which the League declared as a goalless draw – and the Old Boys Team's league win by default against Glenthorne United. Totalling up the cost to the Club, that amounts to a staggering £1,310.
Discipline: The Club's disciplinary record was the second worst on record, a dreadful season of frequent unchecked poor conduct. In one match (First Team v Hampstead Ducks) we had 4 red cards. Needless to say, the situation is totally unacceptable and needs to be addressed. The First Team had 22 yellow cards (2020/21: 16; 2019/20: 6) and 8 red cards (2020/21: 0; 2019/20: 0). The Second Team had 19 yellows and 3 reds. The Old Boys Team had 1 yellow (2020/21: 1; 2019/20: 1). The Old Boys Team had no reds. Overall, the disciplinary record was 42 yellow cards and 11 red cards (2020/21: 16 yellows, 0 reds*; 2019/20: 7 yellows, 0 reds*). *Two teams
One pleasing aspect from over 50 disciplinary cases was the fact that, due to Kerry's immense efforts, we covered all London FA costs. The Club brought in just over £1,000 from players' admin charges/fines. This excludes a pending disciplinary case from the London FA against Michael Goldberg for playing for the Second Team whilst under suspension, a matter that is likely to be dealt with in time for the 2022/23 season.
League fines: The First Team collected £135.00 in MGBSFL fines (2020/21: £25.00; 2019/20: £120.00). The Second Team collected £120.00 in MGBSFL fines. The majority of these excessive amounts came from fines imposed for defaulting league matches. As a Club we do not normally impose Club fines but various offences leading to the high League fines total enabled us to recover £80.
Match subs collection: The intention was to collect match subs via iZettle and two additional devices were purchased. Yet, after a positive start, they were generally not used and MGBSFL match subs were collected after games rather than before, leading to having to chase up players.
As a guide in an ideal world, if we base 10 players paying £10 each, with one exemption (washing the kit), plus, say, two substitutes paying a fiver each, we should be looking at on average £110 per match as income, if everyone paid their way.
Although the First Team figure was satisfactory in the end, due to Simon Linden chasing up payments fairly successfully, the Second Team average was below £100. The fact that Jacob could barely raise a team on occasions, with no substitute players at several matches, might explain the shortfall.
Regarding unplayed league matches, we had 4 First Team, 3 Second Team and 1 Old Boys Team – 6 forfeitures and 2 unplayed, as previously mentioned. That represents approximately £818 in lost income from uncollected match subs (based on the averages stated below).
Moving onto the stats, the First Team collected an average of £108.28 per match (2020/21: £108.19; 2019/20: £113.26), covering 25 matches actually played. The Second Team collected an average of £95.85 per match, covering 21 matches actually played. Regarding the two MGBSFL teams, unplanned league matches were not taken into consideration. The Old Boys Team collected an average of £101.05 per match (2020/21: £108.81; 2019/20: £105.25), covering 20 matches, allowing for the 'buy-back' scheme where £8 was deducted in several cases where the 2020/21 shirts were returned.
The match subs collected totalled £6,741.00 for three teams (2020/21: £4,013.00*; 2019/20: £4,629.00*). The breakdown is First Team £2,707.00, Second Team £2013.00 and Old Boys Team £2021.00 (2020/21: First Team £2,272.00, Old Boys Team £1,741.00; 2019/20: First Team £2,945.00, Old Boys Team £1,684.00). *Two teams
Altogether, a disappointing season on the match subs front given the losses and particularly that the whole purpose of buying the iZettle devices was to maximise our match subs income.
Events: Due to Silver Jubilee Park being closed for refurbishments, the Club Awards Presentation event was held over 2 consecutive weeks on Sunday 1st and 8th May 2022 at Thomas Parmiter Sports Centre. The two matches allowed the Club to fulfil the Founders' Shield and Jack Kyte Challenge Cup respectively. I would like to thank Kerry Higham for her invaluable help in coordinating this event.
Equipment: Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Hamptons (via Grant Bates) and Fantasy Five (via Jacob Kalms), we purchased two excellent playing kits from EV2, reflecting a new style of all-navy with yellow and red, edged in bright blue which was a new 4th colour. The Old Boys Team returned to the Ellis & Co red and yellow kit from 2018 which is still in excellent condition.
Unfortunately, mis-management of the First Team kit on matchdays allowed players to take home items, leaving the kit bag very short at the end of the season. This went strictly against the policy of returning all items after each match. As a result, we need to chase up missing items to replenish the kit otherwise the Hamptons kit will be withdrawn for season 2022/23.
