AWAY TRAVELAs I write this piece, I am on my way to Forest Green, with another 10 “Fleet faithful”. Brian Glover and I share the driving of the Trust minibus and am on my rest leg at the moment, contemplating what I should be doing over the close season for MYFC, the Trust and the Club. How many “regulatory” posts I should be making, when to start my next major project (analysis of potential supporters, both local and remote, in order to attract more match support for next season) and how much time to devote to helping in ground maintenance, yet still having some time to myself, other than work (can you hear the violins?). I think I will ask my friends, if I have any left, to guide me by taking a vote on it! Its been quite a momentous season for the Fleet with the change of ownership to MYFC established and all of its benefits, enabling the thoughts of longevity and progress being a real probability and not just a possibility, a good league position finish, together with the cherry on cake the cake – Wembley on May 10.This must have given confidence to the Manager, the team and us supporters and has reflected in many ways, not least in the fine achievements of Liam and his Team, despite not having access to improved resources until well into the latter part of the season. Congratulations Liam, the team and all supporting staff, you have done us all proud. Of course looking forward, we can still finis anywhere between 7th and 9th, we have the Kent Senior Cup final to contend and also Torquay at Wembley.Of course, like many others “I would really love it”, quoting King Kev, if we could beat Torquay and lift the FA Trophy, but if we don’t its been a joy getting there and to take part – a piece of history! The mixed emotions of: disappointments, frustrations, anger, excitement, joy and euphoria, are equally shared by those on the terraces, as those on the pitch and in the dugouts. As a player myself (many years ago), the adrenalin rush coming from hearing your name encouraging from the crowd, can spur you on for that extra effort, which could mean the difference between winning and losing.To this end, us hard core of away supporters, from the regulars on the Trust minibus to “Kenny’s Band of Brothers”, orchestrated by Drummer Scott, strive to support the team at all away games as well as home. As an example of what this entails in terms of time and cost, I have extracted some facts and figures for Season 2007/2008, from the spreadsheet that I operate for the Trust accounts: Number of away trips: 25 Total miles driven: 8,424 Total cost: £4,941 Fuel cost: £1,450 Average cost/mile: £0.70 Average cost/person: £14.40 Average no. of persons/ trip: 14 (Fleet Trust analysis of minibus travel) I would defy anyone to be able to offer a cheaper means and so why not come and join us next season, when we hope to go on to greater things and perhaps sometime we will get enough to hire a coach with drivers and maybe Brian and I could have a pint maybe?Of course it’s not only the match that’s entertaining, the banter en route, the camaraderie engendered and of course the ritual fish and chips. It’s a great day out and gives us the opportunity of meeting up with fellow MYFC members, face to face. Come and join us in the 2008/2009 season! Chris Pilkinton |