With the 'buy-back' shirt scheme, organised by Kerry, implemented, we collected 31 shirts, a great return and more than we expected. This has allowed the Club to store two full sets of shirts for future use. All shirts are in excellent condition.
At the beginning of the season, I ordered more navy and yellow tracksuit tops (10 in total) carrying the standard TFFC crest and also a few in black and red (5 in total) specifically for management.
In storage are a number of spare playing kits including the Daniel Stewart set of shirts (yellow and red), the Founders’ shirts (red and yellow broad stripes), the all-yellow and navy Bekhors kit, the Winckworth yellow and navy shirts (a full set of 14), the Ellis/Winckworth jointly sponsored red/yellow kit (used by the Old Boys Team this season) and two sets of red Ellis & Co shirts (with yellow curved band). There is also a set of 10 outfield Kingsleys shirts (yellow with the large navy ‘stars’ design) and a green/white Bekhors kit in storage too, plus a set of orange ex-Blizzard Storm shirts.
Next season the Old Boys Team will be using the Ellis & Co '50 Years' playing kit (yellow shirts, red shorts, red socks) which is in excellent condition. The First and Second Teams will continue to use the Hamptons and Fantasy Fives kits if the missing items are returned. Otherwise the 2020/21 Ellis & Co red/yellow striped shirts in storage will be used.
Training: In August Simon Linden hired Miles, a fitness coach at non-league level, to run a training session at Mill Hill Park. It was a one-off session and might be repeated for the whole MGBSFL squad this summer.
Management restructure: The sub-committees for the Admin team and Team Managers, which were set up for this season, worked relatively well in WhatsApp. Kerry Higham served an 'apprenticeship' of sorts as Assisting Admin and Match Secretary, handling in particular WGS, Full-Time and the accounts, undertaking substantial work superbly (reflected by the Chairman's Merit Award). She will be nominated to replace Hilton Teper as Administration Officer for the 2022/23 season.
Conclusion: Like the previous season for different reasons (mainly the pandemic), season 2021/22 was a very difficult campaign, mainly due to the appalling indiscipline, questionable matchday administration (with kits and non-use of iZettle being the main cause of concern) and lack of integration by the Second Team. Not forgetting there were costly MGBSFL forfeitures and unplayed fixtures leading to substantial loss of income and extra costs (fines and one pitch refund).
Clearly we have work to do to get this Club back on track. Administratively, we can do much better, especially on the matchday front. We need to put plans into action and improve things drastically.
I will conclude by thanking Kerry in particular for her fantastic help with the Club's main behind-the-scenes admin. She has been very efficient in her work and that has been a major high this season. Also highly notable was the way Simon Black managed his vastly improved team – they've been a huge credit to TFFC all season.
NIGEL KYTE, 20th May 2022
This report consists of a breakdown of various admin categories and includes statistical comparisons with the previous two seasons. At the end will be a conclusion covering the 2021/22 season.
Membership: We had 40 Full Members in total (2020/21: 27*; 2019/20: 27*). Of these, 11 were from the First Team, 17 were from the Second Team and 12 from the Old Boys Team (2020/21: First Team 14, Old Boys Team 13; 2019/20: First Team 17, Old Boys Team 10). Casual Membership numbered 7 (2020/21: 2; 2019/20: 5). Regarding 200 Club Members, we had 8 in total, all from the Old Boys Team (2020/21: 7; 2019/20: 11). *Two teams
Overall the club had a total of 55 members (2020/21: 36*; 2019/20: 43*). The total amount of membership fees collected was £3,913.00 (2020/21: £2,625.00*; 2019/20: £2,775.00*). *Two teams
The average membership fees paid were: Full £79.50 (normal fee £80) (2020/21: £77.77; 2019/20: £71.11), Casual £34.00 (normal fee £45) (2020/21: £35.00; 2019/20: 42.00), and 200 Club £65.00 (normal fee £65) (2020/21: £65.00; 2019/20: £58.63), giving an overall average of £71.14 per member (2020/21: £72.91; 2019/20: £64.53). This allowed for reduced fees by agreement depending on an individual’s circumstances. There was no membership fees refunded, (2020/21: 1; 2019/20: 0).
Registrations: There were 70 MGBSFL registrations (2020/21: 37**; 2019/20: 30**). The Old Boys Team had 25 players registered for the Masters League (2020/21: 25; 2019/20: 25). The Old Boys Team had to use 18 outside guests (covering 11 players) as allowed in the Masters League (2020/21: 10; 2019/20: 9). **One team
Pitches: We encountered problems at Metropolitan Police Bushey after they changed kick-off times in November and stopped playing there, needing to find alternative home venues for the First Team. The First Team played 5 matches at Metropolitan Police Bushey, 5 matches at Harefield Academy and 1 match at Silver Jubilee Park, giving a total of 11 home games (2020/21: 14; 2019/20: 14). The Second Team played 8 matches at Silver Jubilee Park and 1 match at Harefield Academy. Figures exclude pre-season friendlies. The Old Boys Team continued to play at venues arranged by the Masters League, mainly at Hertfordshire Sports Village, Thomas Parmiter Sports Centre and Silver Jubilee Park.
Unplayed matches: Due to player availability issues we faced during the season, we were forced to forfeit a total of 6 MGBSFL fixtures – 3 each by the First Team and Second Team – which was immensely disappointing for the second season running. (2020/21: 4; 2019/20: 0). A further 2 league games were unplayed through no fault of the Club (see next paragraph).
The knock-on effect of the forfeitures was 1 unused pitch (£190 at SJP), league fines (£210), 1 opposition pitch reimbursement (£92.96) and lost income from uncollected match subs (estimated to be approximately £818 in total). Included in that were the 2 additional fixtures unplayed – the MGBSFL Division 1 game against North West London Azzurri – which the League declared as a goalless draw – and the Old Boys Team's league win by default against Glenthorne United. Totalling up the cost to the Club, that amounts to a staggering £1,310.
Discipline: The Club's disciplinary record was the second worst on record, a dreadful season of frequent unchecked poor conduct. In one match (First Team v Hampstead Ducks) we had 4 red cards. Needless to say, the situation is totally unacceptable and needs to be addressed. The First Team had 22 yellow cards (2020/21: 16; 2019/20: 6) and 8 red cards (2020/21: 0; 2019/20: 0). The Second Team had 19 yellows and 3 reds. The Old Boys Team had 1 yellow (2020/21: 1; 2019/20: 1). The Old Boys Team had no reds. Overall, the disciplinary record was 42 yellow cards and 11 red cards (2020/21: 16 yellows, 0 reds*; 2019/20: 7 yellows, 0 reds*). *Two teams
One pleasing aspect from over 50 disciplinary cases was the fact that, due to Kerry's immense efforts, we covered all London FA costs. The Club brought in just over £1,000 from players' admin charges/fines. This excludes a pending disciplinary case from the London FA against Michael Goldberg for playing for the Second Team whilst under suspension, a matter that is likely to be dealt with in time for the 2022/23 season.
League fines: The First Team collected £135.00 in MGBSFL fines (2020/21: £25.00; 2019/20: £120.00). The Second Team collected £120.00 in MGBSFL fines. The majority of these excessive amounts came from fines imposed for defaulting league matches. As a Club we do not normally impose Club fines but various offences leading to the high League fines total enabled us to recover £80.
Match subs collection: The intention was to collect match subs via iZettle and two additional devices were purchased. Yet, after a positive start, they were generally not used and MGBSFL match subs were collected after games rather than before, leading to having to chase up players.
As a guide in an ideal world, if we base 10 players paying £10 each, with one exemption (washing the kit), plus, say, two substitutes paying a fiver each, we should be looking at on average £110 per match as income, if everyone paid their way.
Although the First Team figure was satisfactory in the end, due to Simon Linden chasing up payments fairly successfully, the Second Team average was below £100. The fact that Jacob could barely raise a team on occasions, with no substitute players at several matches, might explain the shortfall.
Regarding unplayed league matches, we had 4 First Team, 3 Second Team and 1 Old Boys Team – 6 forfeitures and 2 unplayed, as previously mentioned. That represents approximately £818 in lost income from uncollected match subs (based on the averages stated below).
Moving onto the stats, the First Team collected an average of £108.28 per match (2020/21: £108.19; 2019/20: £113.26), covering 25 matches actually played. The Second Team collected an average of £95.85 per match, covering 21 matches actually played. Regarding the two MGBSFL teams, unplanned league matches were not taken into consideration. The Old Boys Team collected an average of £101.05 per match (2020/21: £108.81; 2019/20: £105.25), covering 20 matches, allowing for the 'buy-back' scheme where £8 was deducted in several cases where the 2020/21 shirts were returned.
The match subs collected totalled £6,741.00 for three teams (2020/21: £4,013.00*; 2019/20: £4,629.00*). The breakdown is First Team £2,707.00, Second Team £2013.00 and Old Boys Team £2021.00 (2020/21: First Team £2,272.00, Old Boys Team £1,741.00; 2019/20: First Team £2,945.00, Old Boys Team £1,684.00). *Two teams
Altogether, a disappointing season on the match subs front given the losses and particularly that the whole purpose of buying the iZettle devices was to maximise our match subs income.
Events: Due to Silver Jubilee Park being closed for refurbishments, the Club Awards Presentation event was held over 2 consecutive weeks on Sunday 1st and 8th May 2022 at Thomas Parmiter Sports Centre. The two matches allowed the Club to fulfil the Founders' Shield and Jack Kyte Challenge Cup respectively. I would like to thank Kerry Higham for her invaluable help in coordinating this event.
Equipment: Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Hamptons (via Grant Bates) and Fantasy Five (via Jacob Kalms), we purchased two excellent playing kits from EV2, reflecting a new style of all-navy with yellow and red, edged in bright blue which was a new 4th colour. The Old Boys Team returned to the Ellis & Co red and yellow kit from 2018 which is still in excellent condition.
Unfortunately, mis-management of the First Team kit on matchdays allowed players to take home items, leaving the kit bag very short at the end of the season. This went strictly against the policy of returning all items after each match. As a result, we need to chase up missing items to replenish the kit otherwise the Hamptons kit will be withdrawn for season 2022/23.
With the 'buy-back' shirt scheme, organised by Kerry, implemented, we collected 31 shirts, a great return and more than we expected. This has allowed the Club to store two full sets of shirts for future use. All shirts are in excellent condition.
At the beginning of the season, I ordered more navy and yellow tracksuit tops (10 in total) carrying the standard TFFC crest and also a few in black and red (5 in total) specifically for management.
In storage are a number of spare playing kits including the Daniel Stewart set of shirts (yellow and red), the Founders’ shirts (red and yellow broad stripes), the all-yellow and navy Bekhors kit, the Winckworth yellow and navy shirts (a full set of 14), the Ellis/Winckworth jointly sponsored red/yellow kit (used by the Old Boys Team this season) and two sets of red Ellis & Co shirts (with yellow curved band). There is also a set of 10 outfield Kingsleys shirts (yellow with the large navy ‘stars’ design) and a green/white Bekhors kit in storage too, plus a set of orange ex-Blizzard Storm shirts.
Next season the Old Boys Team will be using the Ellis & Co '50 Years' playing kit (yellow shirts, red shorts, red socks) which is in excellent condition. The First and Second Teams will continue to use the Hamptons and Fantasy Fives kits if the missing items are returned. Otherwise the 2020/21 Ellis & Co red/yellow striped shirts in storage will be used.
Training: In August Simon Linden hired Miles, a fitness coach at non-league level, to run a training session at Mill Hill Park. It was a one-off session and might be repeated for the whole MGBSFL squad this summer.
Management restructure: The sub-committees for the Admin team and Team Managers, which were set up for this season, worked relatively well in WhatsApp. Kerry Higham served an 'apprenticeship' of sorts as Assisting Admin and Match Secretary, handling in particular WGS, Full-Time and the accounts, undertaking substantial work superbly (reflected by the Chairman's Merit Award). She will be nominated to replace Hilton Teper as Administration Officer for the 2022/23 season.
Conclusion: Like the previous season for different reasons (mainly the pandemic), season 2021/22 was a very difficult campaign, mainly due to the appalling indiscipline, questionable matchday administration (with kits and non-use of iZettle being the main cause of concern) and lack of integration by the Second Team. Not forgetting there were costly MGBSFL forfeitures and unplayed fixtures leading to substantial loss of income and extra costs (fines and one pitch refund).
Clearly we have work to do to get this Club back on track. Administratively, we can do much better, especially on the matchday front. We need to put plans into action and improve things drastically.
I will conclude by thanking Kerry in particular for her fantastic help with the Club's main behind-the-scenes admin. She has been very efficient in her work and that has been a major high this season. Also highly notable was the way Simon Black managed his vastly improved team – they've been a huge credit to TFFC all season.
NIGEL KYTE, 20th May 2022